SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 06/28/19 1148559 Ducks coach Dallas Eakins reaching out to veteran 1148587 Why this Detroit Red Wings goalie prospect is so highly players to forge bonds regarded 1148588 Ethan Phillips has special connection to a Detroit Red Wings legend 1148560 Scottsdale native Erik Middendorf gets call to join Arizona 1148589 Smallish Otto Kivenmaki makes big strides in dream to Coyotes camp make Red Wings 1148590 Howe, Yzerman-themed cranes helping with Joe Louis Arena's demo 1148561 Oskar Steen may now be a better fit with Bruins 1148591 Red Wings ‘goalie of the future’ Filip Larsson prepares for 1148562 Jakub Lauko is ready to make an impact with Bruins Grand Rapids 1148563 Bruins notebook: Undrafted free agents see Boston as a 1148592 Red Wings free agency primer: Who fits Detroit’s destination direction? 1148564 Jack Studnicka, top Bruins prospect, ready to fight for a job Oilers 1148565 Report: Bruins still in the mix for Marcus Johansson, 1148593 Will we see Bouchard, Samorukov and Broberg anchoring though several teams have expressed interest D down road? 1148566 Boston Bruins Development Camp: Day 2 thoughts and observations Panthers 1148567 Could Oskar Steen be a dark horse forward candidate for 1148594 The Panthers are holding their annual development camp. Bruins this season? Here’s why you need to know 1148568 Next ace chase: The Bruins hope they already have 1148595 Goalie of future Spencer Knight hits ice for Panthers Tuukka Rask’s successor 1148596 The fun starts Monday as look to be players in free agency 1148569 For Niagara's Eric Cooley, Sabres development camp is 'home away from home' 1148597 For Rasmus Kupari and the Kings, the future could be now 1148570 11 possible free agent targets for the Sabres 1148598 SOCALGAS IN THE PIPELINE SCRIMMAGE – NOTES, 1148571 Jeanneret to return as play-by-play announcer for his 49th PHOTOS & VIDEO Sabres season 1148599 NHL DEBUT GIVES LIZOTTE CONFIDENCE HEADING INTO FIRST FULL PRO SEASON 1148600 AS STRUCTURE, RESPONSIBILITIES SOLIDIFY, 1148572 The Calgary Flames (limited) free agent options MCLELLAN EMPHASIZES IMPORTANCE OF BELIEF 1148601 2020 AHL ALL-STAR CLASSIC LOGO, PRESENTING SPONSOR UNVEILED 1148573 After completing Haula deal, Hurricanes buy out Marleau contract 1148574 Canes’ Suzuki, Cotton: same position, same , different 1148602 11 seasons as an NHL player prepare Matt Hendricks for paths new role with the Wild 1148603 Wild prospect Marshall Warren parlays figure skating Blackhawks background into NHL opportunity 1148575 ‘Q’ & A: opens up about his firing, his 1148604 Russo: Updates on the Wild’s interest in Joe Pavelski, legacy, his future and that famous ski Wayne Simmonds, Anders Lee and more 1148605 State of the Wild, Defense Edition: Still great at the top as big decisions loom 1148576 Avalanche development camp: Michael Davies plans on returning to DU, but … 1148577 How Western Canada suddenly became the Avs’ prospect 1148606 Canadiens prospect Nick Suzuki hopes to earn spot in pipeline NHL next season 1148578 Development Camp Day 2: Kaut, Werner, player analysis, 1148607 Stu Cowan: Canadiens prospect Ryan Poehling looks like and more man against boys 1148608 Yes, Quebec has high taxes, but here’s how the Canadiens can level the playing field 1148579 21-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets prospects have a long history together 1148580 Trey Fix-Wolansky comes a long way in one year for 1148609 With a little more maturity, acquiring Connor Ingram could Columbus Blue Jackets be a sneaky good deal for the Predators 1148581 Blue Jackets great Rick Nash now charged with helping sway free agents to Columbus 1148610 The Athletic Q&A: Devils execs Hugh Weber and Martin Brodeur open up about the business side of the team 1148582 Just how valuable is Stars prospect Riley Damiani? Look no further than his 'dead on' passing skills 1148583 Stars sign defenseman Taylor Fedun to two-year, two-way contract, bringing back depth on the blue line 1148584 'He's the right leader for us': Stars executive Grady Raskin named president of Dallas XFL franchise 1148585 Soft-spoken Stars first-round pick Thomas Harley has potential to make plenty of noise 1148586 Kari Lehtonen enjoys life in the slow lane in retirement Islanders St Louis Blues 1148611 Syosset native Sam Sternschein stands out at Isles' 1148645 McGing a little forward hoping to make a big mark prospect scrimmages 1148646 Gunnarsson accepts less to re-sign with Blues 1148612 Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky expects to break ground 1148647 Sorry Kroenke, this year has shown the world the truth on Belmont arena this summer about sports in St. Louis 1148613 Islanders co-owner and Mets fan Jon Ledecky: 'The 1148648 Gunnarsson re-signs with Blues for two years summer of '69 was a great memory 1148614 Still far apart in contract talks with the Islanders, Robin Lehner’s future appears to be elsewhere 1148649 Lightning prospects Magnus Chrona and Hugo Alnefelt go way back 1148615 Russian prospect could help add depth to Rangers’ defense 1148650 Leafs’ William Nylander says there’s plenty of time for 1148616 Vitali Kravtsov dazzles the crowd at Rangers' prospects Mitch Marner saga to play out camp scrimmage 1148651 Hayley Wickenheiser’s gains came with their share of 1148617 Artemi Panarin’s decision will sway the Rangers’ direction pains 1148652 New Hockey Hall of Famer Hayley Wickenheiser wouldn’t be denied 1148618 Senators newcomer Davidsson bursting with optimism 1148653 Leafs’ Nylander’s advice to Marner: Avoid social media about the opportunity 1148654 Leafs Notes: Too late for Jake? 1148619 Rodewald stays with Senators organization 1148620 KIDS NO MORE: Batherson and Formenton trying to show the way to the NHL 1148669 Patrick Johnston: Hoglander a power-packed pocket battleship of a prospect for the Canucks 1148670 Ed Willes: Benning goes all in on hunch that Miller, Myers 1148621 Flyers prospects ready for scrimmages to ‘show what give Canucks a chance we’ve learned’ 1148671 How the Roberto Luongo recapture really impacts 1148622 Flyers prospect Wade Allison isn’t thinking about what-ifs the Canucks’ cap situation as he takes the long road back from knee injury 1148672 Why signing Tyler Myers could hamstring the Canucks’ 1148623 Don’t complain about the Flyers’ grueling early schedule. future contention window They asked for it. | Mike Sielski 1148624 Joel Farabee could have a shot at one of Flyers’ spot 1148625 Mr. Playoffs, just like Danny Briere? Carson Briere all 1148655 Golden Knights prospect Marcus Kallionkieli weighs about getting better in Flyers orange options 1148626 From injuries to playing time, Felix Sandström has already 1148656 Golden Knights’ Mason Primeau won’t rest on family’s battled plenty laurels 1148627 Audubon's Colin Felix follows an unlikely path at camp 1148657 George McPhee says Golden Knights aren’t done dealing with Flyers 1148658 Big and bruising? Golden Knights break from stereotype in 1148628 Flyers development camp report: Brian Elliott’s deal, Noah development camp Cates’ skating work, Jay O’Brien turns the page, an 1148659 Salary cap issues still loom for Golden Knights despite strong draft 1148660 Golden Knights need to make another move, so who is 1148629 Penguins system braces for Finnish invasion likely to be traded? 1148630 Matthew Boucher, son of former Penguins defenseman, returns to ‘Mario’s place’ 1148631 After debut college season, Austin Lemieux back at 1148661 Atlantic League serving as laboratory for MLB rules Penguins camp changes 1148632 Penguins defense prospect Clayton Phillips looking for 1148662 Capitals have little work to do when NHL free agency fresh start in college hockey opens 1148633 Penguins prospect Jordy Bellerive travels tough road to 1148663 Free Agency Bracket: Noel Acciari vs. Brett Connolly recovery after campfire explosion 1148634 Brandon Hawkins, 25, brings different of view to Websites Penguins prospect camp 1148673 The Athletic / Bound for the Hockey Hall of Fame, Hayley 1148635 Judd Caulfield a shining example of USA Hockey's Wickenheiser reflects on a titanic legacy National Team Development Program's rise 1148674 The Athletic / LeBrun Notebook: and other 1148636 Calen Addison, confident and comfortable, seeking 'next UFAs making the rounds, RFA updates and more level' of his game 1148675 The Athletic / What we learned about the future of NHL at 1148637 Jordy Bellerive, a year removed from fire injury, ready to the 2019 Draft make an impact 1148676 The Athletic / How much term should NHL teams give 1148638 Penguins trade talks are ‘heating up’ as Jim Rutherford players in free agency? looks to make a deal 1148677 .ca / Signing Matt Duchene a complicated, 1148639 ‘I thought my career was over:’ Inside a Penguins unlikely scenario for Canadiens prospect’s lost years 1148678 Sportsnet.ca / NHL Rumour Roundup: Sharks' Joe Pavelski on the move? 1148679 Sportsnet.ca / 7 notable unqualified RFAs who are now 1148640 Is Patrick Marleau on his way back to San Jose? UFA-eligible 1148641 Meet the Sharks’ prospect that called the 1148680 Sportsnet.ca / Roberto Luongo leaves a brilliant, complex “hardest working guy” he’s ever met and expensive Canucks legacy 1148642 Sharks free-agency decisions: Will Joe Pavelski stay or 1148681 Sportsnet.ca / Ryan Reynolds shouts out Hayley find new team? Wickenheiser after HHOF news 1148643 Hurricanes to buy out Patrick Marleau, opening door for 1148682 TSN.CA / Sharks, Capitals intriguing options for dual offer Sharks return sheets 1148644 Predicting what’s to come with the Sharks, their free 1148683 USA TODAY / Winners and losers: NHL free agent agents and Patrick Marleau signings have produced mixed results in recent years 1148664 Stanley's development steady as Moose mainstay 1148665 Prospects share ice with idols 1148666 Stanley sets sights on next step: 2016 first rounder making progress, seeing results 1148667 Stefanson, Mullin cross paths again: MJHL graduates come together at Jets development camp 1148668 The biggest holdups and challenges facing Winnipeg heading into free agency SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1148559 Anaheim Ducks instructors during the camp. He’s expected to join the hockey operations department in a role that’s still to be defined.

Beauchemin played 592 of his 903 games in the NHL with the Ducks and Ducks coach Dallas Eakins reaching out to veteran players to forge was a member of their superb defense corps on their 2006-07 Stanley bonds Cup championship team. It’s likely he will be hired to assist Todd Marchant, the Ducks’ director of player development.

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

PUBLISHED: June 27, 2019 at 3:43 pm | UPDATED: June 27, 2019 at Eakins is expected to retain Mark Morrison and Marty Wilford as his 3:56 PM assistant coaches, but Rich Preston won’t be back with the Ducks in a coaching role. Eakins is likely to bring a third assistant aboard to replace Preston, but it’s unclear whether it would be one of his former coaches with the Gulls. IRVINE — Dallas Eakins picked up the phone and began making introductory calls not long after he was named the 10th coach in the “We’re still kicking around a few ideas,” Eakins said. Ducks’ history last week. He knew many of the players on the roster after coaching them during a successful four-year stint with the Ducks’ AHL team, the . Orange County Register: LOADED: 06.28.2019 But there were many others he did not know.

Or knew only a little.

Or hadn’t met at all.

But the calls were only the first step in establishing a relationship with players such as Ducks and other members of the veteran leadership group such as Cam Fowler, Adam Henrique, Hampus Lindholm, Josh Manson, Rickard Rakell and Jakob Silfverberg.

Eakins planned to meet them all, face to face, before long.

“I’ve already met with a number of them to get to know them and let them know what I believe in,” Eakins said Thursday, on the second day of the Ducks’ developmental camp. “I get to understand their family life and things like that. Those are important to me.

“I don’t need to sit down with a lot of guys I’ve coached. I know them well. I’ve kept in touch with them. But the guys I haven’t coached, it’s really important that we don’t talk by phone. Introduce yourself by phone, but we’re getting face to face now.”

Eakins stressed personal relationships while with the Gulls and he’s not about to change now.

“It’s who I am,” he said. “I’m interested in them. I want what’s best for them because what’s best for them is going to be best for our organization. I just personally have a hard time coaching a guy if I don’t know him or I don’t know what makes him tick or why he acts a certain way or whatever it is. So the more I know about him, his family life, his parents, his kids, anything, it just helps me.”

Max Jones, a 21-year-old left wing, played 43 games for Eakins last season in San Diego. Their bond didn’t begin last season, but during their first developmental camp together after the Ducks selected Jones on the first round of the 2016 draft (24th overall).

“I always felt close to him because he always took his time to talk to me and see how I was doing,” Jones said. “You want to win for the coach. I think that’s what we had in San Diego, because everyone wanted to win, and they wanted to win for Dallas, because he was such a great guy, a great coach. We all respected him so much. Him getting this job, we were all really excited.

“We were hoping it was going to happen.”

GUHLE UPDATE

Defenseman Brendan Guhle sat out for all but 6 minutes, 2 seconds of the Ducks’ final 15 games in 2018-19 because of a strained oblique that also sidelined him for the Gulls’ run in the AHL playoffs. He played only five games after a Feb. 24 trade that sent Brandon Montour to the Buffalo Sabres.

Guhle, a 21-year-old defenseman, joined the Ducks’ other top prospects for their developmental camp this week and Eakins said, “He’s moving well and I don’t believe there are any restrictions at this point” during the four days of on-ice drills and off-ice workouts.

BEAUCHEMIN RETURNS

Francois Beauchemin, who retired after the 2017-18 season following a career that included three stints with the Ducks, has been among the 1148560 Arizona Coyotes Unlike Matthews, Middendorf was not drafted when eligible in 2018. He honored his commitment to Colorado College, which plays in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) of NCAA Division 1 hockey. In a Scottsdale native Erik Middendorf gets call to join Arizona Coyotes camp bottom-six role, Middendorf tallied seven goals and 11 points in 41 games last season, respectable numbers for a freshman.

"We're proud of him," Coyotes President of Hockey Operations and Richard Morin, Arizona Republic General Manager John Chayka said of Middendorf. "It's always good to see kids coming up and fulfilling a dream by playing on an NHL surface Published 2:41 p.m. MT June 27, 2019 with top picks. And he looks good; he's doing a good job out there."

Sullivan, whose oldest son skates with Middendorf but is a year younger, Erik Middendorf skated onto the ice at Gila River Arena with a red No. 71 said the position at camp opened up so late because one player arrived jersey and no nameplate on the back. Those in attendance at Monday’s with a minor injury and therefore couldn’t participate. prospect development camp were pondering the identity of the “He was on our shortlist of invites to come here,” Sullivan said of mysterious No. 71. Middendorf. “I think he shows how hockey in Arizona is growing. He’s got Middendorf, 18, of Scottsdale, wasn’t even listed on the camp roster. a great mindset and I know he’ll do great with this opportunity.” That’s because Middendorf only found out he was invited to participate Middendorf will head back to Colorado College for his sophomore season just hours earlier, after wrapping up a workout Monday morning at the and continue refining his game in hopes of signing as a free agent with IceDen Scottsdale. an NHL club at the conclusion of his collegiate career. Although he knew he was in the running to make the roster, it was "I'm taking away a lot," Middendorf said after his session Thursday. "I already the first day of camp and Middendorf hadn't heard anything. think I'm getting more and more comfortable here, since maybe I was “I was just kind of waiting for the call and I went to work out," Middendorf gripping the stick a little tight on my first day." said, "and then some random guy at the gym saw my phone and said, Middendorf’s uncle, Max, was a 1984 draft pick by the Quebec Nordiques ‘Hey, I think someone’s calling you.’” and played parts of four seasons in the NHL, while Middendorf’s On the other line was Coyotes assistant general manager Steve Sullivan, grandfather, Frank, is a football Hall of Famer at the University of who told Middendorf to pack his bags and hop on the Loop-101 to Cincinnati and was drafted by the Washington Redskins in 1952. Glendale. But Middendorf’s parents, Matthew and Christine, settled down in Are you a sports fan? Stay in the know. Subscribe to azcentral.com Arizona and had five kids. Erik grew up attending Coyotes games and today. can still remember the Los Angeles Kings notching an win in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at Gila River Arena in 2012. Middendorf had already logged two skates at the Ice Den plus a gym workout before receiving the call from Sullivan. He grabbed his gear, still “It kind of stuck with me as a memory,” Middendorf said, “because I soaked in sweat, and loaded it up for the drive across the Valley. remember how pissed people were as they were leaving the building, and then everyone talking about it around the Valley.” Upon arriving at Gila River Arena, the Coyotes' equipment staff issued Middendorf a No. 71 jersey and sent him on his way. Middendorf was the But there are good memories, too. As a child Middendorf said he had an only player who skated with both groups at Monday's development camp, enormous poster of Shane Doan adorning his garage wall, only to find which brought his daily total to four on-ice practices plus a workout. himself carrying out a favor for Captain Coyote at the Under-16 national tournament in Plymouth, Mich. last season. "I needed an ice bath Tuesday morning and the most water I could find," Middendorf said. “I saw him walking down to our locker room and he asked if I could say a few words to his team,” Middendorf said of Doan, who was a coach for Middendorf, who plays at Colorado College, is one of several undrafted the Jr. Coyotes’ contingent. “And that was a little different for me, having players the Coyotes invited to this season’s development camp. But my idol ask me to speak to his team. It was pretty spectacular.” there is something different about Middendorf, given that he was born and raised playing hockey in the Valley as part of the Phoenix Jr. Part of that Under-16 club was Doan’s oldest son, Josh, who committed Coyotes youth program. to Arizona State on June 21. Josh is likely headed to the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League (USHL) next season and could be “I was super excited because it’s nice to be close to home and with family eligible for the 2020 draft. while I’m going through this,” Middendorf said. “I think if I wanted to go anywhere it’d be close to home, so it was nice to get that call. My family “I skated with him actually the day he committed to Arizona State,” was super excited. I told my mom to make me some food on my way Middendorf said of Josh. “I remember when he was really little and trying home because I wouldn’t have time to make it myself. to skate with us a couple summers ago. It was definitely really weird (skating with him) because Shane Doan was my idol.” “I’m just super excited to put the jersey on again because it’s been a few years since the Jr. Coyotes. It’s very cool and different at the same time Middendorf said he's skated with Matthews, too, and has forged a to wear it in this sense.” relationship with the person he credits most with the recent increase in exposure to Arizona and west-coast hockey. Middendorf said Matthews Middendorf graduated from Pinnacle in 2018 but did not play hockey for was the first to congratulate him when he made the U.S. national team, the Pioneers, instead suiting up for the U.S. National Team Development his alma mater. Program, the same syndicate that produced recent drafts picks such as Jack Hughes, Cole Caufield, Clayton Keller and others. "I was just playing for fun until I was 13 or 14 years old until I figured out that I want to do this for the rest of my life and make a career out of it," Middendorf issues a lot of credit to Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Middendorf said. "When I was that age, going to (Auston's) games and Matthews, who was also raised in Scottsdale, played for the U.S. seeing what he did, I realized that you can be from Arizona and make it. program and blazed a path for Arizona youth hockey players en route to becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 draft. "He definitely opened my eyes and opened everyone's eyes when he made the national team, since it's mostly east-coast players. It's crazy to “I think Arizona hockey was really taking a turn during my U-13 year see a kid from Arizona on that team, and for Arizona to now have two when Auston Matthews was part of that really good Arizona Bobcats guys in the last five years is pretty special." team that had a lot of good players,” Middendorf said. “I went to a couple games and watched them and went to the U-16 championship that Auston was in and heard he was going to the U.S. program the next Arizona Republic LOADED: 06.28.2019 year, so it made it a goal for me.

“I think with (Auston) it made people look at west-coast players a little differently. He paved the path for me and I just kind of followed it here.” 1148561 Boston Bruins for someone of Steen’s stature (5 feet 9 inches, 186 pounds) to play center in the NHL. Langenbrunner has seen many a skater shorter than 5-11 struggle playing in the middle in the NHL. Still, the Bruins aren’t Oskar Steen may now be a better fit with Bruins ruling out center for Steen.

Second, Steen will have to show how well he adjusts to the smaller rinks of North America. Steen, who said he is excited to play for Providence, Shirley Leung expects that to be a good change.

“Maybe my game will be more intensive,” he said. “In Sweden, you have so much ice to skate on. You don’t have to be so intensive as here. I am Not even close. The goal served as the first of 17 Steen scored over a an intensive player, so I think that will fit me well.” 40-game span. He also tallied 20 assists to give him 37 points, a 31-point jump from the prior year. It will certainly fit him much better now than it would have a year ago, and most certainly when he was drafted. He’s fitter, stronger, and more The procurement of points is a product of Steen’s continued growth as a powerful, corralling points at a rapid pace. forward and his overall physical development, two assets that place him in a strong position to contribute to the next season. And maybe, just maybe, he will find his way to Boston in the not so distant future. “I think he will be a very effective player for us in Providence to start, and we will see how quickly he can translate that to get him on the radar of [coach ] and the guys up here,” said Bruins player development coordinator Jamie Langenbrunner. Boston Globe LOADED: 06.28.2019

Neither Langenbrunner nor any of the other Bruins coaches would have said the same when Steen arrived at Bruins development camp in 2016 as a sixth-round draft pick. Much of that had to do with Steen’s body.

He was lighter, and he had 7 percent more body fat. When he arrived at development camp that year, Steen had about 15 percent body fat. He said he also tested poorly.

“So that was a little bit of an alarm for me to wake up,” Steen said.

He decided to start eating better, sleeping more and prioritizing his fitness. This focus has transformed him from what Langenbrunner called the body of a little boy to a man.

Other skaters at this development camp have taken notice. Forward Jack Becker, a 2015 seventh-round pick, has skated with Steen since 2016.

“The biggest change I have seen is just in his body and how fit he has gotten and how much more confident he is with the puck,” Becker said. “Him being more powerful with his skating, I think that’s the biggest thing I have noticed. And how he can always hang on to the puck and make smart plays. When he came in, he was young, and you can really see the difference now of just how much more powerful he is.”

That power translated to Steen having the ability to play center this past season.

“Which I don’t know he really had before,” Providence coach Jay Leach said. “Clearly you could tell he has taken a step, and it is really impressive.”

So where exactly did this surge in points come from? Steen didn’t change skills coaches. He didn’t drastically alter his workout routine during the offseason, either.

Instead, he points to self-confidence.

Steen typically played 10 minutes or less in 2017-18, but Farjestad BK needed more from him this past season. Injuries created the need for players such as Steen to log more ice time.

“Then, I got more confident and played much, much more,” he said. “I started to play on the power play. My confidence grew and grew.”

So, too, did his stats. His plus-minus reached plus-17 in the regular season, a career high. He also went on to tally seven points over 14 postseason games.

Yes, this is the same skater who tallied six points all of the previous season.

“This year, it seems he has really matured,” Leach said. “I was able to see a few games online in the playoffs for him last year, and he was really quite impressive.”

Now, Steen will have the chance to do the same for Leach and the Providence Bruins next season. A couple of questions, however, remain for Steen in the .

First, his future position is uncertain. Now that he has shown the ability to play center, the Providence coaches will give him a chance to play both wing and center. Langenbrunner, however, said that it’s much more rare 1148562 Boston Bruins

Jakub Lauko is ready to make an impact with Bruins

By MARISA INGEMI | [email protected] | Boston Herald

June 27, 2019 at 7:12 PM

It didn’t take long for Bruins fans to learn about Jakub Lauko.

The 2018 third-round draft pick had a chance to make some noise in the preseason last fall while the Bruins operated as a split squad with half the team in China. That meant Lauko had more playing time, and in front of the Garden crowd, he performed.

He scored two goals before getting injured and cutting his preseason short, but his impact was enough to earn him a spot playing in North America and he was a strong performer in the Memorial Cup.

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

Lauko posted 41 points in 44 games to help the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies win the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League championshjp. He played through a lower-body injury at the end.

The entire experience helped prepare him for the amped up intensity that’s going to increase as he continues to progress.

It hasn’t always been so easy.

“Well, I hated it for the first month,” he said. “But at the end of the season, you just look up and see that you won two trophies. It was the right choice after that. I think I changed a lot as a player. Improved my English, I think I’m a different player after this season, different person, just happy I made the choice.”

The injury made things tougher as well, but Lauko got through it and has the entire offseason to get healthy before likely returning to Rouyn- Noranda for his final junior season.

“It was like I hide it everywhere,” he said of his injury. “It wasn’t easy for the first game. I felt like it a lot. At the end of the tournament. I wasn’t sure what was the injury, but after it, I found out, I was saying to myself, it would have been dangerous, but it ended up well. … I do not regret it.”

At training camp, the 19-year-old wants to make the best impression possible. He was close a year ago before it got cut short, but he put himself on enough radars to make a difference heading into this year’s development camp.

There’s still a lot for Lauko to learn, and he’s excited and ready for the process. A year under his belt at juniors and experience in the B’s preseason taught him plenty leading into this year’s development camp.

“Hard to say (where he will play this season),” he said. “I will go into the year and just try to find a spot in Boston. You never know what’s going to happen. So I will just stay positive and whatever happens is going to happen.”

Boston Herald LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148563 Boston Bruins

Bruins notebook: Undrafted free agents see Boston as a destination

By MARISA INGEMI | [email protected] | Boston Herald

PUBLISHED: June 27, 2019 at 6:49 pm | UPDATED: June 27, 2019 at 8:13 PM

Development camp traditionally features a rag tag group of players with different backgrounds and futures.

There are elite prospects who will likely see the NHL in a year, and undrafted free agents years away from getting a glimmer of a chance.

For the second group, Boston has become a preferred destination.

Undrafted free agents have made a home in the Hub for the past decade, with Torey Krug a notable example, but also Karson Kuhlman and Kevan Miller.

It’s not totally intentional the Bruins keep ending up with those type of players, but the success stories have certainly made guys who went undrafted view the B’s as a team that allows possibility.

“The Bruins have a really rich history and they like undrafted free agents out of college,” said defenseman Josh Maniscalco, a sophomore-to-be at Arizona State. “I knew this is a place that would be a good spot for me and kind of start, get my foot in the door and start the process and see where things fall. I’m happy to be here, I’m real happy they invited me. I’m here to compete, we’ll see where it gets you.”

Maniscalco netted 20 points in 35 games with Arizona State as a freshman and is looking to have more of an impact his sophomore year and help lead the Sun Devils to a tournament berth.

The native has been in Massachusetts plenty before, with Arizona State having games at Harvard last season, so he has experience being around hockey hot beds even while playing in the desert.

“We travel really well and stuff like that,” he said. “We have support a lot, it’s great. It’s a great place to play.”

Nate Sucese tallied 37 points in 39 games at Penn State last year as a junior and is closer to having to figure out his hockey future after college.

“It’s been a great learning experience,” he said. “I’ve been trying to take in all the information I can and take it back with me next year and use it to help my team. Little details of the game at the higher level, getting pucks off the wall and creating space for yourself to make a play.”

Sucese said he didn’t set any expectations for himself, but there’s hope being with the Bruins organization early and learning the pro lifestyle.

There’s plenty of undrafted players in each camp, and this is the best way for teams to get a feel. The Bruins certainly have a history of taking them seriously and signing them, so it’s more than just a couple of throwaway roster spots.

Kyle Keyser was a prospect a season ago, but he wasn’t on the radar like he is this time around.

This time, there are expectations for Keyser to take the big leap as the Bruins next big goalie prospect.

“I’m glad to be around the guys,” he said. “Just to be a part of the group, keep learning. Get strength and conditioning coaches here, nutrition. It’s all important stuff this time of year.”

At Oshawa, Keyser posted a 2.75 goals-against average and .915 save percentage, and he represented Team USA at the world juniors. He went to AHL Providence to finish up his season where he got into one playoff game, and that’s where he’ll start next season.

It’s the next step in the potential Bruins goalie of the future’s career.

Boston Herald LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148564 Boston Bruins “The No. 1 impression for Jack is just his competitiveness,” said Leach. “We had him two years ago, too, and he came in and was right in the mix, against men. That’s first and foremost against Jack, whether I’m Jack Studnicka, top Bruins prospect, ready to fight for a job playing him on the fourth line and hes playing eight minutes or this past year where he was playing a lot in crucial situations, he’s a gamer…I’m sure maturity and pounds will come, but he is certainly someone that you just right away know he’ there to compete and he’s a player.” By STEVE CONROY | [email protected] | Boston Herald Studnicka also earned a spot among the Black Aces, a squad of possible June 27, 2019 at 6:37 PM injury replacements for Boston’s varsity squad during the playoffs.

“That was awesome,” said Studnicka. “One of the best times of my life. Whenever there is a discussion about what the Bruins will look like You get to watch the Finals live. You get to travel with the whenever life after and David Krejci finally arrives, Jack team and see what it’s all about and you can just soak things in. Studnicka is usually the first name that comes up. A second-round pick in Obviously, it was the stage for them and they deserved to be there. An 2017, Studnicka is believed to be the next bona fide top six, two-way unfortunate ending, but to be there to see it all unfold right in front of my centerman in the B’s pipeline. eyes was really cool.”

But Studnicka also knows that Bergeron and Krejci aren’t going But next year, Studnicka hopes to create his own great thrills, not just anywhere just yet. He also wants to get to the NHL as soon as he can, vicarious ones. and he’ll do whatever he can to get himself there. He’s already reminded the B’s brass that he played right wing at the World Junior Championship, don’t you know. Boston Herald LOADED: 06.28.2019 “He’s a smart kid and he knows where the open spots are up here,” said player development coordinator Jamie Langenbrunner.

Studnicka feels he’s ready to help Boston with whatever it takes.

“Anything to help the team, in my eyes. I’ll play any position. Obviously, my goal is to play with the big club, whether that’s right wing or center, I’m just going to work as hard as I can and compete,” said Studnicka, who is being kept off the ice for this Development Camp because of how long his season went.

He’d hardly be the first natural centerman to break into the NHL as a wing. Bergeron, who has made himself the consummate NHL center over the last decade and a half, broke in as an 18-year-old wing.

Whether that’s what the organization decides is the best way to proceed with Studnicka remains to be seen. Both Langenbrunner and GM Don Sweeney have stressed that they will not rush Studnicka, and there’s some precedence for making sure a player is good and ready. Jake DeBrusk was kept in Providence his entire rookie pro year, even after his play argued for him to get at least a sniff with the big club. But when September of 2017 rolled around, there was no stopping him from making the team, and in a top six role no less.

But the player has every right to think he’s ready for the big time, and Studnicka is shooting for a spot in the Boston lineup for October 3 in Dallas.

“That’s my goal,” said Studnicka. “I think going into any camp, you’re in the wrong place if you’re goal isn’t to make the team. That’s my goal going into this year, that was my goal last year and the year before. It should be everybody’s goal to come here and try and compete and play at a high level.”

The 6-foot-2, 175-pound Studnicka finished off his junior career well, posting 36-47-83 totals in 60 games between Oshawa and Niagara, and 5-6-11 in 11 playoff games for the IceDogs. He also got in four playoff games with Providence and had a goal and an assist

“He was very good,” said Langebrunner. “I think a testament to who that kid is, he gets traded to Niagara and he’s wearing a letter to the team he was traded to within a month. That’s impressive. That means you’re stepping right in and doing the things coaches see from leaders. Good season. He continues to do the little things in the game that translate to being a good pro, When he came to us in Providence at the end, he had some good playoff games, stepped right into the lineup. (Niagara) lost on a Sunday or Monday and he was in our lineup three days later. He’s just continuing to grow, adding strength. He’s still skinny. He’s working at it, he’s doing everything he can, it’s just taking a little time with him.”

Providence coach Jay Leach also mentioned his frame and that adding an additional 5-10 pounds would probably be ideal. But he also doesn’t believe Studnicka’s narrow build will hold hold him back, either, comparing his wiry strength to Bergeron’s when the latter first broke into the league. He’s had Studnicka for two end-of -the-season stints (Studnicka had 1-4-5 totals in five regular season games two years ago) and has been impressed. 1148565 Boston Bruins

Report: Bruins still in the mix for Marcus Johansson, though several teams have expressed interest

By Michael DePrisco

June 27, 2019 11:23 PM

As the Bruins shape their roster for another run towards the Stanley Cup following a crushing defeat at the hands of the St. Louis Blues, they seem to be interested in bringing back forward Marcus Johansson.

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Boston remains in the mix to sign Marcus Johansson, but he also notes multiple teams have expressed interest in the forward.

Johansson was acquired by the Bruins at the trade deadline from the Devils and only played in 10 regular season games, but he played great in the playoffs and was considered one of the Bruins' best forwards. He scored four goals and finished with 22 points in 22 postseason games, proving the B's right for swinging a trade for him midseason.

The Bruins figure to have $12 million in cap space while Danton Heinen, Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo represent the team's key free agents. There's a scenario where the Bruins could retain all four of them, but it grows increasingly unlikely if another team offers Johansson a considerable contract.

We'll see how it plays out over the next few weeks, but while it doesn't look great for the Bruins to keep Johansson, they at least appear to be open to the possibility.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148566 Boston Bruins

Boston Bruins Development Camp: Day 2 thoughts and observations

By Joe Haggerty

June 27, 2019 3:31 PM

BRIGHTON, Mass – Here are some thoughts and observations from Day Two of Bruins Development Camp with all 30 plus prospects getting on the ice together for the first time about midway through Thursday’s proceedings at Warrior Ice Arena.

Projecting contract offers for B's RFAs

* Jack Becker can shoot the puck. The 2015 seventh-round pick has only scored 14 goals in his first two seasons with the University of Michigan, but the 6-foot-4, 210-pounder has unleashed some heavy shots on net when he’s been able to tee things up during drills. Perhaps it’s more the role that he’d filled out for the Wolverines over the last couple of seasons as a freshman and a sophomore, but it feels like he should be producing a bit more offense with his combination of size and shooting ability that he brings to the table.

* Oskar Steen has the good skating ability and shiftiness you’d expect from a 5-foot-9 player and he’s shown the attitude he plays with during international competition. But the skill level also jumps out at you. He can shoot the puck, and he was throwing around saucer passes during some of the drills that you could tell some of the other players had never really dealt with all that much before. He’s going to be really interesting to watch during training camp as a player that could be a center or a right winger for the Bruins organization depending on need. But as a 21-year- old about to embark on his pro career in New England, he really stands out among the prospects at this year’s camp.

* University of Minnesota Duluth assistant captain Nick Wolff has been bringing the noise physically over the last couple of days. Obviously the 6-foot-4, 210-pound D-man isn’t going to stand out quite as much when it’s all about skills during the drills, but he opted to instead throw his weight around and drop some fellow prospects with some heavy hitting during the battle drills. It seemed like he took an interest in going after Minnesota forward Nathan Burke in particular, which perhaps goes back to some battles that the two of them have had during their collegiate careers. Either way, Wolff has made an impressive by bringing physicality and intensity the drills over the last two days, and that’s something the Bruins will no doubt appreciate.

* Interesting to hear Bruins top center prospect Jack Studnicka say that he’s willing to play right wing if that will get him to the NHL faster as a potential candidate for either of the top two lines. Equally interesting to see that Studnicka is also now missing both of his front teeth as he was flashing the trademark hockey smile while talking to the media on Thursday afternoon. That’s exactly the kind of grit that the B’s are looking for combined with the obvious skill that Studnicka possess on offense. It’s a bit of a shame that both Studnicka and Jakub Lauko won’t get on the ice at all this week for development camp, but it’s really not necessary for a couple of players with opportunities to make some noise at NHL camp in the fall.

* Other guys with a good couple of days under their belt? Russian forward Pavel Shen actually looks like he’s been a pro for a few years given his KHL experience and that stands out among mostly college and junior hockey types. Curtis Hall had some nice moments on Day Two shooting the puck and showing off some of his skill. Cooper Zech has legit offensive skill as he showed making some 1-on-1 moves in drills, which is something you usually don’t see all that much of from the back end. He’s an interesting story turning pro after one year of college hockey at Ferris State, and he did some good things with the P-Bruins at the end of last season. Stay tuned on him.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148567 Boston Bruins NHL level not long after that given his skill set and the B’s needs up front headed into this coming season.

Could Oskar Steen be a dark horse forward candidate for Bruins this season? Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 06.28.2019

By Joe Haggerty

June 27, 2019 8:00 AM

BRIGHTON – This summer is the fourth Bruins development camp for Swedish draft pick Oskar Steen, and should be his last as a prospect rather than a player who can help the NHL club.

That’s because the 21-year-old Steen is headed to North America this season, where he'll develop his game in the AHL with Providence in a first real attempt at winning an NHL roster spot.

That news may not be noteworthy for a former sixth-round draft pick from four years ago, but Steen is worth paying attention to. He has looked good in past development camps, flashed in 2018 with a feisty performance for Team Sweden at the World Junior tournament and was among the Swedish League’s leading scorers last season with 17 goals and 39 points in 46 games for Farjestads BK Karlstad.

Observations from Day 1 of B's development camp

“It’s very exciting for me. I’m looking forward to the season,” said Steen. “I look up to a guy like Karson Kuhlman who was here [at development camp] last year and now he’s played in a Stanley Cup Final after having a really good season. He’s a really good guy and I look up to how he did it [last season]. Signing for the Bruins was very big for me. I’ll get there in September [for training camp] and do my best.

“I was at the rookie tournament four years ago so I know a little bit about the game [in North America] and I’ve played in some international tournaments here. So I know a little bit, but it might take me a little time to adjust.”

It's interesting that Steen notes Kuhlman as a role model, as Steen could be the kind of player who makes the steady progression to NHL level that Kuhlman managed last year.

He has a long way to go before he’s doing any of these things at the NHL level for the Bruins, but he’s also a potential center/right wing who could really flash this season at a position where the B’s could use somebody to step up. It’s a long way from proclaiming him a legit candidate for a top-six spot where the Bruins could use another dynamic player, but there’s also no reason that Steen shouldn’t be listed with in-house Black and Gold organizational candidates like Peter Cehlarik or Zach Senyshyn, either.

“His development has gone exactly how we’d hoped," said Bruins Coordinator of Player Development Jamie Langenbrunner. "To say the transformation from a little boy a couple of years ago to a man now. The game this year was very good in that league he was top-10 in scoring. I think his competitiveness and his willingness to get inside on people is going to translate even better over here [in North America] than it did on the big sheet over there."

“He should be a very effective player for us in Providence to start and we’ll see how quickly he can translate that to be on the radar for [Bruce Cassidy] and the guys [in Boston]. In general sub-5-foot-11 guys have a hard time playing in the middle in the NHL. There’s not a lot of them, but we’re going to look at him [in Providence] at center and on the wing. He’s one of those guys that gives us some versatility.”

Bean: Projecting contract offers for Bruins' RFAs

One of things that stands out about Steen beyond his scoring ability is the hard-nosed way he plays the game, as attested by his 49 penalty minutes logged in 46 games last season. The 5-foot-11, 181-pounder was nearly suspended for the Gold Medal game in the 2018 World Junior tournament when he slashed Kailer Yamomoto of Team USA at the very end of a win for Team Sweden, and clearly plays with an edge that little guys tend to need at the pro hockey level.

Steen is another interesting young forward who's going to be added to the Bruins mix come September, and could be a name heard from at the 1148568 Boston Bruins efficient in his movement — relying on his posts, his angles, his spots — so that he can use his big frame in the right way.”

Vladar turns 22 in August. He could be a college senior had he chosen Next ace chase: The Bruins hope they already have Tuukka Rask’s NCAA hockey. Instead, Vladar has submitted three seasons of ECHL successor and AHL work. Professional experience can be turbulent.

Speed, power, athleticism

By Fluto Shinzawa No team, including the Bruins, considered Keyser worthy of drafting. Jun 27, 2019 Being undrafted did not discourage Sergei Bobrovsky from becoming one of the NHL’s elite goalies. In the days to come, the ex-Columbus ace could become the richest netminder in the league.

If Dan Vladar makes it to Boston, the 6-foot-6, 190-pounder will become Bobrovsky, in fact, is one of the puckstoppers Keyser watches the the tallest goalie in team history to occupy a Black-and-Gold crease. Kyle closest. Keyser relied on being fast, powerful and athletic while playing Keyser and Jeremy Swayman pulled on the Stars & Stripes at the World for Oshawa of the OHL. These characteristics convinced the Bruins to Junior Championship, indicating they were among the country’s top 19- sign Keyser as a free agent on Oct. 3, 2017. year-old goalies during their respective tournament appearances. “He’s quick. He’s very fast,” Dunham said of the 6-foot-2, 183-pound In that way, Vladar, Keyser and Swayman own assets that qualify them Keyser. “Side-to-side movement’s quick. Now it’s time to take it to the to replace Tuukka Rask. next level and learn the pro game.”

Vladar, however, is 21 years old coming off a sub-.900 save percentage Last season, Keyser went 32-8-0 with a 2.75 GAA and a .915 save in Providence. Keyser, 20, has one game of AHL experience. The next percentage for Oshawa. After concluding his junior career, Keyser made pro game the 20-year-old Swayman plays will be his first. one postseason appearance for Providence. He then joined the Bruins for the Stanley Cup run as a Black Ace, studying Rask and learning the So in that way, the odds of any of the three filling Rask’s skates are requirements for postseason play. impossible to predict. Keyser is brash, exuberant and aggressive. He could play that style “We’ve got three young guys that have potential,” said goaltending against OHL shooters. When he starts his AHL career this fall, Keyser development coach Mike Dunham. “It’s about them taking that next step will have to incorporate more patience. Pro shooters can hang onto the and wanting to be NHL players. It’s a process. Sometimes goalies take puck and outwait attacking goalies. longer than forwards and defensemen.” “Speed, athleticism, power, positioning are all huge things for me,” Rask is 32. His contract expires in 2021. Whether the Bruins will re-sign Keyser said. “I really like to watch Tuukks and Bobrovsky and those guys their ace is unknown. that use their athleticism and power to be the foundation of their game. I It gives the organization two years to determine if Vladar, Keyser or feel that’s the foundation of my game as well.” Swayman has the stuff of an NHL starter. Goalie of the future That’s not much time. The NHL has never been this skilled. General managers prioritize speed Can’t coach height and hockey sense in their skaters. Stick technology allows sharpshooters to lock and load rapidly. Everybody likes Vladar. The Czech goalie is sunny, outgoing and coachable. They are traits goalie coaches enjoy. In turn, goalie coaches are teaching their charges to read plays longer and stay on their feet. Of the three prospects, Swayman is the sharpest What everybody really likes about Vladar is his size. Physically and distillation of modern technique, which has its NHL practitioners in Andrei stylistically, Vladar shares qualities with Ben Bishop, the 6-foot-7 former Vasilevskiy and John Gibson. University of Maine ace. When Vladar drops into reverse vertical- horizontal to seal off his post, his head remains in the clouds. Swayman is not as tall as Vladar nor as fast as Keyser. In theory, Swayman doesn’t have to be. He processes the game well and puts “He’s continuing to fine-tune his game, learning his size and his himself in places where pucks arrive. positioning,” said Dunham, a fellow ex-Black Bear. “He’s got a great work ethic. Works hard. Great attitude. Fun guy to be around every day.” “He’s a guy that relies on positioning,” Dunham said of the 6-foot-2, 187- pound Swayman. “His hand-eye coordination’s very good. Quick feet.” Vladar took an unusual approach into pro hockey. After one season of prep work with Chicago of the USHL, Vladar turned pro in 2016-17 as a Swayman, picked in the fourth round in 2017, will be a junior at Maine 19-year-old. It has not been easy. next season. He has developed at a pace similar to Joseph Woll, the former Boston College goalie who turned pro with Toronto after his junior Through three pro seasons, Vladar has made more appearances in the season. ECHL (59) than the AHL (43). Last season, as Zane McIntyre’s backup in Providence, Vladar went 13-17-1 with a 2.73 goals-against average and Like Woll was at Chestnut Hill, Swayman has been the man since he an .898 save percentage. landed in Orono. He made 31 appearances as a freshman. Last year, in 35 appearances, Swayman was 14-7-4 with a 2.77 GAA and a .919 save On the eye test, Vladar performed like he did via his numbers: so-so. percentage. Maine has asked Swayman to see a lot of rubber.

Vladar burns a lot of calories minding his net. He is active in ways that “They count on him a lot to win hockey games, which is great,” Dunham goalie coaches don’t usually encourage. At times, Vladar chases the play said. “It’s a great thing to learn to have to win games. He’s been able to to the degree that it looks like he’s swimming. take that challenge, accept that challenge, take it and see what he can do with it. He’s disappointed after losses, which is a great thing to see, Because of his helter-skelter style, Vladar sometimes creates openings because he wants to win hockey games.” that should stay shut. AHL shooters have found these holes. Varsity finishers would consider them cavernous. Three goalies, three styles

Vladar, the Bruins’ third-round pick in 2015, currently projects to be Just 19 months separate Vladar, Swayman and Keyser. They belong to Providence’s starter next season. Keyser could be his backup. But while the same generation. Yet all three are stylistic snowflakes, unalike in how the AHL remains a developmental league, unreliable goalies could be they protect 24 square feet. reaching for bench doors regardless of their ceiling. This will be an important season for Vladar to quiet down his game, read plays better “I want to relate that question to technology,” Swayman answered when and gain the trust of his coaches. asked about the progression of goaltending theory. “Ten years ago, we didn’t have iPhones. Now we’ve gotten smarter and more technically “He’s got to find his posts. He’s got to find his routine,” said Providence sound. It’s a weird comparison. But if you look at goalies from 10-20 coach Jay Leach. “He’s got to find this game, which in the professional years ago and how the pads have changed, how the rules have changed, ranks is what makes you successful. He’s got to become a bit more how the crease and ice have changed, it’s an always-changing game. That’s with every position. You have to change with the times we’re in.”

Dunham is a modern thinker. He likes goalies who stay on their feet and skate into ice instead of sliding on their pads.

But Dunham also believes in comfort. If he asked Rask to hold his feet longer, the 32-year-old would not be as comfortable and his performance might suffer. So part of Dunham’s job is to maximize his pupils’ strengths.

“He gets to where he needs to go very quickly. And that’s a nice skill to have. If we all had that skill, we’d all be doing it,” Dunham said, while laughing, of Rask’s ability to slide toward shots. “But that goes back to every goalie’s a little different. You want them to have the success they can have to the best of their abilities. It’s working with what they have and trying to incorporate things you may see.”

Rask was a first-round pick. He did not become a full-time No. 1 until 2012-13, when he was 25 years old.

The Bruins may have to sign or acquire a goalie to fill the segment behind Rask and Jaroslav Halak and ahead of Vladar, Keyser and Swayman. At this point, the Bruins do not have a definite next Rask. They are playing multiple hands to see if one will hit.

“Let’s go get to work at this level,” Dunham said of the approach the organization will take with the prospects. “Let’s have some success at this level, get you ready for the next level and see where it takes you. Someday down the road, all of a sudden, ‘Hey, you’re here. That’s where you want to be.’”

The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148569 Buffalo Sabres Center , a second-round pick in 2017, told reporters Thursday that he hopes to play one more season in Sweden before coming to North America.

For Niagara's Eric Cooley, Sabres development camp is 'home away Davidsson, 20, signed a one-year contract with the Swedish Hockey from home' League's Vaxjo, where he's expected to have a prominent role next season. He scored 10 goals among 27 points with a plus-10 rating in 52 regular-season games for Djurgardens IF of the SHL this past season. By Lance Lysowski Academy of Hockey Published Thu, Jun 27, 2019|Updated Thu, Jun 27, 2019 After Rochester coach Chris Taylor ran the opening session of development camp, instructors from the Academy of Hockey ran both on- ice sessions Thursday, featuring mostly skill-based workouts for the Eric Cooley never expected to set foot in Canisius College's prospects. Harborcenter dressing room. Friday sessions As a junior winger for Niagara University, Cooley has heard many stories about the rivalry between the two schools. He's also witnessed the on-ice Development camp is open to the public in Harborcenter and continues tension firsthand, most recently in the Purple Eagles' Atlantic Hockey Friday with the first session held 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., followed by Tournament first-round series win over the Golden Griffins in March. the second session from noon to 1 p.m. The French Connection Tournament will be held Saturday from 10:45 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., which is Cooley found himself in the roomful of reporters Thursday because he's a ticketed event exclusively for season ticket holders. participating in the Buffalo Sabres' development camp this week. The awkward setting for a post-practice interview was a small price to pay. Satan named president

He's trying to absorb as much information as possible during the four-day Former Sabres winger Miroslav Satan was chosen as the president of camp, while hoping to prove he's a future professional and representing a the Slovak Hockey Federation, a position he will hold for at least the next local college hockey program that has three players skating in NHL three years. development camps. Satan has worked as general manager of the Slovak national team the "It’s a little home away from home," Cooley, 21, told reporters inside the past two years and was general manager for Team Europe for the 2016 dressing room. "Obviously, spending the past two years at Niagara, I play . That team that was led by new Sabres coach here a lot, so it’s a comfortable feel. It’s been great so far." . Satan played parts of eight seasons with the Sabres from 1996-2004, scoring 224 goals with 232 assists in 578 regular season Cooley wasn't invited because he's a convenient option to fill out the games. Sabres' roster. Though he's one of the camp's shorter players at 5 feet, 9 inches, he's also one of its fastest skaters. That attribute served him well during a breakout season with Niagara. Buffalo News LOADED: 06.28.2019 Cooley scored nine goals among 27 points in 41 games during his sophomore season, which ended with a 3-2 overtime loss to American International College in the Atlantic Hockey Association championship game. He had an assist in each of Niagara's first five games of the season and posted seven points during the Purple Eagles' 5-2-1 record against conference opponents in November.

This isn't Cooley's first development camp, either. He, along with teammate Noah Delmas and former Niagara center Derian Plouffe, attended the Toronto Maple Leafs' camp last summer.

"Eric is an unbelievably quick player; he's super-fast," Niagara coach Jason Lammers said. "He's not a D-man, but at the same time, he's a one-man breakout and he's a one-man entry. He can do the same in the offensive zone, and I mean that as a compliment because he's so fast. You'd be hard-pressed to find a guy who's faster in our league than him. If he's not the fastest guy on our team, he's real close."

Delmas, a senior and team captain, is participating in the Carolina Hurricanes' camp after scoring 15 goals among 40 points in 41 games this past season. Sophomore winger Ludwig Stenlund, meanwhile, is at the ' camp after he broke Niagara's freshman goals (23) and points (42) records. He was named Atlantic Hockey Rookie of the Year and the runner-up for the Tim Taylor Award, given annually to the top Division I freshman hockey player in the country.

Though it failed to reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2013, Niagara had a remarkable run to its first Atlantic Hockey championship game. It was picked to finish 11th out of 11 in the Atlantic Hockey preseason poll, 86 points behind the favorite, Air Force.

The Purple Eagles swept Air Force in the Atlantic Hockey quarterfinals and defeated RIT, 1-0, in the semifinal to earn a spot in the championship game in Harborcenter. They're unlikely to be picked to finish last next season.

"You have to give credit to our coaching staff," Cooley said of he and his teammates participating in development camps. "Our coach, Jason Lammers, is really turning our program around and each year we continue to get better. I think the team as a whole is going to get better each year as well."

Davidsson's plan 1148570 Buffalo Sabres 2018-19 cap hit: $4,583,334

GP-G-A-P: 58-13-17-30

11 possible free agent targets for the Sabres Analysis: Johansson likely earned himself a lucrative contract with his play during the Stanley Cup playoffs, scoring four goals among 11 points in 22 games. He's a versatile, skilled forward who has twice scored 20 By Lance Lysowski goals in a season during his NHL career.

Published Thu, Jun 27, 2019|Updated Thu, Jun 27, 2019 Jason Pominville

Right wing, Buffalo Sabres

Jason Botterill doesn't figure to be a major player when free agency Age: 36 opens July 1. The Buffalo Sabres' general manager told reporters earlier 2018-19 cap hit: $5,600,000 this month that trades are a "more realistic" way for him to supplement the NHL roster. GP-G-A-P: 73-16-15-36

After all, the Sabres signed Jeff Skinner to an eight-year, $72 million Analysis: Pominville will likely be willing to take a substantial discount on contract. Although the team has cap space and needs a top-six forward, a one-year contract and can provide the Sabres with leadership, Botterill is unlikely to hand out a lucrative long-term deal to a free agent versatility and a familiarity with Eichel. However, Pominville is unlikely to class he described as top heavy. contribute on the power play and doesn't have elite speed. Though Botterill would likely prefer an upgrade, Pominville is a nice fallback The Sabres will still explore the market, though, and here are some option if the Sabres can't sign a substantial right-wing upgrade. players that could be on Botterill's shopping list when unrestricted free agents can begin signing with teams Monday: Derick Brassard

Anders Lee Center, Colorado Avalanche

Left wing, New York Islanders Age: 31

Age: 29 2018-19 cap hit: $5,000,000

2018-19 cap hit: $3,750,000 GP-G-A-P: 70-14-19-23

GP-G-A-P: 82-28-23-51 Analysis: Brassard was a disaster during his time in Pittsburgh and was twice traded last season, finishing in Colorado, where he had one point in Analysis: Botterill would need to pay a king's ransom to land Lee, whose nine playoff games. He openly complained about his role with the 102 goals since the start of the 2016-17 season rank 13th in the NHL. Penguins, but he's only one year removed from a 21-goal season and He's a big-bodied winger who can score around the net and is difficult to can provide depth down the middle on what should be a cheap, short- play against. The Sabres may have somewhat of an advantage since term deal. their director of amateur scouting, Ryan Jankowski, was assistant general manager of the New York Islanders when Lee was drafted in Derrick Pouliot 2009. The cost to sign Lee – both term and dollar figure – will likely be too rich for the Sabres. Defenseman, Vancouver Canucks

Joonas Donskoi Age: 25

Right wing, San Jose Sharks 2018-19 cap hit: $1,110,000

Age: 27 GP-G-A-P: 62-3-9-12

2018-19 cap hit: $1,900,000 Analysis: Pouliot was drafted eighth overall by Pittsburgh in 2012 when Botterill was the Penguins' assistant general manager. A smooth skater GP-G-A-P: 80-14-23-37 with a left-handed shot, Pouliot has never quite realized his potential. He produced only 34 points over the past two seasons, though his defensive Analysis: Donskoi can drive play from the wing, one quality that's lacking play improved some in 2018-19. Could be a nice buy-low candidate for the Sabres' bottom-six forwards. He also draws penalties and was an the blue line if Botterill opens a spot on the left side, perhaps with a trade excellent 5-on-5 player this past season, an area in which Buffalo is of Marco Scandella. trying to improve. Donskoi didn't play much special teams, but he is capable of killing penalties and filling in on the power play. A number of Brandon Tanev teams have reportedly expressed interest in Donskoi, which doesn't bode well for the Sabres' chances. Left wing, Winnipeg Jets

Brett Connolly Age: 27

Right wing, Washington Capitals 2018-19 cap hit: $1,150,000

Age: 27 GP-G-A-P: 80-14-15-29

2018-19 cap hit: $1,500,000 Analysis: The Sabres need to make changes to their bottom six if they hope to improve this coming season. Tanev plays a heavy game that GP-G-A-P: 81-22-24-46 improved this past season -– only his third in the NHL. He's a strong defensive player who can create turnovers but his 5-on-5 play should Analysis: The Sabres are in desperate need of a right winger who can give teams pause. score and can sell Connolly on the opportunity to play with Jack Eichel. There would be risk involved since Connolly has only once surpassed 15 Ryan Hartman goals in a season. However, he would certainly be an upgrade if the Sabres don't have to overpay on a long-term deal. Connolly has won a Right wing, Dallas Stars Stanley Cup, invaluable experience for a roster lacking playoff Age: 25 experience. 2018-19 cap hit: $875,000 Marcus Johansson GP-G-A-P: 73-12-14-26 Center, Boston Bruins Analysis: Hartman is a pest, which is precisely what the Sabres could Age: 28 use on their fourth line. He was acquired by Dallas this week, only to not receive a qualifying offer because the Stars were uncomfortable paying what Hartman would receive through arbitration. Hartman could be an impact bottom-six forward and is two years removed from a 19-goal season with Chicago.

Tom Kuhnhackl

Right wing, New York Islanders

Age: 27

2018-19 cap hit: $700,000

GP-G-A-P: 36-4-5-9

Analysis: Kuhnhackl won two Stanley Cups with the Penguins when Botterill was assistant general manager. He can kill penalties and is capable of moving up and down the lineup, a quality Botterill is looking for this offseason. Kuhnhackl was effective when healthy last season, though he was limited to only 36 regular-season games.

Maxime Lagace

Goalie, Vegas Golden Knights

Age: 26

2018-19 cap hit: $650,000

GP-GAA-Sv%: 33-2.43-.914

Analysis: With goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to miss the start of the season, the Sabres are in need of a No. 3 goalie who can start in Rochester and is capable of playing in the NHL. However, it will be difficult to lure the market's better goalies considering Luukkonen will take over as the Amerks' starter once healthy.

Buffalo News LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148571 Buffalo Sabres

Jeanneret to return as play-by-play announcer for his 49th Sabres season

By Alan Pergament

Published Thu, Jun 27, 2019|Updated Thu, Jun 27, 2019

Rick Jeanneret is coming back for another year to do play by play on the Buffalo Sabres' 50th season.

Jeanneret, who turns 77 in July, said he thought about whether to return for his 49th season calling games on radio or television or both for about three months before deciding to come back. He began his Sabres career doing games on radio in the team's second season.

“I like the job,” said Jeanneret in a telephone interview in which he explained his decision. “I guess I don’t really consider it a job. If I did, I would have been gone 30 years ago.”

“I enjoy what has happened so far, except for the fact they haven’t made the playoffs in eight years,” added Jeanneret. “I still am the believer. And I think they are very close to being pretty darn good and not that far away from being awfully good.”

Mark Preisler, the executive vice president of media and content for Pegula Sports and Entertainment, said the organization “couldn’t be happier” about Jeanneret returning.

"Hard to imagine the Sabres and Sabres fans celebrating our Golden Anniversary without RJ," wrote Preisler in an email. "Fortunately we don’t have to. The Hall of Famer is back to share his enthusiasm and stories from his 48 seasons as one of the best play-by-play men in NHL history."

Jeanneret said the deciding factor in returning was his hopes for next season.

“Because I am the eternal optimist,” he said. “And I am looking forward to a season where we don’t have to sit there night after night and make excuses and things like that. We can rejoice along with the fans that things are going in the right direction.”

He added his wife, Sandra, was “a bit surprised” by his decision because he was thinking about whether to return a lot more than he usually does.

“I did some heavy thinking about it,” said Jeanneret. “She knew it wasn’t getting easy. It is not. As we all know, the older we get things don’t quite work anymore. I don’t see as well as I used to. I don’t react as well as I used to. Any senior citizen has the same problems.”

Of course, the great majority of Sabre fans feel the iconic broadcaster's enthusiasm and catchy expressions more than compensate for any decline that he referenced.

“I definitely thought I would take plenty of time this offseason and think about it," said Jeanneret of his return. "I wasn’t going to jump and say, ‘Oh, no, I shouldn’t have done that.’ Now I feel confident that I am fine.”

He expects to do half the games this season, with Dan Dunleavy doing the other half.

He won’t be going to Sweden when the Sabres play two games in November.

“None of us are,” said Jeanneret. “The broadcast crew isn’t going.”

He said the announcers are going to do those games watching them on television from Buffalo, as they did several seasons ago when the Sabres opened the season with games in Finland and Germany.

'May Day!' 'May Day!' 25 years ago, iconic Sabres rallying cry was born

Buffalo News LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148572 Calgary Flames Connolly also has size, which the Flames would likely covet, and could be put on a line with either Backlund and Tkachuk or Monahan and Gaudreau to add some finish.

The Calgary Flames (limited) free agent options Like Donskoi, Connolly will be part of a second tier of free agents who will be in demand in July. There’s a chance he goes early with a contract that far outpaces his contributions. If not, the Flames will no doubt give By Kent Wilson him a call.

Jun 27, 2019 , LW/RW

17g-23a-40pts

Brad Treliving has a handful of notable restricted free agents to re-sign Projected cap hit: $4.1 million for four years and only about $13 million in cap space to do it, thanks to the recently announced cap ceiling of just $81.5 million. Matthew Tkachuk heads the Halfway through the 2018-19 season, it seemed like Micheal Ferland was Flames RFA class, but add in Sam Bennett, David Rittich and Andrew on his way to a big offseason payday. A regular on the Hurricane’s top Mangiapane and the club has no wiggle room. line, Ferland was scoring frequently (and throwing punches when needed). Unfortunately for the player, his season was punctuated by Of course, Calgary is a team looking to improve – not run in place – so injury which slowed him considerably and bumped him from his perch it’s unlikely that the decision makers will be satisfied with merely keeping with Sebastian Aho and Teuvo Teravainen. the band together. The cap crunch limits Treliving’s options, however. The Flames still have the option of buying out Michael Stone, moving one Ferland’s season ended with a thud thanks an injury-plagued playoff of TJ Brodie, Travis Hamonic, James Neal and/or Michael Frolik. performance which saw him manage just a single assist in seven games. With his play tailing off, the Hurricanes moved away from talking about For now, though, we have to assume the Flames will be forced to go re-signing Ferland, illustrating a likely cooling market for the player’s shopping in the scratch and dent bin. Even if they manage to clear services. enough space to sign all of their noteworthy RFA’s (and a backup goalie), there won’t be enough left over to go big whale hunting this summer. Ferland is still very much the player Flames fans remember – a skilled Absent a giant, Dougie Hamilton level trade, the Flames will have to big man who can throw massive hits, chuck knuckles and put the puck in settle for a supporting-level bargain signing. the net.

Due to the fact that there is already a logjam on the blue line, it is highly There is also his penchant for long disappearing acts and needing to play unlikely Calgary will dip their toe into the free agent defenceman market. with highly skilled linemates in order to perform offensively. When healthy, motivated and focused, Ferland can be a difference maker in the All projected cap hits are via Evolving Wild. Flames top six. When he’s off, though, Ferland can slide down the depth chart and be a non-factor. Forward options Ferland brings size and snarl in a player who can also score, something Joonas Donskoi, RW the Flames may be interested in re-visiting given their lackluster effort in 14g-23a-37pts the first round. If Ferland can’t find someone to give him a big contract in the first week of July, the two parties may circle back to each other. Projected cap hit: $2.8 million for three years , RW Joonas Donskoi was picked by the Sharks in 2010, but he stuck around in the SM-liiga until 2015 before leaping directly into the NHL. He’s been 6g-4a-10pts a useful depth option ever since, peaking last year at 27 years old with a Projected cap hit: ? career-high 37 points. Just three seasons ago, Corey Perry scored 34 goals, the most on the In truth, Donskoi’s value is less in the counting numbers and more in his Anaheim Ducks. Two seasons ago, he slid to 19. Last year, at 34 years ability to drive play. For years, he has had an above-average impact on years old, he spent most of his time injured and gathered only 10 points shots and expected goals, albeit in a supporting role as a player who can in 31 games. move up and down the lineup as needed. Think: Michael Frolik. Like Frolik, Donskoi scored at a top-six rate at even strength (1.90 even Perry has long acted as a nemesis for the Flames, a guy who so strength points per sixty), though he only made $1.9 million to do it. frequently managed to both enrage and outscore Calgary on many nights. That’s why there is something appealing to the thought of signing The problem with Donskoi is he could be in demand once the action the freshly bought-out veteran and seeing him rebound in Flames starts on July 1. He’s not going to command a $9-million payday like colours. some of the big names, but he could be the second name on the list for a lot of teams looking for capable NHL depth. Donskoi is relatively young That thought is likely more outlandish fantasy than reality, however. Perry for a free agent, shoots right and has high utility up and down the roster. has aged rapidly since his last 30+ goal season and his poor skating plus Once the bigger fishes are signed, he could rapidly be priced out of advancing age seems to have caught up to him. To the degree that the range for the Flames. Ducks just paid him $8 million to go away.

Again, like Frolik, Donskoi would fit on either the Flames second or third Perry was one of the best forwards in the NHL for a time, but his time is lines. He would essentially be a younger replacement, should the Flames past. And given Calgary’s experience with aging, slow skating right wing move on from the current player. UFA signings (Troy Brouwer, James Neal), they should probably stay away. Brett Connolly, RW Patrick Maroon, LW 22g-24a-46pts 10g-18a-28pts Projected cap hit: $3.5 million for four years Projected cap hit: $3.6 million for three years Once upon a time, Brett Connolly was the sixth overall draft pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite his pedigree, it took the 6-foot-3 right That sentiment goes for inspirational cup winner Patrick Maroon. The winger eight NHL seasons to crack the 20 goal and 40 point threshold. 225-pound left winger returned home to St. Louis on a bargain contract Luckily for him, he managed the feat in a contract season. and likely hopes to stay there. Maroon has been a capable middle rotation winger in the league for a while, but he’s already showing signs Connolly is kind of the inverse of Donskoi. He’s a pretty good shooter of slowing at 31. His 28 points were the second lowest of his NHL career and not much else. Connolly doesn’t drive play either offensively or and his lack of foot speed will hamper his utility as he gets older. defensively, but he can ride shotgun with skilled players and put the puck in the net from time to time. Though he doesn’t have a history of putting Maroon’s underlying numbers suggest he’s still decent defensively, but up big goal totals, Connolly’s career shooting rate is an excellent 13.6 the offense is already tapering off. Any sort of step back will move him percent. solidly into fourth-line territory. Richard Panik, RW incumbent. Talbot was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers at the deadline, where he continued to struggle (.0881 SV% in just four games). 14g-19a-33pts At 31, Talbot shouldn’t necessarily be over the hill. The 6-foot-4 goalie Projected cap hit: $4.8 million for four years had a long string of effective puck stopping before the wheels started to I thought the Flames might target Richard Panik at the trade deadline in fall off in Edmonton, so there may be hope for a rebound in Calgary order to bolster their forward ranks. A big guy at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, acting as David Rittich’s 1B/mentor. Panik has bounced around the league as a middle rotation option, Talbot’s name has already been linked to the Flames in rumours. If he scoring between 30 and 45 points. comes at a bargain price, the move could make sense for both parties.

That’s not the resume of a star or top line winger, but it makes him Curtis McElhinney useful. What’s interesting about Panik is he scores and drives play at better than average rates, particularly on the offensive side of things (at 33G-20W-11L least at 5-on-5). .912 SV% Panik has never been a hot commodity in free agency, with his last contract figure of $2.8-million per year his biggest payday to date. If he Will the prodigal son return home? Curtis McElhinney signing his final continues to slip through the cracks, he would be a sensible target for NHL contract with the Flames would be appropriately ironic. Drafted way Calgary — especially if they trade Frolik. back in 2002 by Calgary, the player was forced to live the nomadic life as a journeyman in order to find his role in the NHL. Over the last few Brandon Tanev, LW seasons, McElhinney has put up above average numbers for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes, extending his career against all 14g-15-29pts odds.

Projected cap hit: $2.7 million for four years At 36, McElhinney has entered the typical “decline” phase for most Undrafted out of college, Brandon Tanev’s best season for Providence NHLers, though his career arc is anything but typical. Nevertheless, he College was a modest 15 goals and 28 points. Not much has changed at remains a risk to suddenly and permanently fall off a cliff given he was the NHL level, with the 6-foot left winger carving out a niche as a never a top-flight starter (or even a starter at all). That said, the Flames defensive forward. His 29 points last year was a career high. probably won’t find a goalie at a cheaper price with better saves rates over the last two seasons than him. Tanev doesn’t score much and doesn’t drive shots or chances. What he does seem to do, however, is suppress the offense of the opposition in a Petr Mrazek third or fourth line role. 40G-23W-14L

That’s not nothing, but it severely limits Tanev’s upside and utility. He’s .914SV% not a guy who can slide up into a top-six role. Unless Calgary is looking for a replacement for Garnet Hathaway, Tanev probably doesn’t fit the Not too long ago, Petr Mrazek was considered the Detroit Red Wing’s bill. next starting goalie. The assumed heir apparent to Jimmy Howard, Mrazek burst onto the NHL scene with world junior pedigree and Colin Wilson, C excellent AHL results. In his first full season for Detroit, he managed a 12g-15a-27pts sparkling .921 save rate.

Projected cap hit: $2.5 million for three years He followed that up with a .901 save percentage the season after and couldn’t seem to recover the faith of the organization. Despite managing Calgary already has enough centers on their hands, but if something a decent (though unimpressive) .910 SV% for the Red Wings in 2017-18, changes they may have some interest in Colin Wilson. A big body at 220 he was traded at the deadline to the Flyers, where he struggled (0.891 pounds, Wilson is usually good for about 35 points a year. SV%).

Last season was a down year for the 29-year-old, but if we look at a The 27-year-old managed to resurrect his career in Carolina last season. three-year sample, we see that the player is generally good at everything A franchise constantly in search of quality netminding, the Hurricanes across the board: turned to Mrazek who gave the team a solid starting goalie for the first time in recent memory (.914 save rate in 40 games). Certainly not great, but good. Although the player and the team seem like a good match, The For Wilson to make sense, the Flames would have to move out one of Hurricanes recently noted they are not optimistic about signing him. If their existing centers, and we’d have to assume his downturn last year Mrazek can be had for a reasonable price, and if the Flames are looking was more about injury than a permanent step backward. If those things more for another potential starter rather than a backup, Mrazek could are true, Wilson might be worth a call. work. Other options: Wayne Simmonds, Jason Spezza, Jason Pominville Other options: Mike Smith Like Perry and Maroon above, guys like Simmonds, Spezza and If all other paths fail, it’s not inconceivable the Flames could turn back to Pominville are on the downslope of their careers and not terribly good 37-year-old Mike Smith. This would have been unthinkable if the veteran bets to provide value. None of them are likely to be an upgrade over the didn’t turn in an above average performance in the postseason. That current roster. said, the team should be looking for someone with more upside or at Goalie options least a better chance of providing league average netminding.

Cam Talbot Conclusion

35GP-11W-17L As things stand, Calgary cannot be aggressive when the free agency period begins in July. Aside from re-signing his own RFA’s, Treliving’s .892 SV% other priorities are to nail down a veteran goalie to platoon with Rittich and find enough cap room to make it all work. Only after those issues Cam Talbot had four straight above average seasons heading into 2017- have been addressed will he be able to look at more depth up front. 18. At the time he was the starting for the up-and-coming and the future seemed bright. The only good news for the Flames in this is the low cap ceiling will likely cause a few quality free agents to get squeezed out of the action. Once Then things started to unravel. the initial frenzy is over, and many team’s budgets are spent, there’s a Talbot dipped to a below average .908 save rate in 68 games that year good chance some useful NHLers will be left standing without contracts. as the Oilers struggled to live up to expectations. He followed that up with That opens the door to late summer negotiations and players willing to his below replacement level turn last season, prodding Edmonton to sign listen to lower offers. Calgary just has to hope a target of interest doesn’t backup Mikko Koskinen to a long-term contract, essentially usurping the get scooped up by the big spenders.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019

1148573 Carolina Hurricanes News Observer LOADED: 06.28.2019

After completing Haula deal, Hurricanes buy out Marleau contract

BY CHIP ALEXANDER

JUNE 27, 2019 04:12 PM

RALEIGH

Carolina Hurricanes general manager spent much of Wednesday hammering out the final details on a trade for center Erik Haula.

On Thursday, he completed the paperwork on a buyout of Patrick Marleau’s contract and neared agreement on a new contract for goalie Alex Nedeljkovic. a restricted free agent. Odds are, he may have worked in another call to Sebastian Aho’s agent and possibly a goalie who’ll become a free agent on Monday.

There’s also the Canes’ prospects development camp this week at PNC Arena. Waddell tries to see as much of that as possible, too.

The trade for Haula wasn’t announced until after midnight, ending a long day in which Waddell said the Canes’ team doctors were poring over Haula’s medical records and reports. Haula, who played the past two years for the Vegas Golden Knights, suffered a knee injury in November that required surgery and kept him out the remainder of the regular season.

Waddell said Haula, who scored 29 goals in 2017-18, was cleared medically to begin practicing and playing again with the Golden Knights had they reached the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Vegas didn’t make it and Haula didn’t play, but Waddell said there were no concerns about the knee or Haula’s availability next season, saying he could easily move in as the Canes’ third-line center.

“He can play special teams, power play and penalty kill, and gives you another offensive guy who can skate,” Waddell said. “We need three good lines and nothing against (Lucas) Wallmark, who did a good job for us last year, but if he ends up sliding down that’s good. We’ll have three very good offensive lines and a true centerman that we really wanted.”

The Canes traded offensive prospect Nicolas Roy to Vegas in the Haula deal and there was a tricky matter of the Golden Knights receiving a conditional fifth-round draft pick in 2020 contingent on Haula being with the Canes after next season -- the Finn will be an unrestricted free agent in July 2020 if not signed.

The Canes last week worked a deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs for Marleau, taking on his $6.25 million salary-cap hit in exchange for a conditional 2020 first-round draft pick from the Leafs (if Toronto has a top-10 pick next season the Canes will have the Leafs’ 2021 first- rounder).

Waddell said Thursday the Canes had bought out Marleau, paying the $3 million bonus due him plus $833,333 that will be divided over the next two years. The 21-year veteran will become a UFA on July 1 and many believe he will sign with San Jose -- Marleau was with the Sharks for the first 19 years of his career -- and retire. The buyout was a condition of Marleau waiving his no-trade clause.

Waddell has been juggling a lot of contracts and numbers and none bigger than a proposed contract for Aho. The center, coming off a career season and an NHL All-Star, figures to make more than $7 million a year at a minimum in a new pact.

Waddell said Thursday the two sides are not far apart on term and price. But again, negotiations will continue.

“There’s things going on around the league where one contract could really affect another player, so I think the agents are being very careful,” Waddell said.

Waddell again said there were no worries about another team forwarding an offer sheet for Aho, a restricted free agent, nor were the Hurricanes planning on extending any offer sheets to restricted free agents elsewhere.

1148574 Carolina Hurricanes Another year with the Colts would mean another year under coach Dale Hawerchuk, a Hockey Hall of Famer. He could continue to fill out his still- lean 6-0, 176-pound frame. But how much more does Suzuki have to Canes’ Suzuki, Cotton: same position, same goal, different paths prove, or is able to improve, at the junior hockey level?

“If I’m ready to play at the next level I’m ready to play. If not, junior is not the worst thing and the OHL is a great league,” he said. “There’s a lot of BY CHIP ALEXANDER top talent in the OHL. Going back wouldn’t be bad at all. If I don’t make the (Canes) I have a great organization to go back to.” JUNE 27, 2019 03:45 PM Brind’Amour is a proponent of college hockey, having attended Michigan

State for a year before his long pro career. A son, Skyler, will be a RALEIGH freshman and play at Quinnipiac this year.

Ryan Suzuki was born in Canada, weaned on hockey, developed in the “It’s like playing in a men’s league, with guys 21- and 22-years old,” Canadian junior leagues and a star last season for the Barrie Colts of the Brind’Amour said. . Cotton, a Parker, Texas, native, also will be playing for a Hockey Hall of David Cotton was born in Texas, where football is king, left the state to Famer -- longtime Eagles coach Jerry York, who was selected this week play junior hockey and will be a rising senior this season at Boston for induction as a builder alongside former Hurricanes general manager College, where he will be the Eagles’ captain. Jim Rutherford. After finishing with 23 goals as a junior, Cotton will be looking to add another big college season to his hockey resume rather Their common thread is that both are centers drafted by the Carolina than make the move to pro hockey. Hurricanes. Suzuki, the Canes’ first-round pick in the last weekend’s NHL draft, is attending his first prospects development camp this week in “A lot of it was, am I ready for this?” Cotton said. “It was a difficult Raleigh. Cotton, a sixth-round pick in 2015, is attending his fourth and decision but we’ve had three mediocre years at BC and it’s a school and among the oldest campers at 21. situation built on success, and from my freshman year I’ve wanted to add to that. It hasn’t come and having this opportunity, especially being a While their paths have crossed this week, their options are different. captain, and to achieve something as a team was a big part of my decision.” Suzuki, a playmaking center, is like most first-rounders and has set his expectations high: make a good first impression this week at camp, be invited to the Canes’ training camp in September and play his way onto the roster. News Observer LOADED: 06.28.2019

“You want to be playing at the highest level possible,” Suzuki said.

Cotton already has made his decision. He’ll go back to Boston College for his senior year and will become an unrestricted free agent once his college eligibility ends.

“The hope is when he gets done he’ll want to sign with us based on the relationship we have with him and him wanting to be here,” Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour said of the 6-3, 190-pound forward, a second-team All- American at BC last season.

David Cotton answers media questions at the Carolina Hurricanes prospects development camp on June 26, 2019. The forward will be a senior at Boston College this year. Chip Alexander

When the Canes made Boston College defenseman Noah Hanifin their first-round pick in 2015, he quickly signed an entry-level contact with Carolina and began his professional career at 18. While Hanifin, as a college player, could have been sent to the Charlotte Checkers, the Canes’ American Hockey League affiliate, Hanifin played at the NHL level.

Suzuki, who turned 18 in May, may also be offered an entry-level contract this week but as a junior player has more limited options. He’ll either have to play with the Hurricanes this season at the NHL level or be returned to Barrie for another season.

“With where he is in his career, the chance of him going back are a lot greater than him staying with our team,” Canes general manager Don Waddell said Thursday.

A year ago, the Canes drafted forward Andrei Svechnikov out of Barrie with the No. 2 overall pick and had him in the lineup from day one. Physically and emotionally, he was ready for the big step up to the NHL and the Canes were patient with him throughout a season in which Svechnikov scored 20 goals and helped Carolina reach the playoffs.

“I don’t think you’re projecting any of these kids to come into your lineup next year,” Brind’Amour said of this year’s prospects camp.

Svechnikov and Suzuki were teammates with the Colts, but Suzuki, as a late first-round selection -- No. 28 overall -- accepts the likelihood he’ll be in junior again this year.

The question is how much would another year of junior benefit Suzuki? He likes to say playing with Svechnikov at times in 2017-18 helped him “pad his stats” but he did enough of that last season in Barrie -- he had 25 goals and 75 points in 65 games, including eight goals and 20 assists on the power play. 1148575 at the draft, all of a sudden, you definitely feel the difference. We had a ton of success, we were there for 10 years. It’s tough to be in one city and one place that long in our business today. In other years, when it ‘Q’ & A: Joel Quenneville opens up about his firing, his legacy, his future was the end, the end was a lot more bitter. This situation was different. and that famous shot ski Our time there was too special, the memories were too great. And that’s how we’ll leave it. I have nothing but positive things to say about any and every situation we were in. And we’re going to try to do that here in Florida. We’re looking to recapture a lot of the things in that recipe here, Mark Lazerus and a lot of good pieces here to begin with. Jun 27, 2019 You pretty much went underground after the firing. No public comments, no sit-down with TSN, no released statement, no full-page ad in the paper, none of the usual things. Why did you handle it that way? Joel Quenneville is calling. I mean, everybody’s done it a different way. When I was fired, you know, It’s almost jarring to see his name pop up on my phone, even though I’m if you get fired, you get fired. There’s nothing to say at that time. Maybe I expecting the call. I’ve had his number for seven years and in that time, could have said something as we went along later in that process. It he never answered a text or returned a call. It just didn’t work that way in might have been a mistake. But I feel like in that situation, the timing is Chicago. not right to say anything, and that’s the business we’re in. And hey, my feelings about the city and everything, and the appreciation that was While many other NHL coaches keep an open line of communication with showed to us in a lot of ways, you felt it. That’s what sticks out. the journalists who follow them around all year — feeding little bits of Everywhere you go, people have been very gracious and supportive in a information, clarifying lineup changes and occasionally just venting in lot of ways. confidence about management or specific players — Quenneville kept everyone at arm’s length. Which was his right, of course. It’s not as if he Your first and only public appearance in months was tailgating at the played favorites. Bears game.

So maybe we all shouldn’t have been surprised when he disappeared Yeah, you know what, you’re having fun with the family going to one after being fired from the job that will forever define his four-decade (and game, and that happens. Hey, it was fun, we had a good night. Sunday counting) NHL career as both a player and a coach. He didn’t say much night. Go Bears! when he had the gig. What was he going to say now that he didn’t? You realize it’s going to be like that for the rest of your life, right? Any But life is different now that he’s the coach of the Florida Panthers. He time you’re in Chicago, people are going to be handing you drinks. has some selling to do — selling fans on making the trek out to Sunrise, selling local media outlets on devoting time to his team, selling players on Hey, we’ll take one. his vision and the benefits of living in South Florida. Quenneville is front There had to be some bitterness about the firing, no? It’s only natural, and center, the new face of the franchise — at least, until he possibly right? I mean, you can’t be fired from a job and not be upset about it. lures Artemi Panarin south in free agency. Well, like I said, the other times it was bitter. This one I can say it wasn’t So when we got our wires crossed and a sit-down in Vancouver on draft bitter. And I’m sure it had everything to do with the memories and the weekend fell through, it actually wasn’t difficult to get Quenneville on the relationships. Maybe there has to be some kind of bitterness, but I would phone. We talked about his memories, his firing, the contentious 2017 say no. I can honestly say we moved on, and that’s part of the business. offseason and his new challenge. He’s looking for a new house in Maybe there’s some things we could have done differently during our Florida, ready to sell his house in Hinsdale now that his kids — ages 28, stretch to start the season, and maybe I could have said something after 25 and 23 — have left the nest. But he made it clear that while he’s the firing. I regret that, too. But I chose to just quietly go away and see leaving Chicago, the city will always feel like home. And whenever he’s how things play out. back in town, he’ll surely never have to pay for a drink. I heard you were globetrotting after that and took some long overdue Here’s our conversation, lightly edited, in its entirety. vacation time. Where’d you go? So when the schedule came out yesterday, the first thing we all did was We did spend some family time together. We went to Colorado for the to see when you were going to be in Chicago. Did you do the same? holidays and then went out there for a lot of January, and then went to That was definitely on the radar screen. It’s right before the long break for Australia to visit our daughter. Then things quieted down. But we got to us, too. spend some time with the family, which was good for everyone.

What do you expect that to be like? So, the firing: Did you have a sense it was coming? I remember in Calgary that last game of the road trip before it went down, there were You’ll be into the season now, and you’re just worried about Florida. some travel changes where the team was going to stay overnight, but You’re consumed with hockey and your team and that’s your focus. But then at the last minute decided to go home. Did you have a sense things the memories of 10 tremendous years, that’s going to be a special were in motion at that point? moment. You reflect back and think of everything that we were able to do, and the people you were with, and the fans and the city — you could Did I have a sense? No, no, I did not have a sense. At all. I was not keep going on and on. The kids were saying the same thing about that happy with the way the game went, but to say I came into work that day day. The whole family, that’s the first thing they looked for, for sure. expecting it — no, you don’t expect it. But it happened.

You don’t strike me as the sentimental type. How did it go down? Did Stan (Bowman) meet you at the United Center the next day? Ehhh, I think you might have a pretty good read on me. Everybody’s got their ways. But when you think back on the achievements — every year There was no practice that day. Stan met us. And John (McDonough) had a different kind of flavor, but obviously the three championships were was there. the ones you go back to, and that group, and the road to try to win it. Just a matter-of-fact thing? Those are probably the clearest, most special times, knowing that it was pretty amazing what we were able to do. So that’ll always be with us, and Yeah, there’s no good way of doing it. I thought that was as good as you those memories are pretty amazing things. could ever do it.

You’ve changed jobs before, but this time seemed different, just because Do you ever think what-if? I remember Patrick Kane wondering the day of everything you did accomplish in Chicago. When you’re at the draft, after you were fired, well, what if I wasn’t sick in Vancouver and we don’t does it all start to feel real, that this is what you are now, the lose that game, and things pick up after that? Does Joel keep his job of the Florida Panthers? then? The players were all thinking things like that. It’s such a fine line.

I think when we came down here (for the hiring) and it was announced Yeah, I mean, what if I put a guy in the box for Duncs (Keith)’s penalty (in and I got to meet the players and the team and talking to everyone and Calgary). You think of that. There’s all those woulda, coulda, shouldas, putting the coaching staff, I got a flavor of that. But sitting next to Chicago but they don’t do you any good. We think we do the right things most nights — I would hope every night — but obviously we make mistakes. Well, personally or not, it was definitely — I don’t want to talk too much That’s all part of it, but I don’t think you can look at one thing and say, about it, I’ve got a lot of respect for both sides and the decisions that “That was the incident.” We know we’re in the winning business. were made. But I was not happy with losing Kitch. And we had a good rapport and a lot of success with Hammer. And knowing the Bread Man’s The core guys, the veterans you won three Cups with, they were shell- a special guy. But everybody has to make decisions nowadays, and shocked afterward. It seemed like it took them a week or two to process it coaches are getting fired on the staff but the head coach is still there. and get over it and refocus and get back into their games. Did you have a That’s more in play than it’s been in the past. That was hard, but that’s lot of communication with them? part of the business, I guess.

I talked to a lot of the guys and it went well. Certainly wished them well Do you feel you were given a reasonable chance last season? You got as it went along. I didn’t watch any of their games after that. But I talked off to a good start, and then to be fired at the first bump in the road — to a lot of the guys, and I was appreciative of the comments and their you didn’t have much of a leash. support. I wished them well. But, obviously, being in Chicago still, you were aware of what was going on. Not making the playoffs the prior year might have been part of that. But we did have a unique start, playing all those overtime games and getting Wait, you didn’t see a single Blackhawks game after the firing? some points and playing pretty good hockey there. But hey, it’s a long I didn’t watch one game. They were on, but I didn’t watch one game. I time ago and a lot of games in between since then. I can’t complain mean, you see highlights, you see the league, and I watched a lot of about anything that happened to me in Chicago, or my coaching hockey games. But the Blackhawks weren’t on my agenda. experience. It was too good.

I think you’ve done more press in the last two months than you did in 10 The roster changed pretty significantly after you were fired. A lot of us years in Chicago. Is that part of it, that you need to sell Florida more than wondered if things would have gone differently and if the team could you needed to in Chicago? have made the playoffs if you had that lineup from the start. Did you wonder that at all? I think everybody here’s excited. We’ve got a young team that’s got some ability to be a playoff team. And we saw this year what being a playoff I didn’t watch much, so I can’t say if, if and if. But they’ve had a couple team can lead to. There’s some young kids here that turned out to be kids that came in there and had some really good seasons for them and real special players. Barky (Aleksander Barkov) is on his way to show finished strong. They had a great run, it looked like they were in. Tough that he can be as good as anybody in the game, and I’m excited about to say. I know our teams changed complexion pretty significantly over the coaching a player with his ability, his leadership and competitiveness. offseason or the season, from year to year. But we didn’t do much in that He’s going to make guys better around him. So there’s a lot of good last offseason, but that’s fine. things. We all feel exiting last year that we’re close. We’ve got some Did you talk at all with ? I know you had a bit of a good prospects in the system. I think this town and this area of South relationship beforehand, but I imagine it can become awkward when Florida would be so excited if we had a chance to win. I think the building someone essentially takes your job. would be full, the enthusiasm would be right where it was back in ’96, which I remember. But we’ve got to win, we’ve got to find a way to get in He was around camp more so this (last) camp and we got to talking and the playoffs. And I know we’ve got a tough challenge in our division and seeing one another and getting to know one another a little bit better. We in our conference. But we feel we’ve got some different pieces here. And watched them play a lot of playoff games the prior year in Rockford, and it’s a different animal when you talk about being in South Florida. You’ve he had a lot of success. I wished him well. It’s one of those situations that got nice weather, you’ve got this, you’ve got that. It’s nice, it’s beautiful, as a young kid, you’re waiting for your opportunity and you get your turn. you come to practice in shorts, you come outside and it’s 85 degrees in He was respectful to the process, and to me. I’ve got nothing but good January. They do well in Tampa Bay, so let’s absorb some ownership things to say about how he handled it. He’s a bright young coach that’s here and find a way to take advantage of the nice situation. going to have a lot of success in this league.

I know you can’t talk specifics, but you’ve got a lot of cap space, too. Are This season will be the 10th anniversary of the 2010 Cup run. Is there you expecting this team to look a little different in the fall? one memory that stands out about that run in particular?

We expect to do what we can to improve it. Willingness by (owner) Vinnie Well, the thing that sticks out the most is, “Where’s the puck?” You can (Viola) to do whatever he can and spend to the cap is something we’re look at everything, but that was the one that jumps out. When you think gonna look at and do the best we can to improve it. So we’ll see. about the highs and lows of every road, the Philly series was pretty amazing. Winning Game 5 at home, playing maybe our best game of the You’re probably going to have some games next season when there’s year. And another unbelievable game in Game 6. But I’ll tell you what, I not a single local reporter at the game. It’s obviously a different dynamic, didn’t want that overtime game to go too long. There were some things a different energy, a different level of fan engagement, down there. I happening in that game where it was like, OK, let’s get this one early. It know you said you believe it can get to that higher level, but what are you was a huge win. And Kaner, that’ll live in your mind forever, with the goal expecting it to be at the start? and the play and what happened after.

Well, we start out back-to-back with Tampa, so right away you got some You mean the two-week party after. Do you even have memories of that? intensity with Florida. That’s an emotional rivalry here. That’ll get you going. I just think we’ve got to win. We’ve got to be competitive. We’ve Two-week party? What two-week party? It was a whole summer party. got to be consistent. We’ve got to take pride in playing the right way. We That celebration was amazing, how it went and how much fun that want to make sure we’re pushing one another. Game in, game out, we summer was, and what a great group of guys we had. All those young want Florida to have an identity that they’re hard to play against and kids running together and the bond that they formed with one another — they’re competitive as heck and they work their tails off. That’s what we it was pretty unique. I’m happy for everybody. Ten years ago. Hey, they want to establish. They’ve been close to being exactly that on a game-to- go by fast, don’t they? Wow. Wow. Wow. Do they ever. game basis the last two years, but we want to make sure we just raise it up another notch and chip away at getting that playoff spot.

I notice you’re saying “they” instead of “we” a lot. You’ve been through The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019 this before; how long does it take for “they” to become “we?”

Being around these guys a while now, it’s “we” now. But it’s “they” when we’re talking about last year. Now it’s “we,” because we’re looking at adding and getting together. It’s going to be “us.” Certainly looking forward to it.

I know you don’t want to wade too deeply into this, but I think it’s fairly well known by now that there was always at least some tension between you and Stan. You had different visions at times, which can be healthy and constructive. But that 2017 offseason, after the Predators series, when (assistant coach Mike) Kitchen got fired, and Panarin and (Niklas) Hjalmarsson were traded — did you take those personally? 1148576 Colorado Avalanche

Avalanche development camp: Michael Davies plans on returning to DU, but …

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

PUBLISHED: June 27, 2019 at 1:49 pm | UPDATED: June 27, 2019 at 8:06 PM

Avalanche development camp invitee Michael Davies fully intends to return to the University of Denver for his senior season.

But that’s also what former teammate Logan O’Connor said a year ago.

O’Connor, who was scheduled to captain the Pioneers as a senior in 2018-19, impressed the Avs at the 2018 development camp and went on to sign a maximum entry-level contract with the NHL team as an undrafted free agent three weeks later. He played five games for the Avs and 64 for their American Hockey League affiliate, the Loveland-based .

O’Connor, 22, could become a regular for the Avs next season.

Davies also went undrafted and is testing himself against other NHL prospects this week. A native of Kirkwood, Mo., Davies participated in the St. Louis Blues’ development camp in each of the last two years.

“Every year, I’ve gone in trying to make an impact, maybe turn some heads a little bit,” Davies said from the Avs’ camp at Family Sports Center. “Obviously, I never got drafted. So this a great time to do it. They have all the staff here, all the coaches, so I’m just trying to perform well here, show them what you got. You saw what it did for Logan, so they take note, and I’m definitely trying to come in here and make an impact.”

Davies, 22, has made an impact for DU in each of his three years. As a freshman, he helped the Pioneers win the 2017 NCAA championship — playing a career-high 44 games. Davies is a highly skilled defenseman but significantly smaller than most.

At 5-foot-8 and 164 pounds, he’s among the smallest at the Avs’ camp. Fellow camp invitee Jack Ahcan, a defenseman from St. Cloud State, is 5-8, 185 pounds. Forward Tyler Weiss, the Avs’ 2018 fourth-round pick who played last season at Nebraska-Omaha, is 5-10, 158 pounds.

Davies appears to be holding his own with the bigger NHL prospects — most of whom are still teenagers.

“It will just give me stuff to take back to DU and work on during the season,” Davies said of his camp with the Avs. “It would have to be a pretty good opportunity for me to leave. I love it at DU and I’m excited about the team we have next year. I wouldn’t leave it unless it was really something I had to consider. I’m excited to go back.”

Footnote. Camp participants spent Thursday morning at Red Rocks in Morrison before the first of four groups practiced at Family Sports Center at 1 p.m. On Friday, there will be another four-group skate in the morning before the camp moves to Fort Collins for a 3-on-3 game at Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC), beginning at 6 p.m. All skates are free and open to the public.

Denver Post: LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148577 Colorado Avalanche Henry began his WHL career with the Regina Pats before he was traded to the Lethbridge Hurricanes and the move provided him with more perspective about the Avalanche’s scouts, especially Klippenstein.

How Western Canada suddenly became the Avs’ prospect pipeline “My dad came to a lot of games and he saw Wade at a lot of them and they had conversations,” Henry said. “Then when skating coaches come down or when development guys come down, Wade is always there to By Ryan S. Clark have a chat with them and always seems to be at the rink. The scouts are kind of rink rats, so they are always around somewhere if you don’t Jun 27, 2019 see them.”

Sasha Mutala, the Tri-City Americans left winger who went in the fifth CENTENNIAL — Practically anyone following the Colorado Avalanche round, said the Avalanche are among the most active staffs when it likely has run through the different scenarios of what this team could look comes to scouting the WHL. like in the coming years with the NHL Draft finished. “I think it was this year when I started talking to (Avalanche scouts) after It is the idea of placing alongside Cale Makar to create a games,” said Mutala, who grew up in Burnaby, B.C., a Vancouver puck-moving defensive pairing that is capable of becoming one of the suburb. “Then they kept in touch with me throughout the season and I most dynamic partnerships throughout the NHL someday. Or it is thinking just feel lucky to be drafted by them.” about how Alex Newhook and could potentially operate as a Hepple said the scouting calendar begins with the , a second-line tandem and provide a long-term solution beyond the first U-18 international tournament featuring some of the top draft-eligible line. talent from around the world. Canada, Finland, Russia and Sweden field Byram, Jost, Makar and Newhook are all expected to play a part in strong teams whereas most of the U.S. team is comprised of prep school adding to what is already viewed as one of the brightest futures and Junior A players instead of players from the National Team throughout the NHL. Development Program.

All of them played junior hockey in Western Canada and they are not the From there, the Avalanche’s scouts return to their respective areas once only ones. the season begins to monitor prospects in the Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Canada is where the Avalanche found four of their five most WHL. Then the Junior A along with the collegiate seasons begin. recent first-round picks. It is also the same place where nine of their last 29 draft picks — or 31 percent — have come from over the last four The WHL, for those scoring at home, extends as east as Winnipeg and years. Go ahead and name the circuit. The ? as far west as Victoria, B.C. on Vancouver Island. It goes as far north as The Alberta Junior Hockey League? The British Columbia Junior Hockey Edmonton and Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and the 22-team league League? Each of these leagues and the players who are in them have extends into Portland, Ore. come under watch for several years now. “Most of the guys stay in their area from six weeks to two months “That’s just the way it fell out,” Avalanche amateur scouting director Alan because the West is such a big place,” Hepple said. “It probably takes Hepple modestly stated. “The next year? It might be Ontario. Or the year Wade Klippenstein a little bit longer to flush out the top-end guys. That’s after? It might be Quebec. All my (scouts) cross over and we see why we have three guys there. Some of them we’ve already seen at the everybody. … It falls out that way but it is not planned that way.” Hlinka. After that two-month period or 10 weeks or whatever it is, then, we start crossing over. We will have them marked in our system whether Every NHL organization has a stable of amateur scouts who scour they are priority guys, first-round guys and then we start crossing over. leagues in certain territories. A Midwestern scout, for example, would spend their time assessing the talent playing at the college level, in high “We have a meeting in January, start talking about the guys, put our lists school or in Junior A leagues such as the United States Hockey League. together and then spend the second half of the season targeting the top- end guys and making sure we have enough coverage. But at the same Keep in mind the Western Canada territory consists of Alberta, British time? Those guys have to keep track of their own leagues.” Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Hepple said scouting is more than just going to games and taking notes. Hepple said the Avalanche have crossover among their scouts but there is personnel responsible for individual areas. Wade Klippenstein is the The Avalanche do background checks on every player so they have all full-time scout in Western Canada while Don Paarup and Lyle Wingert the information available both from an on-ice and off-ice perspective. But serve in a part-time role. that is only part of the equation. It is also relying upon the relationships their scouts have built over decades and using those ties to make the Klippenstein has experience as a head coach, assistant coach, assistant strongest decision possible. general manager, scout, director of scouting and director of player personnel for five WHL teams since 1997. He has also worked in the Similar to Klippenstein, the Avs also have Jerome Mesonero and Norm Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and was an assistant at the Robert. Mesonero has served as an assistant coach, scout and general University of Alaska Fairbanks. manager for three QMJHL teams. Robert was the long-time director of scouting for the before he also worked for two other Those ties are also how the Avs signed undrafted OHL clubs. forward Ty Lewis, whom the team believes could become a future asset as part of a concerted effort to mine for talent others may have previously “Norm Robert is an ex-cop. He’s a retired police officer,” Hepple said. “So overlooked. his background work sometimes is extensive. He takes it to a new level but it’s good. We do as many background checks as we can. Sometimes, Paarup has been with the organization since 1988 going back to when the coach can be a little biased and so we talk to outside people. We talk they were the Quebec Nordiques whereas Wingert is in his third season to team scouts, trainers, things like that. It’s whoever you know and with the Avalanche. Hepple said the 80-year-old Paarup, who is retiring whoever you trust to get those opinions.” this season, handles quite a bit of prospect work in Alberta while Wingert is active in pursuing talents in British Columbia. Hepple said the background checks are helpful once the NHL Combine arrives in June. He said there are moments when a story about a Hepple also said the Avalanche have a Minnesota-based scout who particular player may have been exaggerated over the course of the mainly scouts the U.S., but will also assist in evaluating talent in Western season. But those independent background checks and the private Canada. interviews at the combine allow players a chance to tell their side of the story. “There were a couple scouts that I have gotten to know in the last couple years who really liked me and believed in me,” said right winger Nick There is also another side to the background checks. Hepple said those Henry, the team’s fourth-round pick in 2017. “They pushed for me. That’s interviews provide the Avalanche insight into a prospect’s personal nice to hear.” situation such as if they have an ill family member or they lost a loved one during the season. “Some of the kids are good and will tell you,” Hepple said. “Other kids will beat around the bush and you kinda have to drag it out of them. I already know the answer. I just want them to tell me so I can go to (general manager ) and say, ‘Hey Joe, this is an issue.’ So when you get questioned, you know what it was and it’s been taken care of.”

All of these items are part of the overall plan that has helped the Avalanche build a foundation for how they draft players in places such as Western Canada.

Or anywhere else in the world, which is something Hepple reiterates. Five of the team’s draft picks last summer came from Europe. That number increased to six because Finnish-born Sampo Ranta came to the U.S. to play in the USHL.

“My first draft pick was Mikko Rantanen. That was my first one as head scout,” he said. “We were in Europe and the way it turned out was he basically fell to us. It was one of those you run to the stage to make sure it’s not a mistake sort of thing.”

But that’s not to say the Hepple and the Avalanche are disappointed in what they have unearthed in Western Canada to this point.

The Avs took Jost with the 10th pick in 2016. He spent a year at the University of North Dakota and is heading into his third full season that has the potential to be an important one for the 21-year-old. Makar was next. He went fourth in 2017 and made his NHL postseason debut after winning the Hobey Baker at the University of Massachusetts before scoring six points in 10 playoff games.

So what about Byram and Newhook? Injuries to Ian Cole and Erik Johnson could open the door for Byram to get a strong look by Avalanche coach and his staff during the preseason. Newhook, on the other hand, is going to spend at least one season at Boston College to develop under Jerry York, who was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Tuesday.

“It’s working out,” Hepple said with a smile. “It’s been great. From Tyson to Cale to Alex to Bo, it’s all been pretty special. But like I said, next year it could be in Ontario where there’s a couple top-end kids and there’s two good kids in Sweden too.”

The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148578 Colorado Avalanche – Sasha Mutala wasn’t on the ice for Day 1 but made it out there today and boy was he fun to watch at times. His shot really stands out and his skating is above-average. It’s enough to make you wonder why he Development Camp Day 2: Kaut, Werner, player analysis, and more dropped as far as he did in the draft. That’s why I always add the caveat that these are glorified skills competitions and not hockey situations. They can allow for a guy like Mutala’s impressive natural ability to shine through. BY AJ HAEFELE – Ever since his first development camp, I’ve been a fan of Nate JUNE 27, 2019 Clurman. Despite a slower-than-expected development path, he just finished up a promising freshman season at Notre Dame. He still has serious development to get on track for an ELC someday but count me Martin Kaut sure looks like a man on a mission. as a fan of the kid’s skills. He’s an intriguing player.

Coming into his second development camp, Kaut has been totally – Haven’t talked much about him so far but Igor Shvyrev is a guy who is different than the player we saw at this time last year. There are several downright shifty. I love his agility on his skates and he’s just so crafty in factors for that, of course. This time last year, he had just been drafted everything he does. The skill is obvious but not overwhelming. He stood and was caught up in the whirlwind of the draft process, which frequently out in some defensive drills today. takes draftees off the ice for extended periods of time. – I thought Drew Helleson followed up an uneven first day with a whale of He also had the heart condition that caused him to leave the combine a performance today. When asked to play defense, he finds a way. He early and go back to the Czech Republic for surgery. It was corrected also takes to coaching very well. I’ve seen him make mistakes, get some and hasn’t been an issue since. While it didn’t affect his stock come draft direction from one of the coaches, and immediately nail whatever drill day when the Avalanche selected him 16th overall, it did play a role in his they’re working on. Ability to learn is obviously a huge part of summer conditioning efforts. development. He looks like an information sponge during coaching sessions. Without all of those distractions this year, Kaut was able to immediately hit the gym and get to work on bulking up and conditioning following the – If there’s a prospect I’m really keeping an eye on this next season in first-round loss by the Colorado Eagles. hopes of a major breakout, it’s Sampo Ranta. Just throwing it out there.

So far, so good. – In moments that made me laugh, Justun Annunen opened his warm- ups by practicing one-timers. It was a good bit of fun and he took about Kaut has been the most impressive player on the ice through two days as four clappers with that goalie stick before deciding to move on. You’ll see his combination of physical maturity and skill has separated him from a brief video of it below, but Alex Newhook and Brandon Saigeon were everyone else, even last week’s fourth overall pick, Bowen Byram. standing on pucks passing to each other until one of them fell off. It was Kaut’s rookie campaign in the AHL was solid but unspectacular. His 26 a good bit of silly fun to watch after practice had concluded. points (12g, 14a) in 63 regular season games certainly didn’t evoke

Images of Mikko Rantanen’s dominant 2015-16 season that saw him win the co-Rookie of the Year in the AHL. Kaut isn’t Rantanen and there BSN DENVER LOADED: 06.28.2019 should be no confusion there.

The number one thing we saw from Kaut during the season was his conditioning simply wasn’t where it needed to be yet. Given the tumultuous summer and length of the season, Kaut played nearly twice as much hockey as he played in his draft season.

After two days of development camp, it appears Kaut is prepared to make the Avalanche think long and hard about who they’re chasing in free agency and what his role in the organization is entering training camp.

Should Colorado chase multiple top-six forwards and not worry about their draft pick investments? Or are they keeping Kaut in mind and not overextending themselves in free agency because they know they have a recent first round pick as a safety net, albeit one who currently has zero NHL games played?

It’s a tricky game, this UFA business, but Martin Kaut is certainly giving Colorado something to think about.

Player thoughts

– Kaut has been a literal man among boys through two days. When he puts his shoulder down and drives to the net, it’s not difficult to envision his pathways to success in the NHL.

– Nick Henry might have been my top player of today beyond Kaut. His skating is strong but not excellent and his attitude is infectious. He’s a hard-working kid who carries an edge with him at all times. He’s going to be a very fun player to watch on the Eagles next season.

– Bowen Byram continued his excellent display of skills from day one as he handled the puck like a high-end forward. There were some drills where he did them with such ease it almost looked like he was bored. It was telling some of his fellow defensemen badly struggled in those drills.

– I don’t tend to comment on much because these are situations where they aren’t meant to thrive in drills and I can’t make heads or tails of goaltender drills. That said, I’ve watched a lot of practices and the coaches were extremely vocal in their support of Adam Werner and the work he was putting in. More on him below as he prepared for his first pro season in North America. 1148579 Columbus Blue Jackets

21-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets prospects have a long history together

Ellen Geyer

Jun 27, 2019 at 5:30 AM Jun 27, 2019 at 6:11 AM

From opponents to teammates and adversaries to friends, Blue Jackets prospects Andrew Peeke and Carson Meyer seem caught in a cycle, competing with and against each other multiple times over the years.

Across four leagues, the two 21-year-olds have grown through hockey together and separately, following nearly identical career paths, and including a meeting this week at Blue Jackets development camp at the Ice Haus.

The pair met in 2015, when Meyer, a forward, and Peeke, a defenseman, played for different teams in the United States Hockey League.

“When we played in the USHL, we played against each other a good amount,” Peeke said. “We ended up playing for Team USA at the (2015) World Junior Challenge. Then he ends up at Miami Ohio and I’m at Notre Dame. I didn’t play him there, but then, next thing you know, he got drafted here.”

Peeke came to the Blue Jackets as a second-round pick (34th overall) in the 2016 draft, and Meyer, an Olentangy Liberty graduate who also spent time with Ohio AAA Blue Jackets program, followed as a sixth-round pick (179th overall) in the 2017 draft.

Then, Notre Dame joined the Big Ten in 2017 and Meyer transferred to Ohio State in 2018 — and the cycle started all over again.

Meyer, a rising Buckeyes senior, and Peeke, who just finished his third and final season for the Irish, have met on almost every stage the hockey world has to offer. But despite their status as rivals during Big Ten competition, the two couldn’t help but become friends.

“We get along great, even when we play each other,” Meyer said. “You don’t really notice that stuff when you’re in a game. When I’m going to throw a hit, I’m not really paying attention to who I’m hitting, I just know it’s someone on the other team. Definitely, though, between whistles and after the game, we’ll talk to each other when we’re playing against each other.”

Despite their friendship, there has been no lost love on the ice the past two seasons.

“(Meyer) being on Ohio State, we had a big rivalry last year,” Peeke said. “It’s pretty fun because you go up to the faceoff draw and you talk a little bit, but then once the puck drops you kind of just — you don’t really care about him anymore. It’s a pretty cool dynamic.”

In the 2017-18 season, Notre Dame beat Ohio State 3-2 in an overtime thriller to win its first Big Ten title. Though Meyer wasn’t in scarlet and gray that season, he got a taste of the rivalry the following season. The teams played four times in the 2018-19 regular season, with Ohio State winning the series 3-1 and grabbing the regular-season conference title.

Regardless of their history as adversaries, Peeke and Meyer have gotten used to the idea of becoming teammates again, this time as Blue Jackets.

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148580 Columbus Blue Jackets “I know what they expect,” Berni said. “I can prove myself here and work to get better every day.”

Trey Fix-Wolansky comes a long way in one year for Columbus Blue Jackets Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 06.28.2019

By Ellen Geyer

The Columbus Dispatch

@GeyerEllen

Posted Jun 27, 2019 at 5:29 AM

In the year that has passed since Trey Fix-Wolansky was drafted by the Blue Jackets, the 20-year-old has quickly worked his way through the ranks.

After starting the 2018-19 season as captain of the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League, Fix-Wolansky was transferred to the Cleveland Monsters of the American Hockey League on March 15. This week, the forward is at Jackets development camp for the second straight year, hoping to prove himself worthy to play at the next level.

“Last year, I reached all of the goals I wanted to reach,” Fix-Wolansky said. “This year, I’m aiming even higher. I’m hoping to play professionally; that’s what I’m sure about doing. I’m going to put in the work to try to get there.”

He emphasized that there’s no easy path to the success he desires.

“Every day, you have to work as hard as you can to get to the best you can. Whether it’s in the gym or on the ice, you have to put forth your best effort and work on your skills,” Fix-Wolansky said. “Moving forward, whatever happens, I think putting my best effort forward is going to be huge for me.”

With the first of their three picks in the 2019 NHL draft, the Jackets selected defenseman Eric Hjorth who, at 18, was the youngest player chosen by the team this year.

The Swedish native, taken 104th overall in the fourth round, played in three regular-season games and six postseason games during the 2018- 19 season with his club, Linköping HC J20, after suffering a knee injury. Despite the brief playing time, he had five goals and four assists.

Now, he hopes to prove worthy of the faith the Jackets have placed in him.

“It’s a dream come true for me,” Hjorth said. “It feels good to be a Columbus Blue Jacket — it’s a great team and a great city. This franchise believes in me. They like who I am, and they like how I play.”

Standing tall

Topping out at 5 feet 8, 2018 draft pick Marcus Karlberg (third round, No. 80) is using this week to prove that his size does not define him.

“I try to find other ways to excel on the ice — I have to find other ways to excel on the ice,” Karlberg said. “I’m pretty fast. This season, I learned how to compete with the bigger guys in the .”

Despite having a slow start to the 2018-19 season, the forward emerged as a consistent piece of his team’s scheme, appearing in 44 games and recording four goals and seven assists. He also appeared in the International Junior League with Sweden’s under-19 team.

“I was drafted for a reason. I’m here this week to prove why,” Karlberg said.

Defensemen Tim Berni, the 159th pick of the 2018 draft, will use camp to show the strides he’s made since last June in the National League A of Switzerland.

“This week means a lot to me because it’s the only opportunity for me to really show how much I’ve improved,” Berni said. “I really enjoy being here, and I can learn a lot from the other guys.”

After being named one of the top three players on his team during the U- 20 world junior championships, the defensemen believes he has what it takes to make the jump to the NHL. 1148581 Columbus Blue Jackets “I do everything through Jarmo or Billy,” Nash said. “It’s not like I’m calling the shots or figuring out who to get at this point, it’s them telling me who I need to give some information to and I move forward with that.

Blue Jackets great Rick Nash now charged with helping sway free agents “I don’t know everybody (who plays) in the league, especially some of the to Columbus young guys, but through a friend of a friend I usually have a connection. I value my friendships, too; I don’t want to abuse those. The goal is to win the Stanley Cup, but I’ll always be honest and upfront. I’m not going to By Aaron Portzline give anybody the go-around.”

Jun 27, 2019 Nash said he’s already made four or five pitches via phone calls, though he wouldn’t divulge names. If a player makes a visit to Columbus —

that’s a sign of intense interest — Nash said he’d likely be part of that, COLUMBUS, Ohio — In the early days of the Blue Jackets franchise, too. Doug MacLean was recognized by a hockey fan while going through an Players are usually at least 27 years old by the time they reach airport on a scouting trip. The middle-aged man recalled MacLean’s run unrestricted free agency, so they’ve likely played against the Blue to the Stanley Cup final with the Florida Panthers in 1996. Jackets in Nationwide Arena previously. When MacLean told the fan that he was president and general manager But a road trip doesn’t give a player a true feel for a city, it’s just airport to of the Columbus Blue Jackets, the fan responded with an unintended hotel to rink to airport and on to the next city. Nash learned that firsthand zinger: “Well, hang in there, Doug. You’ll get back to the NHL someday.” after he was traded by the Blue Jackets to the New York Rangers before The franchise has come a long way since then, but the fight for the 2012-13 season. respectability in Columbus has never been easy. “I thought was all Times Square,” he joked. “I thought In 2013, after two TV broadcasters in Canada wondered why prominent everybody lived in Times Square.” NHL free agents would even consider signing with the Blue Jackets, an The message he’ll attempt to impart on potential players will change incensed president of hockey operations John Davidson had the local depending on the player’s age, marital status, interests, etc. tourism authority — Experience Columbus! — send them each a box full of Columbus and central Ohio swag. Davidson phoned his friends a few “People think of Ohio and they think Midwest and it just doesn’t seem like days later to see if they’d checked the mail. … I don’t know if this is the right word, but it doesn’t seem like it’s a sexy place to be,” Nash said. “But then they move here and they’re like, ‘Wow! The Blue Jackets might need their honor defended again this summer. I didn’t think this existed.'” The three best unrestricted free agents on the market July 1 — Nash noted all of the former Blue Jackets who have put down roots in goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and forwards Artemi Panarin and Matt Columbus — Fredrik Modin, Andrew Cassels, Jody Shelley, Jean-Luc Duchene — are all Blue Jackets players who are expected to sign with Grand-Pierre, Jared Boll, Fedor Tyutin, etc. other clubs. When Nash requested to be traded by the Blue Jackets during the 2011- Panarin wants more glitz and glamour in his life. Bobrovsky never 12 season — he didn’t want to stick around for another rebuild, he said recovered from being criticized for his playoff struggles (before this — he always knew he would return to Columbus after his career. spring). Duchene, who raved about Columbus during his brief stint last spring, has long been rumored to have his gaze set upon the honky- Even playing with two Original Six teams, in two of America’s great cities, tonks in Nashville. didn’t change his mind.

Whatever the reasons, it’ll be seen in some camps as a black mark on “Living in New York, I’d say I was going to retire in Columbus,” Nash the franchise, proof that the NHL’s best players don’t fancy playing and said. “And they’d say, ‘Ohio? Why?’ And I tell them to just come and living in Columbus. check it out.

It might be too late to save Bobrovsky, Duchene and Panarin, but the “Spend a week. Let’s go golfing, go to the Short North, go to an Ohio Blue Jackets have brought back one of their own — former captain and State football game, a Blue Jackets game or a concert. Go to the Arena Mr. Everything Rick Nash — to help sell the Blue Jackets as a franchise District. Come to Easton with me. Go to a Clippers game or an outdoor and Columbus as a city. concert. There’s a new (Crew) soccer stadium going up now. The (Franklin Park) Conservatory. Give it a chance.” Nash was named a special assistant to GM Jarmo Kekalainen earlier this month, and his job description includes a first for the Blue Jackets There are several NHL clubs that list “player recruitment” as a duty for franchise: “player recruitment.” one of their front-office employees. Former defenseman Jiri Fischer, who retired in 2006, does the job for the Detroit Red Wings. “Rick is a great ambassador, not just for the Blue Jackets but for the city,” said Kekalainen, who first pitched the idea to Nash. “It’s one thing for me Most of his work, Fischer said, is talking with young players — those to tell guys that Columbus is a great city, and they’re like, ‘Yeah, yeah, turning pro from college or juniors, minor-league free agents or those whatever.’ coming from Europe to North America.

“When it’s a guy who got drafted first overall, came in here as an 18- For years, the Winged Wheel sold itself to the NHL elite players wanting year-old (in 2002), went through the whole process of becoming a family to win a Stanley Cup. But the Red Wings have been rebuilding for the man and putting his roots down here … that’s quite a bit different coming past several years, and haven’t been huge players in free agency. from him.” “The (young guys) want to know how quickly they can make it to the Nash was carrying a satchel over his right shoulder as he strolled NHL, they want to know what the organizational depth chart looks like,” through Nationwide Arena this week. It’s one of his first big weeks on the Fischer said. “And you have to be honest with them. You owe them that job, truth be told. much.

The Blue Jackets have begun contacting several free agents who would “Nash is right when he says you can’t B.S. (Pro) hockey is a pretty small help fill the holes created by the free-agency departures. Anders Lee of community, right? Maybe a couple of thousand people. If you don’t treat the New York Islanders, Mats Zuccarello of the Dallas Stars and Gustav people right, it gets around.” Nyquist of the San Jose Sharks are players who would help buttress the forward lines amid Panarin’s departure. Kekalainen has said Nash’s work in the front office is likely to evolve as he learns more aspects of management. He signed a one-year contract When Kekalainen or VP of hockey operations Bill Zito are talking to a and his status will be evaluated after the 2019-20 season. player, Nash has already been asked to step in and answer any question the player might have about living and playing in central Ohio. But just having one of the NHL’s most respected players on the organizational depth chart is a bonus, Kekalainen said, noting that other clubs have used their former standout players in a similar capacity. “Wayne Gretzky’s gonna call you if you get drafted by the Edmonton Oilers,” Kekalainen said. “It’s no secret to use the superstar players to spread the good word about your organization.”

But the best sales pitch ever for a city or a franchise is a chance to win, Kekalainen said. Or at least it should be. For many within the Blue Jackets, that’s what makes Panarin’s desire to leave so curious.

“For a top athlete, the most important part is to play with a good team, have a good role, a role that’s going to get you to the next stage,” Kekalainen said. “Those things should be more important than the geography or the waterfront, but that’s just me.

“I don’t play. I don’t disrespect anybody’s order of preference. That’s their life and they choose what they choose. They’re entitled to it.”

Nash said he hasn’t even tried to persuade Bobrovsky, Duchene or Panarin to stay in Columbus.

“I feel like their minds are already made up,” Nash said. “I haven’t had much to do with the players we have here already.”

But if a new player pulls the Blue Jackets sweater over his head next week — free agency opens Monday — Nash will likely have played a role in that player’s decision.

“It’s a huge time right now for us to try to get guys here,” Nash said. “Not just because of money, but because they want to be here and they enjoy the city.”

The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148582 Dallas Stars Sjolund said he hopes to make the jump to HockeyAllsvenskan next season to play against men, albeit not in the top league in Sweden (SHL).

Just how valuable is Stars prospect Riley Damiani? Look no further than his 'dead on' passing skills Dallas Morning News LOADED: 06.28.2019

By Matthew DeFranks , Sports Reporter Contact Matthew DeFrankson Twitter:@MDeFranks

FRISCO -- The Stars already have arguably the best playmaker from the OHL in Jason Robertson and potentially the best goal scorer in Tye Felhaber. Might they have one of the league’s best passers as well?

That’s how highly the organization thinks of prospect Riley Damiani, who was 10th in the OHL last year with 55 assists in 58 games for Kitchener.

“The biggest thing that I saw in his game was his passing,” Stars player development coordinator Rich Peverley said. “He’s, I think, one of the best passers in the league. Very crisp and accurate passes, dead on. He really took a big jump and you can see the growth.”

Damiani finished the season with 85 points, more than his previous two seasons in Kitchener combined. He centered the top line in Kitchener, was vital on the power play and killed penalties.

Originally a fifth-round pick last year, Damiani had 31 power-play assists last year, only five shy of Robertson’s league-leading 36. His Rangers led the OHL by scoring on 29% of their power plays.

“With our power play clicking the way it did in junior last year, we were around 30%, obviously the point total is going to climb a little bit,” Damiani said. “I thought I did a lot of things off the ice that carried onto the ice.”

Damiani said he adjusted his diet to cut out dairy and fast food, although he said he still needed to add weight to his 5-foot-9, 165-pound frame.

“He’s always got his nose over the puck,” Peverley said. “He’s not afraid to go to the dirty areas. He’s blocking shots. He’s a guy that you can fit on any team and play a valuable role. He’s a hard-nosed player.”

Dellandrea’s chance? Ty Dellandrea could be in line for some NHL ice time this season if the Stars choose to give him a nine-game tryout in the fall. Dellandrea, the No. 13 pick in 2018, can play up to nine NHL games without burning a year of his entry-level contract.

Dellandrea captained Flint in the OHL last season, posting 63 points in 60 games before joining AHL affiliate Texas at the end of the year. He played in 11 games, with two goals and one assist.

“For him, you’ve got to come in prepared to try to make the team,” Peverley said. “You’ve got to believe in yourself. I think that’s the biggest thing from an 18-year-old, 19-year-old if they’re coming, trying to play in the NHL. It’s different when you’re Miro [Heiskanen], but if you’re a guy on the bubble, you’ve got to believe in yourself and I think confidence is a big thing.

“He has the ability, there’s just going to be little things he has to learn. You’re talking about high-end, first-round talent, they have the ability. It’s probably the little things that are going to separate him.”

Another dual citizen: Stars first-round pick Thomas Harley (born in Syracuse to Canadian parents) isn’t the only dual citizen the team drafted last week.

Fourth-round pick Samuel Sjolund was born and raised in Sweden, but also is an American citizen since his mother was born in Seattle to an Air Force family. Sjolund spoke English growing up, attended an English- speaking school and made frequent transatlantic trips to visit the United States.

Sjolund, selected with pick No. 111, is a relative unknown compared to players in North America. Video clips and scouting reports on him were scarce, and he put up 15 points in 31 games for AIK in Sweden’s junior league.

“I like to have the puck on my stick,” Sjolund said. “I like skating up the ice with the puck. Mostly playing offense, shooting or finding open teammates, more of an offensive guy. But I think I can be reliable defensively.” 1148583 Dallas Stars

Stars sign defenseman Taylor Fedun to two-year, two-way contract, bringing back depth on the blue line

By Matthew DeFranks , Sports Reporter Contact Matthew DeFrankson Twitter:@MDeFranks

The Stars are bringing back depth on the blue line.

Defenseman Taylor Fedun signed a two-year, two-way contract extension Thursday afternoon, months after he finished a surprising first season in Dallas and days before he would have hit unrestricted free agency Monday.

In 2019-20, Fedun will be paid $700,000 in the NHL and $350,000 in the AHL with $375,000 guaranteed. In 2020-21, Fedun will be paid $775,000 in the NHL and $375,000 in the AHL with $400,000 guaranteed. His contract carries a $737,500 cap hit.

The Stars acquired Fedun in November from Buffalo to add depth with AHL affiliate Texas while Dallas endured a rash of injuries to defensemen. Instead, Fedun played a vital role on the Stars' third defensive pairing while he set or tied career highs in games (54), goals (four), assists (seven), points (11) and minutes (748).

The Stars were responsible for 52.1% of shot attempts, 55.3% of shots on goal, 55.8% of scoring chances and 56.6% of expected goals when Fedun was on the ice, all the most for any Dallas defenseman with at least 20 games played.

Fedun figures to slot into a bottom pairing or seventh defenseman role in the NHL, or could be a nice right-handed complement to left-handers like Gavin Bayreuther or Ben Gleason in the AHL. While the Stars could still add a top-four defenseman in free agency or via trade, the right side of their defense has become a little bit clearer recently.

The team signed Roman Polak to a $1.75 million deal for next season. Stephen Johns began practicing with Stars prospects during development camp this week. And now Fedun offers nice depth on the right side.

Fedun was originally signed out of Princeton as an undrafted free agent by Edmonton in 2011, and bounced from the NHL to the AHL in four organizations. He was a healthy scratch in AHL Rochester before the Stars gave Buffalo a 2020 seventh-round pick for him.

Fedun, 31, was nominated for the Masterton Trophy by the Dallas chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association.

Dallas Morning News LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148584 Dallas Stars

'He's the right leader for us': Stars executive Grady Raskin named president of Dallas XFL franchise

By Jon Machota , Staff Writer Contact Jon Machotaon Twitter:@jonmachota

In a sports industry where most move around the country seeking opportunities to advance, Grady Raskin used to be embarrassed that he only worked in Dallas, the place he was born and raised.

But his local experience proved to be beneficial when the XFL began its search for team presidents in February.

Raskin was officially named president of Dallas' XFL franchise on Thursday.

"One of the things that excites me the most is putting together a front office, albeit lean and mean, but putting together a group of people that see the vision and see the opportunity to be one of a very few people that get to start a league from scratch," Raskin said. "I think back to the people who started up the NBA and all the other leagues, and what an opportunity they had. And they probably didn't know what they were getting themselves into."

Raskin, 45, is a Greenhill School alum and graduate of George Washington University. The sports marketing major started his career with the Rangers in 1996. He bounced around the Rangers and Stars until 2012. He has spent the last seven years solely with the Stars. His most recent title was vice president of corporate partnerships.

While enjoying the Stars' recent playoff success and hope for the future, a recruiter reached out with the XFL opportunity.

"It wasn't until then that I really thought that this may be my opportunity to really have some accelerated and amazing professional growth and be able to stay in the city that really defines who I am," Raskin said. "I've worked for and hockey teams but my passion has always been football."

The Dallas franchise named former Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops as head coach and general manager in February. The franchise is expected to reveal a team name in the near future. The draft is scheduled for early September. The season will begin next February with the Dallas franchise playing its home games at Globe Life Park in Arlington.

Some of Raskin's responsibilities will include business operations, fan engagement, venue relationship, corporate marketing and community relations.

Jeffrey Pollack, XFL president and chief operating officer, was tasked with finding presidents for all eight franchises. His search focused on ascending fresh faces in the industry who knew the local sports and business communities.

"He's relevant to the market," Pollack said of Raskin. "He knows the Dallas, Metroplex sports scene inside out. He's a lifer. He was a perfect choice for this job. We met in person, had dinner and it was just clear to me that he's a winner and he's the right leader for us in Dallas."

Dallas Morning News LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148585 Dallas Stars when Thomas was old enough, around the age of seven, things amplified. Brian became the head coach of Thomas’ team and Stuart’s team. His days would start at 6 a.m. for work and end at 10 p.m. on the Soft-spoken Stars first-round pick Thomas Harley has potential to make ice. plenty of noise “That was sort of my life for a decade,” Brian said.

Brian’s coaching played a significant role in Thomas’ hockey career, By Saad Yousuf particularly a situation that was born of circumstance. His team didn’t have enough bodies at defensemen so Thomas, who started off playing Jun 27, 2019 forward, was converted to defenseman by his coach/father.

“I understood that hockey is a five-man skating sport,” Brian said. “The defensemen have to be able to activate and play offense, so we always Tuesday afternoon was getting a little chaotic. The first day of Stars made sure when I taught my defensemen and trained the defensemen Development Camp was in the books, and 13 of the 37 players were to on our team, they always were encouraged to participate on the offensive be available to the media that day, with the rest scheduled for later in the end. Their job was just to stand back there and fire the puck up to the week. Back in the locker room at Comerica Center, Stars public relations forwards. It was appropriate for them to create offense, that was taught to officials tended to a scattered bunch of media members as players filed them, and that’s why Tommy was able to sort of develop that.” in and out. Thomas also had some natural talent for handling the puck, so it came A teenager stood quietly near the doors. After a few minutes, one of the easy for him. He was also very focused and competitive and didn’t PR staff members noticed and told him to head towards the back of the appreciate it when he wasn’t good at something: He wasn’t quite the locker room in front of his stall and await the media scrum. piano player that his siblings were, so he didn’t enjoy the instrument. But “Cool,” said Thomas Harley, the 17-year-old drafted in the first-round by athletically, Thomas stood out. He played soccer and in addition the Stars just four days ago. to hockey, and the positive results made him work even harder to reach another level. He walked to the back, not really attracting any attention but certainly standing out with his 6-foot-3 frame. While the media finished interviews When Thomas was 10, 11 and 12 years old, there were a lot of tears; he with other players, I followed him to the back, introduced myself and was very emotional when things didn’t go well. As he turned 13 and 14 asked him about his introverted personality, one head coach Jim years old, he started to channel that emotion into extra focus on the task Montgomery pointed out less than an hour before. at hand. The emotional outbursts disappeared

“Not to quote Shrek, but I’m like an onion,” Harley said with a soft laugh. His timing was good, because he was off to Ontario at 15 years old to “You got to peel me back a little bit every time. When I first got to begin seriously pursuing his NHL dream. Mississauga, I was quiet and didn’t say much. I just came out on the ice Harley’s poise and confidence were the first things that stood out to and do my business [and] head home. Michael Ciccolini, head coach of the Vaughan Kings in 2016-17, Harley’s “The past two years, I’ve definitely opened up, started cracking jokes with first year in the Greater Toronto Minor Midget Hockey League. guys and started letting loose.” Harley’s talent was evident, as he tallied 24 points, five goals and 19 Thomas Harley was born August 19, 2001 in Syracuse, New York to assists in 33 games. But with Harley being away from home for the first Brian and Stephanie Harley. Hockey is just as much of a language in his time, Ciccolini became family of sorts to Thomas. It only helped that household as English. Michael’s son, Eric, who was drafted last weekend to the New York Rangers, was also on the team. He and Harley became friends and Brian, an orthopedic surgeon, attended the University of Alberta, which Harley would often be over at the house for dinners, enjoying Italian food boasts one of the most successful hockey programs in Canada. He — especially pasta and meatballs. played alongside former Stars defenseman and current broadcaster Brent Severyn. He finished his undergraduate degree there in 1993, Every Thursday, Michael would bring Harley, Eric and Nicholas Porco—a medical school in 1995 and residency in 2000. The oldest sibling, 22- fifth-round pick in this weekend’s draft, coincidentally by the Stars—and year-old, Stuart, left home at the age of 18 to play junior hockey. His 20- the three would have fierce battles for an hour each week. year-old sister, Emilie, left the nest at 15. Eventually, so did Thomas It was then when Michael began to learn about Harley’s layers. At first, himself. he, too, was under the impression that Harley was a mature, if quiet kid “If you make them grow up, they tend to grow up,” Brian told The Athletic. early on. He soon saw a different relationship as that relationship “It’s what we kind of learned. When the first ones went away, we were developed. like, ‘Oh my goodness, are they going to be able to do it?’ and this and “Yeah, he’s a little introverted but he’s got a great, dry sense of humor,” that, but it’s like, yeah, 15 or 16 [years old], I guess. If you’re put in those Michael said. “He’s a funny guy with a great sense of humor but when situations and you got to figure things out, you figure things out, you he’s got to get to business, he does what he has to do. He seldom gets make a few mistakes and that’s a part of life. As long as you don’t do rattled and doesn’t panic when he has the puck.” anything crazy, you learn from it, you become more mature and you become more responsible. After one season in the GTMMHL, Harley jumped to the Mississauga Steelheads of the OHL. The level of play was elevated from anything Stuart is playing Division-III hockey while preparing for his post-playing Harley had seen yet, and he initially butted heads with head coach days at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, while Emilie is playing James Richmond. Up until that point in his playing career, Harley was Division-I hockey at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh and may soon clearly one of the most talented players whenever he stepped on the ice follow her father’s footsteps into medical school. Thomas also has a and the game came easy to him. Richmond wasn’t interested in Harley’s younger brother, 15-year-old Gregory. points or incoming abilities. He scouted Harley, drafted him and he Thomas’ arrival isn’t the first time a member of the Harley family has wanted to mold the defenseman into an NHL player. been in Dallas. Less than two weeks after Thomas was born, Brian came “I knew exactly what we were getting,” Richmond said. “I thought that to Dallas for three months to do some training at the Texas Scottish Rite there was something there that we could make into a top NHL pick. It Hospital in pediatric and congenital hand surgery. Stephanie took care of was just whether or not the player wanted the same as I wanted, and the kids by herself, which she had grown accustomed to because Brian there’s no question that’s what he wants. He wants to be an NHL player.” was doing his residency when the first two children were born, so he answered to a very tight schedule. The things Richmond saw that prompted him to draft Harley in the first round were smooth skating, his very controlled hockey sense and his Soon afterward, Brian finished up his education and settled into his job in efficiency. Syracuse. His children were growing up and the passion for hockey was growing but there was a lack of quality coaching in the area. Brian had “I’m not going to compare him to Nicklas Lidström because Lidström and been a volunteer coach in Edmonton during his high school and college Bobby Orr are probably the two top defensemen, in my opinion,” days for volunteer hours, so he took on some coaching duties in addition Richmond said. “But Nick Lidström was always very, very efficient. He to his day job. He started coaching as Stuart and Emilie grew up and was always in the right spot, he always made good hockey plays, he didn’t have to be overly physical and put guys through the boards, but he always got the puck away from the other team and his team always had the puck when he was on the ice. That’s what I saw in Thomas.”

Harley is admittedly stubborn, and he spent about a month and a half testing Richmond’s limits to see what he could get away with. Once he realized that Richmond wasn’t going to budge, Harley bought in wholeheartedly. He spent his first season working through the kinks, scoring one goal and notching 14 assists for 15 points in 62 games. Those stats took a monstrous leap this past season, when he totaled 58 points – 11 goals and 47 assists – in 68 games.

“He was really in control of our defense back there,” Richmond said. “He helped out the younger guys — well, guys that are only one year younger than him. He was just a really steady influence because he didn’t get rattled and he knows the coaches have a great deal of confidence in him. We lean on him.”

Harley will continue to progress on the ice, but as he heads into his third OHL season with Mississauga, he’s bound for even more of a leadership role on the team. Though the 17-year-old is a man of few words, Richmond is confident in Harley’s leadership ability.

“His work ethic in the gym, his work ethic in the video room; he does more individual video sessions with the coaches than any other player on the team,” Richmond said. “Players see that. Players see him going in for extra video sessions, doing extra gym workouts and, obviously, his play on the ice is pretty good.

“He’s quiet and introverted and sometimes people take that the wrong way. Sometimes when athletes are quiet, some people think they’re conceited and he’s not. He really wants to learn every day, he’s just a quiet kid. He’s a wonderful, wonderful guy to work with.”

Richmond saw a special NHL talent in Harley a couple of years ago. Ciccolini said he saw a future NHL first-round pick when he watched Harley last season in Mississauga.

For Brian Harley, that realization came much later.

“About 7:05 p.m. Vancouver time, Friday night,” Brian said, of the moment his son’s first-round pedigree became clear. “I’ve learned in hockey through my career and my other kids’ careers that you never take anything for granted.”

Brian watched a few Stars games at the American Airlines Center when Thomas was only a few weeks old. At some point in the future, he could be making trips down to Dallas to watch his son play in that same arena. But much like his approach with the draft, Brian getting ahead of himself.

Thomas has been living in a whirlwind the past week. He’s been in three different time zones but is now locked into doing all he can in his first taste of the NHL at Development Camp.

“It’s been amazing to share this journey with my friends and family,” Thomas said. “It’s really cool and it’s not overwhelming to be where I am now.”

The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148586 Dallas Stars Thrashers in 2002, but he wasn’t ready, nor mature enough, to truly succeed in .

“Now, when I look at it, I knew that I needed more guidance, more help to Kari Lehtonen enjoys life in the slow lane in retirement push me to help become a better professional,” Lehtonen said. “I was just a kid who was extremely talented at being (a) goalie. Things were kind of too easy for me from 15 to 20 years old. Things came really easy, By Sean Shapiro and I think that made it harder when things got rough – I didn’t know what to do. Those were still kind of the olden days, ‘Goalie, go figure it out.’ Of Jun 27, 2019 course, I tried to do the best to my knowledge, but I just did not have the knowledge to do the right things to prepare right, to practice right.”

Kari Lehtonen is back on the ice in Frisco. Lehtonen puts some of the blame on himself. Coming from Finland, he was used to teams that played together year-round with players who But while he’s still wearing goalie skates – his signature older model that were constantly together. He was ill-equipped for the long offseasons of Stars equipment managers used to have to track down on eBay – he’s the NHL, and the lack of structure that came with them. traded his pads and mask for a tracksuit and black baseball cap. “You sign here and you have nothing until six months from now,” he said. About a month ago Lehtonen reached out to Stars goalie coach Jeff “I should’ve right away contacted the right people, had my own coaches Reese about helping out at with the prospects at the team’s development and my own psychologists and people like that that I had no clue about. I camp. He got his feet wet coaching over the past year, helping out with tried to go and do push-ups and run a little bit but there was no kind of his son’s youth teams, but five and six-year-old goalies don’t really right plan. Just a big change. (It) took me years to grow and understand appreciate the intricacies of the reverse-VH or how to read a shot what needs to be done.” through a screen. It didn’t help Lehtonen’s health. During his time with Atlanta, he had “I just wanted to know if I could come here and kind of test my feet in surgery for a herniated disc and dealt with numerous groin injuries. He goalie coaching,” Lehtonen said on Tuesday. “I can relate a lot better to was considered damaged goods when Dallas traded for him in 2009. these young goalies than the little six-year-old ones.” Then-Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk saw something in Lehtonen, and the team paired him with an on-ice support system he A year has passed since the window on Lehtonen’s career started to never enjoyed in Atlanta. For the first time, Lehtonen had guidance on close. how to live and train like an NHL player. He was a free agent at the end of the 2017-18 season and talked to a “That was one of the big moments in my career to be found,” Lehtonen handful of teams during the interview period, but none were ready to said. “And I stumbled on this great place.” present him with a contract. There were NHL teams that told Lehtonen they’d look to him as a potential contingency plan. If someone got injured The next four seasons were the best of Lehtonen’s career. Between or faltered in training camp, they might think about hiring him. 2010 and 2014 he posted a .918 save percentage, had a 114-80-28 record and was the team MVP on a franchise struggling to regain its Lehtonen also didn’t want to go to Europe. He’s lived in the United States footing in the Western Conference. since he was 20, his wife is from Atlanta and the thought of signing with a team in Finland’s Liiga or the KHL wasn’t enticing. It was NHL or bust, so It wouldn’t last: Lehtonen’s save percentage dipped to .905 during his Lehtonen worked out and prepared last summer as if that opportunity final four years, eventually giving way to Ben Bishop in 2017-2018. He would open. He took part in informal summer skates in Frisco with NHL still laments the timing of it all. He was at his best when his team couldn’t players like the Benn brothers, who live in Dallas during the offseason. match his level, and at his worst when they finally could. The phone never rang. His final NHL game came on April 7, 2018 against the Los Angeles “I was thinking if somebody has a bad start or injuries and stuff, (I’d) be Kings. It wasn’t the farewell he planned, but looking back, it couldn’t have able to sneak in and go to a team,” Lehtonen said. “But I eventually gone much better. He made 34 saves in a 4-2 victory, with his family in decided just, ‘This is it.’ I started spending more time at home with my attendance after Kari and his wife had taken the kids to Disneyland in family and kids. I still didn’t like want to announce anything like I’m Anaheim two days earlier. retiring because I didn’t want to close that door. I’ve seen other guys take a year off and then come back like Tim Thomas and a few other guys, so “Win your last game, that sometimes means winning Stanley Cup,” I didn’t want to kind of lock that door. But I decided I’m not going to play Lehtonen said with a chuckle. “But it was especially nice because my for a year and then see where I am.” whole family was there… seeing all of them during the warm-ups and after the game, it was just – it was cool. Cool feeling.” A year has passed. Now, the door is officially locked. So, what happened to Lehtonen? “I wanted to see if I get the itch to play again,” Lehtonen said, “but I haven’t felt like I want to suit up.” He found other passions. He bought a new house in Dallas and better connected with his kids, particularly his soon-to-be seven-year-old son Lehtonen doesn’t have any issue admitting he’s done playing, but still Mikko, whose hockey team he helps coach. shies away from using the word retirement. He also doesn’t have any plans for a grand retirement announcement or speech. Mostly, he said, “I’ve had more time to play with the cars.” Lehtonen has always been a fan of automobiles and purchased a Porsche with his first “I think this has mostly bothered my parents. At their (jobs) back in big NHL paycheck back in 2006. During his playing days, he was a Finland, they get questions like, ‘Is he going to play now somewhere?'” fixture in a comical video series called “Cars with Kari” for PM Standley Lehtonen said. “But I’m not that guy that’s going to go in front of the Motorcars. Lehtonen played the aloof Finn in those videos, which microphone and talk about his career.” couldn’t have been further from the truth when it came to his knowledge of what’s under the hood. For those in Dallas, it felt like Lehtonen had vanished. He was a fixture of the franchise for nine years, only to be gone without so much as a formal “I spend a lot of time in my garage,” he said. “That’s been kind of my announcement or major acknowledgement. He made a couple of baby, figuring out what kind of tools and things I need there and installing appearances at Stars games during the 2018-19 season as a fan, but no them,” Lehtonen said. one was able to properly answer the question, “What happened to Kari Lehtonen?” He’s also had more time to watch cars race around the track. Lehtonen has developed a deep motorsports fandom over the past year, estimating Lehtonen enjoyed one of the most decorated careers in the history of he’s taken the family to 10 different race weekends in various disciplines. Finnish goaltenders. He won 310 games – third-most in NHL history They’ve been to Austin for a Formula One race, made the trip to Forth amongst Finns – and had a career .912 save percentage and 2.71 goals Worth for each race at Texas Motor Speedway, and have driven to a against average. handful of other NASCAR events, most recently in Charlotte. He hopes to one day attend racing school himself so he can experience the thrill Still, to some, his career never aligned with expectations. He entered the firsthand. NHL with a ton of fanfare and was drafted second overall by the Atlanta Lehtonen said his favorite part about the NASCAR fandom is that it came from his son. Mikko was a NASCAR fan before his dad was. He knows every driver – Jimmie Johnson is his favorite – and races die-cast cars around his room.

“It’s something that’s truly like his own thing, nobody has pushed him that way at all, he just found it,” Lehtonen said. “That’s neat.”

He’s not entirely sure what the future holds beyond that. He and Mikko are going to continue watching NASCAR and rooting for Jimmie Johnson. He’s looking forward to diving into the interests of his younger children as they develop. He’s going to keep working on his Porsche in the garage. Maybe the coaching bug takes hold after this week-long gig at Stars development camp.

Either way, Lehtonen is comfortable with life. It’s slower and faster at the same time, and that’s just fine by him.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148587 Detroit Red Wings

Why this Detroit Red Wings goalie prospect is so highly regarded

Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press

Published 3:11 p.m. ET June 27, 2019 | Updated 10:35 p.m. ET June 27, 2019

The Detroit Red Wings had a shot at two highly rated goaltending prospects at the 2019 NHL draft. That they passed on both speaks to the regard they have for a 2016 sixth-round pick.

This fall marks the start of Filip Larsson’s pro career, having left the University of Denver this past spring after one standout season that was all the more gratifying after a half-year recovery from a horrific groin injury. Larsson, 20, has impressed at every level over the past few years, earning him a slot as part of the tandem that will protect the net for the Grand Rapids Griffins.

“I’ve played good at every level the last three years,” Larsson said Thursday. “To get to that next step is going to be fun, and I’m ready to take that.”

Larsson debuted last November for the Pioneers and went on to post a .932 save percentage and 1.94 goals-against average in 22 games, capping his freshman season with an appearance in the Frozen Four after two straight in the West Regional.

The season prior, Larsson posted a .941 save percentage and 1.65 goals-against average in 30 games with Tri-City in the United States Hockey League. He spent 2016-17 with Djurgarden, posting a .925 save percentage 2.24 goals-against average in 31 games playing for their top Swedish junior league team.

Both Larsson and the Wings decided in early spring that he was ready for the next challenge. The Wings are set with veterans Jimmy Howard and Jonathan Bernier under contract, but the Griffins have openings and that’s Larsson’s destination.

"I know it’s a good opportunity,” Larsson said. “There are still two great guys up there but they’re getting older. But I’m not looking at NHL next year — for me, I want to make that AHL team and I want to get as many games as possible to develop and in a future years maybe get that (NHL) opportunity.”

The Wings had the 35th overall pick and could have drafted any of two highly rated goaltenders, Pyotr Kochetkov and Mads Sogaard, who went, respectively, 36th and 37th (the Wings opted for another right-shot defenseman, Antti Tuomisto). They’re likely to add a goaltender for Grand Rapids via free agency.

The Wings drafted Larsson, who turns 21 in August, in the sixth round, 167th overall, three years ago. His numbers (3.86 goals-against average and .872 save percentage in 19 games for Djurgarden junior team) were unimpressive, but he’d struggled with injuries. Last summer, he missed development camp because he was still recovering from an injury suffered in February 2018. (His groin moved 11 millimeters off the pubic bone.) He had surgery last September.

Larsson plans to go back to Sweden after development camp wraps Saturday, and then return in a month to train. One of his goals is to prepare for facing better shooters. There hasn’t been a lot of that this week.

“It’s not a lot of goalie practicing here,” Larsson aid. “It’s mostly just being out there with the other guys. It’s two hours for us goalies. It’s tough. It’s just grinding.”

Asked if anyone’s shot stands out, Larsson smiled. “I haven’t noticed. It’s hard to watch the other guys. I just try to stop the pucks.”

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148588 Detroit Red Wings “Fil had called her and asked if we could room together,” Phillips said. Even though he’s nursing an injury that’s keeping him off ice, Zadina is impacting Phillips’ development.

Ethan Phillips has special connection to a Detroit Red Wings legend “You watch the way the way he takes care of himself, he’s got the hamstring tightness and every night he’s rubbing cream on it and he’s doing everything he can to make it better,” Phillips said. “You just kind of Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press pick up on things like that, that it really is a job and he’s doing what he can to get back.” Published 6:01 a.m. ET June 27, 2019 | Updated 3:41 p.m. ET June 27, 2019

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 06.28.2019 Ethan Phillips’ past and present bode well for his future with the Detroit Red Wings.

The Wings gambled on Phillips with their fourth-round pick at the 2019 draft, seeing potential in the undersized forward because of his speed and creativity. Phillips has the well-wishes of Gordie Howe — he developed under a program directed by Howe’s grandson — and he’s rooming with one of the Wings’ top prospects during this week’s development camp.

Defenseman Moritz Seider highlights this year’s Wings draft class, but don't overlook Phillips. He has great hockey sense and good skills, catching the eyes of Wings amateur scouts over the past couple seasons.

A young Ethan Phillips poses between his father, Ash (right) and Gordie Howe.

Phillips spent most of last season playing for Sioux Falls in the United States Hockey League, putting up 16 goals and 27 assists in 50 games. He made the jump after three-plus seasons developing at South Kent Selects Academy in Connecticut. The SKSA hockey program is directed by Legacy Global Sports’ Travis Howe, the grandson of Gordie Howe and son of Mark Howe, and Joe Templin.

Phillips met Gordie Howe while there; commemorated with a picture and a stick Howe signed, "Best of luck … p.s. See you in the NHL."

If that happens, it remains a long ways off. But this week is a pretty cool experience, and Phillips has earned the right to cherish it.

"It didn’t really kick in until Monday night," Phillips said Wednesday, after skills drills at Little Caesars Arena. "We had a dinner and (GM) Steve Yzerman was talking and he said, ‘you guys are the future of this organization,’ then it kind of kicked in, that I’m so close to my dream. There’s still a lot of hard work left but it’s pretty exciting, really cool.”

Phillips produced 31 goals and 33 assists in 45 games in 2017-18 with the U16 Selects team. He entered the program in 2016.

“The whole development program they had there seemed to be the best spot for me,” Phillips said. “Playing against my own age group at the time made sense because I was very undersized. Having the skills coaches there, and the ice and gym is always there for you, was really big.

“I left because I went up to Sioux Falls in October and things went really well, I played four games and started talking with the coaches at Selects Academy and Sioux Falls to see if maybe it was the right move for me to jump to the USHL, especially with it being my draft year. I got a lot of support from the coaches at Selects - they want to move guys on, so they are happy to see that, that I have the opportunity.”

Ethan Phillips reacts after being selected 97th overall by the Red Wings during the NHL draft June 22 in Vancouver.

Phillips’ next move is to Boston University (also home to Wings prospects Kasper Kotkansalo and newcomer Robert Mastrosimone), where he’ll work on balancing hockey and an education. It’s an ideal path for a guy who at 5-foot-9 weighs just 145 pounds.

“It’s definitely not as much of a demanding schedule as some of the junior leagues where you’re playing 70, 80 games a year,” Phillips said. “You’re playing 40, 45 games a year in college and you’re not playing throughout the week. You get to take advantage of that time in the rink, in the gym; your body gets to recover more. That’s a big thing for me.”

In addition to learning about nutrition and working out this week, it’s a chance to catch up with Zadina, who billeted with Phillips’ family in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It has been about a year since the two friends last met, and so minutes after the Wings drafted Phillips, Zadina was on the phone to executive assistant Kim Brodie. 1148589 Detroit Red Wings “Fil called Kim (Brodie, the Wings’ executive assistant) and asked if we could room together,” Philllips said.

Zadina has been nursing a hamstring strain this week but was on the ice Smallish Otto Kivenmaki makes big strides in dream to make Red Wings Thursday.

“You watch the way he takes care of himself – he’s got the hamstring Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News tightness and he’s doing everything he can to make it better,” Philllips said. “You just kind of pick up on things like that. It really is a job and he’s Published 4:50 p.m. ET June 27, 2019 doing what he can to get back.”

Deliberate path

Detroit – He’s small, very small by hockey standards, but Otto Kivenmaki Filip Larsson is being talked about as the potential goaltender of the is doing everything he can to keep his NHL dream alive. future on the Red Wings but he isn’t paying attention to the chatter.

He’s bulked up, for one thing. The 5-foot-8 Kivenmaki was at about 140 “People have told me that but I haven’t really thought about Detroit,” pounds when the Red Wings drafted him in the seventh round last year, Larsson said. “I’m looking at the next step, and it’s not the NHL. Right but now he's up to 154. now it’s making the AHL team (Grand Rapids) and developing.”

Kivenmaki is also noticeably stronger, maybe a bit thicker. He doesn’t Larsson, 20, turned pro after an outstanding season of college hockey in look like an eighth-grader, as he did last year. Denver. Larsson was 13-6-3 with a 1.95 goals-against average and .932 save percentage. When Kivenmaki was drafted last year, there was talk about his intriguing skill, and the fact he doesn’t back down. “I played good at every level the last three years,” Larsson said. “To get that next step is just going to be fun. I’m ready to take that.” He’s still a long shot, but Kivenmaki is doing everything he can to keep his dream alive.

“They said I’m getting better every day,” said Kivenmaki, of the feedback Detroit News LOADED: 06.28.2019 he’s getting from the Wings. “They saw me get bigger and stronger.”

Playing for Assat in the Finnish league, Kivenmaki had 16 points in 34 men’s league games and 35 points in 23 junior games.

In junior, Kivenmaki put together a streak of 11 points in 11 games and played some of the best hockey of his junior career.

“It just clicked, I guess,” Kivenmaki said.

Kivenmaki realizes if he has any dream of reaching the NHL, gaining strength will be necessary.

There is definitely room in the NHL, plenty of it, for a small player these days. Players such as Johnny Gaudreau, Patrick Kane and Mathew Barzal, among others, have demolished myths about smallish players not being to compete in the NHL.

But a smaller player needs to have a strong lower body, can’t be knocked off the puck, and needs to be physically strong.

“I got bigger and stronger, so that’s good,” Kivenmaki said. “I noticed this summer, being in the corners, I wouldn’t fall so easily. That helps a lot. I have to get bigger. I still don’t weigh much compared to the other guys. There’s still improvement.”

So what does Kivenmaki have to do to combat his lack of size?

“I just have to be smarter and quicker,” Kivenmaki said. “You have to know what you want to do before you get the puck. You can’t stand around. You have to move around and outsmart them.”

Shawn Horcoff, the Red Wings’ director of player development, likes the progress Kivenmaki has shown.

Horcoff and the Wings’ staff is intrigued with his skill level.

But it’s up to Kivenmaki to keep going on that path of progress physically.

“He definitely has natural smarts,” Horcoff said. “Is he going to be strong enough? Can he develop a stronger core of his lower body to protect the puck in traffic? He’s come a long way since last year. He really finished the season well.

“If you want to win you have to get into those hard areas, but the only way to do that is to be strong enough to take the pounding against the big guys in the league. It’s up to him to put the work in.

“He’s definitely a project and will take some time.”

They’re roomies

Ethan Philllips, a fourth-round pick last weekend, is meeting up with old friend this week at the development camp.

Phillip’s family hosted Zadina in junior hockey in Halifax, and the two became good friends. 1148590 Detroit Red Wings Seats and other memorabilia from the stadium were auctioned to the public last year. The city received nearly a half-million dollars from the sale of the seats and other personal property.

Howe, Yzerman-themed cranes helping with Joe Louis Arena's demo

Detroit News LOADED: 06.28.2019 Charles E. Ramirez, The Detroit News

Published 3:33 p.m. ET June 27, 2019 | Updated 3:52 p.m. ET June 27, 2019

Detroit — The names Howe and Yzerman are back at the Joe, at least for a little while.

A couple of cranes that have been painted in honor of the Detroit Red Wings greats are at the storied stadium to help with its demolition.

Both of the heavy hoisting machines have back ends painted red to look like Red Wings hockey jerseys. One has the name "Howe" and the number 9 in white on it; the other has "Yzerman" and the number 19.

Howe, of course, refers to the legendary Gordie Howe. Howe died in June 2016 at the age of 88. He won four Stanley Cups, six scoring titles and six MVP awards.

And Yzerman is for Steve Yzerman, who served two decades as Red Wings captain and No. 19, leading the team to three Stanley Cups. In April, he was named an executive vice president and general manager.

"It's a tribute to those two gentlemen," said Nick Straub, general manager of Homrich, the company hired to take down the metal panels from the arena's exterior. Based in Carleton, Homrich is demolition, remediation, and environmental contractor.

The company started the job about a week ago, according to city officials.

"It was put together by J.J. Curran," Straub said. "We're renting the cranes from them. It was done prior to us getting on the project, but it was done just for the work at the Joe."

Based in Detroit, the J.J. Curran Crane Company has been renting crane equipment since 1950.

Company officials couldn't be immediately reached for comment Thursday.City officials said the removal of the panels at the Joe Louis Arena could take a couple of months. Once they're down, demolition of the remaining structure will begin, which may be at the end of July or the beginning of August, they said. Detroit-based Adamo Group was hired for the project.

The city owns the arena, which opened in 1979 and was home to the Detroit Red Wings as well as a familiar concert venue. It closed in the summer of 2017 before the Wings moved to Little Caesars Arena on Woodward.

It was named after legendary boxer and Detroit native Joe Louis. Dubbed the Brown Bomber, Louis was known for his knockout prowess and black heritage in a time of racial segregation. Louis was the world heavyweight champion from 1937 to 1949.

The Red Wings moved to the brand new Little Caesars Arena in September 2017.

The Joe site is expected to be cleared by the end of the year or early 2020, according to officials. Demolition will cost the city about $10 million.

In December, the Michigan Economic Development Corp.’s Michigan Strategic Fund board approved a $10 million loan for demolition. The board also approved the Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority’s request for a plan to capture local and school taxes to repay the loan.

Under an agreement struck during Detroit's Chapter 9 bankruptcy, the arena and its adjacent parking garage were given to bond insurer Financial Guaranty Insurance Co. The New York firm was a major creditor that lost $1.1 billion in the bankruptcy.

As part of the deal, Detroit is required to facilitate the arena's razing.

The company seeks to recoup its money by developing the site after the arena is demolished. It plans call for the parking garage to remain standing. 1148591 Detroit Red Wings Wingers Filip Zadina and Taro Hirose took part in some on-ice drills Thursday, after staying off the ice earlier in the week (each is dealing with a strained hamstring).

Red Wings ‘goalie of the future’ Filip Larsson prepares for Grand Rapids Zadina is not expected to participate in Friday’s three-on-three tournament at Little Caesars Arena (6:30 p.m.).

Updated Jun 27, 3:10 PM; Posted Jun 27, 3:03 PM

By Ansar Khan | [email protected] Michigan Live LOADED: 06.28.2019

DETROIT – Filip Larsson has excelled during two seasons in North America, firmly establishing himself as the Detroit Red Wings goaltender of the future.

But he’s not getting ahead of himself.

“People have told me that, but I haven’t really thought about Detroit really,” Larsson said. “I’m looking at the next step, it’s not the NHL. Right now, it’s making that AHL team and playing games and developing.”

Larsson, 20, is preparing for his first pro season with Grand Rapids. If it’s anything like his final two seasons as an amateur, the Griffins and Red Wings fans will be delighted.

Larsson went 13-6-3, with a 1.95 goals-against average and .932 save percentage in his lone season at the University of Denver, helping the Pioneers reach the NCAA Frozen Four, where they lost 4-3 in overtime to UMass in the semifinals.

The previous season, Larsson was named USHL goaltender of the year by the league’s general managers, going 18-10-0, with a 1.65 GAA, .941 save percentage and seven shutouts for Tri-City, in what was described as one of the best seasons by a goalie in USHL history.

Could Larsson reach Detroit in 2020-21? Starter Jimmy Howard, 35, signed a one-year contract in March and his performance will dictate whether he is extended for another season. Backup Jonathan Bernier, 30, has two years remaining on his deal.

Larsson realizes a large portion of the fan base hopes he is on the fast track to the NHL.

“Yeah, I get some stuff on social media, but I’m not that updated there,” Larsson said. “Sometimes I get a message or something. I know about it. It’s fun to see. For me, I want to play games at the next level.”

By next level, he was referring to the AHL, and he isn’t even taking for granted that he has a job with the Griffins, saying he’s going to “try to get that spot.”

He will, and the only question is how many games he will play. The Red Wings have only one other goalie under contract, prospect Kaden Fulcher, who played for the ECHL Toledo Walleye last season. The Griffins on Thursday signed Pat Nagle to a one-year contract after he helped Toledo reach the Kelly Cup Finals.

The Red Wings made restricted free agent Patrik Rybar a qualifying offer in hopes of retaining him. Veteran Hari Sateri, the Griffins’ primary goalie in 2018-19, signed with a KHL club.

“I know it’s a good opportunity,” Larsson said. “Still two great guys up there; they’re getting older, but I’m not looking at NHL this upcoming season. I want to make that AHL team and get as many games as possible and develop and in a few years maybe have that opportunity.”

Larsson is a full participant this week at Red Wings development camp, after sitting out a year ago due to a groin injury.

Larsson has progressed each season since the Red Wings drafted him in the sixth round in 2016 (167th overall), particularly with his hands and stickwork. He said he’s working with Red Wings goalie development coach Brian Mahoney-Wilson to make some adjustments to prepare to face better shots as a pro.

“I played good at every level the last three years, so I think to get that next step is just going to be fun and I’m ready to take that,” Larsson said.

“I didn’t expect anything when I got to the U.S., so maybe it’s gone pretty fast, but I felt good every game. I feel like I could take every step that I’ve been taking.”

Zadina, Hirose skate 1148592 Detroit Red Wings Gustav Nyquist

Let’s start with the one who the Red Wings have already been connected with — and the one with whom they’ll be most familiar. Red Wings free agency primer: Who fits Detroit’s direction? Prior to being traded to San Jose, Nyquist played every game of his career in Detroit. Despite leaving with more than a month remaining in By Max Bultman the season, his 49 points in just 62 games with the Red Wings finished third on the team in total scoring last season, behind only Larkin and Jun 27, 2019 Athanasiou. And, while his 14.6 shooting percentage in San Jose was unsustainable, he was still close to a career-year pace despite a below

personal-average shooting percentage while in Detroit (although the Red The NHL’s free agency discussion window is officially in session, and Wings’ shooting percentage with Nyquist on the ice was a full point with just four days left until the floodgates can open formally — when higher than his career average). players are allowed to sign July 1 — Steve Yzerman is planning to make The point of all that? That Nyquist was clicking with this exact same some calls. group last season, and as a result he’s the most known, projectable That’s about all the Red Wings’ new general manager has been willing to option on the market for Detroit. The Red Wings could slot him on the divulge, of course — but it’s something. second line, on the wing of Athanasiou to complement a Larkin-Mantha- Bertuzzi trio that finished last season on fire. Or, they could change “There’s players we’re interested in, and (we will) see — kind of get a feel things up and put Nyquist back with Larkin, reuniting Mantha and for, well, one if they have any interest in coming to Detroit, and then the Bertuzzi with Athanasiou on a trio that also had its dynamic moments parameters of what they’re looking for, basically,” Yzerman said at the when Larkin missed a few games down the stretch, draft last weekend in Vancouver. “Get a feel for that.” Either way, Nyquist would be a virtual lock for the top six in some The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported Wednesday that the Red Wings combination, and a genuine upgrade over anyone from within they could are among teams calling about winger Gustav Nyquist, whom Detroit slot there — especially since he could easily play opposite Zadina, if the traded to San Jose for a pair of draft picks back in February. That does 2018 sixth-overall pick makes the team out of camp. provide a window into what Yzerman might be looking for in his first offseason helming his old team. Nyquist’s not likely to carry a line all year, but he can be a perfectly good top-six winger with the right players around him. He just scored 60 points. Pair it with his comments on free agency from before the draft, and it may That’s hard to find. not actually be too hard to piece together where Detroit could look as the NHL’s silly season charges full speed ahead. Detroit’s also not so flush with NHL-ready wing prospects that it needs to stress about the lineup spot this year. Or even next year. The Red Wings “I’m not going to sign a free agent just to sign a free agent,” Yzerman have Zadina on the cusp, but the next best winger prospects are Evgeny said two weeks ago. “The player has to fit what we’re trying to do. The Svechnikov and Jonatan Berggren, the latter of whom is still a ways term of the contract and the value of the contract have to fit. I can’t tell away from the league and the former of whom is coming off an ACL you how active we’re going to be, but we’re certainly going to reach out injury, might start in Grand Rapids and doesn’t need to play in the top six to players and agents of guys we think could fit into what we’re doing.” anyway.

Again: light on specifics, but the position from which the Red Wings are So it sounds like a pretty natural fit, right? operating is fairly simple. They’re not contenders, and, while the continued growth of their young core might be enough to improve their From a sheer hockey perspective, it might be. At least in the short term. place in the standings, there’s no one player on the market who could get But a player like Nyquist, coming off a career high in points, stands to these Red Wings to that point. That means Yzerman’s not likely talking collect a sizable payday, and at age 29, he’s likely to want decent term, about the kind of huge-money free agents whose names will dominate too. Evolving-Hockey projects his most likely contract at about $5.65 the rumor mill over the next few days. million per year for six years. That number sounds about right for next Still, in Dylan Larkin, Anthony Mantha, Tyler Bertuzzi, Andreas year, although it could wind up a tick steep for a player who has only Athanasiou, Filip Hronek and Dennis Cholowski, the Red Wings do have broken 50 points twice in his career. The bigger problem would be the a core of young players who are ready to start pushing. Michael term. Nyquist at age 30 making $5.65 million? Probably fine. Even at 31, Rasmussen joined the fold last year at age 19. Filip Zadina could join 32 and maybe 33, it should be workable. But beyond that? You’re getting them as soon as opening night this season. into risky territory along the aging curve, as Dom Luszczyszyn explored here. And as they continue to grow, all of them could stand to gain from the right player joining the lineup and the locker room. Is the allure of returning to the team for which he’s played the bulk of his career worth enough that Nyquist would take shorter term? Very hard to The Red Wings do have some cap space — CapFriendly estimates imagine, considering both the Red Wings’ rebuilding state and the fact around $12 million — although the exact number is hazy due to Niklas that they, you know, sent him packing just four months ago. Kind of hard Kronwall’s pending decision on whether to retire. They will also have to play the sentimental card under those circumstances. more flexibility on the way next summer, when Mike Green, Jonathan Ericsson and Trevor Daley’s contracts are all up. Detroit, likewise, shouldn’t be so motivated to secure a reunion that it overpays in either term or cap hit. They also, however, have to be careful with the kind of money and term they hand out, because every summer from next June out will figure to So while the short-term on-ice fit is hard to dismiss, finding a mutually have at least a couple significant Red Wings entering restricted free ideal scenario here could prove too tricky to hammer out. agency. Mantha, Athanasiou and Bertuzzi will all need new contracts in Joonas Donskoi 2020. Cholowski and Hronek are up for new deals in 2021. The summer of 2022 should be when Zadina gets his next contract, and could be a It’s very easy to see why Donskoi’s name has traction — LeBrun payday for Joe Veleno, too, depending on how many NHL games he reported “close to half of the league” has at least kicked the tires there — plays this season. considering his reasonable, mid-30 point-per-year production has come despite never playing 15 minutes per night over the course of an NHL So yes, the Red Wings have openings in the lineup, money to spend, season. He’s also done that while grading out particularly well by many and even more cap flexibility on the way next year. But they also might advanced metrics. He’s not a headliner, but he’s a respectable middle-of- be better served keeping some of that flexibility for a time when their the-lineup winger who could even find just a bit more production with future cap situation looks a little more predictable. more time on the ice. Add in that Evolving-Hockey has him projected to For those reasons, it’s probably a good sign that the new GM sounds make about half the salary of Nyquist (around $2.8 million) at a projected content to sit tight should no fits emerge. contract with half the term (three years), and it becomes abundantly clear why so many teams would want to at least touch base. But who would fit the bill if Detroit does want to add a piece? Here are a few ideas. And, as I’ve written before, Detroit would make sense to be one of them. But the problem here is what the Red Wings can realistically offer to appear to fit the 200-foot ethos has tried to cultivate in differentiate themselves from more playoff-ready teams, without Detroit. compromising the exact contractual advantages that would make Donskoi appealing. Detroit could offer a reasonably prominent role, with And then there’s the possibility of the oft-discussed offer-sheet route — likely more minutes up for grabs than your average contender, but won’t although the draft compensation for a potentially high-picking team like be as able to offer the kind of playoff certainty he has grown accustomed Detroit should demand extreme caution in that realm. to in San Jose. If a half-million dollars on the cap annually — without The most likely option, then (and uneventful as it may be), still probably adding more term — is enough to mitigate that, then it might be a has to be patience. worthwhile investment for Detroit. Three years around $3.3 or $3.4 million would be fair for a still-27 winger who can positively impact both Yzerman’s doing his job by calling around, and maybe he finds a player ends of the ice, slot anywhere in the lineup and add a winning whose wants line up with the Red Wings’ situation. Certainly, they can perspective to the locker room. offer a prominent hockey market and a whole lot of ice time on a young, rebuilding club. They could even be able to outbid teams who are hard Luszczyszyn wrote that Donskoi “could be very useful for a team needing up against the cap, as long as that bid doesn’t last too many years into middle-six depth that struggles to possess the puck and create chances.” the future. That’s certainly Detroit. Detroit’s bottom line, though, has to be in maximizing what it can be two But anything longer than three years is cutting pretty deep into the point to five years down the road, when its young core is still in its prime and when Detroit’s younger wing prospects (Berggren, Albin Grewe, etc.) its recent run of high draft picks are entering their own. should be ready for NHL roles — even if Donskoi would still only be 30 at that point. Finding a piece for that puzzle now would be a perfectly fine way to start.

Free agency usually means the spending team has to sacrifice But getting too antsy, too soon, might be more of a setback than something, but term should probably be an area the Red Wings hold as anything. firm as they can this summer.

Jake Gardiner The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019 The Red Wings’ depth chart coming into this season certainly doesn’t scream “add a free-agent defenseman!”

But that’s more about counting bodies than it is about true talent level.

There’s little doubt Detroit needs room for Cholowski to play substantial NHL minutes this season, and with a cadre of veterans already in the fold, it makes sense that there would be some apprehension about adding another player to that jam. But it’s not like the players taking up that space are entrenched in top roles, and after this season, Detroit will be virtually down to one veteran on the entire blue line in Danny DeKeyser. And Gardiner would immediately be the Red Wings’ top offensive D-man.

A half-point per game player or better for the last three seasons, Gardiner would fit well as a playmaker in Detroit, and Luszczyszyn has his play-driving capabilities among the league’s best at both ends of the ice and his overall value as that of a top-pair defenseman for several more years. He’s just about to turn 29, so Detroit would again need to be conscious of term from a cap perspective, but locking in a mobile, offensive defenseman who can provide veteran guidance as a bonus — not a sole purpose — could end up being a prescient add when the defensive corps is presumably dominated by Detroit’s youth in a couple years.

Even though his best years are happening now, Gardiner would appear poised to hold his potential top-pair value for a few years, and could also be a natural fit down the line as a complement to 2019 first-round pick Moritz Seider.

The question, again, is the contract. Gardiner fills a need for the Red Wings and he makes good-enough sense when projecting their future a few years out. But as arguably the best defenseman on the market, he’s not going to come cheap, and he’s probably not going to have to settle on term. Evolving-Hockey projects him at $6.8 million over seven years, which would make him both the highest-paid Red Wing and the longest existing contract. It would also make it tough for Detroit to take a run at, say, Torey Krug or Jacob Trouba next summer, if those players don’t re- up with their current teams.

But those are the tradeoffs — and ultimately, such a long-term investment may end up being too ambitious for Detroit this summer.

And if it wants to upgrade the blue line now while adding projectability for the future, Gardiner looks like the best option out there.

The Alternatives

One Nyquist-lite option — in terms of both production and cost — could be Boston’s Marcus Johansson, but that might be reaching into “sign a free agent just to sign a free agent” territory depending on the term. He’d be an upgrade in the middle six, but by how much? Detroit could also check in on someone like Ryan Dzingel for a young player who could add some offense (after posting 56 points this year), but that number was a substantial jump from his previous best of 41, and he doesn’t exactly 1148593 Edmonton Oilers Maksimov were hurt and didn’t take part in what was a three-on-three half-ice game with three different teams. The blue squad with Lavoie, Ryan McLeod, Tomas Mazura, Nolan Vesey and Patrik Siikanen and Will we see Bouchard, Samorukov and Broberg anchoring D down road? their goalie Stuart Skinner beat the Whites (Cameron Hebig, Skyler Brind’Amour, Graham McPhee, Taylor Ward, Matej Blumel and goalie Dylan Wells) in the final.

Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal This ’n that: Ex Oiler winger Miro Satan, GM of Team Europe at the 2016 World Cup, was just elected president of the Slovak

Federation. Satan is in the IIHF Hall of Fame and also has his name on If you’re a flag-waving part of OilerNation, you care about today more the Stanley Cup with the 2009 Pittsburgh Penguins … The Oilers still than tomorrow. haven’t announced a replacement for Duane Sutter, who headed up their pro scouting department. Wouldn’t be surprised if Edmonton-born Glenn But, if you’re part of Edmonton Oilers management, you’re paid to look Merkosky, who worked for Holland in Detroit for 14 years as a pro scout down the road and to see , Dmitri Samorukov and Philip but was let go by the new GM Steve Yzerman, wound up on the Oilers Broberg here for development camp, there’s a feeling of what if … what if staff in some capacity … Tobias Rieder didn’t score a goal here but they’re part of the defence for a decade when they get to the NHL? would anybody be shocked if he gets a one-year, one-way contract for the league minimum $700,000 in free-agency because he’s only 26 and “You don’t want to evaluate too much here because this is summer could be a cheap fourth-liner somewhere? … Defenceman Thomas camp,” said Scott Howson, the Oilers head of player personnel, “because Harley, Dallas’s first-round draft, has local roots. His dad Brian was a the players are here to get to know each other.” third-string goalie for Clare Drake’s Golden Bears in the early ’90s before But … Howson used to be GM in Columbus so he knows about building Brian moved to Syracuse … Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour’s boy hockey teams. Skyler, born in Raleigh, finished his second development camp and is off to Quinnipiac U in Connecticutt after originally thinking of going to his So Bouchard, Samorukov and Broberg, along with some kids in dad’s Michigan State. “He’s a good skater and plays hard,” said Howson. Bakersfield, show great promise. He had 44 points (13 goals) in 52 games for Chilliwack (BCJHL) and the question is how much he’ll score in college. But he was captain in “Any successful team is strong on the back-end and what we’ve done Chilliwack, so he’s got his dad’s leadership skills … Former NHL forward here is accumulate defencemen, and it’s not just these three. It’s William Dixon Ward’s boy Taylor, an undrafted winger who plays for Drake’s Lagesson, Caleb Jones, Ethan Bear in Bakersfield, and Joel Persson grandson Mike, at U of Nebraska-Omaha, had a beautiful snipe during coming in from Sweden this year. We have a good young stable,” said the Billy Moores Cup. He had 34 points in 35 games as a freshman … Ex Howson, who also likes Phil Kemp at Yale, who had a fine world junior Oilers defenceman Taylor Fedun keeps putting off that mechanical for USA. engineering job after graduating from Princeton in 2011. The right-shot D “The three (Bouchard, Samorukov and Broberg) are all big and really signed a two-way deal in Dallas ($700,000 and $775,000 in the NHL and good skaters, strong with the puck. Very promising,” said Howson, an AHL guaranteed $375,000 this upcoming season, then $400,000) … agreeing there’s no such thing as too many D. Broberg, who roomed with Bouchard this week, had his 18th birthday on Monday. Any libation, say, at Mercer Tavern across from Rogers Place? So if you’re the drafted Kemp or Michael Kesselring (off to Northeastern), “No beer,” said Broberg. are there not enough seats at the party for everybody?

Maybe it’s the wrong time to be a defenceman. Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 06.28.2019 “Nah, you don’t know what’s going to happen one year, two, three years from now. Phil Kemp (a seventh-round draft pick from 2017) had a strong second half for Yale last year and a great world junior last Christmas. He went in as the sixth or seventh defenceman and ended up as a top four when they (Team USA) reduced it in the gold medal game. I’m quite high on Phil. He’ll need two more years of college and I expect he’ll be a good pro for the Oilers,” said Howson of the six-foot-four, 202 pound defensive blueliner.

Broberg is the shiniest new toy, though, as their first-round draft pick.

“Comes as advertised with his skating. The very first drill with (Olympic figure-skating champ and Oiler skating coach) David Pelletier and some of the stuff he was doing with ease (edge-work) while others were struggling,” said Howson.

Hitch’s picks

Ken Hitchcock, in his all-purpose team role, has had a large hand in compiling the list of UFA forwards the Oilers should be going after before free agency on July 1. “Senior advisor … I’m too old to be a junior advisor,” joked the 67-year-old. He’ll be back for main camp, but what he does once next season starts is up in the air. He might be down in Bakersfield more to see the prospects on the farm, because he has a place in California.

Hitchcock liked what he saw from Raphael Lavoie at the camp. Long reach, nice hands and finish. “He scores and scores and scores. I think he can get 60 this season (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League),” said Hitchcock.

When told Hitchcock said he could get that many, Lavoie was taken aback.

“Well, if he says it, it’s probably true,” laughed Lavoie, who had 32 in regular-season and another 20 in the playoffs for Halifax.

Smaller Moores

The Billy Moores Cup scrimmage Thursday didn’t have the usual buzz because the Oilers only invited 21 kids, and Samorukov and Kirill 1148594 Florida Panthers Meanwhile, this year’s development camp will be the first major opportunity for new Panthers coach Joel Quenneville to see the prospects he has inherited.

The Panthers are holding their annual development camp. Here’s why Quenneville, who has won three Stanley Cups as a head coach, will have you need to know more input on future drafts, Tallon said.

“He came into [2019 draft preparation] pretty late in terms of what we had BY WALTER VILLA MIAMI HERALD WRITER already done,” Tallon said of Quenneville, hired in April. “But our organization is very transparent. We rely on everybody in the JUNE 27, 2019 02:27 PM organization to have an opinion on players.”

“We will incorporate him more and more the longer he’s with us.”

While the Florida Panthers wait to see if they can sign any big-time free agents — a pair from Russia come to mind — their annual development camp began Thursday and continues through Sunday. Miami Herald LOADED: 06.28.2019

The camp is held at Panthers IceDen in Coral Springs, and all practices are free and open to the public. All nine players the Panthers drafted last week are expected to participate, including first-round goalie Spencer Knight.

The Panthers would love to sign winger Artemi Panarin, the 27-year-old Russian who has produced 169 points in 160 games the past two years. But Panarin might just go to the highest bidder, with a price tag that could surpass $84 million for seven years. The Panthers are in pursuit along with the New York Rangers, Colorado Avalanche and others.

Russian goalie Segei Bobrovsky, a two-time Vezina Trophy-winner, is also on Florida’s wish list, especially with the news coming Wednesday afternoon that Panthers netminder Roberto Luongo has announced his retirement.

But Bobrovsky, like Panarin, won’t come cheap, either.

That’s what makes this week’s development camp so important, according to Panthers GM Dale Tallon.

“The less you can rely on free agency, the better off you are,” Tallon said. “Our goal is to have all draft picks on our team, but I don’t know if that’s possible.

“We have thoughts about long-term benefits for our team and not just short term.”

Long-term thoughts this week will focus on some intriguing prospects such as Knight, who was the 13th overall selection this year, making him the highest-drafted goalie since Jack Campbell was selected 11th by the Dallas Stars in 2010.

Knight, 18, the only goalie the Panthers have ever drafted in the first round, is set to play as a Boston College freshman this winter.

The other top goalie the Panthers will have at development camp is Ryan Bednard, 22, who was Florida’s seventh-round pick in 2015. The 6-5, 200-pounder played college hockey the past three years at Bowling Green, posting his best numbers (1.77 goals-against average) this past season.

He is ticketed this year for Florida’s minor-league affiliate in Springfield.

The top defensemen prospects at camp this week are Vladislav Kolyachonok and Brady Keeper.

Kolyachonok, an 18-year-old from Belarus, was Florida’s second-round pick this year. The 6-1, 185-pounder reportedly plays with a mean streak and tremendous speed.

Keeper, 23, played two years for the University of Maine and made his NHL debut this past season, playing one game for the Panthers. He will likely start the year at Springfield.

Among the forwards at camp, Owen Tippett — Florida’s first-round pick in 2017 — is the biggest name. Tippett, 20, is considered a pure goal scorer with good size (6-1, 215 pounds) and speed. He has seven games of NHL experience with one goal and no assists.

Two other young forwards to watch are Serron Noel and Logan Hutsko.

Noel, 18, is an emerging power forward with great size (6-5, 205 pounds). He was Florida’s second-round pick last year.

Hutsko, drafted by Florida last year in the third round, is a Tampa native who has 18 goals in 73 games at Boston College. 1148595 Florida Panthers

Goalie of future Spencer Knight hits ice for Panthers

By CHRISTIAN SIMMONS

SOUTH FLORIDA SUN SENTINEL

JUN 27, 2019 | 6:45 PM

There were a lot of things to adjust to for goalie Spencer Knight as he made his first development-camp appearance with the Florida Panthers on Thursday. Temperature was very high on his list.

“It was pretty hot,” the first-round draft pick and Connecticut native said. “Florida’s hot, so it was hot.”

Knight, the 13th selection in the 2019 NHL draft by the Panthers, made his debut as the team began working out its younger players to get them acclimated to the NHL environment.

“It was good, it was fun to get on the ice. It was the first time in a while,” Knight said. “… and just soak up a bunch of new information whether it’s reiterating on some things I’ve learned in the past or just learning some new things and trying new things out.”

The development camp, which runs through Sunday, offers new draft picks and other young players a chance to become familiar with their NHL coaches, while competing against and learning from their peers.

“It’s a relationship-building event really. Your future teammates, your future coaches, trainers, the whole deal,” Panthers general manager Dale Tallon said. “All of us get to know them better, they get to know that we’re here to help them get to the next level. It’s kind of rewarding to spend time with these young guys. It rejuvenates you and it’s one of my favorite times of the year and I wish I could spend more time with them.”

Knight, who will spend next season playing for Boston College, obviously factors into the team’s long-term plans. But Tallon sees the development camp as an opportunity for all young players, not just those who were fortunate enough to be taken with a high pick.

“Some guys are late bloomers so we tell them that first round, ninth round, free agent, doesn’t matter. The best players are gonna play so that’s what we tell our kids in that meeting last night before we started this,” he said. “We have 40 kids here, you’ll all have an equal opportunity. It doesn’t matter where you were drafted or if you were undrafted at all. It depends on how badly you want to play in the NHL for the Florida Panthers.”

While every player may be equal in Tallon’s eyes, there are certainly heavy expectations for Knight. The Panthers had never selected a goalie in the first round before taking him this year, and will need him down the road if goaltending depth continues to be an issue. But the 18-year-old works to not let his mind wander too far into the future.

“I’m just focusing on one day at a time. Obviously right now, just get through development camp,” he said. “And it’s not getting ahead of myself, right? I think if you’re caught up in the future, you’re not gonna be in the present and you’re just gonna go by and just coast by, so I think just focus on the now.”

Sun Sentinel LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148596 Florida Panthers players often connected with Florida such as Bobrovsky and winger Artemi Panarin have taken or are expected to take other meetings.

But Tallon knows what an accomplishment it has been to even be The fun starts Monday as Florida Panthers look to be players in free considered by the biggest names in the free-agent pool, especially agency considering that the team has little in the way of historical success to lean on.

By CHRISTIAN SIMMONS “They have 31 options, so if I was a free agent I would utilize everything,” he said. “… The fact that they gave us the opportunity to speak with SOUTH FLORIDA SUN SENTINEL them, that speaks volumes as well because there are a lot of teams that aren’t being spoken with.” JUN 27, 2019 | 5:00 PM

Sun Sentinel LOADED: 06.28.2019 CORAL SPRINGS

Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon discusses goalie Roberto Luongo's decision to retire.

It can be tough for a team like the Florida Panthers, that hasn’t seen much success on the ice, to attract players in free agency. However, Panthers General Manager Dale Tallon says he’s had no problem contacting potential targets this summer.

“You want to see my phone? And see the ledger? I mean it’s nonstop,” he said at the team’s development camp on Thursday. “Since noon on Sunday, it’s been amazing. So that’s a good thing. I look at it as a positive that a lot of players want to come and play here, because they see the direction we’re headed and with the core group that we have and what we’re committed to doing.”

This offseason has been a productive one for the Panthers. Despite missing the playoffs for a third consecutive year, the team landed renowned coach Joel Quenneville shortly after the season ended. They followed that up with a draft that yielded several promising young players.

Now the Panthers are hoping their success will continue into free agency, which starts Monday.

“We’re confident we’re gonna make our team better and we’re trying to hit some home runs here,” Tallon said. “But if we have to hit three singles to score a run, we’ll think about that too, as well. We’re gonna do everything we can to possibly get better and get [Coach] Q the players he needs to get us to the promised land.”

Despite a smaller NHL cap than anticipated, the Panthers still have plenty of money to spend and are expected to make a run at some big- name free agents. One need that sticks out is goalkeeper, with the retirement of Roberto Luongo after 19 NHL seasons.

Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky has been considered a priority for the Panthers and met with the team ahead of free agency. Tallon feels that the free-agent meetings in general have gone well.

“We told them our plan. We told them what our goals were and how we were gonna do it, and I think they appreciated it,” he said. “I’m selling a great future. I’m selling a great coach and a great young talented team and a wonderful place to play and all those things.”

Quenneville, who joined the Panthers in April, has naturally been a factor for potential free agent signings. A three-time Stanley Cup champion, he has brought instant credibility to Florida and provided a spark of optimism within the organization.

“I think this year, outside of a team or two, the race to win a Cup has never been closer, and the league’s never been closer,” Quenneville said in his introductory news conference. “So I think that putting yourself in a position to get in a playoff spot, things develop, things materialize, things happen.”

Quenneville has played a very active role for the Panthers so far this offseason. He has been a factor in all of the team’s major decisions and is continuing that role when it comes to potential free-agent signings.

“He’s the best coach in the business so why not utilize him in every decision-making process?” Tallon asked. “And that’s how we operate, anyway. So, to have him on board is exciting, because his knowledge is incredible and his opinion is very valued, and we’re gonna work together and our goal is the same.”

While the Panthers are hoping that they get to make a big splash this summer, free agents will have a number of options to choose from. Even 1148597 Los Angeles Kings LA Times: LOADED: 06.28.2019

For Rasmus Kupari and the Kings, the future could be now

By CURTIS ZUPKE

JUN 27, 2019 | 11:25 AM

It was hardly surprising that Rasmus Kupari was the main attraction on the first day of the Kings’ development camp this week. A group of reporters surrounded the teenager’s locker before he even took his skates off.

Kupari, 19, represents the future of the Kings, and perhaps the immediate future if he adapts to the North American game and appears in an NHL game next season. That’s a fairly ambitious plan, but it’s certainly possible after his precocious play in the World Junior Championships, combined with his year of growth since he was drafted 20th by the Kings last year.

In that regard, Kupari also represents a do-over for the Kings because Gabriel Vilardi, their 2017 first-round pick, has seen his career stalled because of back issues. Kupari, a center, could make it to the NHL faster than Vilardi, and it could happen in September when training camp provides an opportunity to make the big club out of the gate.

“That’s the plan,” Kupari said. “I’m here to try and take that place. It’s not easy. But I’m doing my best to take a [spot]. Let’s see how it happens in camp, but that’s my [goal], to do my best.”

Kupari says he is bigger and stronger. He is listed at 6 foot 1 and 188 pounds, up from 183 last year, and he looked less lanky and more sturdy on the ice at the Kings’ practice rink. Kupari may have gained more confidence, too, from playing for gold-medal winner Finland in the World Junior tournament. He had five points in seven games.

“He took a step up,” said Mark Yannetti, the Kings’ director of amateur scouting. “We have high hopes for him.”

One of Kupari’s Finnish teammates was Kaapo Kakko, the No. 2 pick in this year’s draft, by the New York Rangers. The two have played with and against each other — Kupari played in a pro league at 17 — and are ready for headier competition.

Kupari will get that here. He is eligible to play in the American Hockey League at 19, and he could be a regular for the , the AHL affiliate of the Kings. The first step in that transition is playing in the smaller North American rinks. Christian Ruuttu, head European scout for the Kings, says Kupari has to move the puck around quicker on the rush, shoot more on the rush and “be ready for a grind of a season, which he actually had” in order to adjust.

Kupari is often compared to countrymen Sebastian Aho of the Carolina Hurricanes in terms of his skating ability and slick puck skills. The more modest comparison is probably Kings teammate Adrian Kempe because the two have similar trajectories. Kempe was drafted at 17 and played against older professionals in Sweden, then for two seasons for the Reign.

“I would say that Rasmus is six months ahead of Adrian, which is more than it sounds at this age,” Ruuttu said.

Ruuttu cited Kupari’s bigger roles with his Finnish team, Karpat, and on the World Junior team. Kupari would have “most likely” been invited to play for Finland in the World Championships, against NHL players, if an injury hadn’t prevented him from playing in a prior tournament, Ruuttu said.

For now, Kupari is adjusting to America. He says the plan is to move to Southern California for rookie camp in September. Kupari has a car in Finland but says he’s driven sparingly, and not in L.A.

As far as hockey, he’s prepared for the transition, which will be closely watched by Kings fans.

“I know it’s a little bit different game,” Kupari said. “It comes faster and you don’t have that much time with the puck, but I realized I’m ready for that.”

1148598 Los Angeles Kings

SOCALGAS IN THE PIPELINE SCRIMMAGE – NOTES, PHOTOS & VIDEO

ZACH DOOLEY

JUNE 27, 2019

The penultimate day of 2019 LA Kings Development Camp ended with the SoCalGas In The Pipeline scrimmage at Toyota Sports Center. The Kings prospects split up into two teams and scrimmaged for just shy of an hour in front of a great turnout for a late-June prospect game.

The game began with 4-on-4 play, switched to 5-on-5 and ended at 3-on- 3, rotating between the situations similarly to how the scrimmages have been run throughout the week.

Score was not officially kept, though if John Hoven‘s totals are correct, it looks like things ended 6-2 in favor of White.

White (6) – Goodsir, Kinder, Sodergran (x2), Kupari, Doyle

Black (2) – Turcotte, Yantsis

Notes –

– The star of the show for me tonight was Johan Sodergran. The Swede potted a couple of nice goals in tonight’s scrimmage, and he just seemed to be on a different level when he had the puck. “Slick” would be the word I’d use to best describe the 19-year old forward. When he gets the puck on his stick, things seemed to happen offensively throughout the scrimmage. Hear from Sodergran below.

– Also very impressive on the evening was goaltender Lukas Parik. The Czech Republic native was one of three netminders on Team Black and posted a few highlight-reel stops during the event, including a ridiculous glove save to recover and deny a sure goal. One of his stops even drew stick taps from Sean Durzi and some smiles from a couple of the Team White skaters as they moved back defensively.

– I thought Rasmus Kupari and Sean Durzi skated well with the puck for Team White. Kupari seemed to have the puck on his stick quite a bit and Durzi is very comfortable joining the rush offensively, especially active in the 3-on-3 scenario.

– Perhaps the coolest part of tonight’s game was the crowd turnout at TSC. The wooden bleachers looked full all the way down the boards and there was even an addition of a set of metal bleachers in the corner to provide additional accommodations. Not to mention, the standing room areas along the side of the sheet and behind the net were completely full. A standing-room only crowd for a development camp scrimmage….nice work Kings fans!

At the end of the day, I think put it best yesterday – A great day at Development Camp doesn’t mean you’ve made the team, and a poor showing won’t be held against you. Nonetheless, nice to see a game-type atmosphere at Development Camp, which concludes tomorrow morning with another scrimmage, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148599 Los Angeles Kings and can make plays with the puck, both as a playmaker and a goal scorer, and competes with a high motor. In his own words, playing at a high speed is the name of the game for Lizotte.

NHL DEBUT GIVES LIZOTTE CONFIDENCE HEADING INTO FIRST “Fast and exciting,” he said, when asked to detail his own style of play. “I FULL PRO SEASON play hard, kind of like a waterbug type guy who can make plays. I want to play the game at full speed all the time so that’s what I’ll try and do.”

ZACH DOOLEY

JUNE 27, 2019 LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 06.28.2019

Blake Lizotte enters his first development camp with the Los Angeles Kings as one of two players to bring NHL experience with him, joining now three-time dev camp veteran Jaret Anderson-Dolan.

Signed by the Kings after his collegiate season came to an end, Lizotte made his NHL debut with the Kings in their regular season finale on April 6, skating in 11:12 of ice time against the Vegas Golden Knights.

For the Lindstrom, MN native, getting his feet wet with his debut out of the way was a big step heading into the offseason, knowing that he is capable of hanging in at the professional level.

“It’s just the confidence of knowing that I can play up there and not be worlds behind,” Lizotte said. “I’ve got a lot of work to do obviously, but I’m not worlds behind when playing at the highest level. That’s definitely motivating throughout the summer and it’ll be nice going into camp that I have at least a game under my belt so I can judge where I’m at from there.”

Though he was happy with his ability to be able to play at the NHL level, he knows he still has room for improvement as well.

Standing at just 5-7, Lizotte’s path to the NHL is different due to his size, though it’s not a factor that he’s going to let inhibit his ability to succeed. He is committed to gaining strength over the summer and as is the case with many younger players, learning the defensive side of the game is a priority. To play professionally full time, especially under Mike Stothers in Ontario, a commitment to being hard to play against and being structured on the defensive end of the ice is needed.

“Strength – Obviously my size is something that I have to overcome, especially at the NHL level when you’re playing against men,” Lizotte said when asked what his focus of improvement is heading into next season. “Getting stronger and position wise, just being in the right position all of the time, mental work in the d-zone and strength.”

When Lizotte chose the Kings in April 2019, he joined an ever-growing pipeline of prospects from St. Cloud State University. Reign forward Mikey Eyssimont finished off his first full professional season as a St. Cloud product, while Jonny Brodzinski, Kevin Gravel and Nic Dowd have also come through the organization from the Huskies, with current St. Cloud goaltender David Hrenak a fellow prospect alongside Lizotte.

When making his decision to turn pro with the Kings after he second collegiate season, Lizotte said it was very helpful to have players who went had previously gone through the process to lean on.

“When I was making my decision to leave or stay in school, they were a good resource for me for sure,” Lizotte said. “Knowing what they went through, playing in the American League and going from St. Cloud, leaving early, I gathered all my thoughts and information from my sources and ultimately made the decision.”

Now in his first development camp, Lizotte is one of the older players attending at 21 years old. With two seasons of NCAA hockey under his belt, including a more than point-per-game season in 2018-19 (42 points from 37 games played), he is also one of the most accomplished.

The former Fargo Force standout (third all-time in Force history with 111 points, ahead of Eyssimont, Brodzinski and Alex Iafallo) is taking this experience in stride as he evaluates himself alongside his fellow Kings prospects.

“It’s been good,” Lizotte said. “It’s a learning experience, kind of see where you’re at with other prospects in the system. It’s been really good so far, it’s been a lot of fun, a little tired now through a couple of skates, which is good so it’s been a great experience thus far.”

The high-motored center adds another intriguing prospect into the mix within the Kings organization, battling for spots with the NHL and AHL clubs. Scouting reports of Lizotte have portrayed a player that skates well 1148600 Los Angeles Kings “You just get to know each other, and you kind of develop a little rapport and a bond, I guess you would say. And the other thing was, he was always very good with his responses. He was always a good soundbite, AS STRUCTURE, RESPONSIBILITIES SOLIDIFY, MCLELLAN as all of us in the media always appreciate. I think at least from my end – EMPHASIZES IMPORTANCE OF BELIEF I can’t speak for Todd – I always felt comfortable around him, from the beginning.”

Dave Sandford/NHLI JON ROSEN LA Kings Insider: Building that relationship with Marco Sturm, I know JUNE 27, 2019 there’s a process. What’s the balance between sitting in an office and sharing ideas or maybe splitting a bottle of wine, so-to-speak – how

much is it learning about him on a personal level versus his ideas in COACHING hockey and tactics?

Andrew D. Bernstein/NHLI Todd McLellan: I think when you plan on building a staff, you look at the human part of it first. I was fortunate enough to meet Marco numerous Todd McLellan is now two and a half months into his tenure as the LA times. I have really good friends in San Jose who know him personally Kings’ head coach, a span that has allowed him to expand on a and I rely on their opinion of him as an individual, and the morals and relationship with one assistant coach and hire another. On this ethics he carries himself with are second-to-none. So that was all Wednesday, midway through development camp and the organization’s something that was really exciting, but he’s also a coach that has brought fifth consecutive extended off-season, he kindly had the time to speak some really unique ideas to the group already. He has opinions and he’s with several beat writers and reporters and also engagingly introduced willing to share them. He gives really clear answers. To me, that means himself to the team’s business staff. he’s going to share that with the team, and it’s going to be clear. He’s accepted the role that we’ve assigned him, he’s worked and not cut It was a brief break from a busy stretch of the off-season that began with corners, so all indications are that we’re going to work really well the NHL Draft and continues with this week’s development camp and the together, hopefully for many years. I enjoy being around him. I know opening of free agency next week. Throughout this period, and before Trent Yawney does, the rest of the staff. It’s been really good – to this the dark time in August when much of the hockey world rests and point, excellent. recuperates at lake houses and cottages across North America, the staff, with Marco Sturm, Trent Yawney and Bill Ranford, is tactically directing LAKI: One of the things that set this team back this past season is that the type of coaching structure and message that last season that at the star players and guys counted upon for certain levels didn’t hit their worst went unheeded and at the best did not consistently catalyze strong marks. In terms of getting those guys back to where they want to be, individual or team performances. production-wise and play-wise, what is the coaching staff’s approach?

“We’re going to be a three-man staff, and we’ve discussed numerous TM: Well, there’s the group and then there are individuals, and they all aspects of the coaching dynamic, our roles, bench roles, how we’re going interact together. I think for the group, I’ve said this before, there are to do pre-scouts, post-game analysis, all that type of stuff. We then dove three parts that are going to help this team get back on track, and one is into the tactic part of it and the strategy part of it, the systematic part of it, the coaching staff. We’ve got to be prepared and we’ve got to give them and we’re deep into that now,” McLellan said. “We’re trying to find new a plan and we’ve got to hold them accountable. We have to do our job, ways, we’re trying to maximize the group in here can bring forward, but and we have to do it well. The second part of is management. we’ve also got an eye on the future: how is the game going to be Management’s going to find players, they’re going to adjust things as we players? How are teams winning? So we’re trying to blend all of that go. We know we have a plan and the team is in transition, so they’re together. Later on in the week we’ll dive into the players individually and going to affect the type of play, but perhaps the most important is the collectively, how they might play together as pairs or lines. Touch upon individual. A number of players have spoke their mind at the end of the all of that type of stuff so that when we go our own ways for the rest of year, and rightfully so – they’re entitled to that. But every time they do the summer, we’ll have some projects, we’ll have some review, we can speak, it’s also a reflection on their individual input into the team, so I digest what we talked about, we’ll need to make some decisions later on think we’re going to have a very open group, I think we’re going to have a in the summer to confirm everything, but we are rapidly becoming our group that’s going to work. I think that some of their individual own team, including all of the American League coaching staffs and foundations or pride elements have been chipped at a little bit or cut whatnot, so it’s been a really good week.” down, and I found these players to be extremely proud men – the ones that I’ve talked to, anyhow. They’re disappointed in themselves While maximizing the talents of players on the roster is a default individually and collectively and they’re ready, so I think we’re going to requirement if the Kings hope to make anything of the 2019-20 season – have a good group that way. Some had tremendous years, career years. and forms a good portion of our discussion below – it’s also the type of How do we maintain that? Others had down years. How do we prop them season that will more clearly define the path they’re on and the stakes of back up? So there are two streams to the individual player approach that seasons beyond. Where are they at, exactly, in their resolve to return to we have to talk about, and we’re discussing that now as we go. contention, and to play with a greater degree of pace and skill? To what extent can those who failed to hit their marks rebound, given the focus to LAKI: Talking about some of the foundation having been chipped away – improve this team internally? this is a broad question – but how do you characterize your own unique approach to coaching “structure,” and how do you implement it and A few of these topics are presented below as part of a broader look at the provide that ability for the players to maximize their skill set? missive and approach coming from the coaching office. And while McLellan will look to build personal relationships and foster an emotional TM: Our job is to have the players prepared, both mentally and buy-in with his players, one relationship is already on sturdy ground. physically. We have to provide an overall structure plan that they believe in, that they want to believe in, and that they believe can make work. We With McLellan having coached Pacific Division teams and hosted Pacific have to hold the players accountable for their actions or inactions, so Division media availability since 2008-09, he’s built up a very good when you hear the word ‘accountability,’ you immediately think about the rapport with the tight unit of club broadcasters. And in those mid-morning scolding, if you will, or the negative part. But part of coaching now is scrums, there’s always been a really good rapport with Hall of Fame catching the players doing it right, and that’s accountability also, and we Radio Broadcaster Nick Nickson, a respect and understanding of “a part have to provide enough structure so that they believe they can have to play” and “respect” built “regardless if we’re on the same team, individual success in the team environment, too, and that’s what we’re opposite team,” said McLellan, 14 years Nickson’s junior. going to set up. That has nothing to do with how we’re going to It’s not really here nor there; the stuff you’re expecting to read is below. forecheck, how we’re going to play in the D-zone, what our power play’s But there was often an interesting and friendly open to his meetings with going to look like. That’s just the overall presentation that the players the media, one that seemed built on mutual respect given their stature have to buy in, and we have to deliver. within and contributions to the sport of hockey. Todd, too, was gracious LAKI: This is a team that also needs to score more goals than they have with his time and availability, “and if we pulled him aside to do an extra the last several years and are looking to add and cultivate skill internally. two minutes, he was always willing to do that,” Nickson said. But, tactically, how can that be helped? You’re familiar with the team, you’re familiar with the way they’ve played. TM: Here’s what I know about the teams in the past: they never quit, they ground the hell out of you, they believed in what they needed to do to win, their character, their drive, their intangibles, I believe, pulled them through a lot of tough times. I saw it in a reverse sweep, and those need to be solidified again. Those need to be solid again, and we need to get that part back. We get some of that back automatically, you have a better chance of scoring and preventing. After that, tactically, teams are playing the game a certain way. We’ll talk about changing some of the approaches to the game, some of the systematic stuff, but ultimately the players have to believe in it. You can poke holes in anything you want and make it work or not work. The players have to believe in it, and we have to put them in positions where they believe they’re going to succeed both as a group and individually, and if we can do that, we should get better.

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148601 Los Angeles Kings

2020 AHL ALL-STAR CLASSIC LOGO, PRESENTING SPONSOR UNVEILED

ZACH DOOLEY

JUNE 27, 2019

ONTARIO REIGN

The Ontario Reign, in a partnership with the LA Kings, Ontario International Airport and the American Hockey League, unveiled the logo for the 2020 AHL All-Star Classic presented by Ontario International Airport.

As a part of the arrangement, Ontario International Airport will serve as the presenting sponsor for the 2020 AHL All-Star Classic. Specific terms were not announced, but the partnership will also encompass both the Kings and the Reign throughout their upcoming seasons.

The press event was held in Terminal 4 of the Ontario International Airport – Unveiled was the official event logo, as well as the overall partnership between the organizations. Kings President and Reign President Darren Abbott spoke, while Mark Thorpe spoke on behalf of the Airport Authority. Robitaille made the official announcement, which led into a video reveal of the logo, in addition to signage.

The All-Star Challenge and Skills Competition will be held in Ontario on January 26 and 27 at Toyota Arena. The Skills Competition will be held on Sunday the 26th, while the Challenge will be held on Monday the 27th. Tickets are available, with each ticket including both events, by visiting ontarioreign.com/allstar.

Quotes –

Darren Abbott, President, Ontario Reign

The Ontario Reign are excited to partner with Ontario International Airport, a beacon of economic growth and a great source pride in the Inland Empire. Our partnership with Ontario International Airport will encompass both the Reign and the Kings and will be highlighted by our marquee event, the 2020 AHL All-Star Classic. We’re excited to join forces and look forward to a successful and rewarding partnership.

David Andrews, AHL President and Chief Executive Officer

We are excited to have Ontario International Airport as the presenting corporate partner as we bring our All-Star events to the west coast for the first time. The Inland Empire has embraced AHL hockey, and we’re looking forward to celebrating our league’s best and brightest young stars at the 2020 AHL All-Star Classic presented by Ontario International Airport in January.

Mark Thorpe, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority

Ontario Airport is proud to partner with the Reign and the American Hockey League in bringing this showcase event to the City of Ontario. Hockey has an extremely strong following throughout the Inland Empire and Southern California, and we look forward to hosting some of the best young players in the world at the 2020 AHL All-Star Classic.

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148602 Minnesota Wild

11 seasons as an NHL player prepare Matt Hendricks for new role with the Wild

By Sarah McLellan Star Tribune JUNE 27, 2019

He’ll be watching the action instead of participating in it, but what won’t be changing for Matt Hendricks now that he’s retired from playing hockey is helping guide the sport’s up-and-coming talent.

“That’s where I think it kind of becomes a seamless transition,” Hendricks said, “in the sense this is where I think I’ve been in my career the last three years.”

After suiting up for 11 seasons in the NHL, including the majority of his last one in Minnesota, Hendricks joined the Wild as its assistant director of player development earlier this week — a role that enables him to stay connected to the game he loves while being home with his family.

“I’ve been fortunate with the career I’ve had that I’ve played in a lot of good organizations and would be happy to work with any and all of them,” Hendricks said. “But to be in Minnesota’s special. I grew up here. I learned to play here, and it’s a great feeling.”

Over the past few seasons, Hendricks started to wonder what his life would look like when he stopped playing.

What he was sure about was that he wanted his future to involve hockey.

Cue General Manager Paul Fenton, whose path crossed with Hendricks when both were previously with the Nashville Predators. Years ago, the two even talked about working together.

“He’s a welcome addition here,” Fenton said. “He’s a positive guy, incredibly hard-working [and a] self-made hockey player.”

A fifth-round draft pick by Nashville in 2000, the Blaine native spent four years racking up 112 points at St. Cloud State before embarking on his pro career. He played 247 games in the American Hockey League and another 54 in the ECHL, most of which came before he made his NHL debut with the Colorado Avalanche on March 10, 2009.

“I know what it’s like to play in the minor leagues, whether it’s East Coast League or American Hockey League, and have the dream and aspirations of playing in the NHL,” the 38-year-old said. “I think that story will help these young guys believe in themselves a little bit more.”

With 54 goals, 116 points and 1,398 hits in 607 career games with Colorado, Washington, Nashville, Edmonton, Winnipeg and the Wild, Hendricks became known as a versatile spark plug up the middle or on the wing with a knack for killing penalties and blocking shots. He was also known as a leader, a duty he fulfilled with the Wild last season before he was traded to the Jets in February.

“I was blessed to play probably a lot longer than I was ever expected [to],” said Hendricks, who lives in Deephaven with his wife, Kim, and twins, Lennon and Gunnar. “I’m happy with all the opportunities, and [I] played for a lot of great organizations, managers [and] coaches. Met some extraordinary teammates and really good friends along the way. It’s time for me to move on to the next phase.”

Working alongside director of player development Brad Bombardir, Hendricks will evaluate prospects, help with their development and assist with Iowa in the AHL. He’s also been on the ice with prospects at the Wild’s development camp this week.

“I’m excited to have him and excited for all the fresh, new ideas that he brings along with his experience,” Bombardir said.

Hendricks still isn’t sure what facet of hockey will intrigue him the most, whether it be coaching or management, but he feels he’ll be exposed to both with his new position.

And he’s eager to take on that job in a place that’s familiar to him.

“It’s very exciting to be able to do this in my home state and close to my family,” Hendricks said.

Star Tribune LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148603 Minnesota Wild

Wild prospect Marshall Warren parlays figure skating background into NHL opportunity

By Dane Mizutani | Pioneer Press PUBLISHED: June 27, 2019

Wild prospect Marshall Warren still remembers hurriedly ducking his head under the boards as a kid so his friends wouldn’t see him skating on the other rink.

“I was really embarrassed because they would be walking by about to play hockey and I was out there figure skating,” Warren explained. “I would actually hide until they were gone so they wouldn’t laugh at me.”

Who’s laughing now?

Using the skills learned as a figure skater to his advantage, Warren developed into a standout blue liner with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. The 18-year-old showcased his abilities as a two- way defenseman last year with 34 points (8 goals, 26 assists) in 58 games, and the Wild felt compelled to use a sixth-round pick on him in last weekend’s NHL Draft.

Not long after being selected, Warren had a plane ticket to the Twin Cities with his name on it, and has spent this week trying to turn as many heads as possible at Wild development camp.

“I’m the youngest guy on the blue line here, so I’m just trying to follow the lead of everyone else,” Warren said. “It’s been basic drills so far, so I haven’t really been able to show everything I’ve got. I’m hoping by the end of the week everyone knows what I can do.”

His best chance to showcase his talents will come at Friday’s 3-on-3 tournament. He models his game after Chicago Blackhawks star Duncan Keith, and the loads of open ice should allow the 5-foot-11, 170-pound Warren to fly around with reckless abandon. He’s also confident that his figure skating background will shine through in that format.

“I’ve always felt like my skating is my biggest strength, and that definitely goes back to figure skating as a kid,” Warren said. “Just the tight turns and escaping from pressure and having the confidence getting up and down using my skating abilities really comes from that. No matter the situation, I’m never really uncomfortable on the ice.”

Looking back on it now, Warren is grateful his mother, Lisa, pushed figure skating on him as a kid. Never mind the fact that he wasn’t too keen on it at the time.

“She would always tell me that I had to be a good skater before I could play hockey,” Warren said. “I was like 4 years old when I started figure skating, and then I was like 6 years old when she let me pick up a stick, and then I was like 8 years old when I really started playing. She always held me back and told me my time was eventually going to come.”

It did last weekend in the stands at Rogers Arena when he heard his name called over the loud speakers. That moment was years in the making for the family, and while it took a lot longer than expected for Warren to hear his name called, none of that mattered when he put on the Wild sweater for the first time.

“As long as I make the most of my opportunity it doesn’t matter where I was picked,” Warren said. “All that’s going to do is fuel my fire. I’m going to keep trying to prove to everyone the type player I am.”

In the meantime, Warren will take his talents to Boston College in the fall. He will only be a few miles away from his older sister, Arielle, who attends Boston University and just won nationals as, wait for it, a figure skater.

“I was a little embarrassed when I was a kid and I’m grateful for it now,” Marshall said. “It all worked out in the end, even though there might be a little bit of a sibling rivalry there with those schools. I’m just glad we’re both out there doing our thing.”

Pioneer Press LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148604 Minnesota Wild The Wild have got the cap space. And, with all due respect, they’re definitely the more desperate of those teams to make some noise and land a player they truly feel can make a significant impact on and off the Russo: Updates on the Wild’s interest in Joe Pavelski, Wayne ice. Simmonds, Anders Lee and more Simmonds update

That brings us to Simmonds.

By Michael Russo Jun 27, 2019 While Pavelski seems to be the Wild’s No. 1 option, if he chooses to sign elsewhere, it would not be surprising at all if the Wild turned toward Simmonds and came at him hard with a multi-year offer. As the atypically long eight-day free-agent courting period inches toward the official opening bell of the market Monday at 11 a.m. CT, the Wild That’s, of course, assuming they’re either not going hard after Lee or he continue to show serious interest in both veterans Joe Pavelski and too decided to sign elsewhere. Wayne Simmonds and have inquired about Anders Lee, as well as a Like Pavelski, the Wild brass has spoken to Simmonds and sources say smattering of second-tier right-shot forwards. he is intrigued by the option of playing in Minnesota as long as he’s given That may be an indication that the Wild are considering signing two a significant role in the top-9 and as a net-front guy on the power play, forwards — one of those bigger fish and possibly another — if they can where he has scored the third-most goals in the NHL since 2011-12. complete the recruitment process and make the money work. In that span, Simmonds is tied with fellow free agent Corey Perry for the To preface this Wild update, things change in a hurry this week. 16th-most goals in the NHL (204) and has 91 power-play goals.

Not to make myself sound like “Old Man Reporter,” but back in the old Incidentally, in that same span, Pavelski ranks fifth in the NHL behind days — pre-Twitter, pre-internet — beat writers would spend an entire Alex Ovechkin, Stamkos, John Tavares and Patrick Kane with 252 goals day reporting things out fully and then write up as complete an article as and fourth right behind Simmonds in power-play goals (86). possible for the next morning’s paper. As is often the case in free agency, Simmonds is just waiting for the first These days, we report things in real time, so what you hear in the two dominoes to fall. morning could very well be different by the afternoon. Once Artemi Panarin and Pavelski make decisions by probably Sunday Heck, what you hear one second can change a minute later with a text, where they plan to sign Monday, Simmonds’ phone will likely light up. email or phone call. It’s a game of musical chairs and Simmonds understands that.

I was reminded of that with Monday’s Wild update. In the morning, I was Most of the same interested teams have expressed interest in Panarin told the Wild had yet to contact Lee, and I reported as such. By the and/or Pavelski. They’re waiting to hear on the big guys, and if they strike afternoon, after I put the story to bed for our site, the Wild made their first out, many will pivot to Simmonds and other right-shot wingers like Perry, overture to Lee and I needed to update my story. Ryan Hartman, Alex Chiasson, Brett Connolly and Joonas Donskoi.

The Wild are crowded with left-shot wingers — Zach Parise, Jason Other right-wingers Zucker, Kevin Fiala, Ryan Donato, Jordan Greenway and Marcus Foligno — but Lee is one of heck of a player and person, so the Wild could Which brings us to those second-tier guys. always at least try to sign him and then adjust afterward if they were lucky enough to land Lee over many of his other enticing opportunities. It sure sounds like Fenton has inquired on guys like Hartman, Chiasson and Donskoi. Now, that could be because he’s trying to have a bunch of Since 2016-17, Lee ranks 13th in the NHL with 102 goals and 10th with Plan B’s in case he can’t sign a big fish, or perhaps he’s looking to bring 33 power-play goals. in a second forward.

But it’s not apparent yet if the Edina native even has an interest in Chiasson scored a career-high 22 goals last season for the Oilers and playing at home. Donskoi, 27, has shown flashes of being a really good player at times in the past. Lee’s first desire regardless is to return to the Islanders, the team he captained, but the fact it has gotten this late in the game usually means Ryan Hartman (Kim Klement / USA Today) the two parties are readying to separate (well, unless you’re Steven Stamkos and the Lightning three years ago). Hartman’s an interesting one because he became an unrestricted free agent when the Stars decided not to tender him a qualifying offer Another scoring left-shot forward option is Mats Zuccarello. General Tuesday. manager Paul Fenton has thought highly of him in the past. Fenton was Nashville’s assistant GM when the Predators acquired On to the updates, and by the way, you can check out Evolving Wild’s Hartman from Chicago, so there may be some affection there. salary projections for free agents here. Coincidentally, Nashville acquired Simmonds in a deal for Hartman at the trade deadline, but Philadelphia traded him to Dallas earlier in the week Pavelski update for because they were worried how big his potential As of this very nanosecond, I am told by sources close to Pavelski that arbitration award would have been had he chosen to file July 5. he is still considering the Wild as an option along with numerous other It’s the same reason Dallas decided to cut bait on Hartman, 24, by not clubs. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Wednesday in his “31 giving him a qualifying offer. Thoughts” notebook that “Pavelski declined visits in a couple of places where he thought the teams weren’t close enough to winning.” Now that he’s a free agent, any team can sign Hartman for any price and he’d have no arbitration rights. Hartman is fast, an energy guy and a pain And there is zero doubt Pavelski wants to win a Stanley Cup. in the butt to play against.

But as of this moment, I don’t get the impression that one of those teams Of course, with so many forwards already under lock and key, if the Wild Pavelski officially declined was Minnesota. As of this morning, it sounds signed two forwards, it’s hard to envision where and what role everybody like the Wild were still waiting to find out if he’d accept their invitation to plays. visit this weekend. Here’s the updated depth chart heading into free agency. Sources say Pavelski has talked to the Wild brass, which includes owner , and The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported earlier Thursday Are the Wild pursuing a defenseman? that “there’s a good chance Pavelski visits a third team before the week is done.” He has already visited Tampa Bay and Dallas. Of the three After making a round of calls the past few days, it sounds like Fenton has teams, while Pavelski may look at the Lightning and Stars as a likelier at least investigated what it would take to add another defenseman. path toward winning, the Wild are arguably in the best position to blow Some defensemen that could fit the 5-6 role would be Ben Chiarot, Ben his socks off with a lucrative offer. He turns 35 next month, but he could Hutton and Jordie Benn. All three have gotten significant interest from probably command at least a three-year deal north of $7 million. many teams, and if the Wild did end up signing one, one would have to think Nick Seeler or Greg Pateryn could be on the outs.

Hutton wasn’t tendered a qualifying offer because of the fear of an arbitration award. Chiarot’s a physical defenseman, so much so, he’s the guy that sandwiched Parise near the end of Game 3 in the 2018 playoffs with Mark Scheifele. Parise was left with a broken sternum and missed Games 4 and 5.

Would the Wild extend an offer sheet?

It’s unclear if Fenton would ever consider extending a restricted free agent an offer sheet, and to be fair, I’ve never really asked him.

My gut? While it wouldn’t shock me if Fenton has taken advantage of his CBA rights and contacted the agents for some restricted free agents, an offer sheet still seems ill-advised when you’re managing a team wanting to build up its prospect pool.

Remember, the Wild can now only tender a player an offer sheet of $10.569 million or more because they traded next year’s third-round pick. If a restricted free agent accepted an offer sheet that expensive and his team didn’t match to keep him, it would cost the Wild four lottery- unprotected first-round picks as compensation. Could you imagine if the Wild lost their next four first-round picks and still wound up missing the playoffs and winning the lottery in any of those four years?

They’d regret it for a long time.

Look how Chicago shot up nine spots to third in this year’s draft. It happens. Think Ottawa doesn’t regret trading a lottery-unprotected first- round pick in the Matt Duchene deal and thus handing Colorado the fourth overall pick last weekend?

The top restricted free agents right now include Mitch Marner, Sebastian Aho, Mikko Rantanen, Patrik Laine, Brock Boeser, Kyle Connor and Matt Tkachuk. Not all of these players can even be tendered an offer sheet.

If Fenton inquired about any, the likelier avenue if he wanted to make a splash would be to try to ascertain what the terms would be on a new contract and then attempt to hit a home run via the trade route. There’s nothing in the NHL’s rules that would prohibit Fenton from talking to the agents of restricted free agents about contract terms in case he could execute a trade.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148605 Minnesota Wild reasonably sure that the return of a healthy Dumba next year gives the Wild one of the scariest offensive weapons from the blue line in the NHL.

Matt Dumba State of the Wild, Defense Edition: Still great at the top as big decisions loom After Matt Dumba went down with an injury in Game 32, the Wild just went 20-23-7 the rest of the season. (Sergei Belski / USA Today)

Rounding out the Wild’s top-4 is Jonas Brodin. Brodin had a pretty By Tony Abbott Jun 27, 2019 average year by his standards. On one hand, his ability to defend was perhaps the best on the Wild. On the other, he didn’t provide much else. Still, despite his limitations, he still was a net positive and part of the On Wednesday, we debuted our State of the Wild series by breaking backbone to the Wild’s defensive identity. down the Wild’s organizational depth at goaltending. Today, we’ll move on to the defensemen. Next up are Nick Seeler and Greg Pateryn, who combined as the Wild’s third pair to open the season. The pairing was as low-scoring as they The Wild have had remarkable stability on the blue line. For the past came, but for the first time in years, they brought defensive stability to the four-plus seasons, the core of their defense has remained largely Wild’s third group. Dumba’s injury necessitated them splitting up, as untouched and has performed well. To keep that unit together while Pateryn moved to the top-4. constantly pressed up against the salary cap is no small feat, and it shows just how much Minnesota has committed to their top defensemen. Without Pateryn, Seeler struggled to the point where Fenton acquired both Brad Hunt and Anthony Bitetto to displace him in the lineup. Bitetto So much so that not even a front-office change has driven a wedge into is currently a free agent, but Hunt — who signed to a two-year, $1.4- it. In Paul Fenton’s first year as general manager, he was very willing to million contract this weekend — is sticking around. Hunt and Seeler shake up the Wild’s forward group, but not the defense that is the would seem to make for an interesting sixth/seventh defenseman backbone of a team that’s been among the league leaders in expected rotation, where the Wild can play the offensively-minded Hunt or hard- goals against the past several years. nosed Seeler depending on the matchup.

Let’s take a closer look at them to see why that is, whether that can hold What’s on the horizon for the future and where they need help as the free agency window nears. Minnesota hasn’t quite been successful at graduating prospects in recent years. Seeler managed to find a role for himself, but over the last 18 What they have months, the Wild traded Mike Reilly and Gustav Olofsson, two defense prospects they were counting on to be the next wave after Dumba and Ever since Ryan Suter came to Minnesota in 2012 on that 13-year, $98 Brodin. million contract, he’s been The Guy on the Wild’s blue line. And you’d have to say that Suter has probably exceeded expectations through the But the Wild have another group of defense prospects who are close to first seven years of his deal. competing for a spot. Carson Soucy is the one who has the most NHL experience, being pressed into duty in 2018 in the wake of Suter’s ankle Not even a career-threatening ankle injury could prevent Suter from injury. He had a rough postseason that year, but the 6-foot-5 leading the league in ice time in 2018-19, playing 26-plus minutes a night defenseman followed that up with a solid 20-point AHL campaign. He’s a for a full 82-game season. But last season may have been the first real solid skater for his size, but it remains to be seen whether he has the signs of decline we’ve seen from Suter. Suter still gave Minnesota 47 hands to produce in the NHL. points, which is about what you’d expect from him, but he just wasn’t able to limit quality chances as well as he did in the past. Louie Belpedio finished his first pro season by scoring 21 points in Iowa, then playing every playoff game during Iowa’s run. Belpedio doesn’t have So much of Minnesota’s game depends on Suter providing stellar two- a standout trait that pegs him as a future top-4 defenseman, but he way play. If a healthy, surgery-less offseason can get him back to 100 skates well and can do a little bit of everything. The 23-year-old could percent, then the Wild still have an anchor on the left side of their compete for a spot next year. defense. But if his ankle gives him any trouble, that’s a bad sign for Suter entering his age-35 season. Perhaps the most interesting defenseman in the AHL is Brennan Menell. The undrafted 22-year-old just wrapped up a sophomore pro campaign Jared Spurgeon where he led the Baby Wild with 44 points from the blue line. Like Will the Wild re-sign Jared Spurgeon, or look to move the immensely Belpedio, Menell is smart and can skate. Being behind Dumba, Spurgeon valuable defenseman? It’s a massive question for their future. (Harrison and Pateryn on the depth chart, he may continue his development in Barden / USA Today) Iowa, where he plays in all situations. But with his rise in recent years, he might well be Minnesota’s first call-up in case of an injury on the right Meanwhile, Jared Spurgeon is very much in the prime of his career, side. coming off a season where he set career-highs in games played (82), goals (14), and assists (29). Brilliant in all three zones, Spurgeon has Embedded video been in quiet competition with Suter for the title of Best Wild Defenseman Minnesota Wild for years. The torch might have officially been passed. ✔ The only question with Spurgeon is whether he’ll remain with Minnesota going forward. He’ll be a free agent at the end of the year, and if he and @mnwild the Wild can’t work out an extension, he could be moved. Right-shot defensemen are in short supply, and one who is top-pairing quality could Brennan Menell opened the scoring for #mnwild fetch a nice price on the trade market. 110 But until that day comes, Spurgeon will be as much of a foundational 8:55 PM - Sep 19, 2018 piece for Minnesota as Suter. His ability to defend and move the puck quickly up the ice stands out among Wild defensemen. 23 people are talking about this

Matt Dumba was on his way to smashing career-highs with 12 goals and Twitter Ads info and privacy 22 points in his first 31 games. But in Game 32, he ruptured a pectoral muscle that kept him out for the season. The impact of his loss was felt What they need almost instantly, as the team who had gotten so much offense from their For now: Transition play and a contingency plan blue line found themselves unable to score anywhere. The Wild were shut out 10 times after that. As the NHL gets faster and more skilled, the best defensemen tend to be the ones who are best at moving the puck out of their zone and into their It’s interesting to wonder what would have happened if Dumba never got opponent’s end. Minnesota has three defensemen who do this fairly well hurt. Would Minnesota have kept its playoff streak alive? Would the in Suter, Spurgeon, and Dumba. Outside of that? Not so much. Wild’s core have been shaken up? We’ll never know. But we can be For all of Brodin’s skating ability, he’s below-average in moving the puck. Seeler and Pateryn are even more limited in this area. If Minnesota wants to upgrade their defensive unit, finding players who can move the puck should be a high priority.

Overall, Minnesota’s blue line is great, so long as the top-4 holds up. But as we saw in the playoffs in 2018, then last season, once an injury hits, this team finds itself in trouble quickly. To protect themselves when the injury bug inevitably bites — or to give themselves the flexibility to make a trade — finding another solid defenseman who can hold his own for 20- plus minutes on the ice would go a long way.

For the future: A full pipeline

Over the past six drafts, Minnesota has had 19 picks in the first four rounds. They’ve drafted just two defensemen with those picks (Belpedio in the third round in 2014, Filip Johansson in the first round in 2018). Defense hasn’t been ignored completely, as Fenton has picked up a couple of intriguing names in the two years he’s been running the draft. Simon Johansson (a fifth-round pick in 2018) is a converted forward who is developing in Sweden, and Marshall Warren is a skilled, slick-skating defenseman that Fenton scooped up in the sixth round last weekend.

But even with some interesting prospects, the fact remains that there’s no blue-chip player in the system — and not a lot of top-4 caliber depth, either — as the Wild have opted to focus on getting a scoring forward into their system. With two high-end forward prospects in Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy, they may want to start bolstering their system with young defensemen, whether through next year’s draft or via trade.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148606 Montreal Canadiens

Canadiens prospect Nick Suzuki hopes to earn spot in NHL next season

After a whirlwind year that started with a trade from the Golden Knights, he could be with the Habs or the AHL's Laval Rocket next season.

STU COWAN, MONTREAL GAZETTE Updated: June 27, 2019

At this time last year, Nick Suzuki thought his future would be with the Vegas Golden Knights. Little did he know what the next 12 months would hold.

On Sept. 10, the Golden Knights traded Suzuki to the Canadiens as part of the Max Pacioretty deal. He then attended the Canadiens’ training camp before being returned to the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack, who then traded him to the Guelph Storm on Jan. 9 after he had played with Team Canada at the world junior championship.

Suzuki helped Guelph win the OHL championship, was named the playoff MVP after posting 16-26-42 totals in 24 games and was named the league’s most sportsmanlike player, with only 12 penalty minutes in 59 regular-season games in which he had 34-60-94 totals.

Last weekend, Suzuki was in Vancouver for the NHL Draft, where his brother, Ryan, was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round (28th overall). The Golden Knights selected the older Suzuki in the first round (13th overall) at the 2017 draft. The brothers are centres, but it’s surprising Ryan didn’t end up being a goalie.

“I always threw him in goal for road hockey … he was always the goalie,” Suzuki said about his little brother. “He got really good as a road-hockey goalie. We have lots of memories playing video games and mini-sticks and everything together.”

There’s a good chance the Suzuki brothers will play against each other at some point in the NHL, but the question is when? Nick is obviously hoping to play with the Canadiens next season, but the 5-foot-11, 193- pounder will most likely start the season with the AHL’s Laval Rocket.

“I’m still 19,” said Suzuki, who will turn 20 on Aug. 10 and is attending this week’s Canadiens development camp in Brossard. “My goal is to be an NHL player and whatever steps I have to do to make that happen is what I’m going to do. My goal coming into (training) camp in September is to make the team, but if I fall short of that Laval’s been a great hockey market and development team for the last few years. So I think it’s not a disappointment at all if I end up there.”

As for whether he will eventually play centre or wing with the Canadiens, Suzuki said: “I think from everything I’ve heard from them is they want me to play centre. I played centre all year this year and I thought I did really well and I got more comfortable, better on faceoffs, better in the D- zone. I think just being older and being a smart player helps with that a lot. But if they want me to play on the wing, I’m comfortable with that. I’ve played there for a few years. So just wherever I’m lined up I’ll try to make the best.”

Asked what he has gained the most over the last year, Suzuki said: “I think a lot of resiliency.”

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148607 Montreal Canadiens State, Poehling would hit the gym with his teammates early in the morning and then they’d be on the ice for practice at 10:30 a.m. After that, he might hit the gym again before starting his finance classes Stu Cowan: Canadiens prospect Ryan Poehling looks like man against around 2 p.m. boys “It’s good for your (hockey) development, but it also teaches you a lot of Dominates during scrimmages at development camp after three years of things off the ice,” Poehling said. “You have a lot of responsibility. It was growing on and off the ice at St. Cloud State University. my first time moving away from home and living on my own, so I think that’s kind of where I grew up, too, just learning that lifestyle which was big for me.”

STU COWAN, MONTREAL GAZETTE Updated: June 27, 2019 Voyez tous les buts de la séance de tirs de barrage d'aujourd'hui. Caufield a encore marqué, en passant. 

Check out all the goals from today's shootout. Caufield scored again, I did a double-take when I saw Ryan Poehling walking through the btw. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/zbdy8HoMWq— Canadiens Montréal Formula One paddocks this month at the Canadian Grand Prix. (@CanadiensMTL) June 27, 2019 “Man, he’s friggin’ huge!” I thought to myself. When asked how he has changed most since his first Canadiens So, it wasn’t a shock when Poehling looked like a man against boys for development camp two years, ago, Poehling said: “I think there’s two the second straight day during a scrimmage Thursday at the Canadiens’ things. Just more confidence in yourself. When you come here, it’s your development camp in Brossard. third year, you kind of know everything and you just got to worry about yourself. That’s kind of what I’ve been doing this camp. Another thing is Poehling didn’t score Thursday, but had several chances and made a just leadership. I think leading by example is something I try to do and I nice play to set up a goal. He also showed good chemistry with Cole think I do it well. So for me to do that at this camp and try to have Caufield, the Canadiens’ first-round pick at last weekend’s NHL Draft everyone follow is something I think I’ve done so far, which is good.” who scored a beauty for the second straight day in a shootout at the end of the scrimmage. Hockey didn’t come naturally to Poehling as a young boy. In fact, he didn’t even like the sport. Poehling remembers being about five when his “It’s fun,” Poehling said about playing with Caufield. “If you can give him a mother would sit him in the middle of the family’s backyard rink with his puck in the scoring area you know it’s probably going to go into the net. skates on and he would start crying. So I think we kind of mesh well together. I’m more of a pass-first guy and he’s a guy that’s going to put it in.” “She said: ‘If you want to get off, you have to skate off,’ ” Poehling recalled. “She probably did that for like two weeks and then I finally When the Canadiens selected Poehling in the first round (25th overall) at started to get the hang of it and enjoyed it. So I thank her a lot for that.” the 2017 NHL Draft, he was 6-foot-2 and around 170 pounds. The 20- year-old centre is now almost 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds. So do the Canadiens.

“Putting on 40 pounds is a big difference,” said Poehling, who looked like Montreal Gazette LOADED: 06.28.2019 a fitness model at the Grand Prix, wearing a blue T-shirt, pink shorts and blue sneakers with well-coiffed hair. “There’s always a bunch of fitness testing that you can compare with everyone else, but I like comparing it with myself. I think my fitness testing in general for myself has just kind of kept going up and up.”

#Habs Ryan Poehling taking in #CanadianGP #F1 #HabsIO pic.twitter.com/oGCjUeTk2P— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) June 8, 2019

Poehling said he enjoyed his Grand Prix experience and prepared for the race by watching the Netflix documentary Drive to Survive, which turned him into an F1 fan.

“You learn a lot about the actual sport, so it was cool,” he said. “The race was awesome. It was a good time. There were a lot of things to do and I’m a big Formula One guy now. I went to the racetrack and got to go through the Ferrari pit, which was pretty special.”

Poehling fait une belle entrée de zone, et Fairbrother marque d'un boulet!

Beautiful zone entry by Poehling, and Fairbrother hammers it home!

 2-2 ⚪ pic.twitter.com/zRx0digphV— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) June 27, 2019

The Canadiens obviously saw something special in Poehling when they drafted him after he posted 7-6-13 totals in 35 games in 2016-17 with St. Cloud State University as the youngest player in NCAA hockey. The Minnesota native decided to play two more years at St. Cloud State — playing 36 games each season and posting 14-17-31 and 8-23-31 totals — before signing a three-year, NHL entry-level contract on March 31 this year. He made his NHL debut in the Canadiens’ season finale on April 6, scoring three goals and adding the shootout winner in a 6-5 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Bell Centre.

“I couldn’t have asked for anything more,” Poehling said with a smile Thursday.

Staying in university obviously paid off for Poehling, even though it came to a disappointing end when St. Cloud State — the No. 1 seed — was eliminated in the first round of the NCAA tournament. He said the shorter schedule allowed him to focus more on his off-ice training to be physically ready to compete in an 82-game NHL schedule. At St. Cloud 1148608 Montreal Canadiens fall to the player and his contract with the team would continue to be valid.”

The use of salary bonuses has never been more widespread in the NHL. Yes, Quebec has high taxes, but here’s how the Canadiens can level the Chevrier’s concern is the governments involved will eventually decide the playing field party is over. Thus, he’s not especially comfortable in recommending them to players over a prolonged period.

By Marc Antoine Godin Jun 27, 2019 In other words, the prudent course when it comes to a signing bonus is to pay it in the first year, or perhaps over the first two years, of the contract. In fact, it should be considered an advantage for cash-rich teams: they can afford to pay the largest possible portion of the contract in the early Hockey people always insist money is just one factor among many when stages of the term, thus allowing the player to shield as much future it comes time for a free agent to decide on his destination. Things like income as possible from federal and Quebec income taxes (again, 53.31 role within the team and the quality of life for his family are just as percent compared to a zero percent state tax jurisdiction south of the important. border where players pay a 37 percent federal tax rate). OK, the fact is when the team making the offer is the Canadiens, the There is a fly in the ointment. According to the NHL’s collective club’s historic inability to attract elite free agents inevitably enters the bargaining agreement, player salaries cannot vary more than 35 percent discussion and higher taxes clearly have something to do with it. When from year to year. Moreover, the salary in any given year cannot be less Montreal is pitching players alongside Tampa Bay, Dallas or Vegas — all than 50 percent of the salary in the richest year of the deal. These rules, of whom can boast playing in jurisdictions with a zero percent state set out after the 2012 lockout, were intended to impose a more equitable income tax — the difference can seem huge. The good news is the spread of annual spending and thwart the lengthy, back-diving contracts Canadiens have a few means at their disposal to optimize their contract signed by the likes of Roberto Luongo and Shea Weber. offers from a tax standpoint to narrow the gap. Retirement compensation arrangements Jason Chevrier, a tax accountant who counts more than 20 NHL players among his clients, accepted The Athletic’s invitation to conduct just such This is a mechanism we laid out in detail exactly a year ago which allows an optimization exercise. First, we identified five unrestricted free agents tax residents of Canada who expect to retire outside the country to defer who are likely to interest (and could help) the Canadiens. We then tried taxation of a portion of their income. When the player retires and to determine how the Canadiens could make a competitive financial offer withdraws his funds from the retirement compensation agreement (RCA), in each of the cases. he’ll pay 25 percent in tax rather than the marginal rate at which his income would have been taxed had he collected it when it was earned. But before delving into the players and their situations, there are two Chevrier estimates players can sock away 40 percent of their income in fundamental notions that one must understand in order to properly grasp an RCA without causing the taxman to raise an eyebrow and reach for the factors that can tip the scale. Contract optimization, that’s to say his auditing pencil. offering a player the highest possible salary while penalizing him as lightly as possible from a taxation standpoint, is a direct function of these All the cases we tested reached the same conclusion: by putting 40 two concepts: percent of their earnings in an RCA, players who sign in Montreal will reduce their tax rate by 11 percent, from 53.31 percent to 41.99 percent. The signing bonus It’s a huge advantage if you qualify. Thus, it’s in the Canadiens’ interest In Quebec, NHL player salaries are taxed at the maximum combined to push this type of tax vehicle aggressively when it meets with free federal and provincial rate: 53.31 percent. Signing bonuses, on the other agents, a 42 percent tax rate represents a much smaller leap from U.S. hand, are taxed at 15 percent under the provisions of the longstanding rates and makes Montreal’s pitch more competitive and compelling. tax treaty between Canada and the U.S., a signing bonus is considered a As we’ll see, the rules are set up in such a way that the Canadiens can pledge to enter into a contract, as opposed to a commitment to deliver present a stronger financial case to foreign players and U.S. residents the services themselves. That’s why it can be an effective tool in than to Canadian players, unless they plan to retire outside the country. attracting non-resident athletes to Canada. Matt Duchene If the player is a U.S. resident, the 15 percent tax is deducted from the income tax the player will pay in the States — again, the treaty contains Marc Bergevin’s interest in this high-end forward should be measured in provisions to avoid double taxation (Canada has several tax treaties in years, not months, and the flame continues to burn brightly. According to place around the world). Darren Dreger, the Canadiens met with Duchene on Wednesday. The 28-year-old will soon be available, he’s almost within reach, and yet it’s Now, where the U.S. government is concerned, there are three ways to probably time to let go. be deemed a resident: 1) being born in the United States, which confers resident status for life; 2) successfully obtaining a green card; 3) when an The Canadiens are justly wary of maximum term contracts, and that individual spends more than 183 days residing in the U.S. according to a policy is not going to do them any favours in the pursuit of Duchene. matrix of criteria spanning three years. Players who suit up for American According to sources familiar with the discussions, the serious suitors for teams, which generally spend more than six months per year in the Duchene are going to offer him a seven-year term. As to the annual United States, typically have no difficulty reaching the minimum number value, the contract signed by Buffalo’s Jeff Skinner a few weeks ago ($9 of days to qualify as residents. They could be Canadians or Swedes, million annually for eight years) just drove the market for Duchene up a nationality is irrelevant because we’re talking about residency strictly for little higher. tax purposes. A reasonable offer from the Canadiens — i.e., one that isn’t likely to get it Depending on the date upon which the player ceases to be a U.S. done once free agency opens July 1 and the irrational exuberance takes resident (again, for tax purposes), a free agent who signs with the hold — would centre on a proposal of five years at $7 million. Let’s use Canadiens may still be able to maintain American residency for enough that as the starting point for our thought experiment. time to accept a hefty salary bonus — which would then be taxed at the U.S. rather than Canadian rates. Duchene spends his summers in the Haliburton Highlands region of his native Ontario and he recently played in Ottawa for a year and a half. Again: salary bonuses are meant to be a promise that a contract will Unless he holds a green card, it’s difficult to imagine he qualifies for U.S. eventually be signed, and not a form of disguised salary. It could be residency, even if he spent the last few months of the season in argued that a seven-year contract that includes an annual signing bonus Columbus. violates the spirit of the law. Now, it’s worth pointing out the place of residence and retirement “It’s to the team’s advantage to offer large signing bonuses because the projections involved here are purely hypothetical. We don’t have any player assumes the risk,” Chevrier said. “If a few years later the revenue inside information as to each player’s intentions. Assuming, then, that agencies come back to the player and say his salary bonus was Duchene is not a U.S. resident and plans to retire in Canada, Chevrier incorrectly assessed and that it should have been considered as salary, doesn’t see any obvious optimization pathways, whether it’s via signing the team will wash its hands. The responsibility to pay income tax would bonus or RCA. Add to that Duchene will be ardently courted by a team (Nashville) that rather than later. The haggling over term is what has pushed Lee to test plays in a market where there is no state income tax and the Canadiens the market. are pretty well behind the eight ball from a dollar standpoint. The Canadiens would do well to proceed with caution because they too Without the benefit of tax planning strategies, there’s a 12 percent gap risk making a mistake on Lee. That said, if he’s a target for Montreal, the between Montreal and Nashville. For the same salary and term (say five offer is likely going to have to involve a very long term, something like years and $35 million) Duchene would stand to net $5 million more by seven years at $6.75 million per. It’s not without risk, and one would picking Tennessee over Quebec. And the differential would only increase understand completely if the Canadiens were to decide they want no part as dollars and years are added, which is almost certainly what Nashville of it. But if the club has identified a need for bulk on the wing in the will do. person of a guy who can also put the puck in the net — Claude Julien pines for players who can dominate the lower slot — how could it To get to an identical after-tax amount, Montreal would have to offer $45 mitigate the risks? million to Nashville’s $35 million on a five-year hitch. Given he’s American, Lee could go the same route as the Gardiner “From a purely fiscal standpoint, if he’s a Canadian resident and he has example and start his contract with a large salary bonus. It would save the intention to retire in Canada, they shouldn’t waste their time chasing him some tax and then he could set up an RCA for the remaining six after him,” Chevrier said. seasons. Concentrating the payments on the front end of the deal would Particularly when you consider, as Dom Luszczyszyn and Marc Dumont not only benefit Lee, it would also insulate the Canadiens from having to recently did, that whatever Duchene provides on the ice is accompanied pay big dollars to a declining player over the final five years of the by yellow flags. contract. If Lee were suddenly to turn into a bad investment his contract could be bought in year four, for example, when his annual ticket would It’s going to be an auction, at some point it’s better to pass. be $5.7 million and the cap hit for the six years following the buyout would be of $2.9 million. This is obviously not the preferred option for Jake Gardiner either team or player and Lee could well remain productive for the entire The Minnesota-born defenceman became the top blue line option in the life of his contract. But forewarned is forearmed. market the moment Erik Karlsson put pen to paper with the Sharks. His The fact we’re even talking about buyout scenarios is probably an omen services will be in heavy demand and it would appear the Canadiens have already made contact with his representatives. Gardiner will likely Brett Connolly command a salary somewhere between $7 million and $8 million. For projection purposes, we’re assuming the Canadiens will offer six years at Colleague Sean Gordon made his case for Connolly a few weeks ago. $7.3 million. He is a right-shot winger who seems to have reached a level of consistent offensive production and has the size to make him attractive to In Gardiner’s case, the Canadiens are much better positioned to meet his the Canadiens. The question is whether it makes sense for the demands than they would be for Duchene. In the American’s case, both Canadiens to add to an already crowded group of top-9 wingers for the salary bonus and RCA come into play. around $3.5-million a year for something like three years.

Gardiner will turn 29 on July 4, he may well have become a Canadian Connolly was born in Canada but has played in the U.S. his entire resident during his years in Toronto, but what if a new contract lent itself career, allowing the Canadiens to take advantage of his residency at to a change in status? least until the start of the season. A signing bonus would be advantageous to him, but since he’s Canadian, he would not be able to If an American player wishes to become a non-resident of Canada, he stretch his status as a non-resident past Year 1 of any deal. So, as a must first own a year-round home in the U.S. The law stipulates that a result, he would need to take advantage of his situation by receiving as player who owns a permanent home in both countries must be taxed in much of his total salary as possible in the first year of the deal. That the country where his economic and social ties are strongest. It could be would allow him to be taxed at a rate of 46.49 percent on average over tricky for Gardiner to argue that his economic and social ties to the U.S. three years. An RCA doesn’t help to reduce that in his case. are stronger when he draws a massive salary from Canada. Connolly’s agent has already confirmed the Edmonton Oilers are But if he opts not to have a permanent residence in Montreal (i.e., a interested in his client. They could offer him the same contract, using the lease or mortgage longer than 12 months) a signing bonus becomes an same tax advantages and offer a more important role on their team. interesting option. That’s not even taking into account that the provincial income tax in It’s certainly possible to imagine a scenario where Gardiner rents an Alberta is far lower than it is in Quebec. apartment on a month-by-month basis rather than buying a house. It If the competition came from the Pittsburgh Penguins, as colleague Scott would be difficult for him to claim U.S. residency for the duration of his Burnside suggested it might, the difference would be less significant. contract, but that’s not really a problem: even if he rented short-term for Connolly would pay about 42.42 percent in taxes in Pittsburgh, plus the two years, it would represent a worthwhile payoff. standard one or two percent that will be tacked on by playing in various By agreeing to a front-loaded contract that is made up largely of signing U.S. states. bonuses for the first year, the new Canadian resident could then set up It’s probably not worth the trouble. an RCA for the remaining five years. It would constitute the best of both worlds because by optimizing the contract with an assortment of bonuses Patrik Nemeth and RCAs, Gardiner would pay an average tax rate of 42.81 percent. The Canadiens announced Wednesday they had signed defenceman If a team like the Kings, were to show an interest, as Toronto-based Mike Reilly to a two-year, $1.5-million a year contract, which would hockey columnist Steve Simmons has suggested, it would struggle to suggest they will not be looking for depth defencemen on July 1. Having offer a similar tax arrangement. An American playing in Los Angeles said that Nemeth, 27, would be an upgrade on the left side on the third pays almost 51.9 percent in income tax. pairing to either Reilly or Christian Folin. Even if he was bounced to seventh on the Avalanche depth chart in the playoffs when Cale Makar Gardiner would be expensive and maintaining long-term balance on the arrived from college, Nemeth is still in position to earn a nice raise next Canadiens’ cap sheet would become more difficult. But if Bergevin wants week. to go down that road, he has the means to do a deal. We can safely assume Nemeth is currently an American resident Anders Lee because of the 183-day rule mentioned earlier, even if he returns to his Anders Lee native Sweden in the summer. He would, therefore, be a prime candidate for a signing bonus. It is unlikely, however, that he would go the RCA It’s a little surprising the Islanders’ captain has made it to this point, the route on such a short contract. He is still young for a UFA but there is no widely-held assumption was he would quickly agree to terms with the guarantee that he would continue playing for a Canadian team once this only team he’s ever played for. The problem with the 28-year-old contract expires. American is not what he is — a heavy winger who has averaged 34 goals over the past three season — but with what he is likely to become. The The Canadiens would have to offer to pay as much of his first-year salary Islanders are clearly concerned of an Andrew Ladd scenario, and likely as possible in the form of an immediate signing bonus. Assuming he fear the six-foot-three, 231 pound forward will run out of steam sooner were to sign for $2.6 million a year for two years – and it should not be longer than two years – Nemeth could get a $700,000 base salary with a $1.9 million signing bonus in Year 1. Over the two-year contract, Nemeth would be paying about 47.35 percent in taxes in Montreal. It’s not enough of a tax savings to make it a very attractive destination.

The Florida Panthers seem like a team that might go after someone like Nemeth. Florida has no state income tax so he would be paying about 38.1 percent in federal tax, plus the one or two percent he would be dinged playing in other states throughout the season.

If Gardiner isn’t coming, Nemeth has the potential to be one of a dying breed; a good UFA signing. But it’s doubtful he takes the bait.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148609 Nashville Predators “They’re coming from junior and now it’s professional hockey. Connor had a lot to learn, how to become a pro.

“But Connor wants to play every night. That’s what makes him a great With a little more maturity, acquiring Connor Ingram could be a sneaky goalie. If he doesn’t play 80 games, he’s not happy, which is awesome.” good deal for the Predators Ingram, who’s attending the Predators’ development camp in Nashville this week, indicated that the root causes of his rocky relationship traced By John Glennon Jun 27, 2019 back to earlier in the 2018-19 season. The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, native injured his leg in late December and missed more than a month before returning to the lineup.

What could only be described as the Predators’ “other trade” this month “Yeah, pretty much,” Ingram said when asked if injury rehabilitation didn’t draw anywhere near as much attention as the deal that sent played a part in the rift. “I think there’s just some things they focused on defenseman P.K. Subban to the New Jersey Devils. away from the game of hockey that I worked really hard at there for two or three months coming back from injury, and then just being a healthy Understandably so. scratch. They were things I spent three or four hours a day just working But the Predators’ acquisition of goalie Connor Ingram a couple of weeks at. At the end of the day, it just came down to be too much. ago merits a hard second look now that the Subban smoke is starting to “They moved on and this summer, they thankfully decided to give me a clear. fresh chance. I don’t hold anything against Tampa Bay at all. … At the It’s not every day, after all, that an organization in search of a high-quality end of the day, sometimes it just doesn’t work out. I don’t think there’s goaltending prospect finds one on the trade market in exchange for bitter feelings either way.” virtually nothing — a seventh-round draft pick in 2021. Nichol said the Predators researched Ingram’s situation in Tampa That was the meager price the Preds paid the Tampa Bay Lightning for thoroughly, coming away convinced that — despite the fact things didn’t Ingram, a former third-round draft pick, a netminder chosen for the work out well with the Lightning — Ingram was well worth giving a American Hockey League All-Star game last season and The Athletic’s chance. 13th-ranked NHL goalie prospect as of last January. “We do a lot of homework on these kids and especially on something like The reason for the reduced cost was that Ingram and the Lightning were that,” Nichol said. “At the end of the day, it was the same report. Tons of both intent on severing their relationship, the result of a head-butting skill. He just needs to get a little more mature. Maybe he’s a little situation last year between the two sides that couldn’t be reconciled. stubborn because he wants to be No. 1. That’s not a bad fault to have. He wants the net.” But the bottom line for the Preds is that all of a sudden, they have a talented — and already professionally seasoned — 22-year-old goalie A 13-year NHL veteran who played for six NHL teams, Nichol noted prospect on their hands. It’s reasonable to believe Ingram will be the third Ingram would hardly be the first prospect who’s had an early bump in the goalie on the organizational depth chart this season, trailing Pekka Rinne road of his career. and Juuse Saros. “I think you have that sometimes as a young kid, you maybe get stuck in Should Ingram get re-signed beyond this season (he’ll be a restricted a rut or the maturity part of it,” Nichol said. “Maybe you say something free agent next summer), he could factor more heavily into the Preds’ you can’t get back. … So everybody sometimes needs a second future plans, considering the 36-year-old Rinne presumably will — at chance.” some point in the not-too-distant future — start to think about hanging up Nichol and the Predators organization have appreciated the fact that the skates. Ingram volunteered to attend development camp here. “I’m excited for (Ingram),” said Scott Nichol, the Predators’ director of “Usually it’s only one-year pros we bring back (to camp),” Nichol said. player development. “That was a really good, probably off-the-radar trade “But he wanted to come in front of our guys and show what he has. He’s for us. But he’s a young goalie who’s got outstanding skill. been great. His attitude has been great.” “He’s an American League All-Star goalie, he’s played in the World Ingram said he’s looking forward to a new beginning in the Nashville Juniors, and has a great pedigree. He’s played in big situations and he’s organization, where the current goaltending situation looks pretty a young goalie to help in our stable of goalies we have.” favorable for him this season. Everything appeared to be moving in the right direction early last season Rinne and Saros, of course, are the undisputed Nos. 1 and 2. The top for Ingram, who earned a selection to the AHL All-Star game in January. returning netminder for Milwaukee is Troy Grosenick, who is 29. The Athletic’s Corey Pronman listed the up-and-coming Ingram as the Grosenick had a strong 2018-19, earning a trip to the AHL All-Star game, NHL’s 13th-best goaltending prospect later that month in his midseason but the veteran has never played in the NHL — and doesn’t have the rankings. upside of Ingram. By late February, Ingram had posted a 14-7 record, .922 save “It’s good to see new faces, have a fresh start and just kind of start over,” percentage and 2.26 goals against average. He’d recorded six shutouts Ingram said. “I’ve got two professional years under my belt now where I in just 22 games at that point, including two shutouts in back-to-back learned a lot, saw a lot. starts. “I went through a lot of things that the majority of pro hockey players will But that’s when things took a turn for the strange. never go through. So it’s good to step forward now and move on, and just Ingram played his last game for Tampa’s AHL affiliate on Feb. 26, and on kind of take what I’ve learned and transfer all my energy somewhere March 6, the Lightning demoted him to the East Coast Hockey League. else.”

Ingram was recalled to the AHL briefly in late March. But after a face-to- Who knows what the future will hold for Ingram and the Predators? face meeting with Tampa Bay general manager Julien BriseBois — one In time, that “other June trade” may be beneficial for both. that apparently did not go well — Ingram was immediately dispatched back to the ECHL. BriseBois has been close-mouthed about the situation The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019 since, telling media the conflict was “an internal matter.”

Ingram’s agent, Blake Evans, explained Thursday that Ingram wanted to play as often as possible, telling the Lightning he’d prefer to play in the ECHL as opposed to splitting time in the AHL. But Evans added that Ingram had some growing up to do as well.

“Tampa was one of those situations where anytime a rookie comes into an organization, they’ve got a lot to learn,” Evans told The Athletic. 1148610 New Jersey Devils how you build a team is totally different. It is a continuous balance of looking at where is it we can gain internal knowledge and competitive advantage and experience?

The Athletic Q&A: Devils execs Hugh Weber and open up For example, the Sixers went through a long rebuild … about the business side of the team They are “The Process” team …

HW: They are “The Process.” Hockey is different. The elements might be By Corey Masisak Jun 27, 2019 similar, in terms of you have to have a pipeline of emerging talent, which we didn’t have. You have to have cap space, which we now have but you have to be judicious with how you use it. It is all of that, and then there is VANCOUVER — It was already going to be a big weekend for the Devils the decision process of how to execute the plan. Josh and David are very at the 2019 NHL draft because they owned the No. 1 pick, but it became engaged. They’re very active. In that way they’re very similar. I can’t see a turning point in general manager Ray Shero’s tenure when he was able (Sixers GM) Elton Brand and Ray Shero talking that often because they to trade for defenseman P.K. Subban just a few hours after selecting have very different jobs. But there are ways that we are pooling Jack Hughes with the top choice. resources together.

The Devils have been in rebuilding mode on the ice since Shero arrived Hopefully, our fans see where the Sixers were and where they are now, in 2015, and the transition to consistent postseason contender and and that gives our fans a little bit of confidence that, ‘Hey, I think these potential Stanley Cup contender took a big step forward in Vancouver. guys know what they’re doing.’ It might not be exactly the same blueprint, The organization has been in a similar, but different kind of construction but they want to spend. They want to be at the highest end of the cap process since Josh Harris and David Blitzer purchased the franchise in and they want to win. August 2013. The Prudential Center is still one of the youngest buildings in the NHL. The ownership group has spent a lot of time and resources trying to What has been the general plan with updates like the scoreboard and modernize the franchise and improve its standing within the NHL and the new premium lounges and where does that go from here? communities of northern New Jersey. There hasn’t been a lot of winning on the ice to capitalize on, but an improved product combined with the HW: We’re actually the oldest building in the New York area, if you think other upgrades made at Prudential Center and within the franchise could about it. opened after us, then there were the lead to better days ahead. renovations at MSG and Nassau and now a new building is coming in Belmont (for the Islanders). The north star for us has always been the Devils president Hugh Weber, who joined the club in 2013, and franchise game experience. We felt like if we were knowing what we had to do on legend Martin Brodeur, who returned to the organization this past August the ice – and we had the right people with and Ray Shero in a new executive role on the business side, sat down with The Athletic building (the roster) – we doubled down on the things that make the in Vancouver to discuss a variety of topics concerning the business of the (experience) better and enjoyable as entertainment. I think things will Devils. probably slow down on that side now. The building is in pretty good shape. We view Prudential Center as a long-term asset. We’re not going This conversation happened Friday morning, before Hughes was to put ourselves in a position where we wake up one day and go, ‘Oh, selected, so their answers about the No. 1 pick were couched a certain holy crap the pipes are broken.’ There’s capital invested that people don’t way to not tip the club’s intention. Weber talked about how the overall see, some of it is just to keep the lights on, but we’ll continue to do some business is doing, what the connection with the 76ers (also owned by of those updates. The real focus now is on making this team competitive. Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment) means and what future improvements in and around the arena could be coming. Brodeur We’re now at a point where the infusion of gambling at Prudential Center reflected on his first season as a business executive, what it’s like to live is in full force. What has been the initial reaction and how do you think it in St. Louis as the Blues celebrate a championship and what has is going to compliment the building and the business moving forward? impressed him so much about Devils fans upon his return to the franchise. HW: Anecdotally, fans have come up to me and tell me it’s cool or it’s fun. I’ve had people say they got on their apps the moment they get This is honestly a question I’ve gotten more than I might have expected through the Lincoln Tunnel. I think it was a novelty initially. I think our from fans. How healthy is the business of the New Jersey Devils? partners have had some good growth in business out of it, being the first into the space. I think it is going to become second nature or part of what Hugh Weber: Unlike traditional business where you look at the profit-loss you do in New Jersey. It’s not just at Prudential Center. You can do it statement and you go, ‘Oh, OK. We need to grow revenues and cut anywhere in New Jersey. We were mindful that we didn’t want have it — expenses and we’ll get this thing healthy,’ hockey teams are very like in (Washington), D.C. it is geo-fenced around certain areas and different. You have to invest in the business and then keep investing in certain things. We want people in their seats watching the game and the business and it will finally turn around. Whether it is investing on the using their app. I think it is going to continue to evolve. I don’t think we’re ice or infrastructure like new scoreboards or the food and the gaming going to every say, ‘Hey, remember when you went to games and sat experience, Josh and David have made substantial investments in the and watched instead of being up at the (gambling lounge).’ I don’t think business over the past six years and that has paid a return. Revenues it’s ever going to be like that. have gone up. Sponsorships, the gaming category coming online, all of that has been really helpful. The building, in terms of the concert Are there other areas that you look at and say, ‘If we can improve this, it business, is among the best in the country. All of that goes into the will help the bottom line and improve the franchise?’ business of the Devils. HW: Other than sell more tickets, which is kind of the last thing we have To answer your question, six years ago we were hemorrhaging. We’ve to get through, I would say the only other thing is we are looking very stabilized the business and we’re ready for what we believe is accelerate closely and focused on the neighborhood and the real estate around growth with on-ice success. Prudential Center. We think there will be almost 5,000 people at Edison Place (for the Devils’ draft party). Could you imagine if the entire area How much is the business of the 76ers and the business of the Devils around the arena was bars and restaurants and a place where fans want related or connected? to hang out and linger? We think that’s not that far off. The park was a HW: Josh and David recognize that hockey and are very good first step, but from a legal standpoint, the way that they different. You can’t always take a practice that works in one and apply it development rights were written when the park was built. It started a to the other. There are philosophies that do work. Being patient, building clock. The people who own all of those lots have to do something now. for what you think is best in class, so all of the support things like sports There will be a window of time in the next two years here where you’ll science and data analytics, generally we see philosophically is we have see a lot more stuff going up. Being involved in those investments so it more information, more resources for your players, better facilities, we can be a holistic experience for our fans and so it is coordinated, we think have to think that’s better. You can be better aligned on those things. that is the next big step for the business of the franchise. There are best practices that are shared across the teams. We can say, Note: Brodeur returned to the Devils’ organization 10 months ago as an ‘Hey, have you guys looked at this?’ Or, ‘we are going to buy this system. executive vice president in business development. When he arrived, he Do you want to buy two of them and we’ll get them at the same time?’ said he wanted to learn more about the business side of hockey while he There is synergy that way. We understand culturally and the dynamics of tried to figure out where the best place for him was in the game moving I was talking to E.J. Hradek from NHL Network the other day about what forward. the No. 1 pick will mean for the franchise and he talked about how there is an entire generation of fans who were kids when you won those What have been some of your initial impressions and takeaways from the championships with the Devils and now they are the adults coming to the new job? games. Have you noticed a lot of that since you’ve come back?

Martin Brodeur: For me, a lot of it was the unknown of how the business I think that’s one of the things we’ve talked about with the community. of hockey is run. At the same time, I was kind of able to tap into what was Interaction with our fans was different when I played. When we practiced going on with the 76ers, a little bit with the building on the concert side of at South Mountain on a holiday, there would be hundreds of people things. I’ve met a lot of people that I didn’t know worked for the Devils there. The amount of pictures that I see now where I took the picture with and seen departments that I didn’t know existed. For me, it has been a this kid when I was playing and now this guy is like, ‘Hey, can you sign huge learning curve and it has been really interesting. I think I’ve made a my picture?’ and this guy is 6-foot-5 is crazy. There are pictures of me connection with the executive group and some of the people who have with babies in my hands. When you’ve been with an organization for so really helped me progress in my development working on the business long, it’s the faces. The people who where there for all of my Cup runs, side. It’s been a lot of fun. these people are still there. These Devils fans are so loyal. They’ve been Do you feel almost a year later like you have any more clarity on where through hell, and this is the beginning of something great. your career is heading moving forward? Having Nico come in two years ago and making the playoffs, then the MB: Yeah, a little bit. I’m working on some different projects to help move little bump in the road last year, but now with (Hughes) coming in and our the needle forward somewhere. I’m willing to do anything. You might say young guys progressing, the light is right there. It’s a good time to be a it’s humbling, but I’ll do anything. I’m in a lot of meetings. I’ll give people Devils fan. They never quit us. I left for four years and then I came back phone calls to help out. Sometimes it is just being with fans and hanging and it’s like nothing changed. It’s amazing. out to help sell tickets. I’m kind of all in, to a certain extent. I want to What can the No. 1 pick mean to this franchise? make this experience the best possible and I want to learn as much as I can. I’m not looking into the future about what I want to do next. This is MB: I won’t talk about the dollar sign part of the business, but in our what I’m doing now and I’m happy. It’s been working out well for me and community, he can make a big difference. In our youth hockey, that could for my family. That was my goal, to move on from that position and I have be a huge difference for sure. It would be something that people can no regrets. relate to. You can talk about a guy like Alex Ovechkin making fans for life (in Washington, D.C.), that’s what this guy can do for our franchise. HW: We talked about it early on. We didn’t want this to be a figurehead position. It was let’s get him in here and dive in and learn. Marty is a HW: What makes this 1-2 draft interesting is because it’s us and the naturally curious person. He’s got really good insights too. We all have to Rangers. If it was the Kings drafting second, it may not be as interesting. figure out how to connect with our fans more. So someone will ask him a When you ask what is good for business, what’s good for business is question in a meeting and Marty will say something and everyone is like, good stories. Therefore, rivalries are good for business. To see the ‘Huh. Yeah, that’s pretty good.’ trajectory of these two players cemented in a market that has already a natural rivalry is going to be really interesting to watch unfold. It’s part of What has been something that sticks out that you learned about the a bigger puzzle that Ray has been putting together, with John and Taylor business of hockey? Hall and Nico are all pieces of that. The hope is (Hughes) will be a big MB: There’s been some things that really open your eyes. You look at part of that next generation of great Devils teams, and we weren’t just a how a team is formed and I’ve done all of that over the years. It is similar one-year wonder or a blip (in 2018). on the business side. It is amazing when there is a budget and you wish The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019 somebody could do something but their hands are tied. It might be six months before they can do it. It is something when you’re a player, you’re like, ‘Why can’t they just do this now?’ When you’re involved, there are steps for everything. There are a level of people you’ve got to talk to. These are things that I had never paid attention to, because I was never in business. It’s been good. Also, just to hear from the head of every department. For instance, we talked to these guys from LiveNation. We went to Chicago and met with the guy who is charge of all the bookings. It was kind of cool. I had never really entertained that stuff, but just being with them and with their conversations you learn the connections they make and why our building is becoming more popular compared to other ones. It’s that personal touch that all of the heads of every department has with their clients that is pretty cool to see.

As someone who spent time in the Blues organization and lives in St. Louis, what was the past couple of months like?

MB: It was crazy. To me, that was for the people of St. Louis. The team is the team, but to see the community wrap their heads (around) that they just won the Stanley Cup, it is crazy to see. It’s been more than 50 years. We are talking about generations of people. It was just crazy. People asked me about it and I said, ‘Look, I grew up in Montreal and I remember when they won in ’86 and I went to the parade. I remember that day like it was yesterday.’ So I told them I know it is going to be a pain to get to downtown St. Louis, but do it for your kids. Nobody wants to miss a moment of the celebration. There were so many ups and downs. After the hand pass (San Jose scored after an illegal hand pass in Game 3 of the conference finals), I went to my country club and everybody was like, ‘Everyone is against us. The whole world is against us.’ They took it so personally. The road it took the Blues to win their first Stanley Cup has been really good for the community. There’s no doubt of the support.

I sit there and look at it from the business side. Sometimes I come back to these guys once in a while and go, ‘Hey, I know the Blues are winning and it’s a big sports town, but they do certain things and maybe if we get to that level of being competitive, maybe we could try this.’ I see how things work over there. 1148611 New York Islanders

Syosset native Sam Sternschein stands out at Isles' prospect scrimmages

By Andrew Gross

Sam Sternschein peered into the crowded stands at Northwell Health Ice Center and spotted his parents as he had so many times as a youth hockey player for games at the East Meadow facility. But this time, the Syosset product was in an Islanders’ practice jersey, chasing his professional dream at the team’s summer development camp.

The Penn State junior stood out at Thursday night’s three-squad, round- robin scrimmage, scoring four goals as his Blue squad went 2-0 to win the tournament, including two goals in the clinching 6-2 win over the Blue/White squad.

“When I got the invite, I was really happy,” said Sternschein, who found out about a month ago he would be attending the Islanders’ prospect camp. “I want to make the best of this.”

Sternschein said he grew up “down the street” from Iceworks in Syosset, the Islanders’ former practice home and he played his fair share of youth games there as well.

The 6-2, 197-pound right-shooting forward has 14 goals and 14 assists in 64 games over his first two collegiate seasons after two seasons in the USHL.

Sternschein, asked to describe his game, said he tries to use his size in order to be a power forward.

“I’m trying to score like I did tonight,” Sternschein said. “I want to get that into my game.”

Sternschein displayed good hands skills as he snapped off a shot that beat White squad goalie Straus Mann, of Michigan, to give Blue a 3-1 lead at 9:32 of their eventual 4-2 win.

“I’m trying to take it all in,” Sternschein said of the camp. “I know the level they play at. I want to take advantage of everything. I’m really happy to be here.”

And to share it with his parents, Evan and Robyn.

“It’s really special to have them here,” said Sternschein, adding neither they, nor his older sister, Alexa, played hockey. “There’s no hockey background at all. I’m proud of that.”

Notes & quotes: There will be another open-to-the-public scrimmage at Northwell Health Ice Center on Saturday at 10 a.m. with seating on a first-come, first-served basis…Defenseman , the 12th overall pick in 2018, scored on a breakaway for the Blue squad and set up the first of two goals by camp invitee Zach Jordan of Ohio State…Oliver Wahlstrom, the 11th overall pick in 2018, scored off a feed from Bode Wilde, picked 41st in 2018, after Wahlstrom muscled the puck toward the crease. But their White squad went 0-2…Goalie Linus Soderstrom, picked 95th in 2014 and who missed all of last season and a significant portion of 2017-18 with lower-body injuries, allowed one goal in 20 strong minutes…Camp invitee Liam Folkes, also of Penn State, scored twice for the Blue/White squad, both set up by Scott Eansor…Sixth-rounder Felix Bibeau had a goal and an assist for Blue/White.

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148612 New York Islanders

Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky expects to break ground on Belmont arena this summer

By Jim Baumbach and Steven Marcus

Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky told Newsday on Thursday he remains optimistic about beginning construction soon on the team’s planned new arena at Belmont Park.

“We're looking forward to breaking ground this summer,” he said. “That's the best way to put it.''

Ledecky’s comments come as Empire State Development, the state agency coordinating the project, acknowledged Thursday that the next step in the timeline — the release of the final environmental impact statement — will not take place on schedule. ESD has long said the environmental report would be produced by the end of the second quarter, which is Sunday.

ESD spokesman Jack Sterne said in a statement that the environmental report will be released in July, which won’t affect the construction timeline. The release of the final environmental report is the final step before the project begins the approval stage and construction can begin.

“We know that Long Islanders feel passionately about this project, and we are in the process of scheduling a board meeting in July specifically to release the Final Environmental Impact Statement,” Sterne said. “Fans, community members and local leaders can rest assured that at this time, we do not expect any major effect on the arena’s scheduled opening.”

The arena is projected to be open for the Islanders’ 2021-22 season. Ledecky has previously said that recently built hockey arenas have been constructed in 20-to-24 month windows.

Ledecky, who was attending the Tom Seaver ceremony at Citi Field Thursday, said he didn’t have a target date for the groundbreaking and insisted there was no significant holdup in the timeline.

“No hitches,” Ledecky said. “Full steam ahead.”

The final environmental report of the project, which also includes a 250- room hotel and 435,000-square feet of retail, is expected to address additional efforts to mitigate the concerns raised by residents of surrounding communities during three days of public hearings in January.

Most of the concerns were about added traffic in an already congested area, and most of the public attention since then has been focused on expanding the Long Island Rail Road service there.

Sources told Newsday in April that ESD is studying the possibility of building a full-time Long Island Rail Road station to the main line, which runs just north of Belmont.

That development came in response to public outcry regarding the limitations of the current part-time LIRR station at Belmont, which is located on a spur off the main line and requires riders from the east to transfer at Jamaica.

A potential new LIRR station at Belmont on the main line would be in addition to the two additional trains the LIRR has already committed to run from Jamaica to the existing Belmont Park part-time station before and after arena events, sources said.

State Sens. Todd Kaminsky (D-Long Beach), Anna Kaplan (D-Great Neck) and Leroy Comrie (D-), who represent areas surrounding Belmont, expressed their support for the Islanders’ project in a statement last week, citing how “discussions of a full-service LIRR station to serve the community are progressing."

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148613 New York Islanders

Islanders co-owner and Mets fan Jon Ledecky: 'The summer of '69 was a great memory

By Steven Marcus

A big Tom Seaver fan sat basically unnoticed Thursday at the ceremony renaming the address of Citi Field to 41 Seaver Way. He was taking cell phone photos of the event just like everyone else.

Jon Ledecky, co-owner of the Islanders and a friend of Mets ownership, grew up a fan of Seaver and the Mets.

“I watched some of Tom Seaver’s greatest games,’’ he said after the ceremony.

Ledecky, 61, said he went to many games at Shea Stadium. “My brother and I delivered newspapers in the summer,'' he said. "We lived in Bayside, Queens. We came to doubleheaders. The Mets had something like nine or 10 doubleheaders. If you were a kid growing up it, it was the greatest thing. For three bucks you could watch two great games.’’

Two games stood out. “We were there when Seaver struck out 19,’’ he said of Seaver’s club record against the Padres on April 22, 1970.

The other game memory did not involve Seaver. “We were sitting in leftfield in 1969 when Gil Hodges walked out and pulled Cleon Jones from the game,’’ he said. “The summer of ‘69 was a great memory.’’

Ledecky later relocated to Greenwich, Connecticut, where Seaver resided. "He was very active in the community, he was a wonderful citizen in the town,’’ Ledecky said. “I didn’t get to know him personally, but I got to see him like a fan would. He and his wife, Nancy, were very much a part of the fabric of Greenwich. It’s great that they are honoring him this way. It’s a super day.’’

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148614 New York Islanders

Still far apart in contract talks with the Islanders, Robin Lehner’s future appears to be elsewhere

By Arthur Staple Jun 27, 2019

Robin Lehner had a remarkable season with the Islanders, but indications are that it will be the only one he plays with the team.

The Masterton and Jennings Trophy winner and the Isles are far enough apart on a contract that a league source said Lehner will almost certainly play elsewhere next season. The 27-year-old goalie turned his life around last spring and summer, finally getting a proper diagnosis of bipolar disorder and receiving treatment for substance abuse. Upon the start of training camp and having signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Isles, one of the few teams that had interest, he wrote the story of his recovery on this site and immediately became a role model for people, athletes and non-athletes alike, who struggle with mental illness.

Then Lehner turned in a season for the ages in Islander history along with Thomas Greiss, the first Isles goalies to take home the Jennings Trophy for fewest goals allowed since Billy Smith and Roland Melanson in 1982-83. When the season ended in a second-round sweep by the Hurricanes, it seemed a top priority for to sign Lehner to a longer-term deal — especially when the goalie repeatedly expressed his desire to stay on Long Island.

But as the days drew down towards the UFA contact period that began Sunday, the two sides were far apart still. Lamoriello appeared to be holding firm on a shorter deal for under $5 million while, as our Craig Custance noted earlier this week, anything under $5 million per was likely a non-starter for Lehner’s camp.

If the Isles are ready to move on from Lehner, it could mean the big UFA goalie target is in their sights. Sergei Bobrovsky was reportedly in New York earlier this week, along with fellow coveted UFA Artemi Panarin. If Lamoriello wants to sign both it could cost over $22 million per season on seven-year deals, which is doable for a team with roughly $20.7 million in cap space — but that leaves Anders Lee, the Isles’ other main UFA, without room to return either.

Like Lehner, Lee has stated early and often his desire to remain an Islander. Term was the sticking point in talks all season long, with Lee angling for an eight-year deal and the Islanders holding firm on five to six years. If the Isles are making a play for Bobrovsky, it almost certainly is as a tandem signing with Panarin, so there’s no reason to think Lamoriello would soften his stance with Lee, despite his popularity in the room and on the Island.

Lamoriello will have a backup plan should Bobrovsky opt for the Panthers over the Isles — those are really the only two choices at this point for a goalie seeking a seven-year deal. Mike Smith appears to be headed elsewhere on a short-term deal; the Islanders are believed to have reached out to Cam Talbot but could miss out once the gates open at noon on Monday. Petr Mrazek, like Lehner a 27-year-old who revived his career with a standout season, has been linked to the Oilers, where his former GM in Detroit, Ken Holland, now runs the show.

And what of Lehner? The options are precious few for a goalie who can anchor the net and wants something longer term. That’s why the door can’t be completely closed on the Island, since both player and team could circle back around to one another if they strike out with other options. The Hurricanes will likely see both their goalies walk but are unlikely to pay Lehner’s freight; Columbus, Bobrovsky’s soon-to-be former club, will have an opening but again may not want to commit long- term if it is rebuilding. The Panthers, should Bobrovsky choose the Isles, might want to get the next best option.

Things change quickly this time of year and the secrecy is ramped up in the final days before July 1 comes. But it seems likely that Lehner, whose personal history, his openness and his stellar play endeared him to Islanders fans almost immediately upon arrival, will have a new home for 2019-20. And that means the Islanders may indeed feel good about their big-game hunt.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148615 New York Rangers So as the club gets closer to the $81.5 million cap ceiling, flexibility becomes paramount. And that is where Rykov might end up finding his opportunity.

Russian prospect could help add depth to Rangers’ defense “Very positive impressions,” Rykov said about this first week in North America. “Everything is new, but getting used to it.”

By Brett Cyrgalis June 28, 2019 | 2:23am New York Post LOADED: 06.28.2019

One of the operable words in rebuilding a team is flexibility. And what helps create flexibility is depth.

So as the Rangers continuing juggling a handful of scenarios in the lead- up to Monday’s start of free agency — including the possibility of signing electric winger Artemi Panarin, whose picture on the scoreboard of the Garden in a Rangers jersey was circulating around the internet on Thursday afternoon following his recent meeting with team brass — the club watched as a handful of hopeful players continued prospects camp in Stamford, Conn.

One of those prospects was defenseman Yegor Rykov, the 6-foot-3, 225- pound Russian who came over as a key piece in the 2018 deadline deal that sent Michael Grabner to the Devils. The first-ever trade between the teams is now looking rather lopsided, as New Jersey had Grabner for a fleeting moment while the Blueshirts got Rykov and a second-round pick.

A lefty-shot, Rykov is not at the front of the line in terms of the club’s prospects on the back end, but his size and skill set have shown he is at least a viable candidate to compete for a job come training camp in September.

That would most likely happen if there is a salary-cap crunch and a buyout of either Brendan Smith or becomes the necessary tool to clear money. With Rykov having just signed his two- year, entry-level deal, he could also start adjusting to the smaller rink and more physical game with AHL Hartford, readying himself to come up when needed.

“I want to show myself and try to make the team,” he said through interpreter and head European scout Nick Bobrov after Thursday’s scrimmage.

Rykov, 22, has been playing in the KHL since the Devils took him in the fifth round (No. 132 overall) in 2015. He has physically grown in that time, and playing with men has helped the maturation in his game.

He has also been helped this week by fellow KHL imports and Russian prospects Vitali Kravtsov — a forward who is taking the camp by storm — and Igor Shesterkin, a goalie. Kravtsov, especially, is making the language barrier easier to handle with his relatively good grasp of English.

“As far as on-ice sessions, hockey is a universal language and I understand 90 percent of what’s happening,” Rykov said. “But obviously it’s helpful when [Kravtsov] is around.”

As of now, the left side of the Rangers defense has veterans Brady Skjei, Marc Staal and Smith. Just below them are Ryan Lindgren and Libor Hajek, both of whom got tastes of the NHL this past season after spending most of the year with the Wolf Pack.

That type of slow transition is ideal in the development of players, especially on defense. Coming from the big international ice surface, the game gets a lot faster and more combative when jammed in the sheet that’s 200 x 85 feet.

“Because the rink is smaller, the speed is more dynamic here,” Rykov said. “So it’s all about the size of the rink.”

Besides Panarin, the Rangers could end up taking on salary if they can trade Chris Kreider, who has one more year left on his deal at $4.625 million and more than likely is either going to sign an extension or be moved before the start of the season. There is also the possibility of moving restricted free agent Pavel Buchnevich, along with Jimmy Vesey and Vlad Namestnikov.

But one thing general manager Jeff Gorton has made clear is he wants to accelerate this rebuilding process, and this year is one when a big step forward is expected. That is why he traded for top-four righty- defenseman Jacob Trouba, who is also a restricted free agent and is in line for a long-term extension. 1148616 New York Rangers

Vitali Kravtsov dazzles the crowd at Rangers' prospects camp scrimmage

Vitali Kravtsov fights for puck during 4th day

By Colin Stephenson

STAMFORD, Conn. — In the second period of the second scrimmage at the Rangers’ Prospect Development Camp Thursday at Chelsea Piers Connecticut, the fans watching got the moment they were waiting for, the one that took their breath away.

But it wasn’t this year’s first-round pick, Kaapo Kakko, who produced it. Instead, it was last year’s first pick, Vitali Kravtsov, who dazzled the crowd with a pretty setup of a three-on-three goal by Morgan Barron against Adam Huska.

In on a breakaway with a defender rushing back to challenge him, Kravtsov, who played the last two seasons in Russia’s KHL, came in on Huska, deked, and then turned his back to the goalie and wrapped a centering pass around to Barron, who finished it cleanly to give the blue team a 3-0 lead against the white team en route to a 5-2 win.

“It was awesome,’’ Barron said of Kravtsov’s play. “When I saw him skating up the ice, I figured I should probably get as close as possible, because you never know what he’s going to do, he’s so creative. And when he sold the deke, I thought he was going to tuck it under the bar. But he threw it back to me and it was a pretty easy tap-in for me. It caught me off guard, a little bit, but I was glad I was up there.’’

“I need to show my best to make the team,’’ a smiling Kravtsov said, when asked about his objective in this weeklong camp against other draftees, prospects and tryout players.

The 6-3, 181-pound native of Vladivostok, Russia, the first of three first- round picks (No. 9 overall) by the Rangers last year, made it very clear on Monday, the first day of camp, that he was all in on making the Rangers after two tough years with the KHL’s .

“I’m so excited. It’s a big step in my career,’’ he said of joining the Rangers. “My season with Chelyabinsk Traktor was not good, because we lost a lot of games.’’

Kravtsov, who had eight goals and 13 assists in 50 games for Traktor in 2018-19, knows he’s not going to lock up a roster spot for Opening Night at this camp. But he is working as hard as he can to make sure the Rangers’ braintrust has a positive impression of him. He’s been training in the U.S. for two months already, and plans to stay here after the prospect camp is over and continue to train to get ready for training camp in September. His mother and 9-year-old brother are with him now, but they’ll have to leave when it’s time for his brother to go back to school.

Kravtsov was asked Thursday what the Rangers management has told him they expect from him.

“Play like how you can, that’s it,’’ he said. “And show me something.’’

“They watch how I play on the ice, and how I talk with guys in the locker room,’’ he said. “Everybody here wants to help me, and I want to help the other [prospect] guys.’’

Notes & quotes: TSN reported that free-agent forward Artemi Panarin met with the Rangers on Wednesday . . . Barron returned to camp a day after missing Wednesday’s scrimmage to see a doctor about a sore throat . . . D Nils Lundkvist missed a second straight day.

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148617 New York Rangers Jacob Trouba, coming on board? The three youngsters and possibly more, terrific as they may be, will hit the ice Oct. 3 with no NHL experience. A big portion of the rest of the roster will have little NHL Artemi Panarin’s decision will sway the Rangers’ direction experience.

Without adding Panarin, a legit first-line forward the likes of which the Rangers haven’t had since Marian Gaborik (Rick Nash was that, but he By Rick Carpiniello Jun 27, 2019 only had one big offensive season), the Rangers are back to being a team hoping to be competitive, not one expecting to make a run to get

back into the playoffs after two dark springtimes. STAMFORD, Conn. – Artemi Panarin may well have already made his That’s not all that changes. If Panarin’s not coming, the Rangers have all decision, though it can’t be announced until free agency opens Monday. sorts of cap space to sign their own restricted free agents — Trouba, The Rangers? They were/are all-in. But that, according to high-level Pavel Buchnevich, Tony DeAngelo and Brendan Lemieux, most notably. speculation throughout the NHL, probably isn’t going to be enough. If Panarin’s not coming, then keeping Buchnevich and Chris Kreider is not redundant because they will have room for two top-six wingers – That’s right, $11.5 million per year, or so, for seven years, isn’t going to Kakko and Kravtsov presumably being the other two. be enough. If Panarin’s not coming, there’s really no need to buy out Kevin Panarin has other options, notably one a borough away in , and Shattenkirk or Brendan Smith and creating a dead-space cap hit for four one well to the south, in Sunrise, Fla., where two teams – the Islanders years (those buyouts can happen next summer, with the buyouts spread and the Panthers – could make it a free-agents package deal by signing only over two years). Panarin and a Columbus teammate, goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. If Panarin isn’t coming, then the Rangers are going to theoretically have The Islanders, in that scenario, likely would have to outbid the Panthers a gigantic pile of spending money in the summer of 2021, after Henrik in dollars because Florida is a no-income-tax state and because Panarin Lundqvist’s contract expires, along with Marc Staal’s and, if not bought played for new Panthers coach Joel Quenneville in Chicago. The out, Shattenkirk’s and Smith’s (a potential savings of $22.5 million). Islanders can offer Brooklyn’s Russian population … though before either contract runs out, they’ll be out of Brooklyn. Kreider’s situation becomes, then, the most affected by Panarin’s decision. If the Rangers were to get Panarin, they most likely would be Lou Lamoriello doesn’t normally do business that way – buying, or more moving on from Kreider. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported that the accurately bribing free agents to come play for his team. Rangers tried to pry Colorado’s first-rounder (No. 16 overall) for Kreider at the draft and were rebuffed, even though the Avs desperately need Does this mean the Rangers are out of it? No. Brooklyn’s Russian second-liners. population is a subway hop away, and they’re willing to go big dollars for the long term. But they won’t be signing Panarin and Bobrovsky. Now, if no Panarin, the Rangers can continue to shop Kreider. It’s doubtful they would pay him a contract similar to Kevin Hayes’ deal in Florida now can, having shed some cap space – it will take more Philadelphia, $7 million-plus for seven years given his inconsistencies shedding, however – and having an opening in goal with the retirement and age (he’ll be 29 when his current contract expires). this week of Roberto Luongo. But they can keep Kreider for this season, or most of it, and negotiate a Panarin has told people he wants to play in a big city, and Sunrise is not fairer deal in the second half of the season OR go the same route they’ve that. But it’s 40 minutes from Miami. gone at the last two deadlines and deal Kreider to a contender as a If Panarin does indeed want to play in a big city without Bobrovsky, MSG rental, the asking price being a first-rounder plus. is all ears. The Rangers met with him on Wednesday and still hold out Again, that means 2019-20 is another rebuilding year, not a jump-ahead hope. They clearly are not the favorites any longer. Perhaps even year as hoped. It means the kids will play in a younger-still lineup, and longshots. probably miss the playoffs again. It means the fans’ excitement, which Once Panarin goes off the board, if he does, the Rangers’ Excellent leaped when the ping pong balls went Gorton’s way in April and leaped Summer Vacation changes quite a bit. again Friday night in Vancouver when Kakko’s name was called, gets tempered by a lot. Rangers GM Jeff Gorton, and new team president John Davidson – a Panarin ally with their history in Columbus – saw an opportunity this Panarin coming to the Rangers sure could have changed a lot. Panarin summer to accelerate the rebuild given their cap space and their new not coming changes a lot, too. batch of prospects. That became an even more exciting notion when they Some Prospects Camp thoughts hit the lottery and landed Kaapo Kakko with the No. 2 pick in the draft. I’m pretty sure Kakko has already destroyed the Rangers rookie record But if Panarin slips away, so does the plan of aggressiveness. The for autographs and selfies with fans. Heck, he’s posed for a bunch of Rangers had also considered a predatory offer-sheet strike on a team those while ON the ice, leaning against the glass behind a fan with a like strapped Tampa Bay, for a player like Brayden Point. That became a phone. no-go when the Lightning shed J.T. Miller’s contract and Ryan Callahan retired to erase his cap hit. Kravtsov is some kind of special with his dazzling hand skills and his skating. It’s crazy, again, to put too much on a teen’s shoulders, but I The Rangers almost certainly will not offer-sheet another player if they think he’s going to be very good as a rookie. Just don’t expect him to be think that player’s current team will match – i.e. Toronto’s Mitch Marner. a star for a while. (I actually first typed Match Marner. Freudian?). There have certainly been some impressive kids in camp, including So what’s Plan B for the Rangers if no Panarin? It’s going back to what Adam Fox – among the elder statesmen of the group at 21 – who has not was working, which is the rebuild, which means staying the course and only done his thing with the puck but appears to understand his play not going hog-wild in free agency. It means, perhaps, a much more low- without it. He’s been paired a lot with Matthew Robertson, the 6-3, 200- profile free agent coming. Or none at all. pounder picked in the second round, and early returns on Robertson are Davidson, just a little over a month earlier, said, “There is no quick fix. also impressive. There’s nothing magical about it. You need a little bit of luck at times, but Big Morgan Barron, who will head back to Cornell, has jumped ahead it’s hard work, it’s patience, it’s having the proper resolve to understand more than any Rangers prospect in the last year, and looked terrific that there’s going to be a lot of people that are going to want to do things Thursday, burying a ridiculous pass from Kravtsov during the scrimmage. differently, who are on the outside. We on the inside have to stay with what our thoughts are, what our plans are. You deviate, possibly, but you ANOTHER BLUE TEAM  try to build in every area. There’s no secrets to it.” KRAVTSOV FAKES OUT HUSKA AND PASSES TO MORGAN The resolve would be to make 2019-20 another rebuilding year, with BARRON FOR THE GOAL #NYR PIC.TWITTER.COM/YKTKWVEOUI lower expectations — and what’s wrong with that when you have fresh faces like those of Kakko, Vitali Kravtsov, Adam Fox, not to mention — VINCE Z. MERCOGLIANO (@VZMERCOGLIANO) JUNE 27, 2019 K’Andre Miller, who will also go back to college – his sophomore season at Wisconsin – has shown why the Rangers are starry-eyed over his potential. Not only is he massive and still growing, but he’s an absurdly good skater who likes to play the whole 200 feet, and somehow closes on an opponent even when he’s trapped up ice.

Two lower-profile prospects – minor-leaguer Nick Jones and seventh- round pick Eric Ciccolini – had some kind of offensive chemistry Thursday.

The Thursday scrimmage was up a level, considerably, from the day before, in terms of competitiveness, and when it was over Rangers coach David Quinn made his first appearance on the ice and ran both teams through those battle-level drills he so often runs in training camp and in practices.

One of the interested spectators Thursday was Kevin Shattenkirk. On Wednesday it was ex-Ranger Tony Amonte, whose son Ty, was an invitee to camp (Quinn had recruited him to Boston University). Ty had a deflection go just wide, and hit the post with a wrister, both times reacting as his dad would back in the day.

So far, through two days of camp scrimmages, 6-4 goalie Adam Huska out of UConn has arguably been the best of the four goalies – Igor Shesterkin, Olof Lindbom and Tyler Wall (great goalie name) being the others. Shesterkin said it’s been an adjustment playing the angles on the smaller North American ice surface.

Again, it’s two days worth of scrimmages, but center Adam Edstrom (6-6, 209), the sixth-rounder from last weekend’s draft, seems to move well for a gigantic man, and seems to have the puck on his stick a lot.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148618 Ottawa Senators

Senators newcomer Davidsson bursting with optimism about the opportunity

Ken Warren

As Matt Duchene continues his search for a new NHL home, the players who came the other way in last February’s trade are doing everything possible to stay in Ottawa.

Make no mistake, Vitaly Abramov and , who arrived from the Columbus Blue Jackets — along with the 17th overall pick used to select defenceman Lassi Thomson — are longshots to step directly into the Senators lineup.

Thomson is likely two or three years away and Abramov maybe one or two seasons removed from making a significant impact. Yet if optimism counts for anything, Davidsson sounds like he was ready for the 2019-20 season to start yesterday.

“I want to make this team and I felt like last year I was pretty close to making it in Columbus,” said Davidsson, who scored 10 goals and 11 assists in 37 games with Djuargardens after returning to Sweden. “This year, I feel like I’m more secure in myself, like, who I am as a hockey player and outside the rink.”

Davidsson, 22, is a late bloomer. As a 20-year-old, Columbus selected him in the sixth round (170th overall) of the 2017 draft. Naturally, he had dreams of wearing Blue Jackets colours in the NHL.

Then came the out of the blue phone call from general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, with the news of the swap to the Senators.

“At first, of course, I was in a little bit of shock when Jarmo called me,” he said. “But then it settled in and I feel ready to go. I love Canada. It’s very similar to Sweden.”

As for the cast of players around him this week, he says he’s marveling at the “brilliant skills” of some of the prospects.

When asked for a self-assessment of his own game, Davidsson didn’t leave much out.

“I’m a fast-paced player,” he said. “I like high speed and I like bringing pucks to the net. I’m really competitive.”

Ottawa Sun LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148619 Ottawa Senators

Rodewald stays with Senators organization

Ken Warren

The Senators took care of some more organizational housekeeping Thursday, re-signing 25-year-old forward Jack Rodewald to a one-year contract extension.

The deal calls for Rodewald to be paid $725,000 if the makes the big- league lineup and $100,000 if he plays with Belleville of the AHL.

Rodewald spent most of the 2018-19 season in Belleville, scoring a team-high 23 goals and 24 assists in 59 games. Rodewald also played in six games with Ottawa.

In 187 games during his AHL career, he has 55 goals and 44 assists. He has played in 10 games with the Senators during the past three seasons.

Ottawa Sun LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148620 Ottawa Senators “I work hard every night,” said Kelly, who is likely headed to Belleville to start the 2019-20 season. “I didn’t think I would have a chance to win that award. Hopefully, I can get it again. It’s definitely a big motivation for me KIDS NO MORE: Batherson and Formenton trying to show the way to and it’s great that people are noticing my hard work.” the NHL This year’s honour will be presented Friday. At that point, the Senators will also reduce the roster to between 15-20 players for Saturday’s camp- concluding 3-on-3 tournament at the Bell Sensplex. Ken Warren Ottawa Sun LOADED: 06.28.2019

When it comes to Ottawa Senators development camps, it doesn’t take long for a newbie to become a veteran.

Take, for instance, Drake Batherson, no longer in awe of the environment, no longer afraid of making the wrong step around the veterans.

After his stellar rookie professional season in 2018-19 — 22 goals and 40 assists in 59 games with Belleville of the AHL, along with three goals and six assists in his first 20 NHL games with the Senators — he has become a role model of sorts for the latest round of prospects.

“You just know what to expect,” Batherson, 21, said before taking the ice in Thursday’s scrimmage at the Kanata Recreation Complex. “It’s my third year here and as one of the older guys, I’m leading by example, I guess.”

For players such as Batherson, Rudolfs Balcers and Logan Brown, this week is about showing what a professional is all about. It’s also the first stage in a lengthy summer/fall process they all hope will land them a spot in the Senators lineup at the end of training camp.

“It’s just the experience,” Batherson said of what he gained from the 2018-19 season. “Pro hockey is a big jump from junior and there’s a change that comes with living on your own. Getting a taste of the NHL level was great.

“This time (at development camp), I’m not nervous, passing off to the older guys and stuff like that.”

It’s also the kick-start to a summer training program that includes skating with , Nate MacKinnon and Brad Marchand.

“When you go into every summer, you’re looking forward to the start of the season. You are checking boxes in what you have to do in order to prepare for that (next) season.

“I get to train with some elite players. We’ve got quite the group there. When you’re going against them in one-on-ones — they are the fastest guys in the NHL — it helped me out a lot last summer.”

Alex Formenton, meanwhile, is on a quest to skip the AHL stage altogether before establishing himself in the NHL.

Like Batherson, the speedy winger is in his third development camp and he also recognizes the importance of making himself a presence in the eyes of management and the coaching staff as soon as possible.

“I wouldn’t say it gets easier, because each year you want to work your hardest and develop as much as you can coming into these camps,” said Formenton, 19, who shook off the disappointment of the injury that kept him out of Canada’s world junior lineup to score 13 goals and 21 assists in 31 games with the OHL’s last season.

“It’s the first step towards the start up (of training camp) in September and I want to make this team for the full year. It starts now.”

If anyone knows the value of working hard in development camp, it’s pesky winger Parker Kelly.

Originally undrafted into the NHL, he showed enough during a series of camps in 2017 — from development camp to rookie camp to the main camp — to earn himself an entry level contract before returning to Prince Albert of the WHL.

Last summer, Kelly and Brady Tkachuk were named co-winners of the Jonathan Pitre Award, awarded to the hardest worker at development camp.

He went on to score 35 goals and 32 assists in 64 regular games with Prince Albert. Kelly scored eight goals and nine assists in 23 playoff games as Prince Albert won the WHL title and advanced to the Memorial Cup. 1148621 Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers prospects ready for scrimmages to ‘show what we’ve learned’

by Sam Carchidi, Updated: June 27, 2019- 4:21 PM

Flyers prospects ready for scrimmages to ‘show what we’ve learned’

After drills, drills, and more drills — and some community duties and beach volleyball Thursday in Stone Harbor — the Flyers prospects are ready for some game action.

On Friday, when development camp returns to the Skate Zone in Voorhees, there will be another practice session in the morning. But there will also be a three-on-three tournament from 4 to 6 p.m.

“It’s exciting. It’ll be nice to get a little competition back under us,” said Isaac Ratcliffe, a 6-foot-6, 201-pound left winger who is expected to play for the AHL’s Phantoms this coming season. “We got on the ice together for the first couple times [earlier in the week] and got comfortable with each other, so now it’s time to battle it out these last couple days.”

Ratcliffe has been coming to development camps since he was a second-round draft pick in 2017.

“It’s nice to see all the fans come out and get their first chance to see some of the new guys," Ratcliffe said. “The little short-term events are so much fun. It’s definitely one of the best memories of the summer from previous camps, and this is what we look forward to.”

Cam York, the mobile defenseman drafted by the Flyers in the first round last Friday, is in his first development camp with the team. He is looking forward to the three-on-three and five-on-five competitions.

“The D-men have been working on a lot of little things ... so to get out there and go into the corners, that’s what you want,” he said. “You love to compete. You love to go up against one another and battle. That’s what it’s all about.”

Added York: “I’ve learned a lot this week, and to go out and hopefully put that into a game, that’s what I’m here to do.”

“Everybody’s been trying to be a sponge and soak up what they’re saying, and now it’s time for us to actually show them what we’ve learned,” right winger Wade Allison said.

Felix Sandstrom, one of four goalies in camp, said the three-on-three competition will have a frenzied pace.

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148622 Philadelphia Flyers less than 50 percent of the capability on this knee. I was limited because of the pain.”

Flyers Prospects Flyers prospect Wade Allison isn’t thinking about what-ifs as he takes the long road back from knee injury @futureofphilly

Five-hole snipe by Wade Allison followed by an awesome celebration. #Flyers by Sam Carchidi, Updated: June 27, 2019 44

2:57 PM - Aug 28, 2018 Flyers prospect Wade Allison isn’t thinking about what-ifs as he takes the long road back from knee injury See Flyers Prospects's other Tweets

In a perfect scenario, Wade Allison would have already signed an entry- Twitter Ads info and privacy level deal with the Flyers and been ready to become the team’s third-line right winger this coming season. By the time Western Michigan’s season rolls around, he figures, things will be better. A devastating knee injury, however, has gotten in the way. “We’re headed in the right direction; it’s the best it’s felt since I hurt it,” he Instead of being signed and battling for a spot on the Flyers, Allison, 21, said. “It’s not normal yet. … They told me it’ll be about two years [from is headed to Western Michigan for his senior year, hoping his right knee the surgery] before I’m 100 percent on it, so I still have a little bit left to stays sound for an entire season. go. I mean, I feel better and more confident on it and trust it more, so we’re getting there.” “I didn’t think I would be going back for four years, but that’s sometimes how the cards go,” he said at the Flyers’ development camp in Voorhees Does he see himself signing with the Flyers? the other day. “It’s something I look forward to. I’m excited to go back.” “Yeah, one day, hopefully,” said Allison, who can become an unrestricted Allison, selected in the second round with a 2016 draft pick the Flyers free agent if he doesn’t sign by Aug. 15, 2020. received in the trade that sent Kimmo Timonen to Chicago, prefers not to look at the what-ifs surrounding his development. If it wasn’t for the injury, he probably would have already signed with the team. “It’s absolutely an emotional roller coaster,” he said. “One day, you’re on top of the world. You’re like, ‘Yeah, things are doing good. I’m on time.’ “Obviously, I can’t tell you exactly what they’re thinking,” he said. “I can Then the next day, you’re like, ‘This [stinks]. I’m so far behind.’ You really tell you I would love to be here.” kind of just stay in the middle. … Just trying to keep it even. Keep it light.” As for his final season at Western Michigan, where he will be teammates The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Allison is the prototypical power forward and with Ronnie Attard, a defenseman who was drafted Saturday by the has a promising future if his knee ever gets back to normal. Flyers, Allison said, “We’re going to compete for a championship this year. We have a great group of guys, great coaching staff. We’re real Embedded video excited for the season to start.”

Jordan Hall Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 06.28.2019

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Wade Allison, definitely crafty around the net.

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Two seasons ago, Allison had 15 goals and 15 assists in 22 games and was being mentioned as a strong candidate for the Hobey Baker Award, given to the nation’s top college player.

But he tore his ACL and separated a shoulder on Jan. 13, 2018, in a game against St. Cloud State. He had season-ending knee surgery the next week.

Seventeen months later, the knee is still giving him problems. Allison, who said he was originally told his knee would feel like normal in six months, estimates it is 85 percent healthy and is bothersome when he puts weight on it.

Sometimes, “it’s an achy pain, and sometimes it feels like somebody just put a knife in me,” he said. “It’s uncomfortable, and late in the day, it’s more like a constant ache. Sometimes I’ll be having a good day, and I’m driving my car and I’ll just push on the gas pedal and all of a sudden my knee just starts going everywhere. Each day is different, but we’re working on it and getting closer.”

Allison did return to play for Western Michigan early last season. He managed to get into 22 games and collected eight goals and 15 points.

He said he wasn’t able to skate enough to get his cardio going and, as a result, got winded easily. The knee continued to act up, and he frequently had to come out of the lineup.

“Last year wasn’t fun,” he said. “… You don’t really realize how important your knees are until you don’t have one. For me, the biggest thing right now is I have to get comfortable and get confident. This year, I worked at 1148623 Philadelphia Flyers need to balance, including booking their buildings, available dates, travel, schedule matrix requirements, etc. This situation was no different.”

Flyers general manager thinks the team's early, travel- Don’t complain about the Flyers’ grueling early schedule. They asked for heavy schedule could work to its advantage. it. | Mike Sielski Chuck Fletcher, who became the Flyers’ general manager in December, confirmed in a phone interview that he and the rest of the organization’s by Mike Sielski decision-makers had no problems with their players and coaches hoarding all those frequent-flyer miles so early in the season. In fact, he regarded it as a potential benefit.

The Flyers will begin their 2019-20 regular season on another continent, The Flyers will have four off-days between the Blackhawks and Devils and the only things missing from their early schedule are Steve Martin, games, two between the Devils and Canucks games, two between the John Candy, and a couple of pillows that aren’t actually pillows. Canucks and Flames games, and two more between the Oilers game on Oct. 16 and their second home game of the season, against the Dallas As part of the NHL’s Global Series, the Flyers will play an exhibition Stars on Oct. 19. Fletcher pointed out that those six games could have game, their final one, in Lausanne, Switzerland, against Lausanne HC on been packed together more tightly, over a shorter span of time, than they Sept. 30, then travel to the Czech Republic to open the regular season already are. on Oct. 4 against the Chicago Blackhawks at 02 Arena in Prague. From there, they will fly back to Philadelphia for their first home game, against “Frankly, to get that Western Canada trip over with, to me, is actually a the New Jersey Devils, on Oct. 9, then head to Western Canada for three good thing,” he said. “With the wear and tear of the season, sometimes games in five days before returning to the East Coast. you get that trip in the second half of the year, and it can really be a drag on your energy, and players are more susceptible to injury. If you’re counting, that’s Philadelphia to Lausanne, Lausanne to Prague, Prague to Philadelphia, Philadelphia to Vancouver, Vancouver to Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 06.28.2019 Calgary, Calgary to Edmonton, and Edmonton back to Philadelphia: a total of nearly 13,600 miles over two-and-a-half weeks. That’s a lot of Dramamine to pack, and what makes that itinerary even stranger, at least at first glance, is that the Blackhawks, after Prague, will have seven consecutive home games.

Mike Sielski

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Over the first two weeks of their 2019-20 regular season, the #Flyers will travel 13,405 miles to play five games.

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If you’re a Flyers fan, you might be scratching your head at how this all worked out the way it did. You might think this schedule is so grueling as to be unfair — some fans already think that. You might worry that , the team’s promising, 20-year-old goaltender, will struggle to handle what seems a heavy early workload and that Brian Elliott, his 34-year-old backup, will be able to spell him only so much.

You might be wondering why the Flyers will have traveled west (last year’s trip was to Las Vegas and Denver) during the first week of each of their last four seasons. You might also wonder whether you can duck out of work early to catch the 2 p.m. Eastern time puck-drop of that game against the Blackhawks.

Here’s what you can’t do, though. You can’t feel sorry for the Flyers.

Why?

Because they asked for this.

In an email interview Thursday morning, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said that the league’s schedules are “constructed with the input and feedback of our clubs, particularly with respect to the timing and placement of West Coast road trips. The Flyers have requested the placement of this West Coast trip early in the season. The early West Coast trip has been a club preference over the time period you refer to.”

As for scheduling that trip so soon after crossing and re-crossing the Atlantic, Daly said, “Again we defer to the participating clubs in how they want to construct their schedules around departure from and return to North America. Some clubs want an extended stay at home upon their return. Other clubs want to ‘work their way back’ to their home cities following a European trip because they feel they can ‘check boxes’ in terms of their overall schedule requirements on the way.

"Still others approach it the way the Flyers will be approaching it this year. Clubs are always looking to maximize the competitive aspects of their schedules in the context of balancing all of the other things they 1148624 Philadelphia Flyers among his draft class in career games played, trailing only Justin Williams and Scott Hartnell.

Drafted by the Wild in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2000 NHL Joel Farabee could have a shot at one of Flyers’ spot Entry Draft, Schultz appeared in 743 games for Minnesota before being traded to Edmonton at the 2012 trade deadline.

By Wayne Fish / www.flyingfishhockey.com Rannells has been the Phantoms’ equipment manager for the past five seasons, handling all player equipment needs. Warnke has been overseeing the Phantoms’ strength and conditioning program the past three seasons. VOORHEES — It’s no secret the Flyers could use a little help on the wings. Elliott signs one-year deal

Which is why 2018 first-round draft pick Joel Farabee will be getting a lot The Flyers have re-signed veteran goaltender Brian Elliott to a one-year, of attention, both at the current development camp and later when the $2 million contract Wednesday. His role is likely to be backing up the 2019-20 training camp opens at the Skate Zone in September. promising young Carter Hart.

The left wing decided to turn pro this past March after completing his The 34-year-old Elliott, who is an 11-year pro, originally signed with the freshman season at Boston University. Flyers on July 1, 2017. He has appeared in 69 games for the club over the past two seasons, compiling a record of 34-22-8 with a 2.77 GAA, a The former 14th overall selection realizes there’s a potential opening for .908 save percentage and two shutouts. him but he doesn’t want to dwell on it. Elliott’s career has also included stops in Calgary, St. Louis and Ottawa. “I mean as far as right now, kind of just enjoying development camp,″ he said. “Not too much stress, but there is a wing spot open right now so Burlington County Times LOADED: 06.28.2019 obviously that’s my goal to make the team.

“Pretty realistic, so if I’m up and down or don’t make it this year I wouldn’t be surprised. I just have to prepare to either play in Philly or Lehigh, so that’s where I’m at right now.″

Keep in mind that Travis Konecny surprised some people by making the Flyers as a 19-year-old so Farabee pulling off a similar feat isn’t out of the question.

The Cicero, N.Y. native could have played another year for the Terriers but talent evaluators told him, in so many words, that going pro now might be a good idea.

“I think the whole college experience was really good,″ he said. “I thought I had a really good year. Talking to the staff here, they thought making the jump was a good play so I thought yeah, I was all for it.

“I just think the way I play, they kind of said I could fit into pro hockey and play a lot of different roles. I think that was the biggest thing and after having a pretty good year at BU, it was an easy decision for me.″

At 175 pounds, he’s trying to add some weight, which should help him battling down low in front of the net.

“It’s pretty grindy in the AHL and NHL,″ he said. “You just have to be able to withstand an 82-game season plus, so that’s the biggest thing right now.″

“I’m always trying to add weight. I think I’m up to 175, so that is pretty good for me at least. I think the end of my career to be 185-190 that’s probably where I want to be.″

Flyers hire Schultz as development coach

Former Flyer defenseman Nick Schultz was hired as a player development coach on Tuesday. He played three seasons in Philadelphia.

In addition, the Flyers named Andy Rannells as assistant equipment manager and Dan Warnke as strength and conditioning coach.

“We’re happy to have Nick come aboard and help develop the prospects in our system,” said Fletcher. “Having enjoyed a lengthy career in which he played over 1,000 games as a defenseman in the NHL, Nick brings a wealth of experience and knowledge on what it takes to be a pro.”

Schultz was known as a defenseman who played the game in a thoughtful manner and that should help in coaching young player.

“It’s exciting,” said Schultz. “I’m looking forward to working with the guys, helping Kjell Samuelsson with the defensemen, and getting to know the kids and their game a little bit. I’m looking forward to working with them throughout the year, watching them play and helping them make it to the next step, and ultimately one day become a Flyer.”

Schultz concluded a 15-year, 1,069-game NHL career in 2017, the last three seasons of which he spent with the Flyers. The 6-foot-1, 203-pound defenseman averaged 19:04 of ice time over his career, which included 30 goals and 145 assists for 175 points. Schultz currently ranks third 1148625 Philadelphia Flyers Briere was assigned No. 90 for development camp, but when asked about sporting or even requesting his dad’s old Flyers No. 48, he said: “Maybe in college — we’ll see.”

Mr. Playoffs, just like Danny Briere? Carson Briere all about getting better Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 06.28.2019 in Flyers orange

By Brooke Destra June 27, 2019 9:00 AM

VOORHEES, N.J. — When you hear the name Briere around Philadelphia, it would make sense to think back to "Mr. Playoffs" himself, Danny Briere. But when the list of prospects was released just a few days prior to kicking off this year’s Flyers development camp, a different Briere caught everyone’s attention.

Carson Briere, one of three sons to the former Flyers' center, received an invitation to attend camp but his dad made it known right away that he had no influence on the decision.

“[Assistant general manager Brent Flahr] reached out to me and asked if Carson would be interested," Briere said Wednesday.

"It was out of the blue, I didn’t expect it. It was pretty cool for me, too, but I’m sure it was really special for him. He grew up here, he grew up with the Flyers. For him, I’m sure it’s special — a special time this week.”

More recently, Briere spent the majority of his past two seasons with the Johnstown Tomahawks. While it took him a while to get the hang of things, once he found his groove, the 5-foot-9 19-year-old was nearly unstoppable.

His numbers speak for themselves as Briere led his team in points (44 goals, 45 assists) and had 20 more goals than the next-closest player on the team. His 89 points were good enough for second most in the entire NAHL.

A family affair for the Brieres

It’s safe to say that the hockey gene runs strongly within this family, considering all three brothers took up the sport that their dad made a career out of, but Carson Briere said that there was definitely added pressure when he was younger just because of the name across his back every time he hit the ice. However, once he got older, not worrying about it became the key to focusing on the sport itself.

Carson Briere didn’t hold back from speaking about some of his past struggles he had on certain teams, being cut from a few and feeling like he did not deserve to play on them. However, he showed a great deal of maturity with what he said next, acknowledging that he was aware of such issues and how he could have worked harder. He took the time to slim down and get in better shape, changing both his mentality and outlook on the game and becoming much more confident.

Regardless of the highs and lows of his hockey past, having someone who had gone through similar situations there to support him along the way was always beneficial for him.

“I’m definitely lucky to have him as a dad and guide me through my hockey career," Briere said. "It's definitely made it a lot easier for me.”

(Zack Hill/Philadelphia Flyers)

So what’s next for Carson Briere?

“I’m just trying to get better, I’m taking it one day at a time," he said. "I don’t think there’s any pressure — if I don’t make it, I don’t make it. If I do, I do. I’m just trying have some fun and get better at hockey and have it translate from college and we’ll see from there.”

Briere is committed to Arizona State University, a Division I school where he will be able to advance his career even further.

Arizona State was always an enticing choice, considering he's from Scottsdale, Arizona — just one town over from where the school is located. While he never visited the campus in person, Briere was able to talk to his future Sun Devils coach Greg Powers a few times and the two had some great discussions. Since being from the area, Briere knew the kind of weather and atmosphere in Arizona, but his dad still sent him photos and videos of the campus just in case. 1148626 Philadelphia Flyers feel like the season gave me a lot because I got experience from that, too. It will be tough to get over here too and compete against a lot of guys. Sometimes you have a rough time and now I feel more mature and From injuries to playing time, Felix Sandström has already battled plenty know how to get through it. I learned how to handle it myself and how I should act to play good when I get a chance. I’m more positive and mature in my game.

Dave Isaac, NHL writer Published 12:13 p.m. ET June 27, 2019 “I worked hard this summer and I’m gonna keep going hard and give it my best shot so I can be the best me when I get over here and give it

everything I have. I want to really show up and show everyone who I am. Felix Sandström will likely share the ' net with That will take me where it takes me.” Alex Lyon this fall. Courier-Post LOADED: 06.28.2019 The bus rides will be just about as long as they were in Sweden this season: two to three hours for a road game. That’s two to three hours for Felix Sandström to sit there and think. For the past several months, that was sometimes a dangerous thing.

He knew it would be his last season in his homeland before coming to North America and Sandström spent lots of those bus rides thinking about the games he was not getting. He wanted to prove he could handle a heavy workload but he played only 19 games for HV71 after a hellish season in 2017-18 where he battled a stomach illness connected to his bout with mononucleosis and that kept him from even being with the team, let alone being relegated to backup duty.

“The season before was way tougher because you want to be with the team and the season before I couldn’t do that,” Sandström said this week at his fifth development camp with the Flyers. “For sure that was really tough.

“At the beginning (of this season) it was kind of tough. I talked about it with the coaches and found a way to keep working in practices. At one point it really clicked with me, how I should act and treat it and it felt way better afterwards. I think I played very solid after that, too.”

He finished the season with a .911 save percentage but was second fiddle to Jonas Gunnarsson, whose numbers were actually slightly worse than Sandström’s in 34 games.

The attitude adjustment will serve him well in North America, where he will likely be splitting the Lehigh Valley Phantoms goaltending duties with Alex Lyon. He got into one game at the end of the season for the Phantoms, a 40-save performance that ended up in a 4-3 win over the Providence Bruins.

At 22 years old, Sandström is older than the typical AHL rookie and has experience playing pro hockey for the last three seasons in Sweden’s top men’s league. At one point, when the Flyers selected him in the third round of the 2015 draft, it looked like Sandström might be the future franchise goalie.

Then came Carter Hart.

“It’s motivation for me as well. He was drafted after me and younger than me and it’s great to see a young guy succeed,” Sandström said. “He’s a good guy and he deserves it. It’s motivation for me to keep working and see someone who I practiced with last summer has made it now. For sure it’s great motivation for me this year.”

These days, Sandström’s path to the NHL looks a little more difficult than in 2015. Not only is there the wunderkind in Hart blocking him, but Brian Elliott signed a one-year, $2 million contract Wednesday and Lyon is ahead of Sandström on the organizational depth chart, too.

“I think Alex is a good goaltender. A couple seasons ago I know he came in and I think he won five or six hockey games for the Flyers,” general manager Chuck Fletcher said. “Last season he was battling a couple things early, but the second half he played really well down in Lehigh Valley. So we have a lot of confidence in Alex as a (third goaltender behind Hart and Elliott).”

Those three-hour bus rides in Sweden have set Sandström up for the three-hour treks to places like Bridgeport or Hartford, Connecticut or Binghamton or Syracuse, New York. He may still consider his playing time and wonder why he’s not getting as much of it as he’d like.

This time there’s a clear path for him to move up the depth chart and with Lyon and Elliott’s contracts up in the summer of 2020, perhaps the wait to get to the NHL won’t be so long. He also feels like he’s better equipped to keep going when things aren’t panning out how he’d like.

“Everyone wants to play as much as you can and I didn’t get that many games (this season),” Sandström said. “It was tough in that part. Still I 1148627 Philadelphia Flyers The whole experience has been a little surreal.

While Carson Briere has gotten a lot of attention for having ties to the Flyers — Danny made it clear to his son that Flyers assistant general Audubon's Colin Felix follows an unlikely path at camp with Flyers manager Brent Flahr reached out to him about the invitation and not the other way around — Felix also has a history with orange and black.

Dave Isaac, Cherry Hill Courier-Post Published 5:12 p.m. ET June 26, Felix’s father passed away two years ago after a battle with cancer, so he 2019 hasn’t gotten to see his son in camp, but the man they called “Cat” is not forgotten by the Flyers family.

“He was really close with Derek Settlemyre and Derek and I were always Audubon native Colin Felix earned an invite to Flyers development camp close, so I got to know Cat pretty well,” Briere said. “One of the best after his freshman season at UMass-Amherst. human beings you’ll ever meet on the planet. He was a lot of fun to be around. It’s fun to see Colin here.” It had been a while since Colin Felix was in the back hallways of a Flyers rink like he was growing up. “It was awesome,” Felix said of being invited to the camp. “Kind of unexpected but I ended up getting a call from some of the scouts and Years ago, he was a small boy chasing around his father, Chris, who was getting the invite. I was really excited.” an athletic trainer for the AHL Phantoms when they were playing in Philadelphia and won a in 1998. Now, at age 20, he’s back Courier-Post LOADED: 06.28.2019 seeing guys like player development coach Kjell Samuelsson, equipment manager Derek Settlemeyre and team president .

This time he’s a prospective future Flyer.

“Came full circle,” Felix said. “It’s pretty cool.”

One of 11 invitees to development camp, Felix is hoping to impress the Flyers’ brass even more than when they saw him play his freshman season at UMass-Amherst. The 6-foot-1, 194-pound right-handed defenseman went a long way from home to get to this point and coming back is a dream come true.

Felix was born and raised in Audubon. He moved away at age 14 to go to boarding school in New England, at which point his parents moved to Ocean City. He wanted to further his education and pursue a hockey career so with no reputable high school program, the only option was a private school like St. Augustine or to move away and Felix chose St. George’s School in Middletown, Rhode Island.

“It was awesome, right on the beach and everything,” he said beaming. “I couldn’t complain at all.”

That route helped him land at a premier college where he played alongside the likes of Hobey Baker winner Cale Makar and San Jose Sharks defense prospect Mario Ferraro. Both turned pro after this season.

During this week’s development camp, his first with any NHL club, Felix has been hanging out with an old teammate who also got invited to camp despite not being a Flyers draft pick: Carson Briere. They played together on Team Comcast several years ago where ex-Flyer blueliner Derian Hatcher was the head coach and Danny Briere was helping out.

“Colin is a big, strong, stay-at-home defenseman,” the elder Briere said. “He can chip in here and there, but the biggest thing is he plays with a mean streak. He’s got that leadership quality about him that really differentiates him from most other kids. He’s a natural leader. You see him in the dressing room and he’s always bringing guys to do the right things, to play the right way to lead by example.

“He’s captain material on any teams that he’s gonna play on.”

Briere may be scouting also, because these days he’s running the ECHL’s Maine Mariners. Felix can’t sign a contract now or else he’d lose his NCAA eligibility, so he plans on going back to school with a great experience under his belt and hopefully some tools to help him improve his game.

The biggest thing he needs to develop, he said, is his footwork. That’s something he’s been forced into at college because UMass-Amherst’s home arena is 10 feet wider than an NHL rink.

“A lot of people questioned my choice there to go to the bigger rink,” Felix said. “I think it actually helped me in the long run to go to that bigger rink and adjust to the foot speed.

“I think this week’s taught me a lot so far already. We’ve only had two ice sessions, but Kjell Samuelsson and Slava (Kouznetsov, the Flyers’ power skating coach) have done a good job. Slava has been helping me with my skating already and Kjell’s been doing a good job with the blueliners here. I’ve learned a lot of things already just taking it one step at a time and hopefully I can pick up some things and take them back to school.” 1148628 Philadelphia Flyers Amherst in the title game), Cates has focused on getting the most out of camp and preparing for his sophomore collegiate season.

“Yeah, I’m coming back (to Minnesota-Duluth), for sure,” he said Flyers development camp report: Brian Elliott’s deal, Noah Cates’ skating Wednesday. “Just kinda want to see how I do next year. I’ve got a lot to work, Jay O’Brien turns the page, and more develop with my body, and some parts of my game — my skating, and everything like that. Obviously, (there’s) no rush (to sign an entry-level contract). There’s so many good players here (at camp), where if you By Charlie O'Connor Jun 27, 2019 rush (to turn pro), you might not be in the best opportunity, and I think I have a great opportunity in Duluth to win championships these next

couple years. There’s no rush to leave such a great spot in Duluth, and Thursday marks the midpoint of Philadelphia Flyers development camp. obviously, hopefully, in a couple years, I can be here (in Philadelphia), After two full days of largely on-ice activities, the prospects hit the beach but there’s no rush in making any hasty decisions.” in Stone Harbor, N.J., for their annual “Trial on the Isle” event, before With at least one more collegiate season — and based on Cates’ returning to Skate Zone in Voorhees on Friday and Saturday for more comments, potentially a second one — the 20-year-old has ample time drills, the traditional 3-on-3 tournament and a final 5-on-5 scrimmage to before turning pro to address what he’s identified as his biggest conclude camp. weakness: skating. While the youngsters receive tips from the organization’s developmental “I think the college game helped a lot, with (Minnesota-Duluth head staff and try to position themselves for strong summers, the front office coach Scott) Sandelin, just how he helped me with (my skating) and our remains hard at work on the 2019-20 Flyers roster, and it made more practices and everything,” Cates said. “It’s still getting there, still a work- progress on that front Wednesday. During the final week of June, the in-progress, definitely. Just little details I think (need to be addressed), present and future are being addressed simultaneously at Flyers HQ. and (I’m) working hard in the summer at correcting some things, but Could Elliott deal signify end of major roster moves? obviously, they have a great staff here (at camp) that’s helping me, too, so I think it’s on the right path, for sure.” Despite the Flyers’ cap space slowly shrinking, some have assumed that Chuck Fletcher has at least one more significant roster move left before Skating ability may largely come from the lower body, but Cates’ skating the offseason largely devolves into the mundane (but necessary) process coaches have recently directed him to look a little higher in order to make of re-signing the club’s remaining restricted free agents. necessary improvements.

In the wake of Wednesday’s news that veteran netminder Brian Elliott “Yeah, (they’ve pointed out that I have) wasted energy with my upper had been given a one-year, $2 million extension to serve as tandem- body,” he said. “So calming that down, it’ll help me with puck handling, mate to Carter Hart, however, Fletcher sounded like a general manager things like that. Obviously, skating is the most important skill in hockey, closing in on the end of the especially active portion of his offseason. it’s kinda how the NHL is trending, so it’s important I figure it out and work on it a ton.” “If we start the season with what we have now, and knowing we have a pretty good chance of adding a few more players for depth, we’d be fine, Cates ideally would like to end up at about 195 pounds when he turns we’d be happy,” he said. “We’d be a significantly deeper team, I think a pro, in part because he feels a larger frame would best fit what he more talented team.” assumes his likely role will be in the professional ranks.

Elliott — a solid netminder who comes with injury and age concerns — “I feel like my game might be a little different at that level,” Cates noted. fills the open 1B role in net with Hart. After the signing, Fletcher “So I might need to put on a little more to take more advantage of the ice articulated his plan for both goalies to start somewhere between 30 and time that I’ll get, or the opportunities that I’ll get and where I’ll be, where 50 games next year, with priority given to the superior performer. I’ll be placed, and where I’ll excel at that next level. So I think a little bit heavier, a heavier game, just to be able to hang in there in the corners Whether Elliott proves to be the right choice remains to be seen, and the against bigger D would be where I’m at.” verdict will likely be driven by whether he stays healthy. But it’s clear Fletcher and the Flyers believe they’ve filled their last major roster need. And where does he think he’ll be placed, if and when he does make it to Yes, a hole remains at third-line wing, and the club still has more than the NHL? $16 million in cap space left. But based on Fletcher’s comments “Second, third line, I think,” he said. “I think I make players around me Wednesday, it doesn’t sound like another name-brand acquisition is better. So if I’m with higher-end guys, I can help them out, but I think I inevitable. just have to win battles for those guys, get in the corners first for those “Well, our priority right now is on our (restricted free agents),” Fletcher guys and get them the puck.” said. “We were fortunate to get Travis (Sanheim) on a two-year bridge Allison still invested in Flyers, but struggling with recovery process deal, which I think will work well for both parties. We have plenty of cap space to bring our players back ($16.292 million based on my When it became clear that Wade Allison — whom we ranked tied for fifth projections); whether we have enough to go add another player, I’m not in The Athletic Philadelphia’s most recent Top Flyers Prospects list — sure about that. Going into the summer, we had certain priorities – would not be signing his entry-level contract after his junior season at obviously re-sign our own RFAs, find a goaltender to play with Carter, get Western Michigan, there was only one question on the minds of most a No. 2 centerman and add one or two quality defensemen. We were fans: Does he see himself signing with the Flyers in the end? able to achieve a lot of things. Whether we’re able to add another winger or another forward — certainly we’re going to have to add some forwards “Yeah, one day, hopefully,” Allison said on Tuesday. here for depth and to compete in our bottom six. But whether we go after Allison didn’t sound like a player itching to leave the organization and another high-end player, that wasn’t a very big priority for our team.” explore free agency next summer. Instead, he gave off the vibe of a Has Fletcher actually checked all of his boxes? Will the rest of the Flyers’ promising young talent, frustrated with the path his recovery has taken summer truly be spent re-signing RFAs and picking up cheap depth since suffering a torn ACL in his knee in January 2018. forwards on short-term deals who can compete for NHL spots in camp “I was told (a) six-month recovery timetable,” he explained. “And now but drop down to the minors if necessary? we’re at 17 (months), so a little bit different. But nothing I can do about it Stay tuned. At the very least, Fletcher appears to want to present himself now.” publicly as less than desperate to make additional big moves in the Allison’s underwhelming junior season at Western Michigan — 15 points coming weeks. in 22 games — may have set off red flags for those who were just looking Cates focused on skating as he preps for return to Minnesota-Duluth at the numbers. However, the 21-year-old estimated he played at about half capacity. He wasn’t even close to being the real Wade Allison. Out of all the prospects at development camp, only Noah Cates can brag about winning a title, as his Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs took home the “Yeah, you don’t really realize how important your knees are until you Division I national championship. But aside from some good-natured don’t have one,” he said. “For me, the biggest thing right now is I’ve got ribbing of camp invite Colin Felix (who played for the vanquished UMass- to get comfortable, get confident in being on that knee again, because this year I worked at less than 50 percent of the capability on this knee, I was limited because of the pain. So when you’re stuck with that all the When asked about Farabee’s decision to sign his entry-level contract time, you’re constantly limited. You want to go do it, but you can’t. The after his freshman season, Fletcher called it “his family’s decision,” and pain limits you. And then mentally, you’re always thinking about it. You’re noted that the Flyers would have fully supported the 2018 first-round pick thinking extra, ‘Oh, I don’t want to hurt it.’ It’s a shitty spiral.” had he wanted to return to school. Fletcher acknowledged that Farabee likely needed to put on more weight to be NHL-ready, but praised the So far at development camp, however, Allison looks much like his old winger’s work at camp. “Watching him out here, his talent stands out. It self, flashing a plus shot and showcasing his strength in the corners. But wouldn’t take you many drills to pick him out as one of the better players he still looks uncomfortable at times, which shouldn’t be a surprise — on the ice,” Fletcher said. while he feels much better than he did throughout the 2018-19 season, Allison is not all the way back. Seventh-round pick Bryce Brodzinski may have played center for his high school club during a year that earned him Minnesota’s Mr. Hockey “I’m not sure, maybe 85 (percent),” he said, when asked to estimate how honors, but he did so to accommodate teammate Carsen Richels, so the close he feels to full strength. “I don’t know. It bothers me still a little bit, two could play on the same line. “When I went back up to Omaha, I more than I want. But we’re headed in the right direction. It’s the best it’s played right wing,” he explained. “When I play center, I have to be sort of felt since I’ve hurt it. But it’s not normal yet. And it probably won’t be for a a defense-first guy, but my whole life, I’ve grown up being an offensive long time.” forward, so when I play right wing, it gives me a little bit more ability to Could it be “normal” for the start of next season? make plays in the offensive zone.”

“It will be close, it’ll be closer. They told me it’d be about two years before When asked to explain the thought process behind trading Ryan I feel 100 percent on it and we’re at about 17 months right now, so I’ve Hartman (for Tyler Pitlick) on Monday, Fletcher pointed to the lower-than- still got a little bit left to go. But I feel better. I’m starting to get more expected salary cap ceiling for 2019-20. “I’ll just say we made the move confident on it, trust it more. So we’re getting there.” for cost certainty,” he said. “Ryan’s a good player, (but) the cap coming in at ($81.5 million) — at one point there were projections it would be O’Brien looking for fresh start in the BCHL ($83M), we were making plans all year, I think the ($81.5M) was a little bit of a curveball kind of at the 11th hour, and we had to adjust.” Speaking of Flyers prospects coming off frustrating seasons, Jay O’Brien certainly fits the bill. Third-round pick Ronnie Attard acknowledged that skating is the area of his game that needs the most work, particularly his pivots and ability to The second of the Flyers’ two first-round draft picks in 2018, O’Brien’s escape tight spaces quickly. But the gregarious, 6-foot-3 defenseman first — and ultimately only — season at Providence College proved one picked two enticing stylistic comparables for how he likes to play: P.K. to forget. He suffered two separate injuries, a shoulder/neck issue and a Subban and Shea Weber. “They’re tough to play against, they play the concussion, and ended up scoring just five points in 25 games. After the body, they both have heavy shots, they’re both leaders, they both have season, O’Brien made it clear he would be leaving Providence, and fun out there,” Attard said. eventually he chose to spend the 2019-20 season in the BCHL with the Penticton Vees. The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019 “Yeah, I think it was (a) relatively tough (decision),” O’Brien said. “I visited Penticton, and it’s hard to say no to a place like that and a coach like Freddy (Harbinson). The facilities, the way they treat their players, and how big hockey is in the town. I just wanted to go to a team that had a good past, and obviously they’ve had plenty of draft picks, plenty of success. Everybody I talk to says they love it there.”

Had O’Brien chosen the CHL (which consists of the OHL, QMJHL and WHL), he would have forfeited his ability to go back to college. While the CHL path tempted him, he couldn’t quite give up on his longtime dream.

“(Canadian juniors) was definitely an option,” he said. “(The BCHL) just made more sense. … I wanted to play college hockey my whole life, so I think for me (this) was the best decision.”

In fact, O’Brien has already committed to a school for the 2020-21 season: Boston University, where his good friend, fellow Flyers prospect Joel Farabee, attended this past year. O’Brien said that he sought out Farabee’s advice when looking for his next school. “Yeah, we talked after the season,” he said, acknowledging that Farabee was one of many people in his life who put on a full-court press to convince him that Boston University was the right fit. “(Farabee) had nothing but good things to say about BU.”

As for O’Brien himself, he’s back to full strength and actually gained 14 pounds since last season, moving up to 187 pounds, which is a comfortable weight for him. The 2018-19 season might have been something of a lost year, but O’Brien is focused on putting it behind him.

“I feel great right now, it’s the best I’ve felt in a while, so I feel really good, really strong,” he said. … “I think (this past) season really lit the fire even more for me, to want to prove myself, and I’m gonna do that.”

Quick hits

Fletcher confirmed that forward Tanner Laczynski is not at development camp due to a school (Ohio State) commitment. Swedish defensemen Linus Högberg and David Bernhardt were not given permission by their SHL team (Växjö Lakers) to participate.

Wisconsin product Wyatt Kalynuk said he felt he made the biggest strides in 2018-19 in “defending down low when the puck goes from low- to-high, boxing guys out, staying on the right side of the puck, just holding them off a little bit more.” He credited Badgers assistant coach Mark Osiecki with helping to develop that element of his game. 1148629 Pittsburgh Penguins Also a member of HPK’s championship squad, Puustinen’s shoot-first mentality has earned him an interesting nickname among his teammates.

“He reminds me a lot of Phil Kessel. A lot of guys call him Phil or Kessel. Penguins system braces for Finnish invasion That’s pretty funny,” Almari said. “I don’t know about his personality. I don’t know Phil. But (Puustinen) has a good shot, quick legs and hands, hockey IQ. He’s a pretty good player.” JONATHAN BOMBULIE | Thursday, June 27, 2019 4:09 p.m. Tribune Review LOADED: 06.28.2019

When defenseman Olli Maatta was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks earlier this month, the Pittsburgh Penguins locker room was almost completely cleared out of Finns.

It won’t stay that way for long.

The next crop of Finnish players is on the verge of arriving, and it’s practically a tidal wave.

Six of the 41 players on the ice at the team’s annual development camp this week hail from Finland.

That doesn’t include winger Kasper Bjorkqvist, one of the organization’s top prospects who isn’t skating due to injury, recently signed free agent center Oula Palve or second-year defenseman Juuso Riikola.

The influx of Finns is no coincidence.

The reigning champions of both the World Championships and World Junior Championships, Finland is in the middle of an unprecedented run of success.

Penguins goalie development coach Andy Chiodo played parts of five seasons professionally in Finland. He said the country’s recent accolades are the result of a perfect balance between structure and creativity.

“If you look at the school system in Finland, it’s actually one of the best in the world, and that translates into their coaches,” Chiodo said. “The coaching is strong. The culture is strong. The work ethic is strong. Now, they always have a real stranglehold on their players, in a sense, where they managed them in the offseason. They all trained together. As of late, they’ve allowed them to flourish a little bit and be more open with their skill development.”

Among the crop of Finns skating at development camp this week, goalie Emil Larmi is probably the closest to the NHL.

The 22-year-old signed with the Penguins last month after leading his team, HPK, to the championship of Finland’s top pro league. He figures to start the season at No. 3 on the organization’s depth chart, but his potential for growth is strong.

“Everything I knew about this organization and what I can see now, this is the right place for me,” said Larmi, who added that he looks up to Finnish goalies Pekka Rinne and Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators.

Larmi is short by modern goalie standards, checking in a 6-foot even, but he’s quick and competitive and fills the net like a much larger player.

“I eat enough. Maybe that’s why,” Larmi joked.

The Penguins have four Finnish defensemen in development camp – 2016 fifth-rounder Niclas Almari, 2017 sixth-rounder Antti Palojarvi, 2018 seventh-rounder Santeri Airola and 20-year-old tryout Roni Allen.

Almari, 21, is the furthest along in his development. He was Larmi’s championship teammate with HPK last season, emerging as a dependable option on the blue line. He’s not an offensive juggernaut, but he’s a rangy 6-1, poised with the puck and maturing physically at a rapid rate.

“I think I weighed like 165 pounds when I came here. Now, I weigh 190 or so. It’s coming along,” Almari said. “Every summer, my priority is getting more power and maybe some weight.”

Almari is a veteran of development camp, so he’s helping his fellow Finns with some tips for getting around a strange new land.

“Hold my hand and get to the plane and sit down,” Larmi joked when asked how Almari helped him fit in. “He knows how things work here. Just that there is somebody that I know, it helps.”

The lone Finnish forward at development camp is 5-9 winger Valtteri Puustinen, a seventh-round pick in this year’s draft. 1148630 Pittsburgh Penguins

Matthew Boucher, son of former Penguins defenseman, returns to ‘Mario’s place’

JONATHAN BOMBULIE | Thursday, June 27, 2019 3:35 p.m.

When Philippe Boucher was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins by the Dallas Stars in November of 2008, the timing was absolutely perfect in one way.

Boucher’s son Matthew was a few weeks shy of his 11th birthday. It’s a formative time for a young sports fan, and the playoff run that followed in the spring was something he’ll never forget.

“I was in Detroit when they won, so that was awesome,” Boucher said Thursday. “I think every kid and every player dreams of that. To be able to witness that and experience it was amazing.

“Just being in the room after the game, I was obviously a little young to understand all the emotions going around with the players, but being at Mario’s place with the families for the parties was awesome.”

This week, Boucher is back at Mario’s place, in a sense. He’s participating in Penguins development camp at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry as an undrafted free agent.

How Boucher managed to go undrafted is a bit of a mystery. He’s an excellent skater and he scored at least 27 goals in each of his three junior seasons with the Quebec Remparts. It’s probably because he’s only 5-foot-9.

After four years in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Boucher moved on to the University of New Brunswick, where he won a national championship last season.

Going to Canadian college is a fairly unconventional path to a pro hockey career, but Boucher remains motivated to do just that. He wears a bracelet with the inscription “Prove them wrong” as a reminder of his goals.

“It’s kind of a bummer, not getting drafted, but I use it as motivation,” Boucher said. “I like proving people wrong. I wear it on me every day.”

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After debut college season, Austin Lemieux back at Penguins camp

CHRIS ADAMSKI | Thursday, June 27, 2019 1:26 p.m.

This is the fourth Pittsburgh Penguins development camp for Austin Lemieux at the facility that bears his surname. In that time he’s grown from a 20-year-old kid playing junior hockey to a 23-year-old man heading into his redshirt sophomore season for a successful Arizona State NCAA program.

That hasn’t made it any easier taking part in the annual training session for those who are about to embark on pro hockey careers.

“I was talking to a friend of mine the other day and I was telling him that this doesn’t get any easier,” Lemieux said after a session at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex on Thursday. “It’s completely different from college — you come here for a 45-minute practice. It’s very high-paced.

“It’s my fourth year, and I thought it would get easier — but it’s certainly still pretty tough. But I enjoy coming to these, so it’s nice.”

Penguins owner and franchise icon Mario’s son, Lemieux had 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 31 games in his first college season as the young Arizona State program qualified for the NCAA tournament for the first time. Although the Sun Devils fell short of the Frozen Four, they advanced to the regional.

Austin Lemieux. The son of @NHL legend @MarioLemieuxFdn#NHL #ASU #SunDevilHockey pic.twitter.com/LXHkjohmTw

— Ryne Redd (@RyneRedd) October 7, 2018

“When I’m graduated and moved on, I think that I am going to look back and it’s going to be something pretty special for me to say that I was a part of that and helped grow the program,” Lemieux said. “Right now, it hasn’t really hit me but there’s a long way to go to build a program but I think we made huge steps last year and it’s just going to keep going on from there.”

Lemieux enrolled at Arizona State after a season in which he had 20 goals and 74 points in 45 United States Premier Hockey League games. He redshirted as a freshman but appeared in 31 of the Sun Devils’ 35 games this past season. Arizona State finished the season among the top 10 teams in the country in the PairWise Rankings.

Lemieux noted that the NCAA Division I level was “a lot faster, and guys are a lot stronger.”

“You obviously have your ups and downs,” Lemieux said, “but, certainly, to get the first year out of the way and know that you did whatever you needed to do to help the team win, did what your coach asks you. I certainly would like to produce a little more, and we will see if that comes down the line here next year.”

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Penguins defense prospect Clayton Phillips looking for fresh start in college hockey

JONATHAN BOMBULIE | Thursday, June 27, 2019 1:22 p.m.

One of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ top prospects could use a change of scenery.

Clayton Phillips, an offensive defenseman picked in the third round of the 2017 draft, is in the middle of the transfer process after spending the first two years of his college career at the University of Minnesota.

Penn State is among the rumored destinations for the 19-year-old from Edina, Minn.

“I’m trying to sort that all out,” Phillips said Wednesday. “I’m grateful for my time there. I met a bunch of great people. I’m just really excited for a fresh start.”

Midway through the 2017-18 season, Phillips left his USHL team in Muskegon and joined the Gophers for the second semester of the school year. In hindsight, the process might have been rushed.

A talented puck mover, Phillips went without a point in 11 games as a freshman. He had one goal and 10 points in 34 games as a sophomore.

Phillips said his time at Minnesota had its ups and downs, but he’s pleased with how his game is trending.

“I really felt like this year, I started to develop my game defensively and kind of the quick first passes in my own zone,” Phillips said. “I just felt like my game is becoming more rounded. Try to take that to the next step, wherever I end up next year.”

He also said the Penguins have been supportive during the transfer process.

“They really respect what you want to do,” Phillips said. “Obviously they’ll give you their thoughts and opinions, but they’re not telling me to do one thing or another.”

Tribune Review LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148633 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins prospect Jordy Bellerive travels tough road to recovery after campfire explosion

JONATHAN BOMBULIE | Thursday, June 27, 2019 6:01 a.m.

Countless hockey players, even ones young enough to be participating in Pittsburgh Penguins development camp in Cranberry this week, have stories to tell about rehabbing from a tough injury.

Few have as harrowing a tale to tell as Penguins prospect Jordy Bellerive.

After suffering a serious hand injury in a campfire explosion last summer, Bellerive’s road to recovery has been an extraordinarily long and difficult one.

“There were a lot of painful nights and stuff like that that I dealt with, a lot of tightness in the skin, which kind of messed around with (shooting) accuracy and whatnot,” Bellerive said. “I definitely had to tweak my shot a little bit, shoot it a different way. After a lot of therapy so far this summer, I’m pretty confident it’s back to where it was before the incident, so I’m pretty happy with that.”

Throughout the course of a long season, Bellerive said he tried different techniques to manage the pain and swelling, not wanting to rely too much on a constant stream of medication.

He managed to score 33 goals in 68 games – impressive numbers given what he went through, but not exactly up to the high standards he set for himself. Bellerive scored 46 goals the year before.

“Anytime someone tells you you’re not going to play hockey for a year, that’s in the back of your head for a long time,” Bellerive said. “I thought I did all right.”

The Penguins thought Bellerive did better than all right. Player development coach Tom Kostopoulos said the organization thinks the world of him.

“Jordy’s a great kid,” Kostopoulos said. “He had an unfortunate summer last year and it kind of went with him the whole season. He had a good season to most people’s standards, but to him, it was a bit of a down season. He was looking forward to getting home, regrouping, having more of a normal summer and coming to development camp with a fresh mind. He’s worked and he’s put in the effort. It’s nice to see him out here.”

Tribune Review LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148634 Pittsburgh Penguins

Brandon Hawkins, 25, brings different point of view to Penguins prospect camp

THEO MACKIE Pittsburgh Post-Gazette JUN 27, 2019

As the cameras swarmed to the Penguins’ brightest prospects in the moments after Thursday’s development camp workouts, winger Brandon Hawkins stood to the side, quietly chatting with an equipment manager.

At 25, Hawkins is the oldest of the camp’s 41 attendees and among the furthest from the team’s NHL radar. Sitting back at his locker on Thursday afternoon, neither of those truths seem to bother him.

“I took a little bit longer of a journey,” Hawkins said. “But we all end up in the same place, so I’m all right with that.”

That journey, he says, began around age 18 — the time when many of his new teammates were drafted. For Hawkins, it’s when he started to take hockey seriously, training and “wanting to play the sport for real.”

The next two years took him to Frisco, Texas, and Sioux City, Iowa, for stops in the North American Hockey League and United States Hockey League, before he began his college career with Bowling Green just shy of his 20th birthday. It was that freshman year when a 30-point season birthed the belief that he could play professionally.

The call, though, didn’t come for nearly five years, when Hawkins signed with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this spring after his redshirt senior year at Northeastern, where he transferred in 2016. And after scoring two goals in five games there, he converted a tryout contract into a deal for next season, alleviating some of the inherent pressure that comes with prospect camp.

But even with a year of job security in hand, Hawkins recognizes the camp’s importance.

“Honestly, it’s big,” Hawkins said. “A lot of the skill development has all brought together at one point. So buckling down and taking advantage of what I’ve done since I was 18, 19 years old has paid off and put me in the right position.”

For older players at camp, the role here is two-fold. While the focus remains on establishing themselves in the organization, their added experience gives them a unique perspective to share with the team’s younger prospects.

“I think just being at Wilkes-Barre for a little bit kind of helps,” said Michael Kim, a 23-year old undrafted defenseman from Boston College. “I think I can help the younger guys out with what they kind of expect from you at the AHL level and what the jump is from, whether you’re playing college or junior, up to pro.

“So having that little time at Wilkes-Barre was great, great for me to learn and see how things work. And any advice I can offer the younger guys, I’m willing to help and try to make that process easier for them.”

Judd Caulfield a shining example of USA Hockey's National Team Development Program's rise

And despite their more renowned billing, the top prospects are eager to learn.

On Thursday, it was 18-year old winger Nathan Legare who paired with Hawkins. The third-round pick’s puck control stood out in just a few minutes of drills, but as he sat next to Hawkins in the locker room after the skills session, his praise flowed toward the camp’s older players.

“It’s just the way that they prepare before practice,” Legare said. “Like activation or a cool-down, it’s all stuff that I watch and then I learn from it. Also, the speed that they make. They shoot the puck quicker and the first three steps are quicker so all that kind of stuff I watch and I learn from it.”

Post Gazette LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148635 Pittsburgh Penguins really thinking about hockey. And we had to grow the sport so those athletes would start to look at hockey — and that’s what happened.”

While it’s difficult to stand out at a prospect camp, Caulfield, who also Judd Caulfield a shining example of USA Hockey's National Team had a successful high school career, helping Grand Forks Central to a Development Program's rise state title in 2017, comes in ready to build off his experiences and develop his skills further.

Sarah K. Spencer “It’s really special, just throwing on the Penguins crest for the first time, it’s something I’ll remember for a lifetime,” Caulfield said. “It’s awesome.”

Post Gazette LOADED: 06.28.2019 To say Judd Caulfield was in good company with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program is putting it mildly.

Caulfield, the Penguins’ fifth-round pick and a University of North Dakota recruit, was one of 17 NTDP players selected in the 2019 NHL draft, with eight teammates selected in the first round, including first overall pick Jack Hughes.

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The #NTDP had 8 ⃣ first round picks and 17 total players selected at this weekend's #NHLDraft! 

"I think @usahockey's in really good hands with all the star players that are in the league already and (there's) a lot more coming." - @jackhughes43.

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That’s good for a program and NHL record, according to USA Hockey, since a single team had never had more than four players taken in the first round. Seven of the first 15 selections were American, which is a first, per USA hockey.

“It was definitely pretty special to be a part of the U.S. team,” said Caulfield, a power forward, on Day 2 of the Penguins’ prospect development camp. “There’s a lot of great talents there and it was fun to become great friends with them over the years. … You just cherish every moment, I guess. You can’t really take anything for granted.”

NTDP, based in Plymouth, Mich., is a full-time development program for players under 18.

The significance of the team’s strong showing in the draft isn’t lost on Caulfield, who recorded 26 goals, 48 assists and 74 points the past two seasons.

“It’s great to see that American hockey is kind of taking off,” Caulfield said. “There’s a lot of powerhouses in international hockey, so it’s really great to see that and take pride in that, being an American.”

The team’s meaning also isn’t lost on Penguins GM Jim Rutherford.

Rutherford credits NTDP, as well as the league expanding further south in the 1990s, with helping the sport grow in America, a driving factor for hockey players who could potentially have gravitated toward other, more entrenched sports instead. That could include big, powerful athletes such as Caulfield (6 feet 4, 205 pounds).

According to USA Hockey, American youth hockey participation has been steadily inching up the past few years, going from 350,885 in 2010- 2011 to 382,514 in 2017-18.

“That program is a terrific program,” Rutherford said. “They’ve done a wonderful job with it. Hockey continues to grow in the United States. I don’t think it’s to anybody’s surprise that it’s growing [considering] the way the is growing with the footprint that the league has put in place. And going way back, when I started in management in the Ontario Hockey League years ago [in the 1980s], we used to talk about the American players.

“One of the things we said was at that time, the best athletes that were American were picking football, basketball and baseball. They weren’t 1148636 Pittsburgh Penguins “It was awesome,” Addison said. “Just to get out there and get a feel for everything and see what everything is like on a day-to-day basis was great for me.”

Calen Addison, confident and comfortable, seeking 'next level' of his The 19-year-old literally got a feel for playing pro hockey. Most game opponents were older and bigger than Addison, who is now listed at 5 feet 8 and 180 pounds, and they sought to introduce themselves at high speeds. MATT VENSEL “That’s the biggest difference,” Addison said. “It’s men, rather than kids.”

All the experiences of the past year prepared him for his second At his second prospect development camp with the Penguins, Calen development camp, which wraps up Friday at UPMC Lemieux Sports Addison seems more mature — and it’s not just because of the wispy Complex in Cranberry. mustache that makes him look like a college freshman strutting into the senior prom. “It’s just good to be back here, get out here and meet all the new guys,” Addison said, adding, “It’s just a lot easier coming in. You’re a lot more Addison, an offensive-minded blue liner who is considered one of the comfortable. It’s just nice to get out there again and get your feet going at organization’s top prospects, is confident, more experienced and full speed again.” seemingly self-aware. In addition to the mustache — which sticks out with so many baby-faces After an impressive preseason game with the Penguins in September, around — Kostopoulos sees more confidence and maturity from Addison another productive season in the Western Hockey League and an this year. educational stint in the AHL in April, Addison knows where his growing game needs the most work. “In junior, he’s playing more in every situation and really becoming a leader on that team,” Kostopoulos said. “It’s been fun to see it here in Perhaps more important, he isn’t forgetting what makes him stand out. development camp.”

Brandon Hawkins, 25, brings different point of view to Penguins prospect Post Gazette LOADED: 06.28.2019 camp

“They picked me for a reason, and that was just to play the way that I play,” he said Wednesday. “They just kind of help me out with things that are going to get me to the next level. … They’re super helpful, and they just let me play my game.”

Addison, a second-round pick last June, impressed during his first NHL training camp. Then, in a preseason game in Detroit — his unofficial Penguins debut — he set up a goal by stepping around veteran Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader at the blue line then feathering a pass through four defenders to set up a one-time goal.

He already knew he would be sent down, but that night Addison displayed the slick skating and offensive creativity that have the team so excited about him.

“He’s a great kid. He’s a great hockey player. He moves so well out there,” player development coach Tom Kostopoulos said. “I think coming to training camp last year, seeing … how much effort and time [Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang and others] put in their game, I think is eye-opening for a lot of junior kids in their first camp.”

The right-hander brimmed with confidence when the Penguins returned him to his junior team, the Lethbridge Hurricanes. He got off to a hot start, finished sixth among WHL defensemen with 65 points — 11 goals with 54 assists — in 67 games, then put up nine points in seven games before Lethbridge was bounced from the playoffs.

The knock on Addison has been his work in his own zone. He hears it.

“One thing I know — and everyone always repeats to me — is just working on my defensive game and making sure that I’m getting stronger and more powerful so I can battle in the corners against the big men in the [AHL] and the NHL,” he said.

Judd Caulfield a shining example of USA Hockey's National Team Development Program's rise

Addison admits that in his draft year, he “struggled quite a bit defensively.”

Last season, he focused on being more aware in the defensive zone, keeping his head on a swivel instead of locking his vision onto the puck- carrier. He also resolved to not get pushed around in the corners, instead “battling like it’s your last battle.”

“I think that’s what’s going to help me get to the next level,” Addison said.

He got a taste of it in April after Lethbridge’s disappointing early playoff exit.

The Penguins signed him to a three-year, entry-level contract and invited him to skate with the AHL club on an amateur tryout contract. He recorded two assists in the final three games for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, which missed the playoffs. 1148637 Pittsburgh Penguins

Jordy Bellerive, a year removed from fire injury, ready to make an impact

BILL BRINK

Jordy Bellerive lifted his left hand and pinched the webbing between his thumb and forefinger. The skin was a cloudy sunset of pink and purple and slightly raised, the aftermath of burns that took the skin off both hands.

“With the tightness in my hand here, the webbing, it doesn’t open up very well,” said Bellerive, a 20-year-old Penguins prospect. “I just had to tweak my hand positioning and stuff like that and find different ways to hit pockets than the way I was doing it before.”

Bellerive suffered those burns last June. He returned to competition three months later and scored 33 goals with 50 assists for the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the Western Hockey League, Bellerive’s juniors team. The performance earned him a three-game stint with the Wilkes- Barre/Scranton Penguins. This season, Bellerive plans to prove that he belongs in professional hockey.

“I don’t have any intentions of going back to junior hockey,” he said Wednesday after the first day of the Penguins’ prospect development camp at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.

Bellerive went undrafted in 2017 but performed well enough at that year’s prospect development camp that they signed him to an entry-level contract. He followed that with his best juniors season, scoring 46 goals with 46 assists. Then, in June 2018, a campfire gone wrong threatened the contact points between player and stick.

On June 15, according to a WHL statement, Bellerive, teammate Ryan Vandervlis and former WHL player Matt Alfaro all had “injuries resulting from an incident involving the starting of a campfire” near Calgary the night before a planned day of golf. Doctors put Vandervlis into a medically induced coma. The Vandervlis family said in a statement that alcohol was not a factor in the incident. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said in a statement that “a substance was placed into a fire-pit that caused an explosion.”

The skin on Bellerive’s hands turned bright red and began to blister. It hurt “I bet far beyond what you’re imagining.”

Bellerive spent nearly two weeks in the hospital with his hands, legs and stomach wrapped and bandaged. He didn't do much beside meet with doctors and surgeons. Unable to get past “here” — he held up his left hand again in a mostly open claw — he worked on his range of motion until he could begin to close them.

Bellerive shunned the prescription for painkillers once he left the hospital for fear of getting hooked. He hit the gym the day after he got out. His trainer ordered him metal claw hooks, similar to deadlift wrist straps, so he could lift trap bars.

Doctors never formally cleared Bellerive to resume hockey activities, he said. He took it upon himself. About a month after leaving the hospital, he found a pair of cotton gloves in a drug store and wore them under his hockey gloves. Even as he continued to play, the pain persisted, leading to sleepless nights.

“Just positivity, honestly,” he said of how he dealt with it. “I knew there was nothing I could do to control it. Tried to distract myself as much as I can, sleep as easily as I could, I guess.”

After posting another good juniors season, and with his grip returned to normal, Bellerive is ready to be a professional hockey player.

“I’m just waiting for my chance,” he said. “Doing everything I can to prove that I’m ready to make the jump to pro hockey, like I said. Wherever they want me to play, I’m happy to be there.”

Post Gazette LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148638 Pittsburgh Penguins It’s currently unknown which players are being dangled by Rutherford, but there is no question that the general manager is attempting to deal Phil Kessel. Rutherford had a trade in place with Minnesota in May but Penguins trade talks are ‘heating up’ as Jim Rutherford looks to make a Kessel vetoed it. While Rutherford has acknowledged recently that deal there’s a very good chance Kessel will be on the Penguins’ roster when training camp begins in September, this doesn’t mean that he still isn’t attempting to deal him.

By Josh Yohe Jun 27, 2019 Kessel counts for $6.8 million against the salary cap and, were the Penguins able to get him off of their books, they’d have considerably

more flexibility moving forward. It also would help rid the Penguins of a Numerous sources within the Penguins organization confirmed Thursday potential distraction, as it remains unclear how Kessel would handle that trade talks are “heating up” involving Jim Rutherford and other playing for a franchise that is actively attempting to move him. general managers. The free agency signing period begins at noon July 1. Rutherford ideally Rutherford is anxious to make multiple changes to the Penguins. He was would like to have given the Penguins a different looking roster by then. quiet during NHL Draft weekend in Vancouver but noted at the time that The countdown is on. his best window to orchestrate a deal was before July 1, when the league’s free agency period opens. The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019 Rutherford’s desires are many: He wants to “change the culture” of the Penguins, free some salary space so they can make a dent on the free agent market, and acquire a fresh face or two who can immediately impact his team.

Such deals require a delicate touch, to be sure. But make no mistake, Rutherford was eager to get something accomplished. At a news conference that was held to honor Rutherford’s induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Tuesday, he still referenced his desire to make a trade. When asked how he would celebrate the Hall of Fame nod, Rutherford insisted he would return to his office and make some calls in an effort to improve the Penguins.

He has steadily been working the phones during the past 24 hours to make something happen. Rutherford commented that trade talks were heating up in the week before the NHL Draft, which led him to believe that a number of explosive trades — perhaps even some involving the Penguins — were inevitable. Instead, Day 1 of the draft saw little trade action.

While the Devils did acquire P.K. Subban on Day 2 of the draft, the trade action Rutherford was anticipating never materialized.

Rutherford did trade Olli Maatta earlier in June, but that was largely a salary cap move, even though the Penguins did like their return in Dominik Kahun. While Rutherford remains mindful of the Penguins’ unsavory cap situation — they’re only about $3.1 million under the cap and still have to give marginal raises to restricted free agents Marcus Pettersson, Teddy Blueger and Zach Aston-Reece — his primary goal is to jolt the Penguins with a couple players who can provide positive energy and positive statistics to the lineup.

Rutherford is also particularly interested in making the Penguins younger and faster, if possible. Many in the organization have determined that speed and skill — the very attributes that helped the Penguins claim consecutive championships on Rutherford’s watch — will pave the way to future success. Even dating to last season, the Penguins have made a clear attempt to become younger. The most recent players that have been acquired — a list that includes the likes of Jared McCann, Nick Bjugstad, Erik Gudbranson, Kahun and Pettersson — are all 27 or younger.

This is a trend that Rutherford would like to continue. Thus, certain, big- name free agents don’t appear to be of any interest to the Penguins, even if the price might be right.

Multiple reports in the past two days have linked the Penguins with right wing Corey Perry, a star for more than a decade with the Ducks. Anaheim bought out the remainder of Perry’s contract last week and it’s believed that he would be willing to sign a one-year deal. However, a source in the Penguins’ organization said that Rutherford has “no interest” in bringing Perry to Pittsburgh. Rutherford and others in the organization have long admired Perry’s style of play and toughness, but he doesn’t bring speed or youth to the table, thus isn’t really what they’re looking forward.

There have also been reports in recent days that have linked Wayne Simmonds to the Penguins. Simmonds is a player the Penguins have long respected, as he gave them fits for many years with the Flyers. However, despite the reports of there being mutual interest, numerous sources have confirmed that the Penguins don’t even intend on offering him a contract because of their salary cap situation. 1148639 Pittsburgh Penguins “Once I got drafted, I wanted just to keep going and keep pushing,” he said. “I knew that was a high pick with big expectations on me. I had a really good 18-year-old season, a really good draft year, and I was still ‘I thought my career was over:’ Inside a Penguins prospect’s lost years motivated to play.

“But once I came back after main camp to the Huskies, all the symptoms were just coming back all the time, on and off.” By Sean Gentille Jun 27, 2019 He wound up playing 25 games in fits and starts; he’d feel better, then he’d play, then he’d feel worse, then he’d sit. Those bus trips didn’t help.

CRANBERRY, Pa. — Zachary Lauzon is sitting at his locker. “Every time I was getting better, I was rushing back to the lineup because I wanted to sign that contract. I would come back and play 25 minutes. It’s nothing special; Lauzon, like the rest of his team at the Penguins’ We were on the road a lot with the Huskies. We were the team that prospect camp, is crammed into a room typically reserved for a youth traveled the most. With all that, plus 3-on-3 (play in overtime), we played squad. Not that Lauzon and Co. aren’t young — prospects tend to be. a lot of games — and on the road, symptoms just kept coming back,” he They aren’t children, though, and they’re certainly not child-sized. The said. other side, down the hall in the actual Penguins’ dressing room, got the better draw. “I wasn’t taking care of myself enough. I was just thinking about playing hockey, and at the end of the day it (backfired) on me, because you have Lauzon isn’t much worried, though. He’s had worse seats — like the one to feel good to play good. That’s when I decided to take a step back, and on the bus for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, where the trip from the once I got better, I’d come back as myself.” QMJHL’s westernmost output was five hours on its best day. Feels a lot longer when you’re dealing with an injured brain, he says. On his best days, at least, he felt that way. On his worst? “I really thought my career was over, because none of the treatments I tried seemed to It’s better still than the one he had at a neurologist’s office in Orlando, work.” where their treatment plan involved plopping Lauzon in an office chair and spinning him around until the dizziness returned. The step back wasn’t an easy decision; Lauzon’s older brother, Jeremy, is a defenseman for the Bruins. His younger brother, Émile, is a forward And it’s better than his couch. That’s where he watched the Huskies for for Val-d’Or. When you’re surrounded by hockey players, choosing not to the 2018-19 season. All of it. be one — temporarily or otherwise — is not a simple call. Lauzon, the 51st pick in the 2017 draft — and the Penguins’ first — is It was, though, the correct one. In August 2018, he visited the playing high-pace hockey for the first time since November. He’s healthy neurological clinic run by Dr. Ted Carrick — known by plenty as “The for the first time since 2017. He’s having fun. And that, he says, is a win Guy Who Fixed Sidney Crosby’s Brain” — for five days of tests and on its own. Forget that he doesn’t have a contract, or that his future as a treatments. That’s where they sat him down and spun him around, one of hockey player, almost literally, couldn’t be less certain. On Wednesday, several vestibular tests he’d take. Another, more fun one, involved “stuff he had his seat, and that was good enough. with lasers I had to control with my head,” Lauzon said. As was the case The road for the 6-foot-1 defenseman never was going to be clear; the with Crosby, Lauzon said, many of his issues stemmed from a soft-tissue pick the Penguins used to select him came from St. Louis, the second injury to his neck. That was addressed with massages and chiropractic element of the infamous Ryan Reaves trade earlier that day. The choice treatments. took more shrapnel than it deserved. Some viewed it as one in a set of Lauzon said he’s lucky he landed with a team “that understands these moves that emphasized some nebulous idea of “pushback” over the skill- types of injuries.” Another fact Lauzon mentioned a few times: He didn’t above-all-else philosophy that had just won a pair of Stanley Cups. have a contract, and thus the Penguins had no legal obligation to foot the It was easy to look at Lauzon — physical, point-deficient, stuck with the bill. They did anyway, and he’s grateful for it. dreaded “defensive defenseman” label, a fourth-round talent by the “I was really fortunate to be in a hockey organization that supported me estimation of scouting services — and wonder what, exactly, was going financially, also. That was huge for me,” he said. “And once I started on. Maybe it was easy to lose sight of his skating (fine) and puck-moving getting better every day, little by little, my motivation came back.” ability (better than fine). Maybe it was easy to ignore the rumblings that Montreal, who had the 52nd pick, was enamored with him. He was Lauzon left Florida with a plan tailored to him and his condition. He’d collateral damage in that night’s Penguins Twitter argument: That the spend eight weeks in the gym and have weekly check-ins with his team had opted to chase the toughness windmill. doctors. By November, he was back on the ice.

(Turned out to be basically true, by the way. We know now that there By December, he’d broken his foot. wasn’t much of a plan for Reaves, and it’s easy to view that move as the first in a series of philosophic shifts and/or fissures that left the franchise It happened on a set of wind sprints at the gym. Lauzon turned his ankle. in front of a closing window. They’ve got damage to undo, and bells to A bone cracked, and the schedule he’d amended — by then, he was unring. So it goes.) shooting for an in-season return — was amended again. Talking about the setback now, he’s … maybe not Zen, but certainly pragmatic. Exactly none of that, though, is Lauzon’s fault. And if he was going to have the chance at winning people over — and at tipping the scales of “It was a tough bounce, but I was still in the process of making the the the Reaves fiasco at least a little closer to the Penguins — it would decision on whether I was going to play or not,” he said. “Then, I didn’t have to wait, because of the aftereffects of a hit he’d already taken. have to make it for myself.” Lauzon didn’t know it, but he was about to see his career fully derailed by By then, another decision deadline was on the horizon. The Penguins a concussion he’d suffered during Rouyn-Noranda’s playoff run earlier had until July 1 to offer Lauzon a three-year entry-level deal, or he’d join that spring. the free-agent pool. They opted for the latter, and Lauzon wasn’t hurt; he “It’s not the road you expect to take when you’re drafted in the second was just happy that they didn’t cut bait. round, but I’ve tried to stay positive along the road,” Lauzon said. “It’s That’s the figure Lauzon cuts; for an event built around the concept of been really hard. If I look back a year ago, I thought my career was over, potential, a prospect camp carries the distinct undertone of dread. Left and my motivation was at its lowest point.” unsaid is an immutable fact: The vast majority of the guys on the ice The issues were already presenting themselves at the 2017 prospects won’t make it NHL players. It’s hard not to wonder what their future holds, camp, enough to stop Lauzon from skating. He was good to go by the and what they’ll do when hockey is taken away from them. It’s hard, team’s main training camp; “Then I went back to juniors,” he said, “and maybe, not to worry about them. my injuries caught up with me.” In Lauzon’s case, that already happened once. Now, he sounds like a That season — 2017-18 — was more frustrating than the one he’d guy playing with house money. Worrying about him feels like it’d be a eventually lose. He was a high draft pick, trying to live up to the label, waste of time. and things went sideways from the jump. “I’m really fortunate that (the Penguins are) giving me another chance to come back here and prove myself,” he said. “Pittsburgh has always been really classy with me. They never put any pressure on me. They just wanted me to feel good off the ice. I was in a really good environment to heal, and a big part of why I decided to make a comeback was that I thought I owe that to the people who gave me a chance and owe it to myself.

“I know what I can bring to the table. I know the Penguins drafted me for a reason. I’m not changing the type of player I was, so it’s up to them whether they want to work with me still, or if they don’t want to work with me. With all the attention they gave me during my injuries, even if I didn’t sign, for them to invite me back here, I think it means something. So I just want to show them that I still have it in me.”

His goal is simple enough. He wants to leave later this week with a contract, but if the Penguins’ offer doesn’t come, Lauzon will play for the University of New Brunswick. He’ll be 21 in October, too old for the Q. And too wise, maybe. He knows what he’s up against. Call it perspective gained from a gap year.

“It’s the first high-pace practice I did with a team since November,” he said. “I’m realistic. I know I can move my feet a lot quicker. I could be better with my execution.

“But all in all, I’m happy to go out there and compete and just play hockey. I’m not too worried about what’s going to happen to me here. I just want to work hard — and no matter what, I know I’ll be playing hockey next year, so that’s the most important part.”

Just as important: He feels great. The dizziness is gone. So is the pain.

“If I were still symptomatic, I wouldn’t be here,” he said. “Whether it’s the neck or the brain or whatever, if you have those symptoms, you don’t want to live with those.”

In other words, he learned his lesson. Might’ve learned a couple, in fact.

“I was younger and less mature, and all I wanted to do was play hockey,” he said. “Now I know I have a life after my career. So that’s what I’m prioritizing. But I’m also feeling good enough to play hockey, so that’s what I want to do right now.”

And someday, he’ll do something else. Simple enough.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148640 San Jose Sharks

Is Patrick Marleau on his way back to San Jose?

By Jon Becker | Bay Area News Group

PUBLISHED: June 27, 2019 at 12:24 pm | UPDATED: June 27, 2019 at 7:47 PM

Patrick Marleau may have just moved another giant step closer to returning to the San Jose Sharks.

The Carolina Hurricanes bought out Marleau’s contract on Thursday, five days after acquiring the 39-year-old from the Toronto Maple Leafs in a salary dump move, the News & Observer in Raleigh, N.C. reported.

Marleau has been vocal about returning to San Jose, where he spent the first 19 years of his NHL career and was beloved by teammates and fans alike. Marleau’s desire to come back to the Sharks helped fuel the trade to Carolina, which took on the $6.25 million cap hit from the last year of his deal in exchange for both a conditional first-round NHL draft pick next year as well as a seventh-round choice.

After attempting to see if Marleau would be open to play in Carolina, the Hurricanes decided to buy out his contract, which paves the way to re- signing with the Sharks.

However, while Marleau’s family (wife and four children) are moving back to the South Bay regardless of where he plays his 20th NHL season, there’s still no definitive word on the level of the Sharks’ interest. Marleau had his worst statistical full season since his 1997 rookie year in San Jose, scoring just 37 points (16 goals, 21 assists) for the Maple Leafs, but he’s still valuable even if a third- or fourth-line forward.

In a recent interview with NHL.com, Marleau said his family’s love of San Jose is what’s driving his playing decision. He’d love to rejoin the Sharks, but has been open to playing elsewhere near the West Coast.

“Everything is based on that — family,” Marleau said. “I wanted to kind of be with them. Our one son, it’s based on his schooling and what was best for him. It was at the point where my wife and kids were planning on coming back (to the South Bay) already. It kind of ties it all together. Hard to explain it all.

“Basically, for the kids’ schooling and stuff, we thought we could get the help and support we needed here. With four boys, it’s a little bit easier here with family around for my wife.”

First things first. San Jose has some cap issues itself that are complicating negotiations with its own free agents like Joe Pavelski, Joonas Donskoi and Gustav Nyquist, all of whom the Sharks would like to retain in a perfect world. Marleau wouldn’t seem to command much more than a minimum deal from the Sharks.

The Hurricanes will pay off Marleau’s $3 million remaining from his signing bonus in Toronto as well as two-thirds of his base salary of $1.25 million divided over the next two years ($416,667 per season), according to CapFriendly.com. Thus, Marleau would still be in line to receive his same $4.25 million salary this coming season if the Sharks only paid him a little more than the $650,000 league minimum.

With the recent retirement of Florida Panthers goaltender Roberto Luongo, Marleau (second overall pick) and the Sharks’ Joe Thornton (top overall pick) are the only players still active from the 1997 draft.

San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148641 San Jose Sharks “I like to be physical, I like to compete,” Ferraro said. “I feel I got us going out there a little bit. At the end of the day, it’s just a scrimmage, but you’ve got to compete. That’s what we’re here for. We’re in development Meet the Sharks’ prospect that Cale Makar called the “hardest working camp. We’re trying to get better.” guy” he’s ever met United Nations Line

Center Sasha Chmelevski was on a line with Ivan Chekhovich and Lean By Curtis Pashelka | [email protected] | Bay Area Bergmann for Wednesday’s scrimmage. The three, all 20 years old, had News Group some chemistry, and it wouldn’t come as a surprise to see the trio on the same line with the Barracuda in the fall. PUBLISHED: June 27, 2019 at 6:01 am | UPDATED: June 27, 2019 at 9:43 am Chmelevski, a Southern California native and an impact player for Team USA at the 2019 World Juniors, and the Russian-born Chekhovich were already familiar with each other, having played on the same line with the Barracuda on its run to the Western Conference finals of the 2017 Calder SAN JOSE — Defenseman Mario Ferraro was a bit taken aback when it Cup playoffs. was relayed to him that Cale Makar, his former teammate at UMass- Amherst and a budding star with the Colorado Avalanche, called the Bergmann, who the Sharks signed as a free agent out of Germany in Sharks prospect two months ago the “hardest working guy” he’s ever May, played three seasons in the USHL before he returned to his native met. Germany to play for the of the last year. “Well, first of all, thank you Cale for those kind words,” Ferraro said of the 2019 Hobey Baker Award winner. “I’m not surprised. He’s a really nice “That was pretty much the first time we’ve played as a line,” Chmelevski kid.” said. “I played with Checky two years ago with the ‘Cuda, but I just got to know Bergy the last couple days. Our chemistry was great today. I The accolades for Ferraro have been rolling in at the Sharks’ thought we all knew where we were going to be on the ice. I really liked development camp this week, as well, which continued with a scrimmage the way we played.” Wednesday under the watchful eye of the team’s staff, including general manager Doug Wilson and coach Pete DeBoer. The Sharks prospects Chekhovich made his presence felt in his short stay at the Sharks’ main will hold another scrimmage for the public Friday at SAP Center. training camp last season, scoring two goals and adding an assist in his one preseason game before he was returned to Baie-Comeau of the “One of the most high-energy guys you’ve ever seen,” Sharks director of QMJHL. Chekhovich had a huge year, as he finished second in the scouting Doug Wilson Jr. said. “He does not have a bad day.” league with 105 points. “A ton of energy,” Barracuda coach Roy Sommer said. “He looks good. Chekhovich is up to 197 pounds, 13 pounds more than he was last year Especially early on in the scrimmage, I thought he kind of carried the at this time. play. Kind of a hard guy to play against. He’ll be fun. He’ll be fun to coach. Any one who comes to the rink with that much energy is a “I worked my physical game and I worked in the gym a lot during the blessing.” summer,” Chekhovich said. “I think I’m ready for the next level.”

Ferraro, the Sharks’ second round draft pick in 2017, signed his entry- Ryan Merkley on Wednesday showed some of the offensive flair that level contract April 29, two weeks after UMass lost the national helped make him the Sharks’ first round pick at the 2018 draft. But he championship game to Minnesota-Duluth at the Frozen Four in Buffalo, feels the biggest difference in his game right now is the improvement N.Y. he’s made on the defensive end, which was one of the knocks he had against him when he was selected 21st overall. Ferraro and Makar were defense partners in their freshman year at UMass in 2017-18, when Ferraro had 23 points in 39 games, but were Merkley, 18, started last season in the OHL with Guelph before he was split this season as Ferraro took on a different, more defensive role. After traded to Peterborough. He finished the year with 71 points in 63 regular he barely missed out on playing for Team Canada at the World Junior season games, up slightly from the 67 points he had in his draft year. But Championships, he finished his season at UMass with 14 points in 41 he also went from -29 in 2017-18 to a +4 this past season. games. “I think my defensive game’s come a long way. I know people talk about “Maybe his numbers didn’t show it,” Makar told this newspaper in April that a lot,” said Merkley, adding that his improved plus-minus numbers when the Sharks were facing the Avalanche in their second round playoff partly come “from age and experience.” series, “but he’s still a hell of a player.” “We were at probably 40 of his games this year. Bryan Marchment was Barring injuries or an otherworldly training camp, Ferraro, 20, figures to there, checked in with him,” Wilson Jr. said. “Whenever we went to his start his first season as a pro with the Barracuda. games, we’d talked to him afterwards, talked to his billets. He had 71 points, he had the most primary assists in the OHL. He had a great year.” The Sharks already have Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Brenden Dillon, Radim Simek and Jacob Middleton on the left side, and only the most elite players, such as Makar, can make the jump straight from the NCAA into the NHL, particularly on defense. San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 06.28.2019

Still, seeing what kind of impact Makar was able to make in just a few playoff games with the Avalanche gives Ferraro and John Leonard — the Sharks’ sixth round pick in 2018 who will be going back to UMass in the fall — some belief that they can make it here, as well.

“Just because you see how a player that we competed against every day in practice and compete with is doing really well,” Ferraro said. “You say, ‘Hey, maybe I can be that guy as well. I can play at the next level.’ So, it builds that confidence and it’s a nice thing to see how well he’s doing.”

Listed at 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds, Ferraro’s not the biggest blueliner in camp this week. His biggest attributes are his skating, puck moving ability, hockey sense and, of course, work ethic.

But he feels he can play a physical game as well, something that would no doubt be appreciated by DeBoer and assistant , as he even took the body on a couple of occasions in a scrimmage that was, as expected, light on big hits. 1148642 San Jose Sharks Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 06.28.2019

Sharks free-agency decisions: Will Joe Pavelski stay or find new team?

By Chelena Goldman

June 27, 2019 10:59 AM

He's the player best at tipping Brent Burns' laser shots into the back of the net. The driving force behind one of the biggest come-from-behind victories we've seen in Stanley Cup playoff history. The teal-clad skater with the "C" on his sweater.

He seems like the one player who already should be signed to a contract.

But with just a couple days left until the NHL’s free-agent market opens, Joe Pavelski hasn't reached a deal with the San Jose Sharks, and is taking meetings with other teams at an expeditious pace.

Here's a look at why Pavelski still could be wearing teal next season, and why there's a chance he'll play somewhere other than San Jose in October.

Why he could stay

Pavelski made it clear at the end of the Sharks' playoff run in May that he wants to stay in San Jose. His teammates don't want him to go anywhere, either. And why would a team want a skater with 60-plus points in six consecutive seasons to play for the opposition?

At the end of the day, though, money and terms have kept both sides of this situation from reaching a deal.

Now, that doesn't mean Sharks general manager Doug Wilson will fail to perform some wizardry to free up some salary-cap space and keep Pavelski. It would require moving more veteran pieces from the roster -- like trading Justin Braun to Philadelphia -- and probably signing all of San Jose's top RFAs to team-friendly bridge contracts. This also probably would mean taking care of a Pavelski contract before signing Joe Thornton, whom the team has made clear it wants back next season.

Pavelski might have to sign a shorter deal to stay in San Jose, too.

A lot of things would have to happen to create room for Pavelski to stay. But it isn't unthinkable.

Why he could go

If Pavelski and the Sharks haven't reached a deal at this point, it's more likely he's headed somewhere else.

Reports have circulated all week that Pavelski has been visiting and taking calls with several teams, and the fact he's one of the biggest pending UFAs out there really shouldn't be surprising.

The 34-year-old forward is as dynamic as ever, whether it's skating 5-on- 5 or posting up in front of the net on the power play. Plus, he's a leader in the locker room. He's a player who can help make any team better.

With so much interest from teams that can give Pavelski the kind of contract he wants and deserves, the chances of him playing elsewhere next season have increased.

The verdict

Fans aren't going to like it, but it's looking less likely that Pavelski and the Sharks will reach an agreement.

Sure, it might be hard to fathom, given the impact Pavelski has had on the team over the years. And it's even harder to think which Shark would make up the offensive production the team would lack without the captain. Everyone saw how San Jose struggled at the tail end of the regular season when Pavelski was sidelined with a lower-body injury.

At the end of the day, though, it's a business decision.

San Jose still could juggle a bunch of things in order to keep Captain America on the roster. But right now, it seems like the next time Pavelski is at SAP Center, it will be in the visitors' dressing room.

1148643 San Jose Sharks

Hurricanes to buy out Patrick Marleau, opening door for Sharks return

By Josh Schrock

June 27, 2019 10:23 AM

The next step toward Patrick Marleau's potential return to the Sharks has been taken.

On Saturday, the Toronto Maple Leafs traded the veteran winger to the Carolina Hurricanes in a salary-cap dump. While early reports stated the 'Canes would try to convince Marleau to play for them, the veteran winger's desire to return to San Jose has been well-documented.

Any attempt to convince Marleau to play in Carolina apparently fell on deaf ears, as general manager Don Waddell announced Thursday that the Hurricanes would be buying out the 39-year-old.

Marleau is coming off a season where he tallied 37 points (16 goals, 21 assists), his lowest full-season total since his rookie year. He notched 31 points in the 2012-13 season, but only played in 48 games due to the NHL strike.

The Sharks have a lot of decisions ahead of them this offseason, with Joe Pavelski, Joonas Donskoi and Gustav Nyquist all hitting unrestricted free agency.

Marleau likely will be on the Sharks' backburner for now, but don't be surprised to see him wearing teal next season.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148644 San Jose Sharks Considering this is the last chance for the soon-to-be 35-year-old to sign a big contract I just don’t see that happening, and I wouldn’t blame Pavelski one bit if he goes to a contending team that’s going to pay him Predicting what’s to come with the Sharks, their free agents and Patrick what he’s earned after 38 goals last season. Marleau Joonas Donskoi is probably gone. The interest in his services is considerable, and if I’m Donskoi, I’d probably welcome a new start after working my way out of the lineup last season with one goal in my last 46 By Kevin Kurz regular season and playoff games.

Jun 27, 2019 As for Gus Nyquist, there have been recent reports that the door is not completely closed on a return, but my sense is that it’s highly unlikely

even if Pavelski moves on. Perhaps there’s a deal to be made To the layman, it might not appear to be a big difference. But when the considering the friendship between Nyquist and Karlsson, but just like NHL salary cap came in at $81.5 million rather than the midseason with Pavelski, it’s nearly impossible to see Nyquist returning without projection of $83 million, it complicated the offseason for several teams. moving out another body or two first. He’ll likely cost at least $5 million annually and the Sharks just don’t have that kind of flexibility. The Sharks would seem to be one of those teams. That $1.5 million difference could very well have gone to a depth player that they’re going Thornton and the Sharks can figure out how to fit the future Hall of Famer to need due to having so many players already signed to significant on the roster once all the dust settles on July 1, much like they did the salaries. That includes the league’s highest-paid blue line with Erik past two summers. Karlsson ($11.5 million), Brent Burns ($8 million) and Marc-Edouard There is also a pair of unrestricted free-agent defensemen. Tim Heed, I Vlasic ($7 million) all on expensive, longterm deals. understand, is likely to return now that Justin Braun has been traded to But while the defense is probably/mostly set and starting goalie Martin Philadelphia and I would expect some sort of extension to be announced Jones is in place, filling out the rest of the group could prove to be shortly. Joakim Ryan, now an unrestricted free agent after he was not complicated for general manager Doug Wilson. The Sharks have just qualified by the Sharks, will almost certainly be playing somewhere else seven forwards under contract: Logan Couture, Tomas Hertl, Evander next season after he was pushed out of the lineup by Radim Simek and Kane, Marcus Sorensen, Melker Karlsson, Barclay Goodrow and Lukas used only sparingly in the playoffs by coach Pete DeBoer. Radil. Those first three are cornerstones, but that remaining group taken The restricted free agents as a whole leaves a lot to be desired. Melker Karlsson, Goodrow and Radil are probably all fourth-line players at this stage. History suggests that there’s no way Wilson will allow restricted free- agent forwards Timo Meier or Kevin Labanc to depart, but that doesn’t Joe Thornton announced he’ll return, so that’s good news as he can mean it’s going to be easy to keep them. Wilson would prefer a so-called resume his place as the third-line center. But after that, Wilson and his bridge contract for both, just like he did with Couture and Hertl when they staff have their work cut out for them to complete the roster while also were coming off of their entry-level deals. Couture signed a two-year, remaining salary cap-compliant, and the next several days leading into $5.75 million contract in 2011; Hertl a two-year, $6 million contract in the start of unrestricted free agency on July 1 will be vital. 2016. The cap situation Meier, of course, is the player that should make the front office the most Wilson said in an exclusive interview in Vancouver last week that the nervous now that the window for RFAs to speak with other teams about smaller-than-expected cap doesn’t complicate his job. offer sheets is open. It doesn’t take the world’s best capologist to realize that the Sharks are in a precarious position, and that could make Meier a “We were operating off the range being anywhere from $81 to $83 target. Wilson probably doesn’t want to pay Meier more than Hertl’s (million). What you try to do is prepare for the worst-case scenario, and current salary of $5.625 million, either. you have plans,” he said. Information has been hard to come by on the state of this negotiation, but For a view from outside the organization, though, here’s what one I’m not sure that Meier is the type of guy who would actually sign an offer Eastern Conference executive had to say when glancing at the Sharks’ sheet. He likes it in San Jose, he gets to play in the top six on a line with situation: “Good luck with that (salary cap) number with the contracts that either Couture or Hertl, and he’s also given the organization and are being signed to date this offseason. … Don’t know how Doug fits it all coaching staff credit in the past for helping him to develop into a 30-goal in.” scorer. If he decided to play hardball he’d also have to answer to his teammates, many of whom have taken team-friendly deals in order to Karlsson’s new deal obviously gives the Sharks a different path than if he keep the Sharks competitive. That’s just the culture that Wilson and had moved on. He officially signed it on June 17 before the league others like Thornton and Couture have established over the years. revealed the final salary cap number last Saturday evening. While it was important to get that deal done in order for the team to remain a But even if Meier did sign an offer sheet, there’s little doubt in my mind contender, it’s fair to wonder if the Sharks overpaid a bit. It’s impossible that Wilson would match it. It would be absolutely shocking to see Meier to know for sure, but the scuttlebutt at the draft in Vancouver was that it’s in another team’s sweater next season. unlikely any other NHL team would have approached the $92 million figure the Sharks gave Karlsson. The Sharks didn’t want to take that Regarding Labanc, this should be much easier. My sense is he’s fine chance, and that’s understandable, but did they really have to give the with a short-term bridge deal with the Sharks even if there are other two-time Norris Trophy winner with a significant injury history that much teams calling to gauge his interest in an offer sheet. Labanc wants to money? That’s debatable. stay in San Jose, the Sharks don’t want to trade him, and there is a deal to be made here that shouldn’t be overly complicated. They did, though, and now they have just 15 players signed with approximately $14.8 million in cap space according to CapFriendly.com. Dylan Gambrell is another a restricted free agent that was qualified by the Sharks, so he’ll be back next season and will likely compete for a There isn’t room for everyone from last year’s team to remain, so let’s roster spot in the fall, perhaps as the fourth-line center. take a closer look at where things stand with the free agents. The Marleau situation The unrestricted free agents When the Patrick Marleau rumors surfaced, I’ll admit I didn’t give them Fan favorite and captain Joe Pavelski is obviously most in focus here, much thought. It just didn’t make sense for the Sharks to make a trade and unless the Sharks somehow shed a salary it’s nearly impossible to for Marleau even if the Leafs were willing to eat half of his $6.25 million see Pavelski fitting in under the cap if he wants his fair market value — salary. likely $7 to $8 million annually for three or four years. Pavelski met with the Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, and there are But then the Leafs dealt him to Carolina, and it became clear that discussions coming with other teams, too. Marleau preferred a return to the Sharks.

I don’t believe the Sharks and Pavelski have ever been close on an With a buyout from the Hurricanes, it looks more likely than not that the extension. It’s looking more and more likely that Pavelski will move on franchise’s all-time leader in just about every statistical category will put unless he decides he’s comfortable taking a lesser contract to remain. on his No. 12 teal sweater once again — especially if Pavelski moves on. The Sharks need a third-line winger, and even though he’s not what he once was, they could do a whole lot worse than Marleau.

According to NBC analyst Keith Jones, Marleau, who had 16 goals and 37 points in 82 games for Toronto last season, “looked like he could still keep up. Lots of young guys ahead of him in Toronto. Still a reliable player,” Jones said via text message.

NHL Network’s Mike Johnson said Marleau’s skating “isn’t what it once was. His top speed is OK, it just takes him longer to get there. He’s still fast, but not as quick.”

Here’s a current NHL scout’s take on Marleau’s game last season:

“He was fine, still contributes, still want more from him from a passion standpoint but he is what he is. Still a good two-way player that can skate and thinks the game better than a lot of players. He is probably, for me, more of a second or third line guy, but doesn’t look out is place in a top six role.”

Another league source familiar with Marleau said he’s “a third-line wing at best. Still can skate but not enough creativity in his game at this point.”

What’s amusing about this whole situation is that you can make the case that both Marleau and the Sharks made the right decision when he signed that three-year deal with Toronto in the 2017 offseason. If Marleau ends up taking, for example, a one-year, $1 million deal with the Sharks, he’ll still end up making $4.83 million more. And if this ends up being the last year of his career, it would be nice for both he and the organization that he gets to finish it as a Shark.

“He should retire as a Shark,” said one former player. “One and done.”

The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148645 St Louis Blues Maybe it was because there were five minutes less on the clock for each of the two periods or players were tired because of on-ice testing earlier in the day. But one day after the teams combined for 17 goals, there McGing a little forward hoping to make a big mark were just seven goals on Thursday in the most defensive-minded prospects camp scrimmage so far. The White team – Team Tkachuk – defeated the Blue team – Team MacInnis – 4-3 in overtime. Among the goalscorers for the White team were draft picks Nikita Alexandrov and By Tom Timmermann St. Louis Post-Dispatch Alexey Toropchenko. … Prospects camp closes Friday night with a final scrimmage at 6 p.m. at Enterprise Center. Admission is free, but tickets need to be requested at stlouisblues.com. … What to drink while Hugh McGing is a Blues draft pick, taken in the fifth round in 2018, but he watching the St. Louis Blues commemorative video? How about grew up and still lives in Chicago when he’s not in college at Western commemorative wine. The Blues on Thursday unveiled a limited-edition Michigan. wine in partnership with Manos Wine of Kansas City. It’s a Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon and Monterey merlot blend that has been aged for So wearing his Blues cap around the neighborhood during the team’s 15 months – meaning it started when Ryan O’Reilly was still with Buffalo. Stanley Cup run wasn’t always the easiest thing. There’s also a “Championship Bubbly” if you want to douse a family “A lot of my friends back home gave me a little kick in the butt about member. The wines are available at many outlets in St. Louis. wearing it,” he said, “but I support (the Blues).”

McGing, a forward, is back in prospects camp for the second time, this St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 06.28.2019 time coming off a season with 16 goals and 14 assists in 37 games, playing under one-time Blues coach Andy Murray in Kalamazoo.

“He knows so much about the game,” McGing said. “It’s nice to pick his mind about things he knows that will help me in the long run.”

The biggest challenge facing McGing, a rising senior, is something he can’t do much about. He’s only 5-8. The NHL is usually a big man’s league, though players like Alex DeBrincat of Chicago show little guys can make it.

“It just shows that guys our size can have an impact in the league and be one of the top guys for a team like that,” McGing said of DeBrincat. “He’d been told the same exact thing. He went out and proved people wrong. Why can’t I do that?”

To that end, McGing likes the way Tampa Bay’s 5-9 forward Tyler Johnson plays. Johnson had 29 goals this season.

“I think he’s a skilled playmaker but he also plays really hard in the corners,” McGing said. “He’s not afraid to to go up against the big guys, so I like that about him.”

To make that easier to do for McGing, he put on 10 to 15 pounds last season. “I like to play hard so I’ve got to be bigger to do that,” he said.

“I hate playing against him because he’s so shifty, you can’t touch him,” said Casey Gilling, a forward at Miami (Ohio) who is also in the prospects camp. “When we went to Western, our first line center was out, so I was matched up against Hugh. He’s a tough guy to play against. Really good in the faceoff circle.”

McGing will be returning to Western Michigan for one final season.

Along with the Blues’ draft picks who are in town for camp are free agents, some in college, some in juniors, who the Blues have interest in and through the first three days, it’s those players who have done much of the scoring.

On the first day of camp, Gilling, a rising junior at Miami (Ohio) and Ben Copeland, a rising sophomore at Colorado College, each had a hat trick. Both scored again on Thursday. Gilling, a 6-1 center from Gaylord, Mich., had the game-winner in overtime in Thursday’s scrimmage. He said he came to this camp wanting to see if he could compete at this level.

“It’s my first development camp so I want to experience what it’s like to play in the NHL really,” Gilling said. “More to see where I’m at compared to everybody else. I play in the (National Collegiate Hockey Conference), which is a really tough league, so I see that there, but you don’t get to see the OHL players or the overseas players. It’s just like an experience like that to open myself up.

“(I’ve learned) a ton. They told us our first meeting, unlearn everything you knew before. We want you to take advantage of everything you have here. There’s a lot on that list.”

His hat trick showed him he could.

“It was a relief,” he said. “I got a couple of good bounces, obviously. Coming in, you’re nervous, it’s your first camp, and the first one, it was a relief. I know I can play here. I can’t complain about three goals.”

NOTES 1148646 St Louis Blues 2007. Gunnarsson came to St. Louis as part of the Roman Polak trade with the Maple Leafs in 2014.

Known as “Boom-Boom” by some, Gunnarsson is more of a defense- Gunnarsson accepts less to re-sign with Blues oriented defenseman, his Game 2 heroics against Boston notwithstanding. He has never scored more than five goals in any regular season, and has just 28 career regular-season goals in 10 NHL seasons By Jim Thomas St. Louis Post-Dispatch — five with Toronto followed by five with St. Louis.

But he is a fundamentally sound defender who rarely is caught out of position, and as coach says, is very effective in making Last week in Las Vegas, general manager said it would “small area” plays. With his steadying influence on the blue line, good be tough to “bring the band back together” after winning the Stanley Cup. things usually happen with Gunnarsson on the ice as witnessed by his So far, he’s doing a pretty good job of it. On Tuesday, Armstrong sent out plus-15 rating in 2017-18 and his plus-8 rating this past season. qualifying offers to nine of the Blues’ 11 restricted free agents, including As Armstrong mentioned, Gunnarsson has played just about anywhere all seven RFAs who were on the Stanley Cup roster. That’s normally a and with anyone on the Blues’ defensive pairings, but Berube likes him in pretty good sign that those players will return. particular with captain Alex Pietrangelo. On Thursday, just four days before the start of the free agency period, Slowed by a nagging wrist injury, Gunnarsson played in only 25 regular- defenseman Carl Gunnarsson agreed to terms on a two-year deal worth season games for the Blues this past season — a career low. But he $1.75 million per year. Gunnarsson was scheduled for unrestricted free appeared in 19 of the Blues’ 26 postseason games, part of an informal agency; his return to St. Louis leaves only Pat Maroon unsigned among playoff rotation that also included Edmundson and Bortuzzo. He was true the team’s UFA’s of note. to his plus-minus ways in the playoffs, going plus-6 in those 19 games. “Carl provides our group stability on the back end,” Armstrong said Signing Gunnarsson leaves the Blues with $15.5 million in salary cap Thursday. “He is a proven player that can play with any partner.” space, according to CapFriendly.com, and leaves the Blues with six No word yet on whether negotiations took place at the locker room unrestricted free agents: Maroon, Chris Butler, San Antonio goalie Jared urinals. That, after all, is where Gunnarsson told coach Craig Berube he Coreau, Michael Del Zotto, Chris Thorburn and San Antonio defenseman needed “one more chance” against the Boston Bruins during the Tyler Wotherspoon. intermission between the third period and overtime in Game 2 of the Pending UFAs have been able to speak and meet with other teams since Stanley Cup Final. Sunday, and there have been reports that Maroon is drawing interest Gunnarsson needed another chance after hitting the post with just 1 from several teams, according to Canada’s , minute 57 seconds remaining in regulation. He got another chance — including Calgary. and buried it — with an overtime goal that gave St. Louis its first Stanley

Cup Final victory in franchise history, 3-2, at TD Garden. St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 06.28.2019 After scoring his first goal in 56 playoff contests, Gunnarsson confirmed the urinal tale.

“I can’t deny that,” he said after Game 2. “That’s where it happened. That makes it even more fun, I guess. It’s a good story.”

The story continues now that Gunnarsson has re-upped for two more years with the Blues. With Gunnarsson’s return, the top seven defensemen from the Stanley Cup champs are under contract for next season. (Or in the case of restricted free agent , he has been tendered a qualifying offer for next season.)

Gunnarsson had just completed a three-year deal that averaged $2.9 million per year, so he’s returning for less. So there’s something to be said for “fit” — and Gunnarsson certainly is a fit with the Blues — not to mention a chance to play for a championship-caliber team again.

Had he not returned for what could be described as a team-friendly deal, it’s debatable whether Gunnarsson would be back. After the team re- signed defensemen and Robert Bortuzzo to new contracts during the season, Gunnarsson appeared to be the odd man out on the blue line.

Bouwmeester, 35, also re-upped for less money than his previous contract, signing a one-year deal for $3.25 million in early April after playing for $5.4 million in the just-concluded season. So in Gunnarsson and Bouwmeester, the Blues are bringing back two players who earned a combined $8.3 million in 2018-19 for $5 million next season — a net savings of $3.3 million.

In any event, coupled with the Bouwmeester and Bortuzzo signings, Gunnarsson’s return seemed particularly tenuous what with young defensemen Niko Mikkola and Mitch Reinke ready to make roster pushes once training camp begins in September after spending last season in San Antonio.

But here is Gunnarsson, back with the Blues with a new contract at age 32.

“Thank you St. Louis and the Blues,” Gunnarsson said via his Twitter account. “So happy and grateful for the opportunity to stay in STL for 2 more years. #LGB”

He already has played in 581 regular-season games, a pretty good run for someone drafted in the seventh round, No. 194 overall, by Toronto in 1148647 St Louis Blues came. A smattering of citations for the over-served became the most negative headline to come out of the crush of blue-clad humanity. It was exactly what a parade should be.

Sorry Kroenke, this year has shown the world the truth about sports in St. One week later, Albert Pujols returned to Busch Stadium to sold-out Louis crowds and standing ovations. It didn’t matter that he played for the Angels. Just as it didn’t matter that the Blues were on the road during the sold-out watch parties at Enterprise Center in the Stanley Cup Final run. Ben Frederickson The same baseball team that gave Kroenke an inferiority complex opened its stadium doors to host a hockey watch party at the ballpark,

then invited the Blues and their Cup to a game to celebrate. The crowds A sign spotted during the Blues’ Stanley Cup championship parade made have been robust. me smile. In the near future, the ownership group attempting to secure an MLS “Stanley Cup > Stanley Kroenke!” franchise will meet with the league’s expansion committee. It will present an impressive list of corporate sponsors that are willing to step up if a A question that came days later made me pause. team is awarded. It will remind the league that fans who are clamoring for an MLS franchise have helped raise more than $115,000 for youth I was asked when I would stop finding reasons to bring up Enos. soccer programs in the city, thanks to the sale of hats and scarves. Fair question. Seriously. The ownership group’s idea to sell gear, match the money raised with a donation from the Enterprise Foundation, and then find Perhaps I have been guilty of going to the Kroenke well too many times, deserving soccer-specific programs has already helped the Mathews- of looking — hard — for reasons to write critically about the owner who Dickey Boys’ and Girls’ Club and others. ripped the Rams out of St. Louis and set his flamethrower to scorched- earth as he departed. A third professional sports team sure seems to be on its way, ready to take advantage of what the Rams left behind. Some want to know why St. Louis is still mad, still suing the Rams and the NFL, still pursuing the personal seat license money that is owed, still When it comes to sports, our grass is plenty green. Just read the signs. connecting current events — like the Blues winning the Cup, for example

— to the Rams returning to California. St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 06.28.2019 Why don’t we just move on?

Sure, the relocation of the Rams was a long con greased by lies from the team and the league. But that is standard operating procedure from The Shield. St. Louis made its own mistakes by leaving open loopholes that could be exploited by an owner who wanted out. We went from becoming the Rams’ greener pasture to seeing them leave for one. Some see justice served, and there’s more truth to that than most like to admit.

The problem with this synopsis of the outcome is that it overlooks both the play-by-play and the parting blow. On their way out, Kroenke and the Rams painted an inaccurate and disparaging image of our sports scene. It was untrue and unnecessary. They told the world we were a declining sports market. Screamed it from the 29-page relocation application with lines that landed like repeated cheap shots after the bell.

St. Louis is a market that will in all likelihood be unable to sustain three professional sports teams.

The market lacks a robust regional area from which to draw individuals and corporations that are not already attending games and purchasing tickets.

Compared to all other U.S. cities, St. Louis is struggling.

St. Louis has its problems. No disagreement there. But the suggestion that this region’s appetite for sports is anything other than ferocious is a farce.

That was the case in 2016, when the Rams tried to conjure up falsehoods to disguise a bad product that purposefully alienated fans. It is the case now, when the past year has debunked Kroenke’s false claims. That’s why I’m bringing up Enos today. Not to criticize him. To applaud the sports scene he criticized.

We are approaching the one-year anniversary of the 100th PGA Championship at Bellerive Country Club, a golf tournament that turned West County into a party. An estimated 550 million TV viewers across the world saw a course flooded with fans who were praised by players for their passion and enthusiasm. Before the event, golf experts questioned everything from the course to the climate. After it? A standing ovation, led by runner-up Tiger Woods.

“You just don’t see that kind of atmosphere in golf,” Golf Channel’s Mark Rolfing told the Sports Business Daily. “The place was rocking. It was maybe the biggest crowd I’ve ever seen.” The only struggle came as the golf world rushed to reshape its view of St. Louis.

Saturday marks the second week since the Blues’ championship parade boggled the brains of professionals who specialize in estimating crowd sizes. You all lined the streets and covered every open inch beneath the Arch. I saw fans watching from the top of parking garages, fans peering down from traffic light poles, fans who drove hours to simply say they 1148648 St Louis Blues

Gunnarsson re-signs with Blues for two years

By Tom Timmermann St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Defenseman Carl Gunnarsson, a pending unrestricted free agent, re- signed with the Blues on Thursday for two seasons.

Gunnarsson, who had been making $2.9 million, signed a two-year deal that will pay him $1.75 million per year. His signing leaves Pat Maroon as the only major unsigned UFA on the Blues.

"Carl provides our group stability on the back end," general manager Doug Armstrong said. "He is a proven player that can play with any partner."

Gunnarsson's return means all seven members of the Blues defense corps from last season will be back. Joel Edmundson is a restricted free agent who the Blues made a qualifying offer to to retain his rights. Gunnarsson is the second member of the defense to re-sign at a significant reduction in salary. Jay Bouwmeester, who was making $5.4 million, re-signed for $3.25 million.

The signing speaks to the comfort the Blues had with Gunnarsson and that Gunnarsson had with St. Louis. Gunnarsson has played five seasons with the Blues and while this season was marred by injuries, limiting him to just 25 games in the regular season, when he was healthy, he often played alongside Alex Pietrangelo on the team's first pairing.

He was a hero in the postseason, scoring the overtime goal in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final that evened the series at one win apiece. The goal was Gunnarsson's first in the postseason.

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148649 Tampa Bay Lightning

Lightning prospects Magnus Chrona and Hugo Alnefelt go way back

By Diana C. Nearhos

Published Yesterday

BRANDON — When Magnus Chrona returned to his native Sweden after last year’s Lightning development camp, his friend Hugo Alnefelt joked that maybe he’d be there with Chrona the next time.

Fast forward a year and the two are sitting one stall apart in the dressing room at the Ice Sports Forum for this year’s camp.

“It’s super sick,” Alnefelt said. “We were joking about it. But for it to actually happen, it’s super fun.”

When the Lightning drafted Alnefelt in the third round Saturday, Chrona, a fifth-round pick in 2018, was quick with a congratulatory text message, followed by a phone call later. It’s always good to see your friend get drafted, but all the better when it’s by the same organization.

Down the road it could lead to competition. Both are goalies.

But for now, it’s fun.

“To get to introduce Hugo to everyone is fun,” Chrona said. “I texted him (when he was drafted) and said, ‘Happy for you. See you in Tampa.’ ”

Chrona, 19 in August, and Alnefelt, 18, grew up in the suburbs of Stockholm about 5 miles apart. Neither is sure exactly how long they’ve been friends, but Alnefelt estimates since they were 12. They played in the same league, though on different teams, but having mutual friends had more to do with their friendship.

They’ve never been on the same team until now.

Sharing the same ice will be short-lived, though. After camp, they’ll head to teams almost 5,000 miles apart to play next season. Alnefelt will return to Jonkoping, Sweden, where he played most of last season with a junior team. Chrona will play outside Sweden for the first time, at the University of Denver.

Chrona, who has played mostly on the larger European ice surfaces, appreciates this time on the smaller North American ice to get ready for his collegiate career. Also, the speed of the game is different.

[ RELATED: Lightning prospects to watch at development camp ]

For Alnefelt, this has been a chance to just take everything in. He has been in NHL facilities before — at the under-18 Hlinka Gretzky Cup tournament in Edmonton and the NHL scouting combine in Buffalo — but it’s different after being drafted.

He’s also enjoying the weather. Last summer temperatures hit a record high in Sweden at 72 degrees. It was 93 in Tampa on Thursday.

It has been an emotional, busy week for Alnefelt. He flew from Stockholm to Vancouver (via New York) for the draft a week ago today, was drafted Saturday, flew to Tampa and is now at his first camp. Alnefelt has been enjoying the down time, chilling with new and old friends between practices.

“I’m just enjoying everything and taking in what everyone has to give, the facilities, the coaching staff, everything,” he said. “Seeing the facilities and everything is just so good, so big and so nice.”

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148650 Toronto Maple Leafs But the underlying numbers suggest Nylander’s campaign was more unlucky than bad, especially as he started to find his legs. His pithy 5.4 shooting percentage was less than half the winger’s career average (11.1 Leafs’ William Nylander says there’s plenty of time for Mitch Marner saga per cent), while his even-strength shot differential — also known as Corsi to play out — was highest on the Leafs in the regular season at 56 per cent.

Nylander led last month’s world championship with 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) in eight games for Sweden, which fell 5-4 in overtime to By Joshua Clipperton The Canadian Press champion Finland in the quarterfinals.

Thu., June 27, 2019 “The worlds is obviously how I play hockey,” he said. “That’s the way I’m going to play.”

Asked if he’s using last season as motivation, Nylander said it’s fading OAKVILLE, ONT.—William Nylander stepped up to his putt, struck it from his rear-view mirror. clean and raised a fist in celebration after the ball dropped in the cup. “It’s already behind me,” he said with a little grin. “It’s gone.” If only contract negotiations between Mitch Marner and the Maple Leafs were that straightforward.

If anyone knows what the talented winger is feeling as Marner inches Toronto Star LOADED: 06.28.2019 closer to restricted free agency, it is Nylander. He was the last Toronto forward to go through what can be a challenging exercise — one that, for him, dragged agonizingly into last December.

“It’s always a tough process, but in the end it will work out for both sides,” Nylander said Thursday during the NHLPA Golf Classic. “It was hard. It was always going back and forth (and) sometimes there’s no talking at all. That’s just a part of negotiations.”

It’s difficult to know how talks between Marner and the Leafs are going, with neither side publicly providing any information of substance, but the fact the two camps have been unable to come to an agreement with free agency set to open Monday has to be concerning from a Toronto perspective.

“I’ve talked to (Marner) a little bit,” Nylander said of Marner. “It’s just the beginning of summer. You’ve got a lot more time to go, so there’s no worries.”

That’s not how many fans are feeling.

General manager Kyle Dubas called getting Marner signed “priority one” of the off-season but negotiations have moved slowly with the 22-year- old, who led Toronto with career bests in goals (26), assists (68) and points (94) in 2018-19.

Nylander eventually signed a six-year contract worth $45 million (all figures U.S.) to end an impasse that cost him the first two months of last season, but he said speaking face-to-face with Dubas when the GM flew to Europe was what really got the ball rolling.

“That was a big part of it,” Nylander said. “We were kind of at a standstill.”

Dubas said at the NHL draft last week that the Leafs are putting the finishing touches on new contracts with fellow RFA wingers Kasperi Kapanen and Andreas Johnsson. But getting a deal done with Marner, who was allowed to begin speaking with other teams Wednesday ahead of potentially getting an offer sheet thrown his way when free agency opens Monday, has proven more difficult.

With Auston Matthews ($11.6 million), John Tavares ($11 million), and Nylander ($6.9 million) already chewing up nearly $30 million in salary, the Leafs are walking a fine line with about $19 million in cap space available, and a number of holes that need to be filled on the roster.

Dubas added Toronto won’t necessarily match an offer sheet signed by one of its RFAs and might instead allow the player in question to walk in favour of receiving up to four first-round draft picks as compensation.

Nylander, 23, was perceived as being greedy in some social media and talk radio circles before signing, something that has started to bubble to the surface with Marner rumoured to be asking for a contract in the $10- or $11-million range annually.

“The social media part, you just shut that off,” Nylander said. “There’s no reason to be bothered by that stuff. Fans care a lot and they just want you to sign and be there with the team.

“Every player just wants a deal that they think they deserve.”

Nylander never really got going in 2018-19 after his later start. He finished with seven goals and 27 points in 54 regular-season games before scoring once and adding two assists in Toronto’s seven-game loss to the Bruins in the opening round of the playoffs. 1148651 Toronto Maple Leafs “You go to the rink, it’s dark. You come out of the rink, it’s dark. It’s Finland. I was essentially by myself,” she said. “Initially, Finns are very quiet and reserved people. So it took a long time to get to know my Hayley Wickenheiser’s gains came with their share of pains teammates … I played the whole season with a guy — I thought he didn’t speak English. And then we won, and he turns to me, and he spoke perfect English. That was the experience. They were just shy. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to talk to me. He just didn’t know what to say.” By Dave Feschuk Sports Columnist The game speaks, and in Wickenheiser’s first among men in Finland — Thu., June 27, 2019 wearing a visor instead of the full cage that is standard in the women’s game — she took a stick across the bridge of her nose. The nose broke. But Wickenheiser never did. The story of Hayley Wickenheiser’s journey to the Hockey Hall of Fame has been told so many times, it’s more than familiar. Though she’s only “Many times my mom would say to me, ‘Are you sure you want to keep 40, the greatest woman to ever play the game grew up at a time when playing? This is kind of hard,’ ” Wickenheiser said. “And I always wanted her hometown of Shaunavon, Sask. — like most Canadian centres of the to.” day — didn’t see a market for organized girls’ hockey. Enduring pain, and playing beautifully despite it, is a career through line. Until she was about 13, her only option was to play among the boys. And She competed in Sochi, as a member of the team that pulled off one of neither the boys nor their parents were always welcoming. When she the great comebacks in history, with a broken foot. In Turin, in 2006, she wasn’t hiding in washrooms to avoid dressing-room mingling, or came home with a gold medal and a tournament MVP trophy despite a obscuring her long hair to hide her gender, her mother was demanding broken wrist. When she announced her retirement in 2017 she had in her she be allowed to participate at the next hockey school. possession four Olympic golds. But speaking of the value of enduring pain, she said Thursday that it’s a particular 1998 Olympic silver that left “I just went through hell, really, to play,” Wickenheiser once said. a lasting mark.

Perhaps one of the reasons she received the nod this week from the “I think what really shaped my career was maybe the loss in Nagano,” shrine at Yonge and Front — in a slam-dunk of an induction that was she said. “It was a feeling I never wanted to have again. So I set my Gretzky-esque minus the waived three-year waiting period — came down sights, and I think the rest of my teammates’, of trying to never stand on less to what she was forced to endure and more to what she’s chosen to the blue line again with a silver.” bear. If Wickenheiser at times made the game look easy, scoring a remarkable 379 points in 276 games for Canada, a record that’ll be safe Knowing what we know about her now, who’s surprised she never did for years, she could never be accused of travelling the path of minimal again at a Games. resistance.

This week, to that point, she missed Tuesday’s call from hall chair Lanny Toronto Star LOADED: 06.28.2019 McDonald because she was taking a practical exam at the University of Calgary medical school — just one of the things she does when she’s not working for the Maple Leafs in their player development department, where she was occupied Thursday as an on-ice coach at the team’s annual development camp.

And during her playing career, it said something about her makeup that, for a handful of winters in the 2000s, she set her mind to the idea of competing against the boys. As a girl, she was forced to go into it. As a woman, she chose it, showing up at a couple of Philadelphia Flyers rookie camps and playing among male professionals in both Finland and Sweden, this after some upstanding sporting bureaucrats in Italy ruled her ineligible to compete amongst their men, possibly because she would have embarrassed them.

“A lot of people thought it was a publicity stunt. But for me it was just purely about getting better and always chasing the next level,” Wickenheiser said Thursday, speaking of her time in Finland. “I wanted to always play at the highest level that I could, and I felt that in the women’s game — first thing, we didn’t play enough games. And I didn’t think I was going to get better playing 25, 30 games a year. I wanted to play a full season and I wanted to go through a season where I was going to have highs and lows. (I wanted) to go to a place where I wouldn’t be the best player, but I’d have a chance to play a lot if I played good, and where I would be treated fairly and have a chance to maybe win. So that’s what happened when I went to Finland the first year. We won the (third) division to move up.”

Nobody is saying women need to play among men to be proven worthy competitors; they don’t. If Wickenheiser didn’t, she would have still been great. But Wickenheiser was of the mind that, if she didn’t, she’d be missing an opportunity to get even better. And the calculation wasn’t exactly easy. Peers didn’t universally support her; some were of the mind she could have better spent her time growing the women’s pro game in North America.

And the boys, in adulthood as in childhood, didn’t roll out a red carpet.

“I remember my first practice, (the coach) sent a six-foot-four defenceman out to chase me every drill. Two weeks later he apologized to me,” she said. “He said he wanted the media to see I could handle the hitting. You know, I was tested all the time … I knew there was always somebody out to get me, so to speak, so it elevated my game.”

Not that there weren’t low moments in her season among the jockstraps in Finland. 1148652 Toronto Maple Leafs really put their life into hockey, because women weren’t obviously making the big money. I owe them a debt of gratitude.”

Wickenheiser was a true Shaunavon, Sask., rink rat. New Hockey Hall of Famer Hayley Wickenheiser wouldn’t be denied “Saturday mornings, 8 to 10, was our practice time, I’d get a cheeseburger and fries at the rink and hang out there all day. I think my Lance Hornby love and my joy of hockey came from the outdoor rink and purely playing the game.

“Winning in Vancouver (the 2010 Games as host country), you’ll never At Hayley Wickenheiser’s first practice with the Finnish club Salamat, top that. Then the comeback in Sochi (2014 to beat the U.S.). Maybe coach Matti Hagman assigned a 6-foot-4 defenceman to pursue her what really shaped my career was the loss in Nagano (in 1998), a feeling through every drill and not let up. I never wanted again. So I set my sights, and the rest of my teammates did, never to stand on the blue line again with silver.” “Two weeks later, (Hagman) apologized,” Wickenheiser recalled. “He said, ‘I had to do that, I wanted the media to see you could handle the It was after the bitterness of ’98 that Clarke invited the 20-year-old hitting’. Wickenheiser to train with the Flyers.

“I was tested all the time. But, in the end, they turned out to be great “Eric Lindros was the star, I was with Simon Gagne and players like that. teammates. I played the whole season with a guy whom I thought didn’t A really great camp, but very different than today; they basically beat us speak English. Then when we won (the third division), he turned to me up a couple of hours a day, two or three times on the ice a day. They and spoke it perfectly. They were just shy and he didn’t know what to wanted you to fall into bed exhausted. say.” “But I learned a lot. I already knew what it took to be a pro, because we Some of those guys were among the many sending congratulations trained that hard on the national team. When I came back to camp, I was when Wickenheiser made the Hockey Hall of Fame on Tuesday. The that much stronger. honour is not solely on her pluck to survive a couple of years in Finland in the early 2000s — she was a Canadian women’s star in the Olympic “I’ve played with or against every woman who is in the Hall (such as Games with four gold medals — but she knocked down the pro wall, Angela James, Cammi Granato and Danielle Goyette). I came along at a endured training camp with the Philadelphia Flyers and has kept fighting good time, those before me did not have the opportunities I had, or like to give her gender a seat at the hockey table. girls ahead of me will have. It’s just nice to see how far the game has come in that progression. I really think now everybody can play hockey; That’s part of the reason she could give her first news conference since male, female, it doesn’t matter. The Hall represents that.” Tuesday from the platform of assistant director of player development for the Maple Leafs. Except for the blonde ponytail springing out the back of her Maple Leafs hat, Hayley Wickenheiser looks no different than the other group of “(Playing against men) was super-impactful, especially the Finnish Toronto coaches in tracksuits running prospects camp. experience,” she said. “It really took me out of my comfort zone, so that when I came back to the women’s game, it challenged me. The 40-year-old assistant director of player development can skate and wield her stick to harass them during checking drills. And when she “I knew I had to be at my best whether it was practice or game, because speaks, the 37 kids listen intently as if it was Marlies coach Sheldon physically, if I took a bad hit, I could end my career. I knew there was Keefe, new Leafs assistant Paul McFarland or Wickenheiser’s boss, always someone out to get me, so to speak. Scott Pellerin.

“I always wanted to play at the highest level I could. I didn’t think I was “I look at them and look into the eyes of my son and the mind of a 19- going to get better playing 25 to 30 games a year, I wanted a full season, year-old,” said Wickenheiser of her son Noah. “Hopefully, what I did as to go through the highs and lows, to a place where I wouldn’t be the best an athlete, maybe I can speak to them and make it something they can player, but have a chance to play a lot, be treated fairly and maybe have understand and help them get better. a chance to win.” “I love being out here on the ice. The energy and the willingness to listen, An accidental high stick broke her nose in the first Finnish game. the attention to detail is definitely there. These guys are obviously a long way from being in the NHL and I think they know that. But you always “An Easton Synergy across the top,” she chuckled. “I had a visor, but have to start somewhere and it’s fine to get a fresh slate every year and when you come up to their armpits, it doesn’t help.” see what we have.” She scored a couple of goals and returned home the next season after It’s her second year in Leafs player development. The club has benefited Salamat moved up the ranks. greatly through the years from skating coach Barb Underhill, as well. “A lot of people thought it was a publicity stunt, but to me, it was about getting better.” Toronto Sun LOADED: 06.28.2019 Though Tuesday’s Hall nod was expected in her first year of eligibility, her phone was muted while she wrote a medical degree exam at the University of Calgary, tested in part on handling a Code Blue emergency.

“When I stepped out and turned the phone on, I had 200 texts. (Hall chairman) Lanny McDonald’s was at the top, saying, ‘Call me’.

“I’ve heard from so many former teammates, all people. It’s like every decade of your life, such as minor-hockey coaches. Bobby Clarke was a huge mentor of mine and a good friend when I first came on the national team and the Flyers camps.

“ and everybody with the Leafs has been amazing. I talked to Sidney (Crosby) a bit as well. For a hockey player, this is the Holy Grail, the highest you can go among the best players in the world, male and female.”

Her father Tom, a doctor, coached her a bit, though he and wife Marilyn were mostly “cheerleaders” who wanted Hayley to have a worthy pastime, then worried about her chosen sport.

“Many times, Mom said, ‘Are you sure you want to keep playing? This is kind of hard’, ” Wickenheiser laughed. “They were just kind of quietly there. They went into debt every four years to go to the Olympics and 1148653 Toronto Maple Leafs “John did something that really has not been done before, he made a decision for himself and was definitely aware of the ramifications in Long Island, and I think he is pretty happy about (the decision he made),” Hall Leafs’ Nylander’s advice to Marner: Avoid social media said.

“There is definitely a changing landscape (in the NHL). You are starting to see players have a little bit more of a voice.” Terry Koshan That’s not to suggest Hall, who won the Hart Trophy in 2018, is looking for a way out of Newark.

OAKVILLE, Ont. — To say William Nylander’s season with the Maple “I have always liked it in New Jersey,” Hall said. “That has never Leafs after signing last Dec. 1 was a disappointment would be a large changed. I think (Subban and Hughes) adds to the talent level, the skill understatement. level of our team. As a player in the off-season, it’s what you want to see.

Both from his point of view and that of the team. “We’re going to have more than a couple new faces next year and it’s important we have a good start and all that, but injecting some new blood Nylander never found a rhythm after joining the Leafs as late as he did, into the team is going to be really good.” finishing with just 27 points (seven goals and 20 assists) in 54 games. ICE CHIPS Well, never mind — that was the indication from Nylander on Thursday at Glen Abbey at the National Hockey League Players’ Association’s 27th With the news coming (though it was expected) that the Carolina annual charity golf tournament. Hurricanes have bought out Patrick Marleau after he was acquired from the Leafs last Saturday, Logan Couture gladly would welcome the 39- “It’s already behind me,” Nylander said. “It’s gone.” year-old back into the San Jose Sharks dressing room. “I loved my time Indeed, Nylander starred for Sweden at the 2019 world championship in playing with Patty,” Couture said. “I got the opportunity to sit beside him May, leading the tournament in scoring with 18 points in eight games. in the room for many years, I think it was eight years, and learned so much, just to be a pro. I definitely would not be the player I am without Does Nylander think he can use that as a springboard for the upcoming having learned a lot from him. If he comes back, he will only help us.” season? The Sharks, however, don’t have much cap space … Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog knows that teammate Tyson “Yeah, I mean, the worlds is obviously the way I play hockey,” Nylander Barrie’s name has been coming up in trade speculation, but puts little said. “That’s the way I’m going to play.” stock in the idea of losing his teammate. “Nothing is done until it’s done,” Nylander had some advice for teammate Mitch Marner, who is drawing Landeskog said. “We have all been in trade rumours multiple times, and interest from other teams as the window to interview restricted free that’s all it is — rumours. We love Tyson and he is a big part of our agents has opened. Some fans on social media have made it clear they success.” … Buffalo Sabres forward Jeff Skinner, who recently signed an think Marner is greedy in the search for a contract comparable to that of eight-year, $72-million contract: “It’s nice to have that settled.” No Auston Matthews. kidding. We can only imagine.

“First of all, the social media part, you just shut that off,” Nylander said.

“There is no reason to be bothered by that stuff. Fans care a lot and they Toronto Sun LOADED: 06.28.2019 want you to sign and be there with the team. It’s part of the process, that’s for sure.”

Nylander — who is confident Marner will re-sign with Toronto — has vacationed in Greece since the Leafs’ season ended in April, but more importantly, will have peace of mind in the summer months with no contract negotiations to worry about.

“Last summer, I didn’t have the thought that negotiations would go that far, but now you’re just focused on getting prepared for the season and to have my best season yet,” Nylander said.

“I have talked to (Marner) a little bit. It’s just the beginning of summer. They have a lot more time to go (potentially).”

When Ray Shero called Taylor Hall last Friday night and said the club was interested in trading for P.K. Subban, the New Jersey Devils superstar didn’t hesitate.

“I told him I thought it would be a great addition on and off the ice,” Hall said.

“(Subban) is a great guy. Played with him at the worlds one year, all-star game a couple of times and he has been nothing but fun to be around. I’m really excited to play with him.”

Shero, the Devils’ general manager, made the blockbuster move the next day, acquiring Subban from the Nashville Predators for package of players and picks.

With Subban on the Devils blue line in 2019-20 and first-overall pick Jack Hughes up front, Hall wishes training camp would be coming a lot sooner.

“You add a player like P.K., you draft a player like Jack and whether is some more upgrades or not, you don’t acquire those players without hoping to be in the playoffs the next season,” Hall said.

The 27-year-old Hall has one season remaining on his contract, with an annual average value of $6 million US, and said talks on a new deal have not yet started with the Devils. When asked about the route John Tavares took last summer — leaving money on the table to sign with his home-town Leafs — Hall had an intriguing answer. 1148654 Toronto Maple Leafs The trade, which was completed as the management teams of Toronto and Quebec walked on the draft floor at the Hartford Civic Center, sent Leaf captain Wendel Clark, defenceman Sylvain Lefebvre, forward Leafs Notes: Too late for Jake? Landon Wilson and a first rounder to the Nords for Sundin, defenceman Garth Butcher and forward Todd Warriner.

While giving up the high pick didn’t burn Toronto GM Cliff Fletcher Lance Hornby (forward Jeff Kealty never played an NHL game for the Nords nor anyone else), the deal he made to get Clark back three years later also came full

circle this week. Roberto Luongo, who announced his retirement Mike Koster’s only regret in arriving to the Maple Leafs is that Jake Tuesday, became the first round pick Toronto sent the Islanders to get Gardiner is likely departing. Clark, defencemen Mathieu Schneider and D.J. Smith. Also going to New York was defenceman Kenny Jonsson. Both are offensive defencemen from Minnesota and Koster would love an on-ice tutorial or a sit down with Gardiner, who becomes an Free agent WHL grad James Hamblin, who suffered a suspected unrestricted free agent on Monday. Koster is at the MasterCard Centre dislocated knee cap on Tuesday, won’t be back on the ice, but will stay this week with 37 other prospects at Leaf development camp. for other camp activities … On Wednesday, the Leaf prospects were invited to the brethren Raptors’ OVO Athletic Centre to try their hand at “Hopefully, I meet Jake soon, it would be cool to ask some questions,” basketball and see the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Earlier in the week, they said Koster, a fifth round pick from Chaska High School and winner of the were split into teams for a dragon boat race on the Humber River. “My Reed Larson Trophy as state high school defenceman of the year. “I’m left, my right arm was killing me,” said Nick Robertson, this year’s first pretty good friends with Bobby Brink (a high Flyers’ draft pick from pick. “The (instructor) was just yelling ‘harder, harder, harder’. You see it Gardiner’s hometown of Minnetonka) and he’d always talk about Jake. on TV and it doesn’t look like a big deal, but you put yourself in that He’s had an unbelievable career here so it’s special to be part of this situation, it’s a lot harder” … Player development director Stephane organization now.” Robidas was a proud papa when son Justin, a centre, was picked second in the QMJHL midget draft earlier this month by Val-d’Or. Koster’s 61 points in 26 games earned him the Larson award as he decided to take up more studies and play at home rather than the USHL The Leafs gave themselves a measure of goaltending insurance on path followed by many from the area before college. He’ll eventually Thursday, extending Michael Hutchinson for a year on a one-way attend the University of Minnesota. contract at $700,000 US according to the salary web site Cap Friendly.

“Probably one of the toughest decisions I’ve made, but in the end, I was Hutchinson was picked up when Garrett Sparks began slumpinvinbtgr very happy (staying at Chaska). There’s so much pride in the state season’s second half, playing well through five decisions with a record of tournament. We ended up losing early to Eden Prairie, but set some 2-3 as Frederik Andersen’s back-up. Hutchinson, 29, had a save records and won the first conference championship in school history.” percentage of .914 and had played 111 NHL games, mostly with Winnipeg. Smallish defencemen (Koster is 5-9, 171 pounds) are a big deal again in the NHL with the shift to more compact, quicker forwards. At age 11, Koster moved from forward to blueline, in part because his team was over-stocked up front. Toronto Sun LOADED: 06.28.2019

“They thought I’d do better as a D, with my skills and vision. Look at most teams now and they have smaller, good skating offensive defencemen. Charlie McAvoy (in Boston) is a great example and (Vancouver’s) Quinn Hughes is the one I’ve been watching, how he dominated with skating.

“I still have a lot of work to do, but can see myself being a guy that can skate well, read the play, jump up, help the team score and take care of my own end.”

General manager Kyle Dubas’ eyes were on the players Thursday from his perch above the ice, but his ear was constantly to a cellphone. And with July 1 rapidly approaching and with it the next phase of the Mitch Marner contract stand-off, team president Brendan Shanahan was at MCC, too.

Dubas has said any major moves by the club this summer have to wait for Marner’s situation to be settled. Deals for fellow RFAs Kasperi Kapanen and Andreas Johnsson are near completion, but it might take another trade to free more cap space. Defenceman Nikita Zaitsev requested a move, but a trading partner has yet to be found.

Elsewhere Thursday, the Carolina Hurricanes confirmed they’ll buy out former Leaf Patrick Marleau after taking on the last year of the winger’s contract for a first round pick.

He’s a proud St. Louisan, but Leaf goaltending hopeful Joseph Woll had to downplay his civic pride when the Blues won the Cup earlier this month.

“They’re not my first team anymore, but I was happy for the city and all my friends who cheer for them,” Woll said. “You had to appreciate a team that had momentous change in the middle of the season and won.”

He watched highlights of the Cup parade on TV — in Beantown of all places, where he was studying for exams at Boston College.

“My (Bruin) buddies weren’t happy with me,” laughed Woll of the final result. “Lots of family and friends were there at the parade. I got some videos and followed along on social media.”

Friday marks 25 years since the Leafs acquired future franchise scoring leader Mats Sundin in a blockbuster with the Nordiques. 1148655 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights prospect Marcus Kallionkieli weighs options

By David Schoen / Las Vegas Review-Journal

June 27, 2019 - 8:02 PM

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Marcus Kallionkieli’s hockey journey took him from Finland to Sioux City, Iowa. His next destination could be Manitoba.

The Golden Knights prospect was selected by the Brandon Wheat Kings during the first round of the Canadian major junior leagues’ Import Draft on Thursday, opening the door for him to play there next season.

“I know that I got drafted, and now I have to talk to my agent, my family and all the coaches here,” Kallionkieli said.

Brandon, which is part of the Western Hockey League, is owned by Knights incoming general manager Kelly McCrimmon. Last season, the Wheat Kings took Swedish-born defenseman Erik Brannstrom and Jiri Patera of the Czech Republic in the Import Draft, and Patera was the team’s starting goaltender.

Kallionkieli, a fifth-round pick (No. 139 overall) by the Knights in the NHL draft Saturday, led all rookies in the Tier I United States Hockey League last season with 29 goals for Sioux City.

The 6-foot-2-inch, 195-pound left wing did not record a point in his team’s 6-4 scrimmage victory Thursday during development camp at City National Arena.

Kallionkieli hails from Kankaanpaa, Finland, and his mom is a native of Brazil. The most famous NHL player of Brazilian nationality is defenseman Robyn Regehr, who was born in Recife, Brazil, to Canadian missionaries and played 1,089 games from 1999 to 2015.

Goaltender Mike Greenlay (born in Vitoria, Brazil), who played two games, is the only other Brazilian to appear in the NHL.

Kallionkieli is still adjusting to the North American style of play and the physicality that comes with playing on the smaller ice surface.

Knights coach took notice of the 18-year-old on the first day of camp and pulled him aside for a few moments.

“It was nice to meet him,” Kallionkieli said. “He’s a good coach and a good guy, also.”

Knights incoming president of hockey operations George McPhee confirmed the team is expected to re-sign forward Tomas Nosek in the coming days.

Nosek was the only player on the NHL roster not offered a qualifying offer by Monday’s deadline.

“We’re so close to a deal on him,” McPhee said. “We’re pretty sure we know where we’re going to end up. We’re still talking, but we’re in a good place there so we didn’t need to do a QO. We’re still talking.”

Nosek scored a career high 17 points (eight goals, nine assists) in his second season with the Knights and is one of the team’s top penalty killers.

Top prospect Cody Glass was held out of the second half of Thursday’s scrimmage for precautionary reasons, according to Knights assistant coach Mike Kelly.

Jack Dugan had a goal and set up defenseman Dylan Coghlan’s third- period tally, and Nick Campoli notched the go-ahead goal with 6:36 remaining to help Team White to a 6-4 victory.

Jake Leschyshyn scored twice for Team Gray.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148656 Vegas Golden Knights “Lots of my hockey friends always bring that up,” Mason said with a laugh. “They think it’s hilarious that my dad and uncle fought each other in a hockey game. I think it shows how competitive they are and what Golden Knights’ Mason Primeau won’t rest on family’s laurels kind of family we are, but obviously they got over it and they’re best friends.

“When it’s brought up, it’s a pretty funny conversation.” By Adam Hill / Las Vegas Review-Journal

June 27, 2019 - 5:14 PM LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 06.28.2019

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Golden Knights coach Gerard Gallant spotted a familiar name on the back of a jersey during an afternoon session of development camp Wednesday at City National Arena.

“Coach Gallant came up to me and asked who my dad was,” fifth-round pick Mason Primeau said. “I said, ‘Wayne, and Keith is my uncle.’ (Gallant) told me (him and Keith) played together in Detroit, so I thought that was pretty cool.”

Mason Primeau, 17, hopes to eventually play for Gallant and the Knights. For now, though, he plans to go back to the Ontario Hockey League, where he thrived playing for the North Bay Battalion after a midseason trade last season.

Before he leaves, he’ll spend the week at development camp with his new organization that he admired from afar.

“Their first year in the league, I really enjoyed watching them play and I liked their style of game a lot,” the 6-foot-5-inch forward said. “That Cup run was pretty memorable. I’ve heard it’s one of the best organizations in the NHL even though it has only been around a couple years. I think I’m in really good hands here.”

His family is thrilled, too.

“When my name popped up on the screen (during the draft), there was lots of yelling and hugging and tears,” he said.

Even if it was four rounds later than his dad and uncle, who were first- round picks and played more than 700 games apiece in the NHL. Keith Primeau worked for the Las Vegas Wranglers of the ECHL for a while after he retired, and his son Cayden is a goaltender in the Montreal Canadiens organization.

Mason Primeau understands the expectations that come with his surname, but knows it will only take him so far.

“I’ve had my last name my whole life,” he said. “My dad was my dad, and my uncle was my uncle, and I’m me. I think there’s definitely similarities. We look similar on the ice, and we’re all big guys, but I just focus on myself. Whether I have my last name or not, nothing’s given to you. You have to earn it. It’s up to me to work hard and be able to get to that next level.”

That’s not to say there aren’t advantages.

“A lot of times if it’s in their genes, I think it does help them with the understanding being a pro is not just on the ice,” Knights director of player development Wil Nichol said. “There’s a lot more to it.”

Incoming general manager Kelly McCrimmon likes Primeau’s size and acknowledges the bloodlines can’t hurt, but said that wasn’t a deciding factor in drafting him.

“There’s all kind of examples where it’s relevant and bears out as time goes on,” McCrimmon said. “The one advantage that sons of former players have is they’ve grown up in the environment … but at the end of the day, you’ve got to be ready to be the best player you can be, irrespective of any of that.”

Primeau is focused on that. He said he thinks his best attributes are his hockey IQ and vision, as well as his ability to use his size to get to the tough areas on the ice and protect the puck down low.

And he’s a Primeau, so he also can take care of himself. He said he doesn’t consider himself a brawler, but added that he used up his OHL limit of three fights in a year and won’t back down from anyone.

That runs in the family. Wayne and Keith famously traded blows during a game between Hartford and Buffalo in 1997. 1148657 Vegas Golden Knights LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 06.28.2019

George McPhee says Golden Knights aren’t done dealing

By Adam Hill / Las Vegas Review-Journal

June 27, 2019 - 1:33 PM

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The Golden Knights are still exploring the trade market as they maneuver to get under the NHL’s salary cap.

The day after trading forward Erik Haula to the Carolina Hurricanes for a prospect, incoming president of hockey operations George McPhee said his mission isn’t complete. The Knights are approximately $4.775 million over the salary cap.

“We have a little more work to do,” McPhee said Thursday during a news conference. “We’ll see where things go in the next few days. We made a move yesterday, and there’s probably another one coming. We’ll talk about that when it happens.”

McPhee said it was a difficult decision to trade Haula, an original member of the franchise who had a career year in the Knights’ inaugural season before missing all but 15 games last season with a knee injury.

“The hardest thing for a manager in our sport, or a manager in any sport, is trading a player that you really like personally,” McPhee said. “It’s a hard thing to go through. Those conversations are difficult. Those kinds of conversations are telling a young man he’s not good for the NHL or telling a veteran he’s being replaced by a younger player.

“Erik took it like a pro, as we expected he would, but it was not easy for any of us.”

The Knights acquired prospect Nicolas Roy and a conditional fifth-round pick in 2021. McPhee said the pick was contingent on Haula re-signing with Carolina or what the Hurricanes get for him if they trade him.

McPhee conceded that the move was necessitated by cap concerns, but emphasized it also was a beneficial deal from a hockey perspective. Haula, 28, was under team control for only one more season, and Roy is a promising 22-year-old center on an entry-level deal.

“We’ve addressed a cap issue, and we got a good young player,” McPhee said. “Erik Haula would be a UFA (unrestricted free agent) a year from now, so we thought what we made was a good hockey trade. That’s where we sit today.”

McPhee added that the team won’t make deals to simply dump salary.

The Knights are familiar with Roy. The 6-foot-4-inch, 215-pounder helped lead the Charlotte Checkers to the Calder Cup championship this month, as they defeated the , the team’s American Hockey League affiliate, in five games. Roy had three goals and one assist in the series.

“He stood out,” McPhee said. “We really didn’t have an answer for him. I talked to some of our players that were in that series about him, and it seemed like every time they dropped the puck, he won the faceoff and we were chasing him. He’s a big man that went hard to the net. He was a pretty dominant player.”

As it became clear that the Knights needed to unload quality players to get under the cap, McPhee’s phone began lighting up. The team is believed to be shopping several players, most notably defenseman Colin Miller.

“We have lots of good players, and we have lots of good players on good contracts,” McPhee said. “We’re popular these days. You just never know, but there is a lot of activity right now. It’s a busy time of the year, and there are a lot of teams talking about lots of different things. We’d expect next week we’ll reveal signings, free agents and other trades.”

One of those moves is expected to be the re-signing of restricted free agent Tomas Nosek. A deal to bring the forward back on team-friendly terms is believed to be imminent.

1148658 Vegas Golden Knights

Big and bruising? Golden Knights break from stereotype in development camp

By Justin Emerson

Thursday, June 27, 2019 | 2 a.m.

“Heavy hockey” is back. This year’s Stanley Cup Final featured a bunch of big boys bashing each other into submission until the largest, most physical team claimed the title.

That was the narrative anyway, one that couldn’t be any more different than the Vegas Golden Knights’ strengths. That’s never been their game.

They have some big players, but they play a game more predicated on speed and skill. More bruisers might be on the way, however, if this year’s development camp is any indication.

The Golden Knights have some monolithic figures roaming the ice at City National Arena. While no one on last year’s roster was taller than 6 feet, 5 inches, four players at this year’s development camp reach at least that height including 6-foot-8-inch forward Keenan Suthers towering over everyone in sight.

“I think it's just always changing, really, and I don’t think there’s a one- size player that everyone wants,” Suthers said. “There’s certain things that come with being tall, but if you’re able to develop the skills to keep up with everybody at this level, it’s definitely an advantage.”

As his height may hint, Suthers grew up playing basketball in the footsteps of his parents, who both played the game in college. But Suthers’ uncle put him on skates and he fell in love with it right away, choosing an offer from the national team development program over high school basketball.

Most taller hockey players are defensemen, but Suthers took to offense. The tallest forward on a current NHL roster is 6 feet, 6 inches with the overall average only 6 feet, 1 inch.

“He’s a height I’ve never seen before,” 6-foot-6-inch defenseman Bay Crowder said of Suthers. “I’ve never felt so small.”

Apart from Suthers, the blue line is where most of the camp’s height resides. Crowder said his longtime preference for playing defense is fairly obvious.

“What I offer, being big, that reach and that size as a defender is hard to play against,” Crowder said. “If two guys are going at each other, which one would be harder to get around?”

Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said the team didn’t make size a priority in the draft, but still wound up with centers Mason Primeau, 6 feet, 5 inches, and Ryder Donovan, 6 feet, 4 inches.

While Suthers and Crowder aren’t expected to make the team — neither were drafted and both figure to return to college — there is one big body that might. Nicolas Hague was a heralded second-round pick in 2017, and stands 6 feet, 6 inches on the blue line. He finished his junior eligibility in 2018 and had a short stint in the AHL with the Chicago Wolves before playing all of last season with the team.

Hauge’s progression has blown away McCrimmon.

“When you watch Nic Hague now and how well he skates … it’s come a million miles because he’s a really big guy and it takes a little bit longer for players like that to become as smooth, coordinated and as agile as what they will be when they’re fully developed,” he said.

The Golden Knights may never be as much of a big, bruising team as the reigning champion St. Louis Blues or other franchises who make it part of their identity. But they could get bigger, and a little bit of size never hurt.

LAS VEGAS SUN LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148659 Vegas Golden Knights Cody Eakin—two names often linked to trade rumors—made it through the draft, they still might be long shots to be on the team this season.

The Golden Knights still have some post-draft moves left to make. Salary cap issues still loom for Golden Knights despite strong draft

LAS VEGAS SUN LOADED: 06.28.2019 By Justin Emerson

Thursday, June 27, 2019 | 2 a.m.

Vegas Golden Knights fans who hoped to come out of this summer’s NHL Entry Draft with more clarity on the team’s roster heading into the 2019-20 season were likely disappointed. Vegas still had as many questions at the conclusion of the draft June 22 as it did at the end of this past season, namely: The Golden Knights are still over the salary cap, a situation many thought they would address through draft-day trades. A number of deals involving current NHL players went through during the two-day event in Vancouver, British Columbia—including New Jersey stealing defenseman P.K. Subban from Nashville and the New York Rangers acquiring Jacob Trouba from Winnipeg—but the Golden Knights weren’t involved in any of them.

The draft is not a deadline by any means—one of Vegas’ biggest moves in the last offseason didn’t take place until training camp—but teams historically like to use it to set themselves up for free agency, which begins July 1. The Golden Knights didn’t do that. Part of the issue might have been the late and low salary-cap announcement. Teams were not informed that next season’s salary cap was set at $81.5 million, down from the projected $83 million, until after the draft.

While every team wants more money to spend, the downturn particularly puts Vegas in a bind. The Golden Knights were already $1.625 million over the new cap before agreeing to a new contract with William Karlsson after the draft.

Karlsson’s deal holds a $5.9 million annual average value, lower than several projections but still enough to hinder the Golden Knights going forward. They’re now projected to be $7.5 million over before getting to their restricted free agents—Tomas Nosek, Malcolm Subban, Nikita Gusev and Jimmy Schuldt—or their unrestricted free agents: Deryk Engelland, Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, Ryan Carpenter and Brandon Pirri.

The good news is that while Vegas didn’t address the present, it did bolster its future prospects. The draft’s top talent is typically gone by the 17th overall pick, but Vegas arguably got a player who belonged in that discussion with Peyton Krebs. The 18-year-old center from Calgary, Alberta, was a near-consensus top 10 pick a month earlier, but partially tore his Achilles tendon in a freak practice accident that gave teams pause. That allowed Vegas to swoop in and select a player they see as a potential top-six forward down the line.

Krebs is the captain of the Western Hockey League’s Kootenay Ice, a team relocating to Winnipeg next season. He led the team with 68 points in 64 games, but it struggled to a 13-45-7 record to saddle him with a minus-50 rating. When he played on a better team, however, he looked like a star. Krebs captained the Canadian squad at the U-18 World Junior Championships, scoring 10 points in seven games with a plus-9 rating.

Vegas supplemented the Krebs pick with seven selections deeper in the draft, plucking players from every position while emphasizing size and skill. Krebs is hurt, but the other seven are skating at development camp at City National Arena through June 29, giving the Golden Knights a glimpse of what their team could one day look like.

The long-term future might be as clear and bright as it has ever been for the Golden Knights. Karlsson, Mark Stone, Alex Tuch, Jonathan Marchessault, Shea Theodore and Nate Schmidt are all signed for at least five years. Forward Cody Glass and defenseman Nicolas Hague—a pair of players from Vegas’ first draft class—could make their NHL debuts this season. And Marc-André Fleury is still implanted in net.

After the upcoming season, the Golden Knights should have more room to maneuver. Even if the cap remains stagnant next summer—unlikely, considering it has gone up every year since instituted in the 2013 collective bargaining agreement—Vegas has nearly $13 million in space for the 2020-21 season at this time.

That doesn’t make the current cap crunch easier. Tough decisions will have to be made, so even though highly paid players like Colin Miller and 1148660 Vegas Golden Knights around the league. Justin Braun, who produces similar numbers to Miller and is six years older, just fetched a second- and third-round pick for the Sharks. But the Golden Knights likely won’t get full value for anyone they Golden Knights need to make another move, so who is likely to be trade because the rest of the league sees the salary cap bind they are in. traded? Another factor that makes Miller a good candidate for the trade block is how pleased the Golden Knights have been with the development of their young defensemen. Both Nic Hague and Zach Whitecloud played top- By Jesse Granger pairing minutes all season for the Chicago Wolves in the AHL, helping lead them to the Calder Cup final. College free agent and Hobey Baker Jun 27, 2019 Award finalist Jimmy Schuldt will be fighting hard for a spot out of camp after choosing to sign with Vegas over as many as 29 suitors.

It’s been a busy week for the Golden Knights’ front office. Which teams may have an interest in Miller? From the very beginning the Toronto Maple Leafs have seemed like a fit, considering coach Mike President of hockey operations George McPhee and GM Kelly Babcock’s fixation to add right-handed defensemen. One speed bump in McCrimmon signed star center William Karlsson to an eight-year this negotiation would be Toronto’s ability to move contracts of its own. extension on Monday, then traded forward Erik Haula to Carolina on The Leafs have already traded their first- and fifth-round picks for the Wednesday night to free up $2.75 million in cap space. 2020 draft, but may be willing to move their second, third or fourth for Miller while they’re in a Stanley Cup contender window. And they aren’t done. Another team possibly interested in Miller is Winnipeg. McPhee and McCrimmon’s phones have been ringing off the hook since the NHL Draft and will continue ringing as we inch closer to the opening The Jets could lose two of their best right-handed defensemen this of free agency on July 1. offseason. They already shipped Jacob Trouba to the New York Rangers, and Tyler Myers will likely leave as an unrestricted free agent. “We have a little more work to do,” McPhee said Thursday morning at the Miller would be an affordable plug behind Dustin Byfuglien. Golden Knights’ practice facility. “We’ll see where things go in the next few days. We made a move yesterday and there’s probably another one Winnipeg is already without its fourth- and seventh-round picks next year, coming. We’ll talk about that when it happens.” so draft picks are likely off the table. The other — more likely option — for a return to Vegas is one of the Jets’ mid-tier defensive prospects. The Trading Haula was the first move toward cap compliance, but the Golden Jets have built solid depth in the organization and may be willing to part Knights are still quite a bit above the upper limit of $81.5 million. How with Leon Gawanke, Declan Chisholm, Luke Green, or Giovanni Vallati. much salary they still need to move isn’t possible to calculate exactly because we aren’t yet sure what the contracts for restricted free agents Gawanke, a fifth-round pick in 2017, put up impressive numbers with Nikita Gusev, Jimmy Schuldt and Malcolm Subban will look like, nor do Cape Breton in the QMJHL with 17 goals and 40 assists in 62 games. we know if they plan on bringing back unrestricted free agents Deryk Chisholm is another young defensive prospect coming off a productive Engelland or Pierre-Edouard Bellemare. year of junior hockey, with five goals and 43 assists with the Peterborough Petes of the OHL. Green is a bit older and likely closer to Tomas Nosek wasn’t extended a qualifying offer by Tuesday’s deadline making the jump to the NHL after playing 11 games with the Manitoba but is expected to sign with the team in the coming days. Moose last season. “We’re so close to a deal on him,” McPhee said. “We’re pretty sure we Another option for Vegas would be trading Gusev. One of the biggest know where we’re going to end up. We’re still talking, but we’re in a good reasons the Golden Knights need to open up cap space is to sign Gusev, place there so we didn’t need to do a (qualifying offer).” so moving him would obviously alleviate that. With rough estimates, the Golden Knights will likely fall somewhere in the The 26-year-old Russian winger is fresh off a dominant MVP season in $85-86 million range before any more moves, which means they still the KHL where he led the league in assists (65) and points (82), and had need to ship out somewhere between four and five million dollars in cap a phenomenal performance at the world championships with four goals hit. and 12 assists for Team Russia. On the surface it appears worse than that for Vegas, but the team will Gusev has yet to make his NHL debut, but his stock may be at an all- subtract David Clarkson’s $5.25 million contract by placing him on the time high. Trading him would solve Vegas’ problem of needing to open long term injured reserve list. up additional cap space for him, but his offensive potential makes him “The Clarkson contract really isn’t the issue that people think it is tough to let go. He would certainly bring back the most in return of all the because you can just replace that salary at the right time,” McPhee said. likely trade options. However, he fills a similar role as Haula, so dealing “It can get cumbersome for some teams in the middle of the summer, but both probably isn’t ideal. typically it doesn’t matter once you get to the season.” Cody Eakin is another possibility, although I think much less likely now The Golden Knights certainly won’t have a difficult time finding trade that Haula is gone. The argument for why the Golden Knights should partners. McPhee mentioned there has been a ton of activity by general move Eakin is very similar to that of Haula. He’s on the final year of his managers around the league over the past week, and he expects that to contract and is unlikely to return as an unrestricted free agent next continue. summer.

“We have lots of good players and we have lots of good players on good However, the Golden Knights are built to win now and Eakin projects to contracts,” McPhee said. “We’re popular these days. be a major part of that. He’s coming off a career-high 22 goals and 41 points, and is one of the best penalty killers on the team. “You just never know, but there is a lot of activity right now. It’s a busy time of the year, and there are a lot of teams talking about lots of different ’s $2.2 million cap hit is an albatross for a team struggling to things. We’d expect next week we’ll reveal signings, free agents and get under the cap. He struggled throughout his first season in Vegas and other trades.” was benched after Game 1 of the playoffs. It may not be easy to find a team willing to take on the contract and would likely need a draft pick We know there will be at least one more trade, and we know it’s attached to him in order to make a deal happen. happening soon. What we don’t know — yet — is who will be moved. There are plenty of options for the Golden Knights, with most signs That’s something McPhee said he doesn’t want to do, but he may not pointing toward Colin Miller being the most likely to be moved. have a choice.

Miller is coming off a season where he finished second amongst Vegas “I mentioned the other day we have to make a few moves, but the moves defensemen with 29 points, but his three goals were a slight that we’re going to make, when we make them, are hockey moves,” disappointment considering the powerful shot he possesses and the McPhee said. “Lots of names have been discussed. Other teams have heavy power play minutes he plays on a nightly basis. called on lots of different players. Part of this is certainly related to the cap, but (it needs to be) a good hockey trade for us.” Because of his age, offensive upside and reasonable contract ($3.875 million per year for the next three seasons) he holds quite a bit of value Whether it’s Miller, Gusev, Eakin, Holden, or someone else like Ryan Reaves, another trade is coming in Vegas, and soon.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148661 Washington Capitals “There has been vast acceptance,” said White, who confirmed that the changes this season have shaved 3 minutes off average game times, which are down to two hours and 49 minutes.

Atlantic League serving as laboratory for MLB rules changes Veteran Blue Crabs slugger Cory Vaughn grew up in the game as the son of former major leaguer Greg Vaughn. He, more than most, understands baseball tradition. By Thom Loverro Vaughn said he is open to change. “I feel like you have to adapt with the Thursday, June 27, 2019 times here and there,” he said. I don’t know if big changes will ever happen in the big leagues. I like the pitching change rules, it speeds up

the tempo. If the changes speed up the pace of play, I’m all for it.” WALDORF, Md. — Stan Cliburn is a baseball lifer — 47 years in the The biggest change — the “Trackman Strike Zone,” an electronic umpire game, and he thought he’d seen it all. He’s played at every level and that will call balls and strikes — is still to come. The large black box sits managed at most as well. But this summer, at the age of 62, the there in the upper deck at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf waiting Southern Maryland Blue Crabs manager is seeing something new. to be put into action. Cliburn has a front-row seat to perhaps the future of the Major League The system still has some bugs to be worked out, but officials are Baseball, which this season is using the Atlantic League’s minor league determined to see the device come online in all Atlantic League ballparks games as a testing ground for ideas to speed up pace of play and create — maybe before the end of the season. more action in the game. There are other changes — no infield shifts, increased size of bases — So far, Cliburn says, he likes what he sees. but ground zero for pace of play always starts with the pitcher. In addition “Nothing but positive,” says Cliburn when asked about his reaction to to the electronic umpire, the league is considering moving the pitching some of the experimental rules. rubber back two feet.

That’s notable because few are more affected by the changes than the “That may be a little strange,” Cliburn said. manager. These are strange times in baseball, as the game is ready to turn itself For example, when Cliburn brings in a left-handed reliever for a lefty inside out to keep fans in the seats just long enough. matchup at the plate early in an inning, he better be prepared to leave that pitcher in to face the two or more right-handed hitters likely to follow. Under this new pace-of-play rule, any relief pitcher brought in has to face Washington Times LOADED: 06.28.2019 a minimum of three batters, unless it is the end of an inning.

“If I bring in a lefty to face a lefty with two outs and he gets that lefty out, he doesn’t have to go out the next inning,” Cliburn said. “But if he doesn’t get him out, he has to at least end the inning or face three hitters before I can take him out. It changes the whole strategy for the manager, especially in the middle innings when you have one or fewer outs. It kind of eliminates the lefty on lefty matchups.

“I think it’s good for minor league baseball.”

That’s a pretty open mind for a baseball lifer, especially one who has made countless pitching changes over decades without any restrictions other than his own strategies.

“You had matchups before,” pitcher Craig Stem said. “Now the lineups in the league are really stacked because they know a lefty is going to have to face two righties, or the other way around. You used to have two or three pitching changes every inning.”

That’s not all. If his pitcher is struggling out there on the mound, the manager can’t come out to talk. Neither can his pitching coach or an infield teammate. That pitcher is out there by himself to sink or swim.

It’s a change that makes for some interesting moments.

“I’ve seen some games get out of hand because the pitcher is out there on an island by himself,” said Blue Crabs general manager Courtney Knichel. “I am elated about the changes. It helps put the Atlantic League on the national map.”

The Atlantic League itself was a grand experiment, started in 1998 as an independent league, not affiliated with any major league team, with a Class Triple-A talent level, seen as a place where major leaguers looking to revive or extend their career could do so, along with prospects who fell out of favor with their respective organizations. Rickey Henderson has played in the Atlantic League, along with Carlos Baerga and others of note. Dodgers pitcher Rich Hill was in the Atlantic League in 2015. Former major league ace Mat Latos is the closer for the Blue Crabs.

It has been a grand success, currently with eight teams, and, as an independent operation, has the flexibility to serve as a laboratory for MLB. League president Rick White and MLB commissioner Rob Manfred worked together in baseball in the early 1990s.

Changes for a game built on tradition can be difficult, but the Atlantic League fosters a mindset of flexibility, standing on its own, beholden to no one. 1148662 Washington Capitals The Capitals, though, are more than likely to come out looking largely the same.

Capitals have little work to do when NHL free agency opens Washington Times LOADED: 06.28.2019

By Adam Zielonka - The Washington Times

Thursday, June 27, 2019

NHL free agency opens on Monday, with this year’s class of available players boasting the likes of San Jose star Joe Pavelski and a trio of Columbus Blue Jackets: goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, winger Artemi Panarin and center Matt Duchene.

Don’t expect the Washington Capitals to touch any of them.

While other teams may be buying new toys like it’s Christmas in July, the Capitals don’t have much room to take on another flashy player. With the majority of Washington’s core still intact about 13 months removed from winning a Stanley Cup, the front office will approach free agency with a short wishlist.

According to capfriendly.com, the Capitals have about $9.235 million in cap space. Some of that will be allotted to Jakub Vrana, who is expected to sign a new deal this summer. Vrana was one of four NHL-level restricted free agents whom the Capitals tendered qualifying offers Tuesday, along with Andre Burakovsky, Chandler Stephenson and Christian Djoos.

When those players sign their tenders or longer-term deals, it likely won’t leave enough money to also bring back an unrestricted free agent like Brett Connolly. Connolly posted a career-high 22 goals and 24 assists playing mostly on Washington’s third line, but other teams may be able to offer him both a higher salary and a larger role as a top-six forward, which the Capitals cannot.

“I think he’s earned the right to listen to all the teams and to see where they fit with opportunity and financially,” general manager Brian MacLellan told reporters before the draft.

For the same reason, the Capitals are all but precluded from pursuing a top UFA from another team. But that won’t bother the front office — they have already taken care of some to-do items weeks before free agency opens.

A few months after acquiring him at the trade deadline, the Capitals signed Carl Hagelin to a new four-year, $11 million contract. On the blue line, they swapped Matt Niskanen for Radko Gudas to save some money. In fact, with Djoos receiving a qualifying offer, the Capitals have their seven best defensemen locked up for at least next season.

So the focus shifts to forward, where the top three lines are filled in nicely with the likes of Vrana, Hagelin and Burakovsky alongside superstars like Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. If Washington has a need anywhere in its lineup, it’s a new bottom-six scoring option at left or right wing, especially after their production dried up in the postseason.

Some names to keep an eye on in this realm are Joonas Donskoi (14 goals, 23 assists last season), Pontus Aberg (12, 13), Markus Granlund (12, 10) and Noel Acciari (six, eight). Acciari’s regular season numbers don’t seem to stack up at first glance, but it’s worth noting he has also scored at least one point in each of the last five Stanley Cup Playoffs with the Boston Bruins, including two goals and two assists this spring as Boston reached the Final.

The Capitals have gone the route of less-flashy signings before, and a few have paid off. On July 1 last year, with Jay Beagle preparing to depart in free agency, Washington signed center Nic Dowd to a one-year contract. Dowd settled into the fourth-line center role, had a career year and ended up receiving an extension before the season was out.

Around the league, the biggest pre-July 1 moves thus far have contained few surprises. All-Star defenseman Erik Karlsson opted to stay with the Sharks on an eight-year, $92 million deal. The Nashville Predators decided to move on from charismatic blueliner P.K. Subban and found a taker in New Jersey.

No, it’s not the soap opera the NBA puts on every summer, but player movement is sure to alter the hockey landscape in the coming weeks. 1148663 Washington Capitals 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 Free Agency Bracket: Noel Acciari vs. Brett Connolly 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 By Brian McNally his prime years. June 27, 2019 12:05 PM But the argument ultimately rests on the salary cap, which at $81.5 million is problematic. It might be out of Washington’s hands anyway to re-sign the third liner – unless they trade the rights to Andre Burakovsky, It is almost time for NHL free agency to begin, and the Capitals certainly who was tendered a qualifying offer and would fit into Connolly’s spot at have needs to fill and a limited budget. Who would be the best fit? Who $3.25 million. Even then it’s unclear how cheap Connolly’s deal would be. would be the best free agent target for Washington to pursue? That’s Other teams could use money AND ice time to entice Connolly to take what NBC Sports Washington wants to find out! their offer.

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 Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 06.28.2019 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 second semifinal matchup:

Noel Acciari vs. Brett Connolly

2018-19 stats

Noel Acciari (27 years old):72 games played with the Boston Bruins, 6 goals, 8 assists, 14 points, 12:59 TOI

Playoffs: 19 games played with the Boston Bruins, 2 goals, 2 assists, 4 points, 13:10 TOI

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

Hockey-Graph contract projections

Noel Acciari: 2 years, $1,180,934 cap hit

Brett Connolly: 3 years, $3,536,091 cap hit

The case for Noel Acciari

Plays a lot bigger than his 5-foot-10, 205-pound frame. A perfect fit at right wing on the fourth line for Washington. The native New Englander, who played at Providence, is a home-grown Bruin and might not want to leave home, but Boston also might not have the cap space to give an obvious fourth-line player a decent raise. The Capitals might not, either, but for now they really only have to add in RFA Jakub Vrana’s new contract. Given forward Andre Burakovsky’s qualifying offer ($3.25 million), Washington has about $5.985 in cap space left. It’s not much. A fourth liner might be the best way to use those remaining resources at the margins of the roster.

Acciari is renowned for his character and toughness. He was a college captain for Providence and helped the Friars win an NCAA title in 2015. There’s never been a shot he’s unwilling to block. Acciari sustained a broken sternum in the second round against Columbus and a blocked shot with his right foot in Game 7 of the Cup Final left him in a walking boot.

Acciari’s offensive upside is limited, but he did have 10 goals in 2017-18. He was a key player for the Bruins in the past two Stanley Cup playoffs and chipped in two goals in this year’s playoff run that came within a game of a championship. Acciari would help on Washington’s penalty kill, too. In 111:52 he was only on the ice for 11 power-play goals against. Only two Boston forwards were on the ice more short handed.

The case for Brett Connolly

The Capitals have already re-signed one of their third-line free agents with Carl Hagelin’s new deal and Burakovsky at least has a qualifying offer as an RFA. Is there room left for Connolly? 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. 1148664 Winnipeg Jets Concerns about his ability to perform at a high level were eased as the last regular season went on, and a noticeable escalation in his footspeed and quicker turns in flight have only added to his arsenal.

Stanley's development steady as Moose mainstay "I definitely got more comfortable throughout the year. You get used to the speed and the size of some of the other guys that you’re playing against. You build confidence and it also helped playing with some good By: Jason Bell players and good D partners all year and learning from the older guys," Stanley said. "I thought I held my own toward the end. Posted: 06/27/2019 10:32 PM | Last Modified: 06/27/2019 10:56 PM | Updates "Everyone in today’s game is trying to get faster somehow... but you want to improve at everything. For me, with how the game is going now and

how fast it is, that’s what I try and work on every single day." Six-foot-seven defenceman Logan Stanley is a difficult guy to miss, yet Considered a heady junior with the Windsor Spitfires and later the he rarely gets a mention when followers of the Winnipeg Jets opine on Kitchener Rangers, Stanley’s size worked against him as a mobile, puck- the makeup of NHL club’s blue line this fall. moving D-man. During a few brief stops in Winnipeg for development Even this Free Press scribe omitted him recently from a ‘who’s-who’ list camps, Stanley looked, in a word, awkward. of players with a conceivable chance of appearing on Winnipeg’s back "When I got drafted I was kind of a tall boy and now I’m trying to turn into end as it undergoes a major metamorphasis this off-season. more of a man here," he said. "Just sticking with your summer training, But Stanley’s head coach during the 2018-19 American Hockey League eating right and building muscle, that’s going to help me a lot to get faster season says including the former first-round draft pick in the conversation and to develop my game more." is long overdue. Stanley scored six goals and added 16 assists and was a minus-nine "I saw him after he got drafted (2016), the following year and then the with the Moose in his debut season as a professional, while racking up year we just finished, and the poise he has with the puck, for a 70 penalty minutes. defenceman — the way the game is played now with the speed of the Vincent said statistics alone don’t tell the full story about the big man’s forwards — to turn, get that puck and make a play under pressure is a worth to the Jets’ minor-league squad. real asset," said bench boss Pascal Vincent, speaking after Thursday’s on-ice sessions at the Jets development camp. "We had a sequence in California where we had to play five games on the road. We had quite a few injuries and I had to play him 28, 29, 30 "We knew he had the talent, we knew he had the size and the stick, now minutes a game. And physical games. They were hard on the forecheck he’s bringing those pieces together. When you’re that big at such a and heavy pressure, and he was the best player on the ice," said the young age, you’re still getting used to your body. " coach. Still just 21, this is the fourth appearance at development camp for the Vincent said Stanley is the epitome of what a patient approach can Waterloo, Ont., product, although he’s being kept off the ice because of a produce. minor injury. "Moving on the ice at the pro level the way he did last year, where he Initially, Stanley was a specimen worth grabbing at the 18th-overall spot started and where he finished, he was on the power play, he was on the — 16 picks after Patrik Laine — of the 2016 NHL draft in Buffalo. He PK (penalty kill)," said Vincent. "Our second half of the season we played completed four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League before turning pro almost a .700 winning percentage and he was on our top pairing, playing last summer. against top players. So, there’s a lot of good things going his way. The left-shot defencman played the entire 2018-19 campaign with the "We had our exit meetings at the end of the season, you talk to the Moose, a significant achievement but still short of the ultimate goal, he player, he’s one of the veterans, he’s solid. I think he’s going to play and said. people in Winnipeg will like him a lot." "I didn’t think I accomplished what I wanted to, because I didn’t play in the NHL all year. That’s your main goal, to play in the NHL, so when that doesn’t happen there is always more to improve on. So, this summer, Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 06.28.2019 that’s what I’m working for and that’s what I hope to accomplish next year," said Stanley.

Holes created by the recent Jacob Trouba trade and the possible departures of Tyler Myers and another unrestricted free agent, Ben Chiarot, offer hope for young players knocking on the door for full-time employment, such as Sami Niku and Tucker Poolman — who already have NHL experience — and Stanley.

But Stanley refuses to peer into the crystal ball.

"You never try to look at that stuff too much, with who they sign or don’t sign. You just want to come to camp and be the best version of yourself and be the best hockey player to help the Winnipeg Jets win hockey games, and that’s what I’m trying to do this summer."

Stanley’s physical attributes are undeniable. He’s the only man in the Jets organization with the ability to look the towering Myers squarely in the eyes during a conversation.

"I definitely got more comfortable throughout the year. You get used to the speed and the size of some of the other guys that you’re playing against. You build confidence and it also helped playing with some good players and good D partners all year and learning from the older guys"

– Logan Stanley

With loft comes reach, and Stanley can wave his stick deep in the defensive zone and nearly break up a pass in neutral territory — almost. He’s filled out that lanky frame, hitting the scale at over 235 brawny pounds, and his preference is to protect areas around his own net with force. 1148665 Winnipeg Jets The Mullin family operates a grain farm, while the extended family runs horse and cattle operations.

"I think my parents (Murray and Lisa) are my idols. My dad is a farmer Prospects share ice with idols and my mom’s a nurse. They’ve given a lot to get me here and I can always look up to them and how hard they work. I’ve had a lot of talks with my dad, sitting in a combine, just talking about hockey. My family’s By: Jason Bell huge hockey fans so it’s always on our minds, always a topic at the dinner table," Mullin said. Posted: 06/27/2019 10:00 PM "It’s every Manitoba kid’s dream. It’s just really cool to be here and see

the inner workings of the team and all the people you watched on TV. I Reid Stefanson and Tristan Mullin come from a generation of local remember going to Moose games when I was seven or eight and players who fell in love with hockey because of the Manitoba Moose. watching Mike Keane play, so it’s kind of funny seeing him out there. But even with (Winnipeg head coach) , seeing him on TV, too." Stefanson considered Jimmy Roy his favourite player, while Mullin was a big Mike Keane fan growing up.

This week, the city kid and country kid are rubbing shoulders with their Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 06.28.2019 hockey heroes at Winnipeg Jets development camp at Bell MTS Iceplex.

Stefanson, 22, from Winnipeg, recently completed his first season with the University of Massachusetts (Lowell) River Hawks, while Mullin, also 22, from the southwestern Manitoba farming community of Cartwright, has two seasons with the Cornell University Big Red under his belt.

Neither player is a Winnipeg draft pick but accepted invitations to join some of the NHL club’s top prospects for the camp, which wraps up Friday with a scrimmage. The action begins at 10 a.m.

To say slipping on a Jets practice jersey and taking directions from the team’s coaching staff (along with Keane and Roy from the hockey development side) is a dream come true for the two forwards would be a colossal understatement.

"Obviously, it’s really exciting. Growing up, I was a big fan of the Moose and there are a lot of ex-Moose guys on the staff, which is pretty cool, actually," said Stefanson. "I have a picture of Jimmy Roy and myself from back in the day when I was about five or six. It’s pretty funny seeing him around here. But it’s a great opportunity, being a hometown guy, and I’m just trying to soak it all in and take advantage of it."

Growing up in Charleswood, Stefanson played out of Varsity View Community Club, played bantam with the Monarchs and AAA midget with the Wild before spending two seasons with the Winnipeg Blues of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.

He chose to head south to play one year of junior in Minot, N.D., under head coach and former Brandon Wheat Kings and NHL player Marty Murray and then jumped to Sioux Falls (S.D.) of the USHL before committing to the UMass (Lowell), Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck’s alma mater.

Stefanson, pursuing a degree in finance, scored eight goals and chipped in 12 assists in 36 games in his freshman season.

"I like to see myself as a 200-foot guy who plays on the right side of the puck and has some offensive upside," he described. "Ultimately, I want to be that 200-foot centre."

Stefanson is getting a chance to hang out with Winnipeg goaltender prospect Logan Neaton, a fifth-round pick at last weekend’s draft in Vancouver, who will play for the River Hawks this fall. He’s also familiar with Mullin, as the two battled in a few MJHL games, including a playoff series in 2015.

Mullin spent one year with the Dauphin Kings and another with the Swan Valley Stampeders before heading west to play for Powell River of the B.C. junior league. He committed to Cornell as a way to compete with a top NCAA Division I program while focusing on a degree in agriculture.

Mullin registered four goals and two assists in 26 games with Big Red as a freshman but beefed up his stats considerably last year with eight goals and 13 helpers in 34 games.

A huge Jets and Moose fan, he hopes to model his career path after Winnipeg forward Brandon Tanev, an unrestricted free agent who could be with another organization as of Monday. Tanev was undrafted but played four years at Providence College before signing a contract with the Jets in 2016.

"I think I’m a gritty power forward. I like to take pucks to the net, get to the dirty areas. I’m fairly physical, Just be a good teammate, do all the little things. I think coaches generally like me," Mullin said. 1148666 Winnipeg Jets “We have a real good player in Josh Morrissey and when you look at the details in his game, it’s quite amazing,” said Vincent. “I don’t want to compare players, but when (Stanley) turns to go get the puck and makes Stanley sets sights on next step: 2016 first rounder making progress, a play under pressure, and the poise that he has, it’s quite impressive. seeing results We had a sequence in California where we had to play five games on the road. We had quite a few injuries and we had to play him 28, 29, 30 minutes a game. And physical games.

Ken Wiebe “They were hard on the forecheck and heavy pressure, and he was the best player on the ice. His development from where he was, we knew

had the talent, we knew he had the size and the stick, now he’s bringing Logan Stanley isn’t content with simply having a solid first pro season those pieces together. When you’re that big at such a young age, you’re under his belt. getting used to your body. And moving on the ice at the pro level the way he did last, where he started and where he finished, he was on the power Despite seeing his role grow exponentially throughout the course of the play, he was on the (penalty kill). Our second half of the season we year with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League, Stanley played almost to a .700 winning percentage and he was on our top didn’t hesitate when asked if he accomplished all of his goals during his pairing playing against top players. So there are a lot of good things rookie campaign. going his way, his attitude, his maturity. He’s solid. I think he’s going to play and people in Winnipeg will like him a lot.” “I definitely got more comfortable throughout the year,” said Stanley, who isn’t taking part in the on-ice portion of Jets development camp this week Due to the anticipated massive turnover on the Jets back end, Stanley because he’s dealing with a minor injury. “I didn’t think I accomplished will likely enter training camp this fall with an outside chance to be in the what I wanted to, because I didn’t play in the NHL all year. That’s your discussion for a roster spot. main goal, to play in the NHL, so when that doesn’t happen there is always more to improve on. So, this summer, that’s what I’m working for “You never try to look at that stuff too much,” said Stanley, who helped and that’s what I hope to accomplish next year.” the Windsor Spitfires capture the Memorial Cup in 2018. “With who they sign and don’t sign, you just want to come to camp and be the best This is not to be confused with complete and utter disappointment. version of yourself and that’s what I’m trying to do this summer.”

Stanley recognizes the value to learning in the AHL and getting to play Though it’s likely he’ll be back with the Moose to start the campaign, big minutes against top competition. Stanley is not that far away from getting his first taste of NHL action.

“Being able to play at the higher speed and to adapt to that was great,” No, it didn’t happen overnight and that’s not a big surprise. said Stanley, who had six goals and 22 points in 73 games with the Moose last season. “Obviously, I still have to work on it, but it was great But Stanley is 21 years old and is going to have ample time to show for me to play with faster players and play against faster players last whether or not he belongs. year.

“Everyone in today’s game is trying to get faster somehow, whether Winnipeg Sun LOADED 06.28.2019 you’re already fast and skilled and stuff like that, but you want to improve at everything. For me, with how the game is going now and how fast it is that’s what I try and work on every single day. That’s my main goal, along with a lot of other things too. Because I think the game well, that helps me out on the ice. I don’t think I’m a bad skater by any means, or slow out there. For me, to be able to skate with the fastest players in the league, that’s what you want to be able to do.”

That’s a challenging task for anyone, especially for someone who is 6- foot-7, weighs 231 pounds and is still growing into his frame.

In today’s hot-take society, it’s easy to form a narrative early in the development process for a young player, especially a guy the Jets had to trade up for to get.

The funny part about doing that is looking back and thinking how absurd it was for some to suggest a guy like Josh Morrissey was placed in the bust category in the eyes of some analysts back in the spring of 2016.

Yes, it was an up and down first pro season for Morrissey, but that’s par fort he course for most young players.

When the 2016-17 NHL season started, Morrissey was on the first pairing with Dustin Byfuglien and almost none of the negative talk has been brought up since.

Playing defence has gotten tougher and tougher.

And because so many young players are making an immediate impact in the NHL, it’s natural to wonder when a first round selection is going to make the jump.

From the day he was chosen 18th overall in the 2016 NHL Draft, Stanley was always going to need some time to marinate – first in heading back to junior and then, in the minors.

Since Dennis Cholowski was taken two slots behind Stanley and already has a full NHL season under his belt with the Detroit Red Wings, some people are wondering what’s taking so long.

But Cholowski is more the exception than the rule and Moose head coach Pascal Vincent believes Stanley is well on his way down the right path. 1148667 Winnipeg Jets hockey really took off there. In getting out to B.C. was huge for me. I had great coaches in Powell River and that helped me so much.

“My linemate was committed to Cornell so it came together really quick. Stefanson, Mullin cross paths again: MJHL graduates come together at I’m studying agriculture in school. My family owns a farm, so it works out Jets development camp well. It’s one of the only Division I schools with an agriculture program. I’m just grateful they were one of the schools that came knocking, and it’s been a perfect fit so far.” Ken Wiebe The 6-foot-2, 194-pound forward had eight goals and 21 points in 34 games during his sophomore season with Cornell University.

One degree of separation has become none for Reid Stefanson and “It was definitely up and down. There were some stretches but I finished Tristan Mullin. strong personally and our team had success, too. We were one win away from the Frozen Four, which in college hockey is tough. One game wins Just three years ago, the forwards were going head-to-head in the it all. You’re either in or you’re, and I think that’s something that’s helped Manitoba Junior Hockey League playoffs, where Stefanson’s Winnipeg me a lot. I definitely improved from my first year, which is always what Blues actually bounced Mullin’s Swan Valley Stampeders from the post- you want to do.” season. If he’s looking for additional inspiration, all Mullin needs to do is look at Fast forward to Thursday, where Stefanson and Mullin were both suiting Brandon Tanev, who has grown into a major contributor for the Jets — up as invitees to the Winnipeg Jets annual development camp. even though it’s going to be challenging for the organization to retain him “Hockey is a small community and always comes back at you,” said after he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Stefanson who recently completed his freshman season with the UMass- “(Tanev) aged out of the BCHL and went to college and developed, took Lowell RiverHawks of the NCAA. “I know I played against him when I his four years and came in. He plays a role: Gritty player, accountable to was 17. He would have been a year older. We did end up knocking them the coaches,” said Mullin. “That’s kind of my development. It’s not a rush. out of the playoffs that year. But no harm, no foul, I guess.” It’s a marathon, not a sprint. So that’s kind of the guy I look up to, how he No, it wasn’t a dirty check from Stefanson that ended Mullin’s playing took off after taking it one step at a time.” days in the MJHL. Whether this leads to anything with the Jets down the road or not, both Ultimately, a desire to obtain a Division I scholarship caused both players Stefanson and Mullin are relishing the opportunity to sport the colours of to change their development path. the team from their home province.

Stefanson spent one season with Minot of the NAHL before joining the And the experience they gain this week is sure to help them in their Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL. respective journeys, wherever that path ultimately leads them.

From there, he earned a scholarship to UMass-Lowell, where he produced eight goals and 20 points in 36 games as a freshman. Winnipeg Sun LOADED 06.28.2019 Stefanson’s path wasn’t an easy one, as he was an undersized player right through the Bantam ranks — where he played one season at 4-foot- 10 and just over 90 pounds.

That wasn’t an impediment for Stefanson, though.

“When I was 13, 14, 15, I was still pretty small and obviously, you have to adapt and kind of learn the game a little bit differently,” said Stefanson, who grew up in Charleswood and played minor hockey for the Varsity View Falcons and Assiniboine Park Rangers.

“Once you grow and become a bigger guy, it’s another adaptation, but at the same time, it makes things a little easier because you don’t get bumped off pucks that much.

“When I was smaller, I don’t think I totally realized it. I knew that I was small, but I didn’t think I was that small. It was more the people that were watching were (thinking): ‘Wow, that kid is small and might be getting into a little trouble or getting smoked here or there.’ It helped me in the long run, being able to shake off some checks and things like that.”

Now listed at 6 feet and 174 pounds, Stefanson sees himself as a two- way centre.

He’s studying finance in school, but hopes to turn pro after earning his degree.

Mullin shares both the same goal and a similar path, though his includes countless hours of working on his parent’s farm near Cartwright.

“I’ve had a lot of talks with my dad sitting in a combine, just talking about hockey,” said Mullin. “My parents (Murray and Lisa) are my idols. My dad is a farmer and my mom’s a nurse, they’ve given a lot to get me here and I can always look up to them and how hard they work. If I ever need someone to look up to, they’re right there.”

Mullin spent one season with the Dauphin Kings and another with the Swan Valley Stampeders of the MJHL before spending his final two junior seasons in the BCHL with the Powell River Kings.

“It was tough to leave, you want it to work out. You’re leaving your home province. But I wanted to play Division I hockey and I felt it was best for my career. It was nothing personal against Swan River. I loved it there,” said Mullin, who views himself as more of a power forward. “Honestly, if I hadn’t been in the MJHL I don’t know where I’d be. My passion for 1148668 Winnipeg Jets Winnipeg’s current defence is a far cry from the club that split top-four right-side duties between Dustin Byfuglien and Jacob Trouba while Tyler Myers played on the bottom pairing. Even assuming that Sami Niku and The biggest holdups and challenges facing Winnipeg heading into free Tucker Poolman earn full-time NHL jobs this season, Winnipeg needs to agency add at least two defencemen just to round out its roster.

I’m under the impression Logan Stanley will get a long look at camp but Stanley is not the solution. I expect him to play in the AHL. Instead, the By Murat Ates solution will likely come from two-thirds of Morrow, Beaulieu and Ben Chiarot. Jun 27, 2019 Chiarot was strong in a long look with Byfuglien last year, posting solid

possession numbers when with his stalwart partner and poor ones away When the NHL’s salary cap was finally announced at $81.5 million, Kevin from him. On the ice, he can absolutely help this team. Beaulieu was also Cheveldayoff’s offseason to-do list increased in difficulty. good in his short stint alongside Trouba on Winnipeg’s makeshift, end-of- season top pair but was not used in the playoffs. Morrow continues to be Even the simplest, barebones version of the Jets roster this year will be a good character depth defenceman and, as the cheapest option among an expensive one — a reality we’ve discussed as far back as 2017-18. the three players, could be re-signed just as he was a year ago. Step by step, the expiry of ELCs and the extension of pending free agents has transformed the Jets into a cap-maximum team getting less I believe that the Chiarot negotiations are the holdup. value per dollar on key players. There is interest from player and club alike but, with the Jets’ cap This isn’t a criticism; it’s what happens when players like Josh Morrissey, situation being what it is, Winnipeg needs Chiarot at a price closer to the Nik Ehlers and Connor Hellebuyck finish their entry-level contracts. It’s $2.8 million that Evolving Wild projects than the $4 million Chiarot might what happens when captain Blake Wheeler finds another offensive gear earn on the truly open market. quarterbacking a stacked power play. And it’s what’s about to happen From there, the team can move on to choosing between Beaulieu and whether Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor sign bridge deals or commit to Morrow — or even both, if the team decides to buy out Dmitry Kulikov. Winnipeg long term. This is the culmination of good drafting, a 2016 Incidentally enough, that buyout would save Winnipeg $2.8 million this lottery win, and more offence from top-end youth than the Jets have season while costing it $1.4 million one year from now. Financially, the fit enjoyed at any point until now. is there. Bryan Little’s contract is not aging well; Wheeler’s may age poorly too. Here’s Cheveldayoff’s response to me asking about a Kulikov buyout: But there are also brilliant deals — hello, Mark Scheifele at $6 million — so, for the time being, Winnipeg’s challenges are exactly the kind that a “Kuli’s part of our team here. There’s lots of different situations that could good team should have. Now with Trouba traded, Pionk to extend and come up over the course or the next week. He’s someone that, when we Laine and Connor to re-sign — all before addressing a suddenly signed him, he’s played since he was 18 (years old), 20-something underwhelming NHL defence — this one is a unique challenge. minutes a night. With the depth of our team obviously his minutes are pushed down. We feel fully comfortable that, if this is our defence going The conversation periods for RFAs and UFAs are both open and July 1 is in, then that’s what it’s going to be. But obviously we’re having fast approaching. Why are we still waiting for big-ticket news? conversations out there.” The delayed cap announcement was certainly one factor. For one In addition to not tipping his cap in any way whatsoever, Cheveldayoff example of scale: a long-term Laine deal worth 10.3 percent of the cap also touched on Myers and Chiarot, while taking a moment to convey drops from $8.6 million of a once-rumoured $83.5 million cap to $8.4 excitement over the arrival of Pionk. I think it’s safe to say that we don’t million now. A long-term Connor deal worth 9.6 percent of the cap drops know what the defence is going to be — just that it needs to be improved. from $8.0 million to $7.8 million today. That’s most of $500k between the two players and, for a cap team, that kind of money absolutely matters. Here’s what happens to Winnipeg’s cap if Copp and Pionk — their cheaper RFAs — are signed to Evolving Wild’s projections: Seventeen contracts, big holes on defence, and just $21 million to sign Laine, Connor, Copp, Pionk and at least one more defenceman. This team has just $16.3 million to extend Laine and Connor while adding at least one defenceman to its depth. There are more clues in Winnipeg’s qualifying offers (and lack thereof.) Can Laine and Connor be had at $16.3 million or less? For the second straight year, the Jets declined to give Joe Morrow a qualifying offer. The Jets did the same with Marko Dano, Ken Appleby, Not if you believe the math behind our points-per-game based Jimmy Oligny and Nathan Beaulieu. projections at The Athletic last month. Recall that the correlation between points per game on the day a player signed his second contract and the I don’t think the club is as high on Dano as I’ve been in the past — I see percentage of the cap hit he got was extremely high — 0.9. Whatever an NHL player of at least fourth-line quality — and I wouldn’t be surprised you think of Laine’s defensive deficiencies or Connor’s numbers being if team and player alike decide to move on. Appleby helped but Mikhail boosted by prime minutes with Scheifele and Wheeler, there is a good Berdin and Eric Comrie appear to have the AHL goaltending jobs locked chance that long-term extensions for each would take up most of that up so he may walk, too. Oligny is far down the depth chart and the $16.3 million cap space. priority list given the unsigned status of Laine, Connor, Copp, Pionk and more help on defence. That’s not an argument for value, of course — just a reflection of all of the second contracts for comparable scorers from 2005-06 to now. It’s the lack of qualifying offers for Morrow and Beaulieu — both arbitration eligible and now both set to become UFAs on July 1 — that But real negotiations take place between real people — and that’s the suggest Cheveldayoff is still scrapping for cap space. other major holdup in Winnipeg right now. There are so many star RFA forwards yet to be signed across the NHL and, as Elliotte Friedman Recall Morrow’s path a year ago — not qualified but then re-signed. reported, nobody wants to go first. Pierre LeBrun noted on TSN that Morrow’s qualifying offer would have been 110 percent of the $650,000 Laine’s camp in particular is being patient. he made in 2017-18 — that is, less than the $1 million he eventually got. Instead, by not qualifying him, the Jets avoided arbitration where Morrow One more very human aspect of these negotiations is the possibility that may have earned more than $1 million. It’s a shrewd move for a few Laine — as we noted in his origin story — has a track record of betting hundred thousand dollars of cap space — space the Jets desperately on himself. It’s my opinion that Laine on a short-term contract is a major needed as they competed for the services of Paul Stastny. risk for the Jets, if only because I think his shooting percentage and goal totals are a good bet to rebound. If Laine believes the same thing I do, And it worked because Morrow was on board. then why wouldn’t he bet on himself in the form of a short-term deal? If “I’m a guy where the doors are always open until the doors are closed,” he doesn’t get big money on his second contract, his third is likely to be Cheveldayoff told reporters at the draft. “We’ll see how things play out massive. this week.” As for Connor, there’s less consternation. Finally, one major revelation of that RFA contract study — other than just how expensive Laine and Connor could be — was a trend toward those contracts getting signed later and later in the summer. In other words, it’s not an emergency that those contracts don’t exist today. Of course teams are calling Connor and I expect they’ve called Laine too. Every year that goes by seems to be one year closer to an offer sheet being signed by a marquee RFA.

But it’s still unlikely. And Cheveldayoff would almost certainly match.

With all of this in mind, I believe that the order of operations in Winnipeg right now is getting certainty with respect to Chiarot, backfilling the defence with Beaulieu and Morrow as needed, and then deciding if a buyout for Kulikov is necessary to make those things fit.

It may cost some fans their patience over the next few days but the alternatives — those Ehlers rumours that have quieted down of late — would cost much more than that. The difficulty of Winnipeg’s offseason may not be solved with speed.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148669 Vancouver Canucks Hoglander, who despite his in-progress English still oozes self- confidence in his body language, said it was neat he was the latest Swede to find an NHL landing spot in Vancouver.

Patrick Johnston: Hoglander a power-packed pocket battleship of a As a 10-year-old, he said he met the Sedins, a thrill at the time. And of prospect for the Canucks course, he’s well versed in the Canucks’ current Swedish star.

He spent one year playing for one of Timra’s youth teams; Elias Patrick Johnston Pettersson is two years older than him and was playing for the hockey club’s junior team.

“Of course I watched him a little bit, but I try to do my own thing,” he said. Nils Hoglander still has a long way to go to make the NHL, but his “Do what I know I’m good at, like skating and creativity.” potential makes scouts and coaches stand up.

Just like judging a baseball player’s talent on whether the ball makes a popping sound when connecting for a hit, judging a prospect on how they Vancouver Province: LOADED: 06.28.2019 perform in drills during a development camp probably isn’t all that insightful.

Still, it was notable how much Nils Hoglander stood out this week at the Vancouver Canucks’ prospects camp. His powerful skating and outstanding hands had the fans in attendance at UBC — as well as the coaches and players on the ice — talking.

The NHL club’s director of amateur scouting, Judd Brackett, gushed last weekend about the young Swede, who was picked 40th overall during the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, highlighting his shot and creativity with the puck.

On top of his quick, powerful shot and creative puck skills, he’s built a reputation for playing with a physical edge despite his shorter stature — he’s listed at 5-9. All were evident over the three days of on-ice sessions at the University of B.C.

Canucks’ senior director of player development Ryan Johnson called Hoglander “an explosive player” top to bottom.

“He doesn’t have any holes in his game,” Johnson said. The obvious strengths he sees in Hoglander’s game are tantalizing, he added.

“If we can up all those … he’s going to be dangerous. You see the skill set but in a lot of the compete drills, the battle drills, he’s a physical player. By no means is he just a one-dimensional player. He uses his body and his power to create time and space.”

Goalie prospect Mike DiPietro said facing him was quite the challenge.

“He’s a guy that’s very shifty. I think he’s got a great, deceptive release,” DiPietro said.

Hoglander pulled off a move on a breakaway against DiPietro that the netminder said stood out, as Hoglander shifted the puck behind his own back before releasing a shot.

“That was pretty cool. Haven’t seen that too much,” he said.

Though he’s still a teenager — he turns 19 in December — Hoglander already has two years of professional hockey under his belt. He played 2018-19 for Rögle of the Swedish Hockey League. He’s going to play at least one more season in the SHL. The season before that, he spent more than half the season with AIK of the second-tier Allsvenskan.

His shot has long been a superb skill for him.

“I work on it every day. I know I have a good shot but I know I must use it more,” he said Thursday after the final on-ice session.

Like most players his age, he said he needed to work on everything, but when pressed he acknowledged his skating agility, his edge work, needed improving.

“Turns,” he said. “I can be much better at that.”

Edge work is the modern term, but Hoglander’s explanation is perhaps more to the point.

“He wants to continue to evolve his game down low,” Johnson said. “I think he realizes he’s a very good north-south player, but talking to him today he wants to get better at that low game, the east-west game using his legs and his power to buy him time and space to create low cutbacks and get in to the net.

” … He knows now that he has the resources and the people who can help him … He’s a player that wants it. We don’t have to ask too much of him from the intensity side of things.” 1148670 Vancouver Canucks strapped team to get the forward. If he isn’t, then Benning has simply added to his vast collection of average forwards.

Myers is a similar story. The Canucks believe the rangy defenceman is a Ed Willes: Benning goes all in on hunch that Miller, Myers give Canucks bonafide top-four who’ll change their blue-line, and he’s been that player a chance at times in his career. But his best season was his rookie campaign in Buffalo when he won the Calder with an 11-37-48 stats line.

Ed Willes Since then he’s mostly been a 30- to 35-point player. Last year he went 9-22-31 and averaged 20:21 of ice time, fourth among the Jets.

Again, if the Canucks can sign him, he will be an upgrade to a defence OPINION: Benning doesn't have two or three years. The Aquilinis have corps that has been a black hole the last four seasons. But is it good put him in a position where, to save his job, he has to make the playoffs enough to make them relevant again? That’s the $8-million question next season because, if they get Myers, the Canucks will pay him like he’s a top-pair defenceman, and that brings us back to our original point. It might take the flexibility of a contortionist, but if you twist yourself into the right position, you can understand why the Vancouver Canucks The organization could have played the waiting game this off-season and appear to be going all in this summer. maybe that was the prudent approach. They added another blue-chip prospect in Vasili Podkolzin as part of a solid draft class. The army that The Canucks’ decision makers, after all, have been trying to make this our late friend Jason Botchford yearned for is coming. In two or three NHL team relevant for the last four years. Yes, they’ve failed miserably years the Canucks are going to have something. but, in the summer of 2019, they can look at the pieces they’ve assembled and convince themselves it’s time to push their chips into the But Benning doesn’t have two or three years. The Aquilinis have put him middle of the table. in a position where, to save his job, he has to make the playoffs next season or come pretty damn close. That means supplanting a team like They have four young building blocks in place, solid goaltending and the Dallas or Colorado. That means crawling over Minnesota and Arizona makings of a supporting cast. They have a coach in who while holding off Edmonton and Anaheim. seems to draw the best out of what he’s given. Throw in the agenda of an ownership group that desperately wants to make the playoffs and the That’s a lot to ask of a team that’s missed the playoffs four years in a belief is, by adding a top-six forward and a top-four defenceman, the row, but it’s now being asked of Benning. Given his position, he has to Canucks can transform themselves and recapture the imagination of the believe Miller and Myers can transform this team. market. If you’re sitting in his chair, maybe you can see the same thing. That, at least, is the plan, and you can’t say it isn’t ambitious. But does it have a hope in hell of working?

It seems we’re about to find out. Vancouver Province: LOADED: 06.28.2019

At last weekend’s draft, general manager Jim Benning signalled the Canucks’ aggressive new approach when he paid a significant price to land forward J.T. Miller from Tampa.

By all accounts, Benning is now trying to double down with the pursuit of Tyler Myers, the unrestricted free agent defenceman most recently with the Winnipeg Jets. Myers won’t come cheap.

Individually, Miller and Myers represent upgrades for the Canucks over existing personnel, and that’s something. But it’s their collective impact that is the issue here and that merits a closer look.

In the aftermath of the Miller trade, there was an intense debate over what Benning had just acquired. In the GM’s mind, the 26-year-old is a legitimate top-six winger who’ll fit comfortably on a line with Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser. If that’s the case, it’s not unreasonable to expect 25 to 30 goals out of Miller and 55 to 65 points.

That’s not a game-changer but it’s an impact player.

Miller has also produced close to that level at points in his career. But last season in Tampa his scoring line was 13-34-47 while finishing ninth among Lightning forwards in ice time, and that’s a concern even if there are mitigating factors.

In 2018-19, Miller never found a home in the Bolts’ lineup. When he was acquired in a trade with the Rangers a year previously, he played a lot with Steven Stamkos and , producing 18 points in 19 regular-season games.

OK, Dennis Miller could go for 50 playing with those, but last season Brayden Point emerged as a star and that sent a ripple effect through the line combinations, with Miller floating in and out of several different combinations.

“They were constantly searching,” said one Eastern Conference executive who saw a lot of the Lightning last season.

The same hockey man was asked if he thought Miller was a legitimate top-six forward.

“I don’t know,” he said. “But if he plays with Pettersson and Boeser, it might really work. (Miller) is versatile. He’s a better skater than Boeser and he’ll get in on the forecheck.”

That’s who Benning believes he traded for and if Miller is that guy, no one will care about the first- and third-round picks that went to a cap- 1148671 Vancouver Canucks . Played all 82 games in each season from 2015-16 to 2017-18 for Detroit, posting 11 goals and 45 assists in that final season. He came to camp in September 2018 and called it a career with a How the Roberto Luongo recapture penalty really impacts the Canucks’ degenerative back issue. Like Hossa, he has two years left on his cap situation contract.

Chris Pronger. Played his last game for the Flyers in 2011-12 but had a contract that ran until 2016-17. He was placed on injured reserve, had his By Ryan Biech contract traded to the Coyotes and officially ended his career in 2017.

Jun 27, 2019 All three players had injuries that prevented them from being able to continue their professional career. Luongo posted a letter to fans

explaining his situation and it was clear that the driving force behind his Roberto Luongo announced Wednesday afternoon that he would be decision was that the health of his hips was not going to allow him to hanging up the pads. Emotionally, it was tough for Canucks fans to see continue to play in the NHL. That would suggest that he could have the best goaltender in franchise history call it a career. easily gone down the same route as the other three players mentioned (and a few others); go on LTIR and ride out the contract. However, Luongo’s decision to retire made things a little more complicated for the Canucks’ current situation. Since Luongo had years The recapture rule was created to punish teams the NHL felt took remaining on his contract, the Panthers and Canucks will have a salary- advantage of the spirit of the CBA. The contract was legal at the time cap adjustment for the next few seasons. based on the wording of the CBA, but it was clearly exploiting a loophole.

It won’t be as much of an issue for the Panthers but it is definitely That Luongo no longer plays for the Canucks doesn’t matter, though it something Vancouver’s management will feel as they try to build a does mean they had much less say in how the retirement would unfold. playoff team. For the Panthers, the $1.094 million recapture penalty they face is much Recapture penalty less than the $5.33 million that would have still counted against their cap with Luongo on LTIR. Those positive feelings in Vancouver about Luongo quickly turned to debate as the impact of the recapture penalty was brought to the Ultimately, that it happened now, as opposed to next summer or the year forefront. after, means Vancouver avoided an even more prohibitive penalty.

The entirety of the Cap Advantage Recapture penalty is found in Article How does it affect the Canucks? 50.5 (d) A & B: Don’t waste time crying or complaining about something bad that has The main takeaways in relation to Luongo: His deal was signed prior to happened that cannot be changed. Sept. 15, 2012, it was over six years in length and he decided to retire. That proverb was the underlying message that Benning laid out With the player retiring early, the Canucks received a cap benefit from a Thursday. There is really nothing the organization can do about the lower AAV compared with the compensation given at the time. For penalty at this point, despite the precedent I mentioned above, so they example, Luongo’s actual salary from 2011-12 through 2017-18 was just need to do their best to work with it. over $6.7 million, but his cap hit remained at $5.333 million. As a result, the penalty is assessed now to balance that out. Looking at the Canucks’ contracts for next year, according to CapFriendly, this is how they sit: Back in 2014, James Mirtle had tweeted about the possibility of this happening with Luongo. They also still have Brock Boeser, Nikolay Goldobin, Josh Leivo and Tyler Motte to sign as pending RFAs. The NHL recently calculated that the Canucks received a benefit of just under $9.1 million for the time that Luongo was in Vancouver so the These are the projected deals for those players, according to the contract penalty is $3,033,206 per season for the next three years. projections from Evolving Wild:

As a result, the Canucks lose about 3.7 percent of their salary-cap Name Term AAV allotment for this season and then the percentage will adjust from there as the upper limit changes over the next two seasons. The Canucks were Brock Boeser 7 YRS $6,877,966 already retaining $800,000 per season as part of the trade that sent Josh Leivo 3 YRS $1,968,234 Luongo back to Florida, so the recapture increases their cap pain by $2.2 million. Nikolay Goldobin 2 YRS $1,848,638

This is the second time the recapture penalty has been applied; the New Tyler Motte 2 YRS $1,098,114 Jersey Devils have a $250,000 penalty until 2024-25 due to Ilya Kovalchuk’s contract. The big number of the group is obviously Boeser and his expected cap hit of $7 million. That almost cuts in half the $15.5 million in cap space. Issues with the penalty Then add the other three players somewhere between $5 million and $5.5 million combined and that’s about a total of $12.5 million. That roster A main talking point in the fallout of Luongo’s retirement has been the in the picture above includes 22 players, 13 of which are signed implementation of said rule. forwards. Of that group, the obvious casualties of the numbers game As GM Jim Benning said in his media scrum following Canucks would be Adam Gaudette (no waivers and on ELC), Ryan Spooner (one development camp Thursday afternoon: “Rules are rules.” year at $3.1 million) and Tim Schaller (one year at $1.9 million).

The Canucks are now stuck with a cap hit for a player who hadn’t played If Schaller or Spooner is waived and assigned to the , the a game for them in the entire time that the current management staff has Canucks save $1.05 million off the cap for each guy but the remainder of been in charge. their contracts will still count against the cap.

There are quite a few similar contracts that were signed, but as Antoine Roussel isn’t expected to be ready until December, so the mentioned Luongo is only the second one to have the penalty applied. Canucks will get some relief there as he recovers from an ACL injury. That’s because a number of players had their contracts go on LTIR to It’s clear that the organization is motivated to add a player whom they avoid the issue. Some of the more notable examples are: perceive to be a difference-maker on the back end, but the question will Marian Hossa. Played 73 games in 2016-17 for the Blackhawks, scoring be at what dollar amount and whether that will actually be the impact they 26 goals and 19 assists. Announced June 21, 2017, that he would miss expect. the next season due to a progressive skin disorder that he had been If they have their sights set on Tyler Myers and are able to sign him, you treating for years. His contract was traded to the Arizona Coyotes and can’t expect him to take less than the $5.5 million AAV that he had on his still has two years remaining. last contract. The point here is that the Canucks are still in a good salary-cap situation, but any significant additions beyond another defenceman will be incredibly difficult. They added J.T. Miller to the forward ranks and appear to be motivated to add a top-four defenceman but after that, there isn’t much more that can be done. Placing Roussel on LTIR will allow them to exceed the salary cap to start the season, but the space created from that won’t be enough to make a splash.

The 2020-21 season should be a little more comfortable, but Chris Tanev and Jacob Markstrom are set to be unrestricted free agents at the end of this season while Troy Stecher will be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. At this moment, they have about $35 million in cap space next summer but that doesn’t account for Boeser’s contract, the top-four defenceman expected to be added in free agency, re-signing Stecher, plus a goalie and defenceman (keeping Tanev/Markstrom or going in another direction). It gets tight.

It was a weird day for Canucks fans as they remembered Luongo’s time in Vancouver and processed the ramifications of the penalty that has been placed on them. Seeing as other star players with similar contracts took the LTIR route, you can understand those frustrations.

Although the cap hit on the books is only 3.7 percent for this upcoming season and could’ve been much worse, it does illustrate how difficult and important this summer is for the organization. They clearly needed to add some more offensive punch and change their defence. They felt they accomplished the former with the acquisition of Miller and hope to address the other one in the coming days.

Without a doubt, this team will be better on opening night than the group that started last season. But will it be enough to get them to the playoffs? And if they can’t get there, how can they make more improvements in the coming 12 months to get there for 2020-21?

The Luongo recapture penalty just made their maneuvering even tighter.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148672 Vancouver Canucks with the term, replacement level refers to the type of player that would be readily available from waivers or one’s farm team (you can read about how it’s calculated here). Myers’ trajectory is unique because he provided Why signing Tyler Myers could hamstring the Canucks’ future contention top-pair value during his rookie and sophomore seasons, but instead of window improving, saw his play fall of a cliff. The former first-round pick has subsequently been replacement-level or worse in six of the past eight seasons.

By Harman Dayal Any team that signs Myers is likely to point to the hulking back end that the Cup-winning St. Louis Blues possessed and while size matters, the Jun 27, 2019 more important factor is that the Blues’ bigger blueliners are stingy defensively. This much is readily apparent when looking at Evolving Hockey’s RAPM tool — a model that accounts for deployment factors like In a cap league like the NHL, free-agency creates far more problems teammates, opponents, zone starts and more to isolate a player’s than it fixes and it’s easy to understand why. individual impact on driving play.

Research shows that skaters peak much earlier than preconceived Viz by Evolving Hockey beliefs might lead us to think — most players hitting their prime between 22 and 26 years old. From that point, forwards and defencemen see a GF= goals, xG= expected goals, CF=shots, Off=Offence, Def=Defence slight drop off year over year before a more noticeable tumble around 30. It isn’t enough to just chase size — you have to find defencemen who are Viz by Evolving Hockey, courtesy Hockey-Graphs actually good in their own zone to try and emulate the Blues’ success. Myers just doesn’t fit the archetype because you can see above that Of course, there are always exceptions to the trend, but Father Time is while he drives play offensively, he’s prone to giving just as much back undefeated and this is generally how most players age. The problem with the other way defensively. free agency is that most players hit the market in their late 20s or early 30s — with their best days behind them and an accelerated decline Realistically, Myers profiles as a No. 5 defenceman on a good team, approaching. Teams that are desperate for immediate help wind up although on a weaker blue line like the Canucks, he could probably be paying inflated prices for players’ past performances rather than for the adequate as a No. 4 if paired with a strong partner. That’s an upgrade for value they’ll provide moving forward. This is how you end up signing a a right side that has question marks after Troy Stecher, but he’s not the bad contract like Loui Eriksson’s. bonafide top pair defenceman he’ll be paid like.

As such, navigating the market on July 1 is like walking through a Why Myers’ cost should make him a no-go landmine — particularly if you’re a rebuilding team like the Canucks that If Myers could be had for a price resembling the No. 4/5 he is, there need to keep the long-term future in mind when trying to address short- wouldn’t be a problem in going after him. The issue is that his size, term needs. Among this year’s UFA class, Vancouver has been most pedigree and reputation grossly inflate the cost. We’ve heard conflicting linked to Tyler Myers, which from a surface level perspective, doesn’t rumours on what the dollar and term will look like for Myers as some sound like a bad idea given the need to rebuild the blue line. Dive deeper have speculated it’ll be a max seven-year pact at $7-million annually, though, and the red flags emerge rather quickly. while others in the market believe the final figures will come below such a What would the Canucks be getting in Tyler Myers? mark.

Looking at Myers independent of the contract he’s going sign and there’s Using Evolving Wild’s contract projection model, let’s assume Myers will little doubt he’d provide some sort of a boost in the short-term to a weak clock in at a $6.1-million AAV on a seven-year term. Such a price would Canucks’ blue line. This isn’t going to be a Gudbranson type disaster put him among some elite company. where Myers gets noticeably dominated on a night to night basis — the Salary data courtesy CapFriendly, WAR data courtesy Evolving Hockey latter will hold his own at the very least. A contract of $6.1 million per year would make Myers the 22nd highest Examining the positive elements of Myers’ game, there’s no denying that paid defencemen in the league heading into next season and when his value comes from the offensive side of things. Over the last two examining the other players on the list, it’s clear he doesn’t produce the seasons, he’s averaged 34 points per 82 games — a notable punch from results to warrant being paid like a No. 1 D. With the exception of a the back end. He’s also a good puck mover who consistently facilitates couple of bad contracts in Brent Seabrook and Kevin Shattenkirk, you’re defensive zone exits and offensive zone entries with possession. looking at a list of Norris trophy candidates and All-Stars. Paying Myers Viz by CJ Turtoro, data by Corey Sznajder in the $6-million range is extremely poor bang for your buck, to say the least. Detracting from Myers’ offensive contributions is the fact that he’s prone to being exposed defensively. The Winnipeg Jets leaked high-quality Naturally, the next question to ask is what Myers should actually be shots and scoring chances against at a concerning rate with the 29-year- worth. Thanks to Athletic colleague Dom Luszczyszyn, who used his old on the ice last year. model to breakdown the value of all the high-profile UFAs, we can establish exactly that. Viz by Micah McCurdy Viz courtesy Dom Luszczyszyn For all that Myers can do with the puck, he’s a liability in his own zone — quite the opposite of what you might expect for a player of his size. Based on individual and on-ice results, Luszczyszyn’s model believes that Myers should be worth $3.3 million per year. It’s important to realize Myers doesn’t play the type game you’d stereotypically expect from a that this figure isn’t a prediction for the contracts UFAs like Myers will player of his large stature. In a league where small defenceman get actually receive, but rather what he should be worth based on ability. pigeonholed as offensive guys and bigger defenders get labeled as Compare the $3.3 million to the $6 million+ Myers is in line to make and shutdown, defense-first guys, there’s no question that the 6-foot-8 Myers you’re looking at a player who’s worth roughly half of what he’ll actually bucks the trend as someone who’s strong with the puck on his stick, but be paid — the largest discrepancy between the actual value and the struggles defending without it. He’s also not the most physical player and projected cost according to the model. those drooling at the thought of Myers protecting the team might be surprised to hear that he’s only been involved in seven fights during his Luszczyszyn’s work also reveals perhaps the greatest danger with a 10-year NHL career. Myers contract — term. A seven-year contract would take Myers through his age-35 season. In a league that’s trending younger and younger, this All things considered, Myers’ two-way value is well below what you’d presents a huge concern as there are just 15 defencemen in the entire expect from someone that will be labeled as a bonafide top-4 league that are 35 or older and with the exception of Zdeno Chara and defenceman. Mark Giordano, most struggle even if they’re one of the rare ones still in the league. Viz by Evolving Hockey Such a long-term timeline might not be of huge concern for a team that’s The chart above depicts the value Myers has provided relative to a looking to contend now, but realistically the Canucks’ Cup window will replacement level defenceman through his career. For those unaware likely start opening in three years. Looking at Myers’ projected aging curve from the chart above, you can see that he’ll likely be a No. 6/7 defenceman three or four years from now. Framed another way, this means that Myers will probably be an anchor making top-pair money just as the Canucks are looking to compete for a Stanley Cup.

One bad contract may not sound like a lot, but in the modern NHL, where virtually all contenders are in a cap crunch, every dollar matters. As you continue to add talent to your contending team, you never know how much you’re really going to have to pay your top players. The Leafs serve as an example of a team that was handcuffed by a couple of poor contracts in Patrick Marleau and Nikita Zaitsev before Toronto paid a first-round pick as a hefty premium to rid themselves of the last year on Marleau’s deal.

There’s also an opportunity cost in having $6-7 million tied up in dead money. Last summer, we saw teams who’ve managed the cap well in San Jose and St. Louis land stars Erik Karlsson and Ryan O’Reilly respectively for cents on the dollar because they were one of the few teams that had the space to take on their entire contracts. Just because this management group hasn’t taken full advantage in leveraging its cap space now doesn’t mean that they couldn’t do so in the future.

Any team signing Myers is doing so for the immediate benefits of the first two or three years, knowing that they’ll pay dearly for it by the middle of the contract. In Vancouver’s case, however, this doesn’t make sense as they’re unlikely to realistically compete for a championship during the early years where Myers will actually provide value.

It’s certainly possible other teams recognize the danger of Myers’ significantly inflated market as there doesn’t sound to be any teams other than the Canucks seriously kicking tires on him. The fact that Winnipeg isn’t in a hurry or pushing hard to re-sign Myers despite their blue line being in shambles after losing a key right-shot defenceman in Jacob Trouba also says a lot.

For the right cost, Myers could certainly help out a team’s bottom-four, but with the projected prices way higher than his actual worth, it just doesn’t make any sense for teams to offer him the rumoured cost he’ll command.

Conclusion

By all indications, Myers looks to be a No. 4/5 defenceman. The positives in his game lie in his offensive contributions and puck moving ability, though most of that is mitigated with his considerably below-average defensive game.

The Canucks could no doubt use an established veteran to help their back end out and Myers would provide short-term value, but it’d be really irresponsible to pay him like a number one defenceman at the $6-million+ he’s likely to fetch on a six or seven-year deal. Offering such a contract would be a particular head-scratcher for a Vancouver team that isn’t ready to compete for a Stanley Cup during the years where Myers will actually provide his value. Looking a few years ahead, you’re looking at a situation where the Canucks are stuck paying top-pair money for a defender who’ll be fringe NHL quality just as their contention window opens. It’d be incredibly poor value and in a cap world where every dollar counts, it’s almost a given that it’ll hamstring the team to some extent moving forward.

There aren’t a ton of obvious trade and free-agency alternatives (we’ll examine a few in the third part of Project Petey), but there’s no denying that the Canucks would be far better off standing pat and taking the short-term pain than grossly overpaying for Myers on a contract that’ll be regrettable and potentially debilitating for the team’s long-term future.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148673 Websites But they also included promotion from Finland’s third tier of pro hockey into its second, lifelong Finnish friendships (with people she still regularly visits), and lessons learned that made her that much more dominant for The Athletic / Bound for the Hockey Hall of Fame, Hayley Wickenheiser Team Canada. reflects on a titanic legacy “I wanted to always play at the highest level that I could and I really felt that in the women’s game firstly that we didn’t play enough games and I didn’t think that I was going to get better playing 25-30 games a year,” By Scott Wheeler Wickenheiser said.

Jun 27, 2019 “I wanted to play a full season and I wanted to go through a season where you’d have highs and lows in a place where I wouldn’t be the best

player but I would have a chance to play a lot if I played good and I would Hayley Wickenheiser was in the middle of one of several exam sessions be treated fairly and have a chance to maybe win. A lot of people thought taking place over the course of a weeklong medical school evaluation it was a publicity stunt but for me it was just purely about getting better period, going over the details of prescription writing or responding to a and always chasing the next level.” code blue (a hospital emergency term for a cardiac or respiratory arrest) At the end of the season, a teammate who she thought couldn’t speak when her phone started to blow up. English turned to her and could speak it perfectly fine. She knew why but she couldn’t reach to grab it, or even retreat into the “He didn’t know what to say. They were just shy. It really for me took me hallway to respond. Instead, all she could do was turn to her friend and out of my comfort zone so that when I came back to the women’s game I share a quick laugh. felt comfortable,” Wickenheiser said. “If anyone else in the room knew what was going on …” they mused. “And it challenged me in ways off the ice. I knew that I had to be at my By the time she was finished, there were a couple hundred text best, whether it was a practice or a game, because physically if I took a messages. The first in the list was from Lanny McDonald. bad hit it could end my career and I knew that there was somebody who was always out to get me.” “Call me,” it said. Generally, though, those memories are so fond — even if they came with And just like that, Wickenheiser was to be enshrined in the Hockey Hall just as many low points — that her old jersey hangs in her office. of Fame, forever remembered as one of hockey’s titans. “You go to the rink it’s dark, you come out of the rink it’s dark. I was As a child, she never dreamed of such a feat. She dreamed of Olympics essentially by myself. But initially, Finns are also very quiet, reserved golds and Stanley Cups, but never of the Hall of Fame. people so it took me a long time to get to know my teammates,” she said.

There was no preparing for what it would feel like to soak in hockey’s “I still have all my teeth so I’m very happy about that. I was tested all the highest honour. But she has spent the last couple of days — between a time but in the end they turned out to be great teammates.” flight back to Toronto and on-ice skills sessions at the Leafs’ development camp — trying to do so. Only in the aftermath of an achievement as lofty as the Hall of Fame has Wickenheiser been able to properly reflect on exactly what she “For a hockey player, this is the holy grail. This is the highest that you accomplished for her sport. could go, male and female. So when it happens you realize the moment and it’s pretty special,” she said on Thursday afternoon, shortly after She remembers the little moments, like her weekly 8 a.m. Saturday wrapping up more than two-and-a-half hours on the ice, a place she calls morning practice time in Saskatchewan and the cheeseburger and fries “much better than med school.” combo that always followed while she hung around the rink all day.

Among the conversations of the last 48 hours were talks with Brendan She remembers the sacrifices her parents made. Shanahan and Sidney Crosby, minor hockey coaches and mentor Bobby “My mom and dad, they were the most influential people in my life. And Clarke, national teammates like Sami Jo Small and men’s hockey my dad was my coach but my parents were not (overbearingly) invested teammates from her days playing pro hockey in Europe. in my hockey career. They were on the sidelines cheering, they were “It’s like every decade of your life people have been in your life in hockey. teachers and they just believed that we had to do something, they didn’t It feels like everybody has reached out to say hi so that kind of reminds care what it was,” she said. you of the moment,” Wickenheiser said. “And many times my mom would say to me ‘Are you sure this is what you It was Clarke who twice invited her to Philadelphia Flyers training camp want to do, this is kind of hard?’ They were always just quietly there. after the 1998 Nagano Olympics. They went into debt every four years to go to the Olympics. They put their life into hockey because I wasn’t making big money.” “He said ‘you can get better, come to camp’ so I did and (Eric) Lindros was the star and I was with Simon Gagne and players like that. It was a She remembers the big moments too, representing her country at the really great camp. Very different from today where they basically beat us highest level of the game. up for 15 hours a day, a lot of intense training sessions, and they wanted She said winning gold in Vancouver is impossible to top as a Canadian you to fall into bed exhausted,” Wickenheiser said. athlete. She marvelled at the comeback in Sochi. And she’ll never forget “I think I already knew what it took to be a pro because we trained that that feeling she had in defeat in Nagano, and the way it pushed her to hard on the national team but when I came back I was just that much make sure she and her teammates never stood at the blueline with silver stronger and better.” medals around their necks again.

It was Small who called Wickenheiser to laugh about all of their national And now, the Hall of Fame. team shenanigans. “I’ve played with or against every woman that’s in the Hall of Fame for a “One time we had a bake-off before an away game. Who would ever do long period of time. I came along at a good time. A lot of women that that now?” Wickenheiser said, laughing. came along before me didn’t have the opportunities that I had and like girls ahead of me will have that I didn’t have,” Wickenheiser said. “But then also we talked about a lot of the struggles that we had gone through and all of the challenges and I got to experience some amazing “It’s nice to see how far the game has come and that progression. Male highs but there were also a lot of fights along the way for relevance and or female, it doesn’t matter, the Hockey Hall of Fame represents that.” for respect in the game.” She’s not done yet, either. Those fights included a coach sending a 6-foot-4 defenceman to shadow These days, the Leafs are keeping her busy. At development camp, she her during her first practice in Finland because “he wanted the media to feels she has a unique ability to relate to the players as a mother of her see that (Wickenheiser) could handle the hitting,” and a broken nose own 19-year-old boy, Noah. compliments of an Easton Synergy stick across the top of her nose in her first game with Salamat that season. When she looks into their eyes, she sees him. “As a player I’ve been through really everything in hockey, from the women’s game to the professional men’s game. I trained in the summers with NHL players for 20 years. All of those experiences give you a very diverse perspective on hockey,” Wickenheiser said.

“I’m standing here with a Maple Leafs logo on. I guess I’m pretty proud of how far it has come.”

The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148674 Websites And that’s just the players we confirmed. No doubt other RFAs also got calls. I’d be shocked if Patrik Laine’s camp didn’t or Brayden Point for that matter.

The Athletic / LeBrun Notebook: Matt Duchene and other UFAs making All of which could mean absolutely nothing in the end. It could just be the rounds, RFA updates and more some clubs calling out of curiosity, doing their due diligence.

Certainly, in Marner’s case, I think this is about using the CBA to its By Pierre LeBrun fullest to get the deal he wants with the Maple Leafs, no matter how he gets there. Jun 27, 2019 It was interesting to me to hear that Connor’s agent Rich Evans got calls. Winnipeg has both Connor and Laine to sign in a difficult salary cap juggling summer. For all the focus we’ve had on the Marner situation, The high-profile UFA visits are in full swing. wouldn’t it be fascinating if it was Connor that actually got the offer sheet Joe Pavelski was in Dallas on Wednesday visiting the Stars before Monday? getting on a plane and meeting with the Lightning in Tampa on I don’t think the Connor camp is angling for that, the player is happy in Wednesday night. Winnipeg, but I would also say that Evans’ main priority is to get the There’s a good chance Pavelski also visits a third team before the week contract he thinks is fair for his client between now and training camp no is done but that hasn’t been decided yet. Colleague Michael Russo has matter how he gets it. Preferably with the Jets, yes, but if it took an offer repeatedly mentioned the Wild’s interest in Pavelski so that’s a sheet or at least the threat of one, no question Evans would venture into possibility. And obviously, he’s talked to a number of teams over the those waters, in my mind. phone. The door isn’t closed on the Sharks, either. What teams would actually consider an offer sheet? I can’t answer that Matt Duchene visited the Canadiens in Montreal on Wednesday and on with 100 percent certainty. Teams do not want to show their cards. But I Thursday was in Nashville to meet with the Predators. would venture to guess — stress guess — that Columbus is at least contemplating it even if the Jackets may or may not end up doing it (I And we know Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky were in Florida quoted GM Jarmo Kekalainen on Tuesday saying it’s a tool in the CBA). I visiting with the Panthers on Monday before jumping on a plane bound think GM Ray Shero in New Jersey could potentially surprise people. The for the New York area. Islanders, Red Wings, Rangers, Canadiens — to me, they’re all possibilities even if remote ones. Some UFAs decline visits and just want to do conference calls. As one UFA told me this week, he’s played in every rink in the league, he doesn’t At the end of the day, until proven otherwise, I still think this is about need a tour. agents using the CBA for leverage and that we probably we won’t see an offer sheet Monday. But at the same time, it wouldn’t shock me if we did. But I think for the bigger guys like Duchene, Pavelski, Panarin and It would certainly spark up “Free Agent Frenzy” on TSN! Bobrovsky, there’s some value in seeing where players live, getting a better sense of the practice facilities, hearing out the team’s vision in Erik Haula trade terms of contending and roster building, etc. The Hurricanes tried hard to get Erik Haula last week in Vancouver in the The Predators have always been seen as the front-runners to land days leading up to the draft and at one point I was thinking it might Duchene in large part because of how many times GM tried happen Thursday or Friday. Finally, both teams got it done Wednesday to acquire him from Colorado in years past. And then from Ottawa last night and given the price, prospect Nicolas Roy and a conditional fifth- year. It’s well-documented that Duchene bought a rental/investment round pick, it’s a really outstanding grab by the Canes, who created property in Nashville last year and people have connected the dots on some cap room earlier in the week with the Calvin De Haan trade to this one. Chicago.

The one question I have is whether the Predators are ready to pay But a simple transaction Wednesday night this was not. Duchene $10 million a year, which some people think is now the going rate after Jeff Skinner got $9 million and Kevin Hayes got $7.14 million, A trade that should have been completed around 6 or 7 p.m. ET ended or do the Preds try to convince Duchene and agent Pat Brisson to play up needing two calls with the league and didn’t wrap up until around ball a little to help their chances of doing other things as a contender. 12:10 a.m. ET. Why? Because of the complicated layers attached to the That would be the one thing that potentially stands in the way of Duchene conditional 2021 fifth-round pick. going to Nashville. The conditions: If Haula is on the Hurricanes roster past next season, so There’s also the fact Duchene grew up a Habs fan because his dad and therefore if he re-signs, Vegas gets the pick. Ok, so far so good. his grandfather were die-hard fans. I would imagine his visit with the Vegas also gets the pick if Carolina trades him next season for either a Canadiens was a thrill on its own regardless of whatever decision player(s), or multiple picks, or a pick in Rounds 1-5. However, if he’s Duchene ends up making. traded for a lower pick than Round 5, then there’s no fifth-rounder for It’s also worth pointing out that Habs GM Marc Bergevin did at least Vegas and of course, if Haula doesn’t re-sign with Carolina next summer inquire on Duchene at the trade deadline even if, by all indications, he and walks into free agency, then there’s no pick either. didn’t push too hard. But the seeds, perhaps, were planted then. But where it got muddier and required more dialogue with Central Arizona has shown interest in Duchene but by last check, the Coyotes Registry, is what happens, for example, if Haula gets dealt for a weren’t getting a visit. conditional pick himself next season before the deadline. Like a sixth- round pick which could become a fourth-round pick depending on the And no doubt there are a few mystery teams in on Duchene as well. new team’s playoff run. So more language had to be established in the There always are in these cases. I remember finding out a few days after trade call(s). Oh by the way, if you’re still reading this far and haven’t the fact that San Jose was among the teams that got to present to banged your head off your office desk from falling asleep, the answer to Steven Stamkos during his UFA speaking period in June 2016. There’s the example above if that the higher pick in a conditional situation would always a team or two that you didn’t see coming with these high-profile determine the final tally on whether Vegas gets its fifth-round pick. So if UFAs. that conditional sixth Carolina got for Haula next season becomes a fourth, Vegas gets the fifth. And there were more permutations put into That’s the fun part. this trade by the way. This is why I always say a trade isn’t a trade in the RFA update NHL until the official trade call is completed with Central Registry. Even on a night when it takes two of them. So we now know the agents for Kyle Connor, Mitch Marner and Sebastian Aho got calls from other teams on Wednesday when the RFA speaking period opened. The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148675 Websites other players from that group of 20 zero-gamers might still have been picked, but would have gone lower in 2019.

It’s impossible to perfectly project 17- and 18-year-olds, but failure is a The Athletic / What we learned about the future of NHL at the 2019 Draft powerful teacher and the shift in drafting patterns since 2009 shows that the league has been learning.

By Jonathan Willis The size shift

Jun 27, 2019 Just listening to select comments from general managers, it’s easy to come away with the idea that there hasn’t been much change in NHL attitudes toward size.

It’s cliché to call a draft in any sport “the future of the league.” It hits the “For me, every time that a player became available, these guys were double sweet spot that makes the perfect cliché in that it’s true, but also really excited about what they did,” Minnesota GM Paul Fenton told shallow. Michael Russo, after making 6-foot-2 winger Matthew Boldy the Wild’s first-round pick. Let’s see if we can’t remove the shallow part of the equation. “The thing I liked is, when guys came up to our table and they were way The 2019 NHL Draft, like its predecessors, offers a bonanza to any taller than me. We’ve had some smaller prospects, good hockey players, interested analyst. It’s the one moment each year where 31 different but every time somebody came up and they were much taller, you got a teams look at hundreds of young hockey players and assign them a smile on a lot of our faces.” value based on how strongly they believe in their particular skill sets. It may have been a theme for the Wild, which made six skater selections In the aggregate, it represents a projection of what the NHL’s decision- and only drafted a single player (5-foot-11 defenseman Marshall Warren makers believe the league is going to look like going forward. at 166th overall) under six feet. On the other hand, Boldy was the tallest As we’ll see, the league is in the middle of a paradigm shift. The fact that skater taken by the team; every other Minnesota skater selection came the game is skewing towards speed and skill has not been lost on NHL within an inch of six-feet even. scouts. In just 10 years, the draft has dramatically decreased its “Those teams that go for long playoff runs have good defense, deep emphasis on size and greatly increased its reliance on European talent. defense, big defense,” said Oilers GM Ken Holland, after drafting 6-foot-3 It’s a trend born out of knowledge because the belief in the old-school rearguard in the first round. “We’re going to build a good, hockey virtues promoted by someone like Don Cherry is a really good deep, big defense.” way to get fired. It’s probably worth pointing out that Holland’s last Stanley Cup was won Looking back at the 2009 draft, there were 20 skaters chosen in the first with the 2008 Red Wings, a team which employed 6-foot-1 Niklas three rounds who have so far failed to appear in an NHL game. It’s a Lidstrom, 5-foot-10 Brian Rafalski and 6-foot as its top- group remarkable for the way it exemplifies the traditional reliance of the three defensemen. Even 6-foot-2 Brad Stuart, the team’s No. 4, was NHL on what Cherry calls “big tough Canadian boy(s).” basically league-average.

Of the 20 busts: Whatever the rhetoric, the league as a whole has clearly de-emphasized size in its skater selections. 17 (85 percent) were born in North America. That includes every single zero-game NHLer drafted in the first or second rounds. In 2009, the average defenseman was 74.1 inches tall. Today he’s 72.9 inches. 20 (100 percent) have a listed height of 6-foot or greater. In 2009, the average forward was 72.9 inches tall. Today he’s 72.3 The group’s average height was 74.2 inches, which compares to the draft inches. average of 73.5 inches. It’s all part of a long-term shift, something NHL draft analyst Namita For anyone with a serious interest in these things – a group which most Nandakumar demonstrated in the lead-up to the 2019 event. With the definitely includes scouts, whose jobs depend on these picks – it doesn’t exception of goalies – who continue to get bigger and bigger – skater take much effort to see what the league overvalued in 2009. The NHL as size is shrinking and the pattern has accelerated since 2017: a whole was too focused on big North Americans. (Namita Nandakumar/supplied) Some of the players who were regarded as top-100 selections in 2009 wouldn’t have been drafted at all, had they somehow been teleported to “There has been a significant shift in how height is valued,” explains 2019. In that regard, it’s hard to find a team more trapped in the past in Prashanth Iyer, who consults on the NHL draft. “For forwards and 2009 than the Oilers, who took two players who ultimately landed in that defensemen, it gradually increased year-by-year until (roughly) 2005 at group of 20. which time it has started to decrease. In contrast, the median goalie height is increasing at a dramatic rate.” The first was Troy Hesketh, an obscure (even at the time) 6-foot-3 defenseman, drafted 71st overall out of Minnetonka High School. He’d If we stick with the 2009 versus 2019 comparison, the trend is especially finish his career at Hamline University, a Division III hockey program. evident on the blue line. In 2009, just two first-round defenders came in at 6-feet-or-under: No. 10 pick Ryan Ellis and No. 16 selection Nick Right after the draft, Edmonton’s then-scouting director, Stu MacGregor, Leddy, both of whom have gone on to successful NHL careers. mentioned that the Oilers knew that New Jersey “had him in there and a number of other teams were on the radar for him right around that area In 2019, seven different defensemen picked in the first round meet that so we knew we had to step in there and get him if we wanted him.” threshold. They include the first defender selected, dynamic puck mover Bowen Byram who went No. 4 overall out of the WHL. Other standouts Edmonton’s next pick, 82nd overall, was 6-foot-5 enforcer Cameron include 5-foot-11 Victor Soderstrom, who went 11th to Arizona after Abney, who had one goal, four points and 103 penalty minutes in his playing a regular role in the Swedish pro ranks and U.S. NTDP rearguard draft year. Even in 2009, it was abundantly clear that the job Abney Cam York, who was picked 14th. would apply for in the majors was being phased out. He topped out as a fringe AHLer, going pointless in 18 games at that level. Size isn’t some arbitrary quality to value, though. Being able to win physical battles, having a superior reach and the like all matter, for both “He’s a big kid that has grown a lot in the last two years so he’s still forwards and defensemen. getting his feet under him,” MacGregor said at the time. “(Scout) Bob Brown really believes in him and thinks he’s got some potential and “The way to tell if we’ve hit the right size distribution is if smaller players again, he’s another player where guys from a lot of other teams came up are just as productive as taller players, as opposed to more productive,” to us afterward to say ‘hey he’s someone that we were looking at.’” explained Nandakumar.

Whether the vast pools of interest in Hesketh and Abney really existed in “I still think there’s an overvaluation of height, particularly with goalies NHL scouting circles beyond Edmonton or not, it’s fair to say that both and I don’t think it’s corrected enough for forwards and defensemen,” players would have had a hard time getting drafted at all in 2019. A lot of offers Iyer. “You still have a significant number of smaller scoring Arthur Kaliyev personifies the trend. He scored 51 goals and 102 points forwards that get passed on in favor of guys that are bigger.” as a 17-year-old in the OHL, numbers which on the surface would be in the first overall race some years. A highly divisive player whose game If size is shrinking everywhere else, it continues to increase in net. The was torn apart by scouts in the lead-up to the draft, he still does that one average goalie taken in 2019 stood 6-foot-3. That’s the biggest number in thing that’s so hard to do: score goals. the salary cap era and in all likelihood the biggest of all-time. “He’s maybe the purest goal-scorer in the entire draft,” one NHL scout Spencer Knight, a 6-foot-3 stopper widely acknowledged as the best told The Hockey News. “He can finish. He just needs to round out the goalie in the draft, bucked recent trends of drafting goalies low and went rest of his game.” 13th overall to Florida. Mads Sogaard, a 6-foot-8 Dane, led the class in height; he went to Ottawa in the second round after a .921 save Los Angeles drafted him 32nd, and despite the massive fall, Kaliyev percentage campaign in the WHL. wasn’t far off the pace set by the OHL’s best players. When Liam Foudy went 18th overall in 2018, he was the fifth OHL player selected. When Yet the NHL has not completely eliminated the smaller goalie and the defenseman Thomas Harley went 18th overall this year, he became the numbers of the shorter stoppers who were drafted tended to be leading member of the OHL’s 2019 class. exceptional. In all, just 25 OHL players were selected. After averaging 42 per year Ilya Konovalov, a 6-foot KHL overager taken by Edmonton in the third from 2009 to 2017, the league slipped to 35 in a poor 2018 showing and round, had a .930 save percentage in the world’s second-best hockey fell again this year. league. Filip Lindberg, another 6-foot overager, slipped to Minnesota in the seventh round after posting a .934 save percentage in college Yet another major junior program, the WHL, had a brilliant year in many hockey. respects. Overshadowed by the impressive set of players coming out of the American national team, the most traditional of Canada’s junior Then there was Dustin Wolf, the 214th overall pick who was leagues ultimately got a lot of respect from NHL scouts. astonishingly still in the building when Calgary finally called his name. If he was three inches taller, it’s hard to believe his 41-15-2 WHL record Kirby Dach, the intelligent 6-foot-4 right-shooting center, went higher than and .936 save percentage wouldn’t have earned serious consideration expected, third overall to Chicago. Perhaps, given his handedness, size, higher in the draft. position and hockey sense, that should not really have been a surprise.

Konovalov, first eligible for the 2016 draft, and Lindberg, first eligible in Bowen Byram, the draft’s top defenseman, went fourth overall. Dylan 2017, were among a group of players previously passed over to get Cozens, another big right-shooting center, was drafted seventh. Injury picked this time around. The top skater to earn that distinction was worries overshadowed Peyton Krebs, who had previously been projected Samuel Fagemo, who went 50th overall to Los Angeles after playing by many outlets to be a top-10 pick; he slid to 17th and was the first of heavy minutes in Sweden’s top pro league last season. four other WHL products to be selected in the first round.

Player age hasn’t shifted much over the years. By both average age and It was enough to give the WHL ascendancy over Canada’s other major percentage of overage picks, 2019 looks a lot like drafts 10 years ago junior leagues, with 28 total selections. Even so, this still represented a did. It’s an area where both Iyer and Nandakumar see the potential for drop from its 2009-17 average of 35 players selected. improvement. The QMJHL, which has long played the role of Lepidus to the OHL’s “I think teams can probably still do more to be smart about age effects,” Octavian and the WHL’s Antony in the triumvirate of Canadian junior Nandakumar said. “My hunch is that they probably haven’t adjusted leagues, did OK. The 18 players chosen from that league represents only down their estimates enough of players with early birthdays who are first- a small decline from its 2009-17 average of 21. year eligible, but often adjusted down too much players who are overagers, when there often is not even a huge age gap between those The critical question as we look at what is now a trend of decline for two sets of players.” major junior is this: where did those picks go? The NHL drafts more players in 2019 than it did in 2009, so where are teams spending their “I don’t think we’re anywhere near a balance,” Iyer added. “(Defenseman) resources? Justin Bergeron shouldn’t have been undrafted with his scoring numbers but there he is undrafted.” The answer: they’re still spending picks in high-end junior leagues. They just increasingly shop leagues in the United States and Europe over Iyer’s example, Bergeron, is arguably a victim of the effect suggested by those in Canada. Nandakumar: too much emphasis on draft year, not enough on date of birth. A 6-foot-1 QMJHL defenseman, Bergeron scored 57 points in 65 One advantage other junior leagues have over the CHL is that they are games this season and then topped the point-per-game mark in a playoff not bound by the NHL-CHL agreement, which puts limits on how quickly run which ended with a league championship (his team would also go on junior prospects can graduate to the professional ranks. to win the Memorial Cup). “The NHL-CHL agreement is directly harmful to prospect development,” That production has to be discounted a bit owing to age, but as a Iyer said. “Basically, in my analysis of prospect scoring in the CHL, September 14 birthday, Bergeron was only barely eligible for the 2018 prospect scoring continues to increase at a linear rate until a player hits draft anyway. He is just 10 days older than first-time eligible Lassi (roughly) 19.5 years of age at which time it drops off, partly due to the Thomson, who went 19th overall. excellent players advancing out but also partly due to the stunting of development by forcing players to stay in the league for 4 years or until The European shift they are 20.”

Canadian major junior hockey has long been a dominant force in NHL If Iyer’s analysis is correct, it could be an argument in favor of drafting player development, but changing attitudes in scouting departments have players from the older side of their respective draft classes, since players also affected pick geography. born before Jan. 1 can jump from the CHL to the professional level a full year earlier than their counterparts born after that cut-off. Of course, “The globalization of hockey has led to the composition of drafted players prospects from other leagues aren’t bound by those restrictions. being vastly different with respect to birth country,” Iyer said. “This past year, more than 40 percent of drafted players were born outside of North “European prospects have much more flexibility in when and how they America, marking an all-time high.” can come to North America and I think that’s played a significant role in allowing those prospects more customizable development timelines,” Iyer In 2008, 52 percent of drafted players came from one of the three major said. Canadian leagues: the OHL, WHL and QMJHL. In 2010, it was 51 percent. Those were particularly good years, but between 2009 and 2016 The same thing is true of the USHL, which has an additional advantage major junior contributed an average of 99 picks to the annual NHL draft over major junior in the late rounds of the draft. A USHL player still and even in their worst year (2014) produced 95. retains the option of going the college route, which allows the team that drafts him to put him on a longer development timeline than major junior The 2019 draft represented a new low point for major junior, which has allows. With both Europe and the USHL, the drafting team has more seen its share of the draft fall every year since 2016. control than it does over players selected out of major junior. Partially this was the result of a historically weak crop of OHL players. Once regarded as a lesser league than its Canadian equivalents, the financial situation and what needs they may be able to fill on the open USHL has evolved. Even ignoring the national team program (which player market. plays games against USHL teams and had 17 players selected), the USHL had as many players plucked from its ranks in 2019 as the OHL It’s also the time of maximum financial flexibility, coming immediately did. Major junior in North America is a four-headed monster, but one of before impressive and often regrettable forays into free agency. those heads is more versatile than the other three. Elasticity is what allowed the New Jersey Devils to buy P.K. Subban at a If the rise of the USHL has been a slow burn, from underappreciated rival steep discount. They could give Nashville a trade with a component to it to equal of the other major North American junior leagues, the that nobody else was willing to offer. emergence of European junior leagues has been far more rapid. “(Taking the full salary) was a big factor,” Predators GM David Poile said In 2009, 20 players were plucked from various European junior leagues after. “I talked to some other teams and some of the components were (primarily Sweden, Russia and Finland). By 2019, that total had more salary retention. All the deals were different in terms of trades and getting than doubled to 47. The Swedish junior system, with 19 prospects players back. This was clearly the deal that allowed us to create the most selected in 2019, nearly equaled the total for all European junior leagues cap space.” 10 years prior. In exchange for taking on the entirety of Subban’s $9-million AAV over Vancouver is a good example to cite because although the Canucks the next three seasons, the Devils parted with just a pair of second-round under Jim Benning have not had a reputation as a particularly picks, a B-level prospect in Jeremy Davies and young third-pair defender progressive team, they do generally get credit for solid work on the draft Steven Santini. floor. The primary objections to the deal from New Jersey’s perspective are the This year, their top pick was the No. 10 selection, and they used it on money and the indisputable fact that Subban is coming off what for him is Vasili Podkolzin, a big, gritty, skilled Russian winger who played at a bad season. Neither argument stands up to scrutiny. varying levels but spent a big chunk of his season in St. Petersburg’s In contracts, it’s almost always better a million too much than a year too junior program. long, and in buying three years the Devils have avoided the long-term After that, Vancouver was literally all over the map. Nils Hoglander, an commitment that would accompany signing – quickly checks notes on undersized and frenetic Swedish pro, went in the second round. After a free agent defensemen – Tyler Myers. Buying the age-30, -31 and -32 pick in the OHL and one in the WHL, the Canucks went to Russia, seasons of a top-level defenseman is far less risky than a lot of what’s Czechia, spent two picks in the USHL and then tapped the Swedish coming on July 1. junior ranks with their final selection. As for the bad season: no kidding. If Subban was coming off a deserved Competing in the modern scouting game really does require a global third-place Norris finish, as he did in 2018, Nashville wouldn’t be trading perspective. There are still a handful of teams which for whatever reason him for things Ray Shero found in the supply closet. don’t draft out of Europe – when Ottawa spent a fourth-rounder on Viktor Obviously, there’s an element of risk, but being a general manager isn’t Lodin, it marked their first pick outside of North America since 2016 – but about avoiding risk – if you want to do that you have to get into punditry they are a dying breed. and please don’t, I like my job – so much as it is about managing it. This As great an impact as Europe had on the 2019 draft, the shift overseas one comes with reasonable asset and contract expenditure and carries a may not yet be finished. realistic chance of paying off in a big way.

“I would definitely bet that teams are leaving value overseas,” In a league where the Flyers put together a combined package with a Nandakumar said, before referencing some of Iyer’s work on the subject. broadly similar profile to bring in Matt Niskanen and Justin Braun, it’s “If there was no market inefficiency here, all leagues would be roughly extraordinary. equally successful, but as it stands it looks like the Finnish and Swedish “There are a lot of teams that are under pressure from cap woes and leagues have produced better players on average and should be scouted they were one of them,” Shero said in recapping the deal to Corey more.” Masisak. “I wasn’t sure if it was going to come back around to us or not. “Teams have made great strides over the last decade,” Iyer This was the right time and the right moment and if it was there, we acknowledged. “I still think there’s an opportunity for teams to have wanted to do it.” greater impact, particularly in Finland. When you see how strong of a New Jersey was able to take advantage of one team looking to shed hockey nation Finland has become over the last decade and then look salary, but not every club was so ungenerous with its rivals. and see that less than 10 percent of draft picks are coming from Finland, you recognize that could be a market inefficiency. Tampa Bay entered the draft with roughly $76-million in committed cap space and a need to sign a slew of free agents or free agent “Carolina seems to have picked up on this with their recent drafting.” replacements, a group headlined by Brayden Point. Although in Canada The Hurricanes, like the Canucks, picked prospects from all over the it’s easy to get the impression that Mitch Marner represents the entirety world but spent three picks on Finnish players, continuing a trend which of the RFA market, Point had 15 more goals and came in just two points has seen them pick at least one player out of Finland every year since shy to the Toronto winger last year. He is a substantial target – perhaps 2015. That’s the year they took Sebastian Aho in the second round after even more attractive than Marner given that he plays center. a successful season in Finland’s top league – despite not even turning 18 With the Lightning in a bind, GM Julien BriseBois turned to the until the season was over. Vancouver Canucks. The club hosting the 2019 draft proved remarkably Aho followed up that success with a dominant age-18 season in Finland hospitable, not only taking on all of J.T. Miller’s suddenly onerous $5.25- and stepped into the NHL as a fully formed 24-goal/49-point scorer at 19. million contract but surrendering a first-round draft pick and secondary He led Carolina in both regular season and playoff scoring as the budget pieces for the privilege. Canes made a surprising run to the third round of the playoffs. Miller will undoubtedly be a useful player for Vancouver, but in an Salary cap sophistication offseason where the salary cap came in $1.5-million lower than midseason projections and with a partner in no shape to be choosy, the Every draft is ultimately about the selected players, the 200-odd Canucks did not get good value. teenagers who represent that year’s wave of NHL prospects. Over the long haul, those picks define success or failure. Vancouver’s front office seems to lack salary cap sophistication, which is perhaps how the team ended up with six different over-25 forwards who Outside of the top few players, however, they can’t rival the immediate scored fewer than 35 points last year while still being owed $3-million- impact of trades, and it’s difficult to do a draft analysis without also plus per year over multiple future seasons. looking at what the trade market says about teams. The same cannot be said about Carolina, by far the NHL’s best- The draft is that moment in the year where everyone is in the same room, performing discount team last year. Owner Tom Dundon’s operation is everyone is pushing against deadlines – it gets much harder to trade unconventional and even iconoclastic; an approach which ruffles feathers picks after they’re made – and teams have a decent handle on their but is probably necessary for success in an untraditional market and on an unenviable budget. The Hurricanes made two deals: one at the draft, and one on the Monday following it, and they are best considered together.

Toronto, the trading partner in the first deal, was in a tough spot. Patrick Marleau was unhappy, overpaid and thanks to the over-35 contract the new management group inherited from the last one, also owned a highly viscous cap hit.

The trade made sense because as GM Kyle Dubas noted in the aftermath, Toronto and Carolina put different values on the contract.

“Do you value the cap space (of primary importance to Toronto) or do you value the actual cash (paramount for the Hurricanes)?” Dubas asked reporter Jonas Siegel. “In our business now, the way the economics are setup, you have to value both.

“They usually aren’t the same on contracts the way the contracts are structure with different teams, so it was trying to find a balance for what would be fair for the team that’s acquiring him and also trying to protect ourselves.”

The end result was the Leafs paying a first-round pick to shed a $6.25- million cap hit, while Carolina will spend $3.8-million in actual dollars to purchase that same selection. That money comes in the form of an expected buyout for Marleau, though Carolina is still keeping the faint hope alive that the player might be willing to play there.

“The plan would be to meet with Patrick and talk to him, just see where he’s at,” GM Don Waddell said with a shrug. “If he wanted to be a Hurricane we’d certainly love to have him as a Hurricane.”

The second part of the deal followed Monday night, with Carolina announcing the departure of Calvin de Haan in a four-player trade with Chicago which brought back some fringe NHL players.

The structure of de Haan’s contract is backloaded. Carolina paid just $4 million for his first season, which given age and injury (he underwent shoulder surgery in May) is likely to be the best one he plays on his current contract. Chicago will pay him $4.73 million on average the rest of the way, though of course, the Blackhawks’ primary concern is his $4.55-million cap hit.

Even after paying to replace de Haan with a lesser third-pair defenseman – perhaps Gustav Forsling, who came back in the trade – Carolina ends up getting back all the money they just spent to buy that first-rounder. The net result was to take on a first-rounder at the cost of downgrading the third pair, something most teams would happily do most of the time.

The draft reiterated that cap space is a powerful asset, and highlighted the intricacy of maneuvering around the NHL’s byzantine contract system. Teams are not equally good at managing those complexities, and for owners who find their front office somewhat artless in these matters, it’s as easy – and necessary – a fix as there is in the modern game.

Yet, as easy as it is to get frustrated with NHL teams for their slow movement, the draft also made clear that teams are actively looking for advantages and that the search for efficiencies has dragged the entire industry in more productive directions. The league may be conservative, but we’re watching it get smarter in real time.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148676 Websites (after adjusting for inflation) by the end of an eight-year contract. The point where expected surplus value (market value per season minus cap hit) is the highest would represent the ideal term for a player depending The Athletic / How much term should NHL teams give players in free on his age and his on-ice value at the beginning of the contract. For that agency? 27-year-old, the best value comes in at four years.

Here’s what that looks like from ages 21-to-35 depending on the player’s starting value, from elite forward to top-nine forward and elite By Dom Luszczyszyn defenseman to top-four defenseman, followed by a summary of the ideal term for each player type. Jun 27, 2019 That’s probably a lot to take in all at once, but they make for good

reference points for what term makes the most sense for a team’s cap Every offseason teams go into a frenzy on the open market and wind up structure. Here are my main takeaways from this exercise. over-spending on players in decline. Oftentimes, the biggest problem is A team getting a player to lock in to a massive term off a second contract not how much the team actually spends though, it’s for how long. (roughly age 23 and under) can make an absolute killing in earning on- “I’m not worried about six or seven right now. I’m worried about one.” ice value at a steep discount. That applies to almost all forwards and That was former Leafs GM Dave Nonis the day after signing David defenseman as any contract would take a player through the entirety of Clarkson to a day-one albatross contract — a seven-year deal worth 8.2 his peak years with an RFA discount code to boot. There’s generally no percent of the salary cap at the time (that’s $6.7 million with an $81.5 decline to worry about, and with an ever-increasing cap, most deals million salary cap, for those keeping track at home). It’s a deal that finally become highway robbery by the very end. expires at the end of next season, four years after his last NHL game. Defensemen are more worthy of term than forwards. They tend to age That quote is infamous now, but it’s an ideology Nonis isn’t alone in using more gracefully and replacement level value costs more, meaning finding – it speaks to the mindset that many front offices seem to have. The one that actually provides value is worth a lot. present matters much more than the future, especially since cleaning up costly mistakes will be someone else’s job. The best bet for any unrestricted free agent is always less than max term. Elite forwards and defenseman at age 27 still provide value at all It’s a mindset that teams do whatever it takes in a bidding war to get their term lengths, but things get murky quickly once age goes up or value guy and that includes offering more term than the team has any goes down from there. reasonable business giving out to a player already likely on the downswing of their career. In year one, most UFA contracts look Aside from elite defensemen, if a player is 30 or older, the limit to any passably fine as teams usually get what they pay for, but it doesn’t take contract should be three years. A team can get away with more if the long after that for regret to set in. player is near the top of the lineup, but it’s definitely a riskier idea.

That’s plain to see every year as teams pay exorbitant prices to get out of It generally seems like a safe bet to give a top line forward a lengthy past deals after players struggle to live up to their bloated price tag. Part deal, but unless they’re elite players, it’s very unlikely they’ll live up to it of that comes from a general misconception about player aging — by the end. That’s surprising to me because they’re still top tier players, usually, players have already peaked by the time they reach unrestricted but the age curve isn’t kind to even them. status. The charts above also work as a guide for how much a team can get Couple that with a lengthy six- or seven-year term and the player a team away with overpaying a player relative to market value. For an elite 21- signs now will usually be a shade of himself by the end of the deal. year-old forward on an eight-year deal, there’s a lot more leeway for There’s hope that they provide enough surplus value in the front half of overpayment as he’s expected to bring $28 million in surplus value – or the deal to make up for the decline in the back half – and there’s roughly $3.5 million per season – due to the systemic underpayment of generally a concerted effort in the contract structure that suggests that – restricted free agents. A team can get away with going over his market but that’s a hard sell given some of the exorbitant salaries players get in value. For a 27-year-old elite forward on the open market, it’s a very the first few years of their deal, which is well above their current worth. different story, peaking at $3 million at most in year six, meaning a team The cap hit is usually the strongest indicator of the player’s market value can overpay by $500,000 per season. It means little room for error on the and it’s not value that holds very long in many cases. For a majority of free market where overpayments can be really costly and get out of unrestricted free agents, term is the enemy from a team’s perspective. control.

Like any rule, there are exceptions and every situation depends on After all that, there’s really two basic rules of thumb when it comes to context, but generally speaking, a large majority of UFA contracts would term. The above charts can be referenced for minutiae, but it all boils be much more palatable for the team with a significantly shorter term down to giving term to two types of players: very young players and/or attached to it. Maybe doing so means losing out on a guy or two or all of very good players. If the player is not elite, under 25, or both, then it’s them until the market corrects itself, but in the long run, a team will be in rarely worth it. much better shape without any poison pills (which UFA deals have a much higher probability of becoming) on the books. It’s a rule most teams don’t seem to follow as sixth and seventh years are given out like candy on Halloween in the opening days of free agency, an But how much term is too much? I’ve set out to create a guide based on act that almost always handcuffs their future. The players have all the the projected surplus value relative to projected cap-hit a player is leverage here, and more power to them for using it, but from the team’s expected to provide during the duration of his contract based on his age perspective it leads to regret more often than not. and present-day value. Here’s a step-by-step guide of the process: Someday, teams will start worrying about years six and seven as much Create a player value model as years one and two – and they’ll be in a much better position for it. Until then, the next free agent mistake will be there waiting on July 1 to sign Find the relationship between player value and market value along the dotted line. This is a hugely important step as the high relationship suggests my model represents a worthwhile representation of market value as assessed by Evolving Hockey’s contract projection model. The Athletic LOADED: 06.28.2019 Use an age curve to figure out the player’s value throughout the contract

Apply the market value to each year’s player value, adjusted for inflation (about 3.5 percent over last five seasons) and baked-in age effects from salary structure (I used 7.5 percent)

If all that still doesn’t make much sense, here’s an example.

An average top-line forward is worth about 2.4 wins which comes out to a projected cap hit of $7.5 million per season. At, let’s say, 27-years-old, that forward aging at a typical rate would be worth 1.1 wins and $6 million 1148677 Websites (Ryan) Poehling. If they progress the way we think they are, I hate to three years from now (be forced) to move one of those kids to make room for a guy that just signed a week from now that I can’t move.”

Sportsnet.ca / Signing Matt Duchene a complicated, unlikely scenario for The thing is, signing Duchene all but guarantees Bergevin will find Canadiens himself in that position. Domi’s contract expires at the end of next season and he’ll be due a massive raise on his $3.15-million salary if he comes close to matching his 2018-19 output of 28 goals and 72 points. And, in Eric Engels light of restricted free agents who are coming out of entry-level contracts and attempting to sign ground-shifting deals, Kotkaniemi and Poehling June 27, 2019, 2:45 PM could cost a pretty penny come summer of 2021.

And those are just some of the cap implications of signing Duchene. MONTREAL — Matt Duchene met with the Montreal Canadiens on Another big one is not having any other money available to shop for a Wednesday. left-side defenceman that qualifies as a top-four upgrade — forcing the Matt Duchene, the 28-year-old centre who scored 31 goals and 70 points Canadiens to look exclusively at trade options to address that glaring in 73 games split between the Ottawa Senators and Columbus Blue weakness. Jackets this past season. Matt Duchene, a first-line player who’s in his That could mean parting with a top-nine winger — Bergevin would have prime. He doesn’t fill Montreal’s most pressing need, which is on to get rid of one regardless to make room for Duchene or Domi to move defence, but he’s almost impossible to turn away from. to the wing — and potentially losing a valued prospect or a high-end draft The thing is, we’re not convinced it’s a fit for either side. pick, too (assets he’s adamant he doesn’t want to part with for short-term gain). Granted, the Canadiens aren’t loaded with top-end talent up front, and Duchene can help. They may have a good balance at all three forward It would be an exorbitant price to pay considering what P.K. Subban positions, and scoring by committee, but not so much that they can just moved to the New Jersey Devils for and what Calvin de Haan moved to ignore a premiere scorer who might prefer them to any other team in the the Chicago Blackhawks for in cap-clearing trades over the past week, league as he closes in on the most important contract of his career. but it’s the type of package sources informed us the Philadelphia Flyers asked for when the Canadiens checked in on the availability of 26-year- And on Duchene’s end of it, he’s a Haliburton, Ont., native who grew up old defenceman Shayne Gostisbehere. cheering for the Canadiens. We imagine he recognizes a chance to fulfill a childhood dream and do so with a team that has a young and talented Maybe a 28-year-old Nick Leddy would cost less to pry away from the core emerging in Montreal, a team anchored by one of the best New York Islanders. A 29-year-old T.J. Brodie, who’s played mostly on goaltenders in the world in Carey Price and one of the most respected the right side but can play on the left, almost certainly wouldn’t command defencemen in the game in Shea Weber, and a team he sees an as much in a trade with the Calgary Flames. opportunity to win a Stanley Cup with in the near future. But Bergevin wouldn’t be dealing from a position of strength with the We also know Duchene’s doing his due diligence, making sure he Canadiens up against the cap and desperate to fill a need. explores every option and guaranteeing he maximizes his earning He’d also be at a deficit to sign a capable, experienced backup potential by showing potential suitors there’s competition for his services. goaltender, and that would be problematic given that it’s a need he said He’s doing what anyone in his position would do, and that all makes he intends on filling through free agency. sense. The bottom line is that signing Duchene, while enticing, complicates It’s the part where Duchene leaves a boatload of money on the table things for the Canadiens. That’s something Duchene has to consider, (taxes are considerably higher in Quebec than they are in Tennessee, too, as he weighs his options — especially assuming he wants to be paid where the Nashville Predators, a team that appears closer to the Stanley to the full potential of his market value and that he wants to have an Cup than the Canadiens, are meeting with him on Thursday) that we opportunity to compete for the Stanley Cup year after year with his new can’t quite reconcile. team. Here’s another thing we’re struggling to figure out: Why would the Anything’s possible, and Bergevin’s always cautioned us to expect the Canadiens significantly alter their plans to bring in a player who has unexpected, but we’re not holding our breath on Duchene donning a undeniable talent but doesn’t quite push them over the edge? Canadiens jersey when the market officially opens on July 1. Consider that just one week ago Montreal general manager Marc

Bergevin said he was doubling down on the long-term reset he embarked on in the summer of 2017. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 06.28.2019 “We’re going to continue to go with youth and speed,” he said prior to the Vancouver draft. “We’re heading in the right direction.”

Adding Duchene for top dollar on a long-term contract means deviating to a degree. Signing him to a contract that we suspect would carry a $9-to- $10-million annual average value over as many as seven seasons (just based on what he’s done as a player and what other pending free agents like Jeff Skinner and Kevin Hayes recently signed for) will force the Canadiens to make significant changes.

To start with, Montreal would have to free up some money to gain some breathing room under the $81.5 million upper limit of next year’s salary cap. They have 24 players signed and just under $9 million in space.

You’d have to think buying out the remaining three years of Karl Alzner’s $23.1 million contract is close to being a must. And that’s a move that, while bringing relief over the long run, could handcuff the Canadiens next year and the year after if the cap doesn’t rise much in the short term.

We’re not saying Bergevin wouldn’t do it, but exercising that option to sign Duchene doesn’t particularly jive too well with the notion he advanced last Friday — that he’s proceeding with caution.

“As far as adding (through free agency), yes I’m always looking to add, but I need to be responsible,” Bergevin said. “We have some young players coming through — KK (Jesperi Kotkaniemi), Max Domi, even 1148678 Websites Bobrovsky was in Florida earlier this week, expected to meet with the Panthers, before departing for New York City.

The New York Rangers are positioned for a big off-season, but it’s the Sportsnet.ca / NHL Rumour Roundup: Sharks' Joe Pavelski on the Islanders that might turn out to be the most intriguing. GM Lou Lamoriello move? hasn’t signed starting netminder Robin Lehner to an extension after his incredible comeback season — The Athletic’s Arthur Staple says the two sides are far from agreeing to terms. Lamoriello’s got more than $20 Emily Sadler | @EmmySadler million in cap space to work with (it remains unclear if some of that might still be going to Anders Lee) and might just make a splash with a pair of June 27, 2019, 5:33 PM former Blue Jackets…

Bobrovsky and Panarin a package deal? San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson locked up one major pending UFA in You can’t mention Bobrovsky without also talking about Artemi Panarin. Erik Karlsson but has a lot more difficult maneuvering ahead if he’s to The Russians have a strong friendship, and it wouldn’t be surprising to survive free agency with the Sharks (mostly) in tact and under the cap. see them both land on the same team once again, considering the The closer we get to July 1, the more it feels like we could be nearing the markets they’re targeting. end of an era between Joe Pavelski and the Sharks. The veteran It has long been reported that Panarin’s free agency interests are set on centreman has spent all 13 of his NHL seasons in a teal sweater, with The Sunshine State — his old coach, Joel Quenneville, is there and the the captain’s C stitched on for the past four. lack of income tax helps, too. Panthers GM Dale Tallon certainly sounds As of Sunday, pending UFAs are free to meet with teams, which means hopeful: plenty of fresh rumours and reports as we near July 1. We’ll start with the But he’s also been linked to The Big Apple, having expressed his desire latest on Pavelski. to play in a big city. Staple is reporting that a play for Bobrovsky would As Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman indicated in his latest edition of 31 “almost certainly” also include trying to lock up Panarin, too. Now that Thoughts, the Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning and Chicago could be fun. Blackhawks are the top teams to watch should Joe Pavelski leave San Talbot wants another shot Jose. And while Colorado could make sense considering all the cap space they’ve got, term could be an issue there. The Philadelphia Flyers’ goaltender situation got a little clearer on Wednesday when they signed veteran Brian Elliott to a one-year Per reports, Pavelski met with Dallas brass on Wednesday followed by a extension. Unfortunately for Cam Talbot, that might mean another move. trip to Tampa Bay. The 31-year-old started just four games for the Flyers last season after Pavelski’s age won’t do him many favours when it comes to landing term being traded to Philly in February and wants a shot at getting back to on his next deal — he’ll be 35 on July 11 — but his stats certainly earn being a No. 1. him plenty of bargaining power. He led the Sharks in goals in 2018-19 Another quick note on a netminder: with 38 — that’s tied for the second-highest goal total of his career — and finished with 64 points in 75 games for his eighth season with 60- Hall starting to weigh options? plus points. He’s coming off a five-year pact paying $6 million a year, and there’s no reason to believe he’d take a pay cut, especially considering Taylor Hall still has one more year on his contract and can sign an his next contract is likely to be a shorter one. extension on July 1. He’s got plenty to weigh before then, and it sounds like this will be an intriguing case to watch. The Sharks have just shy of $15 million in cap space with several notable names needing new deals — among them Kevin Labanc (RFA), Timo Meier (RFA), Joonas Donskoi (UFA), and Joe Thornton (UFA). Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 06.28.2019 Of course, Pavelski might just find the best negotiations take place at home. You can never count Wilson out.

“I don’t think anybody should rush to conclusions on anything,” Wilson said via The Associated Press on Thursday. “There’s many ways to accomplish different things. My history over the years, you explore everything.”

Head coach Pete DeBoer said he’s remaining optimistic:

“He’s our captain. He’s our leader. He’s a really hard guy to replace, borderline irreplaceable,” DeBoer told NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti last week. “So I’m hopeful. I don’t play a role in that. There’s a lot of different things that go into those decisions both for him and the team, but I’m hopeful and I think he wants to be back, so that gives me optimism.”

The Nashville Predators have long been considered the front-runner to sign UFA centre Matt Duchene — and, by all accounts, it still sounds like it could be a great match for both sides, with Duchene visiting Nashville on Thursday.

A meeting with the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday added some more intrigue to Duchene’s UFA options:

In addition to Duchene, Keith Kinkaid also met with the Canadiens. The backup goalie had spent his entire NHL career with the New Jersey Devils prior to being dealt to the Columbus Blue Jackets at the trade deadline. Antti Niemi was the Canadiens’ backup in 2018-19 but the veteran signed overseas earlier this month.

Luongo’s departure leaves Panthers with a job opening

Sergei Bobrovsky and the Florida Panthers have felt like a perfect match since we first started looking into the upcoming UFA class. Now in the aftermath of Roberto Luongo’s retirement announcement on Wednesday, there’s officially a vacancy in the Panthers’ blue paint. 1148679 Websites back at a reduced cost, but there will be a wider market for this left-shot defender.

Curtis Lazar, Calgary Flames Sportsnet.ca / 7 notable unqualified RFAs who are now UFA-eligible The 17th overall pick in the 2013 draft, Lazar had 20 goals and 41 points in 57 AHL games this past season and provided some organizational Rory Boylen | @RoryBoylen depth for the Flames, but with the likes of Dillon Dube, Alan Quine and Andrew Mangiapane getting priority in call-ups, he ultimately wasn’t June 27, 2019, 1:53 PM worth it for the team to qualify.

Lazar won’t hit the potential he had with the Ottawa Senators (maybe McDonald’s ruined him?) but he’s worth bringing in for cheap to be a We know all about the big fish in this summer’s free agent pond. fourth-line NHLer/AHL leader next season. Even with Erik Karlsson being taken off the market since re-signing with Kerby Rychel, Calgary Flames the Sharks, headliners Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky remain. Centre Matt Duchene has already visited with Montreal and will soon visit Very similar to Lazar, Rychel was the 19th overall pick in 2013 who has a with the Predators, among others. Jake Gardiner and Tyler Myers top the good track record of AHL production (23 goals, 43 points in 57 games UFA defencemen list. Joe Pavelski has scored at least 29 goals in five of this past season), but minimal NHL experience. Only once has he gotten the past six seasons and may leave San Jose, while declining veterans into more than five NHL games in a season. Corey Perry, Jason Spezza and could give a team could value when they ultimately sign at a reduced price. A two-way contract is worth taking a flyer on here for someone. He has good enough pedigree and will be a help to at least someone’s AHL Earlier this week teams had one more decision to make prior to free team, but again like Lazar, is a decent option to turn to for the fourth line agency opening July 1: to qualify or not qualify certain RFAs. All the big in case of injury. ones were no brainers: Sebastian Aho, Mitch Marner, Patrik Laine, Kyle Connor — all the potential offer sheet targets who make this summer’s Brett Ritchie, Dallas Stars RFA class so loaded got their qualifying offers. But there were a number Three seasons ago Ritchie posted 16 goals for the Stars, but has just 11 of RFAs who didn’t, either because the team chose to part with them, or goals combined over the past two. His previous contract paid out a $1.75 because a qualifying offer made their next contract too expensive. Some million AAV, so that become too much for a Stars team hoping to spend of these players are still negotiating with their former teams for a smaller some in free agency to upgrade the top six. But there’s an NHL player in AAV. Ritchie.

Those RFAs left unqualified now become UFAs on July 1 and are added Here’s what we’re wondering: the St. Louis Blues’ Stanley Cup win put to the pool. They should be cheap targets to fill out depth, and perhaps “old school, big body hockey” back on the map and Boston’s presence in will turn in terrific performances next season. Remember, last summer the Final drove home how important having depth is in your bottom six. Robin Lehner (Buffalo) and Petr Mrazek (Philadelphia) were unqualified Not only does Ritchie have that goal scoring upside, he’s six-foot-four, RFAs who went on to have solid seasons in their new destinations. 220 pounds and was third among all Dallas forwards in hits with 126 Are there any diamonds in the rough like those two this summer? Here’s despite only playing 53 games. He won’t get paid a ton, but the timing of a quick look at some notable players who were left unqualified. this may end up working out OK in the end for Ritchie.

Nathan Beaulieu, Winnipeg Jets Joakim Ryan, San Jose Sharks

Just two years ago Beaulieu averaged nearly 20 minutes a game for the At one point he was Brent Burns’ defence partner, but Ryan couldn’t stick Montreal Canadiens, was used on their second power play unit, and there and come playoff time he regularly saw less than 10 minutes a compiled a 28-point season. Not bad. The Buffalo Sabres were able to game. But some of his underlying numbers are at least intriguing for a trade just a third-round pick for him when he became an RFA that 26-year-old left-shot defenceman to become a third-pair option. At 5-on- summer and inked him to a two-year extension. It seemed like a pretty 5, Ryan’s expected goals for percentage was 53.81 and the Sharks got good deal for Buffalo, but Beaulieu never hit there. His ice time dropped 52.69 per cent of the shots when he was on the ice, per Natural Stat by four minutes, he was a non-factor on the power play, and he failed to Trick. He was sheltered for the most part, though, with 64.18 per cent of hit even 10 points in 59 games. His role was slashed even further this his starts coming in the offensive zone and doesn’t produce much in the past season and he was moved to Winnipeg for depth at the trade way of offence. deadline for just a sixth-round pick. Ryan Hartman, Dallas Stars

The Jets didn’t qualify him for mostly salary cap reasons. He saw a little A first-round pick, 30th overall, by Chicago in 2013, it’s hard to believe time with Jacob Trouba after the trade, but that’s not the ideal role for Hartman was traded to Nashville for a first-round pick at the 2018 trade him. Beaulieu is a third pair player who should come rather cheap, and deadline. He managed just six points in 21 regular season games and has an offensive lean to his game. He doesn’t need to play 20 minutes, three points in nine playoff games for the Predators the rest of the way but use him in soft situations and the left-shot blueliner could be a decent and then this season he scored 10 times for them in 64 games. Hartman pick up. was dealt again at the 2019 trade deadline to Philadelphia in exchange Ben Hutton, Vancouver Canucks for Wayne Simmonds, and then earlier this week the Flyers shipped him to Dallas for Tyler Pitlick, who is signed for one more season at $1 A top four defenceman in Vancouver the past four seasons, there are two million. By then leaving Hartman unqualified, the Stars used the deal to ways to look at the 26-year-old Hutton. Through one prism, he’s a player make a little more cap space. who saw 22:21 of ice time per game this season, with a good amount of usage on both the power play and penalty kill units. On the other, the But we have to know, is Hartman even aware of all that’s happened to analytically inclined crowd will point to his underlying numbers as a bit of his NHL stock this week? a worry — when Hutton was on the ice Vancouver got just 44.23 per cent of the 5-on-5 shots this past season, which was better than only Erik Gudbranson among Canucks blueliners. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 06.28.2019

Hutton is, however, a decent defencemen as far as zone exits and entries with control go. He’s not a star here and isn’t a top pair blueliner by any measure, but for a third-pair guy to have that kind of confidence and ability isn’t a bad thing. And in an injury pinch, he’d be capable of moving up the lineup for a period without being an anchor.

Vancouver let him go because of the chance he’d walk out of arbitration a $4 million-plus player following a heavy-usage season. Debate amongst yourselves whether you’d prefer that or Tyler Myers at $7 million plus. Vancouver is reportedly still interested in bringing Hutton 1148680 Websites liability, said the NHL informed him last Thursday that Vancouver would be charged when Luongo retired.

“It had nothing to do with us, but we have to live with it,” Benning told Sportsnet.ca / Roberto Luongo leaves a brilliant, complex and expensive Sportsnet. “We always knew it was there. The only good thing is that it’s Canucks legacy better (to have it happen) now than in another year or two.”

The Canucks were going to have to pay the full amount over whatever Iain MacIntyre | @imacSportsnet term remained on Luongo’s contract if he retired before it ended, so Benning would have faced a devastating cap charge in 2021-22 had the June 27, 2019, 3:15 PM goalie left the NHL with one year still on his deal.

To be fair to Gillis, it’s not like Benning hasn’t had any benefit from Luongo’s time in Vancouver. Canuck starting goalie Jacob Markstrom VANCOUVER – Will this goaltending soap opera never end for the was acquired in Gillis’ 2014 trade. Vancouver Canucks? With the Luongo penalty applied, CapFriendly.com shows the Canucks Actually, yes it will. It will be over three years and $9,099,618 from now. with $15.5 million of salary-cap space still available for next season after Turns out Roberto Luongo was right. But his contract really was the only the NHL and its Players Association agreed on the weekend to suppress thing that sucked about the Hall-of-Fame goaltender who retired the 2019-20 upper limit to $81.5 million. Comically, this is because Wednesday at age 40, unable to push his often-injured body through players didn’t like seeing so much of their paycheques withheld in escrow another summer of preparation for a National Hockey League season. to ensure they didn’t exceed the percentage of NHL revenue they’re guaranteed. Ryan Dixon and Rory Boylen go deep on pucks with a mix of facts and fun, leaning on a varied group of hockey voices to give their take on the “What do we want? Less! When do we want it? Now!” is a unique battle country’s most beloved game. cry among labour unions.

Netflix could make a series – it would run for years – about Luongo’s time Benning has still to re-sign top winger Brock Boeser, who could make $7- with the Canucks from 2006 until he was returned in a trade to the 8 million annually on his next contract, and the Canucks are expected to Florida Panthers on March 4, 2014. About how his acquisition rebranded be aggressive in chasing free-agent defenceman Tyler Myers on July 1. and legitimized the Canuck franchise, and launched it into a golden era Still, the team shouldn’t have much trouble absorbing the Luongo penalty that saw Vancouver win six division titles, two Presidents’ Trophies and over the next two seasons. But the Canucks will have to budget for it in make it to Game 7 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Final. And how Luongo, one 2021-22, when potential superstars Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes of the best ever at his position, became hero, then villain and eventually will be starting their second contracts. a beautiful human as vulnerable and fallible as the rest of us. Other than ex-GM Dave Nonis’ trade to acquire him, there was little But somewhere in the final episode, when you think the saga might have about Luongo that came cheaply. He absorbed so much energy and a happy ending after all, a man in black named Gary Bettman, after money during his time in Vancouver, and Gillis’ two-year trade mission to lurking in the background for years, will appear and hammer down his shed his salary became a sideshow. But besides being a brilliant justice with vengeance. goaltender, Luongo was also one of the most complex and compelling The epilogue will explain that the Canucks, due to the astounding back- figures in Canuck history. By the end of his transformation, Luongo’s dating of a sensible rule change that retroactively made them guilty of humility and obvious goodness matched his ability and endeared him to doing something that had been perfectly legal, must now repay the NHL fans. for the salary-cap savings it enjoyed over four seasons by creatively Was Luongo worth it in Vancouver? All of that money – even now? Damn structuring the 12-year, $64-million contract extension that Luongo right, he was. signed in 2010 and would famously later lament.

The $8.5-million savings, the difference between Luongo’s actual salary and salary-cap charge from the start of the 2010-11 season until his Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 06.28.2019 trade 3.5 years later, has hung over the Vancouver franchise like a threat since his trade to the Panthers five years ago.

The Canucks had hoped, given the chronic injuries Luongo endured and even cited in explaining his retirement, that the goalie might spend the rest of his contract on the injured list and spare his final two employers the cap-recapture penalty. That punitive measure was introduced with the NHL’s current Collective Bargaining Agreement in 2013 and, to the astonishment of legal scholars everywhere, applied retroactively to punish a few teams that exploited the previous CBA for long-term “back- diving” contracts. Even as NHL Central Registry endorsed them as legal, these contracts embarrassed the league and angered a lot of managers.

The CBA revision instantly became knows as “The Luongo Rule.”

Former Canuck assistant general manager Laurence Gilman, chief architect of the Luongo contract, explained long ago: “There is a difference between tax evasion and tax avoidance. This is tax avoidance.”

Well, like a leathery, battle-hardened Old West sheriff, Bettman always gets his man.

Since the Canucks retained $800,000 of Luongo’s salary for the last five- plus seasons he played with the Panthers, Vancouver’s salary-cap “benefit” accrued, and the total bill charged by the NHL is $9,099,618. It will be applied against the Canucks’ salary cap in installments of $3,033,206 over the next three seasons.

The Panthers are on the hook for $1,094,128 for each year until the expiration of Luongo’s 12-year contract in 2022.

Canuck general manager Jim Benning, who replaced Mike Gillis in 2014 and had none of the benefit of Luongo’s play but all of the cap-recapture 1148681 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / Ryan Reynolds shouts out Hayley Wickenheiser after HHOF news

Mike Johnston | @MikeyJ_MMA

June 28, 2019, 1:00 AM

Hayley Wickenheiser has received plenty of congratulations from around the sports world this week after being selected to the Hockey Hall of Fame class of 2019.

The praise continued Thursday when actor Ryan Reynolds, one of the most recognizable Canadians on the planet, congratulated the women’s hockey pioneer with a tweet sent out to his 14 million followers.

The Hollywood superstar is from Vancouver, the city in which Wickenheiser won the third of her four Olympic gold medals, but their connection goes a bit beyond that.

Reynolds and Wickenheiser were both added to Canada’s Walk of Fame in Toronto at the same time in 2014. Apparently, though, that wasn’t the first time they met.

“I do remember Ryan Reynolds being at the Oval in Calgary learning how to skate for a movie that he did,” she told the National Post five years ago. “A long time ago. I think I was one of the ones who taught him how to skate. There were a few athletes who gave him lessons, and I was one of them.”

For Wickenheiser, the Hall of Fame trumps the Walk of Fame.

“Outside of winning an Olympic gold medal, for a personal accomplishment, this is probably the holy grail,” Wickenheiser said earlier this week. “You’re with the best players to have ever played the game, male and female. It’s pretty cool. I had just so many different people reaching out from both the male and female side. It brought back a lot of memories from the different eras of my hockey career.”

The two have also worked together at various charitable events over the years.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 06.28.2019 1148682 Websites agents, on team-friendly contracts. A rival team could offer both players a reasonable pay bump – one earning as high as $4.1-million per year, say, and another earning as low as $4.3-million per year. Depending on TSN.CA / Sharks, Capitals intriguing options for dual offer sheets how you rated them (both did score 20 goals last year), you could escalate it higher than that and really put the Maple Leafs in a pinch. Unfortunately it sounds like the ship may be sailing on this opportunity, but it’s hard to find a better example than the one existing in Toronto. Travis Yost (Especially with Marner still outstanding.)

Washington Capitals: Jakub Vrana had an outstanding 2018-19 season, Offer sheets are a rare occurrence in the NHL. The last offer sheet and has proven to be a very capable middle-six forward. The team has signed was back in February of 2013, when the Calgary Flames tried to held enough money back to retain both players, but they may want to sign then Avalanche centre Ryan O’Reilly to a two-year, $10-million keep some space protected as they attempt to improve the roster come contract. Colorado immediately matched. July 1. It would seem likely that Vrana – especially after the season he had – would be a logical re-sign, which opens up the idea of the winger Every summer since that offer sheet, we have speculated about how Burakovsky to be targeted by another club. many others we might see (the answer, every year, has been zero) and the impact it might have on the NHL landscape. The offer sheet San Jose Sharks: This might be the most enticing of all of the groups discussions have hit an apex over the last month or so, exacerbated by available. After signing Erik Karlsson to a monster max contract, money the salary cap crunch a number of teams are experiencing heading into is tight again in San Jose. They have Joe Pavelski, Joe Thornton and the off-season. Once again, we are left to ruminate over which teams Gustav Nyquist sitting without contracts, and Timo Meier and Kevin might be willing to make the mega offer for a restricted free agent like Labanc sitting as restricted free agents. Meier’s 74-point 2018-19 season Toronto’s Mitch Marner, Tampa Bay’s Brayden Point, or Colorado’s surely spiked his contractual demands, but you wonder if you can draw Mikko Rantanen. interest from Meier by way of a shorter-term bridge deal at the top of the compensation range (around $6-million AAV), and parlay that with a Isn’t that what always happens? We pull out the handful of restricted free smaller-sized contract the way of Kevin Labanc. Meier is an integral agents that should command a significant pay bump, then theorize which piece for San Jose and they will fight hard to keep him. To that end, teams could bring them in by way of an offer sheet. But that’s why offer perhaps targeting Labanc – who had 56 points last year – in a lower tier sheets have largely been misunderstood. Teams don’t look to move could bring an impact middle-six forward at a very reasonable price. superstar players. And even if they are considering it, you still need another team to internally justify the idea of trading as many as four first- Enjoy the opening of free agency! round picks – not to mention adding a significant salary – for one player in a hard cap league. TSN.CA LOADED: 06.28.2019 Compounding the issue, compensation brackets for offer sheets are exponential, not linear. The better the player, the more penalizing the compensation becomes:

Instead of focusing on the most premium talent, focus on the middle tiers of the compensation table. For 2019, a player who signs an offer sheet between $2.1 million and $4.2 million would require a second-round pick for compensation; a player who signs an offer sheet between $4.2 million and $6.3 million would require a first-round pick and a third-round pick for compensation. In other words: a team could strategically tender two offer sheets at the same time and put a cap-strapped or cash-poor team in a contract bind.

I have written about dual offer sheets a few times in the past, most recently in 2015. There, I mentioned the idea of using dual offer sheets to attack a few teams with budding and developing players. The best example in retrospect concerned the Ottawa Senators, who had Mark Stone, Mike Hoffman and Mika Zibanejad coming due in the same year. (I would be remiss to not note that Ottawa has since traded all three of those players.) In 2016, teams could have targeted Washington’s Dmitri Orlov and Marcus Johansson, or Minnesota’s Matt Dumba and Darcy Kuemper.

So what does it look like for the summer of 2019? Let’s start with the teams we believe are financially restricted right now and work backwards. CapFriendly shows 12 teams feeling varying degrees of cap pressure. Some, like Vegas, have no space left. Others, like San Jose, have space today but will see that space erode as the size of their active roster increases.

Our pool of targeted teams is 12. Now we need to tease out teams who have multiple restricted free agents due this year. The below table shows players who could be vulnerable to a dual offer sheet strategy:

Your pool of teams definitely dwindles from here. Vegas, for example, is already reportedly dangling Nikita Gusev as a sweetener to move salary elsewhere. Teams like Pittsburgh and Chicago just don’t have any meaningful restricted free agent assets worth targeting for our middle tier.

But a few teams offer intriguing options. In no particular order, some of the more interesting opportunities available:

Toronto Maple Leafs: Mitch Marner has commanded all of the attention as the biggest name restricted free agent in Toronto, and perhaps anywhere. But while we are all speculating whether or not Marner will land an eight-figure (per year!) contract, an opportunity may have been missed. The Maple Leafs are reportedly close to extending both Andreas Johnsson and Kasperi Kapanen, two other valuable restricted free 1148683 Websites Winner: Alexander Radulov signed a five-year, $31.25 million free agent contract with the Dallas Stars in 2017. He has registered 56 goals and 144 points over his first two seasons.

USA TODAY / Winners and losers: NHL free agent signings have Loser: Kevin Shattenkirk turned down better offers to sign with the New produced mixed results in recent years York Rangers, the team he grew up cheering for. He accepted a four- deal worth $6.65 million per season. But he hasn’t lived up to expectations, registering only 28 points this past season. Kevin Allen, USA TODAY

Published 1:37 p.m. ET June 27, 2019 | Updated 1:41 p.m. ET June 27, 2019 USA TODAY LOADED: 06.28.2019

Former NHL general manager Brian Burke once said GMs “make more mistakes on July 1 than we make the whole rest of the year put together.”

July 1 is the first day to sign free agents.

But the Boston Bruins signed Zdeno Chara on July 1, 2006, and 13 years later he’s still playing for the organization.

The reality is signing unrestricted free agents has been an effective strategy for some teams and disastrous for others. Last July, the St. Louis Blues signed free agents Tyler Bozak, and Pat Maroon, and all three players contributed to the Blues' Stanley Cup. They combined for 15 postseason goals.

Here is a sampling of free agent winners and losers of recent years:

Winner: In 2016, the Minnesota Wild signed to a three-year contract worth $10.5 million. Staal appeared to be on the decline when that deal was reached. But Staal netted 92 goals over those three seasons and earned an extension that will pay him $6.5 million over the next two seasons.

Loser: In the same summer, the New York Islanders gave Andrew Ladd a seven-year deal worth $38.5 million. He scored 23 goals in his first season, but he only had eight assists. In his second season, his total was 12 goals and 29 points. In his third season, he was undermined by injury and finished with 11 points in 26 games.

Winner: In 2017, the Carolina Hurricanes gave Justin Williams a two-year contract worth $9 million. He gave them exactly what they needed – two seasons of topping the 50-point mark and the leadership and dressing room presence to help the team get back in the playoffs after not qualifying for more than a decade.

Coincidentally, he will be an unrestricted free agent again on July 1.

Loser: In the same summer, goalie Steve Mason signed with the Winnipeg Jets for two years at $4.1 million per season. He played 13 games for Jets, was traded to the Montreal Canadiens the following summer and then immediately released. He hasn't played in the NHL since.

Winner: After speculation Steven Stamkos would leave the Tampa Bay Lightning as an unrestricted free agent in the 2016 offseason, Stamkos accepted their offer of $68 million over eight seasons. The Lightning and Stamkos are both happy about that decision.

Loser: With Stamkos off the market, Milan Lucic was the prominent free agent. He signed a seven-year deal worth $42 million with the Oilers.

He was brought with the idea that he could be a scoring winger and a protector for Connor McDavid. But with the game growing younger and faster, Lucic has not been able to keep up since he arrived in Edmonton. He had 23 goals his first season, 10 in his second and six in his third. The Oilers can’t get rid of his contract.

Winner: In 2017-2018, Perron helped the Vegas Golden Knights reach the Stanley Cup Final and then signed with the Blues that offseason. The Blues won it all in 2019. Perron registered 16 goals and 66 points in 70 games for the Golden Knights and then scored 23 goals with 46 points in 57 games with the Blues.

Loser: James Neal was Perron’s teammate in Las Vegas in 2017-18 when Neal scored 25 goals. Neal signed with the Calgary Flames that summer and the results have been disastrous. He only scored seven goals this past season. His five-year, $28.75 million contract is near- impossible to move.