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SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 07/19/16

Arizona Coyotes 1022291 Arizona Coyotes name management staff for Tucson American Hockey League team

Boston Bruins 1022292 Kevin Dean named coach of Providence Bruins 1022293 Kevin Dean named Providence Bruins coach 1022294 DEBRUSK SHINES IN CAMP AFTER TRAUMATIC INJURY LAST SEASON 1022295 HAGGERTY: BRUINS' LONG-TERM FUTURE ON DEFENSE LOOKS BRIGHT 1022296 BRUINS EXPECTED TO NAME KEVIN DEAN AS HEAD COACH OF P-BRUINS Buffalo Sabres 1022297 Sabres dealing with a muddy case in trying to re-sign Girgensons Carolina Hurricanes 1022298 Talking point: Should Jordan Staal be captain? Columbus Blue Jackets 1022299 Columbus native Jack Roslovic signs with Winnipeg Dallas Stars 1022300 Stars sign AHL winger Matej Stransky to one-year deal Detroit Red Wings 1022301 Detroit Red Wings’ Drew Miller inexpensive grinder to kill penalties 1022302 Detroit Red Wings' Street Hockey Tour offers kids detailed instruction 1022303 Red Wings monitor heart rates for performance 1022304 Ask Ansar: What glut of forwards could mean for some Red Wings

Florida Panthers 1022305 New Panthers forward Colton Sceviour far from a finished product

Montreal Canadiens 1022306 Canadiens owner Geoff Molson says handling superstars isn’t easy Nashville Predators 1022307 P.K. Subban's impact with Predators already felt 1022308 See P.K. Subban in full Predators uniform New Jersey Devils 1022309 Devils re-sign defenseman Reece Scarlett 1022310 How Devils handle tryouts through development camp 1022311 Everything you missed from Devils development camp 1022312 Scarlett agrees to new deal New York Islanders 1022313 Islanders’ new owners willing to spend more for free agents New York Rangers 1022314 Rangers Send Derick Brassard to Ottawa for Mika Zibanejad 1022315 Why Rangers’ Brassard deal was about a lot more than cap space 1022316 Rangers swap Derick Brassard for emerging Senators beast 1022317 Rangers trade Derick Brassard to Senators for Mika Zibanejad 1022318 Rangers sign Robin Kovacs 1022319 Rangers got faster, younger, cheaper … and better with the Brassard-Zibanejad deal (with Jeff Gorton transcrip 1022320 Rangers trade Brassard to Ottawa for Zibanejad and a second-round pick;; sign Kovacs 89

NHL 1022321 Day 15: What should Las Vegas’ NHL expansion team be called? — POLL

Ottawa Senators 1022322 Dorion gambles on adding experience in trading away Zibanejad 1022323 Toews and Neil support Canadian troops with equipment program 1022324 Sens send Zibanejad, second-round pick to Rangers for Brassard, seventh-round pick 1022325 Sens trade Zibanejad to Rangers for Derick Brassard, draft picks 1022326 Brassard trade another sign Senators crave experience 1022327 Senators acquire Brassard from Rangers for Zibanejad Philadelphia Flyers 1022328 Wade Allison learns how to be a pro before heading to Western Michigan San Jose Sharks 1022329 Sharks re-sign Matt Nieto 1022330 Sharks look deeper, faster than last season St Louis Blues 1022331 Gordo: Schwartz signing shows how teams have to maneuver Tampa Bay Lightning 1022332 Nikita Nesterov added to Team Russia for World Cup Toronto Maple Leafs 1022333 Hockey Hall of Fame finds itself in a ‘sticky’ situation 1022334 Phil Kessel brings Stanley Cup to Toronto — and Sick Kids 1022335 Bernier trade likely to net Leafs nothing in return: Report 1022336 Phil Kessel brings Stanley Cup to Toronto Washington Capitals 1022337 Marcus Johansson asks for $5.25 million in arbitration, Caps offer $3.85 million 1022338 CAPS, JOHANSSON PRESENT OFFERS FOR ARBITRATION Websites 1022341 Sportsnet.ca / Senators sell high, save money by trading away youth 1022342 Sportsnet.ca / Top 10 remaining unrestricted free agents: Latest reports 1022343 Sportsnet.ca / NHL Arbitration Tracker: How much Johansson wants 1022344 Sportsnet.ca / Former Canadiens consultant regrets Shea Weber comments 1022345 Sportsnet.ca / Breaking down the conditional pick in Leafs’ Bernier trade 1022347 TSN.CA / Statistically Speaking: Zibanejad adds value to Rangers Winnipeg Jets 1022339 Jets sign 2015 first-round pick Roslovic 1022340 Jets sign Roslovic to entry-level deal

SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129

1022291 Arizona Coyotes

Arizona Coyotes name management staff for Tucson American Hockey League team

Sarah McLellan, azcentral sports 3:57 p.m. MST July 18, 2016

The management staff for the Coyotes' American Hockey League team in Tucson is taking shape with the organization announcing a slew of hires Monday including Brian Sandy as president of the Roadrunners.

"We are thrilled to have Brian join us as the President of the Tucson Roadrunners," Coyotes President and CEO Anthony LeBlanc said in a statement released by the team. "Brian is an experienced sales and marketing executive who has an exemplary track record of success in the sports industry. He is very familiar with the Tucson market and has previous experience running professional hockey franchises. He's the perfect fit for us."

Sandy joins the Roadrunners from Learfield Sports where he served as the general manager overseeing all corporate partnership efforts for Sacramento State's 21 NCAA sports programs. Before then, he was the president of the Portland Thunder's Arena Football League team (2014-15) and the president and alternate governor of the Stockton Thunder of the East Coast Hockey League (2013-14).

In 2013, Sandy was named the associate general manager for the University of Arizona Athletics/IMG College. He also spent 12 years with the Portland Trail Blazers and has experience in the Western Hockey League, serving as the chief marketing officer/senior vice president of business operations for the Tri-City Americans from 2005 to 2011. Sandy has also worked for the Portland Timbers, the Portland Beavers and the Tri-City Dust Devils.

"I'm truly honored to return to Tucson and to join the Coyotes organization," he said in a statement. "I look forward to helping establish the Roadrunners brand, both on the ice and within the community. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

The Coyotes also hired Tom Callahan as the Roadrunners' director of media relations/radio play-by-play broadcaster, Mark Iralson as director of game operations and Bob Hoffman as director of sales.

Arizona Republic LOADED: 07.19.2016

1022292 Boston Bruins

Kevin Dean named coach of Providence Bruins

By Owen Pence

JULY 18, 2016

The Providence Bruins named Kevin Dean as their head coach Monday. Dean, who played for four franchises in his seven-year NHL career, has spent the past five seasons as an assistant coach with the Bruins’ AHL affiliate.

“I have a lot to be thankful for at this time, and a lot of work ahead,” Dean said. “I’m going to try and be honest with these kids and focus on them as individuals. If the group of individuals is playing well, I’ve got to think the team will be right behind.”

Dean, 47, replaces Bruce Cassidy, who was promoted to assistant on Claude Julien’s staff in Boston. The P-Bruins had a winning record in each of Dean’s seasons as an assistant, including four straight playoff berths.

“It is a very important time for us, and development was at the forefront of our decision-making in this process,” said Bruins general manager Don Sweeney.

Dean was selected by the New Jersey Devils in the fifth round of the 1987 NHL Draft. Following his selection, the defenseman spent four years at the University of New Hampshire, totaling 50 points.

He made his NHL debut during the Devils’ 1994-95 Stanley Cup championship season, playing in 17 regular-season games and three in the postseason. He recorded 55 points in the NHL, and also had four points in 16 career playoff games.

Dean, from Madison, Wis., also spent five seasons in the Devils organization as a coach, including one year as head coach of the ECHL’s Trenton Devils.

Boston Globe LOADED: 07.19.2016


Kevin Dean named Providence Bruins coach

Steve Conroy Monday, July 18, 2016

New Providence Bruins coach Kevin Dean, shown speaking during Bruins development camp last week.

Considering where the Boston Bruins are as an organization, GM Don Sweeney made one very important hire on Monday.

Kevin Dean was named head coach of the Providence Bruins and, as such, the key developmental influence on some of the franchise's most important assets at the American Hockey League level. Dean, who had been assistant coach under Bruce Cassidy in Providence for the last five years, will be in charge of molding and shaping such top prospects and first year pros as Robbie O'Gara, Brandon Carlo, Matt Grzelcyk, Danton Heinen and Jake DeBrusk in 2016-17. In 2017-18, such highly rated prospects at Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson, Jakub Zboril, Zach Senyshyn, Charlie McAvoy and Jeremy Lauzon could see time in Providence as well.

Sweeney said that he and Executive Director of Player Personnel John Ferguson, Jr. undertook an extensive search for a new P-Bruins head coach since Cassidy was promoted to be an assistant in Boston. They interviewed several candidates, but decided to go with Dean.

“Developing young players was always at the forefront of our search and Kevin has institutional klnowledge of our current players. He is totally invested in the process of helping players get to the National Hockey League,” said Sweeney, now in search of an assistant for Dean. “Kevin's work ethic, core values, personality and hockey IQ all presented very well during the search. We felt that he has not only earned, but is ready for the challenge and the opportunity of being the head coach of the Providence Bruins.”

The P-Bruins had a 207-128-45 record in the five seasons with Dean as an assistant under Cassidy. Before arriving in Providence, the 47-year-old Madison, Wisc., native had coached in the New Jersey Devils organization for five years and got head coaching experience when he coached the Trenton Devils (ECHL) for a season. He played 331 NHL games with Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta and New Jersey. Dean, a former defenseman and UNH product, said that he's looking forward to working with the young players, especially some of the young D-men.

“You look at these kids and the assets they have, it's almost impossible not to get excited,” said Dean.

Dean said coaching in the AHL can be a balancing act as teammates are competing against each other to make it to the NHL. There's also the challenge of getting inexperienced prospects much needed playing time while also getting results.

“That's always the tricky part in the American league,” said Dean. “It's one of those few leagues where you're actually competing against players on your own team for spots up top. In a perfect world, we'll try to create an environment where we have a merit-based team where the best players will play. But special care and special attention will be given to the young players and the players identified as prospects with a really good chance to play in Boston, so they can grab those spots. But they're going to have to grab them. Nothing is going to be given to them. They're going to have to come in and put their best foot forward from Day One, consistently and constantly working on things that they need to get better at to play up top. Claude's a demanding coach, and I have a pretty good understanding of what Claude is expecting when players come up to Boston.”

Dean's last season in the Devils organization was the year he was the head coach in Trenton, when the team went 27-37-8. He said he can learn from that experience.

“The biggest mistake I thought I made was I got very wrapped up in results early instead of the process to get the results you want,” said Dean. “In other words, I was so worried about wins and losses in October and November that I think I lost sight of the big picture and creating that consistent (style of play) and how your practice prepares you to play that way. Going forward I want to play a fast game, be good in transition and defend well when we don't have the puck, but this is going to be a work in progress from Day One and I have to understand that and work toward that.”

Boston Herald LOADED: 07.19.2016


DEBRUSK SHINES IN CAMP AFTER TRAUMATIC INJURY LAST SEASON

By Joe Haggerty July 18, 2016 6:46 PM

A solid week of development camp ended with a nice exclamation point for 2015 first round pick Jake DeBrusk when he fired home the game-winning goal in the Friday afternoon scrimmage.

DeBrusk showed the instincts, positioning and the shot that allowed him to score 42 goals for Swift Current during his draft year. He also appeared to be skating free, easy and fully healthy again after a pretty nasty injury saw him drop to 21 goals for Swift Current and Red Deer last season.

“I think I’ve become more of a two-way player, and more of a complete player,” said DeBrusk. “I was playing 30 minutes a night for Swift Current in all situations, and it’s everything you really want as a player. It might have been a little too much ice time at certain points, but it was awesome. Then I was traded to Red Deer where we were hosting the Memorial Cup, and that whole big pressure to win was a new experience.

“I learned lots this year, and about just focusing a little more on the defensive side of the game. That’s what you have to do in the NHL these days, and that’s something that I really took to heart and got better at.”

The drop in production for DeBrusk last season is a little more understandable when the specifics of the injury are made abundantly clear. The 19-year-old winger missed three weeks during the season after he was hit in the groin with a slap shot he was attempting to block on Nov. 3, and one of his testicles quickly swelled to the size of a tennis ball requiring immediate, emergency surgery.

He was supposed to be out for a couple of months, and instead returned after missing just 11 games over a three-week span.

DeBrusk showed his toughness by returning to the lineup far earlier than he probably should have. He also said exactly what you’d expect about the injury: it was the most excruciating pain he’d ever experienced in his life, and it was a frantic, anxiety-filled few moments immediately afterward on the bench.

“It was scarring to say the least,” said DeBrusk. “It was weird. I thought I’d been hit in that area, but the pain wasn’t there. It had come way up [to his stomach], so I was thinking to myself ‘Wow that hurt, but it must have got me in the midsection.’ But I tried to step up and my body wouldn’t let me.

“My mind was going nuts because [my body] had completely shut down and I had to crawl to the bench. It was a good thing the bench was close by. The guys were telling me 'Get up! Get up!' and I could barely breathe. As soon as my doctor came in he told everything was going to be all right, and we just had to go to the emergency room. He was trying to keep me calm because it was not a good sight, but surgery went well, everything is intact and the reproductive system is all good. The worst part turned out to be the pain. It was my first injury, and it was a freak one.”

That’s good news for a young man that could have been facing some rough, permanent consequences as a result of the traumatic injury sustained. DeBrusk said he was wearing a protective cup at the time of the incident, and the shot merely caught him in the worst spot possible as he was spread out attempting to block the shot.

Understandably, the 6-foot, 181-pound DeBrusk admitted he was a little gun-shy when he first returned from the excruciating injury and faced the exact same situation in a game setting.

“One of my first games back I remember Ryan Rehill, I think he’s a New Jersey draft pick and he’s got one of the hardest shots in the league, he took a slap shot. I remember I didn’t go out of the lane, but I didn’t go into it and he scored on the shift,” recalled DeBrusk. “Normally my coach would have ripped me, but I got back to the bench and he gave me a little tap like ‘it’s okay.’ Your body just doesn’t want to have the same thing happen.

“I was standing up and I just saw the same exact play happen with a one-timer, and I was like [no thanks]. But as the season went on I got better, and I was blocking shots and penalty killing and all that. It was a freak accident, of course, but holy crap did that ever hurt. I know my pain threshold now…that’s for sure.”

DeBrusk was his normal self again by the time the Memorial Cup playoffs rolled around for Red Deer. The skilled scoring winger had eight goals and 17 points in 17 playoff games, and once again was playing like the guy Boston selected 14th overall in the 2015 draft.

DeBrusk looked just as good at B’s development camp while featuring the shot-and-release that’s accounted for 63 goals over the last two years in the WHL.

“He’s done very well at juniors the last couple of years, and he’s probably proven enough there that it’s time to step up to the next level against bigger, stronger men,” said newly minted P-Bruins head coach Kevin Dean, who may very well have DeBrusk as a player this season in Providence for at least a stretch of AHL games.

Now he’ll focus on his attempts to win an NHL roster spot as a dark horse candidate this fall that will turn 20 years old in mid-October, and seems a lock to be turning pro within the Bruins organization a couple of months from now.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.19.2016


HAGGERTY: BRUINS' LONG-TERM FUTURE ON DEFENSE LOOKS BRIGHT


It’s looking more and more like the Bruins defense corps on Opening Night won’t be much different than the unit that struggled mightily last season, and that’s a bit of a short-term bummer.

But the future looks undeniably bright when you pan back for a long-term view. That much was obvious after watching last week’s Development Camp at Ristuccia Arena and seeing the young talent the Bruins have on the blueline.

Dennis Seidenberg is gone after being bought out of the final two years of his contract, and it’s not out of the realm that captain Zdeno Chara could be moved at the next trade deadline if the B's are once again flailing in the Eastern Conference. As those long-time stalwarts depart, younger vets like Torey Krug (who just signed a five-year extension) and Kevan Miller (benficiary of a head-scratching four-year contract) will be forced to step into leadership roles. Even younger d-men like Joe Morrow and Colin Miller will see their ice time increase. It could be a painful transition season,

But behind them comes hope. Charlie McAvoy, Jakub Zboril, Jeremy Lauzon, Brandon Carlo and Matt Grzelcyk all skated, moved the puck, and competed like future NHL players at last week's camp.

“[Defense has] been an area of need that we wanted to address," said general manager Don Sweeney. "It’s something I identified in taking over, that we hadn’t drafted a lot of players in the first two rounds of previous drafts on the back end. So it was an area we targeted . . .

“These [defensemen] are all going to grow up together, and be a big part of our future going forward. You add [those younger guys] to Matt Grzelcyk and Robbie [O’Gara] coming out of college that are a little older. It’s a good group.

"Patience is a word that’s not readily thrown around in this marketplace, and I understand that. We’re in a competitive business, and we want to win every year. But you have to grow your players, I firmly believe that and I’ve been committed to that since I took over the job. Working in development, I have always believed that the internal search is the best place to find your players. I think we’re in a much stronger player to allow these players [to succeed], and they have to hit. If they don’t [hit] then that’s on us for misidentifying them.”

That's why Sweeney may stand pat with his NHL roster heading into camp, and will only look to upgrade with a defenseman like Kevin Shattenkirk or Cam Fowler if the price is right. The Bruins have more than $6 million in cap space to make a significant upgrade, but by the sound of it there would have to be corresponding salary-cap moves as well.

“It’s only July," said Sweeney. "Do I think there are opportunities to continue to explore and improve the roster? Sure. But part of that was the draft, where everybody was trying to do that as well, and you have to balance the prices of acquisition and see whether or not you find a fit. Teams are thinking the same thing: They’re kind of looking at their roster and seeing how it all takes shape. They might be more inclined (to make moves) whether it’s August or September, or whatever the case may be. We’re in a position now to act upon that, and we have some [cap] flexibility. We’ve been planning for this year, next year and the years after that. We (want to) maintain that flexibility while building the best possible team we can.

"I think we’re an improved hockey club. We addressed some areas where we wanted to get deeper: Certainly the middle of the ice, penalty-killing and a little more balance on the back end to have transitional play getting back on pucks, moving pucks. We have players that need to continue to gain experience, but where are they going to do that except at the National Hockey League level? Are they ready to assume large roles? That’s to be determined. It’s not going to stop me from thinking about tinkering, or acquiring, a player with a more ready-made (ability to contribute). But there are two sides to that. We feel comfortable (with our roster), but we want to continue to improve.”

The one caveat to all this: There’s a very realistic possibility that if (when?) Jimmy Vesey signs with the Bruins on Aug. 15, a forward currently on the roster could be used in a trade for a puck-moving defenseman.

But the Bruins also clearly feel that the 6-foot-5, 203-pound Carlo -- only 19 years old -- could be ready to contribute as soon as this season, and could make a player like Adam McQuaid expendable in trade. He looked massive, strong and a little surly in the D-zone during drills, and has surprised to this point with enough offensive instincts to project as a top-4 guy . . . provided he’s paired with a puck-mover like Krug.

Beyond that, McAvoy looks like a durable, skilled and smooth puck-moving defenseman who could be the top-pairing D-man the Bruins have been looking for, and that would be a welcomed addition a couple of years down the line. McAvoy, 18, aspires to be Drew Doughty. He certainly plays well at both ends of the ice -- like someone of Doughty's caliber -- and the B’s are hoping he turns into some facsimile of the No. 1 franchise D-man.

“He was as advertised for me,” said Sweeney. “Obviously it’s not a physical environment. There’s competitiveness and battling for pucks and space, but (at Development Camp) we’re not looking for guys to step up in the neutral zone. Charlie has shown the ability to step up and do that even as a freshman at the college level and you realize he moves around so well.

“The two-way component to his game and the upside to play both sides of the puck, those are the guys that log a lot of minutes at the NHL. I think he tracks the same in that regard.”

Zboril was a disappointment in junior hockey last season after being Boston’s top pick in the first round last summer. But he looked strong, fast and competitive at camp, along with being in much better shape as he took the whole experience a little more seriously.

If there was any "bust" talk with the 19-year-old Zboril (which would be ridiculous to begin with, given the age of the player), it's gone now after watching a week of tape-to-tape passes and players bouncing off him in one-on-one battles all over the ice. It was an encouraging week, and his stock is once again rising in the organization.

“He was much more prepared this year, and you expect that,” said Sweeney. “He had a year that was up-and-down a little bit, particularly offensively in a bit more of a shutdown role. He’s in much better shape, and you see his skill-set that he certainly self-selects in that regard. We’ll continue to push in the areas he needs work at, but he’s got a fundamental base that is awfully good.”

Lauzon wasn’t as flashy in a lot of the drills on the ice, but the Bruins coaching staff raves about his competitiveness in run-of-the-mill drills and the way his quality of play rises once the puck is dropped in game situations. He's another player who could end up playing in all situations, and could really flash in training camp this fall if the NHL speed and physicality isn’t too much for him.

“His compete level is off the charts,” said Sweeney of Lauzon. “Developmentally, he’s got areas to focus on just like everybody else. We’ve identified them and we’re going to continue to talk about, but he’s excited to come to camp. The players themselves determine when they play, and their trajectory is not pre-determined. It’s a matter of getting into situations, and then proving you can handle it and then moving forward.”

Grzelcyk is the oldest, at 22, and the most experienced after playing four seasons for Boston University, but he also might be most in need of AHL seasoning given his size and specialized game on the ice. Grzelcyk will need to learn how to survive in the pro game at 5-foot-10 and 176 pounds, and will undoubtedly be organizationally blocked by the similarly lefty-shooting Krug for the foreseeable future. To put it another way, Grzelcyk may assume the David Warsofsky role: AHL workhorse who will be called upon should (when?) the 5-foot-9, 181-pound Krug get banged up during the season. Krug is a tough and durable customer, but he’s also coming off major shoulder surgery after his first season handling a top-4 D-man workload.

The aforementioned names don’t even include 6-foot-4, 207-pound Yale product Robbie O’Gara, who is also joining the Bruins for his first pro season after a summer working out at the summer pro league at the Foxboro Sports Center.

That’s a lot of young, talented defense prospects who could be NHL-ready within the next two years, and who could switch the back end from weakness to strength if the proper patience is observed in Boston. The one key: One of those six names needs to develop into a Duncan Keith- or Kris Letang-type No. 1 defenseman, capable of playing heavy playoff minutes, maintaining a high level of play throughout the massive workload, and still holding that electric ability to dominate play even at the highest levels of play.

That’s a tall order. But it’s what must happen for the Bruins to once again seriously compete for the Stanley Cup.

The roster as currently constituted, with the same D-corps as last season, will be lucky to back into the playoffs, and that's if everything goes right. But last week showed that the future looks bright.



BRUINS EXPECTED TO NAME KEVIN DEAN AS HEAD COACH OF P-BRUINS


WILMINGTON – Bruins general manager Don Sweeney mentioned last week that the team would be making an official hire for the Providence Bruins head coaching gig the following week.

So it shouldn’t be too long before the Bruins announce former P-Bruins assistant coach Kevin Dean as the new head coach of the AHL affiliate in Providence, according to one league source. Dean will be given a promotion to fill the vacancy left by new Boston assistant coach Bruce Cassidy. It’s well deserved after Dean spent parts of six seasons as head coach in the ECHL and the last five seasons served as an assistant coach in Providence.

The writing appeared to be on the wall for Dean’s promotion when he spoke with the Bruins media following one of the development camp sessions last week, and gave some very well-articulated, smart and candidly honest answers about the B’s prospects. While it’s clear Dean was the most appropriate choice given his knowledge of Bruins personnel, he also carries a strong reputation as a natural teacher that greatly helped the B’s organization develop young defensemen like Torey Krug, Matt Bartkowski, Kevan Miller and Adam McQuaid over the last six plus seasons.

“He’s more than qualified, and players will love him and play hard for him,” said one former Providence Bruins player to CSN about Dean. “He didn’t ever get the credit, but he worked with the ‘D’ personally over the last four years. He’s unreal teaching you the little things.”

The 47-year-old Wisconsin native is a distinguished UNH alumni, and played 331 NHL games over parts of seven seasons with the New Jersey Devils, Atlanta Thrashers, Dallas Stars and Chicago Blackhawks prior to his retirement from pro hockey following the 2001-02 NHL season. Dean was hired in Providence prior to the 2011-12 season, and has been a staple on the AHL staff under Cassidy since that point in time.


1022297 Buffalo Sabres

Sabres dealing with a muddy case in trying to re-sign Girgensons

By Mike Harrington

Updated 12:52 PM

July 18, 2016

When the Sabres announced the signing of restricted free agents Jason Kasdorf and Dan Catenacci on Sunday night, it left them with just two RFAs to complete deals with. One is defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen and it's well-known the team is in talks with their franchise blueliner on a longterm deal.

The other one is forward Zemgus Girgensons, and his case is quite a bit more muddy.

The Sabres extended Girgensons his one-year qualifying offer of $874,125 (a 5 percent raise from last year's $832,500), but the 22-year-old did not accept it by Friday's 5 p.m. deadline to do so.

The prevailing theory is that Girgensons is looking to do a deal of 2-3 years but he's in a bad spot. Girgensons had just seven goals and 18 points in 71 games last season, his lowest offensive output in his three seasons to date.

It's clear he struggled at times under Dan Bylsma's structured system and didn't mesh with the new coach nearly as well as he did with Ted Nolan, his Olympic coach for his native Latvia. Both Bylsma and GM Tim Murray freely admitted at the end of the season they didn't know if Girgensons projected as a center or as a winger.

There were some good moments at wing for him last season with Jack Eichel but plenty of nights where the former first-round pick just disappeared. And get this stat: Girgensons didn't score a single goal at home all season, and had just four of his 18 points in First Niagara Center.

When the season ended, Girgensons freely accepted blame for his sub-par performance. If the season started today, there's a good chance he would simply be a fourth-line player and that's certainly not what the Sabres expected from him.

Girgensons' agent, Kent Hughes, responded to an inquiry by The News today by saying only, "I can’t comment on the negotiations other than to say we are in communication. "

It will be interesting to see how this one turns out. And there's a whole summer for Murray to swing a deal that could include Girgensons as well. The Sabres are getting tight to the cap if you give Ristolainen a deal in the $5 million range or higher, so it seems unlikely Girgensons would get much more than the qualifying offer out of the team. Particularly given how last year went.

As for Kasdorf and Catenacci, they got two-way deals and are expected to be key players in Rochester. As per Generalfanager.com, Kasdorf got a two-year deal with a 612,500 NHL cap hit. It pays $575,000 in the NHL and $100,000 in the AHL for the first year and $650k/$125k in the second year. Catenacci's one-year deal pays $575,000 in the NHL and $85,000 in the AHL.

Buffalo News LOADED: 07.19.2016

1022298 Carolina Hurricanes

Talking point: Should Jordan Staal be captain?

JULY 18, 2016 10:50 AM

Staff

The Carolina Hurricanes have been without a team captain since Feb. 28. Will they have one on Oct. 13, when a new season begins?

Eric Staal is gone but a Staal could still be the captain next season. Jordan Staal appears to be a logical choice to be his brother’s successor and wear the “C.”

General manager Ron Francis and Canes coach Bill Peters are not in a hurry to make a decision on a captain. Francis, at the recent Summerfest, called it an “important title” and said he has had conversations with Peters about it.

“We’ll be very patient going into the season (and) see how things play out,” Francis said. “If we’re comfortable putting the ‘C’ on somebody we’ll do that. If we want to take the route of multiple assistant captains we’ll look at that as well.”

Eric Staal wore the “C” from January 2010 until his trade to the New York Rangers on Feb. 28. It was noted the Canes had not been to the playoffs with Staal as captain. Some fans believed he was not a strong enough leader, not by his play on the ice, although no complaints were heard — privately made or otherwise — inside the room.

Staal said he welcomed being the captain. That probably wasn’t the case on that day in 2010, before practice at Raleigh Center Ice, when the team was told Rod Brind’Amour was giving up the “C” and Staal was the new captain. There was tension in the room that day.

Jordan Staal has been an alternate captain since being traded to Carolina from Pittsburgh in June 2012 and Justin Faulk has worn an “A.” Staal will entering his 11th NHL season and fifth with the Canes, and Faulk will be in his sixth season.

The view here: Jordan Staal will wear the “C” when all is said and done. He was the Canes’ most valuable player last season and could be again this year. He has a Stanley Cup ring from his days in Pittsburgh and wants another one with Carolina.

Having his brother traded to the Rangers did not set well with Staal. That was clear but also understandable. But Francis says after talking with Staal, his feeling is that Staal is excited about next season. that he’s ready to move on and again carry a large share of the load.

Faulk, a two-time NHL All-Star, should continue to wear an “A.” It might be a good time to give Jeff Skinner, about to begin his seventh season, an “A” and with it the task of added leadership.

Multiple alternate captains are an option for the Canes. Having a strong captain seems a better one.

News Observer LOADED: 07.19.2016

1022299 Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus native Jack Roslovic signs with Winnipeg

By Aaron Portzline

The Columbus Dispatch • MONDAY JULY 18, 2016 10:25 PM

One year later, Jack Roslovic has added 13 pounds of muscle. One year later, after looking timid and reactive in his first NHL development camp, Roslovic was a standout player this month in Winnipeg.

The arguments for returning to Miami University for his sophomore season were getting harder to justify.

Roslovic, a 19-year-old Columbus native, signed a three-year, entry-level contract Monday with the Winnipeg Jets, ending his college career after his freshman season.

“I feel like I’m ready for the next challenge,” Roslovic said. “I had a great time at Miami, made tremendous growth, both personally and with my game. But this is the next step.

“Talking to all of the management and the coaches and staff (at Jets development camp), and with the advice of my family and friends … this was my call, obviously, but it’s about doing what’s best for my development.”

Roslovic, a 6 foot 1, 185-pound center, had played locally with the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets. His contract carries a base salary of $925,000, and he will have the potential to earn $212,500 in NHL performance bonuses each season. He also gets a $92,500 signing bonus each year.

Because he was drafted out of the U.S. national team development program, Roslovic is eligible to play in the NHL, the American Hockey League or the Canadian major-junior system. To that end, Roslovic is set to visit the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, which traded for his rights last month.

Roslovic’s future is now in the hands of the Jets, and it will be decided in training camp. He likely will get playing time in at least one of Winnipeg’s exhibition games.

“I can’t wait to go to training camp and measure myself against those (NHL) guys,” Roslovic said. “That will tell me where I’m at, where my game is at, what’s a good spot for me. Am I ready for the NHL? Maybe not. We’ll see. I’m a lot stronger than I was. But the only way to see if you’re ready is training camp.”

Roslovic is among a cluster of central Ohio players now on the cusp of reaching the NHL, joining Sean Kuraly (Boston), Cole Cassels (Vancouver) and Trent Vogelhuber (Colorado). Defenseman Connor Murphy is entering his third season with Arizona.

“I want to play as high as I possibly can this season,” Roslovic said. “But if that’s the OHL or Manitoba (AHL) or the Jets, I’ll be happy and I’ll play hard. There is going to be a lot of adversity to come — that’s being a pro — but it’s something I feel I’m ready to take on.”

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 07.19.2016

1022300 Dallas Stars

Stars sign AHL winger Matej Stransky to one-year deal

By Mike Heika ,

Here is the news release:

FRISCO, Texas - Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill announced today that the club has signed right wing Matej Stransky to a one-year, two-way contract.

Stransky, 23, registered 39 points (23-16=39) in 74 contests for the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League in 2015-16. His 23 goals and eight power play goals both ranked second on Texas for the regular season. During the 2016 Calder Cup Playoffs, he recorded one assist (0-1=1) in four games.

In 209 career games for Texas, Stransky has accumulated 81 points (39-42=81). In three trips to the Calder Cup Playoffs, he has amassed six points (1-5=6) in 27 games, winning the Calder Cup in 2014.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound native of Ostrava, Czech Republic was originally selected by Dallas in the sixth round (165th overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft.

Dallas Morning News LOADED: 07.19.2016

1022301 Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings’ Drew Miller inexpensive grinder to kill penalties

Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press 6:53 p.m. EDT July 18, 2016

Drew Miller

The NHL is in its quieter days, offering a fine opportunity to take a look at individual Red Wings and assess expectations for the coming season.

F Drew Miller

Looking at 2015-16: 1 goal, 1 assist, 2 points, minus-5 in 28 games. Missed playoffs because of injury.

Looking at money: Signed through 2016-17 for $1.025 million.

Looking back: Miller had a streak of 190 straight games going when a hit from Arizona’s Klas Dahlbeck during a game in early December left Miller woozy — and out for a month. During his second game back from that injury, Miller suffered a knee injury that required major surgery and left him gone for the season. The Wings missed him, especially on the penalty kill.

Looking ahead: Miller, 32, was re-signed for one season because the Wings like what they have in him — a hardworking, relatively inexpensive grinder who can help kill penalties. It’s something of a risk because it takes a long time to fully recover from major knee surgery, though the team has said Miller has made good progress and should be ready for training camp. At best, Miller grinds away on the fourth line and penalty kill. If the knee proves problematic, he can be placed on injured reserve and the Wings can gain the salary cap relief. Part of the reason for the re-signing was the desire for depth — and to stir better internal competition for minutes.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 07.19.2016


Detroit Red Wings' Street Hockey Tour offers kids detailed instruction

Brandon Folsom, Special to Detroit Free Press 2:40 p.m. EDT July 18, 2016

ACME — Ryan Schook said his son, Barrett, has carried around a mini hockey stick since he was 9 months old.

Barett is now 7 and his passion for the sport hasn't waned a bit.

That's why he was excited to be one of the estimated 120 players who participated in the inaugural Detroit Red Wings Street Hockey Summer Tour, a one-day instructional clinic, hosted today at the Meijer store in Acme.

The event kicked off the Wings' 10-city tour where staff members teach the basics of the sport in a Meijer parking lot in each area it visits.

"When we found out about this, we asked Barrett if he wanted to go," Ryan Schook said. "He has asked us every week since, 'Is this the week? Is this the week? When do we go and play ball hockey with the Red Wings?' So he was really excited."

Barrett was born in Howell but now lives in Lake Ann and attends Westwoods Elementary in nearby Traverse City.

He has played hockey for four years and has been part of the Grand Traverse Ice Hockey Association since he learned how to skate.

Even when he's not at the rink, he can't get enough of the sport.

"He has a little bit of experience in the driveway, too," said Ryan Schook, who is a program manager in the automotive industry. "Whenever he gets a free moment, he says, 'Dad, let's go to the basement and shoot the puck.' He's always looking for a few minutes to spend some time with dad in the basement or out in the driveway playing."

Barrett, who plays baseball and lacrosse during the spring and summer months, practices hockey four nights per week in the winter.

• Strength coach relies on GVSU to help test Wings' draftees, prospects

On top of that, he and his father attend each Red Wings event that comes to the area, which includes their skill development camp, eight-team prospects tournament and fall training camp. Centre Ice Arena in Traverse City hosts each outing.

"Our favorite event is the NHL prospect tournament," Ryan Schook said.

"That's a lot of fun for he and I. He gets to see the new guys coming up, and I get to see all the guys I grew up watching who are now coaches and scouts for the Red Wings."

Barrett won't see the ice again until September, but he quenched his hockey thirst by receiving instruction at the clinic today.

The Wings' staffers put the campers, who ranged from ages 7 to 12, through six stations. They taught them proper stick handling, puck control, how to pass and how to shoot various types of shots.

"It's more of teaching them the basics of hockey skills," Wings event marketing director Liz Rousseau said. "We wanted to keep it fairly simple and make sure all these ages had the opportunity to learn the basics. Depending on their skill level, we didn't want to make it too difficult, so we wanted to keep it more of your basic skill levels."

Meijer also hosted a wellness station where it handed out water and snacks to the children and taught them about nutrition.

Rousseau led a "dry-land training" station and showed the campers how to improve their speed and stamina with activities such as ladder drills.

"The kids get a chance to have some fun in the summer, learn some hockey skills, learn about what we do in our organization, meet the coaches and just have a good time," Rousseau added.

Most importantly, the clinic allowed kids like Barrett, who is a Henrik Zetterberg fan, to play in front of their favorite team, the Red Wings.

"Events like this, where ball hockey is presented to the kids, is great because it's very organized and instructional," Ryan Schook said. "The instruction is very detailed, and it'll really help Barrett get back into the mind frame of hockey. When fall hits, he'll be ready to go."

The Summer Tour continues Wednesday, July 20 when the Wings visit the Meijer on 8605 East 34 Rd. in Cadillac.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 07.19.2016


Red Wings monitor heart rates for performance

Gregg Krupa, The Detroit News 4:38 a.m. EDT July 19, 2016

Traverse City — Talking about a player’s heart used to mean describing the passion and emotional dexterity the athlete brings to hockey.

Now, the Red Wings are using technology to monitor some of those characteristics as their prospects mature.

The collective bargaining agreement between the NHL and players association labels the camps occurring this month around the league “physical testing and development camp.”

This year, team officials pushed the testing aspect to a new level.

Each of the 39 players wore a heart-rate monitor throughout camp, during on and off-ice workouts, skills training, practice, and scrimmages.

“This year for the first time we had everybody wired on heart-rate monitors, through all of the fitness activities we’ve had on and off the ice,” said Jiri Fischer, director of player development.

“So, we also get a base of where guys are: Do they recover fast enough? Can they stay calm while they are exercising vigorously? How do they bounce back from being completely fatigued?”

Heart monitors are familiar tools by now. Casual athletes use them to take rudimentary workouts to the level of advanced training.

Treadmills and stationary bikes at many gyms provide the monitors.

The heart rate measures the number of times the heart contracts, usually per minute.

The resting heart rate provides a gauge of how well training is tolerated. Lowering the resting rate is evidence of improved fitness. An increased resting heart rate could indicate early stages of accumulated fatigue.

Assessing high heart rates at the point of extreme exertion provides an individualized measurement of how well an athlete is tolerating a new training regimen, for example.

Tracking how well the heart recovers is a way of measuring the sort of accumulating fatigue that can lead to injuries, especially one of the highest occurring afflictions in hockey: groin problems.

In addition to injury, not monitoring a player might prevent maximum performance.

During camps, especially for those attending for the first time as recent draft picks or invitees, pressure can vie with physical exertion for demands on the heart, and that can be evaluated as a measure of psychological traits, including susceptibility to stress, Fischer said.

“There’s obviously pressure that players had to deal with, whether it’s the first time wearing the logo and being part of the Red Wings organization, the Red Wings brand and the culture we try to instill, to Ken Holland watching,” Fischer said.

“We really try to get across that everything is a competition and that there’s always only one winner.

“And also these were long days for the players. The first day, they got to the rink at 8 o’clock in the morning, guys really got less than an hour off in the afternoon and we finished close to 9 o’clock at night — and then goes into another very intense practice day and then an intense scrimmage day, which I believe creates the emotional high for lots of players.”

Through it all, the rates of all 39 hearts were meticulously measured.

Fischer was forced to retire as a player because of some abnormal heart rates, which have been detected over time, including during a game with the Predators on Nov. 21, 2005, when he went into cardiac arrest.

Doctors say the exact cause of Fisher’s collapse remains unknown, but it may have been either a ventricular tachycardia, a racing heart beat, or ventricular fibrillation, a fluttering heart.

Such conditions are normally detected during team physicals, which all of the players at development camp undertook the first day of the session.

Some of the new testing initiative was telling, Fischer said, especially in evaluating the Red Wings top draft pick last month, 18-year-old Dennis Cholowski.

As he did during scrimmages and drills, Cholowski impressed during the tests of his heart rate.

“For Dennis, coming in, I absolutely love his demeanor and the mentality that he has of no extreme highs and no extreme lows,” Fischer said.

“The bigger the moment, the better he plays. The bigger the moment, the harder he tries. He’s got that advantage of, hopefully, the higher level he plays he will be able to elevate his game.”

This year especially, Fischer could back up those assertions, based on watching the player in a myriad of situations and getting to know him, with medical evidence from monitoring the heart rate.

“He was one of the guys that has a natural gift of not being overly hyper,” Fischer said.

“I believe that great players develop themselves.

“And as he’s getting closer to the pinnacle of hockey, and hopefully starts knocking on the door of (being a) pro, whenever he decides to turn pro, then I’m excited to watch his game develop.”

Cholowski and some others who stood out at the camp will be at training camp this summer.

Holland, Fischer and Jeff Blashill will likely get a bit more of a look at some of the younger players because nine veterans will attend the World Cup tournament in Toronto instead: Justin Abdelkader, Dylan Larkin, Alexey Marchenko, Niklas Kronwall, Frans Nielsen, Petr Mrazek, Tomas Tatar, Thomas Vanek and Henrik Zetterberg.

Blashill cautioned against early evaluations based on development camp.

“This is really the first look, for me, at all the guys we’ve drafted,” he said.

“I think you’ve got to take everything with a grain of salt. You don’t want to get too excited or too down.

“I’ve seen guys in this camp be very, very bad. I don’t want to name names, but then they’re playing for our team, right now.

“It can be very, very deceiving.”

Detroit News LOADED: 07.19.2016


Ask Ansar: What glut of forwards could mean for some Red Wings

By Ansar Khan | on July 18, 2016 at 6:01 AM, updated July 18, 2016 at 8:06 AM

The Detroit Red Wings have too many forwards and not enough roster spots, which should make for some interesting decisions after training camp and the preseason, if players aren't moved before then.

They would like to trade one or two in a package for a top-pair (or No. 3) puck-moving defenseman. If they can't, they might look to move somebody for a draft pick.

Injuries could provide a temporary solution. They'll be without Teemu Pulkkinen for the start of the season following shoulder surgery.

Otherwise, they might lose a player or two on waivers.

MLive readers asked what the future holds for some of these players.

Q: I don't understand what the Wings see in Pulkkinen (one-dimensional player) or (Tomas) Jurco (ineffective player). Can you shed some light? – John

A: It was easy to see the potential before last season. Pulkkinen was a prolific scorer in the AHL and his booming right-handed shot provided a different dimension. Jurco also flourished in Grand Rapids and brings a combination of skill and size, which he showed the second half of 2013-14.

Their stock dropped in 2015-16. Some would argue they weren't given a good chance or slotted on the right lines. But they didn't seize what opportunity they were given. I don't think either has a future with the organization. I could see them being traded or one being selected by Las Vegas in next summer's expansion draft.

Q: Do you know where Martin Frk fits in with the Red Wings? I know he had a very good year at Grand Rapids. Do not hear much talk about him like other prospects. – Ford

A: This will be an important camp and preseason for him because he's out of options. They have a glut of forwards, so he'll have his work cut out for him earning a roster spot. The only other alternatives are to trade him in a package for a defenseman or for a draft pick, or try to slip him through waivers. I think he would be claimed.

Q: Do you view the signing of (Thomas) Vanek and (Steve) Ott and the re-signing of (Darren) Helm for five years as a vote of no confidence for what we have in Grand Rapids? Why do you think (Ken) Holland took a 180-degree turn after stating in his season-ending presser that he was going to give the kids an honest opportunity to earn jobs? Even if (Andreas Athanasiou) badly outplays Helm or (Anthony) Mantha badly out-produces Vanek in the preseason we all know who is heading to GR. Mind you, we are not a talented team on the brink of contending for the Cup. We could easily finish in the bottom 10 of the league this season. – Justin

A: It's not the Cup or bust for this team;; they're trying to retool while still making the playoffs. They value that 25-year streak and will try to do everything they can to extend it. They believe those signings will help.

After the signings, Holland said the kids still will have an opportunity to make the team in camp.

I think they feel Mantha needs a little more seasoning in Grand Rapids, which is where he'll probably start, unless they have a rash of injuries. If Athanasiou, who proved during the second half that he is NHL-ready, has a good preseason and is still sent down due to numbers (like Gustav Nyquist was in 2013) that would be a mistake.

They've had success with reclamation projects, like Daniel Cleary and Mikael Samuelsson. Vanek has more offensive ability than either of those two had.

Ott is a fourth-line player, so he won't be the reason Mantha isn't in the lineup.

Q: What has happened to the NHL? There's no way (Luke) Glendening is worth this type of money ($1.8 million cap hit for four years starting in 2017-18). – John

A: That's debatable. The feedback I've gotten from fans has been mixed.

I think the club feels he is underpaid on his current three-year contract, which has one year remaining at a $628,333 cap hit.

Glendening brings more to the table than many give him credit for – he can be matched up against top centers, he was their top faceoff man, he led the team in average shorthanded time on ice and forwards in blocked shots and was second on the club in hits. He also has been a mentor to younger players Dylan Larkin and Riley Sheahan.

Mike Babcock was a big Glendening supporter. Jeff Blashill and Ken Holland also like him. So he must be doing something right.

Q: Any chance Holland goes after (Jimmy) Vesey? A potential top-six forward at under $1 million, why wouldn't you? What about a trade for (Tyson) Barrie instead of (Jacob) Trouba/(Cam) Fowler? – Paul

A: I imagine every team except Nashville (which drafted Vesey and was spurned by him) will pursue the highly touted center from Harvard when he becomes a free agent on Aug. 15.

Buffalo owns his exclusive negotiating rights until then and is one of what appears to be three leading candidates to land him, along with Boston (his hometown team) and Toronto (which hired his father as a scout).

Barrie would be a potential trade target for the Red Wings if Colorado opts to move him.

Q: Will Wings' fans be patient enough to allow Givani Smith to develop into a Brendan Shanahan-type of power forward or will they get sidetracked by Givani's hitting and fighting and expect a Darren McCarty/Bob Probert-type enforcer? – Kurt

A: Any fans expecting Smith to be the next Shanahan or Probert are being just a tad unrealistic.

Q: In your opinion, what the future holds to Ericsson? Do you think Red Wings can get rid of him? – Gregorio

A: I don't know if they want to move him but coming off a bad season and having four years remaining on his contract at a $4.25 million cap hit would make it difficult (in addition to his limited no-trade clause). He doesn't play physical but he is a big body and they like having that size.

Q: I think Ericsson is too much liability for Red Wings. He is to slow, doesn't have any offensive qualities, etc. I know they can't trade him, but can't they move him to injured reserve for four years? Also, if you look at the top teams the last seven years -- Chicago, Pittsburgh, Tampa, N.Y. Rangers, etc. -- what do they do that the Red Wings don't do? They make hockey trades every year. In Red Wings you are safe for lifetime even if you're useless. – Lars

A: They haven't made many player for player trades (not involving prospects) in recent years. Then again, based on some of the questions I get here and comments in the stories, all their players are overpaid and nobody would want them, so maybe that's the reason.

They can't put Ericsson on IR if he's not injured, as you know.

Q: I don't mind Little Caesars as the corporate sponsor of the new rink. But can we get it named Colosseum or Coliseum instead of Arena to go with the Caesars theme? – Mike

A: This is a good idea. But I don't think they can change the name now. They probably already printed the official stationery.

Thanks for participating.

Michigan Live LOADED: 07.19.2016

1022305 Florida Panthers

New Panthers forward Colton Sceviour far from a finished product

Harvey Fialkov

There's no doubt that success in junior hockey, college or the minor leagues doesn't always necessarily translate to the NHL level.

Sometimes it has more to do with opportunity than ability. If you speak to former teammates of recently-acquired Florida Panthers forward Colton Sceviour, they believe the 27-year-old right wing has just scratched the surface of his offensive potential.

"Colton is an all-around player who was definitely — if not the best — one of the best players on the Texas Stars. He could be put in any situation and succeed," said Panthers forward Reilly Smith, who played with Sceviour on the Dallas Stars' AHL affiliate in the 2012-13 season.

"He can score goals, that's for sure, and is also a good defensive player. It sounds like he's probably put more hours on his defensive game with Dallas.

"He hasn't really been given an opportunity [offensively] from what I've seen or heard in the NHL. Once he does get that opportunity he'll start to thrive."

When he played with Smith in the minors, Sceviour scored 21 goals with a team-leading 52 points, along with four power-play tallies and four shorties.

In his fifth and final season in the AHL, Sceviour potted 32 goals to tie for the team lead, with 13 coming on the power play. In his final two seasons in the Western Hockey (junior) League he totaled 62 goals.

In his first two full NHL seasons Sceviour has scored nine goals (26 points) and 11 (23 points), while averaging less than 13 minutes per game. Most of those minutes have come on the fourth line and killing penalties.

"I always thought I could produce offense at the NHL level," Sceviour said last week at an introductory press conference in the BB&T Center. "It's easy to say that than do it. There were so many good players [on Dallas], so there wasn't a lot of opportunity to play offense.

"So I had a fourth-line role. You could see an opportunity here on the third line. There's a lot of competition, a lot of young kids, prospects and [me and Jonathan Marchessault] that signed here.

"A lot of guys are trying to make a statement and take that spot. I'm excited for the opportunity to try to earn it."

Panthers general manager Tom Rowe said he signed Sceviour and Marchessault, 25, on the first day of free agency to bolster scoring on the third and fourth lines, as well as improving special teams.

"They're two pieces that [president of hockey operations Dale Tallon] and I talked about adding depth to really help us on our bottom six," Rowe said. "If you want to win a Stanley Cup and win in this league you're going to have to have four lines that could play and I feel Jonathan and Colton will be able to do that."

Sceviour was a key cog to the Stars' 10th-ranked (82.3 percent success) penalty kill last year. He led the team with 11 short-handed shots and the forwards with 15 blocks while finishing fourth among forwards in short-handed time on ice.

"He's a very underestimated player," said Panthers defenseman Jason Demers, who played with Sceviour for the last two seasons. "His work in Dallas will be missed. He's a great utility guy who can play in any situation. He can fill in on the top six or bottom six if he needs to.

"He's one of those guys every team needs, a great penalty killer and when he's used on the power play, he's offensive. Florida is getting a nice utility guy that can do whatever they need and that's something they need with all the skill and heavy offense."

Sceviour, who signed a two-year deal worth $1.9 million, knows that Panthers coach Gerard Gallant isn't going to hand him the third-line slot he's after.

"You could see the fact they're going to win and want to win so they're not going to give someone ice time just because," Sceviour said. "There will be a lot of different combinations in training camp to find out who works well together and that goes a long way in determining who plays and in what role.

"It's all about trying to win and any opportunity I get to help the team do that is the goal."

Sun Sentinel LOADED: 07.19.2016

1022306 Montreal Canadiens

Canadiens owner Geoff Molson says handling superstars isn’t easy

Posted by Stu Cowan

July 18, 2016

Canadiens owner Geoff Molson sat down recently for a Q&A with the Globe & Mail and one of the questions he was asked was about managing superstars, which he said is never easy.

“We have superstars from different countries on the team, so you’ve got a mix of cultures,” Molson said. “The best I can do is to show them two things. First, there’s more to life than just hockey;; family’s important, communities are important. And, second, is to give them the environment that makes them feel like superstars and like they’re wanted and cared about. A superstar can stray off at times and be a bit of an island. That’s where the team concept comes in, but keeping them off the island is hard work sometimes.”

Molson added that he never gives advice to his coach.

“I ask a lot of questions and engage in conversation but it’s about finding a place where I’m comfortable with what they’re doing,” Molson said. “I would never question the coach or the coach’s decisions. They’re the experts and I need to trust them 100 per cent of the time.”

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 07.19.2016

1022307 Nashville Predators

P.K. Subban's impact with Predators already felt

Adam Vingan, 5:59 p.m. CDT July 18, 2016

P.K. Subban has been a member of the Predators for almost three weeks, a fact that still feels hard to believe.

Player-for-player trades, like the one between Nashville and Montreal on June 29 that included Shea Weber, are a rarity in today’s NHL. That it included the league’s highest-paid defensemen who seemed destined to spend their entire careers with their former franchises made it even more stunning.

But that sense of surrealism has waned over the past few days. Within an hour of arriving in town Sunday, Subban took the stage at Tootsie’s and performed a spirited rendition of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues.” On Monday, he put on his full Predators uniform for the first time inside Bridgestone Arena, his recognizable No. 76 across the back of a gold jersey.

It’s official: Subban is Nashville’s now.

"The past few weeks have been eventful and mixed emotions, but there's no question that I'm head over heels excited for this opportunity to play here in Nashville," Subban said. "I'm excited about our team, I'm excited about this city and I'm most importantly excited about the opportunity to win a Stanley Cup. That is what this is all about.

"Coming here is not a popularity contest. Coming here is about helping this team to win and to win a championship. That's what I'm here to do."

The past three weeks have been filled with countless dissections of the trade, none of which can begin to be settled until the regular season starts in roughly three months. It's likely that it'll take years before any sort of consensus can be reached.

What is clear, though, is that Subban, 27, joins what was already considered the best defense in the NHL. a group with no defenseman older than 28 and one that regularly leads the league in scoring from the back end. That was without Subban, who has amassed 164 points in the past three seasons, third-most among NHL defensemen

"We're excited about what P.K. brings, his skills and his assets," Predators center Mike Fisher said. "We're getting a really, really good player. I think he's going to fit in well with our group. We're all excited to play with him. He's a dynamic player."

Subban doesn't know what his exact responsibilities with the Predators are going to be;; those conversations with coach Peter Laviolette have yet to be had. There's no rush for Subban to find out.

"I know that everybody in the media (is) going to talk about what they think my role's going to be or project," Subban said. "I'm not one to project. I want to listen first and get all the information. And then whatever role I'm in, I want to excel in that role. But obviously, in the league, my job is to keep the puck out of our net and then help move it up to our forwards so they can put it in their net, right? It's pretty simple, and I want to do that the best way that I can."

As Subban was formally introduced Monday, two documentary crews chronicled his day, an example of the significant attention he attracts. The Predators, who will receive their own attention as a serious contender next season, should only benefit from that.

"For your franchise, for your team, you're looking for personality, in how you play, what your players contribute on the ice, off the ice," Predators general manager David Poile said. "And P.K. comes with a big persona both on and off the ice. It's probably the biggest that we've ever had.

"It draws a lot of attention. ... I think it's fantastic. It really gives me the feeling that it's taken us a step closer to being an even better franchise than we have."

Tennessean LOADED: 07.19.2016

1022308 Nashville Predators

See P.K. Subban in full Predators uniform

Adam Vingan, 12:36 p.m. CDT July 18, 2016

The new Predators defenseman arrived in Nashville on Sunday for the first time since being traded June 29.

New Predators defenseman P.K. Subban is in Nashville for the first time since being traded from the Canadiens for Shea Weber on June 29.

Subban will be formally introduced at 2 p.m. at Bridgestone Arena. Before then, he dressed in his full Predators uniform for a photoshoot.

On Sunday, Subban arrived in Nashville, meeting fans at Ford Ice Center and taking a tour of downtown that included a stop at Tootsie's, where he sang Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues."

"P.K. Subban has now been to Tootsie's one more time than I have," Predators general manager David Poile said during a meeting where Subban met Predators staff.

Howdy and welcome to #Smashville, @PKSubban1!

>> https://t.co/oM7l4dnTDKhttps://t.co/dIcCeVJ1nT

— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) July 17, 2016

Subban is a Norris Trophy winner, winning the award for the NHL's best defenseman in 2013. The trade between the Predators and Canadiens included the highest-paid defensemen in the league, with Subban's salary next season set to be $11 million and Weber's $12 million, according to generalfanager.com.

Tennessean LOADED: 07.19.2016

1022309 New Jersey Devils

Devils re-sign defenseman Reece Scarlett

By Chris Ryan

on July 18, 2016 at 3:06 PM, updated July 18, 2016 at 3:20 PM

The Devils and restricted free agent defenseman Reece Scarlett agreed to a one-year, two-way contract, the team announced Monday.

The deal is worth $600K if Scarlett is at the NHL level.

What you missed at development camp

Scarlett, a 2011 sixth-round pick by the Devils, has played the past three seasons with the Albany Devils. Last winter, he compiled 26 points over 60 games.

Scarlett was one of five Devils players to receive qualifying offers in June, keeping him as a restricted free agent. Kyle Palmieri, Sergey Kalinin and Jacob Josefson have reached new deals with the Devils, and now Reid Boucher remains as the lone restricted free agent left unsigned.

Star Ledger LOADED: 07.19.2016


How Devils handle tryouts through development camp

By Chris Ryan

on July 18, 2016 at 2:25 PM, updated July 18, 2016 at 2:47 PM

NEWARK - Along with watching the prospects already within the organization, the Devils got the chance to see players on tryouts during their 2016 development camp.

Of the 34 players on the development camp rosters, nine were there on a tryout invite. But having those players in camp wasn't about evaluating them.

Rather, it was to show what the Devils had to offer.

"This wasn't set up to evaluate what we have. Like I told the college free agents, this is an opportunity for us," Devils assistant general manager Tom Fitzgerald said. "We're trying out for them, they're not trying out for us."

Fitzgerald said when agents would call, he'd say he wasn't evaluating individuals. He would catch glimpses of players in action, but they're already in camp because the organization already has interest.

"They're here for a reason. They're here because our scouts said, I want this guy here because he's a potential free agent we might go after," Fitzgerald said. "And it's an opportunity for us to show them what we're all about."

The nine players there on tryouts included Chris Shero, son of general manager Ray Shero. And he wowed with his play early in the week. Shero just wrapped up his freshman season at Boston College, and other BC players Scott Savage and Austin Cangelosi were there on tryouts.

New Jersey natives Matt Morris of Ridgewood and Zach Berzolla, a Freehold product, were also in the camp on tryouts.

The other four tryouts were defensemen Gaven Bayreuther, Marc Biega, Luke McInnis and Garret Cockerill.



Everything you missed from Devils development camp

By Chris Ryan

on July 18, 2016 at 10:15 AM, updated July 18, 2016 at 10:41 AM

The Devils wrapped up their 2016 development camp with an intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday, capping off a full week from some of the team's top prospects.

In case you missed any of NJ.com's coverage from the past week, you can find it all below.

• Nathan Bastian scored a pair of goals to help the White Team rally past the Red Team in the scrimmage.

• The Devils' top two 2016 draft picks shined in Saturday's scrimmage, with second-round pick Bastian even one-upping first-round pick Michael McLeod.

• McLeod did exit the scrimmage early after taking a hit, with the team saying it was precautionary.

• Watch Pavel Zacha talks about maturing over past season

• Zacha didn't skate at camp, but he said his hip pointer is improving

• Watch some of the Devils' 2016 draft picks run drills

• Joseph Blandisi also didn't skate during development camp, for a bit of an odd reason.

• Chris Shero, son of general manager Ray Shero, had a very impressive week on a tryout invite. Watch him talk about his fast start at camp.

• Here are 8 impressions from the first few days of camp

• Mike Cammalleri believes he is 'finally over the hump' with his wrist injury.

• N.J. native Matt Morris got the chance to tryout with the team he grew up watching.

• John Quenneville didn't skate Friday or Saturday, but he showed the strides he's made during the first few days of camp.

• McLeod also scored the game-winner in a shootout to earn his team the 3-on-3 title on Wednesday.

• Even with NHL experience under his belt, Steven Santini took the same approach at camp.

Scott Savage scores 2nd goal of Devils development camp scrimmage



Scarlett agrees to new deal

Posted by Andrew Gross on 07/18 at 03:50 PM

Restricted free agent defenseman Reece Scarlett, 23, has agreed to a one-year, two-way deal worth $600,000 at the NHL level, the Devils announced today.

Scarlett had been extended a qualifying offer with the requisite 10 percent raise after earning $600,000 last season. However, that QO expired on Friday, though the Devils retained his rights.

Scarlett had four goals, 22 assists and 64 penalty minutes in 60 games for Albany (AHL) last season and is expected to compete for a spot with the Devils out of training camp.

Scarlett's signing leaves center Reid Boucher as the remaining RFA for GM Ray Shero to lock up with a new deal. Boucher, who also had been extended a now-expired QO, earned $742,500 last season.

Bergen Record LOADED: 07.19.2016

1022313 New York Islanders

Islanders’ new owners willing to spend more for free agents

Updated July 17, 2016 12:56 AM

By Arthur Staple

The first sign that things had changed with the Islanders did not come this past week, when new majority co-owner Jon Ledecky spoke boldly and loudly about making sure the team has every resource available to improve.

No, it came in the opening minutes of free agency on July 1, the day that Ledecky and Scott Malkin took over controlling interest of the team from Charles Wang.

Knowing that Kyle Okposo, Frans Nielsen and Matt Martin were headed elsewhere, general manager Garth Snow and his front-office staff identified Andrew Ladd as their top target. Ladd may not be the game-changing free agent that Steven Stamkos would have been, but the Islanders saw a fit. And to make that fit, they played the free-agency game in a way they really hadn’t during Snow’s 11-year tenure.

That meant giving Ladd the contract structure that other top free agents were getting: a small yearly salary with a large bonus to protect against losing money because of a buyout or against a possible work stoppage before the 2019-20 season. The seven-year deal is worth $38.5 million.

In the past, Snow wasn’t able to offer such largesse. During the organization’s incredible dry spell with defensemen from 2008-14, the combination of losing games and inability to make those big contract pitches kept the Islanders from making significant changes. Snow dealt draft picks for the rights to Christian Ehrhoff and Dan Boyle but neither was interested in signing, Ehrhoff in particular because the Islanders would not front-load an offer.

Neither of those players made good on the deals they did take, of course, but they were just two of the high-profile rejections the Isles took around the league.

Ledecky and Malkin want to make the Islanders a destination for free agents, and Ledecky seems to know what that entails: player-friendly contracts and a willingness to spend and make sure the amenities are top-notch.

“We should be the world-class destination for free agents,” he said this past week. “If you think about a capped world, everybody can spend to the cap, and we certainly have no constraints on our GM and our staff to spend. We want to create and continue to progress toward John Tavares lifting that Stanley Cup, so we should be world-class in everything we do.”

Ledecky also is laying the groundwork for Snow to make Tavares an Islander for life. He declared at Thursday’s town hall meeting with season-ticket holders at Barclays Center that Tavares “is not going to be a free agent.”

That’s strong stuff, and no one really knows what Tavares is thinking about his contract, which will expire at the end of the 2017-18 season.

But we do know that on July 1, 2017, Snow will be ready to make an offer to Pat Brisson, Tavares’ high-powered agent, that is competitive with the other stars of the league.

On Friday, Dallas captain Jamie Benn, as close an age and statistical comparison to Tavares as anyone in the league, signed an eight-year extension worth $9.5 million per season.

There certainly could be other changes. Ledecky spoke on Wednesday of increasing the financial commitment to the front office and scouting staff, a group that lost George McPhee to the new Las Vegas team this past week. Snow does have a tight-knit group he leans on;; would he be willing to make room for more input?

Ledecky expressed full confidence in Snow, and the two have had a couple of years to get to know one another. Ledecky also spoke of continuing progress.

“What’s the standard?” he asked. “We won the first round. We went to the second round. The standard this year has to be, you won the second round and went to the third round. And eventually you have to hoist the Stanley Cup, because that’s what the fans demand. They demand that excellence, on the ice and off the ice.”

It’s not exactly revolutionary to profess a desire to win a title. Wang wanted that, too, and he made his own splash a year after taking the reins, in 2001, when he signed off on three trades in three days in June — for Adrian Aucoin, Alexei Yashin and Michael Peca — that transformed the moribund franchise and increased payroll by 44 percent.

But the realities of the Islanders’ finances dawned on Wang quickly as his attempts to build a new arena were thwarted. After years of tacit understanding that the Isles were a tightly budgeted team, Wang said as much to Newsday two weeks ago. “Don’t forget the constraints [Snow] was working under,” Wang said. “We weren’t a big [spending] team.”

Now the shackles are off. That does not instantly translate into a title. But the first few weeks of the Ledecky-Malkin era for the Islanders has shown that they are willing to spend, willing to do whatever it takes to see the team to a Stanley Cup. That’s a promising start.

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 07.19.2016

1022314 New York Rangers

Rangers Send Derick Brassard to Ottawa for Mika Zibanejad

By DAVE CALDWELLJULY 18, 2016

Just 14 months after he was acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets in a multiplayer deal, Derick Brassard helped the Rangers roll into the 2014 Stanley Cup finals. As a reward, Brassard received a five-year, $25 million contract, and it appeared as if he would be in New York for at least that long.

But the Rangers slid backward. They were ousted in the Eastern Conference finals by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2015 and then ignominiously eliminated in five games by the eventual Cup champions, the Pittsburgh Penguins, in the first round in April.

So 17 days after fortifying the roster with role players at the start of free agency, the Rangers made their first dynamic move of the off-season on Monday, dealing Brassard, 28, to the Ottawa Senators for the 23-year-old Swedish center Mika Zibanejad.

“We talked about if we could get younger and faster and not give up too much, that’s something we would do,” Jeff Gorton, the Rangers’ general manager, said in a conference call. “I know the perception was to overhaul the team, but I don’t know how realistic that is.”

He added: “I’m not sitting here and mandated to change 10 things. This is an opportunity to get better, and that’s why we took it.”

But Gorton also sounded as if he might not be finished looking for trades. At one point on Monday, he noted that it was the middle of July — too early to judge the team as it was comprised.

Gorton clearly liked Monday’s trade, which also included the Rangers acquiring a second-round pick in the 2018 N.H.L. draft while sending a 2018 seventh-round pick to Ottawa. Zibanejad has scored 41 goals in the last two seasons combined, while improving on faceoffs.

“I think the potential is there for more,” Gorton said. “He’s just scratched the surface before he is 23.”

Brassard and Zibanejad were first-round draft picks, sixth over all. Zibanejad was drafted by the Senators in 2011, five years after Brassard. Brassard led the Rangers in goals last year with a career-high 27, and Zibanejad scored a career-high 21 for the Senators.

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Zibanejad can also kill penalties, which proved to be a significant weakness last season for the Rangers, who finished 26th in the 30-team N.H.L. They finished third in the league in the regular season in 2014, when they advanced to the Cup finals.

The Rangers have parted with two of their highest point scorers from last season. Defenseman Keith Yandle, who had 5 goals and 42 assists, was traded to and then signed by the Florida Panthers last month.

Although Gorton said that Ryan McDonagh, the team’s captain, was capable of filling the power-play responsibilities vacated by Yandle, the Rangers might acquire a more prolific defenseman.

Gorton said the Rangers had never considered buying out the contract of Dan Girardi, the 32-year-old defenseman who had an injury-plagued and inconsistent season. Asked during the playoffs what body part of Girardi’s hurt, Coach Alain Vigneault said, “The whole thing.”

“We’ll see how this plays out,” Gorton said.

The Rangers lightened their payroll: Zibanejad, a restricted free agent in 2017, will cost $2.625 million toward the salary cap this season, half of Brassard’s salary.

The Rangers will have more maneuverability in signing forwards Chris Kreider and Kevin Hayes, who are restricted free agents and face arbitration hearings this month. Earlier, the Rangers signed the restricted free agents J. T. Miller, a forward, and Dylan McIlrath, a defenseman.

“With Kevin, we see a 6-foot-5 center who has shown at times how good of a player he can be in this league, and I would expect he would come back with a chip on his shoulder,” Gorton said. “After losing in the first

round, I would expect all of our players would come back with a chip on their shoulder.”

Brassard is a native of Hull, Quebec, across the Ottawa River from Ottawa, and he played junior hockey for Guy Boucher, the Senators’ new coach. Ottawa missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons.

Brassard said in a conference call with Ottawa reporters that the trade was a “little bit of a shock.”

He said he was looking forward to playing at home, but said of playing in New York, “I had a lot of pressure to perform there.”

New York Times LOADED: 07.19.2016


Why Rangers’ Brassard deal was about a lot more than cap space

By Larry Brooks July 18, 2016 | 9:46pm

The Rangers had become comparatively slow, too easy to play against, much too lax without the puck through the neutral zone and in their end of the ice, and horrid on the penalty kill. The dynamic that had previously produced admirable results was no longer dynamic. The mix had grown stale. Those truths were self-evident.

But Jeff Gorton wasn’t about to do just anything simply so he could say he had done something. Rather, the general manager has been seeking to remedy the ills that undermined last season’s club. And so, on Monday, the GM pulled off a deal that struck at the team’s core and was designed to address those issues.

Derick Brassard, who took a step backward last year even while recording a personal-best 27 goals that led his team, is gone, off to Ottawa for Mika Zibanejad. It was a center-for-center swap in which the Blueshirts came away with the younger, faster, bigger and cheaper player, plus a 2018 second-rounder, to boot.

Cap space was cleared, $2.375 million of it with the newest Swede to join the team in at $2.625 million for the year while Brassard carries a $5 million hit. The Blueshirts now have a fair amount of maneuverability both immediately and into the season. But the added space is more a byproduct of the deal than the motivating force behind it.

The Rangers wanted — if not needed — a different kind of center behind Derek Stepan and they got it in Zibanejad, who is stronger without the puck and in his own end and projects to be feistier and tougher than the gifted, finesse-oriented Brassard.

They acquired a center who they believe will be a better match against bigger, physical pivots and thus alleviate some of the burden on Stepan, whom coach Alain Vigneault had come to rely on almost exclusively — and ultimately to No. 21’s detriment — the last two years in power-against-power matchups.

“We feel we’re getting a player who’s just scratching the surface and who has a lot of upside,” Gorton said of the 23-year-old, who recorded 21 goals and 51 points last year while centering Ottawa’s second line, most often between Bobby Ryan and Mike Hoffman. “He kills penalties, he’s [good] on draws.

“And he can play against the better, bigger centers around the league. At the end of the day, we felt this makes us a better team.”

Look, the Rangers aren’t getting Anze Kopitar here. It’s not as if the Blueshirts have pulled one over the Senators’ eyes. Zibanejad has had his issues with consistency, too. His effort has sometimes left something to be desired. But there’s the potential for growth here. And his attributes combine to comprise a round peg that fits into a Rangers’ circular hole.

Brassard is as good and likable a guy as you could meet in a locker room. He loved playing on the Big Stage of Broadway and in the Big Room of the Garden. Arriving at the 2013 trade deadline from Columbus in the swap for Marian Gaborik, he played an integral part in the run to the 2014 Cup final and the 2015 Presidents’ Trophy.

But even as Brassard — who will turn 29 in September — led the team in goal scoring, he somehow took a step back. He did not embrace the opportunity to break out of his 1A/1B status and become the first-line center, in fact often opining how difficult it was to consistently go up against the opposition’s top guns. He became shockingly delinquent without the puck, so much so that Vigneault could no longer play him with the also defensively deficient Mats Zuccarello.

I called him “Big Game Brass” for his production in the playoffs that reached its height with his hat-trick, five-point performance in the elimination-avoiding Game 6 of the conference finals in Tampa Bay in 2015. Fact is, Brassard led the Rangers in goals (18), assists (26) and points (44) through his four postseasons in New York.

But the final image of Brassard in the playoffs is from last year’s first-round Game 5 elimination match in Pittsburgh, where he was casually and easily shrugged off the puck in the defensive zone high slot by Bryan Rust a second or two before Matt Cullen waltzed in for the 4-2 goal that for all intents and purposes slammed the window shut on The Core’s Last Ride.

The Rangers and Gorton needed to do something, but not just anything. They needed to address specific weaknesses. They needed to get faster, stronger and tougher in the one-on-one battles, better on the penalty kill and more diligent without the puck.

That’s what this trade was about.

New York Post LOADED: 07.19.2016


Rangers swap Derick Brassard for emerging Senators beast

By Brett Cyrgalis July 18, 2016 | 2:10pm

In the Rangers’ quest to get younger, faster, and open up some salary-cap space, Derick Brassard became the casualty.

In a rare July trade completed Monday, the Rangers traded Brassard and a seventh-round pick in 2018 to the Senators in exchange for Mika Zibanejad and a 2018 second-round pick.

The swap of centers jettisons the 28-year-old Brassard back near his hometown of Hull, Quebec — just over the river from Ottawa — while the 23-year-old Zibanejad slides into a lineup that general manager Jeff Gorton was focused on getting younger. Brassard has three seasons left on his five-year, $25 million deal he signed with the Blueshirts in 2014, which carries an annual cap hit of $5 million. Zibanejad carries a $2.625 million hit this coming season, and then will become an arbitration eligible restricted free agent.

But if this is part of a larger roster overhaul still in progress, Gorton was slow-playing it.

“I know there is a lot of perception that you have to overhaul the team and do all these things, but I’m not sure how realistic that is,” Gorton said on a conference call, his team having been bounced out of the playoffs in the first round this spring after making three of the previous four conference finals.

“We look at each deal differently and see where it takes us. I would say I’m not sitting here and mandated to change 10 things. This is an opportunity to get better, and that’s why we took it.”

Gorton deflected the question of whether that new cap space was already set aside for another imminent move.

“If I had another move, I wouldn’t tell you,” he kidded. “The ability to get [Zibanejad], to get a younger player, to get a guy that’s fast, big, plays real well in his own zone, can do a lot of things for us — that’s the exciting piece. The fact that we have salary-cap space is good. We’ll look at everything now.”

At 6-foot-2, 211 pounds, Zibanejad is coming off a career season, scoring 21 goals as part of 51 points in 81 games for the lowly Sens, who drafted him with the No. 6 overall pick in 2011. It was the second straight 20-goal season for the native of Stockholm, Sweden, to go along with a drastic improvement at the face-off dot, where he won 50.46 percent of his draws.

For a Rangers team that finished the regular season ranked 26th in the league in penalty killing, Zibanejad will join a shorthanded forwards group that added Michael Grabner, Nathan Gerbe and Josh Jooris earlier this offseason.

“There is no secret our penalty killing was not good,” Gorton said. “Some of the moves we made, if not all of them, have had some part in that.”

Brassard was the Blue Jackets’ first-round pick (No. 6 overall) in 2006, and he came to the Rangers in the trade that sent Marian Gaborik to Columbus during the 2012-13 season. The friendly French-Canadian was an integral part of the team that made it to the 2014 Stanley Cup final, and was a vocal public face of the team. He led the Rangers with a career-high 27 goals this past season, but Gorton was not trying to make this a direct comparison between Brassard and Zibanejad.

“I really wouldn’t to compare him to Derick, because Derick Brassard has been a real good player for us,” Gorton said. “This is a trade where we felt like we’re getting younger, we’re getting a player that has upside and we really like the way he’s trending.”

New York Post LOADED: 07.19.2016


Rangers trade Derick Brassard to Senators for Mika Zibanejad

Updated July 18, 2016 7:34 PM

By Steven Marcus

Derick Brassard, who scored a career-high 27 goals for the Rangers last season, was traded to the Ottawa Senators on Monday for younger forward Mika Zibanejad. The Rangers also received a 2018 second-round draft pick and the Senators get a seventh-round pick in 2018.

Zibanejad, a 23-year-old Swede who was a first-round pick by the Senators in 2011, has $2.65 million left in the final year of a two-year agreement, according to Spotrac.com. He will become a restricted free agent after the 2016-17 season. Brassard, 28, leaves New York with three years remaining on a five-year, $25-million contract.

Zibanejad, who has played his entire career with the Senators, set career highs last season in games played (81), goals (21), assists (30) and points (51). He has 64 goals and 87 assists in 281 regular-season NHL games.

Speaking on a conference call, Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton said of Zibanejad: “For us, this is a player that is almost six years younger that’s coming off two 20-goal seasons that we think is heading into the prime of his career. The ability to get a younger player, a guy that is fast, big, plays real well in his own zone, can do a lot of things for us, that is the exciting piece. The fact that we have salary-cap space is good, and we’ll look at everything now.

“I think the potential is there for more upside. He’s just scratching the surface at age 23. There’s not a lot of guys that have done what he’s done — scored 20 before that age. You look at the way the game is played, you look at some of the things he does — he kills penalties, he’s emerged on draws. He’s gotten better every year.”

Brassard, who is returning to his hometown, was second on the Rangers with 58 points in 80 games last season. His 31 assists were 10 fewer than the previous season. “I was a little shocked when it happened today,” he said. “But I’m real ly happy to be joining the Sens and playing at home.”

Gorton did not want to be drawn into comparisons of Brassard and Zibanejad.

“I really wouldn’t want to compare him to Derick,” Gorton said. “Derick Brassard has been a real good player for us. That trade we made for him coincided with a lot of good years for us;; a lot of success for him and us. But I wouldn’t want to put him player for player and say, ‘He’s going to do this or that.’ This is a trade where we felt we’re getting younger, we’re getting a player that has upside, and we really like the way he’s trending.”

Rangers sign Kovacs. The Rangers also announced the signing of forward Robin Kovacs to an entry-level contract. Kovacs, 19, was the Rangers’ third-round draft pick in 2015. He played in 44 games with AIK IF of Allsvenskan in Sweden this past season and had 21 goals and 13 assists.

With AP

Mika Zibanejad

Position: Center

Shoots: Right

Height/weight: 6-2/223

Birthplace: Huddinge, Sweden

Age: 23

Drafted: 2011, Ottawa, first round (6th overall)

Salary: $2.625M

Career Stats

Games: 281

Points: 151

Goals: 64

Assists: 87

Penalty minutes: 64

Plus-minus: -11



Rangers sign Robin Kovacs

July 18, 2016 11:11 AM

By The Associated Press

The New York Rangers have signed forward Robin Kovacs to an entry-level contract.

General manager Jeff Gorton announced the signing on Monday.

Kovacs was the Rangers’ third-round draft pick in 2015. The 19-year-old played in 44 games with AIK IF of Allsvenskan in Sweden this past season and had 21 goals and 13 assists. He skated in 92 career games in Allsvenskan over the last two seasons, registering 38 goals and 24 assists.



Rangers got faster, younger, cheaper … and better with the Brassard-Zibanejad deal (with Jeff Gorton transcript) 77

BY RICK CARPINIELLO

JULY 18, 2016

It’s a bit short of a blockbuster, but Rangers GM Jeff Gorton made a very significant trade Monday, dealing one of his top two centers, leading goal-scorer and second-leading point getter.

Gorton traded Derick Brassard, 28, and seventh-round draft pick in 2018 to Ottawa for center Mika Zibanejad, 23, and a second-rounder in 2018.

What this trade does is make the Rangers faster, a little bit bigger, younger, and probably as important, cheaper. In my opinion, at first glance, it’s a win-win-win. By the way, so much for the rumor about trading Derek Stepan. I also think Brassard, as I’ve said many times, should be a perennial 30-goal scorer. Maybe this opens that door for him.

The 6-foot-2, 222-pound Zibanejad, in addition to being almost six years younger than Brassard, is better defensively, good on faceoffs (50.5 percent last season), can kill penalties (a theme of all of Gorton’s moves this summer), has a strong record in shootouts (13 of 28 career, 4 of 9 last season) and is a right-handed shot, which the Rangers badly need.

Brassard had a career-high 27 goals, and was second to his buddy and linemate Mats Zuccarello with 58 points. Zibanejad scored 21 goals (seven game-winners) and 50 points, scoring 20 or more for the second season in a row. Though 23, he has played five NHL seasons.

As important, the Swedish-born Zibanejad carries only a $2.625 million cap hit this season, after which he can be a restricted free agent. Brassard has three years and a $5 million annual cap hit left on his contract.

“I think one thing we thought about as we went into the offseason is if we could get younger and faster and not give up too much, that’s something we thought we would do,” Gorton said.

“I know there’s a lot of perception that you’ve got to overhaul the team and do all these things, but I’m not sure how realistic that is. We look at each deal differently and see where it takes us. But I would say, I’m not sitting here and mandated to change 10 things. This is an opportunity to get better and that’s why we took it.”

brassard starBrassard, born and raised just outside Ottawa in Hull, Quebec, told TSN radio in Ottawa that he expected to be traded. He said that when the Rangers and his agent couldn’t reach him he learned of the deal via a text from former teammate Martin St. Louis, who lives in Greenwich, Conn. where Brassard had been training.

“It sounds pretty nice and I am excited to come home and play for the Sens,” he said.

Gorton hadn’t yet made a major move, but he has added speed and penalty killers in forwards Michael Grabner, Nathan Gerbe, Josh Jooris and defenseman Nick Holden. He also signed top prospect Pavel Buchnevich, and on Monday announced the signing of 19-year-old draftee Robin Kovacs.

More moves are likely to be coming.

“I think the potential is there for more upside (from Zibanejad),” Gorton said. “He’s just scratching the surface at age 23.

“I really wouldn’t want to compare him to Derick because Derick Brassard’s been a really good player for us. That trade that we made for him kind of coincided with a lot of good years, a lot of success for him and us. He was a real good player here and a real good guy.

“This was a trade where we felt like … we’re getting younger, we’re getting a player that has upside and we really like the way he’s trending. … This is a trade that, at the end of the day, is going to make us a better team.”

Scroll to the previous post to see the official announcements from today’s activity.

Rangers GM Jeff Gorton conference call transcript:

“I think as you go through a season, and if you go back four or five years and we’ve had some success and all of a sudden, although we had a 100-point season we were out in the first round, you assess your team

every day. I think one thing we thought about as we went into the offseason is if we could get younger and faster and not give up too much, that’s something we thought we would do.

“I know there’s a lot of perception that you’ve got to overhaul the team and do all these things, but I’m not sure how realistic that is. We look at each deal differently and see where it takes us. But I would say, I’m not sitting here and mandated to change 10 things. This is an opportunity to get better and that’s why we took it.”

On whether this is a precursor to other deals:

“Answering those questions isn’t too bright. If I had another move I wouldn’t tell you, even though I like you (laughs). You can say it’s cap space if you like, if that’s the way you want to look at it. For us, this is a younger player that’s five or six, almost six years younger, that’s coming off two 20-goal seasons, that we think is heading to the prime of his career. And the ability to get a younger player, to get a guy that’s fast, big (6-2, 222), plays real well in his own zone, can do a lot of things for us, that’s the exciting piece. The fact that we have salary-cap space is good. We’ll look at everything now. But even if I had a move, I promise I wouldn’t tell you.”

On Zibanejad:

“I think the potential is there for more upside. He’s just scratching the surface at age 23. There’s not a lot of guys that have done what he’s done as far as score 20 before that age. You look at the way the game’s played. You look at some of the things – he kills penalties, he’s really emerged on the draws. I think since he’s come in he’s gotten better every year and he’s just scratching the surface. So I really wouldn’t want to compare him to Derick because Derick Brassard’s been a really good player for us. That trade that we made for him kind of coincided with a lot of good years, a lot of success for him and us. He was a real good player here and a real good guy. But I wouldn’t want to put them player for player and say ‘he’s going to do this, he’s going to do that.’ This was a trade where we felt like … we’re getting younger, we’re getting a player that has upside and we really like the way he’s trending.”

On the difficulties of getting a trade done:

“It’s always difficult. We’re in a cap world, you have expansion, you have whole different scenarios now. You’re trying to do something that improves your team and finding a trade partner sometimes isn’t that easy. So, yeah, I would say it’s been somewhat difficult to find the right deals that make us better and that’s why you see a lot of the guys (coming) back right now, and we’ll continue to look at things that make ourselves better all the time.”

On whether he considered buying out Dan Girardi:

“I know that Dan Girardi’s taken a beating in the media here, but you’re talking about a player that’s 32, that’s had a significant injury. We’ve seen some real good production from him for many years, and he did, by all accounts, not have the kind of year we wanted or he wanted. But we expect Dan to be better and he expects to be better, and the buyout, it just didn’t make sense for us if you look at it from all sides. It’s something I never considered. I really believe, and the organization believes, that Dan Girardi will be better this season.”

More on Zibanejad:

“I think everything goes into it. When you make a trade you’re not just looking at one thing. You’re looking at all the scenarios. You’re looking at where you think his upside can be, where’s his best fit in our organization, in our lineup? Can he be on the power play? Where could he be on the power play? Can he be on the point? Can he be on his off-side for one-timers? … How good is he on the penalty kill? Can he play against the better centers in the league? All those type of things went into this. It took a lot of thought, it took a lot of effort from everybody. And this is a trade, at the end of the day, is going to make us a better team.”

On the penalty-killing theme of this summer’s acquisitions:

“There’s no secret, right, that our penalty kill was no good. Some of the moves we’ve made, if not all of them, have some part in that. We have to be better there. When we got a guy like Grabner, or whether it’s Gerbe, or add Jooris, or Holden or whomever, and now Zibanejad, yeah, that’s a significant part of the game now. And for us to be in the top of the league is important. That’s something we strive for and it didn’t happen this year. I think it says so in all the moves we’ve made.”

On replacing Keith Yandle:

“Listen, we don’t have a Yandle in our lineup right now. We don’t have that type of player. But Ryan McDonagh, if you trace back, has been pretty successful on the power play and can move a puck and he can do a lot of things for you. As far as Brady (Skjei), we’ll see how that plays itself out. Here we are in the middle of July trying to figure it out and we

don’t know what else can change. I don’t really want to talk about how it’s going to play out, what’s going to happen. I think it’s way too early. We’ll see how it goes. Brady is a bright young prospect for us. He looked good in limited time. Let’s hope that after a great summer he looks even better and can do more for us. Ryan McDonagh has a history of being a real good player in this league and I wouldn’t expect anything less. So we’ll see where it goes.”

On evaluating Kevin Hayes’ sophomore season:

“With Kevin, I don’t think it’s dissimilar to a lot of players who came into the league and had a good year and then sometimes in that second year it’s not quite at the level we expected, or anybody expected, or even the player expected. For us, it’s a 6-foot-5 player that has shown sometimes how good of a player he can be in this league, and I would expect that he comes back with a chip on his shoulder and plays real well. And I would expect that from a lot of our players. After losing in the first round, I would expect that most of our players, if not all of them, are coming back with a little bit of a chip on their shoulders.”

Rockland Journal News: LOADED: 07.19.2016


Rangers trade Brassard to Ottawa for Zibanejad and a second-round pick;; sign Kovacs 89

BY RICK CARPINIELLO

JULY 18, 2016

Big deal alert:

The Rangers traded center Derick Brassard, 28, and a seventh-round draft pick in 2018 to Ottawa for center Mika Zibanejad, 23, and a second-rounder in 2018.

Gotta believe this is the precursor to other moves. The Rangers get instant cap relief, sending Brassard’s $5 million per year cap hit, for the next three seasons, to the Senators.

Zibanjed is signed for only one more season at $2.625 million, and can be a restricted free agent after the coming season.

We will update as we go along. Rangers GM Jeff Gorton will address the media at 3 p.m.

First thoughts: This is a WIN-WIN-WIN, with the only negatives being that A) Brassard is a great kid, very likeable;; and B) Many fans love him.

Zibanejad is bigger (6-2, 222), faster, better defensively, good on faceoffs, kills penalties, good in shootouts and as Gorton said, just scratching the surface of his potential. He has scored 20 twice already, at age 23. And the Rangers get cap relief plus a second-round pick in 2018.

Also, as reported Friday, the Rangers have signed forward Robin Kovacs to an entry-level contract.

Per @CapFriendly, the three-year deal will pay Kovacs $803,333 next season, $742,500 in 2017-18 and $925,000 plus games-played bonuses in ’18-19.

Kovacs, 19, had an impressive rookie development camp earlier this month, playing with former Swedish linemate Malte Stromwell, who was signed by the Rangers earlier this off-season.

Here are the official announcements from the NYR:

NEW YORK, July 18, 2016 – New York Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton announced today that the team has acquired forward Mika Zibanejad and a second round pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Derick Brassard and a seventh round pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

Zibanejad, 23, skated in 81 games with Ottawa this past season, registering 21 goals and 30 assists for 51 points, along with 18 penalty minutes. He established career-highs in several categories in 2015-16, including games played, goals, assists, points, game-winning goals (seven), and faceoff win percentage (50.5;; 659-for-1,306). Zibanejad has tallied a goal on 13 of his 28 career NHL shootout attempts (46.4%), and he has recorded five game-deciding goals in the shootout. Zibanejad’s five game-deciding goals in the shootout are the second-most a Senator has tallied since 2005-06, as he passed Daniel Alfredsson for sole possession of second place during this past season.

Zibanejad led the Senators in game-winning goals, faceoff wins, and faceoffs taken, ranked third in shorthanded goals (two), tied for third in games played, tied for fourth in assists, and ranked fifth in points and power play points (11) in 2015-16. He tied for fifth in the NHL in shootout goals (four;; 4-for-9) and game-deciding goals (two) in the shootout this past season. Zibanejad ranked third among Ottawa forwards in shorthanded ice time per game in 2015-16 (1:25). He tallied 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) in 24 contests against Metropolitan Division opponents this past season. Zibanejad recorded 27 points (13 goals, 14 assists) in the final 38 games of the season, and he ranked second on Ottawa in goals over the span.

The 6-2, 222-pounder has skated in 281 career NHL games over parts of five seasons (2011-12 – 2015-16), all with Ottawa, registering 64 goals and 87 assists for 151 points, along with 64 penalty minutes. Over Zibanejad’s first five seasons, 52 of his 87 career assists have been primary assists. Zibanejad tallied at least 20 goals and 40 points in each of the last two seasons. He was one of only three Senators who recorded 20 or more goals in both 2014-15 and 2015-16. In addition, Zibanejad’s goals, assists, and points totals have increased in every season during his career. Over the last two seasons, Zibanejad has tallied 29 points (10 goals, 19 assists) against Metropolitan Division teams.

Zibanejad helped Ottawa reach the playoffs in two seasons during his tenure with the team (2012-13 and 2014-15). In 16 career NHL playoff games, Zibanejad has registered two goals and six assists for eight points. He tied for the team lead with four points (one goal, three assists) in six contests during the 2015 Playoffs.

Internationally, the Stockholm, Sweden, native has represented his country in several tournaments. Zibanejad registered five points (four goals, one assist) and posted a plus-three rating in six games while helping Sweden earn a gold medal at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship. In addition, he tallied the game-winning goal in overtime of the Gold Medal Game against Russia. Zibanejad also recorded eight points (four goals, four assists) and posted a plus-eight rating in six games while helping Sweden earn a silver medal at the 2011 IIHF U18 World Championship.

Zibanejad was selected by Ottawa in the first round, sixth overall, of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

Brassard skated in 254 games with the Rangers over parts of four seasons, registering 69 goals and 105 assists for 174 points.

NEW YORK, July 18, 2016 – New York Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton announced today that the team has agreed to terms with forward Robin Kovacs on an entry-level contract.

Kovacs, 19, skated in 44 games with AIK IF of Allsvenskan in Sweden this past season, registering 21 goals and 13 assists for 34 points, along with a plus-two rating and 54 penalty minutes. He was named the winner of Guldgallret, which is an award given annually to the top junior player (20 years old or younger) in Allsvenskan in 2015-16. Kovacs also led all players younger than 20 years old in Allsvenskan in goals and points this past season.

The 6-0, 186-pounder led Allsvenskan in shootout goals (eight) and game-deciding goals (four), tied for second in game-winning goals, ranked third in goals per game (0.48), and ranked fifth in goals and shooting percentage (17.1) in 2015-16. This past season, Kovacs helped AIK win the league championship in Allsvenskan. In addition, he played with Rögle BK in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), registering one assist in four contests.

Kovacs has skated in 92 career games in Allsvenskan over the last two seasons (2014-15 and 2015-16), registering 38 goals and 24 assists for 62 points, along with 117 penalty minutes. He won the Guldgallret in each of the last two seasons, and he also led all players younger than 20 years old in Allsvenskan in goals and points in each season. In 17 playoff/round-robin games in Allsvenskan, Kovacs has recorded 11 points (three goals, eight assists).

The Stockholm, Sweden, native was selected by the Rangers in the third round, 62nd overall, of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.

Rockland Journal News: LOADED: 07.19.2016

1022321 NHL

Day 15: What should Las Vegas’ NHL expansion team be called? — POLL

By KRISTEN DESILVA

Posted July 18, 2016 - 9:47am

We’re into the final week of our competition to (sort of but not really) name Las Vegas’ incoming NHL team.

Bill Foley himself said last week he was running into problems naming the team.

“The issue we’re having is there are various trademark issues and trade name issues that are issued,” he said. “And so we’re fighting, we’re working our way through that process.”

When we started this, we didn’t think it would continue to get the response it’s had, but we’re delighted and as we narrow in on the final choices, it’s going to get intense.

Today vote is for Foley’s favorite, Knights, or my remaining favorite, Scorpions.

Remember: Polls close at 5 p.m. Join us tomorrow as Rat Pack faces off against Bighorns.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 07.19.2016

1022322 Ottawa Senators

Dorion gambles on adding experience in trading away Zibanejad

Ken Warren, Ottawa Citizen

Published on: July 18, 2016 | Last Updated: July 18, 2016 6:37 PM EDT

So much for the Ottawa Senators’ boring summer.

The bold move by Senators general manager Pierre Dorion on Monday — shipping Mika Zibanejad to the New York Rangers for Derick Brassard — is a clear sign of the importance the organization is putting on experience up front.

Brassard is 28, with 563 regular-season and 59 playoff games behind him. Two weeks ago, the Senators brought back Chris Kelly, who has played in 751 regular-season and 90 playoff games. Kelly also won the Stanley Cup with Boston.

It is also in keeping with what Dorion said when he took over from former GM Bryan Murray at the end of the 2014-15 season.

One of the values of experience is to help with shaky nerves early in games.

At the risk of bringing back awful memories, the Senators were atrocious at the beginning of games last season, allowing the first goal in 51 of 82 games. (They went on to post a 14-30-7 record in those contests.)

If — and it’s a big if — Clarke MacArthur can also make a successful return after missing all but four games last season due to a devastating concussion, the Senators’ forward units should be better prepared to handle themselves at the outset of games.

Of course, the Senators could eventually regret dealing away their second-round selection in the 2018 draft to the Rangers in this swap. No doubt the Rangers, who desperately need young talent, were originally asking for a first-round pick to make the trade happen.

If Zibanejad finds his groove in New York, the trade could come back and haunt the Senators, but given Ottawa’s future hopes at centre, there wouldn’t have been room for everyone.

At this point, the Senators’ possible centres for next season include Kyle Turris, Brassard, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Chris Kelly, Zack Smith, Curtis Lazar and Nick Paul. It’s possible that some combination of Smith, Lazar, Kelly and Paul could end up on the wing.

Down the road, though, the Senators need to clear room for Colin White and Logan Brown — the centres selected in the first rounds of the 2015 and 2016 drafts, respectively.

Monday’s trade is another example that hockey is a business. In their current business cycle, the Senators needed to add some experience to improve their chances of making the playoffs next season.

Ottawa Citizen LOADED: 07.19.2016


Toews and Neil support Canadian troops with equipment program

Wayne Scanlan, Ottawa Citizen


In the hockey season, players are slaves to their schedule.

On an almost daily basis, they are told where to be and when, based on practices, off-ice training and games.

The precious summer months are a different animal. As much as hockey players devote much of their day to off-season training, there is also time for family, for recreation — and for giving back to the communities in which they live.

Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews and Ottawa Senators captain Chris Neil were involved in a program Monday at Canadian Forces Base Leitrim in Ottawa south that will provide new sports equipment and programs to armed forces personnel and their families. The link between the hockey players and the military: Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart program, which is providing $300,000 in gift cards and sports gear at military bases across the country.

In Ottawa, the program has already helped some 40,000 disadvantaged children participate in sports since 2005.

Watching Neil, who will reach 1,000 NHL games this season, and Toews, a three-time Stanley Cup champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, mingle with members of the military at the Leitrim base, they are clearly all in on this program.

Neil says he has already witnessed firsthand the benefits of motivating children, who might not otherwise have the means to play organized sport.

“It gets your kids out and active, instead of sitting in front of a computer all day,” Neil says. “Playing sports, you can meet so many nice people and friendships that carry on for a lifetime. I’ve seen it time and time again.”

Both players were presented with the Commander Coin For Excellence for their part in the program.

Addressing the crowd of military personnel, many in their army fatigues, Toews called it “one of the most intimidating audiences I’ve ever spoken to in my life. But it truly is special.”

Renowned for his leadership and intensity, the stuff that earned him the nickname ‘Captain Serious,’ Toews spoke from the heart about his appreciation for what the military does without expecting a lot of thanks.

Hockey players, he said, are held in exceedingly high regard in Canada. As hard as they work to earn a place in the NHL, they also get a lot of help along the way and the rewards are numerous.

After visiting the Leitrim base and speaking to soldiers during a highly regulated visit, Toews said he learned more about not only the sacrifices soldiers make when they’re deployed overseas, but also the sacrifices of their families back home.

In an interview, Toews said he felt honoured to be asked by the Jumpstart program to visit Ottawa and Leitrim. This event, combined with a family commitment in Quebec, kept Toews away from the highly popular Blackhawks convention in Chicago over the weekend.

Toews raves about the Jumpstart program’s ability to find “niche areas of our communities and in our country” that need help. Working with military families is a no brainer, he says.

“This should be the first stop to give back because of what these people give to us,” Toews said.

TSN play-play-man Gord Miller emceed the event, and was taken aback to receive a ‘Support Our Troops’ gold pin for his ongoing work with the armed forces, dating back to a trip to Afghanistan with the prime minister several years ago. It was on that trip that many soldiers expressed the need for some “new stuff,” when it came to sports equipment.

At Leitrim, the “new stuff” will include mountain bikes and an array of sports equipment for the new ‘fitness locker.’

“Newer equipment, more equipment, just gives us more flexibility in the types of offerings that, as a station commander, I can offer to my troops,” said commanding officer Colin Lachance.

The mental and physical well-being of military personnel and their families are inextricably linked. A little bit of an upgrade goes a long way when it comes to brightening life on the base.

“Nobody likes getting on old equipment that’s going to break down, down the road,” says chief warrant officer Gregory Monk. “New equipment, new sports gear gives them the incentive to go out there and work hard and play hard.”

As Lachance notes, the fact that some of the old gear was worn out, shows it was being used.

ZIBANEJAD OUT

We’ll have more to say about this, but social media awoke from its summer hockey slumber to respond to the Monday trade of Senators centre Mika Zibanejad for centre Derick Brassard of the New York Rangers, plus a swap of 2018 draft picks (Ottawa gives up a second, acquires a seventh-round pick). Reaction was swift and varied, though most seem to be on board with a move that makes the Senators better and more experienced short term, and wasn’t a huge financial commitment. The wild card in the deal, of course, is the future growth of Zibanejad, a sometimes frustrating player who hasn’t reached his potential at age 23. Brassard, who will turn 29 in September, is a more polished skilled forward and led the Rangers in goals last season with 27, and had 58 points.



Sens send Zibanejad, second-round pick to Rangers for Brassard, seventh-round pick

Ken Warren, Ottawa Citizen


New York Rangers centre Derick Brassard, a Hull native, appears to be headed for his first 20-goal season.

Derick Brassard is coming home.

The 28-year-old Gatineau native, fresh from scoring a career-high 27 goals with the New York Rangers, was acquired by the Senators on Monday in a blockbuster deal for Mika Zibanejad and Ottawa’s second-round selection in the 2018 NHL entry draft.

The Senators also receive the Rangers’ seventh-round pick in 2018 as part of the swap.

Both Brassard and Zibanejad are effectively second-line NHL centres.

At first glance, the Senators are gaining Brassard’s experience (including long playoff runs with the Rangers in 2014 and 2015) in exchange for the potential of the 23-year-old Zibanejad.

“I was a little shocked when it happened, but I’m really happy to be joining the Senators and to be playing at home,” said Brassard, who has registered 127 goals and 216 assists during his nine-year career, split between the Rangers and Columbus.

“There’s pressure everywhere you’re going to play in this league. I’ve played in New York for the last three years and that was a lot of pressure. It means a lot to me to be able to play for my hometown team. My family lives across the water (Ottawa River) and I have a house in Ottawa. I’m excited to join the Senators and I want to be a big part of the team.”

While Brassard is returning to Ottawa, the Senators are also saying goodbye to Zibanejad, who essentially grew up in the organization after being drafted sixth overall in 2011.

Ever since his first training camp as an 18-year-old, Zibanejad has shown flashes of brilliance. His numbers have gradually improved — in 2014-15, he registered a career-high 21 goals and 30 assists in 81 games — but he has battled with confidence and consistency issues.

Ultimately, Senators general manager Pierre Dorion is gambling that Brassard will make the Senators better now, giving them an improved shot at returning to the playoffs next season.

In addition to the edge in experience — Brassard has played in 563 regular-season games, Zibanejad in 281 — Dorion believes the Senators will benefit from having a left-handed centre, a potential bonus to top-line wingers Mark Stone and Bobby Ryan. Brassard will also provide an additional left shot on the power play.

“Mika has great potential down the road, but we felt Derick is more proven,” said Dorion. “When you trade a player like Mika, who has been in the organization, it was not an easy phone call to make, but when you feel like you can take a step forward, you have to take it. We felt as an organization it was the best thing to do.”

The Rangers were sold on the promise for Zibanejad’s future.

“I think the potential is there for more upside,” Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton told New York reporters. “He is just scratching the surface at age 23. There are not a lot of guys who have done what he has done as far as scored 20 before that age.”

It’s important not to be fooled by the salaries that were exchanged on Monday.

Brassard brings a $5 million salary-cap hit, but the five-year, $25-million contract he signed before the 2014-15 season was front-loaded. He made $7 million the first season and $6 million last season. The Rangers also paid out a $2-million bonus earlier this month. In actual dollars, the Senators are on the hook for $10 million over the next three seasons.

Zibanejad, meanwhile, will make $3.25 million in 2015-16, before becoming a restricted free agent — with salary arbitration rights — next summer.

While Brassard has yet to talk to new Senators coach Guy Boucher about where exactly he will fit in, but the two have a history together.

Brassard’s final year with the QMJHL’s Drummondville Voltigeurs was Boucher’s first year as head coach of that team.

Brassard, however, suffered a separated shoulder and played in only 14 regular-season games, scoring six goals and 19 assists. In 12 playoff games under Boucher, Brassard scored nine goals and 15 assists.

The Senators have had interest in acquiring Brassard for a long time.

Brassard, drafted by Columbus sixth overall in 2006, didn’t make the NHL playoffs in his first six seasons in the Blue Jackets organization. He was dealt to the Rangers before the 2013 trade deadline.



Sens trade Zibanejad to Rangers for Derick Brassard, draft picks

July 18, 2016 2:13 pm

Staff


The 28-year-old Gatineau native, fresh from scoring a career-high 27 goals with the New York Rangers, was acquired by the Ottawa Senators Monday in a blockbuster deal for Mika Zibanejad and the Senators second round selection in the 2018 NHL entry draft.

The Senators also receive the Rangers seventh round pick in 2018 as part of the swap.

Both Brassard and Zibanejad are effectively second line NHL centres.

At first blush, the Senators are gaining Brassard’s experience (including long playoff runs with the Rangers in 2014 and 2015) in exchange for the potential of the 23-year-old Zibanejad.

“I was a little shocked when it happened, but I’m really happy to be joining the Senators and to be playing at home,” said Brassard, who has registered 127 goals and 216 assists during his nine year career, split between the Rangers and Columbus.



Ever since his first training camp as an 18 year-old, Zibanejad has shown flashes of brilliance. His numbers have gradually improved – in 2014-15, he registered a career-high 21 goals and 30 assists in 81 games – but he has battled with confidence and consistency issues.

Ultimately, Senators general manager Pierre Dorion is gambling that Brassard will make the Senators better now, giving them a better chance at returning to the playoffs next season.

In addition to the edge in experience – Brassard has played in 563 regular season games, Zibanejad has played in 281 games – Dorion believes the Senators will benefit from having a left-handed centre, a potential bonus to top line right wingers Mark Stone and Bobby Ryan. Brassard will also provide an additional left shot on the power play.




It’s important not to fooled by the salaries which were exchanged Monday.

Brassard owns a $5 million salary cap hit, but the five-year, $25 million contract he signed before the 2014-15 season was front-loaded. He made $7 million the first season and $6 million last season. The Rangers also paid out a $2 million bonus as part of the contract earlier this month. In actual dollars, the Senators are on the hook for $10 million over the next three seasons.

Zibanejad, meanwhile, will make $3.25 million in 2015-16, before becoming a restricted free agent – with salary arbitration rights – next summer.

While Brassard has yet to talk to new Senators coach Guy Boucher about where exactly he will fit in, the two have a history together.

Brassard’s final year with the QMJHL’s Drummondville Voltigeurs was Boucher’s first year as head coach of Drummondville.

Brassard, however, suffered a separated shoulder and played in only 14 regular season games, scoring six goals and 19 assists. In 12 playoff games under Boucher, Brassard scored nine goals and notched 15 assists.


Brassard, drafted by Columbus sixth overall in 2006, didn’t make the NHL playoffs in his first six seasons while in the Blue Jackets organization. He was traded to the Rangers before the 2013 trade deadline.



Brassard trade another sign Senators crave experience

By Ken Warren

First posted: Monday, July 18, 2016 06:08 PM EDT | Updated: Monday, July 18, 2016 06:21 PM EDT

So much for the Ottawa Senators’ boring summer.

The bold move by Senators general manager Pierre Dorion on Monday — shipping Mika Zibanejad to the New York Rangers for Derick Brassard — is a clear sign of the importance the organization is putting on experience up front.

Brassard is 28, with 563 regular-season and 59 playoff games behind him. Two weeks ago, the Senators brought back Chris Kelly, who has played in 751 regular-season and 90 playoff games. Kelly also won the Stanley Cup with Boston.

It is also in keeping with what Dorion said when he took over from former GM Bryan Murray at the end of the 2014-15 season.

One of the values of experience is to help with shaky nerves early in games.

At the risk of bringing back awful memories, the Senators were atrocious at the beginning of games last season, allowing the first goal in 51 of 82 games. (They went on to post a 14-30-7 record in those contests.)

If — and it’s a big if — Clarke MacArthur can also make a successful return after missing all but four games last season due to a devastating concussion, the Senators’ forward units should be better prepared to handle themselves at the outset of games.

Of course, the Senators could eventually regret dealing away their second-round selection in the 2018 draft to the Rangers in this swap. No doubt the Rangers, who desperately need young talent, were originally asking for a first-round pick to make the trade happen.

If Zibanejad finds his groove in New York, the trade could come back and haunt the Senators, but given Ottawa’s future hopes at centre, there wouldn’t have been room for everyone.

At this point, the Senators’ possible centres for next season include Kyle Turris, Brassard, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Chris Kelly, Zack Smith, Curtis Lazar and Nick Paul. It’s possible that some combination of Smith, Lazar, Kelly and Paul could end up on the wing.

Down the road, though, the Senators need to clear room for Colin White and Logan Brown — the centres selected in the first rounds of the 2015 and 2016 drafts, respectively.

Monday’s trade is another example that hockey is a business. In their current business cycle, the Senators needed to add some experience to improve their chances of making the playoffs next season.

Ottawa Sun LOADED: 07.19.2016


Senators acquire Brassard from Rangers for Zibanejad

By Ken Warren



The 28-year-old Gatineau native, fresh from scoring a career-high 27 goals with the New York Rangers, was acquired by the Senators on Monday in a blockbuster deal for Mika Zibanejad and Ottawa’s second-round selection in the 2018 NHL entry draft.

The Senators also receive the Rangers’ seventh-round pick in 2018 as part of the swap.

Both Brassard and Zibanejad are effectively second-line NHL centres.

At first glance, the Senators are gaining Brassard’s experience (including long playoff runs with the Rangers in 2014 and 2015) in exchange for the potential of the 23-year-old Zibanejad.

“I was a little shocked when it happened, but I’m really happy to be joining the Senators and to be playing at home,” said Brassard, who has registered 127 goals and 216 assists during his nine-year career, split between the Rangers and Columbus.



Ever since his first training camp as an 18-year-old, Zibanejad has shown flashes of brilliance. His numbers have gradually improved — in 2014-15, he registered a career-high 21 goals and 30 assists in 81 games — but he has battled with confidence and consistency issues.

Ultimately, Senators general manager Pierre Dorion is gambling that Brassard will make the Senators better now, giving them an improved shot at returning to the playoffs next season.

In addition to the edge in experience — Brassard has played in 563 regular-season games, Zibanejad in 281 — Dorion believes the Senators will benefit from having a left-handed centre, a potential bonus to top-line wingers Mark Stone and Bobby Ryan. Brassard will also provide an additional left shot on the power play.




It’s important not to be fooled by the salaries that were exchanged on Monday.

Brassard brings a $5 million salary-cap hit, but the five-year, $25-million contract he signed before the 2014-15 season was front-loaded. He made $7 million the first season and $6 million last season. The Rangers also paid out a $2-million bonus earlier this month. In actual dollars, the Senators are on the hook for $10 million over the next three seasons.

Zibanejad, meanwhile, will make $3.25 million in 2015-16, before becoming a restricted free agent — with salary arbitration rights — next summer.

While Brassard has yet to talk to new Senators coach Guy Boucher about where exactly he will fit in, but the two have a history together.

Brassard’s final year with the QMJHL’s Drummondville Voltigeurs was Boucher’s first year as head coach of that team.

Brassard, however, suffered a separated shoulder and played in only 14 regular-season games, scoring six goals and 19 assists. In 12 playoff games under Boucher, Brassard scored nine goals and 15 assists.


Brassard, drafted by Columbus sixth overall in 2006, didn’t make the NHL playoffs in his first six seasons in the Blue Jackets organization. He was dealt to the Rangers before the 2013 trade deadline.

Ottawa Sun LOADED: 07.19.2016

1022328 Philadelphia Flyers

Wade Allison learns how to be a pro before heading to Western Michigan

By Tom Dougherty | CSNPhilly.com July 18, 2016 9:19 AM

VOORHEES, N.J. -- Wade Allison was struggling to find his shot, so he sought the advice of someone who's been here before: Cole Bardreau, who attended development camp last summer.

Allison noticed how the puck was coming off Bardreau's stick on the first day of development camp, and how he didn't have the same torque coming from his own shots.

"I asked him after practice, 'Hey, can you help me out with this?'" Allison said. "I was trying it and pucks were not going off my stick the way I wanted and I was looking over and was like, 'Wow, that was impressive.'"

For Allison, it was his first development camp. The Flyers selected him with the 52nd overall pick, their third second-round pick, in last month's NHL draft.

The Flyers don't use the camp as an evaluation tool. That comes in September when training camp begins. General manager Ron Hextall said the camp's intended to teach players fundamentals to work on during the summer and how to be professional hockey players.

Hextall pointed out it's easier for players to implement basics into their game now rather than during the season when their main focus is winning games. Nutrition was also a teaching point.

"It's been really good," Allison said. "Definitely enjoyed my time here. Just trying to be a sponge out here. Everything they say is very important, so I'm trying to soak it all in.

"You have to absorb it all in because everything they say is very important. You can't afford to just miss things like that, you know. You try to take away as much as you can."

The 18-year-old is committed to play college hockey at Western Michigan in the fall. How long he stays in Kalamazoo remains to be seen. He could be there all four years.

By his own admission, Allison has to improve his skating. He said after being drafted his first two steps aren't great and there's room for improvement there. Why Western Michigan?

"Andy Murray is the head coach," Allison said. "I mean, he's got one of the most impressive résumés in hockey, another Manitoba connection, I guess.

"I just stepped on campus and it just felt like the place I wanted to be. I thought Andy Murray gives me the best opportunity to become a Flyer one day."

Murray also has a Flyers connection. The 65-year-old served as an assistant coach with the orange and black from 1988 through 1990. He's been the WMU head coach since 2011.

After the draft, Allison mimicked what he said at development camp, singing high praise of Murray. The right winger said Murray will help out with his defensive zone coverage.

At 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, Allison says he tries to play big. As an offensive player, he believes he can both create off the rush and by carrying the puck to the net.

"There's not really one area I extremely excel at," he said, "but I try to do a little bit of both. If I can get an odd-man rush and score off that, I mean great. If not, I'll try to create something out of the corner, bring the puck to the net, be very strong on the puck."

Allison spent the last two seasons playing for the USHL's Tri-City Storm. In 2015-16, he finished second on the Storm with 25 goals and 47 points and led Tri-City with 203 shots on goal.

The season didn't start strong for Allison, but he credited that to injuries and a bit of bad luck. Some bad bounces resulted in him having little confidence. After the first two months of the season, he had just six points, but eventually figured things out.

"Things were going tough," he said. "I was gripping my stick a little too tight, and then just one went in, got a little bit more confident. Another went in and it just took off from there just like a snowball rolling down a hill."

Allison said he wanted to play to his skillset during development camp, but the coaches told him to step outside his comfort zone and experiment with different ideas on the ice.

The whole process of being drafted has been a whirlwind for Allison. There's been little time for rest and a lot of training. He said he hasn't had more than two consecutive days off this summer with the NHL Scouting Combine, the draft and his offseason training.

When he finally got home from training after the Flyers drafted him, it was time for development camp and time to interact with some of his future coaches and teammates.

And this is just the beginning of what Allison hopes is a long NHL career.

"I'd say the transition from one to another," he said. "It's definitely exhausting, but that's part of hockey. You have to get used to it."


1022329 San Jose Sharks

Sharks re-sign Matt Nieto

Associated Press

Updated 7:37 pm, Monday, July 18, 2016

The Sharks announced the signing of forward Matt Nieto to a one-year contract Monday.

Nieto, 23, was a restricted free agent whose rights were retained by the Sharks last month. He had eight goals and nine assists in 67 games last season, playing a penalty-killing role as well.

In announcing the deal, general manager Doug Wilson credited Nieto’s speed and the role he played in helping the Sharks make their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance.

Nieto had a goal and two assists in 16 playoff games;; he missed eight games with an upper-body injury.

Rangers trade Brassard: New York dealt center Derick Brassard, 28, to the Senators for forward Mika Zibanejad, 23, in a trade involving players coming off career seasons.

Zibanejad had 21 goals and 30 assists in 81 games last season. He established career highs in games, goals, assists, points, game-winning goals (seven), and faceoff-win rate (50.5 percent). He has scored at least 20 goals in each of the past two seasons.

Brassard, who is returning to his hometown, had a career-high 27 goals and finished second on the Rangers with 58 points in 80 games last season. His 31 assists were 10 fewer than he had the previous season.

Russia tweaks roster: Tampa Bay defenseman Nikita Nesterov has been added to Russia’s World Cup of Hockey roster in place of Slava Voynov, who is ineligible because he is suspended indefinitely by the NHL. The tournament begins Sept. 17.

The Russian Hockey Federation said it ran out of time in its bid to have the league lift Voynov’s suspension, which stems from his arrest on felony domestic-violence charges in October 2014.

San Francisco Chronicle LOADED: 07.19.2016

1022330 San Jose Sharks

Sharks look deeper, faster than last season

July 18, 2016, 11:00 am

Kevin Kurz

SAN JOSE – It was late February when Sharks center Joe Thornton was asked if he had ever been on a Sharks team that had the ability to roll four lines and six defenseman as effectively as the 2015-16 version.

“No. It’s real impressive,” Thornton said that night after a 6-2 spanking of Montreal. “Any night it can be another line doing the damage … We’ve got a real deep team, and it’s an exciting team to watch right now.”

A trip to the Stanley Cup Final three months later validated that assessment from the future Hall of Famer, who has been with the club for 11 seasons. Now, though, the Sharks may be even deeper than before in what has been an under-the-radar yet strong offseason for the club.

It starts with swift left wing Mikkel Boedker, who will be entering what should be the prime years of his career at 26 years old, and who posted 51 points in 80 games with Arizona and Colorado last season. The four-year, $16 million deal is a team-friendly one, too.

In the subsequent conference call announcing that move on July 1, Sharks coach Pete DeBoer overtly suggested that Boedker has never had a chance to play with the kind of centermen he’ll skate with in San Jose. He spent most of his 62 games in Arizona last season, for example, with Antoine Vermette – a nice player, but not the caliber of a Thornton or Logan Couture.

You can count on Boedker starting the season in the Sharks’ top six, most likely on the left side of the Couture line. It’s an instant and significant upgrade over the streaky Patrick Marleau, Tommy Wingels, Matt Nieto or Melker Karlsson, all of whom saw time in the spot that Boedker is expected to take.

DeBoer will have plenty of options to fill out his forward group from there, too. He could try Tomas Hertl at center again on the third line, and if Hertl is ready for it – he did some nice things there last season, but wasn’t producing enough offense – the Sharks could have a three-line attack like no other in the Western Conference.

Timo Meier could be ready to make the leap to the NHL, perhaps on the Thornton line, where Hertl thrived as a rookie three years ago. Meier is a big body that plays a physical game, has great hands, and can get to the front of the net, all attributes that the Sharks are probably seeking to fill that slot if it’s open.

That would leave Marleau – who isn’t a fit for the Thornton line – on the third line. He may or may not be happy about that, but Marleau is in a contract year as a pending unrestricted free agent with an uncertain future in San Jose (at best). Some of his best seasons have come when he’s playing for his next deal, and at 37 years old, he’ll have to earn it after two seasons in which he's declined.

On defense, free agent addition David Schlemko (four years, $8.4 million) also gives DeBoer more versatility. After the Sharks’ third pair of Brenden Dillon and Roman Polak had substantial problems dealing with the Penguins’ speed in the Stanley Cup Final, Schlemko brings more mobility than the since-departed Polak, and can play either side. He’ll probably start the season on the third pair with Dillon, but Dylan DeMelo showed he could play at the NHL level, too, and could push for a spot in the active lineup.

Perhaps a DeMelo-Schlemko pair could be utilized against some of the speedier Eastern Conference clubs, while Dillon slots in for the heavier games, like those in the Pacific Division. Regardless, the Sharks are a faster club now, top to bottom, than they were when the Penguins outclassed them.

“I think it was an important for our group to add some speed,” DeBoer said on July 1. “Both these guys – [Boedker] is a world-class skater, and Schlemko is an above-average skating defenseman. That was a key element for both guys.”

General manager Doug Wilson has said numerous times, too, that some of the team’s younger players will be pushing for jobs come training camp. Former first round pick Nikolay Goldobin improved throughout his first year in the AHL, while Barclay Goodrow and Mirco Mueller got some needed minor league experience, too. Marcus Sorensen is another free

agent addition that impressed during the team’s development camp earlier this month, and could be this year’s version of Joonas Donskoi.

Guys like Wingels, Nieto and Karlsson - and maybe even Marleau - will have to fight to keep their spots in the lineup, assuming they are all still here in September.

For any NHL organization, that extra depth and internal competition is always welcomed.

“It’s a nice problem to have, and we’ll find a way to deal with it,” DeBoer said.


1022331 St Louis Blues

Gordo: Schwartz signing shows how teams have to maneuver

By Jeff Gordon St. Louis Post-Dispatch

5 hrs ago

Blues general manager Doug Armstrong made it abundantly clear: His summer’s top contract priority was securing restricted free agent Jaden Schwartz for the long haul.

It wasn’t easy, given the generous contracts forwards like Vincent Trocheck (six years, $28.5 million in Florida), Nathan MacKinnon (seven years, $44.1 million in Colorado) and Mark Scheifele (eight years, $49 million in Winnipeg) got elsewhere.

But Armstrong made it happen. Schwartz’s five-year, $26.75 million contract featured a manageable $5.35 million annual salary cap hit, leaving enough space for Vladimir Sobotka to return from the KHL.

If Sobotka follows through on his reunion pledge, the Blues should be set for training camp. This roster won’t be as strong as last season’s group, but it will be good enough to take another playoff run.

Could Armstrong still trade offensive defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk? Sure, but the best opportunity to deal him passed at the draft.

Armstrong was prepared to swap Shattenkirk for high draft picks and/or top young forwards. He was ready to count on Colton Parayko’s growth and Petteri Lindbohm’s graduation to keep the Blues’ defense strong.

But nobody met his asking price before the NHL draft, so he kept Shattenkirk and made other adjustments on his front line. David Perron returned as a free agent and Armstrong left a slot open for Sobotka.

The loss of free agent forwards David Backes and Troy Brouwer subtracts leadership, lightens the team’s playing style and punches holes in the power play. Their exit puts pressure on Schwartz and Alex Pietrangelo to lead, Patrik Berglund and Dmitrij Jaskin to play big and Schwartz and Robby Fabbri to convert with the man advantage.

The potential line combinations look fine. The dynamic Fabbri could be a great fit on the left side of Jori Lehtera and Vladimir Tarasenko, adding tenacity and explosiveness to a pairing that can bog down.

Teaming the persistent Schwartz with Paul Stastny and Alexander Steen would create an excellent two-way line for defensive zone starts. Perron, Sobotka and Berglund could create an interesting third line, although you can’t rule out Jaskin or Ty Rattie taking the next step in their careers.

Retaining fourth-liners Kyle Brodziak and Scottie Upshall helps the team maintain its shift-to-shift tempo. Perhaps Ryan Reaves could cement his role in that group to add heft.

Keeping Shattenkirk would preserve the team’s outstanding Top 6 defensive corps and keep him running the first power-play unit across from Steen.

The loss of Backes and Brouwer removes the critical “net front presence” from each power-play unit, so others will have take that beating in their place to create screens, deflections and rebound opportunities.

That will be the team’s biggest issue heading into camp. Can Jaskin finally make full use of his size and strength? Will Berglund rise up as he did during the last two postseasons?

Overall the Blues should be fine offensively. Schwartz produced 53 goals in his previous two years, but just eight in 33 regular season games last season because of his broken ankle. He will reemerge an an impact scorer.

Fabbri should score 25 to 30 goals after netting 18 last season. Stastny and Berglund should give more than last season if they stay healthy, and Perron should score in double figures, too.

Losing Brouwer and Backes could allow Armstrong to shift cap space toward one or more of his impending unrestricted free agents, Shattenkirk, Steen and Berglund. Or Armstrong could skip past the “bridge” contract concept and lock Parayko into the team nucleus for the long haul.

Such is the give and take of salary cap management. Team continuity is important, but so is cap flexibility. Armstrong weighs one against the other every time he negotiates.

By agreeing to a five-year deal with Schwartz — instead of the six to eight years others got — Armstrong got him for a team-friendly amount. But the contract put Schwartz back in the market at 29, which is huge for him.

Armstrong went eight years with Tarasenko at a team-record $7.5 million a season. The tradeoff: Vladimir got big money early in his career and the Blues locked him in longer.

Goaltender Jake Allen is under contract for five more years. Pietrangelo is signed for four more. Defensemen Jay Bouwmeester and Carl Gunnarsson are secured for three more, as is Lehtera. Stastny, Perron and Brodziak have two years left on their deals.

Armstrong must stagger his contracts to gain maximum value from his payroll year after year after year without getting stuck with “dead money” owed to a faded or broken player.

That objective cost him both Backes and Brouwer, who got an extra contract year from Boston and Calgary, respectively. But that discipline kept Armstrong positioned to retain his top young players as they hit their earning years.

He did it with Pietrangelo, Tarasenko and Allen — and now he has done with Schwartz, a player whose skill, character and competitive drive make him as essential as anybody to the team.

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 07.19.2016

1022332 Tampa Bay Lightning

Nikita Nesterov added to Team Russia for World Cup

Joe Smith

Monday, July 18, 2016 4:46pm

Lightning defenseman Nikita Nesterov has been added to Team Russia for the upcoming World Cup of Hockey.

Nesterov, a restricted free agent, joins fellow Tampa Bay players Nikita Kucherov, Vladislav Namestnikov and Andrei Vasilevskiy with Russia for the tournament, which runs from Sept 16-Oct 4 in Toronto.

The Lightning will have 12 players total in the World Cup, including Steven Stamkos (Canada), Ben Bishop (USA), Victor Hedman and Anton Stralman (Sweden), Ondrej Palat and Andrej Sustr (Czech Republic), Valtteri Filppula (Finland) and Jonathan Drouin (North America Under-23). Head coach Jon Cooper will be on Team North America staff.

Ryan Callahan was on Team USA but won't be available to play due to hip surgery. Teammate Tyler Johnson is a candidate to replace Callahan.

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 07.19.2016

1022333 Toronto Maple Leafs

Hockey Hall of Fame finds itself in a ‘sticky’ situation

By Kevin McGran

Mon., July 18, 2016

When the Hockey Hall of Fame opened its exhibit this month to celebrate 100 years of Maple Leafs history, it didn’t know a 40-year-old mystery would begin to unravel that would leave the museum holding the short end of the stick.

Part of the memorabilia the Hall put on display on its first day was purported to be the CCM stick Darryl Sittler used to score an NHL-record 10 points in one game on Feb. 7, 1976.

“Really?” said Sittler, almost hopefully, when informed.

It came as news to Sittler because, as far as the former Maple Leafs captain knew, the stick no longer exists.

“All I know is it was lost in a fire,” Sittler said.

The Hall, when told of Sittler’s account, quietly removed the stick from the just-opened display.

But the Star and the Hall both tried to get to the bottom of the sticky situation.

Sittler — who celebrated the 40th anniversary of the historic night in February — has retold the story many times.

Sittler remembers then-trainer Joe Sgro taking the stick at the end of the game, though, to be honest, he doesn’t remember if he used one or two sticks that night against Boston. A few years later, Sittler said, Sgro told him the stick was lost in a townhouse fire.

“I never had it. I didn’t have it,” Sittler said.

Normally, after such a momentous night, the Hockey Hall of Fame would come calling. It was the job then of Lefty Reid to gather historic material. Reid was a season-ticket holder, with a pair of seats in the south end.

“But I didn’t attend that game,” said Reid, now 88 and living in Peterborough. “By the time Sittler got to eight points, I tried to get a hold of Stan Obodiac (the team’s media relations director) but I couldn’t. I wasn’t able to get Darryl’s stick.

“I didn’t always get everything I asked for.”

Reid retired from the Hall of Fame in 1992, passing his archived material to a new generation.

When it was time to put the Leafs’ centennial package together this year, workers found a stick — labelled as the one used by Sittler that night — in the Hall’s archives upstairs at the MasterCard Centre.

Phil Pritchard, best known as one of the keepers of the Stanley Cup, has been doing his best to stickhandle his way through the mystery.

“We have it listed as that stick,” Pritchard said. “But we don’t have a receipt documenting it.”

Without the receipt, how the stick got there and ended up with that label is unknown.

Being a stickler for details, the Hall is conducting its own investigation. Neither the Star nor the Hall could reach Sgro to get his version of the story.

For now, another CCM Sittler milestone stick has taken the spot of the mystery stick.

“We’ve taken the stick off display till we can figure out what it is,” Pritchard said. “We’re going to go through all photos we have to match it up to at least as close as we can. Hopefully we can get to the bottom of it one day.”

Toronto Star LOADED: 07.19.2016


Phil Kessel brings Stanley Cup to Toronto — and Sick Kids

By Kevin McGran

Mon., July 18, 2016

Phil Kessel wanted to keep his trip to Toronto with the Stanley Cup quiet.

He did.

But others couldn’t help themselves — certainly not the Hospital for Sick Children, tickled that the former Maple Leaf brought the trophy he won as a member of the champion Pittsburgh Penguins to the hospital on Monday.

“Thx for visiting our patients & families,” the hospital tweeted, along with pictures of the player and some young fans, after Kessel dropped by.

There was more planned — a party, it would seem — with friends and former teammates. Former Leaf captain Dion Phaneuf, for example, posted a picture of his on Instagram “See you soon @phil_kessel_81_.” Phaneuf and his wife were on a plane bound for Toronto.

Kessel, traded to the Penguins last summer, brought the Cup to Toronto on Monday after partying with it Cup on Sunday in his hometown of Madison, Wisc. He was pictured with his brother, Blake, and sister, Amanda, with the famous trophy on a street named Kessel Court.

Amanda Kessel — herself a world-class hockey player, who won a silver medal with the U.S. team in Sochi — also posted a picture of herself drinking from the Cup.

The Penguins said Kessel had asked for no media coverage of his trip to Toronto. He considers the city his second home after six seasons with the Leafs, but he’s had an uneasy relationship with some members of the media and some fans.

Kessel got the Cup on Sunday, after Penguins Sidney Crosby paraded through Cole Harbour, N.S. Every member of the Cup-winning team gets at least a day, sometimes two, with the trophy.

Toronto Star LOADED: 07.19.2016


Bernier trade likely to net Leafs nothing in return: Report

By Lance Hornby, Toronto Sun


As expected, the Leafs won’t see much return from Anaheim in the trade of Bernier’s big salary unless the Ducks play into next June.

Sportsnet reported Monday that details of the draft pick Toronto would receive as part of the deal have four conditions that revolve around the Ducks being at the very least Western Conference playoff champions.

Bernier must start half of Anaheim’s playoff games next year and the Ducks must win the Stanley Cup, giving Toronto a second-round pick in 2017. Should Anaheim trade that pick in the interim it rolls over to 2018.

If Anaheim loses the final with Bernier in net for half the games, the pick reverts to a third rounder.

Both scenarios for individual performance also hold if Anaheim trades Bernier to another team which makes the final with him in goal. In the more likely event it would be John Gibson leading Anaheim that far, the Leafs get nothing other than the relief from dealing Bernier’s $4.15-million cap hit for the coming season.

On June 20, the Leafs acquired Frederik Andersen from the Ducks for the 30th overall pick in the 2016 draft (centre Sam Steel) and a second rounder in 2017.

LIGHTNING STARS WON’T BOLT

Steven Stamkos’ decision to take a haircut in salary to keep the core of the Tampa Bay Lightning together is becoming popular.

After Stamkos signed an eight-year, $68 million deal on June 29, defenceman Victor Hedman came back two days later and agreed to eight years and $68 million. Now forward Alex Killorn was retained the past couple of days for seven years and $31.15 million. Killorn has not had a 20-goal season, but managed a productive 33 points in 47 playoff games.

“It’s something special in Tampa,” Killorn said. “Everyone wanted to stay together.”

With just $8.5 million in space remaining, general manager Steve Yzerman must reel in three restricted free agents, forwards Nikita Kucherov, Vladislav Namestnikov and defenceman Nikita Nesterov. Namestnikov has a salary arbitration hearing scheduled for July 29.

Next summer, Yzerman will have to negotiate new deals for RFAs Tyler Johnson, Jonathan Drouin and Ondrej Palat, which the GM has agreed will likely result in a trade at some point later this summer.

BRASSARD SHIPPED TO SENS

Another Ottawa-area NHLer is coming back to Bytown to battle the Maple Leafs and Canadiens in the same division.

In a rare mid-July trade of note, the Senators acquired Hull-born Derick Brassard from the New York Rangers on Monday for Mika Zibanejad and a second-round pick in 2018. A seventh rounder also goes to Ottawa.

As in the case of Jonathan Bernier’s trade to the Anaheim Ducks from Toronto, the salary website General Fanager reports a $2 million US signing bonus due Brassard was paid July 1, providing some savings to the Sens. But Ottawa will have another $10 million owed to Brassard the next three years. The younger Zibanejad will cost New York $2.6 million this year, but that break on the books ends as he nears restricted free agency in the summer of 2017-18.

Both principals in the deal are former sixth-overall picks, Columbus taking Brassard right behind Phil Kessel before moving him in the Marian Gaborik trade three years ago, Zibanejad went sixth in 2011 behind Ryan Strome.

The national capital region contingent on the Sens now includes Brassard, Marc Methot, Cody Ceci, Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Mark Borowiecki.

ICE CHIPS

Nesterov was added to Team Russia’s World Cup roster on Monday after Slava Voynov’s suspension from play was upheld ... P.K. Subban was a hit in his first visit to Nashville. With a billboard of his picture in Preds’ colours with a ‘Welcome To Smashville P.K.’ on it, he did some public appearances — wearing a black cowboy hat — including a hockey clinic. He then got on stage at local music venue Tootsie’s and performed Johnny Cash’s Folsom Prison Blues with the band ... Heading into Wednesday’s scheduled salary arbitration in Toronto, forward Marcus Johansson of the Washington Capitals is seeking $5.25 million for this season, while the club has countered at $3.85 million. Something in between will be reached, either after the hearing or a settlement before ... The Canadiens have extended the contract of their amateur scouting boss Trevor Timmins, who has had some home runs in recent years ... Former NHL all-star defenceman Bryan McCabe, the Florida Panthers’ director of player personnel, told the Sun-Sentinel he has high hopes for defenceman Ian McCoshen, who led Boston College with 86 penalty minutes last year. “He’s got man strength,” McCabe said of the early 2013 draft pick. “He’s a big kid (6-foot-3). He can toss some people around. He’s a pretty compact guy and a smart hockey player and knows what he is.” ... Defenceman Ossi Vaananen, who played 500 games for four NHL teams has retired after playing the past few years in Finland ... In addition to taking the Stanley Cup to the Hospital For Sick Children on Monday, Kessel held a private house party in Toronto with family and friends.

Toronto Sun LOADED: 07.19.2016


Phil Kessel brings Stanley Cup to Toronto

By Daniel McKenzie, Toronto Sun


TORONTO - Phil Kessel could’ve just hung out and relaxed in his hometown of Madison, Wisc. a little longer before passing the Stanley Cup on to the next guy.

Instead, the Pittsburgh Penguins forward returned to his second home on Monday to visit a special group of young fans.

The former Maple Leafs sniper quietly stopped by Toronto’s Sick Kids Hospital to give children and their families a chance to see the magical trophy first-hand.

“It was a really super-awesome experience … I’ve been a Penguins fan since I was like nine, so it was just like, ‘Yay!’” patient Amanda Farr, 17, said. “I got to touch the Cup … and I mentioned to him that I was excited that he got traded to the Penguins. He just laughed. I think he enjoyed that.

“I think it was really touching that he thought of sick children in Toronto … he was thinking about his old fans too … it was really sweet.”

Ex-Leafs teammate Dion Phaneuf, who the Leafs traded to the Senators, posted on Instagram Monday that he was heading to see Kessel with wife Elisha Cuthbert.

Despite a tumultuous final season in Toronto, Kessel maintained that he didn’t want to leave and reiterated his feelings for the city on Twitter several weeks after being traded to Pittsburgh.

“I want to thank all of the Toronto fans for all the support you have shown me,” he posted. “I will miss you and this city and always consider Toronto home.”

In June, Kessel told host Sportsnet Radio host Joey Vendetta: “I have a lot of friends in Toronto, that’s where I spent most of my time. Nothing’s for sure yet, but I think there’s a pretty good chance that (bringing the Cup to Toronto) will happen.”

Toronto Sun LOADED: 07.19.2016

1022337 Washington Capitals

Marcus Johansson asks for $5.25 million in arbitration, Caps offer $3.85 million

By Isabelle Khurshudyan July 18 at 12:00 PM

Two days before his scheduled arbitration hearing in Toronto, forward Marcus Johansson has submitted an initial request for a $5.25 million-per-year contract, while the Washington Capitals countered with an offer of $3.85 million, an individual with knowledge of the situation confirmed. The asking prices were first reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

The arbitration hearing will be for a one-year deal, and Johansson will be an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of it.

Johansson’s agent, J.P. Barry of CAA Sports, said last week that he and the Capitals would likely talk again after the two sides exchanged pre-arbitration briefs and saw how far apart they are. Johansson’s $3.75 million contract for one year was an arbitration award last summer, falling roughly between the $3 million requested by Washington and the $4.75 million filed by Johansson in the pre-arbitration briefs.

With an independent arbitrator assigned to rule on a middle ground, both sides often trend in opposite directions in their requests, the team low-balling it and the player asking for more than he’s expected to receive. Simply put, it doesn’t hurt to ask.

If Johansson and the Capitals don’t negotiate a deal prior to his July 20 hearing, he’ll become the first player since 2006 (as far back as generalfanager.com’s arbitration tracker goes) to have a hearing twice. There could be an 11th-hour settlement before the hearing, and in some circumstances, a settlement is reached after the hearing takes place but before the verdict, as was the case for goaltender Braden Holtby last season.

With the Capitals offering $3.85 million, just $100,000 more than what Johansson received in arbitration last season, they might contend that because Johansson’s point production last season was almost identical to what it was during the 2014-15 season (46 points in 2015-16 vs. 47 the year before), his monetary worth hasn’t increased much in the year since the arbitrator’s ruling. Johansson’s side could then point to market forces driving the price up and there being value in consistent production and games played.

General Manager Brian MacLellan “and I have tried quite a few times to see if we can talk about something longer term,” Barry said last week. “We really haven’t been successful on any attempts of sort of a longer-term negotiation. It could be just be the cap and different views of what’s going. So then obviously, we have to turn around and deal with our arbitration case.”

MacLellan has indicated an uneasiness about what a one-year arbitration ruling for Johansson would look like this time around, as Johansson has some favorable comparables. The $3.75 million ruling came after a breakout season, when he finished with 20 goals and 27 assists and played in every game. He maintained that production last season with 17 goals and 29 assists in 74 games, raising his points per game while also showing versatility in playing both wing and center. In the postseason, he had two goals and five assists.

One possible comparison is Toronto’s Nazem Kadri, who has point totals slightly below Johansson’s for the past two seasons and received a six-year extension with an average annual value of $4.5 million in April. Kadri will make $5 million in the first two years of his deal with the salary decreasing for the remainder of the term.

“[Johansson] has decent stats that, you know, would favor a certain number, and we have a value that we put on him,” MacLellan said earlier this month. “It’s just coming together on that number.”

According to generalfanager.com, Washington has about $8 million left in salary cap space, and it has also yet to re-sign restricted free agent defenseman Dmitry Orlov, who did not elect for arbitration. The Capitals would have the option to walk away within 48 hours from the arbitration verdict, but that’s an unpleasant end for both sides. The Capitals don’t get any return on an asset, and Johansson faces unrestricted free agency late in the summer.

Washington Post LOADED: 07.19.2016

1022338 Washington Capitals

CAPS, JOHANSSON PRESENT OFFERS FOR ARBITRATION

By J.J. Regan July 18, 2016 10:30 AM

In the NHL arbitration process, prior to the actual hearing a team will present an arbitration offer and the player will present an asking price. Those numbers are now in for Marcus Johansson.

The Caps have presented an offer of $3.85 million for Johansson and he is asking for an award of $5.25 million, Elliotte Friedman reports.

The first thing to know is that neither side expects to get that price in arbitration. The offers are part of the negotiation process.

Teams will always low-ball the offer while the players will always aim high. Should this go all the way through arbitration, Johansson will likely be awarded something in the middle, which falls in-line with the $4.5 million expected since the process began.

Last year, Johansson sought $4.75 million in arbitration after registering a career-high 47 points (20 goals, 27 assists) and was awarded a one-year contract worth $3.75 million.

He followed that up with 46 points (17 goals, 29 assists) in 2015-16 and is now hoping his consistency will yield him a significant raise.

Johansson's arbitration hearing is scheduled for Wednesday. He can still sign a deal with the Caps at any time up until the ruling is announced.


1022339 Winnipeg Jets

Jets sign 2015 first-round pick Roslovic

By: Scott Billeck

Posted: 07/18/2016 12:34 PM| Last Modified: 07/18/2016 5:32 PM

Jack Roslovic considered several options, but one made the most sense.

And so the Columbus, Ohio, native put pen to paper Monday on a three-year, two-way deal worth an annual average of US$1,137,500 with the Winnipeg Jets, the team that drafted him 25th overall in the first round of the 2015 NHL draft.

Jack Roslovic announced on his Instagram account that he had signed with the Winnipeg Jets.

"This was obviously a goal of mine since I was a kid," said Roslovic, 19, from his home in Columbus. "I thought it'd be a great opportunity for me, so I decided to do it."

The young centre first made the announcement on his Instagram account Monday morning.

"So excited to sign my first NHL contract with the @nhljets. Thank you to everyone who has helped me get to this point #hockeyincbus," the post read, accompanied with a picture of Roslovic, his contract and a Jets hat on the table beside him.

A trip to the Young Stars Classic in Penticton, B.C., with a squad of other Jets prospects is first up on the docket. From there, Roslovic will take it as it comes.

Because Roslovic was drafted out of the USHL, he's eligible to play next season at the NHL level, in the American Hockey League or in the Ontario Hockey League (the London Knights own his junior rights).

"I always expect the most out of myself, so we will see where it goes from there," he said.

Roslovic played last season with Miami (Ohio) University in the NCAA Division I, recording 10 goals and 16 assists in 36 games. He spent the previous two seasons as a member of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. In 59 games with the program, he scored 15 times and added 37 helpers.

The 6-1, 187-pounder won gold at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in 2014 and then again at the IIHF U-18 championship in 2015.

Having participated in two development camps with the Jets, Roslovic has grown fond of the town he will soon call home.

"It's a great city, a little bit different than Columbus," he said. "We did a bit of touring there with the guys at development camp. I thought it was a great place to be and I'm excited to be there."

A Columbus Blue Jackets fan growing up, his allegiances changed the moment the Jets brass called his name in Florida last year.

"It makes you want to become familiar with the organization," Roslovic said. "I did my homework, the style of game they play. It's something I've been following since I got drafted."

His findings concluded the Jets have a stable of prospects with a bright future.

"There's a lot of great young players here," he said. "I can't wait to get to know them all."

Roslovic was left off the U.S. world junior team last season (as was another 2015 Jets' first-rounder, winger Kyle Connor) but is eligible again for the junior showcase, which is being held this winter in Montreal and Toronto.

"A lot of the guys on the team felt I could make it last year, but I took it as it was," he said. "It's definitely something I want to do this year, for sure."

The Jets acquired the rights to the 25th pick in 2015 (used to select Roslovic) as part of a package deal that sent forward Evander Kane, defenceman Zach Bogosian, and goaltender Jason Kasdorf to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for defenceman Tyler Myers and forward Drew Stafford.

Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 07.19.2016

1022340 Winnipeg Jets

Jets sign Roslovic to entry-level deal

WINNIPEG SUN

FIRST POSTED: MONDAY, JULY 18, 2016 10:49 AM CDT | UPDATED: MONDAY, JULY 18, 2016 01:01 PM CDT

Winnipeg Jets prospect Jack Roslovic won’t be headed back to college this fall.

That’s because the 19-year-old, selected 25th overall by the Jets in last year’s draft, has decided to turn pro.

“So excited to sign my first NHL contract with the Jets. Thank you to everyone who has helped me get to this point,” he wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo of him signing his contract.

Terms of the deal weren’t immediately available.

Roslovic, a forward, had 10 goals and 16 assists in 36 games with Miami (of Ohio) University this past season. Since he’s coming from college, he could play as an underage player with the Manitoba Moose this fall if he doesn’t crack the Jets’ roster. He could also be sent to the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights, who own Roslovic’s junior hockey rights.

Winnipeg Sun LOADED 07.19.2016

1022341 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / Senators sell high, save money by trading away youth

LUKE FOX JULY 18, 2016, 4:49 PM

Two of the off-season’s quietest teams — two fairly green general managers who haven’t so much as re-signed their most important restricted free agents — struck a surprising and significant deal with each other Monday. One that could leave a lasting imprint on a pair of Eastern Conference clubs coming off disappointing seasons.

Neither Ottawa’s Pierre Dorion nor New York’s Jeff Gorton have held their respective GM posts for 13 months, so the deal of Senators’ Mika Zibanejad for the Rangers’ Derick Brassard marks a tone-setting trade for their tenures.

Moneywise, the deal makes sense for both organizations.

Ottawa owner Eugene Melnyk made it loud and clear this spring that he believes he spends enough to make his club competitive.

So in addition to a fresh front office and new head coach Guy Boucher, the Senators have themselves a proven centre whose rate will be locked in through 2019 at a manageable $5 million cap hit per season. Cap hit being the operative phrase there. Brassard, 28, earned an actual salary of $13 million during the first two seasons of his front-loaded contract.

The cash-conscious Sens, who can absorb such monster cap hits as Dion Phaneuf's, will only be on the hook for $5 million in real dollars in 2016-17 and $3.5 million for each of Brassard's two seasons thereafter. Further, Dorion made certain the Blueshirts paid the centre his $2 million signing bonus on July 15 before signing off on the trade.

Zibanejad's modest $2.625-million cap hit is undoubtedly attractive to Gorton, who still must hand out raises to RFA forwards Chris Kreider and Kevin Hayes. By sending Brassard closer to his home of Hull, Gorton now has a projected $10.65 million in space to work with.

That New York is paying Zibanejad $3.25 million in salary (more than his cap hit) for the final year of his deal is acceptable to such a wealthy team and another minor victory for Ottawa here.

By getting the younger player as well as swapping a 2018 seventh-round pick for a 2018 second-round pick in the deal, the Rangers win the long-term outlook.

One has to believe Dorion considered the long-term financials here. Brassard brings cost certainty. Zibanejad represents a potential bank breaker.

The 23-year-old Swede is the third top-10 draft pick the Sens have dealt away since 2005. He's coming off a career year in which he hung personal bests in goals (21), assists (30) and points (51). He's also bigger than Brassard and five years younger. Would it have been possible to keep Zibanejad and still shell out for Mike Hoffman (headed for arbitration this summer), RFA Cody Ceci, and Curtis Lazar (who turns RFA in 2017)?

Brassard is an attractive addition that should make the Sens slightly better in the short term. Not only does he have a friend in Senators veteran Marc Methot, but he's playing the best hockey of his life.

Brassard's career-high 27 goals for the Rangers in 2015-16 marked the third straight year he improved his goal total. After New York was eliminated from the playoffs, he flew overseas with Team Canada in May, whipped up 11 points in 10 games and won a World Championship gold medal.

Neither team could have sold higher on these players.

Former Sens GM Bryan Murray challenged Zibanejad to grow into the No. 1 centre role last fall, hinting that Kyle Turris was more of a No. 2 pivot;; Brassard should be able to step right into the top line on a team capable of offensive explosions.

“This team cannot survive not making the playoffs," Melnyk said in March.

Monday's trade is proof that Ottawa is hunting a return to the post-season (and those juicy gate revenues) now, while New York does not want to fall off a cliff chasing 2017 like it's 2014.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 07.19.2016

1022342 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / Top 10 remaining unrestricted free agents: Latest reports


A total of 120 unrestricted free agents inked deals on July 1. That’s $460.6 million worth of contracts.

The big names flew off the board fast, and many of the decent ones have been plucked as July goes on. Here is look at the top names still available after the market has been ravaged. The pickings are slim, but the following players could provide value if signed for a reasonable rate and term.

Happy bargain hunting, GMs.

1. Kris Russell

Age: 29

Position: Defence

2015-16 salary cap hit: $2.6 million

The world’s greatest shot-blocker logged heavy minutes once being traded from Calgary to Dallas, chipping in 19 points on the season while staying out of the box. Russell’s 10 penalty minutes were the fewest among the Stars’ defence core. Overrated according to the analytics community, Russell could still improve many teams’ top four.

The Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, and Vancouver Canucks all reportedly have expressed interest at some point this month.

Russell’s agent, Allain Roy, has provided updates via Twitter.

REPORTS OF KRIS RUSSELL TURNING DOWN ANY OFFER FROM THE @MAPLELEAFS ARE FALSE. SIMPLY RUMORS…

— ALLAIN ROY (@ALROY42) JULY 3, 2016

DESPITE SOME OF HIS ANALYTIC NUMBERS, THE LEAFS ARE INTERESTED IN KRIS RUSSELL, I DON'T KNOW IF I SEE THE FIT, BUT THE LEAFS DO.

— MIKE JOHNSON (@MIKE_P_JOHNSON) JUNE 30, 2016

2. Jiri Hudler

Age: 32

Position: Right wing/centre

2015-16 salary cap hit: $4 million

Hudler won the 2015 Lady Byng Trophy after a career-best 76-point performance, then regressed in 2015-16 — a season hampered by injury, illness and occasional trips to the doghouse. A solid third-liner with scoring touch. The Canucks are one team that kicked tires here.

UFA JIRI HUDLER HAD THE 19TH HIGHEST TSP (GOALS/SHOT ATTEMPTS) IN THE #NHL, & ACTUALLY HAD THE 2ND-HIGHEST OVER LAST 2 MONTHS OF THE SEASON

— CHRISTOPHER BOUCHER (@CHRIS_LOGIQ) JULY 16, 2016

3. Brandon Pirri

Age: 25

Position: Centre

2015-16 salary cap hit: $925,000

Hockey’s 2015 Cy Young champ sniped 22 goals in 2014-15 but only had a pair of assists. In 2015-16, Pirri had more helpers (15) than goals (14). Pirri was dealt from Florida to Anaheim at the trade deadline. Surprisingly, the Ducks did not give the impending RFA a qualifying offer, and thus he became an unrestricted free agent. The youngest guy on this list.

BRANDON PIRRI IS STILL SITTING SOMEWHERE WAITING FOR A PHONE CALL. NO MORE ARBITRATION SO WHY NOT OFFER A "SHOW ME" CONTRACT?

— DUCKS TALK SHOW (@DUCKSTALKSHOW) JULY 13, 2016

4. Radim Vrbata

Age: 35

Position: Right wing


Vrbata returned to his 30-goal, 60-point heights in 2014-15, his first season as a Canuck, then fell off a cliff in 2015-16. Vrbata got off to a sluggish start last season and did not see as much time on the Sedins’ top line.

His minus-30 rating was the Canucks’ worst, and 27 points is a bad look for an offensive-minded winger. Still, Vrbata’s 6.5 per cent shooting percentage can’t remain that low, can it?

The Canucks did not receive a single trade offer for Vrbata at the deadline. He’s no longer a $5-million asset, but a change of scenery could result in a bounce back. Better than many third-line wingers.

RADIM VRBATA'S AGENT RICH EVANS: “WE HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING THE STRUCTURE OF A CONTRACT WITH 4 TEAMS & HOPE TO COME TO AN AGREEMENT SHORTLY.”

— CRAIG MORGAN (@CRAIGSMORGAN) JULY 18, 2016

5. James Wisniewski

Age: 32

Position: Defence


Poor Wisniewski played just one period in 2015-16 before suffering a season-ending knee injury. That he was bought out of the last year of his contract by the Carolina Hurricanes means he must have passed a physical.

He’s a right-shot defenceman who can run a power play and would be worth a gamble if the price is reasonable. Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston reports some interest from the Maple Leafs, who were also considering Kris Russell.

NO DOUBT MY WORKOUTS AND SKATING ALL SUMMER IS GETTING ME READY FOR THIS UPCOMING SEASON.. LORD KNOWS I'M WELL RESTED! LOL #PUTMEINCOACH

— JAMES WISNIEWSKI (@JAMESWISNIEWSKI) JUNE 30, 2016

HEARING THE #LEAFS ARE KICKING TIRES ON JAMES WISNIEWSKI. RIGHT-SHOT DEFENCEMAN WAS BOUGHT OUT BY CAR YESTERDAY.

— CHRIS JOHNSTON (@REPORTERCHRIS) JULY 1, 2016

6. Sam Gagner

Age: 26

Position: Centre


Underwhelming for his pay rate, Gagner is a good depth forward who should be counted on for 40 points a season. Should be a good value signing this month.

#CANUCKS CLEARLY MAKING A PLAN B LIST IN CASE THEY DON'T GET THE BIG NAMES, SAM GAGNER IS A PLAYER JIM BENNING LIKES.

— NEWS 1130 SPORTS (@NEWS1130SPORTS) JUNE 30, 2016

IF HE'S NOT SIGNED WITH ANY TEAM BY SEPTEMBER I'D LIKE TO SEE NJD BRING IN SAM GAGNER ON A PTO FOR TRAINING CAMP.

— DAN RICE (@DRDIABLOTHW) JULY 11, 2016

7. Dennis Seidenberg

Age: 34

Position: Defence


The Boston Bruins bought out the veteran D-man’s contract in June to clear space for their re-signing of Torey Krug. Seidenberg, a six-foot German, won’t wow anyone but he’s a dependable stay-at-home defenceman. Last year he had 12 points in 61 games.

SWEENEY SAYS BRUINS EXPLORED A LOT OF OPTIONS WITH SEIDENBERG. ASKED FOR CLARIFICATION THAT BUYOUT WAS LAST RESORT, HE AGREED.

— DJ BEAN (@DJ_BEAN) JUNE 30, 2016

8. Matt Cullen

Age: 39

Position: Centre

2015-16 salary cap hit: $800,000

Even in his dotage, Cullen was a fantastic role player for the Penguins this season, providing incredible value for a guy getting paid less than a million bucks. His 16 goals were the most the two-time Cup champion has scored in six years.

The Penguins haven’t ruled out re-signing him — hey, they let Justin Schultz go to market and still brought him back — but the Minnesota Wild (Cullen’s home from 2010 to 2013) are taking a look as well. Expect a raise.

#MNWILD DEFINITELY HAS INTEREST IN BRINGING BACK MATT CULLEN. TEAM SOURCE: "HARD TO TELL RIGHT NOW" AS THEY COUNT MONEY, EXAMINE ROLE

— MICHAEL RUSSO (@RUSSOSTRIB) JULY 1, 2016

9. Kyle Quincey

Age: 30

Position: Defence


Quincey is a dependable, stay-at-home D-man with more than 500 games of NHL experience (including playoffs). The new groom contributed 11 points in 47 games in 2015-16, averaging 19:45 in ice time per game for the Detroit Red Wings. GM Ken Holland has no intention to bring him back.

KYLE QUINCEY IS HAVING AN 80S-THEMED WEDDING = I'M EVEN MORE ANNOYED DETROIT DIDN'T RE-SIGN HIM.

— LAUREN (@LAUROSAURS) JULY 17, 2016

10. Jhonas Enroth

Age: 27

Position: Goaltender


The best backup goaltender left on the market should be a consideration for teams like the San Jose Sharks and Toronto Maple Leafs. Enroth saw just 13 starts playing behind Jonathan Quick in L.A. last season and won seven of them. Small sample size, sure, but Enroth actually posted a better save percentage (.922) than his Vezina-finalist partner (Quick posted a .918). The Swede saw his most work in 2014-15, playing 37 games for an atrocious Buffalo Sabres club.

I'M ALITTLE SURPRISED THAT JHONAS ENROTH HASN'T BEEN SIGNED YET. I KNOW HE'S SMALL BY NHL GOALIE STANDARDS, BUT HE'S STILL A SOLID GOALIE.

— DANIEL MOKOROS (@DMOKOROS) JULY 9, 2016

Other notables: Patrik Elias, Kris Versteeg, Tomas Fleischmann, Tuomo Ruutu, Karri Ramo, Luke Schenn, Alex Tanguay, Matt Carle, David Legwand, Brad Richards, Nick Spaling, Barrett Jackman, Dominic Moore, Christian Ehrhoff, R.J. Umberger, Mike Richards, Ben Scrivens, Joni Ortio, Ilya Bryzgalov


1022343 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / NHL Arbitration Tracker: How much Johansson wants


The Latest: The Tampa Bay Lightning locked up RFA forward Alex Killorn to a seven-year contract Sunday, thus avoiding arbitration. Sniper Mike Hoffman professed his desire to remain in Ottawa, and there is more than a $1 million gap between Washington and Marcus Johansson.

Twenty-four NHL players filed for arbitration this summer, led by four of the Rangers’ restricted free agents and three RFAs from both the Toronto Maple Leafs and Philadelphia Flyers.

Detroit filed for club-elected salary arbitration with Petr Mrazek in the only team-initiated arbitration case.

Hearings will be held in Toronto from July 20 to Aug. 4.

These cases usually result in a game of chicken, the two sides rarely completing the arbitration process. The majority of salary disputes are settled prior to an arbitrator's ruling. Last summer, only three of 25 cases went the distance: Mike Hoffman, Marcus Johansson and Alex Chiasson. Hoffman and Johansson find themselves headed to arbitration again this summer.

Below is a list of all 25 players who had cases opened, many of who have settled early.

Keep it here for updates on their contract situations.

Arizona Coyotes

Michael Stone

2015-16 salary: $1.45 million

Date of hearing: Aug. 4

TOP FOUR SHOT GENERATORS FOR THE ARIZONA COYOTES LAST YEAR:

1. OLIVER EKMAN-LARSSON

2. TOBIAS RIEDER

3. SHANE DOAN

4. MICHAEL STONE

— CATHERINE SILVERMAN (@CATACARRYON) JULY 12, 2016

Colorado Avalanche

Tyson Barrie


Date of hearing: July 29

INDEED, TYSON BARRIE ARB DEADLINE 2DAY. #AVS' 2MORROW. LIKELY END UP W 2-YR BRIDGE. IF NOT, COMPARABLES: KRUG ($5.25X4), VATANAN ($4.875X4)

— MIKE CHAMBERS (@MIKECHAMBERS) JULY 5, 2016

Mikhail Grigorenko

2015-16 salary: $675,000


Detroit Red Wings

Jared Coreau

2015-16 salary: $600,000

Pre-arbitration settlement: Two years at an average of $612,500 per season

#CAPFRIENDLY CONFIRMED:

JARED COREAU #REDWINGS

2 YEAR SPC - $612,500 CAP HIT

2016-17: $575,000 / $150,000 (2 WAY)

2017-18: $650,000 (1 WAY)

— CAPFRIENDLY (@CAPFRIENDLY) JULY 6, 2016

Danny DeKeyser



#REDWINGS AND DEKEYSER WILL CONTINUE TRYING TO WORK OUT DEAL BEFORE HEARING (BET. JULY 20-AUG. 4). IF IT REACHES HEARING HE'LL GET ONE YEAR.

— ANSAR KHAN (@ANSARKHANMLIVE) JULY 5, 2016

Petr Mrazek *

2015-16 salary: $737,500


#REDWINGS HAVE FILED FOR SALARY ARBITRATION WITH PETR MRAZEK. SIDES WILL CONTINUE NEGOTIATIONS IN HOPES OF GETTING DEAL BEFORE HEARING.

— ANSAR KHAN (@ANSARKHANMLIVE) JULY 6, 2016

Minnesota Wild

Jordan Schroeder

2015-16 salary: $600,000


Nashville Predators

Calle Jarnkrok

2015-16 salary: $735,000


Petter Granberg

2015-16 salary: $600,000


New Jersey Devils

Kyle Palmieri


Pre-arbitration settlement: Palmieri, the Devils' leading scorer in 2015-16, inked a five-year, $23.25-million contract on July 7. His new deal carries a $4.65 million salary cap hit.

PALMIERI WAS ONLY DEVIL TO FILE FOR ARBITRATION. WITH THAT SETTLED, THEY GET A SECONDARY 48-HOUR WINDOW FOR BUYOUTS NOW, IF THEY WISH.

— TOM GULITTI (@TOMGULITTINHL) JULY 7, 2016

New York Rangers

Kevin Hayes

2015-16 salary: $900,000


Chris Kreider



WITH MCILRATH AT 1YR @ $800,000, #NYR HAVE $8.875M IN CAP SPACE WITH ROSTER OF 10F/8D/2G, KREIDER AND HAYES TO SIGN.HTTPS://T.CO/DM38ZUFPJX

— GENERAL FANAGER (@GENERALFANAGER) JULY 15, 2016

Dylan McIlrath

2015-16 salary: $600,000

Pre-arbitration settlement: The Rangers and McIlrath agreed to terms on a one-year deal on July 15. The defenceman will earn $800,000 in 2016-17.

J.T. Miller

2015-16 salary: $874,000

Pre-arbitration settlement: Miller, who led the Rangers in even-strength goals last season, signed a two-year deal worth $5.25 million on July 13.

J.T. SET CAREER-HIGHS IN SEVERAL CATEGORIES IN 2015-16, INCLUDING GAMES PLAYED, GOALS, ASSISTS, POINTS, GAME-WINNING GOALS, AND +/-.

— NEW YORK RANGERS (@NYRANGERS) JULY 13, 2016

Ottawa Senators

Mike Hoffman

2015-16 salary: $2 million


Hoffman told reporters Sunday that his No. 1 priority is inking a new deal with the Senators.

"I love Ottawa, I love the fans there,” Hoffman, 26, said during a visit to the Honda Indy Toronto. “We’re a great team, great guys, so that’s obviously my first priority, to try to get something done with them.”

Philadelphia Flyers

Brandon Manning

2015-16 salary: $625,000


Brayden Schenn



HEXTALL ON BRAYDEN SCHENN: “WE’RE GOING TO START WORKING ON THAT FAIRLY QUICKLY HERE."

— DAVE ISAAC (@DAVEGISAAC) JULY 1, 2016

Jordan Weal

2015-16 salary: $632,500

Pre-arbitration settlement: A one year, two-way contract that pays $650,000 at the NHL level

JORDAN WEAL & #FLYERS HAVE SETTLED:

NHL SALARY: $650,000

AHL SALARY: $200,000

GUARANTEE SALARY: $250,000

— TIM WHARNSBY (@TIMWHARNSBY) JULY 11, 2016

St. Louis Blues

Jaden Schwartz


Pre-arbitration settlement: The Blues signed Schwartz for five more years, inking him a $26.75-million deal on Friday.

“These are guys that you’ve drafted. You’ve developed them and you’d like to keep them here,” GM Doug Armstrong said.

JADEN SCHWARTZ (5 YRS @ $5.35M) COMPS:

FORSBERG 6 @ $6M

SAAD 6 @ $6M

R. SMITH 5 @ $5M

TROCHECK 6 @ $4.75M

— GENERAL FANAGER (@GENERALFANAGER) JULY 15, 2016

Tampa Bay Lightning

Alex Killorn



Pre-arbitration settlement: Killorn and the Lightning agreed to a seven-year contract on July 17 that will pay the forward an average of $4.45 million per season.

Vladislav Namestnikov

2015-16 salary: $874,125


#TBLIGHTNING YZERMAN SAID IT'S THEIR INTENTION TO NOT ONLY SIGN NIKITA KUCHEROV, BUT ALSO NAMESTNIKOV + NESTEROV. NO UPDATES AT THIS POINT

— JOE SMITH (@TBTIMES_JSMITH) JULY 17, 2016

Toronto Maple Leafs

Frank Corrado

2015-16 salary: $632,500


Peter Holland



Martin Marincin



Washington Capitals

Marcus Johansson



MARCUS JOHANSSON:

CLUB ARB OFFER: $3.85M. PLAYER ASK: $5.25M

— ELLIOTTE FRIEDMAN (@FRIEDGEHNIC) JULY 18, 2016

*club elected


1022344 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / Former Canadiens consultant regrets Shea Weber comments


Matt Pfeffer wants to take back what he said about Shea Weber.

While working for the Montreal Canadiens, the 21-year-old Ottawa native made an analytical case for Montreal to keep P.K. Subban instead of trading him to Nashville for Weber. Montreal’s brass went ahead with the deal, and Pfeffer’s contract as an analytics consultant for the club was not renewed.

Pfeffer says he holds no ill will toward the Canadiens, “a world-class organization,” and was not told his firing had anything to do with his strong (and overruled) position on this summer’s blockbuster trade.

The number cruncher explained to Ken Campbell of The Hockey News some details of his Weber-Subban report Monday, then later regretted his choice of words.

“There’s nothing wrong with being average in the NHL,” Pfeffer told THN. “An average NHLer is worth a heck of a lot, and that’s what Shea Weber is.”

Pfeffer published the following statement on his Twitter account:

DEEPLY REGRET RECENT NEGATIVE COMMENTS MADE TO THN REGARDING WEBER AND CANADIENS. THEY DO NOT REPRESENT MY TRUE FEELINGS ON PLAYER OR CLUB.

— MATT PFEFFER (@MATTPFEFFERHKY) JULY 18, 2016

In the THN piece, Pfeffer explained that Weber's 5-on-5 goal differential with the Predators is 0.18 per cent, which means Nashville is roughly as effective when Weber is on the ice as when he’s not. Subban's goal differential is 3.14 — although we believe that discrepancy might be partially attributed to the Predators' superior team depth.

“In my model that evaluates Shea Weber, very, very little of it has to do with shot differential at this point in his career,” Pfeffer told Campbell.

“With his experience, you really need to only look at goal differential to measure his impact. You only need Corsi if you don’t have a large enough sample size to evaluate goals. My analysis of Shea Weber had very little to do with Corsi. It’s easy to hate on Corsi, but [Weber] is not a good goal-differential guy either. He’s not pushing the needle in terms of how many goals the Nashville Predators score and get scored on when he’s on the ice. He’s good, he’s serviceable, but he doesn’t really push the needle on either side.”

The serviceable Weber has won gold medals for Canada at the world junior and world championship levels, plus two more golds from the Olympic Games. Four times he’s been named to the NHL’s first or second team all-star squad, and he possesses the scariest slap shot in the world. Team Canada chose Weber and not Subban to represent the country at the upcoming World Cup of Hockey.

Montreal forward Brendan Gallagher, for one, sounds amped up by Weber's addition to the Habs. He raved to NHL.com Monday about the D-man's leadership and the options his fearsome slapper opens up.

"You don't just make that trade to make it, but when you get the opportunity to bring in a player who can do everything that Shea does, well, we're excited about adding him to our group," Gallagher told Dave Stubbs.

"Defensively, he's a pain to play against. He's going to wear you down, he's going to drive you into the corner, he's going to make it a tough night."


1022345 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / Breaking down the conditional pick in Leafs’ Bernier trade

CHRIS JOHNSTON JULY 18, 2016, 9:48 AM

The Toronto Maple Leafs will only receive a draft pick from the Anaheim Ducks as part of the Jonathan Bernier trade if the goaltender reaches the Stanley Cup Final next season, Sportsnet has learned.

There were four conditions placed on the pick included in the July 8 trade, according to sources, and each of them involves Bernier’s new team playing for a championship in 2017. He would also have to start 50 per cent of the playoff games during that run, leaving Toronto with fairly long odds of recouping an asset in the deal.

The details of the conditional pick weren’t disclosed by either team when the transaction was completed. They are:

— If Bernier starts half of Anaheim’s playoff games next spring and the Ducks win the Stanley Cup, Toronto receives the Ducks’ 2017 second-round pick. (If Anaheim doesn’t still own that selection, it will transfer its next available second-rounder from a future year.)

— If Bernier starts half of Anaheim’s playoff games next spring and the Ducks lose in the Stanley Cup Final, Toronto receives the Ducks’ 2017 third-round pick. (If Anaheim doesn’t still own that selection, it will transfer its next available third-rounder from a future year.)

— Should Anaheim trade Bernier to a team that starts him in half of its playoff games next spring and wins the Stanley Cup, Toronto receives the Ducks’ second-round pick.

— Should Anaheim trade Bernier to a team that starts him in half of its playoff games next spring and loses in the Stanley Cup Final, Toronto receives the Ducks’ third-round pick.

If none of those things happen, the Leafs will receive no tangible return for Bernier beyond the useful cap space the move created.

Under the rules of the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement, Anaheim assumes all of Bernier’s $4.15-million cap hit for 2016-17 even though Toronto paid him a $2-million bonus a week before dealing him away.

In many ways, the trade can be seen as an add-on to the June 20 deal that brought Frederik Andersen to Toronto. The Leafs sent the 30th overall pick in June’s draft plus a 2017 second-rounder to Anaheim for the Danish goaltender.

(Toronto currently owns three second-round picks next year — their own, plus one from Ottawa and one from San Jose. Whichever pick ends up being the middle of the three will be transferred to the Ducks in the Andersen deal.)

The low return on Bernier is representative of his up-and-down tenure in Toronto. He arrived with high expectations from the Los Angeles Kings in June 2013 for Ben Scrivens, Matt Frattin and a second-round pick, but struggled for big stretches of the last two seasons.

Should one of the conditions in the deal with Anaheim be met, an extra draft pick would represent a nice bonus for Toronto. The team is slated to surrender its third-round pick in each of the next two seasons as compensation for hiring Mike Babcock (Detroit, 2017) and Lou Lamoriello (New Jersey, 2018).


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Sportsnet.ca / Top 10 remaining unrestricted free agents: Latest reports


A total of 120 unrestricted free agents inked deals on July 1. That’s $460.6 million worth of contracts.

The big names flew off the board fast, and many of the decent ones have been plucked as July goes on. Here is look at the top names still available after the market has been ravaged. The pickings are slim, but the following players could provide value if signed for a reasonable rate and term.

Happy bargain hunting, GMs.

1. Kris Russell

Age: 29

Position: Defence


The world’s greatest shot-blocker logged heavy minutes once being traded from Calgary to Dallas, chipping in 19 points on the season while staying out of the box. Russell’s 10 penalty minutes were the fewest among the Stars’ defence core. Overrated according to the analytics community, Russell could still improve many teams’ top four.

The Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, and Vancouver Canucks all reportedly have expressed interest at some point this month.

Russell’s agent, Allain Roy, has provided updates via Twitter.

REPORTS OF KRIS RUSSELL TURNING DOWN ANY OFFER FROM THE @MAPLELEAFS ARE FALSE. SIMPLY RUMORS…

— ALLAIN ROY (@ALROY42) JULY 3, 2016

DESPITE SOME OF HIS ANALYTIC NUMBERS, THE LEAFS ARE INTERESTED IN KRIS RUSSELL, I DON'T KNOW IF I SEE THE FIT, BUT THE LEAFS DO.

— MIKE JOHNSON (@MIKE_P_JOHNSON) JUNE 30, 2016

2. Jiri Hudler

Age: 32

Position: Right wing/centre


Hudler won the 2015 Lady Byng Trophy after a career-best 76-point performance, then regressed in 2015-16 — a season hampered by injury, illness and occasional trips to the doghouse. A solid third-liner with scoring touch. The Canucks are one team that kicked tires here.

UFA JIRI HUDLER HAD THE 19TH HIGHEST TSP (GOALS/SHOT ATTEMPTS) IN THE #NHL, & ACTUALLY HAD THE 2ND-HIGHEST OVER LAST 2 MONTHS OF THE SEASON

— CHRISTOPHER BOUCHER (@CHRIS_LOGIQ) JULY 16, 2016

3. Brandon Pirri

Age: 25

Position: Centre

2015-16 salary cap hit: $925,000

Hockey’s 2015 Cy Young champ sniped 22 goals in 2014-15 but only had a pair of assists. In 2015-16, Pirri had more helpers (15) than goals (14). Pirri was dealt from Florida to Anaheim at the trade deadline. Surprisingly, the Ducks did not give the impending RFA a qualifying offer, and thus he became an unrestricted free agent. The youngest guy on this list.

BRANDON PIRRI IS STILL SITTING SOMEWHERE WAITING FOR A PHONE CALL. NO MORE ARBITRATION SO WHY NOT OFFER A "SHOW ME" CONTRACT?

— DUCKS TALK SHOW (@DUCKSTALKSHOW) JULY 13, 2016

4. Radim Vrbata

Age: 35

Position: Right wing


Vrbata returned to his 30-goal, 60-point heights in 2014-15, his first season as a Canuck, then fell off a cliff in 2015-16. Vrbata got off to a sluggish start last season and did not see as much time on the Sedins’ top line.

His minus-30 rating was the Canucks’ worst, and 27 points is a bad look for an offensive-minded winger. Still, Vrbata’s 6.5 per cent shooting percentage can’t remain that low, can it?

The Canucks did not receive a single trade offer for Vrbata at the deadline. He’s no longer a $5-million asset, but a change of scenery could result in a bounce back. Better than many third-line wingers.

RADIM VRBATA'S AGENT RICH EVANS: “WE HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING THE STRUCTURE OF A CONTRACT WITH 4 TEAMS & HOPE TO COME TO AN AGREEMENT SHORTLY.”

— CRAIG MORGAN (@CRAIGSMORGAN) JULY 18, 2016

5. James Wisniewski

Age: 32

Position: Defence


Poor Wisniewski played just one period in 2015-16 before suffering a season-ending knee injury. That he was bought out of the last year of his contract by the Carolina Hurricanes means he must have passed a physical.

He’s a right-shot defenceman who can run a power play and would be worth a gamble if the price is reasonable. Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston reports some interest from the Maple Leafs, who were also considering Kris Russell.

NO DOUBT MY WORKOUTS AND SKATING ALL SUMMER IS GETTING ME READY FOR THIS UPCOMING SEASON.. LORD KNOWS I'M WELL RESTED! LOL #PUTMEINCOACH

— JAMES WISNIEWSKI (@JAMESWISNIEWSKI) JUNE 30, 2016

HEARING THE #LEAFS ARE KICKING TIRES ON JAMES WISNIEWSKI. RIGHT-SHOT DEFENCEMAN WAS BOUGHT OUT BY CAR YESTERDAY.

— CHRIS JOHNSTON (@REPORTERCHRIS) JULY 1, 2016

6. Sam Gagner

Age: 26

Position: Centre


Underwhelming for his pay rate, Gagner is a good depth forward who should be counted on for 40 points a season. Should be a good value signing this month.

#CANUCKS CLEARLY MAKING A PLAN B LIST IN CASE THEY DON'T GET THE BIG NAMES, SAM GAGNER IS A PLAYER JIM BENNING LIKES.

— NEWS 1130 SPORTS (@NEWS1130SPORTS) JUNE 30, 2016

IF HE'S NOT SIGNED WITH ANY TEAM BY SEPTEMBER I'D LIKE TO SEE NJD BRING IN SAM GAGNER ON A PTO FOR TRAINING CAMP.

— DAN RICE (@DRDIABLOTHW) JULY 11, 2016

7. Dennis Seidenberg

Age: 34

Position: Defence


The Boston Bruins bought out the veteran D-man’s contract in June to clear space for their re-signing of Torey Krug. Seidenberg, a six-foot German, won’t wow anyone but he’s a dependable stay-at-home defenceman. Last year he had 12 points in 61 games.

SWEENEY SAYS BRUINS EXPLORED A LOT OF OPTIONS WITH SEIDENBERG. ASKED FOR CLARIFICATION THAT BUYOUT WAS LAST RESORT, HE AGREED.

— DJ BEAN (@DJ_BEAN) JUNE 30, 2016

8. Matt Cullen

Age: 39

Position: Centre

2015-16 salary cap hit: $800,000

Even in his dotage, Cullen was a fantastic role player for the Penguins this season, providing incredible value for a guy getting paid less than a million bucks. His 16 goals were the most the two-time Cup champion has scored in six years.

The Penguins haven’t ruled out re-signing him — hey, they let Justin Schultz go to market and still brought him back — but the Minnesota Wild (Cullen’s home from 2010 to 2013) are taking a look as well. Expect a raise.

#MNWILD DEFINITELY HAS INTEREST IN BRINGING BACK MATT CULLEN. TEAM SOURCE: "HARD TO TELL RIGHT NOW" AS THEY COUNT MONEY, EXAMINE ROLE

— MICHAEL RUSSO (@RUSSOSTRIB) JULY 1, 2016

9. Kyle Quincey

Age: 30

Position: Defence


Quincey is a dependable, stay-at-home D-man with more than 500 games of NHL experience (including playoffs). The new groom contributed 11 points in 47 games in 2015-16, averaging 19:45 in ice time per game for the Detroit Red Wings. GM Ken Holland has no intention to bring him back.

KYLE QUINCEY IS HAVING AN 80S-THEMED WEDDING = I'M EVEN MORE ANNOYED DETROIT DIDN'T RE-SIGN HIM.

— LAUREN (@LAUROSAURS) JULY 17, 2016

10. Jhonas Enroth

Age: 27

Position: Goaltender


The best backup goaltender left on the market should be a consideration for teams like the San Jose Sharks and Toronto Maple Leafs. Enroth saw just 13 starts playing behind Jonathan Quick in L.A. last season and won seven of them. Small sample size, sure, but Enroth actually posted a better save percentage (.922) than his Vezina-finalist partner (Quick posted a .918). The Swede saw his most work in 2014-15, playing 37 games for an atrocious Buffalo Sabres club.

I'M ALITTLE SURPRISED THAT JHONAS ENROTH HASN'T BEEN SIGNED YET. I KNOW HE'S SMALL BY NHL GOALIE STANDARDS, BUT HE'S STILL A SOLID GOALIE.

— DANIEL MOKOROS (@DMOKOROS) JULY 9, 2016

Other notables: Patrik Elias, Kris Versteeg, Tomas Fleischmann, Tuomo Ruutu, Karri Ramo, Luke Schenn, Alex Tanguay, Matt Carle, David Legwand, Brad Richards, Nick Spaling, Barrett Jackman, Dominic Moore, Christian Ehrhoff, R.J. Umberger, Mike Richards, Ben Scrivens, Joni Ortio, Ilya Bryzgalov


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TSN.CA / Statistically Speaking: Zibanejad adds value to Rangers

By Scott Cullen

The Ottawa Senators secured the services of a proven scoring centre, but paid a significant price in order to get the deal done.

The sixth overall pick from the 2011 Draft was traded to acquire the sixth overall pick from the 2006 Draft.

Statistically Speaking examines the Sens trading Mika Zibanejad to the New York Rangers for Derick Brassard.

Brassard, 28, has been a productive player for the Rangers, his 118 points over the past two seasons ranking 36th in the league (between Phil Kessel and Corey Perry). He had a career-high 27 goals in 2015-2016, with 19 coming at even-strength.

Brassard’s underlying numbers are relatively positive, but given his offensive deployment, he’s not typically a major driver of play. But, he’s an offensive centre that ought to be productive in Ottawa and is a steady performer down the middle of the ice to fall between Kyle Turris and Jean-Gabriel Pageau.

Derick Brassard has been at his best with the Rangers over the past couple of seasons.

What’s interesting about Brassard, though, is that he was recently paid a $2-million signing bonus by the Rangers, so while he comes with a cap hit of $5-million over the next three seasons, he will cost the Senators a total of $10.5-million. That could raise suspicion that the key to this deal is about finances.

The seventh-round pick doesn’t provide much value – less than 10% chance of becoming an NHL player – but it helps to offset the pick sent to New York in the deal.

The Rangers Get: C Mika Zibanejad and a second-round pick in 2018

Zibanejad is a 23-year-old centre who scored a career-high 21 goals and 51 points last season, his production steadily increasing as he had received more ice time in Ottawa. He has good size (listed at 6-foot-2, 222 pounds) and is capable of playing a more physical game.

There are some similarities between Brassard and Zibanejad when it comes to their underlying numbers. Zibanejad also carries slightly favourable relative possession stats but does so while having significantly more offensive-zone face-offs. They might achieve their results in a different stylistic manner but, in recent years, the output has been similar.

Zibanejad, a right-shot centre, can also kill penalties, and has done so quite effectively.

In New York, Zibanejad figures to be a second-line centre, behind Derek Stepan. Zibanejad is very reasonably-priced for the role, at least for now, and comes with a cap hit of $2.625-million next season ($3.25-million actual salary), after which he will be a restricted free agent.

If Zibanejad continues to be a similarly productive player for the Blueshirts, he will be due a significant raise next summer, and that may have been the more significant long-term issue for the Senators.

The second-round pick included in the deal brings a slightly better than one-in-three chance of turning into an NHL player. It’s almost an unnecessary sweetener for a team that is already getting a player six years younger.

Verdict: Based on last season, Brassard and Zibanejad were similarly productive players with similar enough deployment, and yet the Rangers managed to secure the significantly younger player and get a better draft pick in the deal. It’s possible that Brassard is a better player next season but, given the career stage for both players, it appears likely that Zibanejad will overtake Brassard at some point in the next three seasons. The deal might make sense financially for the Senators but, in hockey terms, this is a win for the Rangers.

TSN.CA LOADED: 07.19.2016

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