NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – February 1, 2024
Recaps of Wednesday’s games, reaction to the Flames trading Elias Lindholm to the Canucks, Blue Jackets rookie Adam Fantelli sidelined for eight weeks, and the latest on Phil Kessel in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.
GAME RECAPS
NHL.COM: The Los Angeles Kings snapped a four-game winless skid by doubling up the Nashville Predators 4-2, handing the latter their third straight loss. Rookie forward Alex Turcotte had a goal and an assist for his first NHL points while David Rittich kicked out 39 shots for the 23-15-10 Kings as they hold the first Western Conference wild-card berth with 56 points. Filip Forsberg and Philip Tomasino replied for the 26-23-2 Predators, who sit two points behind the Kings and remain behind the St. Louis Blues for the final wild-card spot.
Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto (NHL Images).
An overtime goal by Shane Pinto lifted the Ottawa Senators to a 3-2 upset of the Detroit Red Wings. Pinto finished the night with two points while Joonas Korpisalo stopped 23 shots for the 20-25-2 Senators. Daniel Sprong and Dylan Larkin scored for the Red Wings (26-18-6) as they hold the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 58 points.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson suffered a lower-body injury in the first period and didn’t return. He’ll be re-evaluated when the club returns to Ottawa.
The Anaheim Ducks got an overtime goal by Frank Vatrano to nip the San Jose Sharks 3-2. Troy Terry had a goal and an assist while John Gibson made 26 saves for the 18-30-2 Ducks. Anthony Duclair and Marc-Edouard Vlasic tallied for the 14-32-5 Sharks.
HEADLINES
THE PROVINCE/CALGARY SUN: Pundits are reacting to yesterday’s trade between the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks that saw the Flames ship center Elias Lindholm to the Canucks in exchange for winger Andrei Kuzmenko, two defense prospects and two draft picks, including the Canucks’ 2024 first-rounder.
The Province’s Patrick Johnston believes the price wasn’t that steep for the Canucks. He cited Kuzemenko’s struggles this season, considered prospects Joni Jurmo and Hunter Brzustewicz to be long-shots to reach the NHL, and noted the first-rounder will likely be in the high 20s or even in the 30s by the time this season is over.
Johnston also felt this move indicates that Canucks management isn’t fooling around. He considers the acquisition of two-way center Lindholm as “pushing their chips in to win the Stanley Cup.”
Meanwhile, Sun pundit Wes Gilbertson felt the Flames got a “substantial haul” from the Canucks for Lindholm. He called Kuzmenko “an intriguing talent”. However, he acknowledged his inclusion in the deal may have had more to do with making the cap dollars fit in this deal than how he potentially fits into the Flames’ long-term plans.
Brzustewicz currently leads the OHL in assists by a wide margin (61 in 47 games) and sits third in that league’s scoring race. Jurmo is a big blueliner (6’4”, 210 pounds) skating in Finland’s pro league.
Gilbertson also noted the willingness of Flames general manager Craig Conroy to trade one of his favorite players. He also considered this proof that Conroy is serious about rebuilding the roster and will prioritize acquiring future assets in any trade talks regarding pending free agents Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I think this is a move the Canucks could afford to make this season. They’re an entertaining club loaded with talent generating excitement among their fans. Bringing in Lindholm indicates confidence by management that this team can stage a deep playoff run.
Yes, there’s a risk that it might not work out and Lindholm departs this summer as a free agent. Nevertheless, they already possess some good young talent on their roster and they didn’t have to part with one of their better prospects such as Jonathan Lekkerimaki or Tom Willander to get Lindholm. If they’re going to take the chance by acquiring a notable potential rental player, this is the season to do it.
As for the Flames, I agree with Gilbertson that Conroy isn’t waffling on what to do with his pending UFAs. If they don’t want to re-sign or are dragging their feet about it, he’s going to move them before March 8 for the best possible returns. Tanev and Hanifin are likely on their way out in the coming weeks.
TSN: Speaking of the Canucks, they signed general manager Patrik Allvin to a multi-year contract extension. This news was announced before they acquired Lindholm.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hired in January 2022, Allvin’s done a fine job thus far in reversing the Canucks’ fortunes as they currently sit atop the NHL’s overall standings. He’s also been the busiest GM in the trade market since the start of the regular season, making six trades since Oct. 8. Those include the additions of Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov and Sam Lafferty.
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets rookie center Adam Fantilli will miss the next eight weeks after suffering a skate laceration to his left calf muscle. He suffered the injury on Sunday against the Seattle Kraken.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: A big blow to Fantilli and the struggling Blue Jackets. He sits third among their skaters and fourth among rookie scorers with 27 points in 49 games.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Phil Kessel remains in contact with several NHL teams and is still hopeful of signing with a club this season. The 36-year-old free-agent winger has been skating and trying to remain ready in case a team comes calling. He holds the NHL Ironman record with 1,064 consecutive regular-season games played. Kessel had 36 points in 82 games last season with the Vegas Golden Knights, winning his third Stanley Cup.
Is Lindholm a rental???? 5 assets for a rental?
Van’s summer cap space $36M and11 players signed
Petey 8 x $12M
Lindy 8 x $9M
Hronek 8 x $7.5M
$7.5M left to sign 8
Less than a million per to get 8 players signed? You want the Canucks to swiftly sink in the standings, don’t you?
Re Canucks salary Cap
for a couple more years the Canucks still have
Connor Garland and Ilya Mikheyev $9.8.M
they could trade one at the draft to free up cash if they need to help sign curent players….🤔
With the EL trade, they did improved there Cap by $650,000 this season
Not sure how Kessel would fit on a team at this point. He was slow and didn’t play much defense before, so he’s not going to be better now. I guess he could be a PP specialist and just fire shots on net.
But I’m assuming he only wants to go to a contender to make a playoff run. Those top teams generally already have their top PP set. Are they really going to take on Kessel and insert him on PP1 and upset the chemistry that already exists? Just to try and squeeze some value out of him at the expense of an existing roster player? I just don’t see where he would fit.
Kessel on 3rd line with two faster linemates maybe… he knows what to do with the puck
An I’m betting he still has that a wicked shot.
I don’t see him on anyone’s power play. He doesn’t one-time his shot from the position he used to play on the pp. I agree, I see him much more as a 3rd line guy with experience that could help your club through the playoffs. I’ve also read that he’s a bad influence on younger players. Might be why he doesn’t have a contract yet?
Anyone ever consider that Lindholm has an agreement with Calgary on a new contract that he will sign back with them in July?? So, he did this to better his team for the future.
That is a tactic that rarely happens. The more likely scenario here is Lindholm wasn’t going to re-sign so Conroy got the best return possible.
So less than 24 hours after I stated the Jets were getting Lindholm he goes to the Canucks. So much for that one.
Good deal for Vancouver, they actually improved their cap position and gave up nothing significant.
“You can book it” I believe was the exact quote. Not rubbing it in or anything…
I won’t be using that line anymore. LOL
Good on yeah for coming back and not hiding. Everyone is wrong more than they like to admit. Which is why I TRY and not to rub it in when others are. If you’re wrong, admit it and move on. It’s not the first time, and won’t be the last. 😉
There is still a chance for Tanev. Good luck!
Same here Tripper. Good on you. I meant my reply in a light hearted way.
You seemed so confident was all.
No worries, that’s how I took your comments. I think the Jets should act early and make a move. Having Scheifele out exposed a further depth problem at 1-2C
Did anyone else see the hit from behind that put Gostisbehere’s head into the boards, and put him in concussion protocol for the rest of the game ? And no call ?
No, and I can’t find it. Do you have a link to it?
Here it is KJ.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1730052772236796034
Hey Captain Obvious ,
Did you see that Trade… 4 pieces for Lindholm ⁉️
-Andrei Kuzmenko,
-Hunter Brzustewicz, A young d/man
-Joni Jurmo, A young d/man
-A 2024 first-round pick,
The price just went up for the Habs Sean Monahan..
A 1st pick & A 2nd peice …. ❓
Flames GM Graig Conroy did very well in the Trade
it was actually Very Good Teade or both teams…..👍
Now the Market is open
The trade will look even better for the Flames if those two prospects work out. The Flames are thin there and will need to rebuild that defence if/when Tanev and Hanifin are moved. It also depends on what they get for them.
I agree Willie. Just as I agreed with you last night when you posted the same thing.
Monahan is now clearly the top center available and hopefully a bidding war may develop. I’m still in favor of the Habs extending him but if he will be traded I can see Hughes getting a 1st, though obviously in the bottom third of the round, and a second piece such as a young NHL ready middle six forward who could provide scoring depth.
Vancouver made a solid move. They are clearly a contender and this is the type of move a contender has to make. But Calgary did well also. They got a 1st, albeit likely near the end of the round, a winger who had 39 goals last year and a defense prospect who seems to have a reasonable chance of making the NHL.
I realize that Kuzmenkos play has dropped off, but I still see him as a guy who could provide 25 or so goals per season.
Agreed, Howard. As Lindholm and Monahan are the same age, have nearly identical points this year, and are both UFAs at the end of the season, it’s almost a lock that Hughes will get a first, + in any trade for Monahan.
Now if we can move Jake Allen …
Jurmo is considered a “fringe” nhl prospect (former 3rd rounder)
Brzustewicz another 3rd rounder having a great season in the OHL but that doesn’t necessarily translate to nhl.
Kuzemenko 27 years old on a down year after a fantastic 26 year old rookie campaign. And a higher cap hit than EL (650k) you can almost consider the 1st part of the deal to remove him from Vancouvers cap.
And a conditional 4th which is much less than a coin flips chance of being an NHL player.
Not sure how that translates to Monahan getting a 1st, 2nd and prospect?
It certainly doesn’t translate to a 1st , 2nd and Laffrienere or Kakko as discussed yesterday.
Being such a big need for NY, I can see NY overpaying. But certainly not a 1sr, 2nd and any of Laffrienere, Kakko, Cuylle, Othmann Perault or Jones.
That certainly isn’t in line with the Calgary trade!
A 1st , 2nd and a guy like Sykora is about in line.
Hell, I’d they’re willing to take some salary back, make it 2-1st Goodrow and Sykora.
I hate to say it but I agree with just about all of what you’ve said here.
Conditional 2024 4th will become a 2024 3rd in Canucks make the Conference Final. So technically 5 pieces.
Because i’m bored i wanted to see what a late round draft pick means. I looked at the last 5 picks in each draft from 2010 to 2020. I did not looks at the last 3 draft as these players still need to develop in other leagues. from 2021-2023 a total of 3 nhl games were played 2 games 1 player and 1 game by another.
If you wish to read and decide for yourself if a late round draft pick is worth the risk. Only included the name and drafted team. If you don’t know the name, it’s properly safe to say, he hasn’t made it or got to the level of success one would hope.
2010
Evgeny Kuznetsov wash
Mark Visentin Arz
Charlie Coyle SJ
Emersson Etem Ana
Brock Nelson NYI
2011
Phillip Danault Chi
Vladislaov Namestnikov TB
Zack Phillips Min
Nicklas Jensen Van
Rickard Rakell Ana
2012
Bredan Gaunce Van
Henrik Samuelsson Arz
Brady Skjei Nyr
Stefan Matteau NJ
Tanner Pearson LA
2013
Shea Theadore Ana
Marko Dano Clb
Morgan Klimchuk Cal
Jason Dickenson Dal
Ryan Hartman Chi
2014
Nikita Scherbak Mtl
Nikolay Goldobin SJ
Josh ho sang Nyi
Adrian Kempe LA
John Quenneville NJ
2015
Noah Juulsen Mtl
Jacob Larsson Ana
Anthony Beauvillier NYi
Gabreil Carlsson clb
Nick Merkley Arz
2016
Tage Thompson
Brett Howden TB
Lucas Johanson Wash
Trent Frederick Bos
Sam Steel Ana
2017
Morgan Frost phil
Shane Bowers Ott
Henri Jokiharju Chi
Eeli Toivanen Nash
Klim Kostin St.l
2018
Nicolas Beaudin Chi
Nils Lundkvist Nyr
Rasmus Sandin Tor
Joe Veleno Det
Alexander Alexeyer Wash
2019
Nolan Foote TB
Ryan Suzuki Car
Brayden Tracey Ana
John Beecher Bos
Ryan Johnson Buff
2020
Jacob Perreault Ana
Ridly Greig Ott
Brendan Brisson Vag
Ozzy Wiesblatt SJ
Hey Caper,
lots of Great players there on your list you put together for late round picks
thanks.. 👍
2014 draft
That kid from Edmonton John Quenneville NJ
He Plays RW/C. He was the leading scorer in the Spangler Cup for Canada this year & plays in Switzerland
A team should take a run at him for the playoffs❓
Lots of mediocre and not so great names on that list as well. Overall, it looks to stand as a coin flip of success.
Caper, you the man with this info. This is great! I was asking myself this exact question this morning. What is a late 1st rounder really worth? And what does it usually turn into as far a real NHL caliber players?
Re, The Sens
Young shane Pinto continues to make a diffrence in Ottawa with great wining overtime goal by Pinto
to a 3-2 Win over the Detroit Red Wings.
2 more points for Pinto on the beautiful OT goal
last nite 👍
Great sauce by Chabot on that goal as well williew. Ended up putting in 30 strong minutes after Sanderson injury.
I though he played well from the parts I saw.
Calgary deal comes with some baggage! Prospects might take 3-5 years before they make any impact in the NHL!Kuzmenko could be back in Russia by then! Kadri,Huberdeau,Weegar, Markstrom could still be trolling there!Conroy and Huska could be fired by that time! Trading to one of your rivals tells me their was a sense of desperation to get a deal done!
I wonder if the Calgary flames try to trade
Kadri back to the Avas….?
As the need a 2nd line Centre
Or if the go after the Hab’s Sean Monahan …❓❓