What Are Bob Murray’s NHL Off-Season Plans For The Anaheim Ducks?
What Are Bob Murray’s NHL Off-Season Plans For The Anaheim Ducks?
NHL Rumor Mill – March 9, 2020
NHL Rumor Mill – March 9, 2020
Could a higher salary cap help the Blues re-sign Alex Pietrangelo and the Bruins re-up Torey Krug? Find out in today’s NHL rumor mill.
THE ATHLETIC: In a recent mailbag segment, Jeremy Rutherford was asked if the projected rise of the salary cap to between $84 million to $88.2 million could help the St. Louis Blues re-sign captain Alex Pietrangelo. The 30-year-old defenseman is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He cautions that it could reach the lower projection, pointing out this season’s cap was supposed to reach $83 million but came in at $81.5 million.
Can the St. Louis Blues afford to re-sign Alex Pietrangelo this summer? (Photo via NHL Images)
Should the cap rise to $84 million, Rutherford believes the Blues will attempt to offer Pietrangelo between $8.5 – $9 million annually. He feels there are probably only a few clubs that can afford to pay him $10 million annually. Rutherford doesn’t know if Pietrangelo would accept a little less than that from the Blues. If Pietrangelo walks, Rutherford doubts the Blues will attempt to replace him via the UFA market, preferring instead to promote Colton Parayko.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cap Friendly indicates the Blues have over $73.7 million invested in 17 players. Assuming the cap climbs to $84 million, they’ll only have around $10 million in cap space. Re-signing Pietrangelo will take up almost all of it. They could be forced to make a cost-cutting move or two to keep Pietrangelo and fill out the rest of the roster.
I’ve seen speculation suggesting the Toronto Maple Leafs could pursue Pietrangelo if he hits the open market. With almost $77 million committed to 15 players, they have less cap space than the Blues. Unless they dump salary, don’t expect to see Pietrangelo in a Leafs jersey next season.
BOSTON GLOBE: Matt Porter believes the projected increase in the salary cap could aid the Bruins in re-signing Torey Krug. Like Pietrangelo, the 28-year-old Bruins defenseman is due to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Should the cap reach the low end, Porter indicates it’ll leave the Bruins $22 million to re-sign Krug, Zdeno Chara, Jaroslav Halak, Jake DeBrusk, Matt Grzelcyk, Anders Bjork and Karson Kuhlman.
The Bruins love Krug and want to keep him, but it’s unclear if they’ll pay him more than $7 million annually. Porter wonders if another team, like the Detroit Red Wings, offers Krug $8 million per season. The Bruins have the advantage of offering up to eight years, which would lower the annual average value slightly.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Krug suggested last fall he was interested in a hometown discount, but he didn’t indicate how much that would be. There’s a belief the Bruins won’t offer him more than first-line stars Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, and David Pastrnak, who each earn annual average values below $7 million. But as Porter points out, Charlie McAvoy’s actual salary in the final season of his current contract rises to $7.3 million (2021-22). Perhaps the Krug camp points to that as their annual salary number.
If the Bruins fail to re-sign Krug, he won’t lack for suitors. His hometown Red Wings could come calling, as could the Montreal Canadiens.
NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 9, 2020
NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 9, 2020
The Red Wings and Hurricanes pull off upset victories, Sportsnet and NBC Sports make NHL history with all-female broadcast crews, and more in today’s morning coffee headlines.
GAME RECAPS
NHL.COM: Shootout goals by Dylan Larkin and Robby Fabbri carried the Detroit Red Wings to a 5-4 upset of the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Bolts rallied from a 4-2 deficit to force overtime and the shootout frame. Anthony Mantha and Tyler Bertuzzi each had a goal and three assists. Brayden Point tallied twice for the Lightning (92 points), who sit six points back of the league-leading Boston Bruins. Tampa Bay defenseman Ryan McDonagh returned to the lineup after missing 14 games with a lower-body injury, but Victor Hedman (lower body) missed the game and is listed as day-to-day.
Detroit Red Wings forward Anthony Mantha had a four-point performance in a 5-4 upset over the Tampa Bay Lightning (Photo via NHL Images).
Carolina Hurricanes rookie Morgan Geekie scored twice in his NHL debut to help his club down the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-2. Justin Williams also scored twice for the Hurricanes (76 points), who surged ahead of the New York Islanders into the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot. The slumping Penguins (84 points) sit third in the Metropolitan Division, but they’ve dropped eight of their last 10 contests.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Penguins were playing better when their roster was depleted by injuries. They’re struggling despite a healthier lineup bolstered by recent additions made before the Feb. 24 trade deadline.
St. Louis Blues goalie Jake Allen turned in a 29-save shutout in a 2-0 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Robert Bortuzzo and Alex Pietrangelo were the goal scorers. Blues defenseman Justin Faulk missed his second straight game with an upper-body injury. Blackhawks defenseman Adam Boqvist left the game with a suspected concussion after being elbowed in the head by Blues forward Oskar Sundqvist. In the subsequent scrum, Chicago forward Drake Caggiula left the game after injuring his wrist in a fight with the Blues’ Vince Dunn. The Blues (92 points) remain two points ahead of the Colorado Avalanche for first place in the Western Conference.
The Avalanche, meanwhile, kept pace with the Blues by nipping the San Jose Sharks 4-3. Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog led the way with a goal and two assists each. Sharks captain Logan Couture left the game after being struck in the face with the puck. He was placed in concussion protocol but could return to action on Wednesday.
The red-hot Vegas Golden Knights (84 points) defeated the Calgary Flames 5-3 to regain first place in the Pacific Division. Third-period goals by Shea Theodore and Jonathan Marchessault carried Vegas to victory after the Flames overcame a 3-1 deficit. The Flames (79 points) sit third in the Pacific.
An overtime goal by Kevin Fiala lifted the Minnesota Wild to a 4-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks. It was Fiala’s second goal of the game for the Wild (77 points), who moved into the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Jakob Silfverberg and Rickard Rakell each had three points for the Ducks.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fiala is blossoming into a star for the Wild this season. He’s their leading scorer with a career-high 54 points and is tied with Zach Parise and Joel Eriksson Ek for second in game-winning goals with four.
Elvis Merzlikins returned to the Columbus Blue Jackets net for the first time since Feb. 24 to backstop his club to a 2-1 victory over the slumping Vancouver Canucks. With 81 points, the Jackets moved into the first Eastern Conference wild-card spot, while the Canucks (76 points) cling to the second Western wild-card berth.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are in trouble, winning just three of their last 10 contests. They definitely miss starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom, who’s been sidelined since late February with a knee injury.
HEADLINES
THE SCORE: Sportsnet and NBC Sports made NHL history yesterday with all-female broadcast crews calling the Golden Knights-Flames and the Blue-Blackhawks games.
NBC SPORTS: Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi was fined $5,000.00 for cross-checking Dallas Stars winger Corey Perry on Saturday.
ARIZONA SPORTS: The Coyotes’ playoff hopes took a hit as leading scorer Conor Garland is listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury.
WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Jets forward Adam Lowry is expected to return to action tonight after missing 20 games with an upper-body injury.
CBS SPORTS: The Detroit Red Wings re-signed Alex Biega to a one-year, $875K contract.
SPORTSNET: The NHL has tentatively finalized April 9 as the date for the 2020 NHL Draft Lottery.
Rebuild New York Rangers Constructing Path To NHL Playoffs
Rebuild New York Rangers Constructing Path To NHL Playoffs
Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 8, 2020
Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 8, 2020
Updates on the Islanders, Rangers, and Senators in the Sunday NHL rumor roundup.
COULD THE ISLANDERS PURSUE HALL THIS SUMMER?
NEWSDAY: Arthur Gross wonders what could be in store this summer for the New York Islanders if they miss the 2020 postseason. He feels it would be a wasted opportunity following a strong start to this season, as well as a step back after advancing to the second round last year. He also notes they gave up draft picks (including a conditional first in 2020) for Jean-Gabriel Pageau at the trade deadline.
Could the New York Islanders pursue Taylor Hall this summer? (Photo via NHL Images)
Gross believes the Islanders need more pop in their offense. He points out general manager Lou Lamoriello attempted to sign Artemi Panarin last summer before he joined the Rangers. Gross wonders if Arizona Coyotes winger Taylor Hall might fit the bill if he tests this summer’s free-agent market.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Landing a scoring winger for Mathew Barzal’s line should be a priority this summer for the Islanders. With over $71 million invested in 18 players and restricted free agents like Barzal, Ryan Pulock and Devon Toews due to big raises, the Isles lack the cap space to pursue a big-ticket UFA even if the cap rises to $88 million. Unless Lamoriello slashes payroll to make room for someone like Hall, he’ll have to go the trade route to bolster his scoring.
A QUIET OFF-SEASON FOR THE RANGERS?
LOHUD.COM/USA TODAY: In a recent mailbag segment, Vincent Mercogliano said he didn’t expect the New York Rangers to be major players in this summer’s UFA market. He reminded his readers the Rangers signed Artermi Panarin, Jacob Trouba, and Chris Kreider to expensive contracts since last summer.
If the salary cap rises as projected to between $84 million and $88 million, the Rangers will have between $17-$22 million in cap space. However, Mercoglian anticipates re-signing free agents like Tony DeAngelo, Ryan Strome, Brendan Lemieux, Alexandar Georgiev, and Jesper Fast will quickly use up most of it. They could move some of them to create more cap room, but this summer’s UFA market doesn’t have talent that would suit the club’s needs. It’s deep on wingers, but the Blueshirts need more depth at center.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Rangers made their big splashes last summer with Panarin and Trouba. The focus this year will likely be on re-signing those free agents. Management could shop those whose contract talks could become contentious, but I think the intent is to keep them. Mercogliano speculates they could shop Georgiev, but I think they’ll either attempt to trade or buy out Henrik Lundqvist.
HAINSEY COULD RETURN WITH SENATORS
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch recently reported the Senators are open to the idea of bringing back Ron Hainsey for another season. The 38-year-old defenseman will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He’s been Thomas Chabot’s regular defense partner. Head coach D.J. Smith is pleased with Hainsey’s efforts this season, saying he’ll speak with GM Pierre Dorion about bringing him back.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Not really a free-agent rumor, but something that could be worth watching this summer. Smith noted Hainsey’s been like an on-ice coach for younger blueliners like Chabot. He would be a steadying influence for another season. If Hainsey retires or signs elsewhere, the Sens could turn to this summer’s trade or UFA market for a suitable replacement.
NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 8, 2020
NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 8, 2020
The Panthers retire Roberto Luongo’s number, David Pastrnak moves closer to 50 goals, updates on the playoff race, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.
GAME RECAPS
NHL.COM: On the night the Florida Panthers retired Roberto Luongo’s No. 1, they also gained ground in the Eastern Conference playoff race by downing the Montreal Canadiens 4-1. Mike Hoffman and Aaron Ekblad each had two points for the Panthers (76 points), who moved within three of the idle Toronto Maple Leafs for third place in the Atlantic Division.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: A big win for the Panthers as they struggle to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Leafs have done the Panthers a favor with their sputtering play of late, but the Panthers must start capitalizing if they hope to overtake the Leafs and clinch a postseason berth.
Vincent Trocheck’s first goal since joining the Carolina Hurricanes was an overtime winner in a 3-2 win over the New York Islanders. The goal came with some controversy as Carolina winger Andrei Svechnikov clanged the puck off the crossbar with what appeared to be a high stick, enabling Trocheck to bury the rebound. However, the NHL situation room upheld the goal, claiming Svechnikov’s stick was below his shoulders when he made contact with the puck. The Islanders (79 points) cling to the first Eastern Conference wild-card spot, while the Hurricanes (77 points) sit two points behind the Isles and Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Blue Jackets, meanwhile, dropped a 4-1 decision to the Edmonton Oilers. Mikko Koskinen made 45 saves and Alex Chiasson tallied a goal and picked up an assist for the Oilers (82 points), who moved into a first-place tie with the Vegas Golden Knights for first place in the Pacific Division. The Oilers (82 points) hold the edge over Vegas based on goals scored and ROW (regulation and overtime wins). Oilers defenseman Oscar Klefbom returned to action for the first time since Feb. 16. Blue Jackets defenseman Ryan Murray missed the game with an undisclosed injury.
The New York Rangers failed to gain ground in the Eastern Conference playoff race by falling 6-4 to the New Jersey Devils. Travis Zajac and Kyle Palmieri each scored twice for the Devils as Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin was pulled after giving up four goals on 11 shots in the second period. It was Shesterkin’s first game since suffering a rib injury in a car accident on Feb. 23. The Rangers (76 points) sit three points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot.
Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak tallied his 48th goal in a 5-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning (Photo via NHL Images).
Shorthanded goals by Anthony Cirelli and Mikhail Sergachev just over a minute apart powered the Tampa Bay Lightning over the Boston Bruins 5-3 in a penalty-filled contest. Bruins winger David Pastrnak tallied his league-leading 48th goal of the season. The Bruins four-game winning streak came to an end, but they remain atop the overall standings with 98 points. The Lightning (91 points) sit second in the Atlantic Division.
Nic Dowd scored two goals and collected an assist as the Washington Capitals beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-2. The Capitals (89 points) are tied with the Philadelphia Flyers for first in the Metropolitan Division, but hold the edge due to ROW and goals scored. The Penguins (84 points) remain in third in the Metro.
The red-hot Flyers, meanwhile, picked up their ninth straight victory with a 3-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres. Claude Giroux netted two goals and Carter Hart made 38 saves.
Jusse Saros turned in a 37-save shutout and Ryan Ellis scored the only goal as the Nashville Predators nipped the Dallas Stars 1-0. With 76 points, the Predators hold the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference over the Winnipeg Jets (76 points) based on goals scored (211) and holding a game in hand. The Stars (82 points) sit third in the Central Division, but they’ve won just three of their last 10 games.
Los Angeles Kings winger Dustin Brown tallied a hat trick in a 7-3 upset of the Minnesota Wild, Kings captain Anze Kopitar had a goal and two assists. The Wild (75 points) sit one point behind the Predators and Jets.
The Ottawa Senators edged the San Jose Sharks 2-1 on an overtime goal by Chris Tierney. The Senators have won four of their last five games.
HEADLINES
THE SCORE: The NHL is recommending teams close its dressing rooms to reporters to combat the spread of the coronavirus. Only a couple of teams have done so, but it could become more widespread in the coming days.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of the players probably won’t mind getting a break from having to provide the same stock answers to the same question from reporters. Nevertheless, the league appears serious in its efforts to prevent the coronavirus from spreading into NHL dressing rooms. Its effects are already being felt through the hockey world, as the IIHF has canceled the 2020 Women’s World Championships.
SPORTSNET: The Rangers have reportedly extended the contracts of general manager Jeff Gorton and assistant GM Chris Drury.
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Vegas Golden Knights rookie Cody Glass underwent season-ending surgery on his right knee. He’s expected to recover in time for training camp in September.
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: Anaheim Ducks defenseman Hampus Lindholm (upper-body injuries) could be sidelined for weeks. He’s already missed five games after crashing heavily into the boards in a Feb. 25 game against the Oilers.
SPORTSNET: Montreal Canadiens center Jesperi Kotkaniemi suffered a splenic injury in a recent game with the Habs’ AHL affiliate. He returned to Montreal for evaluation yesterday and there’s no timetable for his recovery.