NHL Rumor Mill – June 6, 2020

by | Jun 6, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – June 6, 2020

Recent updates on the Red Wings and the latest on Chris Tanev in today’s NHL rumor mill.

RECENT RED WINGS SPECULATION

DETROIT FREE PRESS: In a recent evaluation of the Red Wings’ roster, Helene St. James doesn’t expect Jimmy Howard, Trevor Daley, Jonathan Ericsson will be back. They’re unrestricted free agents at the end of this season.

St. James believes restricted free agents Tyler Bertuzzi, Anthony Mantha, Robby Fabbri, and Adam Erne will be re-signed. Defenseman Madison Bowey was placed on waivers during the regular season, but there’s little risk in re-signing him for another year. RFA winger Brendan Perlini isn’t expected back.

Could the Detroit Red Wings pursue Torey Krug in this year’s UFA market? (Photo via NHL Images)

Winger Justin Abdelkader could face waivers next season if his performance doesn’t improve.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Matt Larkin observed the Wings will have about $35 million in salary-cap space for 2020-21. With only 11 players under contract, general manager Steve Yzerman will still have to spend even after re-signing key players like Bertuzzi and Fabbri.

Larkin wondered if the stage was set for Michigan native Torey Krug to join his boyhood club. The 29-year-old Boston Bruins defenseman is an unrestricted free agent after this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Larkin joins several pundits wondering if Yzerman might woo Krug home to the Wings. If the blueliner tests the UFA market and is keen to join the Wings, Yzerman could make a pitch.

Nevertheless, Yzerman recently said he’s looking at making sensible signings to provide his young core with some short-term experienced depth. If that’s the plan, he won’t be pursuing big-ticket UFA talent like Krug.

Even if Yzerman was willing to go that route, there’s no guarantee Krug or the other top UFA players will want to sign long-term deals with the rebuilding Wings.

LATEST ON CHRIS TANEV

SPORTSNET: Iain MacIntyre reports Chris Tanev feels at home with the Vancouver Canucks and hopes to stay. The 30-year-old defenseman has spent his entire NHL career with the Canucks, but he’s an unrestricted free agent at season’s end.

Before the pandemic struck and cast everything in doubt, including next season’s salary cap, Tanev was considered a second priority for the Canucks to re-sign following goalie Jacob Markstrom and winger Tyler Toffoli. The blueliner said he can see players sign one-year deals in the hope the league’s finances improve next season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cap Friendly indicates the Canucks have over $63.4 million invested in 14 players. Along with Tanev, Markstrom and Toffoli, Jake Virtanen, Josh Leivo, Adam Gaudette, Troy Stecher, and Tyler Motte must be re-signed or replaced.

Unless the Canucks shed a salary or two, they won’t have room for everybody, especially if they re-sign Markstrom and Toffoli. However, uncertainty over the league’s revenue could work in their favor if some of those free agents are willing to accept one-year deals at affordable prices.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 6, 2020

by | Jun 6, 2020

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 6, 2020

​Teams prepare for Phase 2 of Return-To-Play Plan, Patrick Kane donates to Chicago organizations to combat racism, Kyle Okposo undergoes surgery, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

TEAMS PREPARING FOR PHASE 2 OF NHL’S RETURN-TO-PLAY PLAN

SPORTSNET: Maple Leafs players already in Toronto underwent COVID-19 testing yesterday in preparation for the second phase of the NHL’s Return-To-Play Plan on Monday. Teams will be allowed to reopen their training facilities (based on local and state/provincial medical protocols) to allow voluntary small-group training of up to six players per group. Those in the Toronto area include Mitch Marner, Zach Hyman, Jake Muzzin, and Kyle Clifford.

NHL training facilities can reopen on Monday.

The Vancouver Canucks will be keeping Rogers Arena closed until there is a demand from the players for ice and training space. Alex Edler, Chris Tanev, and Troy Stecher are the only Canucks to spend the coronavirus shutdown in Vancouver, while Josh Leivo stayed for medical treatment.

MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens players will have to wait until Thursday to begin skating at their practice facility as no ice has been laid there. The club claims it’s due to maintenance work at the facility, but a source said the ice crew had been laid off because of the pandemic. Another source indicated the ice would be ready for the players on Thursday. Paul Byron and Jonathan Drouin are the only Canadiens currently in Montreal.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Nearly every member of the Jets are currently at their homes in Canada, the United States, and Europe. There isn’t expected to be much activity at the Jets training facility in the near future owing to travel restrictions and the mandatory 14-day self-quarantine upon returning to Winnipeg.

STLTODAY.COM: After consultation with his players, Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said his club won’t be opening their facilities until they request it. Approximately 10 of the Blues’ players remained in the St. Louis area since the NHL began its self-quarantine period on March 12.

TRIBLIVE.COM: All Penguins players and staff will be tested for COVID-19 before using the club’s training facilities. Medical evaluations for those who test negative will begin on Monday.

NEW YORK POST: The Islanders will be ready to open their facilities on Monday, while the Rangers will require an extra day before opening theirs. Chris Kreider, Marc Staal, Brendan Smith, Adam Fox, and Brendan Lemieux are the only Rangers currently in the local area.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun (subscription required) has a full listing of each team’s status and how many of their players could use those facilities when they open next week.

Most players have resided at their off-season residences since the league paused operations in mid-March. Because participation in Phase 2 is voluntary and given travel restrictions and local health protocols, most will likely remain where they are during this period. Those who reside in NHL cities other than their respective teams’ have permission to train at those facilities if they wish.

OTHER NOTABLE HEADLINES

THE SCORE: Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane is donating to local Chicago charities combating racial injustice.

“Racism and injustice in our country must end,” Kane said. “As a white male in this society, I will never truly understand. But I want to help in this fight for change – and I know I cannot do that in silence.”

ESPN.COM: Greg Wyshynski reports Kim Davis, the NHL’s executive VP for social impact, growth initiatives, and legislative affairs, announced the league is forming four committees to examine and address the diversity issues facing the league and the sport. The committees are the continuation of the work announced at last December’s board of governors meeting after several players reported racist language and physical abuse from coaches during their playing careers.

WGR 550: Buffalo Sabres winger Kyle Okposo underwent successful surgery on his right knee this week. He’s expected to make a full recovery in six weeks.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Okposo could be ready to participate in training camp, tentatively slated to open sometime in July.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE ATHLETIC (subscription required): Eric Duhatschek reports the Hockey Hall of Fame’s annual selection committee will be held as planned on June 23 and 24. This year’s prominent first-year eligible players are Jarome Iginla and Marian Hossa.

OTTAWA SUN: A debate over distribution of funds was among the main issues that led the Ottawa Senators Foundation to announce it was cutting ties with the club on July 3. The foundation’s focus is on supporting youth programs. Senators owner Eugene Melnyk, who underwent a successful liver transplant in 2015, wanted a portion of the proceeds to go toward organ donation awareness.

SPORTSNET: announced award-winning sports broadcaster Chris Cuthbert will be joining the network as an NHL play-by-play announcer.

KUKLA’S KORNER: The Athletic yesterday announced it was cutting eight percent of its staff. Among those laid off were hockey writers Ken Wiebe, George Richards, Scott Gordon, Tom Reed, Joe Yerdon, John Glennon, Craig Morgan, and Marc Dumont.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: They are among some of hockey’s best pundits. Here’s hoping for better days ahead for all of them.










Which of The Seven NHL Non-Playoff Clubs Will Make a Splash in The UFA Pool?

by | Jun 5, 2020

Which of The Seven NHL Non-Playoff Clubs Will Make a Splash in The UFA Pool?

 










NHL Rumor Mill – June 5, 2020

by | Jun 5, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – June 5, 2020

​Should the Oilers re-sign Ryan Nugent-Hopkins? Which notable players should the Sabres retain? Check out the latest in today’s rumor mill.

SHOULD THE OILERS RE-SIGN NUGENT-HOPKINS ASAP?

THE ATHLETIC (subscription required): Allan Mitchell called upon the Edmonton Oilers to re-sign Ryan Nugent-Hopkins once this season is over. The 27-year-old forward is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July.

Should the Edmonton Oilers attempt to re-sign Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in the off-season (Photo via NHL Images).

Mitchell cited Nugent-Hopkins’ improved offensive game skating on the wing alongside Leon Draisaitl and Kailer Yamamoto. A big offensive performance next season could make re-signing him more difficult. He suggested inking Nugent-Hopkins to a six-year, $45-million extension, which would equate to an annual average value of $7.5 million.

Mitchell believes the idea of moving Nugent-Hopkins at next season’s trade deadline is noxious to Oilers’ fans. He feels the Oilers will never get full value back by moving him as a playoff rental. He thinks there’s no one in the Oilers’ system to adequately replace the versatile forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nugent-Hopkins frequently surfaced in trade rumors over the previous two seasons. His solid play this season and the Oilers’ improvement in the standings silenced that chatter for the most part. However, he could resurface in next season’s rumor mill he’s still unsigned as the trade deadline approaches.

As Mitchell observes, the salary cap will determine what the Oilers can afford to re-sign Nugent-Hopkins. Cap Friendly indicates they have over $48 million invested in nine players for 2021-22.

Some of that cap room will be taken up this year by re-signing or replacing such notables as Mike Smith, Ethan Bear, Andreas Athanasiou, Tyler Ennis, and Riley Sheahan. Yamamoto, Alex Chiasson, Adam Larsson, and Kris Russell will be among those due for new contracts in 2021.

Assuming the salary cap remains at $81.5 million for 2021-22, there should be enough to accommodate a $7.5 million AAV for Nugent-Hopkins. His performance next season will also be a determining factor.

LATEST ON THE SABRES

THE BUFFALO NEWS: Lance Lysowski and Mike Harrington weighed in on which notable players the Sabres should retain.

They were split on Rasmus Ristolainen, as Lysowski pointed to the regression in the blueliner’s play. Moving him could fetch some scoring help and free up cap room to sign a free-agent rearguard like Winnipeg’s Dylan DeMelo.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ristolainen often comes up as a Sabres’ trade candidate. However, general manager Jason Botterill and head coach Ralph Krueger indicated last week they still consider the 25-year-old defenseman among their core players. If so, that suggests Ristolainen won’t be shopped.

Both believe Brandon Montour should be traded. The 26-year-old defenseman is a restricted free agent and they feel there’s no room for his style of play in Krueger’s system. He could bring the Sabres a second- or third-line forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sabres have depth on the blueline but need more on their forward lines. If Ristolainen isn’t shopped, Montour could become the likely candidate. He’s a year away from UFA eligibility and has arbitration rights this year. Ristolainen, on the other hand, is under contract through 2021-22.

They also split on Jimmy Vesey, with Harrington believing he’s not the scoring winger he was projected to become.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m with Harrington on this one. A highly-touted college player, Vesey’s struggled in the NHL.

Both believe the Sabres should re-sign UFA winger Wayne Simmonds to a one-year deal, part ways with UFAs Zemgus Girgensons, Michael Frolik, and Vladimir Sobotka, and attempt to trade goalie Carter Hutton.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 5, 2020

by | Jun 5, 2020

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 5, 2020

The league announces transition to Phase 2 of its Return-To-Play Plan, the Stanley Cup playoffs will follow best-of-seven format following the qualifying round, a Penguins player tests positive for COVID-19, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

NHL ANNOUNCES PHASE 2 DATE OF RETURN-TO-PLAY FORMAT

NHL.COM: The league yesterday announced it will transition to the second phase of its Return-To-Play Plan effective Monday, June 8. The 31 clubs will be allowed to open their training facilities for small-group training as per Phase 2 protocols, which includes the approval of municipal and state/provincial health officials. A maximum of six players can train together at a time on a voluntary basis.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports not all clubs will be in a position to open right away. Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston cites numbers of players in town, the appointment of hygiene officers, and the cost are among the issues. Phase 3, which is opening training camps, is expected to be implemented in July if all goes well.

2020 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS TO BE BEST-OF-SEVEN FOR ALL ROUNDS

The league also announced yesterday the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs will be a best-of-seven for all four rounds following the qualifying round. In each round, the highest remaining seed in each conference will face the lowest remaining seed, the second-highest remaining seed in each will face the second-lowest, and so on.

“Everybody is used to a best-of-7,” Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang told The Associated Press. “You know how it’s structured. You know how it feels if you lose the first two or you win the first two. You kind of know all the scenarios that can go through a best-of-7.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Only the qualifying round will be best-of-five. Chris Johnston reported the “integrity” of the playoffs was the deciding factor that was important for the playoffs. However, he pointed out the entire playoff tournament could stretch to 68 days, which could pose a challenge if there’s a second COVID-19 outbreak this fall.

Tiebreakers for the round-robin round involving the top-four teams in each conference will be decided by regular-season points percentage. Once the round-robin is concluded, the seeding order for those eight clubs will remain the same throughout the playoffs.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The New York Post’s Larry Brooks reports the league wanted a best-of-five format for the first two playoff rounds for brevity. The players, however, insisted on the best-of-seven.

PENGUINS PLAYER TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19

PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW: The Penguins yesterday released a statement indicating one of their players tested positive for COVID-19. The player is not in Pittsburgh, self-isolated at home since he first experienced symptoms, and is recovering and feeling well. Those in close contact with the player since his diagnosis have been notified.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This player is the first in over two months to test positive for COVID-19. It is a reminder of the challenge facing the league in ensuring the health and safety of the players during training camps and the 24-team playoff tournament.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said one positive test wouldn’t derail the process. The league intends to implement daily testing to monitor all players and staff.

LATEST NHL CBA NEWS

TSN: Darren Dreger reports discussions between the NHL and NHL Players’ Association over extending the current collective bargaining agreement have intensified as of late. Escrow, the salary cap, and hockey-related revenue were the main discussion points.

An escrow stability plan is a crucial point for the players. They want to know if it’ll be 20 percent for the foreseeable future or more than 25 percent. They also want to know what the salary cap will be for 2020-21. Dreger said an NHLPA negotiating committee involving perhaps 10-or-more players is being formed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman cites multiple sources claiming there’s a legitimate attempt to get a CBA extension by the time play resumes later this summer. He suggested there could be a 20 percent escrow cap and a flat salary cap of $81.5 million for the next several seasons.

A CBA extension could be the only silver lining to emerge from the cloud of uncertainty currently hanging over the NHL thanks to COVID-19. The current agreement will expire in September 2022, but the last thing the league needs is contentious labor talks threatening yet another lockout in two years’ time. Both sides must work together to overcome the current financial issues they’re facing from the pandemic.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE SCORE: NHL Hall of Famer Willie O’Ree is troubled by the death of George Floyd and the violent confrontations between police and protesters in the United States.

“I’m 84 years old and didn’t think I’d witness some of the stuff that’s going on, but this dates back to the slavery age,” O’Ree said. “It’s very discouraging to see what’s going on now.”

O’Ree made history in 1958 by becoming the first black player in the NHL.

OTTAWA SUN: The Ottawa Senators foundation announced it will be severing ties with the hockey club’s parent group when their agreement expires on July 31. Ken Warren reports it’s believed Senators owner Eugene Melnyk wanted more control over the direction of the charity.










NHL Up and Down the Boards – Blues Making Gains On the Odds to Win Top Seed in the West

by | Jun 4, 2020

NHL Up and Down the Boards – Blues Making Gains On the Odds to Win Top Seed in the West