Battle Of Hudson covers the Rangers and Devils, who's intense rivalry heated up in the 90's. With fresh faces added, they battle for supremacy in NYC and NJ..
The Islanders are moving on from the devastation of John Tavares leaving for the Maple Leafs. They’re doing it in odd fashion, by loading up on third and fourth liners.
After agreeing to a four-year deal with former Leaf Leo Komarov ($3 million per season) the other day, they’ve reacquired popular forward Matt Martin from Toronto for Eamon McAdam. The 29-year old energizer, who was a fan favorite, returns to the Islanders after spending the past two seasons with the Leafs. He left following ’15-16 cashing in on a career high 10 goals and 19 points with 119 penalty minutes, by signing a four-year contract worth an average cap hit of $2.5 million. Now, the Isles will be on the hook for the remaining two years.
It’ll be interesting to see what role Martin has. It probably won’t be full time considering all the secondary depth they have. He played all 82 games his first year in Toronto scoring five goals with four assists and 123 penalty minutes, helping them reach the playoffs. In six playoff games in a first round loss, he had two assists. This past season, he only played 50 games, but tallied three goals and nine assists with 50 PIM. He only played in three of the Leafs’ final 33 games, including none in the postseason.
They previously also added fourth liner Tom Kuhnackl. A former Pen, who plays tough and will drop the gloves. I’m just wondering how many of these guys they need when they already had Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck.
I don’t get the move for Valtteri Filppula either. A player whose best years are behind him. He became an afterthought in Philadelphia. What role will he play? It shouldn’t be more than third line at this point in his career.
The other move today was the Islanders announcing the much rumored signing of former Buffalo goalie Robin Lehner.
While he is a decent goalie based on his career save percentage (.915), Lehner isn’t always consistent. Consider that the Sabres banked on him to become their starter. Instead, he was injury prone and up and down after coming over from Ottawa for David Legwand and a first round pick that turned into American prospect Colin White.
Lehner was good in ’16-17 winning 23 games in 59 games with a 2.68 goals-against-average and .920 save percentage. He wasn’t good in ’17-18 going 14-26-9 with a 3.01 GAA and .908 save percentage. Granted, his defense wasn’t good in front of him. It took time for Buffalo to improve under first-year coach Phil Housley. They were more competitive the final couple of months.
Lehner will turn 27 later this month. The interesting thing is he won’t have to carry the burden with Thomas Greiss still having a year left on his contract. Unless they dump him and take a further look at Christopher Gibson. I don’t know what the new Isles brain trust is thinking.
The Islanders are said to be involved in discussions for Ottawa defenseman Erik Karlsson. They’re one of three of four teams depending on who you believe. I don’t buy for a second that the Rangers would ever consider it. It doesn’t fit with their commitment to a rebuild. Plus the cost would be too much in terms of prospects and picks.
Whoever acquires Karlsson assumes the risk of signing him long-term. He can become unrestricted next summer. Good luck with that.
Day One of free agency is in the books. It went as expected if you’re a Ranger fan. They didn’t do much. Committed to a rebuild, it appears there will be no quick fixes or overpaid stars coming to Broadway.
Instead, it looks like GM Jeff Gorton is staying true to his word. Something he and Team President Glen Sather promised following a public letter to the fans before the trade deadline. They vowed to make changes for the foreseeable future. It was time to revamp a paper thin farm system minus any blue chip prospects, aside from Russian goalie Igor Shestyerkin. A player who’s a year away from coming to North America.
Hopefully, ninth overall pick Vitali Kravtsov works out sooner than later. Especially if you go on what he said during a promising rookie camp. That he wants to be a Ranger sooner rather than stay in the KHL. There’s much to like about defense prospect K’Andre Miller, who Gorton moved up four spots to grab at number 22, even parting with the 48th pick. Some classified it as overpayment. But the mature Miller has a good head on his shoulders, and might be worth it. He is passionate about giving back to the community and speaks very elegantly. Hopefully, the package he’ll bring down the line will make Garden Faithful happy. Nils Lundkvist is a smooth skating D with puck handling skills and offensive potential. So, that first round was pretty good even without Oliver Wahlstrom, who was outspoken about the Rangers making a ‘mistake.’ Even with John Tavares gone, the rivalry between the Islanders and Rangers should be exciting for both fanbases to debate in the future.
Gorton made a pair of moves on Canada Day. One was re-signing forward Vladislav Namestnikov to a multi-year deal worth $8 million. Four million seems a bit high for the still unproven 25-year old Russian the Rangers acquired as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Ryan McDonagh and J.T. Miller to the Lightning. We’ll see if he can do better than the underwhelming two goals and two assists he picked up in 19 games under ex-coach Alain Vigneault. We know he can skate and make plays. There’s untapped potential. Hopefully, he can figure it out for rookie coach David Quinn.
The second move was one of those depth signings to possibly address some toughness on the blueline. Gorton signed former Senator Fredrik Claesson to a one-year contract for only $700,000. It’s a low risk move. The left shooting defenseman isn’t flashy, but physical. He’s only totaled 113 NHL games over three years with Ottawa, going 4-16-20 with a minus-eight rating.
This past season, he played in a career high 64 contests, registering a goal and six helpers with 35 penalty minutes and a minus-seven rating. He had 158 Hits and recorded 84 blocked shots. The glaring negative is his 33 giveaways as compared with 15 takeaways. For his career, Claesson has totaled 62 giveaways with only 28 takeaways. Yikes. Hopefully, he’s better than those statistics indicate. He averaged a shade over 15 minutes of ice time in ’17-18.
The 25-year old Swede will compete for a job in camp. If Kevin Shattenkirk, Brady Skjei and Marc Staal are the incumbents with sure jobs as the established leaders of the back end, then Neal Pionk, Tony DeAngelo, Brendan Smith, John Gilmour and Steven Kampfer should all have the inside track to the remaining four spots. Four because I figure they’ll only keep seven D and go with two extra forwards. Something they’ll be able to do much easier with so much cap room.
The Rangers currently rank third from the bottom with over $48 million on the salary cap. That’s with a estimated $78 million max. Once Gorton gets Skjei and Kevin Hayes taken care of, that should comprise at least established eight million. If they keep Jimmy Vesey and I don’t see why not with a college coach in town who’s familiar with what he brings, pencil him in for approximately $2 million.
That would leave about $20 million for Ryan Spooner, Gilmour and Ryan Sproul, who would be in Hartford. Gorton could always try to find a couple of bargains in a weak free agent class. Anthony Duclair is still available. Calvin de Haan is fielding offers from the Islanders, Devils and Rangers. I’m not surprised. I thought they would have interest in the defensive defenseman. I doubt he’ll sign with them. I believe the Devils will land him. It’s a good fit.
There’s really not much more to say. It’s going to be fairly quiet on the Ranger front. I’m okay with it. I want the kids to get a chance to compete for roster spots. So, I’m looking forward to seeing how Libor Hajek, Ryan Lindgren, Sean Day, Brett Howden, Ty Ronning, Ville Meskanen, and Michael Lindgren all look.
It’ll be very different this Fall. Enjoy the World Cup.
John Tavares is going home. It sounds like it was a difficult decision for him to make. Shortly after Russia pulled a huge upset of Spain in the World Cup, he told the Islanders he was leaving via The Athletic.
The heavy rumors were true about Toronto last night. The 27-year old center is officially a Maple Leaf. He agreed to a seven-year contract worth a reported $77 million with his hometown team. He released a couple of tweets to the Islanders and the fans, who are not taking this bad news well.
It’s impossible to put yourself in Tavares’ shoes. He had six teams bidding for him after narrowing down his list. I’m sure the Islanders, Bruins, Lightning, Sharks, and Stars all made great offers. Ultimately, it came down to the Mississauga, Ontario native wanting to go home and play for the team he rooted for as a kid. He’ll turn 28 in September before his first game as a Leaf.
I’m thrilled to be starting a new chapter of my career and life in Toronto with the @MapleLeafs. I feel very fortunate to come join a team with a great young core and play where I grew up learning and loving the game. I can’t wait to get started!
I can understand why he chose them. He described it in his tweet, hinting at a strong core that features Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and Nazem Kadri. That’s a scary thought when you add the talented Tavares to Toronto, who don’t care that they lost James van Riemsdyk to the Flyers and Tyler Bozak to the Blues. They also have a good supporting cast that includes Patrick Marleau, Zach Hyman, Connor Brown, Morgan Rielly, Jake Gardiner, Nikita Zaitsev and Frederik Andersen.
If the Leafs can figure out a way to improve the blueline, they’ll be serious contenders. Andersen had to do a lot for them last season. The pressure is on coach Mike Babcock to deliver now that they added Tavares to a young nucleus. No more first round exits.
As far as the Islanders are concerned, what can they do? The remaining list of free agents isn’t good. They’ll save money losing Tavares after making a max offer of eight years at over $11 million per season. It’s not like he gave the Leafs a discount. Eleven million is not chunk change.
The former Islanders first overall pick in 2009 finishes with 272 goals, 349 assists, totaling 621 points in 669 career games. In three postseasons, he went 11-11-22 over 24 playoff games. Hardly enough in the time he’s been there. That had to be a factor in his decision despite new management doing the right thing for a change, bringing in Lou Lamoriello, who hired Stanley Cup winning coach Barry Trotz.
With uncertainty in net and on defense, it had to impact Tavares’ decision. Even following a great draft that saw them net future NHLers Oliver Wahlstrom, Noah Dobson and Bode Wilde, it wasn’t enough to sway Tavares. The Isles have a good pipeline with Kieffer Bellows and possibly Linus Soderstrom a year away. The goalie will take longer to develop than the scoring forward and son of former NHLer Brian Bellows.
The interesting thing is the Islanders don’t necessarily have a bad roster. Featuring Calder winner Mathew Barzal, who only put up 85 points (22-63-85) to lead the team in scoring and assists, the heir apparent is ready to lead a team that still includes Josh Bailey, Anders Lee, Brock Nelson, Anthony Beauvillier, Casey Cizikas, and Jordan Eberle.
The back end needs work. However, they were able to re-sign Thomas Hickey to a affordable four-year deal worth an average of $2.5 million. That’s great value for a underrated player. Assuming Calvin de Haan leaves, they still have Nick Leddy, Johnny Boychuk, Ryan Pulock, Adam Pelech, and Scott Mayfield. Pulock is a restricted free agent due a raise following a breakout season. He went 10-22-32 in 68 games. Sebastian Aho could challenge Mayfield for the sixth spot.
Maybe having a better coach will help. Trotz has a good defensive system, which his former team executed to perfection to stun the hockey would in winning the Stanley Cup. Holding players accountable and making them more defensively responsible should be beneficial.
Don’t rule out Lamoriello making a trade for either Ryan O’Reilly or Jeff Skinner. I’m sure he’s working the phones with so much cap space available. I wonder if he’ll look to dump Boychuk, who can’t stay healthy. Andrew Ladd could be another candidate if they can find a team to take the contract.
Finding a starting goalie is important. It’s not going to be Christopher Gibson starting on Opening Night. I don’t believe Thomas Greiss is starter material. It’s slim pickings. Perhaps they’ll go and sign Steve Mason after the Canadiens didn’t waste any time getting rid of him.
It’ll be interesting to see the direction the Islanders go in. Don’t forget 40-goalscorer Lee is unrestricted in 2019. They need to get him locked up. The summer just became more interesting.
It’s officially Canada Day. Happy Canada Day to all those who celebrate up north. The July 1 frenzy doesn’t officially get started until high noon. However, that doesn’t mean teams haven’t reached agreements with players.
The biggest name today is Paul Stastny. He had agreed to sign with the Golden Knights. According to reports, it’s expected to be for three years. No details on the financial terms yet. TSN’s Bob McKenzie all but confirmed it along with some additional information.
Even after adding Paul Stastny, I believe VGK still have interest in Karlsson and are prepared to take on Bobby Ryan. But a lot of balls in the air in VGK. Still talking to James Neal.
If it’s true that Vegas is in on Erik Karlsson, holy moly. They had been rumored to have interest as far back as the trade deadline. Ottawa is saying goodbye to the potential 2019 unrestricted free agent. Despicable by Eugene Melnyk. Bobby Ryan will join Karlsson.
I can understand why they’re gonna do it. They can get back a great return for Karlsson, speeding up their rebuild. Plus they’ll rid themselves of Ryan’s expensive contract, which pays him an average cap hit of $7.25 million through 2022. They’ll free up plenty of room to re-sign Matt Duchene and be active next summer.
Clarifying on Ryan O’Reilly, I wanted to correct something I said in the last post. The Sabres have until midnight tonight to pay him the $7.5 million signing bonus. McKenzie made that point clear earlier.
BTW, the notion that as soon as July 1 struck, all signing bonuses are paid by the player’s current team is fiction. A July 1 signing bonus can be paid any time up until midnight tonight.
Good stuff from the number one TSN insider. He’s been busy the past 24 hours and will be even busier later today.
David Perron will return to St. Louis following his career year with Vegas. The term is said to be four years for an AAV of $4 million. Fair value for a veteran forward who maximized his potential playing for Vegas. A good addition for the Blues. I wonder though if he’ll feel the pressure to perform under increased expectations.
Jack Johnson to the Penguins will become official. It’s for five years and around $16 million. I don’t get the fascination with the former Blue Jacket defenseman. He’s 31 and became the odd man out under John Tortorella. The Pens have fixed other D before. Maybe they’re banking on reuniting him with buddy Sidney Crosby, which should motivate Johnson. Five years though?
Antoine Roussel is going to the Canucks for four years with an AAV of $3.2 million per season. Not sure I would’ve gone four years on him. Especially off a down season. But he’s a solid secondary player, who can supply offense and toughness.
The Devils are expected to sign veteran defenseman Eric Gryba. McKenzie reported it. So, it has merit. He’s nothing special. But is gritty and physical.
Roman Polak will be headed to Dallas. Speaking of tough, he loves to hit. He’s a bottom pair defenseman, who’ll rack up hits and fight occasionally. So, the Stars beef up.
In a feel good story, Tomas Plekanec will return to Montreal. That’s great. He’ll get to play his 1,000th career game with the only team he knew until he was traded to rival Toronto as a rental. That’ll be a great moment for a classy player.
John Tavares probably won’t decide for a while. He can only receive seven years now. That includes the Islanders, who lost the extra year last night when Tavares didn’t agree to re-upping. What will he do? I have no clue. But it’s an important decision for him and his fiancée. The last big contract he’ll probably get unless he takes a short term contract to try to win, similar to NBA players. We’ll see.
The biggest news still hasn’t come yet. It looks like John Tavares will not be accepting the Islanders’ eight-year max contract offer. Midnight is about to hit and still nothing on his decision. Maybe it’s gonna be a wait for the Isles, Bruins, Leafs, Lightning, Sharks and Stars.
If that’s what he wants, it’s up to him. He doesn’t have to decide tonight or on Canada Day, which it is officially. So, maybe the July 1 frenzy won’t have many fireworks.
What we do know is this. The Flyers just became a serious player in the East. They’ve brought back James van Riemsdyk, agreeing to a five-year deal worth a reported average of $7 million per season. I figured it would be no higher than that for him. I just had the wrong I-95 team. I thought the Devils would get him. But somehow, I underestimated the Flyers again.
JVR’s addition spells the almost certain subtraction of Wayne Simmonds. They need to free up salary. Simmonds isn’t re-signing next year anyway. Not with the role he had this past season. Add in van Riemsdyk to Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, Jakub Voracek, Travis Konecny, and Nolan Patrick, and the Flyers just got a whole lot scarier. Not to mention dynamic duo Ivan Provorov and Shayne Gostisbehere on the blueline. We still don’t know about goalie. Isn’t that always the case with Philadelphia?
As far as other free agent news, Ryan Reaves re-signed with the Golden Knights. They reached agreement on a multi-year deal worth $2.775 million AAV. Not bad for a fourth line tough guy, who scored four goals with the Pens and Golden Knights. He did get two in the playoffs for Vegas, including the clincher that sent the Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup Final. That’s more than twice what he earned.
Reaves had also been rumored to the Rangers, who had interest in a strong character that’s a lot tougher than anyone they have. They’re gonna need that. I’m not sure where they’ll go. Don’t tell me Leo Komarov either. Yes. He’s ornery and infuriates opponents with hits that sometimes are cheap. But eh. I’ll pass.
Ryan O’Reilly hasn’t moved from Buffalo yet. That means the Sabres are on the hook for $7.5 million due to a bonus that just kicked in. Happy July! It doesn’t mean he won’t be dealt. They could also keep him. It’s not like he’s a bad player. He’s a solid two-way center, who can play in any situation, produce points, and win draws. A very complete player. Why put so much pressure on Casey Mittlestadt?
In case I forgot to mention it, Jonathan Bernier went to the Red Wings, agreeing to a three-year deal. It’s still not available what he signed for. Brian would’ve preferred him over Carter “E.F.” Hutton, who the Sabres inked for three years. Terms remain disclosed.
I wonder how much activity we’ll see on a Sunday. I got school work due. I’ll try to provide an update during a break.
On what’s already been a intriguing day due to a wild and crazy World Cup soccer match won by France over disappointing Argentina 4-3 in the knockout stage, it’s also decision time for John Tavares.
What will he decide? It’s been very quiet from the Tavares camp. Represented by CAA (not the old Devils building), the Islanders big ticket can either accept the generous offer for at least $11 million per season over a max of eight years from Lou Lamoriello, or choose from the list of five suitors, including the hometown Maple Leafs, Sharks, Stars, Lightning, and Bruins.
Is it all about winning for the 28-year old center, who’s been past the first round once in only three postseasons? Does he believe the Islanders are on the right track with a complete overhaul due to Lamoriello replacing Garth Snow and Stanley Cup winner Barry Trotz taking over for Doug Weight behind the bench?
What can’t be understated is how well the Isles did at last weekend’s NHL Draft. They had future sniper Oliver Wahlstrom fall into their lap at number 11 overall, and landed D prospect Noah Dobson with the 12th pick. Even better, projected first round pick Bode Wilde fell to 41st overall allowing Lamoriello to get a potential steal in the second round. The American will have something to prove after so many teams including the rival Rangers passed on him. So, he has something in common with Wahlstrom, who lit it up with two goals in a Blue/Orange scrimmage at rookie camp.
With top prospects Kieffer Bellows and Linus Soderstrom in the fold, there’s plenty for Islander fans to be excited about. The prospect pool is deep, which bodes well for the future.
However, everyone wants to know what’s up with Tavares. If he doesn’t accept the eight-year deal the Islanders offered before midnight, it’s off the table. That window would close making him free to continue the process on Canada Day. The July 1 frenzy gets started at high noon on Sunday. A rarity because it’s a weekend. That never happens.
You have to be nervous if you’re the Isles. Fans certainly are. They have a good plan in place finally under a proven Hall of Fame GM. The question is what will Lamoriello do for a new goalie. One is off the market with Carter Hutton signing with the Sabres as had been reported. A solid move for Buffalo that is affordable. We’ll see how E.F. Hutton does in a starter role following a good season in St. Louis where he split time with Jake Allen. The Sabres may not be done. Ryan O’Reilly could be on the move before midnight. St. Louis is rumored to be interested. If it doesn’t get done later, Buffalo is on the hook for a $7.5 million signing bonus.
So, what will Tavares decide? Is he no longer loyal due to Snow and Weight being out, and reassigned in the organization? Will he see what the Islander are building with talented Calder winner Mathew Barzal, who only will get better. A scary thought for the rest of the league. The Isles have plenty of scoring depth in 40-goal man Anders Lee, adept passer Josh Bailey, Jordan Eberle, and Brock Nelson. They still have a glaring hole on the blueline. Calvin de Haan could leave with plenty of interest from other teams. I could see the Devils swooping in and inking him to help fill a need. Thomas Hickey is also available. There’s supposedly interest.
Let’s say it’s the worst case scenario. Tavares leaves for say San Jose, who is all in after re-signing Logan Couture to an eight-year, $64 million contract. Or Tavares takes less to go to Dallas or Tampa where the tax rate is an advantage. What would Lamoriello do to counter it? You think he would’ve learned from Scott Niedermayer leaving the Devils. He tried to fill it with bandaids that never measured up. He’s too smart to repeat the same mistake.
As I look at the Isles, defense and goalie remain the biggest issues. Maybe Lamoriello can get creative and swing a trade to upgrade those positions. The market is paper thin. I can’t believe Detroit gave Mike Green over $5 million. He’s been a shell of himself for a while. Injuries really hurt his career since his Capitals days. He was awesome. There was even a scary thought he could top 100 points. The most he ever got was 76 in ’09-10 when he was at his peak. He was as dangerous as Erik Karlsson is now. Though I’m skeptical if Karlsson can get back to the level he played at in 2017 due to his feet. That’s why Ottawa should trade him. He probably won’t be worth the long-term investment.
Speaking of elite defensemen, Drew Doughty received an eight-year extension worth a reported $11 million on average. That’s insane. Sure. He’s arguably the best D in the league. But the deal will keep him in LA through 2027. He’s 28 now, which means he’ll be 37 when it concludes. I share a birthday with him. He’s a great player still in his prime. Imagine how that deal will look in five years. Yikes.
This is the same team who invested three years and an AAV of $6.5 million for a 35-year old Ilya Kovalchuk. Obsessed much? Hasan will probably get the joke.
So, all eyes are on Tavares tonight. Hell. Once Portugal and Uruguay conclude, social media will be going crazy to see what happens. Unless you’re a Yankees fan like me with the Red Sox in town. I don’t expect anything from Tavares until later tonight. And no. I don’t see him going to Boston.
Usually FA binge day isn’t on the weekend, the last time I remember being home for July 1 was an ill-fated FA period for the Devils in 2012. Granted, they didn’t lose key FA Zach Parise till the actual holiday on the 4th but that’s still what I associate with that offseason free agency. More often it seems like the Devils lose more than they gain in FA, and that might even be true this year though their two biggest FA’s are the middling John Moore and the suddenly-popular Patrick Maroon who saw little interest in the trade deadline (we got him for a third-rounder after nobody else even called Edmonton on him) – but has no fewer than six teams interested in him now.
Through this Courting Period for @NHL UFA, I’ve learned there are at least 6 teams that presently have interest in Patrick Maroon. Size, Soft hands,has played played with McDavid,Getzlaf,Perry and produced. @NHL@NHLNetwork
Although it’s been quiet vis-a-vis rumors in Devil-land, the only concrete one seems to be that they’re among the teams with interest in Maroon and bringing him back. But at what price? If Maroon has that many suitors hard for me to see Ray Shero getting into a bidding war for a slow 30-year old winger that isn’t exactly the prototype for the Devils’ speed-based system, but did seem to fit in pretty well during his brief period after the trade deadline. If you’re looking for big fish Maroon, the Leafs’ James van Riemsdyk and the Isles’ Calvin deHaan might be as big as you can get. With John Carlson re-signing with the Caps and John Tavares ruling out the Devils – and a lot of other teams – before FA, the two really big fish will be off the market by July 1 unless JT is actually leaving the Island.
Where that leaves the Devils is anyone’s guess but mine is that you probably won’t see a lot from Shero until JT signs and some of the dust settles among the second-tier FA’s. Just because he hasn’t made a big trade yet, doesn’t mean he won’t. It’s been around this time the last couple years where Shero struck with trades for Taylor Hall and Marcus Johansson. I’d prefer to improve via trades than FA, especially since Shero’s record has largely been good there, Michael Grabner dud excepted. I could see him making a run for the guys I mentioned though it would be against the grain for Shero to give out long-term deals to older players.
With the weather touching triple digits on Sunday I’ll be indoors with air conditioning tuning back and forth between the World Cup and NHLN for the free agency news, but as with every July 1 I more or less have to expect the worst and hope for anything better.
It looks like the Rangers could be actually adding someone to the roster. They’ve been reportedly linked to soon to be former Maple Leaf Leo Komarov.
The New York Rangers have been in talks with forward Leo Komarov on a multi-year deal. Sounds like it's getting to that point. Wouldn't be surprised to see deal finalized on Sunday.
A gritty and versatile forward who plays an agitating physical style, the 31-year old who has represented Finland at the Olympics and World Championship, Komarov is the kind of veteran the Rangers are looking for. They want experienced guys with character. Something the annoying pest brings.
If it’s true that it’s a multi-year deal, that’s the only drawback. I would rather have Uncle Leo on a one-year contract. Given the direction the Rangers are going, short-term is better for any free agent they bring in.
Komarov loves to throw his weight around. He can get underneath the skin of opponents. His role diminished in ’17-18 under coach Mike Babcock. After consecutive seasons in which he reached double digits in goals and over 30 points, his production dropped to seven goals and 12 assists over 74 contests. He only appeared in two playoff games during Toronto’s first round series loss to Boston in seven.
If he is indeed signing here, I wouldn’t be opposed. This younger roster needs some edge. I could care less about his Corsi. You can’t have our kids being pushed around. So if it’s Komarov or Antoine Roussel, I’m for it.
As for the Rangers Prospect Camp, it sounds promising. Top pick Vitali Kravtsov has impressed with his unique skill.
Saw some Kovalev-like stunts from Kravtsov today. With puck on his stickblade, he flung his stick and the puck about 40 feet in the air, caught the stick and caught the puck with the stick … but dropped it.
Brett Howden and Libor Hajek both sound determined on trying to make the team out of training camp. Last year’s first round picks Lias Andersson and Filip Chytil feel even more ready to be on the roster as 19-year olds.
There’s also 22-year old Finnish prospect Ville Meskanen. A player they signed in the Spring. Gordie Clark likes what he sees so far. Maybe he can be a surprise addition on a team that lacks scoring. We’ll see.
In other free agent news, ex-Ranger Rick Nash sounds like he’s considering sitting out next season. If he does, it’ll be due to the concussions he sustained. He’s had a lot of injuries the past few years. When it comes to health, that’s more important along with family than playing hockey.
There were quite a few teams interested. But I think this is the best decision Nash can make. So, he’ll forego the July 1 signing period. Best wishes to him and his family.
The Sabres continue to actively try to move center Ryan O’Reilly. They have two days left before the July 1 deadline. Otherwise, they’re on the hook for a $7.5 million signing bonus that kicks in. The asking price is high. GM Jason Botterill is looking for a first round pick, second round pick and a good prospect. Montreal has interest due to their glaring center hole.
Botterill swung a deal with his former team Pittsburgh by acquiring Conor Sheary and Matt Hunwick for a 2019 conditional fourth round pick. Basically, it’s a win win for both teams. The Sabres add two depth players who can help up front and on the back end. The Penguins dump salary to free up cap space. Maybe they’ll use it to add someone. Jeff Skinner possibly?
John Tavares has finished meeting with all five teams on his list aside from the Islanders. So, he spoke to the Bruins, Leafs, Lightning, Sharks and Stars. Each presentation lasted about two hours. He’s flown home to Toronto and will make a decision soon. Maybe it’ll come in the next 24 hours. But my guess is he’ll wait till June 30 on July 1 Eve. The free agent frenzy begins at noon on Sunday.
There are plenty of suitors for James van Riemsdyk, including the Devils and Rangers. I’ll take the latter with a grain of salt. As much as I like him, I highly doubt GM Jeff Gorton would pay JVR the kind of salary and term he’s looking for. It makes better sense for the Devils, who can use another finisher to take pressure off Hart winner Taylor Hall.
That’s going to do it for this post. Stay tuned for more this weekend.
— Hockey Hall of Fame (@HockeyHallFame) June 26, 2018
Yesterday, the phone call came for Martin Brodeur. The all-time winningest goalie and shutout leader will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame this November in Toronto. The all-time great headlines a 2018 class that includes former Lightning Stanley Cup champion and Hart winner Marty St. Louis.
In the builders category, Willie O’Ree finally goes in. The first ever African American player to break the color barrier is long deserving. A classy man on and off the ice who’s done so much for growing the game in the community, O’Ree played parts of two seasons in the NHL with the Boston Bruins. Even though he only totaled 45 games with four goals and 10 assists, he had a long hockey career spent mostly in the Western Hockey League. He played until age 43 finishing with the San Diego Hawks in 1978-79. My favorite part is what P.K. Subban had to say about what O’Ree means:
Brodeur and St. Louis go in on the first ballot. Obviously, Brodeur was a lock. After former Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello traded down with Calgary to select Brodeur 20th overall in the famed 1990 NHL Draft that included Jaromir Jagr, the Montreal native quickly became one of the game’s elite netminders. As a rookie, he took them within a period of advancing to the franchise’s first Stanley Cup Final, losing to the rival Rangers in double overtime. Some consider that ’94 Eastern Conference Final the best.
It was just a matter of time before Brodeur led the Devils to their first Stanley Cup, upsetting the Red Wings in ’95 by sweeping them. He was only 23 and already a Stanley Cup champion. No one could predict that he would be so durable, staying healthy for most of a illustrious 21-year career. Playing on one of the best teams that featured Hall of Famers Scott Stevens and Scott Niedermayer, Brodeur continued to pile up wins year after year. He won over 40 games eight times including a jaw dropping 48 in ’06-07. A then NHL record since matched by Braden Holtby.
Martin Brodeur was selected for induction in his first year of eligibility, a well-deserved achievement for a three-time #StanleyCup champion and the winningest goaltender in NHL history. #HHOF#HHOF2018pic.twitter.com/wHhIEOs3d5
While he was winning consistently and continuing to put up great numbers, he also was racking up shutouts. By the time his brilliant career concluded with the Blues in ’14-15, he had NHL records in wins (691), shutouts (125), games played (1266) and total minutes. His career goals-against-average was 2.24.
Brodeur backstopped three New Jersey teams to Stanley Cups, including a riveting six-game series win over defending champ Dallas. Best remembered for Jason Arnott’s sudden death winner from Patrik Elias in the second overtime. When they won in 2003, it was a surprise. Even though they were very good, not many expected them to get past the Senators. They surprised Ottawa by taking three of the first four in a unpredictable Conference Final. But the Senators came back by winning Games 5 and 6 including the sixth game in overtime on Chris Phillips’ winner to force a deciding Game 7 in Ottawa. Even with the momentum against them in a hostile environment, Brodeur and company would prevail. His remarkable stop on Marian Hossa is still shown as is Jeff Friesen’s stunning series winner with over two minutes left from deadline pickup Grant Marshall. In another odd series, the Devils would prevail in seven over the Cinderella Mighty Ducks, boosted by a 3-0 shutout by Brodeur in Game 7. A game in which rookie Mike Rupp became a unlikely hero with two goals. It was also Ken Daneyko’s final game. They were destined to win and celebrate on home ice at the old Continental Airlines Arena.
Even though they lost in seven to the Avalanche the following year, it was a memorable two-year run. Although for Brodeur, it was heartbreaking losing to idol Patrick Roy. They’re two of the greatest goalies to ever play.
Amazingly, Brodeur had one more run in him. At the young age of 40, he outplayed Vezina winner Henrik Lundqvist in the 2012 Eastern Conference Final to avenge ’94. His scorpion save to rob Marian Gaborik is still replayed. The Devils won in six on rookie Adam Henrique’s overtime winner at The Prudential Center. They didn’t win the Cup that year, falling short to the Kings and Jonathan Quick in six. But it was a memorable run.
Brodeur did it all winning three Cups, four Vezinas and helping Canada win Olympic gold in ’02 Salt Lake City for the first time since 1952. He truly is one of the game’s legends. A approachable player off the ice who conducted himself well to the media who covered him. He now is the assistant GM for the Blues.
In thinking about St. Louis’ journey, it’s one of great perseverance. A undrafted free agent out of Vermont, it took him a while to establish himself as a NHL regular. The Flames gave him his first opportunity in ’98-99. A small forward who was generously listed at 5-8, 176, he didn’t get much of a chance, lasting parts of two seasons in Calgary. He totaled 20 points in 69 games before becoming a unrestricted free agent.
It was the Tampa Bay Lightning who decided Marty St. Louis was worth a shot. He got it in ’00-01 at the age of 25. During his first full season, he produced 18 goals and 22 assists totaling 40 points in 78 games. He had 35 points in 53 contests the following season. In ’02-03, he posted career highs with 33 goals, 37 assists and 70 points in 82 games. In the playoffs, he was part of Tampa’s comeback from 2-0 down in the first round against Washington. They took the next four games after dropping the first two on home ice. They would be eliminated in the second round. St. Louis finished with seven goals and five assists in 11 playoff games.
His best season came in ’03-04 when he exploded for a NHL best 94 points with 38 goals and 56 assists with only 24 penalty minutes. He had eight shorthanded goals and eight game-winning goals. The special year resulted in his first Art Ross and only Hart as league MVP. A unreal rags to riches story that wasn’t complete without leading the Lightning to its only Stanley Cup. They beat the Flyers in seven in a very closely fought Conference Final. Ruslan Fedotenko was the hero. They then came back from 3-2 down to beat Calgary in seven. It’s best remembered for two moments. The first coming with under seven minutes left in regulation of Game 6 at The Saddledome. Nikolai Khabibulin made a controversial kick save to deny Martin Gelinas. Replays were inconclusive whether the puck fully crossed the goal line. It would go two overtimes before St. Louis scored the winner to send the series back to Tampa. True enough, I won a overtime pool by correctly picking St. Louis to win the game at my old job in Jersey City.
The Bolts would go on to win the Cup 2-1 in Game 7.
He spent most of his career with the Lightning. He played with Brad Richards and Vinny Lecavalier under John Tortorella. They had Khabibulin in net and Dan Boyle manning the point. It was a special group. Unfortunately, the salary cap era broke up the team. There’s no way to keep great teams together anymore. You have to be real creative to sustain success. The Blackhawks did it winning three Cups but now have fallen on hard times. So have the Penguins due to the dynamic duo of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The Kings also won twice in three years but aren’t the same team.
In 2014, St. Louis requested a trade to the Rangers after being snubbed by Steve Yzerman for Team Canada at the Olympics. Yzerman was in charge of both the Canadian roster and the GM of the Lightning. In a first ever captain for captain trade at the deadline, he was dealt to the Rangers with a 2015 second round pick for Ryan Callahan and a first round pick in 2014 and 2015 along with a seventh.
St. Louis had wanted to play in Manhattan before his career ended. He fulfilled that dream with a memorable postseason run in ’14. The Rangers took a chance after deciding against re-signing Callahan. St. Louis paid them back by being a inspirational leader during an emotional time. It was during the second round against Pittsburgh that his Mom suddenly died. The Rangers played awfully on home ice dropping Games 3 and 4 to fall behind 3-1. That’s as frustrated as I’ve ever been leaving MSG because I felt they could win that series. It was the Pens and they’d never beaten them in the playoffs. After a huge Game 5 win on the road, the team attended St. Louis’ Mom’s funeral a day before Mother’s Day. Game 6 was as emotional as I can remember the Garden. St. Louis played because that’s what his mother would’ve wanted. This is what happened early on Mother’s Day to inspire the team to a nervy Game 6 victory:
They would show nerves of steel to edge the Pens 2-1 on a Richards power play goal from St. Louis late in the second period. Lundqvist did the rest in a tension filled third. There was a lot of anxiety. They would take care of the Canadiens in six. A series highlighted by a clutch overtime goal from St. Louis on a great keep and pass by Carl Hagelin in Game 4.
Even though they didn’t win the Cup against the hated Kings thanks to a combination of controversial goals in LA along with some poor coaching and overtime heartache, that was a great run. The only time the Rangers returned to the Stanley Cup Final since I was a senior in high school. They came within a period of returning against Marty’s former team, losing in gut wrenching fashion on home ice. That one is still unforgivable even with all our defense hurt. St. Louis decided to retire following a inconsistent year that saw him struggle to score in the postseason. It was the right move. He didn’t hang around like so many.
St. Louis finished his career with 391 goals and 642 assists for a total of 1,033 points in 1,134 games. He won two scoring titles, a Hart, Pearson, three Byngs, and was a first All-Star once.
As far as commissioner Gary Bettman getting inducted when he’s still active, it’s controversial. Sure. He’s grown the game to new heights in markets nobody ever could’ve foreseen. Look how successful Vegas was in its inaugural year making a improbable run to the Stanley Cup Final. The expansion and increased revenue are big pluses. However, the lockouts including the cancellation of ’04-05 still stings. But he was proven right about cost certainty. Now, there’s more parity due to the cap and flawed points system that rewards losing in overtime and the shootout.
A very unpopular figure, Bettman is traditionally booed whenever he presents the Cup or is at the NHL Draft, including the ugliness in Dallas while he was making a nice speech about the Humboldt Broncos. The continued ignorance of the lawsuit from former players with Daniel Carcillo and now Nick Boynton leading the charge on how concussions and head injuries are related to CTE, is very arrogant on Bettman’s part along with the NHLPA run by resident jerk Donald Fehr. I understand why. He doesn’t want to say anything incriminating. He’s a lawyer. But it isn’t right that they don’t get more help for former players. It’s similar to the NFL.
Russian Alexander Yakushev and Jayna Hefford also are included in this year’s class. Yakushev is best known as one of the stars of the Summit Series in 1972, representing Russia. His playing style is compared to Phil Esposito. He also coached and was a referee.
Hefford was part of four consecutive gold medals for Canada from 2002 to 2014. She is best known for getting the gold medal winner at the ’02 Winter Games in Salt Lake. She totaled 439 goals in 418 games at club level in three leagues. She also set a CWHL record with 44 scored during ’08-09.
The disappointing aspect is that there are still a few former players still waiting for that call. Why Alexander Mogilny, Jeremy Roenick, Sergei Zubov and Theo Fleury are not in is ridiculous. All are deserving. My father has said forever that Rick Middleton and Steve Larmer deserve inclusion. They remain ignored by the Hall committee.
Earlier today, the Lightning announced on Twitter that they had re-signed J.T. Miller to a new contract. The restricted free agent who the Rangers included in a selloff with Ryan McDonagh at the trade deadline, received a five-year contract worth an average cap hit of $5.25 million per season.
The 25-year old forward had 10 goals and eight assists in 19 games following the trade. He finished with new personal bests in goals (23), assists (35) and points (58) in 82 games. He went 13-27-40 with the Rangers prior to the trade.
Even though he had good success playing on the top line with Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov, Miller again struggled in the postseason. He only scored two goals in 17 playoff games, making it three goals in 57 career games. A dismal output for such a talented player. Overall, he went 2-6-8 with 15 penalty minutes in three rounds with the Bolts, who were eliminated in seven by eventual champ Washington.
Miller has been a productive player throughout his career. It’s now three consecutive seasons that he’s scored at least 22 goals. For a second straight campaign, he went over 50 points going from a previous best of 56 in ’16-17 to 58 in ’17-18.
Is he worth it? I’m not sure. It’s market value. He’ll need to be more consistent. Particularly in the playoffs where Tampa Bay is in search of a second Stanley Cup. At last check, they’re still pursuing free agent John Tavares with a interview set up later this week. How can they even afford the Islanders captain, who spoke to Toronto on Tuesday? I have no clue. Let’s just hope he doesn’t go there. It would be like forming a super team. An NBA term I’m sick of.
The interesting aspect of the Miller deal is how it impacts former Ranger teammate Kevin Hayes. A year older, the 26-year old pivot had his best goal output achieving a personal high with 25 to finish tied for second with ex-Ranger Michael Grabner. That trailed only Mika Zibanejad, who pumped home 27 in 72 games.
Hayes did it differently by being a better five-on-five player than Zibanejad. Seventeen of the 25 goals came at even strength with an additional two coming while shorthanded. So, 19 of his 25 were attained while either even up or a man short. He didn’t receive as much power play time until late in the season following the trades of Miller and Rick Nash. He fared well winding up with a career high six power play goals.
His point total of 44 isn’t overly impressive. However, consider the quality of competition he faced. Under former coach Alain Vigneault, Hayes was used in a checking role as a match-up center. He often went up against the opposition’s very best, doing a solid job. On a team that struggled defensively, he managed to finish plus-one in 76 games. Before he was moved, Miller was minus-one. Grabner went a team best plus-11, tying with Marc Staal. Yes. The veteran everyone wants traded.
Interestingly, Zibanejad finished a dismal minus-23. He wasn’t as effective five-on-five. Of the 27 goals he scored, 14 came on the power play. Thirteen at even strength. The Blueshirts’ top center went 13-12-25 at even strength while going 14-7-21 on the man-advantage. He did pick up one shorthanded assist.
Hayes totaled 34 even strength points going 17-17-34. Only Jesper Fast and team scoring leader Mats Zuccarello came close. Each finished with 31 even strength points. Unlike Zuccarello, who went 1-16-17 on the power play, all Fast’s career high 33 points came either at even strength or shorthanded (2 assists). Grabner had the fourth most with 29 (24-5-29) before going to the Devils. Chris Kreider went 9-16-25 in 58 games. He’s the other effective player at even strength.
So, what’s Hayes’ value? He made $2.6 million in ’17-18 with his contract expiring. Similar to Miller, who made $2.625 million before getting basically double that salary. While Miller has been a more productive player, Hayes is better overall. He plays center, faces the best competition, and has improved on face-offs and defensively.
That merits consideration for a similar contract. The question is how much do the Rangers in a rebuild value him. Hayes is a year away from unrestricted status. Don’t forget Zibanejad is signed for another four years thru 2022 with an AAV of $5.35 million.
One issue for GM Jeff Gorton is that both teenagers Lias Andersson and Filip Chytil are young centers. Each will be a key part of the future starting this Fall. While Chytil has a higher ceiling due to his skill, Andersson is a tenacious worker who gets his nose dirty. The kind of player the team has lacked. Entering new coach David Quinn’s first season, you don’t want to waste him on the fourth line. Clearly, he can have a top nine role. But not if both Hayes and Zibanejad are back.
Management might have to make a decision. If not now, then probably during the season. That also goes for Zuccarello, who is in the final year of a contract that pays him $4.5 million. A popular Ranger and teammate, the fact is he’ll turn 31 before the season starts. He will not be a bargain anymore next summer. With the club rebuilding, a player of Zuccarello’s character and work ethic could be more valuable in a trade to a contender. Something that must be explored.
So, what is the plan? Gorton also has tough decisions on Group II free agents Vladislav Namestnikov and Ryan Spooner. Is he planning to keep both? Salary arbitration could decide their fate. Jimmy Vesey is also unsigned but shouldn’t cost a lot. Brady Skjei is restricted. Do they invest long-term in the defenseman or bridge him?
The Rangers have plenty of cap space. They’re near the bottom of the league currently. A rarity. A good chunk of the money will go to their own players. Some of it could go to proven vets who can provide depth and leadership in a secondary role. A few candidates are Devante Smith-Pelly, Antoine Roussel and Ryan Reaves. Would they consider bringing back Anthony Duclair following Chicago not qualifying him. He’s still only 22. But things have sure changed. I see him winding up in a Canadian market such as Vancouver or Ottawa.
As for Hayes, I’d like to keep him. I like what he brings. He definitely proved he was more committed in a unfamiliar role. He’s a big forward who can possess the puck and play in any situation. Something I never envisioned not too long ago. Having that kind of character player is vital in a rebuild. If Chytil develops into a scoring center, maybe Zibanejad becomes expendable. He is an asset when it comes to scoring on the power play where he can unleash his bomb from the off wing. But he does have four years remaining.
The team needs to improve on the blueline. There’s not much out there. I don’t want them overpaying some bandaid anyway. It looks like Skjei and Kevin Shattenkirk should be the top pair. That would leave Staal with Neal Pionk. Third pair remains confusing. Brendan Smith will get another opportunity in camp. How healthy will Tony DeAngelo be? Is John Gilmour an NHL defenseman? I’m most curious to see Ryan Lindgren and Libor Hajek.
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