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..
Key Subtractions: Craig Anderson (retirement), Ilya Lyubushkin (traded to Ducks)
Key Additions: Erik Johnson, Connor Clifton
Overview: The Sabres nearly ended their playoff drought with a strong 2022-23 season that saw them finish with 91 points. They just missed out. The improvement thanks to star center Tage Thompson, along with Alex Tuch, Dylan Cozens, Jeff Skinner, Rasmus Dahlin, and Casey Mittlestadt, demonstrated that they’re very close to getting back to the postseason.
With both key pieces, Thompson and Cozens signed to long-term deals that pay each at least $7.1 million on average through 2030, GM Kevyn Adams has solidified a young nucleus that also includes Owen Power, Devon Levi, and eventually top prospect Jiri Kulich.
In re-signing well-respected veteran Kyle Okposo along with checking forward Tyson Jost, that should keep the locker room close-knit. When you have a young roster, it’s important to have some proven vets that can provide some leadership. They’ll play supporting roles.
Most notably, Adams addressed the blue line by adding proven vets, Erik Johnson and Connor Clifton. Johnson is a former Stanley Cup winner. He’s a smart player who provides solid defense and is good in the room. Clifton is a tough defenseman who should bring physicality to the back end. His no-nonsense style should be popular in Western New York.
The Sabres boast one of the game’s premier defenseman in Dahlin. Still just 23, the former top pick is coming off a career season that saw him supply consistent offense along with a mean streak. He was overlooked for the Norris, finishing eighth. He won’t be this season.
Power impressed in his rookie campaign to place third for the Calder. A big defenseman with size, skating, and skill, he should continue to improve in Year Two. Mattias Samuelsson plays a strong positional game. He will finish checks and block shots. The key is staying healthy. He’s a key cog on the blue line.
By adding Johnson and Clifton, that should help stabilize the defense. Henri Jokiharju won’t be asked to do as much. Jacob Bryson and Riley Stillman supply depth.
If goalie was an issue, perhaps Devon Levi can be the answer in the net. The 21-year-old netminder debuted to lots of excitement. He won five of his first seven starts, nearly carrying the Sabres into the playoffs. How will he handle his first full season?
With popular veteran Craig Anderson retiring, that leaves both Eric Comrie and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to compete for the second spot. Neither were good enough last year. It can’t all be on Levi. They need to perform better.
Jordan Greenway should have a key role up front. A physical agitator, he brings size and strength to the roster. When Adams acquired him from Minnesota last season, it was with that in mind. He can be effective on the forecheck. Hopefully, he can add some secondary scoring, along with Okposo, Zemgus Girgensons, and dangerous shooter Victor Olofsson.
J.J. Peterka was overlooked as a rookie. Only 21, he has a chance to improve. It would be nice if Peyton Krebs was more consistent. He’s been a disappointment since coming over from Vegas. At least, they got Tuch in the Jack Eichel trade. He’s a power forward who finally came into his own in a career year. It’s all about staying on the ice.
If they can get Jack Quinn back by sometime next calendar year, that would be a bonus. He could become a good finisher. He will be out at least the first half due to Achilles surgery.
Analysis: Offense shouldn’t be a problem. Buffalo was amongst the best offenses last season. Can Thompson continue his upswing? If he does, 50 goals and 100 points are possible. They are counting on the big boys to perform.
Cozens isn’t only a good offensive center. But he’s also solid all-around. Coach Don Granato trusts him to play in all situations, including the penalty kill. He led the Sabres with two shorthanded goals. To take the next step as a two-way player, he must improve on face-offs. An area Buffalo needs to get better at.
There’s plenty to like about the defense. Dahlin could contend for the Norris while Power and Samuelsson continue to improve. Adding the necessary experience should help.
The only question is the goalie. Levi almost has to perform for this team to be in the hunt. It’ll be a lot of pressure and expectations.
The Sabres family lost legendary voice Rick Jeanneret. The recently retired play-by-play man spent half a century as one of the most exciting and best hockey broadcasters since the franchise’s second season. He passed away on August 17.
There’s no doubt that the team will honor him with a special RJ patch on their jersey. They’ll have a little extra incentive to reach the postseason.
Prediction: If they can improve defensively, that should go a long way to supporting Levi and either Comrie or Luukkonen. They can’t be left out to dry.
The Sabres should be one of the most exciting teams to watch. The high-end skill they boast should make them formidable.
Thus far, Granato has done a good job behind the bench. It really is all about the team taking that next big step. They’re kind of similar to where the Devils were before last year. It’s all about making the playoffs.
Buffalo will be competing with the Bruins, Senators, and Red Wings for the postseason. They should be able to win 45 games and have over 90 points. It could come down to the all-important regulation wins tiebreaker. If the goaltending holds up, they’ll finally return to the playoffs.
Key Subtractions: Michael Bunting (signed with Hurricanes), Ryan O’Reilly (signed with Predators), Noel Acciari (signed with Penguins), Alex Kerfoot (signed with Coyotes), Luke Schenn (signed with Predators), Erik Gustafsson (signed with Rangers), Justin Holl (signed with Red Wings), Zach Aston-Reese (unsigned)
Key Additions: Tyler Bertuzzi, Max Domi, John Klingberg, Ryan Reaves
Overview: After going nearly two decades without advancing past the first round, the Leafs finally exorcized some demons by eliminating the rival Lightning in a tightly contested six-game series. Although they prevailed to satisfy Leafs Nation, they had to come back in almost every game. Sudden death was on their side. So was the road where they went three-for-three in Tampa.
As big a series victory as that was, they suffered a disappointing second round defeat to the upset minded Panthers. Florida went 3-0 at Scotiabank Arena. That included taking Game Five in overtime to end the Leafs’ season.
It wasn’t memorable for the core stars. The quartet of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and William Nylander combined for just three goals in the series. Neither Matthews nor first round hero Tavares had a goal. If they’re to finally make a deep run, the best players must perform on the big stage. They also need to win on home ice. They went a mind-numbing 1-5 at home.
The biggest change for the Leafs was former GM Kyle Dubas departing for Pittsburgh, where he took over as both Team President and GM. Replacing him is former Calgary GM Brad Treliving. He had a good off-season by signing both Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi to one-year contracts. Each should help bolster the scoring depth behind the Big Four. They will supply skill and grit to a lineup that needs it to be successful.
The Leafs did lose some quality players with Ryan O’Reilly, Noel Acciari, Michael Bunting, and Alex Kerfoot finding new homes. However, the hope is that the combination of Bertuzzi and Domi, along with promising youngster Matthew Knies, can more than make up for the departures.
Most importantly, Treliving was able to extend Matthews to a four-year deal worth an average cap hit of $13.25 million starting next year. He’s in the final year of a contract that pays him $11.64 million. They couldn’t afford to lose Matthews to free agency next summer. Only 25, the former Hart and Rocket Richard winner, is entering his prime.
With William Nylander in his final year of a contract that pays him just under seven million, it’ll be interesting to see what happens with the budding 27-year-old star. Nylander is content to play it out. Considering the team they have, the Leafs would be wise to take a similar approach. They want to win. It’s been long enough.
Aside from the main actors, there’s a strong supporting cast that features the likes of Sam Lafferty, Calle Jarnkrok, the aforementioned rookie Knies, and David Kampf. Adding veteran Ryan Reaves can only help on and off the ice. He won’t play every night. But the energy and toughness he provides should be popular.
The blue line only has one change. John Klingberg was brought in to provide offense. He still can be a factor on the power play. With ace Morgan Rielly anchoring the top unit, Klingberg should be a fixture on the second unit. He replaces Erik Gustafsson. They’re quite similar. Neither is known for their defense.
Rielly remains one of the top defensemen in the sport. He gets overlooked due to other big stars who have won the Norris. He plays a ton of minutes and remains one of the most important Leafs. Jake McCabe is signed for two more years. He’ll throw his weight around and keep opponents honest.
T.J. Brodie is a puck moving defenseman. Mark Giordano might be in his final season. He still can supply valuable minutes while adding some offense. Timothy Liljegren became a trusted player under coach Sheldon Keefe. He was recently extended. So. He’s not going anywhere.
Goaltending remains intriguing. Ilya Samsonov became the number one last season. However, injuries limited his effectiveness in the playoffs. Joseph Woll played well in relief. Maybe they should be asking if Woll is the solution in goal. Time shall tell.
Matt Murray was again plagued by injuries. He likely will be on LTIR. Who knows what his status will be.
Analysis: On paper, the Leafs have all the ingredients to go farther. They know the window could be closing due to Nylander’s uncertain status. The additions of Bertuzzi and Domi should strengthen their chances.
Depth shouldn’t be an issue. There’s enough high character guys that can provide secondary scoring.
The questions remain the same for this talented group. Can Matthews, Marner, Tavares, Nylander, and Rielly deliver when it counts? They’ve got help. Which goalie will be the one to step up? Can the defense hold up?
Prediction: With the Bruins likely to fall due to significant departures, the Leafs look like the class of the Atlantic Division. It’s hard to see the Lightning being able to stay with them. It could come down to the Panthers and Leafs.
I’m taking the Leafs to win at least 50 games and win the division. They should have even more pressure on them next postseason. This is a roster capable of reaching the Conference Finals. Maybe it’s finally the year they play for the Stanley Cup.
Key Subtractions: Alex Killorn (signed with Ducks), Ross Colton (traded to Avalanche), Pat Maroon (traded to Wild), Corey Perry (signed with Blackhawks), Ian Cole (signed with Canucks), Pierre-Edouard Bellemare (signed with Kraken), Brian Elliott (unsigned)
Key Additions: Conor Sheary, Josh Archibald, Luke Glendening, Connor Brown, Jonas Johansson, Calvin de Haan, Austin Watson (PTO)
Overview: Following a disappointing first round loss to the rival Maple Leafs, the Lightning again were forced to subtract key pieces from their two championship teams. Popular forward, Ross Colton was dealt to the Avalanche for a second round pick. They couldn’t afford to keep him. Gritty energizer Pat Maroon was sent to the Wild.
They also lost Corey Perry, who signed with the rebuilding Blackhawks. Ian Cole moved onto Vancouver. Pierre-Edouard Bellemare left for Seattle.
The biggest departure was playoff hero Alex Killorn leaving Tampa for Anaheim. They couldn’t make it work. Killorn received a big four-year contract to move West and try to help the Ducks. He was a trusted top six forward, who supplied scoring along with grit. He’ll be missed by fans.
It isn’t easy to keep a successful team together in the salary cap era. However, the Bolts still feature prominent stars in Victor Hedman, Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, Steven Stamkos, Andrei Vasilevskiy and emerging defenseman Mikhail Sergachev. Having such a strong nucleus should make them competitive again in 2023-24.
They made the wise decision to lock up Brandon Hagel to an eight-year extension worth $6.5 million per cap hit, starting in 2024-25. He’s coming off a career season where he proved he was worth what they gave up to acquire him from Chicago. Even if Taylor Raddysh turns into a solid NHL player, the Lightning won that trade.
They also made a smart commitment to two-way pivot Nick Paul. He signed for six years at an AAV of $3.15 million through 2029. Paul has a moderated no-trade clause, while Hagel’s NTC doesn’t kick in until 2026. Both will play key roles for the Lightning.
Sergachev got a much deserved raise for his breakout season. He signed long-term through 2031. His cap hit is $8.5 million. Starting in 2024-25, his NTC will kick in. Eventually, it shifts to a moderated NTC by 2026-27.
In making sure the younger core players are signed, the Lightning assured fans that their team should remain a playoff contender. However, it’ll still hinge on established stars Hedman, Kucherov, Point, Stamkos, and Vasilevskiy. Only Vasilevskiy and Point are under 30. Sergachev is just 25. That bodes well as Hedman starts to decline.
Tanner Jeannot must prove he was worth the ridiculous price Nashville asked for. He’s got that unique combination of skating, skill, and toughness. But he has to produce.
The Bolts added quality depth player, Conor Sheary. A former Stanley Cup winner who’s been successful with Pittsburgh and Washington, the undersized forward possesses good speed and smarts. He plays with energy and should be a good role player who coach Jon Cooper can use anywhere. Sheary can also kill penalties.
They also signed Josh Archibald. While he won’t blow anyone away, the veteran can fill a void on the fourth line. He likes to mix it up. By signing Austin Watson to a pro tryout (PTO), Tampa probably expects the physical forward to make the roster. He loves to finish checks and can chip in occasionally.
Luke Glendening is a fourth line player. Logan Brown was added for depth. He hasn’t much luck staying healthy.
Calvin de Haan replaces Cole as a depth piece for the blue line. If Erik Cernak can return healthy from a concussion, the Lightning defense should be okay. He’s always been a glue guy for them. Still just 26, he provides most of the grit. Think crunching hits, blocked shots, and strong defense. Every team needs a heart and soul player like that to be successful.
Cooper is counting on Nicklaus Perbix to play important minutes. He impressed with a strong rookie year. His development allowed them to bid adieu to Cal Foote. The Lightning also has veteran Zach Bogosian to step in when needed.
Philippe Myers and Haydn Fleury are third pair guys. So is de Haan.
When it comes down to the Lightning, nobody is more important than Vasilevskiy. He’s coming off a down year. Vasilevskiy still finished sixth for the Vezina. He’s durable and can be counted on to play 60 games. Now, 29, the franchise netminder remains crucial to team success. They need him.
Brian Elliott is out. Jonas Johansson is in. Elliott remains unsigned. Johansson is cheap, which fits in perfectly with what the Bolts like to do with their backup goalie. He hasn’t had much success. As long as he can get into 15 to 20 games and keep it competitive, Cooper won’t mind. As long as he can find enough rest for Vasilevskiy, who is a throwback, it should work out. There are no tandems to speak of here.
Analysis: On paper, the Lightning remains formidable. They boast one of the game’s best players in Kucherov. He somehow flies under the radar despite continuing to put up ridiculous numbers. That’s what happens when you play in the same era as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
The Bolts are one of the few teams to boast two top defensemen who can compete for the Norris. They still have a proven scorer in Stamkos and a lights out two-way center in Point, who’s always been clutch. Then, you have Vasilevskiy.
If both Hagel and Paul continue to emerge, the Lightning should be a lock for the playoffs. They’ll need some help from some of the supporting cast.
Cooper remains one of the best coaches. He is very even keel. When things get tough, he knows what buttons to push. His honesty is refreshing. Communication shouldn’t be an issue.
Prediction: They should be able to win 45-plus games. It’ll be more competitive due to the teams chasing them. But I think 100 points and another postseason remain realistic. Once they get in, anything is possible.
Key Subtractions: Patrice Bergeron (retirement), David Krejci (retirement), Taylor Hall (traded to Blackhawks), Nick Foligno (traded to Blackhawks), Dmitry Orlov (signed with Hurricanes), Garnet Hathaway (signed with Flyers), Tyler Bertuzzi (signed with Maple Leafs), Connor Clifton (signed with Sabres)
Key Additions: James van Riemsdyk, Morgan Geekie, Milan Lucic, Kevin Shattenkirk, Jesper Boqvist
Overview: After a historic regular season that saw them set a new NHL record for most wins (65) and points (135), the Bruins crashed and burned out in a heartbreaking first round series loss to the Panthers. They blew a three games to one lead, falling in sudden death to the Cats on home ice.
It was an emotional scene with all-time Boston Bruin Patrice Bergeron waving goodbye to the crowd, while close friend Brad Marchand was reduced to tears. It proved to be the final game for both Bergeron and David Krejci. Each announced their retirements this summer.
With the organization preparing for the departure of their top two centers, they also were forced to trade Taylor Hall with Nick Foligno to the Blackhawks in a cap cutting move. Dmitry Orlov and Tyler Bertuzzi each left via free agency. So, too did Garnet Hathaway. Even tough third pair defenseman Connor Clifton departed.
That’s the cost of doing business in the salary cap world. The Bruins went all in on trying to win a Stanley Cup. Instead, they lost in crushing fashion to the Panthers, who made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals. In the playoffs, anything can happen. It’s too bad that was the end for Bergeron, who is one of the most popular Bruins in team history. The next stop is Toronto for Mister Selke.
With many key players leaving, that leaves the Bruins looking towards a few bargain basement additions to help the secondary scoring. They’re hoping James van Riemsdyk can stay healthy and still contribute 20-plus goals. He can play a top nine role. It might be asking a lot for him to play in the top six.
Morgan Geekie was signed as well. He proved capable of contributing with the Kraken. Maybe that move will pan out. Jesper Boqvist comes over from the Devils to supply a checking role. He’ll likely fill the void left by Tomas Nosek, who ironically signed with Jersey. It’s almost like a swap. Boqvist is younger. Maybe they think they can get more out of him. Similar to Pavel Zacha, who has big shoes to fill at center.
Both Zacha and Charlie Coyle are the new top two centers. They will be leaned on by Jack Adams winner Jim Montgomery. Both can play in all three zones, including power play and penalty kill. The latter is an area each excels at. Zacha will stay intact with fellow Czech countryman David Pastrnak. The premier power forward. He’s in his prime. A repeat of sixty goals and 100 points is expected.
Coyle should replace Bergeron and work with Marchand, who still has the unique combination of speed, skill, and grit. The Rat must stay healthy for the B’s to be successful. Jake DeBrusk continues to improve. Is this the year he hits 30 goals? He’s up for a new contract next summer.
Popular forward Milan Lucic returns to the city where he helped win a Cup. Obviously, he’s not the same player he once was. But “Looch,” as he’s affectionately known by fans, knows what his role will be. He plays a physical style and brings energy. A good teammate who understands what it means to be a Bruin, it’ll be interesting to see how his second stint goes.
Boston is looking for energizer Trent Frederic to continue to develop into a gritty player who outworks opponents. He is expected to center the third line. The former first round pick had a breakout season. Let’s see if he can follow it up.
Veteran Alex Chiasson is invited to training camp on a pro tryout. Maybe he can earn a job as a fourth line guy.
Although they lost Orlov to Carolina and Clifton to Buffalo, the Bruins still boast a strong blue line. Led by Charlie McAvoy, who’s one of the game’s best defensemen, they should be formidable. Hampus Lindholm is coming off a good season. As a top pair, they’re one of the best in the sport.
Matt Grzelcyk and Brandon Carlo remain key stalwarts who should play important minutes. Derek Forbort is a savvy veteran who blocks shots. Veteran Kevin Shattenkirk was brought in on a one-year deal. He’ll compete with Jakub Zboril for minutes as the sixth defenseman. Shattenkirk still can provide offense with his shot. Defensively, it’s no picnic. How will he fare playing in a more structured system?
Goalie shouldn’t be a problem. Rating Vezina winner Linus Ullmark had a memorable 2022-23. Unfortunately, he wasn’t 100 percent in the first round. It showed. Montgomery waited too long to go to Jeremy Swayman. Swayman remains the future in goal. Both netminders have a great relationship. They always do the cool postgame celebration after a win. Until proven otherwise, it’s probably the best goalie tandem in the league.
Analysis: Obviously, the Bruins won’t come close to a repeat of last year. However, it’s premature to write them off. They still boast elite players at key positions. Montgomery will be tasked with challenging them to prove the doubters wrong. They could still be a playoff team. They’re more proven than the Sabres, Senators, and Red Wings. All teams in the division who should be in playoff contention.
Prediction: Forty-five wins are still possible. But scoring could be an issue. They might have to win a lot of low-scoring games. They’re built for it. If the cutoff is 96 points, it’ll be close.
It’s finally here. The first day of September means two things. Back to school. The return of hockey. It also means football. There will be plenty of excitement for both the Jets and Giants. Especially if you root for Gang Green like Jersey blogger, Hasan.
If you include the U.S. Open like I do, that’s four. Unfortunately, I’m reduced to watching matches on ESPN Plus. Thanks to the corporate greed of Disney and Spectrum. At least they give you other matches on different courts. I even watched some women’s doubles.
Of course, this is a hockey blog. We’ve been around for a long time. Battle of New York originally was created twelve years ago. That was a good time. Both the Rangers and Devils were in the midst of a big season when the rivalry added another chapter. I refer to it as Marty’s Revenge. For the Jersey side, they got us back.
With the calendar on September 1, what’s in store for the upcoming season? We’ve already covered a lot of players changing teams during the off-season. Summer isn’t over yet. The holiday weekend promises another heatwave into early next week. You can still enjoy the little things.
As schools start up, we’ll be getting closer to prospect tournaments and training camps, followed by the preseason. Before you know it, October will be here.
There still are some players who don’t know where they’ll be playing yet. That might include trades if Connor Hellebuyck gets his wish. John Gibson also wants to play in another city. What you usually see is some veterans signed to pro tryouts. If they impress, then they make the roster. That’s become the trend. Especially in a salary cap era that forces teams to make tough decisions.
In the meantime, we can at least take a glimpse into what the Eastern Conference will look like. I’ll focus on teams from both divisions. That way, we’ll have a better idea of what to expect for 2023-24.
In another time, Carl Hagelin was a fan favorite up in the Blue Seats at Madison Square Garden. The former Rangers’ playoff hero announced his retirement from hockey yesterday.
Once a sixth round pick in the 2007 NHL Draft, Hagelin played four years at the University of Michigan before graduating to the pros. After spending part of his first season in Hartford, Hagelin was called up by the Rangers. He would earn a spot and spend the remainder of the 2011-12 season with the Blueshirts.
Carving a niche as a feisty, checking forward who possessed speed and intelligent hockey sense, Hagelin became a fixture in the top nine for the Rangers.
First, it came under John Tortorella. A bit of a surprise, he scored 14 goals and added 24 assists for a total of 38 points with a plus-14 rating in 64 games as a rookie. In a nice postseason run to the Conference Finals, Hagelin hit the rookie wall. He tallied three assists but didn’t score a goal in 17 games during the playoffs.
Although he wasn’t a big scorer, Hagelin always brought his best assets, including game-breaking speed and two-way capability to his shifts. That made him a key to the Rangers’ penalty kill. Due to his instincts, he was a shorthanded threat. Two of his three shorthanded goals came in his first year. He picked up his third as a Ranger in 2013-14.
In his third season under coach Alain Vigneault, Hagelin achieved a new career high in goals with 17. Sixteen came at even strength, where he excelled. He added 16 assists for a total of 33 points over 72 games. While he was never considered a top player, Hagelin played a key role during the Rangers’ run to the Stanley Cup Finals.
On a deep team that featured Brad Richards, Derick Brassard, Derek Stepan, Martin St. Louis, Rick Nash, Mats Zuccarello, and Chris Kreider, Hagelin contributed well on a balanced roster that captivated the Garden Faithful. In fact, his seven goals ranked right behind team leader St. Louis (8). He finished that postseason with 12 points, tying him with Brassard and Richards for sixth.
His speed was a factor throughout the run. He scored two shorthanded goals and notched a game-winner. Hagelin proved he could perform when it counted. While some of his teammates received more ink, the diminutive Swede played his part well. Along with the checking duo of Brian Boyle and Dominic Moore, the man they called Hags was easy to root for. A classic overachiever.
The following season proved to be his last on Broadway. After setting a career high with 35 points (17-18-35) in 82 contests, he’s best remembered for scoring the overtime goal that beat the Pens in Game Five to advance to the second round. Using his speed and forecheck, Hagelin came out from behind the net and found enough room to score the winner at 10:52 of sudden death to give the Rangers the first round series triumph.
The 2014-15 Rangers won the President’s Trophy. Unfortunately, they ran into the upstart Lightning, who defeated them in an unpredictable seven-game game series that made no sense. There was no such thing as momentum. After taking care of the Bolts in Game Six to get the deciding seventh game at 33rd and Seventh, the Blueshirts were shut out 2-0 to lose in disappointing fashion.
It proved to be the last hurrah. Due to rising costs, the Rangers were unable to keep Hagelin. He was dealt to the Ducks in the off-season. The return isn’t worth mentioning. It was a bust.
Ironically, it was the Pens who coveted the underrated checking forward the following season. They wisely traded for Hagelin during 2015-16. After struggling with Anaheim, the old Hags found his game. Reinvigorated, he produced 27 points (10-17-27) with a plus-18 rating in 37 games. That even included a career best six game-winners.
In a twist, he was on the opposite side when the Pens eliminated the Rangers from the first round in five games. The Pens would go on to win the Stanley Cup. Hagelin had a terrific playoff by posting six goals with 10 helpers for 16 points. The most he ever had in a postseason.
He’d also win a second Cup in Pittsburgh the following year. Although his role was not as significant, he had two goals in 15 games. The Pens repeated as champs. He’d last 16 more games in the Steel City. The Pens traded him to the Kings for Tanner Pearson.
Hagelin was rerouted to the Capitals during 2018-19. Continuing to play a secondary role, he helped the Caps reach the playoffs three consecutive years. However, they didn’t have that much success.
After a challenging 2021-22 in which he struggled with injuries, it was obvious that Hagelin could no longer participate in a game. A freak injury during a team practice left him with a dilated eye. It nearly was removed. Complicating matters, he underwent arthroscopic and hip resurfacing surgery.
The combination of the injuries led to the Caps placing Hagelin on Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) for the entire 2022-23 season. With his eye still a serious issue, it left him with no choice to retire.
“I’m extremely grateful for all the memories hockey has given me and I’ve loved every single day of it,” Hagelin posted on Instagram. “I’m gonna miss going to battle with my teammates on a daily basis, I’m gonna miss the ups and downs of a season. Nothing excites me more than stepping on the ice in front of 20,000 passionate fans.”
“I want to thank all my amazing teammates, coaches, Doctors and other staff members that I’ve met and played with throughout the years,” Hagelin said. “Lastly, I want to thank my family, my wife and my kids for all their support.
“They made it possible for me to live out my dream.”
For his 11-year career, Hagelin finishes with 110 goals, 186 assists, and 296 points with a plus-119 in 713 games. As a Ranger, he played in 266 games. That included 58 goals and 72 assists for a total of 130 points with a plus-57.
Congrats to Carl Hagelin on an outstanding career. Best of luck in future endeavors.
For the former 2020 top pick, he gets about what he’s worth after failing to live up to expectations over his entry-level contract (ELC). I had him around $2.5 million AAV. The $2.325 million cap hit is a little more than Kaapo Kakko is playing under. Like Lafreniere, the former 2019 second pick hasn’t quite measured up yet.
In many aspects, they’re very similar. Neither has received ideal top six duty or consistent power play time. Both are entering critical stages in their still young careers.
Kakko set personal bests in goals (18), assists (22), points (40), and plus/minus (12). Thirty-seven came at even strength. Lafreniere established career highs in assists (23), points (39), and plus/minus (10). Thirty-five came at even strength. He added three power play goals.
If there’s one area the 21-year-old left wing excels at, it’s physicality. His 141 hits ranked fifth amongst Ranger skaters. It was the second consecutive season he delivered over 100 hits. He isn’t shy about finishing checks and getting the jersey dirty. That’s something that should help him under new coach Peter Laviolette. He emphasizes a strong forecheck along with grit.
For Lafreniere to excel, he’ll need to show more speed through the neutral zone. A solid overall player, his skating hasn’t been as good as advertised. Another similarity he and Kakko have. They are effective on the cycle. Both are capable of winning board battles. That’s what made their line with Filip Chytil good at five-on-five. They’re likely to play on different lines in 2023-24.
It’ll be interesting to see how Laviolette uses the three key young forwards. They will be critical to team success. It can’t just be about established stars Mika Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin, and Chris Kreider. If the Rangers are to have a better season, they’ll need both Lafreniere and Kakko to earn more ice time under the disciplined Laviolette, who preaches accountability. It’ll make this year’s roster more interesting. Nobody will get a free ride. Those days are over.
Hopefully, Lafreniere can prove that he belongs in the top six. Something that isn’t guaranteed. He’s still behind Kreider and Panarin on the depth chart. Will he have to shift over to the right side to make it work? Kakko is expected to compete with veteran Blake Wheeler for top line duty. It’s easier for him due to playing his natural side.
For Lafreniere, it might come down to numbers. Obviously, he needs to produce. If he can, then things should take care of itself. The same goes for Kakko and Chytil, who registered new career bests with 22 goals, 23 assists, and 45 points. The better question for the coaching staff is, is Chytil better suited to center the second line than Vincent Trocheck. It’s one Laviolette should explore.
The days of the kids being second in the pecking order have to end. If K’Andre Miller can play big minutes, it’s about time we find out if Lafreniere, Kakko, and Chytil can. Don’t forget that they played a pivotal role in the team’s return to the Eastern Conference Final in 2022. They continued to grow as players in what amounted to an inconsistent 2022-23.
It’s also worth watching how close Brennan Othmann is to becoming an NHL player. He’ll get training camp to impress the new staff. Even if he’s likely ticketed for Hartford, the former 2021 first round pick has a bright future. Hopefully, the organization will do what’s best for his development.
In other NHL news, the Maple Leafs signed Auston Matthews to a four-year contract extension. He could’ve been a free agent next summer. Instead, the former league MVP will stay in Toronto until age 30. He’s set to earn $11.64 million thru 2024. When his new deal begins in 2024-25, Matthews will be paid over $13 million. It’s a cap hit of $13.25 million.
That allows Leafs fans to breathe easier. They don’t have to worry about their franchise player leaving next year. William Nylander is entering the final year of his contract. It’ll be interesting to see what happens with the overlooked star who is behind Matthews and Mitch Marner.
It’s been a long summer. If you’re a hockey fan anyway.
The off-season can feel like two parts. The first is like a bolt of lightning before a storm. That describes the beginning of free agency. In one word, chaotic.
The second is more like a long journey with nothing but peace and quiet. Think being at an isolated park or beach where people are fishing. We have such a cool place not far from here that I frequent.
Most of the big moves have been made. We’ve seen players move as usually happens. None bigger than Erik Karlsson, who will wear his trademark number 65 in a Penguins jersey. That’ll take some getting used to. Especially for division rivals.
There was the Vladimir Tarasenko never-ending saga. First, he was signing with the Hurricanes. Then, the change in agents. Then, nothing but crickets. Finally, he landed in Ottawa to offset the departure of Alex DeBrincat, who chose to go home to Detroit.
The Devils were quite busy early. Tom Fitzgerald got both Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier re-signed to long-term contracts. It’ll be interesting to see what a full season of having Meier with Jack Hughes presents. You should also see the younger brother, Luke Hughes, patrolling the blue line following the departure of Ryan Graves (Pens) and Damon Severson (Blue Jackets).
It’ll still come down to the tandem of Vitek Vanecek and promising youngster Akira Schmid, who played the first round hero in the Devs’ seven-game series win over the Hudson rival Rangers.
Speaking of the Rangers, they couldn’t break the bank on anyone. Instead, Chris Drury brought in savvy vets Blake Wheeler, Nick Bonino, Tyler Pitlick, and Erik Gustafsson. He replaced Jaroslav Halak with former Conn Smythe winner Jonathan Quick, who’ll look strange wearing the Broadway Blueshirt after helping defeat them a decade ago as an LA King.
After getting K’Andre Miller signed to a two-year deal, Drury still has to re-sign restricted free agent Alexis Lafreniere. The former top pick has no leverage. He’s yet to live up to lofty expectations. That’s partially due to how he’s been used. Former bench boss Gerard Gallant rarely gave Lafreniere any top six or power play duty due to established stars, Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad, and Adam Fox.
If the 2023-24 Rangers are to be successful, it’ll come down to new coach Peter Laviolette having more trust in Lafreniere, Filip Chytil, and Kaapo Kakko. Of course, it must be earned. However, they must have better defined roles.
They’ll look to help provide stronger support for Igor Shesterkin, who can’t carry them alone. He’ll need better defense, including improved back checking from forwards and stronger communication.
While they’ll wait until the very last minute to sign Lafreniere, the Rangers will have to contend with the improved Pens, who should have a better regular season. If the Hurricanes and Devils are the class of the Metropolitan Division, then the Rangers and Pens should be next in line competing for a top three spot.
Sidney Crosby remains the face of a rivalry that dates back to the 90’s. The ageless wonder turned 36. He’s still among the game’s elite. What if he didn’t miss so many games due to injuries? Crosby would be a lock for 2,000 points. He’s totaled 1502 in 1190 games.
The Lightning might’ve subtracted key Stanley Cup contributor Alex Killorn to Anaheim. But they locked up key forward Brandon Hagel. He signed an eight-year contract extension that’ll pay him an average of $6.5 million per cap hit starting in 2024-25.
That’s a hefty raise for a good player. Acquired from the Blackhawks over a year ago, Hagel set personal bests in goals (30), assists (34), and points (64). He also scored a career high seven power play goals and was a fixture on the penalty kill.
Is he worth it? It might be a slight overpay. But Hagel is turning 25 this weekend. It’s wiser to pay a younger player who’s on the upswing than overpay an aging veteran who could see a decline. I like the investment.
I’m curious to see how the Bruins will do without Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. Boston fans were spoiled for over a decade with two superb centers, who played the game the right way. I’ll miss Bergeron, who one day should have the Selke named after him. Krejci often got overlooked. But he was a smart, play-making pivot who made teammates better.
— Lafreniere For MVP (Bring Vatrano Home) (@Laf4MVP) August 17, 2023
If they get the goaltending again from dynamic duo Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman, they should still be formidable. They feature the game’s premier power forward in David “Pasta” Pastrnak. Brad Marchand is expected to take over as captain. He isn’t getting any younger. However, the Rat, as he’s affectionately known, still has something left. Boasting one of the game’s best defensemen in Charlie McAvoy should help.
We’ll see how coach Jim Montgomery handles a lineup that also lost Taylor Hall (Blackhawks), Nick Foligno (Blackhawks), Tyler Bertuzzi (Leafs), Garnet Hathaway (Flyers), and Dmitry Orlov (Canes). Undoubtedly, Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha will be asked to play bigger roles moving forward. They still have a solid foundation.
It wouldn’t be the summer without some cruel jokes. Enter NJDevil00, who owned poor Zibanejesus in an epic reply.
That’s what makes the rivalry fun. A little ribbing between rivals can bring laughs even when it stings. I say, let’s beat them when it counts.
Finally, we’re still waiting on Connor Hellebuyck and John Gibson. It isn’t easy to move goalies. We’ll see what transpires with Hellebuyck, who’s a former Vezina winner that wants no part of a Jets’ rebuild. As for Gibson, what value does he have?
Are the Flames ever gonna trade some of their big names? Stay tuned.
That’ll do it for now. Pretty soon, prospect tournaments will be in full swing. Training camps will follow. There’s still some time left. Enjoy it.
On Thursday, longtime Sabres broadcaster Rick Jeanneret passed away at the age of 81. The voice of the Buffalo Sabres for over half a century is being mourned by the organization and by the hockey world.
When you think of the Sabres, one legendary voice comes to mind. That is how much Rick Jeanneret means to the legions of Buffalo fans in Western New York. For 51 years, the man affectionately known as RJ became one of the most beloved broadcasters in hockey. His signature calls are the thing of legend.
“May Day” is fondly remembered as one of those exciting calls. It highlighted a great goal scored by Brad May in overtime to beat the rival Bruins on April 24, 1993. They advanced to the Adams Division Finals.
It was his enthusiasm combined with the passion that defined Jeanneret as one of the most exciting play-by-play men in sports. He had a unique style that made him fun to listen to. The way he described the game is what makes him one of my favorite broadcasters.
Whether it be a big hit like the one Brian Campbell caught R.J. Umberger with during a playoff game against the Flyers or an epic goalie fight such as the battle between Martin Biron and the late Ray Emery, Jeanneret made each game entertaining for the listener and viewer. Even in death, nobody will ever forget him.
Tons of tributes poured out from the hockey community on social media. When you have a brilliant career like Jeanneret, did that highlighted getting inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame for the Foster Hewitt Award in 2012, he left a tremendous mark. A true legend who was an authentic person will be fondly remembered.
#Buffalo and #RJ proved a perfect fit for one another. His imprint on the city and the #Sabres organization will always be. A father to a friend, a friend to so many, and a part of countless others' lives. RJ was & will always be an inspiration to originality and creativity. pic.twitter.com/bR9oJSUuke
From a personal standpoint, I was introduced to RJ by one of my closest friends. A diehard Sabres fan, Brian Sanborn, got me into watching games on the Empire Sports Network. Hearing the energy and excitement with which Jeanneret called games got me hooked. One of my favorite calls was “Top Shelf. Where Mama hides the cookies.” A perfect description for a goal that beat a goalie high glove or stick side.
It wouldn’t be a tribute without thinking of the many robberies Dominik Hasek committed. Jeanneret always had a knack for memorable calls whenever the legendary Hasek robbed someone blind. “Call A Cop!” That stands out. So does, “It’s another miracle.” That was what separated him from other broadcasters. He called the games with a youthful enthusiasm.
This will forever be my favorite RJ Goal call. Game 7 in 1997 Derek Plante in OT. This goal made me fall in love with Sabres hockey, and then hearing him narrate Hasek’s career made me want to be a goalie. He touched Sabres fans lives in such a profound way. I’ll miss you so much pic.twitter.com/ShDaG3n66F
One moment that I’ll always remember was getting the chance to meet the man. It was my final game working for the Devils. The Sabres were visiting The Meadowlands. Due to the snow, they arrived late. I was in the press room when I went to make a copy for our production truck. There was Rick Jeanneret getting some preparation done for the broadcast.
I introduced myself. I told him about how big a fan Brian was of both the Sabres and RJ. He couldn’t have been nicer. He truly was a gentleman. I only wish Brian could’ve been there for that.
The game turned out to be memorable. The Sabres held on for a 1-0 win. A shutout for Hasek, who bested the legendary Martin Brodeur. The thing that stands out is the Devils thought they tied it. But Brian Rafalski’s last second shot didn’t beat the buzzer. It was a tad late.
The ride home was tough. Luckily, I made it home in one piece.
When I think of RJ, I’m instantly blown away that he was part of the Sabres from 1971-72 to 2021-22. Imagine having your dream job that you always wanted to do for most of your life. That’s exactly how Jeanneret described it.
never forget when that scrappy ‘21-22 Sabres team won on RJ night, and Alex Tuch escorted the 🐐out onto the ice after the game. The entire organization hit that event out of the goddamn park. pic.twitter.com/4ZiC3NGx6w
In the dog days of summer, news isn’t as busy for hockey. However, with the recent retirements of Bruins’ legends Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, there’s a big opportunity for some teams who missed the playoffs last season.
Boston subtracted a lot of key players off the record-breaking team that won 65 games and had 135 points in 2022-23. Of course, most disappointing was that in what amounted to the last hurrah for future Hall Of Famer Bergeron along with the under appreciated Krejci, they were upset by the Matthew Tkachuk led Panthers in the first round.
The sight of an emotional Bergeron waving to Bruins fans was goodbye. His close friend Brad Marchand shed tears. Deep down, they knew that was it for the classy player who should have the Selke Trophy named after him. He won a record six, including his final one in a memorable final season. For a player who battled numerous injuries, Bergeron finished his 19th year with 27 goals, 31 assists, 58 points, and a plus-35 rating in 78 games. Unfortunately, injuries limited him to three games in the first round defeat to Florida.
Ironically, both Bergeron and Krejci were unable to play the full seven games. Had they been able to, maybe it’s a different script than the one that saw Boston fans salute their heroes even following an excruciating loss. Sometimes, there are moments that are bigger than wins and losses. The cheers Bergeron received were well deserved. Ditto for a team that gave them a great season. One that was unexpected. Nobody had the Bruins being that good. It was the end of a chapter for Boston.
Due in large part to the salary cap, the Bruins had to cut payroll. Taylor Hall was sent to the Blackhawks in a salary dump, along with Nick Foligno. Both should be instrumental in helping top pick Connor Bedard get acclimated to the NHL. They also lost key deadline additions Dmitry Orlov (Canes), Tyler Bertuzzi (Maple Leafs), and Garnet Hathaway (Flyers). Connor Clifton signed with the Sabres. Tomas Nosek went to New Jersey.
Can a roster that had so many departures get back to the postseason? At the very least, they still boast a solid nucleus that features captain in waiting, Marchand, David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, Jake DeBrusk, Hampus Lindholm, and goalie tandem Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman. Center is a bit thinner due to the losses of Bergeron and Krejci. It’ll be up to Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha to perform. They have big shoes to fill.
WE HAVE BIG TRADE NEWS TO ANNOUNCE 🚨
The Penguins have acquired defenseman Erik Karlsson, forward Rem Pitlick, forward Dillon Hamaliuk and a 2026 third-round draft pick in a three-team trade involving the San Jose Sharks and Montreal Canadiens.
Meanwhile, the Metro Division continues to improve. The strong off-seasons of the Hurricanes and Devils have been well documented. Not to be outdone, the Pens continue to make key additions to a roster that missed the playoffs. After team president and GM Kyle Dubas signed Ryan Graves, Noel Acciari, and Lars Eller, he completed the much rumored blockbuster deal for Erik Karlsson over the weekend. The 33-year-old Norris winner should be a big help to the blue line. What he can add offensively at both even strength and on the power play will be a daunting task for opponents.
Astonishingly, the Sharks only retained $1.5 million of Karlsson’s contract. With the Pens responsible for $9.99 million of the contract, they only had to part with one first round pick in 2024. It’s even top 10 protected. With the Canadiens getting involved in the three-team trade, they took back Jeff Petry at a discount. The Pens retained $1.562 million of his salary. They were able to get a 2025 second round pick from Pittsburgh, along with Petry ($4.687 million), Casey DeSmith, and Nathan Legare.
San Jose received Mike Hoffman ($4.5 million), Mikael Granlund ($5 million), who the Pens couldn’t wait to get rid of. They also took Jan Rutta ($2.75 million). So, GM Mike Grier was willing to acquire three veterans to only add one first round pick that’ll be outside the top 10. He didn’t do well. Why the Sharks didn’t pick up more of the tab on Karlsson is questionable. Had they, they could’ve bought a good prospect along with the first round pick. They look like losers in this deal.
Even if Karlsson can’t match the remarkable numbers he put up on a dreadful Sharks roster in which he was unfairly criticized for a minus-26 rating during a Norris year, he will undoubtedly help the Pens. Kris Letang isn’t what he once was. Injuries have hindered him. The big addition of Karlsson will certainly relieve some pressure from Letang, who’s been a warrior in the Steel City.
Sidney Crosby is still playing at an elite level. He just blew out the candles on his 36th birthday yesterday. With the Pens committed to Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Letang, it made sense to take a big swing by adding Karlsson. A star player who proved he’s all the way back by playing in all 82 games and producing at a high level. He became the first defenseman to crack the 100-point mark since Brian Leetch did it in 1991-92. By re-signing Tristan Jarry, who played through injuries last year, the Pens stick with the number one goalie who’s capable of bouncing back. They subtracted DeSmith, who now moves up north to Montreal. Alex Nedeljkovic takes over as the backup.
Jake Guentzel had ankle surgery. He’s likely to start the 2023-24 season on LTIR. That’s $6 million they’ll be without. Guentzel is the top finisher on the roster. He’s in his prime. The Pens are banking on him to come back healthy. Adding veteran Reilly Smith from Vegas should help improve secondary scoring. Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust will be counted on.
The defense will look different. They added Graves to provide the nuts and bolts. He is also capable of contributing due to his big shot. Karlsson and Letang will log the big minutes while providing most of the offense. After Marcus Pettersson, it gets thin with Chad Ruhwedel, Pierre-Oliver Joseph, and former Devils first round pick Ty Smith. That could be the only question. Otherwise, it looks like the Pens plan on returning to the postseason.
While the key teams they’re competing with improved, the Rangers are stuck in wait and see mode with Alexis Lafreniere. After adding quality depth in proven vets Blake Wheeler and Nick Bonino, they gave K’Andre Miller a bridge deal worth $7.74 million. Along with former Cap Erik Gustafsson, who played under new bench boss Peter Laviolette, they’re hoping that new assistant Phil Housley can help improve the defense. It sure would benefit Miller, who at times was unsteady despite achieving personal bests in goals (9), assists (34), and points (43).
Like most key Blueshirts, Miller didn’t have a good first round. He was victimized on a few goals by the Devils. He and Jacob Trouba struggled mightily. It’ll be interesting to see if Laviolette decides to revamp the defensive pairs. Could Miller team with Adam Fox? Stay tuned.
Lafreniere has to wait, unfortunately. He has no arbitration rights. The Rangers have just over three million left on the cap. Lafreniere should come in around $2.5 million. He will have to prove himself under Laviolette, who believes both the former top pick and Kaapo Kakko have more to give. That will be a key to the season.
With Chris Drury deciding to keep checking forward Barclay Goodrow, our guess is Laviolette will utilize him the way former coach Gerard Gallant did in his first year. The versatile Goodrow was moved up and down a lot to inject energy into whatever line needed it. He is a good penalty killer and diligent checker. Maybe we get to see Goodrow play with Vincent Trocheck on a match-up line. Something Gallant didn’t believe in. That could be a good fit.
The Rangers added Tyler Pitlick and Alex Belzile. Pitlick is more proven and might be a hard-working fourth liner. He is the type of player fans should like. He plays with hustle.
Zac Jones will compete with Gustafsson for time on the third pair. He’s a good skater with offensive potential. A similar skill set to Gustafsson, who can provide power play help on the second unit. An area Gallant never established. Hopefully, it’ll be a good competition that leads to both players receiving playing time. Gallant had no use for Jones.
The other potential players are Will Cuylle and Brennan Othmann. Cuylle finished strong in his first pro season for Hartford. Othmann will have to have a big camp to even be considered. He’ll likely begin his professional career with the Wolf Pack. That isn’t the worst thing for his development. Development is an area the Rangers want to improve at. See Kakko and Lafreniere.
If the division is between the Hurricanes and Devils, then third place is likely to be hotly contested between the Rangers and Pens. The Islanders weren’t able to make a big splash. Basically, they stuck with their aging core that at least includes Ilya Sorokin, Mat Barzal, Bo Horvat, Brock Nelson, Anders Lee, Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock. Unless you consider Julien Gauthier as a key addition, there won’t be much difference on the roster. It might be the last chance for former first rounder Oliver Wahlstrom to prove himself. Injuries limited him to 35 games. Still only 23, Wahlstrom must make it happen.
At this point, those are likely the top five teams in the division. The Capitals still boast Alexander Ovechkin, who’s chasing Gretzky. They foolishly gave popular forward Tom Wilson a seven-year contract extension worth nearly $7 million. He’s a good player who certainly makes his presence felt. But he’s 29. He will be 30 when the new deal kicks in.
Nicklas Backstrom likely won’t ever return to the elite level that made him one of the game’s best centers. Evgeny Kuznetsov had a bounce back season, but there was an inkling that he wanted out. Even with top defenseman John Carlson and T.J. Oshie, the core is getting older. They were wise to keep Dylan Strome. He had a good first year in DC. He can be counted on. Anthony Mantha is in a contract year. If they’re not in the playoff mix, he could get moved. Veteran Max Pacioretty took an incentive laden $2 million deal. Can he hold up and produce following another career threatening injury?
At least Rasmus Sandin should make them look smart for dealing away Gustafsson to the Leafs as a rental. Darcy Kuemper remains the starter with Charlie Lindgren backing up. Maybe having a new voice behind the bench will help. We’ll see how Spencer Carberry does in his first NHL job as a head coach.
Both the Flyers and Blue Jackets look like the bottom of the barrel. While each boasts talent, there are still big questions in goal and on the blue line. Scoring shouldn’t be an issue for Columbus. Keeping pucks out remains a concern. If they can’t improve, how long before Johnny Gaudreau regrets uprooting his family to Ohio?
The Flyers will have a different look. Gone are Kevin Hayes, Ivan Provorov, Tony DeAngelo, and James van Riemsdyk. If Owen Tippett can continue to improve, power forward status is on the cusp. Cam York will be a big key to the back end. He really needs to grab it. How will both Sean Couturier and Cam Atkinson look following missing all of last season. Travis Konecny is a free agent next summer. He could be an interesting name to watch.
There’s a lot to look forward to. If the Leafs and Panthers are the class of the Atlantic, where are the Lightning, who continue to lose key parts of their championship teams? What about the Bruins? Are any of the upstart teams such as the Red Wings, Sabres, or Senators ready to make the quantum leap? At this point, one definitely should. Two is a possibility.
We’ll have more if anything else breaks. Still no action with Connor Hellebuyck, John Gibson, or some unhappy Flames. See you soon.
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