NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 2, 2024
Contract extensions for Jaccob Slavin, Juuse Saros and Juraj Slafkovsky, analysis of the Jakob Chycrhun and Reilly Smith trades, reaction to some of the notable UFA signings from the opening day of free agency, and much more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.
**UPDATE**
The Tampa Bay Lightning signed defenseman Victor Hedman to a four-year contract extension with an average annual value of $8 million. He has a year remaining on his current contract with a cap hit of $7.875 million.
EXTENSIONS FOR SLAVIN, SAROS, AND SLAFKOVSKY
THE NEWS & OBSERVER: The Carolina Hurricanes signed defenseman Jaccob Slavin to an eight-year, $51.69 million contract extension. The average annual value is $6.46 million and comes with a no-movement clause.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Carolina re-signed their top defenseman at a bargain price. He could’ve gotten a much bigger cap hit in next summer’s free-agent market but opted for the security of an eight-year deal with his long-time NHL club.
The Hurricanes also moved quickly to address the departures of Brady Skjei and Brett Pesce via free agency. They signed Shayne Gostisbehere to a three-year deal with an AAV of $3.2 million and Sean Walker to a five-year contract with a $3.6 million AAV. They’re more affordable but won’t fully replace the skills of Skjei and Pesce.
THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators officially announced Juuse Saros’ contract extension. It’s an eight-year, $61.92 million deal with an AAV of $7.74 million.
Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Predators general manager Barry Trotz indicated last week that Saros was also entitled to some trade protection toward the end of the contract. There’s currently no indication on PuckPedia and CapFriendly what that is but it’s safe to assume Saros will have some sort of no-trade clause in this contract.
MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: The Canadiens signed winger Juraj Slafkovsky to an eight-year contract extension with an average annual value of $7.6 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canadiens are betting on the promising Slafkovsky blossoming into a scoring star based on his 20-goal, 50-point sophomore season. He will be the third-highest-paid skater on the Canadiens behind captain Nick Suzuki ($7.875 million) and winger Cole Caufield ($7.85 million). Those contracts will look like bargains if this trio reaches their expected potential.
JAKOB CHYCHRUN TRADED TO THE CAPITALS, REILLY SMITH TO THE RANGERS
OTTAWA SUN: The Senators traded Jakob Chychrun yesterday to the Washington Capitals for defenseman Nick Jensen and a 2026 third-round pick. They had to lower their asking price from a first and second-round pick or a high-end prospect before the 2024 NHL Draft.
Jensen, 33, is a right-shot defenseman carrying an AAV of $4.05 million through 2025-26.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Sammi Silber reports Chychrun could earn a contract extension with the Capitals if he plays well for them this season. He’ll bolster their defense corps and provide some additional offense from the blueline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators had to move Chychrun because he’s slated to become a UFA next summer and they weren’t re-signing him. Still, this is a disappointing return. Jensen is approaching his mid-thirties when a player’s skills begin to deteriorate.
Adding Chychrun and signing former Los Angeles Kings defenseman Matt Roy to a six-year contract should significantly boost the Capitals’ defense.
NEW YORK POST: The Rangers acquired “a proven playoff performer” in Reilly Smith, acquiring the 33-year-old winger yesterday from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a conditional 2025 fifth-rounder pick and a 2027 second-rounder. Smith has a year remaining on his contract with an AAV of $5 million but the Penguins retained $1.25 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Smith was a reliable scoring winger during his six seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights, helping them win the Stanley Cup in 2023. Traded to the Penguins last summer, he struggled in Pittsburgh amid rumors he wasn’t happy with his new club.
Smith gets a chance for a reset with the Rangers as they attempt once again to boost their depth at right wing. The Penguins, meanwhile, cut ties with a player who didn’t fit with their roster.
PREDATORS MAKE THE BIGGEST MOVES TO OPEN THE UFA MARKET
THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators were the big spenders from the opening day of free agency, investing more than $111 million on Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, Brady Skjei and Scott Wedgewood.
Trotz claimed this was a statement to the rest of the league that these players wanted to come to Nashville. “These players see what we’re doing with the franchise. We have lots to offer, and we’re very determined to win.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: These moves, especially the additions of Stamkos, Marchessault and Skjei, could turn the Predators into a Stanley Cup contender again. However, it’s risky because of the ages of Stamkos (34) and Marchessault (33). If those players decline quicker than expected their contracts will become burdensome for the Predators even if the salary cap continues to rise significantly in the foreseeable future.
STAMKOS DEPARTURE MARKS THE END OF AN ERA IN TAMPA BAY
TAMPA BAY TIMES: Lightning fans and pundits, meanwhile, are mourning the departure of Stamkos as the end of an era. Chosen first overall by the Bolts in 2008, Stamkos became the franchise’s greatest star. He’s their all-time leader in games played (1,082), goals (555) and points (1,137), leading them through the franchise’s greatest era, winning two Stanley Cups and a Presidents’ Trophy.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Lightning GM Julien BriseBois cut ties with Stamkos and opted to sign the younger Jake Guentzel because he felt his captain was past his prime and on the decline. It could prove to be the right decision but BriseBois’ handling of the situation hasn’t sat well with many of the Lightning faithful.
ROUNDUP OF NOTABLE UFA SIGNINGS WE MAY HAVE MISSED
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I compiled a quick list of the noteworthy signings from the opening day of the 2024 free-agent market. NHL.com has a complete breakdown by team. Here are a handful of some other notable signings of Day 1.
The Edmonton Oilers brought back forward Adam Henrique on a two-year contract with an AAV of $3 million.
The Vegas Golden Knights signed goaltender Ilya Samsonov to a one-year, $1.8 million contract.
The Chicago Blackhawks signed defenseman T.J. Brodie to a two-year contract with an AAV of $3.75 million.
The Tampa Bay Lightning signed forward Zemgus Girgensons to a three-year deal with an AAV of $850K.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That one’s notable because Girgensons is moving on from the Buffalo Sabres after 10 seasons.
IN OTHER NEWS…
PHILLY.COM: The Flyers officially announced Matvei Michkov signed his entry-level contract.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Expectations are high for Michkov. The 19-year-old winger is expected to be a key piece of the retooling Flyers. He could make his NHL debut this season.
THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Alex Burrows has stepped down as an assistant coach with the Canadiens for family reasons. He will remain with the club as a consultant and could assist in their search for a new head coach for their AHL affiliate in Laval.
NHL.COM: The league has reinstated Joel Quenneville, Stan Bowman and Al MacIsaac. They had been suspended since Oct. 2021 due to what the league called an inadequate response upon being informed in 2010 of allegations that Chicago Blackhawks player Kyle Beach had been sexually assaulted by video coach Bradley Aldrich.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Typical of the NHL to try and sneak this in during one of the busiest days on their calendar. There’s greasy and then there’s NHL greasy.
This decision means Quenneville, Bowman and MacIsaac can now seek employment with NHL teams. The old boys’ network remains alive and well.
I’ll leave the final word on this with The Athletic’s Scott Powers:
What Brad Aldrich allegedly did while with the Blackhawks was bad enough, but their management’s failure to properly report him allowed him to go on & sexually assault a minor. To me, there’s no coming back from that. Maybe not surprising, but the NHL’s decision was wrong today.
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) July 1, 2024
For sure the big winner yesterday was Nashville but I believe Oilers were a very close 2nd
Oilers were 1 goal away from OT in Game 7 of the finals
Stats below based (extrapolated) on 82 games
Out from Oilers in Finals
Foegele 20-21-41
Desharnais 1-11-12
Total
21-31-53
AND Oilers punted Campbell!!
In:
*Arvidson 28-36-64
Skinner 27-24-51
J Brown 5-11-16
Total
61-71-132
*Arvedson injured in 23/24 and 82 game averages would have been higher than above; so I averaged 22/23 and 23/24
Also doing well yesterday:
Bruins got their coveted center (Lindholm) and replaced the tiny Grzelyk (5’ 9”, 172, 82 Game pace : 3-11-14) with behemoth Zadarov (6’6” , 240; 82 game pace: 8-14-22)
Leafs (sadly for me) also did well. Even though over cap a bit
Stolarz in, Samsonov out
Shored up their D (Tanev, OEL. Hakkanpaa)
They did lose Bertuzzi though!
Now compare above winners to the below. I’ll just give you the facts
1.Crosby yet to sign extension; and although it is unlikely that he would ask for a trade; and somewhat unlikely he goes to UFA next July; focus on resigning him is top order (per Pens and Dubas)
To that end; focus therefore should NOT be on moves that would make team less competitive (noting, already after missing out playoffs 2 years in a row ) and thus making Crosby less motivated to stay
2.Not only Dubas, but team as well; has indicated that they want to get younger, bigger, stronger; grittier; and still maneuver within the Cap
3. Moves made
Hayes replaces Carter. Basically same size. Hayes is younger; but far far slower; and much less grit; far poorer defensively; higher Cap (and for 2years)
Additions yesterday
Grzelyk (5’ 9”, 172, 82 Game pace : 3-11-14)
Lizotte (5’7”,172, 82 Game pace 9-10-19)
Beavillier (5’10 1/2”, 180, 82 game pace : 7-15-22)
Average of those 3:
5’ 8.3 “; 175 lbs; 6-12-18
Total Cap hit for those 3: $5.85 M
4. Dubas did not qualify P-O J
Qualifying offer was to be only $0.9 M. By qualifying him; he did have arbitration rights and per most sites the expected award would have been in the $1.7 M -$2.1 M range. Note, if he had elected arbitration (more than likely) this would have given Pens the advantage of another buyout window.
P-O J’s 82 game pace : 3-14-17
Instead of worst case of $2.1 M; and a player on the rise; and familiar with the team and system; and just (yesterday) 25
Instead Dubas went with Grzelyk
who had worse numbers
Who is
5” shorter;
14 lbs lighter;
5 1/2 years older!!!!
5. Dubas did punt Smith’s contract BUT did have to retain 25% to get asset 3 years away (so 6 years before he plays for Pens if at all). Why not zero retention and only “future considerations” in return, or same retention, only “future considerations” in return ; but force Rangers to take Accairi and/or Nieto?
From the above, can anybody here in good conscience; believe Pens are better than last year?
One thing is for sure; the already small Penguins; got shorter and lighter
I somehow get the feeling that the Lindholm and Zadorov contracts are going to start to look really bad sooner than expected.
Later in the contracts I agree
But as at right now ; and at least next 2 years; great add by Bruins
I agree with you Howard. I was stunned at some of the contracts handed out yesterday. Like those of Boston, I think that Nasville and Seattle will get short term bumps from their acquisitions followed by longer term pain. I also think that Toronto and Washington (other than taking on the questionable Dubois contract ) did well with sensible moves. Vegas and Carolina also showed some shrewd restraint by not handing out what some of their UFA’s were paid. One of the NHL Network analysts calls day one of the UFA period “GM silly season”, and I agree.
Howard, I agree completely with your analysis. Lindholm is 30 and has probably already had the best years of his career while Zadorov has been average except for last year playing for Tocchett. These moves won’t age well.
Lindholm can now start to focus on winning the cup. Did well in the playoffs for Vancouver.
The probable second line center for the swedish NT might feel renewed playing with Pastrnak or Marchand.
Mentally strong and very alround and competitive I believe he was a great signing.
Not so sure Bruins needed >Zadorov that bad.
Oilers added 2 players that shoot ALOT and should produce anywhere you put them(as long as Viktor stays healthy). both could pot 30 next season even as the 5th and 6th options.
Agree ds
Great adds by Oilers
That roster , to me, is better than the team that was one goal away from OT in game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals
The Rangers were not taking Smith for full hit because they could not afford to. (Nor was Smith worth it) So taking on an additional 2 million was out of the question.
Could you imagine that conversation? Hey not only take this guy underperformed for 5, or take on these 3 anchors for 7? Yeah, not happening.
All this at the expense of being able to re-sign Schneider and or Lindgren? Lmao. Try again!
Dubas was lucky to catch Drury in a moment of desperation and rid themselves of that 3.75.
He wasn’t exactly in a position to hold out for more salary dump.
I truly believe this is a “push”/“draw” deal at best for Pens
Smith was improperly used here, fell off favour with Sully; appeared to want out
He is a prime example of a change of scenery performance expectation to take off
2 years ago 82 game pace of 37-21-58
Still under poor usage by Sully he got 40 points last year
Certainly not a $5 M player at those 23/24 numbers
27 goal pace from 2 years ago , yes that is $5M cap hit worthy
I will not be surprised at all if he gets hi 20’s in goals wearing the Blue-Shirt
Retaining 25% for a player that at best makes NHL in 30/31…. meh
You are right , no one wants Accairi
No one!!!
Dubas gave him 3 years (he was on a 1 year prove it deal; NOTE : he didn’t) ; after having 3 successive declining years; AND a 60%raise!
What would have been a better deal:
Smith at 50% + Accairi, for future considerations
Rangers: waive Accairi, bury $1.15 M; effectively then get Smith at Caphit of $3.35 M (instead of $3.75 M) and don’t give up assets
Penguins: net $4.5 M in Cap space; rid Accairi; at the expense of losing a player who is seriously underperforming because of coach usage and because he doesn’t want to be there. Very valuable Cap space to be used to improve
Smith will be fully motivated to prove himself in Rangerland
You will be pleased
at least smith is more consistent over his career offensively than Wennberg or Roslovic. both good 2 way players but neither a nightly threat
Wennberg got 5×2 yesterday. Good luck with that!!!
If Drury were to take on Accari, then future considerations go out the door and a pick is coming back to NY. Drury took on a guy with no term, not a lot of risk there. He will either work or he won’t. But why would he take on Accari? To help Pittsburgh?
I’d rather the 2nd round pick 3 years from now than helping out a struggling division rival.
Perhaps Dubas should use the Goodrow / dirty / slimy / grimy move on Accari?
The oilers were also one game from being swept out of the finals. Adding Skinner, who at 32 and 1006 games played has never played a single playoff game ? (An NHL record) I’m not sure that was the answer.
Bring back Perry, Henrique a year older ? Not sure that was the answer either.
Why do Leaf improvements make you sad?
8787…Black N Gold here..
I do agree with just about everything you said.
I do think the Penguins will be slightly better than last year and I think Dubas isn’t done.
It is a long summer.
I will take Lizzotte Grzelyck Beauvillier over
Carter P O Joseph Smith
we got younger Lizotte 26 Beauviller 27 Grzeluyck 30
Hayes isn’t awful 56 % on face offs 16 goal plus potential he had 13 last year on a bad season for him so?
We got some picks, we got younger, and we didn’t pay a lot of money.
Ponomarev from the Guentzel trade will make the bottom six he is younger and fast
Hopefully there is a little more coming like Jarry leaving? LOL
JAYzus!!
If you were Crosby,why would you want to sign there? Not only are they old,they got small This has Boston connections all over it! Hayes,Grezlyk BU and BC, Sullivan BU, Quinn BU,and worse of all Owner John Henry also owner of The Boston Red Sox and Fenway sports group! And to add insult to injury,the uniform colors are similar! OUCH!
You are probably bang on re the connections and adds
You are right in inferring that an independent (if he weren’t already a Pen) Crosby, would absolutely never sign here with that squad.
I’m getting less confident that he extends
If he extends; it will just cement the already well known belief that he is a true team first, excellent character, guy
Pens missed playoffs last two years
Div rivals either improved or stayed pat (so far)
Pens team definitely smaller than last year; and IMVHO, much weaker than last year
Above = missing playoffs 3rd year in a row
They should have gone full tilt rebuild. This quasi “re-jig” to get smaller and weaker is very upsetting
Lest we forget, Sullivan does not like large, tough, sandpaper guys with, per Brian Burke, “truculence”. If they were on the roster, they would have limited ice time anyway. Tough times for both the Penguins players and their fans are afoot.
Agree Some Old Guy
Sullivan’s roster usage is very bad
He has lost his touch
NHL is going back to “size does matter” (on draft day only 3 players under 5’10” picked; 12 who were 6’6” or taller)
Look at the Knights and Panther’s cups
Truculence does matter!
What also matters:
losing every trade you make and;
every UFA you sign is not good for the team (talent or size or Cap hit)
That matters. A lot. All badly
Bruins… my thoughts not completely happy with Bruins FA picks …. Lindholm (center) was a must sign but probably a million per year to much and 2 years to long 5 is better than 7 ..they will regret this contract …. Big Z #2 is a #4-5 Dman that’s getting $5 per for 6 years that’s a lot of money per and 1-2 years to many … I guess they had a choice of getting a 1st or 2nd line goal scorer or a #4-5 Dman and they chose the Dman ..they were down 1 goal per game on offense this past season and added Lindholm and lost DeBrusk they didn’t add to their goal scoring … rest of signings were depth …. Sweeney could’ve done a better job with cash he had available…
Joe
Bruins got their coveted C and replaced a diminutive D-Man with a Behemoth who has better numbers
Bruins D now must have the biggest average size (for 6 D-men) in the league. Top 3 in average size at worst.
I think they improved
Tamp got worse; Panthers lost talent.
Did Bruins improvements still keep them better than Leafs with their improvements ? Time will tell
Did they have a choice between a 4-5 D and a 1st/2nd line scorer Joe?
Not sure who the 1st line guy was, as the only one I saw was Guentzel and he never hit the market. I wouldn’t assume any of these guys were open to going to BOS, for what Sweeney was willing to pay.
I’m fine with the signings as everyone who has paid attention to July 1 signing over the past decades knows players will be overpaid for too long. The plus is you don’t have to subtract assets to get them.
The majority of these contracts will not look good over the last couple years of them, at least that has been the history. GM’s know that too, and they do it anyway because they are trying to win now. And there is no way in hell the owners aren’t giving their approval in advance. Deal with the problem later.
Ray, I get that a rebuild, a retool or whatever one wants to call it might not sit well with Bs fans, and Marchant is not getting younger.
But I don’t think Lindholm and Zadorov are going to make the difference that the Bs need. That so, the Bs will be dealing with the problem now, not later, as it will hinder acquiring players via trade. Good players come available once teams realize they aren’t going to make the playoffs and the Bs could likely have been in a position to add while still being in the race.
LJ, I agree 100% that Lindholm and Zadorov likely aren’t enough to get the Bruins into the true “contender” tier of teams. But they should still be a playoff team. Too many good players, like McAvoy, Pasta, Lindholm (D) and Swayman to just pack it in and blow it up. They owe it to those players, and the fans to keep giving it a go. IMO.
Trades aren’t much of an option for them though as they don’t have many young assets that teams trading quality vets for will want as they are usually coming from the bottom of the standings. Which kind of only leaves the UFA option.
They still have over $8.6M in space to work with and most of their roster is set, and enough to get Swayman signed with a little bit left over.
If Staios could have wrangled a better deal for Chuchrun he would have. Yes, he posted some decent looking offensive stats and, on that basis – especially if he does it again with Washington this coming season before becoming a UFA – he’ll be looking at something in the range of $7.5 to $8 mil. What will be really interesting is how he plays defensively. This past season Ottawa’s woes defensively and in goal were well-chronicled but when you look at the D as a whole, Chychrun stands out – and not in a positive way
Hamonic (litle used) -10
Bernard-Docker -7
Chabot -3
Zub +5
Brannstrom +5
Sanderson +8
And then there was Chychrun’s -30. We’ll see how that goes in Washington, but in the meantime there was no way Ottawa was extending him next year. And you have to think a lot of other teams saw it that way as well, hence the best deal Staios got was Jensen and a mid-pick.
As for Jensen, he’ll cost $4,050,000 off the cap for the next two seasons at the end of which he’ll be 35. His defensive stats, by comparison, were a -9 and -1 these past two seasons for a team not much better defensively overall than Ottawa (Washington 257ga – Ottawa 281ga – a difference of 24 over 82 games), and over his career he’s a cumulative +17. He’s also been pretty durable over his career as well, missing few games. He’ll likely play alongside Chabot, with Zub pairing Sanderson. And when his 2 years are up, the RD just taken 7th overall – Yakemchuk from the Calgary Hitmen – will be close to making it to the NHL, and in Belleville they also have 6′ 3″ 200 lb Maxence Guenette – who just had a season of 7g 27a 34 pts and a +5 – who could also be a full-time NHLer by then. And, of course, as UFAs come and go over the next 2 seasons – not to mention future trades – there will be other opportunities to strengthen the right side if necessary.
The Boston Bruins and Vancouver Canucks made an unofficial trade yesterday
Vancouver: Debruck, Henien, Forbort
Boston: Lindholm, Zadorov
I’m ok with the Lindholm signing, as i don’t think it’s an over payment and he should be able to help Pastrnak.
Personally i thought it was an overpayment for Zadorov. His style of play will make other feel protected.
Boston left side D. Lindholm 6’4″ Lohrei 6’5″ and Zadorov 6’6″
Right side McAvoy 6’1″ Carlo 6’5″ Peeke 6’3″
Sweeney seems to be going after size, he also signed Max Jones 6’3″ 220 lbs
Riley Tufte (don’t know this player) 6’6″ 220lbs
Trade with Ottawa brought in Mark Kastelic 6’4″ 223lbs
1st round draft pick Dean Letourneau 6’7″ 210lbs
side note: listen to Jake Debrusk on NHL radio yesterday and he basically said he knew he wasn’t going back to Boston before the regular season was over. Pick Vancouver one of the reason was closer to home and he’ll be able to go home for Xmas.
Riley Tuffte with the Avalanche AHL affiliate Colorado Eagles. Skated a couple of games with the Avalanche. Should keep him watch his development!!
Caper … remember years back. The Bruins had at that time a huge nasty team and they lost in a playoff series to Montreal because the Canadians skated circles around the Bruins, then the Bruins went smaller and quicker and where pushed all around the ice every year well they are back to bigger and meaner again …will be interesting
I see a lot of desperation from a lot of teams and a lot of contracts that won’t age well.
Pens should be thinking about what just happened in Tampa. Didn’t trade their “franchise player” and got zero to show for it! Congrats I guess? You saved face with the fan base that will bolt (no pun intended) when things go belly up. Which clearly appears to be the case.
Ahhhh the sweet sweet smell of “sentiment “!
Tampa should think twice before either going down this same road with Hedman, or re-signing him.
Pens / Dubas should think 10 times before going down either road with Crosby. They’re in much worse shape than Tampa!
But I’m positive Dubas will screw it up anyway.
Oooops, too late on Hedman. 4 years 32 million.
Wrong move.
I’m also positive he’ll screw it up
Setting aside yesterday’s Ranger’s deal (at best a “push”/“draw”)
Setting aside his draft picks (certainly TBD on success)
Dubas has lost every one of his Pens trades
Dubas has made very very bad UFA signings
Dubas has made Penguins weaker, shorter, smaller
Dubas fired Rierdon 4 months too late
Team under him failed to make playoffs; Division rivals either stayed pat (so far) or improved; Pens got shorter, lighter, weaker, worse overall
8787, Dubas is just preparing the fanbase for the upcoming name change:
– Pittsburgh Penguins to become the
Pittsburgh Munchkins.
Nice one Hammer of the Gods
I say “nice” in that it was funny
Not actually nice for us
Willy Wonka’s wee Oompa Loompas
Only bright side; sadly though, highly likely now; top 10 pick next spring
8787, Willy Wonka’s wee Oompa Loompas is excellent.
While acknowledging that I don’t follow the Pens, I don’t see any semblance of a plan. Nashville, Tampa, Toronto, they all had plans. Pittsburgh had a plan last year to acquire Erik Karlsson. This year, KD is tinkering around the edges. If I were a Penguins season ticket holder, I wouldn’t be very happy.
Consistent with the team make-up, Grumpy smurf comes to mind.
Regarding the Slafkovsky signing… the 2022 NHL draft was held in Montreal and some fans booed the pick. Slafkovsky responded: “Hockey is their passion as well as mine. Maybe some of them didn’t like me but I will do everything that I can do to play well for this team and they will actually maybe like me one day.”
Nice words. Way to prove them wrong, Juraj!
EDB, i did not hear that. That alone would make you root for the kid.
I don’t like what Montreal is doing (because i’m a bruins fan) tying up their young talent (Suzuki, Caufield, Slafkovsky) to very good long term deals.
These are the type of deals that allow a team to be competitive through out their line up. Top end talent not eating all the cap.
Much the same way NJ devils (who im picking as one of my early cup favorites), did.
The Habs HAVE concluded some pretty sage deals by tying up the likes of Suzuki, Caufield and Slafkovsky long-term and each below $8 mil per.
But after doing nothing of consequence on UFA day you have to wonder what they have up their sleeve? Right now, they sit with $10,180,467 in cap space and committed to 18 players with 5 to sign to get them up to 23. I don’t think they’ll fill all 5 slots with elevations from the Rocket so, will they pick over what’s left from among the UFAs … more trades??
Caper, aren’t you a Jets fan?
George, they also have CP’s LTIR contract which expires in 2026. Apparently Habs offered Marchessault a contract but he went with longer term. I don’t think they saw much in free agency that would address their needs. I do anticipate some trades, before and/or after training camp.
George: The Habs best approach is indeed to try and trade one or two more D (Harris, Barron) to make space for the likes of Hudson, Maillioux, Reinbacher, etc. So I am with HF30 and Howard about them not getting gummed up by long term contracts right now.
It won’t take much to improve their bottom 6, so my expectations are low right now.
EDB I’m a Boston fan who lives in Winnipeg. I tried cheering for the Jets when they came back; however the passion i have for the bruins, the jets don’t come close.
EDB,
I remember that interview and how impressed I was by his poise.
This year’s pick Demidov was poised too as reporters baited him with a question of how he compares to last year’s Russian, Mischkov and he just smiled and said next question.
I see the Habs putting structure to the team and building from within counting on young guys to step in like Beck, Roy, Hutson, Mailloux, and others to step up like Dach and Newhook..
Of course, prospects have to prove they are the real deal and as we know, more often than not they don’t cut it in the NHL.
I too was unhappy that the Habs passed on Wright, but I obviously didn’t blame Slaf for this. It wasn’t his decision. But that choice is looking pretty good right now. However it is too early to say that anyone’s been proven wrong. Let’s wait a couple of years.
As for Marchessault, he said that he strongly considered the Habs but went with the longer term. I’m sure Hughes offered nowhere near 5 years. Very smart of him to not hand out longer term deals to 30+ players. Habs aren’t at that point yet.
Very Happy with My 2 Hockey Teams….👌
1st,
Jeff Jackson, WoW he means business 👏 👏
Edmonton Oilers @forward’s
Arvidsson- 4M x 2 ( New ) the Top 6 RW we have All been waiting for now for 4 years….
Skinner- 3M x 1 ( New )
Janmark- 1.45M x 3 (Back)
Perry- 1.15 M (250K Bonus) x 1 ( Back )
C. Brown 1M x 1 (Back )
=$11.M
Defence
Josh Brown, RD
Troy Stecher RD..?
=$1.78M
Oilers are over in Cap Space by $2.45M….❓🤔
We still have the 2 RFA to sign young
Broberg & Hollaway
Sounds like they are trying to Trade Evander Kane out of Edmonton @$5.125M, sandpapper and scoring.. every one need that
2nd Ottawa Senator’s
Forwards,
Good Job Steve Staios….👍
-David Perron, top 6 winger good for 60 points
-Michael Amadio, good 3rd line winger who can score goals exactly what the 3rd line needed
-Noah Gregor, good 4th line winger
Defence
Nick Jensen, the 34 yr old slowed down last year more of a shut down d man, The Caps Won that trade…❓but that was a big hold we need to fix and with 7th pick over all getting Big Offencive RD Carter Yakemchuck we maybe be ok if he steps in to the 2nd pairing in 2-3 years….
Still have a couple of spots open, one on LD,
I Really hope its Big LD Tyler Kleven in 3rd pairing with Bernard-Docker
with Travis Hamonic could be the 7th d?
On the bottom six, maybe we are trying them out from the Farm Team…..Järventie, Stephen, and local St Albert kid, Zack Ostapchuk❓
Last but Not Least Again…… We really need to get
Shane Pinto Signed to a Bridge Deal it looks like now its for A 2 year Deal…..🤔
Williew
You forgot that Oilers also got Henrique back
Re over the cap
Maybe they put Kane LTIR to start season (Sports hernia op)?
8787,
No he Evander Kane has to Go…❗️
Kane had Run in with both Leon & Connor and Nurse, All with in 1 week,😳
They were even going at it one nigh on the bench, thats why we go 2 players for the top Six..
LW, Skinner
&
RW At last only took 4 years⁉️ Viktor Arvidsson
he was one of the Best kings players in the playoffs against the Oilers and him and Mattias Ekholm are Very Good Friends….
Did not see that last night getting Henrique back, i just looked it up now….
Thats what put us over the cap
Agree williew, the Oilers killed it.
I don’t see a single overpay in dollars or term. That is the benefit of being a true contender. Vets want to come there and try and win. They’ve made their $$, they want to win first and foremost.
They addressed their key needs.
Agree it will be Kane they move. He brings some value, but perhaps not playing with guys like McDavid and Draisaitl. Those guys think and play the game differently, and you need to have guys who think the game the same way on their lines. They don’t get the puck back enough with Kane. I get you want guys who are willing to shoot it, but that can’t be the only tool in the box with those 2 guys.
He seems like a guy who could fit in Boston though, playing with a guy like Coyle who’s line takes it low, cycles the puck, shoots and crashes the net.
Huge getting Henrique, Janmark and Brown back. All 3 stepped up big in the playoffs.
Good to see big Vinnie get a good contract in Van, Oilers couldn’t afford him and at his age and only one NHL season under his belt, he had to do what was best for himself financially. Hope he does well.
Maybe Flames go & offersheet Broberg or Holloway with a 2 year 4.5 mill deal & really put the boots to them. Hahaha Gotta get some aspect for the rivalry back because Flames telegraphed during Free Agency this isnt a retool but a rebuild. Which most Flame fans are good with. Seeing the $$$ spent wildly Flames just saw its cap space go up in value.
They can’t offer sheet both the same year, for the same $$$. That would require them to have 2-2nd round picks in 2025 that have to be Calgary picks. Not someone else’s.
A lot of movement, a lot of money but not much improvement.
A lot of teams who know the players weren’t willing to keep them and a lot of overpays and length.
The lack of returns show how so many fans overvalue their players.
This is one year I’m happy the Habs didn’t bite on the UFA market.
Good luck with E Kane! He has an NMC till 3-1-25 and then it turns into a 10 team trade list!
Hey George just looking at what everyone did the Atlantic. Looks like this division is a beast with Florida Boston Toronto TB as the big four and the up and comers like Ottawa Detroit Buffalo Montreal
It looks hard for the young gun teams to break through next year. What do you think?
Man On TV, you are so right. First off, none among Florida, Boston, Toronto, NYR and Carolina are dropping out of a playoff picture any time soon. WC team TB, with 98 pts, are probably safe as well after their recent moves – especially Guentzel – but Washington (91 pts) could be replaced by a team like Detroit, who came SO very close this past season.
The NYI – who finished 3rd in the Metro with 94 pts – could also be over-taken by either the Flyers (87 pts – just 7 to make up) and NJ (81 pts – 13 pts to make up). But in the Atlantic I don’t see Buffalo (84 pts), Ottawa – 78 pts) or Montreal (76 pts) having done enough to make up 7, 13 or 15 respectively to get into the 91-94 pts range of he Wild Cards. But I bet it’ll be much tighter than we’ve seen in many years.
Sadly for a great like Crosby, Pittsburgh is just fading fast.
Woah on “Crosby fading fast”
Pens fading fast. Yep. Tumbling and spinning out of control. Yes yes yes
But Crosby:
Crosby just finished 19 straight PPG + seasons; almost individually dragged the abysmal roster into the playoffs; finished tied for 12th in points ; got 42 goals (3rd best he’s ever had)
He did this despite losing his go to guy (Guentzel) down the stretch; and surrounded by underperforming talent; and dumpster fire of a power play due to the now fired Rierdon’s action plan
That is in no way indicative if a player “fading fast”
Not at all
Read what I said again “Sadly for a great like Crosby, PITTSBURGH is just fading fast.”
Not Crosby – PITTSBURGH. But that is sad for a class guy like Syd who deserves a better way to play out a magnificent career.
Thanks for the clarification George
I see now the other way (the way you meant it) the sentence can ready
Sorry about sounding off on that
Just a distraught Pend fan
Don’t know what George thinks (he’ll tell us) but I think the Lightning got better. Effectively replaced Stamkos with Guentzel. Judged Hedmon effective for 4 more years (unlikely, 2 probable and no obvious replacement). Gained enough cap to fill holes; They needed to convert five losses to wins to be really good as they were a playoff team already,
& this is possible. Boston is still difficult though different, Leafs betting on someone else’s backup goalie which is always a crapshoot, Florida not quite as good, and I see Montreal of the others as being the toughest to play against, Detroit Second,
Buffalo has had talent all along and never put it together, and someone has to hold up the bottom.
Boston, the Leafs, and the Lightning all want to avoid long losing streaks; recovery will be hard in this division.
LOL. Already said it – see my response above to Man On TV. Tampa will be just fine.
Have the Bolts improved, Richard? IMO Guentzel for Stamkos is even for this year and next; though better in the longer term a sideways move.
They’ve effectively let Sergachev go for McDonough, which is surely a downgrade for their D.
And their problematic bottom 6 forwards are not better. Overall, I see slippage.
Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery pointed to a lack of offense as the primary reason the Florida Panthers eliminated his club Friday night.
“I didn’t sense frustration, but a lack of our ability to score in the playoffs in general. You can’t win every game 2-1….
Sweeney as of now didn’t improve the team’s offense…
Bruins … couldn’t a Skinner,Duclair,Foegele,
Mantha play on the 2nd line and score goals they all had over 20 this past season ..B Dillon will do the same thing Zadorov will do and cheaper …can’t Tarasenko play on the 1st or 2nd line for the Bruins … They need to get rid of the goalie they traded for he isn’t needed Bussi is the better goalie
LJ re stamkos and Guentlz a wash for the next 2 years I think what we will see is how much of a difference Kucherov makes.
People keep talking about size, especially when it comes to d-men.
Look at the dmen absolutely tearing up the NHL. Hughes, Makar, Fox. All under 6”.
Hedman a big guy, but not exactly physical.
Karlsson 6’0”
Heiskenen 6’1”
Big does not = better.
What are you guys trying to compensate for? Lmao!
Hedman is 6ft. 6, Makar is 6 ft !The last2 cup winners had bid ,nasty D corps!None of those other players made it to the cup finals!Karlsson is a turnstile on D!
Makar is 5’11”. Again, I wouldn’t label Hedman as physical.
And no, none of the others have made the finals. But Florida’s only D-man over 6” was Ekblad ( I believe)
Edmontons defense is big. But they also lost.
Vegas defense was pretty big, but also pretty good. That helps.
Just signing players because they’re big, doesn’t necessarily mean they’re good. How many of the Larger d-men signed yesterday also haven’t made a final?
Ekblad was not the only Panther D man over 6’
Mikkola 6’6”
Ekblad 6’ 4”
OEL 6’2”
Kulikov 6’1”
Both Montour and Forlsling are 6’
Forsling at 197 only one less than 200
Certainly not huge compared to what Knights had in 22/23
Caps in their cup year had at one point; dressed as many as 12 players 6’ 3” or taller
Again; it is not individuals big that make a difference
But a bigger/grittier team can certainly wear down other smaller teams
lol, okay an inch or two over 6’ is a far cry from 6’4- 6”6” players people are salivating over.
Rempe is 6’8” (forward) but I don’t think he’s the answer to NY’s prayers. Edstrom 6’7”
I wonder how Mikkola didn’t win in NY last year?
NY had Kreider 6’3” , Wheeler 6’5”, Zibanejad 6’2” Trouba 6’3”, Miller 6”5”, Schneider 6’3” Rempe 6’8”, Wennberg 6’2”
I believe the only player under 6’ was Fox.
It doesn’t necessarily mean anything.
You need both type of D to be successful. You need the size to win board battles and break up the cycle, also help win battles in front of the net. Being long is probably more important than heavy, especially on the PK. Just watch how many shots and passes just get tipped by d-men and go wide.
But Captain is 100% right about D-men who can help drive offence and being successful in the playoffs. Of the 8 teams that advanced to the 2nd round, 7 where in the top 8 of D-men points in round one. The lone one that wasn’t – my Bruins. But the Leafs were even worse, as was their tending.
If you can get size, and be able to help the offence, win-win. Hence Hedman getting paid. Great player. Zadorov is a better puck mover/passer than he gets credited for by the casual fan. Yes he’s getting too much for too long, who wouldda thunk it on July 1?
Now there’s a theory I can buy into Ray. I believe a balance is key.
The best D-men in this league are in no specific order are Hughes, Makar, McAvoy, Fox, Faber Hedman, Slavin, Morrisey , Pietrangelo, Josi, Heiskenen, Dahlin.
Only a few are over 6’ 1” Hedman, Dahlin, Pietrangelo. And Heiskenen a tad over at 6’ 2”
That list seems to line up with one I would do. I might not still have Petro on there, but splitting hairs he is still a great player.
If we want to see who the best D-men are in the league, I suggest we look at the rosters of the teams in the 4-Nations tourney taking place next season.
That will be some must see TV!
Interesting to see who the heck plays net for us in Canada? US has an advantage over us there for sure, just like we do at C.
Canada can build a forward roster on just C’s.
Mcdavid, Stamkos, Crosby , Bedard, Point, Mackinnon, Barzal, Scheifele Thomas, Kadri, RNH , Tavares!
That is disgusting!!!
US may have the edge in goaltending, (and probably defense) I’m not sure anyone is thrilled with that job of stopping Canada.
Ray, i agree Zadorav is over paid but 6yrs for a 29yr old dman isn’t too long. I would’ve prefer 5 years but he’ll only be 35yrs old at the end of his contract.
I would’ve like Bertuzzi back at the contract he signed. Maybe he didn’t want to come back to Boston.
Nothing wrong with smaller dman, as long as they can take a hit and not turn over the puck once they feel pressure coming.
Fair enough on Zadorov Caper, the big guys seem to be able to play longer even when they lose a step. Look ant Myers in Van, still effective. Not just take the hits, avoid the hits all together like Hughes does.
You were right about Grz, and I backed him on here for a while. Not only did he get knocked off the puck regularly, he got knocked right out of the lineup.
He was a willing guy, but the physics just didn’t work.
You shouldn’t include Karllsson on that list. Certainly not on that list from last year’s performance
You are bang on re individual performances from smaller players like Makar and Fox etc
Kane in his prime
Goudreau, Csugield, Marchessault, Debrincat, Marchand,
To name a few
I in no way am disregarding their unbelievable talents.
I was talking about the overall size of a team
Blues, Knights, Panthers , Caps won in fair part due to their size strength and grit
Penguins as a whole sadly are light, short, lack grit
Size (of team as a whole) does have an impact
Put another way
If Dubas had acquired any 3 players north of 6’1” and 200 lbs instead of the tiny:
Grzyluk ; Lizotte; Beauvillier (averaging 5’ 8.3 “; 175 lbs)
Then Pens would have been much better
Another way:
Look at Bruins improvement with Zadarov replacing the tiny Grzylyk
“ Look at Bruins improvement with Zadarov replacing the tiny Grzylyk”
Is it an improvement? Or is it an important on paper?
I think we should wait for a game or two to be played before making that call.
I wouldn’t exactly call Pittsburgh , Colorado or Tampas cup teams big or physical. Sure , maybe a few big players.
I’d more worry about icing a talented group than I would be a “big” group.
I’d be more concerned with chasing wins rather than trends.
Is it an improvement? Or is it an IMPROVEMENT on paper?
Not “ important “
Quinn Hughes aside, Vancouver has a bunch of massive men to patrol their blue line next year as well.
Their PK will be top tier next season.