 NEFHL
|
A West Side Story
|
Avs-Mat |
2023-03-20 16:02:35 |
37 |
It's no surprise, the battle for a playoff spot in the west is real and has been going on for months it seems. With the final 10-12 games to close off the season, we are mainly down to a 4-6 team battle.
The bottom 4 teams:
All 4 teams are currently in a 1-2 game losing streak, all dropping in the power rankings, their scheduled games are mostly against rivals in this list. Needless to say that each loss could set teams back as it would allow the gap in the race to get bigger. So who wants it more?
Oilers (GP 72 PTS 77 L10 5-4-0-1)
The Oilers are scheduled to play Kings x2, Ducks x1, Sharks x3, Avs x1 and Yotes x1 in the final stretch. With only 2 other games against non-contending teams, the Oilers can’t afford to lose if they want to stay in this race. No major injuries, they should be able to give it an honest best effort.
Avalanche (GP 71 PTS 77 L10 7-3-0-0)
The Avs are scheduled to play LA x1, Ducks x2, Sharks x2, Oilers x1, Preds x1 and Yotes x2, in the final stretch. With only 2 other games against non-contending teams, they need to show that they are capable of winning against the top teams. Still rattled with injuries, they look forward to having Goal Caufield back in the lineup soon to help them make a solid push.
Ducks (GP 72 PTS 78 L10 6-3-0-1)
The Ducks are scheduled to play LA x1, Avs x2, Flames x1, Oilers x2, Canucks x1 and Yotes x1, in the final stretch. With only 2 other games against non-contending teams, they are in the same situation as the Oilers, they can’t afford to lose the rival games. Injuries seem to be coming to an end and the squad is ready for the battle.
Sharks (GP 72 PTS 78 L10 5-5-0-0)
The Sharks are scheduled to play Avs x2, Flames x2, Oilers x2 and Yotes x1, in the final stretch. With 3 other games against non-contending teams. They will have a direct impact on their fate as they play 4 games against the two teams chasing them in the standing. With JVR coming back any day now, they seem ready for the challenge ahead.
The other 2 teams in reach:
These two teams are potentially at risk depending on their play for the final games. They need to stay in the W column and try to clinch and avoid getting leap frogged by the bottom 4 teams.
Flames (GP 73 PTS 83 L10 6-4-0-0)
The Flames are scheduled to play Sharks x2, Kings x1, Canucks x2, Ducks x1 and Hawks x1, in the final stretch. With 2 other games against non-contending teams, they will need to watch the race but likely won’t have to panic. Their squad is mostly healthy with 4 injured players that should be back within 1-2 weeks.
Kings (GP 71 PTS 84 L10 7-3-0-0)
The Kings are scheduled to play Avs x1, Flames x1, Oilers x2, Canucks x2 and Ducks x1, in the final stretch. With 4 other games against non-contending teams, they have the most favorable schedule of the 6 teams. With only one major injury to Jeff Petry, the squad is healthy and looking to pick up momentum to make a positive playoffs run.
What are your thoughts? Who will be the teams to not make the playoffs in the west? |
 Boston Bruins
|
Dynamic Ratings can SUCK MY BALLS
|
Bruins-Chris |
2023-03-16 12:52:37 |
47 |
This year hasn't been my favorite. And it's not just cause I'm not winning. It's because I have serious doubts I can build a cup winning roster with the current dynamic ratings. I've been in sim leagues for most of my adult life, FHL sim specifically and have won a lot of championships. I'll tell you it takes some planning to win it all, rebuilders go for it too soon, disaster, rebuilders wait to long to compete, disaster but one thing I consider the most important in any league I am in is understanding of how the ratings work in the sim.
I used to have that here, but honestly have no idea what players are going to be rated from year to year. When dynamic ratings were first proposed, it sounded like an instant update of players ratings which sounded really cool. But what we currently have is a delayed, hard to understand bunch of numbers that go up 1 one day then down 1 the next.
In the past I would be able to plan a season ahead by looking at current season NHL stats. For teams looking to come out of the dark it was a great way to make moves that prepared you for the next season. Likewise you could also tell if your team was gonna be shit and allowed you to plan accordinly. Don't even get me started on contracts which are tied to OV which now fluctuates from some magic AI only JD and perhaps Jason understand.
I don't think I am alone in this feeling and while the original proposal from JD sounded cool, I have serious buyers remorse. I think the league should have a vote on keeping dynamic ratings or returning to the old way. It's not a matter of work imo since the ratings get updated from a script so instead of doing that daily it's done at the end of the season. I think we have had enough of a sample size to love it or leave it.
Do you guys really love dynamic ratings? Am i just an old fossile on this topic? |
 Colorado Avalanche
|
Are the AVS Winners or Losers at Deadline?
|
Avs-Mat |
2023-03-14 04:28:58 |
23 |
A very active 2023 trade deadline has come and gone and one could say that the Colorado Avalanche were buyers on a budget. With little to no draft picks and a limited pool of prospects, GM Avs-Mat did what he could to make his club more competitive for the last stretch of the season by trading pending UFA Jordan Staal.
“Gronk has been a force for us this season with 30 points in 54 games but where his presence was felt was in the 135 hits he delivered.” said GM Avs-Mat “We put feelers out and got lots of bites. At one point we were working a 5 way deal that was close to closing but fell through at the last hour. We wanted to make sure we could improve our club and if we could get two players to come help us push to the playoffs then it made sense.”
In the end, the Avs GM settled for defenseman Chris Tanev and prospect Ryan Tverberg from Calgary. Tanev, being a 6ft2 right shot, will complement nicely on the second pairing defense as a shutdown defenseman. But the condition to this deal was that the Avs could land a scoring winger. And this is where picking up pending UFA Viktor Arvidsson from the St. Louis Blues GM Graham became an important factor for the deal to close.
Prior to the deadline, Avs-GM Mat also brought in James Reimer from the Montreal Canadiens to play the legitimate backup to Ilya Sorokin.
A lot of talks and opinions around the league when it comes to affecting the team chemistry at the deadline. It’s obvious these additions don't make the Colorado Avalanche a cup contender. But does it give them a fighting chance to make the playoffs? You be the judge, with a 5W-1L record and doubling their power play percentage from league worst 10.1% to 20% while still battling injuries (like everyone else). It may still be too soon to tell, but its looking like a possible WIN. |
 Vancouver Canucks
|
The NEFHL's Top 100 Prospects
|
Canucks-Kyle |
2023-03-08 19:15:08 |
58 |
The annual NEFHL prospect rankings based off The Hockey News Future Watch.
This year’s winner is the St. Louis Blues with a total of 9 prospects followed closely by the Carolina Hurricanes which kind of surprised me even though Jeff drafts well, it’s not usually in the top 10s so he’s been able to grab some quality talent with later picks.
The top 10 is pretty even with 6 from the West and 4 from the East. The top 10 also owns 59 of the top 100 prospects.
Reminder: the lower the score, the better
St. Louis – 9 prospects for a total of 424 points Shane Wright (4). Brandt Clakrke (9), Fabian Lysel (21), Scott Morrow (48), Connor McMichael (49), Filip Mesar (54), Luke Evangalista (61), Fedor Svechkov (85), Artem Duda (93)
Carolina – 8 prospects for a total of 518 points Alexander Nikishin (30), Connor Geekie (46), Connor Zary (60), Brendan Brisson (68), Ville Heinola (71) Isak Rosen (73), Jacob Bernard-Docker (81), Jeremie Poirer (89)
Nashville – 6 prospects for a total of 300 points Denton Mateychuk (29), Brennan Othmann (31), Mackie Samoskevich (39), Bobby Brink (51), Ivan Miroschnichenko (56), William Dufour (94)
Florida – 6 prospects for a total of 431 points Pyotr Kochetkov (52). Rutger McGroarty (57), Scott Perunovich (77), Stanislav Svozil (79), Issac Howard (80), Mavric Lamoureux (86)
Toronto – 5 prospects for a total of 181 points Simon Edvinsson (2), Matthew Knies (18), Marco Kasper (19), Shakir Mukhamadullin (42), Topi Niemela (100)
Detroit – 5 prospects for a total of 190 points Kevin Korchinski (14), Thomas Harley (26), Owen Pickering (40), Lian Bichsel (44), Nathan Gaucher (66)
San Jose – 5 prospects for a total of 217 points Simon Nemec (6), Joakim Kemell (24), Filip Bystedt (27), Brad Lambert (62), Zach L’Heureux (98)
Anaheim – 5 prospects for a total of 250 points Luke Hughes (3), Mavrik Bourque (38), Xavier Bourgault (45), Carter Mazur (69), Jean Luc Foudy (95)
Calgary – 5 prospects for a total of 275 points Logan Stankoven (13), Alex Turcotte (58), Tyson Foerster (63), Lane Hutson (65), Corson Cuelemans (76)
Chicago – 5 prospects for a total of 305 points Matthew Coronato (23), Jonathan Lekkermaki (47), Oskar Olausson (67), Jackson Lacombe (78), Jagger Firkus (90)
Boston – 5 prospects for a total of 369 points Jakob Pelletier (43). Hendrix Lapierre (64), Lukas Cormier (83), Victor Soderstrom (88), Zach Dean (91)
Minnesota - 4 prospects for a total of 82 points Logan Cooley (1), Lukas Reichel (16), Sebastien Cossa (32), Dustin Wolf (33)
Washington – 4 prospects for a total of 154 points William Eklund (12). Marco Rossi (20), Aatu Raty (35), Nick Robertson (87)
Las Vegas – 4 prospects for a total of 167 points Yaroslav Askarov (7), Jesper Wallstedt (8), Zac Jones (70), Nikita Chibrikov (82)
Montreal – 3 prospects for a total of 123 points Jiri Kulich (15), Philip Tomasino (34), Lukas Dostal (74)
New York Islanders – 3 prospects for a total of 161 points David Jiricek (5). Thomas Bordeleau (59), Jani Nyman (97)
Pittsburgh – 2 prospects for a total of 58 points Ridly Greig (22), Olen Zellweger (36)
Dallas – 2 prospects for a total of 65 points Matthew Savoie (28), Chaz Lucius (37)
Ottawa – 2 prospects for a total of 66 points Brock Faber (25), Danila Yurov (41)
Seattle – 2 prospects for a total of 82 points Cutter Gauthier (10), Reid Schafer (72)
New Jersey – 2 prospects for a total of 86 points Pavel Mintyukov (11), Tobias Brjornfot (75)
Vancouver – 2 prospects for a total of 144 points Zachary Bolduc (50), Frank Nazar (96)
Edmonton – 2 prospects for a total of 152 points Liam Ohgren (53), Akira Schmid (99)
Colorado – 2 prospects for a total of 176 points Owen Beck (84), Justin Baron (92)
Arizona – 1 prospect for a total of 17 points Jimmy Snuggerud (17)
New York Rangers – 1 prospect for a total of 55 points Noah Ostlund (55)
Teams without a top 100 prosect: Buffalo, Columbus, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, Winnipeg |
 Carolina Hurricanes
|
Eastern Conference Deadline Loadup
|
Canes-Jeff |
2023-03-04 09:53:15 |
156 |
The Eastern Conference standings have been extremely tight all season long when it comes to the playoff race. Even with some recent streaks spreading out the conference, there are still only 7 points separating seeds 1 through 7 as of today. The recent stretch saw many teams in the race add to their rosters, lets look below at what each playoff contender did: 1. Pittsburgh (80 points through 63 games)Added:G - Thatcher DemkoC - Jeff CarterLW - Blake ColemanD - Dylan Demelo The Pens took care of one their bigger holes in adding 81OV goaltender Thatcher Demko in a deal with Ottawa. He will be a massive upgrade over Jordan Binnington and gives the Pens a true #1 between the pipes. The Pens also made shrewd moves in adding top 6 winger Blake Coleman, veteran C Jeff Carter who comes with loads of playoff experience and Demelo on the back end. This roster is loaded and looks ready for a deep run. 2. Tampa Bay (73 points through 64 games - second seed as division leader)Added:C - Philip DanaultD - Cody CeciD - Jake BeanRW - Nick BjugstadLW - Tanner Pearson The Lightning have been struggling of late and decided to add some serious depth at the deadline. They acquired an entire new 3rd line in Danault, Bjugstad and Pearson which should be able to prevent some goals while also being able to chip in offensively. On the back end, they added 2nd pair Dman Ceci and some depth in Bean. The Atlantic division has been a mess this season and the Lightning currently hold a 5 point lead over the Leafs and 6 over Buffalo. These moves will hopefully help them hold on to the #2 seed. 3. Columbus (80 points through 65 games)Added:D - Dougie HamiltonRW - Richard RakellD - Brendan DillonRW - Garnet Hathaway The hottest team in the league can attribute most of their success to the acquisition of Hamilton. The team has been on absolute fire since his addition. Rakell is currently playing on the top line and has also been the perfect fit on this squad. The Jackets also added some nice depth players in Dillon and Hathaway who should fit in great for a playoff run. This team could shortly be leading the conference and are looking great. 4. Washington (79 points through 65 games)Added:D - Vince Dunn The defending champs only made 1 move this year, but it should be an impact one as they dealt their 1st rounder for offensive Dman Vince Dunn. He seems like he should be a solid fit as the Caps go for a title defence in the coming months 5. Philadelphia (77 points through 64 games)Added:G - Anton ForsbergLW - Brayden SchennRW - Balke Wheeler Never a team to sit back, the Flyers didn't disappoint once again this deadline as they added a couple of impact top 6 wingers in Schenn and Wheeler. Suddenly this squad looks significantly more dangerous offensively and are going to give some teams fits in the playoffs trying to contain them. Not to overlooked though, they were also able to bring in a very solid backup in Forsberg to give Igor Shesterkin a breather now and then. Very nice moves from an already solid team. 6. New Jersey (74 points through 63 games)Added:Nothing The Devils have been very up and down the last month but decided to stand pat with their roster in the hopes they can get hot again at the right time. 7. Hurricanes (73 points through 62 games)Added:RW - Tyler BertuzziD - Jacob SlavinC - Radek FaksaRW - Alex KillornC - Paul Stastny One of the stingiest traders in the league pushed a lot of chips in the pot this year and added a couple top 6 wingers, a couple bottom 6 C's and a top pair D. I will let you guys be the judge of the Canes moves as obviously I have pretty obvious thoughts about them already It's going to be a heck of a race down the stretch and into the playoffs in the East but it was awesome seeing all these teams load up at the deadline. |
|
Vancouver Canucks
|
Canucks Roster Heading into Playoffs & 2023/2024
|
Canucks-Kyle |
2023-03-03 16:44:29 |
51 |
The Canucks have turned the page and the focus is on the rest of the year and heading into the playoffs. The Canucks have 19 games left and are currently tied for 3rd overall in the league and sitting 2nd in the Western Conference as the current leader of the Pacific Division with 80 points just ahead of the Kings and Flames respectively. The Western Conference leader has been the Arizona Coyotes with the 91 points (also leading the league) and the Blackhawks in 3rd with 86 points.
“It’s going to be tough to catch to Arizona but we are shooting for the President’s Trophy and Pacific Division title. Obviously the higher you are, the better your home ice advantage is throughout the playoffs. But, we still need to win because we are only 11 points up on the number nine team with a lot of hockey left” said General Manager Allen.
Going into the playoffs the Canucks roster is looking like: Andrei Svechnikov, Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk Gabriel Landeskog, Jared McCann, Joe Pavelski Eric Robinson, Robert Thomas, Kyle Okposo Yegor Sharangovich, Sean Kuraly, Luke Glendening Zac Dalpe Roman Josi, Radko Gudas Morgan Reilly, Niklas Jensen Miro Heiskanen, Ryan Lindgren Niko Mikkola Connor Hellebuyck Robin Lehner Charlie Lindgren
When asked, General Manager Kyle Allen didn’t want to comment on the 2023/2024 Vancouver Canucks roster. “We want to focus on this year and try to win a Stanley Cup”.
However, we are going to project the next years roster knowing full well that the cap will be hitting the Canucks hard with Tkachuk, Svechnikov, Heiskanen, Hellebuyck, McCann all needing new contracts.
Andrei Svechnikov, Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk Jared McCann, Robert Thomas, Joe Pavelski Yegor Sharangovich, ?, Kyle Okposo Eric Robinson, Luke Glendening, ?
UFA: Kuraly, Dalpe. Expected to be moved: Landeskog
Roman Josi/Morgran Reilly, Miro Heiskanen Ryan Lindgren, Niklas Jensen ? , Niko Mikkola Jalen Chatfield
UFA: None. Expected to be moved: One of Reilly or Josi
Connor Hellebuyck ? Connor Ingram
UFA: Charlie Lindgren Expected to be moved: Robin Lehner
11/5 = $1,500,000 - Need to recoup money for my fines and reckless spending. |
 Nashville Predators
|
Playoff hopes are waning in Nashville
|
Preds-Sylvain |
2023-03-03 16:20:28 |
50 |
After a promising start to the year, the Nashville Predators were hit with injuries to their key players and started moving steadily down the standings.
Due to that fall, the management proceeded to trade some of its injured key parts as they became healthy. Key figures departing from Nashville were Blake Wheeler, Darcy Kuemper, Anthony Mantha, Milan Lucic, Carson Soucy, Luke Schenn, and Brian Dumoulin. In return, the Predators received a mix of roster players and futures: Derrick Brassard, Kyle Palmieri, Justin Holl, John Gibson, Trey Fix-Wolansky, Benoit-Olivier Groulx, and a couple of picks in the 4th and 5th rounds.
With the deadline past, the Predators are looking at the playoffs from an outside perspective, being 9 points behind the last playoff spot in the Western Conference. However, the Predators have three games in hand, so there's some catching up that could happen. The roster remains depleted with three players that would usually slot in the top 6 currently injured in Mikael Granlund, Kyle Palmieri, and Troy Terry.
So far this season, the best players on the team have performed well when healthy. Granlund and Ehlers are both scoring close to a point per game. Bjorkstrand and Terry have also provided decent scoring around .75 PPG. To complete the top 6, Cirelli and Palmieri have provided secondary scoring at close to .60 PPG. On defense, Montour has been really good with 39 points in 57 games. Between the pipes, Gibson has been solid but has missed many games due to not being 100% healthy. On the other hand, considering the games lost to injuries, the depth scoring has been lacking, providing around .25 PPG only. The young guns like Hayton and Dellandrea have just not been able to make their marks. |
|
Vancouver Canucks
|
Canucks Top Prospects After the Deadline
|
Canucks-Kyle |
2023-03-03 15:40:52 |
52 |
With the trade deadline completed, the prospect list is set until the offseason. The Canucks have trades some prospects which wasn’t a surprise given the number of prospects that were in the system. However, they were able to hold on to their top 10 prospects with only Nico Daws being moved. This offseason, the Canucks currently have 3 first round picks so the prospect list should be bolstered with high end talent.
Currently, the Canucks list 33 prospects on their roster. Two prospects have been notified they will not be signed and there are others drafted by the Canucks who do not have NHL ownership.
1) Kent Johnson – C – Columbus Blue Jackets 2) Wyatt Johnston – C – Dallas Stars 3) Zach Bolduc – C – Quebec Remparts/St. Louis Blues 4) Frank Nazar III - C - University of Michigan/Chicago Blackhawks 5) William Cuylle – F – New York Rangers 6) Joel Hofer – G – Springfield Thunderbirds/St. Louis Blues 7) Ty Nelson - D - North Bay Battalion/Seattle Kraken 8) Amadeus Lombardi - F - Flint Firebirds/Detroit Red Wings 9) Wyatt Kaiser – D – Minnesota-Duluth/Chicago Blackhawks 10) Aidan Thompson - F - Denver Pioneers/Chicago Blackhawks 11) Kenny Connors - F - Umass/Los Angeles Kings 12) Mack Guzda - G - Charlotte Checkers/Florida Panthers 13) Arsenii Sergeev – G – Shreveport/Calgary Flames 14) Brandon Scanlin - D - Hartford Wolfpack/New York Rangers 15) Marc McLaughlin - F - Providence Bruins/Boston Bruins 16) Ben Meyers - F - Colorado Avalanche 18) Kirill Gerasimyuk – G – SKA/Florida Panthers 19) Ethan Edwards – D – University of Michigan/New Jersey Devils 20) Marek Alscher - D - Portland Winterhawks/Florida Panthers 21) Cameron Whitehead - G - Northeastern/Vegas Golden Knights 22) Santeri Hatakka – D – San Jose Barracuda/San Jose Sharks 23) Oliver Johansson - F - Timra/Ottawa Senators 24) Pavol Regenda - F - San Diego Gulls/Anaheim Ducks 25) Sergei Ivanov - G - SKA St. Petersburg/Columbus Blue Jackets 26) Arseni Koromyslov - D - SKA St. Petersburg/St. Louis Blues 27) Ty Gallagher – D – Boston University/Boston Bruins 28) Connor Kurth - Univeristy of Minnesota/Tampa Bay Lightining 29) Andrei Buyaslsky – F - Vermont/Colorado Avalanche 30) Jakub Vondras - G - HC Pizen/Carolina Hurricanes 32) Reid Dyck - G - Swift Current Broncos/Boston Bruins 33) James Fisher - F - Northeastern/Columbus Blue Jackets
Those unlikely to be signed: Max McCue – C – London Knights/San Jose Sharks Braden Doyle – D – Boston University/Los Angeles Kings
Unsigned/Undrafted Prospects: Ryan Francis (F), Jack Harvey (F), Pavel Cajan (G), Brayden Schuurman (F), Tyler Duke (D), David Morevac (D), Dominik Rymon (F), Nikita Buruyanov (F)
10/5 - 1,250,000 |
|
Vancouver Canucks
|
Canucks at the Deadline
|
Canucks-Kyle |
2023-03-03 15:26:07 |
44 |
The 2023 NEFHL trade deadline came and went and as expected, the Canucks were busy but it wasn’t on deadline day. The Canucks made a total of 6 trades in the days leading up to the deadline.
“We wanted to get our work done early so we can start the process of gelling the guys together. However, we are really happy with our deadline and feel we improved an already strong team” said General Manager Allen.
Improved they did. The Canucks added one of the top ranked defensemen in the league by picking up Roman Josi from Detroit.
General Manager Allen said “We had Roman on our radar but it was hard to fit with his cap. However, Landy went down and we had our LTIR for him increasing while he was out and we didn’t add at the time, weathered the storm so we had some room to add him.”
The Canucks seemed to be finished at that point and were satisfied with the roster though they did want to upgrade some depth on the wings. Luckily, Sabres General Manager Fuhr decided he was going to move some pieces and immediately the Canucks swooped in looking at some names before settling on wanting to pick up veteran Kyle Okposo.
“We wanted Okposo to upgrade over Fast and as we looked, we noticed Gudas may be available as well. We wanted to add some more grit to the back end and we moved some pieces to grab both guys who we feel will be huge adds to our team” said GM Allen.
Finally, the Canucks were approached by the Golden Knights about interest in a couple of their players. With the cap getting close, the Canucks shaved off a couple hundred thousand while improving on the player by adding UFA to be Kuraly for Fischer and a prospect.
“We felt highly on Fischer but adding Kuraly, even though he is a UFA, is a big add to the bottom 6. Having a great year, cheaper contract and more physical and defensively aware. Big for our PK” said GM Allen.
The Canucks were able to add key players without touching their first round picks or top prospects and the players they moved out, they received picks in return. The cupboards are still well stocked. The full details of the trades are below:
Vancouver Canucks trade Christian Fischer and Aleksi Malinen to Vegas Golden Knights for Sean Kuraly
Vancouver Canucks trade Vladislav Gavrikov to Winnipeg Jets for NYR 2023 Rnd 3
Vancouver Canucks trade Case McCarthy to Ottawa Senators for $1
Vancouver Canucks trade Jesper Fast to New York Rangers for WPG 2023 Rnd 4
Vancouver Canucks trade Bobby Trivigno, Jakub Malek, Travis Sanheim, Adam Ingram and $500,000 to Buffalo Sabres for Kyle Okposo and Radko Gudas *Fine applied for trading the following players: Bobby Trivigno Jakub Malek
Vancouver Canucks trade Joe Miller, Nico Daws, Noah Laba, VAN 2024 Rnd 2 and $500,000 to Detroit Red Wings for Roman Josi *Fine applied for trading the following players: Joe Miller Noah Laba
9/5 = $1,000,000 |
 St-Louis Blues
|
Evangelista Makes NHL Debut - Other Blues News
|
Blues-Graham |
2023-03-03 06:52:02 |
48 |
Hello Blues Fans, Just a few little updates to tide you over:
1. Luke Evangelista made his NHL debut with the Preds last night. Got a primary assist on the powerplay. Nice little tap tap with Duchene. THe Preds had him playing the bumper which is apparently where he played on the Admirals PP.
Played just under 13 minutes overall and was even on the night win a 2-1 preds win!
2. Another bit of a weird stat - Gambrell who had all of 1 point in his first 34 games now has 4 points in his last 6 and 3 in his last 3. He seems to have a bump in icetime as well. I don't follow the Sens close enough but looks like he may have been moved up to the 3rd line.
I doubt he'll ever be more than a 4th liner but I'll take it.
3. The Blues wern't big players at the deadline but did move top point getter Viktor Arvidsson in a 3 team deal involving the Avalance and Flames. In return for the soon to be UFA the Blues got leading OHL point getter Matthew Maggio and 2024 LOS 3rd rounder. He was orignally a 5th rounder in the 2022 NHL draft and leads the OHL in scoring.
4. The Blues own the top 3 PPG producers in the OHL:
# PLAYER TEAM GP G A TP PPG PIM +/-
1. Shane Wright (C)Seattle Kraken Windsor Spitfires 10 8 11 19 1.90 2 2
2. Brandt Clarke (D)Los Angeles Kings Barrie Colts 23 15 27 42 1.83 22 25
3. Matthew Maggio (RW)New York Islanders Windsor Spitfires 56 46 49 95 1.70 26 4
6. Brandt Clarke now sits 14th in OHL scoring by Dmen. In only 23 GP. He got a hat trick last night.
7. Talking about points per game. The Blues also own the rights to the top QMJHL point getter as well in Jordan Dumais. # PLAYER TEAM GP G A TP PPG PIM +/-
Jordan Dumais (RW)Columbus Blue Jackets Halifax Mooseheads 53 44 68 112 2.11 6 47 |
 Minnesota Wild
|
Wild Deadline trades
|
Wild-Peter |
2023-03-02 21:58:54 |
59 |
The Minnesota Wild made some deadline trades to improve their odds at winning it all this spring. In the process, the Wild retained their top draft picks and top prospects.
"I'm very happy about that. I was willing to use my 2nds and if guys like Reichel or Holloway needed to be added I would have done that for the right fit. My first rounder would have been hard to let go as I've never really traded one for upgrades in my entire time as GM of the Wild but I would have definitely considered it for the right player. It didn't come to that and I still added pieces that will help for sure. I'm done hoarding picks and prospects. It's time to try and win. It sucks giving up on the potential of some young guys I like and want to see make it, but I want to win now too."
The trade deadline for Minnesota started a month ago with the acquisition of Nico Sturm for undrafted prospect Cole Knuble. Sturm's blend of mid 60s IT, high 70s DF, and high 50s low 60s PA/PC/SC is great for the bottom 6 and he can play multiple positions.
Over the last few days the Wild were busy working the phones.
Speedster winger Emil Bemstrom, inexperienced young NHL pro defenseman Jake Christiansen, and two top6 forward prospects drafted in the 2nd round Theodor Niederbach (2020) and Julian Lutz (2022) were sent to the Buffalo Sabres in return for pending UFA Vincent Trocheck. There was some criticism of the deal from outsiders looking in, but both GM of the Wild and Sabres felt this offer benefitted both teams.
"I was looking for a winger but the guy I targetted from an Eastern team was not moving. I pushed for that RFA aged winger. My offer was refused. I came back with a better package. Still got refused. I was going to make a final attempt but then Trocheck became available and I shifted gears. I got a player with better offensive skills. Trochek is not RFA aged but he'll likely become my loyalty. In the end I added some more beef to the lineup with Trochek and his offensive ratings. It's a big upgrade from rookie Trevor Zegras who is now on the left wing. We didn't want to be pushed around on the second line with Bailey and Zegras there. We added size and defense down the middle."
Continuing that trend of size and defense down the middle, the Wild popped their 'conditional pick' cherry by moving a 2023 6th rounder that becomes a 2023 5th rounder with an appearance in the 2nd round of the playoffs this season in a deal with the New York Islanders for soon to be retired forward Johan Larsson. Larsson is an upgrade on youngish forward Jake Evans on the 4th line. Larsson brings a bit more jam, a bit more defense and more offense. 3 of 4 Centres have 80 or more DF and all 4 centres have minimum 60 PA.
The trade for Larsson was a luxury addition and left the Wild with way too many bottom 6 forwards. "We had a 5th line of Bailey, Evans, Archibald on the pro roster. None of them would go through waivers. We can see a couple bodies going down to injury but 3 or more? I have farm guys I can use as well in Nathan Smith and Drake Caggiula. Somebody had to go. The one making the most money was the one. " The Wild completed their final deadline trade by moving Josh Bailey to the Vegas Golden Knights in return for a 6th rounder 2023.
"Bailey brings a ton of veteran experience and leadership. On top of that he's an excellent PK option. His passing is still high level but unfortunately for him there just wasn't room in the bottom 6 for him. He does not have the physicality we want and we decided to give him a better opportunity elsewhere. He still has pro roster value." Interested in Bailey was seen by four teams around the league and all offered up a 6th rounder. Attempts to squeeze a 5th were quickly shut down. Value was set by the market on this one even though the feeling by the Minnesota GM was he worth a bit more.
IN: Vincent Trocheck, Johan Larsson, Nico Sturm, 6th round 2023
OUT: Emil Bemstrom, Jake Christiansen, Theodor Niederbach, Julian Lutz, Josh Bailey, Cole Knuble, Conditional 6th round 2023
There were some deals that never materialized however. Cam Talbot did not move at the deadline and will remain with the team until the end of the season. At this point it is unlikely he will return to Minnesota for 2023-2024. But he remains a highly rated 1B/backup which will be useful for the stretch run and playoffs. The GM is still thinking about giving up Mads Sogaard in the deal that got Talbot this past summer, but is left reassured by the great development of the best goalie prospect in the world Dustin Wolf, and the newfound opportunity of Daniil Tarasov thanks to NHL Columbus moving Korpisalo and Quick.
A late push for Kale Clague with a decent, but not sexy offer was made from a Western team, however, due to the year in which the pick was offered, The Wild opted to retain the young defender and pay him as an 8th Dman and re-evaluate his place in the lineup during the summer.
Final remarks from the GM:
"I have the best team I've ever assembled in this league right now. I hope we can do some serious damage and not waste the opportunity. I hope we have some luck on our side too. There are a lot of tough teams to beat in the west though."
"I've spent many seasons rebuilding this team. I passed many trade deadlines where I was shipping players out for picks and prospects. I had a lot of fun doing that. It takes time for these guys to develop. But to be the guy buying players and trying to compete and maximizing cap space to make win-now moves and improve the club...that's just so much more challenging and fun."
____________________________
Article: 32/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $6,750,000 / $10,000,000
|
 Pittsburgh Penguins
|
Penguins add Depth and Leadership at the Deadline
|
Pens-Brent |
2023-03-02 17:01:29 |
48 |
Despite a landslide win against the surging Blue Jackets last evening, the Penguins brass made a series of moves to help bolster their lineup. Traditionally, the Penguins have shied away from making deals near the trade deadline for fear of disrupting team chemistry. This year the club decided to change the radio station.
"When we won in 2018, we kept our group together for the entire year. This time around we felt as though their was room to grow and improve. We are happy with the adjustments that we made and feel as those the players that we acquired will help improve the quality of our group," stated the Penguins GM.
After a couple years of retooling, the Penguins appear ready for a playoff birth. 19 games are left to be played and the flightless birds still have work to do in order to secure a spot in the post season.
Trade #1 -> New York Rangers trade Blake Coleman, COL 2023 Rnd 4 and NYR 2023 Rnd 5 to Pittsburgh Penguins for PIT 2024 Rnd 2
"Blake is a jack of all trades type who plays the game the right way. He can move up and down the lineup and can play both sides. He has some sandpaper to his game, which is an area that we really wanted to address," said coach Craig Berube about the addition.
Trade #2 -> Pittsburgh Penguins trade Brett Howden, NYR 2023 Rnd 5 and BUF 2024 Rnd 4 to Buffalo Sabres for Jeff Carter
"Jeff is a proven player with a history here in Pittsburgh. Like Blake, Carter can do it all. He brings tremendous speed and two-way ability to the table. He is the perfect 3rd line centermen for us. We should be pretty deep down the middle once Geno returns. Jeff is our insurance policy," added Berube.
Trade #3 -> San Jose Sharks trade Dylan Demelo to Pittsburgh Penguins for PIT 2023 Rnd 6
"Dylan provides some depth for us on the blueline. He's a little more physical than most of the guys on our team. He is durable and capable of logging big minutes. Double D is a great fit for the 3rd pair and PK," mentioned the coach.
The Penguins new additions arrived this morning for the practice. Here's a look at the upgraded lineup.
Coleman - Crosby - Raymond
Ovechkin - Newhook - Wood
Hagel - Carter - Jarvis
Cogliano - Accari - Deslauriers/Heinen
Injured - Malkin (3W)
DeHaan - Sergachev
Kulak - Marino
Demelo - Bouchard
Dermott - Lindstrom
Demko - Binnington
________________________
Obligatory Articles: 5/5
Bonus Articles: 19/40 = $4,750,000 / $10,000,000
|
 Philadelphia Flyers
|
2022-23 Western Mid-Season: Working? Is Not?
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2023-02-27 13:49:10 |
75 |
Team
GP
W
L
OT
PTS
WORKING
IS NOT
Coyotes
61
41
16
4
86
The Yotes have tons of goal scoring in their top 6 and Chara is being the dominating physical presence they needed. They are the league's top scoring team right now. Jarry has also been excellent.
Tough to nitpick the top team, but Both their PP and PK are out of the league's top 10. Their roster fillers really aren't more than filler, and give their lineup a weakness.
Canucks
60
34
20
6
74
Currently #2 in GA/G; high DF top to bottom with the best goalie duo going. All their top players are playing great and they just added Josi to the team. Were my pre-season rankings #1 team.
Again, tough to find any faults for a well built team, that is succeeding, and has improved the roster throughout the season, but to try one they are only $1 million from their cap limit (which they did a good job of raising to over $50million currently), which means if they were to hit a run of injuries they might have to make a cut or two to be compliant. Needs bad luck for that to happen though. Pretty limited injuries so far.
Blackhawks
60
40
20
0
80
In large thanks to a Vezina leading performance so far from Saros, but also great team defense, the Hawks have the 2nd best record in the league. They are getting production from everywhere in the lineup thanks to good depth.
Biggest issue for the Hawks, #2 in the league, but 3rd in West, is they are in same division as the Coyotes. They are getting scoring from all over, but their star forward Aho has struggled to get any momentum this season. Their SF/SA is also pretty low with a 0.3 advantage.
Wild
61
35
23
3
73
The number one defensive team in the league. Playing great shutdown hockey and their top line of Btkachuk, Hintz, and Pettersson up front with Hronek and Kulikov backing them up has been one of the best in league.
The Wild drop outside the top 10 in the GF, PP, and SF categories. The scoring depth is week and the Wild's biggest opportunity to improve their cup hopes.
Kings
62
33
23
6
72
McDavid is clearly the best player in the league and dominating. Zibanajad continues to click well with them for the best offensive duo in the league. Picking up Doughty and Ullmark was a huge move to improve the Kings chances.
The Kings are not much more than a one line team. The depth is terrible and their roster fillers are getting exposed regularly. Over half the roster are terrible minus players for them.
Flames
61
31
23
7
69
Currently 7th overall in GA/G. Mikko Rantanen is 3rd in the league for goals. Jake Allen has been an excellent backup option for them.
Outside GA, Flames aren't a top 10 team in any category. Mike Smith has been pretty mediocore. There is very little IT in the Flames lineup and I'm assuming they're getting outworked every game, because they have some excellent goal scorers.
Sharks
61
30
25
6
66
SJ has been managing to get goals by committee so far this season with 9 different 10+ goal scorers, including Hertl, and his 32. His 61 points have been a huge part of their success.
Oettinger has been utter shitpile of fuckballs so far this season. He needs to play better if they hope to be more than a quick sweep to one of the West's elite, if they can hold onto their playoff spot.
Oilers
62
31
27
4
66
They are finding ways to win games... They are low in most team stats. A -9 goal differential, but still 4 games above .500. They also have millions and millions of cap room, in large part because of MaxPacs super expected and serious injury, so if they want to buy... So much space!
As far as team stats go, they are low in most of them, getting significantly outshot for their averages. Most players are negative +/-. By all means the Stars have been playing the better roster for this final playoff spot.
OUT OF PLAYOFFS
Stars
61
32
28
1
65
2nd highest scoring team in the West, but 2nd last to only last place Kraken for GA. Leon has been a beast as expected and their top 6 is giving them pretty good results.
On a 7 game losing streak and giving up their playoff spot. Pairing their low PK% with the most PIM/G might not be a good combo. Dead last in SF/G and bottom 10 for SA/G. Husso deserves to be banned from playing hockey and never let his face be seen again when discussing NEFHL goalies. The worst and a total joke that he still gets starts.
Ducks
62
30
27
5
65
While making a move towards restocking assets, moving Doughty and Ullmark for some good futures, they claimed Jack Campbell from waivers and added Price for a 4th. Although trading Ullmark was a surprise to some, the moves make sense to help their future while not getting much worse for the now, especially if they use some of their cap space to add some useful but overpaid vet.
They have 4 players -10 or worse, including Brodin and his -20. Bench him! Garbage. Their stars could be playing better - Doughty leaving makes a major hole on an already light defense.
Avalanche
60
30
27
3
63
Suzuki feeding Anderson, with Ekblad and Provorov doing an exceptional job as the top pairing, has been a major strength for the Avs. Colorado is a top 10 team for both SF and SA, with a positive 1.9 differential.
Nate Mack is 4th on the team in points and his 19 goals is below what expectations for him are. Likely part of the reason they have the league's worst PP. He needs to be better if they hope to sneak their way into the playoffs.
Predators
60
28
27
5
61
Both Granlund and Ehlers are producing at ~PPG playing together. Bjorkstrand is having a solid season for him too. They have their own 1st rounder.
Preds don't have a lot of offensive options and it's shown, being one of the least offensive teams this season. Not their season and they've gone into sell mode, so will likely fall rather than rise in the standings.
Golden Knights
61
27
30
4
58
Knights have a positive 0.7 SF/SA ratio. Marchand is scoring at over a PPG and if moved, will help their longer term rebuild. Most importantly at this stage though, they have their 1st rounder.
No regular on this team has a positive +/-. Hughes and Stutzle are disappointed the team isn't better.
Jets
61
25
32
4
54
Kadri has been a great two-way force for them. They were able to re-acquire their own 1st.
The team is getting beat pretty easily.
Blues
60
24
32
4
52
St. Louis is the 2nd least penalized team in the league. Excitement for draft day.
The team is pretty bad.
Kraken
61
21
33
7
49
They are currently the worst!
They are currently the worst!
|
 New York Islanders
|
Warren Zevon Finally Nominated for the Rock & Roll HOF!!
|
Isles-Steve |
2023-02-25 15:29:36 |
67 |
Despite their best efforts, the New York Islanders continue to win games. Incredibly, after gutting the team to acquire 5 1st round picks in the 2023 draft class, the Islanders continue to find ways to win games.
Currently, they are sporting a 4 game winning streak which has taken them above the .500 mark in regulation. 29-28 isn’t exactly playoff material but it is certainly a curiosity when they win with a goalie rated 71 OV and a 61 OV backup.
Although the overpaid Tyler Toffoli leads the team with 26 goals and 43 points, Anthony Beauvillier has just one fewer goal and 3 fewer assists. The nearly $6 million dollar salary difference reflects the poor wisdom of jamming a contract to make the salary cap floor.
Beauvillier’s -18 is only exceeded by 80 DF defensive specialist Dominik Simon’s -27.
Sadly, the Islanders have played more games than any other team in the league. 64 games is 5 more than the Carolina Hurricanes and at least 3 more than 23 other teams to this point of the season.
Despite the winning record, only a handful of players have positive +- ratings. Michael Stone is a plus 5 while Seth Jones is a plus 3. Galchenyuk and Wahlstrom are the only other positives.
And now, for the couple of games, the Islanders will ice a team that is netminded by 61 OV goaltender Josef Korenar starting and with Michael McNiven (60 OV) backing up. Can the next two games (Detroit and then Buffalo) actually lead to more wins?
In unrelated news, Warren Zevon is finally getting recognition in the voting for this year’s Rock Hall of Fame voting. He currently sits 3rd behind Cyndi Lauper and George Michael. Zevon’s consideration is long overdue after 25 years of eligibility.
https://youtu.be/eUb0C0iI_GE
https://youtu.be/M4ef7oqiuYU
Happy Springtime Folks! It’s 4:20 all the time! |
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
Healthy Competition
|
Pens-Brent |
2023-02-24 13:55:56 |
55 |
Despite starting only one of the Penguins last six games, goaltender Jordan Binnington remains adament that he is "the guy".
A couple weeks back, the Penguins moved back up Eric Comrie, young two-way defender Brock Faber, and Pittsburgh's first round pick in the 2023 draft (lottery protected) in exchanged for goalie Thatcher Demko. With the exception of Wednesday vs. the Predators, Demko has been outstanding, standing on his head, leading the Penguins to four victories in five starts.
Known for his outspoken ways, Binnington is steadfast in his perspective regarding his position with the team. When asked about his lack of starts as of late, Binnington showcased his overwhelming confidence.
"I mean, whatever. I know that I am the starter. I am the guy who has helped to get this team to where we are today. Everyone here in Pittsburgh knows that I am capable of getting the job done. I am ready for when coach calls on me next," said the Richmond Hill native.
When asked about his contract, Binnington deflected the question.
"I am just focused on winning right now," Binnington stated.
Those closest to the Penguins brass suggest that Binnington is in fact the odd man out. His off ice antics and outspoken ways have not resonated with his teammates. Rumours have swirled that the Pens veteran group have not been impressed with Binnington's fiery ways.
Coach Berube remained Switzerland when asked about the goaltending situation.
"We are very fortunate to have two capable guys that can lead us in net. We are confident that both players can get the job done if called on," Berube said with confidence.
Rumour has it the Pens may not be done on the trade front. The Penguins first next year could be had. Some suggest that bluechipper Alexander Holtz could be dangled if the return is right.
More to come!
________________________
Obligatory Articles: 5/5
Bonus Articles: 18/40 = $4,500,000 / $10,000,000 |
 Vegas Golden Knights
|
Marchand on the Move?
|
Knights-Derek |
2023-02-23 15:46:07 |
69 |
On January 15th, things looked great. The Golden Knights had just won 10 - 2 over the visiting Dallas Stars, and were in the midst of a five-game winning streak to begin 2023, where they scored 30 goals over that span. They were third in their division, and poised to build on last year’s success, where they narrowly missed the playoffs.
Since then, they’ve had just two regulation wins in fifteen games, and have been outscored by two or more goals in ten of those games. Although he’s the top contender for the Calder Trophy, much of the blame seems to be attributable to the lack of development of top goalie prospect Spencer Knight. His 21 wins are impressive, more than Connor Hellebuyck, Ilya Sorokin, Jacob Markstrom, Carter Hart, and John Gibson, he’s still not stealing enough games for the Golden Knights when they need it the most.
Vegas Management is pondering what to do next. On the one hand, given the incredible steps taken by Jack Hughes and Tim Stutzle this year, along with the impressive performances of free-agent Andrei Kuzmenko, they know they have a strong core to build around, and will for years to come. On the other hand, perhaps this isn’t the right mixture of players, and the team needs a bit of a shakeup.
Only two players in the league have 78+ speed, 75+ skating, 82+ passing, 80+ puck control, 80+ defense, and 80+ scoring. One of those players is Connor McDavid. The other? That’s Vegas Golden Knights Hart-snubbed, soon-to-be-loyalty, Brad Marchand. But could he be on the move? The Golden Knights’ management could be persuaded to make such a trade, if the right offer presented itself. Such a proposal would need to include a top-defenseman prospect, or a first round pick with a blue-chip forward prospect. There’s also a possibility that they’d accept a player already in the league, however it would need to be for a guy who can score on the wing on the top two lines, and kill penalties.
Three teams have already inquired about acquiring Marchand’s services. Are there any others looking to go all-in, and put their team over the top, or will the Knights buy Marchand’s loyalty and use him to fuel their juggernaut next season? Time will tell…. |
 Columbus Blue Jackets
|
Brilliance of Dougie
|
Jackets-Blake |
2023-02-21 14:56:17 |
57 |
When the Jackets brough Dougie Hamilton on their squad, the GM didn't think he'd be a god like Vince Dunn on the Sabres. He thought he would bring a positive impact, but he wasn't too sure how positive it would be. The impact of Dougie Hamilton cannot be understated as he has been magnificent.
In the 4 games that Dougie has played, the Jackets have gone 4-0 and have outscored their opponents (all playoff teams in the west) 17-5. Now Dougie hasn't made every goal happen, but he has put up 1 goal and 5 assist in 4 games with a +4, 9 shots and 5 hits. He has been a force on the ice and has been arguably the best player on the team. He has been averaging about 22 minutes a night, and has made every second count. Hamilton's blend of size, speed, and skill has really meshed well with the Jackets. Hamilton has formed a great top pairin with Gustav Forsling, and has made the powerplay a lot scarier. Eichel has also found some good chemistry with Hamilton, with Eichel having 4 goals and 1 assist since Hamilton has joined the squad.
The Jackets have enough cap space for 1 more add, and it will be interesting to see if they add someone else if they can go on a deep run. One thing is for certain though, Hamilton has found his stride in Columbus, and has made them into a team that you can't underestimate. |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
Eastern Conference Standings: Working? Is Not?
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2023-02-19 23:06:49 |
139 |
RANK
TEAM
POINTS
WORKING? IS NOT?
1
Penguins
-
72
-
WORKING? Penguins have been hot and added a #1 goalie while still having cap space to spend. Most importantly, both Ovi and Crosby are kicking as much ass as expected.
IS NOT? Their shot differential is pretty minimal for a top ranked team, only taking 0.3 more shots for than against per game. Their snipers are sniping, but they might need some more depth to beat a top goalie in the playoffs.
2
Lightning
-
69
-
WORKING? Lighting have had tons of depth scoring, having 10 players with at least 10 goals. They are near the top of each team category.
IS NOT? MAF is already only an 80OV and his .901 save% is nowhere near it's .928 from two years ago so that is likely to drop a point or two before the playoffs. They don't have a good backup to go to if he falters either.
3
Capitals
-
72
-
WORKING? Capitals have three lines working well and Barzal is dishing them out with regularity.
IS NOT? They have some plugs on the 4th line and it shows in the stat lines. They are all good enough to be a contenders injury reserve players, but shouldn't be the regulars.
4
Blue Jackets
-
70
-
WORKING? Columbus isn't a leader in any team stat, and have the lowest goal differential of the Eastern playoff teams, but they are digging in, despite injuries, to win games. Good cap usage has allowed them to add a franchise dman in Dougie Hamilton.
IS NOT? Their PK has suffered and some of their top players have been bleeding goals against. Dougie will help, but team defense will need to improve to go deep into the playoffs.
5
Hurricanes
-
69
-
WORKING? Canes have been one of the top defensive teams in the league this season and are getting contributions throughout the lineup.
IS NOT? They are getting very little offense from their defensive unit. There is little flair from the backend. They have a #2 shutdown guy, then like 4 solid 4/5 guys, but no #1.
6
Flyers
-
68
-
WORKING? The Bergeron line has been going strong all season. Adding Horvat to give the team two top centers has really balanced the top six and provides two strong two-way lines. The two have helped make the Flyers one of the top shutdown teams in the league.
IS NOT? Scoring depth. Only 5 players have 10 or more goals. Adding some improved scoring to the wings would go a long way in the Flyers playoff hopes.
7
Devils
-
66
-
WORKING? Goal scoring! Connor is up to 31 and 75 points. There are 3 other 20+ goal scorers, and an additional 4 with at least 10.
IS NOT? Their goaltending is sub-par and so is the team defense. They are getting scored on a lot, but have relied on outscoring. Both DF rating and goalies are low end for playoff teams.
8
Sabres
-
65
-
WORKING? Top 5 PP right now and 8th in goals for per game, the Sabres are getting on the scoreboard.
IS NOT? They are a soft and poor defensive team, that has resulted in them having a negative SF/SA average.
CURRENTLY OUT OF PLAYOFFS:
9
Maple Leafs
-
63
-
WORKING? Kuemper is showing to be one of the league's top goalies this season and is giving the Leafs opportunities to win some games. They also have one of (maybe the best) shot differentials with a 3.5 positive average.
IS NOT? Backup Martin Jones has been utter trash pos garbage pile. And that's being generous. Some of their depth players are really hurting their chances too.
10
Islanders
-
59
-
WORKING? The Islanders are one of the worst in goal differential and should be much lower in the standings, but much to management's chagrin, they are finding ways to win games! Great coaching perhaps.
IS NOT? They don't want to be winning games, so that's kind of the bad thing here.
11
Bruins
-
58
-
WORKING? Their top vets are playing strong two way hockey while they've working on retooling the franchise.
IS NOT? There isn't much depth, the goaltending is poor, and they have the league's worst specialty teams.
12
Canadiens
-
57
-
WORKING? JT Miller is carrying his line along and huge part of the team not being the bottom of the league. They also have some depth scoring, with an additional 7 players with over 10 goals.
IS NOT? Defensive depth and goaltending have been two major issues for Montreal and goaltending has gotten worse, so will expect Montreal to drop further. They'll have some competition in that though.
13
Red Wings
-
56
-
WORKING? Well, they're aiming to be near the bottom of the standings, and that's where they are, so mission accomplished.
IS NOT? Panthers are unexpectedly even worse than the Wings.
14
Panthers
-
54
-
WORKING? Not much, man. Things have gone sour. This should be a playoff team that the FHL is giving a good flibbing. Hopefully they get some better luck next season...
IS NOT? They don't even have their 1st rounder. It would be very difficult for them to get back into playoff contention at this time.
15
Rangers
-
52
-
WORKING? Low in standings; have been adding draft picks (have their own 1st!).
IS NOT? They don't have many more assets to trade that will be of interest to contenders.
16
Senators
-
51
-
WORKING? Maximizing that 1st round pick right now. Also have additional 1st and other bonus picks.
IS NOT? They were hoping to be further along in their rebuild.
|
|
Minnesota Wild
|
Minnesota GM looking out for upgrades
|
Wild-Peter |
2023-02-18 19:13:03 |
74 |
One month ago, the visibly frustrated GM of the Wild challenged his team stating "the solution is in the dressing room." Looking at the standings then, the Wild were clinging onto a lower playoff spot in the west with a few teams on their tail. Since then the team has been on a bit of a roll. Today, the team is in a better spot sitting 7 points up on 8th place with a game in hand. In the overall league rankings, the Wild are a top 5 team in the league today. Things can change quickly in the NEFHL and a few losses in a row can do some serious damage in the rankings. In order to prevent that from happening as much as possible, the GM is stepping up to the plate.
With the recent positive vibes around the team, the GM has been working the phones looking for any potential upgrades on the roster. Unlike in previous years where the Wild had almost unlimited cap space, this year the cap situation is tighter and any money coming in would need to be partial offset with money going out. Keeping true to his word from a month ago in which the GM stated "show me you care and I'll show you some love. Show me you don't care, and why should I give up more futures for another lost season?", the Wild GM has been having some exploratory talks with a few teams. Recently, a trade was made as well.
"We brought in Sturm for unsigned prospect Knuble. I like Knuble. I draft a lot of bloodline players. But Sturm is immediate help and Knuble is years away if anything. Kunin went on LTIR and Sturm stepped in right away and has a decent blend of physicality and defense. For a bottom 6 role his offense is sufficient. He can fill in the top 6 if needed for injuries but it's not ideal for him or for us long term." The GM added, "I guess if all things go well, we'd be targetting a top6 winger. We like our bottom 6's mix of defense and intensity. We have farm callups for each forward position that are waiver ineligible so that's a huge plus. We like our defense as a 6 man unit. We have veteran Keith sitting out as a 7th Dman and young Clague as an 8th Dman. Both of those spare players could be everyday defensemen on a lot of other teams. Hart has really stepped up recently and goalies that are undoubtably legit starters are really limited around the league. Would a different goalie give us better than Hart's 17-7 record and .914 sv% and 2.06 GAA? Probably not considering the cost to get one of them. We will ride with Hart until he sharts the bed."
____________________________
Article: 31/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $6,500,000 / $10,000,000
|
 Seattle Kraken
|
First shutout in Seattle history!
|
Kraken-Scott |
2023-02-17 14:22:03 |
58 |
February 16, 2023 will go down in Kraken history. On Thursday night, in front of the home fans, the Kraken defeated the Boston Bruins 2-0 due in large part to a 29 shot, shutout performance by starting goaltender Alexandar Georgiev. Georgiev outdueled veteran netminder Craig Anderson to record the first shoutout in the Kraken's short history! Georgiev was absolutely stellar between the pipes on the night, keeping the Bruins off the scoresheet with some incredible acrobatics.
Georgiev took over the number one goaltending role from veteran Braden Holbty about twenty games into the season, and it doesn't look like he has any intention of giving up that role any time soon. Georgiev has rather pedestrian stats on the season - an 11-20-6 record with a 3.61 GAA and 0.881 save percentage - but he has gotten stronger as the season has gone on. The 26 year-old is now on a three game winning streak. He figures to be the #1 goalie in Seattle for years to come. A pending restricted free agent in the offseason, he figures to sign a big contract to stay in Seattle for the foreseeable future.
The Kraken's powerplay also had a strong night Thursday versus the Bruins, going 2 for 5 with goals scored by Michael McLeod (6th goal of the season) and team scoring leader Conor Sheary (17th). Assists were tallied by veteran Jake Voracek, rookie Cody Glass & recent waiver pickup Jordan Martinook.
Martinook is slowly starting to get more comfortable with his new team and linemates. He has only scored 1 goal in 12 games since being claimed from Arizona, but he figures to contribute more offensively given he's playing second line minutes in Seattle.
Cody Glass was sent back to the minors for further seasoning after the game on Thursday despite putting up 4 points in 6 games with the big club. Glass has impressed the coaching staff and should be back in the lineup soon.
|
|
Seattle Kraken
|
Last call for Jason Spezza
|
Kraken-Scott |
2023-02-15 19:16:17 |
62 |
After more than 1,300 NEFHL professional games - and an additional 138 NEFHL playoff games (including a Stanley Cup ring with Calgary in the 2010-11 season), talented offensive centreman Jason Spezza has decided that the 2022-23 NEFHL season with the Kraken will be his last. "I'm grateful to Seattle management to have allowed me to play a mentoring role with its young players this season" Spezza said, "but I've decided I will hang up the skates after this season. Father Time remains undefeated".
Spezza has had an absolutely brilliant professional career. He has scored 399 goals (and counting) and over 1,000 points over his eighteen year career. He spent the first ten years of his career in Calgary, where he was a dominant number one centre where he put up some gaudy numbers, including a career-high 42 goals in 2008-09 and also a career-high 89 points in 2013-14. Spezza's ability to see the ice and distribute the puck to his wingers was simply uncanny. He also had a sneaky good shot, especially from the half wall on the powerplay. At times during his career, his propensity to make high-risk drop passes drove fans a bit crazy, but over time he became a more responsible two-way player and ending up having a marvelous career. Spezza deserves serious consideration for the NEFHL Hall of Fame when the time comes.
Currently with the Kraken, Spezza has put up 9 goals and 31 points playing largely a second line role for an offensively challenged expansion team. Despite being 39 years old, he's still playing more than 18 minutes a night. His leadership has been an invaluable asset to the young players around him in Seattle this season. The Kraken fans have seen glimpses of his old wizardry at times, worth the price of admission to a game.
Jason Spezza will be missed in the hockey world, and Seattle managment wishes him health and happiness in retirement.
|
|
St-Louis Blues
|
Jumbo Joe - To Retire a Blue
|
Blues-Graham |
2023-02-14 13:40:02 |
58 |
Joe Thornton is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who had a career spanning over two decades in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on July 2, 1979, in London, Ontario, Canada, Thornton was one of the most dominant centers in the league during his prime.
Thornton played for the Boston Bruins and the San Jose Sharks for over two decades, leading both teams to multiple playoff appearances and setting numerous records. He is considered one of the greatest players to never win a Stanley Cup, a fact that has earned him a great deal of respect from fans and peers alike.
In February 2022, Thornton signed with the St. Louis Blues in the New Era Fantasy Hockey League (NEFHL), where he intends to finish his playing career. Although he's not the same player he once was, his veteran presence, leadership, and experience are valuable assets to the team. Thornton is grateful to the Blues' General Manager, Thompson, for giving him the opportunity to play out his final days in the sport he loves.
Off the ice, Thornton is known for his affable personality and his love of the game. He has a reputation as a great teammate and a natural leader, and is respected by players, coaches, and fans across the league. He's also known for his iconic beard, which has become a signature part of his look.
In conclusion, Joe Thornton's impressive career, leadership, and personality have made him one of the most beloved players in the hockey community. His contributions to the sport will be remembered for generations to come, and his legacy as a player and a leader will endure long after he retires.
Written by ChatgptPrompts provided by GM Thompson |
|
Colorado Avalanche
|
Wanted for the Murder of Joel Edmundson
|
Avs-Mat |
2023-02-13 14:53:25 |
85 |
At 17:31 of the 1st Period inside the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri where the Blues were hosting the Colorado Avalanche. Investigators were called to recover the body of Colorado player Joel Edmundson. With 17094 people in attendance, still no witnesses have come forward. Some are calling it a real life murder mystery.
"Joel will be missed, he was well loved in the locker room." said Colorado coach Bruce Cassidy. "He had so much love for the game, it's such an unfortunate event" teammate Brendan Gallagher. "I'm really going to miss his K-Pop playlist in the dressing room" linemate Aaron Ekblad.
The coroner's office reported that Joel suffered a spleen rupture which lead to an acute blood loss causing immediate death.
Its also been reported that this is not the first occurrence in the NEFHL this season. Other players had been losing their life on the ice and no one seems to be held responsible. The NEFHL PA would like to see more done to protect its players as with the risk of death on the rise, so is the insurance premiums.
We can expect his number to be present on the team jerseys for the remainder of the season. At the age of 29, Joel is survived by his parents Bob and Lois, and his brother Jesse Edmundson. A celebration of life is scheduled for Joel on Sunday night between 20:00-23:00 at PT's Centerfold Gentlemen's Club, in Denver Colorado.
If you have any information that could lead to an arrest, the Colorado Avalanche players and ownership team has set a reward of $100,000. |
|
Columbus Blue Jackets
|
Teach Me How To Dougie
|
Jackets-Blake |
2023-02-13 01:42:25 |
67 |
The Jackets, even with all their adds needed a bit more of a spark to their lineup. Their GM was sitting there pondering the mysteries when it hit him. They needed a player they could make an easy pun after. Then another realization hit him. An old song from 2010 started playing in his head. "Teach me how to Dougie". Well that would be a catchy phrase to put a players name in. The fans woudl love to yell "Teach me how to Dougie" when a player named Dougie hits the ice. Then the player they needed became clear...
Dougie Hamilton will bring a true star #1 blueliner to the squad. They needed to shed the salary of Ryn Pulock in the process, but they got a couple picks for him so it was worth it. Losing 2 solid specs in Svechkov and Trikozov sucked too. But along with a star blueliner they added a couple draft picks to soften the blow. Hamilton will hopefully help the meh powerplay and ailing pk unit. Dougie Hamilton with Jack Eichel, Anders Lee, Victor Olofsson, Ryan Hartman, and so on will make a deadly offence and powerplay. Hamilton projects to play with Forsling, and take some of the weight off his shoulders in terms of carrying the offensive load on the backend.
Article 7/5 |
|
St-Louis Blues
|
So Long Dougie!
|
Blues-Graham |
2023-02-12 17:55:09 |
55 |
He was always meant to be a rental but that doesn't make the departure of Hamilton any less difficult. Picked up off the auction block for a measly 2023 3rd round pick, Hamilton had a major renaissance with the Blues. He started the season at 70PA and 72SC. In just over half a season he's leaving at 82 SC and 73PA for a gain of 10SC and 3PA. That's an epic gain for a player who was already considered quite good, if not some what overpaid. It was that renaissance that probably expediated his exit from the club. He became too valuable and even with a salary of over 6 million pending UFA status, the Blues were able to flip him and 3rd for 2 highly prized draft picks - 2021 19th overall pick Fyodor Svechkov and 2022 enigma and 60th overall pick, Gleb Trikozov.
In Svechkov the Blues get a 19 year old who's playing regular minutes in the worlds 2nd best league as a 19 year old. Is he setting it on fire? No, but he's playing a solid 12-14 minutes per game (since moving to his new team) and has put up 2 goals in his last 4 games. This isn't a league that gives out ice time in the name of development. So the fact he's getting that kind of ice time speaks to his level as a player. His scouting report notes a solid all 200ft player with exceptional hockey hockey sense. He'll debut as the Blues 15th ranked prospect. His contract expires at the end of this year and we may even see him make his AHL debut at the end of this year.
Gleb Trikozov is an interesting case. He's a player GM Thompson rated very high going into the 2022 entry draft. It's rumored he may have taken him over Filip Mesar with the 26th overall pick. He certainly would have taken him at number 33 had he still been around. Ultimately he was drafted 19th overall by the Blue jackets. The fact he was gone at 33 is what lead GM Thompson to reach for Adam Sykora (another still 18 year old) with that 33rd overall pick. All is well that ends well and GM Thompson finally got his man. In Trikozov the Blues get a highly talented although flawed defensively forward. He's a total boom bust kind of player. Still at only 18 years old - he missed being a 2023 draft by only 1 month, he's split his time between the MHL and VHL. He'll debut as the Blues 16th ranked prospect. He's currently under contract with this KHL team until 23/24.
As great as Hamilton has been this year, these 2 B level prospects was a great return and will probably help the club way more than Hamilton could have the rest of this season and the next couple after that.
Good luck Dougie, the Blues wish you and the Bluejackets all the best in this years playoff run. Who knows, if you're a UFA this summer, we may even see you back in the Blue and Gold next season.
To fill the hole left on D and to make sure they hit the cap floor, it's rumored the Blues will sign a free agent defenceman to finish out the year. |
|
Seattle Kraken
|
Seattle defense Krack-ing
|
Kraken-Scott |
2023-02-10 16:09:03 |
72 |
Once thought to be a potential strength of the expansion Seattle Kraken, it appears that was a serious miscalculation by management. Oh, and injuries suck too.
Over it's last five games (all regulation losses), the Kraken have given up a whopping 27 goals (5.4 per game) while also only registering five goals for. Nightmarish results by any standard, even for an expansion squad. On paper, the Kraken defence corps doesn't look all that bad, with a lot of veteran presence:
Nick Holden (pictured) - a steady veteran with a 73 OV, Holden figured to be a stabilizing force on the back-end. He is a -17 through 50 games averaging 22.5 minutes per game. Ouch.
Jake McCabe - another solid veteran, McCabe has put up a respectable 15 points through 49 games, but is a -21 on the season. Minuses are contagious througout the lineup.
Nate Schmidt - Schmidt has shown some offensive flare this season with 20 points through 55 games, but he is a Masters contender with a -31 rating over that span. Brutal.
Zach Whitecloud - Like Schmidt, Whitecloud has shown some promise offensively with seven goals and 17 assists on the season, but a -24 rating raises questions about his efficacy in his own end.
Riley Stillman - Still a young player, Stillman has a relatively good plus/minus rating at -4 on the season, and has contributed 11 points to date.
Justin Schultz & Jon Merrill - both vets were picked up waivers during the season, so it's tough to judge how they've performed in Kraken uniforms to date. Both will be back in the fold for 2023-24 when the team hopefully gets better.
Jacob Bryson - Another young D, the smallish Bryson has played mostly sheltered minutes for the Kraken this season, putting up 8 points and having a rating of -8.
To make matters worse, three veteran Kraken d-men (Schultz, McCabe & Whitecloud) are out of the lineup with injuries (McCabe out long-term). Unfortunately, it appears that stability on the back-end is another task for the GM to find for Seattle in upcoming seasons. |
 San Jose Sharks
|
Sharks stay hot after Perron trade
|
Sharks-Curtis |
2023-02-10 16:05:04 |
64 |
The day after trading for David Perron the Sharks stayed on their hot streak by defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 7-2.
The Sharks finally broke through against the Knights after dropping their two previous outings to them earlier this season. The team was carried by the top line of Sam Gagner, Tomas Hertl and Dominik Kubalik as well as the top pairing of Brett Pesce and Shea Theodore. The 5 man unit were a combined +22 and combined for 5 goals and 12 points.
The newest addition Perron, was placed on the 2nd line to start his Sharks career and did not find the scoresheet. He was placed on the 2nd line to not disrupt the first lines chemistry. I think that worked!
Perron will be a huge addition to the LW on this team and will hopefully spark the teams PP which has struggled all season long.
San Jose is 7-2-1 in their last 10 games and sit 9th in the Western Conference, tied in points with the Flames who sit 8th and 1 point back of the OIlers who sit 7th. The team has exceeded all expecations and find themselves in the playoff race for the first time in a long time.
The team is still in multiple trade talks in search of upgrading the team to continue to make a strong push to get back into the playoffs.
Up next for the Sharks is a date with the Buffalo Sabres on home ice Sunday night.
"We are a point from 7th place in the West with 26 games to play, we are playing our best hockey of the season and our GM continues to reward us with help in areas we need it. We like our chances to get in the playoffs and scare some teams" said Sharks coach DJ Smith this morning in text message exchange with me.
More to come as the trade specualation continues.
For the San Jose Tribune I am Ken McBobzie. |
 Ottawa Senators
|
Ottawa pulls the trigger on Demko trade
|
Sens-Mike |
2023-02-10 15:01:12 |
78 |
The Ottawa Senators traded goaltender Thatcher Demko to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday in exchange for prospect Brock Faber, a 2023 first-round pick, and goaltender Eric Comrie.
The trade comes after a month of negotiations between Ottawa GM Mike McMahon and other clubs interested in the 27-year-old goaltender.
"This was a difficult decision," McMahon said. "Thatcher has been with our organization since we drafted him nine years ago. He has developed in our system and after a gap year took over for Henrik Lundqvist between the pipes. We just felt it was in the best interest of the franchise to move on. It's also in Thatcher's best interest. He can spend the prime of his career contending for a cup. We wish him, and the Penguins, the best."
In Faber, the Senators have acquired another high-end prospect for the back end. He joins a list that already includes players on the NEFHL roster, such as K'Andre Miller, Nils Lundkvist, and Cam York.
"Brock is an exceptional player and already plays a pro-style game," McMahon said. "His offensive numbers have slipped a bit, I think even he would admit that, but it's not because he has struggled. He's playing in every situation at the University of Minnesota, he is their top defenseman, and he was a critical component to the team that went to the Frozen Four last year. Ben Meyers and Matthew Knies were pulling headlines, but many scouts thought Faber was Minnesota's best player. He just goes about his business quietly.
"If you were to re-draft the 2020 draft, Faber is a first-round pick."
The Senators also acquired Pittsburgh's first-round selection. This will be the first time that the Senators have had multiple first-round picks since 2013. In that draft, the Senators took Elias Lindholm, Anthony Mantha, and Zach Fucale in the first round.
The first-round pick is lottery protected.
"I don't see that coming into play to be honest," McMahon said. "Pittsburgh already has a good club and adding Thatcher to the mix puts them over the top, in my mind."
In corresponding moves, in order to reach the league's cap floor, the Senators called up James Neal from the AHL and also called up Casey Fitzgerald and Scott Reedy.
The Senators are projected to enter the offseason with almost $20 million in cap space ($19.63 million). Pending restricted free agents are all current AHL players and they include Reedy, Max Gildon, Brett Seney, and Brady Lyle.
|
|
Minnesota Wild
|
Minnesota excluded in NEFHL All-Star Game
|
Wild-Peter |
2023-02-04 18:25:36 |
95 |
Not one player from the Minnesota Wild will take part in the activities for this season's All-Star weekend. Not in the young-stars game nor the all-star game. The team has elected to spend the All-star break in Belize instead, together with their families. Paid for by the GM. The event was labelled "You best belize this is the real all-star weekend" to invited guests.
"Who cares about the all-star game anyway unless it's in Florida or something." Responded one of the players on the Wild anonymously, "We spend most of the year in cold ass Minnesota, the last thing we want to do is spend a weekend in Toronto in the dead of winter. Especially this weekend with this treacherously cold temperature going on. Only thing worse would be Winnipeg. There's a reason why they are called the Jets. Everybody wants to fly the hell out of there. Minnesota is basically south winnipeg in terms of weather. Hold on, you're not attaching my name to this are you? I don't want to be cancelled."
Another anonymous player said, "Thanks to my boy Kulikov, I converted to Russian Orthodox so I can boycott shit like the all-star game in the name of religion. I mean it's not like I need religion to boycott stuff, but it's a pretty good cover. If only we still had Kadri on the team. Then I'd be fully protected converting to islam and nobody can criticize me for using religion as a cover. Wait, you're not putting my name to this are you?"
One player, Cam Talbot, was not shy of being on record. "I love our GM. He's a great guy. Sure he sucks at trades but he's on the better end with drafting so I think that works in his favour. He got some shit thrown at him this past offseason with the netflix stuff and the inclusivity stuff, but he sticks to his guns and doesn't care what people who have zero impact on his day-to-day life think of him. It's refreshing to see to be quite honest. Anyway, when I was announced as the West Starter in week one of eligibility, he contacted the league to have me removed. I helped out by shitting the bed on the ice and losing my starting position not only for the All-Star game but for the Wild, but the GM had my back regardless. Now he's paying for me and my family to vacation in Belize with everybody else. The weather is nice, the resort is beautiful, we're all having a great time."
Some people are questioning the injury of Trevor Zegras. He is the face of the NEFHL 23 video game. He was the trigger for all of the backlash in the summer. He coincidentally got injured just before the all-star weekend with a pulled hamstring and is listed as day-to-day. As one of the elite puck handlers and stick skills in the league he would have been a focus in the skills competitions. However his injury removed him from the Young Stars game altogether. He had this to say, "Yeaaaaaa brooo it sucks you know. Really wanted to showcase my mad stick skills. Instead I'm in belize showcasing those skills to some local women bro. Love our GM even though I wanted to be traded for not signing me. Four lokooooo baby. Wooooo!"
Somewhere in the world, 2019 NEFHL Hall of Fame inductee Dany Heatley is muttering to himself "I'm a fucking all-star."
____________________________
Article: 30/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $6,250,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
Seattle Kraken
|
Seattle 2023 Mock Draft
|
Kraken-Scott |
2023-02-04 16:35:48 |
89 |
The Seattle Kraken management team has prioritized accumulating picks for the 2023 draft. Draft 'experts' say that the first two rounds of the 2023 Entry Draft figure to be both deep and strong. The Kraken currently have six picks in the first two rounds:
1st round - SEA, CBJ, ARI
2nd round - SEA, PIT, CHI
Based on the NEFHL standings today, those picks translate to the approximate picks of 1 (fingers crossed), 1, 21, 32, 33, 61 and 63. Here's a potential Seattle mock draft for those picks based loosely on Bob McKenzie's recent top prospects show on TSN:
1 - Connor Bedard - what else can be said about Bedard? He's the most exciting offensive prospect to come along since Conor McDavid. The release on shit snapshot is second to none. Bedard is on track for superstardom.
21 - Charlie Stramel - a massive 18 year-old freshman at the University of Wisconsin, Stramel competed for the US at the recent world junior championships. He likely projects as a second line player at the top level who plays a gritty style of game.
32 - Oliver Bonk - son of Sens great Radek, Bonk came out of nowhere this season and had a strong start for the London Knights in the OHL. Bonk has a frame which should enable him to get stronger and continue to develop as a potential 3/4 defenceman at the NHL level one day.
33 - Gavin Brindley - like Stramel, he won a bronze medal for the USA at the recent world juniors. A small (5'8") and skilled forward, Brindley has impressively put up 21 points in 27 games as a true freshman at the University of Michigan. A future 2nd line centre?
61 - Tanner Molendyk - a smaller (5'11", 183 lbs) defenceman, Moldendyk is skilled and has had a strong season for Saskatoon in the WHL. He would likely need to put on weight to compete at the next level, but the tools are there.
63 - Luca Pinelli - another small but skilled forward, Pinelli (brother of Francesco) has put up more than a point per game with the powerhouse Ottawa 67's so far this season. Could he be a late 2nd round steal?
On top of these picks, Seattle also has four 3rd round picks and seven picks in round 4 and beyond. As far as the Kraken are concerned, the 2023 entry draft can't come soon enough. |
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
Penguins Pound the Ducks for 30th W
|
Pens-Brent |
2023-02-03 18:27:53 |
86 |
Last night's contest between the Penguins and Ducks was pretty much over before it even started.
There was a sense of nervousness in the air as the flightless birds took the ice. Whimpering quacks could he heard at the other end of the ice.
"How can we compete with guys like Ovy and Sid?" asked a misty eyed Chris Kreider. "They're just so god-like," the winger added.
After 20 minutes of play, the Pens were up 2-0 after goals from the Russian bear Alex Ovechkin and the Swedish phenom Lucas Raymond.
Despite having one of the best goalies in the league in Linus Ullmark, the goals kept coming in the second following snipes from wingers Brandon Hagel and Andrew Cogliano.
The lone bright spot for the Ducks was winning the 3rd period 2-1.
With five minutes left in regulation, you could see a bevy of Ducks fans making their way towards the exits, knowing full well that the match was long over.
What could have caused such a poor performance?
"I accredit the Ducks poor play to their overall softness from the top down. That includes management," stated hockey pundit John Mikeston.
The Penguins head into the Allstar break with the best winning percentage in the Eastern Conference. Coach Craig Berube will be joining several Penguins players this weekend for the Allstar festivities. He will be coaching the Eastern Conference stars.
"It's always an honour to participate in an event like the Allstar game. Hockey is such a fearless and competitive sport. It will be nice to take it easy this weekend and have some fun," said the head coach.
The Penguins are still rumoured to be talking to other clubs about upgrading their squad. Many spectulate that the club is looking to beef up the wings and improve the nets. The team's first round pick is likely in play. Some suggest that blue chipper Alexander Holtz and promising two-way defender Brock Faber are being dangled as potential assets on the move.
________________________
Obligatory Articles: 5/5
Bonus Articles: 17/40 = $4,250,000 / $10,000,000 |
 Toronto Maple Leafs
|
Implosion Pending?
|
Leafs-Shane |
2023-02-02 19:52:26 |
80 |
Another year, another disaster.
Its become a season routine now. One month after the season starts, look at the standing. The Leafs will sit a top the standings. Fast forward 3 months and that same team will be at the bottom. Rinse and repeat year after year.
Thats said management is currently giving this team another small window frame to figure it out. If management is not satisfied after that window is over, you will 100% see some monster trades. Thats a guarantee. There are several teams inquiring about several of the Leaf players. Rumour has it that Konecny was close to being dealt out west but management is still in the window and will allow the team that opportunity to snap out of this mess.
The Leafs aquired top golaie Darcy Kuemper form the Preds and came in hot. He was lights out for 5 games, Since then, the team has been a pile of dog shit. The addition of Kuemper gave the team a legit backbone and shgould be enough to get this team into a playoff spot. That has yet to happen. Time is ticking on that window.
After the likes of Kumper and Konecny, Tanev, Marchessault, Zadorov, Jones, and Kopitar have all been mentiuoned and bantied about. The leafs will most certainly not ben in any sort of contension next season so lkets say this year could be its final hopes of a playoff spot for the forseeable future.
Until next tine.... Lets see some Leafs wins or that will be all for this current roster. |
|
Colorado Avalanche
|
Avs grapple with injuries: ‘We’re almost getting used to it’
|
Avs-Mat |
2023-02-02 14:55:44 |
94 |
It’s been a tough month of January for the Colorado Avalanche. It started with a surprising run of 7-2 to then finish off the month with 4 straight losses putting them back outside the playoffs looking in.
The injuries kept piling up and GM Avs-Mat kept getting reminded that you cannot call up a player rated lower than 58OV if you have a player equal to or greater than 58OV available on the farm. “Unfortunately, our depth is getting exposed and anyone we call up will need to clear waivers once the guys get back from injuries” says GM Avs-Mat. “We want to protect some of our late bloomers in the minors. Our defense, especially”.
Colorado needs to be careful as their future has holes from only selecting two players in 2020 and having only three late picks for 2023. Being at the top of the cap also doesn’t leave them much play in terms of overpayment of UFA’s.
“With Nate being day-to-day, and Aaron and Ivan back in the line-up, we're looking for a good push in February to solidify our spot in the playoffs.” says GM Avs-Mat
No mention of Brendan Gallagher, who is in a three way tie for first in injuries this season with a total of 8. Brendan came back from his last injury and was part of the last four losses. Then injured early in the game versus Tampa Bay where his team was able to muster itself back in the W column. Word is the GM would like to see more durability from his loyalty player, but “getting used to it” sounds more likely... |
|
Minnesota Wild
|
Make it or Break it
|
Wild-Peter |
2023-01-29 16:19:36 |
89 |
Two weeks ago the GM said this about the Minnesota season falling apart at the seams, "The solution is in the dressing room." Since then the team has played six games and has a record of 4-1-1. It looks as if the team responded positively to the GM's challenge. The biggest difference in these games came from the work of 'backup' goalie Carter Hart. With his 'backup' rating of 78 now matching the 'starter' rating of Cam "I was in the conversation to start the all-star game in week one of eligibility' Talbot, Hart is now looking like the main guy between the pipes for Minnesota.
But the west is extremely competitive. Even with that 4-1-1 record in the last six games, Minnesota is in an uncomfortable position. 6th in the West with 57 points, 2 points ahead of the Ducks, Flames, Knights at 55 points each battling it out for the 7th and 8th playoff spot. While Minnesota has 2 games in hand over the Ducks and Flames, and 3 over Vegas, those games in hand can be lost quickly this week.
"The playoff positioning got messier after our little streak. That's how close this is. Every game matters now. A two game losing streak will feel much worse than it actually is. We have the games in hand advantage, let's not lose it, you know?" - GM Peter when asked about the standings.
It's only going to get tougher from here. The next five games are games the Wild have to pick up points in if they want to continue their playoffs hopes.
Monday: Arizona is the best team in the league right now. Measuring stick kind of game. Gotta pickup at least 1 point.
Tuesday: Stars are 4 points ahead but they played 3 extra games. Have to close that gap with a win.
Wednesday: Knights are fighting for a playoff spot just like Minnesota. Gotta win this game too.
Sunday: Devils are surging in the east and are not an easy opponent.
Monday: Panthers are having a disappointing season but Minnesota cannot afford to take them lightly either.
On the trade front
Sources say that despite the GM publically stating the "solution is in the dressing room", privately the GM has been in talks with an Eastern team. While those talks have not led to anything imminent, sources are indicating there is an open line of communication with a 'wait and see' approach. Perhaps the next five games will be an indicator of whether or not this rumor has some legs to it.
____________________________
Article: 29/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $6,000,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
Seattle Kraken
|
Waiver Claims
|
Kraken-Scott |
2023-01-26 14:53:12 |
88 |
What's going on with Seattle and all these waiver claims? Is there a strategy behind it, or has the general manager lost his mind? Probably a bit of both, actually. Here is a summary of Kraken waiver claims season-to-date and what management might have been thinking:
D - Justin Schultz: Having a bit of an NHL bounce-back season with 24 points through 42 games, Schultz is signed beyond this season and could be a key cog in the Kraken powerplay in 2023-24.
W - Jordan Martinook: Martinook is a solid 3rd line NHL player and has tallied ten goals and 23 points through 47 games for the Hurricanes so far. He figures to play a key role as a middle-line winger for the Kraken over the next four seasons.
D - Jon Merrill: Merrill brings some size to the Kraken defence for this season and next, and has put up 10 games in the NHL for the Wild this season. He will bring stability to the young Kraken's bottom pair defence next year.
W - Zack MacEwen: A gritty winger and fierce forechecker, MacEwen has put up 9 points in 45 games for the Flyers this season. MacEwen will bring some jam to the Kraken's bottom six forwards beyond this season.
W - Alex Nylander: A complete shot in the dark given Nylander's draft pedigree, he continues to play in the AHL putting up about 0.9 points per game. There's likely not hope for Nylander, but time will tell.
W - Zach Sanford: Meh
The Kraken have traded a number of players they selected in the expansion draft (including Reilly Smith, Victor Olofsson and Miles Wood) and need to ensure they adhere to all league salary cap regulations, hence part of the reason they've made so many waiver claims. In addition - the Kraken also need to fill out its roster for the 2023-24 NEFHL season, and with only one prospect (Ryan Mast) having to be signed next offseason, the team will not be adding much depth to its roster as a result.
Plus, those players claimed on waivers are sadly better than the rest of the Kraken players, so perhaps these waiver claims actually make some sense? Hard to say. |
|
Seattle Kraken
|
Is there still hope for Cody Glass?
|
Kraken-Scott |
2023-01-24 20:05:30 |
89 |
Cody Glass was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the 2022 NEFHL Expansion Draft. It is clear that Glass has not had the career that anyone expected since being drafted 5th overall in the NEFHL back in 2017. A centreman with great size (6'3", 206 pounds) and skill, Glass has left all hockey experts perplexed with his lack of development at the professional level. Glass was so highly thought of that Vegas famously refused to include him in a trade with the Ottawa Senators for superstar defenseman Erik Karlsson.
Despite his pedigree and draft position, before the 2022-23 NHL season, Glass had only contributed 23 points through his first 74 NHL games. These statistics are hardly the marking of a potential top six forward at the NHL level. The Golden Knights eventually gave up on Glass and in 2021 they traded him to Nashville for oft-injured (and fellow former high draft pick) Nolan Patrick. Glass's first season in the Predators organization was mostly spent at the AHL level. Glass did however put up an impressive 62 points in 66 AHL games in 2021-22. Given his pedigree and AHL production, the Kraken decided to take a chance on Glass in the expansion draft, hoping that his once hyped potential could be realized.
Glass made the Predators out of training camp in 2022-23, starting the season on the club's fourth line. You have to give Glass credit - he's kept grinding and he has recently seized an opportunity to play on the team's top line with star wingers such as Filip Forsberg and Matt Duchene. Through 36 NHL games in 2022-23, Glass has put up a respectable 16 points (including 5 goals on 55 shots) while averaging just under thirteen minutes per game. Are we seeing Cody Glass finally establish himself as an NHL regular? Can he be counted on to contribute as a top three line centre at the top level in hockey?
It seems as though Glass has made some progress in his NHL career, but it remains unclear whether he can continue the momentum he's garnered season-to-date. |
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
Calling for Backup
|
Pens-Brent |
2023-01-19 18:45:58 |
101 |
With Evgeni Malkin down and out for the forseeable future, the Penguins depth at centre appears to be rather lacking. The Russian middle man was brought in last year for his versatile play and strong leadership qualities. After breaking his arm earlier this week, there's a chance that Geno's next NEFHL game won't be until next season.
"We have a hole to fill for sure. Aside from intensity, Malkin literally brings everything you would want in a centremen to the table. We are scratching our heads at this point as to how to fill that gap in our lineup," said coach Berube.
The Penguins possess a bevy of quality young players in the system, most of which are in the team's plan for the long term future. Since acquiring the Russian trio of Alex Ovechkin, Mikhail Sergachev and the aforemention Malkin, The Penguins brass has been hesitant to pull the trigger with the fear of jeapordizing their future.
"Our core players are definitely on their way towards the clubhouse in terms of time left in the league. We'd like to see them win one before they decide to hang them up. That said, we have to be smart as to the pieces we move when bolstering our roster. Nobody wants to trade away the next break out player," stated the Penguins GM.
This suggests that the team will be looking at the bargain bin for cheap improvements to their roster. However, there is another option that the Penguins could pursue.
Matty Fuckin' Beniers.
"We have been keeping close tabs on Matty. He's clearly ready and wants to play. We believe that he could have an immediate impact on our club. At this point in time, we plan on being patient, but it could happen."
After signing Lucas Raymond, Seth Jarvis and Alex Newhook to ELC's in the offseason, the decision to wait until next year makes the most sense from a financial perspective. But for a team that is looking to win, signing Beniers now could be a no brainer.
________________________
Obligatory Articles: 5/5
Bonus Articles: 16/40 = $4,000,000 / $10,000,000 |
|
Seattle Kraken
|
Cutter Gauthier profile
|
Kraken-Scott |
2023-01-19 16:27:05 |
91 |
As previously noted, the Kraken are planning to build its team slowly and primarily through the draft. The first ever player chosen by the Kraken was an american power forward named Cutter Gauthier. Gauthier is obviously an important piece for the Kraken franchise, but what can Seattle fans expect from their first ever selection?
Gauthier is currently a freshman playing the NCAA at Boston College. He was actually born in Sweden but recently starred for the United States world junior team, putting up four goals and ten points in just seven games. He is 6'2" and 193 pounds, and he uses his solid size and frame to his advantage as he plays a prototypical power forward game. Through his first fifteen games of his college career, Gauthier has tallied an impressive eleven goals and nineteen points. That is terrific production for a first year NCAA player who is turning 19 on the day this article is to be published. Gauthier has primarily played wing in his young career, but he has also played some centre. His versatility and size were certainly attractive to Kraken management. Cutter also skates quite well for a big man and is completely unafraid to take the puck hard to the net and score goals in the dirty areas on the ice. The young player has also been lauded for his outstanding work along the boards.
All scouting reports indicate that Gauthier is a shoot-first type of player, and his stats at Boston College back that assertion up. It seems likely that Gauthier will only play one season at Boston College and make his professional debut at some point next season. Gauthier does however have some part of the game to continue working on while at BC, including his play in the defensive zone (typical for a young player) and his vision. Kraken management are certainly excited to have Cutter in the fold.
The future is bright in Seattle! |
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
Hold my Beer
|
Pens-Brent |
2023-01-18 18:19:47 |
99 |
For the majority of the 2022/2023 NEFHL season, German winger Tim Stutzle has sat atop of the NEFHL's rookie scoring race. Many before the start of the season suggested that he was a shoe in for Calder Trophy. A trophy that is awarded to the league's top rookie performer.
"I don't think anyone is going to be able to touch Stu. His blend of skill and lightning speed will be too much to contain. The Knights management plan to thrust him into a prominent role. He's a no brainer pick," suggested hockey analyst John Mikeston back in September.
Not so fast.
Enter 5'11, 182 lb, Gothenburg, Sweden native Lucas Raymond into the fold.
The slippery right winger has been one of the most impactful Penguin's this season, netting 19 goals and 39 points in 45 games played.
"He really is a dynamic player. It's been fun watching him develop this season. He's good at both ends of the ice. His vision is unbelievable. It's nice to play with a player of his ability every night," praised captain Sidney Crosby.
While he is typically a reserved guy, Lucas was rather vocal when asked about his play at the midway point of the season.
"Honestly, I could care less about the Calder. My focus is on our team and making the playoffs. This franchise has been through many ups and downs over the past five years. The fans have been through a lot, so I want to make sure that [losing] wasn't all for not," stated the 20 year old.
There are many games left to be played this season so one shouldn't get ahead of themself. The rookie scoring lead and a playoff spot for the Penguins is still very much in the air. If the Pens hope to remain ahead of the pack in the Eastern standings, Raymond is going to have to continue to clip at his current pace.
________________________
Obligatory Articles: 5/5
Bonus Articles: 15/40 = $3,750,000 / $10,000,000 |
 Los Angeles Kings
|
How a Plant-Based Diet has Helped Jack Campbell Re-Find his Game
|
Kings-Carter |
2023-01-16 19:02:35 |
93 |
Los Angeles Kings' netminder Jack Campbell has been on a roll lately, and he attributes his success to his new plant-based diet.
After struggling with injuries and inconsistent play for several months, Campbell decided to make a change in his eating habits. He had heard about the benefits of a plant-based diet for athletes, and decided to give it a try.
The results have been astounding. Campbell says that he feels stronger and more energized than ever before. He also believes that the diet has helped to reduce inflammation in his body, which has allowed him to recover more quickly from injuries.
"I feel like a new man out there on the ice," Campbell said. "I'm playing with more confidence and making more big saves. I feel like I'm in the best shape of my career."
Campbell's teammates have noticed the change as well. They say that he seems more focused and agile in the crease, and that he is making some incredible saves.
"Jack's been on fire lately," said one teammate. "He's always been a great goalie, but he's taken it to another level since he switched to a plant-based diet."
Campbell's coaches have also been impressed with his performance. They say that they have seen a noticeable improvement in his stamina and quickness, and that he seems to be recovering more quickly from injuries.
"Jack has always been a hard worker, but this new diet has really helped him to take his game to the next level," said one coach. "We're seeing a lot more big saves and a lot less goals against."
Campbell's success on a plant-based diet is just another example of how this lifestyle change can help athletes to perform at their best. And with the way he's been playing lately, it's clear that Jack Campbell is one of the best in the game. |
|
Minnesota Wild
|
"The solution is in the dressing room" - GM to players
|
Wild-Peter |
2023-01-14 19:49:03 |
131 |
How does a team go 14-2-0 to start the year to the current record of 23-17-2 with the same roster in less than half a season? If you have the answer let me know because I sure as hell don't.
Is it because Cam "All star" Talbot was a bad trade? Looking more and more like it. Dude dropped from 81 to 79 and occassionally goes back to 80. He's good for an easy 3 goals against on any given night or as Shane would say "trash".
Is it because Kevin's theory on starting goalies is correct? Perhaps. It will be interesting to observe that at the end of the year to see if there is truth to it.
How somebody like Mike Smith still has 82ov is eye opening for sure. At least Cam Talbot is still getting NHL starts...
What does the GM have to say?
"In the offseason we needed a goalie, I went out and got one. We needed defensemen, I went out and got a couple veteran ones before the season started. One is playing lights out for us (Kulikov) and the other is in and out of the lineup despite all their veteran presence, speed, and defensive accumen (Keith). The solution comes from within. One way or the other it will resolve itself. You don't expect to win 14 out of 16 the entire season. And you don't expect to be under .500 either. This team has to figure it out. They are good enough on paper and they've shown they can win games. Right now consistency is destroying our playoff hopes."
"Let me make this clear. I am not adding anything to this group right now. Either they show up and win some games and I add at the deadline. Or they flop and I sell some pieces. Show me you care and I'll show you some love. Show me you don't care, and why should I give up more futures for another lost season? The solution is in the room."
If the team continues to collapse, it is rumored that some names you might be surprised to see hit the block start becoming available. "What's the point of keeping these good ratings and paying for these ratings, if they don't play up to them? I can find them a home elsewhere. They're not winning me games anyway and something needs to change."
____________________________
Article: 28/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $5,750,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
Mr. Glass
|
Pens-Brent |
2023-01-13 17:07:46 |
100 |
After being on the shelf for months with a ruptured spleen, it took Evgeni Malkin only 8 games to find himself back on the long-term injured reserved list. In what looked like a harmless play, the Russian pivot fell awkwardly into the boards while on the forecheck, breaking his arm.
Penguins fans took to twitter shortly after the incident, voicing their absolute dismay over Malkin's inability to stay healthy.
"What a waste of cap space" - said PENZ4EVA
"Geno a.k.a. Mr. Glass" - added PengWinsFan87
Since aquiring Malkin prior to last years trade deadline, the forward has been injured a staggering four times, two of them long term.
"It's really unfortunate to see Geno go down with another devastating injury. He has been playing his best hockey for use over this last little stretch. To see him back on the shelf is tough. He's devastated," stated head coach Berube.
Malkin was supposed to be the Penguins 2nd line centre this year, adding a much need boost to the offense, taking the load of Sidney Crosby. In his absence, youngster Alex Newhook has flourished. The Newfoundland native ranks fourth in rookie scoring with 30 points in 40 games played this year.
"I've always been leaned on every step of my hockey journey. I embrace the challenge of playing big minutes. Playing alongside a guy like Ovechkin definitely makes it much easier for me. I try to use my speed to create separation, opening up space for AO to do his thing. I am going to continue to push myself. I have big shoes to fill and I am going to give it my all," stated the 21 year old.
With the cap relief, the Penguins should have plenty of space to utilize closer to the trade deadline.
"We are focusing on winning with the group that we have right now, but if the right players come available, we could be looking to add," stated the Penguins GM.
At a quick glace, the Penguins could use another scoring threat, improve their netminding, and bring in a stay-at-home defender with intensity.
________________________
Obligatory Articles: 5/5
Bonus Articles: 14/40 = $3,500,000 / $10,000,000 |
|
Seattle Kraken
|
Reilly Smith moved out of Seattle
|
Kraken-Scott |
2023-01-13 15:05:20 |
130 |
Seattle Kraken general manager made what was perhaps his toughest trade to date, sending scoring forward Reilly Smith to Arizona in exchange for a 2023 first round draft pick. The Kraken have now acquired two additional 1st round picks in a deep 2023 entry draft - the other was acquired from Columbus in the Victor Olofsson trade. The Kraken management team has always focused on maximizing its future assets through the team's inaugural season. That being said - trading scoring forwards with term like Victor Olofsson and Reilly Smith was difficult, as those types of players don't grow on trees and will need to be replaced in the coming seasons. Both players were effective leaders for this young team.
The Kraken franchise is now loaded with a plethora of draft picks in 2023, as follows:
1st round - SEA, CBJ, ARI
2nd round - SEA, CHI, PIT
3rd round - SEA, ARI, CAR, WPG
4th round - SEA, PIT
5th round - SEA
6th round - SEA, NYR, CHI
7th round - WPG
Rumours out of Seattle indicate that the team is likely done moving out veteran players for the 2022-23 season. That being said, quick calculations show that the Kraken will likely enter the offseason with approximately $23 million in salary cap space, and the team figures to be aggressive in the free agency market. The Kraken can also make deals whereby they take on salary from other teams in future seasons. The Kraken need to add top 6 forwards and top 4 defencemen moving forward - clearly.
The Kraken management team is excited to have a blank slate moving forward. They have the salary cap flexibility to make interesting moves. They have draft picks to make big trades. It should be an interesting few years in Seattle as the management team looks to make the team a true contender over the next few seasons. |
|
Seattle Kraken
|
Seattle's Farm Team
|
Kraken-Scott |
2023-01-12 16:06:33 |
116 |
As a new franchise in the NEFHL, the Seattle Kraken don't have the depth in prospects that many other teams do. The Kraken's top prospects are likely those that the Kraken drafted in the 2022 entry draft - like 4th overall selection Cutter Gauthier and second rounders Reid Schaefer & Ryan Chesley. That being said, there are some prospects currently playing for the Kraken's farm team that have a shot at becoming full-time NEFHL players in the coming seasons:
C - Cody Glass:
Glass was a 5th overall pick in the NEFHL and to date has not lived up to expectations. The Kraken selected Glass in the NEFHL expansion draft, and that pick might pay dividends down the road for Seattle. It's looking likely that Glass will be one of the Kraken's top four centres for the 2023-24 season, as he seems to have carved himself out a role in the NHL with the Predators. Through 30 NHL games, Glass has contributed 4 goals and 11 points while getting second unit powerplay duty. Still only 23, Glass might have a solid NHL future ahead of him.
LW - Jaret Anderson-Dolan:
Anderson-Dolan was also selected by the Kraken in the expansion draft. At 23 years old like (Glass), Anderson-Dolan is becoming an NHL regular this season. In 30 games, he has tallied 3 goals and 6 points with the Kings while playing 10:05 per night. It feels as though he has a good chance to gain a bottom six left wing spot with the Kraken in 2023-24.
C - Mark Kastelic:
A gritty centreman who is strong on faceoffs, Kastlelic has scored 3 goals in 37 games with the Sens so far this season. With good size and the ability to kill penalties, Kastelic figures to be the Kraken's fourth line centreman as soon as next season.
G - Dan Vladar:
Vladar has played quite well for the Flames this season as the team's backup goalie - a role he will certainly play for the Kraken in 2023-24 along with projected starter Alexandar Georgiev. Vladar has a 2.76 GAA and 0.906 SV% with Flames through 14 games.
While prospects like Cutter Gauthier & Reid Schaefer have perhaps the most long-term value of the Kraken's prospects, it's important to remember that those prospects griding it out on the farm also will become NEFHL contributors in the near future. |
|
San Jose Sharks
|
Sharks drop 12 on Oilers
|
Sharks-Curtis |
2023-01-12 06:14:31 |
98 |
This headline reads correct. Wednesday night at home against the Oilers the San Jose Sharks scored 12 goals on way to a 12-3 win.
That's a lot of goals, eh? 7 goals in first period, 3 in the second period and 2 in the third period. 12 goals. Twelve. 1-2. Ten plus 2. One less than 13. With just one coming on the power play and only one power play for the team all night.
9 different goal scorers, four players were +4 and five players were +5. Tomas Hertl lead the way with 5 points and Dominik Kubalik led the way with 6 shots on goal and continued his hot-streak since being acquired scoring 2 goals and adding 2 assists. Kubalik has 10 points in 9 games with the Sharks and has helped spark the Sharks get hot and is a big part of why they are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games and find themsevles just 3 points out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference somehow.
This hot streak and 12 goal game has Sharks' fans and the management of the Sharks really thinking about what if? What if they keep winning? What if they look to add? Is this team for real or is the sim playing a nasty trick on the Sharks giving them some false hope?
What if? That question will get answered sooner rather than later. It's up to the Sharks to decide which direction they choose to go or if they just let things play out.
For the San Jose Tribune I am Ken McBobzie
(As this article gets written a substantial trade offer has been sent out) |
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
3 Headed Monster or 3 Stooges?
|
Pens-Brent |
2023-01-11 18:44:09 |
647 |
Since the return of Evgeni Malkin, the Pittsburgh Penguins have played abysmal hockey. Geno has been surrounded by controversy over the years, between the injuries and rumours spectulating around his cancerous attitude. Sabres GM Kevin Fuhr accredited his clubs horrendous performance last year as a result of Malkin's subpar play. However, the Penguins coaching staff and players feel otherwise.
"Last I checked Geno was clipping over a point per game and has been a plus player for us. I don't understand the unnecessary outrage and blame being cast his way," said winger Brandon Hagel.
In fact, all of the big guns seemed to be picking up points over the Pens tough four game stretch. The issue seems to be in their own end.
"We have made some pretty poor plays as of late at the wrong times. Some dumb, avoidable penalties being taken too. As we demonstrated during our winning streak prior to the last four [games], we are capable of being one of the best teams in the league," said coach Berube.
Perhaps it's too many cooks in the kitchen?
The Penguins had a mandatory skate this morning ahead of their showdown with the Jets this evening. The team workout flow looked a little different than usual with each of the three stars featured on different units.
Sidney Crosby worked alongside youngster Lucas Raymond and tough guy Nicolas Deslauriers.
Alex Ovechkin was reunited with center Alex Newhook. Seth Jarvis joined the pair.
Finally, Evgeni Malkin took reps with Brandon Hagel and Miles Wood.
The Penguins hope to steer the ship back in the right direction against a club that is doing their best to lose games.
________________________
Obligatory Articles: 5/5
Bonus Articles: 13/40 = $3,250,000 / $10,000,000 |
|
St-Louis Blues
|
The Blues add Murray
|
Blues-Graham |
2023-01-11 09:13:03 |
102 |
In a bit of a bizarre move the Blues traded Craig Anderson a 3rd and 4th round selection in the 2023 draft for NHL Maple Leaf goalie Matt Murray.
This likely comes down to Blues GM Thompson being a big Leafs fan. On the plus side, Murray is only 28 vs 40 for Anderson. He also plays for the leafs and is under contract with them for this year and next (the same as his NEFHL contract) so he's likely to put up some good numbers during this period. The big astrix at this point is Murray's health. This is reflected in his 34 DU rating. With that kind of DU rating, chances are he'll get hurt this season and is unlikely to play many games for the NEFHL Blues. However until that time, he will be the undisputed #1. The good news is that both his OV and DU should improve in time for next season where Blues aim to be competitive.
In other Blues news, the list of Blues forward prospects having breakout or excellent seasons in the minors is growing. The likes of Klimovich, Lysell and Evangelista in the AHL, Khnusnutdinov in the KHL and finally Dumais, Mesar, Wright in the CHL is a fearsome list. They are all 1-3 years from competing in the NHL but when they do, the blues will be a force to be reconed with. The Blues Defensive core is already good, with youngsters, Liljigren and Durzi leading the way and Brandt Clarke lurking in the shadows. The Blues biggest hole as usual is in nets. Despite drafting a high volume of goaltenders over the last few years, none are particularly strong. The best of the list being Erik Portillo who plays for the University of Michigan. Although he's currently property of the Buffalo Sabre's it's likely he'll be heading to free agency and will likely be the number 1 NCAA target this coming off season. |
|
Colorado Avalanche
|
Avalanche 7-2 Under New Management
|
Avs-Mat |
2023-01-10 16:53:15 |
105 |
On December 20, 2022, the Colorado Avalanche (Avs) named Mat as their new General manager (GM). Mat has been involved in the league for a long time and was once GM of the Detroit Red Wings back in 2007-2008 and 2008-2009.
"This has been in the works for a couple of years, Mat and I have been talking about when we thought of the opportunity to be a General Manager again. We felt that this was the right time.” Commissioner JD said about the change.
It’s clear that the GM will not be getting a free ride with the Avs. Throughout the years, the Avs were able to keep the team pretty competitive, but as it stands this season, the western divisions are all really competitive and the Avs are on the outside trying to fight for a spot in the playoffs.
Stepping in the role mid season also means a lot of issues won’t be addressed until the next offseason. With high ticket prices, their average attendance has dropped below 16,000 of the 19,000 seat arena. And no team endorsements this season means low motivation to succeed.
Furthermore, the Avs depth chart and futures are at risk. With the many injuries already this season and being so close to the salary cap, a lot of players that would normally not make the cut for the NHL are getting called up. To top that, the Avs only hold 4 picks for the 2023 draft (PHI 3, LOS 3, FLA 4, EDM 7) making any trades to stay competitive practically impossible.
“I’m happy to be back in charge, I will work with the assets that we have and try to be creative to remain competitive this season. We don’t have much cap space to do anything flashy but would love to add more young talent if we can.” said Avs-GM Mat
|
|
Seattle Kraken
|
Kraken at the WJC
|
Kraken-Scott |
2023-01-06 17:18:26 |
115 |
The Seattle Kraken sent five of its prospects to the recently completed 2023 World Junior Championships. Please see below a summary of their performance at the WJC:
F - Reid Schaefer, Canada (GOLD) - Schaefer spent the tournament playing on Canada's gritty fourth line, and was the 13th forward at times. Schaefer posted 1 assist in 7 games. He has really good size, but desperately needs to work on his foot speed to become an NHL player.
F - Cutter Gauthier, USA (BRONZE) - Gauthier played on the USA's top scoring line and put up 4 goals and 6 assists (10 points) over 7 games. Gauthier's combination of size and speed really stood out through the tournament. His play at the WJC bodes well for this future and he will likely be an NHL player in the next two years. Gauthier is eligible to return to the WJC next year for the Americans.
D - Ryan Chesley, USA (BRONZE) - Chesley's play at the world juniors was disappointing. He started the tournament in what appeared to be a top 4 defence role, but as the tournment went on, his ice time was reduced pretty significantly. Chesley is eligible to return to the WJC next season.
F - Redmond Savage, USA (BRONZE) - Savage was a returnee to the USA roster and he played his 3rd line checking role to near perfection. An alternate captain for the USA, Savage managed to tally three goals and six points over 7 games. Savage projects to play a bottom six, defensive role at the next level.
D - Otto Salin, Finland - Salin was rock solid and steady on the Finnish blueline and put up 3 assists in his five games. Salin is eligible to play in next year's world junior championships.
Kraken management is pleased overall with the progress of these young prospects. Gauthier, Savage & Salin impressed through the tournament. |
|
Minnesota Wild
|
Wild send three to WJC. One returns with a medal
|
Wild-Peter |
2023-01-06 16:38:59 |
86 |
Every year the Wild are sending less and less to the WJC. The peak was in 2017 when 13 players went to play for the national junior team. It makes sense since that was when I was full on deep into a rebuild and prospects mattered more than winning or having good pro roster players.
Previous articles year by year in reverse chronological order:
http://nefhl.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4099
http://nefhl.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3701
http://nefhl.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3476
http://nefhl.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3291
http://nefhl.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3044
This tournament the Wild sent the following players:
Oskar Pettersson - Sweden - Winger
The large swedish winger put up 2 goals and 4 points in 7 games this tournament. Decent performance stat-wise.
Julian Lutz - Germany - Winger
The equally large german winger put up no goals and 2 assists in 5 games. Germany wasn't expected to do much of anything in this tournament. Just being on the team and contributing some points is nice.
Logan Cooley - USA - Center
The smaller center had an impressive tournament on the stat sheet with 7 goals and 14 points in 7 games. Cooley returns to the University of Minnesota with a bronze medal.
This year I really didn't get a chance to watch this tournament. I saw a bit here and a bit there but never actually watched a full game. I did see a bit of Cooley where it is very evident he has vision and talent. I believe his game will translate to the NHL. I don't believe it will be next year however. He needs to make some adjustments. There are rumors he's looking to leave the University of Minnesota to start his NHL career after this season. I hope he stays in college and takes a couple more years to develop physically. Add some strength to his game that he will definitely need to be a play driver in the NHL and not just a passenger on a line surviving to keep up like we see with Shane Wright and Juraj Slavkovsky right now. Those two guys, even with their size, are struggling at the NHL level but I would argue in terms of offensive ability Cooley is the best of those three.
____________________________
Article: 27/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $5,500,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
Los Angeles Kings
|
Kings End 2022 in Style
|
Kings-Carter |
2023-01-02 04:37:48 |
75 |
The New Year's Eve party for the Los Angeles Kings hockey team was a smashing success. The players and coaches gathered at the team's practice facility to ring in the new year with food, drinks, and lots of laughter.
The party started off with a potluck dinner, where everyone brought their favorite dish to share. There were so many delicious options to choose from, including grilled chicken wings, homemade pizzas, and a variety of dips and appetizers.
After dinner, the team gathered in the main rink for a game of shinny. It was a fun and competitive game, with everyone trying their best to score goals and show off their skills.
As the night wore on, the team moved to the lounge area for some more relaxed activities. There was a karaoke machine set up, and many of the players took turns belting out their favorite tunes. There was also a photo booth, where everyone could snap pictures with friends and teammates to remember the night by.
As midnight approached, the team gathered around the large screen TV to watch the ball drop in Times Square. When the countdown reached zero, everyone cheered and hugged each other, excited for the new year and all the possibilities it held.
After the ball drop, the team continued to party into the early hours of the morning. It was a fantastic way to end the year and start the new one, and everyone left feeling happy and grateful to be a part of such a great team.
|
 Winnipeg Jets
|
The Jets are in better CAVU
|
Jets-Steve |
2022-12-31 19:59:56 |
81 |
It has been almost a month since GM Lemyre has taken control of the team now. The CAVU (Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited), which indicates the ideal flying conditions, with a visibility of at least 10 miles and a ceiling of at least 10,000 feet has improved a lot for the Jets in Winnipeg. The city weather is still very cold but the overall fans appreciation has gone up a lot.
The new team in place needed to do a complete assessment of the management integrity and found out a lot of discrepancies going from a lack of draft picks to bad lines combinations. Only after a couple of tweaks, the Jets were back in business being unbeaten in regulation in its first 5 games under GM Lemyre guidance and finishing the month of December with 7 wins in 12 games (0.583). Will that be enough to make the playoffs? There still a lot of ground to cover!
After all the warm welcoming from the NEFHL GM, here some accomplishments:
Trades
1 - Winnipeg Jets trade Luke Evangelista to St-Louis Blues for Seamus Casey
2 - Winnipeg Jets trade Bo Horvat to Philadelphia Flyers for Bryan Rust and WPG 2023 Rnd 1
3 - New York Rangers trade Brandon Duhaime, Tyler Wall and DET 2024 Rnd 2 to Winnipeg Jets for Blake Coleman and WPG 2023 Rnd 2
Some key players coming back from injuries and the release of Andrew Hammond (cutting salary) help improve the overall health of the team.
On paper, the team has some strong pieces starting upfront with Kucherov, Lindholm, Kadri , Rust, Wilson. On D with Johnson and Cernak and in goal with with Grubauer. The future is bright also with Cozens, Jeannot, Duhaime, Gustafsson, Cernak, all 25 and younger.
Finally, the deal bringing back this year first rounder might become valuable coming up to the trade deadline later on this spring. It could go both ways depending on the situation then!
But for now, the Jets organization would l8ke to wish success and happiness to all its fellow GMs and family for the 2023. |
|
Carolina Hurricanes
|
Just Posting this so I don't get Fined!
|
Canes-Jeff |
2022-12-31 18:44:33 |
85 |
So Ends another spin around the sun. 2022 has come and gone and we will now enter 2023. Another year has passed, this being the 15th I've been in the NEFHL and I look back at all the things that have happened over the year. The Carolina Hurricanes have been a decent but not great franchise... made a cup final, lost in the conference championships, won a Presidents Trophy and a couple division titles. Overall, a pretty mediocre resume which is highlighted more so by the ability to maximize tanking in the form of back to back 1st overall picks to draft Steven Stamkos and John Tavares who are still with the team. Are the Canes terrible at trading homegrown players to improve the team? Of course.... Do the Canes overvalue their own players making trading extremely difficult? Obviously... Do the Canes invest too much time in the draft researching 5th and 6th round picks with the hope that some of them pan out? Probably.... All in all though, I love being in this league and have a blast running the Carolina franchise. The gola of making the playoffs has happened more often than not and it keeps the league fun. Writing articles for the most part is horrible as I'm not the best writer, but I value the $1 million dollars in fake money that can be blown on a longshot overage college player more than the 10 minutes it actually takes to bang out 250 words.... This has to be getting close to 250 overall, I hope you enjoyed reading even with the overall lack of content in this article.
Happy New Year to All! Thanks for being in my lives for the last 15 years, heres to a whole bunch more. Awesome job JD with all you do to make this league amazing. |
 Calgary Flames
|
Kubalik's Stint In Calgary Ends
|
Flames-JD |
2022-12-31 18:05:56 |
73 |
Dominik Kubalik came to the Flames in a deadline deal a few seasons ago with lots of anticipation. Posting over a point a game by teaming up with Claude Giroux and Mikko Rantanen to end the season helped turned the Flames from a team fighting for a postseason berth to a Stanley Cup finalist. Kubalik was a massive part of that playoff run, tallying 11 goals.
His 28 goals and 71 points last season we're also massive in the Flames league leading win total. This season, however, has been a completely different story. The relentless success the Flames had ended in round 1 of the playoffs last season. Their misfortunes have continued and the Kubalik days are now over.
Kubalik had been relegated to the third line for most of the year. On more than one occasion he was put back in the top 6 but without success. 11 points in 35 games along with team struggles and Brock McGinn's emergence on the third line while filling in for an injury meant it was time to move on.
Sources say half a dozen teams expressed interest in the speedy winger. In the end the Flames opted for a former top draft pick who's struggled in his first few pro seasons.
Alex Turcotte comes in as a project but with high potential if he comes close to reaching his ceiling. A gamble the Flames could afford to take with tons of middle six talent.
Following the trade, the Flames have started to surge up the standings as well, despite some injuries.
Currently sitting 12th overall and with 4 of the next 5 games against teams outside the playoffs the coaches hope they can get inside the top 10 and back competing for the division title to start 2023.
|
|
St-Louis Blues
|
2023 Blues Prospect Rankings
|
Blues-Graham |
2022-12-31 16:39:24 |
88 |
When your teams sucks and you're nearing the end of a rebuild, there isn't much to do other than follow your prospects. I keep a running spread sheet of my rankings. I haven't figured out how to include up to date stats quite yet, but eventually I'd like to. This quarter's addition includes 55 prospects. To be included they must be in thier D+5 year (2017) or younger. Subtractions include Seamus Casey and Jaromir Pytlick (trades). Key additions include Jordain Dumais (6), Luke Evangelista (12) and Raphel Lavoie (27) all via trades.
The top 5 has remained in tack but the order has changed slightly with Lysell edging out Connor McMichael for 4th place. Wright still maintains 1st place followed by Brandt Clarke and Peyton Krebs. If Lysell continues on his current trajectory I can see him taking over 3rd place by year end. Both Mesar (7) and Dumais(6) are having great seasons and are pushing for top 5 spots themselves.
My 2 biggest risers are Ethan Cardwell who's having a stand out year as an overager in the OHL (and recently drafted by the sharks) and Nicola Pasic who's tearing up the Allesvenkan (Swedens 2nd tier league). Both have risen 15 spots from thier previous rankings. The biggest faller is Adam Sykora. Funny enough I still think highly of him, he's only 18 and playing professional hockey in Slovakia's top league (9 points in 20 GP). I probably just had him ranked a little high last round.
|
 New Jersey Devils
|
NEW JERSEY DEVILS – SHANE PINTO
|
Devils-Phil |
2022-12-31 15:42:21 |
84 |
NEW JERSEY DEVILS – SHANE PINTO
(Article by General Manager Nathan Landriault)
The New Jersey Devils brought Shane Pinto to training camp this season with high expectations of Shane making the jump to top six in their line up. After a few social outings General Manager, Nathan Landriault had concerns regarding Shane’s surgically repaired shoulder.
An initial meeting was convened between GM Nathan Landriault, the Owner Philip Landriault and the New Jersey Devils medical staff and determined that his shoulder would need additional rehabilitation before joining NEFHL. A subsequent meeting took place between the player’s agent and team management where it was decided that Pinto would return to the minor leagues with the Ottawa Senators to further his development in hope that he be rehabilitated in time for the 2023-24 season.
In the minor leagues this season American born Shane Pinto has accumulated ten goals and seven assists for a total of 17 points in 35 games. Pinto started out like a house on fire winning player of the month for October, starting out on a point a game at pace with the Senators. He has slowed down considerably in the past few months due to shoulder fatigue which had been identified by the New Jersey Devils medical staff.
The New Jersey Devils new ownership is still very high on Shane Pinto for the 2023-2024 season and even debated whether they should sign him this year.
Management believes that Shane Pinto will have a bright future in the NEFHL in the future with the New Jersey Devils. |
|
New Jersey Devils
|
NEW JERSEY DEVILS UPDATE ON FIRST ROUND PICK PAVEL MINTYUKOV
|
Devils-Phil |
2022-12-31 15:39:54 |
83 |
NEW JERSEY DEVILS UPDATE ON FIRST ROUND PICK PAVEL MINTYUKOV
(Article by GM Nathan Landriault)
After a quick appearance at the New Jersey Devils 2022 Training Camp, it was decided by GM Nathan Landriault and team owner Phil Landriault, that Mintyukov would be sent back to his OHL team the Saginaw Spirit for more seasoning to allow him to work on his defensive game this year.
The decision seems to have been a good one so far for the Moskva Russia native as he is 5th in the OHL scoring, with 13 goals and 26 assists for 39 points. This has him leading the OHL in defenseman scoring by 20 points. Mintyokov has been named OHL defenseman of the month twice already this season.
The Anaheim Ducks NHL draft pick 10th overall in 2022 seems poised to make the jump to the NHL next season should he continue to improve his overall game.
Hopefully joining fellow first round picks Mason McTavish and Nathan Gaucher in the Ducks lineup for the 2023-24 season.
Mintyokov born in 2003 is a six foot two inches left shot defenseman. Pavel has a great shot from the point making him a force to reckon with on every shift. Currently he controls the power play for the Saginaw Spirit and should be able to this for the New Jersey Devils in the future.
The New Jersey Devils project that Mintyukov with become their number one defenseman in the coming years should he continue progressing along his development path. New Jersey Devils Head Scout Paul Jennings seems to have done his job identifying this offensively gifted defenceman in the 2022 draft. |
|
New Jersey Devils
|
NEW JERSEY DEVILS UPDATE
|
Devils-Phil |
2022-12-31 15:36:55 |
87 |
NEW JERSEY DEVILS UPDATE
(Article by General Manager Nathan Landriault)
The New Jersey Devils began the 2022-23 season under new management of General Manager Nathan Landriault and Owner Philip Landriault and they dove in head first to restore the New Jersey Devils to the top of the NEFHL. Even reaching out and bringing franchise legend Martin Brodeur as a consultant to Owner Philip Landriault. Martin returns after a stint in the Saint Louis Blues organization after a rift with previous management of the New Jersey Devils.
Brodeur was the franchise goaltender for the Devils last time the team was very successful.
This season the Devils even with all these efforts are in 24th place in the NEFHL. The New Jersey Devils are second in the league in goals for but second to last in goals against. To mention some of our standouts, Kyle Connor the 26-year-old American born left winger leading the entire NEFHL in scoring with 52 points, veteran American born right winger Patrick Kane sits in fourth place in the league scoring race with 45 points, as well as, American born Charlie McAvoy leads all defencemen in scoring with 34 points to date.
The Devils issue seems to be prevention as Jonathan Quick and Jonathan Bernier have been unable to prevent the other teams from scoring against the Devils on a nightly basis.
As the league heads toward the trade deadline, the Devils must look to secure better goaltending for the 2023-24 season as well as looking to join the sweepstakes for top draft pick Connor Bedard in the 2023 draft. |
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
Marchand, The Knight With A Six-Point Night
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-12-31 02:20:57 |
73 |
Against the Buffalo Sabres on Monday, December 19th, the Vegas Golden Knights were in the visiting dressing room, unhappy with their play of late. Brad Marchand, feeling snubbed at last year’s award ceremony after his Hart and Selke worthy season, knew what had to be done. Because the league follows the Sabres with extreme intensity, Marchand knew all eyes would be on his game that night. So he decided to turn it up a notch.
With a primary assist on the game’s opening goal, he knew he was off to a good start. But back in the dressing room, tied after the first period, he knew he’d have to be even better. So he did what had to be done. He set up the go ahead goal, then the Sabres knotted it at two. So he set up the next goal, and the Sabres answered again. So he set up the go ahead goal. And the next one. And then scored one of his own; for the first time in his career, Brad Marchand had five points in the second period, one on each of the Golden Knights’ goals, and six points on the night. That’s got to be among the greatest performances ever, right?
When adversity rears its head, Marchand strikes, time and time again. With THREE left-wingers knocked out of that contest against the Sabres, Marchand also played a career-high 33 minutes in a regular-season non-overtime game. Too bad it’s still not enough to get slumping Jack Hughes back on track, who is in the midst of a sophomore slump. Hughes’ shooting percentage was 300% higher last year than it is right now, and is on pace to finish sixth on the Knights in points, after leading the team last year. Perhaps it’s because of the Commissioner’s lack of meddling in the Golden Knights’ affairs that poor Jack has felt himself unmotivated to play this season. For now, the rookie most poised to claim the Calder Trophy is Jack Hughes’ teammate G Spencer Knight, who currently ranks fifth in the league in save-percentage, and is fifth in wins. |
|
Carolina Hurricanes
|
Canes Unlikely Scoring Leaders
|
Canes-Jeff |
2022-12-31 01:02:04 |
84 |
Since 2015/16, some combo of Steven Stamkos, John Tavares or NEFHL Hall of Famer Henrik Sedin has led the Canes in scoring. With the exception of Nick Foligno in 2017/18, Steven Stamkos or John Tavares has led the team in goals every year since 2011/12. John Tavares & Steven Stamkos are still on the Canes roster this season... yet neither of them lead in either category though 37 games. While Logan Couture has been with the team since 2007 and made his NEFHL debut in 2009, he hasn't been the top point getter in Raleigh since 2014/15, yet there his is sitting with 32 points in 37 games. That puts him 5 points ahead of John... Steven... LAWSON CROUSE?!?!?! With 27 points on the season, unhearalded Lawson Crouse finds himself in 2nd spot as he and Couture have been leading the way on the Canes 2nd line all season long. Even more shocking though is the fact that Crouse leads the team with 17 goals. With a career high of 27 goals set back in 2020/21, Crouse looks likely to smash that total as he is on pace for 37 this year. The much ridiculed pick who was taken just ahead of the likes of Timo Meier & Kyle Conner in the 2015 1st round has found his way and is providing key offense at key times for the Canes. While no GM in their right mind would take Crouse over Conner or Meier, it has been nice that the laughter has died down and Crouse is a competent NEFHLer. Whether or not he keeps is up is still to be determined but if the Canaes top guns can get back on track, there may be hope for consistent offense the rest of the way for the Canes. |
|
San Jose Sharks
|
Kubalik providing scoring touch for Sharks
|
Sharks-Curtis |
2022-12-30 21:25:37 |
84 |
Dominik Kubalik was brought in by the Sharks to provide offence and through 3 games with the team he is doing exactly that.
A few weeks ago Alex Turcotte was placed on the block to try to upgrade the teams forward group for this season and the future. A deal was made with the Flames sending Turcotte and draft picks for Dominik Kubalik.
Kubalik is 27 and is signed for 2 years after this season so it was a no brainer to bring in a forward with his skill on a team friendly contract and under contract for 2 more seasons.
Kubalik has played 3 games and has 3 goals and 2 assists and is a +4. Instant success and instant rewards for a team in desparate need for wingers and scoring forwards.
It doesnt end with Kubalik, the next 10+ months the Sharks will continue to look to upgrade depth at all postions, but mostly looking to continue to upgrade on the wing with high skill and scoring abilities.
The Sharks won't be trading their draft picks for this draft but they aren't openly tanking. They will be on the lookout for players that can help now and in the future even though they know they will not be making the playoffs. The tear down is over and the slow build is in progress. The building blocks are getting into place slowly but surely on D, in G, up front and in the prospect department.
No trade trade talks are currently on going but we can likely expect a few deals to be made before this seasons trade deadline.
For the San Jose Tribune, I am Ken McBobzie. |
|
Los Angeles Kings
|
Man Goes On Article Writing Spree After Lobbying For Article Strike Abolishment
|
Kings-Carter |
2022-12-30 20:12:46 |
76 |
Carter had always been a passionate hockey fan, and when he joined a fantasy simulation hockey league with a group of friends, he was excited to compete and see who could build the best team. However, as he got more involved in the league, he began to notice something that frustrated him: there was a rule that required each team owner to write five articles about their team every year.
At first, Carter tried to brush off this requirement as just another part of the game, but as the years went on, he found himself struggling to come up with new and interesting things to say about his team. He began to resent the article rule, feeling like it was a burden that took away from his enjoyment of the league.
Determined to make a change, Carter set out to advocate for the abolition of the article rule. He argued that it was an unnecessary burden on team owners and that it was taking away from the actual gameplay of the league. He worked tirelessly to gather support for his cause, reaching out to other team owners and presenting his case to the league commissioner.
After weeks of campaigning, Carter finally succeeded in his mission. The article rule was abolished, and team owners were no longer required to write articles about their teams. Carter was thrilled by this victory and couldn't wait to fully focus on building and managing his team without the added pressure of having to write articles.
However, as it turned out, Carter couldn't shake his love for writing about simulation hockey. Despite no longer being required to do so, he found himself wanting to share his thoughts and insights with the rest of the league. So, he began writing articles on his own accord, sharing his analysis of various teams and players.
In the end, Carter's efforts to have the article rule abolished ended up leading to even more writing about hockey. But this time, he was doing it because he wanted to, not because he had to. And that made all the difference. |
|
Columbus Blue Jackets
|
Olofsson Trade Paying Off
|
Jackets-Blake |
2022-12-30 16:21:38 |
66 |
When the Jackets traded away their 1st round pick for Olofsson, fans of the team were sorta on edge. With it being such a deep draft and the East being a battle ground, would Olofsson be worth it? He certainley is talented, but could the Jackets have got a better player? Someone more well rounded? All these questions lingered for a few hours after the trade. But, 6 games in and it looks like the Jackets have made yet another good trade for their playoff hopes.
Olofsson has put up 4 goals and 2 assists since being brought onto the squad, and the team has never looked better with 3-0 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. That 3-0 victory came with the Jackets missing their 2nd best player in Anders Lee, who plays in all situations, and Kase who has been a dynamo for the bottom 6 and the 2nd powerplay unit. In fact the Jackets new top line looked like the best line the team has thrown together all season. Olofsson - Eichel - Hartman had some great chemistry and were dominant whenever they got on the ice. The mix of speed and skill made for a top line that looked like a true top line. Nick Ritchie's role has diminished a bit and it may truly be for the best for the Jackets. Now the question is can they keep it up? Only time will tell, but early on it looks like the Jackets have made another good trade to help them pursue not only a playoff spot, but potentially add another division title banner if they can keep up with the Pens and Caps. |
|
Seattle Kraken
|
Looking to 2023-24
|
Kraken-Scott |
2022-12-30 15:19:20 |
90 |
Everyone expected the expansion Seattle Kraken team to struggle througout its inaugural season. Everyone was right with their expectations. Through its first 34 games, the Kraken have a 10-20-4 record - a total of 24 points and a points percentage of 0.353. The Kraken rank 31st in the NEFHL in goals scored per game (2.4), and 32nd in goals against per game (3.6). That combination is a clear recipe for disaster. That being said, the Kraken management team have a long view for this franchise. Many younger players were chosen via the expansion draft. The team has accumulated a plethora of draft picks to stock their cupboards. There should be fewer people that are sleepless in Seattle in upcoming seasons. With that in mind, how might the Kraken look in 2023-24? Here's a look at how the Kraken lineup next season:
Centres - Top two centres Jason Spezza & Brian Boyle are old and pending unrestricted free agents. It's highly unlikely either will be back. Young centres Mike McLeod, Cody Glass and Mark Kastelic will likely be full-time NEFHL centres next year. How will the Kraken fill those top two centre spots? Trade? Free agency?
Wingers - Reilly Smith, Connor Sheary, Tomas Tatar, Nathan Bastian would certainly look to have spots locked up for next season, with Jaret Anderson-Dolan knocking at the door. Can Alex Nylander take a step forward? What happens with Jake Voracek (pending UFA)? Lots of questions need answers. Rumours persist out of Seattle that Reilly Smith can be had for a late 2023 1st round draft pick...
Defence - The defence seems pretty set for 2023-24 with Justin Schultz, Jake McCabe, Jacob Bryson, Zach Whitecloud & Nate Schmidt being locks to return. Riley Stillman is a restricted free agent and it seems likely he'll be re-signed. The Kraken could really use a proven top 4 d-man moving forward to bolster this group.
Goalies - It appears the Kraken should be solid in net in 2023-24 with the combination of Alexandar Georgiev and Dan Vladar. Rumours out of Seattle suggest neither goalie is available on the trade market as the GM is prioritizing stability in nets going forward.
No other prospects appear that they'll be NEFHL ready for 2023-24 at this point. Top power forward prospect Cutter Gauthier is likely two to three years away from contributing at the professional level. The Kraken will have upwards of $18 million in cap space to acquire talent this upcoming offseason. |
|
Los Angeles Kings
|
Los Angeles GM Takes in Wednesday Evening Screening of Avatar 2
|
Kings-Carter |
2022-12-29 20:03:03 |
71 |
Shortly after leaving a Wednesday evening screening of James Cameron's epic new film, GM Toni had this to say:
"As a fantasy hockey general manager, I'm used to living in a world of statistics and analysis. But when it comes to Avatar: The Way of Water, I have to set all of that aside and simply bask in the awe-inspiring spectacle that this film delivers. From the breathtaking visuals to the emotionally resonant story, Avatar 2 is a triumph on every level.
The world-building in this film is second to none, with the lush and vibrant Pandora being brought to life in a way that feels fully realized and believable. The various creatures and landscapes are all rendered with stunning detail and believability, making for a truly immersive experience.
But it's not just the visuals that make Avatar: The Way of Water stand out. The characters, both human and alien, are fully fleshed out and incredibly likable. The acting is top-notch, with every member of the cast delivering strong performances. The story, too, is poignant and thought-provoking, tackling themes of environmentalism and cultural understanding in a way that is both subtle and powerful.
Overall, Avatar 2 is a must-see film for anyone who loves science fiction, action, or just breathtaking cinema. It's a true masterpiece that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired. As a fantasy hockey general manager, I don't often get the chance to gush about a movie, but Avatar 2 deserves all the praise it can get. Simply put, it's a game-changer." |
|
Carolina Hurricanes
|
Where Do We Go From Here?
|
Canes-Jeff |
2022-12-28 18:35:43 |
75 |
They started the year 6-0-1 and everything looked amazing. Everything was clicking and they were riding high at the top of the league. Since that start though, the Carolina Hurricanes are just 11-15-2 and have dropped down to 8th in the Eastern Conference and just clinging to a playoff spot. With goaltending performances ranging somewhere between mediocre and horrible from starter Vitek Vanecek and inconsistent offense including career worst starts from Steven Stamkos and John Tavares, the Canes are nothing more than a middle of the pack squad. That's the bad news.... the good news is that the team has stayed afloat through a mess of injuries and is still right in the hunt for the playoffs. The team has also been running well under the $45 million salary cap and has room to add over $5 million in salary to fortify the team. At this point, it's pretty clear the team needs to add help on the wings and also could use another top 4 defenseman. Any sort of consistency scoring wise and defensively could give this team a real shot in the arm and allow the team to go on a run and solidify their position. With most of their picks and a stable of solid prospcts, the team has the ability to make moves to improve (or just do nothing and stand pat asxthh this regime has become known for). With 47 games left in the regular season, there is still lots of time for the team to go either way. The Eastern Conference appears to be wide open and 15 of the 16 teams look to still be in the race for the top 8. |
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
Pens Brass Blames Anti-gun Movement for Injury Woes
|
Pens-Brent |
2022-12-28 13:26:37 |
103 |
The increased desire to ban hunting and assault style weapons has been deemed the cause for the Penguin's injury troubles this season. Only five times have the Penguins biggest guns been in the lineup at the same time this year. The desire to stimy ones weapon arsenal most certainly is the cause for this.
"There has been some external pressures from both governments. The Biden, and even Trudeau, regimes are afraid of the weaponry we have at our disposal," said the Penguins GM.
FBI and CIA squads have been posted up out front of Penguins games lately, especially as rumours swirled around Malkin's return to the lineup. Fears of increased hostility and social unrest justifying the need for "increased security".
In their first game back together, Sidney Crosby went down with a mysterious injury that have people shaking their heads.
"Silfverberg went after Sid like we have never seen a player do so before. Unprovoked. No call or disciplinary action pending," said the Penguins head coach.
The Swedish winger and referees Wes McCauley and Mike Leggo were seen in the parking lot of PPG Arena surrounded by a couple of suits donning WEF pins on their lapels.
In the Gavle native's hand was a bag full of what one could assume was money. Only part of the label on the bag could be identified and read, "Money for Zel..."
The Penguins admin are conducting an investigation into the matter.
"They are doing everything in their power to thwart and stagnate our objective as a team. They are clearly threatened by our power," replied the GM.
CNN, WaPO and NYT have all labelled this story as "disinformation".
With Crosby on the shelf for a few games, expect young Alex Newhook to move back into the top six despite having no business being there.
The Pens brass are thankful that Crosby's injury is only a minor one, with him likely returning in a couple games.
________________________
Obligatory Articles: 5/5
Bonus Articles: 12/40 = $3,000,000 / $10,000,000 |
 Tampa Bay Lightning
|
A look at a competitor
|
Lightning-Paul |
2022-12-27 20:02:37 |
86 |
I'm pretty happy with the play of the lightning so far. Seems like the caps are in for another great season so decided to check out their roster. I love the centre group. Matthews O’reilly and Barzal is nasty and a recipe for playoff success. I've always thought that having 3 good centres was a must for going deep in the playoffs. Barzal has the ratings to be a top 6 on most teams and having him to dominate the 3rd line and wreak havoc freshly on the PP and PK is a huge asset! Not to mention if there is an injury to one of the top 2 he's a great replacement in the top 6! They got great complimentary wingers to support their star centres. I'm not really sure how Guentzle doesn't have a "star" OV rating but he's a star offensive player! Hyman is a great complimentary piece as well with his great two way game. Throw in JVR and some nice role players, they are deep on the wing with options to move up and down the lineup! Vasilevski is obviously a stud! And then I saw a flaw, a big one at that. (Thank god!) That D is one of the worst I’ve ever seen. I know everyone here has different views on how important a defence is but I think this could hurt come playoff time. Zero D have EN over 80 which essentially mean none are top 4 in NHL. 1 has 60+ PA and 1 has 50+SC. There are a couple with over 75 DF (which is hard not to do). It’s an interesting strategy, can an awesome 2 way forward group and top 3 goalie mask a god awful defence? So far it looks like it can, in the regular season anyway! |
 Chicago Blackhawks
|
Hawks send three to WJHC
|
Hawks-Anthony |
2022-12-27 19:21:20 |
75 |
Chicago Blackhawks will be sending three players to represent their respective nations at this years WJHC in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. Here is a review of who we will be seeing.
Jonathan Lekkerimaki, the most recent first rounder in the 2022 NEFHL will be playing for Team Sweden in their bottom six. Lekkerimaki boasts a deadly wrister and is an offensive force, despite being on the small and weaker side. We aren’t expecting him to have a big tournament but it would be nice to see him capitalize on the few shifts he gets. He want to see him strong on his skates and battling hard. We are hoping that a medal can give this young man some confidence when he returns to Sweden.
Aleksanteri Kaskimaki will be on the Finland roster. Drafted in the 3rd round of the NEFHL, expectation are that of a speedster 3rd liner. Just like in Liiga, he won’t be getting many minutes on this Finland team. Let’s hope his speed and play generates some buzz and maybe builds his confidence for when he’s back in Finland.
Veit Oswald is definitely an unknown prospect. He went undrafted in the NHL last season despite leading the DNL U20 league in points as one of the younger players. Went on to play in the DEL this season but has been unsuccessful so now is on loan to SC Riessersee in the Germany3 league. Veit will be playing on the 4th line but one great play can change that. |
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
Ol-en at the WJC
|
Pens-Brent |
2022-12-23 13:29:43 |
112 |
Standing 5'10 at a slender 182 lbs, Olen Zellweger has battled critics and naysayers his entire life and has proven them wrong time and time again. His small stature held him back from being an first round draft selection in his draft year. But that did not stop Zellweger from putting up the kind of numbers that have left those that passed on him scratching their heads. In the 78 games WHL games he has played since going 34th overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, the Calgary, Alberta product has amassed 106 points (24+82).
"I'd like to think that I am capable of quarterbacking a powerplay. I like to do what I can to make others around me better. I like having the puck on my stick, I make a good first pass, I am not afraid to shoot. I love being involved in the action," siad the young defender.
Zellweger hopes to help lead Team Canada's powerplay at the World Juniors tis year, an opportunity he will most certainly relish.
"I am pretty pumped about the chance. With guys like Connor [Bedard] and Shane [Wright] on the top unit, what's there not to be excited about?" added Zellweger
As a returning player, Olen should expect increased responsibility. This could be a chance to show the team that drafted him what they could be in for soon.
"He just oozes talent. He is a hard working kid. He knows his strengths and areas of need and works hard to improve in all areas. He plays a bigger game than his size. He plays a smart, responsible game and knows how to use his positioning and quickness to his advantage. There's a lot to like about his game," stated the Penguins GM.
Pittsburgh also has Kalle Vaisanen to cheer on at this years tourney. He will return to represent the Finnish squad this year.
________________________
Obligatory Articles: 5/5
Bonus Articles: 11/40 = $2,750,000 / $10,000,000 |
|
Los Angeles Kings
|
Kings Issue Statement On Abolishing Article Strikes Rule
|
Kings-Carter |
2022-12-22 23:31:18 |
92 |
In a fantasy hockey league, it is not uncommon for participants to be required to write articles about their team as a way to stay engaged with the league and to provide updates on their team's performance. However, some participants may not have the time or the desire to write these articles, and requiring them to do so may be unfair and burdensome. Therefore, it may be beneficial to consider abolishing the rule that issues warnings to participants who do not write articles about their team.
One argument in favor of abolishing this rule is that it may not serve any useful purpose. While writing articles can be a fun and engaging way to participate in the league, it is not necessarily a requirement for being a successful team owner. Some participants may have different ways of staying engaged with the league and may not need to write articles to do so. By forcing all participants to write articles, the league may be imposing an unnecessary burden on those who do not wish to do so.
Another argument in favor of abolishing this rule is that it may be counterproductive. If participants are being issued warnings for not writing articles, they may feel discouraged or frustrated and may be less likely to participate in the league. This could lead to a decline in participation and a decline in the overall enjoyment of the league.
There may also be alternative ways to encourage participation and engagement in the league that do not involve writing articles. For example, the league could encourage participants to engage with each other through other means, such as social media or forums, or could offer incentives for participation in other ways, such as through contests or prizes.
Ultimately, the decision to abolish the rule requiring participants to write articles about their team will depend on the specific needs and goals of the league. However, it is worth considering whether this rule is necessary or whether there may be more effective ways to encourage participation and engagement in the league. |
|
New York Islanders
|
Your Islanders GM in 1966
|
Isles-Steve |
2022-12-22 22:24:12 |
85 |
Politically Incorrect? No story... Just this!
Merry Christmas everybody!!! |
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
Almost Ready
|
Pens-Brent |
2022-12-22 17:55:46 |
100 |
Despite going down with what looked like a season ending injury, centremen Evgeni Malkin took to the ice with his comrades for the first time in months, well ahead of schedule. Geno skated between fellow Ruskie Alexander Ovechkin and youngster Seth Jarvis. The Magnitogorsk native even took part in the team's full scrimmage, ending practice with a some shootout fun.
"It nice be out there with guys. Been long time. Feel good. Almost ready to play. I am score," said the franchise pivot.
His pending return will force coach Craig Berube to juggle his lines, hopefully without compromising his team's chemistry.
"When a guy of Geno's stature comes back into the fold, it's typically a good thing. We have been playing well as of late, so we don't want to shuffle the deck too much. Newy has done a great job in Malkin's absence and he clearly deserves to play. So we might look to slide him onto the third line. Jarvis possesses a ton of talent and we are hopeful that he meshes well with Ovy and Geno," stated Berube.
Jarvis had the privilege of playing with the dynamic Russian pair in preseason where the line had instant offensive success.
"It's been a few months, so hopefully we can rekindle what we had. For a young guy like me, it is a ton of fun coming to work. Every day is a new learning experience. Am opportunity to learn from some of the best ever," said the young Canadian winger.
Brandon Hagel also skated for the first time since having his bell rung two games ago. Like Malkin, he is likely to play following the Christmas Break.
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will be a game time decison versus the New Islanders tomorrow evening. While he looked good to go in practice, Crosby is still feeling a little tender.
"I'd say that I am close to 100%, but not quite there yet. At this point, it is a coaching decision. I'll be ready if coach gives me the nod," replied the Crosby.
________________________
Obligatory Articles: 5/5
Bonus Articles: 10/40 = $2,500,000 / $10,000,000 |
|
Ottawa Senators
|
Will the Senators trade Thatcher Demko?
|
Sens-Mike |
2022-12-22 17:03:20 |
82 |
OTTAWA — Brock Nelson and Ryan Hartman are gone.
Now, as the Senators seem destined to circle the drain for the rest of the season, the question has become whether or not the team will trade 27-year-old goaltender Thatcher Demko, fresh off a new contract extension in the summer, or if they'll keep the netminder they drafted back in 2014.
"We're open to anything and we've communicated that with Thatcher and his representatives," said Ottawa GM Mike McMahon. "Thatcher wants to be on a competitive team with the chance to win a championship. We're not there yet. I have faith that we'll be there down the road but we need to determine if Thatcher is willing to wait for that process to play itself out or if he wants to move to a more competitive organization now. I'm willing to let him play a role in his future because we do think he'll still be a top-tier goalie once we are ready to compete."
The Senators have multiple young players in the pipeline who were drafted in the first two rounds, including Dylan Guenther, Anton Lundell, K'Andre Miller, Cam York, Danila Yurov, Alex Vlasic, John Beecher, and Jan Mysak.
Plus, the organization seems poised for another top pick in 2023.
But how did the organization get here? Back in the summer, McMahon said he thought the organization was ready to compete for a playoff spot after going on a run at the end of last season.
"Injuries," he said. "It's been the same story for a lot of teams, but it's been injuries. We have had several key guys out for long stretches. At one point in October, our fourth-line center was centering our top line and top power-play unit. Even right now, Tomas Nosek is centering our top unit tonight because (Colin) White and Lundell are both out of the lineup. We have four guys out tonight.
"No excuses. It is what it is. That happened to us and it put us in such a big hole, we had to take a step back and determine what the next best step was for our franchise. If we got some guys back healthy, maybe we make a run. But we determined the whole was too big and I think the worst place you can be as an organization is those first few teams out of the playoffs. You're not bad enough to get a good pick, and you're not good enough to make the playoffs. You're in no-man's land, and teams get stuck there for a long time." |
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
Pens Embarrass the Canes
|
Pens-Brent |
2022-12-22 15:37:51 |
111 |
Normally, a 2-1 win in shootout would not be deemed an embarrassing defeat. I mean, it could be worse, one point is better than none, right?
But when the team you lose to is without three of their top four forwards, you have to look at it as an opportunity lost.
"We deserved to lose that one. We got outplayed by Noel Acciari and Kyle Turris for crying out loud," stated Canes captain John Tavares.
Evgeni Malkin (spleen), Sidney Crosby (ribs), and Brandon Hagel (concussion) watched the game from the press box, cheering on the boys every step of the way.
"The fellas really dug deep tonight. Happy to see them steal two points," Crosby smiled.
Goaltender Jordan Binnington was absolutely lights out, stopping 27 of the 28 shots that he faced. The 29 year old netminder is on a hot streak as of late, playing his best hockey of the season. Over the last five games, Binnington has only surrendered an impressive 6 goals during that time.
"I think I am starting to get into a bit of groove. The boys are playing well in front for me. They are keeping them [the opposition] to the outside. If I can see it, I can save it," said the Richmond Hill native.
The Hurricanes held onto the lead for the first 30 minutes of the of the game before Acciari tickled the twine at the halfway point. Shortly following the unassisted game tying goal, Noel sustained a groin injury and is being further evaluated by team staff.
"He's a little banged up and could be questionable for Friday. We will see what the docs say and go from there," added coach Berube.
The Penguins have a date with the Islanders on the 23rd. New York should not be taken lightly despite their depleted, youthful line up.
The Islanders have proved once again this season that they suck at both winning and losing.
________________________
Obligatory Articles: 5/5
Bonus Articles: 9/40 = $2,250,000 / $10,000,000 |
|
Tampa Bay Lightning
|
Strikes for lack of articles??
|
Lightning-Paul |
2022-12-22 04:19:01 |
83 |
Today I got a message from Carter guiding me to the suggestions post regarding a vote for eliminating strikes for lack of articles. I have been fired before because of strikes received due to a lack of articles so I was obviously in favour of what Carter was suggesting.
I am however a bit surprised about how many people want to keep the rule in place. Arguments such as "it's super easy to write a 250 word article 5 times in a while season" "for all the work JD does for this league we owe it to him to write these articles" "whatever Eric wrote, I didn't care enough to read something so long".
I'll just say this, it is not hard to write a 250 word article but I'd rather write 25 ten word posts that people will read and comment rather than a 250 word article that maybe some will read but no one will comment on.
Secondly, JD does do a lot of work and I'm the first to appreciate it all the time, heck I came up with the idea to join together and buy him a bottle of scotch so you can't say that just because I don't want to write articles that I don't appreciate the work JD does. I also show appreciation by doing my lines all the time, participating in all trade talks, showing up to the draft and just being an every day participant in this league.
lastly, me not reading whatever Eric wrote is exactly why articles are so out of date. Things are constantly on the go and most people live a life that have lots of distractions. I'm literally writing this in the bar at milestones waiting for my girlfriend to finish work being anti social.
I love this league and will continue to try and maintain my spot in it, just wish this wasn't a part of it. |
|
Los Angeles Kings
|
Los Angeles Kings Education Outreach Program - Day 3
|
Kings-Carter |
2022-12-21 20:01:12 |
120 |
The Los Angeles Kings are reaching out to the community in an attempt to grow the sport and their fanbase.
Today's topic centers around: "What makes a good hockey player?"
Ice hockey is a physically demanding and fast-paced team sport that requires a wide range of skills and abilities to be successful. To be a good hockey player, it's important to have strong skating abilities, including speed, agility, and balance. These skills allow players to move quickly and efficiently around the ice, making it easier to get to the puck and outmaneuver opponents.
Good stickhandling skills are also essential for all players. The ability to control and move the puck with the stick is crucial for making plays and setting up scoring opportunities. Players need to be able to handle the puck with precision and finesse, whether it's passing to a teammate, carrying the puck into the offensive zone, or taking a shot on goal.
Shooting ability is another important quality for hockey players. Players need to be able to shoot accurately and with power to score goals and beat the goaltender. This requires proper technique, including a quick release, proper grip on the stick, and proper weight transfer.
In addition to individual skills, good hockey players also need to have strong passing abilities. The ability to pass the puck accurately and effectively is important for setting up scoring opportunities and moving the puck up the ice. Players need to be able to read the play and anticipate where their teammates will be so they can deliver the puck to them in a position to make a play.
Hockey sense is another important quality for good players. This refers to a strong understanding of the game and the ability to anticipate what teammates and opponents will do. Players with good hockey sense are able to make smart decisions on the ice and anticipate where the puck is likely to go next.
Physical fitness is also crucial for hockey players. The sport is physically demanding, and players need to be in good shape to compete at a high level. This includes having good endurance, strength, and power.
Mental toughness is also important for hockey players. The sport can be mentally challenging, and players need to be able to handle the physical and mental demands of the game, including adversity and pressure.
Finally, good hockey players are able to work effectively with their teammates and contribute to the team's success. This includes being a good team player, communicating effectively with teammates, and being willing to make sacrifices for the good of the team. Overall, a good hockey player combines strong individual skills with a strong understanding of the game and the ability to work well with their teammates. |
|
Los Angeles Kings
|
Los Angeles Kings Education Outreach Program - Day 2
|
Kings-Carter |
2022-12-21 19:57:17 |
117 |
The Los Angeles Kings are reaching out to the community in an attempt to grow the sport and their fanbase.
Today's topic centers around: "What are the rules of hockey?"
There are several rules in ice hockey that govern play and ensure the safety of the players. Some of the main rules of the game include:
Offside: A player is offside if they cross the blue line into the offensive zone before the puck. This results in a face-off outside of the offending team's zone.
Icing: Icing is when a player shoots the puck from their own half of the rink to the other team's goal line without it being touched. This results in a face-off in the offending team's zone.
Penalties: Players can be penalized for various infractions, such as tripping, elbowing, cross-checking, and interference. Penalties result in the offending player being sent to the penalty box for a certain number of minutes, depending on the severity of the infraction. During this time, the team must play shorthanded, with one fewer player on the ice.
Checking: Players are allowed to hit opponents to try to take the puck away from them, but they are not allowed to use their sticks or any other body part to hit or push opponents in a dangerous or aggressive manner.
Fighting: Fighting is not allowed in ice hockey and can result in penalties and ejections.
High-sticking: Players are not allowed to raise their sticks above their shoulders when trying to play the puck.
Goalie interference: Players are not allowed to interfere with the goaltender in any way, including by blocking their view or preventing them from making a save.
Face-offs: Face-offs are used to start play and to restart play after a goal or a stoppage. The puck is placed in the center of the rink, and the players from each team line up facing each other. The official drops the puck, and the players try to win control of it by stickhandling or swatting it with their sticks.
|
|
Los Angeles Kings
|
Los Angeles Kings Education Outreach Program - Day 1
|
Kings-Carter |
2022-12-21 19:54:11 |
123 |
The Los Angeles Kings are reaching out to the community in an attempt to grow the sport and their fanbase.
Today's topic centers around: "What is hockey?"
Ice hockey is a fast-paced team sport played on ice. The game is played by two teams of six players each, including a goaltender. The object of the game is to score more goals than the opposing team by shooting a hard rubber puck into the opponent's net using a stick.
The rink is divided into three zones: the defensive zone, the neutral zone, and the offensive zone. Players can only handle the puck with their sticks and are not allowed to use their hands or other body parts to control it. They are also not allowed to trip, push, or hit opponents with their sticks or any other body part.
Each team has four lines of forwards and three pairs of defensemen. The forwards are responsible for scoring goals and the defensemen are responsible for preventing the opposing team from scoring. The goaltender is the last line of defense and is responsible for protecting the net.
The game is divided into three periods, each lasting 20 minutes. If the game is tied at the end of regulation time, it goes into overtime, which is a sudden-death period where the first team to score wins. If no team scores during overtime, the game goes to a shootout, where each team gets a chance to score on a penalty shot.
Ice hockey is a physically demanding sport that requires a high level of skill, endurance, and teamwork. It is a popular sport in countries with cold climates, particularly in Canada and the United States, but is also played in many other countries around the world.
|
 Florida Panthers
|
Shit's Fucked
|
Panthers-Eric |
2022-12-21 14:45:36 |
88 |
The Florida Panthers are in the midst of a 3-game losing streak and have proven more or less incapable of scoring goals. For a team that came into the season looking like an Eastern Conference offensive powerhouse, they have been a massive disappointment thus far.
But that could change, as star forward David Pastrnak has just been taken off the LTIR and will resume practicing with the team today. Pastrnak's first game back is still likely a few days away, however, given that his condition is down at 96. The question now becomes: how does GM-Eric manage his roster cap with Pastrnak's $6,000,000 being re-added to the mix?
"To be honest, I thought David's broken neck injury would keep him out of the lineup until closer to trade deadline. In fact, the team doctors had given him a 0 percent chance of returning by Christmas... so obviously they don't know what the hell they are talking about. I'm not sure exactly how I will be able to keep everyone. To say shit's fucked is a bit of an understatement", said Eric.
Elementary-level math suggests that the Panthers roster will exceed $50 million as soon as starting goalie Jacob Markstrom returns from his own long-term injury in approximately 1W from now. And while the team's barrage of injuries has created some extra cap space for the rest of the season, it does not appear to be anywhere near enough to retain all key players.
Savvy NEFHL GMs are already sniffing out the problems in Florida. |
|
Chicago Blackhawks
|
Blackhawks 2022 Prospect Review
|
Hawks-Anthony |
2022-12-19 21:37:39 |
104 |
In December of every year, we review our top prospects. And, like always, we will be reviewing only the top 5 prospects on our NEFHL Prospects List. We do not look at farm players. This years list is very different as prospects Moritz Seider (1), Jack Quinn (2) and Rory Kerins (5) have graduated.
Matt Coronato – With Seider and Quinn graduating, the Bisson takes over as the Chicago Blackhawks top prospect. Despite USA not getting a medal, Coronato was one of the better American players scoring four (4) goals and adding three (3) helpers in 5 games. He finished the season strong at just over a PPG for Harvard and has continued his production this season. In only eleven (11) games, he’s second in team points with fifteen (15). His work ethic, pace and goal scoring ability are all intriguing and projectable.
Jackson LaCombe – Was on the HM list last year. Finished the year strong and has continued that this season with twenty (20) points in twenty (20) games for the 21 year old defenseman. He’s big, skates really well, can handle the puck and is showing true top 4 NHL/PP potential.
Francesco Pinelli – Penelli’s D+1 season was underwhelming but the Kitchener Rangers Captain has come to play this season. In twenty-four (24) games, he has amassed twenty (20) goals and thirty-nine (39) points. Pinelli is using his size, hockey IQ and shot to get himself and his team on the scoresheet. We like his game and see it translating to the NHL.
David Goyette – Skilled, slick and goal scoring. We liked him at last years draft and he’s showing us why he deserved it. Currently 8th in OHL points and 6th in goals, he’s an offensive force. The only issue is that he was drafted as a center but we see his game translating more on the wing.
Oskar Olausson – Dropped down one spot on our rankings but the 20 year old Swede has been playing against men in the AHL this season. Totaling six (6) goals and six (6) assists for twelve (12) points in twenty-three (23) games. We like his combination of skills, size and shot.
Honorable mention goes to Jonathan Lekkerimaki. Drafted 8th overall in the 2022 NEFHL draft. He was one of the youngest players in the draft and even though his play as been sub-par, we see big potential. His skills are high end and his shot is already NHL quality. He was plagued with mono at the last WJHC but we will be keeping a close eye on him this tournament. He has lots of growing to do and needs to get stronger. |
|
Columbus Blue Jackets
|
Speed
|
Jackets-Blake |
2022-12-19 18:23:53 |
85 |
The Jackets made a big move trading away their 1st round pick in this upcoming draft. With it being such a deep draft the Jackets seemed to be intent on keeping it. However, there was a certain player who brought some interesting tools to the table that the Jackets simply could not refuse. With their offence being still just alrgith, but their powerplay still being awful, Victor Olofsson was brought in. The young man was recently signed to a cheap 4 year contract, and is back to the place where his career began in Columbus.
Olofsson is mostly regarded for his goal scoring prowess. However, he brings some good playmaking skill as well. He's also not too bad defensivley. There is on aspect of his game however we want to look at, as it might lead to an interesting 1st line. With Eichel still not be 100% after his injury, he's currently suiting up on the 3rd line with Paul and Olofsson. All players have 80+ speed and are good offensive player, with Paul even being one hell of a penalty killer. With all that speed on one line with all that skill, not to mention that Eichel and Paul are fairly large players with their ST, it could lead to an interesting situation where the line gets more minutes and is the teams top line. With this newfound offensive weapon, the Jackets hope to cure their powerplay woes and make headway in the race for the tip of the east. Olofsson will make his Jackets return tonight. |
 Buffalo Sabres
|
Building Organizational Depth
|
Sabres-Kevin |
2022-12-17 18:26:39 |
98 |
I don’t think the Sabres will be active on the trade front after assessing the roster. Benn and Carter are UFAs to be and we ride them out to the season and open the cap space.
We have a collection of young talent beginning to emerge that can eat some ice time… just letting the roster naturally evolve is the smart play
The following farn players have seen NHL action
(22) Jesperi Kotkaniemi
(23) Paul Cotter
(26) Michael Eyssimont
(25) Jansen Harkins
(25) Tanner Laczynski
(23) Samuel Walker
(22) Matej Blumel
(24) Matt Kiersted
(22) Tim Berni
And I think we will see (23) Lukas Rousek and (23) Angus Crookshank make debuts later this season in the NHL.
These players will provide a cheap, effective bottom of the lineup and callups… this will allow us to spend more money at the top of line up moving forward
June 2023
Robertson (24) - Eriksson EK (26) - Schenn (32)
Cotter (24) - Bennett (27) - Duclair (28)
Milano (27) - Trocheck (30) - Okposo (35)
Namestnikov (31) - Toews (35) - Eyssimont(27)
Projected Call up Options Currently: (23) Kotkaniemi, (26) Harkins, (26) Laczynski, (24) Walker, (23) Blumel
Toews (29) - Gudas (32)
Fowler (32) - Ekholm (33)
Dunn (27) - Bear (26)
Kiersted (25) - Berni (23)
Forsberg (30)
Ned (27)
Obviously the goaltending is lacezidasical but I’m of the opinion a quality hockey club does not need the goaltending to make the playoffs… you need one to win a cup … but a team can carry the goalie and I think the club here is good enough
We’ve developed enough talent from within to withstand the lack of picks as we’ve acquired talent… and I think we can continue down that path of adding prospects when we move into picks again.
Tim Berni is 22 years old and looks outstanding defensively with high end speed…averaging over 18 minutes a night
Samuel Walker has godly speed and was used in every situation in the AHL and had 22Pts in 21GP as a AHL rookie before getting called up
Paul Cotter is basically a young Cal Clutterbuck
Etc
Like my system is going to develop some very nice players that could fill roles for my club and not be overmatched in the league.
I don’t see any urgency with the way the young players are setting into a foundation
After the 2023 draft we aging begin moving into high end draft picks and I think with the way the system is developing we might begin to play the draft game
Like from where I’m sitting I have an outstanding young hockey core and that’s me not taking the draft seriously at all |
|
Seattle Kraken
|
Seattle and the WJC
|
Kraken-Scott |
2022-12-16 14:06:36 |
120 |
The Seattle Kraken management team is very pleased with the progress of their young prospects early this season. Despite being a first year franchise in the NEFHL, it appears very likely that the Kraken will be very well represented at the upcoming 2023 World Junior Championships. Here is a sneak peek at the Kraken prospects who are most likely to represent their countries at the upcoming championships:
Locks:
C/LW - Cutter Gauthier (USA)
LW - Reid Schaefer (CAN)
Gauthier is unquestionably a lock to play for his home country in the upcoming World Juniors. The eighteen year-old, 6'2" 190 pound power forward is off to a terrific start in his freshman season at Boston College, with 10 goals and 16 points in thirteeen games. Gauthier expects to play on the first or second line and contribute offensively to a strong USA team. Schaefer has already been named to the Canadian team, although it's unclear what his role will be. Like Gauthier, the 19 year old left winger is off to an impressive start this season playing close by in Seattle (WHL) with 15 goals and 27 points in his first 22 games. With Schaefer's size and ginger tenacity, he could play a checking role on the 3rd/4th line for the gold medal favourites.
Strong Possibility:
C - Redmond Savage (USA)
Savage is known as a strong-checking centreman who played on the USA U20 team the prior year - so it's a strong possibility he lines up as the USA's 3rd or 4th line centre at the upcoming WJC. Savage is currently playing in his sophomore season at Miami (Ohio), putting up 10 points in 16 games.
Decent Possibilities:
D - Ryan Chesley (USA)
D - Otto Salin (FIN)
G - Tyler Muszelik (USA)
Chesley plays a bottom pairing role on a strong Minnesota-Duluth team in the NCAA. His strong experience with the USNDP helps his case to make the US WJC team. Salin is a finalist to play a role on the blue line for the Finnish team. He is playing for HIFK in the Finnish elite league this season, tallying 6 points through 23 games. Muszelik is the most experienced goaltender in the US world junior camp, giving him a good chance of being the American starter between the pipes. Muszelik is a freshman at the University of New Hampshire.
Despite only having one draft under their belt, Seattle has already put together a strong stable of future prospects. We hope to see this group shine in Halifax and Moncton. |
|
Columbus Blue Jackets
|
Importance of Depth
|
Jackets-Blake |
2022-12-14 16:54:27 |
80 |
The Jackets have made a lot of big moves over the last couple of weeks in order to keep up with the top teams in the East and make sure they have the best shot possible of making the playoffs. Players like Andersen, Weegar, and Hartman have been covered in depth with their contributions. However, there is one player that was not covered in nearly as much depth and could even be argued as the reason the Jackets have been able to keep their offence rolling even with players such as Eichel, Backlund, and Paul out all at the same time.
Ondrej Kase was more so a depth add originally in the minds of the Jackets. A fragile player who had decent offensive skill that could help out the powerplay. A point here and there would've been great, his 5v5 minutes weren't planned out to be, and haven't been, mind blowingly high at all. However, Kase has put up 2 goals and 6 assists in 8 games in very limited ice time with the Blue Jackets. A 4th line of Pitlick/Bellows - Girgensons - Kase has been effective in all aspects. With the kind of bottom 6 production they are getting from Kase, the 5th and 500k that they paid for Kase has been a bargain. The thing though is will Kase stay healthy enough to keep up his production/two-way play? If he does the Jackets will be a dangerous team, more so when they are healthy. When healthy, the line-up is going to look something like this likely...
Ritchie - Eichel - Hartman
Lee - Backlund - Erne
Paul - Strome - McCarron
Bellows - Girgensons - Kase
Forsling - Pulock
Weegar - Samuelsson
Siegenthaler - Walker
Andersen
Koskinen
The key is when healhty, the Jackets are 2nd in man games lost currently with 82. With the Jackets being so good with injuries, it will be interesting to see what they can do when healthy. |
|
Florida Panthers
|
The Season Thus Far
|
Panthers-Eric |
2022-12-13 15:12:50 |
97 |
It's been a real injury shitshow down in Florida, and yet the Panthers are still comfortably in the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference through 30 games. The problems all started in Game 4 when star winger David Pastrnak somehow broke his neck and had to be placed on LTIR. He's got a solid 3W left until he can resume practicing with the team. To fill the gap at the #1 RW position, Panthers GM-Eric overpaid hard to bring in David Perron... who promptly got injured as well and is just now returning.
As if those top-line injury woes weren't enough, Florida has been without its starting goalie, Jacob Markstrom, for the past 10 games and don't expect him to return until the New Year. Backup Cal Petersen has done a good job in nets thus far, and will have to continue to carry the load considering that 3rd string goalie Charlie Lindgren isn't up to NEFHL standards.
Other notable injuries through 30 games include #1 D Colton Parayko (missed 8 games), #1 C Brayden Point (missed 4 games), and top 4 D Marc-Edouard Vlasic (missed 5 games).
Despite all that, Florida boasts a respectable 15-11-4 record albeit with a -11 goal differential. Their PDO is also especially weak: a good sign of things to come. With a full squad expected by mid-January, the Panthers could make a significant impact in the league and should comfortably sail into the playoffs. The lone question mark remains: how will GM-Eric manage his salary cap once everyone is healthy? The addition of Perron ($5.5M) was more of a knee-jerk reaction than a sensible one. But if all the main pieces are indeed retained, the squad will be a lot stronger than it was on opening night.
|
|
San Jose Sharks
|
Sharks place Alex Turcotte on the trade block
|
Sharks-Curtis |
2022-12-11 19:50:42 |
93 |
The San Jose Sharks have let teams know around the NEFHL that Alex Turcotte is available.
The Sharks are looking to trade Alex Turcotte for the best forward possible. They are willing to trade him straight up or are also willing to add Pierre Engvall, Klim Kostin or draft pick with Turcotte to find the right deal.
San Jose is trying their best to upgrade their forward ranks and will try to do so at C, LW or RW in this trade. Position does not matter. A forward is a forward to them.
They are looking for someone under 32. They have the cap space to add any salary to their books but will not be interested in someone who has an over inflated salary cap hit unless its a great deal.
The Sharks believe there is a deal available for them somewhere out there and believe a trade will be completed before Christmas. It always only takes one PM to happen and their history suggests teams should likely move fast if interested because once the wheels get set in motion things happen fast with the Sharks.
Officially on the block: Alex Turcotte, SAN 2 2023, SAN 3 2023, COL 3 2023, All later picks, Pierre Engvall and Klim Kostin. The Sharks feel that any of these options are enough to land and upgrade up front to teams that are rebuilding or looking to add depth or cut from their salary cap.
All requests made to the Sharks should be made via the leagues forum private messaging system.
More to come soon. For the San Jose Tribune I am Ken McBobzie. |
|
Buffalo Sabres
|
Sabres begin to show Life
|
Sabres-Kevin |
2022-12-11 11:16:38 |
83 |
I think the clubs beginning to come together and you can see it in the stats as the sample size grows. The clubs clearly dominating at even strength play as evidence by the strong pluses throughout the stats
Ned is fucking killing us on the PK… I think that’s a fundamental problem right now… like the clubs killing it at ES… Forsberg 6-4-1 .903sv% … Ned 7-8-2 .879sv%
Ultimately if Ned was playing as good as Forsberg we would have 2-5 more Ws and I’d have a vastly different perspective at how the team is preforming this season
So where do we go from here?
See us lean on Forsberg a little more and hope he can maintain his play… then maybe Ned begins to wake up along the way and this club can have a 20 game stretch of outstanding hockey
J Toews went down to LTIR and is helping us Bank significant cap space… we should have an opportunity along the way to make a play for a goalie.
We are the best managed cap team in the league
___
Sabres take on the Kings tomorrow which is a good test… things have begun to come together the last few weeks but the club as a whole has really struggled against top clubs going 1-5 (Two Canucks losses and a Hawks loss off hand in that)
Projected Lines
Robertson - Eriksson EK - Carter
Cotter - Trocheck - Schenn
Neal - Bennett - Okposo
Kotkaniemi - Namestnikov - Milano
Toews - Gudas
Ekholm - Fowler
Beat - Dunn
Forsberg
Ned
Duclair injured 3 weeks
Toews LTIR
____
39.4 cap (46.68 max per game and growing)
Paul Cotter has 17Hits +2 1A in 3GP … he’s become Cal Clutterbuck and is my favourite player on the roster ... like my defense can cover for him and he can just be a kamikaze fucking up life |
 Montreal Canadiens
|
Canadiens Continue to Struggle
|
Canadiens-Mike |
2022-12-10 21:59:04 |
81 |
After a strong start to the season, the Montreal Canadiens went into a tailspin and are having one of the worst seasons in the history. It's hard to pinpoint one thing as the reason as all phases of the team are having a bad season.
In goal, Mackenzie Blackwood and James Reimer are having an off year. The combo is giving up 3.3 goals a game which is good for 24th in the league. Neither one has performed as well as past years even though they are rated similarly to last season. One positive though is Stuart Skinner as he continues to look like the #1 goalie in Edmonton and should start seeing his OV make a climb to the high 70's before the end of the season.
On defense, the club is allowing the 24th most shots again in the league. John Klingberg and Noah Dobson pace the backend on offense, but the rest of the backend is struggling. Brendan Dillon was just shipped out for Travis Hamonic so the Canadiens will have 3 righties on defense and hopefully stabilize the pairs. One positive on defense is the play of Noah Dobson in the NHL. He continues to improve and looks like he will be a bonafide #1 for years to come.
On offense, the club is 22nd in goals for and 19th in shots for. Goals have been a problem in Montreal for years, and outside of the play of JT Miller and Connor Brown, it continues this year. Carter Verhaeghe and Alex Killorn who are 2 and 3 on the team in SC, have combined for 11 goals. That needs to get better if a turnaround is going to happen. One positive note is Artturi Lehkonen who is getting top 6 minutes in Colorado and playing in all situations. He should slot in the top line next year in Montreal.
Montreal leadership has started working the phones to trade away some of the veteran UFA's to be. The club should look different in a few weeks and will show the fans of the club what they should look like next year. |
|
Boston Bruins
|
Bruins Hire Gru of Minions Fame to Coach
|
Bruins-Chris |
2022-12-09 16:06:41 |
96 |
What better a person to run the Bruins than a reformed super-villian named Gru. On Tuesday the team announced they had come to terms with Gru on a new 3 year deal. Gru joins the Bruins after fostering the Minions for the past several years. Its a role that was instrumental in preparing him for coaching the Bruins. "These little minions, are yellow so that's all i really cared about". Gru takes over a team ranked 2nd in the East in points percentage.
How have the Bruins turned things around this year? It seems the team was just waiting for its former daddy to rejoin the team. The return of GM Ransom to the Bruins franchise had the fans breathing a collective sigh. Will it continue? "Why not, we have the midas touch with this team, banners galore, a cup ring and now that the clamidia is under control, we're unstoppable".
The Bruins were using a tough November schedule as a gage on how real this roster was...the results were good:
1 Boston 4 at Pittsburgh 5 (OT)
2 Boston 3 at NY Rangers 1 WIN
6 Boston 6 at Toronto 2 WIN
7 St-Louis 6 at Boston 2
9 Calgary 4 at Boston 1
10 Boston 3 at Buffalo 2 WIN
13 Vancouver 5 at Boston 1
15 Philadelphia 0 at Boston 2 WIN
16 Chicago 1 at Boston 2 WIN
20 Boston 4 at Tampa Bay 3 (SO) WIN
21 Boston 5 at Florida 2 WIN
22 Carolina 1 at Boston 7 WIN
28 Tampa Bay 2 at Boston 1
With that the Bruins continue to add talent where they can, recently adding forwards Radek Faksa and Brock Nelson along with defensemen Brenden Dillon and Justin Holl. Its defeinitly generated some excitement in a fanbase that has been teabagged repeatedly the last several years. The Bruins lines current look like this:
Mark Scheifele Kyle Palmieri Jordan Eberle
Brenden Dillon Brandon Carlo
Brock Nelson William Karlsson Mike Hoffman
Haydn Fleury Justin Holl
Radek Faksa Erik Haula Kasperi Kapanen
Jake Bean Henri Jokiharju
Nolan Patrick Zach Aston-Reese Chris Wagner
Jake Bean Henri Jokiharju
|
|
Columbus Blue Jackets
|
Hartman Embracing Top Line Role
|
Jackets-Blake |
2022-12-09 15:11:45 |
99 |
Hartman has only been a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets for the past four games. But over those four games he is showcasing how much of an impact player he looks like he could be for the Blue Jackets.
In 4 games with the Blue Jackets, Hartman has put up 2 goals and 3 assists along with a +3 stat, 11 shots on goal, and 3 hits. He has been an impact player in every facet. It was an interesting decision to put Strome down to the 3C and having Hartman as the new 1st line right wing with Ritchie on the left side and Eichel down the middle, but the line has shown great chemistry so far. He also has found himself on the top powerplay unit with Eichel, Lee, Forsling, and fellow tade aquistion this season Weegar. The powerply has looked better and performed a bit better since Hartman has come to Columbus. The Jackets have also had a 3-1-0 record since Freddie Andersen and Hartman being brought into the lineup. It will be interesting to see how the Jackets do since they are a team that does like to overperform year in and year out it seems. If Hartman can keep up his level of play and keep building up the chemistry with Columbus's other top players, the Blue Jackets will be a pretty good team. |
 Dallas Stars
|
Prospect Update #3 : Tomas Hamara
|
Stars-Sly |
2022-12-07 23:21:33 |
105 |
Time for a little update on the stars 3rd pick in last years draft... Tomas Hamara
Being that I am a Ottawa Senetors fan I was really happy to see Tomas Hamara get drafted in the third rd 87th overall by the Sens. The Ottawa Senators D prospect pool is pretty deep with the likes of Jacob Bernard-Docker, Lassi thompson, Filip Nordberg and others so it will probably be a few years before we get to see Hamara in a Ottawa uniform. Tomas is a 6 foot defenseman that comes in at 192lbs that plays for the kitchener Rangers in the OHL. He currently has 22gp with 2 goals and 8 assists for 10pts. Tomas Hamara has already impressed scouts on the big stage in the IIHF under 18 world Championships where he led the tournament in assists by a defenseman, picking up 8 assists in 6 games played. Tomas is a great skater that posseses a good two-way game. Hamara is known to walk the line with ease in the offensive zone which opens up passing and shooting lanes. His pivots are known to be crisp and has strong lateral movement. He is also known to be creative in the neutral zone by using his dangles to enter the zone. Hamara is a great passer who can help facilitate easy breakouts as well. Hamara will most likely be a long term project as he will need to work on his consistency as a defender but his tools and transition game are things that made him great value in the 3rd round for the NEFHL Stars. I look forward to watching him grow as a player and hope to see him in a Sens Jersey in the future.
Go Stars Go |
|
Dallas Stars
|
Prospect update #2 : Tristan Luneau
|
Stars-Sly |
2022-12-07 22:46:03 |
91 |
Time for a little update on the stars second pick in last years draft..... Tristan Luneau
Tristan Luneau has always had lots of promise ever since he was drafted 1st overall in the 2020 QMJHL entry draft and has not disappointed scouts since. Luneau went in the second round ( 53rd overall) to the Anaheim Ducks in 2022 NHL draft. He had the second most points in the QMJHL as a Defenseman for a draft eligible player last season just 4 pts behind the leader ( Jeremy Langlois ). Luneau has a solid 6"2 frame that can probably use abit more muscle,but he hasnt let that hinder his physical play. His hockey IQ is what seperates him from the rest in regards to his defensive game. He's got great gap control and can take away passing lanes. Tristan is off to a great start this season recording 10 goals and 17 assists for 27 pts in 27 games played. His 27 pts rank him 3rd on his team in scoring, 3rd in defenseman league scoring and he is currently sitting in 37th spot in league scoring. Most Scouts see Luneau ending up as a dependable second-pairing defenseman at the NHL level. He can potentially quarterback a power play with his great vision and excellent foot work. His offensive tools are well rounded and posseses a heavy shot. His skating is outstanding which helps him in both ends. It might take a few more years to see Tristan in the NHL but I look forward to watching his progress. Overall, The NEFHL Stars are pleased to have drafed him in the second round and consider him a highly attractive prospect that will definitely without a doubt develop into a NHL regular.
Go Stars Go |
|
Dallas Stars
|
Prospect update #1 : Matthew Savoie
|
Stars-Sly |
2022-12-07 22:06:38 |
110 |
Time for a little update on the Stars first pick in last years draft.... Matthew Savoie.
So far, throught 23 games for the Winnipeg Ice in the WHL, Savoie has a bit of underwhelming stats. He has put up 12 goals and 17 assists for 29 points , which ranks him 31st in league scoring ( 35pts behind Connor Bedard). I think most people were expecting better numbers after putting up 90 pts in 65 games last year as a 17 year old. Maybe his slower start to the season is the reason he wasnt even invited to hockey Canadas selection camp for the world juniors. I feel like for Savoie to not even be invited is a slap in face.With a player of his skill I am pretty sure he should of at least been invited to prove he can earn a spot on this years world junior team. Matthew is still undersized but he shows tremendous offensive ability despite beiing small. I would say he is probably one of fastest players in the WHL. His edgework and speed helps him burn guys wide entering the zone which helps him to create offensive chances. For a small guy Savoie is able to generate a pretty powerfull shot that is extremly accurate. Once Savoie is able to put on some size I can see him going to the front of the net more often agaist bigger guys to create different ways to score. Despite not being invite to Canadas world junior selection camp I am not one bit worried about the promise of Matthew Savoie. This Snub will probably light a fire under his ass so look for him to hit the scoresheet often for the rest of the WHL season.
Go Stars Go!!!! |
|
Columbus Blue Jackets
|
Jackets Bolster Core
|
Jackets-Blake |
2022-12-03 12:59:02 |
126 |
The Jackets came into this season with the understanding that this would be a retool year for them. With a core that didn't look like they could compete along with a deep draft, the Jackets were expected to sink to the bottom. However, the Jackets have once again played to their strength and have been playing as one cohesive unit. Everyone contributes and has responsibilites at both ends of the ice. They are currently only 2 points behind their dvision leader and hold 3 games in hand on them, and 2 points behind 2nd place in the divisionwith 2 games in hand on them. With that in mind the Jackets made the decision to add a couple of upgrades to their core.
Upgrade 1
Mackenzie Weegar was brought in by trading Connor Murphy, a 2nd, a 4th and 500k. The Jackets also got Tyler Pitlick in this deal. Weegar is an excellent two-way d-man who already has a pivotal role on the top powerplay and penalty killing units. He has helped take some of the pressure off of Forsling and Pulock and will look to continue to do so.
Upgrade 2
Varlamov's ratings were getting lower and lower as the season progressed, and it was hard to imagine he'd keep up the pace in the sim, so the Jacketstraded him, a 3rd and Talyn Boyko for Freddie Andersen. He has elite core ratings and is a definitive upgrade. His DU is cause for concern so his starts will be regulated, but he should be a strong backbone for the Jackets.
Upgrade 3
The Jackets offence and powerplay were starting to sputter, so by trading Max Jones, a 4th and 6th and Reese Johnson the Jackets brought in Ryan Hartman. He will be playing top 5v5 minutes and onthe top powerplay as the Jackets look to spark their offence. He shoudl fit nicely on a line with Jack Eichel.
All of these trades have 1 thing in common, no big time assets now or in the future were given up. Some solid pieces fo sure, but the Jackets feel that none of them were critical pieces for the club. The best part of all this? Even with all the upgrades the Jackets still have 3 million dollars in cap space that will only continue to grow as the season progresses, so we may see further upgrades to the Blue Jackets core.
|
|
Ottawa Senators
|
Ottawa makes two trades
|
Sens-Mike |
2022-11-30 23:29:40 |
113 |
The Ottawa Senators made a pair of moves on Tuesday.
Brock Nelson and Justin Holl were sent to the Boston Bruins. In a separate deal, the Senators sent Ryan Hartman to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
In total, the deals look like this:
Going out:Brock NelsonRyan HartmanJustin Holl
Coming in:Max JonesReese JohnsonTyler MyersCole Guttman (AHL)Ruslan Iskhakov (AHL)VAN 2023 Rnd 2VGK 2023 Rnd 3CBJ 2023 Rnd 4CBJ 2023 Rnd 6
Said Ottawa GM Mike McMahon: "These were difficult decisions, but when you take a step back and look at the lay of the land, we simply aren't in a position to contend for a playoff spot this season. The hole we've dug has been too deep. I think we can get good read on the season at the quarter pole, which is about where we are at now. There's no real need to wait for the trade deadline. If we can make a move that we believe will help us in the future, it made sense to explore those opportunities and make those deals."
Jones, Johnson, and Myers will immediately report to the main roster.
"We like Max Jones a lot. He's still young and has battled some injuries, which has hindered his development a bit, but we do believe he can be a very good top-9 player. He's a little behind the curve because of his injuries but if he can stay healthy we like the track that he's on.
"Myers was included for salary purposes. Johnson brings a lot of energy and pace to his game. We believe he'll be a great fit for our room.
"The picks are the picks. we'll see what we can do with those in the summer. Cole Guttman had a great year at Denver last year and he's played well to start the year in the AHL. I thought Guttman was the most important piece of that Denver roster last season.
"Iskhakov will need AHL seasoning but you can't deny his skill. He's small, so he'll have challenges to overcome there, but if he were 3-4 inches taller he's a first-round level talent." |
|
Seattle Kraken
|
Kraken making moves
|
Kraken-Scott |
2022-11-30 20:56:20 |
137 |
Seattle Kraken general manager Scott Davies isn't messing around. The team's poor performance to start the inaugural season has led to many conversations with his fellow NEFHL general managers in recent days. After making two waiver claims in veteran offensive defenceman Justin Schultz and bottom-six winger Zach Sanford, Davies pulled a trigger today following discussions with GM Alex (Rangers). Davies shipped out two veteran players in forward Nick Cousins and defenceman Nicolas Meloche in exchange for three late round draft picks, including a sixth rounder in 2023. "We felt that we had to change the mix in our locker room a bit and focus on improving in the longer term. We thank both Nick and Nic for their contributions, but change is of the essence here."
The Kraken now possess thirteen draft picks in the upcoming deep 2023 NEFHL entry draft, including multiple picks in rounds two, three, four and six. "Our scouts will be busy scouring to find talent to help push the Kraken forward in the future" Davies said.
Rumours out of Seattle persist that forwards Victor Olofsson and Ilya Mikheyev are garnering lots of interest around the league. Both players are skilled and on affordable contracts. A new name has popped up in the rumour mill of late in goal scoring winger Reilly Smith. Davies wouldn't comment on those players specifically, instead saying simply that he is "open for business". It's no secret that Davies is hoping to add another 1st round pick in the 2023 draft, but it's unknown at this point whether he will be able to make that happen. The Kraken appear to be in a good position to again pick in the top five of the 2023 draft as things stand presently.
It is known that the Kraken do want to ice a better team for 2023-24, so it's unlikely more than one of the aformentioned forwards will be moved out this season. The Kraken do not want to perpetuate a losing culture.
|
|
Calgary Flames
|
Flames Fans Getting Used To Slow Starts
|
Flames-JD |
2022-11-29 12:08:09 |
122 |
The Calgary Flames have now played 22 games and sport a 11-10-1 record, good enough for 9th in the West. That includes a stretch where the team had a 9-1 record which was sandwiched by two slumps where the team sported a record of 2-9-1. In previous years, this might've raised a level of panic among Flames fans, asking for the coach to go, a trade to be made. But over the years, the leash has gotten longer. The reason for this, the Flames have developed some consistency in their poor starts. The hockey played after the trade deadline is usually amongst the best in the league as this team has had continuous playoff berths and many trips to the later rounds of the playoffs.
Let's take a look back at the first 22 games of previous years.
Last year, the team managed a 14-8-0 start to the season. With a final standings record of 55-24-3, that in the final 58 games the team had a record of 41-16-3. That's good for a .733 winning percentage. If you go back to game 17, their record was only 9-8. On game 18 the Flames took off and were the best team in the league for the remainder of the season.
In 2020-21, the Flames just squeaked into the playoffs by 2 points. They however made a push to the Stanley Cup finals with momentum that had been building since January. The first 22 games that year were worse than they have been this season with a record of 9-10-3. It took the team 10 games that year to get their 2nd win with a 2-6-2 start to the season. With 42-33-7 record, the final 58 games were much better than the first 22 with the Flames producing a 33-23-4 record and .603 win percentage.
In 2019-20, the Flames won their division putting up a 49-30-1-2 record. They'd lose to the 7th seeded Canucks in round 1 with Grubauer turning in a stellar series after a terrible game 1 start. That year the team performed well in comparison with a 14-8 record after 22 games. They did start the season with a 5-6 record but turned it around much quick and followed it up with a 9-2 record in their next 11 game. Their final 58 games saw them go 35-22-1-2 for a .629 win %.
In 2018-19, the Flames again finished 2nd overall in the league, behind the Canucks who took the President's trophy and the division title. 49-23-8-2 was the team's final record. They'd go on to the finals that year and lose in game 7 to the 8th seeded Maple Leafs. It took until game 8 that year to get going. After an 0-4-2-1 start to the season, the Flames went 13-6-2-1 in their first 22 games.
We have to go back to 2017-18 to find a season where the Flames started with a winning record. That year the team finished with a respectable 99 points 4th seed in the West but were eliminated by the Kings in round 1.
Is this just another one of those years? How many games will it take for the wins to start coming with consistency? Can the Flames endure another slump? The GM, the players and the fans are betting that it is. |
|
Minnesota Wild
|
Under the Radar #3 – Josh Filmon – W
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-11-22 19:14:24 |
126 |
NHL Draft: 2022 – round 6, 166 overall – New Jersey Devils
NEFHL Draft: 2022 – round 3, 81 overall
It seems like Josh Filmon has gone through all the emotions in recent months. He was projected to be a 3rd rounder in the 2022 NHL draft but as names came off the board, his was still there. Round three went by, then round four, then round five, but finally, in round six his name was called.
What did Josh and his father have to say about that?
"(As it turned out) I was just really happy to go where I ended up," said Filmon, adding that he's felt increasingly more comfortable having now participated in the Devils rookie camp immediately after the draft and then the prospect tournament last month in Buffalo.
His father had some advice to give to his son. "It really doesn't matter where you're picked," said Gregg Filmon, after acknowledging his son was disappointed, annoyed even, to slip to the sixth round.
Source: https://www.nhl.com/devils/news/josh-filmon-coming-into-his-own--prospect-watch/c-336539464
So why did Josh Filmon fall in the draft? For the same reason as so many others. Size. Filmon is a twig. Draft guides had him at 6’1” and 155lbs. Fast forward just a few months later he’s playing at 6’3” and 165lbs for WHL’s Swift Current Broncos. Still not at the level he needs to be for the NHL. The family says they are all late bloomers physically with some of the men in his family at 6’6”. The height is less of an issue than the weight and strength.
But Peter, what makes him under the radar?
Short answer: Speed and skill. Despite playing for one of the worst teams last year he still led the team in goals and scored at a higher clip than others drafted well ahead of him. He has speed to burn and can play a decent 2-way game for his age.
So much so that the New Jersey Devils invited him to training camp and he impressed. Look at the New Jersey Devils today and the season they are having. Lots of skill, high tempo pace and strong forechecking. Teams that turn the puck over often find themselves down a goal. Filmon was part of that group for a bulk of training camp. A 6th rounder being one of the final cuts just a few months after being drafted on a team surprising many in the hockey world this year is extremely positive.
But don’t take it from me. Here’s what people following the team have to say:
“Josh Filmon Was an Unexpected Standout”
Source: https://thehockeywriters.com/devils-takeaways-2022-buffalo-prospects-challenge/
“Filmon Looking Like A Late-Round Steal”
Source: https://thehockeywriters.com/devils-prospect-report-casey-moynihan-nemec/
So far this season in the WHL, Filmon is on pace to destroy his stats from last year and is on pace for 40+ goals playing all situations as a go-to guy. The Broncos are a middling team so they aren’t padding their stats nightly against inferior opponents.
https://twitter.com/TheWHL/status/1589076912059478016?s=20&t=zlPdBxUiYNaPcIfqoAajqA
He already has some NHL ready skills and the speed required so if he can bulk up between now and training camp 2023-2024, he might get 9 games in the NHL to start off. He wasn’t that far off already this year. The obvious lack of strength is what set him back. Usually a 6th rounder, IF they even get there, takes a few years of development before making the show. This guy had the talent but not the strength to stick with the Devils. If he can bulk up there could be a lot of teams regretting not drafting him earlier than the 6th round.
____________________________
Article: 26/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $5,250,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
Seattle Kraken
|
Kraken prospect update
|
Kraken-Scott |
2022-11-22 17:14:32 |
138 |
The Seattle Kraken made it well-known as it joined the NEFHL that they would build its team slowly and surely. Kraken management has to date held true to that modus operandi, accumulating future assets through both the expansion draft and the NHL entry draft. The 2023 NEFHL entry draft will prove to be vital to the future success of the franchise. Currently, the Kraken hold twelve picks in the next entry draft, including three 2nd rounders and three 3rd rounders. As the trade deadline approaches, it's likely that the number of 2023 Kraken picks will increase.
Below is a quick update on the Kraken's unsigned prospects:
F Cutter Gauthier - 6 goals and 9 points in his first eight NCAA games as a freshman. This power forward appears to be on track.
F Reid Schaefer - a gritty goal scorer with 14 goals in his first 16 games with Seattle of the WHL. Schaefer should be on the radar for Canada's world junior team.
F Redmond Savage - 4 goals and 8 points in his sophomore season at Miami (Ohio). Savage is more known for his defensive prowess.
F Dylan James - has accumulated 7 points in his first 11 games of NCAA play.
F Cole Spicer - off to a slow start on an experience Minnesota-Duluth squad with 2 goals and 3 points in 11 games as a freshman.
F Brady Stonehouse - on the red hot Ottawa 67's, has scored 11 goals in the first 20 games of his OHL season.
F Brennan Ali - 9 points in his first 10 games in the USHL.
D Ryan Chesley - off to a slow start offensively at the University of Minnesota, with 2 assists in 14 games.
D Otto Salin - a right-shot defenceman with 6 points in 20 games in the finnish elite league.
D Filip Nordberg - a defensive d-man with 1 assist in 14 games in the swedish hockey league (SHL).
D Ryan Mast - 9 assists in 17 games in his final OHL season for Sarnia.
G Tyler Muszelik - Has a 1-3-1 record and 0.860 GAA in his first 5 NCAA games as a freshman at New Hampshire.
Gauthier and Schaefer (the Kraken's two top prospects) are off to solid starts and management is excited to see them play against their top peers at the upcoming world junior championships. The future is bright in Seattle. |
|
Minnesota Wild
|
Under the Radar #2 – Marcus Bjork - D
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-11-21 19:15:43 |
126 |
Undrafted in NHL (Signed by Columbus Blue Jackets to a 1 year deal)
Undrafted in NEFHL (Signed by Minnesota Wild to a 1 year deal)
Marcus who?
If you’re asking yourself who this is, you are not alone. Did I know who he was before signing him? Nope. I didn’t even know he was called up until I saw he scored a goal. Which actually was in his debut. The first Blue Jackets defenseman to do that and only 7th player in team history overall to score in their first game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PNEsxprFS4
Judging by that shot, he’ll get some games even after players come back from injury in Columbus. He’s also described as a smooth skating and hitting D. He has size at 6’4” 205 lb.
So who is this guy? He’s older at 24 (soon to be 25) years and has played a few seasons in Sweden’s SHL. He found a bit of a groove with Brynas at age 23-24 but the fame and riches of the NHL made him cross the pond. Below are his stats from his draft year up until today.
What does Bjork have to say?
“I want to earn a spot with the NHL team,” Bjork said. “I’m not going to come here and just look around and be happy. I’m here to compete. It’s going to be hard. It’s good players here, but I’m going to put in a lot of hard work and be ready. ”
Source: https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/2022/11/19/marcus-bjork-thrilled-to-be-columbus-blue-jackets-rookie-defenseman/69663144007/
He’s making earning a spot look easy so far. In 5 NHL games he has 1G 2A +1 rating and 7 hits and 8 blocked shots. He keeps that up and he’s a full timer. Injuries or not, 5 NHL career games and already averaging ~19min on the blue line playing all situations while holding up nicely is a surprise nobody expected. On game day lines he's listed as a top pairing D. When players come back from injury it looks like he will settle into a #4/5 role. His play would have to really stagnate or drop off to be sent down.
But don’t take it from me. Here’s what the people following the team have to say:
“Who can say what the future holds for Bjork. But as we detailed last week, the mounting injuries on the blue line should give players like Bjork ample opportunity to showcase themselves. In what is almost certainly a lost season, that really is a silver lining. Through two games, Bjork has played a simple, solid game. He's been able to shine a spotlight on his offensive traits, and it's hard to argue with a 6'4" right-handed defenseman who can skate.”
Source: https://www.1stohiobattery.com/columbus-blue-jackets-analysis/2022/11/7379/defenseman-marcus-bjork-is-making-a-name-for-himself-for-the-columbus-blue-jackets
After his 3rd career NHL game he had this to say in a post-game interview.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kECF-gTyaS0
"We're battling hard. We got pucks deep and we started to play a simple game." He already sounds like a veteran NHL player with such a cliche, generic answer.
It looks like he’s already earning himself a contract for next year. Both for the black-and-blue jackets and for the Wild.
____________________________
Article: 25/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $5,000,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
Minnesota Wild
|
Under the Radar #1 : Hugo Ollas – G
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-11-19 21:42:34 |
159 |
More Minnesota articles. Just what you all wanted, right?
In this brief five part series I will roll out over the next days I will take a look at five players in my organization that don’t get any of the hype that an early round drafted player would get, but have developed as well as or even better than some of those guys have.
Does it guarantee NHL success? Nope. I’m not psychic.
Does it make some of you want to do your own ‘under the radar’ articles? That would be sweet if it does.
Does it mean they have any value? Doubtful. Most people wouldn’t know who they are and would refuse any offer with them included because they’re not a recent 1st or 2nd rounder.
The players are in no particular order. Just doing the five that I believe have played beyond their draft position or free agent prospect expectation.
Under the Radar #1 : Hugo Ollas – G
NEFHL: 2021 draft round 7 – 202 overall
NHL: 2020 draft round 7 – 197 overall New York Rangers
Listed as 6’8” and 238 lb, this 20 year old goaltender is a giant. Beyond the obvious physical traits that make him ideal for the position, Ollas has time and time again proven over the years he is hard to beat.
It is very rare for him to have above 2.5 GAA. 2017-2018 for U16 SM is one example. Taking the full year into account and it’s below 2.5. GAA. 1 game with Sweden u20 last year and it was a blowout. While I'd like for his save percentage to be a bit higher, it's hard to argue he's not helping his team win games.
Since 2020 he has played in SHL and NCAA. If he was having an under the radar year last year with 18 games played and 2.24GAA and .920 sv% he’s having a breakout year this year so far with 8 games played and 1.64gaa and .930 sv%
What do the people covering Ollas have to say? Let’s see what our NEFHL Ottawa Senators two-time stanley cup champion and sports journalist wrote less than 24h ago
“Goaltender Hugo Ollas (21 saves) recorded his second straight shutout after he blanked Maine last Friday. The New York Rangers draft pick now has a 1.64 goals-against average and .930 save percentage on the season. Ollas ranks in the top 10 nationally in both categories.”
But hey, he’s not the only one. Let’s see what somebody who played in the NHL has to say.
Gordon (Gordie) Clark, former Boston Bruins player, and now former Director of Player Personnel for the New York Rangers, got to see Hugo play firsthand before he was drafted.
Ollas ended up at Merrimack College after being scouted. Since then, he has been on the fast track to climbing the ranks of the Division 1 college hockey world.
“My son was my New England scout and got his name out to college coaches,” said Clark, “he took over the # 1 spot last year.”
Source: https://merrimacknewspaper.com/the-merrimack-ranger/
Ollas is a nice piece to let develop for as long as it takes. He is showing real potential. One of the reasons I was able to move another giant in Mads Sogaard for a temporary solution in net like Cam Talbot. There is no rush. Carter Hart is rebounding. Dustin Wolf and Daniil Tarasov are both ahead on the depth chart as well. Sebastian Cossa is years away just like Ollas.
____________________________
Article: 24/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $4,750,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
New York Islanders
|
Islanders GM Manages 1395th Game
|
Isles-Steve |
2022-11-19 19:38:23 |
122 |
In somewhat of a departure from a new and oddly repetitive sequence, the New York Islanders will honor their one and only long-time General Manager Steve on Sunday, prior to the nightly simulated matchup against the radicalized Toronto Maple Leafs.
Unlike numerous honorariums to imaginary players who do nothing but appear as competitive avatars created by a few highly controversial lines of well-constructed computer code, the Islanders will honor a real actual human being.
Beginning in 2005, GM Steve has never missed a SIM and his cumulative strikes can be counted on the fingers of a single hand. Over the course of these long, frustrating 18 years of imaginary hockey, Steve has managed to compete with the best faux general managers that NEFHL has had to offer.
Many have come and gone. Many teams are on their 5th and 6th replacements. From Vanny to Kristen, the roadkill just accumulates. It takes a special mentality to endure the constant punishment associated with running a franchise in the New Era Fantasy Hockey League.
So with this in mind, when the games kick off on Sunday night, take a moment to pay tribute as Steve sends out his 1395th regular season lineup. In addition, Steve managed to set lines for 13 post season games, albeit has still never drank imaginary champagne from the imaginary Stanley Cup.
All these articles honoring players who do absolutely nothing except interact in a computer simulation are clearly intended to elevate the bankrolls of the authors.
In reality, Steve has not only managed the Islanders for the entire life of the league, but somewhere in the real world are 1395 empty vodka bottles that have been drained with great thirst and high regard.
Good luck this season guys!! |
|
St-Louis Blues
|
A Return From the Basement - Blues Roster Projection 2023-24 and Beyond - The D
|
Blues-Graham |
2022-11-18 10:38:21 |
123 |
As promised here is the 2nd piece of a 3 -4 piece series on the Blues 2023-24 Roster.
The only part of the team ready to compete next year will be the Blues Defense. The only reason they aren't ready to compete this year is due to dynamic ratings, which I'm just fine with. This is a defensive core that any NHL team would love to have. Let's start by looking at the anchor.
Dougie Hamilton:NHL Norris trophy contender Dougie Hamilton. After a bit of a down year last year with only 30 points in 62 GP, Hamilton is now having a career year with 14points in 16GP. He’s avgering over 20 minutes per game in New Jersey and plays in all situations. He will be a UFA and will likely be the Blues loyalty this off season. Yes, he’ll be expensive, but the Blues will be able to afford him.
Next up and Hamilton’s potential defensive partner is:
Marcus Pettersson: Like Hamilton, Pettersson is on pace to have a career year at the NHL level. Recently described by Mike Sullivan (Penguins head coach) as the Pens most reliable defensemen, he’s averaging about 21 minutes per game playing on Pittsburgh’s top pairing and has 7 assists through 16GP. He’ll be on the last year of his contract next year paying him 850k per year. Such value!
First up on the 2nd paring:
Sean Durzi: Like Petterson he is playing over 20 minutes per night and getting all kinds of power play time in LA. Building upon a successful rookie season where he scored 27 points in 64 GP, Durzi already has 9 points in 18gp this year and will be locked up for 3 more years after this one at only 1.15 million. He should reach his peak value starting next year. Just in time for the Blues to start competing again.
Slightly behind him on the development curve is Maple Leaf top 4 defenceman:
Timothy Liljegren: Like Durzi, Lijegren had his first full NHL season last year scoring 23 points in 61 GP. He started off the season injured but has recently returned and already has 2 goals in 6 GP. With only a 68DF rating this year, Liljgren isn’t quite ready for top 4 minutes, however, assuming he gets close to a full season under his belt this year, that DF rating should at least be respectful. It’s rumored that if the Blues were ready to compete this year, Blues GM Thompson would have challenged that DF rating.
The others: As it stands now, the Blues bottom pairing will be made up of Nikita Zaitsev and Jakub Zboril. At the NHL level, Zaitsev has currently been put on waivers and given permission to contact other teams to work out a trade. Unfortuntley with that contract he’s not likely to find many dance partners. In the NEFHL he still has decent ratings and will likely continue to have decent ratings next year as well, if not a little expensive for what he offiers. If the Blues run into cap trouble he’ll be one of the first to go. Zboril on the other hand, is 25 year old former first round pick of the Bruins who hasn’t quite panned out but still seems to be a solid NHL’er. He occasionally seems top 4 minutes but should fit in nicely as a bottom pairing guy. Considering he will be on the final year making only 750k, he should slot in nicely on that last pairing.
The Farm:Looking down on the farm Vaakanainen, Alexyev and Juolevi should should provide decent depth /call up options if required. Within the next couple years Kral maybe an option. He got his first 2 NHL games in this year as a 21 year old but it’s clear he wasn’t ready.
The Unsigned Prospects:Looking at the unsigned prospects is enough to bring a tear to any GM’s eye. The list is deep and highly promising. Toping the list is current NHLer Brandt Clarke. Only 19, he has #1 D potential at worst top pairing 1st PP. Other potential top pairing guys include Mailoux, Morrow and Casey. They are all 2-3 years away at best. Most likely 3-4. Guys like Drew Helleson currently with the Ducks (but yet to play a game) and Helge Grans are NHL ready and could make their debut anytime. Putting them a little closer to contributing sooner rather than later. Honka is another interesting character that should probably make his NHL Debut next year. Ahac, Duda, Grudinin, and Chayka are all guys who should be NHLers but are not likely to contribute in the NEFHL for 3-4 years at the earliest.
As you can see, the D is strong and will be even stronger next year. The pipeline of talent will be there for years to come. Next up will be the Blues goaltending situation. |
 New York Rangers
|
"We need guys that wanna be here" - GM Nellis
|
Rangers-Alex |
2022-11-18 01:43:47 |
126 |
It has been 2 weeks GM Nellis has been introduced to the NEFHL and after 10 trades, a few waiver pick ups and some buyouts, the Rangers depth chart has already taken on a whole new life.
But no moves were more controversial than the 2 trades today , Nellis moved out disgruntled Russians Alexander Barabanov and unsigned RFA Dman Nikolai Knyzhov.
"Look, I am not gonna sugar coat this - We don't need guys like that here - I made 2 offers to Knyzhov and both came back with a very negative attitude, the first offer was not enough money, the 2nd offer was too long... So they wanted alot of money for a short amount of time. Does he wanna play hockey or not?... " Nellis continued ...
"The negocations were difficult enough, but then the agent (who also just so happens to represent Barabanov) said that he winger did not like playing in New York if his buddy Nikolai didn't.... well ya know what... See ya later" said an obviously annoyed Nellis.
Barabanov was sent to LA for a 4th round draft pick in 2024 and Knyzhov was sent to Edmonton for cash considrations.
That being said - seems like Nellis has brought in some great role players.Charlie Coyle , Brandon Duhaime and Wade Allison have all been great additions.
Nellis continues to collect draft picks and is now with 12 picks in this summers 2023 draft - including 5 in the first 2 rounds.The Rangers are moving fast and should make for an entertaining lead up to the trade deadline.
For the New York PostMark Bryan
|
|
St-Louis Blues
|
A Return From the Basement - Blues Roster Projection 2023-24 and Beyond - The Forwards
|
Blues-Graham |
2022-11-17 07:12:58 |
143 |
It's been awhile since I've posted any Blues news. Most of my time has been spent doing the U23 articles (still one more left for the Knights). However I think it's time to provide a bit of an update. It's pretty clear the tank is on albliet not very successfully. According to the plan, this is the last year and the hope is to get a top 4 pick and start to compete for the playoffs again next year. I've been analysing my roster and as currently constructed a jump to the playoffs maybe a stretch. With the exception of my defence (more on them in my next article), most of my prospects seem to be a few years from contributing. Lets start with a look at the forwards.
There are probably 2-4 potential top 6 talents in that group. McMichael and Krebs and maybe Zadina. Arvidsson is a top 6 talent but considering he's a UFA, there is a good chance he won't be around next year. Both Krebs and McMichael look to need another year or 2 (maybe 3) before becoming top 6 ready. Zadina may never actually get there.
Steel, Jost, Balcers, Blais, Lindblom and Jonsson-Fjalby are all NHLers and should provide decent enough bottom 6 support.
Lets have a look at the rest of the forwards in the system:
At the AHL level, only Tristen Robins (off to a great start by the way) projects as a top 6 talent and Ethan Cardwell is probably more of a 3rd liner if he makes it at all. At best Robins will be an NEFHL contributer in 2 years, if not 3. The rest of thoes guys won't likely contribute or progress beyond fringe NHL'ers.
The prospect group looks much more promising - don't they always? The best of the bunch is probably Lysell who will likley make his NHL debut this year. Shane Wright of course is getting a few games in this year but won't have decent ratings for at least 2 years. Others who could contribute to top 6 minutes in the next 2-3 years are Mesar and maybe Rashevsky and Dorofeyev. I'm still wondering about Dorofeyev. He had a great year last year but has been noticeably absent this year. There is some other top 6 talent there such as Khusnutdinov and Klimovich but they are probably 3-4 years off.
As you can see, the Blues will be void of any real top 6 talent next year. The only hope is a trade or a top end Free Agent signing. As it stands now, a FA signing is the most likley as the Blues intend to stick to the path of developing thier own talent from within. There will be lots of cap space and a top 6 forward will be number 2 on the FA signing priority list. Stay tuned for the next installment - The defence.
|
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
The Kid's Aight
|
Pens-Brent |
2022-11-16 18:19:03 |
141 |
A bold statement was made earlier this afternoon when the Buffalo Sabres GM claimed that Jason Robertson was the best young player in the league.
Alex Newhook, the pride of Newfoundland, couldn't help but feel otherwise.
"Has Fuhr even seen my stats? I am a FHL hero right now," said the young centremen.
If it weren't for the play of Newy, the Penguins would certainly be in the basement of the NEFHL.
"I'm not very good at math, but after punching it into my phone, I am pretty sure I have close to three times the amount of points that JR has," added the youngster.
Newhook's 15 points through the first 17 games has him tied with Vegas Knights stud, Tim Stutzle. Close behind those two is fellow Penguin, Lucas Raymond, who has amassed 14 points in as many games as Newhook.
"Our young guys have been instrumental for us this season, especially while dealing with some tough injuries. It is nice to know that we have young talent that can help carry the load now and hopefully in the future. We are hopeful that this trend continues," stated head coach Craig Berube.
The Penguins currently have four players on the shelf. Evgeni Malkin is still a long ways away from return after a successful surgery to repair his ruptured spleen. The biggest issue is the hole on the right side of the ice. Miles Wood and Seth Jarvis will be watching from the press box for at least another couple of weeks, with recent call up Kasper Bjorkvist out day-to-day.
Goaltender Eric Comrie will be starting his third game in a row tonight. Starter Jordan Binnington is still recovering from fatigue after dropping to 96 two games ago. Hurry the fuck up already.
________________________
Obligatory Articles: 5/5
Bonus Articles: 8/40 = $2,000,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
Buffalo Sabres
|
Sabres to Fire GM?
|
Sabres-Kevin |
2022-11-16 15:19:39 |
133 |
Reports out of Buffalo indicate the Sabres GN will be fired by Christmas if the club is currently below .500
The clubs moves have not paid over over the last two years and the club is amongs the worst defensive teams the NEFHL has ever seen… not just that but they can’t even score goals
23rd goals for
27th goals allowed
31st PK
The biggest gripe from ownership is Robertson lack of production after GM Fuhr dubbed Robertson the best young player in hockey
Jason Robertson
13-5-1-6 (NEFHL)
16-11-14-25 (NHL)
(I don't even think Jason Robertson will have 25 points at the half way mark in the NEFHL/.. by then it will be something slike 55 points in real life vs 15 here)
The GMs in ability to get anything out of Robertson, certainly points to GM Fuhr being out of touch with todays game
GM Kevin Fuhr had these comments
“It’s true we’ve had discussions with ownership, they want results.. all this talent was hand picked by me.
Science does not care about feelings and if the club is not above .500 by Christmas, it’s best the organization goes in another direction.
A lack of success means I don’t know what I’m doing and a new GM should be in place before the deadline, to begin to shift the team in a new image.”
The club will begin its fight towards respectability tonight vs the Toronto Maple Leafs who are absolutely crushing the NEFHL... so expectations are not to high things will turn around tonight... it is what it is... Fuhrs days are numbered |
|
Seattle Kraken
|
Kraken roster and 2023-24 re-rates
|
Kraken-Scott |
2022-11-12 15:27:18 |
136 |
Seattle Kraken general manager Scott Davies is having a hard time finding bright spots with how the team's inaugural season is going. It's undoubtedly been a rough introduction to the NEFHL. Through it's first 15 games in franchise history, here are some key numbers which indicate how rough a start it's been for the Seattle franchise:
- Record of 4-11-0, or a 0.267 points percentage, worst in the league.
- 28 goals for (1.9 per game) and 53 goals against (3.5 per game).
- A league-worst -25 goal differential.
- An abhorent 1-7-0 record at Climate Pledge Arena.
There are certainly no bright spots in any of the data listed above. At some point this season, the Kraken will start having to look more towards the future to give its fanbase hope. The general manager is pleased with the development of some of the team's prospects (more on that next article), but there are a few current Kraken roster players who figure to take a big step in the NEFHL next season:
1. Victor Olofsson - through 14 NHL games, Olofsson has already tallied 9 goals. A resurgent Sabres team should only help his production this season.
2. Alexandar Georgiev - through his first 9 NHL games in an Avalanche uniform, he is 7-1-1 with a 0.924 save percentage. Georgiev figures to take over the #1 goaltending job in Seattle for the foreseeable future.
3. Reilly Smith - if Smith can stay healthy, he may accumulate the most points he's had in an NHL season since 2019-20. Through 15 games, he has 7 goals and 5 assists.
4. Ilya Mikheyev - has 8 points through 11 games with his new squad.
5. Jacob Bryson - Bryson is playing top 4 NHL minutes on the backend, and has already put up 6 points in 14 games. A young defenseman with a bright future.
While this season may prove to add many grey hairs to the teams' management, the future does look bright. The next article will focus on how the Kraken's prospects are doing season-to-date. |
|
Minnesota Wild
|
Näkemiin Donskoi
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-11-11 21:39:44 |
148 |
Sooner or later we will all have this happen. Except maybe Kyle and Anthony who seemingly win every trade. But for us normies, sometimes you make moves to push your team despite your better judgment. Sometimes it works out and you look like a genius. Other times you should have listened to your instinct and feel stupid after. This is one of those times.
2021-03-04 Los Angeles Kings trade Joonas Donskoi to Minnesota Wild for NYI 2021 Rnd 2 and LOS 2022 Rnd 3
At the time of the trade Minnesota was in the playoff hunt. Donskoi was scoring in the NHL at a pace he never had before. He had 63 PA, 60 PC, 78 DF, 64 SC. Ratings that would have given a nice punch to my team's 2nd or 3rd line gearing up for the playoffs. Going against the rule of buying high, I took the chance on Donskoi. Even though the leader of the good lads in Los Angeles made it seem like interest was high on Donkoi and wanted to wait before pulling the trigger, I knew nobody would offer a 2+3 and felt confident I'd get him. After some time passed, we finalized the deal. I paid a high price for an average player playing at his peak but I needed the offensive boost.
In 24 games playing for Minny that season, Donskoi scored 6 goals and 10 points with an unsustainable 22% shooting percentage. As the team began to crumble down the stretch and limp to the playoffs, Donskoi contributed a whopping 0 points in 6 playoffs games.
Having RFA rights, he was re-signed to a 2 year deal at 1.6 million AAV.
The 21-22 season was a write-off with Minnesota terrible from beginning to end. He did contribute 19 goals and 42 points in a full 82 game season getting spoonfed lots of minutes as other players were traded away.
As his offensive ratings continued to drop below 60, matching his NHL slide in offense, his value dissipated faster than a silent fart in a big room. But the smell lingered. He was demoted to a 4th line role to start the 22-23 season but as the Wild revamped their bottom 6 to include more physical players by signing Archibald and putting a claim on Caggiula, Donskoi didn't belong there either. And at 1.6 million the writing was on the wall.
He went through waivers the first time around. But with recent management changes in the big apple, Donskoi had been claimed by the new guy.
End result: Donskoi as a member of the Wild had been a failure and the GM learned to trust his instinct just a tad bit more. The two picks traded for Donskoi ended up being:
NYI 2021 Rnd 2 = Josh Doan
LOS 2022 Rnd 3 was eventually moved again to Florida = Michael Fisher
The inspiration for this article came from a recent trade discussion where the asking price on a bottom 6 player gave me similar vibes to the Donskoi trade. You know who you are!
____________________________
Article: 23/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $4,500,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
St-Louis Blues
|
NEFHL U23 Team Rankings - #1 - The Winner
|
Blues-Graham |
2022-11-08 11:34:14 |
142 |
Alright folks. This is long over due and not in as much detail as I’d like but we need to end this party at some point.. Otherwise you end up hungover, stoned and incoherent for about 3 days afterwards. Usually with the shits and a headache on top of it. No one wants that.. To call this a close race would be an understatement. I actually went back and forth numerous times and if I wrote this tomorrow or even next week I just may pick the other team. It’s that close. It really just came down to me liking the top two prospects of one team just a touch more than the top two prospects of the other team. In fact, to boil it down even further, it probably comes down to one teams number 2 prospect who’d I’d probably rate as my top prospect in the two prospect pools combined. Enough on that..
The winner of the best prospect pool in the NEFHL is………………..
Drum roll…………………..
The Minnesota Wild.
Trevor Zegras (who I can’t stand and who I hope gets absolutely pounded by someone), Brady Tkachuk, Logan Cooley (off to a slow start) and Lukas Reichel are a top for to make any team jealous. On top of that and another reason in favor of them over the Knights, they are all forwards. The hardest commodity to come by in the NEFHL. On top of those 4 the next guy up is 21 year old NHL’er Dylan Holloway. He’s not exactly tearing it up for the Oil (he’s being spoon fed 4th line minutes), but he’s playing NHL games and projects as a top 6 forward. No one is as deep in nets as the Knights in net but the Wild with Wolf and Cossa are about as close as it gets. Wolf is slightly undersized at 6’ but has tore up every level he’s every played at including last year at the AHL level where he won goaltender of the year. Cossa is highly regarded even if he’s been regulated to the ECHL to get some consistent playing time. He was selected 15th overall last year in the NHL, was a WHL first team allstar and won a gold medal with the Canadian World Jr team. Also worth keeping your eye on are defencemen Ryan Johnson (162 on Pronmans list) and 2020 draft pick Theodor Niederbach.
Rank- PLAYER-POS
3-Trevor Zegras-C
5-Brady Tkachuk-LW
17-Logan Cooley-C
28-Lukas Reichel-LW
88-Dylan Holloway-C
101-Dustin Wolf-G
162-Ryan Johnson-D
165-Sebastian Cossa-G |
|
New York Rangers
|
NY Rangers Introduce new GM - Changes coming to Broadway
|
Rangers-Alex |
2022-11-06 17:03:01 |
135 |
The first change of many has finally been announced by the New York Rangers organization.Long time General Manager Alex Nellis was introduced and he was excited to say the least.
"To be offered an original 6 team in this league is something I do not take lightly" GM Nellis said during his presser.
He continued..."It is no surprise - changes are needed here - many changes, but I am looking forward to the challenge"
"I have already met the players - they are aware that I will be changing the roster and moving from NYC will be a reality for most".
Nellis is known for making numerous moves which is a welcomed change to the club.The past leadership group went somewhat quiet lately and this had an impact on the on ice performance with a 5-7 start to the season.
The Rangers are against the cap and seem to be missing top tier talent.
Nellis has numerous draft picks to work with but rumours are , Nellis is out to get as many 2023 and 2024 draft picks as possible.
When asked what is the most exciting thing about moving to NYC , Nellis smiled
"Being a huge 90's music fan. I get to be in the hometown of bands who still put out great records to this day such as the Spin Doctors and Blues Traveler. Can't wait to go see some shows in the clubs".
Hopefully Nellis has a pocket full of kryptonite - he will need it.
For the New York PostChris Barron
|
|
Minnesota Wild
|
History lesson: Each team's 2nd round picks 2010-2021
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-11-05 17:36:44 |
166 |
Took me a while to get this done, but still got it done faster than Graham and his #1 prospect pool article! I wouldn't expect an article for 3rd rounders for a while if I even get to that at all...
I started with 2010 in this one because 12-13 seasons to make a name for yourself is more than enough time for these players drafted. Also it was very time consuming to check up a majority of these names one by one to see if they are still signed to an NHL/AHL deal and minimum NHL games played.
The Green background means they have played minimum required NHL games divided into the following categories.
2010-2014 : 1 complete season 82 games **Chart shows 2011-2014 in error**
2015-2017: 40+ NHL games played
2018-2019: 10+ NHL games played
2020-2021: Minimum 1 NHL game played
The Strikethrough means they are not under NHL/AHL contract for 2022-2023. They are either retired, in Europe, or unrestricted free agents. 2018 onward there is no more strikethrough as the rights belong to the NHL organizations and the player may be in College/Europe
Atlanta Thrashers draft picks are listed as Winnipeg Jets.
We apologize once more for the lack of Vegas Golden Knights and Seattle Kraken. We take full responsibility for the hurt caused by the lack of inclusion. Nobody should have to suffer like this.
Kuznetzov was easily the best pick for 2nd round in 2010
Kucherov was the best pick in the 2nd round 2011. LA Kings had a great 2nd round (Danault + Pageau)
Stephenson is likely the most valuable player today to come out of the 2nd round 2012.
2013 2nd round had a few quality NHLers!
Point looks like the best pick from 2014 2nd round
Kaprizov and Hintz are miles ahead of the pack from 2015 2nd round.
A few are still establishing themselves from the 2016 2nd round. Fox is likely the most valuable.
2017 onward is getting harder to judge. Texier could have been the best today had he not gone back to Europe.
2018 - 2021 is still kinda early to tell.
____________________________
Article: 22/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $4,250,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
Columbus Blue Jackets
|
Eichel Leading the Way
|
Jackets-Blake |
2022-11-04 16:44:22 |
149 |
The Blue Jackets looked like a squad that would be taking a huge step back this year. Trading away a key defenceman like Edmundson early on is never a promising sign for a teams win column. However, the Blue Jackets are doing fairly alright early on with a 6-5-0 record and have a positive goals differential. A big reason for this is likely Jack Eichel's contributions early on as he showcases why the Jackets traded for him last offseason and showing that he can be the franchise centrepiece that they need.
Eichel currently has 5 goals and 6 assists in 11 games for a ppg statline. With his recent linemates primarily being Adam Erne and Nick Ritchie, this is quite impressive. His +/- stat isn't great, but +/- is a very meh stat and the Jackets aren't too concerned with that. He is showcasing that he can be that long term, elite 1C that every team always craves to have, but struggle to find sometimes. With Eichels skill, speed, and size, he has the perfect combination of attributes to be a force in the offensive zone.
Despite Eichel's contributions, it is highly unlikely the Jackets make the playoffs this season with rumors circulating around players such as Anders Lee being potentially moved. However, this doesn't mean the Jackets don't have good pieces for the future on their roster. Eichel of course highlights the roster, but Dylan Strome looks like he is a good top 6 contributor who can bounce between the 1st and 2nd lines. Nick Ritchie is finding that juicy powerforward goal scoring touch. Gustav Forsling is getting top end minutes and performing well. Samuelsson looks like a great shutdown d-man. The Jackets will be looking to add to their prospect pool in the upcoming 2023 draft, which is super deep, and hopefully they can find another great piece to add to their roster. |
|
Boston Bruins
|
Bruins Winning but its Early
|
Bruins-Chris |
2022-11-03 14:46:54 |
115 |
Reclaiming the Bruins I looked deep into the roster and knew they were not going to compete for a high lottery pick. But I didn't think they would be able compete consistently. It is early still but with a nearly 600 winning percentage, the Bruins are definitly overplaying their roster. Part of that might be the fact the Bruins have been slow to deal talent. It's not from a lack of trying. I've had some decent talent available but teams are still trying to sort out where they sit this season and cap space as always is at a premium. Once teams start banking some cap and the contender and pretenders get sorted out, the trades will start rolling in. But where will the Bruins be by then? Can the Bruins keep winning games and end up chasing a playoff spot? Why not, we have seen underdog teams make runs and will potential cap space, there is definitly the chance the Bruins could add some talent as the season winds on. But that will depend on how the team plays from now until Christmas break.
Other muisings as I look around the NEFHL, the Rangers are now GMless. Kris disapeared like a silent fart and the Rangers await a new GM. The Wild keep winning with a ton of injuries which speaks to their depth, well done. Preds and Leafs winning are not a big suprise but how well they are doing is definitly a big story so far. Caps and Kings look to be competative again while the Nucks, Hawks and Bolts suprise no one being at the top of standings. Disappointing starts from Flyers, Flames, Stars and Oilers have to be concerning to the respective GMs but its still early so too soon to pull the chute.
The rest of the Bruins schedule this month will definitly determine whether we are buyers or sellers:
6 Boston at Toronto --
7 St-Louis at Boston --
9 Calgary at Boston --
10 Boston at Buffalo --
13 Vancouver at Boston --
15 Philadelphia at Boston --
16 Chicago at Boston --
20 Boston at Tampa Bay --
21 Boston at Florida --
22 Carolina at Boston --
28 Tampa Bay at Boston -- |
|
Ottawa Senators
|
Ottawa dealing with run of early injuries
|
Sens-Mike |
2022-11-02 17:37:44 |
118 |
OTTAWA — "I've never experienced anything like this."
That's how Ottawa GM Mike McMahon has summed up the Senators first three weeks of the season, as the injuries have piled up on the Sens early.
The Senators are currently down four players, and that's with Gustav Nyquist returning to the lineup tonight after missing time with an injury of his own.
Ottawa's No. 1 center, Brock Nelson, is out for at least three weeks. With Nelson out, Anton Lundell moved up to the first line and Colin White moved up to the second. In White's first game with his new unit, he went down with an injury.
In addition, top winger Taylor Hall? Yeah, he's hurt too. So is Austin Watson, who doesn't have a big scoring punch but packs a lot of defense and intensity and had been playing well for Ottawa to start the year.
"It's really hard when you lose your top two forwards for long stretches," McMahon. "But, we've also had a tough schedule. Seven of our nine games have come against teams who are ranked 1-16 currently. So we're playing top teams, and we're playing them shorthanded. Right now it's about survival. We're just trying to survive out there and piece together a lineup day to day.
Scott Reedy and Tyler Madden are both up from the AHL playing center along with Oskar Steen. James Neal is up from the AHL to play on the wing.
"We have three centers in our lineup tonight who started the year in the AHL," McMahon said. "That's crazy, but it's our situation.
"Scott Reedy was playing in the AHL three days ago, and he's going to center our second line tonight and play on the power play."
|
|
Seattle Kraken
|
Kraken sinking fast
|
Kraken-Scott |
2022-11-02 13:11:40 |
133 |
The expansion franchise Seattle Kraken started the season with a very respectable 3-3-0 record through its first six games in franchise history. Unfortunately, respectable is not a word to use with respect to the team's play over its last five games. With a 6-2 loss to the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night, the team has now lost five games in a row and now sits at a paltry 3-8-0. Head Coach Rick Tocchet is not pleased, to say the least:
"Our last win came on October 20th vs Colorado in which we played a spirited game. Since then, we've lost to Chicago, Buffalo, Vancouver, Pittsburgh and now Calgary. Our effort and determination has been lacking these past few games. I don't know if these guys are just getting too comfortable being at the professional level, but the lack of effort is unacceptable. We're going to have to make some changes and take away playing time from certain guys to hopefully get them going. We're not good enough or talented enough to not outwork the other team."
Some horrifying stats season to date:
- #1 veteran centre Brian Boyle is a putrid -10 through his first 11 games.
- Similarily, top wingers Connor Sheary and Victor Olofsson are -8 and -7 respectively on the year.
- Veteran defencemen Nate Schmidt and Jake McCabe are also on the Masters Leaderboard at -9 and -8.
- The squad has only scored 21 goals through 11 games (fewer than 2.0 goals per game).
- Seattle has a league-worst negative 17 goal differential through eleven games.
- Starting netminder Braden Holtby has seen his save percentage dip to an awful 0.883.
Next up for the Kraken are the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday night. The coach and GM are expecting a better effort from the team. If results don't start to change, it may be time for the GM to start shipping out a player or two to shake things up. Sources say that interest remains high in two Kraken forwards - Victor Olofsson and Ilya Mikheyev. |
|
New York Islanders
|
The State of the Islanders Rebuild
|
Isles-Steve |
2022-11-01 16:30:46 |
137 |
Today is formally designated as a New York Islander post-Halloween treat day.
Not only will the league endure a game day review when the Islanders face off against the league-leading Chicago Blackhawks but today is the day we report on the status of the New York Islanders 2022 rebuild.
A handful of trades have changed the franchise from a middling path to an organization 1000% focused on the future chemistry and inevitable glory.
To date, the Isles have made six (6) trades that have remade the roster with youth, talent, futures, financial freedom and giving the fans an opportunity to appreciate the growth of young professionals.
Beginning February 7, Jonathan Huberdeau was sent west to Calgary for the return of Mark Scheifele, Nils Hoglander, William Wallinder and Danila Zhuravlyov. Most readers will know about 22 year old winger Hoglander (2019 1st round Blues pick) and 20 year old elite defensive prospect Wallinder (2020 1st round Flames pick). 5th round pick defenseman Zhuravlyov finally made it across from Russia to show his potential at the NHL Avalanche training camp this summer.
Just 14 days later, Mark Scheifele packed his bags again and was sent off to the city of brotherly love for a jumbo package in return. The deal brought in 6 new faces. Brandon Saad, David Perron, Gabriel Vilardi (4th overall pick in 2017 by the Flyers), Martin Chromiak (2nd Rounder Flyers pick in 2020), Noel Gunler (Jets 1st round pick in 2020) and Yegor Afanasyev (Flames 1st round pick in 2019). Saad was an Islander for exactly 24 hours before being shipped off to the Maple Leafs for Josef Korenar and Olivier Nadeau (Leafs 3rd round pick in 2021). Perron lasted slightly longer than Saad. Korenar was a late round Leaf goalie pick in 2016 who saw some NHL action last season.
On March 13, the front office sent both David Perron and Alex Pietrangelo to Chicago for Jaden Schwartz, Cross Hanas (Chicago 3rd round pick in 2020) and two draft picks that became winger Viktor Neuchev and undrafted 6’4” Russian defenseman Daniil Ivanov. Ivanov was ranked highly in the pre-draft projections but was still on the floor when the draft concluded.
A few months went by but as the summer ended, the team decided, with great sorrow, to move Ilya Sorokin in a deal that was impossible to ignore. The Islanders shipped Sorokin, Jaden Schwartz and two former 2nd round kids (Mitch VandeSompel and Ryan MacInnis) to Colorado in exchange for Dylan Garand, Linus Ullmark, Jonatan Bergren (Caps 1st round pick in 2018) and two first round picks in the upcoming 2023 draft. Garand led Team Canada to a gold medal and an undefeated record at the 2022 WJC with a 1.98 GAA. He followed that up by being named Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Goaltender of the Year while playing for the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League (WHL). Ullmark has been lights out in the NHL this season for the Bruins. NHL hockey sources in Detroit say Berggren will be among the first call-ups this season.
Finally, after resigning David Perron, the team decided to pay the fine and traded him a second time, this time garnering Florida’s 2023 1st round pick in the upcoming rich draft.
So… after all was said and done, here’s the Full Monty in a nutshell:
The team sent out
Jonathan Huberdeau
Alex Pietrangelo
Ilya Sorokin
The return was, in no particular order
Nils Hoglander (1st)
William Wallinder (1st)
Danila Zhuravlyov (5th Round)
Gabriel Vilardi (4th Overall)
Martin Chromiak (2nd)
Noel Gunler (1st)
Yegor Afanasyev (1st)
Josef Korenar (8th Round Goalie)
Olivier Nadeau (3rd)
Cross Hanas (3rd)
Viktor Neuchev (2nd)
Daniil Ivanov (Undrafted)
Dylan Garand (4th)
Jonatan Berggren (1st)
Linus Ullmark
COL 1st (2023)
CHI 1st (2023)
FLA 1st (2023)
All in all, management is extremely pleased as the project progresses.
Ullmark is reportedly available for those in need of a high-performing #1 goalie.
|
|
New York Islanders
|
Isles Broken Toes Fall to Canes
|
Isles-Steve |
2022-10-28 13:54:44 |
140 |
Michael Stone's New York Islander heroics were not enough to achieve victory in Thursday evening's contest between the undefeated, league leading Carolina Hurricanes and the struggling Islanders who fell to a 3-3-2 record. Adding injury to insult were 3 broken toes in this one game.
After falling behind 2-1 in the first period, Stone beat Vanecek twice. The first goal was an unusual game-tying shorthanded goal by a defenseman while Josh Mahura was serving an elbowing minor. Stone beat Vitek Vanecek to the short side when the netminder slid out of position. He was gifted the opportunity when Nicklas Backstrom corralled the puck during a poor line change by the Hurricanes' top power play unit. Backstrom led Beauvillier who found Stone all alone at center ice.
After the Hurricanes regained the lead on a Vrana tally, Stone scored his second goal of the game at the 7 minute mark of the third period when he blasted a puck over the shoulder of a crouched Vanecek. The game remained tied through overtime but the Islanders fell in the ensuing shootout when Backstrom, Galchenyuk and Bozak were all stopped while Logan Couture beat Linus Ullmark with the game winning shootout goal.
Also in the results were the 3 Islander injuries. Brett Connolly, Ian Cole and Janne Kuokkanen were all hurt in the game. Oddly, all three sustained similar injuries with broken toes. Kuokkanen and Connolly are slated as day to day while Cole is expected to miss at least a full week and possibly two.
Next up for the Islanders will be Sunday night when they host the are the Colorado Avalanche. The Avs are formidable afdter destroying the 4-3 New Jersey Devils on Thursday.
|
|
Minnesota Wild
|
Minnesota mild becomes WILD
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-10-27 16:48:22 |
176 |
The GM was not kidding around when he said he wouldn't tolerate another terrible start to the season after a dismal pre-season. Defense was modified and Lauzon and Kulikov were brought in before the start of the regular season. Players took notice of that. The team is currently having their best start in years and sit at the top of the league with a 6-1-0 record in 7 games. There is no expectation to remain at the top of the league but the playoffs are definately the target.
Recent addition Kulikov is averaging 21 minutes a night and has 2G 5P in 7 games and is a +5. He is the team's MVP so far. Rumor is he hasn't said a word in the locker room yet trying not to step on anybody's toes.
Lauzon has been a physical presence and defensive contributor with a +2 rating in the few games he has played. He is an offensive black hole but scoring is not his job. His 14 hits in 4 games makes him dangerous when other teams enter the zone.
Coghlan was claimed but wasn't able to stay with the team as he was claimed by San Jose shortly after. Colin Miller, a respectable 2nd pair Dman or 3rd pair on a stronger team, has been sitting out as the 7th D. The team is looking to trade him for a simple pick. Unfortunately there are a lot of sleeping GMs at the moment.
Earlier today the team announced they are placing Joonas Donskoi on waivers. His salary being the biggest reason why. He will be replaced by Drake Caggiula. Caggiula doesn't bring anywhere close to the shootout ability Donskoi is recognized for but the combination of IT, SP, DF at half the salary of Donskoi makes him a great 4th line option and adds more physicality to the bottom 6.
There are a lot of positives this early into the season. Hopefully the team isn't peaking early. Hopefully no crash is ahead. But for now, sponsors are heading back to the team. The team is no longer on FOX Sports and will be part of Comcast Sportsnet. Reebok is back in the fold. Busch beer remains with the team but hopefully the drinking will not be to drown away the sorrows this year. There are rumors that Gatorade is in talks for the season. Nothing official yet but word should come out in a few days.
____________________________
Article: 21/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $4,000,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
Penguins Fans in Dismay after Horrid Start
|
Pens-Brent |
2022-10-27 13:02:00 |
154 |
The Pittsburgh Penguins faithful have begun to turn against their team after what has been an horrendous start to the season. The Pens are 2-5-0 to start a season that was intended to be their turn around year. With the additions of Alexander Ovechkin and Jordan Binnington this past off season, hockey pundits anticipated Pittsburgh's assention towards the top of the league standings. Here we are, almost 10% of the way through the 2022/23 season, and the flightless birds find themselves grounded and in the basement of the NEFHL.
"It's safe to say that we are frusterated with our performance so far. We believe in this group and know that they are capable of playing better hockey than we have seen so far," said head coach Craig Berube.
The Penguins took a massive blow to their player personel when assistant captain, Evgeni Malkin, fell ackwardly into the boards causing a ruptured spleen.
"There's nothing new to report on Geno. He is going to be out for an extended period of time and could be back towards the end of the season," added the coach.
Things have gotten so bad in Pittsburgh that many of the team's corporate sponsers have begun to renag on their endorsement of the team. Those close to the team have suggested that NBCSN, Reebok, Busch, Geico, Enterprise, Ticket Master, Coca-Cola, and Toyota are looking towards pulling the plug.
"We are not looking to push the panic button yet as there is lots of hockey left to be played, but this trend is definitely concerning," Berube stated.
The Penguins have steep hill to climb if they hope to make it to the post-season this year. They better act quickly, as that hill could possibly turn into a mountain very soon.
________________________
Obligatory Articles: 5/5
Bonus Articles: 7/40 = $1,750,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
New York Islanders
|
Isles Squeak Past Rangers at UBS
|
Isles-Steve |
2022-10-27 03:14:10 |
138 |
In an unexpected turn of events, the depleted New York Islanders lineup executed a surprising late game victory over their crosstown rival New York Rangers despite being outshot 29-23.
The first tally was a slick backhand from Anthony Beauvillier off a Frederick Andersen rebound after an attempted stuff shot by Janne Kuokkanen. The primary assist was credited to 35 year old veteran Nicklas Backstrom who fed Kuokkanen in the slot. This was Beauvillier's fourth goal of the young season.
Exactly one minute later, Alex Galchenyuk banged in a rebound after a hard slapshot by Oliver Wahlstrom. Underappreciated Nils Hoglander led the forwards into the offensive zone with a pass to himself that came off the boards and conveniently found his stick. His cross ice pass to Wahlstrom left the Rangers shaking their heads after former first rounder Galchenyuk lifted the puck over Andersen's left shoulder.
After potting the two goals in the first four minutes, the Isles played keep-away defense for the remainder of the game.
The Rangers made things interesting with a 2nd period tally by Alex Biega. Biega's slapshot from the point eluded Linus Ullmark in the 5th minute of the second period. This was followed with 7 minutes remaining when right wing Cam Atkinson bounced a puck past Ullmark on a power play with Seth Jones serving a cross-checking minor.
Then, just 2 minutes later, young defenseman Josh Mahura broke the tie with less than 5 minutes to go on the clock when Johan Larsson back-passed to the blueline.
The 3-2 final score was a welcome ending for jubilant Islander fans at UBS Arena in Elmont.
|
|
Seattle Kraken
|
Kraken Update
|
Kraken-Scott |
2022-10-26 12:44:26 |
145 |
The Seattle Kraken are quickly realizing that they are an expansion team. The Kraken have lost their last two games, and were humiliated on Tuesday in a 7-1 loss versus the Buffalo Sabres. The squad now sits at 3-5-0 in their inaugural NEFHL season. Head coach Rick Tocchet is not disappointed with the team's start, however. "The effort has been there most nights. We're a relatively young team who will go through some ups and downs through the season. We will have to rely on our veteran leadership group (Voracek, Smith, McCabe) to get us through some of the tough nights. At the end of the day, as long as the effort is there, we'll be fine."
There have been a few bright spots for the Kraken so far this season:
- Diminutive free agent signing Conor Sheary leads the team with 4 goals (and 5 points) through the first 8 games of the season;
- Young defenceman Zach Whitecloud leads the backend in both ice time per game (24.2) and points (3). Whitecloud has an even +/- rating on the season.
- Backup goalie Alexandar Georgiev to date has a 0.911 save percentage in his three appearances.
The most glaring negative statistic for the team is its -10 goal differential through eight games. Coach Tocchet and his staff are certainly looking at ways to reduce goals against.
Some positive news from the prospect front...Kraken 2nd round pick forward Reid Schaefer is off to a tremendous start in his WHL season, scoring 10 goals (and 12 points) in his first 7 games. There is hope that Schaefer can crack the mighty Canada WJC squad over the next few months. Top Kraken centre prospect Cutter Gauthier made his long-awaited season debut with Boston College in the NCAA. Through two games, freshman Gauthier has potted two goals and added an assist for the Golden Eagles.
|
|
New York Islanders
|
The Value of Endorsements
|
Isles-Steve |
2022-10-25 20:57:40 |
180 |
Good day gentlemen!
This whole finances thing has gotten a bit strange lately.
Consider that quite a few of the endorsements are no longer tied to attendance numbers but are instead tied to financial results.
This change seems to have occurred in the NEFHL shadows (at least from my perspective) and the resulting value of endorsements has been significantly diminished.
With the New York Islanders in flat out rebuild mode, the starting roster has been accordingly gutted, and it seemed only fair to lower ticket prices proportionately for our loyal fans. Unfortunately, this has turned out to be not such a good idea since there are no longer any endorsement benefits to management when the arena is filled at a fair price.
In fact, since articles are materially compensated, one could make an argument that the financial balance for league activity has been compromised. Why should anyone care about the endorsements when they can pick up millions for publishing a few words each game day? Is it worth struggling with attendance and finances when a few articles will earn much more than filling the arena seats?
Consequently, you can all look forward to a flood of published articles by this former Elmer Ferguson Award winner. As each day goes by, this GM will not be worried about endorsements tied to financial performance since the article route is both more lucrative and, frankly, more fun (for me at least).
And these are the twelve words that will fatten the Isles bankroll.
|
|
Toronto Maple Leafs
|
Leafs Win Home Opener
|
Leafs-Shane |
2022-10-14 17:13:35 |
123 |
In what was a true team effort, the Buds get their first win of the season in the home opener. The best part is, the win comes against the defending cup champs in Washington.
The scoring started early and went all game long in a 6-3 drubbing. Jonathan Marchesault opened the scoring early int he first period and Olivier Kylington finished the scoring in the thitd period while also added an assist on his big game.
Victor Hedman had a monster game with a goal and an assist combined with a plus 2 rating.
Tj Oshie has one of the most influencial games. He notched his first goal as a Leafs after signing a 3 year deal with the Leafs in the summer. Not only did he score, he had 12 penalty minutes, 6 shots of net and 2 hits. This all in seventeen minutes of ice time.
Goalie John Gibson got his first win of the year and first as a Leaf stopping 31 of 34 shots.
Newly aquired Anze Kopitar also pitched in with an assist and 3 shots on goal.
Another newcomber Robby Fabbri had an assist to go with 4 shots on net and 2 hits with a plus 1 rating.
Next up for the Leafs in the battle of Ontario sunday night in Ottawa. Expect goalie Martin Jones to get his first taste of action with the club. It is widely expected that theor will be no lineup changes over the course of the season immediatley following a win.
Look forward to reporting throughout the season after each game with game notes. |
|
Seattle Kraken
|
KRAKEN WIN!!!
|
Kraken-Scott |
2022-10-14 13:25:28 |
177 |
The Kraken didn't have to wait too long for its first victory in franchise history. In its second ever game, the Kraken defeated the Los Angeles Kings 4-3 in a shootout on Thursday night. The GM, coach and all the players were absolutely elated in the dressing room after the game.
Much of the victory goes to starting netminder Braden Holtby, who stopped 29/32 shots during the game and all three Kings shootout attempts (including from stars McDavid and Zibanejad). "Holtby has been really good to start the season, and I'm glad we could get him a win" head coach Tocchet said after the game. "From day one, he came into training camp with a great attitude and wanted to be a leader on this young team. He's worked his ass off and we're glad that the boys were able to put a strong effort in front of him tonight."
Reilly Smith scored the only goal of the shootout for the Kraken. Nick Cousins, Jake Voracek and Zach Whitecloud all scored their first goals of the season in regulation time. The Kraken played a very disciplined game as well, only taking two minor penalties during the game. Due to injuries sustained in the season opener, both John Leonard and Jacob Bryson made their Kraken regular season debuts last night and both were even players on the night.
In addition to scoring a goal, Zach Whitecloud led the team with five shots on goal and was named the game's 2nd star. He's a key piece to the Kraken's future moving forward. The Kraken now return to Seattle for their home opener next week versus the Vegas Golden Knights. Should be a blast!
|
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
Dominance Continues
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-10-14 01:52:26 |
132 |
The Las Vegas Golden Knights’ dominance of the pathetic Los Angeles Kings continues. After repeatedly destroying them last season, owning the season series after a dramatic finale, Vegas continued to expose the Kings’ true colours. As everyone who has been paying attention can attest, it was widely demonstrated that the Kings do not belong among the best in the league, and there are no trophies awarded for not winning the Stanley Cup.
Vegas outshot the Kings 28 - 25, and scored on 40% of their powerplay chances. The woeful Kings? They went scoreless on their seven chances, further justifying their label of overachieving failures. The Golden Knights fought back from three one-goal deficits to force overtime, where they claimed victory against the (former) Kings. Jack Hughes tied the scoring in the shootout, and Rocco Grimaldi scored the nail in the seventh round.
Spencer Knight made his rookie debut (in relief), after Pavel Francouz went down with a foot injury in the second. Spencer stopped 14 of 15 shots, and six of seven in the shootout, earning his first (of many) career victories. Not to be outshone in his debut, another Golden Knights rookie, third-overall pick Tim Stutzle scored a primary assist on the game’s fourth goal, a powerplay snipe to knot the game up at two at the end of the second period.
The only concern for the Knights was that their top (forward) line was a combined -5, as was their top defense pairing of Rasmus Ristolainen and Justin Faulk. It’s definitely something their management will be keeping an eye on.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Imagine spending every minute of the NEFHL entry draft writing articles non-stop, from beginning to end. Is 7 hours a reasonable amount of time? 8 hours? Seems like the last draft started at 9 pm, ended at 11, then continued the next day at 10 am and ended around 4 pm. Eight hours. Doubling the amount of time, that’s 16 hours, which is about 960 minutes. Divide that amount of time over 82 games, and you get approximately 12 minutes. 12 minutes per article, multiplied by 82 articles, is almost 1,000 minutes, which is more time than all teams spend drafting. That’s the limit I’ll spend for every article I write this year. |
|
Minnesota Wild
|
Minnesota Ready for Another Season
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-10-13 14:51:03 |
185 |
In the past week Minnesota added Jeremy Lauzon via trade with the Islanders. Then the team acquired Dmitry Kulikov on a 2 year deal via free agency. More recently, Dylan Coghlan was claimed from waivers and waived again to see if he makes it to the farm team. The plan is to bury him there the entire season and see if he develops into a useable depth player for next year.
But the additions to the blue line make it a little bit crowded. According to some sources, GM Peter might be making a move to address this sooner rather than later.
Josh Morrissey - Filip Hronek
Ryan Graves - Dmitry Kulikov
Duncan Keith - Jeremy Lauzon
Colin Miller - Kale Clague
On the farm there is Kevin Connaughton and Jake Christiansen who can both fill in for injuries but won't be wowing you.
The GM was seen heading to the rink, still under repair from the summer riots peaceful protests, and had this to say. "We bolstered our blueline rapidly after the disaster of preseason. We do not want to be out of the mix before Christmas like last year. We don't want to miss the playoffs again. I feel our roster is a playoff team and I'm excited to see the season started"
The Wild/mild/whatever who cares open the season against the New York Rangers. Will they be the second team to lose to a new GM in the big apple? Will the team bounce back from an awful preseason which was a continuation of an awful 2021-2022 season which was a continuation of an awful late season collapse in 2020-2021? Will the coach get fired if they don't bounce back? The GM?
Trevor Zegras gets his first nefhl season game
3rd line will be a traditional checking line to start the season.
Archibald, Kulikov, Lauzon, Talbot all get their first games with Minnesota.
Projected Lineup for the opener
Tkachuk - Hintz - Pettersson
Bailey - Zegras - DeBrusk
Kunin - Pageau - Archibald
Donskoi - Evans - Labanc
Josh Morrissey - Filip Hronek
Ryan Graves - Dmitry Kulikov
Duncan Keith - Jeremy Lauzon
Talbot
____________________________
Article: 20/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $3,750,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
Seattle Kraken
|
Kraken fight hard but lose 1st game
|
Kraken-Scott |
2022-10-13 14:14:40 |
171 |
History was made on Wednesday night, with the Kraken playing their first game in franchise history versus the Ducks. Unfortunately, the result wasn't what the Kraken faithful were hoping for, as the squad fell to the Ducks 3-2 in regulation time. Head Coach Rick Tocchet was generally pleased with the team's opening effort of the season.
"We're pleased with the boys effort tonight for sure" Tocchet said. "Overall, I think both teams played hard and the game was relatively even, with shots on goal being 34 each. We're just not a team at the moment that has a lot of natural goal scoring ability. Our goals will be created by hard work and by crashing the net...and I thought for the most part we did a good job at that tonight."
Centreman Brian Boyle will be an answer to a trivia question for years to come, as he scored the first (and second) goal in Kraken history. His first goal was on the powerplay, assisted by veterans Jake Voracek and Jake McCabe. The Kraken led the game at both 1-0 and 2-1 but couldn't sustain either lead. Starting goaltender Braden Holtby made 31/34 saves between the pipes and was strong througout the game.
A couple of other quick game notes from the Kraken side:
- Nathan Bastian was injured 1:33 into the game after a dirty hit from Quinn Hughes (who was ejected from the game for the hit).
- Defenseman Nick Holden was also injured in the first period after an even dirtier play from Alexander Romanov (who was suspended 3 games for the altercation)
- Jake McCabe had 2 assists in his Kraken debut.
- Nicolas Meloche's undisciplined play from the preseason carried over into his first Kraken outing.
Looking forward to the first Kraken win in franchise history! |
|
St-Louis Blues
|
NEFHL U23 Team Rankings - #3
|
Blues-Graham |
2022-10-12 07:34:44 |
169 |
These last 3 prospect pools are stacked and definitely in a league of their own when it comes to both quality and depth. Lets get it going with the next team in line.
#3 - The Pittsburgh Penguins
Wow what a prospect pool. I love the forward depth. It's also worth noting, Pittsburgh had the most players of any other team on Pronmans list with 11.
Looking at Pittsburg they have a least 4 if not 5 tier one prospects. Prospects that either are or have the potential to be perennial all-stars. Lets start with Lucas Raymond. The 4th pick in the 2020 NHL draft had an amazing rookie campaign poting 23 goals and 57 points in his first 82 game season. You name it, he has it. Speed, hockey IQ, shot, play making ability and an amazing motor. I don't expect anything less then 30-35 goals and around 65 points per year for the next 8-10 years. The 9th overall ranked prospect is followed up by the 12th ranked overall prospect - Seth Jarvis another tier 1 forward with a great first year under his belt. In only 68GP Jarvis potted 17 goals and 40 points. Similar to Raymond, this guy has it all. He's quick and is both a gifted passer and shooter. 30 goals and 60 points per year should be expected. The Pens also have the 14th overall ranked prospect in Matthew Beniers. Unlike the 2 prospects above him, Beniers doesn't have any NHL experience just yet but by most accounts he is favored to win the Calder this year. He's more of a 2 way player the guys above him but that's not code for no offence. Think Patrice Bergeron or Sean Couturier. To have 3 forwards like this at the top of your prospect list is pretty amazing. Rounding out the forward group of prospects are Alexander Holtz and Alex Newhook. Particularly Holtz has the makings of another top line forward. With 4 amazing high end forwards Pittsburgh's future is bright. On the backend Even Bouchard leads the pack of promising young defencemen. Bouchard managed 43 points in 81GP in his first full NHL season. He owns legit size standing 6'3 and has great all around skating. Zellweger is next on the list - he's a little undersized for a defencemen at least to my liking but there is no denying his offensive talent. In the most recent WJC he finished 2nd in team Canada scoring with 11 points in 7 games played. He's scored at every level he's ever played at and I don't expect the NHL to be any different. Time will tell how he will be able to defend against the bigger NHL players. Rounding out Pittsburgh prospect list is plenty of middle 6 and top 4 talent. Greif, Neighbours and Faber are just a few players to continue keeping an eye on.
Rank-Player-Position
9-Lucas Raymond-RW
12-Seth Jarvis-RW
14-Matthew Beniers-C
19-Evan Bouchard-D
51-Olen Zellweger-D
56-Alexander Holtz-RW
57-Alex Newhook-C
74-Brock Faber-D
121-Isac Lundeström-C
127-Ridly Greig -C
163-Jake Neighbours-LW
That's all for this one guys. Breaking a bit from tradition, I'll be doing the 1st place team next. Who will it be? Only Minnesota and Vegas remain. |
|
St-Louis Blues
|
NEFHL U23 Team Rankings - #7, #6, #5 and #4
|
Blues-Graham |
2022-10-11 12:38:49 |
191 |
Hello fellow NEFHL GMs. This is your next installment of the U23 prospect rankings. I won't lie, this has been a massive undertaking and I’m happy to be closing in on the final few teams.
# 7 - The Ottawa Senators
As I said in the previous article, there wasn't allot of difference between teams 10-8. If I had actually ranked the teams by Tiers the 2nd tier from the top would have had teams 10-4. Is there a big difference between the Senators and the Blues? I don't think so. However, I do appreciate prospects who've already played in the NHL such as Anton Lundell which is what probably pushed the Sens ahead. Lundell is a top tier prospect who put up 44 points in 65 GP last year for the panthers. He's a C and he's got good size and an extremely high hockey IQ. Topping the list is last years 9th overall NHL pick Dylan Guenther. Guenther seems to have made the Coyote's opening night roster. Is he ready for primetime already? Hard to say, but he's another top tier prospect who eventually shouldn't look out of place on any teams top line. Some more highlights on this list? I love Yurov. Great pick up in this years draft. Elmer Solderblom also made the wings out of training camp this year as well. He's a mammoth of a man and looks to be a solid middle 6 option going forward. On the down side, 21 year old Cam York got cut from a very weak Flyers team this year. The 14th pick in the 2019 draft got 30 games in for the Flyers last year and should have given him the inside track on a position this year. It clearly didn't work out. That said, it should be only a minor setback from the young D man.
Rank/TIER PLAYER-POS
25/4 Dylan Guenther-RW
29/4 Anton Lundell-C
43/5 K'Andre Miller-D
71/5 Danila Yurov-RW
78/6 Cam York-D
91/6 Nils Lundkvist-D
96/6 Elmer Söderblom-LW
144/6 Mattias Havelid-D
148/6 Brandon Coe-RW
#6 - The Chicago Blackhawks
One of, if not the best team in the NEFHL also has one of the top U23 prospect pipelines as well. They are defintly jacked to the nuts. The only thing holding the hawks back from a higher ranking is that both of their top prospects are D albiet elite. They start with the #2 ranked prospect in all of hockey is Moritz Seider followed closly by Rasmus Dahlin the #7 ranked prospect. Truth be told, I personally see Dahlin with more offensive updside than Seider, even if Seider projects as the more valuable D man overall. However this is the NEFHL and offense rules the day. Both players project as #1 all-star level defensemen. The top forward on the team is Jack Quinn who at the team seemed to be a bit of a stretch pick by the Sabre's but probably not so much now. Quinn followed up his amazing Junior career with a red hot season in the AHL scoring 26G in 45 GP. Not too shabby. He's also made the Sabre's opening night roster. There is a slight fall off in talent from there but I'm also very keen on Lekkerimaki and Jagger Firkus. Lekkerimaki can shoot the puck and Firkus has arguably the best hands in this years draft.
Rank/TIER PLAYER-POS
2/1 Moritz Seider-D
7/2 Rasmus Dahlin-D
39/4 Jack Quinn-RW
107/6 Matthew Coronato-RW
109/6 Jonathan Lekkerimaki-RW
159/6 Jagger Firkus-RW
168/6 Oskar Olausson-LW
#5 - The Detroit Red Wings
I'll be honest, if this was my list the Wings maybe a couple positions lower. Lets start with Slafkovsky, it's no secret I'm not a big fan. Everyone says the Habs picked the player with the highest ceiling, lets see if that's the case. I'm not convinced - obviously, otherwise I would have picked him myself. Another one on this list I'm not convinced of is Kirby Dach. At the time, I thought Dach was a great pick and I loved how he played. However he hasn't developed the way I thought he would and his recent trade from the Hawks makes me wonder if there is more under the surface that we're not aware of. That said, the tools are there. Other than Boldy the majority of this prospect list are defensemen which in my books makes them less valuable. Also although I do see some solid D prospects here, I don't see any allstar types on the list. Maybe I'm wrong. Harley is close and has some NHL experience but was just cut from the stars opening night roster. He did have an ok camp. I'm a little higher on Philip Broberg. He has made the Oilers roster and he was someone I was hoping would fall (to me) in the 2019 draft but didn't. Enough of the negative lets have a look at the positive. Matthew Boldy! An absolute gem. He's highly skilled, can shoot the puck and make a great pass. His skating has always been the down side to his game but it's adequate. He's a top 6 talent on any team if not a top 3. He's still only 21. Aside from Boldy, I do like Kornski as well but it's way too early to pass judgement. It's also widely accepted that the Wings had a banger of a 2022 draft. So they may rise up this list yet.
Rank/TIER PLAYER-POS
15/3 Juraj Slafkovsky-LW
21/4 Matthew Boldy-RW
41/4 Kirby Dach-C
55/5 Thomas Harley-D
76/6 Philip Broberg-D
82/6 Nathan Gaucher-C
125/6 Lian Bichsel-D
128/6 Kevin Kornski-D
145/6 Owen Pickering-D
# 4 - The Anaheim Mighty ducks
The Ducks have a pretty good prospect list here. At least one that I quite like. It might even be on a tier of it's own between the top 3 teams and the next 5. Yes, the Hughes brothers are both D but like the Hawks, they are elite and project as high offense type players. So that somewhat makes up for the position they play. The #2 player on the list and #10 overall is Lafreniere. He had a slow start but he is a player that I do believe in. I do think he's a top line talent. He just turned 21 and is starting his 3rd NHL season. With 19 goals under his belt from last year, I expect you'll see the first of many 25-30 goal seasons from him. I'm not quite as high on Farabee as Pronman but I do see him as a middle 6 option at some point. I love Perfetti who by all accounts has had a great camp and will start on the Jets opening night roster. I'm also a fan of Podkolzin but do think he has a bit of a lowish offensive ceiling - more of a middle 6 or top 6 energy player. But a solid exciting player just the same. Bourque also projects as a potential middle 6 guy as well.
Rank/TIER PLAYER-POS 4/1 Quinn Hughes-D
10/2 Alexis Lafrenière-RW
11/2 Luke Hughes-D
37/4 Joel Farabee-LW
38/4 Cole Perfetti-LW
53/5 Vasily Podkolzin-LW
73/5 Mavrik Bourque-C
106/6 Alexander Romanov-D
115/6 Ivan Morozov-C
There you have it. Next up we break into the top 3 teams.
|
|
Nashville Predators
|
The challenges of drafting in the NEFHL
|
Preds-Sylvain |
2022-10-10 15:05:09 |
159 |
The annual draft: some GMs totally love it while others would rather trade all their picks for assets that matter right now. Both types have thrived in the past, so there’s not only one way of approaching the draft.
The approach to the draft can also be very hands-on or hands-off. It’s entirely possible to have a successful draft while just relying on the lists and draft guides out there. In that case, a minimum of effort and research can still yield very good results. For the more hardcore drafters, you can watch videos of prospects or even go full-blown scout by checking out a ton of junior hockey games.
Regardless of your approach, there are several challenges that NEFHL GMs will face.
The first challenge is the timing of the draft. Being ahead of the NHL draft, there is no strong list to fall back on, especially for the back half of the draft. The time to prepare is also sometimes short as draft guides and lists tend to be published early to mid-June. So, depending on when the NEFHL draft occurs and depending on your approach, there might be a lot of work to do right before it happens.
The second challenge is about producing your own list of prospects. In the more hands-off approach, you can skip this challenge by just sticking with lists produced by one or the other draft publications. However, if you build your own list, using publications and your own scouting, then it’s a hard exercise. Sorting out players that play in different leagues and have different skill sets and positions is not an easy feat. It’s easier to rank them by tier, but then when your turn comes, who do you take in the tier? Choosing one or the other in the same tier could result in having a great player or a bust. Plus, later in the draft, tiers get so large that just picking a guy in the tier might be more of a crap shoot than anything else. Hence, later in the draft, you will have to decide if you prefer going with the prospect that has a higher number of likable attributes or with the one having one elite skill but more deficiencies.
The third challenge is linked to the second one, but still of a different nature. Even if you have your list sorted, there are multiple reasons that could explain why you would want to stray from that list. The main reasons would be to either diversify your prospect list or to try and optimize your overall draft. In the case of diversification, it’s simply that you may want prospect depth at each different position or that you want a balanced approach in terms of well-rounded to high-skill/high-bust prospects. In terms of optimizing your draft, you may have a player ranked top 15 that hits most lists only in the third round, so you might want to draft your 20th-ranked prospect ahead of him, hoping you’ll get both in the end. In all cases, it’s always a very difficult case, since you could end up not picking up a guy that ends up as a star, even though you had him in high regard.
The last challenge is about weighting quality versus quantity. Are you in a better position if you draft at higher ranks or do you have more chances of drafting a quality player by drafting a higher number of prospects? Considering all the other challenges, this makes it even harder to make such a choice. Are you better off with the 4th pick than with the 12th and the 28th? What about the 35th for the 45th and 71st? In the worst cases, the prospect you would have drafted turns out to be a very good player and the other picks bust. In the best cases, it’s the exact opposite, and the traded draft pick busts while you get a player from one or more of the acquired picks.
Considering all those challenges and the fact that the top 100 list is pretty much set, even prior to the draft, most of the extra time spent on the draft mostly matters in the later rounds. Yet, gems are few in those rounds. On top of it, prospects that tend to stand out, even outside most top 100, usually make one of the lists amongst the various draft guides and are unavailable late in the draft.
In that challenging environment, the reward of extensive scouting for the draft is more into knowing the different prospects and keeping up with them as they develop. It always gives you a leg up in trades that involve prospects and in signing prospects during the free agency period. |
|
Seattle Kraken
|
Kraken ready to go
|
Kraken-Scott |
2022-10-07 14:31:51 |
177 |
The games start for real now. The Seattle Kraken will play their first regular season game in NEFHL history on October 12th in California versus the Anaheim Ducks. Head coach Rick Tocchet and the Kraken players are very excited for the puck to drop that first night.
The Kraken recently finalized their 22 man roster to start their inaugural season. GM Scott Davies sat down with Tocchet and the coaching staff to make the final cuts. The 22 player roster consists of:
Forwards (13): Jake Voracek, Victor Olofsson, Reilly Smith, Brian Boyle, Jason Spezza, Conor Sheary, Michael McLeod, Ilya Mikheyev, Nathan Bastian, Tomas Tatar, Nick Cousins, Justin Danforth & Brandon Sutter.
Defence (7): Jake McCabe, Nick Holden, Zach Whitecloud, Jacob Bryson, Nate Schmidt, Riley Stillman & Nicolas Meloche.
Goaltenders (2): Braden Holtby & Alexandar Georgiev
Among the final cuts at Kraken training camp, forwards Fredrik Gauthier & Matthew Peca were placed on waivers and will be sent to the minors once they clear. Here were the most recent practice lines for the Kraken, which should be a pretty indicator of their opening night lineup:
Olofsson-Boyle-Smith
Voracek-McLeod-Sheary
Mikheyev-Spezza-Bastian
Tatar-Cousins-Danforth (Sutter extra forward)
Schmidt-McCabe
Holden-Whitecloud
Meloche-Stillman (Bryson extra defenceman)
Holtby
Georgiev
The Kraken do expect their lineup to remain fluid over the season, as coach Tocchet will mix and match combinations to see which lines/pairings can find some chemistry. We know that the coach liked what he saw during the preseason from the Olofsson-Boyle-Smith combination, so they figure to stay together for some time.
The Kraken are cap compliant with payroll exceeding just over $39 million. Word around the Kraken is that the general manager is willing to add another piece or two to the team over the season if it benefits the team moving forward beyond its first season. |
|
Minnesota Wild
|
Minnesota Acquires Help on Defense.
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-10-06 18:43:52 |
200 |
Jeremy Lauzon is now a member of the Minnesota Wild/mild/whatever who cares. He will hopefully make us a bit tougher on the back end while improving our defensive play. Pre-season is over and the team had a craptacular 1-4-1 record. The two highest rated D in Josh Morrissey and Ryan Graves have been brutal on the defensive side of things at -7 and -5 respectively. We touched a bit more on that in the last article.
By adding Lauzon, GM Peter picked up another high DF player with 80. He has excellent IT at 88. He has decent wheels and skating at 75 and 77. Opponents will hopefully think twice before getting too close to him. What Lauzon doesn't have is much offense. That is to be expected being part of NHL Predators organization. It would be a pleasant surprise if his offense trends upwards. He comes in at a price tag of $1.75m for the next 4 seasons and will remain RFA at the end of his current deal.
Minnesota gave up Alex Formenton and Noah Gregor in this deal. Just months ago Formenton was penciled in to be a top9 player. He has the offensive ratings now and he certainly has the speed. However with no NHL contract and probably not for the next while, he might not find a spot down the line for Minnesota. Gregor looks to be penciled in as a top9 player for the NHL Sharks. He's a good bottom 6 option right now in the NEFHL and offense ratings should be trending slightly upwards.
"We felt with Holloway dominating training camp and other guys like Reichel, Heineman, Bemstrom, Karlstrom, N. Smith all knocking on the door and ready for primetime in various roles we could have made this kind of move to shore up a desperate need on defense. We definitely ackowledge this trade can look real bad for us in the future but we want to compete now. We may not be done with moves. We have a couple other things cooking around the league so we'll see." - GM Peter
____________________________
Article: 19/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $3,500,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
Boston Bruins
|
S1E2: Between 2 Buffalo - BRUINS PULL TRIGGER ON TWO DEALS
|
Bruins-Chris |
2022-10-04 18:48:34 |
157 |
The Boston Bruins and new/old GM Chris pulled off a couple of trades Tuesday afternoon saying good bye to Yanni Gourde and Tyson Jost. In the first deal, the Bruins sent Yanni Gourde to the Chicago Blackhawks for Jordan Eberle, BUF 2023 Rnd 3 and $500,000. GM Chris summarized the deal saying "we (da bruins) were without any 3rd round picks in the upcoming draft so adding a pick, one with potential to be early in the 3rd round, really appealed to us. Yanni also isn't a great locker room name so it was a win/win".
The second consecutive deal involved another Western conference team with the Bruins sending Tyson Jost to the St-Louis Blues for Clark Bishop, VGK 2023 Rnd 3 and $500,000. Jost has been sulking since his NHL team traded him months before winning a cup. The fantasy Bruins didn't want any of that bad ju-ju hanging around so as GM Chris put it "better to have a hen in the chicken coup than a cock yodeling at 6am everyday".
With those two deal the Bruins have shuffled their 'best rated lines' to now look like this:
Kyle Palmieri (4.2m) - Mark Scheifele (4.7m) - Jordan Eberle (1.9m)Erik Haula (2m) - William Karlsson (2.1m) - Kasperi Kapanen (1m)Zach Aston-Reese (1.3m) - Nolan Patrick (0.8m) - Ryan Dzingel (1.1m)Ryan McLeod (0.9m) - Clark Bishop (0.7m) - Rasmus Asplund (0.8m)$21.5m
Brandon Carlo (1.7m) - Tyler Myers (4.6m)Haydn Fleury (0.9m) - Travis Hamonic (2m)Henri Jokiharju (0.9m) - Jake Bean (1m)$11.1m
Elvis Merzlikins (3.6m)Matt Murray (2.9m)$6.5m
Total Cap: $39.1 + $1.7 farm = $40.8 million
Trade Rumors: The Bruins are said to be close on a deal for 2nd line center William 'Wild Bill' Karlsson.
Stay tuned for the next instalment of between two buffalo. |
|
Minnesota Wild
|
Extra! Extra! Read all about it
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-10-04 15:35:08 |
209 |
The Minnesota Wild/mild/whatever who cares still suck. Here's the proof. 1-4-1 pre season record. Getting an 80+ goalie in the offseason didn't help so far. He got injured. Still missing a piece on D but UFAs are out there and I'm confident I'll get one. If not there D are available by trade and some teams have been contacted already.
Colorado 4 at Minnesota 2
- Outshot opponent 25-20
- 0/2 PP for and 1/3 PP against
Minnesota 7 at Colorado 1
- Outshot opponent 33-19
- 1/5 PP for and 0/3 PP against
- Talbot injured
Minnesota 3 at Dallas 4 (SO)
- Outshot opponent 36-30
- 1/6 PP for and 0/1 PP against
Minnesota 3 at Chicago 5
- Outshot opponent 30-28
- 0/3 PP for and 1/2 PP against
Chicago 5 at Minnesota 3
- Outshot by opponent first time 30-27
- 0/3 PP for and 0/3 PP against
Dallas 3 at Minnesota 1
- Outshot opponent 36 - 27
- 1/5 PP for and 0/4 PP against
- Talbot returns
Overall:
- Outshot opponents in 5/6 games. But we only scored 17 goals in 6 games and 7 of them came in one game. This is freakishly similar to last year and I don't like it.
- Filip Hronek leads the team with 7 points in 6 games (1g 6a)
- Josh Archibald leads forwards with 5 points in 6 games (2g 3a). He has been overall the best forward in preseason (WARNING WARNING). His 99 IT crushed Chicago especially. They got the last laugh by beating us both games convincingly..
- Defense is struggling mightily with Josh Morrissey (81 df) and Ryan Graves (80DF) at -7 and -5 respectively.
- Tkachuk leads the team with 19 hits in 5 games.
As much as the team sucks, it is Kevin Connauton who sucks even more because he somehow has 37 games played despite only dressing for 1 game in the 6 game preseason and has 4 points and a -17 +/-rating. Clearly an error but it might as well be true. With the way things are looking it will be true.
I won't have much patience with this crap for long in the regular season. I knew last year things were going wrong by how preseason looked. It was a continuation of the late season collapse the year before. Here we are again. Sadly.
____________________________
Article: 18/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $3,250,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
Vancouver Canucks
|
Preseason Finally Ends for the Canucks
|
Canucks-Kyle |
2022-10-03 13:12:03 |
133 |
The Vancouver Canucks preseason came to an end last night and I think every is happy that it is done. The Canucks had one win in six games with two overtime losses and three outright losses. The bigger concern is the 21 goals allowed in 6 games (3.50 per game) and only 14 goals for (2.33 per game).
“Yeah, we aren’t happy about our play this preseason and that falls on me” said Coach Gerard Gallant.
There are some rumours within the organization that Gallant could be on the hotseat if the Canucks continue the presason play into the regular season. Not to mention, the playoff disappointments.
“Gerard is our coach, and we expect that he will right the ship. But it’s just the preseason, we were experimenting, giving guys some chances, they may not have. We brought in a lot of new players, so it takes time” said General Manager Allen.
The team as a whole, seems to be settled but there have been some preseason additions and subtractions and it can’t be ruled out that more additions/subtractions occur. Goalie Robin Lehner was signed to a four-year contract to back up Connor Hellebuyck and late last night, it was announced that Dustin Brown will be signing a 4-year contract at 1.725 million per year. Though it is expected Brown will retire at years end.
“Adding two experienced guys like Lehner and Brown show our seriousness in wanting to win the Stanley Cup. We’ve undergone a massive change this summer bringing in Barkov, Pavelski, Brown, Kase, DeAngelo, Hellebuyck and Lehner. We feel like we a very strong team, physical, with one of the best defensive acumens in the league. Offensively, we have the fire power. That said, there will be more changes as the season goes along which is natural and everyone knows I don’t like to stand pat but moves should be minimal” said General Manager Allen.
After the signing of Dustin Brown, it sounds as if Robert Thomas will be loaned to the minors to start the season as he continues to improve on his skills. It is expected he will be called up mid to late season.
The opening night roster will be:
Landeskog, Barkov, TkachukSvechnikov, McCann, PavelskiKase, Fischer, BrownHelm, Glendening, Fast
Reilly, DeAngeloHeiskanen, LindgrenSanheim, Pysyk
HellebuyckLehner |
|
St-Louis Blues
|
NEFHL U23 Team Rankings - #10, #9 and #8
|
Blues-Graham |
2022-10-02 13:00:31 |
217 |
There is a reason I'm doing these 3 teams together. That's because I've went back and forth a few times between the rankings of all 3. Honestly, I don't think there is alot seperating any of these teams.
Coming in at number 10 on this list are the defending stanley cup champions - the Washington Capitals. That's pretty amazing when you're not only the defending champs but top 10 in prospects as well. I really like alot of the players the Caps have managed to accumulate. Yes Drydale is tops on the list at 34 and he will be a solid top 4 D if not a top pairing guy. Sandin is looking to be a top 4 guy with PP1 potential as well although I question (as a leaf fan) how well he actually plays defence. What I really envy is the group of forwards the caps have managed to get - Eklund, Rossi, Foote, Raty and Robertson. Will any of these guys be superstars? I think in the truest sense, probably only Eklund and Rossi have that potential. Guys like Raty and Robertson project to be more complementary players in the 25 goal , 50 point range. Time will tell. Probably due to being the reigning champs in all, there isn't really anyone on the Caps team who's not on this list worth mentioning.
Rank/TIER PLAYER-POS
34/4 Jamie Drysdale-D
50/5 William Eklund-LW
70/5 Rasmus Sandin-D
72/5 Marco Rossi-C
83/6 Nolan Foote-LW
126/6 Aatu Räty-C
134/6 Nicholas Robertson-LW
At 9th on the list are the Nashville Predators. Year in and year out the preds draft, draft and draft some more. Some of my best prospects have come via the Preds.. lol Who watches more video then Sylvain? probably no one in the NEFHL. First on the Preds list is Jake Sanderson. Yes he's a D, but he's an awfully good one. He's projecting as a true #1 D - not in the Cale Makar sense but still a true #1. He plays a quiet game but he can skate, check and make a first play like it's nobodies business. Lets start with the others that I really like on Sylvain's list. Hayton who got in 60gp with the Yotes last year should be poised to have a big year. Is he a true superstar? No I dont' think so but he could be a solid first liner. Next is Kakko. Admittedly I'm really high on Kakko. I saw him live at the worlds in Slovakia a few years ago and man could he play. He was one of the best players at that tournament. I'm not sure what's happened to him since then but the tools are there. I hope he breaks out this year. Lets not forget, he's still only 21. He's got it all and in my opinion probably the only player on this list that still has super start potential, although I'm thinking he probably doesn't reach that level. Solid 1st liner isn't out of the question though. Next is JJ Peterka. My buddy's son played with him in Germany growing up. Yes, Peterka is good - really good but has an attitude to go with it. I haven't heard much about this attitude from NHL clubs but it's an interesting side note just the same. By the way, he had nothing but good to say about Tim Stutzle. The Preds have alot of depth here - I really like that Ivan Miroshnichenko pickup. The guy was a projected top 5 pick in this years draft but fell due to health concerns(Cancer). Willaim Dafour absolutely demolished the Q last year scoring at nearly 2 PPG. He's got great size and a shot that scores. He'll start out in the A this year. Lets see how he does. Others to keep an eye on? Obviously the others on this list like Othmann, Mateychuk, Kurashev and Jenik. But there are others buried in the 3km long prospect list such as Yan Kuznetsov, Sam Colangelo, Ronnie Attard, Bobby Brink, and Adam Raska. The Preds are loaded.
Rank/TIER PLAYER-POS
27/4 Jake Sanderson-D
44/5 Barrett Hayton-C
48/5 Kaapo Kakko-RW
68/5 John-Jason Peterka-LW
77/6 William Dufour-RW
86/6 Ivan Miroshnichenko-LW
95/6 Denton Mateychuk-D
98/6 Brennan Othmann-LW
135/6 Philipp Kurashev-LW
141/6 Jan Jeník-C
At number 8 is none other then myself! Yeah! What makes me better than the two in front of me? Mainly that my top prospect is a forward and ranked higher than either of their top prospects. My top 3 prospects are also forwards. What's interesting (for me anyway) is to look at Pronmans list vs my own. Lets start with the Blues top rated prospect on Pronmans list, as well as my own, Shane Wright. There is no way he should have went 4th overall in the NHL but he went 1st overall in the NEFHL and that's what matters. Either way, if I'm honest, it's almost as if it was a gift. Nothing is going to motivate someone like Wright more than being passed over. He's going to be a top line player in the NHL. Not right away, few are. Give him 2-3 years and he should be scoring 30G and 60 points on a regular basis. Next on the list is Peyton Krebs. Krebs who came to me via the Preds FYI, should be an elite 2C. He's got great playmaking abilities and at 21 has a year of NHL experience under his belt. He scored at close to .5 PPG over 48GP last year. This was mainly on the 3rd line and he saw very little PP time. This will change. His points will go up. He should also settle in around the 60 point mark but will be lucky to score 20 goals. Next on Pronmans list is Zadina (14th on mine). He has yet to live up to his draft position (6th overall) but his metrics have always been great. He's shown some real promise in this years training camp as well. I hope this is the year he breaks out. Althought it seems like he's been in this league forever, he's still only 21. 4th on Pronmans list (2nd on mine)is Brandt Clarke. Despite not making Team Canada, this guy has some of the highest offensive upside on this list. He's tearing up LA's training camp and even has an outside shot at making the opening night roster. His skating is atrocious but his hockey IQ is off the charts. Others on this list - Connor McMichael who like Krebs played mostly 3rd line minutes last year. He is auditioning for 2C duty in Washington this year but it's looking like another year at the 3C position. The Blues have some promising prospects on this list such as Helleson and Morrw on D. I find it interesting that Pronman thinks so highly of Helleson. He's a solid prospect but he's 23rd on my list. Mesar is having a hell of a training camp, by most eyes outperforming the 1st overall pick in this years draft. Other prospects not on this list worth noting - Pavel Dorofeyev, a 21 year old who lead the Silver Knights in scoring last year. Rodion Amirov, the leafs first rounder who has been off with brain cancer. He's about to resume playing once again. I also like Klimovich, Robins, Chayka, Portillo, Hirovonen and Mailoux. For those who care, I'll probably update my own prospect list soon. Helleson may move up from his 23rd spot ranking.
Rank/TIER PLAYER-POS
16/3 Shane Wright-C
42/4 Peyton Krebs-LW
80/6 Filip Zadina-RW
87/6 Brandt Clark-D
99/6 Connor McMichael-C
102/6 Drew Helleson-D
153/6 Scott Morrow-D
164/6 Filip Mesar-RW
169/6 Marat Khusnutdinov-C
170/6 Fabian Lysell-RW |
|
Boston Bruins
|
S1E1: BACK IN BEANTOWN
|
Bruins-Chris |
2022-10-01 15:06:19 |
158 |
You never forget your first (team). While the Jets were an opportunity to return to the NEFHL, the Bruins were the team I cut my teeth with. When a chance to return to the Bruins came up I jumped on it, forgoing the opportunity to see through the rebuilt Jets, a team ranked in the top 7 of the Hoover rankings. While I think the Jets are gonna improve this season, I do enjoy building rosters so taking on the Bruins in their current state is a challenge I enjoy.
So let's chat about those Bruins. I'll avoid diving into the previous administration and focus on the current state and plans moving forward. First the positives, the Bruins have some strength in goal. Elvis has top 12 goalie ratings and a very reasonable cap hit at $3.6m for 2 years (lowest next to Shesterkin). His NHL status as number one in Columbus only strenghthens his value as the season winds on. Matt Murray is another intriguing asset. His $2.9m cap hit for the next two seasons are very reasonable and we'll be watching him in the NHL with the Leafs to see if he can rebound and stay healthy as the Leafs number one. Depending on demand, the Bruins might be interested in moving both before the NEFHL deadline.
The backend of the Bruins is in decent shape as well. Void of high end talent but a handful of decent value dmen on good contracts should be of interest to some contenders. Pending UFA Tyler Myers has decent second/third dman ratings but his cap hit reduces his value until the trade deadline. Brandon Carlo, Haydn Fleury, and Travis Hamonic provide nice second pair ratings at reasonable cap hits. These guys will probably be moved over the course of the season.
Up front Mark Scheifele leads the way. Hes a top line center who is a pending UFA and will most likely be our loyalty. The next tier of forwards and all well priced, Erik Haula, William Karlsson, Yanni Gourde, Kasperi Kapanen and Tyson Jost all provide value with reasonable cap hits. Good chance many of those names get moved to contenders for futures. So while they is a chance this team could exceed expectations, especially with low goalie ratings league wide, the most likely scenario is trading assets for next year as my quest to return the Bruins to glory begins now. |
|
Minnesota Wild
|
To be or not to be? Every team's 1st round picks 2018-2022
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-09-30 15:15:37 |
235 |
I skipped on it yesterday but here we are today. Every team's 1st rounders from 2018-2022. As the title suggests there are still question marks on a lot of these prospects as it is still way too early to judge what they will become.
Looking at this chart will be easier on the eyes than going through the archives. It did take me a lot less time than yesterday which I am happy about.
Before we look at the chart, we want to give a quick shout out to the Vegas Golden Knights. We here at the minnesota mild try to promote inclusion, diversity, equity in everything we do. We have failed you all. I would like to acknowledge the violence caused by leaving out the organization that did not exist prior to 2018 in the article titled "History lesson: Each team's 1st round picks 2008-2017". By not including the team that didn't exist in the article focused for teams that did exist, we created trauma. This trauma will have ripple effects that will pass on to future generations. To say 'sorry' is not enough. We will actively engage with the best government resources to re-educate ourselves to be the best we can be. Seattle Kraken, there's not much for you in this article again. I apologize for the pain caused by such dangerous exclusionary acts of violence.
The green background means the player has played MINIMUM 10 NHL regular season games. Previous article was 20 nhl games played.
There is no strikethrough this time as an overwhelming majority are still signed to NHL/AHL deals. Dominik Bokk is an example of a player who has returned to Europe.
There are a number of players that are at the 9 game mark. Examples of this include Holtz, McTavish, Eklund, and more.
The players in bold means they were top10 nefhl draft picks. I should have done this with yesterday's article too.
Some observations:
- Obviously the 2022 picks have not played any games.
- Very few 2021 have played in the NHL. Sillinger (12th ov nefhl) probably should have gone earlier. Oilers got fantastic value there so far.
- Buffalo, NY Rangers continue to ignore the draft.
- Tampa Bay has no picks here but they won a cup. Similar pattern with Philadelphia who also won the cup in recent years.
- Capitals picking Caufield has turned out to be a better top10 (3rd ov nefhl) pick than some others drafted ahead of him in the real NHL draft. Was traded to win a cup.
- Flames have had no drafted 1st rounder since 2018 play more than 10 NHL games.
- Turcotte (San Jose 4th ov nefhl) is becoming worrisome. 8 nhl games played, 0 points. Still young, but probably doesn't go top5 in a redraft.
____________________________
Article: 17/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $3,000,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
Minnesota Wild
|
History lesson: Each team's 1st round picks 2008-2017
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-09-29 20:51:11 |
267 |
Had some time to kill at work and decided to make this article. I was curious to see what the former 1st round picks looked liked over the years and if they are still in the league. Excuse my shitty editing as always.
If you are the General Manager of the Las Vegas Golden Knights or Seattle Kraken you might want to click 'back'. This thread is not for you!
I started looking from 2008 for no reason other than it was the year I would have been drafted in the NHL. I wanted to see who was still in the league since then. I did not look at 2018 to present day because it would be too early to tell on some of the recently drafted players. Let's be honest here, if they didn't crack the NHL roster after 5 years of development then the odds are not in their favour..
The Green background means they have played MINIMUM 20 NHL regular season games. Red means they have not.
The Strikethrough means they are not under NHL/AHL contract for 2022-2023. They are either retired, in Europe, or unrestricted free agents.
Atlanta Thrashers draft picks are listed as Winnipeg Jets.
If I had a better way of knowing which GMs made which picks I would include that. I started on this but gave up because it was taking too much time. Especially the years before I was even part of the league (before 2012).
Some of my observations will be below the chart:
Correction: JT Miller incorrectly marked as Canucks. Should be Montreal Canadiens.
- Arizona doesn't draft a lot, but they got impact players and are still a strong team today. Same with Philly.
- Buffalo doesn't care about the draft clearly. They probably would have been better off trading their 1sts those years since they busted anyway. Their team is strong for 2022-2023 without 1sts.
- Carolina changed their entire organization with the 2008/2009 draft. They tend to hit on their 1sts and keep those players.
- Chicago has a ton of firsts, and usually hit on them. Pittsburgh as well. Same with Vancouver. Not surprised at all. These three teams always draft well.
- minnesota (2009-2015) , Arizona (2008-2013) and St. Louis (2008 - 2013) have the biggest gaps between 1st round picks. Both were strong teams during that time. Blues were the best organization in the NEFHL.
- Nashville was surprising to see. They got NHL games from players but nothing high end and aren't with the organization today.
- NJ Devils in 2016 got incredible value with their picks.
- We can kind of see the approach of the previous GM of the NY Rangers with his 1st round record.
____________________________
Article: 16/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $2,750,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
Pens C+ Core is too Hot to Handle
|
Pens-Brent |
2022-09-29 17:54:07 |
194 |
The Hoover rankings are out and the Pittsburgh Penguins have been recognized 12th best team in the NEFHL. According to "Jamie the Great", the Penguins boast one of the most impressive youth groups in the league, having earned a solid A. Unfortunately for the flightless birds, that appears to be about it. Despite having three of the greatest players to ever lace up a skate boot, the Penguins received an abysmal C+ Core score.
"Hoover realizes that Ovy is the most successful player in NEFHL history... right?" said two-way forward Brandon Hagel.
"I don't know what that lefty is smoking, but I am betting it is some good stuff," added the outspoken sparkplug, Ryan "The Lomberghini" Lomberg.
Despite the embarrassing core ranking, the Penguins appear to be too hot to handle in preseason. With wins against the almighty Buffalo Sabres and the juggernaut Vancouver Canucks, hockey critics are beginning to question why the Pens are ranked so much lower than both squads?
"We sure showed them. I think it is clear that we are a darkhorse team this year. We are totally okay with that. We have had some tough seasons lately, but we came on strong towards the end of last season. Safe to say if we had Alex last year we would have made the playoffs," stated defender Evan Bouchard.
Pittsburgh has a second date with the Buffalo Sabres this evening in what should be an exciting matchup. Ovy and Geno lit the Sabres up last time around and look to continue that trend.
The Russian duo skated this morning alongside youngster Seth Jarvis during the preskate flow. Meanwhile, Sidney Crosby worked with youngsters Lucas Raymond and Brandon Hagel.
________________________
Obligatory Articles: 5/5
Bonus Articles: 6/40 = $1,500,000 / $10,000,000 |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
Power Rankings - full list + standings + other rankings
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-09-26 13:15:25 |
245 |
PREAMBLE
POWER RANKINGS
1: Vancouver
2: Chicago
3: Philadelphia
4: Calgary
5: Arizona
6: Buffalo
7: Winnipeg
8: Los Angeles
9: Minnesota
10: Dallas
11: Washington
12: Colorado
13: Nashville
14: New Jersey
15: Pittsburgh
16: Florida
17: Toronto
18: Tampa Bay
19: Anaheim
20: Edmonton
21: Carolina
22: Montreal
23: Columbus
24: Vegas
25: Detroit
26: Ottawa
27: Boston
28: San Jose
29: NY Islanders
30: NY Rangers
31: Seattle
32: St. Louis
STANDINGS BASED ON POWER RANKINGS:
WESTERN
Canucks*Hawks*FlamesCoyotesJetsKingsWildStars-----AvalanchePredatorsDucksOilersKnightsSharksKrakenBlues
EASTERN
Flyers*Sabres*CapitalsDevilsPenguinsPanthersLeafsLightning--------HurricanesCanadiensBlue JacketsRed WingsSenatorsBruinsIslandersRangers
HOOVER RANKINGS
1: Vancouver
2: Chicago
3: Buffalo
4: Philadelphia
5: Calgary
6: Minnesota
7: Washington
8: Nashville
9: Winnipeg
10: Arizona
11: Los Angeles
12: Pittsburgh
13: Dallas
14: New Jersey
15: Tampa Bay
16: Colorado
17: Toronto
18: Edmonton
19: Anaheim
20: Florida
21: Montreal
22: Carolina
23: Columbus
24: Vegas
25: Detroit
26: Ottawa
27: Boston
28: San Jose
29: NY Islanders
30: NY Rangers
31: Seattle
32: St. Louis
STANDINGS BASED ON HOOVER RANKINGS:
WESTERN
Canucks*Hawks*FlamesWildPredatorsJetsCoyotesKings----------StarsAvalancheOilersDucksKnightsRed WingsSharksKrakenBlues
EASTERN
Sabres*Flyers*CapitalsPenguinsDevilsLightningLeafsPanthers----------CanadiensHurricanesBlue JacketsSenatorsBruinsIslandersRangers
TEAMS RANKED BY KEY RATING:
1 : Dallas
2 : Vancouver
3 : Arizona
4 : Calgary
5 : Colorado
6 : Chicago
7 : Los Angeles
8 : Florida
9 : Pittsburgh
10 : Washington
11 : New Jersey
12 : Winnipeg
13 : Anaheim
14 : Philadelphia
15 : Toronto
16 : Edmonton
17 : Carolina
18 : Tampa Bay
19 : Minnesota
20 : Buffalo
21 : Nashville
22 : Vegas
23 : Columbus
24 : Detroit
25 : Montreal
26 : San Jose
27 : NY Rangers
28 : Ottawa
29 : NY Islanders
30 : Boston
31 : St. Louis
32 : Seattle
TEAMS RANKED BY GOALTENDING:
1 : Chicago
2 : Florida
3 : Vancouver
4 : Nashville
5 : Philadelphia
6 : Washington
7 : Arizona
8 : Minnesota
9 : NY Islanders
10 : Los Angeles
11 : Toronto
12 : Ottawa
13 : Boston
14 : Carolina
15 : Tampa Bay
16 : Montreal
17 : Calgary
18 : Edmonton
19 : Columbus
20 : Detroit
21 : Buffalo
22 : Colorado
23 : Winnipeg
24 : Pittsburgh
25 : New Jersey
26 : San Jose
27 : NY Rangers
28 : Anaheim
29 : Dallas
30 : Seattle
31 : Vegas
32 : St. Louis |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
Power Rankings - #1-2
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-09-26 12:51:58 |
199 |
POWER RANKINGS 2022
Now for your top two teams, Vancouver and Chicago. These two seem to be miles ahead of the competition. Anyway I sliced it, these two teams are your two best teams heading into this NEFHL season.
1: Vancouver
Key: A+, Core: A+, Depth: A, Offense: A+, Defense: A-, Intangibles: B+, Goal: A, Cap: C, Prospects: B+, Hoover: A+.
For a second straight season Vancouver leads the power rankings. Landeskog, Barkov, and Tkachuk is likely the best top line out there, if they're playing together. Canucks don't have the depth that the Hawks do, but their depth players do bring specific PK skills to the table. Not a lot of change from where they finished last season. Last year they couldn't seem to get the chemistry going, with or without trades, so looks like they're committing to their guys to get it done and build some chemistry.
2: Chicago
Key: A-, Core: A+, Depth: A+, Offense: A+, Defense: C+, Intangibles: C+, Goal: A+, Cap: C+, Prospects: A-, Hoover: A+.
I have a few calculations I use to guide some thoughts, and one I have called 'team points', Chicago finishes first, which doesn't include cap or prospects where they are in very comfortable positions for both. They have tons of depth, easily rolling four lines and don't have a liability on defense. They also have the best goaltending in the league. Hawks are primed to do some damage and a good bet to take the Central division again. They have no holes with cap space and assets to improve as they see fit. Canucks beat them out in the final rankings with their 3 star players compared to Chicago having just Makar, who is sure to take a run for the Norris, but these Hawks are right on their heals. The top two teams do have a decent gap on next highest. |
|
St-Louis Blues
|
NEFHL U23 Team Rankings - #12 - #11
|
Blues-Graham |
2022-09-26 12:20:44 |
226 |
The last 2 teams outside the top 10
#12 - Boston Bruins
A Perfect example of what happens to a team that has a plan but doesn't stick to it. Ex-GM Bruins Jason was supposed to be in rebuild mode but instead of sticking to the plan decided to trade his first round picks.
2022-07-06 Vancouver Canucks trade Egor Sokolov, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and VAN 2023 Rnd 2 to Boston Bruins for Stefan Noesen and COL 2022 Rnd 1
2022-06-23 Washington Capitals trade Tyson Jost to Boston Bruins for BOS 2022 Rnd 3
2022-06-20 Philadelphia Flyers trade Mark Scheifele and NYR 2022 Rnd 7 to Boston Bruins for Jay Beagle, WSH 2023 Rnd 2 and BOS 2023 Rnd 2
2021-09-12 St-Louis Blues trade Kris Russell to Boston Bruins for BUF 2023 Rnd 4
2021-08-24 Boston Bruins trade COL 2022 Rnd 2 to New York Rangers for Alexandar Georgiev
2019-09-08 Boston Bruins trade Mathieu Perreault, Michael Raffl, Bode Wilde, BOS 2021 Rnd 1 and BOS 2022 Rnd 1 to Vancouver Canucks for Matt Duchene and Cole Guttman
Despite all these nonsense trades, the B's have managed to accumlate some decent talent. Top of the list is Dawson Mercer. He's looking like the real deal. 42 points, 17 of them goals. I'm not sure where he fits into the Devils line up with Hughes and Hischier down the middle already. My guess is he will slide to the wing rather than play 3C. But time will tell. Next up is Jakob Pelletier. The undersized winger had a year for Calgary's AHL team scoring at nearly a point per game and 27 goals. He was named to the AHL's all rookie team and should push for a roster spot in Calgary this year. I find the B's list drops off after that. Not to say the rest of the guys on the list aren't solid NHL's but I think that's it for firsts line talent. Players like McLeod, Veleno and Sokolov should provide decent middle 6 options eventually. I'm a big fan of Lapierre as well. His playmaking skills are superb. Barron and Soderstrom both offer some home on the blue line. Both should challenge for a roster spot this season with right hander Barron my favorite to be the more succesful player of the 2. other prospects on the B's worth watching are 2022 late 1st rounder Sam Rinzel and Iolers 2nd round from 2019 Raphel Lavoie.
Rank/Tier PLAYER TEAM-POS
46/5 Dawson Mercer-RW
81/6 Jakob Pelletier-LW
116/6 Ryan McLeod-C
122/6 Joseph Veleno-C
130/6 Egor Sokolov-RW
131/6 Justin Barron-D
136/6 Victor Söderström-D
142/6 Hendrix Lapierre-C
156/6 Zach Dean-C
Coming in at 11 is the Canucks. The most shallow prospect pool in the top half of this league but man is it lethel. If you want know how they manage to have such a great team and a great prospect pool, have a look at those trades the Bruins made above. This is in addition to Kyle's amazing drafting ability as well.
Tops on this list is Andrei Svechnikov, despite being KO'd by Ovi he's a top line player on any team in the NHL. I suspect his 30 goal season from last year is the first of 5 or 6 more to come. Next on the list is Kent Johnson. This kid has played alot of hockey over the last year - 5 different teams in total, representing Canada 3 times. He's as skilled as they come. I do think it will be at least 2 years before he is successful in the NHL though. He's still a bit too slight for the NHL game. He needs to put a bit more weight on. Once he does, I'm sure he'll be a star. 3rd on the list is Wyatt Johnston. He only scored 124 points in 68 GP in the O as an 18 year old. He's looked good in teh stars camp being involved in many skilled plays. Probably a couple years from making his NHL debut. Bolduc is another potential 1st line talent or at least a top 6 option. He was actually drafted ahead of Johnston in the NHL but probably belongs just below him on this list. Rounding out the list is Frank Nazar. The undersized forward is commited to the University of Michigan this coming year. I expect him to do well but lets wait and see.
#11 - Vancouver Canucks
Rank/Tier PLAYER TEAM-POS
6/2 Andrei Svechnikov-LW
35/4 Kent Johnson-LW
62/5 Wyatt Johnston-C
90/6 Zachary Bolduc-LW
94/6 Frank Nazar-C
Up next the top 10! Some amazing prospect pools coming up.
|
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
Power Rankings - #3-4
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-09-26 03:44:44 |
208 |
3: Philadelphia
Key: B-, Core: B+, Depth: A-, Offense: B+, Defense: A+, Intangibles: A+, Goal: A, Cap: B+, Prospects: F, Hoover: A.
In hopes of winning back to back cups Philly sold many prospects to up their chances. This off-season saw them with many players set to be UFA after this season. Throw in some serious cap restraints and the looming expansion draft the Flyers sold many of their stars, all UFA next season, for draft picks. A couple picks were then moved for cheaper forwards. Patrice Bergeron was signed to upgrade on previously departed Scheifele. On defense Hamilton and Gudbranson have been replaced with Ruhwedel and Tinordi. The blueline isn't as good as the last couple seasons, but with Shesterkin still 2 more years at $2.3 million, you've got to take some swings at it. What they do have in their pocket is some cap space to add to said blueline at some point. Their forward depth is top notch and allow them some different line combos over the course of the season.
4: Calgary
Key: A, Core: A-, Depth: A, Offense: A, Defense: C-, Intangibles: A-, Goal: B-, Cap: B, Prospects: C, Hoover: A.
Flames consistently put out a major contender, year after year. Adding Pietrangelo through free agency was a major add and gives a good top pairing with Werenski. Rantanen and Huberdeau, who they added last February, up front, will give opposing bluelines a lot of problems. Financial management is important to Calgary and they have nearly $90 million in the bank and close to $3 million in cap space, which they will do their best to work to their advantage. Signing the cursed Getzlaf might have been a dangerous move though. |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
Power Rankings - #5-6
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-09-26 03:38:43 |
217 |
5: Arizona
Key: A, Core: A, Depth: B+, Offense: B+, Defense: B+, Intangibles: A, Goal: A-, Cap: F, Prospects: F, Hoover: B+.
3 super high end wingers with good strength and one of the best top six up front in the league: E Kane, Meier, Tarasenko, Reinhart, Nichuskin, and Copp. Carlson/Karlsson give two potent options from defense too. There is a lot to like in Arizona and look like a legit contender this season. One thing of concern is their cap situation while also having a few lower durability players. They're not loaded in prospects to make upgrades so mostly what you see is what you get from Arizona, which is pretty good!
6: Buffalo
Key: C, Core: B, Depth: A+, Offense: A-, Defense: A-, Intangibles: A, Goal: C, Cap: C+, Prospects: D, Hoover: A.
Every season Kev tells us how great his team is, and how they'll win the Division, etc., etc., and then looking at rankings, I say 'no, Sabres suck' and then ends up I'm right. This year, The Sabres actually look super good, and they've been able to accomplish that by showing something the franchise has never had before: Patience. They've targeted key players that they saw promise in, bought them up, and have hung onto them, only to see their scouting work pay off with many players ratings working their way up. Goaltending is pretty average, but at around ~$1.7 for both of them, it gives a lot of space to work with for rest of roster. Both have a good chance to see their ratings work up through the season too, so I don't even really see it as a negative. Their forward depth is a major strength and makes it easier to avoid cold stretches. Sabres are a team on the upswing and look like a true contender. My best bet to take the East, but I certainly hope the Flyers do beat them out there. |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
Power Rankings - #7-8
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-09-25 16:57:40 |
249 |
7: Winnipeg
Key: B, Core: A-, Depth: A-, Offense: B, Defense: A+, Intangibles: A-, Goal: C, Cap: C, Prospects: C+, Hoover: B+.
Winnipeg has done a major revamp to get serious about contending and they are looking strong! The best defensive squad in the league; however, they do have average goaltending, which is their biggest question mark at this time. Grubauer is coming off a career worst season so would expect him better in NHL this season, but will still be stuck with last years stats in NEFHL. Kucherov and Horvat return as their deadly duo, but top 9 forwards are all great: Lindholm, Wilson, Kadri, Jeannot, Coleman, Palat and Goodrow. Defense group, bit more shaky, but still solid, led by some big shutdown types in Erik Jonson and Erik Cernak.
8: Los Angeles
Key: A-, Core: B+, Depth: B, Offense: C, Defense: A, Intangibles: A+, Goal: B+, Cap: F, Prospects: B-, Hoover: B+.
Toffoli out and Oleksiak is in, otherwise mostly the same roster as last season's president winner. They are tight to the cap, although have some prospect flexibility. Their strength this season appears to be their shutdown ability, having many players with 80+DF ratings, as well as some intensity, speed, and strength mixed in. Kings will hope to have their new top line gel like they did last year and run away with the West, but will be in tough to do so. They were not the top rated team in the West last season either and managed to shoot their way up the standings. |
|
St-Louis Blues
|
NEFHL U23 Team Rankings - #15 - #13
|
Blues-Graham |
2022-09-25 14:49:59 |
245 |
Alright boys, time to knock off 3 more teams.
#15 - The Flordia PanthersComing in the top 15 are the perenial contenders the Flordia panthers. Topping the list is Arthur Kaliyev. During his draft year he was one of the guys who anaylsts said wouldn't produce at the professional level. Well, here we are 3 years after being drafted and he already has a 14G season under his belt. The man can rip it and should pot 20G this season. 30G isnt out of the question for this guy. I'll be honest the next couple guys on the list aren't that familar to me but Pronman likes them. Merkley is an untra talented D man who can handle the puck like it's no one's business. He got nearly 40GP in the show last year and should be on the bottom pairing for the sharks. Lets hope he gets some time on the PP where he belongs. Lambos is more of the same. He's projecting as a top 4 guy for Minisota. Isaac Howard is an ultra talented buzz saw. I really liked him, he was on my draft list. Not on the list but worth mentioning is 21 year old C Ryan Suzuki.
Rank/Tier PLAYER TEAM-POS33/4 Arthur Kaliyev-RW58/5 Kirill Marchenko-RW110/6 Dmitri Voronkov-LW117/6 Ryan Merkley-D132/6 Rutger McGroarty-LW138/6 Carson Lambos-D158/6 Isaac Howard-LW
#14 - The Carolina Hurricanes.
Now we're getting into the teams with fully stocked prospect cupboards. First on that list, mostly because 2 of thier 3 top players are D are the Carolina Hurricanes. The top player on this list is a 6'4 20 year old D man with 8 points in 10 GP for SKA St.Petersburg. Those are some serious point totals for the youngster in a serious league. I do believe this is the last year of his contract so we may see him in the NHL as early as next year. Next is snipper Connor Zary. He'll play again for the Flames AHL affiliate and is projecting as a middle 6 C with PP potential. Heinola made his NHL debut with the Jets last year and is looking to be a good player. In my opinion the guy with the most upside on this list is probably winger Brendan Brisson. He flat out scores. He's not super fast but owns a onetimer to make anyone jealous. He probably won't make the Knights this year but might get a cup of coffee. I fully expect this guy to be a 25-30 goal scorer year in and year out at the NHL level. Kupari honestly doesn't improess me much but C Conor Geekie is turning heads at the Sharks prospect camp. He's still a couple years away but the boy will play in the NHL. They got Clang in nets and Kirsanov on D as well. Not on the list but Foote is another prospect that's showing well in training camp. The Canes compete every year and they manage to do that year in and year out by drafting well.
Rank/Tier PLAYER TEAM-POS75/5 Alexander Nikishin D93/6 Connor Zary C104/6 Ville Heinola D112/6 Brendan Brisson LW123/6 Rasmus Kupari C124/6 Conor Geekie C166/6 Calle Clang G167/6 Kirill Kirsanov D
#13 - The New York Islanders The Isles are going in the right direction. They just pulled off a ripper of a trade with Colorado that included 2 (seriously) 2023 1st round picks as well as goalie prospect Dylan Garand. Not good enough to make this list but a solid tier 2 prospect. To the list - on top is slower to develop than expected, Quinton Byfield. He maybe developing slower than expected but he's still projecting as a number 1C. The Kings are doing right by him and not rushing him along too quickly. He got 40 games in last year and should make the team out of training camp this year. Look for him to improve on his modest 5G tally from last year. He's big and he can skate. He will be very good. Next is Jiricek. He's a legit top 4 guy going forward. More interesting is Leaf forward prospect Matthew Knies. A 2nd round steal. He won't be in the NHL this year but should make his debut in 2 years time. A power forward with some great speed and puck possesion skills. Next on the list are a couple middle 6 wingers in Wahlstrom. I don't feel either of these players will ever be top line talent but should fit in any great teams middle 6. Hoglander especially is a great 2 way winger who's got a high end motor and great hands. The final player on this list is Thomas Bordeleau. He's a bit undersized and likley ends up on the wing at the NHL but he's got wheels and should be another middle 6 options for the Isles in a year or 2's time. The depth doesn't stop there for the Islanders. They got uber talented (under performing) Noel Gunler who I would have drafted if I got the chance as well as fell 6'4 swede William Wallinder. Keep your eyes on Shai Buium and Martin Chromiak as well.
Rank/Tier PLAYER TEAM-POS15/2 Quinton Byfield C 23/4 David Jiricek D65/5 Matthew Knies LW85/6 Oliver Wahlstrom RW92/6 Nils Höglander RW111/6 Thomas Bordeleau C |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
Power Rankings - #9-10
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-09-25 13:33:17 |
290 |
Into the top 10!
9: Minnesota
Key: C+, Core: C+, Depth: B+, Offense: C+, Defense: B-, Intangibles: B, Goal: A-, Cap: B-, Prospects: A+, Hoover: A-.
A+ in prospects and B- in cap show that Minny is a team that could shoot up the rankings if they make that the focus. Regardless, they will be a competitive team in the West, looking to make their mark after a rough season. There has been some controversy with the Wild, some feeling the team name and logo are far too aggressive and have considered using the new team name, 'Mild'. It seems it's unofficial at this time. Hopefully it doesn't become an on ice distraction. Brady Tkachuk and Hintz are the stars to this squad with nice complimentary players like Pettersson stepping into their own stardom. One of the biggest upward movers with the Hoover ranking. I did try and incorporate the mild idea into the image.
10: Dallas
Key: A+, Core: A, Depth: C, Offense: B, Defense: C+, Intangibles: B-, Goal: D, Cap: A, Prospects: C-, Hoover: B.
The cost of the Stars top 6 players hits around $30 million. This will obviously leave some challenges for the rest of the lineup, but it also means they have the top core in the league. Draisaitl, Marner, DeBrincat and Panarin up front, with Nurse and Letang leading the way on defense. Goaltending is currently their biggest failure, but both guys are cheap (to make up for their big 6), while Husso has an excellent opportunity to see his ratings improve over the course of the season. By the playoffs he is likely to be a worthy starter for a contender. Some of their low rating depth players do at least bring specific qualities, like high IT. I'd imagine they'll ride their stars for the first half of the season and might have opportunity to upgrade bottom six later in the season, banking some of their cap space. |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
Power Rankings - #11-12
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-09-25 13:01:49 |
283 |
11: Washington
Key: B+, Core: C+, Depth: C, Offense: C+, Defense: C, Intangibles: C, Goal: A-, Cap: B-, Prospects: B+, Hoover: A-.
Last season they were able to upgrade, but this off-season they've had to do some work to make the cap work; never an easy repeat in NEFHL. They still have star Matthews who will have a major impact and Vas is still a top notch goalie. Wheeler did his job and has moved along. They have some room to add and have a good system built, so are easily a team that could make a run up the standings. As the defending champ they are still the team to beat and are in a good position to take another run. They are not currently a favourite like they were heading into last season though.
12: Colorado
Key: A-, Core: A-, Depth: B-, Offense: A-, Defense: B+, Intangibles: C, Goal: C, Cap: C-, Prospects: C-, Hoover: B-.
MacKinnon and Ekblad are still the core of this franchise. Suzuki and Caufield are two important building blocks and with their further emergence could help make Colorado a contender again. Ullmark continues to improve each year in NHL. On the flipside, their prospect rank is low and they are tight with the salary cap. For this season they'll need to see how they do and if they want to make a push, but right now they look to be well geared for next season if things continue to go well for their players in NHL.
After writing this article the Avs have made a move to upgrade their goalie, to Sorokin, and cut salary cap. They paid a hefty price in terms of assets, but the deal should help them even further this season. It will create new cap issues next off-season, but at least they'll still have their goalie in place. |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
Power Rankings #13-14
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-09-24 13:49:33 |
291 |
13: Nashville
Key: A, Core: C, Depth: C+, Offense: C+, Defense: B-, Intangibles: B+, Goal: A, Cap: B-, Prospects: B+, Hoover: A-.
Preds are a very practically ran team, focused on discount signings and adding players that fit well in their cap structure. They've drafted lots and are good at it, making them a top tier team in terms of prospects. They are a team to likely wait for the right opportunity and pickup a big addition or two mid-season. What they lack is top tier talent. They did add Wheeler for the low cost of a 4th, who they could afford due to good cap management. Ehlers will be expected to do a lot of scoring as the team sniper. Their defense is particularly deep. Adding a top tier center or two would move the Preds up the rankings in a hurry.
14: New Jersey
Key: B, Core: B+, Depth: A-, Offense: A, Defense: C-, Intangibles: B, Goal: C-, Cap: C, Prospects: C-, Hoover: B.
New GM duo has come in quietly and tightened up the Devils into a more lien and talented club. One of the best teams through this years free agency adding Quick, Perry and Henrique. Kyle Connor has emerged as one of the top snipers in the NEFHL. Two time Rocket winner, Lady Byng winner and 8 time all star Patrick Kane remains a top talent, although is unlikely to compete for the Rocket this season. In 1105 career games, all with the Devils, Kane has 1103 career points. The new GMs haven't been around too long to change the makeup of the Devils but they've made some good signings to keep them being competitive and build around the established core. |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
Power Rankings - #15-16
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-09-24 13:32:24 |
278 |
15: Pittsburgh
Key: B+, Core: C+, Depth: B-, Offense: B-, Defense: C, Intangibles: A, Goal: C-, Cap: C+, Prospects: A, Hoover: B.
Adding Ovi is the biggest move of the offseason and absolutely epic for their franchise. Along with Crosby puts the two best generational talents onto the same team. Malkin can quietly do his thing behind those two hockey greats. The defense group is young and talented, but guys like Bouchard and Sergachev aren't exactly the best shutdown options yet. Free agent signing Deslaurier gives some needed grit and defensive depth. They also upgraded Murray to Binnington in net, even if not the shiniest of options, will help give solid goaltending. There is a lack of depth both up front and on defense, but Pittsburgh is in good cap situation and one of the better prospect groups in the league if they choose they want to give the Sid/Ovi combo a legit chance at the cup.
16: Florida
Key: B+, Core: B, Depth: C+, Offense: A-, Defense: F, Intangibles: F, Goal: A+, Cap: D, Prospects: B-, Hoover: C+.
Panthers have battled the cap for years and this year seems to be no different. They were able to find some cheap UFA signings, but not much else happened in Florida this offseason. They have the option to boast one of the top lines in the league with Kaprizov-Larkin-Pastrnak. Add to that one of the top goaltending duos in Markstrom and Cal Petersen. They have some plugs in the lineup, which makes it tough for a roster to stay consistent. A key injury or two and they don't have the depth to support the loss. They have assets to work with, so it may take a bit of work, but they do have a foundation there if they choose to make some moves. |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
Power Rankings - #17-18
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-09-24 03:18:34 |
269 |
17: Toronto
Key: B-, Core: B-, Depth: B+, Offense: B+, Defense: C-, Intangibles: B-, Goal: B+, Cap: D, Prospects: B-, Hoover: B-.
Toronto has done an effective job of starting a rebuild, while maintaining a competitive roster. They also added some useful vets through trade this offseason with Kopitar, Rakell, Marchessault, Fabbri, Tanev up front and Zadorov on the blueline. Hedman remains the core of the roster and will try and lead them back into the playoffs. Leafs have a reputation for making extreme corrections if things don't go well, so depending on the first month of the season, Toronto could either be major sellers or buyers, and that might change again later in the season too. No one will ever give enough for Hedman though and he will continue to try and keep them going. They also signed Oshie as another useful vet to help their forwards, particularly with his defensive play, which is something the team is lacking at the moment.
18: Tampa Bay
Key: C+, Core: B-, Depth: B, Offense: B-, Defense: C+, Intangibles: B, Goal: B-, Cap: C-, Prospects: D, Hoover: B-.
Filip Forsberg was drafted 3rd overall by the Lightning and has spent his entire career in Tampa Bay. His first season, 2015-16, he won the cup, along with Calder and Lady Byng and no hardware since. He's continued to grow and is now one of the top forwards in the league. The Lightning went deep last season and have shown an ability to make a timely trade to get the team going. Last seasons UFA scoop MAF remains a top goalie and will hope to replicate the success they saw last season. This offseason, mostly quite, adding Orlov for a pair of picks being their biggest move. Not a ton of prospects at the moment and are tight on the cap, so they might need to be creative to move into the contender category, but I could see that as a possibility. |
|
Seattle Kraken
|
Krakalacken!
|
Kraken-Scott |
2022-09-23 13:07:31 |
170 |
The first victory in Kraken franchise history finally came on Thursday night in a 4-2 preseason victory over the mighty Vancouver Canucks. Head coach Rick Tocchet was thrilled with the team getting a win under its belt, as it figures to be a long season. "Firstly, Daniel Vladar deserves much of the credit for our first victory tonight" Tocchet said to the Seattle media. "He stopped 30/32 shots on the night and was simply fantastic. Dan played great between the pipes. Secondly - I talked the other night about playing with more discipline. Tonight, we had 7 powerplays to Vancouver's zero. The guys played with tenacity but with smarts. I'm very pleased with the group."
Vladar was certainly the star of the night for the Kraken. Chosen from St. Louis in the expansion draft, Vladar is slated to start the year in the minors as the third goalie, but he figures to play a key role with the organization moving forward in a tandem with fellow young goalie Alexandar Georgiev.
Nathan Bastian continued his hot preseason by scoring his 3rd goal - and his goal was the game winner. Young Kraken defenceman Jacob Bryson also contributed two assists. The Kraken fourth line played in a key role in the victory as well, with veteran Tomas Tatar scoring the first goal of the game.
The Kraken plan to roll out their projected starting lineup to finish off its preseason schedule as coach Tocchet would like some lines and pairings to form chemistry before the regular season commences. Trade rumours continue to swirl around the Kraken, especially valuble wingers Victor Olofsson and Ilya Mikhayev who are on very team-friendly contracts. GM Scott Davies offered a "no comment" to Seattle media after Thursday nights' game regarding trade rumours, but stay tuned.
|
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
Power Rankings - #19-20
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-09-23 12:52:24 |
295 |
19: Anaheim
Key: B, Core: B, Depth: B, Offense: B, Defense: A, Intangibles: C+, Goal: D, Cap: B, Prospects: A, Hoover: C+.
Kreider is a deadly power forward and will be leading the offense, but young stars like Thompson, Norris, and Hughes, are very nicely complimenting the vets, like Doughty and Seguin. There's a nice mix and lots more youth making their way up through their lineup. Ducks have set themselves up well, but are in a very tough Conference to make some noise. Their goaltending is below average and a major hole currently. That said, there duo are on discount deals and both, Mrazek and Raanta, have a legitimate shot at seeing their ratings improve over the course of the season. I think Anaheim, if they choose, is a team that can climb over the season and then have a ton of cap space and assets to do some adding if they choose. They'll probably take it slow and look to do more damage next year, but with a good start to the season we could see some direction change. Looking good for the quacks as a franchise.
20: Edmonton
Key: C+, Core: B-, Depth: B-, Offense: B-, Defense: B, Intangibles: B-, Goal: C+, Cap: C-, Prospects: C, Hoover: C+.
Oilers made four pretty significant signings to put them in a position to fight for a playoff spot. MaxPac, the biggest pickup, one of the best offensive weapons in the league, will hope to remain mostly healthy over the course of the season to best help Edmonton. Gritty vet, Nick Foligno, helps give them some edge in the lineup. Wedgwood gives a good backup to Bob with some chance of improvement. Meanwhile Bob will be dropping an off year for him and if he plays as well as last season, his rating will improve. Laine is still a good goal scorer and Giordano is elite rated NEFHL shutdown defenseman. They're going to be a tough team, game in and game out, and if Max stays healthy I think they can claw themselves into a playoff spot, and perhaps even be dangerous. |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
Power Rankings - #21-22
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-09-23 03:16:10 |
281 |
21: Carolina
Key: B-, Core: A, Depth: C-, Offense: C, Defense: B, Intangibles: C, Goal: B, Cap: B, Prospects: B, Hoover: C.
It's pretty much the same writeup as it has been for Carolina the last several years. Little trades or signings and still relying on their 1st overall buddies, Stamkos and Tavares. It is fun to see those two go through all on the same team for their careers together. It's particularly cool that the majority of the Canes roster are players they've drafted and developed. Looking down through their best players it's not until I reach Marchment that wasn't home grown, who they added for $50k last Summer. A unique franchise in that regard. They are good in a lot of ways, but have holes. They have assets and cap space to fill those holes, but I don't see the Canes being a team making too many, or any, trades this season.
22: Montreal
Key: C-, Core: C, Depth: C+, Offense: A, Defense: A-, Intangibles: A-, Goal: B-, Cap: C, Prospects: C+, Hoover: C.
JT Miller will lead the offense in Montreal, but it's their shutdown game and strong goaltending that will make the biggest impact. They are 9 deep of useful dmen. There is grit, toughness, and lots of shutdown ability through the lineup. Blackwood and Reimer being 78OV each make it easy to rotate and ride the hot goalie. The team's GA should be low. They have some prospects and some cap room, but do need to deal with their Radulov issue. I'm surprised he hasn't found himself over to one of the true tankers. 4th liner at $6 million is tanker gold! Canadiens made a few big trades in Summer of 2020 and has rode the same roster since. The cap grade of C for Montreal was a guess, as calculations don't account for players like Radulov. That C is probably closer to a B-, but for now they have Radulov needing 20 games either Montreal or elsewhere, or pay $6 million. (I wrote these all for the most part when started posting, just been making an edit or two as I go along, so obviously Montreal addressed this - good move by both franchises) |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
Power Rankings - #23 - 24
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-09-22 16:29:58 |
292 |
23: Columbus
Key: C, Core: C-, Depth: A, Offense: C-, Defense: A, Intangibles: D, Goal: C+, Cap: A-, Prospects: D, Hoover: C.
Eichel is the team's star that they've invested in, but at this time, his 25DU and lack of complimentary forwards will probably not be enough to find the playoffs. Anders Lee is the team's other big scorer. They do have good defensive players and Varlamov is an 80OV goalie so their shutdown game should be solid. Their depth is solid and they have cap room, so there are options for Columbus with which direction they'd like to go. I imagine there might be some focus on rebuilding, but it might also depend how the first couple months of the season go for them.
24: Vegas
Key: C, Core: C, Depth: C, Offense: C-, Defense: B+, Intangibles: B+, Goal: F, Cap: B+, Prospects: A+, Hoover: C-.
Hughes is developing nicely. Hakanpaa and Subban were solid signings to round out their defense nicely with Ristolainen and Faulk as their big two. Marchand, who they added last season, is the one big star in the lineup at the moment. There is some very talented youth coming up through the system and Vegas has some good things going for them. Their current goaltending duo of Francouz and Knight isn't the most inspiring, but they have lots of cap room and goalies are sometimes disposable if old and overpaid. Vegas is a team with a good move or two could see themselves fighting for a playoff spot. |
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
A Kid in a Candy Store
|
Pens-Brent |
2022-09-22 16:29:14 |
149 |
Never in his wildest dreams did Seth Jarvis envision that he would be playing alongside two of the greatest hockey players in NEFHL history. An opportunity any young hockey player would relish, yet ultimately be intimidate by. However, that did not seem to be the case on Tuesday night.
"I don't think I slept Monday night. I tried not to think about who I was playing with, but you obviously can't help it. Those are two guys I looked up to as a youngster. To be honest, I don't think I know who I like more as a player. I am happy that we had some instant chemistry and hope that continues next game," said the young winger.
In an impressive 4-3 win against the Vancouver Canucks, the trio of Alexander Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby and the aforementioned Jarvis combined for three of the four goals.
While nothing is set in stone, it appears as though this unit could be the Penguins first line to start the year.
"We've liked what we have seen so far from that trio. The plan is to play around with lines and see what happens in preseason. It's nice to have a few more weapons this year. Variety is definitely the spice of life!" said head coach Craig Berube.
The Penguins square off against the Slugs on Sunday in what should be a barn burner of a match up. Both Crosby and Evgeni Malkin left Tuesday's game early due to injury. While the latter appears good to go, the former is considered day to day.
"It's nothing serious. More precautionary than anything," said the tight lipped coach.
Winger Miles Wood will be on the shelf for the remainder of the preseason. It is expected that he will be good to go for the first game of the regular season.
________________________
Obligatory Articles: 5/5
Bonus Articles: 5/40 = $1,250,000 / $10,000,000 |
 Anaheim Ducks
|
Barry Afraid Of Ducks Issues Strike
|
Ducks-Ryan |
2022-09-22 15:56:42 |
134 |
Breaking news out of Anaheim this morning, GM Ryan Clarey was given a strike over incomplete lines moments after boasting about "screwing with his lines". Anaheim would go on to win the game 4-0 against the Yotes and have not given up a goal in the last 7 and a half periods.
"I'm not sure what exactly Jd's problem is with me at the moment, maybe its because I have Josh Norris, maybe its because I'm more attractive then Handsome Kevin, or even perhaps its the fact Quinn Hughes learned what the defensive zone is. I really have no idea but to give me a strike over something like this is absurd, especially when I said Raanta was starting. I declared it, that counts ask Michael Scott", said a red hot Clarey.Anaheim's lawyers reached out to Calgary to find out exactly what had happened but they were met with JD hitting the ignore button.
"Look, I am 35 I eat dinner at 4pm I go to bed at 7pm, ask Steve he gets it. JD can't seriously expect a man at my age to stay up like I used to anymore and monitor every minute detail. I would love to be able to go all night like I used to, probably why I am single but that's another story. I guess I'll have to be careful about my lines going forward", said Clarey.
When asked about the strike young defenseman Alex Romanov said the following. "Jd hate russian machine. I block shot, but my defense low? I be top D on Flame. Why no like the Russian?" said Romanov who talks like a 6 year old.
So far Anaheim is 3-0 this pre season giving zab a parting gift as he leaves for a new division. Next up for Anaheim on Sunday will be the San Jose Sharks and then will close out their pre season with a home and home vs LA.
Vasily Podkolzin has stood head and shoulders above everyone and may make the team out of pre-season as he has 4 points in 3 games.
Cole Perfetti has not played up to his standard is a very much looking like an AEFHL this season.
*Editors note: This story is entirely Satire, except the Kevin part. |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
Power Rankings - #25-26
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-09-22 11:12:03 |
262 |
Preamble: http://nefhl.com/index.php?view=article&id=4150
25: Detroit
Key: C-, Core: C-, Depth: C-, Offense: C, Defense: D, Intangibles: C+, Goal: C+, Cap: B+, Prospects: A, Hoover: C-.
Wings are in rebuild mode and have done an excellent job of building their prospect bank while still trying to find some vets with re-sale value. One such deal was adding Josi, one of the leagues top defenders, while also adding a 1st. Josi will be on the market all season, but with nearly a $6 million cap hit, there won't be many buyers. Wings will hope that there may be a few options to up his return come the trade deadline. In free agency they added a couple good vets with Krug and Silfverberg that are good bets to have some resell value next offseason. Veteran Carey Price, making $5.8, pairs with Samsonov to make a decent goaltending duo.
26: Ottawa
Key: D, Core: C, Depth: C, Offense: C-, Defense: B-, Intangibles: F, Goal: B, Cap: F, Prospects: A-, Hoover: C-.
After a couple cups the Sens went into full rebuild mode. They are now trying to pull out of rebuilding and back to making some playoff noise. Last year they signed free agent Brock Nelson to a big 4 year deal and he remains their key forward. On defense, Gudbranson was added to provide them a pretty solid defense group, led by the fragile Ryan Ellis. Demko is the big deal in Ottawa. One of the league’s top goalies. His salary jumped from $975k last year to $4.75 until he's 29 and another tough negotiation is to take place. He's Sen drafted talent, which they have a lot more to move if they wish, but chances are this isn't the year we see the Sens moving top prospects for short-term upgrades. |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
Power Rankings - #27-28
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-09-21 18:53:19 |
271 |
Preamble: https://nefhl.com/index.php?view=article&id=4150
27: Boston
Key: F, Core: D, Depth: C-, Offense: C, Defense: C, Intangibles: C-, Goal: B, Cap: A-, Prospects: B, Hoover: D.
The new Bruins GM has gone out and added some talent, like Scheifele up front and Myers on defense. Both are UFA to be, but one could make an excellent loyalty signing to use as longer term piece. The other will be moved at the deadline for the best deal that comes their way. Both have hefty salaries to meet the cap floor. They also added Palmeiri who will make over $4 million this season. This is a tank season for Boston, a franchise in need of a fresh start. They do have this coming 1st round pick fortunately, so great opportunity to start building upwards. There is a ton of work to do in Boston to bring them back to legitimacy.
28: San Jose
Key: C-, Core: C-, Depth: D, Offense: D, Defense: B, Intangibles: C-, Goal: C-, Cap: A-, Prospects: C+, Hoover: D.
Sharks dealt both Ovi and Barkov to spark their rebuild, adding two 2022 1sts, along with other assets, in the process. I'm assuming the assets they added in those deals, who are their new best players with Hartl and Benn coming in up front and Theodore on defense, will all be moved during the season as teams find cap space to be able to offer an interesting enough return for San Jose to consider. Oettinger is one of the best young goalies and Sharks will look to surround him with some young talent to build themselves back into a contender position. It might not take too long with how they've setup the franchise. |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
Power Rankings - #29-30
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-09-21 12:31:38 |
274 |
Preamble: https://nefhl.com/index.php?view=article&id=4150
29: NY Islanders
Key: D, Core: F, Depth: D, Offense: D, Defense: C, Intangibles: D, Goal: B+, Cap: A, Prospects: B, Hoover: D.
Islanders, now enjoying their new carefree rebuilding phase, make sure they are icing a non-competitive roster. They did a great job turning over their useful vets before values depreciated and have brought in a ton of youth. Perron was offered big money on a one year deal to lead their offense through this lean year for the Isles. He helps them meet the salary floor, but he's also someone they can consider as a loyalty for next season. Seth Jones is a roster standout on defense and at over $4 mill for this season is likely to stay on the Island. Sorokin at 81OV for a million bucks is something many contenders will be interested in, especially if he starts the NHL season well. In the meantime, paired with Driedger, Isles have pretty decent goaltending.
30: NY Rangers
Key: C, Core: D, Depth: F, Offense: F, Defense: D, Intangibles: C-, Goal: D, Cap: A+, Prospects: F, Hoover: F.
For numerous seasons that looked like they should, the Rangers refused to rebuild, clinging onto their vets and trading away all futures, to try and get that 8th spot and lose in the 1st or 2nd round of the playoffs. The new GM looks determined to change their ways, trading several vets for futures to kick off the Summer. Currently they're scrambling to put together a valid roster. They weren't able to move Weegar during the offseason and will remain their top player for now, but I do imagine it's only a matter of time before a team builds some cap and makes a move for him. Bryan Rust returns to be their top forward, and another potential trade chip. Cam Atkinson was signed to a 3 year deal to provide secondary scoring, a potential future asset, and helps them meet the floor. His signing is in line with his ratings so does make good longer term bet. |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
2022 Power Rankings - #31
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-09-20 18:14:15 |
304 |
Preamble: http://nefhl.com/index.php?view=article&id=4150
31: Seattle
Key: F, Core: F, Depth: F, Offense: F, Defense: F, Intangibles: C, Goal: F, Cap: A, Prospects: C, Hoover: F.
The expansion Kraken took a wise approach to drafting their lineup, focusing on future assets. They've signed a couple vets to overpayments to help reach the league floor. They will take a few seasons to be ready to turn the corner, but it appears they are taking the appropriate patient approach to team building. Some top picks will need to be part of how they build a winner. In the meantime, they have zero stars, with their top players being Voracek, Reilly Smith, Olofsson and Mikheyev, but they do have a lot more depth than the Blues and have pro rated players throughout the lineup. Holtby is the starter for now but Georgiev is a guy that be taking that role over before end of season. Sheary was a good offseason add and should be a valuable long term asset. Jason Spezza also helps to make them meet the cap floor.
What the Kraken have been doing is adding picks. They have a couple extra 2nds and 3rds next draft, plus bonus 4th to boot. It's going to take a lot of work and good management to build up the expansion franchise, but the GM is showing to make some wise moves so far and setting them up for long term success. How many years of losing can they handle until demand for a more competitive roster happens? |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
2022 Power Rankings - #32
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-09-20 13:21:09 |
288 |
Preamble: http://nefhl.com/index.php?view=article&id=4150
32: St. Louis
Key: F, Core: F, Depth: F, Offense: F, Defense: F, Intangibles: F, Goal: F, Cap: A+, Prospects: A-, Hoover: F.
Just like Graham started his articles with the Flyers at last overall, I'll return the favour and start with the Blues as last overall. Although in this case, it's probably something to be proud of.
The Blues have put together one of the worst lineups we've seen in the NEFHL, showing they've really mastered the tank game. Dougie Hamilton is their big star player, but up front their 1st line could be some teams 4th lines, where the rest of them are barely worthy of a pro opportunity. They are not going to score many goals, nor stop many. Craig Anderson and Carter Hutton is a garbage tandem. Blues have done an exceptional job of putting together such a bad roster. Right now doing their best to secure a top pick, perhaps even the coveted 1st overall.
To be the worst is a competitive battle in the NEFHL. It takes skill to lose games while still appeasing JD and his attempt to make every team fight for a playoff spot. Graham, no matter what, make sure you keep saying you are trying to be competitive and it's just not working well. ;)
Although the Blues have the best shot at being last place, there is still the draft lotto, and luck that will be involved with standings. Lots at play, but doing their best to fail forward. The next article will tackle a few of their competitors for last place. |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
2022 Power Ranking Preamble
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-09-20 13:13:57 |
334 |
Power Rankings
It’s time for the 2022 edition of the Hoover Power Rankings! I’m going to start here with the preamble, how the rankings are assembled, and then taking inspiration from Graham, I’m going to break the rankings up into smaller groups with slightly longer write-ups than in past years.
And speaking of Graham, I’d like to give a big thank you for sharing his prospect rankings with me before having finished putting them all up. His prospect rankings are the ones used for the purpose of these power rankings. I made no adjustments or put further consideration into a team’s prospects. Thank you, Graham!
The ratings are set as of September 20, 2022. Trades/signings after that date will not impact the rankings, but likely will mention within the writeup.
Each category has each team ranked 1-32. The following calculation determined the final rankings:
(Key*2) + Core + Depth + Offense + Defense + (Intangibles/2) + Goal + (Cap/2) + (Prospects/2) + (Hoover*3) = Final score
I’ve come up with formulas for a players offensive rating, defensive rating, intangibles and a JHAOV rating from those categories. The JHAOV is close to the league’s AOV in many instances but has its own variances. I believe more accurate to a player’s usefulness. Players are sorted by that rating. Here is how each category is calculated:
Key – the combined JHAOV of the team’s top 5 rated skaters.
Core – the combined JHAOV of the team’s top 10 rated skaters.
Depth – the combined JHAOV of the team’s top 20 rated skaters.
Offense – the combined offense rating of the team’s top 15 rated skaters. SC*5+PA*4+PC*4+SP+ST+SK.
Defense – the combined defense rating of the team’s top 15 rated skaters. DF*5+IT+SP+ST+PC.
Intangibles – the combined intangibles rating of the team’s top 15 skaters. IT+EN+DU+DI+PC+LD.
Goal – (starter rating*3) + backup rating + 3rd string*0.1
Cap – Salary of top 20 skaters plus top 2 goalies
Prospects – Graham’s prospect rankings
Hoover – I ranked the teams based on the ratings, then reviewed and made some adjustments to who I thought should get bumped up/down. Despite the *3, my opinion had little impact on the rankings as I did start with the stat based rankings as my base. This is entirely subjective, giving favour to things such as good balance between forward/defense/goal, players I think might see rating improvements over the year, or being in a good position to add players as needed.
The grades are on a bell curve. For every category there is 2 A+ and 3 of every other grade.
None of this is perfect, and it slightly evolves each season, so please give feedback, positive or negative, and will try to take constructively to improve future editions. I also take questions.
Thank you all and hope you enjoy 😊 |
|
Seattle Kraken
|
First ever Kraken game...ends with a loss
|
Kraken-Scott |
2022-09-20 13:01:51 |
146 |
The Seattle Kraken hit the NEFHL ice as a team for the first time on Monday. The squad put forth a strong effort, but fell 4-2 to the Edmonton Oilers. Head coach Rick Tocchet was pleased with the team's effort in its inaugural preseason game.
"I thought the team busted their tails out there tonight" Tocchet said to the media post-game. "That's all I can ask as the team's coach this season. We realize that there are going to be many nights that we struggle to score with our lack of true top-six centremen. I thought the guys worked well together and showed commitment to our system."
The Oilers outshot the Kraken 29-27 on the night - so a pretty even game overall (especially at even-strength). The Oilers scored its fourth goal in the last minute to ice the game. Kraken forwards Connor Sheary and Reilly Smith scored the Kraken's two goals, with defenceman Zach Whitecloud contributing two assists. Goaltender Braden Holtby had a decent outing in stopping 25/29 Oiler shots. The Kraken were rather undisciplined during the game, however, with the Oilers having 5 powerplays to the Kraken's one. If the Kraken hope to be competitive this season, they'll have to stay out of the penalty box.
Reilly Smith figures to be one of the Kraken's best players this season. The experienced winger was the team's best player on Monday, scoring a goal and recording seven shots on goal.
The Kraken's General Manager continues to scour the free agency market to see if there's a player that could add some experience to the team's inaugural roster. No changes are imminent, but time will tell if a player or two is added. |
|
St-Louis Blues
|
NEFHL U23 Team Rankings - #17 - #16
|
Blues-Graham |
2022-09-16 15:50:24 |
224 |
2 more down and half way there. Here we go, #17 and #16.
#17 - The Toronto Maple Leafs
Very few teams, well only 1 really can give the leafs a run for thier money in the defence department. Lets start with last years 1st overall NHL pick Owen Power. A do it all defenceman. He's the 7th best D on this list and projects as an allstar, #1D. Him and Dalhen are going to terrorize teams for years to come in the NHL. I think the Sabre's did the smart thing (take note Montreal) in allowing him to go back to the NCAA for an extra year. No need to rush it. Coming in 2nd on the leafs list is a bit of a surprise in Simon Edvinsson. In his draft year he was touted as a D first defencemen who didn't have much of an offensive game. With 19 points in 44gp last year in the defensive minded SHL, he kind of put that to rest. Marco Kasper is next and the leafs only forward on the list. He was a big riser in this years draft. Personally from what I read, I'm not a huge fan (for the NEFHL). He has a great motor but I'm not sure the point totals are going to be there to make him valuable in this league. Next is Mukhamadullin. He was a divisive pick in his draft year - with alot of scouts saying he just didn't have the hockey sense to do well in the NHL. We'll see. No matter how you cut it, he's a beautiful skater and a very big dude. That will never change. Will he have the hockey IQ to excel in the NHL? The Devils hope so. If this was my list both Guhle and Niemela would be above Mukhamadullin however it's not so... Guhle is another point producing D man that can skate. Finally my favorite prospect on the list Topi Niemela. A 2nd round steal by the leafs. Niemela is the #1 Dman in finland for his age. He quarterbacks their powerplay and plays in all situations. He's a bit undersized but his offensive output makes up for it. Look for a NHL Debut in about 2 years from now. The leafs have a few other players on thier roster worth watching like power forward Zack Ostapchuk and Akil Thomas - Thomas didn't have great numbers in the AHL but he's still only 22. Finally too old for this list but 23 year olds like Abruzzese (who may make the leafs out of training camp this year) and Tippet should provide the leafs some cheap and playable youth. Anyway you look at it, the Leafs have an amazing defence corps. However with nothing more than middle 6 talent up front, the leafs should try and move some of that talent for a top end forward.
Player Rank/Tier PLAYER-POS20/3 Owen Power D 32/4 Simon Edvinsson D67/5 Marco Kasper C105/6 Shakir Mukhamadullin D119/6 Kaiden Guhle D140/6 Topi Niemelä D
#16 - The Los Angeles Kings
Tanking teams, take note! This is how you go from build a competitor. The last 2 years before this, the kings barely qualified for the stanely cup playoffs. This year they were in the cup final. Despite being in the Stanley cup final, the kings still have a decent group of prospects. This list is lead by non other than Mason McTavish. The leader of the most recent Team Canada World Jr Team. He's a stud and at worst projects as a 2C and most likley ends up 1C. I love his game. Next on the list is Xavier Bourgault. He can flat out score. I'd like to see how he plays against stronger peers at a high end tournament before I pass judgment. He'll be playing for the AHL Condors (Edmontons farm team). This should give us a better baseline. At 22 years old, Kaut has 4 years of AHL experience playing against grown men. He's had a cup of coffee in the NHL but hasn't done much so far. This is his year. Moser has some NHL experience and should be a top 4 D in this league. Then finally there is JOrdan Spence. The good news is that Spence is a LA Kings prospect which seems to pump out quality top 4 defence like no other team in the NHL. He's a bit undersized but after scoring at nearly a point per game in the AHL last year and getting 24 games in at the NHL level, Spence should challenge for full time duty with the kings. The only problem is the Kings have too many NHL defencemen. Being wavier exempt Spence may find himself back in the AHL. If he does it won't be because of his ability. The kings are in this position mainly because of Mason McTavish. They do have a nice mix of talent at all positions but outside of this list, the cupboard are pretty bare. That's ok, they're a win now team and have the best player in hockey - Connor McDavid. They should have some help coming shortly with Mason McTavish.
Player Rank/Tier PLAYER-POS
24/4 Mason McTavish LOS C
120/6 Xavier Bourgault LOS RW
129/6 Martin Kaut LOS RW
133/6 Janis Moser LOS D
160/6 Jordan Spence LOS D
|
|
St-Louis Blues
|
NEFHL U23 Team Rankings - #19 - #18
|
Blues-Graham |
2022-09-15 16:48:39 |
242 |
Today we’ll look at teams 19 and 18. Lets get to it.
#19 – The Jose Sharks
Player Rank/Tier PLAYER-POS
26/4 Simon Nemec-D
61/5 Joakim Kemell-RW
108/6 Alex Turcotte-C
114/6 Grigori Denisenko-RW
161/6 Brad Lambert-RW
Interesting pair sitting atop of Jose’s list. Two of the drafts biggest surprises. The first one is Nemec going 2nd overall. He’s going to be a top 4 D man in the NHL no doubt about it. But if any team other than NJ was drafting 2nd he would have probably went 4 where he belonged. I’m not going to go deep into his game. It’s been dissected by numerous scouts 100 ways to Sunday. I have nothing to add other than this is the NEFHL and D aren’t nearly as valuable as forwards in this league. Would I have burned a #5 pick on him? Not at all. Not with the likes of Lekkerimaki, Kemell and Savoie still on the board. But I’ve been proven wrong before. Next on the list is none other then the aforementioned Kemell. He was another big surprise in the NHL draft, dropping all the way to #17. I like the kid and honestly would have taken him between 5-7 if I had those picks in the NEFHL (The sharks did grab him at 7). Listen, I don’t want to throw rocks, these are both very solid prospects and the Sharks did well in my opinion. If anything I probably would have reversed the picks. But who cares right? Next on the list is Alex Turcotte. Remember him? The shine has come off that turd ever so slightly but we’re still dealing with a very solid prospect. Just not one that would be drafted 5th overall in the NHL Draft if there was a redo. In my opinion he still projects as a 2 or 3 C. For the record the sharks grabbed him at #4 in the NEFHL draft. At the time it was a good pick! I don’t know a lot about Denisenko other than he was drafted 15th overall by the sharks (NHL) a few years ago now. His numbers don’t look promising (roughly .5ppg) in the AHL. Pronman still seems to be a big fan though. Finally, Brad Lambert. He was my value pick and I would have picked him if I could but he was well gone before my 25th pick. The sharks have some other really intriguing pieces such as Bystedt and L’Heureux. Both project as middle 6’ers. Bystedt more of a 3C but L’Heureux (touted as the next Marchand) could play top 6. Lassi Thomson is another stud on the blueline that may see NHL action this year. If I was rating the prospect pools from top to bottom the Sharks probably deserve to be a few spots higher. I also like players such as Graham Clarke and Alexander Campbell. Campbell probably has no future but Clarke might. The future is pretty bright in shark land.
#18 – The Winnipeg Jets
PlayerRank/Tier PLAYER-POS
13/3 Dylan Cozens-C
69/5 Lukas Cormier-D
113/6 Devon Levi-G
139/6 Samuel Fagemo-RW
The Jets are probably here based on Cozens. That’s not to say the Jets don’t have a decent prospect pool but Cozens is a somewhat proven entity even if he’s taken a bit longer to develop than expected. He’s better at this point then anyone in Jose’s prospect pool and he still has 1C potential. Cormier was the 2nd PP quarterback for team Canada. He has some serious potential but he’s a little undersized for the NHL. He’ll have to maximize all of his offensive potential to be effective at the NHL level. Pronmans list not mine. I like Levi. He has legit starter potential. Goalies are a whacky bunch so who knows – for a goalie he’s also undersized but Shestorkin is breaking the mold and giving guys like Levi a 2nd life. Last on the list is Sameul Fagemo. 5’11, 200 pounds, he has the size to compete at the NHL level. Good hands, shot, and speed. He put up 27 goals in the AHL last year in only 60 some games. He should make the Kings out of camp. Lets see what he’s got. That’s not all the Jets got – I really like Roby Jarventie. The guy has wheels. I tried to draft him in 2020 but missed out. Simontaival is also a pretty decent prospect in the NHL Kings system. Interesting story – well to me. The Jets also have Zion Nybeck on their roster. Back in 2020, I had the 39th pick overall. I had been looking at Grans as a potential first rounder but he had fallen – as defensemen often do in the NEFHL. The other guy I was close to picking was Zion Nybeck. He was just coming off an impressive 27 goals in 42 GP in the J20 (Swe Jr League). I even contemplated trying to trade for him immediately after picking Grans. I’m glad I didn’t. His size scared me away, also the fact that he wasn’t a great skater according to scouting reports. Grans has continued to develop and should be a top 4 D at some point in his career. We’ll see. Rounding out the Jets prospects are Evangelista (big year) and Zayne Wisdom (another guy I was close to drafting) who could end up being a middle 6 power forward.
As you see, Even at positions 18 and 19, the quality of the prospect pools has went up expontentially. I really like what both the Sharks and Jets are doing. That's it for today. My computer at my hotel room is dead and I didn't get an adapter for my plug so that's life. I'll try and pump out 2-3 more rankings again tomrorow before I fly out tomorrow night.
|
 Edmonton Oilers
|
Hall of Twins
|
Oilers-Jason |
2022-09-14 20:57:30 |
162 |
It was a crisp, gray autumn in 1980 when two boys were born in Sweden. The younger of the two boys would show an almost immediate aptitude for hockey, while the older boy, Henrik, would take a bit longer to develop. The two spent their early years together tearing up the Swedish leagues, so it was no surprise when both were drafted early in the 2005 NEFHL Dispersal Draft. From that day onward, the two would play as twins.
The two boys would amass matching Hall of Fame-worthy stats over the course of their careers, collecting exactly 1,000 points each in just over 1,100 games. They would both deal out more than 700 hits, resulting in more than 700 penalty minutes. They would even shoot their way to matching 13% shooting percentages. They would rank first and third in assists among inactive players, with the older boy barely besting the younger. Though slower to develop, the younger boy would find more success in the playoffs, finishing his career ranked third among inactive players in playoff goals and assists, second in playoff shots and points, and fourth in playoff game winning goals.
While the two boys did not amass much hardware, they would combine for fourteen All Star appearances, including three opportunities to share the same ice. When it was finally time to hang up the skates, they had each spent time with six different franchises, though they never laced them up for the same team.
Unfortunately for the older boy's twin brother, Daniel, the other thing Henrik shared with his Hall of Fame classmate born that fateful Fall in 1980 was a first name. It is with great pleasure that the NEFHL Hall of Fame Committee welcomes Henriks Sedin and Zetterberg into hockey Valhalla.
Twenty-one additional players would collect enough votes to remain on the ballot another year. Of those players, Rick Nash, from this year's nominees, was the most popular. Marian Hossa, Cam Ward, Jarmoir Jagr, and Paul Martin were among other 2019 nominees to remain on the ballot, though with less support than Nash. Brad Richards, Chris Pronger, and Martin Brodeur would see their support remain steady in their representation of the cream of the league's early years, but none have been able to find the upward movement necessary to secure induction.
Among forwards from previous ballots, Daniel Alfredsson, Vincent Lecavalier, and Shane Doan all saw their support fall by more than half. Similarly, among defensemen, Nicklas Lidstrom, Scott Niedermayer, and Andrei Markov did not fare well in this round of voting. Unlike previous years, no player from a previous ballot saw a notable increase in support. This is likely the result of the size and quality of this year's class of nominees.
Fan favorite, Dan Boyle, saw his support increase from two votes to three.
In the Builder category, Drew Phillips barely missed being removed from the ballot, securing the support of just three general managers from across the entire league. Could 2023 be the year that Dan Boyle's support eclipses Drew's?
The Hall of Fame Committee would like to once again thank all voters, even those who were a bit late. There was almost total engagement, with one rookie abstention and one rookie no-show. To the general manager who submitted his votes so late that we had to send the graphics back to the printer; we love you, but fuck off. |
|
St-Louis Blues
|
NEFHL U23 Team Rankings - #21- #20
|
Blues-Graham |
2022-09-14 15:39:46 |
245 |
Well how annoying is this? I woke up early here today in the Sunny DRC (google it!) specifically to write this article. It took me about 40 minutes or so. The full article was done, I was only typing in the title and for some unknown reason my Government of Canada issued laptop decided to blue screen. So, this is actually the 2nd version and 2nd time I’ve written this article today. Lets see if I can knock it off in 20 minutes instead of 40 this time. Today we’ll look at teams 21 and 20. It’s weird, in my final version of the original rankings I had the team who’s currently 21 sitting in 20. However after a review sometime last week, I moved the team in 21st up three spots and dropped #20 down 1. It probably reflects how I feel about team 21’s top 2 prospects.
#21 – The Calgary Flames.
Rank/Tier Player
63/5 Logan Stankoven - C
137/6 Lane Hutson - D
143/6 Luca Del Bel Belluz - C
154/6 Joshua Roy - LW
The reason I originally had the Flames in 20th over MTL was that their top prospect was a forward whom I tend to value more than defencemen. It is the NEFHL after all. However, it’s hard for me to get behind the top 2 prospects on the Flames list. Maybe that’s because I can’t see them behind towering 6’4 defenceman Noah Dobson. There is no denying the talent of Stankoven and as a forward he has a decent chance of making the show eventually. His shot mechanics are impeccable and he can score and create. He also has a great motor but at 5’8 and only 170 pounds can he get to the area’s he needs to get to at the NHL level? A definite maybe. The next player on the list is Lane Hutson. Another 5’8 giant. The difference between Stankoven and Hutson is around 20 pounds according to Eliteprospects. I shit bigger than that and I’m a small guy. I could tolerate this small size in a forward, but I have less patience for it in a defencemen. The physical demand on a defenceman is much higher than a forward plain and simple. If I were Lane Hutson I’d be pulling a Wendel Clark and moving from D to FWD as quickly as possible. He has no future in the NHL – Unless he grows. Which according to him, he will. Lol. My son think’s he’s going to be 6’ as well. Personally I can’t say I’m enthralled with the other prospects on the Flames list either although Josh Roy just put up some monster numbers. I’d be more comfortable if it wasn’t in the Q but even in the Q, those numbers are gawdy. One guy not on the list but who I really like is Tyson Foerster. The guy has a bullet, has good size and has produced at the AHL level. All that said, the Flames are year in and year out one of the best run clubs in the NEFHL. They have a constant supply of young talent and manage to compete for the cup. They always end up with those NCAA late bloomers that they got in the later rounds of the draft… so who am I to question them.
#20 – The Montreal Canadians
Rank/Tier Player
31/4 Noah Dobson - D
36/4 Martin Fehérváry - D
45/5 Philip Tomasino - RW
89/6 Jiri Kulich - C/LW
A list full of players with NHL experience. Not bad for 20th overall. The list starts with a 6’4 dman that just put up 51 points in 80 GP. Is it fair to even consider Dobson a prospect? Not really. He’s clearly excelled beyond that point but he is under 23 so that makes him fair game. Next on the list is another D Man with lots of experience although not quite the point totals that Dobson put up. In fact not even close. Fehervary projects as a top 4 Defensive defenceman which isn’t particularly valuable in the NEFHL. If this was a pure NEFHL list, he probably wouldn’t have made it. That said, he’s a legit NHL dman which is more than some of the players on this list will ever become. Those are the facts. Tomasino is another guy with a full season of NHL experience under his belt. How high is his ceiling? His numbers from last year don’t exactly jump off the score sheet but I expect he does become at a minimum a 3C if not a 2C. Rounding out Montreal’s list is one of my favorites from this years draft Jiri Kulich. He’s a Czech which is awesome and he has a bullet of a shot and a great motor. I’m cheering for him. Perhaps at some point Montreal will trade him to me. Speaking of Czech’s how about that Dostal. He would have been on any list of mine for sure. He put up some stellar numbers last year in the A – a .916 SV% over 40GP. He owns good NHL size at 6’2 and only 175 pounds. He’s a projected NHL starter in my books. Finally lets not forget about Stuart Skinner. He’s already 23 and will turn 24 in November but he put up some good numbers over limited games in the NHL last season and projects as the backup this year and starter of the future in Edmonton. Looks like goaltending is set for the Habs future.
That’s all for now folks. I do hope to pound out another article tonight at my hotel if my piece of shit laptop doesn’t blue screen again. |
|
Minnesota Wild
|
Zegras signs Entry Level Contract and GM dips into Free Agency
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-09-13 18:00:03 |
190 |
It finally happened. Weeks after being announced cover athlete for the upcoming NEFHL23 video game despite playing ZERO NEFHL games, Trevor "the trevor" Zegras is officially a member of the Minnesota mild. The announcement of the cover photo triggered a media shitstorm with 'fiery but peaceful' protests outside the arena, a netflix miniseries on the brink of collapse due to excessive costs and race-swapping backlash, and the GM battling white supremacists trash loser right wing domestic terrorist extremists on the internet. Things have gone quiet on that front for now. Although rumors keep persisting of a new 'jersey rebrand' in the works before the drop of the puck for the 2022-2023 season. There is nothing to report on that right now.
In the meantime, Trevor "smokes" Zegras is donning the green and red WILD jersey. "I'm just really happy to finally get going. Meeting some of the guys I haven't met yet and just being around the boys and playing hockey." said the young center. "It's hard not to notice my name mixed in with the chaos that happened recently. I just want to focus on hockey."
"We were always going to sign him for this season. Just a matter of when. We were looking to bring him on midway through the year but always had the possibility of signing him before the season started." replied the GM. "We tried to bring back Paul Stastny who had some success with us in the past as a mercenary, but just couldn't finalize a deal with him and the offseason is winding down. Trevor will be supported by Hintz, Pageau, Evans down the middle to start the year. Pettersson will move to the right side for now."
The wild/mild also brought back veteran blue liner Duncan Keith on a one year, massively overpaid, $1,800,101 deal.
"Duncan Keith is one of the best leaders on D in this entire league. Just look around. He is still extremely fast and his defensive reliability is very obvious. He may not be as offensively gifted as he was 10 years ago but we need him to be a stable defensive presence on the bottom pair and maybe some special teams."
The GM created controversy last season when the team struggled out of the gate and there were no takers for the then even more overpaid Keith and his $2,800,000 salary. Before the deadline the GM waived the veteran so the player can make a post-season run. The Edmonton Oilers benefitted and saw Keith in the post-season. Critics said this was tanking and is ruining the league. But people not lacking in critical thinking saw this as legitimate move since he was available for less than the price of a Tim Hortons coffee, literally for months with no takers.
"I really hope we're not in the same position this time around." said the GM. "We want to compete this year. Forget about last season and burn it from memory. That is a place we don't ever want to be back to. The roster is starting to take shape. We're still active on free agency. We have about 4 million in cap to play with. We could have around 2 million more if we made some roster moves. We're a little forward heavy right now. The forward trios outside line one will be interesting. We see a lot of possibilities with the roster, cap, trade availabilities. We want the season to start."
____________________________
Article: 15/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $2,500,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
Week 4 UFA recap
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-09-09 13:44:48 |
268 |
WINNERS
Detroit
Lars Eller - $1,450,000 - 4 years
-Eller has nice ratings and has been consistent through career; $1.45 for 4 years is a good price and low risk even at 33 years of age.
Tampa Bay
Arvid Holm - $500,000 - 2 years
-Never heard of him before this signing, but he's 23, 6'5, did well in Sweden before doing rookie season in AHL and didn't do too bad. Goalies are lotto tickets and this guy seems worth the roster spot to try.
Edmonton
Chris Wideman - $800,000 - 3 years
-Wideman has some solid ratings and $800k is a good deal. Helps their blueline - smart signing.
Vegas
Jani Hakanpaa - $1,000,000 - 2 years
-Now that the SMASH era of the NEFHL has officially began, Vegas brings back their big bad bruiser. I know I couldn't sign him for less, so million seems pretty reasonable who can help make Vegas one of toughest Western teams to play.
Ottawa
Austin Watson - $1,600,00 - 2 years
-Watson was a hot item in free agency with his high IT, ST, and DF - he is rated great for that specific role. On the high end dollars wise, but what was needed for a coveted free agent.
LOSERS
Philadelphia
Pheonix Copley - $700,000 - 4 years
-Flyers lack of dynamic ratings understanding saw Pheonix with a 69OV and only 11 career GP so could be 3rd string farm call up, but now is 53OV. Huge mistake by Flyers GM and shows their ineptness of running a franchise.
Winnipeg
Wayne Simmonds - $944,444 - 1 year
-Jets are trying to toughen up and Simmonds brings some intensity, speed, and leadership. This awkward dollar amount is probably few more bucks than the guy deserves.
Tyler Toffoli
-Toffoli was one of the top forwards heading into UFA and still remains available is pretty surprising. He's got top end scoring to go with top notch PC/DF. A true top liner that has been too picky with his multitude of offers, but teams are strapped to what can offer and can't go up, so he sits patiently. Will he be able to sign before the season starts?
Shea Weber
-This will be his last season in the NEFHL, but thanks to dynamic ratings and/or no way for GMs to currently break 'too much demand', he has not inked a deal. My guess is he wants paid on what he is rated now, where GMs aren't wanting to pay 5+ later in the season when he's mid 70's.
Jeff Petry
-I assume Petry is stuck in a world of 'too much demand'. He's still a solid player and won't see a sharp drop in ratings like Weber, but he's unlikely to retain or improve.
Dustin Brown
-Retired from the NHL, Brown is looking for one last kick at the cup in NEFHL. He is the all time hit leader, by nearly 600 hits. 860 career points. He would bring a lot to a contender's lineup, but who has the space to add the gritty veteran. |
|
St-Louis Blues
|
NEFHL U23 Team Rankings - #25- #22
|
Blues-Graham |
2022-09-07 05:51:48 |
254 |
*** I wrote this on Thursday but apparently forgot to hit save. It was waiting for me at work when I arrived this morning. I woudln't say we've graduated to the teams with deep prospect pools just yet, but these next few teams at least have more than 1-2 prospects to choose from.
#25 - Dallas Stars
Dallas has a couple intriging forwards to put them on the board at 25. At the top of the list is the hillbilly out of Alberta, Matthew Savoie. He was the 9th overall in the 2022 draft. He's only 5'9 but can score in bunches. His size puts me off a bit but I think he's going to be a top 6 in the NHL. Chaz Lucius was the 18th pick in the 2021 draft. He can shoot the puck and score goals. Also projects as a top 6 forward in the NHL. A couple other prospectts worth noting on the Stars roster include Ozzy Wiesblatt and Tristan Luneau. Personally I like Wiesblatt more than Luneau. Luneau has a much more interesting family though. Check it out! Back to Wiesblatt - he's on the small side and didn't have a particularly great year for Prince Albert last year.
#24 - Colorado Avalanche
Probably the leaf fan in me but I can't stay Cole Caufield. I was so happy when he started off the year like a bag of shit. Unfortunatley that didn't last - once Martin St.Louis took over, Caufield exploded. He doesn't have the greatest speed but he's deceptive and he'll be a scorer at the NHL level. Admittedly I didn't know much about Jonatan Berggren before this excercise. But I do now. He had a great year for Detroits Farm team last year scoring at nearly a point per game. He probably tops at as a middle 6'er. He's 22 and might challenge for a spot in the NHL next year. That said, he's most likley 2 years away from playing any signifigant minutes. Colorado also has young goalie Dylan Garand. He's only 20 but has alot of promise. Is Owen Beck worth mentioning? Maybe. He's a bit undersized but has a great motor but projects more as a 2 way center (read 3rd liner). Time will tell.
#23 - Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton coming in heavy! Not exactly deep - at all but I really like all 3 of these prospects. Sillinger put up 16 goals in 79GP in the NHL as a 19 year old. He's big, he can shoot and play both sides of the puck and plays C. A stud. A first line C? Maybe. Likely a good #2 for sure. Boqvist is another guy with NHL experience. In fact as a 22 year old he already has 3 seasons under his belt. A great skater. The least known of the 3 is Ohgren, but he's a guy I really like. Taken 19th in the NHL draft by the Wild, the kid can play. against his peers in the J20 he scored at nearly a 2ppg pace. He did get 25 games in at teh SHL level as well but he didn't see the ice much and his 2 points show as much. At 18 he needs a couple more years to develop.
#22 - Seatle Kraken
Good on the Kraken for coming so high on this list. What's the most impressive is that the Kraken have only had 1 season and managed to draft 3 guys on the top 170. Lets start with the gem, Cutter Gauthier. He was the best of the rest after the top 4 in this years draft. A big guy at 6'2 201 pounds, he's a big C who can play both ends of the ice. Probably projects as a 2C when it's all said and done. The next guy on this list is Reid Schaefer. He managed to be the last pick in the NHL draft. He popped 32 goals for the Thunderbirds of the WHL. I think he was a stretch pick at 32 in the NHL but the Kracken got him at 46. Much better value. Lastly on the list is the Kraken's number 32 pick Ryan Chesley. I don't know alot about Chesley but Will Scouch was never a big fan and for that reason I didn't look at him much.
Anyone else worth mentioning? Not really but the Kraken are only 1 year into this game. Considering they got 3 on the list with just 1 draft.
|
|
Edmonton Oilers
|
Hall of Fame 2022: Another Year, Another Goalie... and Twins
|
Oilers-Jason |
2022-09-03 23:37:32 |
200 |
Last season's NEFHL Hall of Fame nominee, Kari Lehtonin, represented the first goalie nominee with more wins than losses since the initial class, which included Martin Brodeur and Evgeni Nabokov. The 2022 class of nominees includes the first goalie to amass more than 700 games, Cam Ward. Goalies have not fared well in voting, with Evegeni Nabokov, Nikolai Khabibulin, and Kari Lehtonen continuing to secure enough votes to hold on to a spot on the ballot, but only Martin Brodeur amassing more than fifty percent of affirmative votes on ballots cast. No goalie or blueliner has yet to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
The 2022 ballot also includes the first identical twins to be nominated, Henrik and Daniel Sedin. They will be sharing the spotlight with other notable forwards such as Henrik Zetterberg, Rick Nash, Mike Fisher, Marian Hossa, Patrick Sharp, and Jaromir Jagr. Defensive nominees include the likes of Paul Martin, Michal Rozsival, and Kevin Bieksa.
Other candidates returning from last year’s ballot include Brad Richards (16 votes), Chris Pronger (13 votes), and Nicklas Lidstrom (11 votes). Nearly another dozen nominees garnered enough votes to stick around another year, including fan favorite Dan Boyle.
Drew Philips, former general manager of the Kings, will return as the sole Builder on the ballot. This will be the fifth round of voting for the two-time Stanley Cup winning manager. Phillips received 11 votes in 2018, 12 votes in 2019, but his vote total plummeted to 6 in 2020 and 2021.
General managers may vote for as many selections as they choose, but are requested to submit a blank ballot to the Committee to demonstrate their opinion that none of the nominees are deserving of election to the Hall of Fame. All ballots must be submitted to the Hall of Fame Committee Office, in the form of a PM addressed to Oilers-Jason, no later than 11:59PM ET on Sunday, September 11, 2022.
The full ballot can be found by following this link.
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony is currently scheduled to take place prior to the opening of the regular season.
Eligible players are those who retired following the 2018-2019 season, with a minimum of 600 games required for skaters, and a minimum of 500 games required for goalies, as well as those players who received two or more votes on last year’s ballot.
Players or Builders who receive 70% of votes from voting general managers will be inducted into the NEFHL Hall of Fame. Players or builders receiving two or more votes during any selection period will remain on the ballot for the following selection period, for up to seven seasons.
All are invited to visit the NEFHL Hall of Fame. |
|
Minnesota Wild
|
The Goon-ies
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-09-03 18:38:26 |
243 |
Some talk on the forum lately about IT, goons, and a budding re-emergence of the Battle of Pennsylvania prompted this spur of the moment article. Let's take a look at the top 10 skaters in each organization in terms of IT (as of September 3rd, 2022). The chart will also show the AOV of each player.
- Goalies are not included in this list.
- Unsigned players are obviously not included in the list either.
- The list includes pro and farm players.
Please excuse my amateur editing skills.
- Philadelphia Flyers lead the pack with the most 99 IT players. However, beside Markus Foligno and Garnet Hathaway, none of the others should be playing regular minutes.
- New York Rangers are softer than Charmin having nobody above 80 IT in the organization. Kyle Clifford and Tyler Pitlick would not be regulars on most teams in the league.
- Florida Panthers have one 90+ IT player in Kyle Rau. He won't be a regular and they are perhaps the weakest organization overall. Or Charmin Ultra Soft.
- Minnesota mild has the best IT:AOV ratio in Brady Tkachuk. 99 IT / 81 AOV
- Minnesota mild, Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets, Philadelphia Flyers have the best mix of 80+ IT and 70+ AOV players.
- Buffalo Sabres, Los Angeles Kings, Vancouver Canucks have IT depth throughout their lineup.
There is still time in the offseason for trades and signings so things will look a bit different by season start. That's all for now folks. No satire, no woke bullshit, no attempts at comedy to be seen here. Just straight up NEFHL offseason stuff.
____________________________
Article: 14/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $2,250,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
Challenge Accepted
|
Pens-Brent |
2022-09-03 12:08:43 |
193 |
When news circulated that the Philadephia Flyers had assembled a "goon squad" for games against the Pittsburgh Penguins this season, it did not take long for Pens personale to bite back.
"Liam O'Brien? Who is that?" asked captain Sidney Crosby.
Recently signed Nicolas Deslaurier was all smiles when asked about the report.
"I relish those kinds of games. I'll eat those fools for breakfast," the winger stated.
Ryan "the Lomberghini" Lomberg also had a strong message for the Flyers, "If anyone in orange and black touches Sid or Ovy or Geno, it'll be the last thing they do this season. That's a promise."
Head coach Craig Berube laughed at the prospects of competing against the "goon squad".
"I am pretty sure that particular squad has a combined SC rating of 23. Not to mention an overall speed of approximately 67. We would skate circles around that group. So yeah, go ahead and dress that garbage heap of a lineup," said the coach.
The battle of Pennsylvania is destined to be a good one this year. There's no secret that there has been some animosity between the two clubs over the years, from player personale all the way up to upper management.
When asked why there was so much hated towards the Flyers, Crosby had this to say, "Because I don't like them. I don't like any guy on their team."
Last season the Penguins built their team around heavy IT players. With the emergence of some of the Pens younger spects, the expectation is that the team will be more skilled than thick.
"Our young guys will have to be ready for when we play Philly. Our leadership group will make sure that they are more than prepared."
________________________
Obligatory Articles: 5/5
Bonus Articles: 4/40 = $1,000,000 / $10,000,000 |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
The secret weapons
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-09-02 12:02:35 |
289 |
Quietly the Flyers have assembled a ton of SMASH players to introduce to the league; however, they are only intended for a handful of games. For games against a team in their division ahead of them in the standings only. Also Washington and Pittsburgh regardless, just to beat up on their star players. Tons of muscle to mix in. We'd have 8 players 90+IT and another 3 80+. Here is the goon squad when we want to be SMASH:
Foligno-O'Brien-Hathaway -- Irwin-Geertsen
Greenway-Dowd-Niederreiter -- Tinordi-Burroughs
Greer-Bergeron-Robinson -- Niemelainen-Ruhwedel
Vatrano-Stephenson-Mangiapane -- Tinordi-Geertsen
RNH, Iaffalo, Fox and Burns all take the night off and take it easy. Vatrano/Stephenson/Mangiapane make the soft 4th line for some easy minutes.
Washington and Pittsburgh, as a suggestion, it might make sense to rest your star players when playing Philly. You know, just to make sure they don't get hurt. That might be bad for your teams revenue. No one hopes for something like that to happen, but sometimes guys like Greer or Robinson just get a little too carried away, and they are okay with being suspended - we've talked about it. Anyhow, you're both smart GMs, I'm sure you'll do whatever is the best call for your organizations.
Can you insure top players in this league? Crosby, Ovi and Matthews would be good ones to insure, considering their value, and I mean, who knows what would happen if Crosby has opening face off against that rowdy O'Brien. He's a smart player, he can make up his mind about what the best thing to do at that moment would be, but... he is a ginger. SUH-MASH! |
|
St-Louis Blues
|
NEFHL U23 Player Rankings - Ranking 's 27-26
|
Blues-Graham |
2022-09-01 13:58:45 |
225 |
These next 2 teams each have a pair of intreging prospects and for the most part consist of contenders.
#27 - Tampa Bay
It's not really hard to envision Tampa's future blue line. It's staring at you right here. Former first round pick Ty Smith had a break out rookie campaign with the Devils two years ago. His progress slowed somewhat in his sophmore season and he was just traded to Pittsburgh. He's a bit undersized and probably has 2nd pairing potential. Calen Addision probably has a higher ceiling. The same size as Smith at only 5'11 he's never going ot be a defensive specialist but has PP1 potential. Not part of the list but worth noting as part of TB's prospect pool is the other Elias Pettersson. He owns good size at 6'2 and makes a great first pass. After this trio of Dmen, TB's prospect pool falls off considerably. Jack Rathboone who is only 23 also holds some promise.
#26 - New Jersey
The Devils highest ranked player is Shane Pinto. He's a bit of a wild card as he missed most of the season last year with injuries. However he does have 17GP of NHL experience and 8 points to show for it. He has great size and great work ethic but isn't the greatest skater. The good news is that he has lots of talent to play with in Ottawa so assuming he fits somewhere in thier top 6 or at least top 9, he should have some decent ratings. Their 2nd ranked prospect is the 2022 #10 overall pick Pavel Mintyukov. This offensive defenseman scored at almost a point per game last year in the O and projects as a PP specialist. He's probably 2-3 years from his NHL debut. New Jersey has some other decent prospects in the system such as Tobias Bjornfot a 21 year old former first rounder fighing for ice time in LA. Tyler Kleven who won't tear up the score sheet but should be a solid DF guy in a few years. Finally in goal they have Topias Leinonen who was drafted in the 2nd round 41st overall by Buffalo. He's a big guy over 6'5. However goalies take forever to develop so we'll konw about him in a few years. This post was originally meant to have 4 teams but I ran out of time.. so today it's only 2. Stay tuned for more updates this week.
|
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
Vezina Front Runners
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-09-01 12:40:23 |
220 |
Now a quick look at this season's Vezina frontrunners.
Juuse Saros - CHI - 27 y/o Saros is arguably the best goalie, playing for what looks like it might be the best team in the league. When he starts, he's going to have a lot of support, get easy wins, and excellent defense. The only thing going against his chances is that the Chicago depth includes net, where they can easily lean on Lankinen for games as needed.
Igor Shesterkin - PHI - Also 27, arguably the best goalie, and backing a defensive able squad is Shesterkin. He won't have as much support as Saros, and thinner defense group, but they'll play to make him look good. With Brossoit backing him, he'll get as many games as he can handle.
Andrei Vasilevskiy - WSH - Caps are still a major contender, and Andrei is prime of his career with one Vezina and two cups already to his credit. He'll be given many games, and he can handle many games, with Logan Thompson backing him up. Would like to prove he's still top dawg.
Connor Hellebuyck - VAN - Canucks are looking to ramp things up this season and break through for a cup. Hellebuyck was a massive offseason add and they'll be leaning on him to try and be a top team in the West. Had a Vezina in 2019 and is consistently a top goalie.
Jack Campbell - LA - Kings will be hoping to recreate the magic they had together last season and Campbell, previous waiver claim, fresh off a new loyalty deal, will hope to win back to back Vezina trophies. McDavid made things look easy in LA last season and that line dominated the league, which ultimately helped Campbell's job. |
|
St-Louis Blues
|
NEFHL U23 Player Rankings - #31 - 28 - The Lone Rangers
|
Blues-Graham |
2022-08-31 17:23:22 |
226 |
The Lone Rangers
Here we are folks places 31-28. Not quite last place but might as well be. None of these prospect pools are deep, consisting of only 1 player on Pronmans 170. Not surprisingly 3 of the 4 teams on the list are well known as teams who never draft so their rankings shouldn't be much of a surprise.
Without any further delay:
#31 – Arizona
Arizona is a team that goes for it every year and doesn’t draft a lot - clearly. That said, they got a decent pick this last draft in Jimmy Snuggerud who was selected 23rd overall in the first round by the St.Louis Blues of the NHL. The Yotes do have 2021 pick Jack Peart in their pipeline as well but, as I’ve stated previously, this exercise is based soley on the 170 and he didn’t make the cut. Even with Jack Peart, the prospect pipeline in Arizona is pretty bare. They still have their 1st round pick for next years draft. Hopefully they will add to their talent pool with that.
RANK
TIER
PLAYER
TEAM
POS.
# OF PLAYERS
147
6
Jimmy Snuggerud
ARI
RW
1
#30 – the New York “we haven’t drafted in 10 years” RangersThe prior GM was on record as saying he didn’t care much for the draft. It cut into his sausage and sauerkraut eating time. However, under new management, the Rangers finally made a pick and got young swede Noah Ostlund. I’m a fan of the slightly undersized Ostlund. He was on my draft list but didn’t fall to me unfortunately. He was drafted in the 1st round 16th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the NHL this year. Aside from Ostlund, the Rags don't have alot going for them in the prospect department. It will take some time under new leadership to build things back up.
RANK
TIER
PLAYER
TEAM
POS.
# OF PLAYERS
155
6
Noah Ostlund
NYR
C
1
#.29 – Columbus The Jackets don't have a deep prospect pool but they do have Jack broke back Eichel . So that's something. Coming in at number 79 was Braden Schneider. Schneider is a pretty good defenceman and projects to be a top 4 at a minimum. Not in the 170 list but another great prospect is Ryan O'Rourke. The NHL wild 2nd rounder sound help the Jackets sooner rather than later and team up with Schneider to form a pretty decent back end. Another really fun prospect who didn't make the 170 cut in Columbus is Gleb Trikozov. The Jackets took Trikozov with the 19th pick in the NEFHL draft which I thought was a bit high, especially with Miroshnichenko and Kulich still on the board. That said, I really like him and would have took him at 25 if he fell.
RANK
TIER
PLAYER
TEAM
POS.
# OF PLAYERS
79
6
Braden Schneider
CBJ
D
1
#28 - The Buffalo Sabres
RANK
TIER
PLAYER
TEAM
POS
# OF PLAYERS
49
5
Jesperi Kotkaniemi
BUF
C
1
Based 100% on Pronmans 170 list gives the Sabre's a 28th ranking. Not terrible for a team that never drafts. I felt Kotkaniemi is more of a proven talent then any of the player below him in the standings which gave the Sabre's the upperhand. The Sabre's have some other C level prospects that may crack the NHL in a bottom 6 role but none I feel are really worth mentioning here.
The difference between 28 and 31 isn't big and could really come down to a matter of preference. Perhaps if I make this an annual thing, I will make some changes to my evaluation to include more than just Pronmans 170. Truth be told if I had to pick the prospect pool of any of these teams it would be Columbus, but maybe that's my love for Gleb shining through. Stay tuned, I hope to have the next batch out tomorrow. |
|
Seattle Kraken
|
Seattle lineup set for training camp
|
Kraken-Scott |
2022-08-31 14:46:04 |
186 |
The Kraken took a very conservative approach to its offseason, signing primarily depth players and veterans who can provide the young franchise with leadership. It appears that the Kraken have their lineup is now set for the start of its inaugural season. Going into training camp, the depth chart looks as follows:
Olofsson-Boyle-R.Smith
Voracek-McLeod-Sheary
Mikheyev-Spezza-Bastian
Tatar-Cousins-Danforth
Anderson-Dolan-Sutter-Gauthier
McCabe-Schmidt
Holden-Whitecloud
Meloche-Stillman
Bryson-Moverare
Georgiev
Holtby
Vladar
First year head coach Rick Tocchet will of course have final say with the opening night roster, but these figure to be the players with the best chance to debut with the Kraken in October. While the lineup has some obvious holes, GM Davies is pleased with the direction of the new franchise. "We feel as though we're very strong on the wing with veterans like Reilly Smith, Jake Voracek, Victor Olofsson, Conor Sheary and Ilya Mikeyev. I think our biggest weakness is at centre, as there were really no top two-line centres made available through expansion. We went out and signed grizzled veterans Jason Spezza and Brian Boyle to one-year contracts to fill that void in our first year. We're hopeful Mike McLeod can take a step this year and show something in the offensive zone."
Davies also seems pleased with the state of his defense heading into season one. "We've got some younger guys with potential like Riley Stillman, Zach Whitecloud and Jacob Bryson figuring to get some quality ice time this year. Veterans Jake McCabe, Nate Schmidt and Nick Holden should provide the group with stability." In nets, GM Davies seems confident that they've found a potential #1 in Alexandar Georgiev, with Dan Vladar seeming primed to be a solid backup for years to come.
A minor trade was made earlier this week which saw F Ondrej Kase & D Niko Mikkola shipped to Vancouver in exchange for two prospects in Redmond Savage and Ryan Mast. "We must keep our eyes on the future in Seattle" Davies said over and over again to anyone who would listen.
|
|
Minnesota Wild
|
BREAKING: NETFLIX BUYS RIGHTS TO MINNESOTA SAGA
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-08-30 19:01:32 |
240 |
TMZ has learned the situation that unfolded in Saint Paul, Minnesota over the weekend has caught the attention of streaming giants Netflix, Amazon, Paramount+, Disney+ for a hollywood backed account of the story.
TMZ sources place Netflix as the winner of the sweepstakes reportedly paying half a billion USD. Sources involved with the process, but anonymous to protect identities and employment of those involved, indicated the interest levels of the streaming giants.
Netflix: 500 million USD for 3 part mini series.
Amazon: 400 million USD and free prime shipping for the entire cast and crew for 6 months for a 2 part, 4 hour long documentary.
Paramount+: 250 million USD and early sneak-peak of the Frasier reboot for a 6 part documentary.
Disney+: 125 million USD for a colorful rainbow themed cartoon aimed for children ages 4-7.
Despite the problems of recent subscriptions dropping, and attacking users for sharing passwords, as well as promoting ads for lower monthly fees, Netflix put forth the most attractive package. Rumblings out of Netflix HQ, according to well placed individuals inside the company, are saying this project will never make any money but the executives at netflix fought back hard with "In 2022 business is not about making money. It's about feelings." The three part mini series will focus on different aspects of the saga.
Episode 1: untitled – Before the Zegras cover announcement incident
Episode 2: untitled – After the protest: gofundme/change.org and internet drama
Episode 3: untitled – After the dust settles. **PRE-PRODUCTION** ESTIMATED AIR DATE OCTOBER 2022
TMZ sources continue to reveal some more details such as the cast. Speculation is GM Peter, his girlfriend, team captain Brady Tkachuk, prospect Trevor Zegras, head coach Peter Laviolette will all be prominent in the mini series. We have exclusive first look at the actors chosen to bring this story to life.
Kit Harington of ‘Game of Thrones’ fame was reportedly furious. Sources close to the actor claim he gets mistaken for GM Peter on the streets ‘all the time’ and his friends introduce him as the Minnesota GM. Harington was not even considered as he didn’t pass Netflix casting requirements. Internet forums got wind of some of the casting decisions and are in heated debates. As is tradition, social media banned users under the "violation of hateful conduct policy" in which loser low life trolls claimed inaccuracies in the casting for checkbox quotas.
____________________________
Article: 13/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $2,000,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
St-Louis Blues
|
NEFHL U23 Team Rankings - #32
|
Blues-Graham |
2022-08-30 14:40:29 |
232 |
Wow - only 1 year removed from the Stanley cup, this was a surprise to me. The last place team for U23 prospects is no other than the Philidelphia Flyers. Such a big surprise, they will likely be the only team who gets their own article.
Lets see if I can stretch this out to 250 words! This excercise was based 100 % off the 170 ranked prospects in Corey Pronmans list and none of the current flyer prospects made the cut. Although it does reflect poorly on the franchise the cupboards in Philly aren't as bare as they seem. They do have some some decent prospects in the pipeline including the following quadruplet of 2nd rounders:
Drew Commesso G - 2020 2nd rounder 46th overall - Chicago Blackhawks
In Pronmans own pipeline rankings, Pronman put Commesso as the hawks 14th ranked prospect and put him in the tier of "projected to play some NHL games". He owns decent size at 6'2 and 181 pounds. Commesso was one of the US olympic goalies in the most recent Olympics.
Ryker Evens - D - 2021 2nd Rounder 35th overall - Seatle Kraken
In Pronmans own pipleline rankings he's the Krakens #6 ranked prospect and in the tier of "projected to play some NHL games".
I know of Evens but I can't say I know him. Looking at his Elite Prospects profile I can see he's a bit undersized at only 6' but does come in at 192 pounds so he should be big enough. The Eliteprospect draft guide said he was one of the 2021 drafts "best exit technicians". He put up 61 points in 63gp for the Regina Pats last year so he's a solid point producer in the W.
Prokhor Poltapov - Fwd - 2021 2nd rounder 33rd overall - Buffalo Sabres
In Pronmans own pipleline rankings he makes the Sabre's "has a chance to play" tier. Basically the honroable mentions tier. Known as s strong skater Poltapov didn't have a great year last year with only 15 points in 13GP for the CSKA MHL team. Looking at his game logs he averaged over 18/mpg so you'd hope he'd put up better numbers then 15 points in 13GP. Maybe he'll improve with time.
Oliver Kapanen - C - 2021 2nd rounder 64th overall - Montreal Canadians In Pronmans own pipleline rankings he makes the Sabre's "has a chance to play" tier.
The cousin of former Leaf Kasperi Kapanen, Oliver doesn't have his cousins speed or skating ability although it is ok. Like Poltapov, he had an ok year but struggled against adults in the Finish Elite league with only 4 points in 18gp. He stands 6'0 but only weights 165 pounds. He'll need to put some beef on his frame if wants to help the NEFHL flyers some day. As you can see, the Flyers cupboard isn't as bare as their 32nd rank might make them look but it's not exactly an garden of eden. The Flyers didn't make a single pick in the 2022 entry draft but do own 2 firsts and 2 2nds in next years draft. But really, who cares, they won the cup 2 years ago and remain serious contenders this year and the forseeable future.
|
|
St-Louis Blues
|
NEFHL U23 Team Rankings
|
Blues-Graham |
2022-08-30 11:41:44 |
230 |
Team pipeline rankings based on Pronmans rankings of 170 NHL prospects under 23 will be posted soon. Although I've kept his player rankings, I did adjust for NEFHL prefrences such as giving forwards more value than defencemen - this won't show in the indivudual player rankings but was a consideration during the team rankings. There was value put on depth of players I.E number of players ranked but also more value put on quality of players ranked. For example, a player in the top 10 was worth more than 2 players ranked in the 100's. I think this goes without saying. I struggled a bit with how to value goalies. More valuable then defencemen but not as much as forwards? Thankfully there weren't alot to consider. Personally I'm not a huge fan of Pronman, he's made some big misses like picking Laine over Matthews. Woops! He did however get Slavkofsky over Wright. Either way, his list provided a good basis to work from even if I dont' agree with the exact rankings.
Some interesting data from the rankings:
Every team except 1 had a player in the top 170. I think that lone team will surprise some people.
There was a single team with 11 players in the top 100 and two teams with 10. There were 5 with 9. The top team who shall remain nameless only had 8 but obviously had some serious talent near the top of that list.
4 teams only had 1 player on that list. You can probably figure out who the majority of those are.
The full team rankings are all done. Over the next week or so, I'll break it up and put some associated verbage with each team. There are some surprising results.
Stay tuned! |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
NEFHL UFA, Week 3 Recap
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-08-29 19:23:10 |
233 |
12 signings in the 3rd wave of UFA.
WINNERS
New Jersey
Adam Henrique - $2,600,000 - 4 years
-Henrique is my top deal of the week! Another great signing for Jersey. Henrique will add some scoring to the lineup, with solid two-way play, and is a good candidate to see his ratings improve over that contract. Good price and a smart signing.
Florida
Jayson Megna - $500,000 - 4 years
Kyle Rau - $500,000 - 1 year
Michael Sgarbossa - $500,000 - 4 years
-All very cheap depth players that Florida can use as necessary seems like a win. All 70+DF and some intensity found too. A win in wave 3 for Florida's depth.
Anaheim
Chase Priskie - $375,000 - 4 years
-I don't know who this is, but I love me a discount! If he can be even a filler at that price for a couple of seasons, this is gold!
LA
Jamie Oleksiak - $2,100,000 - 3 years
-Big tough dman that can play an important part on the 2022 2nd place team. Good opportunity for both parties on this one.
Edmonton
Scott Wedgewood - $1,800,000 - 3 years
Mattias Janmark - $850,000 - 4 years
-Wedgewood is decent gamble with longer term deal, Oilers hoping to see him step up his game. Oilers did what needed to get him signed. Janmark is good depth option with some chance to see ratings increase if sticks 3rd line for NHL Oilers.
LOSERS
Senators
Jon Merrill - $995,000 - 2 years
-Pretty average dman for under a million. About as expected. Works for Sens.
Toronto
TJ Oshie - $3,333,333 - 3 years
-Oshie is a player I've liked for some time, but do feel he's starting to slow down. Not a bad rate for now, but even by the end of the season I feel this is one that might be an overpay.
Vegas
PK Subban - $3,200,000 - 1 year
-It's one season, and Subban should help the defending Elmer champs with their communications reach, but it is slightly inflated, dollars wise. Will the spin be worth the cash?
Seattle
Jason Spezza - $2,000,000 - 1 year
-Spezza getting paid to help build and lead this new Kraken group. He's not good but will help them reach the cap floor and it's only one year. Positive for Seattle needs, but putting in loss column as not technically a good signing. |
|
Minnesota Wild
|
GM Submits Name Change Application
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-08-29 18:37:08 |
210 |
Amongst the ruins that was once Kellogg Boulevard in Saint Paul, Minnesota, home of the Minnesota Wild arena XCEL ENERGY CENTER, stands GM Peter. Clutched in his hands is a piece of paper that may forever change NEFHL history. Standing on a literal soap box due to the immense number of fecal cleaning detergents required from the 'gimps for equity' protests less than 72 hours ago, the proud and stunning general manager turned justice warrior revealed the document that could forever change Minnesota Sports for all. We have magnified the paperwork for easy to read access below.
Standing in front of the largest crowd seen in public since the 2016 inauguration of REDACTED, GM Peter addressed the hungry, passionate crowd of three individuals still stuck in dried concrete from the soy upcharge protest.
"I come to you all today having heard your cries of oppression. Together our dream of being mild will come true! No more aggressive wording in our name. We will reject our harmful past and destroy all traditions, identities, and culture for a new tomorrow! A better tomorrow! A just tomorrow! An equitable tomorrow! We are better than those dinosaurs who reject the name change. This is progress! This is the spirit of the mild!" - GM Peter
Feedback was immediate on twitter:
Some bigoted lowlife scum loser trash individuals on the internet are questioning why the team name needs to be changed based on the demands of a random blue-checkmark on twitter that got less than a handful of likes, 1300 retweets, and whose protest was attended by only 15 people and caused millions in damages. For the safety of everybody, and to ensure an unbiased platform remains, twitter in co-operation with facebook, instagram, tiktok, tumblr, pinterest and other social media platforms have begun banning those individuals for their hateful remarks trying to keep the name unchanged.
Rumors are starting to circulate that there is a proposed jersey rebrand in the works. Our sources will continue to work dilligently to get the scoop for you all. Stay tuned.
____________________________
Article: 12/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $1,750,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
Anaheim Ducks
|
Flyers GM Flubs Ratliff Vote Three Times
|
Ducks-Ryan |
2022-08-29 16:03:20 |
151 |
Breaking news out of NEFHL headquarters. It appears as though one GM has missed the boat when it comes to voting for GM of the year. An anonymous source in Calgary who wishes to remain anonymous has stated that not only did Jamie vote for a GM who is no longer here once, he did it twice, and voted for a GM who just came back.
"That should be an instant firing. What the F*ck!" said Leafs-Shane fresh out of his anger management classes.
"It was an accident, I couldn't vote for myself so I panicked. I'm a winner woooo!! Oh and F**k Quinn Hughes." said Jamie as tears rolled down his cheeks, knowing this is his last season of relevancy.
Jean was asked to comment on the situation but was too busy playing with Winnie to even know a vote was taking place. Winnie has seen a lot more activity lately with Dach, and co heading to MTL in the NHL.
"This guy called himself a winner on day one of free agency. The only thing he's won is an overpriced Center with falling ratings, honestly not surprised he did this", said another GM located in the state of Pennsylvania. "Look, I can barely color in the lines of a coloring book and even I didn't screw it up. That's all I can say for now. I have a movie shoot coming up!" Sabres-Kevin"This shit doesn't make sense to me, I hate this league, I hate the former Wild GM, I just wanna get paid, enough of this woke bullshit. I'm not signing Zegras." Wild-Peter"No comment. I'll answer it in my own article." Knights-Derek
"Yeah but what did their plus minus look like?" Blues-Graham
When asked if there will be any supplemental discipline the league decided being GM of the Flyers was punishment enough. |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
Norris Front Runners
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-08-29 12:30:55 |
204 |
Here's a look at my top 5 Norris candidates heading into the season.
Cale Makar - CHI - Cale is quickly shooting into super stardom and is best bet for NEFHL Norris this year. He can handle the big minutes and is just going to become more and more dominant as the season progresses. If he was to win, there's a good chance it's just his first of many.
Roman Josi - DET - Josi will be shopped all season. Detroit will be surprised there are no better offers, and keep thinking one is coming, and grind grind grind, but then, finally, after carrying the Wings all season and keeping them near a playoff spot single handily, just then, at the deadline, is when they will get a decent offer and say bye Josi! Good luck! Then Josi will play for a contender to finish the season.
Victor Hedman - TOR - Hedman has something to prove and after a quick retool, so does Toronto. Hedman also knows that if he doesn't play well for two consecutive games, his GM will publicly call him out for being trash and put him on the trade block, where no teams will be able to make an adequate offer and he'll end up remaining in Toronto, slightly offended, but also slightly scared to make mistakes. He'll be okay he says. He's seeking his 3rd career Norris.
John Carlson - ARI - Carlson will be key part to the Arizona offense this season. He is best passer on the team and will be setting up the talented forward group they have. A season removed from his first Norris he'd like to give another go at it.
Aaron Ekblad - COL - If Ekblad can stay healthy all season, he is likely to put up a ton of offense with his skill and talented Avs lineup. The big hope is can stay healthy NHL and play well to be a force in the NEFHL playoffs without missing time. He's easily one of top threats on defense in the league. |
|
Anaheim Ducks
|
Anaheim Ducks Extend GM Clarey With 5 Year Deal
|
Ducks-Ryan |
2022-08-28 18:12:06 |
184 |
Breaking news out of Anaheim today, the Ducks have reached an extension with General Manager Ryan Clarey today which will keep him with the organization through the next six seasons. Clarey had one year remaining on his deal and the ownership group had been wanting to lock him in since Anaheim made the playoffs last season."He really put Anaheim back on the map in such a short time frame. The way he has drafted, the trades he has made, every little thing has had a huge impact for us, and we are trending in the right direction and plan on keeping it that way. His 2020 draft may go down in league history as one of the best ever. Prior to that he drafted Hughes and Romanov in the same draft and was able to snag Joel Farabee from a trade. We are ecstatic" said owner Henry Samueli.
Clarey has been able to build a team that at one point had no prospects and an aging core. Many thought last season he was jumping the gun on pushing to compete for the NEFHL playoffs, but he clearly had a vision and belief in the guys he put out there that they would be able to compete every night."Being a GM is never an easy task. You're being watched all the time, your moves get questioned, the contracts you hand out are scrutinized. You have to have thick skin to survive in this league. We do it for the love of the game. We love to compete. It's a privilege and an honor to be a part of something so special. There are 31 other smart GMs in this league and if you're not bringing it every day you will get passed over. After leaving Minnesota the future wasn't so clear. Some will never know just how hard it was for me to walk away from the team, I loved that team, I built that team, I loved the locker room we had, but I had some growing up to do. The time away did me some good because I feel in Anaheim there's been a lot of similar moments that the prior experience helped with. We have elite prospects now, and for the future. We have cap space. Bad contracts are coming off the books every year but most importantly the guys are buying into the team first mentality. This is home for me, and hopefully one day we can add a championship banner to the rafters." Said Ryan Clarey.
Anaheim is expected to reach out to a few free agents tonight to see if anything makes sense. If nothing comes from it, Anaheim feels comfortable going into next season."Our goaltending may give us trouble for a bit as we have two guys capable of being a starter, but just are not there yet. We feel Mrazek has the best chance at obtaining that role. After this upcoming season we feel we will regularly be competing for the playoffs. Making the playoffs and winning our first playoff series in Anaheim remains our goal for now." said Clarey. |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
NEFHL Rumour Mill
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-08-28 14:06:41 |
196 |
A few hot rumours for the NEFHL:
While media is digging hard to find out about signings and not many trades going down at the moment, sometimes the media has to work a little harder. This time they have discovered rumour of a massive offer that JD has turned down to buy the NEFHL. Sources say JD could never give up control of the NEFHL, not even for one million dollars apparently. Is this a done deal, or is JD playing hard ball? What would an NEFHL takeover look like? Would GMs be charged? Would fans be charged? Commercials on the site? Who knows, but for now, sources say most GMs are team JD.
In other rumours, Handsome Kev apparently has significant offers from both Marvel and DC to play new villains, but he's unsure if the parts are the right fit. The hot scoop is that fellow NEFHL GM Jamie might have the inside track to cast him in a low budget indie film that lets him show off his comedic range. He's to play a brilliant scientist by day, evil mad scientist by night. It's expected they've been using NEFHL pm system to keep things on the hush. No one's totally sure how Handsome Kev is the hot item without acting experience, but everyone wants a piece right now.
Meanwhile, a secretive American operation is looking at a raid on Isles Steve for the offensive things he's been saying online. The American people feel like he has hurt too many people to continue on his maniacal tirades. If the operation is successful, we may suddenly see a neutered version of Steve on these boards without understanding why a change has happened. Most will just assume he's become lazy as that is the expected anti Steve spin.
Carter of the Kings is connected to a massive yoga scam that is unwinding itself in a CSIS operation. If some of the alleged claims are true, Carter created an entire cult of yogi's that have been operating across Canada for ten years now. They use manipulative language and control their students by telling them how to think. They then tell them to buy specific products and make specific political actions and voting. Some are amazed that people just believe everything they say is true, but Buttyeah Yogi, led by charistmatic Yogi Buttyeah, knows that people are gullible and he uses that to his advantage. The deep diver conspiricy theorists believe Carter disguises himself to create Yogi Buttyeah.
|
|
Nashville Predators
|
Ranking the 2022 draft based on the Predator's list
|
Preds-Sylvain |
2022-08-27 22:34:09 |
130 |
How did the different teams do on draft day? The most common measure used in the NEFHL is usually to compare the draft rank in NEFHL with the one in the NHL. The last article did just that, except those picks were weighted based on their relative value since moving up at the top of the draft is more valuable than going from the 7th to the 5th round.
Such a measure is based on the idea that NHL teams know their stuff and draft the best players available. Yet, going back through the years, many good players fell through the ranks in their draft year. On this basis, the NHL draft result probably shouldn’t be taken so seriously.
Even though the Predators measured well in the 2022 draft in terms of value when looking at the NHL draft, their overall draft list still looked quite different. As a fun exercise, every NEFHL team’s draft was measured on the same basis of weighted value for each pick. Of note that the “official” Predators draft list only included prospects available to NHL teams in this year’s draft and excluded the ones that were already drafted in the NEFHL. The team’s total drafted value and weighted value per pick were considered to create a ranking. Obviously, the Nashville brass could be totally wrong here, and teams ranked at the bottom could still end up with a great crop of prospects. Lastly, the Predators were excluded, because it would kind of be asinine to judge the team’s performance from its own list.
God draft tier (A+)
The top team in the ranking got a ton of value from their picks, earning the praise of GM Tremblay during the draft “it looks like Jean was drafting from my list”. In total, that team got more value from their picks than the Predators did, which is, frankly… surprising (unless they really got their list?). The Red Wings stand at the top of the rankings with a godly mention. All their picks from the top round from Juraj Slafkovsky to Fraser Minten were high on the Predators list (8 players in a row!). Nashville also really liked the Kyrou, Greene, Petrovsky, Savoie, and Davies picks besides those eight at the top.
Great draft tier (A)
Next, three teams fall into the great drafts category: Islanders, Sharks, and Kraken.
Islanders were solid at the top of the draft with their Jiricek, Nyman, Kaplan, and Neuchev selections.
Sharks only had four high picks but also got great value for each in Nemec, Kemell, Lambert, and Bystedt.
The Kraken also made a good first splash, with their only miss in their first eight selections being Brennan Ali. On top of seven of their top eight selections, Seattle also sneaked in two favorites of Nashville in Nordberg and Spicer later.
Good draft tier (B+)
In the next tier, four teams ended up with good drafts: Wild, Blues, Blackhawks, and Flames.
The Wild started the draft with a home run in Logan Cooley and added a good value pick later with Matikka. Also, despite not counting in terms of points, they drafted Josh Bloom as an overager that Nashville held in high regard.
The Blues picked up the safest player at the top in Shane Wright. St Louis also added good value in Casey, Grudinin, and Plante later in the draft.
The Blackhawks had an overall solid draft with Lekkerimaki and Firkus, plus they snatched up one of the Predators’ favorites in David Goyette.
The Flames close off this tier with solid picks through round 5. Del Bel Belluz and Hutson were amongst the players that the Predators valued more than the consensus. A special mention for picking up Gannon Laroque who has done well in the WHL this year as an overrager.
Above average draft tier (B-)
The Stars, Devils, Canucks, Oilers, and Rangers also had slightly above-average drafts. The Stars selections were solid in the top three rounds with Savoie, Luneau, and Hamara, and they were able to select a great value pick later in the draft in Guindon. The Devils did likewise, with Mintyukov, Zhilkin, and Hayes. The Canucks only had two picks in the top 100 but they were able to get a favorite of the Predators in Frank Nazar and they added good value in Ty Nelson where he was picked. The Nazar selection alone pushed them above average. It was a similar story with the Oilers, who picked up Liam Ohgren in the first round, a player that was in the Predators’ top 10. Lastly, in this tier, the Rangers got good value with their four picks in the top 100 in Ostlund, Dumais, Ingram, and Delic.
Below average draft tier (C)
The next tier is made up of the teams that had slightly below-average drafts in terms of value. Included in this tier are the Blue Jackets, the Canadiens, the Hurricanes, the Panthers, the Leafs, the Coyotes, and the Senators.
The Blue Jackets only had one pick worth mentioning, and even though the Predators like Trikozov, he was likely taken a bit high. Without other picks, Colombus’ haul still felt light in comparison to other teams.
The same story applies to the Coyotes, who made a perfectly fine selection in the first round in Snuggerud but didn’t have any other picks.
The Canadiens had more picks and did fine with their first and second-rounders with Kulich and Odelius, but none of their other selections were on Nashville’s draft list.
The Hurricanes started the draft well with Geekie and added value later with Lisowsky. The Panthers took Howard a bit early but then compensated for that with the McGroarty selection.
Florida’s selection of Lorenz and Lamoureux in the second also provided some value, although Nashville didn’t have them ranked that high on their own list.
The Leafs made a solid selection in Kasper early in the first. The other players didn’t make the cut on the Predators’ top 100 list though, with Buchelnikov and Edmonds being honorable mentions.
The Senators close off this tier. Ottawa got value in Yurov, Perevalov, and Havelid, although they were lower on Nashville’s list than where they were selected, with Engstrom being an honorable mention.
Poor value draft tier (D+)
The Kings, Lightning, Knights, Avalanche, Bruins, and Capitals make up the next tier that didn’t add much value in this draft. Those teams mostly lacked the high picks to bring home high value from the draft.
The Kings had three players on the list in Salomonsson, Moldenhauer, and Ronni. Without a top selection, Los Angeles’ highest upside prospect from the draft is likely Moldenhauer.
The Lightning’s highest pick was in the fifth round, and even though Pettersson was great value at that point, this draft is unlikely to have a great effect on Tampa Bay’s future.
Vegas only started drafting late in the third round. The Knights picked up Haight, rated much higher by the Predators than his draft rank.
The Avalanche selected Beck and Lucius with their two picks in the 2nd round, who were adequate selections in that range.
The Bruins only had one selection and got Sam Rinzel who went higher in the NHL. While Nashville believes that Rinzel has a lot of upside, he is very raw and wasn’t valued as highly. Judging the high school players is hard and his value could rise tremendously in the future years (like Scott Morrow).
Finally, the Capitals selected Rohrer late in the 2nd round who was adequate value for that pick.
No value draft tier (F)
The other teams close off the rankings: Penguins, Sabres, Ducks, and the Flyers. Other than the Penguins, who had two 7th rounders, all these other teams didn’t have any picks, so they didn’t bring anything home from the draft. FAIL. |
|
Minnesota Wild
|
Wild GM Denies Being “Woke”
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-08-27 19:17:39 |
220 |
Just days after blue-chip prospect turned cover athlete Trevor Zegras was announced as the face of the NEFHL23 video game, the GM of the Minnesota Wild found himself in hot water ...yet again. The latest incident was for the totally unprofessional conduct by describing Zegras as a ‘penis-holding’ individual and the other biological sex of humans as ‘uterus-holders’. Such language has been deemed unacceptable.
“I was just trying to be inclusive. I was given training by Education Minnesota on how to think and speak. I thought I was doing it right. If four year olds are learning this in school then there’s no reason for me not to know it too. I’m not going woke. Woke doesn’t exist, just like cancel culture. It’s just another right wing conspiracy dogwhistle as I’ve learned in my Best Practices for Meaningful Community Engagement re-education seminar as well as my Engaging in Sensitive Conversations training from the Minnesota Department of Education. I’m being socially and culturally responsible and ackowleding the generations of trauma felt by the most marginalized in society by renaming dangerous and triggering terms we’ve all used in the past. I should have known the terms would change on the daily now for the most ultra progressive progressives among us. I will do better for my community. I apologize to all the penis-carriers and uterus-carriers for the violence I caused."
By not acknowledging his faults enough, and there are many, the Wild GM opened himself to the culturally-approved, government backed, media endorsed, big tech enforced groupthink on social media. Here’s a quick screencap of the extreme violence the careless, insensitive, harmful, wicked Wild GM inflicted on the kind, caring, welcoming, inclusive group of diverse, stunning, brave progressive individuals.
The protest outside the arena was liked by 1300 online but attended by 15 of the most inclusive, equitable, diverse individuals. Four of them showed up in gimp suits barking like dogs and defecating on the sidewalk for equity. Three wearing the latest designer footwear from Prada, poured wet concrete over their shoes for lower soy milk prices at the coffee shops inside while filming on their iphone 13 pro max chanting 'Death to Peter. Make soy cheaper'. One brave individual tossed a gallon of red paint to protest for vegan hotdogs to replace the regular franks. The remaining chanted “we are mild!” as seen in this photo below. Only moments after this photo was taken, the protest really turned peaceful when nearby businesses had their windows shattered by bricks and their merchandise looted. Many cars were broken into and reported damage is in the millions but it’s the societal price to pay for the GM’s hurtful, archaic rhetoric .
____________________________
Article: 11/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $1,500,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
New York Islanders
|
NEFHL Headlines You Will Never See (And Others)
|
Isles-Steve |
2022-08-27 00:07:18 |
228 |
In a moment of odd creative vision, after 18 seasons, and in response to a non-existent demand, I think it’s time to release a list of the top 33 headlines we will never see here.
32. Panthers GM Eric Creates Post-Trev Strategy
31. Bruins GM Posts “I’m not THAT Jason!”
30. Flames Goaltender Loses Starter Ratings, JD Files For Bankruptcy!!
29. Hurricanes Attend NEFHL Draft!
28. Red Wings GM Meets All NEFHL Deadlines!
27. Avalanche GM Executes Undisputed Trade!
26. Montreal Hoists NEFHL Stanley Cup! (Hoist First Banner Too!)
25. Leafs GM Posts Complete Sentence on Forum Without Using “Trash”!
24. Sabres Draft Pick Makes NEFHL Debut!
23. Islanders Hoist Cup, GM Retires, Swears off Alcohol!
22. Lightning GM Misses Live Draft!
21. Predators GM Ignores Rule Change Discussion!
20. Oilers GM Decides to Rebuild!
19. Vegas GM Receives Strikes For Lack of Articles!
18. Wild GM Denies Being “Woke”!
17. Kings GM Receives Modesty Award!
16. Jets GM Turns Over Asset-Rich Team to New GM
15. Penguins GM Trades Sidney Crosby
14. BlackHawks GM Leaves NEFHL For Military Service!
13. Canucks GM Kyle Loses Trade!
12. Capitals GM Wins Mr. Nice Guy Award, Agrees With Something!
11. Seattle GM Admits Islander Fetish Still Exists!
10. Rangers Do More Than NEFHL Minimum! Swear off Donkey Nuts!
9. Blue Jackets Raise Second Banner to Rafters!
8. Stars GM Abstains From Beer During Live Draft!
7. Devils GM Fires AGM!
6. Sharks Fire Ken McBobzie!
5. Flyers GM – Perfection Achieved By Flyers Pre-Season Rankings
4. Blues Hoist First Banner Since Legendary GM Departs in 2017
3. Senators GM Drafts All Russians, Ignores NCAA!
2. Coyotes GM Nurses Team to NEFHL Stanley Cup!
1. Ducks Celebrate First Round Playoff Victory!
And finally... Insider Refuses To Post Results!
|
|
Toronto Maple Leafs
|
Leaf UFA process
|
Leafs-Shane |
2022-08-25 16:23:06 |
131 |
The Leafs have made a few moves over the summer to make themslves more compeitive and hopefully push for the playoffs and possibly more.
At the starts of UFA the leafs had a few targets and will show below the processes and targets the Leafs had and have.
Targets -
Patrice Bergeron. The goal was sign hin to a 4 year deal given he will retire next offseason and to a dollar amount of no more then 4.75.. Failed
David Perron - Again the goal was to sign him to a 4 year deal as he still has some NHL life. The end goal was to go no higher then 3.5.. Failed
Jakub Silfverberg - The highly capable df first forward was high on the Leaf want list. Goal was a short term deal to a dollar amount of 1.5 or less. Failed
Jonathan Toews - Again a highly capable defense first forward was a want for the Leafs. Goal was a 1 year deal to a dollar figure of 1.75 or less... Failed
Justin Holl - A guy to round out the bottom pairing is osmething the Leafs could use. Holl was offered up to 1.1 over 2 years. Failed
The still have 3 targets but will not overpay for any UFA. If they land one great, if they dont land one then the team will have ample cap space and could look at some trade options that will open once all the UFAS are signed. Rumour has it 1 target is a forward that played in west with another Dman who also played in the western conference as another target.
|
|
Minnesota Wild
|
Breaking Barriers: Zegras makes cover of NEFHL23
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-08-25 16:22:33 |
201 |
In a very weird development, Minnesota Wild prospect Trevor Zegras has made the cover of the upcoming NEFHL23 video game despite playing a total of 0 NEFHL regular season, playoff, or pre-season games. Zegras beat out multiple award nominees from the 'good lads' in Los Angeles, the cup champion captain Aston Matthews, beat out the Calder Trophy Winner Jack Hughes, and beat out all the major award winners in 2021-2022. Despite all this, the cover athlete still has not signed his Entry Level Contract in the NEFHL.
"We had no idea Zegras was even in the conversation for cover athlete. It's obviously a great accomplishment for the young penis-holding individual. We're really exciting for him to be part of our locker room when the time is right." - GM Peter
Sources say the GM of the Wild must sign Zegras now considering thousands of kids will be looking to play as the star prospect. The GM has repeatedly stated in the past he will not be influenced by outside pressure. The two sides have had discussions but it seems the Wild GM is more focused on Free Agency at the moment.
Our California correspondent indicated that elite, star, franchise, generational player Connor McDavid was spotted crying into crisp $100 bills on sunset boulevard while our Las Vegas correspondent took video of Auston Matthews alone at a UFC event, where the cup champion was seen slouched over his seat holding his head. It is unsure if he was crying over seeing the last remaining hair fall or the news of Zegras's cover athlete announcement.
It is a new era in the hockey video game world, where players who haven't even played in the league are getting video game covers. What's next, having a uterus-holder on the cover despite no uterus-holders in the league? Madness to some. The logical next step to others.
_______________________
Article: 10/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $1,250,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
5 Forwards to watch for
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-08-25 12:49:22 |
202 |
With some slow days of Summer upon us in the NEFHL, I thought I'd take a look at the top 5 forwards to watch out for this season. Looking at few factors, not just who I think are top 5 scorers.
#1 Alex Ovechkin - Ovi is the NEFHL all time leader for goals,points, +/- and GWG, while sitting 2nd to only Dustin Brown for all time hits. Despite that, he has never won a cup and his playoff stats are far from the top of the leaders. He moves to Pittsburgh this off-season with both sides hoping that he can join poster boy Crosby and bring Pittsburgh a 2nd cup.
#2 Connor McDavid - He lead the league in points last season, but lost the Hart, Conn Smythe, and Stanley Cup to rival Auston Matthews. The elite young center will have even more to prove this season and will look to elevate his game. LA will hope to build off the success their franchise center got going last season with new found favourite line-mate Zibanajed. You know the good lad is looking for a cup.
#3 Auston Matthews - Will be tough to follow up the season he just had, but Caps haven't changed much and Matthews is also continuing to evolve. It's not too hard to imagine him taking Hart, Rocket, Conn Smythe, and Cup for a 2nd straight season.
#4 Max Pacioretty - I put the Oilers on the losing end of this one regarding UFA signings, but he has the possibility of being a game changer for Edmonton. It's an exciting signing that could push the Oilers into the playoffs. It's 1 year, so if it doesn't work out, he'll move along, and if it does work out, might make a good loyalty. The big question mark is the durability - it's low and he'll be missing significant time in NHL to start the season. If he can stay healthy he'll have a huge impact.
#5 Patrice Bergeron - Philly started the off-season clearing out soon to be UFAs for picks and not expose them in the expansion draft. Post expansion, a push was made to Dallas for Draisaitl, but picks were not the asset they were looking to acquire, so Flyers put their eyes to free agency, specifically Patrice Bergeron. Bergeron is the ultimate #1 shut-down franchise center, even in the twilight of his career. His elite PC and DF just further elevates Philly's shut down game. These two seasons with Shesterkin at $2.3 mill are years Philly needs to go for it and Bergeron is the perfect use of cap space for them, and gives him chance to add to his cup totals. |
|
Calgary Flames
|
Long Island Friends Reunited in Cowtown
|
Flames-JD |
2022-08-23 18:48:07 |
130 |
In the NEFHL, you seldom see a player stick to the same team for 8+ seasons. Some teams are better than others at sticking with their top players. Steven Stamkos has played 12 seasons with the Hurricanes. Patrick Kane leads the pack and has played 14 wih the Devils.
In the grand scheme of things though, 8 seasons on the same team is not something most players in this league can claim to have to done. Jonathan Huberdeau had played his entire career with the New York Islanders when team General Manager Steve Reisman decided it was time to retool the team and leverage his all-star winger to help move that process along.
After some time on the block, the Isles found a suitor in Calgary where the Flames were looking at making another push for a deep playoff run. Just short of 700 games played and 500 points, Hubie packed his bags and landed in Cowtown for the final 32 games of the season. He made the most of those 32 games, producing 41 points and being a +17. After finishing second overall in the league during the season, the Flames fell apart in round 1 of the playoffs, managing only a single win.
The expansion draft forced Flames management to make a tough decision in moving star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. Hellebuyck had, himself, completed his 6th season with the Flames since being signed by them in 2013. That transaction freed up a sizeable chunk of cap room for the Flames and while it's not possible to just replace a goalie like Hellebuyck, the team vowed use that cap room to improve the skaters on the team.
Following the conclusion of round 1 of free agency, the Flames had added 3rd line center Ryan Getzlaf and sat just a hair over the cap floor. Huberdeau had invited former teammate Alex Pietrangelo, who had played almost 11 seasons with the Islanders, to his summer cottage for the weekend. Pietrangelo had himself been moved after being with the Islanders since 2008 to the Chicago Blackhawks for a chance at winning a Cup. His postseason was longer than Huberdeau's but ultimately, the 6-time All-Star wasn't able to realize his childhood dream.
They sat around the fire that night at the cottage and expected Pietrangelo's agent to call with an offer from a team that he could sign but the call never came. After a few beers and a few tokes from a marijuana vape pen they passed around, Huberdeau joked: "Why don't you come to Calgary?". Then Alex's semi closed eyes went wide open. "That would be sick". And suddenly, Huberdeau thought how cool it would be to get reunited with his old time buddy.
They spoke for hours about the team, the city, the organization and the facilities. The following Monday, it was Pietrangelo's agent reaching out to GM Barry. To Barry's surprise, the agent was offering up his player at a friendly deal that made it impossible to pass up. "It's not every day you have a player of Alex's calibre willing to take a paycut. He wanted a chance to win a Cup, he wanted to be reunited with his Long Island buddy, so it was a no brainer to get this done" Barry explained.
The Flames now stand at 41.3 million heading into the season. Pietrangelo is expected to line up alongside Rasmus Andersson when camp opens in September. |
|
Seattle Kraken
|
Who were the easiest and toughest GM's to deal with in expansion??
|
Kraken-Scott |
2022-08-23 12:49:17 |
194 |
Just kidding. |
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
Pens WJC Recap
|
Pens-Brent |
2022-08-22 20:19:07 |
202 |
Here is a little recap of how the five Penguins prospects fared at the World Junior Championships.
Olen Zellweger: Nominated by the media as one of the best defenders in the tournament, Zellweger was the backbone of the Canadian defence core. He demonstrated that he can perform at a high level at both ends of the ice. There is a lot to be excited about with this one considering his skillset and potential upside at the next level. Olen tallied 11 points (2+9) in 7 games and anchored the Canadian powerplay. There's a good chance that he gets another year of seasoning and should lead Canada in a leadership role this winter if all works out.
Ridly Greig: Despite the unfortunate injury, Greig showcased his outstanding 200 foot game and high end compete level. While active, he was instrumental at both end of the ice. Team captain, Mason MacTavish, acknowledged that he was irreplaceable when news broke that he could no longer play. Good things the boys stepped up in his absence. Given the talent added to the Senators (NHL) roster this off season, there's a good chance Greig gets another year to fill out and develop his game before making the jump.
Brock Faber: Logged plenty of minutes on the back end for the Americans. Faber showcased tremendous poise and a good two-way game. Furthermore, he displayed his exceptional leadership abilities as captain of the team. Unfortunately for Brock and the US, they came up a little bit short this year. Faber should head back to college where he will captain the prestigious Golden Gophers this season. Brock gelled very well with Luke Hughes this tournament. Could Faber + Zellweger be a good pair in the future?
Kalle Vaisanen: The 6'4, 180lb right winger showed that he has some promise to his game. Vaisanen managed to record a goal and an assist through seven games while playing in more of a defensive role for the Finns. He should see more time with TPS in the Liiga this year. Hopefully Kalle shows that he can produce when given some more playing time at the professional level. He is still very raw.
Jiri Tichacek: In my initial WJC preview article, I did not even realize that Tichacek was playing. Twice passed over in the NHL. He managed an assist in seven games. Hopefully he eventually finds his way.
________________________
Obligatory Articles: 5/5
Bonus Articles: 3/40 = $750,000 / $10,000,000 |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
2022 UFA, Week 2, Winners and Losers
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-08-22 15:33:11 |
215 |
14 more signings in the 2nd wave of UFA! What a fun UFA experience we have in NEFHL :)
All signings make a lot of sense for each team involved. Here's a team by team recap of wave 2, with some winners and losers.
WINNERS
Calgary
Alex Pietrangelo - $3,600,000 - 4 years
-Flames continue to add through free agency, bringing in top pairing Pietrangelo on a great deal. Important addition and at a great price for Calgary.
Detroit
Torey Krug - $2,550,550 - 4 years
Jakob Silfverberg - $1,755,550 - 4 years
-I really like both these pickups for Detroit. Both are good candidates to see upward ratings through their 4 year deals. They're not the cheapest of their groupings, but are good assets to add long term.
NYR
Cam Atkinson - $3,500,000 - 3 years
-Excellent 2nd liner on a good contract. Gets a contract that matches his skills and should be a good trading chip for NYR next off season.
Anaheim
Petr Mrazek - $2,250,000 - 2 years
-Decent ratings with chance to improve. With cap space for a guy like Mrazek, he's worth taking a chance on and might pay off. Smart signing for the Ducks.
Philadelphia
Jarred Tinordi - $750,000 - 4 years
Chad Ruhwedel - $850,000 - 4 years
-Flyers bit short on dmen at the moment. Tinordi and Ruhwedel will slide in as the new 2nd pairing, but Philly was hoping to add a bigger name or two to go with these two. Cheap contracts are nice.
Arizona
Jordan Martinook - $750,000 - 4 years
-Good 4th liner with some intensity and solid defense, so at $750k is a deal! Good add for Yotes.
LOSERS
Edmonton
Max Pacioretty - $6,500,000 - 1 year
-Max is a great NEFHL sniper, but with low DU and quickly dropping, he might not play a ton of games. Might make an excellent loyalty though. Going to bring lots of skill and leadership to Edmonton. Not a 'loser' or negative in anyway, but on the high end for risky asset. Kudos to Edmonton for having the fortitude to make this deal.
NYI
David Perron - $5,500,000 - 1 year
-Islanders overpaying for a UFA isn't necessarily a bad thing, when on a 1 year deal, given their tank mode (helps meet floor) and might make a good loyalty next year. This deal does make sense for them.
Tampa Bay
David Rittich - $925,000 - 4 years
-Decent backup with potential for bounce back ratings. Nice pickup for Tbay. Just less of a win than those on the winner end.
Ottawa
Tomas Nosek - $900,000 - 2 years
-Nosek could see his ratings improve over the course of the season. I don't think he's that great or likely to improve though, so on the high end for my liking.
Nashville
Sam Carrick - $800,000 - 2 years
-Decent 6/7 dman on a cheap contract that has some chance to see ratings increase. Not a bad add, just one of the more minor additions.
Seattle
Matthew Peca - $750,000 - 2 years
-Never heard of this fellow before, but cheap contract, free asset, maybe it'll work out for Seattle. Even if it does, minor enough that can stay on the loser side for another round :) If it doesn't work, also, no actual negative here.
|
|
Buffalo Sabres
|
Sabres Straight Up
|
Sabres-Kevin |
2022-08-21 20:14:32 |
173 |
Sure I spam the roster but it’s unreal...
Incredible two-way Center depth… 60 minutes a night of very sound two-way play… I absolutely believe we have one of the best Center groups in the league… with multiple quality centers on the wing as well.
Robertson is an emerging 50G threat… his 85SC makes him dangerous every time he touches the ice… it’s not just Robertson though… every player has hands to drop 25… every player has hands to get hot
To get the forwards the puck I wanted explosive Defensemen and I’ve systematically added Toews/Fowler/Dunn while adding fantastic stay at home bkueliners Gudas/McNabb/Ekholm to protect them as they run and gun
We’ve identified players with a physical edge throughout this process
We’ve identified players that excel in the defensive end throughout this process
In lieu of having a number one goalie we’ve gone with a cost effective combo with upside
Leadership sprinkled throughout
40.561
(23) Robertson 2.8x2 - (25) Eriksson EK 2.0x1 - (34) Okposo 1.8x3
(26) Bennett 1.18x1 - (30) Johansen 2.5x3 - (31) Schenn 3.7x3
(37) Carter 2.311x1 - (29) Trocheck 2.0x1 - (27) Duclair 2.2x3
(30) Namestnikov 1.3x4 - (34) Toews 2.5x4 - (26) Milano 0.7x4
(28) Toews 2.2x2 - (32) Gudas 1.8x2
(31) McNabb 2.3x3 - (31) Fowler 3.2x4
(32) Ekholm 2.75x3 - (26) Dunn 1.75x2
(26) Ned 0.73x1
(29) Forsberg 1.0x2
1.3 Farm (Bolded Have Played In the NHL)
F: Sanford, Caggiula, Kotikanemi, Crookshank, Cotter, Blumel, Angle, Cederqvist, Hardman, Rousek, Lopina, Walker, Harkins, Laczynski, Weatherby, McLaughlin, Walther
D: Kiersted, Day, Diliberatore, Berni, Laaksonen, Soloyvov
G: Chrona, Tikkanen
_____
Per 82 2022/23 NHL Projections
Robertson: 45G 95Pts
Trocheck: 35G 75Pts
Schenn: 30G 65Pts
Johansen: 25G 60Pts
Eriksson EK: 30G 55Pts
Bennett: 30G 55Pts
Toews: 25G 55Pts
Kotikanemi: 25G 55Pts
Carter: 15G 40Pts
Duclair: 20G 40Pts (Injured till February)
Namestinkov: 15G 35Pts
Okposo: 15G 35Pts
Toews: 20G 65Pts
Fowler: 15G 40Pts
Dunn: 10G 40Pts
Ekholm: 10G 35Pts
McNabb: 5G 25Pts
Gudas: 5G 25Pts
We are built to run and gun with a mean streak
Toews could have himself a MVP year… his ratings are ridiculous and he’s surrounded with talent.
Every minute of the sim the club should be dangerous |
|
Minnesota Wild
|
Early look at Minnesota NEFHL players in the NHL
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-08-21 18:54:11 |
187 |
Still the middle of summer but I want that article money so here's an article for you to read...or skip over. Whatever.
Nefhl roster is not ready for the season but let's see where the roster would fit in an NHL organization.
Goalies
Cam Talbot = Starter Ottawa Senators
Carter Hart = Starter Philadelphia Flyers
Defense
Josh Morrissey = Top Pair Winnipeg Jets
Filip Hronek = Top Pair Detroit Red Wings
Ryan Graves = Top 4 / PK specialist New Jersey Devils
Colin Miller = #4 or 5, quiet unassuming all around defenseman now with the Dallas Stars
Forwards
Roope Hintz = Top line Centre Dallas Stars
Brady Tkachuk = Top Line LW Ottawa Senators
Elias Pettersson = Top Line C/RW Vancouver Canucks
Trevor Zegras = Top Line C Anaheim Ducks
Jake Debrusk = Top 6 Winger Boston Bruins
Josh Bailey = Top 6 Winger New York Islanders
Kevin Labanc = Top 6 Winger San Jose Sharks
JG Pageau = Middle 6 Centre New York Islanders
Luke Kunin = Middle 6 Forward San Jose Sharks
Jonas Donskoi = Middle 6 Winger Seattle Kraken
Josh Archibald = Bottom 6 Winger Pittsburgh Penguins
Noah Gregor = Bottom 6 Winger San Jose Sharks
Jake Evans = Bottom 6 Forward Montreal Canadiens
Farm
Goalies
Dustin Wolf = AHL Starter / NHL backup? / callup Calgary Flames
Daniil Tarasov = AHL Starter / NHL backup? / callup Columbus BlueJackets
Jared Moe = NCAA (rights belong to Winnipeg Jets)
Defensemen
Kale Clague = Bottom Pair / 7th D Buffalo Sabres
Jake Christiansen = Bottom Pair / 7th D / callup Columbus BlueJackets
Tarmo Reunanen = AHL Carolina Hurricans
Josh Brook = AHL Calgary Flames
Michael Callahan = AHL Boston Bruins
Mason Millman = AHL Philadelphia Flyers
Marcus Bjork = AHL Columbus BlueJacket
Forwards
Nathan Smith = Top 6 Centre Arizona Coyotes
Alex Formenton = Middle 6 Winger Ottawa Senators
Emil Bemstrom = Bottom 6 / Callup Columbus BlueJacket
Nick Bjugstad = Bottom 6 / 13th Forward / Callup Arizona Coyotes
Markus Nurmi = Bottom 6 Forward / 13th Forward / Callup Nashville Predators
Fredrik Karlstrom = Bottom 6 Forward / 13th Forward / Callup Dallas Stars
Jackson Cates = Bottom 6 Forward / 13th Forward / Callup Philadelphia Flyers
Evan Barratt = AHL / Callup Chicago Blackhawks
Lauri Pajuniemi = AHL / Callup New York Rangers
Cole Schwindt = AHL / Callup Calgary Flames
Jaydon Dureau = AHL / Callup Tampa Bay Lightning
Corey Andonovski = AHL / Callup Pittsburgh Penguins
Navrin Mutter = AHL / Callup Nashville Predators
Lukas Vejdemo = UFA
Obviously it is still early so I will re-post this article after training camp and before opening night rosters are final just to see what changes and what sticks from this list.
_______________________
Article: 9/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $1,000,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
Vancouver Canucks
|
Canucks Top Prospects - #1 to #10
|
Canucks-Kyle |
2022-08-17 17:15:45 |
145 |
The Vancouver Canucks have always been a team that usually has had an abundance of draft picks and utilization of the unsigned player process. However, the past couple of years, the Canucks didn’t have as many draft picks and were moving out numerous prospects in an effort to bolster their pro roster which led to a massive hit to the dept of the process pool.
This year, the Canucks added to their prospect list by adding 30 new players through the draft and unsigned process. The Canucks now have 45 NHL drafted or signed prosects in their prospect pool. There are also 12 prospects who are unsigned or undrafted in the NHL.
The Vancouver Canucks prospect list from #1 through #10 with expectations:
1) Kent Johnson – C – University of Michigan/Columbus Blue Jackets-Johnson is viewed as top line player by the Canucks. The question is what position? Size being the biggest question mark which is he isn’t set in stone at center. One of the most skilled players in hockey, period.
2) Wyatt Johnston – C – Windsor Spitfires/Dallas Stars-Johnston was always highly thought of by the Canucks given their viewing of the Sptifres. However, no one expected Johnston to take off offensively like he did this past year while also improving defensively which he was top tier. Johnston has the potential to be top line, two waytype centerman. Needs to add some bulk but he will be a player.
3) Zach Bolduc – C – Rimouski Oceanic/St. Louis Blues-Highly skilled with great skating ability and a good shot. However, he needs to continue improving his consistency as this will determine his position at the next level. He could be a top center or winger but expected to be a top line or at least a top 6 forward.
4) Frank Nazar III - C - University of Michigan/Chicago Blackhawks-Undersized who makes up for it with his elite skating, creativity, and playmaking. He is also a fierce competitor with a high motor. Noted mostly for his edges and vision, he can also score when given the opportunity thanks to a quick release on his shot. He is the jewel in the Blackhawks forward prospect pool.
5) Nico Daws – G – Binghamton Devils/New Jersey Devils-Daws took a step forward after a tough COVID year. He played numerous NHL games as a young goalie and stood out most of the time considering the circumstances in which he was put. He is expected to be a starting goalie or 1A type in the next 2-3 years.
6) Joel Hofer – G – Springfield Thunderbirds/St. Louis Blues-Hofer is considered as a goalie in waiting for the NHL Blues. He is set to be their #3 and gain valuable experience in the AHL this season after bouncing around last year. He is expected to be a starting goalie or 1A type in the next 2-3 years.
7) Joey Keane – D – Charlotte Checkers/Carolina Hurricanes-Keane is an offensive type defenseman who is on the cusp of NHL time. He is expected to play some games this year and transition into a 3/4/5 type role with powerplay time.
8) William Cuylle – F – Windsor Spitfires/New York Rangers-Cuylle was a highly touted prospect coming into the OHL with his size, skill and shot. He improved significantly but was not a top scorer. Cuyllehas the ability to be a top 6 player but could also play a bottom 6 role with his size and skill. Expected to be a middle 6 forward in the NHL.
9) Ben Meyers - F - Colorado Avalanche-Highly coveted NCAA signing who played at the Olympics for the United States. Meyers is skilled but defensively aware. He is projected to fall into the middle 6 of the line up as early as this year.
10) Ty Nelson - D - North Bay Battalion/Seattle Kraken-Former first overall pick in the OHL who has some questions around what he will be. This year is a pivotal year for Nelson as he competes to try and crack the Canadian WJC team and eliminate some concerns as to what he projects in the NHL. He is expected to push for a top 4 role when he makes it to the NHL. |
|
Vancouver Canucks
|
Canucks Top Prospects - #11 to #45
|
Canucks-Kyle |
2022-08-17 17:14:07 |
108 |
The Vancouver Canucks have always been a team that usually has had an abundance of draft picks and utilization of the unsigned player process. However, the past couple of years, the Canucks didn’t have as many draft picks and were moving out numerous prospects in an effort to bolster their pro roster which led to a massive hit to the dept of the process pool.
This year, the Canucks added to their prospect list by adding 30 new players through the draft and unsigned process. The Canucks now have 45 NHL drafted or signed prosects in their prospect pool. There are also 12 prospects who are unsigned or undrafted in the NHL.
The Vancouver Canucks prospect list from #11 through #45 plus those undrafted:
11) Marc McLaughlin - F - Providence Bruins/Boston Bruins
12) Wyatt Kaiser – D – Minnesota-Duluth/Chicago Blackhawks
13) Aidan Thompson - F - Denver Pioneers/Chicago Blackhawks
14) Brandon Scanlin - D - Hartford Wolfpack/New York Rangers
15) Marc McLaughlin - F - Providence Bruins/Boston Bruins
16) Bobby Trivigno - F - Hartford Wolf Pack/New York Rangers
17) Pontus Andreasson - F - Grand Rapids Griffins/Detroit Red Wings
18) Marek Alscher - D - Portland Winterhawks/Florida Panthers
19) Ethan Edwards – D – University of Michigan/New Jersey Devils
20) ArseniiSergeev – G – Shreveport/Calgary Flames
21) Kirill Gerasimyuk – G – SKA/Florida Panthers
22) Amadeus Lombardi - F - Flint Firebirds/Detroit Red Wings
23) Oliver Johansson - F - Timra/Ottawa Senators
24) PavolRegenda - F - San Diego Gulls/Anaheim Ducks
25) Sergei Ivanov - G - SKA St. Petersburg/Columbus Blue Jackets
26) ArseniKoromyslov - D - SKA St. Petersburg/St. Louis Blues
27) Ryan Mast – D – Sarnia Sting/Boston Bruins
28) Ty Gallagher – D – Boston University/Boston Bruins
29) Taylor Ward - F - Ontario Reign/Los Angeles Kings
30) Andrei Buyaslsky – F - Vermont/Colorado Avalanche
31) Redmond Savage – C – Miami University/Detroit Red Wings
32) Cameron Whitehead - G - Northeastern/Vegas Golden Knights
33) Jakub Malek - G - Illves/New Jersey Devils
34) SanteriHatakka – D – San Jose Barracuda/San Jose Sharks
35) Connor Kurth - Univeristy of Minnesota/Tampa Bay Lightining
36) Joe Miller - Harvard/Toronto Maple Leafs
37) Justin Ertel - F - North Bay Battalion/Dallas Stars
38) Case McCarthy – D – Boston University/New Jersey Devils
39) Jakub Vondras - G - HC Pizen/Carolina Hurricanes
40) Reid Dyck - G - Swift Current Broncos/Boston Bruins
41) Max McCue – C – London Knights/San Jose Sharks
42) James Fisher - F - Northeastern/Columbus Blue Jackets
43) Josh Dunne – F – Cleveland Monster/Columbus Blue Jackets
44) AleksiMalinen – D – JYP/New York Islanders
45) Braden Doyle – D – Boston University/Los Angeles Kings
Unsigned/Undrafted Prospects: Ryan Francis (F), Valeri Orekhov (D), Ryan SIedem (D), OndrejPsenicka (F), LudvigHedstrom (D), Jack Harvey (F), Pavel Cajan (G), Brayden Schuurman (F), Tyler Duke (D), David Morevac(D), Dominik Rymon (F), Nikita Buruyanov (F) |
|
Seattle Kraken
|
Seattle lightly dips into free agency
|
Kraken-Scott |
2022-08-16 19:34:28 |
182 |
Seattle and its new general manager Scott Davies are being pretty fiscally conservative heading into its first season in the NEFHL. In order to meet the $38M salary cap floor requirements, the Kraken did however dip into the unrestricted free agency waters to fill out its roster. The main piece added by the Kraken is 30 year-old scoring winger Conor Sheary. Despite his small stature, Sheary should add some goal-scoring on the wing for Seattle in its inaugural season. Sheary signed a four year contract to come out west to the pacific.
The Kraken also made three additional UFA signings during the first few days of free agency - mostly of the depth variety. Fellow right wingers Justin Danforth and Michael Carcone were signed to four and three-year contracts respectively, while young defenseman Cam Dineen was also signed for four years. All three players are likely to spend some time in the minors in the inaugural season, although Danforth does stand a reasonable chance to be on the opening night Kraken roster.
GM Davies had the following comments about the four new Kraken players:
"Sheary can score goals, and we're short on natural goal scorers on our team. Sheary should get a good amount of time on the powerplay and in the top 6."
"Danforth is a very late bloomer who spent half a season at the NHL level last year. I expect him to make his NEFHL debut this season playing RW in the bottom six."
"Carcone also made his NHL debut last year, but isn't expected to play games in the NEFHL this coming season. He's small but quick and can score goals at the minor-league level."
"Dineen is a small but skilled 24 year-old defenseman who has put up good numbers in the minors. We're not sure it will translate at the NEFHL level, but he may get a chance down the road."
It's interesting to note that all four players signed measure under six feet, something the Kraken GM wasn't planning. "Sheary is a proven NEFHL player, but the rest of the guys we signed are mostly depth players for our organization. Height isn't everything." |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
2022 UFA, Week 1, Winners and Losers
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-08-16 17:19:54 |
227 |
The first week of UFA signings is now behind us, and there were a few signings, including top free agent Patrice Bergeron signing in Philly. Most contracts dished out week one were totally reasonable, not something we're used to in NEFHL. Everyone's game has been evolving I guess. That said, it's still fun to pick some winners and losers and stir the pot :) It's more just a way to break it down by team than anything. Here's my take:
WINNERS:
Philadelphia
Patrice Bergeron - $5.8 million - 4 years
Markus Niemelainen - $850k - 4 years
-Adding the top free agent, two time cup champ, franchise center, Patrice Bergeron, for under $6 million is a huge add for Philly after trading some of their veteran stars. They'll look to him to be their star player. Niemelainen is the GMs homer add, thinking he can stick as full time NHLer this coming season for Oilers. Either way, a young dman with decent ratings and waiver exempt is worth a shot for the organization.
New Jersey
Jonathan Quick - $3 million - 3 years
Corey Perry - $1.2 million - 2 years
-Both deals are solid dollars for appropriate length. I think both are bang on for what they would accept and scooped the other teams needing these useful players but focusing on other shinier objects. Nice first round of free agency for the Devils management team.
Pittsburgh
Nicolas Deslauriers - $975k - 3 years
-Deslauriers for under a million brings some bite to the Pens lineup, which is also short on depth. Similar rated (AOV) forwards went for much more.
Detroit
Jason Zucker - $1.85 million - 4 years
-Zucker is 30 and coming off a couple of down seasons for him. He's an excellent candidate for a nice rebound season and brings some offense to the table in the meantime.
Arizona
Max McCormick - $650k - 4 years
Antoine Roussel - $700k - 4 years
Stefan Matteau - $600k - 2 years
-None of them are very good, but they needed to add some cheap depth and accomplished that with these random vets.
Minnesota
Josh Archibald - $955,101 - 3 years
-Brings intensity, speed and some defense to the Wild's bottom six; for under a million, is a pretty reasonable deal.
Columbus
Cale Fleury - $810,000 - 2 years
-Young dman with some upside still. Not a bad nab and see how he progresses.
LOSERS:
Seattle
Conor Sheary - $2.3 million - 4 years
Justin Danforth - $1.05 million - 4 years
Michael Carcone - $900k - 3 years
Cam Dineen - $900k - 4 years
-Sheary provides the Kraken some good scoring without giving up assets. I don't know who the others are, but I get they're all free assets, but the dollar amounts are all probably about 20% higher than needed to pay so end up on the losing side.
Buffalo
Jonathan Toews - $2.5 million - 4 years
Vladislav Namestikov - $1,300,000 - 4 years
Both players got more than they deserved. Not bad gambles, but no deals found here. $2.5 million for a 4th line center is pretty hefty.
Calgary
Ryan Getzlaf - $1.5 million - 4 years
Getzlaf is a team killer and will bring disaster to Calgary. Worst signing of UFA by miles.
Ottawa
Justin Holl - $1.4 million - 2 years
-Overpayment but depth dman.
Washington
Derek Forbort - $1,600,000 - 4 years
-Overpayment for pretty average dman.
Edmonton
Nick Foligno - $2 million - 2 years
-Gritty veteran defensive center at $2 million is a little overpaid. It's only 2 years and is a good fit for Edmonton
Anaheim
Austin Czarkik - $600k - 4 years
63AOV Czarnik is probably not good enough to be a regular, and isn't waiver exempt. He does only make $600k, so NBD, but not a win.
Vancouver
Mark Pysyk - $820k - 3 years
Pysyk brings some speed and defensive prowess to the Canucks bottom pairing on a pretty reasonable deal.
Winnipeg
Colton Sceviour - $700k - 1 year
Thomas Hickey - $900k - 1 year
-Couple random vets; neither are any good really.
|
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
Pens Bring Back Deslauriers
|
Pens-Brent |
2022-08-16 16:54:52 |
160 |
The Pittsburgh Penguins failed to make a big splash after day one of free agency, but they did bring back a big body. Nicolas Deslauriers will be a Penguin for tentatively the next three seasons after agreeing to a deal that grosses $975k per year. The rugged left winger played for the black and gold birds last season registering 20 points (8 goals) in 80 games. The most impressive stat was the 202 hits he accumulated, which was good enough for second best on the team.
"He's a thick player who plays on the edge. Nicky keeps the opposition on their toes. He's the first guy to stand up for a teammate. We are really happy to have him back," stated head coach Craig Berube.
It is uncertain where Deslauriers will be slotted in the Pens lineup. Last season he demonstrated that he was capable of moving up and down the depth chart.
"Nick can play anywhere for us. A lot will hinge on who we are playing. If the other team is taking liberties on Alex or Sid or Geno, we know that we can send him out there to turn the tide back in our favour," added the coach.
"I try to play fast game. I try to push puck deep and win important board battle down deep. I think I am responsible player in my own end as well. I'd like to think that I can be relied on to chip in from time to time," the La Salle, Quebec native added through his noticeably French accent.
________________________
Obligatory Articles: 5/5
Bonus Articles: 2/40 = $500,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
Minnesota Wild
|
Minnesota Wild UFA week 1 results
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-08-15 19:49:15 |
219 |
The first week of Unrestricted Free Agency is over. The Minnesota Wild are revealing they sent offers to seven players on the first go around. Out of those seven offers, the only player to sign was 30 year old Josh Archibald. He signed a 3 x 955,101$ deal. Is this article really going to be about signing a 69ov fourth liner? Yes. Yes it is.
So what does Archibald bring to the table as a 69 ov player? He'll bring some physicality to the lineup with 99 IT. He'll bring more speed to the lineup with 80 SP. He can hold his own defensively with 75 DF. His offensive ratings are in the mid-50s but that's not his role. Not the best durability either but not a real concern. Realistically, he will be on the 4th line or sitting out as a 13th forward. For 5-8 minutes a game, depending if he gets some PK2 time, can't go wrong at under a million for those ratings.
With the addition of Archibald (signed to a 1 year deal with NHL Pittsburgh), the Wild will look to have at least one high IT player on each line. Led by Brady Tkachuk (99 IT), Archibald (99 IT) will bring out the jam with fellow teammates Luke Kunin (98 IT), JG Pageau (78 IT) and then a few more guys in the 60s IT. On-the-cusp prospect Nathan Smith could be a factor as well with 84 IT but he'll have to get some points with NHL Arizona before he becomes a legit callup option. It could happen during the year.
Archibald's 80 SP also fits in well with the higher SP makeup of the Wild, joining speed demons Hintz, Formenton, and perhaps even Bemstrom as 80+ SP players if Bemstrom can solidify a role with NHL Columbus and increase his offensive ratings over the course of the season.
GM Peter is remaining tight lipped on the other six offers sent. Onto UFA week two..
_______________________
Article: 8/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $750,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
Vancouver Canucks
|
Canucks Prospects at the 2022 World Juniors
|
Canucks-Kyle |
2022-08-15 14:53:16 |
141 |
The original 2022 World Junior Championships were cancelled shortly after they started due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. However, the tournament was scheduled to be restarted and played in August of 2022 with those allowed to play in the cancelled tournament being eligible again. However, many rosters saw some turnover as players planned on skipping the tournament to be ready for the upcoming 2022/2023 NHL season.
However, the Vancouver Canucks of the NEFHL, do have some players playing in the tournament and other prospects who just missed out or are likely to play on the 2023 tournament teams which will be held in December and January.
“We felt we could have a few guys make the World Junior teams but we also had some either injured, chose to opt out or simply just didn’t make the team yet. We are pleased with our prospects and their development and congratulate those who made their countries teams” said General Manager Allen.
Team Canada: F – Kent Johnson – top prospect in the Canucks system is playing a staring role. W – Will Cuylle – a highly touted prospect who can play with skill or grit depending on what is needed.
Those who missed out for team Canada: C – Wyatt Johnston - injury but likely to be on 2023 team. C – Zach Bolduc - likely to be on 2023 team. D – Ty Nelson – will compete for a spot on the 2023 team.
Team United States: C – Red Savage – bottom 6 type prospect who does all the little things. D – Wyatt Kaiser – skilled, puck moving defenseman.
Those who missed out for team United States: C – Frank Nazar – one of the top prospects in the Canucks system. Will be a lock for the 2023 after being a final cut.
Team Czechia: D – David Moravec – stay at home, shutdown type defenseman. G – Pavel Cajan – undrafted in the NHL, with play for AHL Lake Erie in 2023.
Those who missed out for team Czechia: D – Marek Alscher – expected to be on the 2023 roster. G – Jakub Vondras – potential to be on the 2023 roster.
Article: 4/5 Bonus: $0 / $10,000,000 |
|
Vancouver Canucks
|
Canucks Go Crazy Part 3 - Juniors & Pro Signees
|
Canucks-Kyle |
2022-08-15 14:32:56 |
167 |
The Vancouver Canucks have been extremely busy this offseason and it was no different on the first date of unsigned NCAA, CHL or European players. The Canucks singed 14! Players to entry level contracts, far more than any other the team. It cost the team $24,791,827 in finances.
“Yeah, we didn’t expect that many guys wanted to sign here but we did know we needed to add some free agent type prospects to strengthen our prospect pool. We pillaged it trying to make a playoff run last year. We picked up some guys we expect to contribute as early as this year and others are projects we can wait on,” said GM Allen.
Second part of our series looking at these players will be those from the Canadian and United States Junior Leagues and those who have played North American pros.
Aidan Thompson, F – (3rd Round Draft Pick of the Chicago Blackhawks) An overager for the draft, having turned 20 this past February, and spent the last two years in the USHL with the Lincoln Stars producing 115 points (34 G, 81 A) in 109 games. Skipped over for the last two drafts, the 5-foot-11 center doesn’t have a lot of scouting reports, but he’s billed as another high-motor, well-rounded player who broke some offensive records for the Stars and was praised for his leadership qualities this past season. Thompson is committed to the University of Denver for the ‘23-24 season.
Cameron Whitehead, G – (4th Round Draft Pick of the Vegas Golden Knights) Cameron Whitehead is a tall goalie (6-foot-3) who was left undrafted following the 2021 Draft. He has shown how good he can be in the United States Hockey League (USHL) this season where he finished tied for eighth in wins among all goalies. He was also one of only three goalies to be invited to the 2022 NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo this June. The only other goaltenders invited were Tyler Brennan (1st ranked NA Goalie) and Topias Leinonen (1st ranked EU Goalie), so he was in good company.
Amadeus Lombardi, F – (4th Round Draft Pick of the Detroit Red Wings) He’s a very competitive centerman, a guy we were able to see a lot being up in Flint and then had a real good playoff. He lost a year of development because of COVID-19. He didn’t play anywhere in 2020-21. The Red Wings took note that he improved as the season wore on. He worked hard at his craft. In the playoffs, Lombardi registered seven goals and 15 points in 19 games. “He’s a skater, he’s a worker and he’s very competitive and he plays center,” Draper said. “We like all those things about him.”
Joe Miller, F – (6th Round Draft Pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs) “(Miller) is a really underdeveloped young man, with blazing speed, can score.” Former Leafs Director of Amateur Scouting John Lilley said. “Just has a lot of upside, a lot of growth his game. We just value the speed and the skill.” Miller is on the small side (5’9”, 146 lb.), but according to the HockeyProspect.com Black Book “can overcome some of his physical attributes with his willingness to go to and navigate in the high traffic areas. He has good hands and quick stickhandling ability, and he thinks the game quickly offensively (and) can expose gaps in coverages and thread passes through tight spaces to find teammates in the offensive zone and can beat defenders one on one with his skill.” Originally committed to the University of Minnesota, Miller is now bound for Harvard University, following in the footsteps of former Steel alum and current Leafs prospect Nick Abruzzese.
Hayden Hodgson, F – (Signed by the Philadelphia Flyers) Grity forward who bounced around until making to the NHL at 25. Bottom 6 type player who wears his heart on his sleeve.
Article: 4/5 Bonus: $0 / $10,000,000 |
|
Vancouver Canucks
|
Canucks Go Crazy Part 2 - European Signings
|
Canucks-Kyle |
2022-08-15 14:12:29 |
238 |
The Vancouver Canucks have been extremely busy this offseason and it was no different on the first date of unsigned NCAA, CHL or European players. The Canucks singed 14! Players to entry level contracts, far more than any other the team. It cost the team $24,791,827 in finances.
“Yeah, we didn’t expect that many guys wanted to sign here but we did know we needed to add some free agent type prospects to strengthen our prospect pool. We pillaged it trying to make a playoff run last year. We picked up some guys we expect to contribute as early as this year and others are projects we can wait on,” said GM Allen.
Second part of our series looking at these players will be those from the European Leagues.
Pontus Andreasson, F (Signed by Detroit in the NHL): At 23, Andreasson still has time to become an NHL contributor. He was second in SHL rookie of the year voting showcasing his skating skills and ability to finish around the net. Andreasson scored 18 goals with Lulua during the regular season and had 13 points in 13 playoff games. With Red Wings super-scout Hakan Andersson following Andreasson this season, the Wings certainly did their due diligence and feel Andreasson has NHL upside
Pavol Regenda, F (Signed by Anaheim in the NHL): There’s much to like about Regenda’s upside. Identified as a player NEFHL teams would be watching before the Olympic Games, Regenda is 6-foot-4 and is only 22-years-old. He put together two strong international performances for Slovakia this year, scoring four points in seven games at the Olympics, and upping that with five goals and six points in eight games at the World Championship. He scored almost a point per game with HK Dukla Michalovce in Slovakia’s top league, and could earn games in Anaheim with a strong start with the AHL’s San Diego Gulls. Regenda plays with an edge, and could end up as a future bottom six option for Anaheim.
Jakub Malek, G (4th Round Pick by the New Jersey Devils): The Devils like to take what seems a goalie per draft to build their pipeline. Malek had a fantastic 2020-21 season that saw him break through into professional hockey in the Czech 2nd division. As you can see from his stats below, he has been exceptional at the U20 and professional level in the Czech 2nd-tiers. Last season, Malek excelled as a 19-year-old posting a 22-9 record, 1.95 GAA, and .932 SV% which led all regular goaltenders. He posted a great 70.97 QS% and had a 20.89 Goals Saved Above Average (GSAA). His .932 SV% ranks 3rd all-time in the Czech 2nd division among U20 goaltenders (minimum 20 GP). He nearly helped his team to promotion to the top division by playing in 13 playoff games with a 7-4 record, 1.75 GAA, and .933 SV%. This success has led to Malek seeking out a higher level to play in so he could continue his development as he tries to progress to an NHL career. For this, he decided to make the move to Ilves in Finland’s top division, Liiga.
He will compete with Marek Langenhammer and former Canucks (NEFHL) prospect in Vadim Zherenko,
The Canucks seem to have cooled on another highly regarded prospect in Andrei Kuzmenko so we would expect this to be the final European signing of the offseason. |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
Flyers heading into UFA
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-08-07 14:22:13 |
564 |
Lots happening so far this off-season for the 2022-23 Flyers. The team plans to compete for a cup again this season, but appear to be light in talent as of now, particularly in what seems to be a much improved Eastern Conference.
OFFSEASON SO FAR:
The Flyers first off-season moves were dropping pending 2023 UFAs in Scheifele, Kadri, Marchessault, and Hamilton for picks. In addition to many pending UFAs, Philly was in a position to expose those players in expansion, so those four were moved to recoup some picks, versus losing for nothing, which made them the right moves to make, albeit tough ones. Good potential young dman Jacob Moverare was selected by the Kraken.
Post-expansion, the Flyers opted out of the 2022 draft, having traded all their picks trying to give repeat cups a go.
They then traded two of their recently acquired 2023 2nd round picks to add middle six forwards Frank Vatrano and Alex Iaffalo. Both bring defensive awareness, puck control, and some solid potential to see their ratings improve. Iaffalo, unsigned, the team wanted to sign for 4 years as a 29 y/o, which they did, at $1.8 per.
Vejdemo and Chatfield both wanted too much money for Philly's preferences, so they moved to other teams, for cheap, in hopes they can get some use out of them.
Flyers had 10 free agents to deal with, including some key players. The team chose to not bother qualifying either Jeff Malott or Stefan Matteau. Nobody else wanted them either.
Philly was hoping for 4 years with Adam Fox, but signs the 2 year deal for less, at $2.8 per season.
Spending a little extra per year, grabbing 3 of the 29 y/o old's UFA years, the team made sure to lock up organizational poster boy RNH for 4 years at $2.9 million. They see him as someone likely to see his ratings improve over the duration of the new deal and as an important part of the franchise. The Conn Smythe winning winger/center is excited to continue on in Philly.
Young power forward Jordan Greenway wanted shorter term as well, but with Philly seeing great promise in him, opted to go for the bigger dollar 4 year deal, $2 million per, so they don't have to give huge dollars in 2 seasons.
The team then added a couple of depth unsigned players with winger AJ Greer and dman Mason Geertsen. Both signed $650k deals and are waiver exempt so can be used for callups. Geertsen is one of only a few defensemen with his top end IT and ST, with decent defense. Some organizations would be hyping those ratings as exclusive and how they will dominate the league. Philly hopes they both can fill in for few minutes per game, for a few games this season.
GOING INTO UFA:
Philly sits with roughly $10 million in cap space. They do wish to leave some room for additions later in the season, but they are looking to fill a couple of holes, particularly two defensemen. They will be looking at options and likely active with their bids in UFA, until the roster is set. There appears to be some decent defensemen heading into UFA, but the team is being quiet with who specifically they might target. |
|
Nashville Predators
|
Preds prospects at the WJC
|
Preds-Sylvain |
2022-08-04 20:03:06 |
187 |
The 2022 WJC, canceled back in December last year, are about to be played this month.
Due to the current political context, Russia and Belarus will not participate this year. Also, due to the timing being right before the training camps, many prospects who would have been there last December have decided to opt out of the International competition.
Based on these restrictions, the Predators expect these players to represent their countries:
Latvia: Sandis Vilmanis
Canada: Brennan Othmann, William Dufour
Finland: Ruben Rafkin
Slovakia: Jakub Demek
USA: Sean Behrens, Jacob Truscott, Mackie Samoskevich
Sweden: Oscar Magnusson
Czech: Martin Rysavy
For Sweden, Leo Loof was also announced back in June and was part of the team back in December, but it's unclear whether he will play this month. Other players that would have been selected if available are: Jake Sanderson, JJ Peterka, Raivis Ansons, Dmitri Zlodeyev, Pavel Novak, Yan Kuznetzov, Dmitri Kuzmin, and Nikolai Makarov.
Nashville expects that Brennan Othmann, Mackie Samoskevich, and Sean Behrens will play the biggest roles on their own teams. William Dufour and Jakub Demek both stand to surprise with their big frames and soft hands. Expectations will be lower for the other participants and the Predator's management are looking ahead to see which players will surprise.
Many of those players might see double duty this year at the International level. Othmann, Vilmanis, Demek, Behrens, and Rysavy could all play again at the end of the year in the 2023 WJC. |
|
Toronto Maple Leafs
|
Leafs at the WJC
|
Leafs-Shane |
2022-08-04 14:25:08 |
161 |
Players at the WJC... The leafs have god damn 10. Thats right, 11 players baby. Lest dive in and take a look at who is attending and what they bring to the table for their respective countires.
Simon Edvidsson - Sweden
Edvidsson will be the leader on his swedish team. He is expected to be a force and dominate play here.
Marco Kaspar - Austria
Kaspar will again like Edvidsson be counted on as a leader. Another Detroit prospect will show why he was picked 8th overall.
Samuel Helenius - Finland
Helenius was a dominant force last year with his skill and size. I fully expect much of the same from him this time around.
Topi Niemela - Finland
Another leader and player who will be relied upon heavily.
Zack Osptachuk - Canada
A new face for Canada. He absoluley distroyed the WHL playoffs and lets hope that continues through to the WJC
Brett Berard - USA
Lead his team in scoring for Providence. He had 5 points last WJC. Potentially a top forward for USA.
Michal Gut - Czech
Gut had anotherbig WHL season. He will be expected to put up points for the Czechs.
Roman Faith - Slovakia
Will be his second WJC showing having put up 2 points in 5 games last time.
Nils Fenenko - Latvia
A big surprise not being drafted and will be used as motivation here. Had a big year in the Q as a 17 year old. Could really showcase himself here.
Luca Hauf - Germany
A smart defesive minded C will be used to shut down other teams top players.
|
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
Penguins Prospects at the WJC
|
Pens-Brent |
2022-08-04 13:00:17 |
217 |
It is hard to believe that the World Junior Championships will be taking place during the summer this year, but c'est la vie. When it was scheduled to be played this past winter, the Penguins had more representatives than they do this time around. This can be accredited to the rapid development of some of the Penguins prospects over the past six months.
"We called a few of our guys and notified country representatives that they did not have permission to participate this time. We know that it is disappointing to some of our player, but we feel it is best that they focus on training camp," said VP of hockey operation, Brian Burke.
"Any time you get a chance to represent your country, you wear your colours with honour. That said, my focus at this time is making this team [The Penguins]," stated US born Matty Beniers.
"I mean yeah, it's tough. But I hope that it is not the last time that Hockey Canada asks me to wear Red and Black," noted powerforward Jake Neighbours.
In addition to Neighbours and Beniers, Alexander Holtz won't be making the trip to Edmonton.
Three notable Penguins prospects are currently slotted to be representing their country with the hope of wearing a gold medal when they return home.
Olen Zellweger - If you did a redo of the 2021 draft, Zellweger would likely be a top 15 pick. One of the youngest players of in his draft year, the Calgary native absolutely obliterated the WHL this season. In 55 regular season games, the smooth skating defender amassed 78 points (14+64) and continued his offensive success with 9 points in 7 playoff games. The is no doubt that Zellweger will be running Canada's powerplay this time around.
Brock Faber - While Zellweger brings the flair, Faber brings a rock solid 2-way game. Faber had an impressive campaign with the Unniversity of Minnesota. While he does not possess elite offensive qualities, Faber can play in every situation. A dependable defender who should one day log plenty of minutes at the pro level. Faber helped to lead the States to a gold medal at the 2021 WJC. He was recently named team captain for Golden Gophers for the 2022-23 season.
Ridly Greig - The young forward possesses many qualities that should see him succeed at the pro level. Not only does he have a great skating stride and offensively abilities, Greig has a ton of sandpaper in his game. Despite being limited to only 39 WHL games this season, Greig tallied 63 points (26+37) and had one of the highest points per game this season. The only thing that could hold this one back is his temper.
Kalle Vaisanen will join Team Finland in likely a depth role.
_______________________________________
Obligatory Articles: 5/5
Bonus Articles: 1/40 = $250,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
Minnesota Wild
|
Minnesota Representation at Summer WJC
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-08-03 16:01:42 |
259 |
Summer world juniors is a bit odd compared to the usual winter event but given the global circumstances it's better than nothing. Unfortunately I'll most likely miss it by potentially being on a last minute vacation but in the meantime let's take a look at the Minnesota Wild's representation at this tournament. While we are not anywhere close to the 13 players sent back in 2017, potentially an NEFHL record, the wild representation this year is on a smaller scale and packed with a couple blue chip prospects.
Team Austria
No representation
Team Canada
G - Sebastian Cossa: Will he get the net? Will he get 50% of the net? With three goalies (Brochu, Cossa, Garand) and one crease the distribution of ice will be what I am interested in most. I'm thinking the disappointment of the Memorial Cup run will light a fire under him.
Teach Chechia
No representation
Team Finland
G - Leevi Merilainen: Similar to the Cossa situation. Will Merilainen get the net? Looks like it might be split between Jatkola, Lampinen, Merilainen. My guy being the only one drafted to an NHL team. Is this his coming out party?
Team Germany
No representation. Julian Lutz (2nd rounder 2022 draft) did not make the team due to injury.
Team Latvia
No representation
Team Slovakia
No representation
Team Sweden
C - Theodor Niederbach: Not the flashiest name on the squad next to other drafted guys like Lekkerimaki, Lysell, Edvinsson, Walstedt. If Niederbach can quietly play his game and support his teammates with quick passes and high IQ plays and continue developing his game into that top 6 forward he's projected to become I'll be happy. He put up 16 points in 51 SHL games with Frolunda playing in the bottom 6 and getting no PP/PK time. He will be moving to Rogle for the upcoming season at the recommendation of the Detroit Red Wings where he is expected to play 'big' minutes. Rogle is where the Red Wings kept their eyes on Seider. They will do the same for Niederbach. Is this the tournament the 2020 NHL 2nd rounder finally gets some respect put on his name?
Team Switzerland
No representation
Team USA
C - Logan Cooley: American team is stacked. Would be great for Cooley to establish himself as the cream of the crop here. He had a little incident a few days ago getting cut by a skate. All indications are he's ready to go. Expectations and the hype are both high. Will he take the big stage by storm?
W - Landon Slaggert: While he's not expected to put up significant numbers, Slaggert does chip in offensively while maintaining a rougher style of play and will keep opponents in check. Known for his work ethic, he is not a fun guy to play against. For all the shit I took for getting Slaggert (and Niederbach) in the Kadri trade, they both made their respective WJC team while other highly touted players like Tyler Boucher, Cutter Gauthier, Isaac Howard, Rutger McGroarty, and Jimmy Snuggerud couldn't find a role. When you can't 'thread the needle' you flatten everything, and Slaggert will do just that. Ask around the NHL Blackhawk development camp, where he was a standout.
_______________________
Article: 7/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $500,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
Toronto Maple Leafs
|
The Victor Hedman Saga
|
Leafs-Shane |
2022-07-28 14:21:38 |
164 |
It was said from day 1 that Hedman needs to be leading the leaf blueline for this upcoming season.
That was until he became a complete piece of shit during negotiations. Leaf management had a serious miscue when offering Hedman his initial deal. The miscue was in fact missing a 0 on the contract. Instead of getting close to 5 mill a seaosn he would be getting close to 500k. Clearly would never happen but Victor took that hard. He felt like management was toying with his emotions and he thought maybe he would sit out or become a UFA.
The leafs followed up with a much better offer and Victor realized the team was serious in keeping his services. The following offer was much closer but Victor wanted a little more then 5.1 Mill. Leaf management had set the bar at 6 mill and didnt want to go over that so when the Leafs offered 5.95 and Hedman still wanted more, Management had a quiock meeting.
Do we really want to pay Victor more then 6 mill a season? The short answer is YES. We will need to pay a fortune to aquire a legit number 1 guy who can be an absolute monster and game changer. Leaf management reached out to a few teams who maybe have some D available and became much more apparent that its Hedman or nobody.
Leafs locked up Hedman at $6.15 for 2 more seasons in hopes the Leafs can make another cup run with Hedman leading the way
There is now a report he will be Captaining the Buds for the upcoming season. |
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
Baby got back...
|
Pens-Brent |
2022-07-28 12:50:00 |
238 |
With Free Agent Frenzy soon approaching, the Pittsburgh Penguins have their sights set on bolstering their defence. With Evgeni Malkin, Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin up front, the flightless birds will need players who can move the puck up the ice to them.
"Bringing in Sergachev last season was the first step in the right direction in terms of addressing a need on the back end. We added DeHaan last offseason and recently acquired Brett Kulak. Those two should be our shutdown pair. It would be nice to grab a couple of strong two way guys," added the Pens GM.
Cap space could be a bit of an issue. With roughly $1,500,000 in wiggle room, the team might only be able to afford one steady two way rearguard.
"Things are a little tight, but we should be able to make it work. You bring in a player, you send one down. We feel strongly that we can get it done," the GM added.
Here is a quick look at tentative pairings for next season at this time...
Mikhail Sergachev - Calvin DeHaan
Brett Kulak - Evan Bouchard
Vlad Kolyachonok/Gustav Lindstrom - John Marino
Some veteran leadership could go a long way for next year. Time will tell as to who is available come the big day. Teams still have a couple of days to work out some deals with their pending free agents. Generally speaking, there historically tends to be no shortage of depth defensemen available during free agency given the fact that teams tend to prioritize spending money on forwards and goaltenders.
"I am sure we will be in on a couple of players. You'll be the first that I tell when the time comes," the GM stated with a wink.
____________________________________
Article: 5/5
|
|
Nashville Predators
|
NEFHL vs NHL draft, which teams did better?
|
Preds-Sylvain |
2022-07-28 02:11:44 |
165 |
Annually, GMs like to watch where the NEFHL-drafted players fall in the NHL draft. As a sort of tradition, GMs compare the rank where a player was drafted in both leagues. However, is a difference of 10 ranks in the draft the same in the first round and in the fifth round? After all, a jump from 15 to 5 is huge while moving from 155 to 140 carries much less weight.
In an attempt to bridge that gap, both drafts were compared but movements were weighted based on the value of each pick. Using a pick value curve, where the top picks are worth a lot and where the value curves down quickly, it is possible to calculate an aggregate difference per team that considers the selection rank in both leagues. There were still hiccups since many players aren't drafted during the same year. All players already drafted in the NHL in previous years were set at zero value since their performances between their draft year and this year could have affected their draft rank. For example, if a player was drafted in the 6th round in the NHL but performed extremely well, that player could be drafted higher in NEFHL due to his performance, and penalizing that team for their pick wouldn't necessarily be a good representation. On the other hand, players previously drafted in NEFHL that finally got picked in the NHL were added at full value, since if this exercise was done every year, at the time of their draft in NEFHL, their value would have been negative at the time (due to not getting picked the same year in the NHL).
Anyhow, without further ado, here are the results of this exercise:
Rank
Teams
Value
Best
Worst
1
RedWings
32,1
13,4
Juraj Slafkovsky
-6,8
Servac Petrovsky
2
Predators
19,4
9,9
Denton Mateychuk
-6,2
Jake Karabela
3
Lightning
9,7
5,9
Elias Pettersson
-0,1
Gustav Karlsson
4
Devils
7,5
7,7
Topias Leinonen
-5,3
Danny Zhilkin
5
Hurricanes
6,4
7,3
Mason Beaupit
-7,2
Brandon Lisowsky
6
Panthers
4,5
7,4
Maveric Lamoureux
-8,9
Isaac Howard
7
Bruins
4,5
4,5
Sam Rinzel
4,5
Sam Rinzel
8
Canucks
4,3
8,2
Marek Alscher
-3,0
James Fisher
9
MapleLeafs
2,7
4,0
Dmitri Buchelnikov
-3,8
Rasmus Korhonen
10
Capitals
1,8
1,6
Joey Muldowney
-1,2
Vinzenz Rohrer
11
Kraken
1,5
7,7
Filip Nordberg
-8,1
Brennan Ali
12
Knights
0,0
6,3
Hunter Haight
-6,9
Beau Jelsma
13
Coyotes
0,0
0,0
Jimmy Snuggerud
0,0
Jimmy Snuggerud
14
Penguins
-0,2
0,0
James Hardie
-0,2
Theo Jacobsson
15
Sharks
-1,1
11,2
Simon Nemec
-10,8
Joakim Kemell
16
Oilers
-3,1
3,0
Connor Hvidston
-6,7
Spencer Sova
17
Kings
-5,4
2,8
Topi Ronni
-4,8
Nicholas Moldenhauer
18
Senators
-6,2
5,1
Ryan Healey
-9,5
Danila Yurov
19
Canadiens
-7,2
6,0
Daniil Orlov
-6,4
Pano Fimis
20
Avalanche
-9,2
7,4
Ben King
-9,9
Cruz Lucius
21
BlueJacket
-12,2
1,9
Theo Wallberg
-14,0
Gleb Trikozov
22
Wild
-15,6
9,4
Oskar Pettersson
-8,8
Josh Filmon
23
Islanders
-15,9
5,0
David Jiricek
-6,2
Fabian Wagner
24
Stars
-21,0
0,7
Cedrick Guindon
-8,0
Jack Devine
25
Flames
-23,9
0,0
Gannon Laroque
-7,7
Matthew Seminoff
26
Blackhawks
-30,5
1,6
Aleksanteri Kaskimaki
-8,7
David Goyette
27
Rangers
-30,5
5,0
Noah Ostlund
-11,0
Jordan Dumais
28
Blues
-39,7
13,3
Artyom Duda
-16,9
Shane Wright
Using a weighted methodology to compare the picks made, the movement between both leagues' first rounds has a large effect on the results. The Wings get a huge boost from Slafkovsky going first in the NHL while the Blues get a large hit due to Shane Wright going 4th.
In the end, based on the NHL results, the Red Wings pulverized every other team in terms of results. Will it end up that way after a couple of years? Who knows, as it wouldn't be that shocking to see some of the teams exceed their NHL counterparts. |
|
New York Islanders
|
Off Season Islanders Drunken Press Conference
|
Isles-Steve |
2022-07-27 23:40:16 |
362 |
In a long-awaited, much anticipated and frequently requested moment of clarity, Islanders GM Steve, inebriated though he may be, decided to entertain the NEFHL press corps on Wednesday. As usual, the inspiration had nothing whatsoever to do with hockey, the league, or even Kevin's misogynistic philosophy. The seed of creativity came from Toronto GM Shane who posted an apparent video of Kate Upton that could not be viewed in the United States of America (4 words for those who count).
For starters, please imagine that both Jimmy Fallon and the aforementioned Kate Upton are both wearing ice skates.
This was a post-skate picture, modeling show boots... right? snow boots!
Upon viewing this Sports Illustrated cover, GM Steve thought of... of... well... not Kevin.
"This Presser is hereby called to order!"
Before taking questions, I have a short statement. This marks the 18th season since the NEFHL inception, and the New York Islanders are proud to have sucked for most of those. Despite countless rebuilds, inevitable post-season eliminations, high draft picks, guidance from some of the most astute hockey minds in the universe, the Islanders have maintained a level of mediocrity rivaled by very few teams. In 18 years, the Isles have won 3 division titles, managed 7 playoff appearances, won 3 (!!) rounds, and, of course, zero Stanley Cups. I have been the commander for each and every season, each and every failure, and still, after 18 years, will be embarking on yet another rebuild this coming season.
Sorry for the interruption but there's just no ignoring talent on skates.
Now then, make no mistake about it, the Islanders will remain non-competitive indefinitely into the future. Despite the emergence of Ilya Sorokin, the Islanders will find a way to overcome his excellence.
Although the pipeline seems promising, I can personally guarantee that we will work day and night, nose to the grindstone, foot to the pedal, balls to the wall, and sheets to the wind in an effort to overcome the potential growth of this young crop of prospects.
Are there any questions?
Q: In the team history section, St. Louis won 10 division titles, made the playoffs 12 times, won 16 rounds and hoisted 2 cups. What has happened since the glory days?
A: Graham.
Q: In 18 seasons, the Blackhawks have made the post season exactly once, in 2005 and the Ducks have never managed to get past the first round. What's up with that?
A: Thank you for pointing out Islanders excellence through the years. There is simply no reasonable explanation.
Q: At the other end of the spectrum, just a dozen teams have lifted the cup in 18 years, do you have a prediction for this upcoming season?
A: This may not surprise many but I truly believe that the LA Kings will be returned to post-Drew glory by GM Carter. It almost happened this past post-season and I suspect there won't be a whole hell of a lot that can stop this juggernaut.
Q: What do you find the most surprising NEFHL failures?
A: Well, I wouldn't exactly call them failures because they are more like surprises. For example, Nashville has made the post-season 11 times without lifting the cup. Would you call an 11 time playoff participant a failure? Take it from me, that isn't failure. The Rangers have made the post-season 11 times and only won a pitiful 4 rounds. Let me say it loud and clear, "Rangers Suck!" Prove me wrong.
Q: Successes?
A: Well, the Ottawa Senators are an extreme example of a very quiet successful franchise. Just 1 division title but 9 playoff appearances, 16 rounds won, 2 Stanley Cups hoisted and you never hear a boastful word. I'm always impressed by quiet confidence.
Q: JD?
A: Next question please.
And now something from our sponsor.
The season may be over but you can still score.
Q: The Islanders and Devils seem to be living in parallel universes. Both have won the division 3 times, made the playoffs 7 times and have never won a cup. Do you feel slighted by the Devils having won one more playoff round?
A: Mob influence had a hand in that. It was right after the Danbury Trashers Galante fiasco.
Q: Can you give us a record that may never be broken in this league?
A: Well, the one that immediately comes to mind is for the fewest cups won per post. It's easily the safest record in history. Buffalo has secured a place in NEFHL folklore. GM Kevin is a legend that surpasses even my own incompetence.
Q: Biggest surprises?
A: Given the difficulty in winning this league, it's not easy to call a winner surprising. That said, Tampa winning the cup after so many years of frustration might have been the biggest surprise in memory.
Q: Final words?
A: I guess I wasn't as drunk as I thought.
|
|
Minnesota Wild
|
Minnesota RFA signings
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-07-26 16:40:43 |
246 |
With the draft behind us, it is now time for RFA season. The Minnesota Wild had a number of signings to get done. After the usual five attempts not everybody signed but the possibility of a team swooping in and signing a player and forcing my hand did not occur this summer as it has in the past with Morrissey and Hronek.
A number of teams around the league saw players take discounts. Did the Minnesota Wild have the same good fortune? Or did the players squeeze every nickle and dime out of GM Peter?
Let us take a look at the signings:
Alex Formenton: I was trying to get a 4 year deal with him but he was focused on less term the entire way. Ultimately I signed him for 2x875k. Contract is already a steal and he should improve on his ratings. He will provide speed and PK and chip in on offense. Great 3rd liner that can fill in the top 6. Still very young at 23 years old.
Brady Tkachuk: This was my first 80+ overall contract negotiation (not including goalies) my entire time in this league. I was hoping he'd sign for less than 5 million. At 2x4mil he wanted much more. I decided to go one year at a time after that. Signed for 1x4.5m. I am hoping I can try again for a longer term and less money next year. Probably won't happen.
Elias Pettersson: With other guys with similar AOV signing around 2.5 around the league this year, I knew that was the price range. In discussions with other GMs prior to RFA signing season opening, we were looking at around 3mil for his AOV based on other signings in that AOV so I'm happy I saved a bit here. I tried to get 4 years out of him but he wanted less term each time. He signed for 2x2.6m. I probably could have saved 100k/year but who cares.
Fredrik Karlstrom: He got his feet wet playing with NHL Dallas last season (1 point 3 games) and I'm hoping he continues to take that next step to being a full timer. I signed him for 1x850k as a 'show me' deal. My depth on C didn't allow me to offer 4 years and I also have to start watching out for contract limits.
Jackson Cates: Another guy with some NHL games under his belt. Signed him to a 'show me' deal 1x750k
Jake Evans: I tried really hard to keep him as an RFA but he just simply would not sign 3 years or less. He will test free agency in 4 years after signing 4x750k. I really don't care because by then I should have some combination of Cooley, Zegras, Pettersson, Hintz + other prospects like Karlstrom, Barratt, Smith, etc playing down the middle.
JG Pageau: My loyalty of the summer. Was thinking he'd go for 3mil based on his AOV and I really didn't want that amount. If negotiations weren't good I would have let him walk. Luckily he took my second offer. 2x2.5m. After he signed, I wondered if I could have squeezed him out a little lower. Probably would be playing with fire if I did though. I went 2 years because I don't believe he'll sustain his ratings for years 3 or 4 and the C depth of my team would be ok without him after 2 years.
Josh Morrissey: If he told me he wanted 'more years' instead of 'a little more' for the first 3 rounds I would have signed him earlier. He will likely be my loyalty in 3 years time. Dude told me at 2.75m he wanted a little more. Then at 3.25 he finally wanted more years. He signed for 3x3.1m by surprise. I would have been ok with an offersheet for 1+2+3.
Lukas Vejdemo: Picked up recently for some cash, I went 1x800k as a 'show me' deal. He was a main guy in AHL Laval and had some NHL games. Let's see what he can do with one more year.
Luke Kunin: I don't think he's as bad as his NHL season was last year. His point totals took an obvious dive playing with NHL Nashville as it does with so many players there. He definitely has attractive ratings for a bottom 6 role thanks to his physicality. I tried to go 4 years but he wanted less term. We settled for 2x950k. It's neither a steal nor a bad deal. It seems just right. Hopefully he rebounds in NHL San Jose to add a few more offensive ratings for me here.
Ryan Graves: I overpaid him last time since I was rebuilding and had all the cap in the world and needed to reach the floor but this time I ended up getting him for cheaper. I was a little surprised. 4x2m. It takes him to UFA which wasn't my preference but he wanted more years and took a pay cut to get it. At 2mil it can still be a waivable contract without penalty if he tanks down the line. Low risk term.
_____________________
Article: 6/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $250,000 / $10,000,000
|
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
A Lasting Impression
|
Pens-Brent |
2022-07-25 00:51:33 |
229 |
Tomorrow afternoon marks that last chance for Pittsburgh Penguin prospects to make their mark at the team's development camp. The youngsters have been battling it out since earlier this week with the hope of turning heads prior to training camp.
"It's a great chance to show the coaching staff what you can bring to the table. I've felt pretty good out there so far. I gotta push it again tomorrow," said rearguard Nicolas Beaudin.
"The pace is pretty quick out there. Things have been very fiesty the last couple of days in particular. Guys want to make an impression on the coaching staff. Training camp is right around the corner and you want to be ready to go," stated forward Kasper Bjorkqvist.
A few notables have caught the eye of the Penguins coaching staff. Looking at the team depth chart, it is looks as though there could be two forward spots up for grabs and one empty slot on the backend.
Three forwards who have separated themselves from the pack are Lucas Raymond, Seth Jarvis and Alex Newhook.
"Lucas just oozes offence. He is incredibly deceptive with the puck and already possesses a pro stride and skating speed. Jarv brings a little bit of everything and is clearly a treat to watch in terms of skill. We like the way that he finishes his checks considering his slight stature. Newy is a workhorse with a high motor and a great set of hands. He is probably already a top 10 skater in the league," said head coach Craig Berube.
One the backend, Gustav Lindstrom and Vlad Kolyachonok appear to be close to making the next step.
"Both guys have been really steady and poised. They are keeping it simple and playing the right way," Berube replied.
Here is a look at the scrimmage lineups for Monday afternoon.
TEAM BLACK
Lucas Raymond - Isac Lundestrom - Alexander Holtz
Liam Foudy - Ridly Greig - Alexander Kisakov
James Hardie - David Gustafsson - Kalle Vaisanen
Olen Zellweger - Vlad Kolyachonok
Axel Bergkvist - Brock Faber
Strauss Mann
Adam Scheel
TEAM GOLD
Jake Neighbours - Matty Beniers - Seth Jarvis
Tristan Broz - Alex Newhook - Ryder Korczak
Theo Jacobsson - Blake Murray - Kasper Bjorkqvist
Nicolas Beaudin - Gustav Lindstrom
Albert Johansson - Domenick Fensore
Arvid Soderblom
Taylor Gauthier
______________________
Article 4/5 |
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
Locked Up
|
Pens-Brent |
2022-07-24 03:05:34 |
291 |
The number one priority for the Pittsburgh Penguins heading into this offseason was to re-sign Evgeni Malkin to a new contract. Rumours began to swirl out of the Steel City that the Pens brass and the Russian vet were miles apart early on in contract discussions. Those closest to the organization suggested that Geno wanted "Much more". Two words that no general manager ever wants to hear.
"I feel they don't think I good anymore. They not want me," said the disenfranchised Magnitogorsk, Russia native.
Many Penguins players, both current and alum, voiced their disdain for the way that upper management was treating the franchise pivot.
"Geno is an elite talent who has paid his dues. This could be his last contract. He deserves to get paid," said Tyler Kennedy.
Having recently acquired Malkin for a 2nd and 3rd round pick at the trade deadline, NEFHL pundits were also scratching their heads as to the way things had been shaping up.
"Talks are awfully quiet out of Pittsburgh," said the Eastern Conference Insider.
Negotiations broke down after #71 turned down a multi-year pact worth slightly north of $3.5 Million AAV.
And then the captain, Sidney Crosby entered the equation. It is believed that Crosby vocalized his displeasure to the Penguins camp with regards to the way that Malkin was being treated.
"That's all hearsay," insisted the VP of hockey operations, Brian Burke.
With Free Agency looming, the two sides ultimately reached an agreement. A three year deal worth $12,000,000 total ($4,000,000 AAV)
When asked whether he left money on the table to stay in Pittsburgh, the Russian bull responded in saying, "I very rich man. Money not issue."
___________________________________
Article: 3/5
|
|
Minnesota Wild
|
Talbot to the Wild
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-07-20 15:21:48 |
261 |
After sending probably close to 50 PMs around the league looking for a 80+ goalie, Minnesota finally got one. Cam Talbot. At age 35 he is no spring chicken. In fact, he's probably on his last legs. This is a seemingly out of character move by the Wild GM.
"We needed a goalie. There aren't that many out there. We had the list of the top goalies around the league and went down the list crossing them off one by one. Talbot was our guy in the end. He wasn't our first choice, nor was he our second or third, but in the end this might work out pretty well for us. Certainly will work out well for the Ducks. I have more confidence in that."
While Talbot could see an increase in OV during the season as he gets starts with NHL Ottawa, it will be the giant Sogaard that will likely fill that crease in the future. A 'win now' move for the Wild. Talbot will likely take the loyalty spot next season, barring a collapse in goal during the season.
"There is risk for me. I like Sogaard. Evaluations on him are all over the place having talked to so many around the league. But again, we needed a goalie. There's only so many 80+ around the league. Half the league doesn't have a starter. I want to compete this year. Without a goalie you're going nowhere. People will say 'yea but Philly did it two years ago. To that I say, 'I had Hart at 77 and a stacked defense and look where I ended up last year'. I needed a goalie."
Sources around the league named Dustin Wolf and Sebastian Cossa as trade chips to land a goalie, but in the end it was Sogaard who was dealt.
"I definitely offered up those guys and picks for the upper echelon goalies. I had Cossa+2+3 sent to a few GMs. Wolf+2+3 to a couple others. Nobody wants to move a top goalie. They know how rare it is to have one for a good cap hit. I can understand those decisions by other GMs."
And here is where value in Talbot emerges. At 81 ov and 2.5m he fits the bill between cap hit management and still getting the ratings Minnesota needs. He will need a loyalty spot and will be untradeable next season. But if things finally pick up in NHL Ottawa, Talbot could be the guy there for the next 2-4 years and that would set the Wild up pretty nicely with Talbot/Hart or Wolf, Tarasov. Cossa is a longer term projection but the pipeline is still extremely strong for the Wild.
There were opportunities to acquire a higher rated goalie. Sources say Kuemper's name was in the mix. Ultimately it was the cap hit that was a major concern. "Kuemper was attractive but his salary would have crippled us in a year with loyalty and NMC. I just couldn't do it. We had a deal in place for something to get done. We talked about it before expansion and after."
Other sources implicated Rangers goalie Freddy Andersen, but GM Peter was quick to dismiss those rumors, "I wouldn't say we talked much. I got the asking price and it was way more than I think anybody in this league would have paid. And then the cap hit wasn't friendly either."
In the hunt for a goalie, Peter got replies from other GMs like "your firstborn child" or "Been a really long time since I've had a goalie that I don't think I can move him." As names got crossed off the list one after another, a contenter appeared...farther down the list, Merzlikins name was heavily tied to the Wild but a deal couldn't get done. Sources say the inclusion of Dustin Wolf was a sticking point for the Bruins and that was something GM Peter was not willing to do for Merzlikins. "Nobody was willing to budge here. I can respect that too."
In the end, the Wild got their goalie for the season, potentially 2 or 3 more. It hurts giving up Sogaard but it needed to be done and the goalie depth made it easier to do.
______
Article: 5/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $0 / $10,000,000
|
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
No longer one of the Broz
|
Pens-Brent |
2022-07-20 12:49:18 |
244 |
When the Pittsburgh Penguins brought in Jordan Binnington during expansion, the writing was on the wall. One could say that a line was drawn in the sand when backup goalie Eric Comrie put pen to paper signing a team friendly three year deal earlier this week.
"I guess you could say I felt the heat coming. I had a feeling my time here in Pittsburgh was over," said netminder Matt Murray before boarding a plane to Boston.
The Stanley Cup winning goaltender was shipped out of Pittsburgh to the Boston Bruins in exchange for shutdown defender Brett Kulak and promising young prospect Tristan Broz.
This move was thought to be inevitable with Murray being on the chopping block for well over a year now. Since his Stanley Cup victory in 2018, Murray has not been the same goaltender. Nagging injuries and a sudden loss of his father rattled the Thunder Bay native to his core, to the point when he did not appear to be the same player guading the Penguins net.
"I had a bad stretch there. I am thankful that the Bruins believe in me," Murray continued.
The truth of the matter is that this deal had to be made to free up some much needed cap relief, $1,450,000 to be exact.
"We felt that it was important to start the year with some breathing room. This deal allows us to pop the top button so to speak. Loosen the tie," The Penguins GM stated while watching the Penguins prospects skate at the team's development camp.
A new Penguin was on the ice skating with his young peers. Upon hearing the news late last even, Tristan Broz departed for Pittsburgh immediately to attend this morning's skate.
"I am a little sluggish this morning, but I am excited to be here," Broz said with a smile.
In Broz, the Penguins are getting a young versatile forward who projects to be a future utility, up and down your roster type of guy.
The Penguins also shored up their blueline. The smooth skating Brett Kulak should be a welcomed addition to a defence core that is continually evolving.
"Brett is a durable guy who is very underrated. We think that his impressive skating and defensive play will really come in handy next season. I like the fact that we have the option to extend him next year to a long term deal. We will see how things play out," The Pens GM finished. |
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
Who da Mann?
|
Pens-Brent |
2022-07-19 19:09:20 |
251 |
Despite a rather inactive draft from the Pittsburgh Penguins, the club managed to land a high end goalie prospect in Strauss Mann earlier this week. The former starting goalie for the Michigan Wolves is now Pens property, a team that desparately needs long term goalie help. With a Big Ten Goalie of the year award under his belt, the Greenwich, Connecticut native feels like he is ready to make the jump.
"I have had the privilege of being a part of an amazing team led by world class coaches. I am happy that I will be continuing my career alongside my good friend, Matty. I am hoping that I can turn some heads this week at prospect camp. I'll give it my all and see what the coaches have to say," stated the 23-year-old netminder.
"He's so strong positionally. Having played with him the past couple of years, we always felt confident out there with him behind us. I think he's going to be a great tender one day and I am glad that we can continue to grow together," added top prospect Matty Beniers.
The knock on Mann is his lack of size being listed at only 6'0. His strong positional play could counteract this area need. Only time will tell.
Mann joins Arvid Soderblom and Adam Scheel as recent undrafted goalies to join the team. The Penguins brass hopes that one of these goalies take over as "the guy" in Pittsburgh one day.
"We are happy with that trio for sure. We will continue to systematically add goaltenders in the coming years. You can never have too many," said the Pens GM.
Pittsburgh added just one prospect at the draft this year, Theo Jacobsson. Having loaded up the past few years, it was quite the change of pace from what Penguins fans have grown accustomed to. The young centremen tallied 32 points in 24 games in the Swedish Junior league this year. He also gained some professional experience recording 37 games played with MoDo this season. |
|
Seattle Kraken
|
Kraken roster taking shape
|
Kraken-Scott |
2022-07-19 16:34:41 |
234 |
No rest for the wicked. The Kraken and GM Scott Davies have been busy finalizing the team’s inaugural roster over the past few weeks. The Kraken General Manager has been busy since the expansion and entry drafts took place earlier this summer.
Davies has been primarily focused on signing his team’s restricted free agents, and so far, he’s been pretty successful. The Kraken have signed stalwarts forward Victor Olofsson and steady defensemen Jake McCabe and Zach Whitecloud all to four-year contracts.
“We’re excited to have Victor, Jake and Zach all locked up long-term here in Seattle” Davies said to the Seattle media Monday evening. “Victor is someone we’re particularly excited to have under contract for a number of years. He will be a key cog in the Kraken powerplay for the next few years. His one-timer from his offside is lethal and he should be able to score lots of goals. McCabe and Whitecloud will bring much needed stability to the Kraken blueline. McCabe is a proven veteran while we feel strongly that Zach has lots more upside to uncover.”
The Kraken have also been able to sign a few of its other key RFA’s – notably top prospect forwards Cody Glass and Jaret Anderson-Dolan to three-year contracts, as well as young forward Aidan McDonough to a two-year contract. They will all likely start on the farm in the Kraken’s inaugural season.
Only one Kraken RFA currently remains unsigned in centerman Mark Kastelic. Sources say that the two sides are close to a short-term agreement which should be announced in the coming days.
The Kraken have also dipped into the unrestricted free agency pool, signing grizzly veteran centre Brian Boyle to a 1-year deal, and also young stay-at-home defenseman Keaton Middleton to a 2-year entry-level contract. The Kraken figure to be active in free agency as the team has approximately $14 million in cap space – a very valuable commodity this time of year. The Kraken hope to bring in an impact player or two before training camp starts in the fall. |
|
Minnesota Wild
|
Wild sign 2 of 5 UFA prospects
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-07-18 20:15:13 |
263 |
When most teams are focused on re-signing their own RFAs, Minnesota included, a lot of teams tend to forget UFA prospects/players can be had around this time of year. Obviously Vancouver is not one of those teams that forgot as they splurged on the available players.
Minnesota made offers on five players, with two accepting entry-level contracts.
Marcus Bjork, 1 year 500k. signing bonus 250k: Swedish born figure skater who competed at the 2012 world junior championships and two-time silver national medalist....oh wait, it's not that Markus Bjork...this Markus Bjork is a 24 year old 6'3" 180lbs defenseman coming out of Sweden's HockeyEttan league...wait, no that's not it either...The real Marcus Bjork is a 25 year old 6'3" 205lbs defenseman coming out of the SHL where he's been patrolling blue lines since the 2018-2019 season. Looks like he wants to try his luck in the AHL this season. On a 1 year deal and a 250k bonus it's easily worth a gamble on him. ...whoever he is
Markus Nurmi, 1 year 450k. signing bonus 250k: Finish born defensive winger with size at 6'5" and 195lbs. Former NEFHL Flyers pick in 2016 (4th round - 108 overall), the now 24 year old was 2nd on his team in goals last season playing for TPS in Liiga with 20 goals. Just 1 goal behind the leading scorer of that team with 21 goals, Michael Pyyhtia, is also owned by NEFHL Wild. If the team name sounds familiar, that's because over the last 2 months or so all we've heard about TPS is about their defense-first style of play being the reason why 2022 NHL #1 overall pick Juraj Slafkovsky could not score more than 5 goals in league play. Nurmi also led all Liiga players in post-season points last season before inking a contract with the NHL Predators. On a 1 year deal and a 250k bonus it's easily worth a gamble on him.
The Wild also recently acquired Lukas Vejdemo from the Flyers in exchange for 500k. Vejdemo has been a mainstay for AHL Laval and got called up as an injury fill in. The club is aiming to sign the qualified restricted free agent to a 1 year 'show me' deal to see if he can find a depth role anywhere in the organization.
_________
Article: 4/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $0 / $10,000,000
|
|
Vancouver Canucks
|
Canucks Go Crazy in Unsigned Player Pool
|
Canucks-Kyle |
2022-07-18 18:48:16 |
228 |
The Vancouver Canucks have been extremely busy this offseason and it was no different on the first date of unsigned NCAA, CHL or European players. The Canucks singed 14! Players to entry level contracts, far more than any other the team. It cost the team $24,791,827 in finances.
“Yeah, we didn’t expect that many guys wanted to sign here but we did know we needed to add some free agent type prospects to strengthen our prospect pool. We pillaged it trying to make a playoff run last year. We picked up some guys we expect to contribute as early as this year and others are projects we can wait on” said GM Allen.
First part of our series looking at these players will be those from the NCAA.
1. Ben Meyers, C, Minnesota: The most NEFHL-ready player among college free agents, Meyers has had a long list of suitors for the last two years. Teams had hoped he would agree to a deal after last season, but Meyers opted to return for his junior season and is one of Minnesota’s captains.
On top of making Team USA and playing a key role at the Olympics, Meyers has been among the best two-way centers in college hockey. He plays the game with speed and is aggressive in all zones. His hockey sense is NHL-caliber and his motor allows him to make up for any shortcomings in the skill department. But make no mistake, he is skilled and has good creativity and vision. It has helped lead to a career-best 34 points in 29 games for Minnesota this year.
Meyers is average-sized but strong on his skates and hard to knock off the puck. He also showed refined goal-scoring touch this season, with a quick release. While he can score from distance, a lot of Meyers’ goals come from closer to the net. He is expected to be playing for the Canucks as the season progresses.
2. Bobby Trivigno, LW, UMass: The Frozen Four MVP from last year’s magical UMass run, Trivigno had suitors last season. He had his fair share of interested NEFHL teams, as he’s among the most skilled players available in this college free agent class. He also is one of seven players with 40 or more points in this NCAA season to date. Trivigno is fifth in the NCAA as of this writing with 42 points in 31 games.
What will limit Trivigno’s suitors is probably his size at 5-foot-8, 152 pounds, but those that look closer will see a player with a high motor who routinely displaces pucks from the opposition and has excellent transitional scoring abilities off the turnovers he creates. He also has a good shot and has enough speed to get through defenses.
3. Brandon Scanlin, D, Omaha: A towering defenseman who contributes at both ends of the ice, Scanlin has put up a career-best 31 points for Omaha this season. The 22-year-old junior blueliner had more than 40 points in each of his last two seasons of junior hockey before embarking on his NCAA career, so there’s a track record of production. He has some good elements to his physical game and can be difficult to get around. I do have some concerns about his skating in terms of defending NEFHL speed, but I also think there are some appealing tools there that will entice a good number of offers.
4. Marc McLaughlin, C, Boston College: A tremendous two-way forward with good-enough speed, McLaughlin could be an ideal bottom-six forward down the road. He made the U.S. Olympic Team amid a career-best season as a senior. He has 19 goals, many coming from in tight to the net. McLaughlin was Hockey East’s top defensive forward award winner last season and has added a bit more offense to the table. He’s also a high-character player, having been a two-year captain at BC.
5. Taylor Ward, RW, Omaha: A right-shot winger with good size and strength, Ward is having a career year at Omaha. The 23-year-old senior has 35 points to lead the Mavericks including 17 goals. He has averaged 0.87 points per game over his four-year NCAA career and has been in double digits in goals in each of the last three seasons while playing in the toughest conference in U.S. college hockey. The son of former NHLer Dixon Ward, he’s the kind of guy you give a long look to as he could one day help provide some scoring depth for your team.
Article: 2/5 Bonus: $0 / $10,000,000 |
|
Minnesota Wild
|
'Starter' Hart or Carter Shart?
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-07-16 21:30:01 |
256 |
This is the question on the minds of millions, if not billions, of NEFHL Minnesota Wild fans around the world. What version of Carter Hart will we see in 2022-2023? Will it be the return of the 'next great canadian goalie', who was once the top goalie prospect on the planet? Or will it be more of the same from the guy we saw these last two seasons behind NHL Philly's terrible defensive structure?
In any case, GM Peter does not want to leave it to chance or luck. The GM explained, "As we saw last season, Hart's only time with starter ratings was that three week period he was injured. That's just the way it goes sometimes."
The ratings indicate we definately need a goalie to start the season. But there is also a glimmer of hope that Torts whips the NHL Flyers into shape. This is something most recently hired coaches do. Tortorella could easily do the same (before crashing and burning in year 2 or 3). If this is the case then Hart should see a steady increase in OV. He is already getting over 50% of starts for his team. How does a goalie who starts over 50% of games not have minimum starter ratings? Seems strange, but it's the way she goes.
On the trade front, the prospect pool indicates we definately have what it takes to acquire a goalie. In fact, The Wild have arguably the deepest goalie prospect pool in the NEFHL. With two blue-chip goalie prospects in Cossa and Wolf, and Tarasov on the cusp of the big show with legit #1 potential, with Sogaard and Merilainen a little farther away but still have starter potential, there is a lot of depth in the pipeline. Sources say GM Peter has been working the phones, but the right deal is yet to be found with the right fit. Those same sources say Sebastian Cossa and Dustin Wolf have been offered in trade talks along with picks in some negotiations.
The only thing certain about the Wild goaltending, is how uncertain it is to start the 2022-2023 season.
_________
Article: 3/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $0 / $10,000,000 |
|
Buffalo Sabres
|
This Clubs Rock and Roll
|
Sabres-Kevin |
2022-07-16 10:32:01 |
205 |
I wanted a hard nosed hockey club that can roll depth.
That was the goal when I began my rebuild three years ago… we have two playoff appearances and one Division Banner during that stretch. The pieces are in place and the window to compete for the cup is here… Fowler/Robertson/Duclair/Gudas went a combined +19DF in rerates… the two-way infrastructure has become solidified.
EK-Okposo have the ability to be the best shutdown combo in the league… Gods in the defensive end and both have the hands to score goals… throw Robertson on the line with his elite offensive talent… hands for 50G… and this line has the ability to be one of the best in the game
Now the second line hits the ice… Bennett heavy on the forecheck… a battering ram goal scorer with the hands for 30+… Schenn is a more mellow (in comparison) more refined offensive Bennett, one of the best two-way players in the league… and Johansen who has bounced back into a 60 point two-way force with size and speed. It's a deadly trio
Trocheck is going to feast… 69PA/PC/SC and just signed a seven year deal with the Rangers in the nhl to play beside the BreadMan 75s across the board.. with his IT and DF that offensive boost over the season could position him to be the best player on the team… Carter and Duclair both with 80+ speed and the hands to score goals… it’s a line that’s a mismatch nightmare
Kotkanemi signed a n eight year extension to become the Canes second line center in the nhl… I think we are looking at a 30G 60 point breakout with the talent he will be playing with in Carolina… both Sanford and Milano are excellent rated 4th liners with 15G hands… quality depth.
Toews is one of the most electrifying two-way players in hockey… very few defensemen can skate like Toews and dominate at both ends.. can play 30 a night and has 70 point upside.. Every time he touches the ice he has weapons around him… Norris Potential … His partner should be a stay at home monster in Gudas… 300+ hit upside while he just leaches points.
McNabb-Fowler is just a less version of the above and that’s not a slight to them… Fowler can skate like Toews and is just as good defensively while eating the big minutes… his offensive upside is 50 points… A number 1D on most other hockey clubs … McNabb is more of a 150+ hit stay at home blueliner, he does not kill everyone.. But again like when Toews hits the ice… Fowler can architect the same way from the other side of the ice.
Ekholm is a top pair defenseman almost anywhere else… Dude can legitimately play 25 minutes a night and he’s elite in the defensive end 81DF… he’s going to play third pair with the Trocheck line in front of him while babysitting Dunn (73DF) and his 35-50 point upside… it’s not even fair
Toews - Fowler skating together on the 4th line is my gift to the nefhl fans across the league
The clubs Rock and Roll
Young
Elite Defensively
Elite Physically
Mobile
Combined for over 300 goals in the nhl last year
Cap Space
If you can’t see the absolute beauty in the construction, I don’t know what to tell you
39.761
Robertson PP1 - ErikssonEK PK2 - Okposo PK2
Bennett PP2 - Johansen PP2 - Schenn PP2
Carter PK1 - Trocheck PK1+PP1 - Duclair PP1
Sanford - Kotkanemi- Milano
Toews PP1 - Gudas PK1
McNabb PK2 - Fowler PP2+PK2
Ekholm PK1+PP2 - Dunn PP1
(Toews - Fowler)
Nedelijkovic
Anderson
78ovr Ned might be the only weakness .. I don't see how I could make the 12F 6D any better than it already is... it's literally flawless
|
|
St-Louis Blues
|
Blues Post 2022 NEFHL Draft Prospect Rankings
|
Blues-Graham |
2022-07-14 11:54:34 |
243 |
I can't say this years draft went as well as it should have. I missed out on all my late 1st round picks and reached for a couple in the 2nd and 3rd rounds in fear that I would miss out on them as well (Adam Sykora, Tyler Brennan). It was nice to get a couple I'd consider steals later on in both Duda and Grudinin. Either way, the Blues prospect pool continues to grow and is quite deep. It was nice to add Shane right to the top of the list. We're currently sitting at 53 prospects who are 23 and under (DoB 1999). You can see the last 4 rankings as well as the change in thier rankings. All new draftee's are highlighted in green and are easy to spot. It's worth noting that due to his illness, Rodion Amirov was left out of this version of the rankings. We'll resume ranking him once he returns to playing hockey.
|
|
Edmonton Oilers
|
The Price of a Line
|
Oilers-Jason |
2022-07-12 22:42:19 |
200 |
As news broke via Twitter that top line wingers Patrik Laine and Craig Smith would re-sign with Edmonton for a combined cap hit of just $5.5 million per season, Oilers general manager Jason Jarrett rushed to get the two together at Rogers Place for an official press conference to confirm the deals. Asked if he knew who the source of the leak was, Jarrett said that he knew neither who the source was or who The Insider was, "Look, it's definitely not me in either case. I have my suspicions about who The Insider is, but I'd never tell even if I knew. As for the source? It's probably Jordie Benn. That's the kind of shit that kid was pulling in the zero regular season games he was with the franchise."
When asked if he was happy to be returning to the team for at least the next four years, Patrik Laine suggested that his flexibility was part of the reason the line would be able to stay together, "You know, I'm taking a million dollar pay cut to insure Smitty and I stay together for the foreseeable future. Last year was a year of growth for us as a tandem, and we're just starting to hit our stride. I see nothing but good things for us. And add Kempe to the mix for $900,000 and you have a first line for just over $6 million per season."
For his part, Smith said he too was thrilled to take a pay cut to stay in Edmonton, "We've got a good thing going on. We made the playoffs last season when we were projected to finish in the bottom third of the league. We took the Western Conference Champs to game seven. I'm not saying we can beat any team, any day, but we can certainly beat most teams, most days. With the cap space we're freeing up, I expect the general manager to add some serious firepower and to shore up our defensive depth until our young guys get settled in to the league."
Jarrett said that he expected negotiations to wrap up quickly with the remainder of the team's key assets, such as Pavel Zacha, Noah Hanifin, and Alex Wennberg. Grind-it-out forwards Sam Lafferty and Vinnie Hinostroza were also expected to end up back in Edmonton, while the jury was still out on John Hayden's future with the franchise. Defenceman-of-the-future Pierre-Olivier Joseph came close to putting pen (see what I did there) to paper, as well.
Earlier in the off-season, Edmonton tendered entry level contracts to: forwards Cole Sillinger, expected to see immediate action, Justin Sourdif, and Jachym Kondelik; defenceman Gianni Fairbrother; and goalies Jakub Skarek and Akira Schmid. Recent draftees Liam Ohgren, Matyas Sapovaliv, Spencer Sova, Ludvig Jansson, and Connor Hvidston were all expected to make appearances in development camp later this summer.
|
|
St-Louis Blues
|
The Blues Grab 2 in the 1st Round and 2 in the 2nd.
|
Blues-Graham |
2022-07-11 08:09:39 |
248 |
** This was written after the first round on Wednesday night but not posted until now. A recap of day 2 will come later. Going into the draft, most of the conversation surrounding the Blues was who were they going to pick with their first overall pick. However, the blues also owned pick 26 as well as pick 33 and were said to have scouted a slew of young talented but flawed players. The list included, Brad Lambert, Trikisov, Miroshinshenko, Frank Nazar, Adam Sykora and Jager Firkus.
The question about who would go first overall at this years NEFHL draft was settled early on when the Blues selected young C, Shane Wright out of Kingston. “He’s a great player with great vision who missed his entire draft minus 1 year. He’s going to do great things in the NEFHL and we’re glad to have him on board.” There was some chatter heading into the draft that the Blues might move the pick. Vancouver was rumored to be in the mix, but fortunate for both the Blues and Wright, nothing came to fruition. Wright is the top player in this draft and has a great all around game.
With almost all of the players on the Blues list gone by pick 26th , the Blues found another talented but flawed player in the form of Slovakian Filip Mesar. Mesar is a speedster with a great motor and an incredibly high ceiling. The knock on the young forward is that he often ends up on the peripheral of the offensive zone rather then in the dirty areas where the goals are scored. He’s also slight at 5’10 and 170 pounds. The Blues are hoping he ends up more boom than bust.
With the first pick in the 2nd round, number 33 overall the Blues went back to Slovakia and nabbed young forward Adam Sykora. Sykora is one of the younger players in the draft with an early September 2004 birthday, missing the 2023 draft cut off by only 8 days. Another player with an extremely high motor, everyone says, it’s not a matter of if Sykora will play in the NHL but only about how high in the line up he will go. Like his fellow countryman Mesar, Sykora is a bit undersized at 5’10 175 pounds but plays way bigger then his frame would dictate.
With the 48th pick overall the Blues grabbed American NTDP defencemen, Seamus Casey. Once again, Casey is a bit under sized but poses potentially the best hands in the draft by any player, defenceman or forward. Extremely mobile, Casey projects as a power play quarterback. The knock against Casey as it has been with almost all of the blues top 60 picks in this years draft is his size. Casey measures in at 5’10 , 172 pounds. He’ll have to add some serious muscle to that frame if he wants to be able to push NHL forwards from out in front of the net. The closest NHL comparable to Casey would be Torey Krug.
Going into draft night (morning) the Blues also had pick 58 but managed top swing it to Ottawa for their 2nd round pick in the 2023 draft which is said to be very deep. An astute move by GM Thompson. The Blues now own 4 2nd round picks in 2023 plus their 1st rounder.
Still to come, rounds 3-7. The Blues own 13 more picks: #83, 88, 97, 104, 107, 118, 133, 138, 140, 161, 172, 193, 214 |
|
Nashville Predators
|
Predators draft too many players... again!
|
Preds-Sylvain |
2022-07-10 22:21:07 |
198 |
Looking at the number of selections done by the Predators this year, you would never guess they’ve been having problems operating under the contract limits. You would understand if they did it once, even twice, but at this pace, it may be more of a disease than a cure for the team’s performance.
The Predators made a total of 17 selections. This lengthens their prospect list to over 60. And with already 12 picks in 2023, this madness isn’t coming close to stopping.
At least, Nashville had a lot to squeeze out of their scouting department. They saw over 200 full junior games across the different leagues and watched/listened to countless other sources that discussed prospects to compare their notes. With that kind of effort, the Predators GM might feel a compulsion to acquire an extra pick and use that knowledge efficiently.
In the first round of 2022, this resulted in the selection of Ivan Miroshnichenko at 22 and Denton Mateychuk at 27. GM Tremblay commented: “We had those at 14 and 18 on our list. Miroshnichenko plays with a good mix of strength and skill. He has a great, accurate one-timer that will be an asset on the power-play. Mateychuk is a modern defenseman that plays a bit like a rover. He is extremely good at judging how the play evolves and despite going deep into the opponent’s zone, he rarely gets caught behind.” Rumors are that the Predators were trying to move up a bit in the draft to select one of Rutger McGroarty or Liam Ohgren.
Then, in the second round, the Predators had the rug pulled under their feet for their first selection in the round, at 47. As the draft unfolded, they thought they would be able to secure one of Lian Bichsel, Filip Bystedt, or Reid Schaefer at 47. When these three were taken from 44 to 46, Nashville had to adjust its draft strategy on the fly. In the end, the Predators opted for a player that would have a four-year timeline to get signed and picked Cameron Lund. He’s a bit of a project, but he plays center, has size, and a very good shot. At the end of the 2nd round, Nashville selected one of the players that they really liked in Paul Ludwinski: “While I was initially looking at Shane Wright, Paul Ludwinski quickly caught my attention. With great motor and anticipation, he is extremely fun to watch. I feel he was a bit unlucky and playing mostly on the third line with little power-play time, his stats didn’t show his true skill level.”
In the third round, Nashville made three more selections. When the 80th pick was coming up, Nashville had three names they were really looking at: Ryan Greene, Hunter Haight and Kirill Dolzhenkov. Since Greene and Haight were both chosen at 76 and 79, the Predators went with Dolzhenkov: “Other than playing in Russia and having to work on his skating, we feel that Dolzhenkov shares similarities with Slafkovsky. He has great hands, and he can play a physical game on the boards. He didn’t get much playtime on his MHL team, especially in the playoffs, or otherwise, I think he’d have put up a lot more points.” Then, for their two other picks, late in the third, Nashville saw their target get picked right before they were up, at 89, in Miko Matikka. In place of Matikka, the Predators went again with a player from the OHL they highly regarded in Jake Karabela: “I think that Karabela is underrated. He’s a good skater with excellent stickhandling. As he showed at the CHL Top Prospect game, he works well with skilled linemates. Unfortunately, he mostly played on a line with linemates that weren’t very skilled but still got them scoring above their skill level.” With their last pick of the round, Nashville opted for an overager in Jack Beck who had a short season due to injuries: “When he played, Jack Beck was the Ottawa 67’s best offensive player by far. He’s still thin but shows a lot of offensive potential. We’re looking forward to seeing how he does playing a full year in 2022-2023.”
The fourth round was quiet compared to the others, with just one selection for the Predators. At 110, Nashville had long planned to select Mikey Milne: “We came into the draft thinking that we would draft him. We were confident he would be there at 110 and quite happy to be right about him. While watching Geekie and Savoie, Milne was the one consistently catching our eye. He’s older but he never had a real chance to show his game due to the shortened season last year where he only played 14 games. His motor never stops, and he is very useful both on the forecheck and in his zone. He also has sneaky good skills and given the chance he’ll put the puck in the back of the net or find a teammate to pass to. We see him in the mold of Zach Hyman or Brandon Hagel, playing a rugged style of play that’s well complemented with skills.”
The fifth-round marks the place where Nashville’s draft list of “higher quality prospects” went dry. The Predators had hoped that one or several of Cole Spicer, Servac Petrovsky, Samuel Savoie, Filip Nordberg, Kocha Delic, Gannon Laroque, Zam Plante, Cedrick Guindon, Daimon Gardner, Daniil Ivanov or Adam Engstrom would still be available. Nashville held at some point, five picks in this round between 148 and 155. With their targets dropping like flies, two of the picks were dealt and the “B-list” came out. Even though the Predators have a huge prospect list, not many of them are defensemen. The “B-list” contained the names of more defensemen to try and add a couple of them to the mix. At 148, Nashville selected their second defenseman of the day by picking up Kirill Kudryavtsev: “At this point in the draft, we wanted a defenseman with offensive upside. I think his offensive game is already well-developed, but he’s still adjusting to the pace of playing on smaller ice. Defensively, he plays like you must in the MHL due to the larger ice and doesn’t deny the blueline. We believe that he can overcome this.” Then, with back-to-back picks at 151 and 152, Nashville selected Sandis Vilmanis and Jakub Demek: “With Vilmanis, we had to spend more time watching him on tape to really see what we are looking for in prospects. For some reason unknown to us, Lulea’s coach decided to lower his ice time, push him down in the bottom six and cut his powerplay time. As a result, Vilmanis only had 1 point in his last 12 games at the J20 level. Prior to that demotion, he had used his puck skills and his shot to be productive. Demek is a big two-way winger that skates well for his size and played a key role in the Edmonton Oil Kings playoffs run. He plays the game hard and has hands good enough to convert when he’s close to the net.”
In the sixth round, the Predators kept picking names from that “B-list”. At 172, they selected an overager that they had seen play while scouting the Ohgren-Ostlund-Lekkerimaki trio with Djurgardens: “While we initially were more interested in Djurgarden’s top line, #51 on the team kept doing smart plays and creating scoring chances. It turns out that this was Oskar Jellvik and we had a chance to pick him up later in the draft. We were lucky enough for him to still be available at 172, so this was an easy pick at this stage. We look forward to watching his progression with Boston College next year.” Then, at 176, with the RedWings having selected one of GM’s Tremblay personal favorites in Josh Davies, the Predators went with a player from the QMJHL in Alexis Gendron: “Gendron is a skilled goal scorer that produces in spurts. He needs to improve his consistency and get better in his own end. After the Armada jettisoned their best players at mid-year, he showed he could increase his offensive production.” At 188, Nashville selected their third defenseman in the draft, when they selected Elmeri Laakso: “I think that this year, Laakso was a victim of being pushed too quickly at a higher level, in Liiga. Due to that, his play didn’t progress much and, in some ways, even regressed. He’s still very young and we believe he can turn it around next year after a hard summer’s work.”
In the last round of the draft, at 194, the Predators went with another player they had planned to select during the draft, when they selected Parker Bell: “Just like other selections we made in this draft, we believe that Parker Bell would have been ranked higher if he had played with a better support cast. He’s an intelligent player with good size that can use his size. His skating could use some work, but he still gets to where he needs to be. Towards the end of the year, Bell showed marked improvements in his game.” With the last two selections, Nashville decided to add two other defensemen: “Based on an unappealing statistical profile, we were initially thinking about shortening the number of games we would scout from the Des Moines Buccaneers. Yet, Jackson Dorrington caught our eye with his game, and we spent some more time watching them play. Dorrington’s got size and showed interesting flashes that point to further development and upside to his game. It’s a bit of the same story with Dionicio, who we initially wrote off due to his skating. He does have other redeeming qualities, notably his passing game, and we have seen improvements throughout the year regarding his skating and stickhandling.” |
|
Seattle Kraken
|
Kraken Draft Haul: Cuts like a Knife
|
Kraken-Scott |
2022-07-09 20:31:32 |
240 |
The Seattle Kraken completed its first ever NEFHL entry draft this past week. GM Scott Davies met with the media on Saturday morning to give some quick quips about each of the team's 10 draft picks.
4th overall - C/LW Cutter Gauthier: "Power forward. Cutter scores goals, great size and skate really well. We're proud to have made Gauthier the first ever Kraken draft pick." Gauther was selected fifth overall in the NHL draft by the Flyers.
35th overall - D Ryan Chesley: "Well rounded d-man who needs to develop better puck skills. Physical." Chesley was chosen in the second round by the Capitals in the NHL draft.
46th overall - LW Reid Schaefer: "Big kid who can score goals. Really came on strong in the second half of the season." Schafer was chosen with the last pick of the first round by the Oilers in the NHL draft.
67th overall - LW Dylan James: "A very high IQ player who was a point-per-game in the USHL last season on a strong team. Good offensive potential." James was selected in the second round of the NHL draft by the Red Wings.
99th overall - D Otto Salin: "An offensive-minded defenseman who needs to round out his defensive game." Salin was chosen in the fifth round by the Kings in the NHL draft.
101st overall - C Brennan Ali: "A bit of the off-the-board pick admittedly, but we like his offensive potential and we hope he develops into a scoring force at Notre Dame." Ali was chosen in the seventh round by the Red Wings in the NHL entry draft.
120th overall - D Filip Nordberg: "A big, physical defenseman who can contribute in all zones. We feel that Nordberg will continue to develop his offensive game to match his d-zone abilities." Nordberg surprisingly was chosen in the second round by the Senators.
131st overall - RW Cole Spicer: "Spicer is a player we had starred on our draft list. Lots of scoring potential. He scored 20 goals on the USNDP program playing lower in the lineup." Spicer was chosen in the fourth round of the NHL draft by the Bruins.
163rd overall - G Tyler Muszelik: "We took a bit of a flyer here on Muszelik. He was primarily a backup goalie on the USNDP team last year. We will be patient with Tyler and see how he develops." Muszelik was chosen by the Panthers in the sixth round of the NHL draft.
195th overall - RW Brady Stonehouse: "A shift disturber who constantly works. Our Ottawa scouts were high on his competitiveness." Stonehouse wasn't selected in the NHL draft.
Overall, GM Davies seemed quite content with the value obtained from his ten picks. Another step forward towards the Kraken being a competitive NEFHL team in the future.
|
|
Minnesota Wild
|
Heeeeeeere's Logan
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-07-09 16:07:10 |
273 |
I'm just a guy with youtube videos and draft guides. My eyes told me to pick Cooley. My team structure could use a guy like Slafkovsky or Nemec. I made my choice, but what do the paid experts think?
Logan Cooley
Age 18
Height 5'10" / 179 cm
Weight 181 lbs / 82 kg
Dobber:
One of the most electrifying playmakers in this year’s crop, Cooley’s tremendous skating and creative passing makes him a threat almost every shift. He shows flashes of decent two-way play, as well, although there are also moments in his own zone where he could do a better job covering off passing lanes. His creativity can also get the better of him at times, as he’ll attempt plays that have slim odds of succeeding (but that would be spectacular successful). If Cooley adds further efficiency to his arsenal, watch out.
I don't like that they compared him with Trevor Zegras. It seems like any flashy young player will have to go through those comparisons for the next while though. I don't really see too many similarities in their games. But another Zegras on my team would be sweet...
McKeens:
The 5’10 pivot, and University of Minnesota commit will undoubtedly draw comparisons to another former NTDP'er, Matty Beniers. Watching the two, their playing styles and strengths are similar, as are their NHL projections. This comparison should be seen as a compliment. Beniers was the second overall selection and Cooley has a chance to go in a similar spot.
The first thing you notice about Cooley is how dangerous he is in transition. He is a topflight skater who picks up speed quickly. The second thing you immediately notice about Cooley is his competitive nature at both ends. He is far from a one-dimensional center. Are there concerns? Slight ones. Cooley is not a terrific finisher and does not have a terrific shot. More of a playmaker and facilitator, he will likely never be a high-end goal scorer at the NHL level
I don't usually like McKeens but if this projection is accurate, I'd be extremely happy with a 2-way playmaking center. I don't think his shot is as bad as described here, but if that is his biggest weakness, then I have no doubt Cooley will be working on it over the next few years. He's a competitive guy that wants to be better.
EliteProspects:
You won’t find a more singularly-gifted puckhandler in this year’s draft than Logan Cooley. He’s a human highlight-reel, swashbuckling his way through defenders like a hot knife cuts through butter. It all starts with the first touch, and Cooley has the best one in this class. The way he seamlessly blends pass receptions at speed into his first move without breaking stride is almost unfair. He’s one of the rare triple-threat scorers in this draft. All of those moves serve a purpose, whether it’s drawing in defenders to create space elsewhere, opening up passing lanes, or getting into better shooting positions. Our only real concern with Cooley’s projection is the absence of any high-end tools outside of his skill as a handler. Overall, though, there’s no disputing Cooley’s No. 1 centre upside.
Similar to McKeens in the sense that he's a 2-way playmaking forward. They are less concerned here about his shot, and a little more concern with trying to do too much out there. I think this ties in with other reviews linking him to Zegras and where I disagree with them on the similarity. Where Zegras was able to get those passes acrosses and wow you with his vision, Cooley seems to try and force it at times.
DraftPro Yearbook:
Steady blend of talent and intelligence at the center position. Smooth and articulate skater with agility. Uses his edges and can turn up the heat. Consistent speed shift after shift is a slight adjustment he could make in his game. Speedy maneuvers threaten defenders on the rush. Transitions the play from one end of the ice to the other at a high level. Near top of the chart hands and puck skills. Strong composure with the puck on his stick. He is one of the better centermen in the faceoff department. Has the ability to pull off nifty dekes to avoid poke checks and reaches. He could improve beating a defender one on one with a dynamic deke. Top notch passing and playmaking vision. Finds backdoor plays when they do not look like a viable option. Intelligent player without the puck. Recognizes open areas where he gets open for a sneaky shot. Offers a nice scoring touch. Option for both even strength and special teams. Poised in tight areas. Smart anticipator and can adjust himself well to pressure. Positive attitude. Smart, alert, defensively responsible forward. Physicality is an area he could offer more. Does not necessarily shy away from physical play, but it is still a part of the game and could improve his impact. Covers the D-zone supporting his defensemen in scrums. Sneaky stick work. He is a workaholic. He can be used to solidify any top six forward group, bolstering the middle of the ice. Cooley is one of the more complete 200-foot players with offensive touch.
An 18 year old kid with questionable physical play? I haven't seen that one before...they don't seem to be concerned with his shot too much either. Their major comparison is Matthew Barzal so if that's the case I'm looking at 80+ SP, 75+ PA, 75+ DF, 60+ SC at a minimum in a few years. I can definitely be on board with that.
Blackbook:
Since their write up is way too long to even get the tidbits here, I'll post some of the scout's quotes.
“I think there is a good player in there. I think he’s been more dynamic than Shane Wright.” - NHL Scout, November 2021
“He wants to make a difference.” - NHL Scout, December 2021“He makes other players better and he has some f****** bite in his game. I love him.” - NHL Scout, December 2021
“He doesn’t really play the right way but they don’t ask him to. Bottom line when I consider all his attributes, he has a lot going for him and he’s one of the best players in this draft even with those warts.” - NHL Scout, December 2021
“I like that you can see this kid cares and wants to win. He just doesn’t go about it the right way all the time. If he goes to the right team with the right coach I think he can be the best player in this draft when we look back in 5 years. A lot of if’s though.” - NHL Scout, January 2022
“Coaches are letting the guys on this team do whatever the F*** they want and it’s the only thing I don’t like about Cooley’s game. He is really good and when he gets around some structure in the NHL he’s going to be an amazing player.” - NHL Scout, February 2022
“The knock on him for our guys and I agree is that he’s not a natural goal scorer. I mean size and strength is an issue too I guess but he’s not a high end goal scorer. Now that said he’s the top USA based prospect by a mile.” - NHL Scout, March 2022
“I liked him a lot at the beginning of the year and even more by seasons end. He isn’t big, but he plays with some piss and vinegar in his game. He competes hard, has plenty of skill and is very creative. Like some scouts, I do agree that his goal scoring ability falls shy of many high end prospects in this draft and previous drafts.” - HP Scout, Mark Edwards, April 2022
Not much more to add here. They're the scouts. I'm the guy with draft guides and internet videos.
__________
Article: 2/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $0 / $10,000,000
|
|
Toronto Maple Leafs
|
Leafs Draft review
|
Leafs-Shane |
2022-07-09 02:40:04 |
182 |
Leafs walked away very happy with their draft results. Heres a look at NEFHL VS NHL Results
Marco Kasper: NEFHL 10 - NHL 8
Kasper's athleticism, skating and offensive ability stood out against older competition in the SHL. Kasper attacks with speed and skill, and while he can pull up to make a play or use his hard shot, his direct style of play will translate to the NHL. He projects as top line two-way line center."
Dmitri Buchelnikov: NEFHL 72 - NHL 52
A high-octane offensive weapon, Buchelnikov was unquestionably one of very best players in Russia's MHL Jr. league this past season. He finished the year with 41 goals and 75 points in just 56 games. Buchelnikov is undersized at just 5-foot-10 and about 170 pounds, but he moves really well and is shifty.
Lucas Edmonds: NEFHL 115 - NHL 86
Lucas Edmonds exploded offensively for the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) during the 2021-22 season. As a rare 21-year-old rookie who was drafted into the junior league in 2017, he led the OHL in assists with 79 and earned the Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy as the top-scoring right winger.
Jon-Randall Avon: NEFHL 132 - NHL - SIGNED BY PHILADELPHIA TO AN ELC
A monster OHL season after being invited to Flyers developmnent camp that landed him a contract. Was high on the Leafs list to drat this year knowing he was an option.
Rasmus Korhonen : NEFHL 144 - NHL 122 LAST YEAR
Korhonen is 6-5, moves well for that size and is efficient in his net. His dad was a pro goalie himself and now is one of the most highly regarded goalie coaches in Finland. Korhonen was ranked 7th best goalie last year and was not selected in the NEFHL. He played a few pro games in the AHL and did very well. Could have some big potentiaql here. |
|
Minnesota Wild
|
2022 Minnesota Draft Review
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-07-08 22:10:42 |
258 |
Another year, another draft. How did Minnesota do? We probably won't know for a long while.
First off, I would like to thank JD for all the work he puts into this league day in and day out. Next I'd like to thank Sylvain for taking care of the draft board. I'd also like to thank broadway bar and grill for hosting us. To the blonde waitress, thank you for staying late so we can finish rounds one and two, and also thank you for not telling me and Ant to fuck off with our questions about the beer selection. But seriously, Broadway needs to add some white beers to the menu. Very refreshing in the summer! Lastly, it's always nice to see you guys and catch up a bit, and to meet some new faces that recently joined the league! Enough with the salad, let's get to the steak.
Draft Results
1-2. Wild, Logan Cooley --- 1-3 Arizona Coyotes
Cooley was my guy since about March/April. I didn't think I'd get him. After moving up in the lottery he was my target for sure. This is with the assumption Wright would go first. When BlackBook and McKenzie and a few others put Slafkovsky first I started to second guess myself. After reading up on the 'top3' more and watching video some more, Cooley was back on top. I even started to consider Nemec and Gauthier and looked at options of moving the pick down for one of them but in the end, I was focused on Cooley. I had a last minute trade offer that was really nice with an A+ prospect included but I stuck with Cooley.
2-37. Wild, Julian Lutz --- 2-43 Arizona Coyotes
My intention with this pick was to go with an offensive defenseman that would likely go in the first round of the NHL draft but fall to the second round in ours before the only defensemen left were all of those 5'9" ones that will never make the show. At 37, my pick was not early enough to do that. Not only that, but the small list of forwards I had on my list for this pick also went. Next up was Lutz so I took him. An extremely good skater with size, he's been playing a power forward game against men in Germany since he was 16, but still has creativity and soft mits to be a playmaker. Very intriguing prospect. I didn't think he would last until my other 2nd rounder.
2-56. Wild, Josh Bloom --- 2021 3-95 Buffalo Sabres
I moved down from 46 and got this pick and the next pick. Despite this I didn't want to chance it with Bloom at 81 so I grabbed him with this pick. Bloom is already signed to an entry level deal and scored 30 goals on the 2nd worst team in the OHL. Described as "a hidden gem" by some, and "a completely different player" by other scouts, Bloom is rising fast in the NHL Sabres prospect pool and will be interesting to follow.
3-81. Wild, Josh Filmon --- 6-166 New Jersey Devils
He fell quite a bit. Not sure why. There has to be something that isn't public yet. Maybe he interviewed bad? He's tall and very light weight but he has offensive skills that exploded on the stat sheet from two years ago to last year. He wasn't my first pick but the two goalies I was interested in already went as well as a couple other players.
3-89. Wild, Miko Matikka --- 3-67 Arizona Coyotes
Big winger with a heavy shot. Good down low. Production would be higher last season if not for injuries. Going to play in the NCAA instead of Liiga next year. Will be fun to follow his development.
4-114. Wild, Cole Knuble --- UNDRAFTED
Very surprised he wasn't drafted. NHL organizations usually love bloodline players. He was projected to go in the 3rd round of a lot of lists. 2 way player with decent offensive skills, his weakness is skating. There's always next year or the college free agent route after he develops a little more. His father probably played with most guys now in management of NHL organizations. He'll get a contract eventually just through that..
5-147. Wild, Evan Konyen --- UNDRAFTED
All the players I wanted went before this pick. Took a chance on Konyen. I don't know much about him. I read he has good skills so I took a chance.
5-155. Wild, Oskar Pettersson --- 3-72 Ottawa Senators
Another big winger. Not sure if NHL Ottawa reached on him or not. I thought I was grabbing him early based on rankings that were out there.
6-165. Wild, Ben Hemmerling --- 6-177 Vegas Golden Knights
6th round pick swinging for the fences. If he turns out to be something, he probably won't be in the NHL Vegas organization long.
6-168. Wild, Kyle Jackson --- 7-196 Seattle Kraken
I didn't realize another player was already drafted so Sylvain hooked me up with this dude. It pissed off JD so that must mean something. I'd love for this dude to become another late round Jake Evans type player for me in like 5 years.
7-197. Wild, Alexander Pelevin --- 7-205 Carolina Hurricanes
To trade this pick or not trade this pick to the Islanders for a 7th next year? If my guy was available I would keep the pick. If my guy was off the board and Steve's guywas there we would have a trade. We both wanted the same guy it turned out. This guy was rated as a 2nd/3rd rounder on a lot of draft lists. Russian factor? Would be cool to have something here with this pick this late into the draft.
7-204. Wild, Bear Hughes --- REDRAFT
Point per game as an older WHL player, he'll be joining the AHL. Curious to see how he does at the pro level and that was worth a redraft to me.
I wonder where these guys will be in 5 years time. We will find out in the "Five Years Out" series set to be released in June/July 2027.
__________
Article: 1/5
'Show me the money' bonus: $0 / $10,000,000 |
|
St-Louis Blues
|
Habs Took the Wrong Guy
|
Blues-Graham |
2022-07-08 08:10:50 |
246 |
I'm no fan of the Habs, so it's with great pleasure I present a case that the Habs absolutely took the wrong guy at 1st over all last night. Check out that Liiga production. 10 points in 31 games. This is Liiga, not a terrible league but not exactly the KHL, SHL or even the AHL. It didn't get any better for Slafkovsky in th playoffs either with 2 goals in 18gp. His main selling point is his NHL ready body. He's 6'4 almost 230 pounds. Playing against men shouldn't be an issue. Especially men in a lower league such as Liiga.
Yes he did put up 9 points in 8GP at the WC in May. If you look a little closer though, it was all against lower quality teams – Austria, Italy, Kasakhstan and France. Zero points against Germany, Canada and Finland.
Yes the Habs traded for Dach (whom I'm a big fan of) but does Suzuki and Dach make them so deep at C that they passed on both Wright and Cooley? Most prospects these days, even the top end ones take a few years to develop. Slafkovsky isn't going to produce for at least 2-3 years. They could have (and should have if you ask me) picked the best player available. In my opinion, that was Wright. I would have selected Cooley over Slafkovsky as well. Take the C and then stash him in the minors for one more year and then bring them on board as the 3C. In the end, they didn't draft a bad player, just not the Wright one. He's still 6'4 230 pounds with great wheels. I just don't think he has the hands to be much more then a middle 6 winger.
|
|
Winnipeg Jets
|
JETS WITH ANOTHER WILD OFFSEASON
|
Bruins-Chris |
2022-07-07 18:12:40 |
169 |
After a disappointing season the Jets have recalibrated and vow to show last season was a blip and not a trend. Missing the playoffs was a bit of a shock after doing a ton of heavy lifting last offseason. The one element managment identified as the reason for last seasons debacle was a lack of offensive and organizational depth. The top six was solid but beyond that, the Jets were a one trick pony. In the NEFHL, more than any other fantasy leagues, injuries and cap space play a major role in a teams ability to be successful.
The first issue that needed to be address was cap space. With very little wiggle room the first domino to go was John Gibson. While Gibson is a bonified starter in NEFHL standards, his performance left a lot to be desired. So moving Gibson to Toronto was a deal the Jets felt comfortable with. Coming Winnipegs way - starter Jordan Binnington and prospects Kasper Simontaival and Roby Jarventie. The Leafs then improved their goaltending by aquiring Phillipe Grubauer from the Canucks for prospect Egor Sokolov. Grubauer comes with a $1.7 million cap hit, a big factor as he is expected to patrol the crease this upcoming season.
Next the Jets pulled the trigger with the Flyers adding the unsinkable Nazem Kadri. Kadri is expected to slide seemlessly into the Jets top six along side Elias Lindholm and Nikita Kucherov. Moving Gibson for Grubauer made this possible and addresses a big offseason need. With the expansion draft welcoming the Seattle Kraken to the NEFHL, the Jets decided to protect newly aquired Kadri sending Ilya Mikeyhev to the Kraken and allowing Jordan Binnington to be selected. Those moves opened another chunk of cap space, part of the offseason plan.
The next big move happened just before the draft in a trade that raised a few eyebrows. The Jets parted ways with all-star defenseman Roman Josi and sent their 1st and 2nd round picks to the Red Wings in exchange for tough winger Tanner Jeannot, and defensemen Erik Johnson and Kevin Shattenkirk. The deal added some more valuable cap space while giving the Jets a killer top 9 to compete this upcoming season in the West.
Current lines look like this:
N.Kadri - E.Lindholm - N.Kucherov - E.Johnson - E.Cernak
T.Jeannot - B.Horvat - T.Wilson - K.Shattenkirk - M.Grzelcyk
O.Palat - B.Goodrow - T.Motte - R.Bortuzzo - C.Clifton
Depth: M.Comtois, C.Lazar, J.Dahlen, D.Cozens, R.Reeves, N.Cates
Next steps for the offseason include adding some farmable D for injuries and seeking further upgrades to the roster. |
|
Ottawa Senators
|
Ottawa Makes Three Selections on Day 1 of the NEFHL Draft
|
Sens-Mike |
2022-07-07 14:57:29 |
166 |
OTTAWA - The Ottawa Senators made three selections on the first night of the NEFHL Draft.
With the No. 11 pick the Senators selected Russian forward Danila Yurov. With the No. 43 pick the Senators went back to Russia to select forward Alexander Perevalov. Later in the second round, the Senators traded a 2023 2nd round pick to the St. Louis Blues for the No. 55 pick in this year's draft, which the team used to select Swedish defenseman Mattias Havelid.
Ottawa GM Mike McMahon shared his thoughts on the Senators' top three picks late Thursday.
On Danila Yurov: "He scored a lot of goals in the MHL this season and has almost 50 games of KHL experience, although it's been in limited minutes. He had 11 points at last year's U18s in just 7 games. We feel, if you put all of the top prospects together and split them into two teams, Yurov would be one of the top scorers in this group."
On Alexander Perevalov: "On our board, he fell. That said, I know we probably had him ranked a little higher than most other teams. We had him projected as a first-rounder. He expects to score on every shift. He has excellent offensive instincts and can turn on the jets in a heartbeat. He generates scoring opportunities every time he's on the ice and it feels like he has the potential to score on every shift. He needs to get a little better defensively, but not many scorers at the NHL level are also elite defenders. He just can't cheat too much offensively."
On Mattias Havelid: "We made the trade here because we also had Havelid projected as a late first-rounder and we had the chance to get him at the end of the second round. I really love his first pass out of the zone and he can generate quick shots from the point. He is very composed and can read his way through a forecheck. He had 12 points in six games at the U18s. He's on the smaller side, but he's physical, will take a hit to make a play, and has the ability to be a defenseman who can play in all three situations." |
|
Vancouver Canucks
|
Canucks Making Moves After A Poor Playoff Showing
|
Canucks-Kyle |
2022-07-07 03:18:25 |
208 |
The NEFHL Draft has arrived and after a disappointing playoff, it wouldn’t have been a shocker to see the Vancouver Canucks being very active.
To no one’s surprise, it was active.
The Vancouver Canucks acquired superstar center Aleksander Barkov from the San Jose Sharks. The price wasn’t cheap as the Canucks sent Tomas Hertl, Shea Theodore, the 5th overall pick in this years draft and prospect Zachary L’Heureux.
“We’ve been looking for a bonafide superstar centerman for a long time, well since Hall was moved. We paid a step price but we feel we had the assets to make the move. This makes our team better. We feel like we’ve shored up our centerman spot and in net. We want to win, we have a good mix and now its up to the team and Coach Gallant to get this thing past the first round” said General Manager Allen.
Vancouver Canucks fans should be excited because as GM Allen alluded to, there have been previous deals leading up to the draft week. A starting goalie, a top 4 defenseman, a top 6 centerman and Barkov have all been added after the playoffs.
The Canucks made a rare trade with the Calgary Flames and picked up star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. The Canucks moved Martin Necas straight up for Hellebuyck. “We wanted to upgrade over Grubauer and moving Necas, while it hurt, was a reasonable price to shore up an area that was a weakness last year.”
Joe Pavelski was another star who the Canucks picked up. Pavelski came from Nashville for Anaheim’s first round pick in 2022. “We brought him in to be a top 6 center or winger. He had a perfect contract and great ratings so we feel he is a very important add.”
The Canucks picked up diminutive but offensive defenseman in Tony DeAngelo from the New York Rangers. “We feel the price for DeAngelo was something that we could handle and gave us some depth. This occurred prior to moving Theodore but he should fill in the role of Theodore. A great contract helps as well.”
Finally, the Canucks made a big deal moving back into the first round of the 2022 draft after trading 3 first round picks out of it. UP Luukkonen, Egor Sokolov and a 2nd in 2023 was moved to Boston for the 14th overall pick.
With the draft about to start, the Vancouver Canucks are expected to keep the pick and maybe make some other moves to pick up some more picks to back fill the prospect pool. |
|
San Jose Sharks
|
Release: Sharks GM makes statement
|
Sharks-Curtis |
2022-07-05 02:50:45 |
161 |
With the news tonight of the league needing to replace another GM who has stepped down my confidence in this situation and the league is much higher than it was just a few months ago.
My confidence in the league has never wavered. My confidence in the leadership of the league and league structure has never wavered. What did waver was my confidence in some of my fellow GM's and their decisions to leave the league.
That is no longer the case. My confidence in my fellow GM's has never been higher. I believe the best thing for this league has been the new blood and the quality of the hires have been outstanding. New blood isn't a bad thing. Turnover is a good thing in everything in life including this league. Losing Phil sucks but what would have sucked more is having an inactive GM. The hiring process for GMs has always been strong and I have no doubt that the new person who is hired to run the Devils will fit right in and be a positive to the league. This is the best fantasy league ever created because of the work JD has put into it and the love and time he has put into it and the skill and leadership he has but also because of the strength of managers and people assembled to run the teams. Just because a few have left means more about them and their situations than the league. Things are better and stronger now than ever before.Let's have a great draft and free agency and let's make the 2022-23 season the best one yet. Everything is in place for it to be. |
|
New York Rangers
|
Rangers Working the Phones
|
Rangers-Alex |
2022-07-04 13:55:55 |
231 |
New York Rangers Management Team heads intp draft week armed with a plethora of potential trade candidates which could be used to acquire more picks in this years draft. This launches a summer show of wheeling a dealing with Swiatecki already on-record saying he'll be eyeing trades and signings to build their NHL squad for years to come.
The Rangers have had consistent playoff appearances but have been unable to break the through the ceiling which would make them a cup contender. "I think, for me, it makes sense to replenish the draft picks and prospects if you are going to have any long-term sustained success in this league; especially in a cap era. Thats was my pitch to ownership, and that's my pitch to the fans and the Rangers faithful."
Trade rumours have been swirling since the new management team was announced, but credible sources have consistently linked DeAngelo with a west coast team. The return should garner a 1st round pick, or possible a 2nd if combined with a prospect of note. As Darren Dreger reports, "We know DeAngelo will be moved at some point, all indications point to the Rangers wanting to send him out of the division, and more than likely out of the conference."
DeAngelo is not the only name swirling in the rumour mills. Weegar will be highly sought after and sources have indicated managers have targeted Rust, Spurgeon, Tanev, Iafallo, Karlsson, Pearson, Sharangovich, as well as Andersen who could all be on the move in the coming weeks. Management may wait until the market peaks after the free agency period, or even in-season, and as late as the trade deadline to move these assets. "It's a matter of patience to try and garner as high a fair market value as possible. Waiting for the market to become bullish, instead of bearish, can be the difference between a 1st and 2nd round pick. The future rewards the patient." |
|
Seattle Kraken
|
Seattle's inaugural entry draft
|
Kraken-Scott |
2022-07-03 21:10:59 |
225 |
The Kraken enter their first even NEFHL entry draft armed with eleven draft picks as they look to load the cupboards with prospects. Four of the Kraken's 11 picks come via trades stemming from the recently completed expansion draft. Seattle's 2022 draft picks are as follows entering into Wednesday's draft:
Seattle 1st (4th overall)
Seattle 2nd
NY Rangers 2nd (acquired with Jakub Voracek in expansion draft)
Seattle 3rd
Edmonton 3rd (acquired with Nate Schmidt in expansion draft)
Seattle 4th
Minnesota 4th (acquired for Casey DeSmith post expansion draft)
NY Rangers 4th (acquired with Brandon Sutter in expansion draft)
Seattle 5th
Seattle 6th
Seattle 7th
Kraken general manager Scott Davies expects to have some interesting options at pick #4 of the first round. The majority of mock drafts published on the internet have Shane Wright, Juraj Slavkovsky and Logan Cooley going in the top three of the draft (not always in that order). As such, Davies expects to be picking one of the following players with the fourth pick: defencemen Simon Nemec and David Jiricek, or a forward like Cutter Gauthier, Joakim Kemell, Matthew Savoie, Marco Kasper or Jonathan Lekkerimaki. "Assuming the top 3 players go off the board as expected, we will have a chance to draft a really skilled player at number 4" Davies recently said. "Nemec and Jiricek look like surefire top four defencemen to me. The forward group has some size and skill - I don't think the Kraken can go wrong with any one of those guys available at number four."
The Kraken are on a long path to becoming a competitive franchise in the NEFHL. The expansion draft was the first step, but the 2022 NEFHL draft could prove to be the most important step. Stay tuned! |
 Detroit Red Wings
|
going into next year
|
Wings-Jean |
2022-07-01 03:52:50 |
179 |
Going into next year we are not sure what to expect..We are not good enough to contend for a playoff spot and i feel we are not shitty enough to have a top 3 pick next draft..We got decent pieces in place but we are clearly missing a starting goalie..Carey Price has missed the last season with a knee injury and off-ice issues..We are not confident he will be ready to start the NEFHL season and still uclear when he will be ready to come back into the action..We stand behind Carey and everything he's going through..Last season we traded for Ilya Samsonov hoping that he could become a starting goalie in the NEFHL since he's still young at only 24 years old in the next year or two..Outside of missing a starting goalie, we don't really have a first line center to play along side Jeannot and Kyrou..It's not like there's a lot of them available either up for trade..We might have to find one during free agency because you can't win games with Monahan has you're number 1 center..We just signed Boldy also who has sweet ratings for a first year NEFHL player and should only get better this season..Our defense is not that bad with EJ and Shattenkirk leading the way and Carrier comming into his own..We should have a lot of cap space available for trades or sign free agents to try and ice the most competetive team i can..you just trade everyone after a few drinks on draft day for picks haha |
|
Carolina Hurricanes
|
Canes Sign 7 to Entry Level Deals
|
Canes-Jeff |
2022-06-30 05:10:35 |
160 |
The Carolina Hurricanes announced Wednesday that they have come to terms with 7 players on entry level deals. All 7 were drafted by the franchise and would have become free agents had they not been signed by the draft deadline. The lengths of the deals are between 2 and 3 years long and all players will be RFAs at the conclusion of their deals. The Canes are pleased to welcome the following players:
Rasmus Kupari - C - Drafted 2018 - 1st round - 21st overall
Jacob Bernard-Docker - D - Drafted 2018 - 2nd round - 57th overall
Emilio Pettersen - C - Drafted 2018 - 6th round - 178th overall ( Also known as Matthias apparently)
Simon Johansson - D - Drafted 2018 - 6th round - 181st overall
Ivan Prosvetov - G - Drafted 2018 - 6th round - 186th overall
Connor Zary - C - Drafted 2020 - 1st round - 17th overall
Jeremie Poirier - D - Drafted 2020 - 2nd round - 51st overall
The craziest signing of all was made by Poirier who inked his deal while still on the ice celebrating winning the Memorial Cup with the host Saint John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL. The deal was signed on the boards in front of the bench with the Memorial Cup trophy in his left hand at the time.
The Canes welcome all 7 of these players to the organization and can't wait to see what sort of impact they can have to help push this team back to a consistent level. With the entry draft next week, the team will be looking to add more young players like these to the stable as they build up what is already a pretty solid looking farm system. |
|
Minnesota Wild
|
Wild sign Free Agent Prospects
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-06-29 19:07:00 |
250 |
Every year, a bunch of college-age players get signed around the league that either didn't get drafted, or didn't sign with the team that drafted them and sign elsewhere. For the 2022 crop of prospect free agent signings, the Minnesota Wild were able to put pen-to-paper on the following players:
Navrin Mutter: 21 years old. 6'4" and 193 lbs.
While he is not known for any type of offense, Mutter is best known for being a physical presence that provides leadership. Will he ever make the NHL? Probably not. If he does it will likely be in a 4th line 'try not to fuck up out there in limited minutes' role.
Also you can not say this kid's name without thinking of this.
Jackson Cates: 24 years old. 6'0" and 183 lbs.
Older brother of Noah Cates, Jackson got signed out of the University of Minnesota- Duluth and has played in parts for the 20-21 and 21-22 Philadelphia Flyers teams. While his offensive game is not what he is known for, he can be a serviceable depth player and likely will peak as such.
Billy Sweezey: 26 years old. 6'2" and 205 lbs
A little bit older than most free agent prospects, Sweezey was originally on an AHL contract that was later upgraded to an NHL contract. Offense is not part of his game and it's all about the defense and brute strength with him. Reports out of AHL Cleveland indicate Sweezey as being one of their best on D (along with fellow NEFHL Wild prospect Jake Christiansen) and likely to get some NHL games this upcoming season if NHL Columbus does not get more physical on the backend. His peak is looking like a bottom pairing bruising defenseman if he makes it.
Corey Andonosvki: 23 years old. 6'1" 85 lbs.
Considered by some to be one of the top NCAA free agents available at the time, Andonovoski signed with the NHL Penguins in March 2022. Described by Brian Burke as a power forward who plays 'angry', he has yet to make any kind of impact at the pro level having played only 5 AHL games and going scoreless. This upcoming season will be interesting to see where his development takes him. His peak is likely a bottom 6 role if he makes it.
With the $$$ made from this article, it will be put forth towards more free agent prospects none of us have ever heard of. |
|
Los Angeles Kings
|
Kings Announce New Team Chant for 2022-2023 Season
|
Kings-Carter |
2022-06-29 17:49:41 |
216 |
Article post-dated for June 29, 2022.
The lads are acceptable.The lads are excellent.The lads are exceptional.The lads are favorable.The lads are great.The lads are marvelous.The lads are positive.The lads are satisfactory.The lads are satisfying.The lads are superb.The lads are valuable.The lads are wonderful.The lads are ace.The lads are bad.The lads are boss.The lads are bully.The lads are capital.The lads are choice.The lads are crack.The lads are nice.The lads are pleasing.The lads are prime.The lads are rad.The lads are sound.The lads are spanking.The lads are sterling.The lads are super.The lads are superior.The lads are welcome.The lads are worthy.The lads are admirable.The lads are agreeableThe lads are commendable.The lads are congenial.The lads are deluxe.The lads are first-class.The lads are first-rateThe lads are gnarly.The lads are gratifying.The lads are honorable.The lads are jake.The lads are neat.The lads are precious.The lads are recherché.The lads are reputable.The lads are select.The lads are shipshape.The lads are splendid.The lads are stupendous.The lads are super-eminent.The lads are super-excellent.The lads are tiptop.The lads are up to snuff.
The lads are good. The lads are good. The lads are good. The lads are good. The lads are good. The lads are good. The lads are good. The lads are good. The lads are good. The lads are good. The lads are good. The lads are good. |
|
Carolina Hurricanes
|
Canes set to Draft 13th overall
|
Canes-Jeff |
2022-06-29 04:39:33 |
159 |
The 2022 NEFHL Entry Draft is upon us next week and the Canes fell into the dead zone which will see them picking 13th overall. The 13th pick meaning they didn't make the playoffs but also find themselves sitting outside of the top 10 and unlikely to pick up an elite prospect that could help the team in the near future. With prospects at both forward and defense in the system, the team can just sit back and see who drops to them in the middle of the first round. Defense is likely more of a need, but the prospect cupboard isn't empty to the point where picking one is a necessity. In the previous 2 drafts the Canes have selected 3 forwards in the first round with Brendan Brisson and Connor Zary in 2020 followed by Isak Rosen in last years draft, however they took Ville Heinola in the first round in 2019 and just recently signed 2018 2nd rounder Jacob Bernard-Docker to an entry level deal which may see him get minutes later in the season. An elite goaltender would definitely be a need in the system but there just doesn't appear to be any available in this years draft. The Canes only own 4 picks in this years draft at this point, but as well all have seen, GM McRae loves to add picks on draft day and usually ends up with a handful of later round picks looking to hit the rare home run and find a diamond in the rough. This years draft with take place on July 7th and 8th and should be fun as always. |
|
Detroit Red Wings
|
heading into the draft
|
Wings-Jean |
2022-06-29 01:19:57 |
158 |
Heading to the 2022 draft the Wings have a bunch of picks including the third overall pick...There's some years we don't even draft in the first round and some years we end up with 3 or 4 picks...This year we have 3 1st round pick but ended up being late picks with the Lads having a terrific year and Tb going on a run...We have a few targets in mind for those 2 late picks and we will settle for one of cooley or slaf 3rd overall...Either one of them is a big add for the Detroit organisation joining Kyrou, Boldy, Broberg,Harley,Perreault,Dach on the rebuild...we have so many picks this year it would be huge for us to land a few good prospects in the later rounds...We actually own 7 4th round picks we need to hit on some of those with steals..There are rumors that Jeannot might be on the way out for a top 10 pick on draft day depending on wich direction we are going next season and if he's part of our rebuild..We feel we have good pieces to add a few players or sign a few ufas and hope for some magic or to trade everyone good and just tank the fuck out...instead of thinking about tanking next season let's just focused on the ucoming draft for now and see what's the plan afterwards..We are always looking for trade partners and a few on my guys have good offers on them but we will most likely do all of our moves next week..
LOS 1, DET 1, TAM 1, PHI 2, ANA 2, DET 2, PHI 3, DET 3, WPG 3, CHI 3, WPG 4, ARI 4, PHI 4, SAN 4, LOS 4, TOR 4, NSH 4,
that's a lot of picks hehe |
|
Minnesota Wild
|
Expansion over. Wild look toward the draft
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-06-28 18:12:23 |
242 |
Seattle has made its selections and is officially part of the league. The Minnesota Wild ended up losing 26 year old forward Ondrej Kase. The GM has already made it known publically his approval of the selection. "I've had expansion on my mind the past two seasons. In the back of my mind I thought Labanc or Spurgeon would have been the selection. Then when I traded Spurgeon it was looking like Labanc or Kase. If I had to keep one of the two it was always going to be Labanc." The GM added, "Labanc at 27 years old, under a million dollars, RFA at the end of his term, and plays above his ratings making him a good 'swiss army knife' versatile player on the right side." Referring to Kase, the GM explained, "Kase was always going to be the bait for expansion. I explored his trade value at the deadline and didn't get nearly enough value. I explored his trade value again not long ago and the offers were not worthwhile either. People around the league had the same concerns I had. He has good ratings but with a handful of concussions already, resulting in having under 40 DU since 2019-2020 season, and a 25DU rating last season and this upcoming season, the concussion history is scary. Every hit could be his last and that's not a comfortable thought."
With expansion behind us, GM Peter is looking toward the draft. "If you would have asked me a couple of months ago, I knew who I wanted 100% but would I be in position to draft him? After moving up for the first time ever in the lottery, everything was shaping up nicely on the player I wanted. But now if you ask me today I have no idea where I'm going. Damn you Bob McKenzie!"
|
|
Los Angeles Kings
|
Los Angeles Residents Puzzled by Mysterious Lights
|
Kings-Carter |
2022-06-28 17:29:44 |
213 |
The lights were seen glowing above the Pacific Ocean just before 8:00pm according to posts on Twitter. The excitement began building up as suddenly people began to spot hanging lights in the sky west of this coastal California city.
Among the pictures and videos posted online, three lights are seen flashing in the night sky and are soon joined by several others.
Social media users allegedly spotted the skylights over the Santa Monica Pier and some other users from Hermosa Beach area also reported the spotting the mysterious lights in the Monday night sky.
Several theories have been doing the rounds on Facebook where Los Angeles residents are discussing the appearance of the lights and the possible reasons behind this incident. One of the comments read that these lights most likely were the drones practicing for the upcoming Fourth of July spectacle.
Another Facebook user wrote that had it been intelligent species visiting from another solar system, they certainly wouldn't have kept their spacecraft lights on for us to spot so easily.
A Marina del Rey resident claimed that the lights were hovering in place and appeared to be extremely bright. Some said it was the craziest thing they had ever seen, while others felt they looked like balls of fire. Some commentators recalled that the lights have also been spotted earlier in April of this year and also as far back as 2018. The UFO theory was running strong on the social media for quite some time until authorities confirmed the source. The lights were from a series of flares which had been dropped from a Navy aircraft during a training exercise thirty miles off the coast. |
|
Seattle Kraken
|
The Kraken are born!
|
Kraken-Scott |
2022-06-28 13:40:04 |
237 |
The 2022 Expansion Draft came and went, and the Kraken now have a roster to manage and build. Inaugural Kraken General Manager Scott was generally pleased with how the expansion draft went.
"Our strategy through this expansion draft was really to build for the future" Davies started his Tuesday morning press conference. "We of couse want to field a competitive team in the 2022-23 season, but we as an organization have to be realistic that we're not going to win the Stanley Cup for several years. As such, our focus was selecting primarily young players with upside along with some experience, quality veterans that our young players can learn from. To take on bigger contracts, we looked to accept draft picks and prospects as compensation for doing so. Veterans like Jakub Voracek, Reilly Smith, Victor Olofsson and Nate Schmidt will take on a lot of the leadership duties for this young group" Davies reiterated on several occasions.
The Kraken roster looks like an expansion team roster after the franchise made its 30 expansion picks and completed nine separate trades. Following the trades of expansion selections Jordan Binnington, Casey DeSmith and Miles Wood, here is a look at the updated Kraken roster:
Forwards - Jakub Voracek, Reilly Smith, Ondrej Kase, Brandon Sutter, Ilya Mikheyev, Victor Olofsson, Nick Cousins, Michael McLeod, Cody Glass, Jaret Anderson-Dolan, Nathan Bastian, Fredrik Gauthier, Zach Gallant, Mark Kastelic, Trey Fix-Wolansky, John Leonard, Aidan McDonough
Defencemen - Nate Schmidt, Nick Holden, Jake McCabe, Niko Mikkola, Riley Stillman, Zach Whitecloud, Nicolas Meloche, Jacob Bryson, Jacob Moverare, Matthew Kessel, Jack St. Ivany
Goaltenders - Alexandar Georgiev, Braden Holtby, Dan Vladar, Amir Miftakhov
The Kraken do have a few key RFA's to sign in the near future including McCabe, Olofsson & Whitecloud, but expect to have a significant amount of cap space to weaponize heading into next season as financial flexibility was paramount to the GM's strategy.
GM Davies was also excited about the extra draft picks acquired through this process. "Through trade we acquired three additional 2nd round picks, three additional 3rds and three extra 4ths which will come in very handy down the road. Kraken fans have lots to look forward to." |
|
Ottawa Senators
|
Smith Gone in Expansion, Sens Look Toward Draft
|
Sens-Mike |
2022-06-27 16:47:48 |
170 |
OTTAWA — The Seattle Krakken selected Reilly Smith from the Ottawa Senators in the 2022 NEFHL Expansion Draft. The league announced the pick on Monday.
With Smith's departure, the Senators' offseason begins to come into focus.
The Senators will likely need to target a top-six left winger with Smith's departure. On the left side the team will return Taylor Hall on the loyalty tag. Along with hall, returning left wingers include just Nico Sturm and Rem Pitlick. The right side is already fairly crowded with Ryan Hartman, Gustav Nyquist, Zack Kassian and Brendan Lemieux. Kyle Palmieri, who finished the season in the AHL, has the potential to return to the NEFHL roster if he finds his game.
Up the middle Brock Nelson and Anton Lundell, who will be a rookie, will anchor the group. Colin White will try to find his game after missing time with an injury and the Senators are likely to target another center.
"It's a process," said GM Mike McMahon. "We wanted to really improve this past season and we did that. We improved significantly. We weren't in contention for a playoff spot just yet but we were moving towards that goal. As I've said, we've replenished ourselves from a prospect and draft pick standpoint over the last couple of years after emptying those tanks while trying to contend. We finished the season 9-0-1 in our last 10. We really felt like we were hitting our stride at the end of the year. We peaked at the right time, it just wasn't enough."
Ottawa holds the No. 11 pick in the upcoming draft as well.
"I'm excited about at least 13 or 14 prospects, so picking at No. 11 should guarantee that we get someone we like a lot," McMahon said. "We like Anton Lundell a lot and we got him at No. 11 two years ago.
"From where we were back in 2019 to now is night and day." |
|
Minnesota Wild
|
5 years out – A look back at the 2017 draft
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-06-26 19:37:41 |
245 |
A continuation of the series since I began as GM in this league. You can find the 2014 and 2015 edition and the 2016 edition by clicking on the links.
The point of these articles is to look back at the draft 5 years ago to see what impact those prospects have had on the current depth chart of the team.
For a little bit of context, the 2017 NEFHL entry draft was the second year of the rebuild. The previous year I had two 1st round picks and seven 2nd round picks to kick start the rebuild. I ended up with the 3rd worst overall record for the season but I got screwed in the lottery and ended up dropping a few spots. Did that affect my rebuild? Let's take a look at that draft class and see.
6. Wild, Elias Pettersson
19. Wild, Ryan Poehling
33. Wild, Joni Ikonen
51. Wild, Aleksi Heponiemi
54. Wild, Evan Barratt
59. Kings , Josh Brook
62. Wild, Alex Formenton
86. Wild, Emil Bemstrom87. Wild, Bryce Misley
115. Wild, German Poddubniy
123. Wild, Marian Studenic124. Wild, Dylan Ferguson
146. Wild, Parker Kelly
186. Wild, Lauri Pajuniemi
208. Avalanche, Daniil Tarasov
227. Wild, Tarmo Reunanen
231. Wild, Dereck Baribeau
236. Wild, Daniel Bukac (REDRAFT)
239. Wild, Nicolas Guay (REDRAFT)
I was undecided on Pettersson or Necas for that draft, but ended up picking Pettersson because I figured the swedes had a better program. Necas would have been a nice fit with me right now but obviously no complaints on Pettersson. Looking at that top 10 of 2017 today, it is interesting how the earliest picks of the top10 weren't the best picks but hindsight is 20/20. I didn't even have Makar on my radar at all. I was going forward with that pick the whole time.
Poehling I remember liking and then being disappointed when he was chosen by the Habs in the NHL. Habs selecting him gave me McCaron vibes because the NHL Habs are pretty terrible at developing centers. I gave him a chance but ultimately, I ended up moving him as he got passed on my depth chart by guys like Hintz, Evans, Kunin. Ironically, Poehling was in a package with my next two picks in Ikonen (another habs prospect) and Heponiemi for a couple 3rds and a later pick a few years after being drafted. Not the best value there...
Brook was not drafted by me but I acquired him along with a 1st and 2nd in the John Carlson trade. His offense in juniors has not translated to the AHL but he's been injured so much. There was a string of games where his game picked up and he was producing a bit more but then he got injured again.
Barratt is still developing and with the NHL BlackHawks in a rebuild he is likely going to get some NHL time this year. He is known for his offensive instincts but with some health issues and stoppages he didn't play much. The reports out of Rockford indicate he ended the year with his best play and it could be a sign he's ready for that next step.
Formenton was the pick that was made when I was driving Sly to Tims. This completes the Hronek for Tim Horton's coffee trade. Formenton is a speed demon with a bit of a potty mouth. He was worthy of a protection slot in expansion and when his DF rating catches up to where it should be, he ought to be a mainstay on the PK.
Bemstrom was putting the puck in the net for NHL BlueJackets a couple seasons back but they've been a bit of a mess lately and unfortunately Bemstrom suffered like so many other players because of it. He's still young, is extremely fast, has NHL experience, and can be a complimentary winger for me down the line. Probably a good trade chip if needed.
The only thing I can say about Poddubniy is that I remember JD saying "who is that? He's not on my list." JD was right.
Studenic was a guy I was pretty high on at one time. I thought he had the skating and skills to translate quickly. He ended up hitting a wall in his development and peaked early because he hasn't taken any step forward for a few seasons to the point I ended up packaging him with another prospect and moved him for Josh Bailey.
Ferguson ended up playing an NHL game at 19 years old as an emergency callup. Hasn't been back in the NHL since. He has decent stats in the AHL today. I ended up moving him for Martin Jones a couple seasons back to strengthen the G depth chart for a playoff run. No regrets there.
Kelly was a player I really liked. I got Jake Evans vibes from him. A smart kid who never gives up. Works harder than anybody else despite the obvious lack in offensive talent. I ended up moving him and a package of other prospects for some veteran help in defensive forward Louie Eriksson for a playoff run. I wish I had kept him. Now he's establishing himself as an NHLer with Ottawa. I think he'll be a solid depth player that steps up when others are injured.
Tarasov I acquired in a trade with Colorado. I remember being surprised when his name was offered. I had to make sure it was the goalie and not the forward. Tarasov will start games in the NHL this year for sure. He might even be the #1 goalie in NHL Columbus by 2023-24.
Pajuniemi and Reunanen were both highly touted Fins. Pajuniemi was one of the best goal scorers in Liiga between 2019-2021 and came over to North America last season. Reunanen was moved to the NHL Hurricanes and my concern is lack of playing time. I see bottom 6 winger and bottom pair/7th D potential here.
Looking at the names it doesn't seem like the strongest draft. However, adding a core piece in Pettersson is always excellent. Adding some young up and coming talent in Formenton, Bemstrom, Tarasov is very solid. Adding some wildcards in Brook, Barratt, Pajuniemi, Reunanen is nice and I suspect one out of that group "makes it". And lastly, moving a few for established talents for playoff runs is great when you consider the abundance of prospects I still have today, so I can make those moves in season but still not give up too much of the future.
|
|
Anaheim Ducks
|
Anaheim Ducks Sign Mavrik Bourque
|
Ducks-Ryan |
2022-06-25 20:22:27 |
178 |
Breaking news out of Anaheim today as the Ducks signed first round draft pick from the 2020 draft Mavrik Bourque. Bourque who is currently playing in the Memorial Cup for the Shawinigan Cataracts has had quite the year culminating in winning the QMJHL playoff MVP as his team took home the championship. "It's just so surreal, this season was tough due to a couple injuries, but I am beyond happy with how it ended. It really is a dream come true. I can't wait to be a Duck," said Bourque.
Shawinigan is currently two and zero in the round robin tournament in large part thanks to Mavrik's stellar play with five points in only two games. He will face another Ducks prospect in William Villeneuve today at 4pm.
"What stood out to me when we were going to draft him was his hockey sense, he has that ability to pick out a teammate is a mess of players. One of his most underrated areas is also his shot. When he lines up on the power play you have to respect his shot, and in doing so it allows other players to get open. We love his game, and we think he can be a very good play maker to someone like Lafreniere, or Josh Norris," said Clarey.
Former Shawinigan player Vasili Ponomaryov had nothing but positive things to say about Bourque when they were together last year. When asked about Vasili, Bourque stated "he couldn't wait to be teammates again," as Ponomaryov is playing the Calder Cup in the AHL currently.Should Shawinigan get one point tonight they will move on to the finals and give Mavrik another chance to add some hardware before his junior career is done. It is also expected that he will play in the WJC in August. Anaheim is expected to announce more signings in the days to come. |
 Washington Capitals
|
Building A Champion. PART 1 Draft Picks.
|
Caps-Mike |
2022-06-25 19:10:53 |
180 |
The Capitals becoming the Stanley Cup Champions was no easy feat. A lot of different strategies had to be in place for it all to come together. The most important first part of building a team is the draft.
|
|
Montreal Canadiens
|
Canadiens Expansion List
|
Canadiens-Mike |
2022-06-25 02:50:06 |
182 |
For the second time in NEFHL history, there is going to be a new team added as we welcome the 32nd team to the league in the Seattle Kraken. The first order of business this off season is to get the Kraken a roster, and therefore all teams most submit their protection roster to the Commish. The Canadiens had a few no brainers to protect, and then a couple of tough decisions in Goal and at Defense. After much deliberation, the Canadiens went with the 7-3-1 option and protected the following players.
Forward - JT Miller, Alex Killorn, Connor Brown, Carter Verhaeghe, Artturi Lehkonen, Michael Rasmussen, Patric HornqvistDefense - John Klingberg, Esa Lindell, Vladislav GavrikovGoalie - Mackenzie Blackwood
Goalie was one of the toughest decisions to make for the Canadiens. Blackwood has the most upside and is due for a new contract coming off of an injury plagued season. James Reimer is on the end of a great contract and rated as a great backup with some potential to move into a starter role. Finally, Stuart Skinner had a good rookie season and should be at least a backup in Edmonton this year and could see a big jump in his ratings.There were a couple more defense options to keep in Murray, Schmidt and Dillon but the club was sold on the 3 kept pretty much all summer.Forwards were pretty easy, and really only had 5 solid options. Wasn't much debate in this group.Based on this, the Canadiens and Kraken talked about a deal to allow us to keep all 3 goalies and give the club some financial flexibility come FA season. The deal will be announced this week when the Kraken announce their full roster. |
|
Seattle Kraken
|
Expansion Draft 2022
|
Kraken-Scott |
2022-06-22 18:41:17 |
279 |
Release the Kraken! Well, almost...
As the 2022 expansion draft rapidly approaches, the Seattle Kraken fans are excited to find out what kind of team their new franchise will be icing in its inaugural season. General Manager ScottD has been working the phones aggressively to work with teams to see if deals can be made to help both teams. "Our focus through this process has been to improve the future outlook for the Kraken. Our focus has been to try to acquire draft picks and prospects to help us ice a competitive team in the longrun. We have had discussions with almost twenty other NEFHL GM's and have been able to find common ground with a few teams." Davies said to the media on Wednesday.
The Kraken don't expect to be icing a team in 2022-23 that competes for a playoff spot due to its focus on acquiring future assets. It is expected that the Kraken will ice a team made up of a mix of veteran players as well as some young professionals who have spent recent seasons in the minors. That being said, the deadline for franchises to submit their protected lists is midnight on June 23rd, and therefore there remain lots of unknowns at this point in time.
"We feel that we have a good idea on about ten players that will become Kraken on June 27th" Davies admitted. It sounds as though discussions remain ongoing with several GM's ahead of the protection list deadline. From there, Kraken staff will be focusing on the 2022 entry level draft. Davies wouldn't tip his hand on what his plans are with the 4th pick, but looking at various mock drafts released by reputable sources, drafting a European defenseman seems likely. |
|
Anaheim Ducks
|
Ducks Look To Build Off Solid Season
|
Ducks-Ryan |
2022-06-22 15:43:49 |
171 |
First and foremost the Anaheim Ducks would like to congratulate Mike of the Washington Capitals for a job well done and winning the Cup.
Now that the season is in the books Anaheim can reflect on what some may call a successful season despite bowing out in the first round against the very talented Chicago Blackhawks. When coming into the season not many, if any other GM's thought Anaheim would even be close to making the playoffs. Anaheim shocked the world as they dug and clawed their way into the 7th seed, but that is where the fairy tale would end as the Blackhawks took them out in six games.
"We have a lot to be proud of, the kids stepped up this season. Norris, Farabee, Lafreniere all had big roles as the season wore on. I think the sky truly is the limit, these guys are young men all under the age of 23. We also expect them to now be leaders for the new young guns coming in, such as Vasili Podkolzin, Cole Perfetti, and Mavrik Bourque. This season may hit some rough patches next year but we are loading up and going to give it another try. We just grabbed Hagelin because of his speed and tenacity, and because we will be losing someone in the expansion draft' said Clarey.
When asked what Lafreniere will be working on this off season, Clarey said, "Alexis really started to show his talent towards the end of the year with 10 points in 13 games, but in a few of those games he got himself ejected. He needs to keep his composure because he is far more valuable on the ice as opposed to the press box. We know what he is capable and we truly think he is one or two seasons away from being a 60-70 point player."
Cole Perfetti will be the shiny new toy next season as Anaheim will be watching him closely in the minors and he should make it to the big club at some point next season. Anaheim has many goal scorers but not enough play makers, getting Perfetti and Bourque who himself is currently competing for the memorial cup should fill those roles.
Anaheim's projected lines in 2 years.
Farabee-Norris-Perfetti
Kreider-Tage-Seguin
Podkolzin-Bourque-Lafreniere
Anaheim is also expected to sign Luke Hughes within the next 2 season.
|
|
San Jose Sharks
|
Sharks expansion team news
|
Sharks-Curtis |
2022-06-22 04:01:27 |
198 |
The San Jose Sharks submitted their expansion protection list to the league for the expansion draft earlier this afternoon. With that news I can confirm that there will not be any trades out of San Jose between now and the end of the week and that the Sharks did not make any deals with Seattle prior to the draft.
The Sharks have been talking trade over the last 7-10 days. They have been getting offers on Pesce and Barkov and have been sending out offers for a few of the names that have been floating around on the NEFHL trade. Nothing is close though and there will not be anything completed within the next week.
The Sharks are not expected to trade the 7th overall pick or the 16th overall pick in this years draft. They have been focusing hard on finishing there first round ranking as well as their draft list for their remaining picks, which includes three 3rd round picks and two 5th round picks on top of their two 1st rounders.
I can also confirm that the Sharks will be re-signing forward Kevin Hayes as their loyalty signing and will be protecting him.
Sharks protection list: 7/3/1
Alex BarkovJamie BennKevin HayesTrent FredericPierre EngvallJoel ArmiaChristian FischerBrett PesceTJ BrodieEthan BearJake Oettinger
The perks of being a lottery team that has been selling means the expansion draft hasnt been a huge concern for the Sharks and with an inflated roster losing a body heading into the off-season isnt the worst thing for the franchise.
More to come.
For the San Jose Tribune I am Ken McBobzie
|
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
The Great 23?!?!
|
Pens-Brent |
2022-06-21 18:09:48 |
244 |
The Greatest player to ever lace up the skates and NEFHL icon arrived in Pittsburgh anxious to meet his new teammates. Thousands of die hard Penguins fans donning black and gold lined the streets in anticipation for Ovy's arrival. To his disgust, he was flabbergasted by what he heard from the Pens faithful.
"The Great 23!, the Great 23!, the Great 23!" they shouted.
"Da Fuq?" repeated the limo drive. "That's what He said."
Since his arrival on the NEFHL scene in 2005, Ovechkin has long been known as, "The Great 8"
"Who do I look like? Michael Jordan?" Alex grunted to the media as he made his way down the player's entrance into PPG Paints Arena.
Those closest to Penguins suggest that Ovechkin will not report to camp if the issue is not rectified soon.
"We made it clear when we sent the paperwork to the league that his number would be 8. We honesty don't know what happened," The Penguins GM exclaimed.
In a statement issued by Ovechkin's camp, the NEFHL's all time points and goal leader's agent had this to say to the hockey world:
"This is outright blasphamy and a slap in the face to the greatest player to ever hold a hockey stick. Alex should be entitled to wear any number he wants. He should be able to wear 100 if he heart desired. To us, this is more controversial than the notion of nixing Roe vs. Wade or the banning of trans females from competing in women's swimming. We are talking about the best player ever."
Brett Howden currently wears the much desired number 8 and has stated that he would willingly give up the digit to appease the Russian superstar.
"I'd like to say publicly that I am willing to give Ovy the number. He deserves it without question," Howden stated.
Word on the street is that there could be a mass exodus of Russian players from the NEFHL because of the repulsive mishap.
"Ovechkin's voice weighs heavily on the minds of fellow Russian players. He is a elder in the league and the best ever. What he says is gospel. Some say his words ring louded than even Putin."
Time will tell as to whether this atrocity will be resolved.
"Please, Mr. Barry and the powers that be, please grant us access to change jersey numbers."
|
|
Washington Capitals
|
CAPITALS ARE CHAMPIONS!!!!
|
Caps-Mike |
2022-06-20 23:02:52 |
244 |
June 19th 2022 - The Washington Capitals are officially Stanley Cup Champions of the NEFHL. The incredible dream season for Washington Capitals closed its chapter in game 5 against the Kings to win the Stanley Cup.
|
|
New York Rangers
|
Rangers Make Changes to Front Office; More Adjustments To Follow
|
Rangers-Alex |
2022-06-16 14:41:14 |
248 |
New York Rangers GM Kristen Swiatecki, inexperienced and tenderfooted, has highlighted in recent days the need for a rebuild. "Ownership isn't happy, Fans aren't happy, and our players aren't happy. That's cause for conecern and something we need to correct in the coming years."
New York's success has been moderate at best, but as any Ranger fan understands: making playoffs has been historically easy, winning in the playoffs is not. Specifics on what Swiatecki and his team are planning is anyone's guess, however, with a bare shelf of prospects, and the call for restructuring, it wouldn't surprise anyone to see a full scale rebuild at all levels of the organization happen in the next year or so. The first domino has fallen...
"What fans are going to have to realize in the coming years, is that success doesn't happen over night. There will be some difficult days ahead, we may sacrifice the tradition of Ranger playoffs, for a new tradition of playoff success. If there's anything we want fans to understand, it's that we aren't in this for the money, we want that trophy, the glory."
In the past 10 years, New York has only made it past the first round three times, and second round once, and as most fans remember, their sweep at the hands of the Florida Panthers in the 2015 Conference Finals.
If there is anything we've learnt about the new management hires, they won't afraid to shake things up. They have confidence from the ownership and a green light to do whatever is necessary to make this team formidable. The question still remains if these neophytes can navigate the waters of the NEFHL and use their analytic skills to gain an edge. Time will tell...and so will fans loyalty. |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
21-22 Power Rankings - In Review
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-06-08 12:57:49 |
387 |
We're not far from seeing who wins it all this year. In the meantime, here's a power rankings in review.
There were more large swings in this year's power rankings, seeing a total of 10 teams either rise or fall by at least 10 spots from the rankings.
Stars and Wild each dropped 19 spots to be the biggest movers from the rankings, and the most unlucky of teams. Both will look to make some changes and come back next season.
Avalanche dropped 17 points with some new longer term vision added to the roster.
Ducks were the biggest jumpers, finishing 15 spots above where predicted and earning themselves a playoff spot! Nice work!
Pens jumped 14 spots, but not enough to find the playoffs, just devalue their draft pick, which they turned into the greatest goal scorer of all time, so I guess no big whoop in the end. They'll look to climb even more next season.
The next biggest jump was the Kings, jumping 11 spots to take the President's trophy. Some dominance by the McDavid/Zibanajed line leading them in the playoffs, along with some good pickups along the way.
Lightning made some big trades, finished 13 spots ahead of where ranked, and are making some serious noise in the playoffs!
Canucks
- Pre Season rank -
1
- Final Standings -
7
- Difference -
-6
Avalanche
- Pre Season rank -
2
- Final Standings -
19
- Difference -
-17
Flames
- Pre Season rank -
3
- Final Standings -
2
- Difference -
1
Blackhawks
- Pre Season rank -
4
- Final Standings -
4
- Difference -
0
Predators
- Pre Season rank -
5
- Final Standings -
5
- Difference -
0
Flyers
- Pre Season rank -
6
- Final Standings -
6
- Difference -
0
Capitals
- Pre Season rank -
7
- Final Standings -
3
- Difference -
4
Stars
- Pre Season rank -
8
- Final Standings -
27
- Difference -
-19
Wild
- Pre Season rank -
9
- Final Standings -
28
- Difference -
-19
Rangers
- Pre Season rank -
10
- Final Standings -
9
- Difference -
1
Jets
- Pre Season rank -
11
- Final Standings -
21
- Difference -
-10
Kings
- Pre Season rank -
12
- Final Standings -
1
- Difference -
11
Panthers
- Pre Season rank -
13
- Final Standings -
12
- Difference -
1
Red Wings
- Pre Season rank -
14
- Final Standings -
30
- Difference -
-16
Coyotes
- Pre Season rank -
15
- Final Standings -
10
- Difference -
5
Devils
- Pre Season rank -
16
- Final Standings -
15
- Difference -
1
Sharks
- Pre Season rank -
17
- Final Standings -
26
- Difference -
-9
Canadiens
- Pre Season rank -
18
- Final Standings -
13
- Difference -
5
Hurricanes
- Pre Season rank -
19
- Final Standings -
20
- Difference -
-1
Maple Leafs
- Pre Season rank -
20
- Final Standings -
23
- Difference -
-3
Lightning
- Pre Season rank -
21
- Final Standings -
8
- Difference -
13
Sabres
- Pre Season rank -
22
- Final Standings -
25
- Difference -
-3
Blue Jackets
- Pre Season rank -
23
- Final Standings -
14
- Difference -
9
Islanders
- Pre Season rank -
24
- Final Standings -
24
- Difference -
0
Oilers
- Pre Season rank -
25
- Final Standings -
17
- Difference -
8
Ducks
- Pre Season rank -
26
- Final Standings -
11
- Difference -
15
Senators
- Pre Season rank -
27
- Final Standings -
22
- Difference -
5
Golden Knights
- Pre Season rank -
28
- Final Standings -
18
- Difference -
10
Bruins
- Pre Season rank -
29
- Final Standings -
29
- Difference -
0
Penguins
- Pre Season rank -
30
- Final Standings -
16
- Difference -
14
Blues
- Pre Season rank -
31
- Final Standings -
31
- Difference -
0
|
|
San Jose Sharks
|
Report: Sharks/Penguins completing Ovechkin trade
|
Sharks-Curtis |
2022-06-06 12:56:08 |
297 |
Breaking news coming out of San Jose and Pittsburgh this morning: I can confirm with my sources that the Sharks and Penguins have a deal in place that will see Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby become teammates for the first time in NEFHL history.
The Sharks placed Ovechkin on the block a few weeks ago and the Penguins were interested right from the jump but the deal did it come together until sometime yesterday. The Sharks received quite a few offers and had quite a few more teams reach out but ultimately Pittsburgh became the team whose offer stood out.
Alex Ovechkin is the greatest player in NEFHL history and Sharks management wanted to afford him the opportunity to go to a team that will give him a shot at not only making the playoffs next season but also a team that is trying to win the Stanley Cup. It also came into play how special it would be for Ovechkin and Crosby to combine forces and try to set the league on the fire playing together at the end of their great NEFHL careers.
There were talks last season of Crosby and Ovechkin joining forces then but those talks stopped once San Jose tripped and fell out of the blocks to start the season and basically being eliminated before American Thanksgiving.
From what sources in San Jose and Pittsburgh are telling me here is how the deal will be submitted to the league once trading is permitted again after the playoffs and before the expansion and entry drafts.
To Pittsburgh: Alexander Ovechkin
To San Jose: 16th overall selection in this years draft, Brayden Tracey, Arizona's 3rd round pick in this years draft and Jamie Benn.
Ovechkin was comfortable going back to the Eastern Conference and is excited about joining Sidney Crosby, the Penguins are happy to make the accomadations for Ovechkin as they try to become league contenders once again and the Sharks are very comfortable with their return and feel it's close to what they originally gave up for Ovechkin a few years ago and are really looking forward to the draft in a months time.
For the San Jose tribune I am Ken McBobzie. |
|
Washington Capitals
|
The Capitals are in the Eastern Conf. Finals
|
Caps-Mike |
2022-06-04 22:02:21 |
337 |
All year the talk about the Capitals was Auston Matthews and boy did he deliver. Not only have the Capitals advanced past the first round this year, they also overcame a game 7 series with a massive OT win to also get them into the conference finals. Who scored that big goal? Mr Matthews.
|
|
Chicago Blackhawks
|
Chicago - Conference Final - Game 2
|
Hawks-Anthony |
2022-06-03 14:17:20 |
470 |
[Los Angeles, CA] Tonight is game two in Los Angeles at the Crypto.com Arena as the Chicago Blackhawks attempt to tie up the series after a game one, 6-4, loss on Wednesday. Three of the four goals came from Chicago’s top line but it wasn’t enough to contain the Kings offense that managed to score four (4) goals in the third period.
Chicago has been great on the penalty kill but their power play is lacking. Many are questioning their ability to advance since they’ve only managed one (1) power play goal in these playoffs. During the regular season, they had the 9th best power play in the league but are currently sporting the worst PP percentage of all playoff teams except for the Flames who did not score any.
Blackhawks GM had this to say:
“We know how to score goals and we have depth throughout the lineup to do so but we let go of the defensive part of the game. You can’t do that against a team like the Kings. We are missing Chabot and Lindholm but it’s the playoffs and guys get hurt.. We have a locker room that sticks together and plays hard for each other so I’m expecting a more complete effort tonight. The team and the fans deserve it.”
The Blackhawks defeated the Ducks in six (6) and the Preds in four (4) to get to the Conference Final. Both great teams but the Kings are their toughest opponent yet. Can the Blackhawks find a way to contain the Kings offense? Will Saros come through and hold the fort like he did against the Preds? When will Chabot and Lindholm return to the lineup? Can McDavid continue his dominance? Stay tuned! |
|
Minnesota Wild
|
GM holds surprise press conference
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-05-29 18:58:48 |
518 |
The media was called on short notice to Xcel Energy Center early Sunday afternoon to hear what GM Peter of the Wild had to say regarding the leaked comments from top prospect Trevor Zegras just one day ago. The GM had this to say:
"Good afternoon. As you all know, Zegras made some comments yesterday that were leaked and made public. I would like to reiterate to everybody that decisions about who the Minnesota Wild sign are decisions made solely by the Minnesota Wild. What people outside of the organization think is irrelevent. They do not know the 'day to day' of the Wild. They do not know the 'ins and outs' of the Wild. They do not know the 1 year, 3 year, 5 year strategic vision put in place by the Wild. It's as simple as that. I don't think there is anything more to add here. I will take some questions now."
Why call this press conference on short notice?
"I had some time to kill and making 200k for it. No brainer. You guys are lucky I don't go overboard like Vegas with these press conferences."
How do you feel about Zegras saying you suck as a manager?
"He's a kid, he wants to play. He let his emotions out. So what? Based on the performance last season, I did suck."
What about him saying the team needs a new manager?
"I'm not going anywhere. If one of us is leaving it will be him."
Is that something people should be expecting? Have there been talks?
"Anything could happen in hockey. I'm not shopping him to teams. They contact me and I go from there."
Why don't you just sign him and avoid a Hughes-like situation?
"There's a difference between Hughes and Zegras. Hughes was the best player on his team and Vegas didn't want to sign him. That makes no sense. If Zegras was the best player we had and we refused to sign him then the league should step in. Just like Hughes. Right now, Zegras wouldn't be ahead of Hintz or Pettersson on the center depth chart. Pageau is better suited as a 3rd line C. 4th line is a waste for somebody like Zegras. The league was perfectly fine with a superstar like Kaprizov rotting on the farm for half the year. He would be a top line player on any team. The league was ok with Batherson sitting on the farm for most of the season. Where was the outrage over those?"
If you wait a year to sign him, he'll have a 2 year ELC instead of a 3 year ELC.
"UFA is 30. Who cares about 2 or 3 year ELC if he might not be be in my top6 next season?"
If Zegras isn't your priority, then what is for this offseason?
"If I don't get a goalie, I will be drafting top 5 again next season. Hart hasn't lived up to expectations and we need better support. Stacking the team with defensive players to compensate for goaltending doesn't work as we clearly saw."
Is the 2nd overall in play for a goalie?
"2nd is available but for a goalie? It would have to be a hell of a goalie. I already know who I will be drafting 2nd overall. It is up to other managers to convince me to trade the pick. It's on them to get the pick from me, if they want it. That's it, that's all." |
|
Minnesota Wild
|
Zegras to GM: "Sign me or trade me"
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-05-27 21:31:37 |
363 |
BREAKING NEWS
Recently drafted prospect Trevor Zegras, the 6th overall pick in the 2019 NEFHL draft has delivered a stern message to the GM of the Minnesota Wild. In a leaked conversation with his agent over lunch, the young center blasted off on the organization that brought him into the league. The recent audio, acquired and already verified as real by many sports news outlets, is shocking because it does not hold back on the personal feelings between player and general manager.
"After the season Minny had, he has the balls to announce signing other guys but doesn't even give us a call? Not once? The fuck is he doing? That team needs a new manager. Peter sucks."
*unintelligible background noise*
"Call him and tell him to sign me or trade me. There are 31 other teams that would give the moon to have me. Maybe I belong in Pittsburgh. Maybe Washington. I hear the titty bars in Florida are sick. Anaheim seems like a great spot. Fucking loved those mighty ducks movies. Imagine me in in the middle of a flying V. I might have to grow my hair out for that. "
News circulated quickly around the hockey world. Fans in Minnesota are tense. Fans in other markets are excited at the possibility of one of the world's best young players becoming available.
THIS JUST IN
GM Peter of the Wild had this to say, "I am aware of the leaked recording. The fact is Trevor's negotiation rights belong to the Wild. He does not decide where he goes, at least not for now. My tip for you all, just chill out and watch the rest of the playoffs. Have a few beers, smoke a bowl or two. And if there's a GM out there that feels bold enough to make an offer...good luck." |
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
The Only Case
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-05-06 00:44:50 |
439 |
The Hart Trophy is an annual award, given to the player voted to be the most valuable to his team.
In the final game of the season, against the President Trophy winning Los Angeles Kings, in their fifth and final matchup of the season, the Vegas Golden Knights weren’t going to go down without a fight. Vegas lost the first two games of the season series, but stormed back to win two in three days against the Kings in January. Fitting that the last game of the year would be the climax and tie-breaker of the season series. Too bad Vegas was missing their top centre, Calder-favourite Jack Hughes, their All-Star, Hall-of-Fame team captain Shea Weber, starting goalie Pavel Francouz, as well as several other players, and being forced to start a 60 OV goalie. This was not the position they thought they would be in.
But this isn’t a story about that game; this is a story about Brad Marchand. The same Brad Marchand that finished the season with 41 goals, including 8 game-winners, totalling 92 points, in just 76 games, good enough for fifth in league scoring.
Although not all of those points were with the Knights, his impact and results cannot be understated. He finished with 44 points in 32 games (a 113-point pace), highlighted by 26 goals. Yes, you read that right; 26 goals in 32 games, which translates to a 66-goal pace.
Let’s talk about how it unfolded.
In his first game after being acquired, he had two assists, with one of them on the game-winning goal.
In his third game with the Knights, he had two goals and four points, including the game-winning goal.
In his fourth game, he scored a goal when his team was down, assisted on the game-tying goal, and was a large factor in his team’s win.
In his eleventh game he had an assist on the game-winning goal.
Going over his stats, in his first 13 games with the Golden Knights, he amassed 15 points, and every single one of them was in a game his team lost, was when his team was behind, or to tie or win the game. Not one of his 15 points were “extra,” happening when his team was piling on goals, or when his team won a blowout; he wasn’t scoring the seventh goal in a 7-0 win.
In his 14th game, he decided to begin piling them on. When his team was tied entering the third period, he scored three points, including an assist on the game-winner.
In his 15th game, he had a third period, game-winning goal to break a tie against Florida.
In his 16th game he had a hat trick, with game-winning and put-away goals in the third period.
In his 21st game he scored two goals and a season-high 6 points, including the game-winning goal.
In his 25th game he scored the game-tying goal, assisted on the game-winner, and then added the put-away goal.
In his 27th game he scored the winner against the Avalanche, which was significant because this marked the last time of the season that Colorado would be ahead of Vegas.
In his 28th game he scored the only goal of the third period, forcing overtime.
In his 32nd game, the aforementioned one against the Kings (the final game of the season), he scored two goals including the go-ahead goal in the third, AND later, the overtime winning goal.
And this is just the short-hand version of his impact. What’s lost in this is the impact he had on the players around him, his team’s record with him in the lineup, and how he’s transformed the franchise. Had the Vegas Golden Knights made the playoffs this season, Brad Marchand would undoubtedly have been the Hart Trophy Winner.
The Hart Trophy is an annual award, given to the player voted to be the most valuable to his team. Most valuable to his team. TO HIS TEAM. Not “the player who scores the most goals” - that’s the Rocket Richard; not “the player with the most points” - that’s the Art Ross. It’s the player who is most valuable to his team.
We know what Vegas was without Marchand in the lineup; we saw it for the first half of the season. Vegas was a middling team, guaranteed for a fourth-straight top ten draft pick. What about with him in the lineup? They were one point away from being in the playoffs, and among one of the better teams in the Western Conference (as evidenced by their winning record against Western Conference teams), and participated in some of the most exciting games in the year. Jack Hughes was seventh place in Calder voting before Marchand’s arrival, and was handed the trophy by season’s end. The Knights finished above .500 for the first time in franchise history.
While others might make their case based strictly on two or three stats, most of those numbers come without context. The timeline above contains some of the most convincing arguments for Marchand’s claim to the Hart Trophy. Too bad no other team will put together such a bulletproof argument about how important their second-place candidate’s season was. |
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
The Exclamation Point
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-04-29 15:23:30 |
394 |
While the Vegas Golden Knights were eliminated from the playoffs Wednesday night after their game against the Los Angeles Kings, there were so many positives to take away from that game, and from the season.
But one can’t help but wonder “what if....” Vegas missed the postseason, finishing in ninth place, just one point behind the Edmonton Oilers. With an overtime loss, two regulation losses, and a shootout win against the Oilers, Vegas have only themselves to blame. If any of those games were a regulation win instead of those outcomes, then the Golden Knights would be in the postseason ahead of the Oilers.
A 3 - 8 record in overtime also didn’t help, as there were far too many games where the Knights lost a game that they should’ve won. The backbreaking losses to the Coyotes, Oilers, Sharks, and Wild in the last two weeks of the schedule ended their season before the Knights’ last game.
With 9 everyday players injured for 10+ games this season, including captain and Hall of Fame defencemen Shea Weber multiple times for 33 total games, losing a total of 148 games to injuries, the second highest total in the league, Vegas couldn’t keep the right players in the right spots all season, and were constantly juggling lines, forced to call up, claim (and lose) players on waivers, it was really difficult to sustain any chemistry. Conversely, at just 58 games lost to injury all season, the fifth-lowest total in the league, the Oilers seemed to have more luck on their side. Vegas lost three of their core players for (at least) 57 games, and more; when the season ended, Jack Hughes (81 CD) had missed 10 games, Pavel Francouz (95 CD) had missed 14, and Shea Weber (33 CD) had missed 33 games.
But what happened in the last game of the season? After losing the first two games of their season series with the Los Angeles Kings, Vegas ended up winning the final three games against the Kings, outscoring them 11 - 6 in those last three games. Hardly the result one would expect from a President’s Trophy winning team, but Kings GM Carter has had himself a very fortunate season. There was tremendous anticipation for the fifth and final game of the season, but expectations were tampered when everyone realized that the Knights would be rolling with their third and fourth best goalies, and Jack Hughes and Shea Weber out long term. With a depleted roster, Vegas did what they do best: defy expectations.
Brad Marchand scored a go-ahead goal in the third period, which the Kings answered to tie it up and force overtime. Marchand answered the call again, scoring his 41st goal of the year on a beauty in overtime, ensuring that the Kings rolled into the playoffs as losers of their last four games, and a paltry 3-4-1-2 record in their last 10 games.
Vegas finished with the second-best penalty-kill and the fourth-best shot generation in the league. Jack Hughes should win the Calder trophy, marchand should garner Hart consideration, and Vegas set a season record with hits in a game (41). But the best part of their season will be discussed in a future article.
|
|
Minnesota Wild
|
Bitch and Moan or Pay to Play?
|
Wild-Peter |
2022-04-29 14:33:22 |
411 |
While some individuals in the league are clutching their pearls picking fights over useless scrubs like Jordie Benn claiming the moral highground 'integrity' victimhood card, I would rather look at some of the moves that I got criticized for and the immediate results seen by the other team who acquired my guys. Try to spot the pattern that emerges. Here's a hint: Playoffs.
Minnesota Wild trade Nazem Kadri to Philadelphia Flyers for Landon Slaggert, Theodor Niederbach and TOR 2023 Rnd 4
Ahh yes. I remember having Kadri on the block for a while and had a few nibbles and a deal in place 'closer to the deadline'. But the GM who was aggressive most (by sending PMs...imagine that!) got the guy. Immediately after the move I got shit for doing it. "You should have waited". Yes I should have waited for the deadline where most teams had no cap whatsoever and everybody was thinking about expansion protection lists over making the move when most people didn't remember expansion was looming. All I gotta say here is, Flyers are in the playoffs and are a big threat. Good luck Jamie!
Minnesota Wild trade Jared Spurgeon and $500,000 to New York Rangers for Gregory Hofmann, COL 2022 Rnd 2 and WPG 2022 Rnd 7
Another team who was on the bubble for much of the season that is now in the playoffs. Is Spurgeon why they are in the playoffs? I don't know. But he's been a bigger help for them than he was for me. Available for a long time and not even for a high price and yet, crickets. Rangers are in after making this deal, hey, where are you that waited on the sidelines? Good luck Matt!
Duncan Keith claimed from waivers by Edmonton Oilers
Boy oh boy did I get shit on for this one. Reaction was immediate. "Kind of a joker move by Pete".
Much of the same talk we are seeing now. When I defend my move by indicated he was available since November , I get Crybaby GMs who missed out on a free asset because they would rather bitch and moan than give up a late pick to improve their team when they had an entire season to do it. Here's a gem of a quote "Funny you only comment like this when your moves are being questioned… lol"
I would like to conclude this portion of the article with this: Oilers are in the playoffs. The teams that bitched the most are not. Kings who were interested and then looked elsewhere will now face Keith in the first round. To all those that are hating..read the article title again. kthxbye. Good luck Jason!
Nate Schmidt claimed from waivers by Montreal Canadiens
Another guy that was on the block for a long time and crickets. Say what you want about his contract, I don't think Mike gives a shit seeing how he's in the playoffs right now and a few days ago it was 50/50. Habs are in, but to the most vocal critics...where are you? Good luck Mike!
New Jersey Devils trade Nick Bjugstad, NJD 2022 Rnd 4, NJD 2023 Rnd 5 and $500,000 to Minnesota Wild for Alex Stalock and Travis Zajac
I said it all along. I want Zajac to make a final push for the cup before retirement. I didn't care who had him, I just wanted him to get a last shot. Zajac has elite LD/EX ratings and one of the best DF in the entire league. But where was the interest? Nonexistent. And yet, the one team that did show interest made the playoffs at the last minute. The team that claimed Zajac off waivers also made the playoffs. Maybe it was having a veteran that pushed the Ducks in. Good luck Phil and Ryan!
To those GMs I dealt with, you're welcome and good luck in the playoffs.
To those that bitched and moaned...
Have a nice day, everybody. Peace and love.
|
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
Nail In The Coffin
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-04-29 13:46:15 |
344 |
With the loss last night, the Vegas Golden Knights were officially eliminated from the 2022 NEFHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, as the Edmonton Oilers officially punched their ticket to the postseason. Vegas lost five of their last six games down the stretch, and those losses ultimately spelled their doom.
Vegas F Brad Marchand did his part to try and keep his team in it, with another third-period goal, but it would unfortunately not be enough to help his team. Knights G Troy Grosenick is not the guy you want to have to count on between the pipes in a must-win game against a playoff team.
In the game, Vegas saw Cs Leo Komorov and Casey Cizikas leave the game with an injury, forcing their fifth and sixth centres to play most of the game. After all of the depth they lost to the waiver wire, Patrick Marleau and Glenn Gawdin are not the two guys you want on your roster trying to win you games.
The Vegas fans came out regardless of the team’s position, as their final home game of the season was another sellout. While numbers have not been officially verified across the league, Vegas was less than 350 people away (in average attendance) from averaging a sell-out every single night, and at 98.2% capacity, might be a top-five team in the league. The Knights’ management team plans to use a large portion of the funds generated by their PR team to add additional seats to the arena next year, approximately another 4,000 chairs.
While fans should expect a slight increase in the price of each ticket, the Golden Knights still plan to have the most affordable tickets in the league.
|
|
New York Islanders
|
...
|
Isles-Steve |
2022-04-27 14:14:48 |
464 |
In a spectacular display of SIM non-cooperation, the New York Islanders have gone on a 5 game winning streak at the worst possible time, falling from a 4th or 5th overall pick to a 9th with a game left to play.
Beginning in Columbus on April 13th, high-scoring forward Jacob Larsson managed to put the puck past Semyon Varlamov to seal an overtime victory. The winner followed improbable goals by two other offensive powerhouses, Jayson Megna and Jeremy Lauzon.
The team then traveled to Winnipeg where another highly rated scorer, Janne Kuokkaonen (54SC) exploded for a hat trick, again proving that you cannot fool the SIM.
Not to be outdone, Marcus Johannson (another 54SC wunderkind) buried two goals against SuperKev and his Sabre-rattling squad. Kuokkanen sealed the deal again, potting the game winner in overtime.
After flying home to meet the Maple Leafs, the dynamic duo managed to keep the pick-killing streak rolling when Johannsen punched two power play goals past Jonathan Bernier and, not to be outdone, Kuokkanen broke free to pot a shorthanded goal as well. Without a single player in the plus category, the Isles pushed past the Leafs further weakening the draft situation.
Yet another night of silliness came to Florida on Monday evening, albeit a predictable one. After a pre-game ceremonial book-burning at center ice, the Islanders scored the final 3 goals to overcome the Panthers, chasing Jacob Markstrom from the net early in the third period. This time, defensemen Jeremy Lauzon and Noah Juulsen put the finishing touches on a 6-4 victory. To cap things, all three stars of the game were Panthers!!
With one game remaining, the Islanders sit alongside the Maple Leafs with a possible 9th overall pick in the upcoming draft.
O Tempora O Mores!! |
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
End of the Road
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-04-25 18:21:28 |
339 |
With just two games remaining on the season, in the midst of a three-game losing streak, one point back of the Edmonton Oilers, and on the outside looking in, it would appear that this is how the season will end for the Vegas Golden Knights.
The losses, at this crucial moment of the season, has proven to be too much for them to overcome. Losing Shea Weber, Jack Hughes, and Pavel Francouz, coupled with their significant losses via the waiver wire, would devastate any team, let alone the majestic Knights. And for over 97% of the season, they dealt with all of the adversity that they faced. It all came undone in game 80 of their 82 game season.
Against the Oilers last Thursday night, they had the chance to all but punch their ticket to the postseason. With a win, the Golden Knights would’ve been three points up on the Oilers, putting Edmonton in the position of needing to win two of their remaining three games which are against the Flames, Sharks, and Avalanche.
On Thursday night, when the Oilers scored the first goal of the game, in the first period - a period in which the Golden Knights only generated two (!) shots - it wasn’t looking pretty. Watching their second-line centre Casey Cizikas go down to injury in the first meant that the rest of the team, already shorthanded, would have an uphill battle to fight. At the end of the second period, the score was still 1 - 0, but the shots were a much more even-looking 14-13 in favour of the Oilers. Not to be overlooked however, was the loss of starting goaltender Pavel Francouz in the second period. That loss would mean that Vegas needs to play their remaining games with a 60 OV team of Troy Grosenick and Kasimir Kaskisuo - a highly unfavourable position.
When Brad Marchand scored his 38th goal of the year at 7:12 of the third, it made things interesting. Just five minutes later however, the Oilers regained their lead and kept it for the rest of the game. With the win, they leapt over the Knights in the rankings, essentially eliminating them from their potential first-ever playoff berth.
GAME NOTES:
-Vegas has the second-best penalty-kill and shot generation in the league. Both are things they’ll look to build upon next year.
|
|
Anaheim Ducks
|
Hughes Helps Ducks Fly Into Playoffs
|
Ducks-Ryan |
2022-04-23 00:32:24 |
535 |
Anaheim is finally headed back to the post season as they clinched the 7th seed in the western conference and look to play the Nashville Predators or the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round of the playoffs. Just a couple of months ago it looked as though Anaheim was going to fall short of the post season.
"We had a meeting, we needed to figure out what our team was missing. It wasn't easy, everyone in the room stood up and promised something they would bring the rest of the season. When it came time for rookie Tage Thompson to speak, he was very brief but blunt. "I will finish the season with Anaheim, and I will work hard in whatever role it takes, and he excelled as our third line center." said Anaheim GM Ryan Clarey.
Since that moment Tage has not only kept his promise but helped Anaheim to a 23-11-6 record. What makes this even more impressive is that Anaheim had to run the Gauntlet against very good teams. Commissioner Barry released an article based on schedule strength noting that Anaheim's schedule was the hardest and had to beat playoff teams, and lots of them if they wanted to play for Lord Stanley.
"We don't make the playoffs without Quinn Hughes, we can't emphasize enough just what he brought to us. Last year he was on the ice for a lot of goals against and he worked his butt off in trying to get better defensively. We lost Doughty, Brodin, Ghost, Klefbom, and Quinn stepped up to the plate every single game. Sometimes with his ice time reaching almost 30 minutes a night. Whether it was even strength, the power play or penalty kill Hughes answered the call. We are extremely proud of him." said Clarey.
Anaheim has two remaining games left this season, one against Calgary, and one against Los Angeles.
"We are going to shuffle guys in and out of the line up, Talbot is probably done for the rest of the regular season, as is Joel Farabee. We want our guys to get healthy and be ready to go. When healthy we feel we have the depth and chemistry to make a solid push, all we are doing now is waiting to see what team we end up facing." said head coach Travis Green.
Anaheim returns to action on Monday night against Calgary. |
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
Not All She Wrote...Yet. But It Might Be
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-04-20 11:32:30 |
346 |
Not All She Wrote… Yet
Well, it looks like Thursday’s game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Vegas Golden Knights is going the be the one that it all comes down to. With a mere point advantage in the standings, Vegas has a tiny leg up on their opponent. The problem, however, is that the Oilers hold a precious game in hand, and
With just five wins in their last ten games, Vegas continues to miss their chances to punch their ticket to the postseason. With two losses to the Sharks ( pts.), a loss to the Blues ( pts.), overtime loss to the Wild ( pts.), and an unfortunate loss to the Flames ( pts.), the Golden Knights have only themselves to blame. Oh, and the Commissioner.
The unpunished injuries that the Commissioner has permitted to happen to Vegas are beginning to catch up with the team, and it’s proven very difficult to overcome. There aren’t many teams in the league that could overcome multiple losses to their #1 center, to their captain and #1 defender, AND declining play of their goaltending.
The Arizona Coyotes’ poaching of Martin Jones has left Vegas with absolutely no NEFHL-ready goaltending depth, a problem that the franchise knows is only temporary; it won’t be long before Spencer Knight and Justus Annunen are between the pipes every night, with Askarov and Wallstedt not far off. Knowing that, however, doesn’t help the team to win now.
Francouz’s (NHL) stats the last two seasons are:
Year
Wins
Losses
Ties
Save %
Goals Against Avg.
Shutouts
2019-2020
21
7
4
.923
2.41
1
2021-2022*
15
3
1
.919
2.49
2
*He also started four games for the Colorado Eagles, going 3-1 with a .945 sv% and a 1.52 GAA
Somehow, that pathetic performance has caused his play and NEFHL ratings to plummet, and at 73 Overall, would not warrant a starting position on any team that’s not the league-worst (in GAA) New Jersey Devils.
For the second night in a row, the Vegas second-line has been lit up.
Against the Wild, Casey Cizikas, Sean Kuraly, Tyler Ennis, Jamie Oleksiak, and Bowen Byram were a combined -12 with no points. Against the Sharks, Cizikas, Kuraly, Brett Ritchie (in for Ennis), Oleksiak, and Jani Hakanpaa (in for Byram), were a combined -10, with a goal and three points. Clearly, that’s not going to get it done.
The Knights are going to spend the next two days attempting to try and address their lack of center depth, and do whatever they can to rush Jack Hughes back from injury. Kidding. The Commissioner wouldn’t allow the latter to happen.
|
|
San Jose Sharks
|
Ovechkin scores 50 for 11th time
|
Sharks-Curtis |
2022-04-20 04:07:23 |
300 |
Alex Ovechkin hit the 50 goal mark for the 11th time in his NEFHL career this evening in the Sharks 3-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights, the second Sharks win over Vegas in thsee last two weeks.
Ovechkin entered the game with 49 goals and scored twice in the 3rd period to hit number 50 and 51 to bring his NEFHL career goals to 844 which is 287 more than Sidney Crosby who sits 2nd all time with 557 goals.
Ovechkin is the greatest goal scorer and point getter in NEFHL history but he will miss the playoffs again this season which is leading to speculation that this will be his final year in San Jose and that he will be potentially traded this off-season to a playoff contender in hopes of winning his first NEFHL Stanley Cup,
Sharks managment has been open with fans and the media that they will look to Ovechkin right and try to facilatate a trade since his NMC expires after this season and he plays the final year of his very reasonable $7,810,000 contract next season.
Anything can happen and things can always change but I'd wager the chances of Ovechkin getting traded prior to or at the draft would be close to 75%.
San Jose is currently on a two game win streak but are well out of the playoff race again and currently sit 4th from the bottom in the NEFHL standings with 4 games remaining in the season. The most interesting parts of their season will be where they finish in the standings and the draft lottery and how many goals Ovechkin can score to add to his goal totals.
For the San Jose Tribune I am Ken McBobzie. You might see a lot of moving forward, not as much as that writing maniac in Vegas but still quite a bit. |
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
Hart Trophy: Slam Dunk
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-04-19 14:03:16 |
298 |
In a tight Western Conference playoff race, with just a couple of games remaining, a few things have become quite apparent. First of all, the Pacific Division is without a doubt, the toughest in the league. With six of its eight teams poised to make the playoffs, and the seventh narrowly missing out, it cannot be argued. The San Jose Sharks - the lowest ranked team in the Pacific division - is THE ONLY team from that division ranked in the bottom sixteen teams in the league. You read that right. Virtually every team in the Pacific Division is ranked in the top half of the league. And they play most of their games against each other, meaning they’re acquiring their points by beating up on all of the other divisions.
All of that should serve to further emphasize how incredibly important the Golden Knights’ acquisition of Brad Marchand has been, and is yet another reason he’s deserving of the Hart Trophy.
With 22 goals and 40 points in 28 games, including seven game-winning goals, Marchand has transformed the Golden Knights franchise into a constant threat to win games. His power play goal to tie up the game and force overtime against the Minnesota Wild on Monday night is just another example of the value he adds that doesn’t appear on the scoresheet. The point earned from that overtime defeat catapulted the Knights ahead of the now ninth-ranked Oilers, and back into the playoff picture. What shouldn’t be overlooked is the fact that Marchand ranks fourth in league scoring this season, without also considering the dearth of talent on the Golden Knights’ current roster.
Brad Marchand deserves the Hart Trophy because his presence transformed Vegas into a playoff team, he has significantly less talent around him than most of the other teams in the league, he plays in front of one of the worst-rated goalies in the league, he experienced an improvement in his scoring after being traded, and is unquestionably one of the top performers in the game.
A quick look around the league will tell the tale:
Team Name
Top 3 Forwards (OV)
Top 3 forwards (points)
Starting Goalie (OV)
Los Angeles Kings
Connor McDavid (88)
Mika Zibanejad (81)
Jordan Staal (79)
Connor McDavid (113)
Mika Zibanejad (108)
Tyler Toffoli (81)
Jack Campbell (81)
Washington Capitals
Auston Matthews (86)
Blake Wheeler (80)
Jake Guentzel (78)
Auston Matthews (102)
Jake Guentzel (81)
Zach Hyman (76)
Andrei Vasilevskiy (84)
Calgary Flames
Miko Rantanen (84)
Johnathan Huberdeau (81)
Johnny Gaudreau (77)
Miko Rantanen (82)
Johnathan Huberdeau (71)
Dominik Kubalik (68)
Connor Hellebuyck (84)
Philadelphia Flyers
(Last year’s champion)
Mark Scheifele (79)
Nazim Kadri (78)
Marcus Foligno (77)
Mark Scheifele (68)
Nino Niederreiter (54)
Nazim Kardi (53)
Igor Shesterkin (85)
Las Vegas Golden Knights
Brad Marchand (82)
Jack Hughes (74)
Sean Kuraly (72)
Brad Marchand (88)
Jack Hughes (72)
Evgeni Dadonov (51)
Pavel Francouz (73)
Some things to consider:
1)The lowest rated goalie plays for Vegas, and is significantly lower rated than all the others
2)Vegas has the largest gap in scoring, highlighting how lacking scoring has been for their team, and how significant Marchand’s presence has been
3)Vegas’ roster has:
-the lowest average overall rating among players (on or off this list)
-the most significant drop-off from the highest- to second-highest rated players
-the lowest-rated top-three forward of all of the teams. Adding more names to this list will only emphasize this fact further
4)Vegas has lost more games to injury than any other team in the league, except for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
5)Vegas and Washington missed the playoffs last year, but ALL of the players listed on Washington’s table (above) were acquired last season OR in the off season, with the exception of Zach Hyman.
6)There is significant bias against the Vegas Golden Knights, because of the perception of their media team, and because the Commissioner allows it
-Philadelphia, who won the Cup last year, has the greatest defencemen in the league, without exception, and have the best goalie. It’s pretty easy to make saves when you’re playing behind those guys.
-Los Angeles has Connor McDavid to play alongside Mika Zibanejed and Tyler Toffoli, in front of Jack Campbell. That depth is virtually unrivaled.
-Washington has Barzal, and Ryan O’Reilly beside Zach Hyman, and Matthews between Wheeler and Guentzel, in front of Vasilevsky.
-Calgary’s leading players are all from their second line, further highlighting the depth of the teams above the Golden Knights.
No team in the league is overperforming as greatly as the Golden Knights are, and they’re able to do so because of the acquisition of Brad Marchand. It’s as simple as that.
Give him the Hart already.
|
|
Edmonton Oilers
|
The Ravings of a Mad King
|
Oilers-Jason |
2022-04-14 17:04:47 |
327 |
Recent rumblings out of Sin City would lead one to believe that the Vegas general manager and all of his men have targets on their backs. Are the king's claims legitimate? Are his Knights being targeted at an unholy rate, or is he simply mad; a victim of his own paranoia?
In a recent missive, the Sultan of Stories implored his followers to rally 'round the narrative that his vassals were being poached more frequently than those of other realms. One look at the history books reveals quite another story; it is the king himself who is raiding the fiefdoms of his neighbors more than any other. In fact, at least one of his targeted Knights, Lord Grant of Vancouver, was himself poached from Florida by the king.
Waiver Claims by Team
Vegas Golden Knights
9
Boston Bruins
7
Arizona Coyotes
6
Detroit Red Wings
6
Toronto Maple Leafs
6
Anaheim Ducks
5
Ottawa Senators
5
St-Louis Blues
5
Calgary Flames
4
Pittsburgh Penguins
4
Carolina Hurricanes
3
Edmonton Oilers
3
Los Angeles Kings
3
San Jose Sharks
3
Vancouver Canucks
3
Washington Capitals
3
Buffalo Sabres
2
Columbus Blue Jackets
2
Montreal Canadiens
2
Nashville Predators
2
Philadelphia Flyers
2
Winnipeg Jets
2
Dallas Stars
1
Minnesota Wild
1
New Jersey Devils
1
New York Rangers
1
Tampa Bay Lightning
1
Yet the ravings of the Mad King continue to flow beyond the borders of his kingdom in a most unnatural fashion, carried far and wide by his band of demented bards. No fewer than seventy-nine epics have been penned in the king's name, and certainly the royalties will be great, but at what cost? What havoc may be wrought upon the laws of the land at season's end? Only time will tell.
One thing is certain in these chaotic times; the potentate's potential playoff push has brought unwanted attention to his kingdom. Enemies have amassed on his border, and are targeting the throne on which he currently sits; the elusive Eighth Empire. Will his walls hold? Will he be burned alive in boiling Oil? Annihilated by an Avalanche? Decimated by Ducks? Jettisoned by a Jet?
Only the soothsayer can see...
Sam Lafferty records his 6th assistPatrik Laine records his 160th goalMark Giordano records his 952nd penalty minuteZach Parise played in his 1284th gameNick Foligno records his 2224th hitSergei Bobrovsky faced his 16753rd shotKnights-Derek is writing his 80th story |
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
Poaching Is Illegal
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-04-14 11:31:21 |
296 |
After a crucial win against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night, the Vegas Golden Knights are one step closer to a playoff spot. Just five points behind the seventh place Anaheim Ducks, there is a small possibility that Vegas overtakes them before the season’s end. The victory puts the Golden Knights four points ahead of the tenth-place Avalanche, two points up on the ninth-place Oilers, and is doing their best to cope with the losses of Jack Hughes and Shea Weber.
With just five games remaining in the season, including a game against the Oilers, there’s still lots that can change before then. The Oilers are perhaps the team most in control of their destiny, as they have two of their five remaining games against the teams they’re competing with - the Golden Knights and the Avalanche. With games against Anaheim, Colorado and Vegas, next week is going to be an interesting one for Edmonton. In the nature of good sportsmanship, the Vegas Golden Knights management team wishes them the best of luck.
All of this success however, doesn’t come without a price. The league has been noticing the type of players that Vegas has targeted to vastly improve their team, and has quietly been poaching them off of waivers while the Commissioner turns a blind eye to the assaults on they Golden Knights’ star players. It would appear as though the league is conspiring to eliminate the depth of the Golden Knights roster in hopes that Vegas will run out of steam down the stretch and be an easier team to beat in the playoffs.
Over the last two months, Vegas has lost Martin Jones, Andy Welinski, Derek Grant, Andreas Johnsson, and Colton Sceviour. Those losses, coupled with the deliberately injured players on the Knights’ roster, have taxed the Golden Knights’ depth, but they’re not going to go away or be intimidated. That’s why they’re now the 14th best team in the league and five games over .500. So being down 1-0 after the first, and tied going into the third isn’t a big deal to them. Brad Marchand scores game winners with or without Jack Hughes, and continues to make his case for the HART trophy.
|
|
Nashville Predators
|
Tracking NEFHL SC vs NHL scoring
|
Preds-Sylvain |
2022-04-13 14:25:40 |
321 |
Is the NEFHL scoring chart representative of the NHL? How does NEFHL SC affect your team performance? Always wanted to know? Well, this is the time when you find out!
In an attempt to quantify how accurate the current formula is compared to the production in the NHL, 1274 forwards/seasons from 2017 to 2021 (when ratings weren't dynamic so that totals match SC) were tracked. In total, the data represents performance in 96 616 games where 22 165 goals were scored. Data was compiled by SC rating for the period, creating a chart:
[img]https://i.postimg.cc/2L8MXtTC/SC-Graph.jpg[/img]
Linear regression was plotted on the chart, to measure how the SC ability was measured in terms of goals scored (Y-axis) compared to the player's SC (X-axis). It turns out the relationship is extremely strong with an R2 of 0,9656. The data points start zigzagging as the ratings go up, but this is due to a lower number of observations per SC. Since it's going both above and below the trendline, the variations are mostly due to the randomness of the sim and specific linemates/use of the player. Variations from the mean are usually contained within about +/- 15% on an SC average basis. The other note would be that players all players under 45 SC seem to have the same basic odds of scoring, regardless of their SC rating.
Using the trendline's equation (y = 0,8052x - 31, 145), we can compare the expected scoring in the NEFHL with the conversion for goals using the NHL stats (ie: using the 0,0102 GPG):
[img]https://i.postimg.cc/Yjp5947T/Expected-goals-vs-NHL.jpg[/img]
It looks like the trendline (Expect G) based on NEFHL performance matches the NHL goal-scoring almost perfectly.
The other test is to compare the trendline (Expect G) with the real result. To create this, and have a meaningful number to report, real output per SC rating used an average for the rating (ie: for 50, the average for ratings 49, 50 and 51 was used). The number of games considered to produce the averages in the table was also added to give an idea of how representative each result is.
[img]https://i.postimg.cc/ygT2jKmf/Expected-goals-vs-NEFHL-goals.jpg[/img]
From this chart's results, it seems that there is little difference in scoring between 40 and 45. This might be because, in the sim, the increase in odds of scoring under 45 is so low that the rating itself doesn't really matter. Then, the progression pretty much matches the trendline equation. Players with higher SC tend to surpass the trendline while players between 55 and 65 tend to provide results a bit under the trendline. This could be simply due to usage (ie: power-play).
In general, the observation is that the current SC ratings in NEFHL constitute a very accurate match to the NHL. While it has been proposed that the scale be increased from the 40-99 of today to 25-99, the current findings wouldn't support it. This would result in players underperforming their NHL counterparts as the baseline. Worse, in all likeliness, considering that an SC stat under 45 seems to have a very mild effect on the scoring output, this would make the SC attribute for many players pointless. However, considering that NEFHL is slightly below NHL in scoring per game this year, an increase in scaling from 40-99 to 45-99 might be considered. This would make any SC change in rating relevant for all players and would bump up slightly more ratings at the bottom (55-65) where players tend to underperform their NHL counterparts (by 3-4 SC). |
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
Cheapshot = No Call
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-04-13 14:09:22 |
235 |
It’s almost as if the Commissioner is doing it on purpose. Telling the referees to turn a blind eye to any infraction committed against the Vegas Golden Knights so that their players will suffer, and he’ll reward them for their (blind) servitude. In the Commissioner’s mind, there is no difference between justice and revenge, so anything that happens to the Golden Knights is something they deserve. All of the attention the Vegas media teams attempts to bring to these issues is met by comments of propaganda, of “home page spam,” and petitions to silence their voice.
For evidence, look no further than what transpired on Tuesday night in St. Louis. In the midst of a league-disrupting playoff race, fighting tooth-and-nail, after losing their captain to a career-ending broken neck, the rookie leading scorer and Calder trophy favourite Jack Hughes separated his shoulder. No call was made on the play. No discipline handed out. He’s out for at least the next three weeks, and no one in the league is talking about it, not one shit is given. There have been no suspensions against any team who has injured a player on the Vegas roster, despite the fact that they’ve lost the second-most players to injuries this year.
That’s strange, no? Nope. Not in this league. The Commissioner has instead distracted the rest of the league with conversations about bringing back the “dead puck” era, and is trying to find ways to reduce scoring and player salaries, for reasons only he knows.
If everyone wasn’t so caught up with the discussion about ratings changes (which the Commissioner will implement if he chooses, not democratically), they might be more likely to pay attention to, and notice, the real issues around the league…
|
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
Playoffs in Sight
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-04-12 13:57:44 |
244 |
What a game. This Golden Knights team is determined to make the playoffs. Right now, they hold a two point lead over the Oilers and the Avalanche, and are just five points back of sixth place, behind the Ducks and the Coyotes. With games remaining against three of those teams, you can bet that the scoreboard watching for the rest of the season will be entertaining. All five of the Golden Knights next games are against teams out of the playoffs, although two of those games are against the Avalanche and the Oilers. The last two games of the season are against the Coyotes, and the long-awaited matchup against the Los Angeles Kings. For those of you paying attention, you’ll remember that the Vegas / LA season series is knotted at two, after Vegas won two games in three nights against the first-place Kings.
Down 2 - 0 after the first period, on just six shots against, and 2 - 1 to start the third, knowing full well that their playoff hopes dwindle with every loss, the Golden Knights were determined to win this one.
How did they respond?
With force.
They outshoot the Red Wings 19 - 6 in the period, and scored five unanswered goals in eight minutes. Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal and added three points to his rookie-leading total, and linemate Brad Marchand added two goals of his own, along with an assist on the game winner. Twelve seconds after Hughes scored the go-ahead (and eventual winning) goal, Marchand padded the Knights’ lead with his second of the game. Those two players were the games’ first and second stars.
Vegas is now ranked third in the league at generating shots, owns the fifth best penalty-killing unit, and are now in the top half of the league in goals scored per game.
Next up, Vegas is flying to St. Louis to face the Blues on Tuesday night.
|
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
Injuries Taking a Toll
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-04-11 18:35:39 |
238 |
If you had to guess who the most injured teams in the league this year were, you’d probably guess the Columbus Blue Jackets as number one, and you’d be right. They’ve lost a remarkable 179 games to injury, which is the same as the five least-injured teams combined.
The Vegas Golden Knights probably wouldn’t be your second guess, but they should be if you like being right. They’ve lost 120 games so far, which is three times as many games as the Flames and Oilers have lost, and it’s more games than the Stars, Canadiens, and Flyers combined.
Martin Jones, filling in for the injured Pavel Francouz, stopped thirty-four of thirty-five shots, earning him some respectability back after his atrocious run with the Knights in Francouz’s last absence.
Against the Jets, Vegas was up 2 - 1 after the first period, and that would be all of the goals they would need this game. Patrick Marleau, filling in for the injured Jack Hughes, had an assist on the first (Marchand) goal of the game, and scored the eventual game winner with just 22 seconds left in the first, breaking the tie.
It looks like Marleau, who has been rapidly declining all year, is going to fall JUST short of 1,300 games for his career, which is unfortunate. On the bright side however, he needs just five more goals for 500 in his career, and the Golden Knights hope to help allow him to get there, but it won’t come at the expense of their playoff aspirations. Marleau currently sits fourth all-time in goal scoring, and isn’t likely to catch third-ranked Eric Staal.
Where Marleau could have an impact, and improve his standing, is in playoff points, where he is currently tied for tenth with Rick Nash at 100 career points. He’s tied for tenth with Sidney Crosby with 44 goals, and tied for 14th with Bobby Ryan with 56 playoff assists. His 12 playoff power play goals (7th all-time) could be exactly what the Golden Knights need if they make the postseason.
|
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
Flatter Than a Shark Fin
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-04-11 18:35:11 |
223 |
There’s no secret. The Sharks want to miss the playoffs. They want to miss the playoffs, and they want to get a high draft pick. They don’t want to finish outside of a top four draft position, so they’ll try to lose on purpose, right? This should be an easy game for the Golden Knights to win, right?
Wrong.
In one of their least productive games EVER, the Knights generated only fifteen shots in the game (4+5+6), and were shut out for the sixth time this season, and first time since December 12th, a span of forty-one games. I guess they were due.
With Jack Hughes out of the lineup, recovering from an eye injury, offense was hard to come by. The Sharks played an incredibly disciplined game, refusing to take a penalty, likely because of their puck possession. They generated double-digit shots every period, and had their way with the Knights' defense and goalie all night.
Poor response for a must-win, easy-win, game. In their defense, Vegas’ top two lines held their ground; it was the third and fourth lines that gave up the goals.
It’s looking more and more like the Golden Knights are fighting with the Oilers and the Avalanche for the eighth and final playoff spot. With one more game this season against each of those two teams, let’s hope that the Golden Knights keep their hopes alive.
GAME NOTES:
-Golden Knights F Evgeni Dadonov was forced to leave the game, but isn’t expected to miss any time.
|
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
Oilers Reading the Flames Playbook
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-04-11 18:34:43 |
240 |
Everyone’s got a score to settle. The Edmonton Oilers, clearly intimidated by Jack Hughes’ career high six-point night against the Dallas Stars in his last game, didn’t want to be his next victim. So what should they do? It looks like they decided to take a page out of the Commissioner’s book, and made sure to get their sticks under the visor or the Knights’ superstar forward, injuring the rookie’s eye, forcing him to leave the game. But don’t think for a second there would be any disciplinary action by, or a response from, the league’s player safety committee, as Commissioner Barry won’t hear it. He’s too busy counting his eighty-five million dollars and turning a blind eye to the Knights’ season to care.
Despite all of the adversity they’ve faced this year, Vegas is determined to make the playoffs, and to show the league that you don’t need to “tank” for long to turn your franchise around.
In a crucial four point game vs the Oilers, the Knights knew they needed to walk away with a victory. Doing so would allow them to leapfrog the slumping Avalanche for the eighth and final playoff spot.
The Golden Knights scored a go-ahead goal twice, but allowed the Oilers to fight back each time, before finally putting it away in the shootout. The Knights are just 2 - 7 in overtime, and are never excited to play the fourth period. Where they shine however is in the shootout, as they’re 5 - 1, and have one of the league’s best shootout goalies in Pavel Francouz. While the win matters, allowing the team you’re competing with for the final playoff spot is the opposite of success. The Golden Knights, if they’re to make the postseason this year, will need to take advantage of these opportunities, and put more distance between them and their competitors.
With their effort against the Oilers, Vegas is now the second best team at generating shots, and are proud owners of the fifth-best penalty-kill.
|
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
Pure Magic
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-04-11 18:34:10 |
232 |
Knowing that it won’t help them to dwell on the past, and any calls for justice will fall upon deaf ears, the Golden Knights are moving on, and looking ahead. Putting the Commissioner’s shenanigans behind them in order to focus on preparing for their next game and getting back to winning is how they’re going to face the future. They will not be intimidated, nor give up on their goal; they want to make the playoffs, and they want to face the Calgary Flames.
And for the first time in what seems like forever, they scored a powerplay goal against the Dallas Stars. On their first attempt with the man advantage, they sent a message to the Commish that they’ve got unfinished business, and they’re able to play. That first goal was just the start. What followed next was pure magic.
Desperately wanting to give the Commissioner the finger, Jack Hughes had himself the game of his life. His previous career night was a two-goal, five-point effort against the Carolina Hurricanes back in February, but little did we know that the best was yet to come, and he would outdo himself just two months later. Against the Dallas Stars on Thursday night, Jack Hughes scored four goals and six points, en route to an 8 - 4 victory, on a night that will be long-remembered by Golden Knights’ management and players. Linemate Brad Marchand was right there with Hughes, every step of the way, adding a two-goal, six point effort or his own (including the game-winner in the second). There is little debate to be had now that Jack Hughes is the best rookie of the season, and is more than worthy of HART consideration.
Hughes and Marchand were magic all night, combining on each other’s goals all night, and helping five other Vegas players to pick up points with them along the way. Even with the career-ending injury suffered at the hands (and high-stick) of the Calgary Flames, the Golden Knights are looking ahead. With just eleven games remaining in the season, the league is better off with more Golden Knights wins than losses.
Let’s keep the magic coming.
|
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
Because the Commissioner Wills It
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-04-11 18:33:46 |
267 |
What the Commissioner wants, the Commissioner gets. One has to wonder, at what point will the Vegas Golden Knights learn that whatever Mr. Barry wants to happen will happen. Everyone just needs to decide if they want to do it the hard way, or the easy way. One needs no more evidence than what transpired on Monday, March 28th, 2022.
Unhappy with their efforts to eradicate Golden Knights D Shea Weber from existence just six nights earlier, while also recognizing that he wouldn’t want to see Weber against his team in the playoffs, Commissioner Barry set to work, devising a plan to get exactly what he wanted. And boy did he get it. But of course he did; you knew he would. What the Commissioner wants, the Commissioner gets.
On a blatant intent-to-injure penalty, Commissioner Barry instructed Johnny Gaudreau to not hold back on his next scrum with the Golden Knights’ captain. Hoping that the tiny forward wouldn’t be noticed, in part because of his reputation for being a “clean” player, and in part because he’s the same size as the Commish, Mr. Gaudreau set out to make his boss proud. The result? A season-high mark for PIM, as the tiny forward earned a two-minute penalty for high-sticking, and a game misconduct. What happened to Weber? He suffered a catastrophic, (likely) career-ending injury - a broken neck.
You read that right: with his high-sticking penalty, Gaudreau broke Weber’s neck. Mysteriously, the Saddledome’s recording footage of the incident couldn’t be found. Consequently, the league’s disciplinary team, of which Commissioner Barry is chair, had “no evidence to review” of the incident, and Johnny Gaudreau escaped further punishment, while the Golden Knights suffered the worst blow of all. The NEFHL’s disciplinary team believes that the Johnny Gaudreau high-stick to Weber, and Weber’s subsequent broken neck, are “two separate incidents,” and “aren’t linked whatsoever,” despite the fact that both occurred within nanoseconds of one another.
Now, the Golden Knights’ captain, future Hall of Famer, and star defencemen’s career is likely over, and potentially with it, the Golden Knight’s playoff aspirations.
All because the Commissioner wills it.
**Details can get fuzzy, and records can be changed. Don’t let the Commissioner fool you
|
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
The Answer
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-04-11 18:33:18 |
241 |
After last game’s injustice, many of the league’s eyes were watching the Golden Knights’ final matchup of the season against the Vancouver Canucks; both team’s second meeting in six days. How would the Knights respond? What was their mental state? Would they be ready to play? The Commissioner likes to play mind games with his opponents, especially with the Golden Knights, so how would Vegas be affected after playing the Flames, knowing that they’re traveling to Calgary again, right after this game? Well, let me tell you how they responded.
They responded like the royalty they are. They responded like Knights, not like Flame(r)s. They responded with determination; they responded by winning.
Despite being heavily outshot (41 - 23), the Knights walked away from their season finale on the road against the Canucks with a massive win. Vegas gave up double digit shots in every period, and never mustered more than nine shots in a period, but they made their shots count. They were out shot almost 3x in the third period, but it didn't matter; they’re determined.
Andrei Svechnikov scored again, but that didn’t matter; Vegas has depth. The Canucks’ top line of Hertl, Landeskog, and Tkachuk were each -3, and the Golden Knights saw goals scored by each of their lines, as the whole team responded to the Commissioner and his shady conduct.
Knights G Pavel Francouz was steller, turning aside forty of forty-one shots, and was the game’s first star. And each and every Golden Knight stayed in the game, making sure no one was lost to injury, setting the stage for some fireworks tomorrow night in the Saddledome.
|
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
The Flames Cheat
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-04-11 18:32:54 |
242 |
Commissioner Barry, upset that there were calls for him to take action earlier in the year for Connor McDavid’s assault on Golden Knights’ Shea Weber, decided to send a message to the future Hall of Fame defencemen, and to the rest of the league. And what was that message? He will not tolerate insubordination of any kind. Adding on to that, when the Golden Knights and Flames last played, his precious team was shut out in a loss to Vegas, and the Commissioner decided that now was the time to take action. He let his goon Jonathan Huberdeau take unpenalized cheapshots at Weber all night long, forcing the Knights D to leave the game. Somehow, Commissioner Barry has escaped the attention of the league’s disciplinary committee all year, and his team continues to benefit.
Along the way, Golden Knights forwards Evgeni Dadonov and Sean Kuraly tried to stick up for their captain, but nothing would stand in the way of Commissioner Barry’s vendetta; they were injured in the second period and needed to leave the game too. All of these
Something to be aware of moving forward: the Golden Knights are now the third best team in the league at generating shots, and the sixth best penalty-killing team in the league.
In just six (calendar) days from now, the Golden Knights and Flames can put it all on the line, and end their season series in a must-watch game. Weber needed only to leave the game, and will be back and ready to play against the Flames.
|
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
Home Ice (Dis)Advantage
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-04-11 18:32:28 |
235 |
For whatever reason, the Vegas Golden Knights cannot seem to win on home ice with any consistency. Desperate to make the playoffs, they need to win as many games as they can to help create some space between the Avalanche and Oilers, who are also fighting for the last playoff spot. Coming off a win against the Canucks in their last matchup, with two games left in the season series, the Golden Knights felt that a home-ice matchup was exactly what they needed. And then they got injured.
On just his second shift of the game, Knights D Justin Faulk went down with an injury, and will likely miss the next few games while he recovers. An even bigger blow came when Mathieu Perrault, one of the Knights best defensive players, suffered a scratched cornea, and will likely miss the next two dozen games or so attempting to recover. Perrault’s versatility, and ability to play up and down the lineup will be a difficult thing to try and replace.
The Golden Knights had no answer for the Canucks’ stellar second-line. Anze Kopitar (two assists), Andrei Svechnikov (three goals, five points), and Matthew Tkachuk (two goals) were simply too much for the depleted Knights to handle. Knights G Pavel Francouz did his best to try and keep his team in it, and the defense did their part to limit the shots against, but the Vancouver shooters were just too precise with their aim.
The Golden Knights did their best to try and generate offense, outshooting the Canucks in the second and third periods, and overall, but couldn’t help their chances find the back of the net.
Down two games to one in their season series, the Knights will look to tie the series just six days from now.
|
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
Flightless Ducks
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-04-11 18:32:02 |
225 |
In the midst of their first-ever potential playoff berth, the Vegas Golden Knights are determined to not let their opportunities pass them by. Although they still have ground to make up, against the Anaheim Ducks last night, they won a crucial game.
Despite splitting the season series with the Ducks, giving away points to them might come back to haunt the Golden Knights. One of the Knights victories was in overtime, and letting them secure five of a possible eight points is not a recipe for a winning season, especially when you consider that the Knights and Ducks are competing for some of the lone remaining seeds.
The win last night was well-deserved however, as Vegas outshot the Ducks, registering double-digit shots and scoring two goals in each of the three periods.
In a matchup of the league’s top rookies, Jack Hughes made a statement by outsourcing all other freshman players, with a goal and three points. Josh Norris and Joel Farabee, two of the other potential runner-ups for the Calder, combined for just three assists.
But the real player of the game was Golden Knights forward Brad Marchand, who took over the game and made an even stronger statement than Hughes’ three point night. Up 4 to 3 entering the third period, Mr. Marchand took over the game. After Jack Hughes lost the opening faceoff, the Ducks gained entry into the Knights’ zone, and fired a shot. G Pavel Frncouz turned it aside easily, passing it to F Evgeni Dadonov, who found a streaking Marchand. Just 1:16 into the third, Marchand fired the puck past Cam Talbot, chasing the Ducks netminder from the game.
Quinn Hughes, upset with the attention given to his better brother, tried to get some of the spotlight for himself by bringing the Ducks to back within one, but Bradley wasn’t having any of it. With almost six minutes left to play, he fired a perfect Jack Hughes pass over back-up goalie Antti Raanta’s blocker for the final dagger.
GAME NOTES:
-power play was 0/2, but the penalty kill was a sparkling 5/5
|
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
Making the Cats Pay
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-04-11 18:31:33 |
213 |
The Vegas Golden Knights wish they could play the Florida Panthers every game, especially after they stole their best player away from them. Vegas swept the season series this year, and much of that success is due to the acquisition of Brad Marchand, as the future Hall-of-Fame winger has made all the difference to the Vegas team that traded for him just two months ago. In last night’s game, he scored the third period’s lone goal, which ended up being the game-winner.
The Golden Knights came on strong in the first period, firing sixteen shots on net, while the Panthers mustered a paltry eight. The second period was much more tame, as both teams managed just five shots a piece. Despite being heavily outshot in the third, Vegas held on for the win.
A thorn in his former team’s side in all of their matchups, Marchand continued to make his former team regret the decision to trade him, as he buried the dagger with just under six minutes left to play in the game, and Knights goaltender Pavel Francouz held on for the win. The win came as somewhat of a relief, as the Knights had the lead twice in the game but allowed Florida to tie it up before Marchand’s goal.
Jack Hughes picked up to helpers, and continued his ascension up the rookie scoring chart, cementing his case for the Calder Trophy, as the league’s best rookie player in years.
GAME NOTES:
Brett Ritchie left with an injury in the first period, but shouldn’t be out long-term.
-The Knights power play went 0/3, but their penalty kill continued to be strong, blanking the ‘Cats in all four attempts.
|
|
Buffalo Sabres
|
Sabres crushing the nhl
|
Sabres-Kevin |
2022-04-10 14:10:42 |
260 |
It's hard to be disappointed given the amount of success at the nhl level and the corresponding cap projections into next season. I did not overreact and the club looks mint…
Three outstanding two-way centers and a young gun who signed an eight year extension in the nhl. The top three centers should all be at least 75aov into next season.
Young Franchise winger
Outstanding winger depth
Franchise defenseman who should see a sizeable DF jump this summer to go with the offense… his partner leads the nhl in hits on the best team in the league
Two more top pair defenseman behind that
An emerging power play quarterback behind those four
No bad contracts
GP-G-A-Pts-SOG
63-32-33-65-177 // 72-19-28-47-142 // 64-28-24-52-140
62-27-18-45-209 // 65-21-20-41-189 // 56-21-30-51-102
3-0-0-0-2 // 68-22-34-56-104 // 67-18-23-41-160
?? // 63-11-15-26-79 // ??
GP-G-A-Pts-SOG-TOI
61-13-41-54-147 25:31 // 69-3-12-15-92 18:18 (332Hits)
69-9-30-39-114 24:18 // 66-5-20-25-124 23:29
67-7-22-29-111 20:27 // 26-0-7-7-42 15:15
2022/23 cap projections
(23) Robertson 3.5x3 - (29) Trocheck 2.0x1 - (27) Duclair 2.2x3
(26) Bennett 1.18x1 - (25) Eriksson EK 2.0x1 - (31) Schenn 3.7x3
(27) Wood 1.4x3 - (30) Johansen 2.5x3 - (34) Okposo 1.8x3
?? - (22) Kotkaniemi 0.95x2 - ??
(28) Toews 2.2x2 - (32) Gudas 1.7x2
(31) Fowler 3.0x4 - (32) Ekholm 2.75x3
(26) Dunn 1.75x2 - (24) Dineen 0.8x2
(26) Ned 0.73x1
34.3 million
Kevin you don’t have a high end goalie or a PPG Center … fair enough
But it’s not like we don’t have the cap space
The talent level of the club is as such
If you don’t have 20G hands with plus skills in other areas, you are not worth my time… that’s the bare minimum standards to be a Sabre moving forward
I’m taking Ekholm over Dunn in expansion… hopefully Dunn is good enough to keep Okposo and Wood as Sabres
I’ll buy another Fowler / Ekholm this summer to replace Dunn
There is a tremendous amount of talent on the roster, the roster is controllable, the roster is cost effective |
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
Pass me the keys to the Lomberghini!
|
Pens-Brent |
2022-04-07 16:06:50 |
299 |
With the Pittsburgh Penguins season on the line, the most unlikely hero emerged from the shadows in what was one of the most impressive individual performances in NEFHL history. Two rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina Hurricanes, squared off in a must win game on Tuesday night. With the Penguins down 4-1 half way through the game, it looked as though the Pens were destined for a disappointing loss.
"We are neck in neck with the Canes in the standings. Dropping that game would have been devastating." said team captain Sidney Crosby.
The Penguins lost a number of players due to injury, but nobody more important than two-way sparkplug, Brandon Hagel. So far in 2022, Hagel has been riding shotgun with Crosby and with him out of the lineup, someone needed to step up.
Enter Ryan Lomberg, referred to by his teammates as the "Lomberghini". Known for his abrasive, sandpaper style of play, Lomberg is the last player you'd think to contribute offensively.
John Marino tickled the twine with a minute and a half left to play in the second period, bringing the score to 4-2.
And then the impossible happened. The natural hattrick heard around the world.
Flanking Crosby's right side, Lomberg scored three consecutive, highlight reel, goals to help the gold and black flightless birds win 5-4. The first snipe was a reverse, backhand Michigan. The second saw Lomberg skate through at least 8 Hurricanes before putting a one handed backhander bar down. The hattrick goal came off a lacrosse style breakway dangle.
"That was easily the best game I have ever played in my life. I don't think I can top that performance. I told the boys after the game that I met my quota for the year," said the Lomberghini.
The Penguins match up against the Preds tonight. With the Habs and Devils playing against two shit hole clubs tonight, the Penguins must win to stay in the hunt.
More to come... |
|
Winnipeg Jets
|
JETS BY THE NUMBERS
|
Bruins-Chris |
2022-04-06 19:26:43 |
254 |
So the Jets are poised to miss the playoffs after setting five year highs in wins and points last season. I guess perhaps trading a bunch of players didn't work out so well after all. While the Jets looked much improved, tougher, better defensively, alas the team just never figured it out. A good example of why the Jets will miss the post season, look no further than superstar Kucherov. He is on pace to hit his lowest goals scored since 2016 when he was a much lesser rated player. Why has he not be able to score this year? Is it the coach, Rod the Bod Brind'Amour and his tenatious defensive ways? Or is it a lack of a playmaker to feed him. Surley Lindholm, who came over from the BJs in the Eichel trade hasn't all of a sudden became less of a setup man?
Other things to consider, Gibson started the season as a top 10 goalie only to slowly rate down. It doesn't explain his terrible play early on in the season but as things wind down, he hasn't been good enough. Rumors persist that the Jets will be adeu to the netminder in the offseason. It couldn't be Roman Josi, 51 points in 69 games is good enough and while his salary hurts the Jets depth, he has definitly earned his pay. What about Tom Wilson? 12 goals in 60+ games isn't enough even if he projects to amass 200+ hits this season.
There is certainly enough dissapointment to go around, enough for everyone. All the way on down the line, this team is just broken. They need a fresh start and hopefully with some tweaks they can figure this shit out. Hope is a good thing and on the positve side, the Jets have their first and second round picks. They have youngsters like Cozens and Peterson, one of the best prospects in the juniors this season in Luke Evangelista and a saavy GM who will ensure this is just a blip on the Jets upward trajectory. |
|
Toronto Maple Leafs
|
What Is Going On?
|
Leafs-Shane |
2022-04-06 17:01:23 |
241 |
Is it something in water? The Leafs are all of a sudden in wild race for the final playoff spot
Currently the buds sit 2 points back of New jersey and 1 point back of the Pens. Thats said, the leafs do have 1 game in hand with only 9 left in the season. Who will get in? If we rewind about 3 weeks the Leafs were selling every asset they had. Many of those sold to the team they are now 1 point behind in Pittsburgh. Ryan Getzlaf, Mikhail Sergachev and Andrew Cogliano were all dealt to the pens in exchange for Topi Niemela, 4 draft picks and Zach Osptachuk.
The Leafs became sellers when number 1 goalie Jonathan Bernier went down for a month long after pulling a groin and left the buds with Dustin Tokarski as the guy down the stretch. Turns out, Tokarski held the fort and played admirably.
So who gets in?
Leafs remaining schedule:
6
Toronto at Buffalo
--
11
NY Rangers at Toronto
--
12
Florida at Toronto
--
13
Toronto at Philadelphia
--
18
Toronto at Ottawa
--
20
Toronto at NY Islanders
--
21
Carolina at Toronto
--
24
Tampa Bay at Toronto
--
25
Toronto at Montreal
Pens remaining schedule:
Pittsburgh at Nashville
--
11
Pittsburgh at Dallas
--
12
Pittsburgh at NY Rangers
--
17
Nashville at Pittsburgh
--
19
Carolina at Pittsburgh
--
21
Pittsburgh at Detroit
--
24
Detroit at Pittsburgh
--
25
NY Rangers at Pittsburgh
--
Devils remaining Schedule:
7
Boston at New Jersey
--
11
Arizona at New Jersey
--
12
Buffalo at New Jersey
--
17
New Jersey at Detroit
--
18
St-Louis at New Jersey
--
20
NY Rangers at New Jersey
--
24
New Jersey at Carolina
--
25
New Jersey at Florida
--
Lets go Leafs. |
|
NEFHL
|
Phil Kessel records his 500th assist
|
Flames-JD |
2022-04-01 21:52:16 |
208 |
Phil Kessel records his 500th assist |
|
Vancouver Canucks
|
THN Top 100 Prospects NEFHL Style
|
Canucks-Kyle |
2022-03-30 20:15:13 |
266 |
Using The Hockey News Top 100 Prospect rankings, we have matched those to the players NEFHL teams.
This year, the Florida Panthers led the pack with 8 prospects listed followed by 7 teams who had 6 prospects and 2 teams with 5 in the top 100. These 10 teams hold 60 (60%) of the top 100 prospects listed by THN.
Interestingly, the top 4 teams who’ve won Stanley Cups in recent years and would be considered part of the top echelon of teams.
No surprise but Vegas leads the way with the top goaltending prospects followed by Minnesota with 3 each. No other team had more than 1.
Defensively, the Leafs have looked to have built their future top five. 5 out their 6 prospects were defenseman and all 5 were listed in the top 50.
Offensively, there are numerous teams with good depth but teams with pure high end in the top 30 would be Pittsburgh and Washington followed by teams like Vancouver, Chicago and Nashville.
Finally, teams with no prospects in the top 100: Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers,
Below are the rankings in order by number of prospects and then lowest score if in a grouping with other teams:
Florida (8) – 565 points Scott Perunovich (25), Vitali Kravstov (48), Kirill Marchenko (57), Carson Lambos (65), Ryan Merkley (85), Dmitri Voronkov (91), Ryan Suzuki (94), Cody Glass (100)
Toronto (6) – 198 points Owen Power (1), Simon Edvinsson (7), Kaiden Guhle (16), Topi Niemela (35), Shakir Mukhamadullin (50), Josh Doan (89)
Pittsburgh (6) – 201 points Matty Beniers (3), Alexander Holtz (13), Jake Neighbours (27), Brock Faber (41), Ridly Greig (43), Olen Zellweger (74)
St. Louis (6) – 269 points Brandt Clarke (20), Peyton Krebs (23), Rodion Amirov (37), Scott Morrow (52), Fabian Lysell (54), Drew Helleson (83)
Minnesota (6) – 304 points Lukas Reichel (15), Sebastian Cossa (28), Dylan Holloway (30), Daniil Tarasov (59), Dustin Wolf (73), Theo Neiderbach (99)
Boston (6) – 315 points Hendrix Lapierre (31), Jakob Pelletier (36), Victor Soderstrom (38), Justin Barron (51), Samuel Poulin (71), Tyler Boucher (88)
Vegas (6) – 343 points Jesper Wallstedt (14), Yaroslav Askorov (17), Zac Jones (62), Jack Drury (64), Ville Koivunen (90), Justus Annunen (96)
Carolina (6) – 423 points Brendan Brisson (39), Ville Heinola (44), Jacob Bernard-Docker (72), Isak Rosen (78), Connor Zary (93), Nolan Foote (97)
Vancouver (5) – 216 points Kent Johnson (6), Wyatt Johnston (26), U-P Luukkonen (47), Zach Bolduc (58), Zach L’Heureux (79)
Nashville (5) – 219 points Jake Sanderson (5), Brennan Othman (24), JJ Peterka (29), Mackie Samoskevich (80), Ty Dellandrea (81)
Washington (4) – 141 points William Eklund (8), Marco Rossi (9), Aatu Raty (61), Nick Robertson (63)
New York Islanders (4) – 176 points Quinton Byfield (2), Matthew Knies (42), Thomas Bordeleau (56), Gabriel Vilardi (76)
Detroit (4) – 210 points Thomas Harley (19), Philip Broberg (40), Hugo Alnefelt (75), Jacob Perrault (76)
Los Angeles (4) – 215 points Mason McTavish (4), Xavier Bourgault (49), Dylan Samberg (67), Cayden Primeau (95)
Calgary (4) – 308 points Logan Stankoven (66), Mattias Maccelli (68), Tyson Foerster (82), Corson Ceuelmans (92)
Chicago (3) – 103 points Jack Quinn (12), Matt Coronato (21), Oskar Olausson (70)
San Jose (3) – 149 points Alex Turcotte (18), Grigori Denisenko (45), Lassi Thomson (86)
Dallas (3) – 240 points Chaz Lucius (55), Chase Stillman (87), Ozzy Weisblatt (98)
Anaheim (2) – 44 points Luke Hughes (10), Mavrik Bourque (34)
Ottawa (2) – 44 points Dylan Guenther (11), Cam York (33)
Tampa Bay (2) – 144 points Calen Addison (60), Jack Rathbone (84)
New Jersey (1) – 22 points Shane Pinto (22)
Columbus (1) – 32 points Fedor Svechkov (32)
Winnipeg (1) – 48 points Luke Evangelista (48)
Colorado (1) – 53 points Jonatan Berggen (53)
Montreal (1) – 69 points Lukas Dostal (69) |
|
Calgary Flames
|
Schedule Strengths
|
Flames-JD |
2022-03-28 20:02:21 |
312 |
With just over a dozen games left this year, which team has the hardest or weakest schedule in the league? Find out by checking the official schedule strength ranking.
The rankings are based on the average of points from remaining opponents per game left to play. Rankings are from easiest to hardest. Eastern teams have a inherent advantage given they play more games against their own weaker conference.
1. Buffalo Sabres: The Sabres will be happy to know they have the easiest schedule to end the year. Only 4 of their remaining games are against teams currently in the playoffs. Buffalo still has quite a hill to climb having a 10 point deficit with 1 game in hand but having the easiest schedule in the league might make their race to 8th very interesting. Nobody should be sleeping on Buffalo at the moment.
2. Detroit Red Wings: Having one of the easiest schedules in the league to end the year might actually be concerning to GM Jean as he hopes to maintain his 30th spot in the standings and improve his chances for the lottery.
3. New York Rangers: Only 5 of the remaining games are against playoff teams. That's probably good enough to cement their #3 seed for the playoffs.
4. Columbus Blue Jackets: Columbus is fighting for the playoffs. They've been the most injured team in the league this year. This will be good news to them and should help them secure one of the bottom four spots in the Eastern conference playoffs.
5. Colorado Avalanche: The like Columbus, Colorado is currently in 8th in the West. The week of April 11th will be key as it is their toughest by far. Shoudl they maintain their playoff spot after the 14th, they'll probably squeeze into the playoffs despite their degrading goaltending situation.
6. Vegas Golden Knights: One of the teams fightning Colorado for that last playoff spot has exactly the same schedule strength as them. Only two points separating them with the Avs so the April 13th game against them is the one to circle on the calendar.
7. Tampa Bay Lightning: The Lightning are cruising to a divisional title. Their first since the 2015-16 season. The easy schedule will only help secure that. They could even challenge for first seed in the conference.
8. Florida Panthers: The Panthers haven`t played well lately, showing a 1-8-0-1 record in their last 10. They are still hanging onto a playoff spot though and this should help turn that record around for the remaining games.
9. New York Islanders: The Islanders are headed for a rebuild and attempting to maximize their pick. They probably wished they had a bit of a harder schedule but this is about middle of the pack in the conference beign the 7th easiest of 16 teams.
10. Montreal Canadiens: The Canadiens' schedule is probably easy enough to guarantee their appearance in the first round of the playoffs. They are second in their division behind the Lightning but probably won't be able to close the gap to win their first division title, much to the chagrin of GM Mike.
11. Minnesota Wild: Pete never gets it his way. And now he's got the 3rd easiest schedule in the West while hoping to lose as many games. It's tough to win games in the West on any night but having a fairly easy schedule might mean the Wild move up the standings one or two spots before the year is out.
12. Boston Bruins: The Bruins are definitely not making the playoffs and find themselves with the 8th hardest schedule in the East. They don't own their pick however so they'll still want to get as many Ws as possible in the 9 times they'll play against playoff teams to finish the year.
13. Pittsburgh Penguins: Are they tanking or competing. The moves at the deadline would suggest they are competing. They are 4 points behind 8th with a game in hand. They are definitely in contention whether they want it or not.
14. Philadelphia Flyers: These standings are getting misleading. Despite being 14 out of 31 in the league, the Flyers have the 5th hardest schedule in the East. They are probably not super concerned though as they are essentially guaranteed of being able to defend their Cup title in round 1.
15. New Jersey Devils: Similar situation schedule-wise as the Flyers except they are the 8th ranked team in the East at the moment with 4th hardest schedule in the division. Something teams like the Penguins and Sabres will hope is to their advantage down the stretch.
16. Nashville Predators: The Predators have a 7 point lead over the Blackhawks who have two games in hand. The Predators have the 4th easiest schedule in the West and seem poised to win their second divisional banner.
17. St-Louis Blues: Dead last in the standings is where GM Graham wants to remain. He's got the 5th easiest schedule in his conference but that still likely means plenty of losses to finish the year.
18. Washington Capitals: The Capitals are #1 in the East and hoping to keep that top seed for guaranteed home ice advantage through the first three rounds. Their schedule is among the toughest in the conference being 3rd hardest. They've got the Lightning with one of the easiest hoping to close the gap for #1 but they shouldn't have any issues winning their third divisional title.
19. Arizona Coyotes: The Coyotes are just 4 points up on 9th and just ended a good win streak. They might be 18th in the league in schedule strength but 6th easiest in the West. That might be good enough to keep their spot in the playoffs unless Colorado and Vegas both go on a run with their easy schedules.
20. Dallas Stars: The season hasn't go the way they'd plan, that's for sure. Their schedule strength is about mid pack in the West being 5 points back of 9th with a game in hand. They can still make a run for it but it's going to tough and every game matters. A loss in their next game might be it for their playoff hopes.
21. Ottawa Senators: The Senators made some moves in the summer but that wasn't enough to put two time Cup champs back in the playoffs. At this point they'll want to improve their draft lottery odds so having one of the toughest schedules in the East is good news for GM Mike.
22. Edmonton Oilers: Similar situation as the Stars are facing. They have the toughest schedule of the teams ranked 7 to 11 competing for two playoff spots. The schedule won't be helpful to the Oilers.
23. Toronto Maple Leafs: GM Shane threw in the towel before the deadline but his team is 1 point from the last playoff spot with a game in hand. That being said, having the 2nd hardest schedule in the East probably means that the Leafs are in tough to make the playoffs. Selling was probably the right call.
24. Chicago Blackhawks: The Blackhawks are trailing the Predators for the divisional title. It will not be easy to catch up but instead, they can focus on working towards home ice advantage against a likely Vancouver opponent in round 1.
25. Carolina Hurricanes: They have a chance at making the playoffs. Only 3 points behind the Devils for 8th and have a game in hand. They also have the hardest schedule in the entire Eastern Conference. 9 games against playoff opponents and a chunk against teams competing for the playoffs. The only east game left for the Canes could be against the Wild. Canes fans shouldn't get their hopes up.
26. Vancouver Canucks: Vancouver has a slightly hard schedule than the Blackhawks who they are hoping to fend off for home ice advantage. They'll hope for a strong stretch of games and wish they can snatch the 3rd spot from the Flames to make for an easier round 1 opponent.
27. Winnipeg Jets: The Jets looked like they might still have a chance before their recent 6 game losing streak. From this point forward, GM Chris will likely welcome the harder schedule as he was savvy enough to keep his first round pick.
28. Calgary Flames: The Flames are currently second in the league. Their main goal is to maintain the 3rd seed in the West as the odds of them catching the Kings for the division (and the President's trophy) are extremely low.
29. San Jose Sharks: Just like the Jets, the Sharks still hold their first round pick. Their season not having gone the way they'd hope means they'll be OK losing a few games now that their playoff hopes are gone.
30. Los Angeles: The Kings are #1 in the league so even having the second hardest schedule to close out the season probably won't phase them much. They are looking at adding a President's trophy banner to their collection and that is likely to happen even though only 4 of their remaining opponents are non-playoff teams.
31. Anaheim Ducks: The Jets, Sharks and Oilers. The three teams that the Ducks will face which aren't playoff teams at the moment. The Kings and Flames. The #1 and #2 teams in the league which the Ducks play twice. Add the Predators and Canucks whom they each play once and even though the Ducks are 7 points clear of 9th and on a 5 game win streak, they have a tough road ahead before they can celebrate having returned to the playoffs.
Eastern Conference1. Buffalo2. Detroit3. NY Rangers4. Columbus5. Tampa Bay6. Florida7. NY Islanders8. Montreal9. Boston10. Pittsburgh11. Philadelphia12. New Jersey13. Washington14. Ottawa15. Toronto16. Carolina
Western Conference1. Colorado2. Vegas3. Minnesota4. Nashville5. St-Louis6. Arizona7. Dallas8. Edmonton9. Chicago10. Vancouver11. Winnipeg12. Calgary13. San Jose14. Los Angeles15. Anaheim
|
|
St-Louis Blues
|
Blues Prospect Progress Report - March Update
|
Blues-Graham |
2022-03-27 15:50:54 |
274 |
22-Mar
22-Jan
21-Nov
Sept 21/Name/NHL Draft position
Comments
1
1
1
1. Brandt Clark - RHD, 18 (Los Angeles Kings — 8th overall, 2021)
Just leading the OHL in scoring by a defensemen. No big deal. A kings scout recently said Clark is the best powerplay specialist in the Kings organization including anything they have in the NHL. True? Hard to say. But the guy is talented.
2
2
2
2. Peyton Krebs, C/LW, 20 (Vegas Golden Knights — 17th overall, 2019)
I wouldn't say Krebs is tearing the league apart but he's doing well. Since coming over the the sabre's he's scoring at about a .5ppg pace and is looking very much like the talented 1st line talent everyone thought he would be.
3
3
3
3. Connor McMichael C/LW, 20 (Washington Capitals — 25th overall, 2019)
Has played in the NHL all season. His icetime has been pretty steady at 10 minutes a night. Some are questioning if his limited icetime is best for his development. Either way, he's shown glimpes of top 6 talent. Hopefully next year he will have a bigger role.
4
4
4
5. Fabian Lysell -LW/RW, 18 (Boston Bruins — 21st overall, 2021)
He's not quite putting up the points you'd hope but he's still doing pretty well. 51pts in 43gp. His skating and skill level are clear.
5
7
11
14. Scott Morrow - RHD, Shattuck St. Mary’s-U.S. – (Carolina Hurricans - 40th overall, 2021)
Probably my biggest riser. There were doubts because he played highschool hockey last year. Ended the year 4th in NCAA scoring with a .92 ppg just behind the .97 ppg by Luke Hughes. Hughes of course played for a much better team than Morrow.
6
6
8
6. Marat Khusnutdinov - C, SKA-KHL (Minnesota Wild - 37th overall, 2020)
Only 19 and playing for the best team in the KHL. Only got to show in 2 games for Russia at the world Jr's. Still projects as a top 6 two way C at the NHL level.
7
10
10
15. Pavel Dorofeyev- LW, Henderson-AHL (Vegas Golden Knights – 79th overall, 2019)
Up 3 spots is Pavel Dorofeyev. He's leading the Silver Knights in scoring with 23 goals in 51 games. If you account for U23 scoring (he's only 21) he's actually 2nd in goal scoring and 11th in overall points. Definitly having himself a year and should challenge for a spot in Vegas next year.
8
13
16
N.R Sean Durzi - RHD,Ontario Reign-AHL (Toronto Maple Leafs - 52nd overall, 2018)
One of my better trades - Durzi and TOR 2022 Rnd 5 for Austin Watson-- whaaaat? Yep. Since being called up to LA Durzi has 19 points in 47 games and is playing 2nd pairing minutes. He's already up to 64PA and is up for a new contract this summer. Future PP1 and top 4 D will be locked up to a sub 1 million 4 year contract.
9
5
5
4. Rodion Amirov LW, Ufa-KHL (Toronto Maple Leafs – 15th overall, 2020)
Sad to say but Amirov's career is in jeopardy after finding out he has a brain Tumor. For that reason he's dropped slightly on this list. We'll see where how things are next year.
10
8
N/A
N/A Filip Zadina - RW/LW, Detroit Red Wings-NHL (Detroit Red Wings - 6th overall, 2018)
20 points in 61 games. About the same pace as Nolan Patrick but a year younger. This comparsion is fair since they were traded for one another. There is still hope for Zadina. But looking more like a 3rd liner everyday.
11
14
14
13. Erik Portillo, G, 20 (Buffalo Sabres — 67th overall, 2019
The Blues top goaltending prospect. A succesful if not great year for Michigan. When filtered for goalies who played 20 games or more, his .928 SV% puts him 8th in the league. He played 39GP - the most of any goaltender in the NCAA.
12
15
13
16. Helge Grans - RHD, Malmo-SHL (Los Angeles Kings, 35th overall, 2020)
Still only 19. He's 2nd in D scoring on the Ontario Reign and AHL top 10 in D scoring for U23. By all acounts Grans is having a great season. Still on track to become a top 4 D man in the NHL.
13
11
15
11. Drew Helleson -- LHD, CSKA-KHL (Colorado Avalanche - 47th overall, 2019)
Traded from the Avs to the ducks and immiediatley signed to an NHL contract. This
14
12
9
12. Danilia Klimovich - RW, Minsk Zubry-Belarus Jr. (Vancouver Canucks – 41st overall, 2021)
I wouldn't consider this to be an overly successful year for Klimovich. He has only 14 points in 47 games. However he was only 18 for much of the season. He does have 3 of his 7 goals in his last 10 games. Hardly heating up but maybe a sign of things to come. Hard to draw too many conclusions about an 18 year old playing N.A professional hockey for the first time.
15
9
6
10. Daniil Chayka - LHD, CSKA-KHL (Vegas Golden Knights - 38th overall, 2021)
Currently injured. Chayka has house a bit of a bounce back season. He sits in the OHL top 20 in both PPG and actual points. He's dropped a fair bit. I think it really has to do with the others in front of him rather than his play.
16
16
7
17. Tristen Robins - RW, Saskatoon-WHL (San Jose Sharks, 56th overall, 2020)
72 points in 52 GP. Overall a good season for Robbins. However I've noticed he has a tendency to be hot and cold. He has 4 in his last 5 gp and 10 in his last 10. His scoring pace has slowed.
17
17
na
N/A Roni Hirovonen - C, HIFK-Liiga (Toronto Maple Leafs - 59th overall, 2020)
26 points in 46 games. He's not having a great season. He is only 19 in an adult league but we would have hoped to see more production. He probably projects as a bottom 6'er perhaps top 9. He's a bit undersized and lacks speed. However he does have leadership and lots of skill.
18
18
18
18. Logan Mailloux - RHD, London-OHL (Montreal Canadians, 31st, 2021)
After starting the season with 9 points in 9 gp, Mailoux has been in and out of the lineup with injuries. We won't draw a lot from his limited play this season.
19
19
19
19. Timothy Liljegren RHD, Toronto-AHL (Toronto Maple Leafs, 17th, 2017)
Lilly is having a bit of a season. He's probably the leafs 7th D when everyone is healthy but he's played himself into full time NHL duty. 7 points in his last 10 GP. Tops out as a 4-5 guy. Which is probably more than we would have thought at the start of the season. Still needs to work on the defensive side of his game.
20
20
12
26. Dmitri Rashevsky -RW, Dynamo Moskva, KHL (Winnipeg Jets, 146th overall, 2021)
Rashevsky finished the year with 35 points in 48 gp. However he disappeared in the play offs with only 3 points in 11GP. Overall he had a great year, especially for someone passed over in the draft 2 years straight.
21
21
17
7. Alexander Alexeyev - LHD, Hershey-AHL (Washington Capitals - #31st overall, 2018)
Turning into a defence first prospect. 15 points in 55 games for Hershey of the AHL. He did get his first NHL game this year. Underwhelming to say the least.
22
22
24
20. Urho Vaakanainen - LHD, Boston-NHL (Boston Bruins, 18th overall, 2017)
Vaakanainen is one year ahead of Alexeyev on the development spectrum and coming up with very similar results. He will play in the NHL but doesn't seem to have much offensive punch to go with his above average skating. Constantly fighting injuries, Vaak was recently traded to the Ducks.
23
23
27
21. Donovan Sebrango - LHD, Grand Rapids-AHL (Detroit Redwings, 63rd overall, 2020)
6 points in 55gp. Not exactly great numbers but Sebrango just turned 20 and playing in an adult league. He made the Canadian World Jr team but didn't see much ice due to the tournament being cancelled.
24
28
26
NR. Nick Malik
Still undrafted but you have to think this is the year that changes. 19 and sitting 3rd in the Ligga with a .925 SV%. He's played almost double the games of anyone in front of him.
25
37
36
34. Ethan Cardwell - C/RW, Barrie Colts ( San Jose Sharks, 121st overall, 2021)
49 points in 40 gp in the OHL as a 19 year old. He went undrafted for a couple years but that's not holding him back. Should probably be a few spots hight on this list. We'll see where he ends up on our final installment.
26
25
32
27. Pontus Holmberg, C, Vaxjo-SHL (Toronto Maple Leafs, 156th overall, 2018)
He's doing well, especially for such a low pic. Hope to see him in North America next year.
27
26
25
22. Robert Mastrosimone -LW, Boston Uni(Detroit Red Wings, 54th overall, 2019)
Another guy that maybe should be a few spots higher. He finished 2nd on BU in goals and 3rd in points. By all reports he had a great jr season.
28
32
28
31. Isaiah Saville G, Nebraska-Omaha-NCHC (Vegas Golden Knights,135th Overall, 2019)
Just signed his first pro contract with the silver nights and played in his first game. He had a good if not spectatular college career. We'll see what he can do with the Silver Knights.
29
29
31
25. Lukas Parik – G, Ontario Reign – AHL (Los Angeles Kings, 87th overall,2019)
Led the ECHL in SV% before being promoted to the Ontario Reign.
30
30
23
28. Anttoni Honka, RHD, JYP-Liiga (Carolina Hurricanes, overall, 2019)
Currently the leading scorer for his Liiga team. I have high hopes for him but I can't put him any higher on this list because of his size. I can't picture him outside of sheltered minutes in the NHL.
31
24
22
9. Dominik Bokk- RW, Chicago-AHL (St.Louis Blues – 25th overall, 2018)
He's actually went back to Germany and is playing for the Eisbarens. He's putting up almost a point per game but it's doubtful, despite his skill level that he'll make it back to the NHL.
32
27
Na
Na Ilya Usov - C, Dynimo Minsk- KHL (Undrafted).
33
31
21
HM Jan Bednar,G,- Acadia Bathhurst, QMJHL (Detroit Redwings, 107th overall,2020)
34
33
29
23. Cole Huckins,- C, Acadie-Bathurst-QMJHL (Calgary Flames, 77th overall, 2021)
35
34
30
24. Daniil Chechelev – G, Stockton Heat – AHL (Calgary Flames 96th overall, 2020)
36
35
34
HM Filip Kral, D, Toronto Marlies, AHL (Toronto Maple Leafs, 149th overall, 2019)
37
36
39
33. Filip Johansson RHD, Frolunda-SHL: 2018
38
39
38
32. Layton Ahac LHD, Ohio State University-Big Ten 2019
39
40
43
HM Mac Hollowell,D – 22 – 2018 Draft
40
41
33
35. Vadim Zherenko, G, Ilves,Liiga(St.Louis Blues, 208th Overall,2020)
41
42
40
HM Dominic Basse , G , NCAA Colorado College (Chicago Blackhawks, 167th overall, 2019 )
42
43
35
HM Matej Pekar, LW, Rochester-AHL(Buffalo Sabres, 94th overall, 2018)
43
44
44
HM Kody Clark, RW, Hershey Bears – AHL (Washington Capitals, 47th overall, 2018)
44
45
42
29. Nikola Pasic - RW, Linkoping-SHL: (New Jersey Devils, 189th Overall 2020)
45
46
41
30. Jaromir Pytlik C, Litomerice-Czech-2 (New Jersey Devils, Overall, 2020)
46
38
37
NR. Liam Kirk - LW/C, Tucson Roadrunners (Arizona Coyotes, 189th overall, 2018)
|
|
Carolina Hurricanes
|
Most Points With a Single Franchise
|
Canes-Jeff |
2022-03-27 07:05:16 |
313 |
With the NEFHL nearing the end of its 17th season, this article will take a look at the top scorers in league history ranked by their total points with a single franchise. The list includes players who were drafted by their current teams and have stayed in one place their entire careers as well as players who were traded or signed with new teams at some point in their career. Remarkably, Alexander Ovechkin makes the list with 2 different franchises having put up 727 points in Washington as well as 562 points in New York. Carolina and Calgary lead the list with 5 players, followed by New Jersey, Florida, Washington and Colorado with 3. With 4 of the top 11 players on the list, the Canes clearly have a problem with fallng love with players....
Player
Team
Games
Points
1
Patrick Kane
NJ
1089
1078
2
Sidney Crosby
Pit
932
1076
3
Steven Stamkos
Car
891
878
4
John Tavares
Car
849
862
5
Anze Kopitar
Atl/Wpg
955
832
6
Marian Gaborik
Min
803
742
7
Alexander Ovechkin
Wsh
693
727
8
Jason Spezza
Cgy
746
722
9
Dany Heatley
Fla
771
718
10
Logan Couture
Car
850
711
11
Loui Eriksson
Car
947
669
12
David Backes
NJ
956
665
13
Taylor Hall
Van
699
645
14
Brad Richards
Fla
597
612
15
Dustin Brown
Atl/Wpg
939
593
16
Alexander Steen
CBJ
758
583
17
Eric Staal
Buf
549
582
18
Nathan Mackinnon
Col
606
578
19
Nicklas Backstrom
Min
588
577
20
Dustin Byfuglien
Mtl
996
573
21
Joe Pavelski
Mtl
637
563
22
Alexander Ovechkin
NYR
400
562
23
Nikita Kucherov
CBJ
470
553
24
Jarome Iginla
Nsh
585
551
25
Henrik Sedin
Car
580
544
26
Vladimir Tarasenko
Ari
599
543
27
Tyler Seguin
Wsh
550
541
28
Ryan O'Reilly
Wsh
731
536
29
Alex Pietrangelo
NYI
848
514
30
Olli Jokinen
CBJ
602
512
31
Alexander Edler
NJ
1002
509
32
Mikko Koivu
Ott
622
506
33
Jakub Voracek
Ott
664
502
34
Chris Kunitz
Cgy
609
501
35
Johnny Gaudreau
Cgy
553
491
36
Ryan Getzlaf
Van
478
490
37
Zach Parise
SJ
617
488
38
Martin Havlat
Ari
586
487
39
Joffrey Lupul
Cgy
687
487
40
Sean Monahan
Det
536
484
41
Leon Draisaitl
Dal
452
479
42
Alexander Barkov
SJ
525
479
43
Michael Cammalleri
Cgy
613
471
44
Simon Gagne
Fla
531
469
45
Frans Nielsen
CBJ
737
468
46
Jonathan Huberdeau
NYI
677
465
47
Jonathan Toews
STL
494
463
48
Blake Wheeler
Col
470
456
49
Mika Zibanejad
Col
623
456
50
Evgeni Malkin
Pit
455
448
|
|
Boston Bruins
|
Bruins Recap - 2-1 over Sens
|
Bruins-Jason |
2022-03-25 14:16:16 |
255 |
Bruins Recap – 2-1 (SO) over the Sens
Boston, Mass – The Boston Bruins won their 2nd game in as many nights as they downed the Ottawa Senators 2-1 in an extended shootout Thursday evening. Elvis Merzlikins pushed aside 23 shots while Zach Aston-Reese scored his 10th goal of the season during a man-advantage. Cam Atkinson and Jason Zucker assisted on the goal. The Sens Lemieux scored for the visitors, with both goals coming in the first period.
From there, the goaltenders took over.
The Sens Thatcher Demko had himself a night, stopping 35 shots including quality chances from the Bruins power-play to keep things deadlocked throughout the remainder of regulation and overtime. The third period especially showed his brilliance, facing 16 shots.
“He was a brick wall for them, that’s for sure,” said the Bruins’ Yanni Gourde. “Seemed that we wouldn’t be able to get one past him for a while there. Thankfully Merz was equal to the task for us.” He also credited the fans for rallying behind them. 15,412 showed their support, far from a sellout, but the noise level was similar nonetheless. “They were loud, weren’t they? It’s a good feeling to have them cheer you on like that even if the result on the ice hasn’t been there for us this year.”
With nothing happening in the extra frame, the victory was decided in a shootout, and an extended one at that. Tomas Tatar gave Boston the early advantage but Ellis scored to send it to round 4. After Nyquist and Byron each tallied, Taylor Hall was stopped in the 5th round, leaving the puck, and the game, on the stick on James Neal. He did not disappoint, finally beating Demko and sealing the win. “A goal last night and shootout winner tonight? Feels good to get things going finally,” Neal said post-game.
Boston’s next game will be in Pittsburgh on Monday evening, the start of 4 games in 4 nights.
Meanwhile, Dylan Wells lead Providence to a 1-0 shutout victory over the Sens minor league affiliate. Jake Bean potted the lone goal, his 8th, assisted by Henri Jokiharju and Jakob Pelletier. The baby Bruins are currently in 9th place in the Eastern Conference, just a point behind the Bears for the final playoff spot. |
|
Boston Bruins
|
Bruins Recap - victory over the Panthers
|
Bruins-Jason |
2022-03-24 19:47:34 |
280 |
Bruins Recap – 3-2 victory over the mighty Panthers
Boston, Mass – The Boston Bruins welcomed the Florida Panthers to TD Place on Wednesday evening, with the home team coming out on top in a close 3-2 final. Jason Zucker, fresh from the injured reserve, led the way with two assists, while Andrew Shaw scored his 5th of the season in the 2nd period. It was the eventual game-winner that sent the 17,740 in attendance home happy.
“Great effort all around, I thought,” Shaw said, flashing his toothless smile. “We kind of were on our heels a little in the first but we came back strong in the second. Nealsy scored early on and that set the pace for the rest of the period for us.” That was James Neal’s first goal of the season, skating in his 39th game of the year.
“Obviously it feels great to finally pot one, but Jesus Christ,” Neal said post-game. “I know I’m capable of much more than that, and I hope to prove it here through to the end of the season.” Neal signed a 2 year contract at the beginning of the year, paying him $2.8M annually.
Erik Haula and Andrew Shaw scored two goals in just over a minute at the half-way point of the second period, and the Bruins did not look back after that. Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins notched his 18th win of the season, stopping 27 of 29 shots he faced. “Defense played great. Maybe a few more shots against than we would’ve liked but they were mostly clear. I wasn’t screened much at all. Big props especially to Kris and Marco, they matched up with their big guns quite a bit throughout the game and made them pretty ineffective.”
Meanwhile in Providence, The Bruins took care of the Checkers 5-2. Joe Veleno and Thomas Novak each scored a goal and an assist, while Brandon Biro scored his 17th. Dylan Wells was stellar in goal, leading his team to victory. |
|
Boston Bruins
|
Disappointing Trade Deadline for the Bruins
|
Bruins-Jason |
2022-03-22 13:20:05 |
313 |
The deadline has come and gone and were relatively quiet, largely in part due to injuries. GM Gallant spoke to the media and confirmed several talks had occurred in the days leading up to the March 17th deadline.
“I received several messages in the week before the deadline for certain players in particular, but nothing came of it. For various reasons, really. I won’t say much more than that and would prefer to keep the deliberations private.”
It is believed that both Jason Zucker and Kasperi Kapanen were shopped but injuries put a wrench in those plans. Zucker is a pending UFA and is expected to test free agency in the off-season, and would’ve been a particularly attractive asset to offload. Sources claim that it is Kapanen, however, who fetched the most interest despite some struggles.
“Kapanen would’ve complimented our 3rd line perfectly,” an anonymous GM stated. “He could’ve slid up into the 2nd line in case of injury, too. Would’ve been a great fit for us. Wayne Simmonds was another possibility but we couldn’t come up with an agreement on that unfortunately. Luckily we found an alternative.”
The Bruins did complete a 3 way trade prior to the deadline, however. They sent defenseman Erik Gudbranson and a 6th round pick in 2023 to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for d-man John Marino. Marino was then flipped to the Pittsburgh Penguins and in return received Washington’s 2nd round pick in 2023.
The Bruins will have another long off-season ahead of them as they continue to navigate the waters and search for ways to both improve the team and reach the playoffs. |
|
Vancouver Canucks
|
Canucks: After the Deadline
|
Canucks-Kyle |
2022-03-21 18:15:37 |
332 |
The Vancouver Canucks were one of the busiest teams over the past month and on Trade Deadline Day in the NEFHL.
“We made some moves, well, quite a few moves in shuffling our roster, moving prospects, adding assets. Injuries have played a role this year and we were tight to the cap. Plus the new ranking system has changed our mindset a bit as NHL injuries can have a big affect on your team. We feel our team is better right now than it was as we improved our durability” said General Manager Allen.
Couturier was an example of someone who likely wouldn’t have been traded but team injuries, his high contract and his injury in the NHL led to the Canucks begrudgingly moving him. A breakdown of the roster changes with those dealt in (brackets):
Landeskog, Kopitar, Tkachuk Svechnikov, Hertl (Couturier), Rakell (Hyman) Herique (Bertuzzi), McCann, Fast Helm, Glendening, Necas
Reilly, Mayfield (Lindholm) Theodore, Heiskanen Kulikov, Sanheim (Benn)
“We are happy with the deals we made. We added in a cheaper, similar or slightly better rated Hertl after moving Couts, we flipped Hyman and Bertuzzi for Rakell, Henrique and a 1st slight downgrade skill wise but financially and futures, is beneficial. We were able to solidify our defense by bringing in Mayfield and Sanheim. The injuries to Bertuzzi and Lindholm affected our play so we are hoping further durability benefits the team” said GM Allen.
The Canucks, even after moving a 1st round pick to Chicago, have 5 first round picks in the next two drafts. Further, the Canucks didn’t move any of their top 10 prospects though McDonough likely would have slid into that top 10.
The Canucks have finalized their expansion plans as well now that the deadline has passed:
Forwards: Kopitar, Hertl, Thomas, McCann, Tkachuk, Landeskog, Rakell Defenseman: Reilly, Theodore, Sanheim Goalie: Grubauer
Vancouver moves trading key pieces:
Tampa Bay Lightning trade Kevin Hayes, Ty Ronning, TAM 2023 Rnd 1, CHI 2022 Rnd 3 and TAM 2022 Rnd 5 to Vancouver Canucks for Brett Murray, Sean Couturier and Tristan Lennox
Vancouver Canucks trade Zach Hyman to Washington Capitals for WSH 2023 Rnd 1
Vancouver moves to acquire key pieces:
Vancouver Canucks trade Hampus Lindholm, Tyler Bertuzzi and VAN 2022 Rnd 1 to Chicago Blackhawks for Tomas Hertl
Vancouver Canucks trade Jordie Benn, Joshua Lopina, Oskari Laaksonen and Samuel Walker to Buffalo Sabres for Adam Henrique and Scott Mayfield
Vancouver Canucks trade Aidan McDonough, CHI 2022 Rnd 3 and SAN 2022 Rnd 4 to Detroit Red Wings for Rickard Rakell
Vancouver Canucks trade Frederik Dichow, Ilya Fedotov and TOR 2022 Rnd 4 to Detroit Red Wings for Travis Sanheim
Other Moves made:
Vancouver Canucks trade Kevin Hayes and Maxim Groshev to San Jose Sharks for Mikael Backlund
Vancouver Canucks trade Mikael Backlund to Columbus Blue Jackets for Denis Malgin and STL 2022 Rnd 3
Vancouver Canucks trade Lucas Mercuri to Ottawa Senators for Jordie Benn |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
Post Trade Deadilne Power Rankings, 1-10
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-03-20 14:55:25 |
342 |
Post trade deadline Power Rankings!
I've added 'Deadline grade' (aka 'Trade Deadline Rank') which is a reflection of the team's trades and how those will help them or hurt them in the standings and NOT if the trade(s) were of good value or not.
The power ranking is ranking current standings, multiply that by 3, add pre-season rankings, add mid-season grade rank, and then add deadline rank multiplied by 2. Perfect science to determine the rankings.
For the top 10, we have some movement, including a new team in the #1 spot for the first time this season, dethroaning the Canucks. I think any of the top ten has a legitimate chance to take home the cup.
Now for the 1-10 group:
10. Panthers. Pre-Season Rank: 13, Current Overall Standings: 10, Mid-Season Rank: 9, Trade Deadline Rank: 16 . New GM came in and moved out Marchand for futures to get them cap compliant and allow to replace with Kaprizov from their farm… Nothing's been done sincec to try and improve their chances. That said, they're already setup well yet again. They are the 2020 champ and hoping to get back there this season.
9. Lightning. Pre-Season Rank: 21 , Current Overall Standings: 7 , Mid-Season Rank: 12 , Trade Deadline Rank: 6 . Tampa has been fairly busy over the passed month, starting with moving Voracek and picks for Saad, then a big package to upgrade Hayes to Couturier and then finally adding Dvorak at the deadline for a 1st. The moves help set them up as one of Eastern contenders. The emergence of Duchene, up 4PA, 8PC, and 21SC from the beginning of the season, as well as several other forwards seeing rating bumps, help a lot as well, and go to show the GMs good work in building.
8. Rangers. Pre-Season Rank: 10 , Current Overall Standings: 8 , Mid-Season Rank: 10 , Trade Deadline Rank: 9 . Despite shopping their 1st, nothing major for NYR, but did add solid shutdown dman Forbort for a 4th which was a nice add. They have, however, seen a bit of decline in ratings overall as the season has progressed. They did also grab Smith to give them 2 80OV+ goalies, which is always a nice weapon to have in the playoffs.
7. Flyers. Pre-Season Rank: 6 , Current Overall Standings: 9 , Mid-Season Rank: 8 , Trade Deadline Rank: 4 . Philly got started in late February, adding Scheifele for a big package of prospects, along with UFAs Perron and Saad, to give them a true #1 center. They then upgraded Marino to Gudbranson and finally adding Jenner on deadline day for a package of futures. A lot went out for Philly, but they look like they have the talent and depth for another cup run. Four time cup champ Brent Burns will look to cement his name as NEFHL GOAT by notching his 5th cup and 3rd consecutive.
6. Predators. Pre-Season Rank: 5 , Current Overall Standings: 5 , Mid-Season Rank: 2 , Trade Deadline Rank: 10 . Preds connect with the Leafs to add top four dman Severson, giving them 6 top 4 dmen. Very impressive. Nashville was minimal with their moves this season, but strategic and have set them up to be a serious contender. They've collected a good group of players, seeing many rating improvements, including Pavelski seeing himself become a true star player. Terry's 22SC jump is impressive too.
5. Canucks. Pre-Season Rank: 1 , Current Overall Standings: 4 , Mid-Season Rank: 1 , Trade Deadline Rank: 12 . Vancouver's been the team to beat all season, currently 5th overall. They started March off in a big way adding a package of assets for Couturier and then moved Hyman for another 1st, only to follow that up at the deadline by adding Hertl, Sanheim and Rakell. Bertuzzi being the big name leaving, along with some other assets, for the Hertl upgrade. I think they moved ahead in terms of assets at the end of the day, but not so confident they're better for this season. WIth the Hertl add, their top six forwards do look ridiculously good.
4. Capitals. Pre-Season Rank: 7 , Current Overall Standings: 3 , Mid-Season Rank: 5 , Trade Deadline Rank: 8 . Capitals with the big grab at the beginning of the month, adding Hyman for a 1st. Zach is the ideal complimentary top six forward that can be used PP and PK. He makes the talented Capitals an even tougher matchup. Their team defense is questionable for a cup run - I'm surprised they didn't go for one of the many dmen that were available. That said, they're the best in the East at this time and with Matthews and Vasilevskiy leading the way you can afford a hole or two.
3. Flames. Pre-Season Rank: 3 , Current Overall Standings: 2 , Mid-Season Rank: 6 , Trade Deadline Rank: 7 . Calgary did their one big move in February, upgrading Scheifele to Huberdeau, upping their offensive prowess even more. I'm surprised they didn't add another forward, considering they have some cap space, but I wouldn't be surprised if they're watching waivers for an overpaid rental to slide into the lineup. Their bottom six is still to be desired, but have top end stars, dmen, and one of the best goaltender duos in the league.
2. Blackhawks. Pre-Season Rank: 4 , Current Overall Standings: 6 , Mid-Season Rank: 3 , Trade Deadline Rank: 1 . Hawks made a couple blockbusters for the trade deadline - first adding Pietrangelo and Perron from NYI for futures, then Hertl leaving for Bertuzzi, Hampus Lindholm and a 1st. Staal gone for a 4th in between the two biggies. All in all, an improved lineup, as Perron is similar to Hertl for this year and then the rest are upgrades. They are deep and have seen numerous rating upgrades over the season, including the emergence of Makar.
1. Kings. Pre-Season Rank: 12 , Current Overall Standings: 1 , Mid-Season Rank: 4 , Trade Deadline Rank: 2 . Kings been dominating all season - McDavid and Zibanajed being a two man wrecking crew. LA showed their fans they're serious by, first, adding additional sniper Toffoli in late February, and then two solid 2nd pairing dmen for a 4th each at the deadline. Some good value to upgrade the lineup. All in all, they look a lot more playoff ready than a couple months ago and are the team to beat at this point. |
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
Post Trade Deadilne Power Rankings, 11-19
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-03-18 19:02:57 |
361 |
Post trade deadline Power Rankings!
Added 'Deadline grade' which is reflection of the team's trades and how those will help them or hurt them in the standings and NOT if the trade(s) were of good value or not.
The power ranking is ranking current standings, multiply that by 3, add pre-season rankings, add mid-season grade rank, and then add deadline rank multiplied by 2. Perfect science to determine the rankings.
Now for the 11-19 group:
POWER RANKING
Team
Pre-Season Rank
Standings
Mid-season grade
Deadline grade
WRITEUP
11
Coyotes
15
11
14
13
Not the most active trader, Yotes have been showing all season that they too are pretty good in the tough west! They've won 6 straight and look to be cementing their playoff spot - looking to ride that current chemistry.
12
Blue Jackets
23
12
16
11
Columbus had a fantastic start to the season and they've made a few minor adds along the way to keep themselves in the playoffs. Their deadline addition of Backlund will slide in as their 2nd line center and top PK guy. A nice add and I think there's a good chance CBJ finds themselves into the playoffs.
13
Avalanche
2
14
7
27
Avs one big deadline deal was moving Boone Jenner for a package of futures. An excellent return for Colorado, but also clearly a downgrade for the current season. They have set their future up nicely.
14
Devils
16
15
17
17
Not much happening for NJ this trade deadline. With the Leafs selling, it probably did cement their playoff chances. Pens or Hurricanes could heat up, but have ground to make up.
15
Canadiens
18
13
20
18
Canadiens have a lot of cap room and are in a playoff spot so I'm surprised to see no adds, but maybe they plan on watching the waiver wire and adding a piece or two for free.
16
Golden Knights
28
17
28
5
In February they had the huge add of Marchand to the lineup, after they helped chase one of the best GMs in the league out of Florida. They added Watson, who might help some too. They post a lot of articles.
17
Penguins
30
22
23
3
The Pens have had a busy 2022, bringing back Malkin to start, then adding Sergachev, Getzlaf, Cogliano and Marino for futures all in March. They're 6 points back with a significant injury to Malkin, but Crosby has been the one carrying them all season. It won't be easy, but they've got a shot, especially if Getzlaf can continue his season production
18
Stars
8
19
13
26
Stars are currently on the outside looking in what has been a dissapointing season for them. They dealt Smith early and Forbort at the deadline, both for picks, without bringing anyone else in.
19
Oilers
25
20
21
14
Picked up DeSmith and Derek Ryan through waivers in February as their key acquisitions.
|
|
Philadelphia Flyers
|
Post Trade Deadilne Power Rankings, 20-31
|
Flyers-Jamie |
2022-03-18 17:25:25 |
400 |
Post trade deadline Power Rankings!
Added 'Deadline grade' which is reflection of the team's trades and how those will help them or hurt them in the standings and NOT if the trade(s) were of good value or not.
The power ranking is ranking current standings, multiply that by 3, add pre-season rankings, add mid-season grade rank, and then add deadline rank multiplied by 2. Perfect science to determine the rankings.
Breaking it up into three groups. First up, the non-playoff teams,
POWER RANKING
Team
Pre-Season Rank
Standings
Mid-season grade
Deadline grade
WRITEUP
20
Jets
11
21
25
20
Nothing from the Jets. They'll hope for some better luck next season.
21
Hurricanes
19
23
18
19
Nothing from the Hurricanes. Looking unlikely they will make the playoffs this year
22
Ducks
26
16
26
22
Ducks are one point out of a playoff spot with game in hand. Surprised not even a small add for Anaheim.
23
Maple Leafs
20
18
11
30
Leafs add a ton to their bank while selling off a ton of talent: Toffoli, Sergachev, Severson, Foote, Watson, Getzlaf and Cogliano. Toronto had already entered the first part of their rebuild, so these all make a lot of sense to set them up long term, but should knock them out of the playoff conversation (although sim does weird things sometimes).
24
Wild
9
25
15
24
Wild had some bad luck this year and fell down the standings to a point of no recovery, so in January they dealt away a few assets of value that they didn't need long term. That was about it. They've waived Keith who had interest, but little too pricey cap hit for most.
25
Sabres
22
26
27
23
They moved out Henrique, Mayfield, and Lyubishkin. Didn't really change their season or future's direction
26
Sharks
17
27
22
28
Tough luck for the Ovi/Barkov combo and Sharks fell out of it early and started selling in February, moving Saad and Holl for futures.
27
Red Wings
14
29
19
29
A few deadline deals from Detroit in order to properly lineup the rebuild. They got good value on their sales and have a ton of picks.
28
Blues
31
30
30
15
Blues add some cheap depth. Already worst team in the West.
29
Senators
27
28
29
21
Sens didn't have too much to sell and stay mostly unchanged.
30
Islanders
24
24
24
31
Isles have made 8 trades so far in 2022, significantly reshaping the franchise and setting up their future. They moved out a lot of talent, and are likely to drop down the standings, improving on the value of their 1st rounder.
31
Bruins
29
31
31
25
They brought in a 2nd for Gudbranson which is great value for Boston.
|
|
Chicago Blackhawks
|
Chicago Trade Deadline 2022
|
Hawks-Anthony |
2022-03-18 14:32:17 |
340 |
[Chicago, Illinois] Trade deadline was quieter than usual but it was also more productive than in previous years in Chi-Town. The first of two moves were made earlier in the week which sent forward Jaden Schwartz, prospect Cross Hanas, CHI 2nd round pick in 2022 & CHI 4th round pick in 2022 to the New York Islanders for Alex Pietrangelo and David Perron. Both players coming to Chicago will be here on a rental basis but gives Chicago a much-needed top pairing defenseman in Pietroangelo and a top six winger in Perron for their playoff push. GM Anthony had this to say:
“We are in win-mode. Our biggest need going into trade deadline was a top defenseman and we are always looking for ways of improving our team. Pietroangelo is a great fit and wants to win a Cup. Also, because of some great cap management during the season, we were able to fit in two-time NEFHL Stanley Cup champion David Perron in this deal. He’s a huge addition who brings offense, defense and much needed experience to our squad. We may have given up more than what we wanted but this makes us a lot more competitive going into the playoffs. We thank Jaden for his stay here and know that Cross will continue to improve and be a good fit in a rebuilding New York Islanders team.”
Chicago’s fans were shocked to see forward Tomas Hertl traded on deadline day. Hertl was drafted by Chicago in 2012, 19th overall, and went on to play eight (8) seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks. A fundamental piece during the rebuilding years and a respected team member. Tomas Hertl was moved to the Vancouver Canucks for Hampus Lindholm, Tyler Bertuzzi and VAN 2022 Rnd 1. Anthony responded:
“Definitely a tough one. I still remember drafting Tomas. I remember them saying he wasn’t a good enough skater and that it would hurt him from making the NHL. We didn’t believe it at the time and we saw his true potential. I speak from all of us at management and for our fans when we say ‘Thank you and that you will be missed’. Hockey is a business though and we want to win. Bertuzzi will slide right into Tomas’s spot on the 2nd line. We also get to add another valuable defenseman in Lindholm. Our PK isn’t the best and we are looking for ways to improve and he’ll bring a lot of stability to our special teams and 5 on 5. We also added a 1st this year. Vancouver is a great team so it’ll be a late one but we’ll still be adding a quality prospect. These moves make us so much better. We’ve come a long way and losing in the first round for the past two years has left us disappointed. We are going for it and we are ready.”
Your Chicago Blackhawks line-up going into the final stretch and into the playoffs:
Pavel Buchnevich – Sebastian Aho – David Perron
Kevin Fiala – Teuvo Teravainen – Tyler Bertuzzi
Andre Burakovsky – Evgeny Kuznetsov – Brock Boeser
Calle Jarnkrok – Cal Clutterbuck – Jordan Eberle
Cale Makar – Thomas Chabot
Alex Pietroangelo – Rasmus Dahlin
Hampus Lindholm – Brendan Smith
Juuse Saros
Kevin Lankinen |
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
Vegas Will Reign Supreme
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-03-16 16:57:48 |
265 |
What is it about starting games down goals that seems to bring out the best in the Vegas Golden Knights? Two minutes in they gave one up to Connor Garland, and less than eight minutes later Artemi Panarin scored a powerplay goal. On just four shots against, Pavel Francouz, in his first start in over three weeks, looked just as bad as Martin Jones did.
But the Knights rebounded. They’re destined for greatness, and have been calling it for months now.
Shea Weber scored just two seconds after the Panarin goal, immediately cutting into the deficit. In the last minute of the first, Mikhail Grigorenko scored again, sending both teams into their dressing rooms knotted-up. Shots were sixteen to four for the Knights.
After a scoreless second period, shots for the Knights were twenty-eight to nine.
Destined to win.
The third period is when Jack Hughes and company would go HAM. Hughes scored the go-ahead goal with assists from Marchand and Weber, and later in the period Marchand would score with assists from Hughes and Weber. Evgeni Dadonov, not one to be left out of the action, joined his linemates with a goal, this one from Marchand and Bowen Byram, icing the cake, the comeback, and the Francouz victory.
Beating teams you’re in a playoff race with is always sweet, and this one feels fantastic. Any time you blank a top line of Leon Draisaitl, Mitch Marner, and Alex DeBrincat, chase Jonathan Quick from the game, and come back to win a game feels sweet.
The Knights are destined for greatness, and you’ve been reading it for months.
Watch out. The Knights are about to ascend into royalty.
|
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
How Would Shane Describe Him...
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-03-16 16:57:18 |
261 |
I Wonder How Would Shane Describe Him...
Brutal. What playoff-hungry team surrenders seven goals on twenty-four shots?
Martin Jones, winner of his previous two starts, filling in for the injured Pavel Francouz, has made his last start for the Vegas Golden Knights. In less than half a game, he managed to save just five of the first ten shots he faced, leaving his team with an insurmountable deficit.
In the three weeks that Francouz was out, Martin Jones has two wins (against the Bruins and the once-mighty Avalanche), three losses, an overtime win, and an overtime loss. The win against the basement-living Boston Bruins included a surrendered short-handed goal, and failed save attempt when his team was down a man and needed his help, and on just twenty-one shots, he should’ve been better; there was no reason for that game to be as stressful as it was.
But this attempt-at-effort against the Jets was the worst of his games over that stretch, and proved just how unreliable the guy is. Letting five of ten shots past you is inexcusable. But if you reflect on his numbers over those seven games, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise; he allowed twenty-nine goals in seven games, on 185 shots. That means you can count on him to give up at least four goals a game, and he shouldn’t be counted on to save seventeen of twenty shots.
In an attempt to salvage their playoff aspirations, and to cut salary, Jones was deemed more than expendable, and found himself on waivers, for anyone willing to gamble on his track record improving their team.
But at least Jack Hughes scored twice.
|
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
X Marks the Spot
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-03-16 16:56:36 |
287 |
Today is a special day; Mark your calendar.
The Vegas Golden Knights have now found themselves in a playoff spot, at the latest time in their history. Never before have they been this close to making it into the postseason, and certainly have they never been this close, this late in a season. Because of Vegas GM Derek’s superb drafting, watchful waiver eye, discipline with free-agent contracts, and shrewd trading, and uncanny ability to dress his lines, his team is still right in the thick of it.
Three players cast away by their previous teams, either through waivers or trading for a dollar - Casey Cizikas, Evgeni Dadonov, and Mathieu Perrault - made their impact known when they each scored goals in the first two periods against the Bruins. They also helped to keep Vegas’ ever-improving penalty-kill near-perfect in this last stretch of games, and helped them become a top-five team when shorthanded. All three players were the game’s three stars, and one can’t help but wonder how players like these are continually cast-away from their teams.
Things got a little scary when Martin Jones allowed two goals in the third period, one short-handed, to make it a one-goal contest, but what else can you expect when GM Shane’s thirty-third least-favourite goalie is in net.
With another injury-free game, a sold-out crowd, packed stadium, a two-game win streak, and the hope that Pavel Francouz will be back for their next tilt, the Golden Knights are sitting pretty.
GAME NOTES:
-The Knights have now used every letter of the alphabet as the first letter of the first word of their articles.
|
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
Clutch Performance
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-03-16 16:56:01 |
266 |
What was in store for the Knights’ fans tonight?
Playing a meaningful game? Check.
Play against a team they’re competing with for a playoff spot? Check.
Play with a healthy lineup? Check. Buuut… Francouz is still out.
Hope that Martin Jones can get rid of his bad luck? Check.
See Jack Hughes add to his rookie scoring lead? Check.
Watch their team give up the first goal again, and need to play from behind? Hopefully not!
Ready for puck drop, aaand… nineteen seconds later, it’s one-nothing for the Avalanche. But it doesn’t have to be like this, is what Casey Cizikas thought to himself. So he tied the game up, on a powerplay goal less than four-hundred seconds later. Inspired by his performance, and eager to redeem himself, Jack Hughes fed a puck to Evgeni Dadonov who put the Golden Knights ahead before the first whistle.
Twenty-four seconds into the second, Leo Komrov, inspired by coach Lindy Ruff’s dressing room speech, came out to score again, giving the Knights a two-goal lead in a must-win, four point game. The Avs would score again before the end of the period, and set the stage for a dramatic third period.
Under four minutes left in the third, the Avs tied it up on a Scott Laughton goal, making Vegas fans nervous. No one has forgotten their awful two-and-seven overtime record, and they can’t afford to give points away, or have them taken away.
With just over a minute to play in a tied game, Jack Hughes shook off his recent struggle against the Predators, and continued to cement his case for the Calder. With a pass from Brad Marchand he fired a puck through Avs’ goalie Linus Ullmark’s pads to put his team ahead. Martin Jones, somehow, managed to stop a puck for the first time in five games, and with the help of a perfect penalty-kill and an injury-free game, managed to hang on and win the game.
|
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
Insufferable Loss
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-03-16 16:55:32 |
239 |
Want to know the quickest way to see your team lose a playoff race? Start Martin Jones in your must-win games. In his first three games since the Vegas Golden Knights lost their starting goaltender Pavel Francouz, in one of the tightest playoff races in years, Martin Jones gave up fourteen goals. The hope was that his luck would change against the Nashville Predators. Nope. He gave up another five. With Francouz expected to miss another week or two of games, Mr. Jones had better figure out how to make a save if he has any hopes of keeping his job in Vegas.
The Predators top line was too much for the Golden Knights to handle in this game, as Joe Pavelski, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Jeff Carter combined for four goals, ten points and plus-ten rating, while the Knights top line of Jack Hughes, Brad Marchand, and Evgeni Dadonov has a goal and were a combined minus-five. Vegas’ second-pairing defense tandem of Rasmus Ristolainen and Justin Faulk were each minus-four, and had to suffer through the embarrassment of playing in front of a goalie who couldn’t make a save. Toronto Maple Leafs GM Shane’s thoughts on the play of Jones, said to the media in a separate press conference, articulated pretty clearly how the rest of the league feels about Martin and his deplorable attempt at puck-stopping.
On the bright(er) side, the Knights penalty-kill continues to improve, finding themselves in the top quarter of teams.
Let’s hope that the Knights’ next game against playoff-seed-rival Colorado Avalanche has a better ending than this one.
|
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
Xtra Crappy in the Xtra Frame
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-03-16 16:55:06 |
236 |
What a roller coaster. And Wow does Vegas suck in overtime. Against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vegas lost their league-leading SEVENTH game in overtime, with just two wins and seven losses in the fourth period. The Maple Leafs, a team who have been incredibly vocal about their desire to sell assets, is a team the Knights should be beating if they want to make the playoffs, and a five-to-four overtime loss is not the way to do it. That’s not how you earn respect or points in this league.
But the Knights seemed out of it before the game even got started. Missing their franchise goalie Pavel Francouz, still out while recovering from a lacerated hand, and handing the reins to Martin Jones has been exhausting, and the unpredictability of the team’s results while Jones is in net is beginning to wear on his team. That exhaustion showed in the game against the Leafs.
But still, the Knights fought. And fought. But they were constantly fighting back. They were down two-to nothing in the first, and four-to-one halfway through the game, and that constant chasing has begun to wear them out - you play a different kind of hockey when you play with the lead. You’re more confident, less stressed, more composed, less reckless. And still, the Knights fought. Three unassisted goals (one in the first, two in the second), had them trailing by one entering the third period, and Leo Komorov scored the lone goal of the third period to tie it. A win was still possible.
Losing two more players in overtime however, would prove to be their undoing, as the Maple Leafs would capitalize on the Knights’ exhaustion.
On to the next one…
GAME NOTES:
-The Knights had more goals than assists in this game, indicating just how difficult to get anything going because everyone was trying to do it on their own
-The top line was pointless, with Jack Hughes totalling a minus-three
-The Knights power play went oh-for-four, and continues to be a hindrance on the season
-Knights D Jamie Oleksiak was the first star, with one goal, two points, and three shots.
|
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
Underwhelming Win
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-03-16 16:54:37 |
268 |
In a game with their playoff-seed-competition Arizona Coyotes, The Vegas Golden Knights desperately wanted to make a statement, and gain some ground in this race. Giving up almost forty shots is probably not the best way to go about it.
Things looked good early, as Brad Marchand scored an unassisted goal on his first shift of the game to open the scoring, and Mathieu Perrault added another about six minutes later to give the Knights a two-goal lead to begin the game. Things changed quickly however, as the Yotes tallied two goals in twenty-seven seconds to knot it up. Vegas was outshot more than two-to-one, as Arizona generated fifteen shots in the first period to the Knights’ seven. Ending the first tied at one was as good of a spot as they could hope to be in.
The second started out the same as the first ended, with Arizona firing another thirteen shots on net, scoring again, this time to put themselves ahead by one. Brad Marchand, adding to his Hart Trophy consideration, took a pass from Jack Hughes and Bowen Byram and tied the game up, setting up for a dramatic third period.
The third period is where Vegas came alive, and, although they still game up double-digit shots, managed to outshoot and outscore the Coyotes. But barely. Max Pacioretty scored his twenty-seventh goal of the year to give Arizona the lead, but that would be all that they wrote. With under five minutes to play and down by a goal, Rasmus Ristolainen did what he likes to do, and scored a goal to tie it up.
With almost a minute to go in a tied game, and Leo Komorov out with an injury, Jack Hughes made another case for his Calder Case. Hughes stepped up to centre the third line, in addition to top line duties. In his short time there, he fed a pass to Brett Ritchie who dropped it to Andreas Johnson, who put the team ahead with a goal. “Miraculous” Martin Jones shut the door the rest of the way, and the Knights went on to win, keeping their stellar play of 2022 happening, and the playoffs within reach.
Watch out NEFHL
|
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
Zamboni Driver Could Stop More Pucks Than Jones
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-03-16 16:54:07 |
237 |
In a game where he was counted on to take over for injured starter Pavel Francouz, Martin Jones had a chance to prove himself capable. His team is in the thick of one of the most interesting playoff races in recent memory, and needed him to step up and be present against the middling Columbus Blue Jackets. His team even gifted him the first goal of the game, AND allowed only twenty shots against. That would prove to be too much for Martin, as he somehow thought that fifteen saves would be enough for his team to win. A veteran of his ability should know better; you can’t expect to play like that and to win hockey games.
Casey Cizikas scored his tenth of the year to open the scoring, but then Jones allowed three more in the opening frame to dramatically reduce his team’s chances at winning. Although, in their last game and several times before, the Knights have proven they can win a game in the third despite being down, this hill might be too high to climb, again.
Brad Marchand cut the deficit to one with a beautiful pass from Jack Hughes, and, in the third, Leo Komorov tied the game up with a howitzer. That would be as close as Vegas would get, however, as the loss of Shea Weber, who had just six minutes of ice time, proved to be too taxing for the young squad.
With the game knotted at three, Dylan Cozens scored a power-play goal with less than nine minutes in the game and would prove to be enough to seal the deal.
The adversity the Knights are facing of late is a good test for their team, and a solid opportunity to prove to the still-tanking teams that you shouldn’t need to suck for five years before trying to get good.
|
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
Overtime Victory!
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-03-16 16:53:21 |
253 |
Another game, another bad start. TheVegas Golden Knights seem to enjoy making things difficult for themselves as of late. At a time of year when they should be digging in and getting it done, their collective inexperience with playing (and winning) meaningful games at this time of year is really starting to show. Allowing Jeff Skinner and the lowly Detroit Red Wings to score twice to open the game is not a recipe for success. Neither is allowing the Wings to score the only goal of the second period, allowing them to begin the third with a two-goal deficit.
After Skinner scored his two in the first, nearing the end of the period, Knights D Rasmus Ristolainen took matters into his own hands, with a little help from Brad Marchand and Jack Hughes, to begin to cut into the deficit his team was facing. But in the second period, Sean “Always on the block but never traded” Monahan restored the two-goal lead to enter the third, and it was not looking good for Vegas.
Knowing that they possess the most losses in the league in overtime, the Knights knew they had to get it done in the third if they wanted to have a chance at winning. After Andreas Johnsson and Mikhail Grigorienko tied the game up and forced overtime, there was a small possibility. But the Wings came out in overtime. In the first three minutes of the fourth period they had already mustered four shots, while Vegas had a mere quarter of that.
However, the Knights have something to prove this year. Some of the most significant players on your team can come from the waiver wire. Victor Rask is evidence of that. He scored his FOURTH game-winning goal of the year, to give the Knights just their second OT win of the season.
GAME NOTES:
-Knights G Francouz suffered an injury, and is out for the next three weeks with a lacerated hand
- The Knights also lost D Bowen Byram, and F Derek Grant to injury, but both shouldn’t be out long term
|
|
Vegas Golden Knights
|
Yielding to the Bolts
|
Knights-Derek |
2022-03-16 16:52:46 |
212 |
There must be something in the air. Everyone knows that when negative charges gather near the base of the cloud, while positive charges build in the top of the cloud, it allows electric fields to form and grow between the cloud and the ground and within the cloud itself. This is a necessary condition for lightning to occur, and is exactly what happened when the Vegas Golden Knights played the Tampa Bay Lightning, who handed the former their first regulation loss in nine games.
After losing their first two games of 2022, Vegas went on a tear, picking up points in thirteen of their next fifteen games. They had ten wins and three overtime losses in that span, picking up twenty-three of a possible thirty points, which would put them on pace for an obscene 124 points, had they played like that all season. Those points have helped the Knights to make up ground in a tight playoff space, where it seems eight teams are fighting for the last three playoff seeds in the Western Conference. A mere five points separate teams seeded sixth through eleventh, and only three of them can make the playoffs.
In the loss to the Lightning, Jack Hughes scored again - his third game in a row - and has four goals and eight points in that same three-game scoring streak. He couldn’t do it all himself however, as most of the team was distracted by the loss (again!) of Captain Shea Weber, who was forced to leave the game with an undisclosed injury. Because the Bolts are one of the most disciplined teams in the league, there a |
