Technically past the literal halfway point, but the AS break is over and onto the next part of the season.
Standings:
Biggest surprises to me are:
Islanders: even with a down year for the Metro the Islanders weren't supposed to be here, and they may not be at the end, but they are now. A +25 goal differential is not a fluke for the standings.
Canadiens: Bergevin takes a ton of shit for the failed Subban trade (and deservedly so), but his Galchenyuk and Paccioretty trades have worked beautifully and even though I was surprised to see Kotkaniemi taken ahead of Zadina and Tkachuk I see why, he's a better player. They left the world juniors with the best forward, best defenseman, and could have had best goalie. Things in hockey can turn around quickly. Unlike the Islanders I don't think the Canadiens can sustain their playoff spot, but I didn't think they'd be here either.
Avalanche:
We all knew MacKinnon was a superstar but that top line is flying, they have some good prospects, and they have a lot of youth, needle pointing up for the Avs, but didn't expect them to show results so soon.
could be more, but those to me are three of the biggest 1st half surprises.
Deadline:
Leafs acquired Muzzin from LA for a 1st. I don't think Muzzin is worth a 1st, he's solid, but not great, but Toronto needs D and he's better than most of their D other than Rielly. Makes them a contender if they weren't already. This is a trade if I am TOR I make every time.
Anakim will be happy (or not) that Panarin said he will not negotiate with the BJ's who had made public that they were willing to discuss a LT deal, so he's likely (if not guaranteed) to be traded. Downside for Rangers fans would be if he signs with his new team.
Other rumored names to be dealt:
Wayne Simmonds (and anyone on the Flyers not named Giroux or Hart)
Bobrovsky - should be a lot of interest, even in a down year for him
Here is a list from NHL.com:
FORWARDS
Mark Stone, RW, OTT
Current Yahoo rank: 37
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2019
Chris Kreider, LW, NYR
Current Yahoo rank: 48
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2020
Artemi Panarin, LW, CBJ
Current Yahoo rank: 60
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2019
Micheal Ferland, LW/RW, CAR
Current Yahoo rank: 84
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2019
Gustav Nyquist, LW/RW, DET
Current Yahoo rank: 102
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2019
Eric Staal, C, MIN
Current Yahoo rank: 105
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2019
Matt Duchene, C, OTT
Current Yahoo rank: 123
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2019
Evgenii Dadonov, LW/RW, FLA
Current Yahoo rank: 129
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2020
Kasperi Kapanen, RW, TOR
Current Yahoo rank: 131
Contract status: Potential RFA in 2019
Kevin Hayes, C, NYR
Current Yahoo rank: 157
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2019
Jeff Carter, C, LAK
Current Yahoo rank: 174
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2022
Wayne Simmonds, RW, PHI
Current Yahoo rank: 189
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2019
Brayden Schenn, C, STL
Current Yahoo rank: 194
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2020
Andreas Johnsson, LW, TOR
Current Yahoo rank: 254
Contract status: Potential RFA in 2019
Jordan Eberle, C/RW, NYI
Current Yahoo rank: 310
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2019
Mats Zuccarello, RW, NYR
Current Yahoo rank: 350
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2019
Jakob Silfverberg, RW, ANA
Current Yahoo rank: 376
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2019
Jason Spezza, C, DAL
Current Yahoo rank: 395
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2019
Derick Brassard, C, PIT
Current Yahoo rank: 420
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2019
Nick Bjugstad, C/LW/RW, FLA
Current Yahoo rank: 423
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2021
Ilya Kovalchuk, LW/RW, LAK
Current Yahoo rank: 431
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2021
Brandon Pirri, C/LW, VGK
Current Yahoo rank: 477
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2019
Marcus Johansson, LW, NJD
Current Yahoo rank: 515
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2019
Andre Burakovsky, LW/RW, WSH
Current Yahoo rank: 570
Contract status: Potential RFA in 2019
Jesse Puljujarvi, RW, EDM
Current Yahoo rank: 644
Contract status: Potential RFA in 2019
William Nylander, C/RW, TOR
Current Yahoo rank: 712
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2024
DEFENSEMEN
Dougie Hamilton, CAR
Current Yahoo rank: 141
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2021
Justin Faulk, CAR
Current Yahoo rank: 155
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2020
Alexander Edler, VAN
Current Yahoo rank: 196
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2019
Colton Parayko, STL
Current Yahoo rank: 207
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2022
Jake Gardiner, TOR
Current Yahoo rank: 241
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2019
Alex Pietrangelo, STL
Current Yahoo rank: 364
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2020
Alec Martinez, LAK
Current Yahoo rank: 509
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2021
GOALIES
Sergei Bobrovsky, CBJ
Current Yahoo rank: 191
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2019
Jimmy Howard, DET
Current Yahoo rank: 170
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2019
Semyon Varlamov, COL
Current Yahoo rank: 233
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2019
Mike Smith, CGY
Current Yahoo rank: 389
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2019
Cam Talbot, EDM
Current Yahoo rank: 596
Contract status: Potential UFA in 2019
1. Quinn Hughes, D, VAN
2. Martin Necas, C, CAR
3. Owen Tippett, RW, FLA
4. Filip Zadina, RW, DET
5. Barrett Hayton, C, ARI
6. Jordan Kyrou, RW, STL
7. Grigori Denisenko LW, FLA
8. Rasmus Kaspari, C, LAK
9. Cody Glass, C, LVG
10. Cale Makar, D, COL
11. Vitali Kravtsov, RW, NYR
12. Dominik Bokk, RW, STL
13. Troy Terry, RW, ANA
14. Nick Suzuki, C, MTL
15. Ryan Merkley, D, SJS
16. Adam Boqvist, D, CHI
17. Kirill Kaprizov, RW, MIN
18. Noah Dobson, D, NYI
19. Erik Brannstrom, D, LVG
20. Drake Batherson, RW, OTT
21. Bode Wilde, D, NYI
22. Sam Steel, C, ANA
23. Eeli Tolvanen, LW, NSH
24. Evan Bouchard, D, EDM
25. Philippe Myers D, PHI
26. Kristian Vesalainen LW, WIN
From the Athletic, there are write-ups on each player.
I couldn't copy any more.
others on the list from fans teams on here:
Wahlstrom, Iskhakov, Ty Smith, Josh Norris, Ryan Poehling, Adam Fox, Janne Kuokkanen, K'Andre Miller, Formenton, Ylonen, Boqvist,
Shesterkin #1 goalie, Sorokin #3
4 guys in pronmans top 30 (all tradeable for the right player with term)
MDC was an HM and playing well at NHL level
Sorokin #3 goalie (probably wouldn't deal him since he sounds like he wants to come over soon)
And a bunch of guys at BPT doing well enough to justify callups that they don't have room for beyond Toews/MDC/JHS in Aho/Koivula/Bellows.
I'd be pretty surprised if Lou doesn't add someone in the top 6 in the next few weeks. They could have pretty easily matched the Muzzin deal without giving up 1 of the top 4 and it would have been a big upgrade, but I can understand wanting to use the 1st round pick on the bigger need in the top 6.
And Zucc is starting to look like himself again. Three vintage Zucc assists for him. Hopefully building that trade value, sad as its going to be to see him go
Zucc I think has more sentimental value than actual value, but we'll find out. I saw one suggestion a team offered a 3rd for him. If all he gets is a 3rd I'd just keep him and extend him. a team needs veteran leaders, especially an NHL team.
I'd expect at least a 2nd and a prospect for Zucc, but this is shaping up to be one of the most active trade deadlines in recent memory.
1. Quinn Hughes, D, VAN
2. Martin Necas, C, CAR
3. Owen Tippett, RW, FLA
4. Filip Zadina, RW, DET
5. Barrett Hayton, C, ARI
6. Jordan Kyrou, RW, STL
7. Grigori Denisenko LW, FLA
8. Rasmus Kaspari, C, LAK
9. Cody Glass, C, LVG
10. Cale Makar, D, COL
11. Vitali Kravtsov, RW, NYR
12. Dominik Bokk, RW, STL
13. Troy Terry, RW, ANA
14. Nick Suzuki, C, MTL
15. Ryan Merkley, D, SJS
16. Adam Boqvist, D, CHI
17. Kirill Kaprizov, RW, MIN
18. Noah Dobson, D, NYI
19. Erik Brannstrom, D, LVG
20. Drake Batherson, RW, OTT
21. Bode Wilde, D, NYI
22. Sam Steel, C, ANA
23. Eeli Tolvanen, LW, NSH
24. Evan Bouchard, D, EDM
25. Philippe Myers D, PHI
26. Kristian Vesalainen LW, WIN
From the Athletic, there are write-ups on each player.
I couldn't copy any more.
others on the list from fans teams on here:
Wahlstrom, Iskhakov, Ty Smith, Josh Norris, Ryan Poehling, Adam Fox, Janne Kuokkanen, K'Andre Miller, Formenton, Ylonen, Boqvist,
Shesterkin #1 goalie, Sorokin #3
I agree with the OP, Montreal and NYI have been fantastic stories this year. Both were projected to be basement teams by most, likely even among the favorites in the Jack Hughes race with Ottawa. Yet, both have put together amazing first halfs and are playing inspired hockey. Kudos to each of them and I hope they both make the playoffs. Montreal, to me, is a great story also because it was deemed a foregone conclusion that Tampa, Toronto, Boston and Florida were the top 4 in the Atlantic and almost certainly all playoff teams... Including Florida in that group really bugged me, so I am thrilled to see them hanging out with Ottawa & Detroit while Montreal and Buffalo are way ahead of them.
I was torn on Tkachuk, I really liked him, but I thought Zadina would score more and MTL needed that. I have no complaints with Kotkaniemi though, just needs to add weight/strength.
Smart, smart player.
It would not surprise me if the 2018 draft that was thought of as weak compared to 2017 and 2019 drafts, ends up being quite a bit better that expected.
2016: Above average.
2017: Below average.
2018: Average.
2019: Average.
I think he should compete for a spot regardless. Best player on the ice in most of the WJC games he played. I think he should get a 10-game audition in NY and then if they need to send him to Hartford.
Loved his physicality, which is what worries me most when you have 18/19 year old's vs NHL players (and probably why teams start some players in the AHL). And he'll be 20 before next Christmas so I'd give him a chance to crack the NHL lineup to start the season regardless if he plays AHL this year or not.
I think that's the plan. He's not going to see any action with the big club because it'll burn off a year of his ELC.
He can't get a 10-game audition next fall, since he didn't sign an ELC in 2018.
If he signed an ELC in 2018 the Rangers could have had him play up to 9 games with the Rangers in the fall of 2019 and sent him to Hartford if he wasn't ready and not used a year of his ELC.
but because he didn't sign the ELC in 2018 he would use up a year of eligibility with 1 game in NY.
Doesn't matter now I think he's with the Rangers at some point next year regardless.
He can't get a 10-game audition next fall, since he didn't sign an ELC in 2018.
If he signed an ELC in 2018 the Rangers could have had him play up to 9 games with the Rangers in the fall of 2019 and sent him to Hartford if he wasn't ready and not used a year of his ELC.
but because he didn't sign the ELC in 2018 he would use up a year of eligibility with 1 game in NY.
Doesn't matter now I think he's with the Rangers at some point next year regardless.
He can sign a PTO with Hartford
Quote:
on Kravtsov anyway.
He can't get a 10-game audition next fall, since he didn't sign an ELC in 2018.
If he signed an ELC in 2018 the Rangers could have had him play up to 9 games with the Rangers in the fall of 2019 and sent him to Hartford if he wasn't ready and not used a year of his ELC.
but because he didn't sign the ELC in 2018 he would use up a year of eligibility with 1 game in NY.
Doesn't matter now I think he's with the Rangers at some point next year regardless.
He can sign a PTO with Hartford
It doesn't matter wrt to his Rangers contract. a PTO is a form of ELC.
If he was 19 the entire year of his NHL ELC he could extend eligibility to a 4th year with less than 10 games in the NHL (ELS - Entry Level Slide contract).
At this point, he turns 20 in 2019 so he cannot do anything but a 3 year NHL ELC no matter what if he plays with the Rangers.
but I am not a contract expert.
Quote:
In comment 14283375 pjcas18 said:
Quote:
on Kravtsov anyway.
He can't get a 10-game audition next fall, since he didn't sign an ELC in 2018.
If he signed an ELC in 2018 the Rangers could have had him play up to 9 games with the Rangers in the fall of 2019 and sent him to Hartford if he wasn't ready and not used a year of his ELC.
but because he didn't sign the ELC in 2018 he would use up a year of eligibility with 1 game in NY.
Doesn't matter now I think he's with the Rangers at some point next year regardless.
He can sign a PTO with Hartford
It doesn't matter wrt to his Rangers contract. a PTO is a form of ELC.
If he was 19 the entire year of his NHL ELC he could extend eligibility to a 4th year with less than 10 games in the NHL (ELS - Entry Level Slide contract).
At this point, he turns 20 in 2019 so he cannot do anything but a 3 year NHL ELC no matter what if he plays with the Rangers.
but I am not a contract expert.
Kravtsov turned 19 in December. Since he would sign his ELC in 2019, the rules are that a 19 year old that signs his ELC in the same year he turns 20 cant play even one game without losing a year on his ELC. But Hartford, however, can sign him to a PTO where his ELC would slide.
it would not be a pre-condition for me with this player, to play in the AHL before trying out for the Rangers.
I was wrong about the 9 game NHL audition, because of his age. He cannot do that, if he plays 1 NHL game he loses a year of eligibility, so I was not suggesting he play NHL this season at this point, but next fall he'd get every chance to make the team because even if he plays 1 game it costs a whole year.
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Derek Brassard traded to Florida. Part of a bigger deal. Players still being told.
Dan Rosen
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Brassard shouldnt look for apartments in South Florida. Imagine there is a good chance he is traded again before the deadline. Hes UFA after season and more of a 2nd line type C, which is why it didnt work in Pittsburgh. Panthers have Barkov and Trocheck.
Bjustad never the same after that horrific injury in the Islanders playoff series. Not sure why that seems to have been a career ender, but the numbers were promising up until that point.
There is a link below...this guy is a good follow on twitter for fans who like to see these
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It remains to be seen if the ridiculous goaltending can continue, but it's hard to imagine both guys will fall off a cliff if the defense remains strong.
Even the Canadiens, last year Carey Price was very average (or worse) when he was healthy.
This year, especially lately, has been lights out.
Is it a coincidence that Shea Weber is back and that has coincided with Price's revival?
Last year Islanders D were brutal, this year, with a new coach and system D that everyone felt shouldn't be that bad, are playing like people expected and it's bleeding into the goalie performance.
Sometimes a goalie can play "above" the D, but sometimes the D is so bad they cannot.
And when I say D, even though I called out Shea Weber, I mean the whole team. Good defensive Centers are probably as much of an impact on D as defenseman.
I don't think people knew about his mental health issues which maybe explains why he hasn't broken out yet.
If he can manage those then maybe he is legit.
I don't think people knew about his mental health issues which maybe explains why he hasn't broken out yet.
If he can manage those then maybe he is legit.
Yea there aren't too many goalies who have twice been traded for 1st round picks (which tells you how teams felt about him both good and bad). If you squint his first 2 years in Buffalo weren't too far off statistically despite what was likely much worse defense, so I agree PJ - if he's truly turned a corner off the ice this could be a legit breakout.
You have to give Mitch Korn credit there too. When Trotz left Washington, he brought korn with him. Islanders ownership paid Korn premium dollars to be head goalie coach and even gave Korn his own subordinates. It was a big investment in money, and it's paid off.
Islanders should try to extend Lehner. With rumblings that Sorokin is coming over next year, Greiss would would be a nice little trade chip (Isles could get maybe $2.5M of cap relief and maybe a third round pick or so) for a contending team needing a good backup goalie or even a 1A.
If Skjei hadn't had such a shitty year, I would've been open to moving him for Marner
yup and Marner's agent is already running his mouth. I think they will get him signed because the range of his contract is actually really simple to slot in now, but it's hard to see how the rest of the team isn't gutted. Resigning Nylander was a terrible decision.
From what I saw, they project to have about $10m in cap room next summer with only 14 guys under contract and with Marner/Kapanen/Gardiner all unsigned. I don't think anyone will offer sheet Marner at the 4 first round pick level, so that would mean his floor contract is around 10m but more likely he will get close to Matthews (11.5) and Tavares (11). How they create room beyond that is anyone's guess.
Quote:
not a coincidence that at each stop Trotz has had a hand in developing guys like Vokoun + Rinne + Holtby. Just didn't think it was likely with Lehner and Greiss. Still don't think it's sustainable for Greiss, but Lehner may actually be for real and the perfect fit for Trotz. He's huge, positionally sound, and his rebound control has been great.
You have to give Mitch Korn credit there too. When Trotz left Washington, he brought korn with him. Islanders ownership paid Korn premium dollars to be head goalie coach and even gave Korn his own subordinates. It was a big investment in money, and it's paid off.
Islanders should try to extend Lehner. With rumblings that Sorokin is coming over next year, Greiss would would be a nice little trade chip (Isles could get maybe $2.5M of cap relief and maybe a third round pick or so) for a contending team needing a good backup goalie or even a 1A.
Definitely. Convincing Korn to leave Washington was huge.
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NSH and NJ working to finalize a trade to send Brian Boyle from the Devils to the Predators.
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I don't think it's steep for NSH, I was hoping it was the kind of move the Canadiens would make. 4th line upgrade, can help the PP, even the PK, Boyle can help with it all and even move up a line if there are injuries.
2nd would be steep for MTL, since I don't think they're a cup contender this year, but not for NSH.
Gotta think there's going to be a lot of movement once Ottawa makes decisions on who they are dealing. Last year I believe something like 5 or 6 first round picks exchanged hands. Lot of guys potentially worth 1st round picks this year with Duchene, Stone, Panarin, BOB, Simmonds, Hayes, Nyquist, Ferland etc.
And on the flip side, Toronto/SJ already dealt their firsts, and a bunch of teams who dealt theirs last year may be more hesitant to do so again this year. I think the Islanders are really likely to move theirs and it looks like there should be a pretty big upgrade available. I'm hoping it brings back someone with term like Brayden Schenn, but I wouldn't be upset if they went big for Stone or Panarin.
Goes from 40 pts as a 19 year old and never really improved.
Still like him as a puck mover, top 4 D.
I think ANA tries to move him - they are in a cap jam, and have a bad team.
7th rounder is in 2020.
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The #Preds have acquired forward Cody McLeod from the New York Rangers in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft >>
How would they have the ammo to land him?
Quote:
I wonder if they make a play for Bobrovsky to try and salvage another year of Sid/Geno/Philk
How would they have the ammo to land him?
Bobrovsky is a rental. Not sure what it would take to get him. I'm very bad at predicting trade value.
1st round pick I'm guessing. Maybe a bottom part of their top 10 prospects.
Quote:
In comment 14289152 pjcas18 said:
Quote:
I wonder if they make a play for Bobrovsky to try and salvage another year of Sid/Geno/Philk
How would they have the ammo to land him?
Bobrovsky is a rental. Not sure what it would take to get him. I'm very bad at predicting trade value.
1st round pick I'm guessing. Maybe a bottom part of their top 10 prospects.
Ya, I'm not too great either. They also seem to always make the cap work