Tuesday, July 01, 2014

UPDATED: 2014 NHL Free Agency Opent Thread - Vanek to the Wild


 

Ehrhoff, Christian, D, Buffalo -  Pittsburgh, 4M one year

Malhotra, Manny, C, Carolina - Montreal $850K one year

Michalek, Milan, LW, Ottawa, Ottawa, 12m, three seasons

Johnson, Chad, G, Boston, New York Islanders, 2.6M two years

Pouliout, Beniot, LW, Rangers, Edmonton, 20M five years

Fayne, Mark, D, New Jersey, Edmonton, 14M, four years

Peters, Justin, G, Carolina, Washington, 1M, two years

Stastny, Paul, C, Colorado, St. Louis, 28M, four years

Cammalleri, Mike, LW, Calgary, New Jersey, 25M, five years

Stoner, Clayton, D, Minnesota, Anaheim, 13M, four years

Jokinen, Jussi, LW, Pittsburgh, Florida, 16M, four years

Boyle, Dan, D, New York Islander, New York Rangers, 9m, two years

Bolland, Dave, C, Toronto, Florida, 27.5M, three years

Gilbert, Tom, D, Florida, Montreal, 5.6M, two years

Raymond, Mason, LW, Toronto, Calgary, 9.5 M, three years

Weaver, Mike, D, Montreal, Montreal, 1.5M, one year

Montoya, Al, G, Winnipeg, Montreal, 1.75M, one year

Miller, Ryan, G, St. Louis, Vancouver, 18M, three years

Lindback, Anders, G, Tampa Bay, Dallas, 925K, one year

Greiss, Thomas, G, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, 1M, one year

Hemsky, Ales, RW, Ottawa, Dallas, 12M, three years

Comeau, Blake, LW, Columbus, Pittsburgh, 700k, one year

Orpik, Brooks, D, Pittsburgh, Washington, 27.5M, five years

Gionta, Brian, RW, Montreal, Buffalo, 12.75M, three years

Perreault, Mathieu, C, Anaheim, Washington, 9M, three years

Thornton, Shawn, RW, Boston, Florida, 2.4M, two years

Hiller, Jonas, G, Anaheim, Calgary, 9M, two years

Vanek, Thomas, LW, Montreal, Minnesota, 19.5M, three years

Robidas, Stephane, D, Anaheim, Toronto, N/A, three years

Glass, Tanner, LW, Pittsburgh, Rangers, 4.35M, three years

Moore, Dominic, C, Rangers, Rangers, 3M, two years

Moulson, Matt, LW, Minnesota, Buffalo, 25M, five years

Havlat, Martin, RW, San Jose, New Jersey, 1.5M, one year

Iginla, Jarome, RW, Boston, Colorado, 16M, three years

Street, Ben, Calgary, Colorado, 650K, N/A

Komarov, Leo, LW, Toronto, Toronto, 11.8M, four years

Regin, Peter, C, Chicago, Chicago, 650K, N/A

Tlusty, Jiri, RW, Carolina, Carolina, 2.95M, one year

Stralman, Anton, D, Rangers, Tampa bay, 20M, five years

Bernier, Steve, RW, New Jersey, New Jersey, 600K, one year

Fedun, Taylor, D, Edmonton, San Jose, 600K, one year

Meuller, Chris, C, Dallas, Rangers, N/A. N/A

Redmond, Zach, D, Winnipeg, Colorado, 1.5M, two years

Engelland, Deryk, D, Pittsburgh, Calgary, 8.7M, three years

McCormick, Cody, C, Minnesota, Buffalo, 4.5M, three years

Brennan, T.J. D, Toronto, Islanders, 600K, one year

Labrie, Pierre-Cedric, LW, Tampa Bay, Chicago N/A, one year

Porter, Kevin, LW, Buffalo, Detroit, N/A, one year

Blunden, Mike, RW, Montreal, Tampa Bay, 600K, one year

Clemmensen, Scott, G, Florida, New Jersey, N/A, one year

Meszaros, Andrei, D, Boston, Buffalo, 4M, one year

Hunwick, Matt, Colorado, Rangers, 600K, one year

Wild Sign Thomas Vanek



According to Michael Russo of the Startribune, the Minnesota wild have signed former Minnesota Golden Gopher and Montreal Canadiens forward Thomas Vanek to a three-year deal worth 19.5 million. That 's roughly 6.5 million a year. You can read about it here.

Minnesota Wild: Who's it going to be?



The free agent signing period starts at 11:00 A.M. Central. It would be interesting to see what it would take to sign Jarome Iginla or Thomas Vanek. UFA's Paul Stastny and Vanek sit atop of the list of available free agents.
:Michael Russo, Startribune - Thomas Vanek enjoyed his meeting with Wild coach Mike Yeo late Sunday, and the feeling was said to be mutual. But as of late Monday, it still was up in the air as to whether #VanekWatch would end Tuesday with the former Gophers star ending months of speculation by signing with his hometown NHL team.

The Wild made Vanek’s short list, but agent Steve Bartlett said there were other good options on it, too, as NHL free agency opens at 11 a.m. Tuesday. The other good options likely will offer Vanek more money and more years than the Wild, which might plan to tender the left winger a short-term deal.

The extra years, and thus security, could alter Vanek’s decision.

“Is it a deal-breaker if he loves everything about the team and they’re shorter term than another team? I don’t think it’s to that extent,” Bartlett said. “It’s just one more of those boxes that you check when you’re trying to make a decision.”

In a slim free-agent class that offers a multitude of forwards with a multitude of red flags, the Wild has shown the most interest in Vanek, the Stillwater resident, and veteran goal scorer Jarome Iginla, who turns 37 Tuesday. The Wild had more conversations Monday with Iginla’s reps in hopes of selling Iginla on its program and how it’s a Stanley Cup contender.

Monday, June 30, 2014

Another reason to stay in school



Here's a perfect example of why college hockey players shouldn't be in a hurry to leave college and play professional hockey. Even if they're a first round draft choice.

Four years after leaving college, former Minnesota Golden Gopher Jordan Schroeder has played in a mere 56 NHL games and scored an unimpressive (6g-9a—15pts). I know that hind sight is 20/20, but I do  wonder if Schroeder would still leave school early, knowing what he knows now? Stay in school and finish that degree.

Minnesota Wild: The second most exciting time of the year



Tomorrow is one of the most exciting times of the year. Starting at 11:00 A.M. Central, the 2014 NHL free agent signing period begins. I like many other Wild fans, are excited to see who the Minnesota Wild end up signing. Will there be some former WCHA players calling Saint Paul, MN home? Looks like the Wild aren't looking for long term commitments, either.
Chad Graff, Pioneer Press - Thomas Vanek, 30, is a pure scorer, the type the Wild lacked last season when they finished 24th in goals scored, netting 2.43 per game.

Matt Niskanen, 27, is coming off the best season of his career, having scored 10 goals and recorded 36 assists and a team-best plus-33 rating for the Penguins. He would instantly upgrade the Wild's defense.

But at what cost?

That's what Fletcher is trying to determine in the final days before free agency begins.

With Vanek and Niskanen interested in hearing the Wild's pitch, Fletcher's decision on the two free agents ultimately might be defined more by years than price.

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Wild Kicking the Tires on Jarome Iginla



Looks like the Wild are trying to add another top-six forward for their lineup. This is interesting news right here. I wonder what it would take to get Iggy in a Wild uniform? I would also applaud the move if it happened.
Michael Russo, Startribune – The draft is over, no player trades were made, so whether it’s Sunday or Monday, bet that Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher and coach Mike Yeo will try to get together in Minnesota with pending free agents Matt Niskanen and Thomas Vanek.

While those have been the most well-publicized names surrounding Wild interest in advance of the market opening across the NHL Tuesday, the Wild has other lines in the water, too.

The Wild has been in contact with camp, according to multiple sources. It’s unclear if the interest is mutual, but it’s definitely clear that the Wild is interested in potentially signing the future Hall of Fame winger and, ironically, all-time leader in basically every offensive category against the Wild.

Face it, Ryan Mantha isn't coming to UND.

If I was a betting man, and I am. I would say that this kid is OHL bound, and is not heading to UND next fall. No mention what-so-ever about UND. As I wrote in May, since 2011, UND has had five high-end recruits decommit and go the Major Junior route. Mantha would make six.

Update: Brad E. Schlossman from the Grand Forks Herald is reporting that Mantha is an  academic causality.
SNYRangersblogspot.com --On what is next, “we will see soon, Niagra has my rights and it will come down to what the Rangers want me to do.”

Who did you root for growing up, “I didn’t have one but during the Cup I was rooting for the Rangers so this is an awesome feeling.”

From the Rangers: “With the first of the two fourth round selections, New York drafted defenseman Ryan Mantha. The Clarkson, Michigan native split this past season between the Sioux City Musketeers and the Indiana Ice of the United States Hockey League (USHL), registering a total of three goals and 12 assists for 15 points, along with 71 penalty minutes and a plus-11 rating in 53 games. Mantha added three assists in 10 playoff games with Indiana.”


NCHC Players Drafted in the 2014 NHL Draft


North Dakota freshman forward Nick Schmaltz was the highest incoming NCHC player drafted in the 2014 NHL Entry Level Draft.  There were no incoming NCHC players taken in the second round of the 2014 NHL Draft. Nebraska-Omaha and North Dakota had the most players taken in this years draft.



Friday, June 27, 2014

The First Round Impressions RW77 Style

The Draft is Here and with it a Philly crowd who were very VERY vocal about their opinions.

I know it is childish, but it doesn't get old to hear Bettman booed.  But nothing prepared me for the opening speech by a high ranked Flyer official (I can't remember if it was the Team President or whoever I only caught his name as Roger _____ due to spotty internet connectivity).  It's ok to be nervous, and it was clear he was.  It was another thing to come across like you totally just adlibbed an opening message because you were told you were doing it 30 seconds before the microphone turned on.  He was reallly awkward.

Anyways, the news.... there weren't as many trades as NHL Analysts forecasted.  Kesler left for Anaheim and Bonino, Sbisa, and a pick (traded to NYR for Dorsett) came to Vancouver.

Overall, both teams get players that have to learn what the system is.  Kesler has to learn how to play with less diving while Bonino and Dorsett have to learn how to dive while Sbisa takes cheap shots at opposing first line forwards.

A few pick swaps and James Neal leaves Pittsburgh for Nashville for Hornqvist and Spalling.  Tampa Bay also got Garrison from Vancouver for a pick.

Anyways, the Americans did "ok" in the first round.  There were four taken in the first round.  The highest was drafted by my Detroit Red Wings.  Dylan Larkin was taken 15th overall.  He's off to Michigan in the fall... I think.  The next pick was another American in Sonny Milano, a BC recruit (for now... rumor has it he's going OHL).  Alex Tuch went to Minnesota 18th overall.  He's another BC recruit, IIRC.    Of those mentioned above, I think the most likely CHL departure is Milano.  I think next would be Larkin.  Detroit has had a mixed reaction with NCAA players.  Sure, Abdelkader and Nyquist seem to be working fine but Sheahan wasn't really a great experience.    The positive is that Ann Arbor is spitting distance from Joe Louis Arena.

20th overall was San Jose's pick, but they traded the pick to Chicago.  They wasted no time in drafting UND recruit Nick Schmaltz.  Nick, coincidentally idolizes Patrick Kane.  Melrose compared Schmaltz to Ottawa's Jason Spezza.  He also seemed pretty confident that Schmaltz was a future four year player at UND.

I agree insomuch that, of the five Americans drafted in the first round (DeAngelo is also American but he plays in the CHL so he's irrelevant to this discussion), Schmaltz is the least likely to go CHL.

I found it interesting to see how Schmaltz got drafted and how high he did.  Melrose tried to say that Schmaltz was as high as 10th overall and as low as 60th.  First, I saw at least 6 different mock drafts and NONE had Schmaltz higher than 21st.  Only 3 had Nick in the first round (cycled between Montreal and Boston picking around 25 and 26th with one going to St. Louis). 

Barry Melrose started absolutely gushing about UND and mentioned Belfour, Murray, and Toews and seemed to think that this was the best pick of the draft, but who knows.  Every scouting report had two basic complaints about Schmaltz:

1.  Inconsistent game to game.  Sometimes he can dominate and other times he's completely invisible.
2.  One dimensional.  He's offensively gifted and borderline liability in defensive zone.

So, someone compared Schmaltz to Vanek.  Actually, I'd consider him closer to Kessel.  No question Schmaltz has a ton of offensive potential.  No doubt he will develop and more than likely excel at UND.  However, I think we can expect some growing pains with Nick.  I cannot speak to off the ice, but on the ice, I think a good progression for Nick to be compared to is Danny Kristo.  Now, you can sling mud all you want at Minnesota or this analysis because I did only see Schmaltz play live once this last season in a Green Bay win over Omaha.  But what I saw was Schmaltz was fast but otherwise a nonfactor.

That's my first impression.  Now we turn to the coverage towards which CHL team Ryan Mantha will depart for.

Minnesota WIld: Free Agency Pondering



Michael Russo from the Startribune has some more free agent nuggets today. I love this time of year, this is where the big free agency moves happen. It will be interesting to see what the Wild do next week. I am excited about some of the names that are being thrown around.
Michael Russo, Russo’s Rants – Fletcher did set up meetings in Philadelphia with Thomas Vanek’s agent, Steve Bartlett, and Matt Niskanen’s agent, Neil Sheehy, who helped deliver Ryan Suter to the Wild in 2012. Remember, it was at the St. Paul Airport where I was hiding in the bushes behind a fence (I wish I was exaggerating) and witnessed Fletcher, Craig Leipold, Mike Yeo, Suter’s financial advisor Tom Sagissor and Sheehy get off of Leipold’s private plane after meeting with Suter in Madison.

Leipold’s plane then gave Sheehy a ride back up to International Falls and about 18 hours later on July 4, Suter and Zach Parise were officially signed on the dotted line.

Well, perhaps Sheehy will soon ink another one of his clients on the Wild.

According to sources, the Wild has significant interest in Niskanen, 27, the right-shot defenseman who had a career year in Pittsburgh. But so do other teams, so it’ll be interesting to see how high and how long the Wild’s willing to go. Remember, you can only allegedly talk in general parameters about a contract but nothing can be binding until Tuesday after 11 a.m. CT. Niskanen is 100 percent going to become a free agent.

As for Vanek, he has made big money, so the question is how much does he want to play in Minnesota. I believe the Wild would love him to sign a contract between one to three years so it can also fill two holes.
I am glad that the Minnesota Wild are looking at adding another high-end defenseman. I wrote about this subject over on the Hockey Wilderness. Matt Niskanen would really look good in a red Minnesota Wild jersey. I am sure that Running with The Dogs would love the move as well.
In my humble opinion, the Minnesota Wild are a player or two away from having a really good d-corps. If the Wild could add a high-end free agent defenseman, and delete a defenseman (or two) they could shore up their d-corps substantially. While some might

disagree with me, I think that the Wild are a bit thin on blue line, and their top-six defenders could use an upgrade.

Perusing my twitter feed, a fair number of Wild fans have suggested that the Wild forget about signing the former Golden Gopher Thomas Vanek, and attempt to sign UFA Matt Niskanen during the 2014 free agent signing period. I don't think it's bad idea at all. However, based on how the former Bulldog played this past season, he's not going to come cheap, either. In 81 games with the Pittsburg Penguins, Niskanen scored (10g-36a-46pts). He was also a plus/minus rating of plus-33.

Chicago Blackhawks: Toews and Kane looking to get paid



Former UND Fighting Sioux forward Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane are looking to a big payday. The question, will the Hawks pay these two All-Stars that much money?
TNS.CA -- Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane appear to have made their initial ask to the Chicago Blackhawks on a contract extension and are hoping to join the NHL's highest paid players.

According to TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie, it's believed that Kane and Toews have both asked for salaries of about $12 million per year.

McKenzie notes that both players will likely end up with a lower salary than their initial ask, but could still see $10 million per year averages.

Draft Weekend - Links



Good morning… The NHL Draft is this weekend and a few UND recruits should be drafted this weekend. Nick Schmaltz should be a low first –second round draft choice. For all of your draft coverage, don’t’ forget to check out the Hockey Writers and the Hockey Wilderness.

Breakaway Hockey School: Focuses on Player Development

Brad might be on vacation in Washington D.C., but he still working. MEN'S HOCKEY:Soon-to-be UND freshman looks to go in first round of NHL draft.

 Gino Odjick’s last fight: Beloved Canucks enforcer battles terminal heart disease

Sounds like Jets forward Evander Kane is on the way outin Winnipeg. It would be interesting to see what teams would be interested in trading for him.

According to Michael Russo, the Minnesota Wild are looking to resign Cody McCormick.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

The Breakdown of the Hockey Rink



This one is kind of funny, the break down of the NHL Hockey Rink. I would like to have one for college with the Wehr's Corner.

UND Hockey: Nick Mattson's former coach gives him kudos



I wrote an article for the Hockey Writers and one of the subjects that I covered was UND defenseman Nick Mattson. (Click to View) ... Mattson is one of my favorite current UND players and he's a lot of fun to cover.

EB: North Dakota defenseman Nick Mattson trained and worked at Breakaway Hockey, how has Nick developed as a player?

AB: Well, I wish I could watch Nick play more games but I was really impressed how he ended the collegiate season this year.  He seemed to play a lot of minutes and play in every situation.  Confidence is everything for a hockey player and he seemed to play with a lot of belief in his game at the end of the year.
EB: What has impressed you the most about Nick’s game the last three seasons? What do you like about his game?
AB: His skills are fantastic: Skating, puck handling, vision.   As a youth player he was dominant in Minnesota hockey.  I know there is so much more structure at the collegiate and professional levels but the game still comes down to great players making plays.  Nick is capable of making special plays.  I would like to see him continue to jump into the play more and shoot more from the blue line.  You have to get the puck to the net to be a great offensive defenseman at the D1 level.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Patrice Bergeron credits Brad Marchand



Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron won the Selke Award last night beating out former Fighting Sioux forward Jonathan Toews and Anze Kopitar. The humble Bergeron credited his linemate Brad Marchand for helping him achieve the things he's accomplished over the past few years. Bergeron played on Boston's second line with Marchand and former Miami RedHawk Reilly Smith last season.
Steve Conroy, Boston Herald -- “I think Marchy's proved over past years that he's a great player,” said Bergeron. “He's scored some big goals for us. I'm not too worried about him. I know next year he's going to have a great year and, like I've said before, I've got to give a lot of credit to him for helping me achieve the things I've been achieving over the past years. I really enjoy playing with him.”

More on Thomas Vanek



Yesterday, Michael Russo wrote more on the possibility of the Wild signing Thomas Vanek after the July 1, free agent signing period.
Russo’s Rants – “I don’t think we have anything cast in stone come Wednesday or July 1.” Vanek scored five goals and 10 points in 17 games for Montreal in the playoffs. His ice time was limited at times and he was scrutinized, particularly in the conference finals against the Rangers.

But Vanek has 277 goals in 663 career games and the Wild finished 24th offensively last season (199 non-shootout goals). Vanek ranks eighth in the NHL in goals scored since the start of 2005-06 and his 0.42 goals per game is tied for 11th.

“I find it very hard to believe the body of work he brings to the table is going to get erased over one so-so series,” Bartlett said. “He still had a very solid season last year (27 goals, 68 points) despite all the baggage that goes with bouncing around like a yo-yo between three teams and living out of a hotel.”
I am beginning to think that Vanek needs the Wild more than they need him. The Wild aren’t going to break the bank on a 30+ year old player, they got burned with the slow footed Dany Heatley.

During the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the play of some of the younger players changed the landscape. I also think that Vanek’s play during the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs might have caused his value to drop significantly. I still would like to see him as a member of the Wild.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Are the NDSU Bison on the Verge of Being a Dynasty?

North Dakota State's former athletic logo.
North Dakota State's former athletic logo. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Here’s a good read on the NDSU Bison from the Argus Leader. You have to give the Ag School their due, they’re a good football team. I don’t think they’re a dynasty, but they’re a good football team. They will not stay at the top forever. Like I have said in the past, let them have their day in the sun. It's well deserved. What goes up must come down.

Some poster over on Bisonville suggested that the FCS champion play the FBS champion. Yeah Right! Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Alabama would murder NDSU, it wouldn't be close.
Terry Vandrovec, Argus Leader – As if being ranked No. 1, selling out every home game before the opener and winning the last two national championships hadn’t brought enough attention and credibility to the Bison.

What’s more, this NDSU crew might be better than the last two – it’s certainly more experienced – and is bidding to join Appalachian State (2005-07) as the only programs to three-peat. So while this kind of run is not unprecedented in the FCS, it’s the first of its kind in the Upper Midwest.

Still, for all the swagger the Bison (3-0) display on the field they don’t want to talk dynasty – not publicly, not in the first month of this season and not with a showdown at No. 6 South Dakota State (3-1) set for Saturday. NDSU has decided against overtly chasing history.

“Complacency is something we’ve always been guarded against here,” NDSU coach Craig Bohl said. “Not only just recently, but North Dakota State has enjoyed a proud tradition for a long, long time. So we’ve been able to just gravitate back to some of our roots, which is great.”
If there’s a team that can beat NDSU, I think that SDSU has a chance. The Jack Rabbits have the best running back in the FCS with Zach Zenner, who fan wild against UND (296 yards) and Nebraska (202 Yards). I am going to say that Nebraska’s defense is better than NDSU.

EDIT: Apparently Bison Fans have been trolling my blog from Belligerentville aka Bisonville.

Summer Links, Hockey Offseason

It's been kind of an uneventful summer so far. In my opinion, this has been one of the quietest summers that I can remember to date. Maybe that's good news. Maybe not. Of course there's a lot of summer left.


Tonight is the NHL Awards and it's nice to see Patrice Bergeron get this award.

Make that two times for Bergeron who also won the Selke Award as well.



Monday, June 23, 2014

UND Hockey LOI's



It's getting closer to the college hockey opener. In a 103 days, UND will be back on the ice again. For those keeping track at home, that's just under 3 1/2 months away. So, it's never very long until hockey season.









UND Hockey: Semi-Committed recruits (Ryan Mantha)

Semi-committed recruits, I am going to give a s/t to my buddy Mafia Man for this one. If I was the coaching staff, obviously I am not, I would consider pulling this kids scholarship offer. Frankly I am bored reading his various quotes about how he's going to wait and see.

Does this kid not realize that 31 percent of the NHL is a former college hockey player, that's only going to increase in the future. If this doesn't think he's going to develop at UND, he's crazy. Dave Hakstol and his staff are highly regarded by the NHL coaches and General Managers.

Nate Sager, Buzzing the Net -- (Ryan) Mantha's next port of call could be contingent on which NHL organization takes a chance on him at the NHL draft this weekend in Philadelphia. The big defender is uncommitted to a NCAA school for this season. The Muskegon Lumberjacks have his USHL rights, while the Ontario Hockey League's Niagara IceDogs recently traded two priority selection picks for his rights."

"North Dakota has eight D returning," Mantha says. "I don't want to sit, I want to continue to develop. I'm keeping my options open right now. They haven't told me to go back. That's something I have to decide over the summer.

"I think they're going to decide," he says of a NHL franchise having influence on the decision of where to play as an 18-year-old. "Some teams say they won't but I think if someone has input on what is best for me, I'll really consider it."
If you don't believe me, all you have to do is watch some of the great UND hockey players currently playing in the NHL. The last three Stanley Cups have a former UND hockey players' name on it. After watching what happened with Adam Tambellini last season, I would walk away from anyone that isn't 100 percent all in. Playing time at the University of North Dakota is earned. I have watched enough practices to know that.