Tag: Los Angeles Kings

  • Down the Frozen River Podcast #13- Torts, Goalies, and Other Essentials

    Down the Frozen River Podcast #13- Torts, Goalies, and Other Essentials

    The Down the Frozen River Crew talks about the latest in league standings, Winners and Losers, more surprises, other things, and makes several plugs for themselves. Also, Antti Raanta’s only played in 1 game (0.00 GAA, 1.000 SV%), which is not considered by the NHL.com stats page to be leading the league in goalie stats, so you lucked out this time, Reto Berra.

    Connor didn’t butcher any names, although he did talk about a keg in a machine instead of a cog… wonder what’s on his mind. Oh and Colby may or may have not spilled the beans on our next marketing campaign. Nick, as usual, did Nick things.

    Join the conversation, make a suggestion, or ask a question for our next podcast using #AskDownTheFrozenRiver or #DTFRPodcast on Twitter– your thoughts might make it on our show! Please interact with us- seriously, tell us we’re idiots if you want, we can take it.

    https://soundcloud.com/down-the-frozen-river/dtfr-podcast-13-torts-goalies-and-other-essentials

  • Down the Frozen River Podcast #12- Surprise Surprise, Connor Only Messed Up Once

    Down the Frozen River Podcast #12- Surprise Surprise, Connor Only Messed Up Once

    The Down the Frozen River crew talks about many things as week one (and a half) of the 2015-2016 regular season has gone by. Standings, winners and losers, and a couple of new segments debut in this episode of the Down the Frozen River Podcast. Connor only messed up one name and Colby will be back next time.

    Surprisingly mentioned this week- Cory Schneider and Roberto Luongo. Surprisingly not mentioned this week- Zach Boychuk, Pete Blackburn, DJ Bean.

    Join the conversation, make a suggestion, or ask a question for our next podcast using #AskDownTheFrozenRiver or #DTFRPodcast on Twitter- your thoughts might make it on our show! Please interact with us.

    https://soundcloud.com/down-the-frozen-river/dtfr-podcast-12-surprise-surprise-connor-only-messed-up-once

  • Colby’s Corner: Bold Predictions Part 2

    Bold Predictions will be a two-part series where I, Colby, will discuss who I think will and won’t make the playoffs this season and why. The second part will be the teams who will not make the playoffs and why not. Now remember, these are my opinions. If you disagree, feel free to leave a comment; we always appreciate feedback.

    Eastern Conference

    Atlantic                                    Metropolitan                                     Wild Cards

    1. Tampa Bay Lightning           1. Washington Capitals                 1. Columbus Blue Jackets (M)
    2. Montreal Canadiens             2. Pittsburgh Penguins                 2. New York Islanders (M)
    3. Ottawa Senators                    3. New York Rangers

    The two teams people will be surprised to see missing from the playoffs are the Detroit Red Wings and the Boston Bruins.

    Boston Bruins: Aging core with weak blue line equals no playoffs for the city of Boston for the 2nd year in a row. Zdeno Chara is by far the best defenseman on the Bruins’ team this year. The 38-year-old is just coming off an injury, and because he is getting up there in age he has people in Boston questioning when he will hang up his skates. It’s not surprising that the older he gets, the number of injuries he has and the time he misses increase also. As he gets older, though, the Bruins seem to be leaning on him more as they get rid of their other defenseman like Johnny Boychuk and Dougie Hamilton. Dennis Seidenberg and Patrice Bergeron grow another year older as they remain part of this Bruins core. Injuries have already plagued the Bruins on the defensive end and will likely result in them playing three young men in the back: Zach Trotman, Colin Miller and Joe Morrow. The three of them together only have 44 games played in the NHL. I don’t even see the Bruins being close to the wildcard spot, as some Bruins fans have been joking about. #AustintoBoston

    Detroit Red Wings: New coach, different results. The Detroit Red Wings hired Jeff Blashill when Mike Babcock left during this offseason. I was a big fan of hiring from within the organization, as Blashill was the coach for the Red Wings affiliate last season. The Jump from AHL to NHL is big, you can ask all the players who never transition. Some coaches have been successful in this jump, like John Tortorella. However, I feel like Wings fans will truly see how much Babcock did for their organization and the core they have there. The Wings are also dealing with a goaltender battle between Petr Mrazek and Jimmy Howard. Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg will have to have wide shoulders if the Wings want a chance at making the playoffs, along with help from Tomas Tatar and Mike Green. The Wings will compete for the wildcard at the end of the season, but will fall short.

    Western Conference

    Pacific                                     Central                                    Wild Cards

    1. Anaheim Ducks                1. Dallas Stars                   1. Chicago Blackhawks (C)
    2. Calgary Flames                 2. St Louis Blues               2. Colorado Avalanche (C)
    3. Los Angeles Kings            3. Minnesota Wild

    The two teams people will be surprised to see missing from my playoffs are two teams that made it last season, the Nashville Predators and the Winnipeg Jets.

    Nashville Predators: Same tricks don’t work twice Nashville was a top team in the west last season due to big performance from James Neal, Filip Forsberg, Shea Weber and Pekka Rinne. I am calling that Forsberg will have the crucial sophomore slump. I also don’t see Rinne having the same numbers as last season. He and Weber got help this off-season from Barrett Jackman, however I don’t think this will be enough. The Preds will have a bad year because that division is just so good now and teams like Dallas added a lot of talent.

    Winnipeg Jets: Off ice causes issues on it Winnipeg is dealing with a lot, what with all the trade rumors surround

    RALEIGH, NC - NOVEMBER 13: Dustin Byfuglien #33 of the Winnipeg Jets reacts for the camera during their NHL game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena on November 13, 2014 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
    (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)

    ing star defenseman/winger Dustin Byfuglien. It seems like reports are linking him to just about any team out there. Byfuglien had some issues with Evander Kane, back when Kane was in Winnipeg. There seems to always be tension inside that locker room. Another reason I feel Winnipeg doesn’t make the playoffs is in between the pipes. Michael Hutchinson and Onderj Pavelec are not number one goalies in the NHL. The reason they made the playoffs last season was because of Hutchinson’s amazing play down the final stretch of the season. I don’t see him doing this again this year. I actually have Winnipeg last in this division. I would say they finish about 10th in the conference, however, because the Pacific is so weak.

  • Numbers Game: Look to the Rafters- Los Angeles Kings

    Numbers Game: Look to the Rafters- Los Angeles Kings

    By: Nick Lanciani

    I continue to explore an important element of the game and what retired numbers around the league may look like in the future. While there’s only a finite set of numbers to utilize on the back of a jersey, many teams choose to retire (or honor) some numbers based on extraordinary circumstances, dedication to the organization, or legendary status.

    Many thoughts went through my head in each and every consideration. Feel free to agree or disagree- I want to know what you, the fans, consider worthy when evaluating a player, their career, and whether or not their number should be retired by a franchise. I am interested in seeing what you have to say, assuming you are actually a fan of the team and/or player that you argue for or against. Drop us a line in the comments or tweet to @DtFrozenRiver using #DTFRNumbersGame.

    For each team, I thought of former and current players that should have their numbers retired now or once they hang up the skates.

    UnknownLos Angeles Kings

    Current Retired Numbers- 4 Rob Blake, 16 Marcel Dionne, 18 Dave Taylor, 20 Luc Robitaille, 30 Rogie Vachon, 99 Wayne Gretzky

    Recommended Numbers to Retire

    32 Jonathan Quick

    Quick is one of the best goaltenders in Los Angeles Kings history. Period. Also, he has two Stanley Cup championships with the Kings that also happen to be the first two Cups in the entire existence of their franchise, so yeah, Quick’s kind of a big deal in Los Angeles.

    Don't you ever wish you could be as slick as Quick?(Photo via nhlpa.com)
    Don’t you ever wish you could be as slick as Quick?(Photo via nhlpa.com)

    8 Drew Doughty

    Drew Doughty is the Rob Blake of our current era for the Los Angeles Kings. It would be only fitting that when Doughty retires someday, the Kings hang up his number as well.

    23 Dustin Brown

    Brown’s a King for life and helped bring two Stanley Cups in three years to Los Angeles (2012 and 2014). The Kings have many current stars within their organization as a result of the strong teams they’ve put together for the last few years. With the exception of missing the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Los Angeles is still a team to be on the lookout for. Sure it might be a lot of retired numbers one day for the Kings, but it’ll be a lot of meaningful numbers for players that were intrinsically connected to significant events in franchise history.

    Anze Kopitar is worthy someday, you guys. I shouldn't have to write anything else. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
    Anze Kopitar is worthy someday, you guys. I shouldn’t have to write anything else. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)

    11 Anze Kopitar

    Kopitar is a Kings great and he’s only turning 28 on August 24th. At this point I’d be repeating myself to say everything that I’ve already said, so I’ll just stop writing now.

    Other Notes

    Who knows what numbers may eventually be retired from That 70s Line someday. Many of the Kings players are still under 30 years old, so it’s difficult to predict how well each player will perform in their career, let alone be around with Los Angeles in their career.

  • Numbers Game: Look to the Rafters- Florida Panthers

    Numbers Game: Look to the Rafters- Florida Panthers

    By: Nick Lanciani

    My look at what retired numbers around the league may look like in the future continues. While there’s only a finite set of numbers to utilize on the back of a jersey, many teams choose to retire (or honor) some numbers based on extraordinary circumstances, dedication to the organization, or legendary status.

    Many thoughts went through my head in each and every consideration. Feel free to agree or disagree- I want to know what you, the fans, consider worthy when evaluating a player, their career, and whether or not their number should be retired by a franchise. I am interested in seeing what you have to say, assuming you are actually a fan of the team and/or player that you argue for or against. Drop us a line in the comments or tweet to @DtFrozenRiver using #DTFRNumbersGame.

    For each team, I thought of former and current players that should have their numbers retired now or once they hang up the skates.

    Unknown-2Florida Panthers

    Current Retired Numbers- 93 Bill Torrey

    Recommended Numbers to Retire

    13 Olli Jokinen

    Plenty of great players have had brief stints with the Florida Panthers, believe it or not. Pavel Bure, John Vanbiesbrouck, and others were once the main attraction in Florida. Those former star players, however, never spent as much time as Jokinen did with the Panthers.

    Granted, Olli Jokinen is no longer a part of the Panthers (and unlikely to ever return at this point in his career), his numerous 60+ point seasons- including three consecutive seasons of 70+ points between the 2005-2006 and 2007-2008 seasons- while in Florida have earned him some recognition once he retires. Although he began his career in Los Angeles, Jokinen really stands out as a product of development while in Florida.

    Roberto Luongo certainly loves the warm weather of Florida as the occasional beachball has been spotted in his net. I'm only kidding, just wanted to make you laugh. No hard feelings, Lu. (Robert Mayer, USA TODAY Sports)
    Roberto Luongo certainly loves the warm weather of Florida as the occasional beachball has been spotted in his net. I’m only kidding, just wanted to make you laugh. No hard feelings, Lu. (Robert Mayer, USA TODAY Sports)

    1 Roberto Luongo

    By the time Roberto Luongo will begin considering retirement, he will have likely spent ten years of his career with the Panthers (split over two stints). He is the winningest goaltender in franchise history, having surpassed Vanbiesbrouck in 2006. While it’s likely the Vancouver Canucks will find a way to honor Luongo’s career after all is said and done, Luongo’s heart, soul, and greatest fans reside in Florida.

    Other Notes

    The Florida Panthers are still a young organization. I’m sure we’ll see them retire a number or two within the next ten years or in at least ten years- like Jonathan Huberdeau’s.

  • Down the Frozen River Podcast #11- The 2015-2016 Regular Season is Underway!

    Down the Frozen River Podcast #11- The 2015-2016 Regular Season is Underway!

    The Down the Frozen River crew talks about the first few days of the 2015-2016 regular season. Also discussed, Milan Lucic and Dustin Brown’s actions, John Tortorella, Raffi Torres, fighting in hockey, Zack Kassian, and some of the matches from week one of the 2015-2016 regular season.

    Surprisingly not mentioned this week- Zach Boychuk, Pete Blackburn, DJ Bean, and Brunch. Pardon our slight audio issue, we hope to have that fixed next time. As always, thanks for listening.

    Join the conversation, make a suggestion, or ask a question for our next podcast using #AskDownTheFrozenRiver or #DTFRPodcast on Twitter- your thoughts might make it on our show (and we really mean it this time, because we’re going to have a new segment for your thoughts next time)! <– We said that last statement last week but this time we really, really, mean it. Please interact with us.

  • Colby’s Corner: Bold Predictions Part 1

    Bold Predictions will be a two-part series where I, Colby, will discuss who I think will and won’t make the playoffs this season and why. The first part will be the teams who will make the playoffs and the order I think we will see them in. Now remember, these are my opinions. If you disagree, feel free to leave a comment; we always appreciate feedback.

    Eastern Conference

    Atlantic                                   Metropolitan                                        Wild Cards

    1. Tampa Bay Lightning           1. Washington Capitals                 1. Columbus Blue Jackets (M)
    2. Montreal Canadiens             2. Pittsburgh Penguins                 2. New York Islanders (M)
    3. Ottawa Senators                    3. New York Rangers
    The real surprises in my predictions for the Eastern Conference playoff teams are first, choosing five teams from the Metropolitan, and secondly, Ottawa having the number three division spot.
    Five teams from Metropolitan- I chose these five teams because I believe these teams have improved dramatically. With the Capitals and Penguins’ additions this off-season, they will be top two in this division without a doubt. The Islanders’ sliding down to the last wildcard spot was a tough choice of mine; I looked at the teams left from both divisions and felt like the Islanders were the best team left of both divisions.
    Ottawa at number three- The Senators deserved to make the playoffs last season and no one can debate the fact that they were good enough even with their 3rd string (at the time) goalie. This season, with Craig Anderson and Andrew Hammond healthy, they should be able to add more points than last season and take that division spot away from the other teams in the NHL.
                                           

    Western Conference

    Pacific                                   Central                                    Wild Cards

    1. Anaheim Ducks                1. Dallas Stars                   1. Chicago Blackhawks (C)
    2. Calgary Flames                 2. St Louis Blues               2. Colorado Avalanche (C)
    3. Los Angeles Kings            3. Minnesota Wild

    The major surprises I feel in my Western predictions are Dallas at the top of the Central and Colorado getting a wild card spot.

    Dallas to the top- Dallas is at the top because of one word: OFFSEASON. The additions of two multiple Stanley Cup champions—Patrick Sharp and Johnny Oduya—not to mention another Stanley Cup champion in Antti Niemi between the posts, leaves Dallas with an advantage. So with two number one goalies with experience paired with the young talent of Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn, there is no way Dallas doesn’t make the playoffs. If Dallas tops their division, I know that GM will be getting a raise, and he’s got an A in my book.

    Colorado as a wild card- I like Colorado and I like how they have built up their organization. This offseason they knew an upgrade was needed at the blue line and they got this with young kids Nikita Zadorov and Brandon Gormely along with veteran defenseman Francois Beauchemin. I think with these additions they will be able to protect Semyon Varlamov better and get the puck to bounce in the right direction, giving them a chance at the playoffs again.

                                                                                  

  • Down the Frozen River Podcast #8- 2015-2016 Season Preview Pacific Division

    Down the Frozen River Podcast #8- 2015-2016 Season Preview Pacific Division

    The Down the Frozen River crew analyzes the offseason moves made by all the Pacific Division teams and provides their 2015-2016 season outlook. We implemented a new introduction to our podcast (and we hope you like it). Connor improved, but still managed to mess up a name or two. Of course, just like last week, a few deals and PTO’s were signed while we were recording this podcast, so we didn’t fit them in this one.

    Join the conversation, make a suggestion, or ask a question for our next podcast using #AskDownTheFrozenRiver on Twitter- your thoughts might make it on our show!

  • 2015 NHL Free Agency- July 1st Signings Recap

    2015 NHL Free Agency- July 1st Signings Recap

    – Nick Lanciani

    This post will be updated throughout the day as signings are officially announced. Be sure to check out Twitter account (@DtFrozenRiver) for all of the latest signings, news, and analysis throughout the day.

    Free agency begins at noon (12:00 PM EST) on July 1st. All that is known is shown and will be updated throughout the day. More analysis will come later as the day wraps up.

    F Artem Anisimov signed a 5-year, $22.75 million extension with the Chicago Blackhawks worth an AAV of $4.5 million.

    D Kevin Bieksa signed a 2-year, $8 million extension with the Anaheim Ducks.

    F Mike Ribeiro signed a 2-year, $7 million extension with the Nashville Predators.

    G Kari Ramo signed a 1-year $3.8 million extension with the Calgary Flames.

    F Patrick Eaves and the Dallas Stars agreed to a 1-year, $1.15 million contract extension.

    The Detroit Red Wings resigned F Andy Miele to a 1-year, $575,000 contract.

    The Minnesota Wild announced that they have resigned F Mikael Granlund to a 2-year, $6 million ($3 million AAV) contract.

    F Stanislav Galiev signed a 2-year, $1.15 million, contract extension with the Washington Capitals.

    D Yannick Weber signed a 1-year, $1.5 million extension with the Vancouver Canucks.

    G Tom McCollum resigned with the Detroit Red Wings.

    The Toronto Maple Leafs signed D Matt Hunwick to a 2-year deal, $2.4 million contract worth an AAV of $1.2 million.

    The New York Islanders signed G Thomas Greiss to a 2-year, $3 million deal.

    D Francois Beauchemin signed a 3-year, $4.5 million deal with the Colorado Avalanche.

    D Taylor Chorney signed a 1-year deal, worth $700,000 with the Washington Capitals.

    D Adam Pardy and the Winnipeg Jets agreed to a 1-year, $1 million contract extension.

    F Matt Halischuk signed a 1-year, two-way, $750,000 deal with the Winnipeg Jets.

    The New York Islanders and D Thomas Hickey agreed to a 3-year contract (resign).

    D Nate Prosser signed a 2-year extension with the Minnesota Wild.

    D Paul Martin and the San Jose Sharks agreed to a 4-year contract worth $4.85 million AAV.

    The Edmonton Oilers signed D Andrej Sekera to a 6-year deal worth $5.5 million in AAV.

    F Blake Comeau signed a 3-year, $2.4 million AAV deal with the Colorado Avalanche.

    NYI signed 2008 draft pick, Kirill Petrov, to an entry-level contract.

    Edmonton also signed F Mark Letestu to a 3-year, $5.4 million contract.

    The Philadelphia Flyers have agreed to a 2-year deal with G Michal Neuvirth.

    D Chris Butler resigned with the St. Louis Blues, 1-year, $675,000.

    F Brad Richardson signed a 3-year, $6.25 million deal with the Arizona Coyotes.

    The Chicago Blackhawks and F Viktor Tikhonov agreed to a 1-year, $1.04 million deal.

    The Arizona Coyotes agreed to a 1-year, $1.75 million deal with F Steve Downie.

    D Matt Bartkowski signed a 1-year, $1.75 million deal with the Vancouver Canucks.

    Carolina Hurricanes resigned F Riley Nash to a 1-year, $1.15 million deal.

    D Zybnek Michalek signed a 2-year, $6.4 million deal with the Arizona Coyotes.

    The Calgary Flames signed F Michael Frolik to a 5-year, $4.3 million AAV contract.

    G Anders Lindback signed a $875,000 contract with the Arizona Coyotes.

    Jori Lehtera signed a 3-year, $14.1 million contract extension with the St. Louis Blues.

    D Rasmus Rissanen resigned with the Carolina Hurricanes on a 1-year, two-way contract.

    The Carolina Hurricanes signed D Jaccob Slavin to a 3-year entry-level contract.

    G Jhonas Enroth agreed to a 1-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings worth $1.25 million.

    D Barrett Jackson agreed to a 2-year, $4 million contract with the Nashville Predators.

    The Montreal Canadiens signed D Greg Pateryn to a 2-year, $1.6 million contract extension.

    F Alexander Burmistrov and the Winnipeg Jets agree on a 2-year contract extension worth $1.55 million AAV.

    G Mike McKenna signed a deal with the Florida Panthers.

    The Florida Panthers signed D Sena Acolatse to a contract.

    F Shane Harper signed a deal with the Florida Panthers.

    F Ryan Carter signed a 1-year, $625,000 contract with the Minnesota Wild.

    D David Warsofsky signed a 1-year deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

    D Raphael Diaz signed an extension with the New York Rangers.

    The Vancouver Canucks signed G Richard Bachman to a contract.

    F Erik Condra signed a 3-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning worth an AAV of $1.25 million.

    F P.A. Parenteau signed a 1-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs worth $1.5 million.

    The New York Rangers signed F Jayson Megna to a contract.

    F Matt Lindblad signed a deal with the New York Rangers.

    F Cody Hodgson signed a 1-year, $1.05 million, deal with the Nashville Predators.

    F Cal O’Reilly signed a 2-year deal with the Buffalo Sabres, worth $700,000 per year.

    The Ottawa Senators agreed to a 1-year, two-way, contract with F Eric O’Dell worth $700,000 at the NHL level, $300,000 in the AHL.

    The Buffalo Sabres signed D Matt Donovan to a 1-year contract.

    The Dallas Stars signed F Curtis McKenzie to a 2-year contract extension.

    D John Moore signed a 3-year deal with the New Jersey Devils.

    F Zach Stortini signed a 2-year, two-way, contract with the Ottawa Senators.

    F Blake Coleman signed an entry-level contract with the New Jersey Devils.

    The Vancouver Canucks signed D Taylor Fedun.

    F Derek Grant and the Calgary Flames agreed to a two-way contract worth $700,000 at the NHL level.

    The New York Rangers agreed to a contract with F Viktor Stahlberg worth $1.1 million.

    F Jack Eichel and the Buffalo Sabres agreed to a 3-year entry-level contract.

    F Ruslan Fedotenko agreed to a two-way contract with the Minnesota Wild.

    The Montreal Canadiens signed D Joel Hanley to a 1-year, two-way, contract.

    The Carolina Hurricanes signed D T.J. Hensick to a 1-year, two-way contract.

    F Sergei Plotnikov agreed to a 1-year entry-level contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

    D Mike Kostka agreed to a two-way deal with the Ottawa Senators.

    The Toronto Maple Leafs signed F Richard Panik to a 1-year extension worth $975,000.

    The New York Rangers signed F Brian Gibbons.

    F Conor Sheary agreed to a 2-year entry-level contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

    F Kael Mouillierat and the Pittsburgh Penguins agreed to a 1-year contract.

    The Minnesota Wild resigned F Jared Knight to a 1-year, two-way, $761,000 contract.

    D Mike Green signed a 3-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings worth $6 million AAV ($18 million total).

    F Kevin Porter signed a 1-year, two-way contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

    The Boston Bruins resigned F Ryan Spooner with a 2-year, $1.9 million contract.

    D Cameron Gaunce agreed to terms with the Florida Panthers.

    The Florida Panthers also signed D Brett Regner.

    The Arizona Coyotes signed D Dylan Reese to a 1-year, two-way contract.

    F Mark Arcobello agreed to a 1-year deal, worth $1.1 million, with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

    The Minnesota Wild signed F Zac Dalpe to a two-way contract.

    D Steven Oleksy signed a 1-year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

    F Paul Thompson signed a 2-year, two-way, extension with the New Jersey Devils worth $575,000 a year.

    The Minnesota Wild signed F Marc Hagel to a contract extension.

    F Brad Richards signed a 1-year, $3 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings.

    The St. Louis Blues agreed to terms with F Pat Cannone.

    The Buffalo Sabres signed F Jason Akeson to a two-way deal.

    The Minnesota Wild signed G Steve Michalek to a two-year, entry-level contract.

    In a bundle of signings, the Washington Capitals signed F Carter Camper, F Sean Collins, D Mike Moore, and D Aaron Ness to 1-year, two-way, contracts.

    The Anaheim Ducks signed G Matt Hackett to a 2-year contract and F Chris Mueller and D Joe Piskula to 1-year contracts in a bundle of their own.

    The Philadelphia Flyers signed Tim Brent and D Davis Drewiske to 1-year, two-way, contracts and Chris Conner to a 2-year, two-way contract.

    F Gregory Campbell signed a 2-year deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets worth $1.5 million AAV.

    The Montreal Canadiens signed D Mark Barberio to a 1-year, two-way, $600,000 contract.

    The Tampa Bay Lightning agreed to terms with D Matt Taormina on a 1-year, two-way, contract.

    F Matt Beleskey and the Boston Bruins agreed to a 5-year, $19 million ($3.8 AAV) contract. NMC on the first 2 years.

    D Kevin Gravel signed an extension with the Los Angeles Kings with a 2-year deal.

    The Montreal Canadiens and F George Halloway agreed to a 1-year, two way contract.

    F Daniel Winnik returns to the Toronto Maple Leafs on a 2-year deal, with an AAV of $2.25 million, after splitting time with Toronto and Pittsburgh in 2014-2015.

    The Arizona Coyotes signed D Dakota Mermis to an entry-level contract. Arizona also signed F Dustin Jeffrey to a 2-year contract.

    F Antoine Vermette and the Arizona Coyotes reached an agreement on a 2-year contract, worth $3.75 million AAV.

    The New Jersey Devils signed F Jim O’Brien to a 1-year, two-way contract.

    F Shawn Horcoff signed a 1-year, $1.75 million, deal with the Anaheim Ducks.

    G Nathan Lieuwen signed his qualifying offer from the Buffalo Sabres, agreeing to a 1 year, $605,000, two-way contract.

    The San Jose Sharks signed John McCarthy to a 1-year, two-way, $600,000 contract.

    G Jeremy Smith and the Boston Bruins agreed to a 1-year, two-way, $600,000 extension.

    The New York Islanders signed Joe Whitney to a 1-year, two-way, $750,000 contract.

    F Justin Williams signed a 2-year deal with the Washington Capitals worth $6.5 million ($3.25 million AAV).

    Trades made on July 1st:

    The Toronto Maple Leafs traded F Phil Kessel, F Tyler Biggs, D Tim Erixson, and a conditional 2016 2nd round pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for F Nick Spaling, D Scott Harrington, F Kasperi Kapanen, a 2016 3rd round pick and a conditional 2016 1st round pick. Toronto retained 15% of Kessel’s salary ($1.25 million a year).

    The Vancouver Canucks sent F Zack Kassian to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for F Brandon Prust and a 2016 5th round pick.

    F Max Reinhart was traded to the Nashville Predators by the Calgary Flames in exchange for a conditional 4th round pick.

    The New York Rangers acquired G Magnus Hellberg from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 2017 6th round pick.

    The Boston Bruins sent F Reilly Smith and the contract of F Marc Savard to the Florida Panthers in exchange for F Jimmy Hayes.

  • The First Round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft (a Recap)

    The First Round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft (a Recap)

    By: Nick Lanciani

    2015 NHL Entry Draft

    1. Edmonton Oilers C Connor McDavid, Erie (OHL)
    2. Buffalo Sabres C Jack Eichel, Boston University (Hockey East)
    3. Arizona Coyotes C Dylan Strome, Erie (OHL)
    4. Toronto Maple Leafs C Mitch Marner, London (OHL)
    5. Carolina Hurricanes D Noah Hanifin, Boston College (Hockey East)
    6. New Jersey Devils C Pavel Zacha, Sarnia (OHL)
    7. Philadelphia Flyers D Ivan Provorov, Brandon (WHL)
    8. Columbus Blue Jackets D Zach Werenski, Michigan University (BIG10)
    9. San Jose Sharks RW Timo Meier, Halifax (QMJHL)
    10. Colorado Avalanche RW Mikko Rantanen, TPS (FIN)
    11. Florida Panthers LW Lawson Crouse, Kingston (OHL)
    12. Dallas Stars RW Denis Guryanov, Ladia Togliatti (MHL)
    13. Boston Bruins (from LA) D Jakub Zboril, Saint John (QMJHL)
    14. Boston Bruins LW Jake DeBrusk, Swift Current (WHL)
    15. Boston Bruins (from CGY) RW Zach Senyshyn, Sault St. Marie (OHL)
    16. New York Islanders (from PIT via EDM) C Mathew Barzal, Seattle (WHL)
    17. Winnipeg Jets LW Kyle Connor, Youngstown (USHL)
    18. Ottawa Senators D Thomas Chabot, Saint John (QMJHL)
    19. Detroit Red Wings LW Evgeny Svechnikov, Cape Breton (QMJHL)
    20. Minnesota Wild C Joel Eriksson Ek, Farjestad (SWE)
    21. Ottawa Senators (from NYI via BUF) C Colin White, USA U18 (USHL) 
    22. Washington Capitals G Ilya Samsonov, Magnitorgotrsk (MHL)
    23. Vancouver Canucks RW Brock Boeser, Waterloo (USHL)
    24. Philadelphia Flyers (from NSH via TOR) C/RW Travis Konecny, Ottawa (OHL)
    25. Winnipeg Jets (from STL via BUF) F Jack Roslovic, USA U18 (USHL)
    26. Montreal Canadiens D Noah Juulsen, Everett (WHL)
    27. Anaheim Ducks D Jacob Larsson, Frolunda Jr. (SWE-JR)
    28. New York Islanders (from NYR via TB) LW Anthony Beauvillier, Sherwinigan (OHL)
    29. Columbus Blue Jackets (from TB via PHI and TOR) D Gabriel Carlsson, Linkoping, Jr. (SWE-JR)
    30. Arizona Coyotes (from CHI) C/RW Nicholas Merkley, Kelowna (WHL)

    Pre Draft Trades

    • The Buffalo Sabres acquired G Robin Lehner and F David Legwand from the Ottawa Senators for the 21st overall pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
    • The Boston Bruins traded D Dougie Hamilton to the Calgary Flames for the 15th, 45th, and 52nd overall picks in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
    • The Los Angeles Kings acquired F Milan Lucic from the Boston Bruins for the 13th overall pick, G Martin Jones, and D Colin Miller. Boston retained $2.7 million of Lucic’s salary.

    Trades Made During the Draft

    • The Buffalo Sabres acquired F Ryan O’Reilly and F Jamie McGinn from the Colorado Avalanche for F Mikhail Grigorenko, D Nikita Zadorov, and F J.T. Compher and the 31st overall pick.
    •  The Edmonton Oilers trade the 16th and 33rd overall picks to the New York Islanders for D Griffin Reinhart.
    • The Toronto Maple Leafs sent the 24th overall pick to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for the 29th and 61st overall picks.
    • The Tampa Bay Lightning swapped the 28th overall pick with the New York Islanders for the 33rd and 72nd overall picks.
    • The Toronto Maple Leafs sent the 29th overall pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 34th and 68th overall picks.
    • The Anaheim Ducks acquired the 41st overall pick and a 2016 draft pick from the New Jersey Devils for Kyle Palmieri.