NHL Quick Hits and Rumors
The NHL Draft is coming up on June 27th, and the rumors are picking up a bit now that the playoffs have entered the second round. From coaching changes to star goaltenders, here are a few shots from around the league:
PLAYERS
Ryan Miller (St. Louis Blues): Miller was supposed to be the answer for the Blues going into the post season. However, a dismal run at the end of the regular season may have dampened the morale of the team going into their fight against the Blackhawks. Miller wasn’t awful by any means, but he didn’t make the key saves that he was brought in to make. It wasn’t his fault though, as the Blackhawks found holes in the Blues defense and capitalized as the Blackhawks normally do come playoff time. So, what happens to Miller now? He’s up for free agency come July 1st, and it looks like the Blues will not bring him back, opting for rookie Jake Allen. The idea that Miller wants to be closer to his actress wife in Southern California isn’t his only motivation, and neither is money necessarily – Miller wants to win a Cup. He will sign with whomever has the best chance at winning. This could see him land, coincidentally, in San Jose. The Sharks need to fix something and bringing Miller in to replace Anti Niemi might be the first step. A loooooong shot would be the Washington Capitals – it all depends on what the hell is acutually going on over in DC – but you never know. Miller will get obscene offers, but he will pick and choose wisely. It could be that he waits until August to sign, unless San Jose came calling right away. Anaheim could also make a move which would mean Jonas Hiller would be on the move.
Ondrej Pavelec (Winnipeg Jets): Pavelec is still signed until 2017, but the Jets are cap crunched and can’t afford to buy him out. He’s still a good goaltender and could either thrive in a new setting (Minnesota or Ottawa perhaps?) or relish a backup role on the Island or maybe down in Florida. Who really knows? The Jets may just hang on to him and try to figure out what to do with Evander Kane and Dustin Byfuglien.
Tim Thomas (Dallas Stars): Thomas’ reintroduction to the NHL went well, considering he was on one of the worst teams in the league in Florida. His trade to the Stars wasn’t meant to be long, as Dallas needed someone to fill in for Lehtonen when he was injured. There is talk of Thomas re-signing with the Panthers and backing up Roberto Luongo. The Panthers are going to re-build and they may try and land a younger goalie who can take over in a few years when Lou is ready to retire, but Thomas could fill in on the bench for one or two years. Thomas is way past his prime and will only attract a backup role anyway, so there are a few teams who may want his services.
Jaroslav Halak (New York Islanders): The Isles traded a 4th round pick for his rights (a steal if you ask me) and Halak has shown interest in signing with New York. However, he was a victim of a terrible Caps defense and defensive system, so how would he do on an Islanders team that is just as bad?
Matt Niskanen (Pittsburgh Penguins): He’ll be a UFA and he had a tremendous year for the Penguins. If Pittsburgh doesn’t re-sign him, look for the Red Wings to swoop down and snatch him up, but they may overpay for him. The Stars could come calling again and bring back the defenseman. He struggled mightily there before he was traded to the Pens, but his confidence will be higher. The Avalanche could also take a look.
Dan Boyle (San Jose Sharks): He wants to stay, but that isn’t his call anymore. The Sharks will make changes to try to get over the elusive playoff hump that has only grown larger after this years tank to L.A. Boyle might not be an option anymore for San Jose, and the Rangers may finally get their chance to sign him. Boyle is aged, sure, but his calmness and leadership is something that most teams would love to have. If the Caps can get some stability in the front office soon, maybe they should take a stab at Boyle. He’s the kind of player they have been craving for for years.
Alex Edler (Vancouver Canucks): The Red Wings will try their hardest to sign him. He’s the perfect fit and will flourish under Mike Babcock. The Stars will kick tires and I’m sure the Avalanche will take a look. The Flyers could be interested if they have the cap room. There could still be interest in Washington, and if Mike Gillis becomes GM, there will be.
Paul Stastny (Colorado Avalanche): Stastny will be one of the high profile free agents this summer, unless the Avs decide right away to re-sign him. He has done very well under Patrick Roy and he may not want to leave anyway, but if he does, the Dallas Stars could be an interesting landing spot. Stastny would be fun to watch with Seguin and Bell, so expect the Stars to make a run for Stastny and bring their checkbook. IF the Avs don’t re-sign Stastny, they will use that money to bolster their defense.
Matt Moulson (Minnesota Wild): Moulson has been a trooper this year on three different teams, and he’s shown that he’s not just a product of playing with Tavares in New York. The Wild should re-sign him, but I’m not sure what direction they want to go. If they don’t, the Flyers could be an interesting spot for Moulson. He’s a good power forward, and under Berube, he could great.
Sam Gagner (Edmonton Oilers): I think it’s time for Gagner and the Oilers to part ways, but his $4.5M salary could disway teams. He needs a change of scenery and Edmonton is clearly not his team anymore. The Blues would be a good fit or the Stars.
COACHES
Courtesy: USA Today
Kirk Muller- He was fired from Carolina yesterday, becoming the 5th coach in the last few weeks to get the can. He wasn’t too successful for the Hurricanes, but could land a spot as an asssistant. No ties to any of the openings just yet.
Barry Trotz – He’s been tied to Vancouver, Florida, Washington and now Carolina and Minnesota. He may not jump on the chance to coach rightaway, but he’s a hockey guy, and I don’t think he can be away from the rink too long.
Peter Laviolette – He has been linked to Vancouver and that would be a nice fit. I’d love for him to come to Washington. I don’t think Florida is on the radar, but Carolina has to be. Nashville is also talking about having him replace Trotz.
Update: Laviolette is indeed the new Head Coach of the Nashville Predators.
Mike Keenan – He just won the KHL Championship and now his name is buzzing around the NHL. Not sure if there is any real interest, but he could be behind a bench soon. Not sure how I’d feel with him in DC. I feel like Ovechkin would tune him out.
Ron Wilson – Now here’s a name that isn’t spoken much lately, but Wilson is due for another team if he is interested. I really think he could do well in coming back to DC for a second time around. He was the last coach the Caps hired before McPhee came to town, and he was the most successful. Great guy and great hands on approach.
Randy Carlyle (Toronto Maple Leafs) – He hasn’t been fired… yet. But he probably will be. Could be a look for Carolina. Florida will come calling right away. Could be time for him to take a break, like Tortorella.
Jeff Blashill (Grand Rapids Griffins) – Red Wings GM Ken Holland is not letting anyone talk to him until they have locked up Mike Babcock to a long term contract. That’s how good of a coach and how important Blashill is to the Detroit organization. If he’s let off the leash, he has a pick of the litter.
Kevin Dineen – Was let go in Florida this year, but watch for Carolina to take a peek at the former Whaler/Hurricane. He made a name for himself with Women’s Team Canada and could be a breath of fresh air in Raleigh.
Ulf Samuelsson – Hurricanes GM Ron Francis could also call upon his old Pittsburgh teammate to coach.
OTHER NEWS
Courtesy: NY Times
Wayne Gretzky – The New York Post cited some sources that linked Gretzky and Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis, and quoted them as having “mutual interest” in each other. Gretzky has been approached by several teams including the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks. Gretzky looks to be seeking a GM job more than anything, but if he came to DC, I think Leonsis would want him as Director of Player Operations, the new fad in team executives. Gretzky would have control of the team, but would let the GM do his business, unless he disapproved. I’m torn on this rumor. I’m not sure which Gretzky the Caps would get. He could micro manage the team so much that it would fail, or he’d step back and only interfere when need be. Who knows where The Great One will end up, but he will be involved in the NHL soon.
That’s it for now –
More to come…
