Your Hockey Update: 03/27/2020

NHL Draft, Combine, Awards POSTPONED

The NHL has POSTPONED the Draft, Combine, and Awards amid COVID-19 concerns.

The draft is the big one here. It was bound to happen, but it raises more questions. Will the draft be online? When? How will the lottery be decided? It’s a pretty tricky situation.

As for the combine, it probably isn’t the biggest concern. However, the interview process usually means a lot for teams. Although the Arizona Coyotes have it figured out already, it’ll be interesting to see how the league handles it for the rest of the league.

The awards ceremony might be a concern too, but it’s not an essential event for the league to risk safety for.

Avalanche Player Had COVID-19, Recovered

The Colorado Avalanche announced that one of their players had tested positive for COVID-19. They also mentioned that the player had been in self-isolation since the symptoms were there and that the player has recovered. He makes the 3rd known case of an NHLer with COVID-19. None of the three have been identified (and that’s probably for the better).

KHL Playoffs CANCELLED

The KHL has CANCELLED the Gagarin Cup playoffs. The league was notably one of few leagues still operating, but multiple teams pulling out of the playoffs meant they had to regroup and come up with a new format. In the end, they deemed it was safer to not play at all, which is likely the right call.

Bedard Granted Exceptional Status

2005-born Connor Bedard has been granted exceptional status by the CHL, in case you felt young today. The status means that Bedard, 14, can play WHL hockey as a 15-year-old. Bedard has already lit up his current league, so it’s clear that another year probably wouldn’t help as much. He’s the first WHL player to be granted the status.

By winning the WHL Draft Lottery, the Regina Pats will likely select him with the 1st overall pick. The last exceptional player, Shane Wright, has lit up the OHL, so it sets a high bar for Bedard.

Habs Sign Jesse Ylönen

The Montreal Canadians have signed Jesse Ylönen to an ELC. Ylönen was picked 35th overall by the Habs in 2018. The 20-year-old has impressed in two years of Liiga, putting up over 20 points while playing against players much older than him. The Canadiens will get to see how he adapts as he starts the season with the Laval Rocket. The avenue is also open for him to get loaned back to the Pelicans of Liiga.

Hurricanes Sign Cotton Brothers

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed brothers David and Jason Cotton.

David Cotton was picked 169th overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, by the Hurricanes. The younger Cotton had a great career with Boston College. He was a key part of their offense throughout his tenure, leading the team in points during his Junior year. In his Senior year, he earned the ‘C’. Cotton avoids NCAA FA in August by signing his two-year ELC. Cotton will likely start off the season with Charlotte of the AHL.

Jason Cotton capped off his NCAA career on a high note. The undrafted older Cotton had a fantastic senior year, finishing his tenure at Sacred Heart University with 37 points in 34 games. His 20 goals were good enough to tie for 6th NCAA-wide. He was named the AHA (Atlantic Hockey Association) Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Trophy. The 25-year-old may have the advantage of age and a weaker conference, but he could still turn heads beside his brother. He could start the season beside David with the Charlotte Checkers.

Holmberg Stays In Växjö

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Pontus Holmberg has re-signed with the Växjö Lakers for two more seasons. Holmberg has unexpectedly put himself on the Leafs prospect radar. The 156th pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft has had two solid SHL seasons. He played with Sweden’s WJC team in the 2019 WJC. His 17 points were good enough to tie for 10th among U22 SHLers. He’ll look to develop, hopefully leading to him donning blue and white soon enough.

Wild Land Chaffee

The Minnesota Wild have signed Mitchell Chaffee out of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The 22-year-old had a successful NCAA career. The winger tied for 15th league-wide in scoring during his sophomore year, becoming a consistent producer during his three-year tenure. He’s been described as one of this season’s top FAs and Minnesota have managed to land him. Chaffee has described himself as “a big power forward who makes plays but can also shoot the puck.” He’ll likely begin his ELC with Iowa of the AHL, but his age and success could show him some NHL time.

Wild Sign Jones

The Minnesota Wild have signed their 2019 2nd round pick, Hunter Jones. Jones shined with the Peterborough Petes of the OHL. His .913 SV% helped backstop the Petes to 7th in the league. The 19-year-old will likely spend the next season back with the Petes, but Wild fans could see him in the pros as soon as his season ends.

Panthers Sign Two

The Florida Panthers have signed Max Gildon and Alec Rauhauser.

Gildon was picked 66th overall in 2016 by the Florida Panthers. The 20-year-old is known as a fantastic offensive-minded defenseman. He led the University of New Hampshire in scoring this season. He’ll forgo his senior year, as he’ll likely develop with the Springfield Thunderbirds

Rauhauser is another two-way defenseman who specializes in offense. The 25-year-old has twice led Bowling Green State University in points. He’ll start the season with the Thunderbirds, as we see if that production continues in the pros.

Habs Re-Sign Olofsson

The Montreal Canadiens have re-signed Gustav Olofsson to a one year, two-way contract. He’ll earn $750,000 in the NHL and $250,000 in the AHL, with a $350,000 guaranteed salary. The 25-year-old had a rocky start in Montreal. The defenseman played two games in the AHL before having to go through season-ending shoulder surgery. This season was different. He was able to be a steady, two-way presence in Laval, while also appearing in three NHL games. Olofsson has experience being a depth defenseman, it was his role in Minnesota, and he’ll likely see more time as a depth defenseman this year.

Wolves Sign McLaughlin

The Chicago Wolves have signed Jake McLaughlin out of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. McLaughlin is more of a defensive defenseman who can move the puck. He won’t actually report to the Chicago Wolves, the team is moving to Henderson, Nevada, as the Vegas Golden Knights’ affiliate. The signing has been treated as an organizational signing, so he’s definitely considered a prospect by the organization. The 23-year-old will have to fight for a spot on the deep blue-line and could potentially start his season in the ECHL.

Condors Land Folkes

The Bakersfield Condors of the AHL have signed Liam Folkes out of Penn State University. Folkes had a solid NCAA career. He peaked with 42 points in his junior year, good enough to put him 17th league-wide in points. He carried an ‘A’ for his senior year. The 24-year-old is known for his offensive prowess. He’ll likely start the season with the Condors, but could see time in the AHL.

Avs Re-Sign Tynan

The Colorado Avalanche have re-signed AHL All-Star T.J. Tynan. Tynan has been spectacular in the AHL, with 313 points in 409 games. He appeared in 16 games this season in the NHL, scoring an assist. He’ll likely fill the same role again next season.

Two Depart From Örebro HK

Two players will leave SHL club Örebro HK, including Senators prospect Viktor Lodin.

Viktor Lodin was the Ottawa Senators’ 4th round pick in 2019. Lodin did well in junior, but his offense hasn’t carried over to the SHL level. Last season, he had 5 points in 41 games. In his first season ineligible for SuperElit, the 20-year-old went scoreless in the SHL, putting up 5 assists in 22 games. It looks like the departure is mutual, so Lodin could either move to a new SHL club, or move to a lower level to ease up. The forward found success in Allsvenskan this season, so that could be an option. Another potential destination for Lodin is Belleville, where the AHL Sens are located. An ELC isn’t likely yet, but the Senators might want to see if he improves in NA. A PTO would’ve been more ideal, but… (sigh).

Alfred Barklund is known for being a physical presence at the blue line. The 19-year-old saw success on both ends of the ice during his junior years, but that definitely didn’t carry over to the SHL level. He scored a total of 0 points in 30 SHL games. I don’t know what the future entails for Barklund, but it could include either another SHL team or a stint in Allsvenskan.

Wild’s 2019 1st Rounder Signs In Frölunda

2019 1st round pick Filip Johansson will play with Frölunda HC for the next two seasons. The defenseman had a solid 1st season in the SHL, with 4 points in 39 games. His defensive game shined, but Frölunda HC will look for Johansson to improve his offensive game, as he’s considered a two-way defenseman. Wild fans won’t see him in the NHL at least until he turns 22, which gives him time to develop playing against men.

Sabres Sign Samuelsson

The Buffalo Sabres have signed their 2018 2nd round pick, Mattias Samuelsson. The 20-year-old has impressed during his time at Western Michigan University. He’s been able to use his large frame defensively and contribute offensively. In just his sophomore year, he was an alternate captain at WMU. He also captained the powerhouse USA WJC team. Samuelsson will get to develop with the Rochester Americans of the AHL and could be a key piece for the Sabres.

Preds Sign Novak

The Nashville Predators have signed their 2015 5th rounder, Tommy Novak, to an ELC. After an up and down NCAA career, the Preds signed him to an AHL deal. With the Milwaukee Admirals, Novak impressed. The 22-year-old tied for 14th most points among U23 AHLers. He’ll get a shot at some NHL time during his two-year ELC.

Wolf Pack Sign Whelan

The Hartford Wolf Pack have signed Alex Whelan of Quinnipiac University. The 22-year-old enjoyed a solid NCAA career with Quinnipiac, as he spent most of his time there as a key offensive producer. In his sophomore season, Whelan led the team in goals with 16. His 16 goals and 3 assists were probably good enough to win him the Cy Young if this was baseball, but were still impressive. He’s improved in each year, putting up 25 points in 38 games last season and 24 points in 28 games (32 point pace in 38 games) in his final year. Whelan struggled with injury at the beginning of the year, but still put up offense when he could. He’ll likely start the season with the Wolf Pack, but could see time with the Maine Mariners of the ECHL.

Griffins Sign Curry

The Grand Rapids Griffins signed Patrick Curry to a two-year AHL contract. Curry became a key piece of Boston University’s offense during his final two years there. He earned the ‘C’ during his final year. The two-year deal means the Red Wings organization believes in him, and sees him as a long-term prospect. He’ll likely split the season between the Griffins and the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL.

Crunch Move Up Windsor

The Syracuse Crunch have signed Clint Windsor to an AHL deal. The goaltender spent the last season with the Orlando Solar Bears, where he excelled, with a .927 SV%. This move opens up the possibility for him to take a backup role on the Crunch, or at least appear as their 3rd stringer.

Lugano Sign 2, Lose 9

NLA club Lugano have signed two players, and will lose 9.

Bernd Wolf makes his return to Switzerland after two seasons in Austria. The 23-year-old defenseman didn’t break through to the NLA full-time, but after two solid EBEL seasons, he’ll give it another shot with Lugano.

Tim Traber played his junior career in the WHL, peaking with 23 points in his overage season. However, that’s not the numbers Lugano will focus on. Traber managed to accumulate almost 10 hours in penalty minutes during his career. He’s continued being a tough guy in the NLA, with 358 PIM in 6 seasons. The Spengler Cup winner brings a different element to the roster.

They also lost key players.

Paul Postma is best known for his time in the NHL. The defenseman played 204 NHL games, split between the Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, and Boston Bruins. He flourished in the AHL, where his offensive game shined with 154 points in 239 games, as he appeared in two All-Star Games. His success carried over to the KHL last season, as he made the All-Star Game with Ak Bars Kazan. It didn’t carry over to the next season, as he struggled in 10 games with Metallurg Magnitogorsk. After being released, he spent the rest of the season with Lugano, where he impressed. Postma could pursue another stint in the KHL, or even return to NA.

David McIntyre is a tough loss for Lugano. The former Dallas Stars draftee spent time in the Minnesota Wild and New Jersey Devils farm systems, where he put up solid AHL numbers. He spent 7 games with the Wild, scoring two points. After making the jump to Europe, McIntyre lit it up. Following a solid first season in Liiga, his 2nd season saw him finish 2nd in the league in points. After a jump to the NLA, not much changed, as he finished top 10 league-wide in points. His offense dipped in the seasons afterward, but he still put up solid showings. After starting off the season with 5 points in 20 games, he was released. Lugano quickly took advantage, and he scored 18 points in 22 games.

Taylor Chorney spent most of his career in the NHL as a depth defenseman, with 166 NHL games in parts of 8 seasons. He spent 400 games in the AHL, including a season as captain of the Chicago Wolves. His offensive prowess shined in his first season in the NLA, with 25 points in 40 games. His second season didn’t have much of the same, as he carried the ‘A’ for Lugano.

Johan Ryno was a former Detroit Red Wings draftee, but found success in the SHL, scoring 234 points in 380 games. He’s a good hockey player, but he’s not a tough loss for Lugano. He signed with Lugano in mid-February, and was only able to appear in a single game. He’ll likely return to the SHL.

Mauro Jörg’s production took a massive hit this season. The former New Jersey Devils prospect has seen his offense slowly regress from his career high of 29 points in 47 games. He only managed 4 in 39 games this season.

Massimo Ronchetti has spent most of the last 4 seasons as a depth defenseman, only appearing in 10 NLA games this season.

In addition, Julien Vauclair has retired at the age of 40, after playing almost 800 games in the NLA. He’ll join the club’s scouting department.

Also, Marc Camichel and Greg Squires, who spent the season in the NLB, have been released.

Lausanne Loses Two

Lausanne HC announced that Philip Holm and Vadim Pereskokov would leave the club. Both joined the team late in the season, and combined for 16 games.

Växjö Lakers HC Loses Three

The Växjö Lakers HC announced that three players won’t be re-signed.

Roman Horak spent parts of three seasons in the NHL with the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers. However, he’s been more successful in Europe. He’s been a consistent KHL and SHL 30-point scorer for the past 6 seasons. Horak led the team in scoring this season.

Linus Högberg was the Philadelphia Flyers’ 5th round pick in 2016. The 21-year-old has two options: He could join Lehigh Valley in the AHL, or sign with another SHL club.

Viktor Andrén was the club’s starter this season, but achieved a career-low .901 SV%.

JYP Sign Six

Liiga club JYP have signed six players.

Mikko Salmio has been hot and cold for the past few seasons. Salmio started out with the club and broke out with 25 points in 50 games in 2015-16. He followed up that effort with only 5 points in 45 games, leading to his departure. With Assat, he had 20 points in 37 games and has been fairly solid in the following seasons. The 28-year-old returns to the club as he tries to become more consistent. His contract includes an option after next season.

Aleksi Salonen has been solid throughout his Liiga career. The defenseman is known for being a solid two-way player who can move the puck. He returns to JVP, where it all started for the 27-year-old.

Patrik Puistola was the Carolina Hurricanes 3rd round pick in 2019. He put up a solid WJC showing, scoring 8 points in 7 games for Team Finland. With Tappara, he played against men, but couldn’t put up the offense he was used to. On loan to Jukurit and KooKoo, however, that changed. He put up 10 points in 21 games with the two clubs. He’s signed until 2022 and will be a solid addition for now and the future.

Severi Lahtinen found some success in Liiga two seasons ago, but spent the last season between Liiga and Mestis, as he struggled with injury. The 21-year-old will be a long-term piece for the club, but he’ll look to produce as early as next season. He’s signed on for two seasons.

The club also signed Joni Jurmo and Samuel Helenius. Joni Jurmo is expected to be a mid-round pick in this year’s draft. The 17-year-old will likely spend the next season loaned out to a junior club. Samuel Helenius is eligible for the 2021 Draft. He’ll likely also spend the next year in junior. Both have signed three-year deals, Helenius has an option for another year.

I think that’s it! Let me know if I missed anything!

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