SBNation.com: All Posts by Patrick Iversenhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46737/sbn-fave.png2017-07-12T12:26:45-04:00https://www.sbnation.com/authors/pat-iversen/rss2017-07-12T12:26:45-04:002017-07-12T12:26:45-04:00Phil Kessel trade rumors seem baseless, which makes them pointless for now
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<img alt="2017 NHL Stanley Cup Final - Game Six" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3hPo5EEmE4OEZBeni3F4MToR2eM=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55677993/696074876.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Beliefs are opinions until they have sources.</p> <p id="ivwYP7">This is how it starts. </p>
<p id="0sRTL8">Without <span>Phil Kessel</span>, the <a href="https://www.pensburgh.com/">Penguins</a> probably don’t win back-to-back <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl-playoffs">Stanley Cup</a>s. Less than two months after that incredible feat, Pittsburgh columnists are floating the idea of a Kessel trade. </p>
<p id="OtopjS">Dear, dear readers: don’t fall for this. </p>
<p id="DYewdu">The most recent, and most egregious, <a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/ron-cook/2017/07/11/ron-cook-rick-tocchet-coyotes-coach-phil-kessel-penguins-nhl/stories/201707120024">was this column from Ron Cook of the <em>Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</em><em> </em>titled “Don't be surprised if the Penguins trade Phil Kessel.”</a> A fascinating premise, no? Cook used Penguins assistant coach Rick Tocchet’s <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2017/7/11/15928160/rick-tocchet-arizona-coyotes-head-coach-pittsburgh-penguins">departure for Arizona </a>as a springboard for a “this is the end for Kessel” theory. </p>
<p id="j6ydCa">The problem? None of it was sourced, and therefore much of it is reckless. With all due respect to Cook and the Post-Gazette, <a href="http://www.firejoemorgan.com">this deserves the Fire Joe Morgan treatment</a>. </p>
<p id="fb2XY3">Shall we? We’ll start a few paragraphs into it.</p>
<blockquote><p id="iXUTlp">I believe Phil Kessel will be traded. It might not happen this week or this month or even this offseason. But I believe it will happen sooner rather than later.</p></blockquote>
<p id="UaHodG">I know “fake news” is all the rage right now, but I think most people would agree that “sources” is more trustworthy than “I believe” when it comes to reporting. </p>
<blockquote><p id="ouu1hh">It was clear in June, by the end of the Penguins’ second consecutive Stanley Cup run, that the organization wasn’t thrilled with Kessel. </p></blockquote>
<p id="xt1apR">Oh, wow. That would certainly be something! What makes that clear? </p>
<blockquote><p id="h4Q0KC">He scored 23 goals in 82 games during the regular season, not nearly enough for a player with his marvelous shooting skills. He had a huge goal — one of the most significant of the postseason — to beat Ottawa, 1-0, in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference final but scored just two more goals in the final 11 playoff games. Even though he had 23 points in the 25 postseason games, it was hard to find anyone in organization to say he was playing well.</p></blockquote>
<p id="sRiA7O">Cook has no quotes from “anyone in the organization” to back that up. Even an anonymous quote from a front office source saying “I don’t think he was playing well” would’ve sufficed. </p>
<div class="c-float-right"><aside id="P1nAJo"><q>I wrote this in a column on the internet, so I am to be believed. Share this with many people. Spread my narrative. </q></aside></div>
<p id="kj4ckC">We have yet to find anything here that is not solely Cook’s opinion.</p>
<blockquote><p id="cenoCZ">My belief is <span>Evgeni Malkin</span> wasn’t thrilled to play on the same line with Kessel. And Sidney Crosby? Sullivan acknowledged Crosby and Kessel have no chemistry together. None.</p></blockquote>
<p id="mbr2m6">There’s that “belief” again. It irks me when columnists write about how a player feels about a teammate without direct quotes or evidence. Are we supposed to believe that Cook FaceTimes Malkin after games? </p>
<p id="nbQVDn">And if so, why are these not available for public consumption? They would be great!</p>
<p id="yQGwXd">As for that last point, here’s some actual quotes from Sullivan after Crosby and Kessel started clicking in February 2016. <a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2016/02/20/Mike-Sullivan-s-gut-feeling-of-pairing-Sidney-Crosby-Phil-Kessel-gives-Penguins-a-spark/stories/201602200044">From Cook’s own paper, no less!</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p id="hoNG19">“It was more, I think, my gut feeling that maybe this might work,” coach Mike Sullivan said Friday after practice at Consol Energy Center. “Sometimes, when players don’t play together for a while and you put them together there’s a spark. Our hope was that that would occur.</p>
<p id="EN0F7a">“Phil, obviously, is a goal-scorer. He can really shoot the puck. I think regardless who Sid plays with, he is a guy who is going to make everybody around him better. That’s the nature of his game. So, we felt that the time was probably right, given the fact that we struggled to generate goal-scoring a few games in a row. Maybe if we tweaked it a little bit, we might get a spark?”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="eTgixw">Maybe that magic dissipated this season. I’ll grant you that. But Cook saying Sullivan believes the two have no chemistry (NONE!!!!) is intellectually dishonest. </p>
<blockquote><p id="vzCQkU">It’s no secret that Kessel often drives Sullivan crazy.</p></blockquote>
<p id="rvy7JN">If it’s no secret, where’s the public evidence to back that up? When you’re covering a player or coach, you can’t just toss out what they think of one another into the public sphere without proof. If you’re going to abandon good journalistic faith to serve a narrative, though, at <em>least</em> try to hide it by saying “I’ve heard” or “those close to the team say.”</p>
<p id="0Uyu16">I’m just trying to help you, Ron.</p>
<blockquote><p id="VEmgFz">I’m guessing he has produced the same reaction all the way up the company ladder, from Jim Rutherford to Mario Lemieux.</p></blockquote>
<p id="1FjtSX">YOU’RE GUESSING? THEN DON’T PUT IT IN YOUR COLUMN, RON. </p>
<p id="y18bB4">It’s no secret that Kessel hates puppies. In fact, I’m guessing Kessel hates all kinds of babies. Human babies. Kittens. Bear cubs. Tadpoles. I wrote this in a column on the internet, so I am to be believed. Share this with many people. Spread my narrative. Vindicate my opinions and sense of self-importance in this market.</p>
<p id="TMNVy3">Cook goes on to talk about how Rick Tocchet was quite close to Kessel, and how important he was to Kessel’s success in Pittsburgh. And here, he does use quotes. Convenient how he uses actual reporting when it serves his narrative. </p>
<aside id="B4FbeF"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"morning_skate"}'></div></aside><p id="h3Mf7Y">And, to be fair, there’s a decent argument in here. If Kessel struggles, it’ll be worth asking him if he misses Tocchet. Then we can hear his answer and let that speak for itself. </p>
<p id="RLzld4">Instead, we’re going to judge this whole situation months ahead of actually having results to judge. Cook ends Sullivan’s quote with a note about Kessel and Tocchet as proof he’s onto something here. </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="ulAqLE">“In particular, he has a real good relationship with Phil. They spend a lot of time together.”</p>
<p id="V2TmSZ">Tocchet didn’t just help keep Kessel’s head in the game. He served as a buffer between Kessel and Sullivan.</p>
<p id="pBa3qW">Don’t underestimate the importance of that role.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="Hs7olh">I won’t, and neither should fans. But let’s not overestimate it, either. Not without some concrete evidence that Tocchet was the only thing keeping Sullivan and Kessel from butting heads. I see none of that here. </p>
<p id="fIbu07">The last part of Cook’s column is <em>actually</em> important. Kessel might be moved because of his contract. That’s a legitimate reason to think about this scenario. It has facts behind it. He makes $6.8 million a season. Malkin and Crosby already take up a ton of cap space, and soon the Penguins will need to sign Matt Murray. GM Jim Rutherford has never been one to hold onto players when he can move them to improve the present and future (see: the <span>James Neal</span> trade). </p>
<p id="iEXyd8">It is more than likely Kessel doesn’t live out his contract in Pittsburgh (it ends in 2021-22, after all). The only concrete reason to think that, though, is financial roster practicality. Not the personal relationships between Kessel and his team. </p>
<p id="9SpK0v">That’s nothing but speculation resting on the flimsiest of bases. </p>
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<img alt="2017 NHL Stanley Cup Final - Game Six" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ihg5bIMdGDFs3uKho8alPvFo_HQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8839627/695046554.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images</cite>
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<blockquote>
<p id="h072tf">Good luck to the Penguins trying to move him.</p>
<p id="5ExCOv">Good luck to the team continuing to have to deal with him without Tocchet.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="lUNWiY">I think they’ll be fine on both counts, Ron. </p>
<p id="fklzzE">Columnists are different than beat reporters. Beat reporters usually stick to the facts they’ve corroborated with sources. Columnists offer opinions. Sometimes the two professions cross paths, but not often. </p>
<p id="QvjDyd">I don’t know Cook personally. I’ve never heard of him before now. He might be a nice man who just wrote a bad column. But he writes for the <em>Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</em>, a reputable newspaper that also employs the likes of Sean Gentille and other reporters who do good work with sources and fact-based analysis. Stuff like this does those people a disservice. </p>
<p id="5PkYZv">It is, unfortunately, all-too common in the sports world. A quick Google search for “Phil Kessel Toronto media” will show how this exact scenario played out before he was run out of the Leafs’ organization. Or just look at the <a href="https://www.boston.com/sports/untagged/2013/11/05/the_bruins_bailing_on_tyler_seguin_proved_just_how">numerous</a> <a href="http://www.masslive.com/bruins/index.ssf/2013/07/for_bruins_forward_tyler_seguin_2013-14_season_could_be_do_or_die_for_him_in_boston.html">articles</a> that <a href="http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/bruins_nhl/boston_bruins/2013/07/b_s_trade_problem_child">assassinated</a> Tyler Seguin’s character before the <a href="https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/">Bruins</a> traded him to Dallas. </p>
<p id="RL981w">The personality sniping as P.K. Subban’s run in Montreal came to an end were arguably worse. “Reports” said <span>Max Pacioretty</span> <a href="https://www.hockeyfeed.com/nhl-news/rumor-the-ugly-truth-about-why-p-k-subban-was-traded-may-be-coming-out">was basically conspiring against him</a> and a radio host in Montreal <a href="http://www.tsn.ca/radio/montreal-690/marinaro-why-pk-subban-was-traded-1.518373">cited locker room conversations that were relayed to him as proof</a> Subban was a bad teammate. Just floated out there. </p>
<p id="eGhgWX">In each of those three examples, you’d find pockets of fandom that stood behind the team’s decision to move on. Many of them fall back on these “reports” about personality, teammate infighting or general drama. </p>
<p id="n8nTBC">Columnists, beat writers, radio hosts — their voices are wielded as truth by much of their audiences, regardless of the actual reporting behind their words. It takes one column like this from Cook to plant the seed of negative public opinion against Kessel. Whether he intends that or not (and I don’t think he does) is beside the point. </p>
<p id="rbyBi7">So I (hopelessly) wish these people would wield their words more carefully. Or at least frame their opinions as such instead of shrouding them in phrases like “believe” or “guessing” that <em>kinda-sorta</em> imply you might know something your readers don’t. And if you do, then say so. </p>
<p id="3Yk3iP">Have a little respect for the people you cover and the audience who places their trust in you. </p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2017/7/12/15959078/phil-kessel-trade-rumors-column-sports-media-pittsburgh-penguinsPatrick Iversen2017-07-12T10:32:54-04:002017-07-12T10:32:54-04:00Morning Skate: It’s the NHL offseason so we ranked the Marvel movies
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<img alt="Florida Panthers v New York Islanders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Z4sUTlLQJk-3asA008ht-soKrSo=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55675219/84178936.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Because superheroes are sports. </p> <p id="YbWEJU"><small><em>You love hockey. You love SB Nation. You love reading hockey at SB Nation. Search your feelings. You know these things are true. But life's too busy to browse the whole network for news. So we'll send hockey news to your inbox every morning. </em></small><a href="http://s.sbnation.com/join/zh/nhl-signup"><small><em>All you need to do is subscribe.</em></small></a></p>
<p id="j4iSAF"><small><em>Lace 'em up. Time for the Morning Skate.</em></small></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="SswK1v">
<p id="GsgEQO">This is technically a NHL newsletter, so I feel obligated to check some boxes before we veer way off course here. </p>
<p id="03Cmfx"><em><strong>*ahem*</strong></em></p>
<p id="JBYPVQ">hockeyhockeyhockeyNHLBettmanCrosbyMcDavidOlympicsfreeagencyhotsportsopinions</p>
<p id="oYQaJt">Great. Now that that's out of the way, let's rank the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies. </p>
<ol>
<li id="amyh4u">
<em><strong>Iron Man</strong></em> - The O.G., as the Kids™ say. And still excellent. A springboard in so many ways: a taut, compelling introduction to an origin story few were familiar with; a tone-setter for the next 22 movies; it rejuvenated Downey Jr.'s career with a perfect casting. Still the gold standard of what a Marvel film could be. </li>
<li id="7FYSN5">
<em><strong>Avengers</strong></em> - I've seen it maybe four times and I still don't know how director Joss Whedon pulled it off. </li>
<li id="R3HA7G">
<em><strong>Spider-Man Homecoming</strong></em> - RECENCY BIAS. </li>
<li id="uV0QUd">
<em><strong>Guardians of the Galaxy</strong></em> - I'm not as high on this as most people are/were, but it ranks up here because of how well they sold that part of the universe. No easy feat. </li>
<li id="GsRP2q">
<em><strong>Captain America: The Winter Soldier</strong></em> - "I'm with you until the end of the line" is the new <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khchll-l-j/">"I would have followed you, my brother ... my king."</a>
</li>
<li id="IkH3uC">
<em><strong>Captain America: Civil War</strong></em> - <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khchll-l-t/">Do I really need to explain why this film is great?</a> Also, I think the villain is one of my favorites.</li>
<li id="G0ItyH">
<em><strong>Captain America</strong></em> - I'm a sucker for historical dramas anyway. </li>
<li id="ATYQYx">
<em><strong>Doctor Strange</strong></em> - Can't explain why I like it so much. OK, I can: Benedict Cumberbatch and Tilda Swinton. </li>
<li id="jc5GWI">
<em><strong>Ant-Man</strong></em> - It still has Edgar Wright's fingerprints all over it long after he left the project. </li>
<li id="BnWPU2">
<em><strong>Iron-Man 3</strong></em> - Mandarin aside, I'm always down for a "Hero gets knocked off his pedestal, must redeem himself" story. </li>
<li id="gxjsst">
<em><strong>Thor: The Dark World</strong></em> - Look. I don't want to see a Norse demigod hanging out in New Mexico. I want to see him fighting space elves led by Doctor Who. This is that movie. </li>
<li id="mYZ7jO">
<em><strong>Thor</strong></em>: This is not that film.</li>
<li id="RjOQ5s">
<em><strong>Iron Man 2</strong></em>: Liked it when I first saw it. Does not hold up upon repeat viewings.</li>
<li id="9hEH7Z">
<em><strong>Avengers: </strong></em><em><strong>Age of Ultron</strong></em>: Can't even remember what happened in this movie. </li>
</ol>
<p id="FDFqgX">I haven't seen <em>Guardians 2 </em>or <em>The Incredible Hulk</em>. Before you threaten to unsubscribe, please remember that these rankings are final and not subject to debate. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="iaJj8p">
<h4 id="BgTosS">RUSSIAN EXODUS AND OLYMPIC CONSEQUENCES</h4>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="WC of Hockey: Canada v Russia" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SDlgtoipAgYOtWzBEh8zO37Eaoo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8838735/53395610.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Harry How/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="ZzGctL">We knew the NHL's decision to skip the 2018 Olympics would have ramifications. Ilya Kovalchuk's decision to stay in the KHL is <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khchll-l-i/">just one of many starting arise. </a></p>
<h4 id="Ph6E5Y">WHY NHLers DON'T GET PAID LIKE NBAers</h4>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="2017 NHL Awards And Expansion Draft" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SgN073xl2DDTBAiepO8p0IbCsic=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8838745/699493496.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="9ZzShQ"><span>James Harden</span> is making $38 million per year. </p>
<p id="DW7Ide"><span>Connor McDavid</span> will soon make a NHL-record $12.5 million per year. </p>
<p id="r4oSRu">Both are superstars. <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khchll-l-k/">So ... what's the deal?</a></p>
<aside id="GnYd3Q"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"morning_skate"}'></div></aside><h4 id="GdS0tp">DUCHENE DRAMA: IT DRAGS ON, DREARILY</h4>
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<img alt="Anaheim Ducks v Colorado Avalanche" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rqiUsQ6rKhckznQ28fQGwhe41MQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8838753/520111992.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="E5I0iE">At one point, eight teams were reportedly "in" on the <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Avalanche</a> center. <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khchll-l-u/">We tried to figure out who's left, and whether the Avalanche have ruined this whole process.</a></p>
<p id="1QE6bZ"></p>
<h4 id="wHP3dR">AROUND THE NETWORK WE GO</h4>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NHL Stanley Cup Final - Media Day" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YT-Expu45rmsxspVUykmQifPBIo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8838757/535372568.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="EufqKT"></p>
<p id="mIJW3P"><a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khchll-l-o/">Arizona has a new head coach, and he just won a Stanley Cup.</a></p>
<ul>
<li id="qJ9A1w">And the <a href="https://www.pensburgh.com/">Penguins</a> <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khchll-l-b/">replaced him with a future Hall of Famer.</a>
</li>
<li id="rEIYGk">
<span>Jack Eichel</span> <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khchll-l-n/">contract talks are progressing.</a>
</li>
<li id="Ulcw9E">
<span>Adam Henrique</span> <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khchll-l-p/">is surplus to requirements</a> in New Jersey.</li>
<li id="fPGojT"><a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khchll-l-x/">The kids better be all right in D.C.</a></li>
<li id="PHolzM">It kind of feels like the <a href="https://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/">Kings</a> hired an offensive coordinator. <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khchll-l-m/">Is that now a thing?</a>
</li>
<li id="vJlnD3"><a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khchll-l-c/">is sports luck</a></li>
<li id="0iIbi2"><a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khchll-l-q/">Here's five Flames who need to improve this season.</a></li>
<li id="F4GkI3">
<span>Deryk Engelland</span> <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khchll-l-a/">will have just as much impact off the ice as he does on it for the Knights.</a>
</li>
<li id="6f1thp">San Jose <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khchll-l-f/">would be wise to watch</a> the <span>Tomas Tatar</span> situation in Detroit.</li>
<li id="PeKeJI">St. Louis had a quiet free agency, <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khchll-l-z/">and that's not a bad thing.</a>
</li>
<li id="QUZr11">The <a href="https://www.hockeywilderness.com/">Wild</a> were not quiet,<a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khchll-l-v/"> and they didn't get better.</a>
</li>
<li id="3K1QZl"><a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khchll-l-e/">How close is the third overall pick to making the NHL?</a></li>
<li id="wkpkm8">Did ... did Philly's AHL <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khchll-l-s/">coach kind of call out </a>Ron Hextall?</li>
<li id="9V6dIL">Question that implies controversy where there is none?</li>
<li id="hHn9rt">Our <a href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/">Rangers</a> <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khchll-l-g/">blog thinks the team's latest hire reeks of cronyism.</a>
</li>
<li id="Erqy75">
<span>Cody Ceci</span><a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khchll-l-w/"> must reward Ottawa for their faith.</a>
</li>
</ul>
https://www.sbnation.com/2017/7/12/15958906/nhl-free-agency-russia-olympics-khl-marvel-movies-ranked-correct-opinionsPatrick Iversen2017-07-11T18:35:11-04:002017-07-11T18:35:11-04:00Which teams are still in the dried up Matt Duchene trade market?
<figure>
<img alt="Washington Capitals v Colorado Avalanche" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yH__Uf4mohlCKRr-7Wx93jom-zc=/0x0:5033x3355/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55643283/518640820.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>And is this all according to the Colorado Avalanche’s plan?</p> <p id="AnTiqb">Back in March, as the trade deadline approached, <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Colorado Avalanche</a> general manager <span>Joe Sakic</span> was<a href="http://www.tsn.ca/impending-demolition-weighing-on-avs-core-1.663789"> reportedly looking for “an established, young NHL player, plus a first-round draft pick and a top prospect”</a> for center Matt Duchene. </p>
<p id="W4EKxc">With that price point in mind, we tried to line up suitors for him. <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2017/1/27/14412820/matt-duchene-trade-avalanche-rumors-hurricanes-canadiens-islanders-ducks-nhl-deadline">There were ... a lot.</a> </p>
<p id="9ZCR5m">That was four months ago. Much has changed in the meantime between the draft, expansion draft, and free agency. The <a href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/">Predators</a>, <a href="https://www.fiveforhowling.com/">Coyotes</a>, Canadiens, Islanders, Hurricanes, <a href="https://www.jacketscannon.com/">Blue Jackets</a>, <a href="https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/">Bruins, </a>and <a href="https://www.pensburgh.com/">Penguins</a> have all been linked to Duchene to varying degrees. And yet, Duchene is still on the Avalanche, and we’re a few months away from him playing for the Avalanche again. </p>
<p id="iXhiFe">How many suitors can possibly remain? Sakic has held firm to that lofty asking price, no doubt hoping someone would submit to his terms either before free agency or after, when their options dried up.</p>
<p id="BDWWYg">You can see the logic. Teams will drop out of the race for Duchene as they add players in the offseason, and hopefully the one or two teams leftover are desperate enough to match your price tag. </p>
<p id="AZSvdO">Teams <em>have </em>dropped out. Using our March post as a foundation and insider reports that’ve come out since, let’s guess just who might still be in the hunt for <span>Duchene</span>’s services ... and whether Joe Sakic’s ridiculous asking price has actually hurt his bargaining power. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Scf8ON">
<h4 id="DDesw0"><a href="https://www.canescountry.com/">Carolina Hurricanes</a></h4>
<p id="2m4sln"><strong>In or out: Still in. </strong></p>
<p id="SNTLgO"><s>The Hurricanes’ biggest splurges this offseason have been on defense (Trevor van Riemsdyk) and in net (</s><span><s>Scott Darling</s></span><s>). They added </s><span><s>Justin Williams</s></span><s> on the wing and </s><span><s>Marcus Kruger</s></span><s> up the middle, but they still lack a dynamic player at the center position. Every piece we mentioned in March (</s><span><s>Jaccob Slavin</s></span><s>, </s><span><s>Brett Pesce</s></span><s>, </s><span><s>Justin Faulk</s></span><s>) is still there, and there were even rumblings Carolina was open to trading </s><span><s>Noah Hanifin</s></span><s> at the draft. </s></p>
<p id="YyoWZI"><s>Who knows how true that is. But the need for Duchene and the assets to get him remain. Nothing to see here. </s></p>
<p id="wxTYAt"><strong>(Update: Hah. No. Out.)</strong></p>
<div id="QLFWxL">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Francis, talking about Matt Duchene, said doesn't think giving up a top young defenseman for a player with two years left makes sense</p>— Andrew Schnittker (@aschnitt53) <a href="https://twitter.com/aschnitt53/status/881176576821526528">July 1, 2017</a>
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<div id="VZwVDk">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">After Francis' comments, safe to say a Duchene trade doesn't fit into the Canes' plans. Not if Avs want a young D-man.</p>— Chip Alexander (@ice_chip) <a href="https://twitter.com/ice_chip/status/881178458596016128">July 1, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
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<p id="GshomG"><em><strong>Teams remaining: 7</strong></em></p>
<h4 id="2o7YxN"><a href="https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/">Montreal Canadiens</a></h4>
<p id="EtDVeH"><strong>In or out? Probably out.</strong></p>
<p id="HMzSZ7">Even after signing <span>Alex Galchenyuk</span>, the Canadiens lack skill at center. The only issue is the money they’ve thrown around this offseason doesn’t leave them with much room to fit in Duchene’s $6 million cap hit (they have $9.162 million in space). That doesn’t even take Carey Price’s $10.5 million cap hit that sets in next summer, which would really make Duchene a tough fit. </p>
<p id="m3wJJd">The need is still there, but they’ve priced themselves out of the race. </p>
<p id="08IzF6"><em><strong>Teams remaining: 6</strong></em></p>
<h4 id="ryF1Iu"><a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">New York Islanders</a></h4>
<p id="91Weeq"><strong>In or out? Gone. </strong></p>
<p id="74gx9M">If this were <em>NHL 17</em> you could get this deal done in an instant. Just pile up the three top picks acquired in the <span>Travis Hamonic</span> trade at Sakic’s doorstep and you’re done. </p>
<p id="psYdzA">Alas, this is real life. And the Islanders need to conserve space for <span>John Tavares</span>’ next contract, especially after trading for Jordan Eberle’s $6 million cap hit. The <a href="http://ottawacitizen.com/sports/hockey/nhl/senatorsextra/insider-prices-for-matt-duchene-and-gabriel-landeskog-were-too-high-for-potential-trading-partners">Islanders weren’t willing to match the Avs’ demands in March</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/BDGallof/status/880847371822870528">by one account they’ve given up the chase for Duchene</a>. For now, that’s enough to seed doubt. </p>
<p id="y0C24T"><em><strong>Teams remaining: 5</strong></em></p>
<aside id="EjTuv2"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"morning_skate"}'></div></aside><p id="5Xkhgd"></p>
<h4 id="pjLZRd">Nashville Predators</h4>
<p id="SpX29L"><strong>In or out? Likely out. </strong></p>
<p id="THNUTV">For a moment there, it felt like the Predators had risen to the top of the possibilities heap. Everything about Duchene-to-Nashville made sense: they just barely missed out on winning the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl-playoffs">Stanley Cup</a>, they had established defensemen who could entice the Avalanche, and the loss of <span>Ryan Johansen</span> exposed a glaring need for a second line center. </p>
<p id="OHED18">But David Poile quashed those rumors at the draft, and his logic makes sense: they’ve dealt too many defensemen (<span>Shea Weber</span>, <span>Seth Jones</span>) lately, and he’s unwilling to break up that elite top-four. </p>
<div id="JEYakL">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Translation: Going to need to be real creative to find a way to appease Colorado in a Duchene deal. It's not there at this point. <a href="https://t.co/1vFGbclQQ5">https://t.co/1vFGbclQQ5</a></p>— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) <a href="https://twitter.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/878680846756179968">June 24, 2017</a>
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<p id="YSeBs6">The Predators also signed <span>Nick Bonino</span> in free agency; with over $10 million tied up in Bonino and Johansen, it makes a Duchene deal even more doubtful. </p>
<p id="riyLWx"><em><strong>Teams remaining: 4</strong></em></p>
<h4 id="edTjsL">Arizona Coyotes </h4>
<p id="1t6hCm"><strong>In or out? Out, if they ever </strong><em><strong>were</strong></em><strong> in it at all.</strong></p>
<p id="8jIaYU">In hindsight, they might’ve been in on a Duchene deal. But we only have that hindsight because of their aggressive trade for <span>Derek Stepan</span> in June. Now that hole at center is closed, and so is the idea of Duchene in the desert. </p>
<p id="uqj2nh"><em><strong>Teams remaining: 3</strong></em></p>
<h4 id="hXihG5">Columbus Blue Jackets</h4>
<p id="ol2BW7"><strong>In or out? In. Right?</strong></p>
<p id="DRbV4F">The Jackets feel like one of the last two good fits for a Duchene trade, if only because <em>Columbus Dispatch </em>reporter Aaron Portzline has reported on talks over the last few weeks. <a href="https://twitter.com/Aportzline/status/881487681745825792">At one point, he reported</a> the Avs had asked for defenseman <span>Gabriel Carlsson</span> <a href="https://twitter.com/DarrenDreger/status/880837336501813248">in a draft weekend trade offer.</a> <span>Ryan Murray</span><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2017/6/30/15904672/matt-duchene-trade-rumors-blue-jackets-predators-ryan-murray"> may also be involved. </a></p>
<p id="vvyqcF">At the same time, Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen <a href="http://www.dispatch.com/sports/20170702/blue-jackets--gm-kekalainen-says-he-wont-go-crazy-rush-to-make-trade">made it clear he’s not going to overpay for one player right now</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="fQqoOX">“You can’t mortgage the future thinking this has to be the year,” Kekalainen said. “We’re not there right now.</p>
<p id="wzfNgh">“If there’s a deal there, we’ll make it. But it’s not as if our window is closing.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="DUXeML">So the Blue Jackets aren’t technically out of the mix yet, but they’re going to wait Sakic out first. </p>
<p id="NNLrtG"><em><strong>Teams remaining: 3</strong></em></p>
<h4 id="GQ86Hd">Pittsburgh Penguins</h4>
<p id="b9KuqB"><strong>In or out: Who the hell knows?</strong></p>
<p id="ubsiqF">If the Penguins trade for Duchene, he’ll play as a winger. He’s not a third liner.</p>
<p id="Aurkut">And any trade for Duchene would require some creativity from the Penguins. See any established, young NHL defenseman on that roster that a) the Penguins would want to part with and b) the Avalanche would want at all? </p>
<p id="xxppG2">I don’t. <span>Justin Schultz</span> just signed an extension. <span>Olli Maatta</span> doesn’t seem like a guy Pittsburgh is willing to part with. <span>Brian Dumoulin</span> is coming into his own after a strong playoff run. </p>
<p id="iKA0hC">And besides, that playoff run was built with a patchwork defensive corps. My brain can’t make sense of Pittsburgh adding another high-priced forward and gutting the weakest part of its system in the process. </p>
<p id="D14lLR">I’m no insider. I just blog and make Twitters. Maybe this connection is serious. But ... ehh. </p>
<p id="3TDL2I"><em><strong>Teams remaining: 2</strong></em></p>
<h4 id="N4lQ3O">Boston Bruins</h4>
<p id="RTCCYL"><strong>In or out: In. </strong></p>
<p id="hwrx1O">Yep, the Bruins and Avalanche have started talking again about Duchene. Boston was one of the first teams to circle the Avalanche when they were miserable in January, but Brandon Carlo’s name took Boston out of the mix. </p>
<p id="mQSLKQ">Then Charlie McAvoy had a terrific playoff series as a teenager. <a href="https://twitter.com/Aportzline/status/881487968568999937">And now Carlo’s name is back in the Duchene discussions, per reports.</a> Boston is still as good a fit as it was seven months ago. And you think fans won’t clamor for this move to happen after the last piece of the <span>Tyler Seguin</span> trade left this summer?</p>
<div id="KgVqMA">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">W/buyout of Jimmy Hayes, Bruins officially have nothing to show for Tyler Seguin just 4 yrs after DAL trade happened. Absolutely wretched</p>— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) <a href="https://twitter.com/HackswithHaggs/status/880825181522075653">June 30, 2017</a>
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<p id="1np0WF">I’d be willing to bet the Bruins are still in this thing; Carlo fits the established player bill, and Boston has prospects like <span>Zachary Senyshyn</span>, <span>Jake DeBrusk, and</span> <span>Jeremy Lauzon</span> to dangle as well. </p>
<p id="cEKHzT"><em><strong>Two teams remaining: Bruins and Blue Jackets</strong></em></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Fp1oTA">
<p id="mDTxJW">I suppose that’s the point of trade bidding wars, right? Stick to your price, let the noncommittal vultures abandon the hunt until you’re left with a small number of hungry teams you can play against one another. </p>
<p id="lEkgE5">In that sense, Sakic and the Avalanche have done well. Each of the three (presumably) remaining teams need a player like Duchene and have the assets to placate Sakic. I get the frustrations from impatient Avs fans. The longer this drags out, the more nervous they’ll get that Sakic will get burned. And it can’t be a comfortable offseason of waiting for Duchene, either. </p>
<p id="p8i7l7">This is the game Sakic chose to play, however. His intentions were to get the best value for a good player to help his franchise. It required patience to get to this point, with three great fits sitting right in front of him. </p>
<p id="l6XDwL">The issue, of course, is how long they’ll sit there. Columbus already sounds willing to do nothing until next March. Boston, in a wide-open division, may have the most incentive to move quickly. But Brandon Carlo was the center of talks last January, and that went nowhere. </p>
<p id="5xhURX">So, sure. Sakic laid out his rules and let the game come to him. But he gained no leverage and no better odds of anyone actually matching his extravagant price for Duchene. </p>
<p id="h4eNZa">The tides around Duchene’s inevitable exodus from Colorado have shifted, but whether they’ve actually moved anything forward is up for debate. </p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2017/7/11/15947098/matt-duchene-trade-rumors-avalanche-islanders-hurricanes-bruins-blue-jacketsPatrick Iversen2017-07-11T11:07:32-04:002017-07-11T11:07:32-04:00Morning Skate: Positive thinking for Islanders fans worried about John Tavares
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<img alt="NHL: New York Islanders at Pittsburgh Penguins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9xVokTz_0cZRtaxhj4Ra7evFN5Q=/0x0:3834x2556/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55659135/usa_today_9967917.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There’s hope in Brooklyn if the captain leaves.</p> <p id="YbWEJU"><small><em>You love hockey. You love SB Nation. You love reading hockey at SB Nation. Search your feelings. You know these things are true. But life's too busy to browse the whole network for news. So we'll send hockey news to your inbox every morning. </em></small><a href="http://s.sbnation.com/join/zh/nhl-signup"><small><em>All you need to do is subscribe.</em></small></a></p>
<p id="j4iSAF"><small><em>Lace 'em up. Time for the Morning Skate.</em></small></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="NpGD7k">
<p id="whGjtf">Outside of one move,<a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khdydkl-l-j/"><strong> this hasn't been a comfortable summer</strong></a> for <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">New York Islanders</a> fans. </p>
<p id="fD2u9p">We're deep into the NHL <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khdydkl-l-t/"><strong>offseason without a new contract</strong></a> (or talks of any kind) for Islanders captain <span>John Tavares</span>. <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khdydkl-l-i/"><strong>Looming over that situation is the Barclays Center issue</strong></a>. They did <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khdydkl-l-d/"><strong>relatively little as free agency opened.</strong></a></p>
<p id="UpuyqR">Everything is fluid in Brooklyn — especially the future of the franchise after next summer. </p>
<p id="NiVoau">But I don't like dwelling on negative what-ifs. We'll dive further into this as the summer drags on, but for now, here are a few positives Islanders fans should repeat to themselves whenever Tavares Dread™ sets in. </p>
<ul>
<li id="m4e5DF">
<strong>You're </strong><em><strong>loaded</strong></em><strong> with young, talented forwards</strong>. Josh Ho-Sang looks ready to take the NHL by storm next season. <span>Anthony Beauvillier</span> weathered his rookie season as a teenager with aplomb. <span>Mathew Barzal</span> might be a Calder Trophy favorite next season. <span>Michael Dal Colle</span> is finally showing signs he's ready to take the next step. If the Islanders lose Tavares next summer, consider it more room for those kids to grow. </li>
<li id="nArDWt">
<strong>The Travis Hamonic trade </strong><a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khdydkl-l-h/"><strong>gave your team a bounty of future assets.</strong></a> Calgary's first two picks in 2018 belong to New York now. Another of the Flames’ second-rounders (either in '19 or '20) belong to them, depending on if (when?) they miss the playoffs in 2019. (A reasonable possibility, if we're being honest.) High picks mean high value, and GM Garth Snow can turn those into a trade for a top center if Tavares leaves. Or he can keep them and build the team the way he should've to keep Tavares in the first place. A pillow and a soft place. </li>
<li id="xM0zeE">
<strong>Keeping your top players seems like a given these days</strong>. Anze Kopitar. Jamie Benn. <span>Connor McDavid</span>. Steven Stamkos. Whereas the NBA watches star players leave every year, it seems like NHL teams have kept their one big star fairly consistently lately. Even if Tavares' contract drags out through next season, don't abandon hope until it's over. </li>
</ul>
<p id="HSk8mv">Besides, what if they trade for <span>Matt Duchene</span>?</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="sFEA1w">
<h4 id="0ziDW4">WHO WILL?</h4>
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<img alt="Colorado Avalanche v New York Islanders" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gIfBgj6SVlMjAnIFdM6nwtgwyPk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8832577/634968278.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="uGhPHV">We tried to answer that this morning. At least eight teams have been linked consistently to him since January. <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khdydkl-l-o/"><strong>Not many are left.</strong></a></p>
<p id="cNywdZ"></p>
<h4 id="gL2vJH">DEVELOPMENT CAMPS</h4>
<p id="zU5gWv">Here are some dispatches from <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khdydkl-l-b/"><strong>Flyers camp</strong></a> and the <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khdydkl-l-n/"><strong>Wild camp.</strong></a></p>
<p id="Glwlcg"></p>
<h4 id="i7wVUk">AROUND THE NETWORK WE GO</h4>
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<img alt="Tampa Bay Lightning v Philadelphia Flyers" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rQGtRACtRHVISqOhmryTY5V3Zqg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8832587/631156408.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Elsa/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="n5N05W">Tampa Bay locked up <span>Tyler Johnson</span> to a <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khdydkl-l-p/"><strong>long-term deal.</strong></a></p>
<ul>
<li id="ZHnj3c">The <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khdydkl-l-x/"><strong>star of one of last season's best moments</strong></a> just <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khdydkl-l-m/"><strong>got a new contract in Dallas.</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="mZKkeR"><a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khdydkl-l-c/"><strong>How much better can Connor McDavid get next season?</strong></a></li>
<li id="L789uZ"><a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khdydkl-l-q/"><strong>Here</strong><strong> are</strong><strong> some bargain players the Golden Knights should take a run at.</strong></a></li>
<li id="Umu6xj">Five For Howling <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khdydkl-l-a/"><strong>takes a look at where the players from Arizona's best team are now.</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="aIQvuW">San Jose<a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khdydkl-l-f/"><strong> is hoping the kids replace the old legend they just lost.</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="qrfKGP">Anaheim just sunk a lot of money and years into <span>Cam Fowler</span>. <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khdydkl-l-z/"><strong>Is he worth it?</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="uLHItW"><a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khdydkl-l-v/"><strong>Chicago might be packing it up for the summer.</strong></a></li>
<li id="yhk3gT">On The Forecheck <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khdydkl-l-e/"><strong>dives into numbers to see if the Predators are good enough for another deep playoff run.</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="tmFDvM">The new <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Avalanche</a> <a href="http://sbnation.createsend1.com/t/d-l-khdydkl-l-s/"><strong>sweaters are gorgeous.</strong></a>
</li>
</ul>
https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2017/7/11/15953172/john-tavares-islanders-nhl-free-agency-newsPatrick Iversen2017-07-04T16:08:56-04:002017-07-04T16:08:56-04:00Ilya Kovalchuk won’t return to NHL in 2017-18 season, per reports
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<img alt="Florida Panthers v New Jersey Devils" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/S_liCU9pmPpB2gVPmVB6CvNHnwc=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55569587/167144495.0.jpg" />
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<p>The Russian winger will become a free agent next offseason.</p> <p id="yf4xHl">One of the best Russian scorers in recent NHL history won’t make his long-awaited return to the NHL next season, according to a couple of reports. </p>
<p id="AaVC4q"><span>Ilya Kovalchuk</span> has opted to stay in the KHL in 2017-18, as first reported by <a href="https://twitter.com/NYP_Brooksie/status/882319244481802240"><em>New York Post </em>writer Larry Brooks</a> and corroborated by <a href="https://twitter.com/IgorEronko/status/882326411805110272"><em>Sport-Express</em> reporter Igor Eronko</a> on Tuesday. The <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a>’ rights to Kovalchuk expire next July 1, when the 2018-19 free agency period opens. </p>
<p id="Zxjw0i">If Kovalchuk had chosen to return now, he’d have to either play in New Jersey or get them to send him elsewhere in a trade. To that end, it sounds like Devils general manager Ray Shero has at least tried. </p>
<div id="xUisXQ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">In end, it was Kovalchuk's decision to return after Shero made attempts to make trades. Just did not work out.</p>— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYP_Brooksie/status/882320089541902337">July 4, 2017</a>
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<p id="5o4FOe">Kovalchuk, 34, left the Devils for his hometown team SKA St. Petersburg in 2013-14 and has thrived since. He’s scored 107 goals and has 157 assists in 245 games in the KHL over the last four seasons. In 816 NHL games, Kovalchuk amassed 417 goals and 816 assists. </p>
<p id="7e5HKQ">That kind of consistently elite production is what led the Devils to give him a 15-year contract in 2009 (later terminated) and what will make him a prized free agent next summer even at age 35. </p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2017/7/4/15920018/ilya-kovalchuk-nhl-return-devils-trade-khlPatrick Iversen2017-07-04T12:52:46-04:002017-07-04T12:52:46-04:00Avalanche sign former 1st overall pick Nail Yakupov
<figure>
<img alt="NHL: St. Louis Blues at Edmonton Oilers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1Np8YwZEB6fDwsF-7CLbXbccVhw=/0x0:1789x1193/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55568035/usa_today_9622076.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Colorado is a good landing spot for the NHL’s most notable bust. </p> <p id="BEemVR"><span>Nail Yakupov</span> is getting another shot in the NHL, as the <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Colorado Avalanche</a> inked the former first overall pick to a one-year deal. </p>
<p id="tWM8nb">CapFriendly reports the deal is worth $875,000. </p>
<div id="tHAjMl">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We have signed Nail Yakupov! <a href="https://t.co/DevSuZKIih">pic.twitter.com/DevSuZKIih</a></p>— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) <a href="https://twitter.com/Avalanche/status/882275448243318784">July 4, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="zjQeje">Yakupov was the first overall selection in the 2012 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl-draft">NHL draft</a> by the <a href="https://www.coppernblue.com/">Edmonton Oilers</a>, but never lived up to his considerable promise. He scored 17 goals as a rookie, which still remains a high-water mark for him. In 292 NHL games, Yakupov has 53 goals and 120 points. This, after 80 goals and 90 points in 107 OHL games made him the first overall pick in the first place. </p>
<p id="7VhvKV">The <a href="https://www.stlouisgametime.com/">Blues</a> traded for Yakupov before the start of last season, but opted not to re-sign him after he had nine points in 40 games. Colorado might be the best place for him, in all honesty. </p>
<p id="FEcTXE">The Avalanche, coming off a 48-point season, will field a young and rebuilt roster with zero expectations in 2017-18. Yakupov could find himself playing more minutes than ever. It’s a good opportunity, and possibly his last. </p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2017/7/4/15919362/avalanche-nail-yakupov-contract-nhl-free-agency-2017Patrick Iversen2017-07-04T12:19:13-04:002017-07-04T12:19:13-04:00Let's take a look back at how bad our 2016-17 NHL predictions were
<figure>
<img alt="Pittsburgh Penguins Victory Parade And Rally" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XNlNBU3tqFo9mX-XMOGvO7FR5Ds=/0x0:2931x1954/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55567679/696046706.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Not actually as bad as you’d think!</p> <p id="bzktDE">Happy Independence Day, American readers!</p>
<p id="TQ64CY">Speaking of: The NHL season ended a couple weeks ago. By now, our panel of writers must be <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/a/nhl-2016-season-preview/predictions">celebrating their freedom from the predictions they made back in October</a>.</p>
<p id="g8zQTP">That was intentional. Once again, I have lulled them into a false sense of security.</p>
<p id="z6oEZK">Because now, without further ado, it is time to crown an SB Nation NHL predictions champion.</p>
<h4 id="0pMUIJ">Our Panel:</h4>
<ul>
<li id="4UnGuy">
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/authors/travis-hughes">Travis Hughes</a>, editor of <a href="http://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Broad Street Hockey</a> and SB Nation NHL; <a href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Flyers</a> fan</li>
<li id="jB9h9P">
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/authors/pat-iversen">Pat Iversen</a>, hockey editor for SB Nation; <a href="https://www.defendingbigd.com/">Stars</a> fan</li>
<li id="mBztnJ">
<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/users/Mary%20Clarke">Mary Clarke</a>, hockey writer for SB Nation; Flyers fan</li>
<li id="2d7sVj">
<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/users/Adam%20Hess?_ga=2.37078435.2080734538.1499088351-966313640.1498239181">Adam Hess</a>, contributor at <a href="https://www.secondcityhockey.com">Second City Hockey</a>; <a href="https://www.secondcityhockey.com/">Blackhawks</a> fan</li>
<li id="D2Ay5c">
<a href="https://www.fiveforhowling.com/authors/sarah-hall">Sarah Hall</a>, managing editor at <a href="https://www.fiveforhowling.com">Five For Howling</a>; <a href="https://www.fiveforhowling.com/">Coyotes</a> fan</li>
<li id="SwsGGC">
<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/users/KatyaKnappe?_ga=2.35562274.2080734538.1499088351-966313640.1498239181">Katya Knappe</a>, managing editor at <a href="https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com">Pension Plan Puppets</a>; Leafs fan</li>
<li id="MAY08b">
<a href="https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/authors/marc-dumont">Marc Dumont</a>, editor at <a href="https://www.habseyesontheprize.com">Habs Eyes On The Prize</a>; <a href="https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/">Canadiens</a> fan</li>
<li id="VtDCwF">cfbot, a benevolent robot</li>
</ul>
<p id="ihBh2x">Once again, the points system is simple: one point for each correct prediction as marked <strong>in bold.</strong></p>
<p id="Kt3bC3">Onward. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="AfQYpV">
<h4 id="jvTPXf">Atlantic Division</h4>
<div id="vOKOAX"><div data-anthem-component="table:486266"></div></div>
<p id="6FSwrQ"><strong>Best round:</strong> A four-way tie thanks to Mary’s and my Boston picks and Katya and Mark picking Buffalo to finish dead-last. Otherwise a pretty bad start.</p>
<p id="MY8e2Y"><strong>Worst round:</strong> Travis, who very nearly had the entire division standings backward. </p>
<p id="Y9rUVn"><strong>Pick everyone got wrong: </strong>Oh ye of little faith in Toronto and Ottawa and too much in Tampa Bay and Florida. Shame.</p>
<p id="XFXcQJ"><strong>Pick most got right: </strong>Buffalo’s awfulness. </p>
<p id="DKsgjg"><strong>Most ridiculous prediction</strong>: In hindsight, we all really should’ve known the <a href="https://www.wingingitinmotown.com/">Red Wings</a> would hit the reset button this year. Oh, and the robot thought the <a href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/">Sabres</a> would win the division. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="fcHlVV">
<h4 id="deHvqw">Metro</h4>
<div id="6PMuNx"><div data-anthem-component="table:486273"></div></div>
<p id="gBJD5j"><strong>Best round:</strong> Katya and Adam both cleaned up with three points apiece, giving Katya the overall lead. </p>
<p id="mOM1IE"><strong>Worst round:</strong> The robot, who once again went scoreless. And so did Mary. Whoops. </p>
<p id="cEaeYJ"><strong>Pick everyone got wrong: </strong>Columbus. We saw this predictions carnage developing in December. Everyone but the robot had them last in the division. But the robot had them winning the division. More robotic humiliation for SB Nation dot com.</p>
<p id="42rqtb"><strong>Pick most got right: </strong>Some combination of Pittsburgh and Washington in the top two. A slam-dunk, really. </p>
<p id="3SJ0Ym"><strong>Most ridiculous prediction</strong>: Look, those Columbus predictions didn’t look so dumb at the time, alright? I’ll go ahead and say that Travis and Adam were nuts for thinking Philly would finish in the top three. I will excuse the robot because he’s an idiot. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="dC4mvW">
<h4 id="YD7vzx">Central</h4>
<div id="gsYCyS"><div data-anthem-component="table:486290"></div></div>
<p id="PQW3xq"><strong>Best round:</strong> [laughs maniacally] </p>
<p id="GiP60H">ME. </p>
<p id="83ma0G">OK, technically Travis and the robot both had a point this round as well. But I’m tempted to award myself 10,000 points for having the Stars out of the top three. I am a genius!</p>
<p id="JmhBTW">And yes, I gave the robot a point for putting “null” in the seventh-place spot. “Null” is exactly how I’d describe the <a href="https://www.milehighhockey.com/">Avalanche</a> this season.</p>
<p id="gNDBRQ"><strong>Worst round:</strong> Everyone? We all whiffed on this division even though we mostly had the top four or five right. Just not the order. </p>
<p id="EqUyDM">But I must single out those of us who had Minnesota tanking. SMH.</p>
<p id="TsLOIX"><strong>Pick everyone got wrong: </strong>Minnesota and Dallas. I can see why, but the Stars’ injuries were an ominous sign of the season to come. And Minnesota took massive strides this year. </p>
<p id="4Efms4"><strong>Pick most got right: </strong>Colorado sucking. </p>
<p id="1XPxtj"><strong>Most ridiculous prediction</strong>: Dallas missing the playo—OH WAIT NOT RIDICULOUS AT ALL MUAHAHAH. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="qpGhv8">
<h4 id="TVXS0d">Pacific </h4>
<div id="hMotnn"><div data-anthem-component="table:486295"></div></div>
<p id="hG0E2L"><strong>Best round: </strong>Marc leads the field with three correct picks. This was a great round everyone not running on electricity; Vancouver in seventh was essentially the free space in Bingo. </p>
<p id="kadznB"><strong>Worst round:</strong> The robot went pointless, much like his existence. Mary, Sarah, and myself all finished with a measly point.</p>
<p id="TqTaSM"><strong>Pick everyone got wrong: </strong>Nobody hit on a top-three pick. And nobody thought highly enough of Edmonton. Sarah and I both overrated Arizona and three of us didn’t think much of playoff-bound Calgary. </p>
<p id="UwIW4f"><strong>Pick most got right: </strong>Vancouver. Unless you’re a machine. In that case you think they almost win the division!</p>
<p id="PgH2Pc"><strong>Most ridiculous prediction</strong>: L.A. didn’t come close to winning the division this year. Sorry, Katya. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="rgOtIw">
<h4 id="HyGaYG">Playoffs </h4>
<p id="IK7BIx">We’ll change up the points a bit here. Correct predictions earn two points. </p>
<div id="I0k8xp"><div data-anthem-component="table:486302"></div></div>
<p id="BucoWj"><strong>Best round: </strong>Sarah somehow nailed the exact <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/stanley-cup-final">Stanley Cup Final</a>. Bravo!</p>
<p id="JqTIJB"><strong>Worst round:</strong> Only the robot and Katya missed entirely on the Final. Boo. </p>
<p id="88x8S0"><strong>Pick everyone got wrong: </strong>See above.</p>
<p id="UbaKIF"><strong>Pick most got right: </strong>Nashville winning the West. Wow! That’s actually pretty surprising. Even entering these playoffs I’m not sure many expected that. For us to nail that in October is pretty impressive, right? You should read more of us.</p>
<aside id="PbIvLh"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"morning_skate"}'></div></aside><p id="IWetIK"><strong>Most ridiculous prediction</strong>: The robot isn’t even trying at this point with that Winnipeg pick. But even the Ottawa pick was close!</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="ofLqKz">
<h4 id="Miz1GC">Awards</h4>
<p id="Wnnij4">If someone guessed <em>one of the three finalists correctly</em>, <strong>they earn a point</strong>. If they <em><strong>guessed the winner correctly</strong></em>, they<strong> get two points</strong></p>
<div id="oJCSh2"><div data-anthem-component="table:486317"></div></div>
<p id="avnyrc"><strong>Best round: </strong>Marc and Adam cleaned up here with two correct calls and a few correct nominations apiece. </p>
<p id="yCkzZt"><strong>Worst round:</strong> Tarvis. </p>
<p id="UqpM48"><strong>Pick everyone got wrong: </strong>Like you expected John Tortorella to still have a job, let alone win the damn Jack Adams Award. </p>
<p id="FOUqpn"><strong>Pick most got right: </strong><span>Patrik Laine</span> and Auston Matthews. C’mon.</p>
<p id="XeWiYf"><strong>Most ridiculous prediction</strong>: Mary picked Jared Bednar to win coach of the year for a team that finished with 48 points. Whoops. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="5Zn7pa">
<h4 id="P9IDYJ">Miscellaneous</h4>
<p id="3k5hj9">Two points for correct picks to make this interesting. It’s neck-and-neck! </p>
<div id="DQQrWE"><div data-anthem-component="table:520760"></div></div>
<p id="ACIVPB"><strong>Best round: </strong>Marc, Travis, and I did well here with four points apiece.</p>
<p id="3CFKhi"><strong>Worst round:</strong> Katya and Adam with zero.</p>
<p id="m3HvAq"><strong>Pick everyone got wrong: </strong>We are very bad at predicting good players and bad coaches.</p>
<p id="RGxsN2"><strong>Pick most got right: </strong>Predicting the NHL would crack down on fun.</p>
<p id="d10qev"><strong>Most ridiculous prediction</strong>: John Tortorella again.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="4nXzAH">
<h4 id="ZCKVky">Final standings</h4>
<div id="nqziLx"><div data-anthem-component="table:520772"></div></div>
<p id="5GKUIS">Congratulations to Marc! And thanks for a swell year of hockeying, readers.</p>
<p id="GXTGQU"></p>
<p id="fr2Bki"></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2017/7/4/15237218/nhl-season-predictions-review-awards-stanley-cup-playoffsPatrick Iversen2017-07-03T19:43:55-04:002017-07-03T19:43:55-04:00Dallas Stars are Stanley Cup contenders again, and it will cost them
<figure>
<img alt="NHL: Anaheim Ducks at Dallas Stars" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ARL8OaqtJ3JwK-Fg6e-JbQVT3wE=/0x0:4381x2921/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55557931/usa_today_10109493.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Radulov. Bishop. Methot. Hanzal. Will the payoff be worth the eventual cost?</p> <p id="JbisGT">Two months ago, the <a href="https://www.defendingbigd.com/">Dallas Stars</a> ended their 2016-17 season with nothing but disappointment, questions to answer and glaring holes to fill. </p>
<p id="v8fpsz">Two months later, the Dallas Stars end the first three days of the NHL free agency period with plenty of hope and every single one of those holes filled. </p>
<p id="0ZgHGc">The questions remain. </p>
<p id="00qMij">But for now, it’s hard to pick a team (other than the Vegas Golden Knights, duh) who has had a more successful offseason than the Dallas Stars. Their crown jewel and top target, <span>Alexander Radulov</span>, <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2017/7/3/15886530/alex-radulov-dallas-stars-team-nhl-free-agency-2017">signed on Monday for five years and $31.25 million</a>. </p>
<p id="Iig6vr">The former <a href="https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/">Canadiens</a> winger ostensibly replaces the middling production of departed wingers <span>Patrick Sharp</span> and <span>Ales Hemsky</span> while giving the Stars’ power play a significant boost. It needed one, too; Dallas had the 20th-ranked power play last season. Hole filled. </p>
<p id="EjhEx3">This moves<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2017/7/1/15886798/nhl-free-agency-2017-martin-hanzal-contract-dallas-stars-wild"> comes days after Dallas splurged</a> for <span>Martin Hanzal</span> on July 1 on a three-year contract. He won’t be asked to do more than what he’s known for: be a net-front guy on the power play and kill penalties. <a href="https://www.defendingbigd.com/2017/3/14/14549374/dallas-stars-penalty-kill-officially-the-nhls-worst-in-20-years-historic-records-milestones">Dallas had one of the worst penalty kills in modern NHL history last year</a>. Hole filled. </p>
<p id="4Etx7f">The struggles of <span>John Klingberg</span> last year meant the Stars needed a solid defense-first defenseman to solidify their blueline. <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2017/6/26/15877846/marc-methot-trade-golden-knights-stars-vegas-nhl-2017">They paid a measly sum to Vegas</a> for Marc Methot. Hole filled.</p>
<p id="vi6QHg">Lost in all of this were other moves meant to bandage the Stars’ worst qualities. Dallas traded for goalie <span>Ben Bishop</span>, <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2017/5/9/15601736/dallas-stars-trade-ben-bishop-lightning-goalie-niemi-lehtonen">signed him long-term</a> and then parted ways with Antti Niemi. Hole filled. The Stars injected life into a depleted farm system by drafting Miro Heiskanen (arguably the draft’s best defenseman) and Jake Oettinger (arguably the draft’s best goalie) in the first round. </p>
<p id="UU1JRl">Hole(s) filled. </p>
<aside id="eV6nL5"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"NHL draft 1st round grades: Devils stay safe, Stars get bold and most get high marks","url":"https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2017/6/23/15831804/2017-nhl-draft-grades-round-1-devils-flyers-stars-vegas-golden-knights"}]}'></div></aside><p id="CdJrb4">All of these changes will be tended to by a new coach, Ken Hitchcock, <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2017/4/12/15271036/ken-hitchcock-dallas-stars-head-coach-lindy-ruff-jim-nill">who was brought in to provide structure the Stars have so badly lacked lately</a>. Hole filled. </p>
<p id="GU5WlF">If there’s a master whiteboard in Dallas’ front office, it should be littered with check-marks. They’ve accomplished everything they needed to do to get the Stars right back into <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl-playoffs">Stanley Cup</a> contention. </p>
<p id="Wg8sK1">But at what price? </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NHL: New York Rangers at Dallas Stars" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2ZRcRDR4w1LlxjX0yorre4hOQwE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8792271/usa_today_10030360.jpg">
<cite>Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
</figure>
<p id="3yEIEB"><a href="https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/stars">It’s hard to ignore the cost and term of the three major players they brought in this summer:</a></p>
<ul>
<li id="80SU4V">Bishop: Six years, $4.9 million AAV</li>
<li id="aPlgGn">Hanzal: Three years, $4.75 million AAV</li>
<li id="0WO8z3">Radulov: Five years, $6.25 million AAV</li>
</ul>
<p id="H4KGrb">That’s a lot of money and time for players on the wrong side of 30 years old. Keep in mind that Dallas needs to re-sign <span>Tyler Seguin</span> in two seasons. <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2017/7/2/15911958/evgeny-kuznetsov-contract-extension-washington-capitals">Considering the extension money</a> handed out <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2017/7/2/15911958/evgeny-kuznetsov-contract-extension-washington-capitals">to similar players this week</a>, he’s due for a massive raise. </p>
<p id="cFQ0R3">Losing Jason Spezza’s $7.5 million cap hit next summer (or bringing him back at a massively reduced price) will help a little. As will losing Lehtonen and Methot’s cap hits. But factor in these signings and Seguin’s expiration date and you’ve got a clock ticking on the Stars’ Stanley Cup hopes for the next two seasons. Especially if they get nothing out of this.</p>
<p id="ZDmdMZ">They either win the Cup in that time or they don’t. No matter how it plays out, a big name or two are going to be moved from this roster in 24 months. They can’t afford to keep everyone, just like they can’t afford to not maximize the spent money and talent accrued this offseason with a championship. </p>
<aside id="1smHkL"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"morning_skate"}'></div></aside><p id="mePB1u">A reckoning will come for this roster soon. Dallas knows it. I’m sure Hanzal, Radulov, and Seguin know it. One of those three might not be a Dallas Star in two years, depending on how deep the team goes in the playoffs. </p>
<p id="fCh8mk">But there’s a decent chance now they’ll leave with a Stanley Cup win on their record. That makes checking off those whiteboard boxes, for that <em>chance</em>, worth every penny for the Stars. </p>
<p id="nuugHQ"></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2017/7/3/15915428/dallas-stars-stanley-cup-contenders-nhl-free-agency-radulov-bishop-hanzal-seguin-contractPatrick Iversen2017-07-03T12:20:33-04:002017-07-03T12:20:33-04:00Alexander Radulov's free agency has come down to Canadiens vs. Stars bubble hockey game
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OxWLf0UqBOuHsFLwokHMME2Fs74=/0x0:573x382/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55543393/Screen_Shot_2017_07_01_at_9.41.21_PM.0.png" />
<figcaption><a href="https://twitter.com/jamiebenn14"><strong>@jamiebenn14</strong></a></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Benn brothers will settle this, fair and square. </p> <p id="iuQLJT">The last big fish on the NHL free agent market is <span>Alexander Radulov</span>, and one hockey family is apparently being torn apart by the race for him. </p>
<p id="d6tm2y"><a href="https://twitter.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/881184738299572224">Per TSN insider Pierre LeBrun</a>, two teams are vying for Radulov’s high asking price (believed to be seven years): the <a href="https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/">Montreal Canadiens</a> and <a href="https://www.defendingbigd.com/">Dallas Stars</a>. He played for the Canadiens last season. </p>
<p id="pTdweW">As it just so happens, <span>Jamie Benn</span> is the Stars’ captain. His brother, Jordie, plays for Montreal. </p>
<p id="z2JCYr">Oh no.</p>
<div id="80yR4f">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Only one way to solve this...winner gets <a href="https://twitter.com/RADUL22">@RADUL22</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BubbleHockeyForTheWin?src=hash">#BubbleHockeyForTheWin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DalVSMtl?src=hash">#DalVSMtl</a> <a href="https://t.co/qFhDnDtAKm">pic.twitter.com/qFhDnDtAKm</a></p>— Jamie Benn (@jamiebenn14) <a href="https://twitter.com/jamiebenn14/status/881190169583464448">July 1, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="eCAvdU">We never learned who won the game, and thus, Radulov’s heart. </p>
<p id="Qj4XiT"><strong>UPDATE: </strong>We now know who won the game, and is it a hint the Stars have won the Radulov sweepstakes?</p>
<div id="gqpxox">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sources: after a tense back and forth, Jamie won this match <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoStars?src=hash">#GoStars</a></p>— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) <a href="https://twitter.com/DallasStars/status/881905953221865472">July 3, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="UJAoAQ"><strong>UPDATE TO THE UPDATE</strong>: It was. </p>
<div id="SMnVxX">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">They did. Alexander Radulov is now a Dallas Star for the next five years. <a href="https://t.co/JUf8VdRq91">https://t.co/JUf8VdRq91</a></p>— SB Nation NHL (@SBNationNHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/SBNationNHL/status/881909528647872513">July 3, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="gARK1p"></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2017/7/1/15909808/alexander-radulov-free-agency-canadiens-stars-benn-brothers-bubble-hockey-gamePatrick Iversen2017-07-03T12:11:07-04:002017-07-03T12:11:07-04:00Winners & losers from a costly Day 2 of NHL free agency
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<figcaption>Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Some notable extensions will have lasting consequences.</p> <p id="Tw5mJX">We’re through the first weekend of NHL free agency, and most of the biggest names have already been scooped up. Many were done before the July 1 window-opening even occurred. </p>
<p id="NDwNiy">So Day 2 of free agency was all about some noteworthy contract extensions that will have ramifications for the entire league. Spoiler: there’s more bad news than good news ahead. </p>
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<h3 id="B0acor">WINNERS</h3>
<h4 id="ZU0Ltv"><span>Carey Price</span></h4>
<p id="kpXD4e">His <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2017/7/2/15886674/carey-price-contract-extension-montreal-canadiens-cap-hit-terms">new contract is massive:</a> $10.5 million per year through 2025-26, making him the highest-paid goalie in the league. He’s absolutely worth it, and would’ve commanded somewhere near that on the open market anyway. </p>
<h4 id="pPWImh">The Players</h4>
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<img alt="San Jose Sharks v Edmonton Oilers - Game Two" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/o5B9II9a3EltnyCOFbnmi6aLh5A=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8791513/669786104.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="28eEz0">This whole weekend has been a boon to their future prospects, really. Look at some of the dough being handed out right now:</p>
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<li id="WB9PUa">Price: $10.5 million AAV</li>
<li id="uA9Zgo">Shattenkirk: $6.65 million AAV</li>
<li id="bnMFRA">Schultz: $5.5 million AAV</li>
<li id="AIE3rh">Vlasic: $7 million AAV</li>
<li id="voVn2k">Orlov: $5.1 million AAV</li>
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<p id="mmAn0C">Player salaries are rising exorbitantly high while the salary cap only rose $2 million between last season and this upcoming season. That, friends, is the huge lockout red flag you’ve been looking for. More on that in a minute. </p>
<h4 id="9Me1mt"><a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">Devils</a></h4>
<p id="xMfige">We marked them as a loser after Day 1, but <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2017/7/3/15912278/how-marcus-johansson-fits-in-new-jersey-devils-top-six-forward?utm_campaign=allaboutthejersey&utm_content=chorus&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter">they managed to add</a> <span>Marcus Johansson</span> from the <a href="https://www.japersrink.com/">Capitals</a> yesterday. </p>
<p id="izhg31">And now we can properly put their work over the last month into proper perspective:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The group of forwards Ray Shero inherited vs the group of forwards the Devils have now <a href="https://t.co/i0PxAp9SDr">pic.twitter.com/i0PxAp9SDr</a></p>— PICK ONE IS H (@HellblazerVice) <a href="https://twitter.com/HellblazerVice/status/881680550678974464">July 3, 2017</a>
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<p id="zmOkAS">New Jersey is still not a playoff team, but they’re also not a lottery lock anymore either. That’s a re-tooled forward group that can score with depth, and it’s something Ray Shero should be proud of.</p>
<h3 id="erHqvl">LOSERS</h3>
<h4 id="pHLpv2">Capitals</h4>
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<img alt="Washington Capitals v New York Islanders" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HvLlgMvIDwbDVvskviCHdfmIFl0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8791519/503903426.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="B9wgvs">Wow. </p>
<p id="RwRBjP">What a concerning day. GM Brian MacLellan signed <span>Evgeny Kuznetsov</span> <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2017/7/2/15911958/evgeny-kuznetsov-contract-extension-washington-capitals">to a massive eight-year, $62.4 million extension</a>. That left about $4 million in cap space for the Capitals to sign a handful of RFAs, forcing MacLellan to trade Marcus Johansson with zero leverage. </p>
<p id="5X31rw">That kind of move could’ve been made ahead of the expansion draft, when there was a feeding frenzy to acquire assets and/or trade them away. Leverage was highest a week ago, but the Capitals waited until Kuznetsov’s deal was final before moving Johansson. Oh, and this quote isn’t exactly promising. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">GMBM on Kuznetsov: "We had to comply with his demands."</p>— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) <a href="https://twitter.com/ikhurshudyan/status/881883584382029824">July 3, 2017</a>
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<p id="S4RCrQ">Washington still has a ton of players and cap room tied up for the next few years, which will make off-loading moves like this more prevalent. </p>
<aside id="GifY9h"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Every NHL offseason trade in one place","url":"https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2017/6/23/15864542/nhl-trade-tracker-2017-offseason"}]}'></div></aside><h4 id="vyGECx"><a href="https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/">Canadiens</a></h4>
<p id="w9MaOP">I mean, they have Price for the next near-decade. That <em>is </em>a win. But it’s just been a perplexing weekend for Montreal, who also signed <span>Karl Alzner</span> to a big contract on July 1. </p>
<p id="9Pkk9t">Cap space and inability to re-sign <span>Alexander Radulov</span> aside, when’s the last time a long-term, expensive goalie contract paid off? <span>Jonathan Quick</span> is still a good goalie, but few would argue that he’s worth every cent of his $5.8 million AAV deal, or will be by the time it’s up in 2022-23. Goalies are fickle, and betting on any goalie to live up to those terms for a decade is a risky gamble. Even if that goalie is a world-class player like Price. </p>
<p id="TLiKXA">So, no: the Habs will not regret this deal for some time. But at some point, they will. They had to do it, though. </p>
<aside id="wZWKKx"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data="{"stories":[{"title":"Canadiens had no choice but to take a risk with Carey Price's $84 million extension","url":"https://www.sbnation.com/2017/7/2/15911056/carey-price-contract-montreal-canadiens-gamble-analysis-2017"}]}"></div></aside><h4 id="NWyBMM">Hockey Fans</h4>
<p id="z21Ftc">The collective-bargaining agreement is up in 2020, seven years after the 2012-13 lockout that cost us half a season. As I noted before, the dollars handed out this weekend either on the free agent market through extensions just don’t jive with the slow climb of the salary cap over the last few years. </p>
<p id="hjkZqe"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2017/6/14/15802630/nhl-salary-cap-2017-18-rise-nhlpa-report-expansion">Keep in mind that the cap could’ve gone up by five million dollars this year,</a> but it didn’t. Something has to give at some point, and some players signed this summer already have lockout protections built-in. Another shutdown (the third in 20 years) isn’t a foregone conclusion, but it already feels that way. </p>
<p id="uVegvw">And that makes everyone a loser. </p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2017/7/3/15914736/nhl-free-agency-winners-losers-signings-carey-price-lockout-capitals-canadiens-radulovPatrick Iversen