[hotcross]

Oct.2 means we are less than 2 months from the start of the regular season

preseason begins Sept.15

[hotcross]

Chris Kreider future with New York Rangers remains uncertain
Forward could re-sign, or be traded to provide more salary cap relief


He is expected to start the season with the Rangers, though the left wing's long-term future remains unclear and trade speculation continues entering the final year of his four-year contract.


Kreider, who can become an unrestricted free agent July 1, 2020, tied his NHL career high with 28 goals last season, and his 52 points were one fewer than his best.


The 28-year-old has been the subject of trade speculation throughout the offseason, particularly after the Rangers signed left wing Artemi Panarin to a seven-year, $81.5 million contract ($11.6 million average annual value) on July 1. They also signed defenseman Jacob Trouba to a seven-year, $56 million contract ($8 million AAV) after acquiring him in a trade with the Winnipeg Jets on June 17.


Those contracts, plus signing forward Pavel Buchnevich to a two-year, $6.5 million contract ($3.25 million AAV), put the Rangers in a bind with regard to the $81.5 million NHL salary cap, making it questionable that they were going to be able to keep Kreider, whose contract carries a $4.625 million cap charge.


Team executives said Kreider will be an essential part of the Rangers as a top-six forward and as a guide to help the rookie forwards Kaapo Kakko and Vitali Kravtsov get acclimated to the NHL.

[mr. leisure]

About a month away from pre-season games .

[hotcross]

Rasmus Ristolainen said he hasn't been able to enjoy hockey and that he has had talks with the Buffalo Sabres about his future with the team.


"Nothing had been decided," the defenseman told MTV Sport in Finland in an interview published Saturday that was translated by NHL.com. "All I can say is that come Sept. 12, I will attend an NHL team training camp. Don't know which team, though, at this point….I haven't been able to help the team to win," Ristolainen said. "Last few seasons have been hard."


The 24-year-old has three seasons remaining on a six-year, $32.4 million contract (average annual value of $5.4 million) he signed with Buffalo on Oct. 11, 2016.


The Sabres have been busy this offseason after missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the eighth consecutive season. Ralph Krueger was hired to replace Phil Housley as coach May 15, forward Jimmy Vesey (New York Rangers) and defensemen Colin Miller (Vegas Golden Knights) and Henri Jokiharju (Chicago Blackhawks) were acquired in trades, and forward Marcus Johansson signed a two-year contract as a free agent July 6.


But their future might not include Ristolainen, who was selected by Buffalo with the No. 8 pick in the 2013 NHL Draft. He had 43 points (five goals, 38 assists) and an NHL-worst minus-41 rating in 78 games last season, and has 194 points (36 goals, 158 assists) and a minus-143 rating in 424 regular-season games over six seasons, all with the Sabres.

[Stallion]

The Ottawa Senators will be a gong show this season.

[xraygord]

cant' wait for the start

[mr. leisure]

The Ottawa Senators will be a gong show this season.

Win the cup

31

OTTAWA SENATORS

+20000

[xraygord]

one day closer

[mr. leisure]

New York approves $1.3 billion arena project for Islanders in Belmont Park to bring team back to Long Island

[hotcross]

cant' wait for the start

Welcome back Gord

Which team(s) will start the regular season hot?

[yisman]

DETROIT (AP) -- The Detroit Red Wings have acquired forward Adam Erne from the Tampa Bay Lightning for a fourth-round pick in the 2020 draft.

[xraygord]

Welcome back Gord

Which team(s) will start the regular season hot?

I will have to get back to you on that. Still looking over teams. Takes me a week or so.

[mr. leisure]

Fighting in NHL hit record lows during 2018-2019 season, continuing downward trend

[xraygord]

Fighting in NHL hit record lows during 2018-2019 season, continuing downward trend

Not surprising at all. Just too much talent out there now. No room for goons.

[hotcross]

Sebastian Aho repeatedly expressed his happiness about returning to North Carolina for training camp with the Carolina Hurricanes next month.

The center put those chances in jeopardy when he signed a five-year, $42.27 million offer sheet with the Montreal Canadiens on July 1. The Hurricanes matched it July 7 to officially retain Aho, who said he's relieved with how it worked out.

Aho said he isn't sure he was ever fully prepared to join the Canadiens when he signed the offer sheet, but the risk was worth it because it expedited getting a new contract. He said he especially believes that now, nearly seven weeks later, because of how stagnant the market for restricted free agents remains.

"It's done, and that's the best part of it because now I don't have to think about it for the next five years," Aho said at the NHL European Player Media Tour on Thursday. "Last year was awesome in Carolina with great teammates, a great coach. I love it in Carolina."


Aho said his main goal entering the offseason was to avoid letting contract negotiations carry into September, which would have put him at risk of missing the start of training camp. "It was important to me to start on time," Aho said. "I want to be in camp and this process helped me get there."

Aho, who turned 22 on July 26, had 83 points (30 goals, 53 assists) in 82 games last season and helped the Hurricanes reach the Eastern Conference Final, where they were swept by the Boston Bruins. He became the first NHL player to sign an offer sheet with another team since Feb. 28, 2013, when center Ryan O'Reilly, then with the Colorado Avalanche, signed a two-year, $10 million offer sheet with the Calgary Flames. The Avalanche matched it.

The Hurricanes announced their intention to match Aho's offer sheet July 2 but didn't make it official until July 7 because the collective bargaining agreement afforded them seven days before a decision to match must be made.


The Hurricanes' season opener is against the Canadiens at PNC Arena on Oct. 3

[hotcross]

Among the top RFAs (Restricted Free Agents) remaining are:

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitchell Marner
Winnipeg Jets forwards Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor
Calgary Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brayden Point
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov
Boston Bruins defensemen Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo

[mr. leisure]

Among the top RFAs (Restricted Free Agents) remaining are:

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitchell Marner
Winnipeg Jets forwards Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor
Calgary Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brayden Point
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov
Boston Bruins defensemen Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo

Good players on that list .

[yisman]

goons are pretty much done for

teams don't bother dressing them anymore

Chris Neil was the last one, it seems like. Ottawa used to play him a few minutes a game as a goon

[xraygord]

Among the top RFAs (Restricted Free Agents) remaining are:

Winnipeg Jets forwards Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor

They will be signed for sure with the Jets. These two are going to score a lot of goals when they reach their prime.

[xraygord]

Bruins have the same team.

[hotcross]

Valeri Nichushkin signed a one-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche on Monday. Financial terms were not released.


The 24-year-old forward had 10 assists in 57 regular-season games and no points in one Stanley Cup Playoff game last season for the Dallas Stars, who bought out the final season of his two-year, $5.9 million contract (average annual value of $2.95 million) on June 30.


Nichushkin, who was selected by the Stars with the No. 10 pick in the 2013 NHL Draft, has 74 points (23 goals, 51 assists) in 223 regular-season games and three points (one goal, two assists) in 17 playoff games.


A native of Chelyabinsk, Russia, he played for CSKA Moscow in the Kontinental Hockey League for two seasons from 2016-18 before rejoining the Stars.

[mr. leisure]

Marner asks to train in Switzerland if no contract from Maple Leafs

Free agent forward exploring options prior to camp

NHL.com @NHLdotcom
Mitchell Marner is exploring the possibility of training in Switzerland if he remains without a contract from the Toronto Maple Leafs. A European representative of the restricted free agent has asked Zurich of the National League if the forward can practice there.

"Whether and when the player will train with Zurich is not decided yet," the team said Tuesday.
Zurich has started its preseason schedule and begins its regular season on Sept. 13, the same day Toronto opens its training camp in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.
The No. 4 pick by Toronto in the 2015 NHL Draft, Marner led the Maple Leafs with an NHL career-high 94 points (26 goals, 68 assists) in 82 games last season.
He said last month he is staying out of the negotiations but is unlikely to attend Maple Leafs training camp without a contract.


"Probably not," Marner said at his All-Star Invitational on July 18. "There's so much risk with that and it's just something you don't want to risk. I want to be there for the start of camp, so hopefully something will get done by then."
Darren Dreger of TSN reported Monday that Darren Ferris, the North American-based agent for Marner, and Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas had contract discussions last week, and although the talks were positive, no progress was made.
Marner's Maple Leafs teammate Auston Matthews, played for Zurich the season before he was selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NHL Draft.
Marner, who has 224 points (67 goals, 157 assists) in 241 games, is one of several high-profile restricted free agents who remain without a contract, including forwards Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor (Winnipeg Jets), Matthew Tkachuk (Calgary Flames), Mikko Rantanen (Colorado Avalanche), Brayden Point (Tampa Bay Lightning), and Brock Boeser (Vancouver Canucks), and defensemen Charlie McAvoy (Boston Bruins) and Ivan Provorov (Philadelphia Flyers).

[hotcross]

Michael Dal Colle and Joshua Ho-Sang each agreed to terms on a contract with the New York Islanders on Monday.

Dal Colle (two years) and Ho-Sang (one year) were restricted free agents. Financial terms were not released.

Dal Colle, a 23-year-old, a big body (6-foot-3, 204 pounds) forward, had seven points (three goals, four assists) in 28 regular-season games with the Islanders last season and no points in one Stanley Cup Playoff game. The No. 5 pick in the 2014 NHL Draft has seven points in 32 regular-season games and is expected to compete for a roster spot with the Islanders this season.

Ho-Sang, a 23-year-old forward, had two points (one goal, one assist) in 10 regular-season games with the Islanders last season and 43 points (eight goals, 35 assists) in 56 games with Bridgeport of the American Hockey League. He had two points (one goal, one assist) in five Calder Cup Playoff games.

Ho-Sang has 24 points (seven goals, 17 assists) in 53 regular-season games. He was selected in the first round (No. 28) of the 2014 draft.

[yisman]

Nylander was skating in Europe while holding out last season.

[hotcross]

Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser, 22-year-old restricted free agent, remains unsigned with Canucks training camp starting Sept. 13.

Boeser, who had 56 points (26 goals, 30 assists) in 69 games last season, said July 10 he was optimistic he would sign.

Boeser had 55 points (29 goals, 26 assists) in 62 games as an NHL rookie in 2017-18, when a back injury sustained March 5 ended his season. He finished second in Calder Trophy voting as NHL rookie of the year that season behind Mathew Barzal of the New York Islanders.

Boeser missed 13 games last season with a groin injury.


Meanwhile, their General Manager Jim Benning signed a three-year contract extension Tuesday to remain general manager of the Vancouver Canucks through the 2022-23 season. The upcoming 2019-20 season will be his sixth season as Canucks GM.

Vancouver have missed playoffs four straight seasons, after making the playoffs in Benning’s first season.

[xraygord]

If the Leafs don't sign Marner they are morons.

[hotcross]

Derick Brassard agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the New York Islanders on Wednesday. Financial terms were not released.

the 31-year-old Center wants to 'get back to my old self' after being traded twice last season

Brassard was an unrestricted free agent who had a total of 23 points (14 goals, nine assists) in 70 regular-season games for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Florida Panthers and Colorado Avalanche last season, and one assist in nine Stanley Cup Playoff games with the Avalanche.

Brassard was traded twice last season; he had 15 points (nine goals, six assists) in 40 games with the Penguins before he was traded to the Panthers on Feb. 1. He had four points (one goal, three assists) in 10 games with the Panthers and was traded to the Avalanche on Feb. 25; he scored four goals in 20 games with Colorado.

He was originally drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets with the No. 6 pick in the 2006 NHL Draft

[yisman]

Brassard had a poor season.

Let's see if he can rebound.

[hotcross]

apologies for this long article, but its interesting.

The main takeaways are Kuznetsov will not likely be suspended by the NHL,
but is suspended by the IIHF for 4 years from participation in international competition.


Evgeny Kuznetsov has been suspended four years by the International Ice Hockey Federation for testing positive for cocaine.


The Washington Capitals forward has voluntarily entered the Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program (SABH), run by the NHL and the NHL Players' Association. The 27-year-old has not been suspended by the NHL but must meet with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to discuss the situation before the Capitals open training camp Sept. 13.

Kuznetsov was tested May 26 at the 2019 IIHF World Championship in Slovakia, where he was playing for Russia.

He was provisionally suspended June 13 for violating World Anti-Doping Code Article 2.1 (Presence of Prohibited Substance). His suspension, which covers all IIHF competitions, ends June 12, 2023.

"Recently, the IIHF notified me that, due to a positive test for a banned substance, I would be suspended from international competition for four years," Kuznetsov said in a statement issued by the Capitals.

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly issued the following statement:

"We have been fully briefed by the IIHF with respect to the positive test result and related international sanction that has been imposed on Washington Capitals' Player Evgeny Kuznetsov.

"Unlike the IIHF, cocaine is not considered a performance enhancing drug and is therefore not a Prohibited Substance under the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. Instead, it is considered a drug of abuse that is tested for and for which intervention, evaluation and mandatory treatment can occur in appropriate cases.


"Here, we understand that Mr. Kuznetsov has voluntarily sought help through the education and counseling program provided for in the NHL and NHLPA collective bargaining agreement and has agreed to a regular testing protocol relating to his involvement with that program.


"Mr. Kuznetsov has also agreed to an in-person meeting with Commissioner Gary Bettman to discuss his situation and review his conduct prior to the start of Training Camp preceding the 2019-20 season. We intend to reserve further comment on any additional actions that may or may not be taken with respect to today's announcement (disciplinary or otherwise) pending the completion of the Commissioner's meeting with Mr. Kuznetsov."


The Capitals issued the following statement:

"We are aware of the positive test result and related international sanction that has been imposed on Evgeny Kuznetsov. We are disappointed with this development and take this occurrence seriously. We understand that Evgeny has voluntarily sought help through the education and counseling program provided for in the NHL/NHLPA collective bargaining agreement and has agreed to a regular testing protocol relating to his involvement with that program.

"In addition, we are committed to ensuring he has the necessary support required to work through this situation. We will remain in contact with the NHL as they determine the next steps. Because of the sensitive nature surrounding this matter, there will be no further comment from us at this time."


Kuznetsov had 57 points (24 goals, 33 assists) in 70 games for the Capitals last season and six points (one goal, five assists) in seven Stanley Cup Playoff games. He helped Washington win the Cup for the first time in its history in 2017-18, when he led the NHL with 32 points (12 goals, 20 assists) in the playoffs after he had an NHL career-high 83 points (27 goals, 56 assists) in 79 regular-season games.

Kuznetsov, selected by the Capitals in the first round (No. 26) of the 2010 NHL Draft, has 337 points (101 goals, 236 assists) in 416 regular-season games and 72 points (21 goals, 51 assists) in 76 postseason games for Washington.

[hotcross]

Patrick Maroon says goodbye to his hometown St. Louis, in a heartfelt Twitter note

the Forward helped the Blues win the Cup during his one-year contract last year

Because of his local roots and physical style of play, Maroon became a fan favorite in St. Louis.
Fans and the Blues Twitter account shared their appreciation for his contribution to their run.

He now signed a new one-year contract with Lightning.

"Thank you to the St. Louis Blues for giving me a chance to play in my hometown and living out a dream … to put on the Blue Note," Maroon wrote in his note. "To the boys, this one is tough. I love you guys. What an absolute ride. We accomplished the impossible, and I loved going to work with you boys every day and night."

"I'm pumped to get the opportunity to play for the [Lightning], and I can't wait to get down there and meet my new teammates and see all the fans," Maroon's note said.

[yisman]

yeah NHL won't suspend

saw note a few days ago

interesting

[mr. leisure]

Patrick Maroon says goodbye to his hometown St. Louis, in a heartfelt Twitter note

the Forward helped the Blues win the Cup during his one-year contract last year

Because of his local roots and physical style of play, Maroon became a fan favorite in St. Louis.
Fans and the Blues Twitter account shared their appreciation for his contribution to their run.

He now signed a new one-year contract with Lightning.

"Thank you to the St. Louis Blues for giving me a chance to play in my hometown and living out a dream … to put on the Blue Note," Maroon wrote in his note. "To the boys, this one is tough. I love you guys. What an absolute ride. We accomplished the impossible, and I loved going to work with you boys every day and night."

"I'm pumped to get the opportunity to play for the [Lightning], and I can't wait to get down there and meet my new teammates and see all the fans," Maroon's note said.

Surprised he moves around so much . I liked him when he was with the Ducks .

[hotcross]

Connor McDavid said he has no timetable to return from a knee injury sustained April 6

The 22-year-old center tore the PCL in his left knee in Edmonton's season finale.

Oilers new general manager Ken Holland said back on June 14 that the injury would not require surgery and that he expected McDavid to be healthy by the start of training camp, which begins the second week of September. McDavid said he will not return until he is confident his knee is back to normal.

This is the second significant injury for McDavid since being selected No. 1 by the Oilers in the 2015 NHL Draft. He missed 37 games with a fractured clavicle as a rookie in 2015-16

[xraygord]

Shattenkirk with TB now. That makes them even better.

[yisman]

not sure if Shattenkirk will return to his old form, though