The Hockey Writers Daily - July 14, 2023
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In today’s edition we have the Canadiens’ defence, the Maple Leafs’ prospects, the Blackhawks’ cap space, the Hurricanes’ & Karlsson, the Bruins’ regrets, and much more.
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Canadiens Building One of the Best Defences
The Montreal Canadiens once again surprised everyone with a controversial pick at the NHL Draft. This year’s draft was filled with talented offence, especially in the top five where the Canadiens were slated to select. Instead of choosing one of the offensive stars, general manager (GM) Kent Hughes went in the opposite direction and opted for the top defenceman, David Reinbacher. After weeks of Hughes saying they would pick the best or most talented player, they instead decided on a player that some fans doubted was either. The reality is, he could be both and solidify the Habs’ defence for years in the grand scheme.
Maple Leafs Prospects Competing for NHL Spots in 2023-24
The Toronto Maple Leafs’ roster has seen many changes this summer. They have had several subtractions to their group, but they also brought in multiple additions in response to this. However, even with this being the case, they have some prospects who will be competing for NHL spots for the 2023-24 season. Let’s go over them now.
Blackhawks Are a Prime Trade Partner for Cap-Strapped Teams
The insiders are at the cottage, much of the cap space is gone, and so we enter the slow portion of the NHL offseason. While there are still rumors swirling around specific players, most teams have finished their roster construction, while others still need to make moves to get under the salary cap.
That is where the Chicago Blackhawks come in. They have the second-most cap space in the NHL and have stated that they are open to taking on bad contracts – at a price. Eight teams are over the cap and will need to make roster decisions before camps open in the fall.
What teams are a likely match with the Blackhawks? I think three fit the bill: the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Vancouver Canucks, and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Here’s what these teams could be looking to move and what the Blackhawks might seek in return for taking on a “bad” contract.
3 Jets Breakout Candidates for 2023-24
The Winnipeg Jets are banking on a few players to have breakout seasons in 2023-24. There was the blockbuster trade that saw Pierre-Luc Dubois head to the Los Angeles Kings for the next eight years and the buyout of Blake Wheeler, but outside of that, there has yet to be a major roster shake-up that many predicted.
Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele have yet to be dealt. Whether or not they start the season with the Jets organization is yet to be seen, but either way, these three forwards are going to have to step up in a big way if the Jets are hoping to contend for a playoff spot this season.
Hurricanes Should Step Away From Any Karlsson Trade Talk
The Carolina Hurricanes might not be done adding to the roster. After bringing in Dmitry Orlov, Michael Bunting, and Brendan Lemieux, general manager (GM) Don Waddell has another player on his radar. Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson is a big name on the market, and two teams are in the running for his services.
The two teams that are eyeing Karlsson are the Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins. The Metropolitan Division has gotten competitive so both are looking to bolster their rosters.
3 Free Agents the Bruins Will Regret Not Signing In 2023-24
Instead of making any big splashes, Sweeney went the route to sign veterans to very team-friendly deals in an effort to put together a roster that will be competitive for the 2023-24 season, while trying to keep young building blocks Charlie McAvoy and David Pastrnak happy this upcoming season before they have a lot more money to use in free agency next summer.
James van Riemsdyk, Milan Lucic, and defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk were brought in on very good deals, but there were other options that were also available that would have been better additions than the Bruins made. Here are three players that Boston passed on in free agency that would have been interesting additions for one season.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Latest News & Rumors - Canucks, Maple Leafs, Sharks, Islanders, Bruins
Montreal Canadiens - Canadiens Set Up to Be a Playoff Team in 2025-26
Detroit Red Wings - 4 Reasons to Believe Alex DeBrincat Will Bounce Back in Detroit
From TSN - Coyotes cutting ties with Galchenyuk after arrest
From Sportsnet - NHL's Top 12 unsigned RFAs of 2023: Latest rumours, reports
From the NHL - O'Reilly eager to join Josi with Predators, 'bring a Cup' to Nashville
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