The Hockey Writers Daily - July 20, 2023
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In today’s edition we have trade destinations for the Flames’ Backlund, the Penguins potential breakout candidates, the best Canadiens’ contracts, Blues’ prospects who can make the roster, and much more.
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3 Potential Trade Destinations for Calgary Flames’ Mikael Backlund
After several months of speculation, Mikael Backlund himself confirmed that he has no desire to sign an extension with the Calgary Flames at this time. The 34-year-old wants to win, and clearly isn’t convinced that this team is capable of doing that over the next few years. As a result, this may force general manager Craig Conroy to move him elsewhere, whether that be this offseason or prior to the 2024 trade deadline.
Despite Backlund’s age, he remains extremely productive. This past season saw him score 19 goals and a career-high 56 points in 82 games while finishing sixth in Selke Trophy voting. He has one season remaining on his deal with a cap hit of $5.35 million, making him an intriguing option for several teams around the league. Here are three that may serve as the best fits.
Pittsburgh Penguins Breakout Candidates for 2023-24
We are just over two weeks into the 2023 NHL Free Agent market opening. Interim general manager and president of hockey operations, Kyle Dubas has done a good job adding to the team’s depth so far. These moves and the regime change overall have created some interesting opportunities for both internal and recently acquired players.
As a result, there are a handful of players who fit the bill for breakout or bounce-back candidates heading into next season. Whether it be prospects waiting to finally get some runway to live up to their potential or players who have had down seasons in recent years that are looking to finally cement themselves as permanent fixtures, this season might be the best chance to do so. Especially coming off a season where the team missed the playoffs, and major changes have been made at the top.
Best Bang-for-Buck Canadiens Contracts for 2023-24 Season
The 2023-24 Montreal Canadiens roster is already taking shape, which is a testament to general manager Kent Hughes’ speedy work. He’s arguably already tackled all his priorities for the 2023 offseason and that includes signing several players, a few of which make an appearance on this list of the best (non-entry-level) Canadiens contracts for the season.
Maybe it’s even more of a testament to Hughes’ handiwork considering only two players make a repeat showing relative to last year’s list. The kicker is one of the two returns with a different contract altogether… a significantly better one in fact as they move up from No. 5 on last year’s list, opening the door for this year’s first new entry to take their old spot.
Bruins’ Arbitration Past Gives Dim Outlook for Frederic & Swayman
The Boston Bruins have had a busy offseason to date. While facing serious limitations regarding the salary cap, they have made numerous transactions that will present a much different-looking lineup than the one we saw last season. They have opted to bring in a number of free agents on one-year deals in hopes of having cap freedom next summer. While they have addressed several roster needs, Don Sweeney is far from done.
The Bruins currently have just $5,429,166 in cap space remaining. They still need to re-sign goaltender Jeremy Swayman and forward Trent Frederic, while also potentially keeping enough to bring Patrice Bergeron and/or David Krejci back into the fold if they decide to return. Both Swayman and Frederic have filed for arbitration and will have their hearings on July 31 and Aug. 1 respectively.
3 Blues Prospects Who Can Make 2023-24 Opening Night Roster
After agreeing to a two-year, $2.5 million deal with restricted free agent (RFA) Alexey Toropchenko, the St. Louis Blues now have only $293,571 of available cap space. To go along with their 2022-23 in-season acquisitions of Sammy Blais, Kasperi Kapanen, and Jakub Vrana, the offseason additions of Kevin Hayes, Oskar Sundqvist, and Mackenzie MacEachern have their NHL roster nearly set. With little financial wiggle room, if the Blues are to make any further changes to the roster, it will have to come via their minor league system.
Their minor league system is generally regarded as being in the middle of the pack, deep with young forward talent, some depth at goalie, but not much in the way of defensemen. Still considered prospects, forward Jake Neighbours and goalie Joel Hofer are likely locks to start the season with the big club. Once you get past them though, the Blues do have some intriguing names that could take somebody’s job and crack the opening night roster.
Sabres Should Sign Buffalo Native Patrick Kane
Patrick Kane is still unsigned over 10 days into NHL free agency. Although he is not the same superstar that we saw during the Chicago Blackhawks dynasty of the mid-2010s, a young team like the Buffalo Sabres could use the leadership and talents of a three-time Stanley Cup winner. Not to mention his hometown is Buffalo, and the amount of cap space the team has — just under $7 million — means there is room to bring him in.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Edmonton Oilers - 3 Prospects That Deserve Call Ups in 2023-24
Toronto Maple Leafs - Could Make Big Bet On Samsonov’s Arbitration Case
Winnipeg Jets - Jets Can Just Afford Their 4 Remaining Restricted Free Agents
From TSN - Kraken give head coach Hakstol a two-year extension
From Sportsnet - Pick your player: Which star would you build a women’s hockey team around?
From the NHL - Stankoven ready to take next step with Stars
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