The Hockey Writers Daily - June 23, 2023
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Welcome to The Hockey Writers Daily.
In today’s edition we have some Maple Leafs’ Prospects Who Could Make the Roster, some goalie targets for the Jets, the Rangers and their 1st round pick, the newest Hockey Hall of Fame inductees and more.
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Here’s the good stuff:.
NHL Rumors: Flames, Capitals, Avalanche, Canadiens
In today’s NHL rumors rundown, it sounds like the Washington Capitals are set to hire Mitch Love as an assistant coach. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche and defenseman Erik Johnson are parting ways as the defenseman will test free agency. The Calgary Flames made a big pitch to Elias Lindholm, and there are updates on the other players from the Flames’ roster. Finally, is Sam Montembeault likely to return to the Montreal Canadiens with an extension in hand?
3 Maple Leafs’ Prospects Who Could Make the Roster in 2023-24
The newly appointed general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Brad Treliving, has some difficult decisions to make this offseason. There are William Nylander and Auston Matthews’ contract extension negotiations, as well as 10 unrestricted free agents (UFA). Those UFAs include Ryan O’Reilly, Noel Acciari, Luke Schenn and Michael Bunting, who all had very important roles during their time with the Maple Leafs. With a good amount of cap space and roster openings, Treliving has the ability to make this team his own in his first offseason.
Yes, there are going to be some similarities between the team next season and last season, but Treliving has the freedom to look at free agents on the open market to change the culture of the team. He has a history of allowing his younger players to develop and get a chance on the NHL roster. With that, it is a good time to look at a few players from the system who could crack the Maple Leafs’ roster in 2023-24.
Red Wings: Potential Trade & Contract Projection for Alex DeBrincat
When asked about the possibility of trading for a top-of-the-lineup player, Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman offered a glimpse into his decision-making process.
“We weigh, ‘Is it a young player? Does he fit into the timeline for us? What’s the cost to acquire him? And then what’s the cost to sign him?’”
Alex DeBrincat is one of the best players on the trade block. The Farmington Hills-native has been linked to the Red Wings and meets the first two parts of Yzerman’s decision-making criteria – he’s young (25) and will remain in his prime for the next several years.
That leaves the last two considerations – the acquisition cost and contract. To see if DeBrincat meets those criteria as well, let’s first examine what a trade could look like and then explore contract projections for the high-scoring forward.
Jets Have 3 Good Goalies to Target This Offseason
The Winnipeg Jets need to begin preparing for life after Connor Hellebuyck, as it was reported recently that “there should be no confusion about whether Hellebuyck has interest in signing an extension in Winnipeg. That ship has sailed. His next contract will be with a new team” (from “NHL offseason trade board 2.0: The latest on the Jets, Leafs, Flyers and more — and how it impacts the market,” The Athletic, 6/10/23).
The Jets have relied on Hellebuyck as the backbone of the franchise for many years now, and if they are unable to find a capable goaltender to guide them through a re-tool, then it will be all the more difficult when attempt
As has been reported by Elliotte Freidman, the Jets are not looking to rebuild. These three trade options are goaltenders that could step in and be effective starters. When trading away Hellebuyck you are going to downgrade in net, but finding younger cheaper goaltenders should be the goal.
Ryan Leonard is a Legitimate Montreal Canadiens Draft Target
With just under one week remaining before the 2023 NHL Draft, the Montreal Canadiens are entering the final countdown to what could become a pivotal selection in general manager (GM) Kent Hughes’ rebuild plan. There is lots of speculation on who he will finally choose. Perhaps it will be Matvei Michkov? Perhaps Will Smith?
The new development approach installed by Hughes comes at the right time to take advantage of the franchise’s massive field of draft picks. Yet the prospect pool needs an influx of elite talent, and the 2023 Draft class may be able to provide that. In this case, we will look at Ryan Leonard. This 18-year-old forward has what it takes to be successful at the NHL level and may provide a skill set the Habs are missing.
Rangers’ Looking for Another Successful Late 1st-Round Pick
After not having a pick until late in the second round of the 2022 NHL Draft, the New York Rangers have the 23rd overall pick this year. Though they have made a few disappointing early first-round choices, including Lias Andersson (seventh overall in 2017) and Vitali Kravtsov (ninth overall in 2018), they have had success when drafting later in the first round. They will certainly look to continue that trend this year.
More THW stuff from around the NHL:
Edmonton Oilers - 1 Free-Agent Signing Prediction for Each Atlantic Team
Hockey Hall of Fame - 7 New Names Inducted
Boston Bruins - Draft Picks Are Scarce, but They Do Have Options
NHL History - Flames & Oilers Trade History Revisited
From Sportsnet - NHL Board of Governors Notebook: Pride nights, salary cap and team valuations
From NHL Trade Talk - Top-10 Longest and Most Expensive Buyouts in NHL History
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