THW Daily - Avalanche Have Injury Issues Again & Flyers Top Prospect Matvei Michkov Lighting It up This Season
Also, the NHL salary cap will increase in 2024-25, the latest news and rumors from Vancouver & more
Welcome to The Hockey Writers Daily
In today’s edition, we have more injury issues for the Avalanche this season, how Flyers prospect Matvei Michkov is lighting it up this season overseas, the NHL salary cap rise, and much more.
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Now, here’s the good stuff…
Yesterday’s NHL Scores…
Flames Losing Matthew Phillips Not Costly Like Many Had Feared
December 5, 2023 by Rupert McDonald
For several seasons, many Calgary Flames fans were upset about the lack of opportunity given to Matthew Phillips, and rightfully so. The undersized winger played a total of three NHL games, despite putting up fantastic numbers in the American Hockey League (AHL) season after season.
Many were optimistic that when Craig Conroy was hired as general manager during the offseason, Phillips would finally get an opportunity to prove that he belonged in the NHL. That never came to fruition, however, as despite receiving an extension offer, the 25-year-old forward chose to sign a deal with the Washington Capitals.
Avalanche Must Overcome Injury Trouble Once Again in 2023-24
December 5, 2023 by Marko Zlomislic
By almost all measures, the Colorado Avalanche are enjoying another successful season through 20-odd games in the 2023-24 campaign. The team owns a record of 15-7-2, good for 32 points and a one-point lead atop the Central Division, though the Dallas Stars have a game in hand. The Avalanche are tied for second in the Western Conference in regulation (14) and tied for third in regulation-plus-overtime (14) wins while sporting a plus-16 goal differential (seventh in the NHL).
Despite all of the goodwill the team has built up through the start of December, there is one other unsettling trend that might seem all too familiar to the Avalanche brass: injuries to key players, and significant ones at that. If the Avalanche’s current core is hoping to add a second Stanley Cup to its trophy cabinet, overcoming health concerns will once again be a major roadblock. Let’s dive in.
Oilers Are Massive Winners of Expected NHL Cap Rise in 2024-25
December 5, 2023 by Rob Couch
The NHL’s salary cap is finally expected to rise significantly next season (2024-25) after a few years of minimal increases. The Board of Governors meeting estimated that the cap will rise to $87.675 million next season for an additional $4.175 million in space.
Contenders and teams that have been pushing the cap limits for years will benefit the most, like the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers have been tight against the cap for years. In 2023-24, it meant running with a short roster this season. Instead of the maximum allowed of 23 players, the Oilers have had 21, for the most part, giving them one extra player to sit out each game and practice with the team.
Rangers’ Blake Wheeler Disappointing In His Tenure So Far
December 5, 2023 by Lucas Standel
When the New York Rangers signed Blake Wheeler as a free agent on July 1, many saw it as a steal of a deal because they got a consistent 60-point player on a cheap deal to come in and fill a void they had on the right wing. While the deal looked good at the time, it has not lived up to the hype.
Wheeler has struggled all season long and even though he’s been moved around to different lines, it does not seem to be clicking for the 37 year old. If his struggles continue, the Rangers may need to look at bringing in external options to help make up for his disappointing play.
Flyers Prospects Report: Michkov, Kolosov, Fedotov, and More
December 5, 2023 by Matthew Ward
The Philadelphia Flyers own the rights to five players in Russian-based hockey leagues. Out of these five players, four are considered prospects. The field of players in Russia consists of two forwards and three goalies, ranging in age from 18 to 27 years old.
Five of these players represent clubs in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), with one having played goal for a Junior Hockey League (JHL) team and an All-Russian Hockey League (VHL) team this season.
Canucks News & Rumors: Barrie, Bear, Zadorov & More
December 5, 2023 by Sartaaj Bhullar
In this edition of the Vancouver Canucks News & Rumors, the organization has options for right-shot defenceman in Tyson Barrie and Ethan Bear.
Additionally, head coach Rick Tocchet comments on Nikita Zadorov and his first game with the club. Also, Sam Lafferty’s first-line promotion pays off.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Edmonton Oilers - Oilers Said to Be Exploring Trade Market for Philip Broberg
Boston Bruins - Bruins Prospects Report: Lysell, Harrison, Hendrickson & More
Ottawa Senators - Senators Need Rising Salary Cap For Their Future
NHL News & Rumors - Capitals, Coyotes, Flames, Canadiens, Salary Cap
From TSN - Sens' Chabot won't play Thursday vs. Maple Leafs
From Sportsnet - BoG Notebook: NHL optimistic about return of international best-on-best
From ESPN - NHL chooses Las Vegas for draft, will plan 'dramatic' event
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