"We've talked about it a lot with him. He still chooses to make those hits. I'm sure the league's well aware of that," Crosby told Jonathan Bombulie of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "I just don't know how many opportunities you need. Obviously, the point hasn't been made yet."
Wilson's been invited to an in-person disciplinary hearing, meaning the NHL could ban him for at least five games. His last suspension came in the second round of the 2018 postseason when he was banned for three games following an illegal check to the head of the Penguins' Zach Aston-Reese.
Crosby added that Wilson's game has plenty more to offer than reckless hits.
"He's a good player," Crosby said. "He's got speed. He goes hard to the net. He's a tough guy to play against. There's really no reason to continue to hit like that."
Wilson finished last season with a career-high 35 points before adding another 15 playoff points en route to the Stanley Cup. His performance landed him a six-year, $31-million extension this summer.
Should Wilson be suspended, Crosby won't have to worry about facing him in the Penguins' season opener on Oct. 4, which will also mark the second game of the year for the Capitals.
Baptiste appeared in 33 games with the Sabres last season, picking up four goals and two assists. He was Buffalo's third-round pick in 2013.
Dougherty has yet to make his NHL debut, having spent the past two full seasons with the Milwaukee Admirals, the Predators' AHL affiliate. He notched one goal and 11 assists in 63 contests with the Admirals last season.
The Predators chose Dougherty in the second round of the 2014 draft.
The Buffalo Sabres assigned the 20-year-old forward to the AHL's Rochester Americans, the team announced Monday
It marks the third straight season that Nylander will begin in the minors.
In 51 games with the Americans last season, Nylander notched eight goals and 19 assists to finish just inside the top-10 in team scoring. He later added one goal across three appearances with the Sabres.
Buffalo selected Nylander with the eighth pick in the 2016 draft.
While Nylander is headed to the minors, former first-rounder Tage Thompson appears set to make Buffalo's final 23-man roster, according to The Athletic's John Vogl.
The Sabres acquired Thompson from the St. Louis Blues this offseason as part of the Ryan O'Reilly trade. In 30 games last season with the AHL's San Antonio Rampage, the Arizona native picked up eight goals and 10 assists. He added nine points in 41 games with the Blues.
It's time to drop the puck on the 2018-19 NHL season and while we're all brimming with excitement, there are plenty of questions about what lies ahead. Here, we'll address one question each Eastern Conference team is facing entering the new campaign.
There's no question the Bruins have the best top line in hockey in Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, and David Pastrnak, but their depth is far more uncertain. Boston needs its kids to contribute, and its veterans to bounce back in order to keep pace in the top-heavy Atlantic Division.
Buffalo Sabres: Is this the year they take a step forward?
The Rasmus Dahlin era is underway, Jack Eichel is healthy and has a new running mate in Jeff Skinner, and the Sabres expect to make some progress this season. It's highly unlikely Buffalo will compete for a playoff spot, but finishing higher than eighth in the division - something the Sabres have done only once in the last five years - would be a nice start.
The Canes first offseason under owner Tom Dundon featured some considerable shakeup. Former captain Rod Brind'Amour is now head coach and Carolina also dealt Jeff Skinner and acquired Dougie Hamilton in separate trades. It's tough to say whether the roster got better, but either way, a 10th consecutive season outside the playoff picture isn't going to cut it.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Will Bobrovsky's, Panarin's futures affect the team's psyche?
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
On the surface, the Blue Jackets have the pieces to contend in the Eastern Conference, but the uncertain contract situations of both Sergei Bobrovsky and Artemi Panarin loom large over a club that can ill-afford losing both to unrestricted free agency.
General manager Ken Holland has said he's not much of a believer in long-term rebuilds, but that's the task that lies ahead. Although the Red Wings lack talent on their current roster, they had a tremendous draft in June and set themselves up for another with 11 picks accumulated for 2019. Now it's up to the organization to ensure that trend continues and fully commit to the future.
A late-season surge saw the Panthers miss the final wildcard spot by a single point, and a reinforced top six with the addition of Mike Hoffman puts Florida on the prowl to contend for the playoffs once again. Unfortunately for the Cats, a trio of behemoths lies ahead of them in the Atlantic, but a bubble spot is theirs for the taking should things come together in Florida.
Simply put, the 2018-19 Canadiens can only go as far as Price takes them. In years past, that was a strength, but he's coming off a season in which he battled injuries and posted a dreary .900 save percentage. Price's potential resurgence alone won't guarantee anything for the Habs, but it would be reassuring if he returned to close to his old form.
The Devils were the Cinderella story of the East last season, using Taylor Hall's marvelous MVP season to clinch a wildcard berth. There's nothing to suggest Hall can't be among the league's top producers once again, but if his teammates don't help ease his workload, New Jersey's playoff appearance could be a one-off.
New York Islanders: Can a new staff steer things in the right direction?
The Islanders hired a new general manager and coach over the summer, but their captain still opted for greener pastures. Now, it's up to Lou Lamoriello and Barry Trotz to establish stability and build for a future centered around Calder-winner Mat Barzal.
New York Rangers: What do the kids have to give in Year One of the rebuild?
New York opted to bail on its slim playoff chances midway through last season, choosing to publicly announce a rebuild instead. The spotlight is now on a collection of kids tasked with becoming the building blocks of a sustained future on Broadway. It could be a long year, but the Rangers should be able to get an idea of what lies ahead with a good chance of adding another high pick in the process.
No Erik Karlsson, no first-round pick, and Matt Duchene and Mark Stone could be traded by the deadline. The puck hasn't even dropped yet, and the Sens' outlook is as bleak as it gets after one of the most tumultuous offseasons in the history of the sport. But as general manager Pierre Dorion would put it, at least they're a team.
The Flyers have a deadly attack and an elite-top pairing in Shayne Gostisbehere and Ivan Provorov, but the club's biggest question mark comes between the pipes. The tandem of Brian Elliott and Michal Neuvirth instills little confidence, but super-prospect Carter Hart lurks in the weeds. Who's going to be the one to step up and give this team a chance to contend?
Believe it or not, even with three top-10 scorers, the league's best power play, and 100 points in the standings, the Penguins underachieved last season. Pittsburgh ranked 29th in five-on-five PDO (Corsica), mired by a mediocre shooting percentage and a dismal save percentage. Based on their talent alone, it's highly unlikely this occurs again - which is a terrifying proposition for the rest of the conference.
Nothing is guaranteed in this league, but the success of Tampa's season will undoubtedly be judged by what it accomplishes in the postseason. The Lightning are a championship-caliber team with no glaring roster holes, and falling short in the playoffs once again will be considered a massive disappointment.
In case you hadn't heard, the Maple Leafs signed John Tavares over the summer, and like it or not, the spotlight will be shining bright on Toronto all season as it ices its most competitive roster in ages. Now, it's up to them to drown out the noise and push even closer to the top of the standings and win a playoff round for the first time since 2004.
"Championship hangover" is a common moniker in the sports world, but the Caps may have taken the adage a smidge too literally after finally winning the Stanley Cup in June. Washington will be ready to go once their championship banner is raised, but Alex Ovechkin's crew now has a target on their backs, and netminder Braden Holtby will need to carry over his playoff form for the club to have an answer for their adversaries.
Seattle and the NHL seem destined to figure this out. At this point, it would take a major misstep to derail the push for a 32nd team and for that team to not reside in the Washington hub.
Arena renovations are set to begin, local interest has been proven, and the NHL is talking about Seattle like it's going to happen. So, the expansion franchise appears to be on track.
Tuesday is a gigantic day for the prospective ownership group. Let's review that and answer other NHL-to-Seattle FAQs below:
When might Seattle get its team?
Seattle could have an NHL team as early as the 2020-21 season.
That's the hope, although the 2021-22 campaign might be the likelier scenario given a potential lockout.
On Tuesday, Seattle Hockey Partners (SHP) - the group trying to make the Pacific Northwest home to the NHL’s 32nd franchise - and the city’s mayor will be making an official presentation to the league's executive committee in New York City.
Deputy commissioner Bill Daly recently said that if the executive committee approves SHP's pitch, an official expansion vote could occur at December’s board of governors meeting in Florida.
With apologies to Quebec City, Houston, and Kansas City, etc., Seattle is the lone city in the running for expansion, per Gary Bettman’s wishes. The commissioner seems set on finally touching down in the Emerald State.
Who is behind the expansion push?
The main names to know are private equity CEO David Bonderman, Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer, sports executive Tod Leiweke, and ex-NHL coach Dave Tippett.
Potential NHL owner Jerry Bruckheimer / Icon Sportswire / Getty
Bonderman and Bruckheimer represent the ownership group, which also includes vice-chairman David Wright, whose family owns the famous Space Needle in Seattle. Meanwhile, CEO Leiweke and senior advisor Tippett, most recently the Arizona Coyotes' head coach from 2009-17, do most of the talking.
"I pledge to you a club that serves and makes our community better while pursuing the ultimate goal of bringing a Stanley Cup back to Seattle,” Leiweke said in a letter to fans in April.
SHP is an extension of Los Angeles-based Oak View Group, an entertainment and sports facilities company founded by Tim Leiweke (Tod’s brother) and music executive Irving Azoff. Tim Leiweke has extensive experience running NHL clubs, as he previously presided over the Anschutz Entertainment Group (L.A. Kings) and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (Toronto Maple Leafs).
At the moment, Tippett is the lone hockey-operations employee. He recently said the group plans to begin its search for a general manager in the spring.
What's the deal with the decrepit arena?
Just wait.
Significant renovations to KeyArena, the former home of the NBA’s Seattle Supersonics, are scheduled for a two-year period starting this month and finishing in October 2020.
Originally pegged at roughly $600 million, construction is now expected to cost around $700 million. The renos are being privately financed .
KeyArena’s iconic roof is being preserved, but that's about it. The building, which is located in the 74-acre downtown Seattle Center, will be redesigned for a hockey seating capacity of 17,400.
SHP launched a ticket drive in March, setting a goal of 10,000 deposits. It was met within 12 minutes and the drive swelled to more than 30,000 deposits by day’s end.
After the NHL team is up and running, ownership aspires to bring the NBA back, lure a WNBA franchise to town, and join the A-list concert circuit.
Why believe in the Pacific Northwest market?
The market is practically screaming for a pro hockey team.
Statewide hockey registrations grew by 6.9 percent from 2016-17 to 2017-18, according to USA Hockey, which tied North Carolina for the fourth-highest increase in the country. In terms of raw numbers, the state ranked 17th out of 51 (DC included) with almost 9,900 players.
Interestingly, while the state of Washington doesn't have an NCAA Division I hockey program, it boasts four of the Western Hockey League's 22 teams.
The Seattle Thunderbirds play in Kent, which is about 20 miles south of the city center. The Everett Silvertips are 30 miles north, the Spokane Chiefs are 280 miles east, and the Tri-City Americans (of Kennewick) are 225 miles southeast. Meanwhile, the Portland Winterhawks in neighboring Oregon are the league’s only other American franchise.
The Seattle NHL 2020 flag / Icon Sportswire / Getty
Local groups in Seattle have tried to land an NHL franchise on a number of occasions, ultimately failing in 1974, 1990, 2007, 2011, and 2013.
Fun fact: The Seattle Metropolitans won the 1917 Stanley Cup as a member of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association. They folded seven seasons later.
How will expansion affect my favorite team?
For one, it’ll make your owner richer. The NHL has stated that Seattle, if approved, will be sent a $650-million invoice. The Vegas Golden Knights paid $150 million less.
On a more relatable level, expansion will take a player from your team's roster and from the rosters of the 29 other clubs (Vegas will be excluded from the process). The same draft rules and parameters that were applied to the Golden Knights will likely be applied to Seattle.
On that note, Bettman and Daly relayed in May that they were pleased to see Vegas field a competitive lineup in Year 1.
Finally, let your imagination run wild about realignment possibilities, because adding Seattle to the mix would solve the current conference imbalance of 15 in the West and 16 in the East.
"It does provide alignment for the league," Daly told The Associated Press. "We’ve been misaligned for a couple years in the sense of more teams in the East and less in the West, so that would be a benefit if were to expand."
A popular post-realignment proposal is eight divisions with four teams apeice, a la the NFL.
Where is the nickname debate taking us?
Somewhere between the sea and green stuff ... maybe?
As detailed by DetroitHockey.net back in January, SHP lawyer Christina Song registered domains that represent "Sea Lions" and 12 other potential names, including Seals and Evergreens.
Here's the full list, in alphabetical order: Cougars, Eagles, Emeralds, Evergreens, Firebirds, Kraken, Rainiers, Renegades, Sea Lions, Seals, Sockeyes, Totems, and Whales.
SHP intends to engage fans with regards to the nickname when/if the franchise is granted. However, the governor of Washington called the team the Seattle Totems - the moniker of the former local minor-league hockey team - during a press conference in March. The blunder sent locals into a tizzy.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Times is wrapping up an "official(ly unofficial)" naming contest of its own. After a bracket-style process, only the Sockeyes and Totems remain.
Go Totems?
John Matisz is theScore's national hockey writer. You can find him on Twitter @matiszjohn.
Veteran winger Radim Vrbata retired Monday, ending a 16-year NHL career.
He made the announcement through a statement released by his agent, Rich Evans.
Longtime client Radim Vrbata announcing his retirement from the NHL today. Selected #212 overall in 1999, only 3 players from that draft class played more games and scored more points. His statement: pic.twitter.com/fJvjC0Jwff
Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug suffered a left ankle injury and is set to be re-evaluated after three weeks of wearing a walking boot, general manager Don Sweeney announced.
Krug fractured the same ankle during the club's second-round series versus the Tampa Bay Lightning last season, but his current ailment is unrelated, Sweeney said.
The 27-year-old recorded 59 points while averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per game last season.
The Bruins kick off their season Wednesday in Washington against the Capitals.
The Atlantic Division features a few of the league's strongest teams, but also some of its weakest. Only one of the top dogs made a significant addition, while two of the rebuilding teams pulled off blockbuster trades.
Here's how each Atlantic club fared this offseason:
Some contract figures are reported. Most players on two-way deals have been omitted. Total contract value doesn't include bonuses.
Boston Bruins
STR / AFP / Getty
Key arrivals
Player
Position
Contract Length
Total Value
John Moore
D
5 years
$13.75M
Jaroslav Halak
G
2 years
$5.5M
Joakim Nordstrom
LW
2 years
$2M
Chris Wagner
C
2 years
$2.5M
Key departures
Player
Position
Transaction
Rick Nash
LW
Unsigned/Considering retirement
Riley Nash
C
Signed with Blue Jackets
Anton Khudobin
G
Signed with Stars
Tim Schaller
LW
Signed with Canucks
Tommy Wingels
RW
Signed in Switzerland
Paul Postma
D
Signed in KHL
Rookies who could crack the lineup
Player
Position
Drafted
Ryan Donato
LW
2014 2nd-round pick
Anders Bjork
LW
2015 5th-round pick
Re-signed
Player
Position
New Contract Length
Total Value
Sean Kuraly
C
3 years
$3.825M
Riley Nash's departure as the club's third-line center could hurt more than some think, especially if Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci miss some time like they did a year ago.
John Moore was a nice addition at a reasonable cost to solidify the left side of the club's blue line, but no other major upgrades were made. Instead, the Bruins will look to give bigger roles to some of their younger players.
Grade: C
Buffalo Sabres
Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Key arrivals
Player
Position
Contract Length
Total Value
Conor Sheary
LW
2 years
$6M (trade with Penguins)
Matt Hunwick
D
2 years
$4.5M (trade with Penguins)
Patrik Berglund
C
4 years
$15.4M (trade with Blues)
Vladimir Sobotka
LW
2 years
$7M (trade with Blues)
Tage Thompson
RW
2 years
$1.85M (trade with Blues)
Jeff Skinner
LW
1 year
$5.725M (trade with Hurricanes)
Scott Wilson
LW
2 years
$2.1M (trade with Red Wings)
Carter Hutton
G
3 years
$8.25M
Key departures
Player
Position
Transaction
Ryan O'Reilly
C
Traded to Blues
Robin Lehner
G
Signed with Islanders
Chad Johnson
G
Signed with Blues
Viktor Antipin
D
Signed in KHL
Rookies who could crack the lineup
Player
Position
Drafted
Rasmus Dahlin
D
2018 1st-round pick
Casey Mittelstadt
C
2017 1st-round pick
Re-signed
Player
Position
New Contract Length
Total Value
Sam Reinhart
RW
2 years
$7.3M
Trading Ryan O'Reilly was unnecessary, and the three depth forwards they received in the deal won't be able to replace one of the game's best two-way centers.
However, there are a lot of positives to take away from the Sabres' offseason. The Jeff Skinner trade was a steal if he signs an extension, Carter Hutton was signed to a low-risk, high-reward contract, and they won the rights to draft a franchise cornerstone in Rasmus Dahlin.
Buffalo won't be contending for a playoff spot in this top-heavy division this season, but it's generally moving in the right direction.
Grade: B
Detroit Red Wings
Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Key arrivals
Player
Position
Contract Length
Total Value
Thomas Vanek
LW
1 year
$3M
Jonathan Bernier
G
3 years
$9M
Key departures
Player
Position
Transaction
Henrik Zetterberg
C
Playing career over (back)
Xavier Ouellet
D
Signed with Canadiens
Rookies who could crack the lineup
Player
Position
Drafted
Michael Rasmussen
C
2017 1st-round pick
Evgeny Svechnikov
RW
2015 1st-round pick
Dennis Cholowski
D
2016 1st-round pick
Joe Hicketts
D
Undrafted
Christoffer Ehn
C
2014 4th-round pick
Re-signed
Player
Position
New Contract Length
Total Value
Martin Frk
RW
1 year
$1.05M
Tyler Bertuzzi
LW
2 years
$2.8M
Mike Green
D
2 years
$10.75M
Andreas Athanasiou
C
2 years
$6M
Anthony Mantha
LW
2 years
$6.6M
Dylan Larkin
C
5 years
$30.5M
Other than losing the heart and soul of the team in Henrik Zetterberg, the Red Wings won't look a whole lot different this coming season. They added Thomas Vanek up front but failed to upgrade their back end, which mostly contains over-the-hill veterans.
Standing pat wasn't necessarily the wrong move for general manager Ken Holland, since the youth movement is essentially in full swing. However, it'll take some time before the Wings are competitive again.
Grade: C-
Florida Panthers
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
Key arrivals
Player
Position
Contract Length
Total Value
Mike Hoffman
RW
2 years
$10.375M (trade with Sharks)
Troy Brouwer
RW
1 year
$850K
Key departures
Player
Position
Transaction
Radim Vrbata
RW
Retired
Rookies who could crack the lineup
Player
Position
Drafted
Henrik Borgstrom
LW
2016 1st-round pick
Re-signed
Player
Position
New Contract Length
Total Value
Frank Vatrano
LW
1 year
$925K
Jared McCann
C
2 years
$2.5M
Alex Petrovic
D
1 year
$1.95M
Making minimal changes was probably the best move for the cap-strapped Panthers. They took some time adjusting to a new coach in Bob Boughner in 2017-18, but really hit their stride in the second half, finishing the season 25-8-2 and one point out of the playoffs.
Work could've been done to address the blue line, but the addition of Mike Hoffman gives the Cats one of the league's most potent top-six forward groups. The Panthers are talented enough to earn a wild-card berth, but their questionable depth means they'll need a clean bill of health.
Grade: C+
Montreal Canadiens
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
Key arrivals
Player
Position
Contract Length
Total Value
Max Domi
C
2 years
$6.3M (trade with Coyotes)
Joel Armia
RW
1 year
$.185M (trade with Jets)
Xavier Ouellet
D
1 year
$700K
Tomas Tatar
LW
3 years
$14.4M (trade with Golden Knights)
Matthew Peca
C
2 years
$2.6M
Key departures
Player
Position
Transaction
Alex Galchenyuk
C
Traded to Coyotes
Max Pacioretty
LW
Traded to Golden Knights
Daniel Carr
LW
Signed with Golden Knights
Rookies who could crack the lineup
Player
Position
Drafted
Jesperi Kotkaniemi
C
2018 1st-round pick
Noah Juulsen
D
2015 1st-round pick
Re-signed
Player
Position
New Contract Length
Total Value
Phillip Danault
C
3 years
$9.25M
Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin got a solid return for Max Pacioretty, getting a decent replacement in Tomas Tatar, a top prospect in Nick Suzuki, and a draft pick. However, the trade makes the club worse in the short term. The Domi-Galchenyuk swap, however, could prove to look bad for the Habs both for this season and in the future.
Montreal is still a ways away from competing, but it's moving in the right direction by acquiring young talent.
Grade: C+
Ottawa Senators
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
Key arrivals
Player
Position
Contract Length
Total Value
Mikkel Boedker
LW
2 years
$8M (trade with Sharks)
Chris Tierney
C
2 years
$5.875M (trade with Sharks)
Dylan DeMelo
D
2 years
$1.8M (trade with Sharks)
Key departures
Player
Position
Transaction
Mike Hoffman
RW
Traded to Sharks
Alex Burrows
RW
Retired
Fredrik Claesson
D
Signed with Rangers
Erik Karlsson
D
Traded to Sharks
Rookies who could crack the lineup
Player
Position
Drafted
Brady Tkachuk
LW
2018 1st-round pick
Colin White
C
2015 1st-round pick
Alex Formenton
LW
2017 2nd-round pick
Re-signed
Player
Position
New Contract Length
Total Value
Chris Wideman
D
1 year
$1M
Mark Stone
RW
1 year
$7.35M
Cody Ceci
D
1 year
$4.3M
The Senators failed to maximize the return of two valuable trade assets and made the questionable decision to keep this year's first-round pick instead of 2019's, when potential franchise-changer Jack Hughes will be available, amid an offseason full of drama.
It's safe to say Ottawa's front office isn't inspiring much confidence. It's going to be a long year in the nation's capital after an abysmal summer.
Grade: F
Tampa Bay Lightning
Mike Carlson / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Key arrivals
N/A
Key departures
Player
Position
Transaction
Chris Kunitz
LW
Signed with Blackhawks
Matthew Peca
C
Signed with Canadiens
Andrej Sustr
D
Signed with Ducks
Rookies who could crack the lineup
Player
Position
Drafted
Mathieu Joseph
LW
2015 4th-round pick
Re-signed
Player
Position
New Contract Length
Total Value
Louis Domingue
G
2 years
$2.3M
J.T. Miller
LW
5 years
$26.25M
Ryan McDonagh
D
7 years
$47.25M
Slater Koekkoek
D
1 year
$865K
Nikita Kucherov
RW
8 years
$76M
Cedric Pacquette
C
1 year
$1M
Adam Erne
LW
1 year
$800K
The Lightning didn't make any significant additions this offseason; frankly, they didn't need to. They're arguably the NHL's most complete team, and could hold that title for years to come after locking up big pieces of their core.
Grade: B-
Toronto Maple Leafs
Claus Andersen / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Key arrivals
Player
Position
Contract Length
Total Value
Par Lindholm
C
1 year
$925K
Igor Ozhiganov
D
1 year
$925K
John Tavares
C
7 years
$77M
Tyler Ennis
LW
1 year
$650K
Key departures
Player
Position
Transaction
Tyler Bozak
C
Signed with Blues
Tomas Plekanec
C
Signed with Canadiens
Roman Polak
D
Signed with Stars
Leo Komarov
LW
Signed with Islanders
James van Riemsdyk
LW
Signed with Flyers
Rookies who could crack the lineup
Player
Position
Drafted
Andreas Johnsson
LW
2013 7th-round pick
Igor Ozhiganov
D
Undrafted
Re-signed
Player
Position
New Contract Length
Total Value
Connor Carrick
D
1 year
$1.3M
Andreas Johnsson
LW
1 year
$788K
The Maple Leafs are one of the offseason's big winners after landing one of the best free agents to hit the open market in NHL history. However, failing to add a proven right-handed defenseman to solidify the back end prevents them from receiving a perfect grade.
The NHL is a lot of hockey to follow and there's just not enough time to keep up with your favorite team and its prospects, who are often scattered across North America, and in some cases, the world. Fortunately, we've got you covered.
All season long, we'll bring you a prospect notebook to keep you up-to-date with both drafted players and those vying for the top spots in the 2019 NHL Draft. Here's how the season is kicking off.
In the Show
Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Sport / Getty
The youth takeover is in full effect. Veterans are being cut in training camp or waived to be sent to the minors and fresh blood is taking their place. More prospects than in years past have the opportunity to make their club's opening-night roster and make an impression on the big stage.
Kailer Yamamoto had a nine-game tryout with the Oilers last season before returning to the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL, but this year it seems he might stick in Edmonton. His nine preseason points - including six goals - tied him with Nashville Predators star Filip Forsberg for third overall, behind only teammates Connor McDavid and Ty Rattie.
Under the direction of new head coach Bill Peters, the Calgary Flames are engaging in a youth movement of sorts. After six points - four goals - in the preseason, rookie forward Dillon Dube has likely done enough to make the team, and chances are high that defenseman Juuso Valimaki will join him.
Both Brady Tkachuk and Alex Formenton have made the Ottawa Senators' opening-night roster. We may not know what the Senators are going to be this season, but here's a not-so-bold prediction: Tkachuk (and his big mouth and gritty play) will lead the team in penalty minutes, while also contributing on the score sheet.
Elias Pettersson was practically the only bright light in the abyss that was the Vancouver Canucks' preseason, and it appears he's on the fast track to adapting to the NHL game. You almost hate to waste him on the Canucks, who are about to embark on a "Lose For Hughes" campaign to bring 2018 seventh overall pick Quinn Hughes' brother, Jack, to Vancouver.
But then, with moves like these, it'll be hard to keep him down:
Pretty sure Elias Pettersson ended Ryan Strome's life at the end of the first period tonight pic.twitter.com/pflbgrKj78
One interesting surprise: with injuries freeing up roster spots, it looks as though Jaret Anderson-Dolan might make the Los Angeles Kings' opening-night roster after making a great impression in the preseason. That's what many envisioned for Gabriel Vilardi before his back issues flared up again. Anderson-Dolan will likely get the typical nine-game look, and what happens after that may not only depend on how he plays, but also how quickly the other Kings players are able to return.
In the Minors
A significant number of top prospects get the chance to develop against a higher level of competition in the AHL this season, rather than in the junior leagues where they would likely dominate the game and learn very little.
Potential 2019 first-rounder Arthur Kaliyev (Hamilton Bulldogs, OHL) has started the season off with a bang, racking up 10 points, including a league-best six goals, through his first four games.
Out west, Kirby Dach of the Saskatoon Blades was named CHL Player of the Week for the first week of the regular season. Dach had seven points, including three goals, in the Blades' first two games of the year. One of those games was an 8-0 blowout of the Swift Current Broncos in which Dach had five points. Beyond the impressive skill set, Dach's high hockey IQ allows him to think and play the game at a fast pace, something that will greatly benefit him in the NHL.
Over at the U.S. National Team Development Program, top gun Jack Hughes has five points in three games. Teammate Matthew Boldy has six, including four goals. Keep your eye on Boldy this season. He's going to make the team that drafts him in June very happy.
Around the CHL
Montreal Canadiens prospect Nick Suzuki - acquired in the Max Pacioretty trade - had a hat trick Saturday night with the Owen Sound Attack of the OHL in their game against the Ottawa 67's.
In his first game back with the Mississauga Steelheads (OHL) since being sent back by the Florida Panthers, forward Owen Tippett had a hat trick and finished with four points. Fellow Panthers prospect in the OHL, Serron Noel of the Oshawa Generals, also had a hat trick with one coming on the penalty kill.
While Chicago Blackhawks defensive prospect Adam Boqvist made a strong argument for himself in the preseason, he was returned to the London Knights of the OHL. He's already making quite an impression:
It's game one and Adam Boqvist is out there dangling defenders by jumping over the puck, getting breakaways, and faking out players from the point. It's going to be a fun year for the Chicago Blackhawks prospect. pic.twitter.com/pI1moIUzDR
Sunday night, the Prince Albert Raiders scored three goals in 20 seconds against the Saskatoon Blades. Ouch.
NCAA hockey has yet to begin, but the Avalanche had two prospects on the preseason All Hockey East Team (chosen by the Hockey East Writers and Broadcasters Association): Shane Bowers and Cale Makar.
Top 2020 prospect Alexis Lafreniere has seven points in four games for Rimouski of the QMJHL. Lafreniere is already drawing comparisons to Sidney Crosby, which are no doubt fueled by the fact he plays for Crosby's former junior team.
Hannah Stuart keeps a close eye on both drafted and draft-eligible prospects and can usually be found trying to learn more about hockey analytics. She has previously written for FanRag Sports, The Hockey Writers, and Hooked On Hockey Magazine, and can also be found at High Heels and High Sticks. Find her on Twitter at @HockeyWthHannah.
If Carrick suits up in 50 or more games this season, Toronto's newly acquired pick gets bumped up to a sixth-rounder.
Earlier Monday, Carrick was included in the Leafs' latest round of cuts, but the club evidently found a trade partner before he officially hit the waiver wire.
Carrick has struggled to carve out a consistent role within the Maple Leafs' top six over the past two seasons and was frequently a healthy scratch last year. The 24-year-old played in 47 games for the Leafs in 2017-18, recording four goals and eight assists in just over 15 minutes per contest.
