It's the final edition of Mailbag Friday on Canucks Central as Dan and Sat answer your questions about Development Camp takeaways, D-Petey, and more.
This podcast was produced by Josh Elliott-Wolfe.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.
Dan and Sat discuss what the Canucks could still be up to when it comes to free agency and the trade market. Also, hear from Harman Dayal of The Athletic on what the team still needs, Elias Pettersson's next contract, and more.
This podcast was produced by Josh Elliott-Wolfe.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.
Matt and Blake with a big show featuring Jeff Paterson, Rob Williams plus we hear from Canucks skills coach Chris Higgins after development camp. S&P talk about what's left on the free-agent market at third-line centre and big wingers, plus Alain Vigneault's decision to retire from coaching and which Canucks prospect is most exciting. Paterson gives his recap of development camp and Wednesday's scrimmage. Names discussed include: Jonathan Lekkerimäki, Tom Willander, Elias "D" Pettersson, Vilmer Alriksson, Kirill Kudryavtsev and Nikita Tolopilo. Jeff also offers his thoughts on AV. Rob wonders whether Vigneault is worthy of the Canucks' Ring of Honour, and can't understand the Tyler Myers trade noise out of San Jose. Presented by Applewood Auto Group.
The Los Angeles Kings signed their captain to a two-year contract extension with an average annual value of $7 million, the team announced Thursday.
Kopitar tallied 28 goals and 74 points in 82 games last season. He was awarded the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy as the league's most gentlemanly player. The deal keeps Kopitar in L.A. through the 2025-26 season.
The 35-year-old is entering the final season of an eight-year contract signed in Jan. 2016. His cap hit for the 2022-23 campaign is $10 million.
"We're pleased to have reached an agreement that will keep Anze in Los Angeles as our group takes the next step in competing for a Stanley Cup," Kings general manager Rob Blake said. "He's the heart and soul of this team as our captain and he will continue to play a major role on our club."
Kopitar has spent his entire 1292-game career with the Kings. He won the Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014, and is a two-time winner of both the Selke Trophy and Lady Byng. He also won the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2022.
"Los Angeles has become home for me and my family, and I'm excited to extend my career here," Kopitar said. "I've been with this organization through it all and I know our group is close to achieving something special. I look forward to helping us reach that next level and achieving the ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup again."
The Slovenian was named Los Angeles' captain in 2016, taking the role from Dustin Brown. He has scored 393 goals and tallied 1141 points in his 17-season career.
Kopitar ranks second in franchise games played, third in points, and fourth in goals. His 12-20 goal campaigns are tied with Marcel Dionne and Luc Robitaille for the most in a Kings uniform.
The Ottawa Senators signed forward Zack MacEwen to a three-year contract with an average annual value of $775,000, the team announced Thursday.
MacEwen scored four goals and 10 points in 56 games last season between the Philadelphia Flyers and Los Angeles Kings. He was traded to the Kings prior to the deadline for Brendan Lemieux and a 2024 fifth-round pick. Los Angeles didn't tender him a qualifying offer Friday, making him an unrestricted free agent.
The soon-to-be 27-year-old racked up 66 penalty minutes in 2022-23. His 110 PIM in the previous campaign ranked ninth league-wide.
"Zack's a player with strong character who adds increased physicality to our lineup," Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said in a statement. "He's a hard-nosed, competitive player who's a tenacious forechecker and who demonstrates a routine willingness to go to the hard areas."
MacEwen has played 186 career games with the Vancouver Canucks, Flyers, and Kings, accruing 13 goals, 28 points, and 245 PIM.
The Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, native was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Canucks in March 2017.
The Detroit Red Wings are placing the former No. 6 pick on unconditional waivers for the purpose of mutual contract termination, reports Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli.
Zadina is forgoing the remaining $4.56 million on his deal. He cleared waivers Tuesday - possibly due to his $1.825-million cap hit over the next two seasons.
As an unrestricted free agent, Zadina can sign with a team of his choosing - likely for the league minimum.
The 23-year-old Czech winger recorded just three goals and four assists in 30 games with the Red Wings last season while averaging 13:06 per contest. He's mustered only 68 points in 190 career games across parts of five campaigns.
Detroit selected Zadina, who starred for the QMJHL's Halifax Mooseheads in his draft year, one spot before Quinn Hughes in 2018.
Dan and Sat debate whether topics such as Anthony Beauvillier in the top-6, prospect camps, and much more are overrated or underrated.
This podcast was produced by Josh Elliott-Wolfe.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.
The 36-year-old played 22 games with the Florida Panthers last season, tallying one goal and three points. He played his final game Dec. 3 against the Seattle Kraken, where he suffered a concussion.
"I've been in this bubble since I started to play as a kid. Hockey has been a huge part of my life, so of course it's a difficult decision to make," Hornqvist said. "It will be a big transition, but it feels good now, I'm looking forward to the rest of my life. It's the most important thing."
"I'm feeling fine now and hopefully I have many fine years ahead of me," Hornqvist continued. "And with my history of injuries, I don't want to risk any future harm."
Hornqvist was a two-way force in his prime, helping the Pittsburgh Penguins win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017. He scored the Cup-clinching goal in Game 6 of the 2017 Final against the Predators.
In 901 games with the Nashville Predators, Penguins, and Panthers, he accrued 264 goals and 543 points. He's tied for 10th among Swedish players in career goals and is 27th in points.
Hornqvist hit the 30-goal mark once - in 2009-10 with the Predators - and reached a career-high of 53 points in 2013-14, also with Nashville.
In 106 career postseason games, Hornqvist tallied 28 goals and 53 points. He's one of 25 Swedish players to eclipse 100 Stanley Cup playoff games.
On the international stage, Hornqvist represented Sweden on multiple occasions. He played at the U18s and world juniors for his nation, as well as five World Championships and the 2010 Olympics. He captured gold at the Worlds in 2018.
Hornqvist was drafted with the final pick in 2005, 230th overall by Nashville.