Author: Jason Karnosky

News

Nashville Signs Mike Ribeiro and Derek Roy
(Photo Credit: James Guillory)
Having watched free agents come and go with a high price tag, Nashville Predators GM David Poile picked up two experienced centers today. (Photo Credit: James Guillory)

What a difference a day makes. Prior to today, the Nashville Predators depth chart looked rather thin of the “top-six variety” at the center ice position. Example, here was Yahoo’s dated take on the Predators lineup. Today, Nashville has a log jam of epic proportions at center with the free agent signings of Mike Ribeiro and Derek Roy.

Predators GM David Poile announced the signings today and both Ribeiro and Roy are signed to one-year deals: Ribeiro for $1.05 million – Roy for $1 million.

Two weeks ago Poile signed center Olli Jokinen meaning that the Predators now have ten capable centers at their disposal. That includes Jokinen as well as Mike Fisher (injured), Matt Cullen, Paul Gaustad, Craig Smith, Colin Wilson, Calle Jarnkrok, Colton Sissons, and now the inclusion of Ribeiro and Roy.

The three new faces, Jokinen, Ribeiro and Roy, plus Fisher and Cullen can all leave the team as unrestricted free agents after the season.

So Roundtable:  What do you think of the new-look 2014-2015 Nashville Predators? What does that mean for those on the cuff of making the Predators or playing with the Admirals? Do you think Calle Jarnkrok and/or Colton Sissons can still win a spot with the club? Are you getting more excited about the players available for Milwaukee this season?

News

Preds Sign Mattias Ekholm; AHL Alignment Changes
Mattias Ekholm enjoyed a short and successful one-year stint in Milwaukee. (Photo courtesy of Scott Paulus)
Mattias Ekholm enjoyed a short and successful one-year stint in Milwaukee. (Photo Credit: Scott Paulus)

Remember that whole arbitration thing with Mattias Ekholm? It, like his time in Milwaukee, are likely a thing of the past as the Nashville Predators signed the restricted free agent to a standard two-year, $2.075 million contract, worth $1,037,500 in both seasons.

Ekholm was part of a rookie triumvirate that made up the Predators blueline last year along with Seth Jones and fellow former Admirals defenseman Victor Bartley. In 2013-2014 Borlange, Sweden native’s dressed in 62 contests for Nashville, posting one goal and nine points along with a minus-eight rating.

One season prior Ekholm stood out along with Bartley on Milwaukee’s defense, scoring 10 goals and 32 points, along with a plus-15 rating in 59 games. He added one assist in the Admirals’ four-game series loss to top-seeded Texas. The former 2009 fourth-round pick also skated in two contests with the Predators back in 2011-2012, posting no points.

The new deal represents a modest bump up for Ekholm, and saves both the team and himself an arbitration hearing.

In a completely unrelated story, the AHL has announced the new divisional alignment for the 2014-2015 season. Much to the dismay of Milwaukee fans, the league also announced that the current playoff format would remain the same.

There were just a couple of minor changes to AHL landscape in regards to Milwaukee, as former Midwest Division foe Iowa moves into the West Division, Lake Erie takes over the Wild’s slot, while Adirondack (formerly Abbotsford) takes over the Monsters’ vacated position in the North Division.

For what it’s worth Lake Erie finished with eight more points (12th in the West at 32-33-1-10) than Iowa (27-36-7-6, 15th in the West) last season.

Here the new look AHL via the Official American Hockey League Fan Page on Facebook:

AHL Alignment

Even though his stint with the Admirals was brief, any favorite memories of Mattias Ekholm in Milwaukee? How do think Nashville and Milwaukee’s defense stacks up for next season? What do you think of the Midwest Division switch, adding Lake Erie and dropping Iowa?

News

Nashville News: Volchenkov, Fisher, Ekholm, Moser
Anton Volchenkov adds an experienced defenseman into the youthful Nashville Predators core. (Photo Credit: NHL.com)
Anton Volchenkov adds an experienced defenseman into the youthful Nashville Predators core. (Photo Credit: NHL.com)

Today a wave of news has rolled into Nashville HQ. Here is the latest on recent events.

~Anton Volchenkov Signs With Nashville~

Another piece has been added to the Nashville/Milwaukee puzzle as veteran defenseman Anton Volchenkov signed with the Predators today on a one-year, $1 million contract. The 11-year NHL veteran recently received a compliance buyout from the New Jersey Devils, making him a UFA after passing through waivers.

Never a high scorer, Volchenkov is known as one of the NHL’s top shot blockers throughout his stints with Ottawa and the Devils. Via a statement Predators G.M. David Poile sounded pleased adding the former 2000 first-round pick:

“Anton provides a strong veteran presence that will complement our young, talented defensive corps nicely,” general manager David Poile said in a statement. “He is a physical, left-handed shooting defenseman who can match up with top-line forwards and effectively kill penalties.”

~Mike Fisher Out 4 to 6 Months~

The Volchenkov signing comes on the same day that the organization announced that forward Mike Fisher sustained a ruptured Achilles tendon during a training session and will be out four to six months.

The loss of Fisher makes last week’s signing of Olli Jokinen all that more important. The veteran Finn added some depth to the Predators already shallow pool of quality centers.

Here is Poile’s statement on Mr. Underwood’s injury:

“Predators forward and alternate captain Mike Fisher sustained a ruptured Achilles tendon during a training session and underwent successful surgery on Thursday, July 3. We expect Mike to make a full recovery in four-to-six months, and look forward to his return to the ice.”

~Ekholm Files for Salary Arbitration~

Via TSN.ca 20 NHL players filed for arbitration before the deadline of 5PM Eastern Time on Saturday, July 5. Among the most prominent names on the list were P.K. Subban, Lars Eller, Mats Zuccarello, and Dwight King. A couple of ex-Admirals, Nick Spaling and Cody Franson, were also on that list.

Nashville’s lone player to file for arbitration was defenseman Mattias Ekholm, who is coming off of his first full season with the Predators. The year before the 24-year-old Swede played in 59 games with Milwaukee along with four playoff contests, racking up 10 goals and 33 points.

Ekholm is currently a restricted free agent. The 2009 Predators fourth-round pick is coming off an entry level contact that paid him (via CapGeek.com) $900,000 at the NHL level and $67,500 at the AHL level plus bonuses.

~Moser Rejects First Predators Contract Offer~

According to the website SwissHockeyNews.Ch, Admirals/Predators forward Simon Moser rejected the first contract offer presented to him by Nashville. So far the 25-year-old has received only an offer for a one-year, two-way, league minimum contract, worth less than he could make playing hockey back home in Switzerland where he is still under contract with SC Bern.

Unlike Ekholm, Moser did not opt for the arbitration rout on July 5. Fisher’s injury, combined with the drafting of another Swiss prospect, Kevin Fiala, might up the ante in getting this deal done. Then again Moser had few NHL options last season, and according to the website a trade to another team is also unlikely.

Last year the Swiss forward was key contributor on both the Admirals and Predators. Moser scored 26 points in 51 games (regular season plus playoffs) with Milwaukee and two points in six games with Nashville.

News

Predators Sign Olli Jokinen
Jokinen Practice
Olli Jokinen returns to Winnipeg Jets practice after picking up a Bronze Medal at the Sochi Olympics. Photo via the Winnipeg Jets Facebook page.

(Olli Jokinen returns to Winnipeg Jets practice after picking up a Bronze Medal at the Sochi Olympics. Photo via the Winnipeg Jets Facebook page.)

Looking for an upgrade at center ice, the Nashville Predators may have found one on the cheap in 35-year-old Olli Jokinen, who signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract today to join the club.

Though Jokinen is no longer the player that scored 38 or more goals and 89 or more points in two consecutive seasons with Florida (2005-2007), he still was an effective player for Winnipeg last season, scoring 18 goals and 43 points. Two years ago he provided 23 goals and 61 points on a woeful Calgary squad.

The Kuopio, Finland native will be entering his 17th NHL season next year, having played for Los Angeles, New York Islanders, Florida, Phoenix, Calgary, New York Rangers and Winnipeg in his career. Interestingly, he’s only played in the playoffs once.

Jokinen marks the first free agent signing this offseason for Predators G.M. David Poile. The question now is will there be more additions on the way.

I think this is a smart, if still quite conservative signing by Nashville. However, my opinion doesn’t seem to be shared all that often as you can see in the Twitter takes below. Any thoughts Roundtable?

News

Live Blog: 2014 NHL Free Agent Frenzy

UPDATE: 5:15 PM

As of 5:15 PM Central Time, the Nashville Predators have not added a single player, despite high hopes for finding a quality center during today’s proceedings:

Either Lavender or myself will be sure to keep Admirals Roundtable readers informed if something happens in regards to Nashville/Milwaukee in the coming hours or days. Thanks for reading and checking us out on a busy July 1, 2014 #FreeAgentFrenzy. It’s been an interesting afternoon to say the least!

UPDATE: 4:40 PM

Former Milwaukee captain Mike Moore was signed by the Washington Capitals today to a one-year, one-way deal. My guess is that Moore was one of the direct competitors to Joe Piskula for a contract:

The New York Rangers will have to continue to retool as one of the most underrated forwards in the NHL, Brian Boyle, signed in Tampa Bay:

UPDATE: 4:24 PM

Former Marlies defenseman T. J. Brennan, who played a big role in Toronto’s sweep of Milwaukee this past postseason, will not be back to the AHL this year. He signed a one-year, one-way deal with the New York Islanders:

UPDATE: 4:04 PM

One of the two UFAs on the Nashville Predators, Patrick Eaves, is off the market. He signs in Dallas, which has done a nice job of bolstering its club today. Only Michael Del Zotto remains available.

UPDATE: 3:58 PM

With Washington’s signing of Matt Niskanen, not only do the Capitals pick up their second ex-Penguin defenseman of the day, but my list of the 10-best free agents available is down to just one name: Radim Vrbata.

Defenseman Willie Mitchell, fresh off winning his second Stanley Cup, now goes to a team no where close to winning one, Florida via TSN’s Aaron Ward:

UPDATE: 3:39 PM

If the Nashville Predators want a top line center, the options via free agency are getting pretty thin. Sounds like Brad Richards is on his way to Chicago at a rock bottom price (aka less per year than Deryk Engelland):

UPDATE: 3:20 PM

A couple of minor signings to report as #FreeAgentFrenzy enters its fifth hour. Andrej Meszaros signed in Buffalo for $4.125 million. Calgary inexplicably (and likely because of Brian Burke) gave former Pittsburgh defenseman Deryk Engelland $2.9 over three years, per season. The New York Rangers gave $600,000 to defenseman Matt Hunwick on a one-way deal, while Philadelphia resigned goaltender Ray Emery for one year at $1 million.

Finally, goaltender Devan Dubnyk short run as a goaltender with the Predators organization comes to abrupt end as he signs with Arizona:

UPDATE: 2:30 PM

Bad news for Milwaukee Admirals forwards next season. Instead of protecting AHL standout goaltender Scott Darling, they will shooting on him, regularly, as he joins Rockford IceHogs/Chicago Blackhawks today:

With Darling moved on, goaltender Marek Mazanec has strenghtened his hold on the number three slot in the Predators depth chart, aka the top spot in Milwaukee, according to Joshua Cooper of the Tennessean:

UPDATE: 1:54 PM

After an eventful season that saw a first experience in the NHL playoffs and a Calder Cup ring with the Texas Stars, former Milwaukee Admirals forward Chris Mueller has found a new home with the New York Rangers, moving him much closer to his hometown of Buffalo:

UPDATE: 1:39 PM

Predlines.com is reporting via Hockey Buzz Eklund a possible imminent trade involving the Predators. Names mentioned are Vincent Lecavalier, Joe Thornton or Radim Vrbata. My completely uneducated guess would be Vrbata:

In completely unrelated news defenseman Anton Stralman signed for five years at $20 million plus with Tampa Bay:

UPDATE: 1:25 PM

After an extended run in Calgary, Jarome Iginla is moving on to his fourth team in less than two years. The first of the two soon-to-be Hall of Famers (including Martin Brodeur) on the free agent list signs in Colorado for three years:

Forward Leo Komarov comes full circle from the Leafs to the KHL and back to the Leafs for four years:

Plus there is a report about another failed Nashville trade yesterday involving the Predators and Vincent Lecavalier that has surfaced:

It seems the Predators were unwilling to eat all that was left on the former Tampa star’s contract after he scored just 37 points in 69 games with a minus-16 rating last year with the Flyers.

UPDATE: 1:12 PM

A thin free agency class is getting a whole lot thinner by the minute as Matt Moulson comes off the board. The forward picked one of his three teams from last year to rejoin, signing in Buffalo for five years at five million dollars annually:

As far as center upgrades for Nashville the notable targets left are a retread of David Legwand, Mikhail Grabovski and perhaps Brad Richards:

Martin Havlat signed for $1.5 million with New Jersey, and will actually make less per season than his buyout from San Jose will pay him:

UPDATE: 1:00 PM

The first two hours are in the books and here is a quick recap of the lesser deals. Former Milwaukee Admiral Michael Latta resigned with the Capitals. The forward took to Twitter to express his excitement about resigning:

The Calgary Flames who really needed an upgrade in goal, got one in Jonas Hiller:

Veteran defenseman Stephane Robidas signed in Toronto for three years at age 37, Winnipeg signed former Ducks forward Mathieu Perreault (3 years at $3M per year), Dominic Moore resigned with the Rangers and Tanner Glass leaves Pittsburgh to add toughness to the Rangers.

UPDATE: 12:55 PM

The second biggest prize in the free agency pool is off the table as Thomas Vanek signs his expected deal with the Minnesota Wild. More importantly for the Austrian forward, who played for three teams last season, the deal contains a full no trade claus.

UPDATE: 12:15 PM

It’s still quiet out of Nashville so far as a few more pieces come off the board. Blake Comeau and Thomas Greiss signed with the Penguins, while Florida paid a hefty price for center Dave Bolland.

Shawn Thornton adds to the new Panthers brigade, while former Montreal captain Brian Gionta joins Josh Gorges in Buffalo:

UPDATE: 12:05 PM

Ryan Miller signed in Vancouver for three years. Forward Ales Hemsky agreed with the Dallas Stars. Joe Vitale signed with Arizona:

UPDATE: 11:58 AM

Pittsburgh Penguins stalwart Brooks Orpik continues the exodus out of the Steel City, signing with archrival Washington according to the New York Post’s Larry Brooks:

Meanwhile, Montreal resigns defenseman Mike Weaver, who they traded for at the deadline last season:

UPDATE: 11:43 AM

More big names off the board: Dan Boyle to the New York Rangers, Mason Raymond to Calgary and Brad Stuart was likely traded to Colorado from San Jose:

UPDATE: 11:38 AM

Another big ticket center off the board in the first hour. Calgary’s Mike Cammalleri signs with the New Jersey Devils for five years at $5 million per year:

Forward Jusssi Jokinen is headed to Florida for four-years at $4 mil per year. Former Wisconsin Badgers defenseman Tom Gilbert heads to Montreal for two years at $2.8 million per year:

UPDATE: 11:35 AM

The biggest ticket on the NHL Free Agent Market, Paul Stastny is officially off the market. Stastny is heading home to St. Louis, joining a solid Stanley Cup contender in the Blues. Nashville had hopes of signing the big ticket center ice man:

UPDATE: 11:34 AM After refusing a trade to archrival Toronto, defenseman Josh Gorges accepts a trade to Buffalo. I respect Gorges a lot, but last time I checked isn’t Buffalo in the same division as Montreal, just like the Leafs?

UPDATE: 11:26 AM

Minor deals afoot: Forward Milan Michalek resigns in Ottawa for $4 million per year. Goaltender Chad Johnson signs with the Islanders for two years at $1.3 million per year:

UPDATE: 11:15 AM

The Edmonton Oilers enter the fray with signings of defenseman Mark Fayne (four years) and forward Benoit Pouliot on a whopper of a five-year contract:

UPDATE: 11:08 AM

The NHL #FreeAgentFrenzy stock market’s opening bell has come and gone with players already getting gobbled up. Defenseman Christian Ehrhoff and forward Manny Malhotra each have new teams. Ehroff signed for one year in Pittsburgh according to Bob McKenzie:

And Malhotra in Montreal on a one-year deal:

UPDATE: 10:07 AM

Sounds like the Ottawa Senators have decided to trade Jason Spezza to the Dallas Stars, and not the Nashville Predators, who coveted the Canadian center. A couple of sources are reporting it, but CBC’s Elliotte Friedman believes it is three forwards and a draft pick:

The trade would give Dallas the awesome one-two punch of Tyler Seguin and Spezza at center. Just updated per TSN’s Bob McKenzie, Alex Chiasson, Alex Guptill, Nick Paul and a 2nd round pick in 2015 for Spezza and Ludvig Karlsson:

This clearly is not blockbuster material in the return from the Stars that the Senators are receiving. Ottawa did not get one first round pick out of this trade that they desperately wanted. Chiasson is a nice developing player, but I’m sure Bryan Murray would have prefered Patric Hornqvist/Nick Spaling and a first-round pick.

UPDATE: 9:00 AM

Starting at 12:00 PM Eastern Time, unrestricted free agents are free to sign wherever they choose, while teams have the opportunity to either match or receive compensation for signed restricted free agents. For more information on this, see article 10 of the NHL/NHLPA CBA. For a fun look back at the 2012 free agent class, and the pitfalls of signing free agents via Grantland’s Sean McIndoe, click here.

The 2014 free agency class this year is thin overall as NHL teams have tended to hoard their players for better or worse through longer term deals. Here is Predators General Manager David Poile thoughts on what is available.

Here is my list of the 10 most useful free agents currently available (aka best bang for your buck): Paul Stastny, Matt Niskanen, Thomas Vanek, Jarome Iginla, Dan Boyle, Ryan Miller, Radim Vrbata, Matt Moulson, Mike Cammalleri, Anton Stralman. Here is TSN’s list of the top 40 UFA’s of 2014.

In case you missed it yesterday, here is a list Nashville’s free agents courtesy of CapGeek.com: UFA’s are just forward Patrick Eaves and defenseman Michael Del Zotto (not qualified); In Milwaukee Bryan Rodney, Joe Piskula and Charles Olivier-Roussel (not qualified). The RFAs for Nashville are Ryan Ellis and Mattias Ekholm; In Milwaukee: Anthony Bitetto, Taylor Beck, Scott Valentine and Simon Moser. Both Joonas Jarvinen and Joonas Rask have already signed overseas.

A few moves of significance have taken place so far this offseason, namely Nashville’s trade for James Neal, who was welcomed as the newest member of the Predators yesterday.

Edmonton’s Sam Gagner was flipped twice, ending up in Arizona. Yesterday, a big swap involved Colorado and Montreal, as Daniel Briere was swapped for P.A. Parenteau plus a draft pick. A couple of significant former Admirals/Predators are also available, notably Matt Halischuk and David Legwand, as is one the NHL greatest all-time players, aging goaltender Martin Brodeur.

The Tennessean’s Josh Cooper believes that Poile is in the mood to deal:

piskula

(Joe Piskula headlines Milwaukee’s two-way UFAs. Photo courtesy of Scott Paulus)

UPDATE: 8:30 AM Central Time

Good morning and welcome to the Admirals Roundtable #FreeAgentFrenzy Live Blog on Canada Day. Throughout the day I will be checking in to provide updates on who is signing where out of this year’s free agent class. Feel free to comment about anything going on today, rumors you are hearing, and especially any big news out of Nashville/Milwaukee. I will check in from time to time with updates, especially on the significant signings and anything pertaining to Nashville/Milwaukee. Let the fun begin!

Ramblings

Summer Ramblings, Vol. 6

2014 Fiala Draft

The first phase of the NHL offseason is already in the books with the NHL entry draft come and gone. The Nashville Predators were one of the league’s most active teams, selecting four players in the first 62 picks, and seven altogether in the first 162 (no pick in the 7th round). Off the draft floor Predators General Manager David Poile was very active as well, trading to key roster components, forwards Partic Hornqvist and Nick Spaling to Pittsburgh in exchange for sniper James Neal. It was the trade that came after the trade that didn’t involving Ottawa.

~Predators Select Kevin Fiala in the first round; four players in the first 62 picks~

Here is the Predators full draft card, via predators.NHL.com:

2014draftpicks2

Nashville’s first selection was Kevin Fiala, a skilled smaller forward with game-breaking potential, who hails from Switzerland, is a citizen of both there and Czech Republic and just finished the season playing for HV71 Jonkoping of the Swedish Elite League.

The Predators second selection was another forward, Orsk, Russia native Vladislav Kamenev most recently of Magnitogorsk Metallurg. Curious if Poile/assistant G.M. Paul Fenton got a tip on the talented forward with good size from Metallurg coach Mike Keenan, who just won a KHL title.

More importantly for Milwaukee were the selections of Jack Dougherty and Justin Kirkland, 51st and 62nd overall. Though I can’t honestly attest to knowing if Fiala or Kamenev will make an appearance in Milwaukee prior to stepping out in Nashville, both Dougherty and Kirkland will likely be wearing an Admirals jersey in the not so distant future.

If Jack Dougherty’s name sounds familiar, it should. He’s part of the incoming freshman class at the University of Wisconsin. Once again Poile and Fenton and returning to the Badgers well with the Cottage Grove, Minnesota native that has brought them such prospects as Ryan Suter, Blake Geoffrion and Craig Smith among others. The slew of recent Wisconsin defenseman developed by coach Mike Eaves now playing around the NHL bodes well for Dougherty’s future.

Dougherty seemed pretty excited in Philadelphia:

Kirkland is currently cutting his teeth in the WHL with the Kelowna Rockets, where forward scored 17 goals and 48 points in his first full season, before adding another 10 in 14 playoff games.

A former teammate and current Predator/Admiral Colton Sissons was pretty excited for the pick of Kirkland:

~The James Neal Trade~

During the NHL draft, only a few trades went down with many more expected to happen that did not take place. The biggest transaction involved Nashville as the Predators traded a pair of franchise-developed products, Patric Hornqvist and Nick Spaling to Pittsburgh in exchange for James Neal. In Neal the Predators add a former 40-goal scorer with a bit of a checkered past. Here’s an interesting tidbit from Neal via Twitter back on May 23:

The exchange sends two big-time character forwards to a Penguins team in desperate need of them. For the record, Hornqvist dressed in 49 regular season and 11 playoff contests with Milwaukee back in 2008-2009, contributing 21 goals and 22 assists. Meanwhile, Spaling dressed in 52 regular season games with Milwaukee over the course of two seasons (2009-2011), chipping in eight goals and 11 assists.

 ~The Jason Spezza Trade that Wasn’t~

In many circles, Poile is being lauded for acquiring Neal, but the pieces were in place the same day for an even bigger fish in center Jason Spezza, according to ESPN.com/TSN reporter Pierre LeBrun:

The rumored trade involved potentially Nashville’s first-round selection in 2014, plus Hornqvist/Spaling. It was quite a risk/bounty for a player in Spezza who can sign anywhere as a free agent after the 2014-2015 season. The Ottawa forward has asked for a trade out of Canada’s capital, but much like former Badger Dany Heatley owns a no-trade claus in his contract preventing a trade to 10 teams of his choosing. The Predators and nine others were on that list.

How a player has the gall to ask for a trade, then would not accept one to organization as soundly built from top to bottom as Nashville is beyond me, especially with Spezza’s trade demand reasoning being that he wanted to get out of the spotlight of being the focal point of negative press in Ottawa. It’s not like it had to be a long-term thing. In Neal, I think Nashville got a better fit anyway, plus a better contract and didn’t have to give up their first-round pick in the process. Sometimes the best trades are the ones that don’t happen.

~Nashville’s Lower Round Draft Selections~

With its final three picks, Nashille added another smaller creative Swedish forward in 21-year-old Viktor Arvidsson, currently playing for Skellefteå of the Swedish Elite League with its fourth-round selection. Two blue liners, Espoo, Finland native Joonas Lyytinen and Edmonton, Alberta native Aaron Irving rounded out the Predators 2014 draft class.

~Free Agent Frenzy~

Tomorrow marks the first day of open-season on NHL/AHL free agents to be as 2013-2014 contracts officially expire.

Nashville’s list of UFAs via CapGeek.com is unbelievably short, involving just forward Patrick Eaves, and Milwaukee’s Bryan Rodney and Joe Piskula. Charles Olivier-Roussel was just added to this list as he was not qualified today. The RFAs for Nashville are three defenseman Michael Del Zotto (still not qualified), Ryan Ellis and Mattias Ekholm. Milwaukee: Anthony Bitetto, Taylor Beck, Scott Valentine and Simon Moser. Both Joonas Jarvinen and Joonas Rask have already signed overseas.

I will have a live blog up here at Admirals Roundtable throughout the day marking the significant signings and extended details of any Predator/Admirals signings. Stay tuned:

News

Ads Summer Notes: Oligny Added; Larson, Ads Awarded

Yesterday the Milwaukee Admirals added another piece to the 2014-2015 roster puzzle by signing Canadian junior defenseman Jimmy Oligny to a one-year American Hockey League contract.

The 20-year-old spent last season as a prominent defenseman with the Rimouski Oceanic, which finished 45-16-0-3 in the East Division of the QMJHL (the same Oceanic squad that produced Sidney Crosby and Vincent Lecavalier among others). Oligny had a stand out campaign, scoring seven goals and 36 points to lead all team defenseman (also finished as a +23 with 119 PIMs). Prior to Rimouski, the undrafted blue liner played four years with the Prince Edward Island Rocket, with his best season coming in 2012-2013 where he racked up 13 goals, 42 points and 142 PIMs.

The 5-11, 209-lbs. defenseman doesn’t back down from anyone, as 165 PIMs in 2011-2012 with the Rocket attests to.

In other news the American Hockey League meetings came to a close today after three days in Springfield, Massachusetts. The Milwaukee Admirals came away as big winners during the event.

Milwaukee V.P. of Communications Charlie Larson was honored with the Ken McKenzie award today for his outstanding promotion of the Admirals.

It’s been a honor and pleasure to work with Larson as a mentor over the past three seasons, and he is extremely deserving of this honor.

Two days ago, the Admirals took home the AHL Achievement Award for Season ticket renewal. Congratulations Charlie and all of the Milwaukee Admirals staff on a job well done!

Finally day one of the NHL draft begins tomorrow night. In case you are wondering, Nashville selects 11th this time around and 46th overall in round two.

Ramblings

Summer Ramblings, Vol. 5

With the 2013-2014 season finally reaching its conclusion, the NHL quickly moves into its busiest two weeks of the offseason with the 2014 NHL entry draft and open season for free agents upcoming. Meanwhile, a couple of other significant moments have occurred in the last few days, including the release of the 2014-2015 schedule, Nashville releasing it’s preseason schedule, the 2014 Hall of Fame Class being announced and the first major trade of what could be a summer full of them.

~NHL releases it’s 2014-2015 schedule~

The National Hockey League has released its 2014-2015 regular season schedule. Here are few Predator key dates to look forward to:

Oct. 9: Preds vs. Senators. Nashville opens the season against Ottawa on home ice. (NHL’s opener is a day earlier, with Montreal and Toronto breaking the ice with the first of four games).

Nov. 25: Preds vs. Kings. Nashville’s first matchup with defending champion Los Angeles.

Dec. 27: Preds vs. Flyers. Nashville’s new coach Peter Laviolette faces his old Philadelphia squad, minus one hairy stalwart (more on this later), for the first time.

Jan. 16: Preds vs. Capitals. Nashville welcomes former coach Barry Trotz back to the Music City for his first game as an opposing coach.

For Nashville’s full schedule, click here. For  the entire NHL schedule, click here.

~2014 Hall of Fame Class Announced~

The Nashville Predators finally have a former player in the Hall of Fame. Peter Forsberg joins the hockey immortals after terrific, but injury shortened career. For the record, the man who has his own postage stamp back home in Sweden, played in just 22 games for Nashville, accounting for two goals and 15 points in 17 regular season games, and two goals and four points in a five-game series loss to San Jose. Forsberg was acquired at the trade deadline for former Admiral Scottie Upshall, 2005 Predators first-round draft pick defenseman Ryan Parent (who played 10 playoff games with Milwaukee in the spring of 2006) and a pair of draft picks (2007 first and third rounders). Though Nashville got a future Hall of Famer as a rental, Philadelphia acquired what amounted to three first round picks in the deal, making this one of David Poile’s most questioned trades.

Forsberg joins fellow first-time player inductees Dominik Hasek and Mike Modano in the 2014 Hockey Hall of Fame Class. Defenseman Rob Blake was the fourth and final selection. Also going into the Hall of Fame via the builders category were long overdue, three-time Jack Adams Award winning coach Pat Burns and referee Bill McCreary.

~2014 Predators Preseason Schedule~

Shortly before the release of the entire 2014-2015 schedule, Nashville released its 2014 preseason schedule. Several future Milwaukee Admirals will be in action in a Predators’ jersey during the six-game slate which includes four home games, and two contests each with Eastern Conference foes Tampa Bay, Florida and Columbus.

~Scott Hartnell traded for R.J. Umberger~

Count me as shocked when I heard the news that former Nashville Predator Scott Hartnell was traded on Monday for Columbus forward R.J. Umberger, plus a 2015 fourth-round pick. The two-time 30 goal scorer is now the third Flyer in recent years that signed a long-term extension with the club, only to get traded shortly after (Mike Richards and Jeff Carter being the others). Hartnell, who waived his no-trade clause to make the deal happen, was swapped for a player who had requested a trade away from the Blue Jackets.

News

2014 Calder Cup Finals Preview: IceCaps vs. Stars
Mueller-1
Chris Mueller and Kevin Henderson are heading to the 2014 Calder Cup Finals as members of the Texas Stars. (Photo Credit: Scott Paulus)

2014 Calder Cup Finals
St. John’s IceCaps vs. Texas Stars

St. John’s IceCaps: 46-23-5-8, 11-5-0 in playoffs, 258 goals scored & 47 in playoffs; 207 goals against & 28 in playoffs. Texas Stars: 48-18-3;11-5-0 in playoffs, 274 goals scored & 53 in playoffs; 197 goals against & 39 in playoffs.

The Calder Cup semifinals wrapped up last night in stunning blowout fashion as Eastern Conference champion St. John’s and Western Conference champion Texas each scored convincing knock out victories over their opponents. The IceCaps took Game Six 5-0 over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, while Stars stormed through Game Seven 6-2 over Toronto, which had yet to lose prior to the conference finals.

Heading into the championship series both franchises have short histories in the American Hockey League. Texas arrived in the Austin area for the 2009-2010 campaign, as the new incarnation of the Iowa Chops. Meanwhile, St. John’s joined the AHL for 2011-2012 as the minor league affiliate of Winnipeg. The city had been home to the Manitoba Moose, but that franchise needed to skip town after the arrival of the Jets. Despite incredible success on the ice and at the ticket office during its first three years, the AHL’s only Atlantic Canada franchise is likely on the move soon. Winnipeg would prefer to relocate the team to Thunder Bay, Ontario, and other teams would prefer not making the trip to St. John’s.

All season I have been grossly underestimating Texas, the highest scoring team in the west and arguably the most veteran team in the league. A couple of familiar former Admirals, Chris Mueller and Kevin Henderson are key contributors for the club. Mueller, who played in nine games for Dallas, including four playoff games this spring, has five goals and eight points in 14 post season contest, while Henderson has six points in 16.

Travis Morin is still the key cog, who along with fellow veteran Mike Hedden lead the team with 15 playoff points each. Two others with plenty of NHL games on their resume are also key contributors, defenseman Derek Meech (notably with Detroit) and forward Dustin Jeffrey (notably with Pittsburgh). Goaltending duties have been shared by prospect Jack Campbell and veteran Christopher Nilstorp, but the big Swede (9-4-0, 2.14 G.A.A., .914 S.P.) was the team’s go-to option against the Marlies.

With a roster also light on rookies, St. John’s most dangerous trio has been recent Chicago Wolves forward Andrew Gordon (team-leading 16 points), top prospect Eric O’Dell (team-leading nine goals) and 32-year-old Jason Jaffray (10 points). Much like Toronto, the IceCaps really excel in their transition game, with three pace pushers in Will O’Neill (team-leading 11 assists), Zach Redmond and 2013 first-round pick Josh Morrissey starring on the blue line. Former Boston Bruins third-rounder Michael Hutchinson has been dynamite in goal for the Newfoundlanders (11-5-0, 1.61 G.A.A., .946 S.P.), and could easily be the playoff’s MVP.

If the Stars have enough in the tank, they should be favored in this series considering their goal scoring prowess, veteran roster and home dominance in the playoffs — six wins in eight games on home ice this post season. The IceCaps also went 6-2-0 on home ice during the playoffs, and could turn around the series with two or three wins on the island in front of its rabid fan base. Hutchinson could be the key in a potential upset.

So far I’ve been wrong about the Stars in the first round and wrong about them in the Western finals. I don’t think I will be here. I see Texas winning its first ever Calder Cup, four years after losing in the finals, with a six-game decision this June.

Bonus Stanley Cup Finals Prediction

The Los Angeles Kings ride Jonathan Quick, Drew Doughty, plus it’s size and depth up front for a six-game series victory in this epic goaltending clash.

So Roundtable . . . Who do you have in the Calder Cup and Stanley Cup Finals? Who are your MVPs? Are you rooting for Texas due to the Mueller/Henderson connections?

News

Matchup Breakdown: Milwaukee vs. Toronto
TOR-MKE-1
The Milwaukee Admirals and Toronto Marlies face off in the opening round of the Calder Cup playoffs. Who has the edge? (Photo Credit: Scott Paulus)

Toronto Marlies (3-Seed, 45-25-2-4, 96 points, 223 goals for, 202 goals against). vs. Milwaukee Admirals (6-Seed, 39-24-6-7, 91 points, 215 goals for, 199 goals against).

Prior Games:

Milwaukee leads 2-0. 3-2 at MKE on Jan. 21; 5-1 at TOR on March 22.

Schedule:

Game 1: Friday, April 25: Milwaukee vs. Toronto, 7:00PM; Game 2: Saturday, April 26: Milwaukee vs. Toronto, 7:00PM; Game 3: Thursday, May 1: Milwaukee at Toronto, 6:00PM; Game 4*: Saturday, May 3: Milwaukee at Toronto, 2:00PM; Game 5*: Sunday, May 4: Milwaukee at Toronto, 3:00PM. *If necessary.

Here is how I see the Milwaukee/Toronto matchup breaking down:

Offense:

Pick your poison, would you prefer the high-end scoring talent of Toronto or the four-line offense of Milwaukee? Spencer Abbott leads Marlies forwards with 69 points (17 goals, 52 assists). He has plenty of company in scoring threats Greg McKegg‘s 47 points (19 goals, 28 assists), Josh Leivo‘s 42 points (23 goals, 19 assists), and Jerry D’Amigo‘s 33 points (20 goals, 13 assists). However, Toronto’s biggest threat is defenseman T.J. Brennan, the reigning Eddie Shore Award winner, who led the team with 72 points (25 goals, 47 assists) – good for third best in the AHL. The Admirals are slightly less potent with Colton Sissons‘ 44 points (25 goals, 19 assists), Taylor Beck‘s 49 points (team-leading 32 assists) Austin Watson‘s 46 points (22 goals, 24 points), Calle Jarnkrok‘s 45 points (18 goals, 27 assists), and Miikka Salomaki, who has a team-leading 50 points (20 goals, 30 assists). These are all solid scoring options on a team without much difference top to bottom on its four lines. Advantage Toronto.

Defense:

Toronto’s blueline might be littered with bigger names, notably Brennan and Korbinian Holzer (23 points, +5), and high-end prospects Kevin Marshall and Stuart Percy, but Milwaukee’s anchor is always its defense, which I see as deeper than the Marlies. Veterans Scott Ford and Joe Piskula (+20 rating) are staples on one of the league’s best corps., even if Admirals like Anthony Bitetto (36 points), Bryan Rodney (34 points) and Joonas Jarvinen are a bit more unknown throughout the league. Advantage Milwaukee.

Goaltending:

The most obvious toss up matchup in this series is goaltending. I expect veteran Drew MacIntyre (29-15-3, 2.53 GAA, .917 SP) to get the call to anchor Toronto (29-15-3, 2.53 GAA, .917 SP) versus Milwaukee rookie Marek Mazanec (18-10-3, 2.44 GAA, .914 SP) and potentially Scott Darling (13-6-2, 2.00 GAA, .933 SP). MacIntyre has been one of the league’s best for a long time, and has six games of NHL experience with Vancouver, Buffalo and Toronto. Mazanec actually has 25 games of NHL experience to his credit, plus a Czech League title last season with Plzen, winning Game 7 of the Finals in overtime. Added Bonus:  The 22-year-old Czech netminder is red hot as of late. Even.

Special Teams:

Toronto has the AHL’s ninth-best power play, clicking at a 19.9% clip this season (71 goals on 356 attempts). On the road the Marlies score at an even better 20.7%. Milwaukee executes at 17.5%, 14th best in the AHL (60 goals on 343 attempts). The Admirals have an abysmal road power play, scoring just 12.5% of the time, versus their sixth-best power play at home (22.3%). Led by Mark Van Guider, Milwaukee has an excellent penalty kill, seventh-best in the AHL and successful 83.8% of the time (52 goals against in 321 attempts). At home the Admirals improve to 86.2%. Toronto carries the AHL’s 11th-best penalty kill at 83.2% (64 goals against in 380 attempts), and like Milwaukee is far better at home (86.2%). The Marlies have slightly better special teams overall, but take many more penalties than Milwaukee. Even.

Coaching:

As far as a professional record, Admirals bench boss Dean Evason has a huge advantage over Marlies coach Steve Spott. Evason spent seven seasons as an assistant coach with the Washington Capitals before taking over the head coaching position with Milwaukee, where he guided the team to an average of 40 wins per season and a 2013 first-round playoff loss last year at the hands of Texas. Spott came to Toronto, via the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL, where he had plenty of success. Last fall Spott was the surprising choice to replace the highly coveted Dallas Eakins who moved on to the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers. Advantage Milwaukee.

Intangibles:

When I look at intangibles in this series, I see Toronto’s three-pack of Division titles, home-ice advantage and a fan base that should show up in droves considering the same-town Maple Leafs did not make the playoffs. Meanwhile, Milwaukee is hungry, coming off of two straight early postseason exits, which lasted just seven games in total. However, this is an extremely deep Admirals club that can roll four lines and six defensemen without any significant talent drop off. Advantage Toronto.

Playoff Experience:

Though Toronto’s roster features only a few skaters left from the 2012 squad that advanced to the Calder Cup Finals, players like D’Amigo and Holzer know how to win in the playoffs. Last year the young Marlies swept Rochester before falling to eventual champion Grand Rapids in six games. However, MacIntyre was shelled in that series. Meanwhile, Milwaukee is three seasons removed from its last series victory, a six-gamer against Texas that saw both MVG and Ford play key roles. The Admirals’ margin in the four-game loss last spring to the Stars was razor thin. Advantage Toronto.

Final Verdict:

Much like last year against Texas, I expect this to be an extremely tight series. Despite the fact that Milwaukee swept the two game series this year, these two teams are highly comparable on paper. Toronto might have a little more flash, but Milwaukee is deeper and tough enough to handle the Marlies’ physical play advantage. In a series that could go either way, I predict Milwaukee to win in five games.

For more on the series visit MilwaukeeAdmirals.com to read my feature highlighting the series.

Other First Round Thoughts:

East:  Manchester 3-0 over Norfolk; Providence 3-2 over Springfield; W-B/Scranton 3-2 over Binghamton; St. John’s 3-1 over Albany.

West:  Oklahoma City 3-2 over Texas; Chicago 3-2 over Rochester; Grand Rapids 3-2 over Abbotsford.

So Roundtable . . . How do you see this series shaking out? Any predictions? Ideas for shutting down Brennan?