COLUMBUS SELECTS OVERAGE DEFENDER MICHAL PLUTNAR 16TH OVERALL
June 24, 2014
Columbus added to their blueline prospect depth yesterday evening by selecting a pair of defenders with the 16th and 46th overall picks in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Michal Plutnar, 20, was the first selection. The 6'2" 182 lbs defenseman from the Czech Republic finished up a fantastic season with the Tri-City Americans of the WHL, which placed him among the top prospects in the draft despite being passed over in the previous two drafts.
"Plutnar has good skating ability and an NHL-calibre shot, but he will likely need at least a couple years of development before he's ready for the NHL. The biggest area in which he needs to improve is moving the puck," said one of the scouts we talked to from NHL Central Scouting Services.
Columbus followed up that selection with another overaged defenseman, Dominic Talbot-Tassi from the Sherbrooke Phoenix of the QMJHL. The 20-year-old diminutive defender stands 5'8" and tips the scales at 175 lbs. The Laval, Quebec native is labeled as an offensive defenseman who moves the puck well and uses his hockey sense to make creative plays.
Nikolai Goncharov, the gargantuan Russian goaltender, was the first overall pick of the Edmonton Oilers courtesy of the Boston Bruins in the Ryan Smyth trade at last year's draft. This event marks the first time in over a decade that a goaltender was selected first overall with the previous first overall goalie being Marc-Andre Fleury in the 2003 draft. Goncharov is expected to be the "missing" link for the Oilers, who have drafted lots of high-end forward and defensive talent, but were lacking between the pipes.
The blunder of the day on the draft floor went to Jay Feaster, who went off the board in typical Feaster fashion to select rugged Austrian defenseman Matthew Cochrane. Critics slammed Feaster for the decision as Sam Reinhart, a player who many felt should have gone first overall, was still available. Time will tell if it was the right decision to make, but Flames fans and the Calgary media alike are going to be roasting Feaster over this decision for the forseeable future.
The Montreal Canadiens made the biggest splash in free agency this summer, signing Andy Greene to a 3 year contract, worth a total of $16.8 million. It was a somewhat disappointing offseason - for everyone but Ducks and Canucks fans. Players like Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, and Alex Edler were all rumored to test the free agent market - especially Edler. However, they all resigned with their respected teams, leaving Andy Greene as the top UFA.
The Habs have got a couple other new faces this year: rookie Alex Galchenyuk will make his NHL debut, as will Jared Tinordi. Gustav Nyquist will also play his first full season in the NHL. Here is what Montreal's roster will look like this season:
Why is yakupov not on the oilers and Sven betsuchi isn't on flames? Someone help haha
1) Because they don't have the rights to the KHL. Yak was previously covered under CHL licensing, but not anymore since he went overseas.
2) Because they need to get different licensing when a player switches from the CHL to the pros. Every team is missing this year's junior graduates (ie: Beaulieu (sp?), Pysyk, Baertschi, etc.)
The Real Season
The Edmonton Oilers have finally returned to the post-season, with a joint effort by the tandem of Devan Dubnyk and Atte Engren.
2013-2014 Record: 49 W - 26 L - 7 OTL - 105 PTS Goals for: 225 Goals against: 203 Playoffs: Defeated in the 1st round by Vancouver Canucks
Starting Lineup
Taylor Hall [A] - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - Jordan Eberle
Magnus Paajarvi - Sam Gagner - Nail Yakupov
Curtis Glencross - Shawn Horcoff [C] - Ryan Jones
Teemu Hartikainen - Chris Kelly - Dominic Moore
Ryan Whitney [A] - Jeff Petry
Nick Schultz - Justin Schultz
Ladislav Smid - Oscar Klefbom
Devan Dubnyk
Atte Engren
Free Agent Signings:
G Atte Engren
LW Curtis Glencross
C Chris Kelly
C Dominic Moore
D Mikko Kousa
LW Garrett Wilson
LW Charles Hudon
D Keegan Lowe
RW John Westin
In the middle of November, rugged defenceman Theo Peckham's rights and enigmatic sniper Nikita Filatov to the Devils, who were second only to the Penguins in the Atlantic division, were looking for NHL-ready players, and gave up their first round pick in the upcoming draft.
During the draft, Oilers captain Shawn Horcoff was traded in an unbelievable move. Albertan rival the Calgary Flames asked Tambellini for Horcoff, offering draft picks for the future. The move was considered bittersweet by fans, as they were able to move the aging Horcoff's expensive contract. There were rumours that the captain was being shopped by Tambellini during the season, but there were no biters. Fans are both elated and irritated that Horcoff will still be seen often.
2014 NHL Entry Draft
TWD Aaron Ekblad - 1st round (1) Exceptional Player is expected to step in sooner rather than later, plays in all situations and is a clutch skater.
PLY Manuel Knutsen - 1st round (21) German passer is slightly smaller at 5'10", 176lbs, but has above-average skating.
HYB Jackson Whistle - 2nd round (51) Playing for his hometown team, the Kelowna Rockets, Whistle's athleticism is his greatest strength, but will continue to work on stick play.
TWF Daniel Asham - 2nd round (52) Centreman has exceptional defensive abilities for his age, but his skating is average at best and could take advantage of his size more often.
PLY Austin Vetterl - 3rd round (75) 20-year old is a project, but has the potential to be a second-line playmaker.
TWF Jeremy Gregoire - 3rd round (81) Big centre is a fluid skater, but could use work elsewhere. Has the size to compete.
Awards Stanley Cup: Buffalo Sabres Calder Cup: Oklahoma City Barons President's Trophy: Buffalo Sabres Clarence S. Campbell Bowl: Calgary Flames Prince of Wales Trophy: Buffalo Sabres Art Ross Trophy: Sidney Crosby (PIT) Hart Memorial Trophy: Alexander Ovechkin (WSH) James Norris Memorial Trophy: Joni Pitkanen (CAR) Lady Byng Memorial Trophy: Alexander Semin (CAR) Calder Memorial Trophy: Mike Matheson (FLA) Conn Smythe Trophy: Ryan Miller (BUF) Vezina Trophy: Pekka Rinne (NSH) William M. Jennings Trophy: Miika Kiprusoff/Leland Irving (CGY) Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy: Mattias Ohlund (NYR) Frank J. Selke Trophy: Pavel Datsyuk (DET) Ted Lindsay Award: Pekka Rinne (NSH) Maurice Richard Trophy: Alexander Ovechkin (WSH)
2013-2014 Summary
This was the year of surprises, for not only the Oilers but the rest of the NHL. Atte Engren has posted amazing numbers, going 16-5, with a 2.04 GAA and .928 SV%, as well as 4 shutouts.
With New Jersey's first rounder, which ended up as the first overall draft pick, Edmonton selected former Barrie Colts defender Aaron Ekblad. The 6'3", 214lbs, two-way defenceman is the second player to have been granted Exceptional Player status, following John Tavares and prior to Connor McDavid. Many had expected that Sam Reinhart's strong season with the Kootenay Ice had warranted him being selected number one, but the Oilers believed that Ekblad would be better for the Oilers in the long run.
While the Oilers couldn't make it past the first round, the Barons captured their second consecutive Calder Cup. The Sabres and Lindy Ruff finally vanquished the ghosts of 1999, winning the Stanley Cup. Joni Pitkanen is the first Finnish defenceman to win the Norris, and he did so back-to-back, the first player to do so since Lidstrom. Mike Matheson of the Panthers put up 14G-30A-44P and was a plus 5, the first defenceman to win the Calder since Myers did so in the 2009-2010 season. Pekka Rinne finally wins the Vezina, and takes the Ted Lindsay with him. Ovechkin and Datsyuk repeat their trophy wins.
In my Toronto franchise I'm doing well playing every game current record 21-1-5
Was wondering who are some good players with low trade value? For either second or first line rather then getting Hopkins already
In a trade that has been rumored for a year the Penguins and Avalanche have finally pulled off their much rumored Matt Duchene deal. The trade sent Duchene, Douglas Murray, and Colorado's 3rd round pick in the upcoming 2016 draft. Going the other way to Colorado are Andrej Meszaros, David Legwand and top defensive prospect Louis Desbiens. After being eliminated in the 2nd round for two straight seasons the Penguins finally pulled off the deal that gets them the top 6 forward they needed. Pittsburgh GM Ray Shero had this to say on the trade "Duchene provides us with tremendous speed, a fantastic shot and excellent play making abilities. He is the elite talent we have wanted to go along with Geno and Neal on our 2nd line for a while now. It was tough trading Meszaros after a really good season for him but we have enough organizational depth to replace him. We would also like to thank David Legwand for his time here in Pittsburgh and all he has done for the organization and the community." The Pens now have a number of offensive threats in their top 6 and look to win the Stanley Cup for the 1st time in 8 years.
I haven't gotten NHL 13, but I still play NHL 12 from time to time.
I'm in the year 2029 with the New Orleans Condors, I replaced the Florida Panthers in the SE division. For the first 10 or so years I only made the playoffs twice, but with some awesome young players stepping up and good goaltending I won my first cup!
Anyways I might update my team full on now that I'm nearing the end of my career. I've retooled a bit and most of my core players are gone, and now I've gotten a mostly young line-up and struggling quite a bit. Hopefully my youthful core led by lifetime Condors William Carrier and Jason Marchant (Goalie I picked 3rd overall in 2015 I think, 1 vezina and 2 Jennings) can make it the playoffs and grind their way to a cup.
I'll update with the stats from past seasons, I think I had somewhat of a dynasty as I won back to back cups and Presidents Trophies, and 4 straight 50+ win seasons. I also just lost in the Stanley Cup finals. So that's 3 cup finals in 5 years. And this was all on Hard mode.
You have a ton of money locked up in goaltenders! 8.7 for your tandem!
I like to have a 4 mill guy (85 overall) backed up by a 1 mill guy (78-80 overall).
And 2.3 for your 4th line centre! How is your cap space?
West --> Avalanche, Predators, Canucks
East --> Jets, Rangers, Penguins
Finalists:
Predators vs Rangers
Winner:
Predators
Not a fan, but their D depth is insane, Rinne is a beast, and for some reason they sim really well even though their forwards are crap.
I would prefer Canucks over Jets, but the Canucks choke...
In a 4-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks, rookie forward Alex Galchenyuk displays one of his usual flashy celebrations after
sniping his second goal of the night past Jonas Hiller.
Based off of their performance last year, most people didn't expect the Montreal Canadiens to ever be in a playoff position this season. However, here we are at the annual NHL all star break, and the Canadiens sit at fifth in the Eastern Conference with 57 points.
This surprising fact is largely thanks to the play of Alex Galchenyuk, the 3rd overall pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. He was invited to the All Star game on Tuesday - but not for the rookie skills competition - he made the roster for the actual All Star game and will play on a line with Jason Spezza and Joffery Lupul.
Alex been amazing for the Canadiens this season. He has been playing on their top line all season, and he leads the team in scoring with 49 points in 52 games. He is only behind one other player in the rookie scoring race - Jonathan Huberdeau, who has an insane 61 points in 50 games. Alex's outstanding offensive play has also rubbed off on Max Pacioretty - he did not make the all star game, but has scored 20 goals and 41 points in 52 games.
You have a ton of money locked up in goaltenders! 8.7 for your tandem!
I like to have a 4 mill guy (85 overall) backed up by a 1 mill guy (78-80 overall).
And 2.3 for your 4th line centre! How is your cap space?
Just made a notable trade in my Habs dynasty. Too lazy to make a whole writeup about it, because once I finish year two I will make one. Here is the trade:
Petr Straka (56 OVR, 3.5Y), Charles Hudon (56 OVR, 2.5Y), and Alessio Bertaggia (55 overall, 2.5Y) for Tyson Barrie (76 overall, 4 yellow stars)
Edit: Holy flying **** - I just got offered Phil Kessel for a bunch of garbage. Done deal!
Montreal's 2014 1st, Patrick Holland, Brady Vail, and Nathan Chiarlitti for Phil Kessel!
Canadiens defenseman Yannick Weber snipes a wrist shot past Panthers goalie Scott Clemmensen.
Montreal may not be one of the elite teams in the NHL this year, but seventh place is much better than sixth last, that's for sure. The Habs turned it around from last season, earning 91 points, with a record of 41-32-9. They will be facing the Washington Capitals in round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Here are the Habs' three stars of the season:
3rd Star: Carey Price
The 26 year old netminder bounced back from last year's abysmal season, posting a 0.923% save percentage and a GAA of 2.35.
2nd Star: Yannick Weber
No one expected this at all, but he lead the Canadiens blue line in points with 35. His offense from the back end really helped out the Habs this season.
1st Star:
Alex Galchenyuk
Everyone expected Galchenyuk to be good - but no one expected that he would have such an amazing impact in his first year. The rookie centerman scored 27 goals and 77 points on the Habs' top line, and finished second in the rookie scoring race, only behind Jonathan Huberdeau.
Player Stats (Goals/Assists/Points)
Forwards:
Alex Galchenyuk - 27/50/77
Phil Kessel - 31/40/71 (late season acquisition)
Max Pacioretty - 25/33/58
Eric Cole - 19/30/49
Brian Gionta - 20/26/46
Tomas Plekanec - 17/25/42
Gustav Nyquist - 13/16/29
Lars Eller - 14/15/29
Rene Bourque - 12/5/17
Brandon Prust - 2/8/10
Ryan White - 2/8/10
Colby Armstrong - 2/7/9
After another disappointing playoffs for the penguins the team decided it was time to under go some massive changes. First the team traded the 3rd overall pick (from VAN) and their own 1st round pick which was 22nd overall to the Chicago Blackhawks for the 1st overall pick. The team drafted Sergei kugryshev first overall. The team believes that he will be the teams replacement for Marian Gaborik and he could see ice time with the club during the 2017-2018 season. The team then traded RFA joe morrow and the often injured Brandon sutter to he Phoenix coyotes for Oliver ekman larsson. The team then traded Brian dumoulin to the Anaheim ducks for Brandon pirri. The team has one more question to answer and that is the goaltending situation. Fleury appeared to struggle at times and engstrand wasn't much better. This lead to engstrand's departure in the offseason and Nikita serebryakov handed the backup job although he will test fleury for the #1 job. Serebryakov was a stud in his 15 game stint with the club going 10-4 with a 1.85 GAA and a .938sv%.
Does someone here know how the development of prospects works?
I mean not in particular, but i need to figure out why the overall of certain players goes trough the roof while others improve by like 1 point.
For example, i had huge lottery luck in my first season with the Bruins: Traded Thomas in the pre season and the first round pick from that trade ended up as 2nd overall, which i used on Reinhardt.
During the draft i was also able to get Niederreiter from NYI, i dont remember his numbers, but at the start of the second season he was still a 4 star (or is it 3.5?) with a 68 overall. Reinhardt was already a monster at that time, 4.5 stars and 77 overall.
Now, after 1 season in Juniors, the monster turned into a beast, 20 years old with a 86 overall, almost ready to replace an aging Chara.
Niederreiter however, while playing the entire season in the NHL (and winning the cup in that process) on the 3rd line together with O.Jokinen and Peverley made it to 69 overall. He wasn't bad, ended the season with 11g and 23 points and even a gamewinner in the Conference Finals.
So what i ask myself is: Was the competition too hard and he should've played the entire season in the AHL (as he will next season)? Do they have to dominate to make jumps like Reinhardt did? Do i just need more patience?
Not that i expect everyone to become a star after a single year, but i have a lot of unsigned players now i really don't know what to do with. They are too bad for my AHL team so i thought it might be a good idea to leave them where they are, but that way they progress like Niederreiter, which means they are blocked by Providence's AHL players until the age of 25 or smth.
roster
