The Bolts
The Tampa Bay Lightning’s newest old guy, Chris Kunitz, arrives at Amalie Arena to speak with local reporters about his signing, his hopes for the team and what he did with his (4th) day with the Stanley Cup [NHL.com]
Kunitz described his play thus: “I try to play a straightforward game, straight lines, try to be physical on the forecheck, turn pucks over, go to the front of the net, go around the battle areas, go through people rather than around them.” [Tampa Bay Times]
As for what he can add to the team: “[Kunitz] brings 161 games worth of playoff experience to a team that is looking to rebound from last season’s injury-marred campaign that left the Lightning just short of reaching the postseason,” says Roger Mooney of the Tampa Bay Times, “He brings 14 years worth of NHL experience and a little grit to a team that could use some.” [Tampa Bay Times]
A display of an impressive career…so far! Good luck in Tampa Bay, Chris. #stanleycup @penguins @NHL @HockeyHallFame pic.twitter.com/F4L4WbI1Ur
— Philip Pritchard (@keeperofthecup) July 10, 2017
What about the kids? Are they Bolts fans yet? “They have sticks, jerseys, T-shirts and fidget spinners,” Kunitz said. “They are all set.” [NHL.com]
Chris may need to have another kid if he keeps winning Cups! (Pittsburgh, PA) #stanleycup @penguins @NHL @HockeyHallFame pic.twitter.com/UagJuPJ1WN
— Philip Pritchard (@keeperofthecup) July 10, 2017
The Crunch
It’s official! After several reports on Monday, the Tampa Bay Lightning have announced that Karl Goehring will be the goaltending and video coach for the Syracuse Crunch. “I am honored to be joining such a great organization and look forward to contributing as much as I can. I was fortunate to call Syracuse home for most of my playing career and I am very excited to be returning to the community.” [Raw Charge]
.@kgoehring1 returns to the @SyracuseCrunch as goaltending and video coach.
Details: https://t.co/T1X6QK8lQ5 pic.twitter.com/Lckk2zziba
— AHL (@TheAHL) July 12, 2017
The Prospects
Steve Yzerman has done an amazing job stocking the Lightning’s cupboard of prospects. Take a look at what to expect from the Top 4 according to Eugene Helfrick: “The Lightning have assembled a group of prospects that represent both high-end franchise players and situational players that can fill specific, but desperately needed roles for the team.” [The Hockey Writers]
Former Barrie Colt and now current Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Jake Dotchin signed a 2 year extension last week. Gene Pereira of the Barrie Examiner takes a look at Jake’s value to the organization and what he needs to do to take full advantage of the opportunity given: “Dotchin’s play stood out to the Bolts brass so much so that when it came time for the NHL expansion draft last month, Tampa made a side deal with the Vegas Golden Knights to ensure they wouldn’t select the young defenceman.” [Barrie Examiner]
After 1 season the ECHL’s Kalamazoo Wings have ended their affiliation with the Tampa Bay Lightning organization. “The changing of affiliates isn’t an uncommon practice in the ECHL as teams look for partnerships that best fit their business needs. Adirondack, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Norfolk, Quad City, Rapid City and Wichita also changed their parent clubs from last season to this one.” Dont be surprised if the Bolts announce a new affiliation before the summer is over. [Raw Charge]
The K-Wings have signed a 1 year affiliation agreement with the Vancouver Canucks and Utica Comets. “With this affiliate agreement, it marks the third time in Kalamazoo’s history that the Canucks and K-Wings have been in partnership (1984-87, 2011-15 and 2017-present) and the 11th NHL team that Kalamazoo has had an affiliation with.” [kwings.com]
Top 25 Under 25
#18: Boris Katchouk will be looking to see what he can do in what looks to be his final year in the OHL — “Several scouting reports have made note of his high compete level and hockey IQ—a key characteristic of Yzerman draft choices. Some scouts believe he has the ability to be a solid power forward in the NHL, and standing 6’3” and weighing 190 pounds, he still has some room to add bulk.” [Raw Charge]
#19: Dominik Masin enters his second pro year in Syracuse hoping to show growth after an underwhelming first season — “He’ll be counted on to fill top four minutes and with a slew of young skill up front, he’ll undoubtedly get plenty of opportunities to join the rush on offense and shine defensively as the team is likely to play at a fast pace.” [Raw Charge]
#20: Daniel Walcott is looking to make the most of his final ELC year — “Walcott has always been a versatile player with that healthy dose of grit that this organization seems to appreciate. He’s also always been a charismatic character guy, well-liked and looked up to wherever he has played.” [Raw Charge]
The Game
The Carolina Hurricanes signed left shooting defenseman Jaccob Slavin to a seven-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $5.3 million. This contract will kick in at the start of the 2018-19 season. “‘Jaccob is one of the cornerstones of our team moving forward, and it was important to secure him with our organization long term,’ said GM Ron Francis. ‘We believe he is one of the top young defensemen in the NHL today, and are thrilled that he and his wife, Kylie, have made their home in Raleigh.’” Pretty good return for a 120th overall pick in 2012. [Puck Daddy]
Our siblings over at Mile High Hockey have had a bit of a growth spurt. They have added some fresh new faces to their staff (including an old one, hi @ElSeldo). Head over there and give them all a follow! [Mile High Hockey]
