The Bolts
Our European correspondant Igor Nikonov (@nikonov_igor) translated an interview with Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ondrej Palat by Květoslav Šimek of the Czech language website iSport.cz. They talked about the arbitration process, the tough choices Lightning GM Steve Yzerman had to make, and what his motivation will be now that he’s getting paid. [Raw Charge]
For the next season and a half (at least), Amalie Arena will have some road closures around the pick-up and drop-off areas. This is because of the project currently underway (headed by Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik) to create a waterfront development. [Amalie Arena]
NEW LANE CLOSURE in effect on Channelside Dr – will effect temp parking circle dropoff/pickup. Info: https://t.co/u73jFtTFhc pic.twitter.com/60xHVSgjF0
— Amalie Arena (@AmalieArena) July 24, 2017
The Prospects
The Syracuse Crunch jersey auction is currently underway. If you want to get your hands on some game worn swag, check it out! [Syracuse Crunch]
Get your bids in for #SyrCrunch regular season and playoff jerseys and warmups!
Bid now → https://t.co/iwFuVg1oqy pic.twitter.com/VkGYXm4b72
— Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) July 24, 2017
Top 25 Under 25
#7 The Tampa Bay Lightning have yet another center clogging up the pipeline for them. Brett Howden will be looking to dominate the WHL after the offensive explosion he had in his post-draft season. “At 6’3”, 192 pounds, Howden still has time to fill out his frame. He will have one more year to do so in Moose Jaw of the WHL before transitioning to the pro ranks in the fall of 2018.” [Raw Charge]
#8: Matthew Peca is aiming to make the Lightning this fall — “He was a break-even player in terms of his impact on shots and looked capable of playing at the speed of an NHL game. That experience will serve him well as he looks to take the next step this year and find some consistent minutes in Tampa.” [Raw Charge]
#9 Anthony Cirelli is an all-around player who thrives in the spotlight — “He entered the draft with only 36 points in his OHL career after playing a 4th line role on a stacked Oshawa team. But then he just kept getting better with each new challenge that was thrown at him.” [Raw Charge]
The Game
The Winnipeg Jets have re-signed last years starting goalie Connor Hellebuyck to a one year deal worth $2.25 million. “Hellebuyck will be a restricted free agent at the end of the contract. This is an interesting contract for Hellebuyck to agree to as it seems as the starting position is Steve Mason’s to lose. It is a gamble for Hellebuyck because he is betting on himself to be able to outplay Mason for the starting position so he can be paid what he wants.” [Arctic Ice Hockey]
Brian Dumoulin and the Pittsburgh Penguins have agreed to a 6 (SIX!) year deal with an AAV of $4.1 million. “Dumoulin, 25, has been a key component to the Penguins’ back-to-back Stanley Cup championships, as he played in all 49 playoff games in that span, and recorded 14 points (3G-11A).” [Pensburgh]
The Ottawa Senators and defenseman Johnny Oduya have agree to a one year deal worth $1 million with $1.25 million in potential bonuses. “The 35yo Oduya has played 798 regular season games with an additional 106 playoff games, and is known for being a part of the Chicago squad that won the Stanley Cup in 2013 and 2015.” [Silver Seven Sens]
The five $250K bonuses: top 5 in TOI for d-men, top 3 for TOI for d-men, play in 41 games, play in 65 games and qualify for the playoffs.
— Sens communications (@Media_Sens) July 24, 2017
22 year old defenseman Adam Pelech of the New York Islanders has a shiny new 4-year deal. Pelech will be making $1.6 million per year until 2021, at which point he will still be a RFA. “Coming off his entry level contract as a restricted free agent this summer, Pelech’s new rate is below league average. The catch is that his ceiling isn’t all that high, as he’s basically a positional/territorial defenseman and hardly a point producer.” [Light House Hockey]
Ken Campbell of The Hockey News asserts that the NHL will not be going to the 2018 Winter Olympics. There’s a lot of good stuff in this article, i suggest go reading the whole thing. For now here’s a snippet: “So now all that appears to be remaining is what to do with rogue NHL players. So here’s how it’s likely going to play out. Sometime in the near future, the league is going to introduce an edict that no player on either a one- or two-way NHL contract will be allowed to play in the Olympics.” [The Hockey News]
Speaking of unhappy players, Ed Brickeen of Real Sports 101 debates whether NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman deserves to be booed every time he’s in front of fans. Personally, regardless of whether he deserves it or not, it’s become a tradition for hockey fans and it should never stop. “Since Gary Bettman took over, the NHL has added seven franchises. Granted, Florida and Anaheim were already getting a team when he took over, but it still counts. He also added, Nashville, Atlanta (now Winnipeg), Minnesota, Columbus, and the newest member of the league, the Vegas Golden Knights.” [Real Sports 101]
