Trocheck skates

Jameson Olive: Florida Panthers coach Bob Boughner on Vincent Trocheck who skated for the first time since suffering his injury: “It’s the first day of probably many days he’s going to get out there and rehab and skate. It’s a real positive sign for us.”

Price light-headed

bStu Cowan: Montreal Canadiens coach Claude Julien said that Carey Price left practice due to light-headedness but added that there is no reason for concern.

John Lu: Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher is expected to be in the lineup today. He was given a maintenance day yesterday after he blocked a shot with his hand on Thursday.

No update on Blackwood

Abbey Mastracco: There was no update on New Jersey Devils goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood.

Chris Ryan: Blackwood left last night’s game in the first period.

Filppula to the IR and Eberle activated

New York Islanders: The Islanders put forward Valtteri Filppula on the IR retroactive to December 31st with an upper-body injury. Forward Jordan Eberle has been activated.

New York Islanders: Coach Barry Trotz with an injury update: “Casey just had a maintenance day today. Fil and Hicks will not be traveling. Jordan skated with the team today, we just have to make sure he’s ok with the trainers and we’ll probably have an update this afternoon.”

Hayes out with an upper-body injury

New York Rangers: Forward Kevin Hayes missed last night’s game with an upper-body injury and is day-to-day.

Pageau to return on Sunday

Ottawa Senators: Coach Guy Boucher on how close Jean-Gabriel Pageau is to returning: “Pageau will not play tomorrow, but he will play Sunday…. This is a miracle. It’s not just ahead of time, it’s WAY ahead of time.”

Neuvirth hurt again

Philadelphia Flyers: Flyers goaltender Michal Neuvirth is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury. He’s out today.

Adam Kimelman: Flyers forward Nolan Patrick practiced in a no-contact jersey. He was expected to get clearance for contact yesterday.

Andersen getting close

Kristen Shilton: Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Frederik Andersen took part in full practice yesterday for the first time since his groin injury.

Dave McCarthy: Andersen after practice: “It’s getting close. It’s been a good progression over the last few days and obviously going through a full practice pretty much today, I’m feeling pretty good so definitely positive about it.”

Dubas heading to Russia this week

Pierre LeBrun: NHL teams are holding scouting meetings over the next three to four weeks.

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas is in Russia the week watching some teams who have potential free agents, as well as some of their own prospects.

Darren Dreger: “KHL centerman, Sergei Andronov is a player of interest to the Leafs. Several NHL teams are in the mix. At $1.5 to $2 mil next season…might be too rich for Toronto for a depth center.”

Igor Eronko: “Have to think Kyle Dubas is in Yaroslavl not only for Yegor Korshkov. Should also be looking at Alexander Yelesin, one of the toughest KHL Ds. He’s a good skater, RH, sees the ice well and throws hit after hit. Maybe he looks after Artyom Blazhiyevsky too, LHD of CSKA”

Will the Sharks turn to the goalie market?

Paul Gackle of The Mercury News: (mailbag) There should be a legitimate concern for the San Jose Sharks about the play of goaltender Martin Jones. The Sharks are dead last in save percentage and Jones is 28th in save percentage at 0.897 among goalie with at least 20 appearances.

If their goaltending doesn’t improve they could call up an AHL goalie – likely Josef Korenar over Antoine Bibeau.

The more likely option would be try packaging Aaron Dell in a deal for a veteran goalie before the trade deadline.

Pending rental options that could be available before the trade deadline include Jimmy Howard, Brian Elliott, Michal Neuvirth, Keith Kinkaid and Petr Mrazek.

Rangers could have many players available

Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Darren Dreger was on TSN 1260 and was asked about the decline of New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist.

Lundqvist made it clear to the Rangers that he was committed to helping through the rebuild and wanting to be a part of their solution.

“It’s going to be interesting to watch what Jeff Gorton does moving forward here. We’ve heard the names who are out there – the likes of Zuccarello, Hayes is another one. I think that you could probably put half-a-dozen, maybe as many as 10 players on a trade list, and Gorton would consider moving those pieces.”

Upper-body for Kase

Elliott Teaford: Anaheim Ducks forward Ondrej Kase has an upper-body injury and didn’t skate yesterday. He only had limited minutes in the third period Thursday.

Bjork done for the season

Fluto Shinzawa: Boston Bruins Anders Bjork is having another shoulder surgery and will be out for five to six months.

Pitlick and Nichushkin out

Mike Heika: Dallas Stars forwards Tyler Pitlick and Valeri Nichushkin didn’t practice yesterday and won’t be the lineup today.

Trocheck returns

Jameson Olive: Florida Panthers goaltender Vincent Trocheck returned to the lineup last night.

Flyers injury updates

Philadelphia Flyers: GM Chuck Fletcher updating some injured Flyers.

Brian Elliott – lower-body – “Brian is progressing nicely and continuing his rehab. He’s back on the ice, but there is really no timetable set for his return.”

Michal Neuvirth – lower-body – “Michal is doing well. He was evaluated by one of our doctors yesterday (Jan. 17). His timetable has not been set. He’s doing very well through his rehab and we’re hoping to get him back on the ice late next week.”

Sam Morin – knee surgery – “Sam saw the doctor during the last game vs. Boston (Jan. 16) and he’s been cleared to go full tilt now. The game plan for Sam is to get his body ready to go back and play NHL hockey. We’re looking at another month before he’s ready to do that.”

Hornqvist improving

Josh Yohe: Pittsburgh Penguins forward Patric Hornqvist wasn’t able to go last night but he is doing better.

Steen getting close to returning

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: St. Louis Blues coach Craig Berube said that Alex Steen is getting close to returning and could play during their road trip.

“Steen skated today,” Berube said. “We’ll know tomorrow on him, (get) a real good idea if he can play here soon or not.”

Steen is on the IR along with Robert Thomas (shoulder) and Tyler Bozak (concussion).

Zach Sanford was injured on Tuesday and is going through concussion protocol.

Sparks returns

Paul Hendrick: Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Garret Sparks returned last night after missing the past seven games with a concussion.

Mark Masters: Sparks returning from his concussion: “I feel better now than I did prior to the injury. It was unfortunate that it happened, but I didn’t let it set me back at all.”

Miller close

Ben Gotz: Vegas Golden Knights coach Gerard Gallant won’t commit to defenseman Colin Miller returning to the lineup today. Gallant did say that he is close.

Rask to the IR

Mike Loftus: The Boston Bruins put Tuukka Rask on the IR and recalled goaltender Zane McIntyre.

Joe McDonald: Rask to the IR is retroactive to January 19th.

Boston Bruins: Coach Bruce Cassidy said that Rask is day-to-day and added: “Don’t think it’s long-term. Hopefully he gets on the ice tomorrow…think he’s doing well. Looks good.”

Jones should be able to play

Jeff Svoboda: Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones should be able to go tonight according to coach John Tortorella. Markus Hannikainen has been able to practice for two straight days but his status for tonight isn’t known.

Brian Hedger: Jones crashed into the post at the All-Star game and is a little “banged up.”

Methot out for the year

Joshua Clipperton: Dallas Stars defenseman Marc Methot will be out for the remainder of the season after having surgery on his left knee to repair a “cartilage defect.”

Matthew DeFranks: Stars forward Tyler Pitlick is day-to-day with an upper-body injury and will miss Wednesday’s game.

Zuccarello has an infected foot

New York Rangers: Coach David Quinn on Mats Zuccarello: “Zucc has an infection in his foot, he’s a lot better today than he was yesterday but he won’t be available for tomorrow. This is a short-term thing, hopefully. The plan is Thursday.”

White thinks he’s ready

TSN 1200: Ottawa Senators forward Colin White: “I’m feeling great; Almost 100% that I’m playing Friday”

Upper-body for Gostisbehere and Elliott still week-to-week

Dave Isaac: Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere suffered an upper-body injury. They are unsure of how long he might be out for.

Adam Kimelman: Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher said that goaltender Brian Elliott is week-to-week but will be traveling with the team. He has been taking shots. Fletcher: “he’s clearly made big strides the last 2-3 weeks.”

Fletcher said there is still no timeline on goaltender Michal Neuvirth and add he’s “just having a hard time getting him feeling right.”

Jack Johnson update could come today

Pens Inside Scoop: Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan didn’t have an update on defenseman Jack Johnson last night but said he’d probably have one today.

Tyler Johnson expected back

Bryan Burns: Tampa Bay Lightning forward Tyler Johnson missed their game last week with a lower-body injury but was able to practice yesterday. He is expected to be back this week.

Chiarot could return tonight

Jason Bell: Winnipeg Jets defenseman Ben Chiarot missed last night’s game but could be ready to return tonight according to coach Paul Maurice.

Philadelphia and Edmonton Swap Goalies

That is correct. At the stroke of midnight, the Philadelphia Flyers announced a trade. This is the parameters of the deal.

TRADE ALERT: The #Flyers have acquired goaltender Cam Talbot from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for goaltender Anthony Stolarz. https://t.co/mzPANUwVSG

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) February 16, 2019

Again, these late night deals test the mettle of many. What is the thought process? Let’s take a look at some numbers and much more.

Stolarz and Talbot side by side

Edmonton needed cap space and accomplished their goal but here are some numbers thanks to “The Point”.

Oilers trade Cam Talbot to Philly for Anthony Stolarz #LetsGoOilers #LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/H7oysCSDy4

— The Point (@ThePointHockey) February 16, 2019

How much of Talbot’s decline in numbers is because of Edmonton and how much of it is because of Talbot himself? That will be the question. Stolarz is just 25 while Talbot is 31 (almost 32). We introduce one number into the equation — penalty kill save percentage.  Talbot’s is just .798 while Stolarz sported a .902 save percentage in just 12 appearances.

Now, what are the impacts of the deal?

Cam Talbot as a Philadelphia Flyer

Talbot and his $4.17 million expiring contract is now in Philadelphia to backup and mentor Carter Hart. The new Flyers goalie has a long-standing connection with Hart and this should be beneficial. Some have argued that the goalie’s problems stem from counterrotation issues and puck tracking. A good deal of that is true.

The penalty kill debate is interesting. Philadelphia’s is currently 76.6% while Edmonton’s was 75.4%. Those are some woeful numbers. Can Talbot correct some of his problems in net? That answer is yes. Does it happen quickly? That becomes unknown. Talbot at one point was hardly playing and then played four out of five games at one juncture. The life of a “1B” goalie is what Talbot will have in Philadelphia as well.

While the Flyers are charging towards getting back into the playoffs, Edmonton was scuttling around in neutral. It was clear Edmonton had to make a move. Maybe this was one, few were expecting. This gets the Oilers under the cap to bring up Andrej Sekera from his conditioning stint.

As for Cam Talbot, he gains a chance to show teams and Philadelphia what he can do next season and beyond. How much of Talbot’s woes were Edmonton and how much were Talbot? Again, this is the key. Goalies have experienced the post-Edmonton bump as well. It becomes intriguing to see what happens. Talbot has a chance to fix flaws in his game at least.

Anthony Stolarz as an Edmonton Oiler

Stolarz battled back from injuries and has looked serviceable in net. In 12 appearances this year, the goalie has a 4-3-3-1 record. This includes a 3.33 goals-against average and .902 save percentage. He will be backing up Mikko Koskinen, who has had his own issues since a hot start. Stolarz goes from a team with a bad penalty kill to a worse penalty kill. Numbers like penalty kill save percentage are fickle so it will be hard to tell how Stolarz might perform.

The uncertainty is valid. Edmonton now has two goaltenders with a combined save percentage of .899 and precious little experience. It proves to be temporary more than likely but Edmonton thinks adding Sekera will help defensively. That is another question. Sekera has not looked right in over a year. How this helps Edmonton and Stolarz for that matter is anyone’s guess.

How often does Stolarz even play? That is up to Ken Hitchcock and company. The one thing Stolarz will do is fight. He fought to get back from injuries with a zeal few people can. His play at even-strength has been dubious at times (.905 save percentage) but his numbers mostly are a slight upgrade from Talbot’s.

What this means overall

Simply, Edmonton gains some cap space while Philadelphia now has a logjam of goalies which needs rectifying. Will Brian Elliott be moved and will Michal Neuvirth for that matter? That’s $5.25 million right there. Burial is a possibility but it just seems not as likely.

Philadelphia is hoping Talbot finds his game while mentoring Carter Hart. For both teams, the real fun begins.

The New York Islanders and Chicago Blackhawks still in on Lee

David Pagnotta: Have been hearing that the New York Islanders are still in on Anders Lee. The Chicago Blackhawks are also among the teams that are interested.

Guessing that he’ll get a deal in the five- to seven-year range at around $7 million per.

The Islanders are the only team that is allowed to exchange numbers with Lee.

No contract progress for Cody Ceci

David Pagnotta: There has been no progress made between the Ottawa Senators and restricted free agent defenseman Cody Ceci.

Ceci is arbitration eligible and if he’s not re-signed by July 5th he can file for arbitration. The Senators could trade him if they can’t get him signed.

Washington Capitals back in on Connolly?

Isabelle Khurshudyan: The door may not be totally closed on the Washington Capitals re-signing UFA Brett Connolly after the Andre Burakovsky trade. The Capitals could also have something else in mind. They need a right winger for their third line.

Tom Gulitti: Wonder if the Capitals plan is to re-sign Brett Connolly or go after someone else.

Forward and goaltender options for the Edmonton Oilers

Ryan Rishaug: A few third-line center options for the Edmonton Oilers could include Valtteri Filppula, Derick Brassard and Brian Boyle.

Beer League Heroe: Bob Stauffer on the Edmonton Oilers: “It is my belief that the #Oilers have lots of balls in the air, maybe more than I initially believed a week and a half ago… Do I think there will be big trades? No. But we could see some mechanisms deployed to open up cap space.”

Jim Matheson: Edmonton Oilers GM Ken Holland continues to try to find a Jesse Puljujarvi trade. Sources say that the Oilers want:

(a) somebody else’s top prospect or
(b) a ready-made F from 25-30 yrs who can play on their team for not just one year…several years.

Jonathan Willis of The Athletic: Five free agent goaltenders that might make sense for the Oilers: Petr Mrazek, Mike Smith, Semyon Varlamov, Keith Kinkaid and Curtis McElhinney.

Less likely candidates for the Oilers: Sergei Bobrovsky, Robin Lehner, Cam Talbot, Anthony Stolarz, Cam Ward, Michal Neuvirth, Chad Johnson, Antti Niemi and Calvin Pickard.

Salary arbitration dates

Cap Friendly: Salary arbitration dates set for this week.

July 22: Zach Aston-Reese – Pittsburgh Penguins
Christian Djoos – Washington Capitals
MacKenzie Weegar – Florida Panthers

July 23: Evan Rodrigues – Buffalo Sabres

July 26: Colton Sissons – Nashville Predators

July 27: Sam Bennett – Calgary Flames

July 28: Mirco Mueller – New Jersey Devils.

Jets re-sign Pionk

Winnipeg Jets: The Jets have signed defenseman Neal Pionk to a two-year contract with an AAV of $3 million.

The Jets had acquired Pionk in the Jacob Trouba trade back in June.

Scott Billeck: The Winnipeg Jets have around $19.8 million in salary cap space with 16 players under contract. Andrew Copp, Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor remained un-signed.

After Copp is signed and adding remaining roster players, they should have around $15.2 million in space left for both Laine and Connor.

Scott Billeck: The Jets could also gain another $2.89 million in salary cap space this year by buying out defenseman Dmitry Kulikov in the second buyout window. It would add a $1.44 million cap hit for 2020-21.

Blues re-sign Sundqvist

Lou Korac of In the Slot: The St. Louis Blues and forward Oskar Sundqvist agreed to a four-year contract worth $11 million.

The Blues and Sundqvist had an arbitration hearing set for Wednesday. Sundqvist made $700,000 this past season and put up career highs in goals (14) and assists (17).

The Blues have two remaining restricted free agents – defenseman Joel Edmundson and forward Ivan Barbashev

Cap Friendly: Salary breakdown for Sundqvist.

2019-20: $2.25M base salary
2020-21: $2.25M base
2021-22: $3.5M base
2022-23: $3M base

Maple Leafs bringing a goalie to camp on a PTO

Bill Meltzer: According iSport goaltender Michal Neuvirth has accepted a PTO with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

If you’re wondering about Neuvirth, I have him projected for a negative WAR next year and, in 2018-19, he faced 244 shots (17 xG) and gave up 26 goals so my expectations for TOR are tempered.https://t.co/arO4ryYeqi pic.twitter.com/ET6x0BCwq6

— Sean Tierney (@ChartingHockey) July 22, 2019

Avs re-sign Lindholm

Cap Friendly: The Colorado Avalanche have signed RFA forward Anton Lindholm to a two-year, two-way contract with an AAV of $742,500.

For 2019-20 he’ll get $735,000 in the NHL and $150,000 in the minors.

For 2020-21 he’ll get $750,000 in the NHL and $250,000 in the minors.

Neuvirth’s PTO finally official

Lance Hornby: After the Toronto Maple Leafs traded goaltender Garret Sparks yesterday to the Vegas Golden Knights, they officially announced that they’ve signed Michal Neuvirth to a PTO.

Golden Knights re-sign Engelland

Vegas Golden Knights: The Golden Knights have re-signed defenseman Deryk Engelland to a one-year contract.

He will get a base salary of $700,000 and have incentives that could push the deal up to $1.5 million.

Arbitrator ruling and the Jets salary situation

Winnipeg Jets PR: An arbitrator awarded forward Andrew Copp a two-year contract with an AAV of $2.28 million.

Murat Ates: “Honestly, given how reasonable this number is I am surprised it took an arbitration hearing. I’m also surprised it took a hearing that went on until late Sunday afternoon. As I write in the piece, Copp is a useful and versatile player who should easily be worth $2.28 million.”

Mike McIntyre: The Jets have about $14.5 million in salary cap space with 21 players on NHL contracts. They still need to re-sign restricted free agent defensemen Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor.

Scott Billeck: If the Jets went with Kristian Vesalainen ($900,000), Mason Appleton ($750,000), and Andrei Chibisov ($800,000) after Copp’s ruling yesterday, that would leave around $15.07 million for Laine and Connor.

Walsh on the salary cap

Allan Walsh: “NHL teams are twisting themselves into pretzels to figure out a way to spend $92 million on payroll with a $81.5 million Upper Limit. As I’ve been saying for years, the salary cap is a farce and the idea that the cap promotes parity is an illusion.”

• Allan Walsh: “How about letting teams spend over the cap but charge them a luxury tax that gets distributed to the small market teams as meaningful revenue sharing?”

Health could determine if Neuvirth beats out Hutchinson … Two teams that should look at Shattenkirk Shattenkirk signs with Tampa

Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: The Toronto Maple Leafs signed Michal Neuvirth to a PTO as they felt he was the best goaltender who wasn’t signed at the time. His issues have been with injuries. If he is healthy, you can expect him to him win the backup goalie job.

Would think that the Edmonton Oilers or Montreal Canadiens should give defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk a look.

• Update: Erik Erlendsson: The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk to a one-year contact at $1.75 million.

Three teams interested in Petrovic include…

Alex Thomas of Boston Hockey Now: From a source who is close to Alex Petrovic, the defenseman has a PTO offer from the Boston Bruins. Petrovic is also thought to have a two-way offer from the Carolina Hurricanes and the Calgary Flames are showing some interest.

Penguins in no rush to extend Murray … Someone may need to go to re-sign Pettersson

Josh Yohe of The Athletic: Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Matt Murray has a year left on his deal at $3.75 million. He’ll be a RFA after and it’s not sounding like the Penguins are in a rush to give him a contract extension. Talking with Penguins GM Jim Rutherford:

Are you thinking of giving Matt a new deal this summer?

“Well,” Rutherford said, “you know, he still is only restricted after next season.”

But would you like to get it done now?

“Like I said, he still is restricted after this season.”

Many goaltenders around the league are signing new deals. Does that make you feel any pressure to get something done with him sooner rather than later?

“He’s still restricted after this year.”

The Penguins looked at trading goaltender Tristan Jarry this offseason but weren’t able to move him. Both Jarry and Casey DeSmith require waivers this season.

Rutherford on RFA defenseman Marcus Pettersson.

“We could just go with a qualifying offer,” Rutherford said. “But that’s not what we want to do. That’s why there’s a hold-up. There’s a deal that we really want to get done with him.”

The Penguins will likely need to move out some salary to get Pettersson re-signed. They don’t know when that will happen.

Canucks lock up Boeser for three years

Dan Murphy: Salary breakdown for Brock Boeser‘s three-year bridge deal with the Vancouver Canucks. A $5.75 million salary cap hit.

2019-20: $4.0 ($700,000 salary / $3.3M SB)
2020-21: $6.125 ($3.125 salary / $3M SB)
2021-22: $7.5 salary

Bruins get Carlo signed to a two-year deal

Elliotte Friedman: The Boston Bruins have re-signed RFA defenseman Brandon Carlo to a two-year deal with a $2.85 million AAV.

Pierre LeBrun: Carlo will have a salary of $2.2 million this year, $3.5 million next season.

Cap Friendly: Carlo will be an RFA with arbitration rights with the deal expires.

Some injury updates

Mark Spector: Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid hopes to be able to play in “a couple” of preseason games.

Chris Wescott: New Jersey Devils forward Wayne Simmonds is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

Dave Isaac: Philadelphia Flyers forward Morgan Frost is day-to-day with a lower-body injury,

Kristen Shilton of TSN: Goaltender Michal Neuvirth is trying to earn a spot (PTO) on the Toronto Maple Leafs. He suffered an undisclosed injury on the weekend and was held off the ice for their past two practice sessions. He did skate on own yesterday.

Tom Gulitti: Washington Capitals defenseman Michal Kempny (hamstring) practiced yesterday in a no-contact jersey for the first time since camp opened.

Mike McIntyre: Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers wasn’t on the ice yesterday due a very minor upper-body issue.

Jimmy Greenfield: Chicago Blackhawks coach Jeremy Colliton on Kirby Dach (concussion): “I haven’t’ heard of any setback or anything. But you’ve heard me talk about these types of issues before, we have to be patient, let it play out, no pressure to return.”