Brewin Flames

Keller ready for 'super exciting' 1st season for Utah Hockey Club Forward says additions of defensemen Sergachev, Marino will boost young core © Jeff Bottari/Getty Images ByMike Zeisberger @Zeisberger NHL.com Staff Writer September 11, 2024 LAS VEGAS -- Asked if he has a suggestion for the name of the fledgling Utah Hockey Club, Clayton Keller seems to have an idea of what it might end up being. “It sounds like it’s going to be the Yeti, but I don’t know,” the forward said at the NHL North American Players Media Tour on Wednesday. “We’ll see what happens. Whatever they choose, I think it’ll be a good one. “It’s just part of the excitement of being part of something new.” Whether the 26-year-old proves to be right about the Yeti, he, like the rest of the hockey world, will have to wait a while to see if that is, in fact, the case. The franchise, which is preparing for its inaugural season, has opted to hold off on a name until next year. Fortunately for the team’s eager fanbase, they didn’t have to wait that long to have Utah’s players step onto the ice for the first time, name or no name. Indeed, that happened Wednesday when Utah’s rookie camp opened at the renovated Kearns Olympic Oval in Salt Lake City. Then, next week, veterans like Keller will officially report to training camp in what he hopes will be the start of a successful pro sports franchise legacy. He says he always gets butterflies whenever camp is just around the corner. But the churning in his gut, he admits, has reached an entire new level these days, thanks to the nervous anticipation of being part of Utah’s first year “You’re excited to be with the guys again,” Keller said. “You’re excited to compete again. And now, with this situation, going into a new situation, a new fan base, things like that, I think it’s super exciting. “To be able to be part of something like this is really cool. I know the fans are stoked and so are we. “We kind of saw the enthusiasm that is in store for us when we first came out here back in April.” What to expect in Utah Hockey Club's first season? On April 24, five days after the franchise had been established, the players walked onto the stage at Delta Center in Salt Lake City and were introduced to more than 12,000 cheering fans who welcomed them to Utah. For players, coaches and management who had spent the 2023-24 season in Arizona with the Coyotes, it was an overwhelming moment. “It actually started when we arrived at the airport in Salt Lake,” he said. “There were tons of families there and lots of kids looking for autographs and photos. “We kind of didn’t know what the rink would be like. But when we walked in and saw that many people, it was definitely crazy and super exciting. It’s very motivating to play in front of a new fan base. They’re super excited for hockey. It was a couple of awesome days there.” Over the summer he had the opportunity to visit Salt Lake City a couple of more times and was impressed with his new hockey home. “I’ve been there for a couple of weeks now and the living seems super easy and convenient,” he said. “Everything seems close. We all live within 10 minutes of each other. “I really think it’s going to be an easy transition for sure.” On the ice as well as off, thanks to some additions Utah made during the offseason. On June 29 Utah acquired 26-year-old defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning for defenseman J.J. Moser, forward Conor Geekie, pick No. 199 in the 2024 NHL Draft and a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. It also acquired 27-year-old defenseman John Marino and pick No. 153 in the 2024 draft from the New Jersey Devils for the 49th pick and a second-round selection in the 2025 draft. Those moves have Keller dreaming of having postseason games in Utah. “Our core guys have developed, a good coach in the locker room,” he said. “We have a lot of young players who are coming in and are ready to take that next step. We’ve done a good job of helping them and guiding them in the right direction. And adding guys like Marino and Sergachev who have had playoff success is really going to help. “The playoffs are definitely on our minds for sure.” Keller will be looked upon to be one of the players to lead Utah to the playoffs. He had 76 points (33 goals, 43 assists) in 78 games with the Coyotes last season and will be looking to improve on those numbers in Utah. That mission will begin on Oct. 8 when the franchise will play its first regular-season game against the visiting Chicago Blackhawks. The team will play its first preseason game at Delta Center against the St. Louis Blues on Sept. 22. “We can't wait,” Keller said. “And I know the fans can’t either.”

PWHL reveals names, logos for six teams entering Year 2 Greg Wyshynski, ESPNSep 9, 2024, 12:32 PM ET The Professional Women's Hockey League on Monday revealed the names and logos for its six franchises after playing its inaugural season without them. The Boston Fleet, Minnesota Frost, Montréal Victoire, New York Sirens, Ottawa Charge and Toronto Sceptres are the first official monikers for the PWHL, which made its debut in January 2024. The teams were previously identified by geographic designations -- such as PWHL Toronto, for example -- and one primary color last season. Those colors have carried over to the new logos to add continuity for the fans. "Obviously, in Year 1, you have to build a culture and somewhat of an identity. Now, to have logos and names, I'm super excited for the fans to have that strong identity," Hilary Knight, Boston captain and U.S. hockey legend, said Monday. Some were critical of the PWHL for launching in January without having any team names. The PWHL said the expedited time frame between the founding of the league and its first games made that too challenging but said that names would be in place for Year 2. The league said it developed six brand identities in the span of nine months. "We did a very thorough, thoughtful, and buttoned-up process. I don't think any of us are sitting here concerned about backlash, understanding that we know that we did things the right way," said Amy Scheer, senior VP of business operations. "The next phase for us is to see our fans bring these logos to life in the arena and how they start to take on our brand and really bring it to life." The new team names are: Boston Fleet: A nod to the city's "rich maritime history," the logo also subtly evokes that of the Hartford Whalers, who played in the NHL from 1979 to 1997. "It really just embodies that relentless, passionate attitude of what it means to be a part of that city and represent that city on the professional level," Knight said. Minnesota Frost: The name is a reference to "the State of Hockey's deep-rooted love for the ice." PWHL VP of Brand & Marketing Kanan Bhatt-Shah said Frost was a name they kept coming back to during discussions of "many, many, many names" that "weren't necessarily all weather related." Montréal Victoire: The logo includes a "hidden M" within the design as well as a fleur-de-lis, a national symbol of Québec. Scheer said there's not meant to be a translation of the name when the team plays outside of Montreal. "We purposely wanted their name to be in French regardless of where they play," she said. "It was an intentional decision. We wanted to represent Montreal and Quebec as best we can, and that is through the French language." New York Sirens: Rather than Greek mythology, the name "Sirens" is evocative of both the sounds of New York City and the sound one hears when a goal is scored. While the color scheme is similar to other New York teams, Scheer said that's not intentional. "It's kind of interesting both the Liberty (WNBA) and Gotham (NWSL) have that color in their palette. I don't think all of the greens are the same, but we all have something in that green palette," she said. "And I don't think it was intentional, but it's certainly nice to have that tie into the two other women's teams that we share the city with." Ottawa Charge: Inspired by the city's motto -- "Advance -- Ottawa -- En Avant" -- but team captain Brianne Jenner said it's more than that. "It's not just a nod to the city and being the center of government, but it's a nod to our fans as well," she said. "I hope our fans realize that and embrace that. The electric energy that they brought in our first season is a big part of our identity" Toronto Sceptres: For Toronto, the PWHL wanted to find a connection to royalty, as it's known as the Queen City. The ornamented Sceptre itself is "a symbol of power and strength." The players did not have sign-off on the new team names, but they and team executives were consulted during the process. There were some interviews with fans to get a better sense of each market. The PWHL also monitored social media and YouTube The league partnered with creative agency Flower Shop to develop the new team identities. Scheer said the PWHL did consult the NHL about ant potential "coexistence agreements" regarding their names and existing NHL teams, but that was extent of their input. In 2023, PWHL owners purchased the assets of the Premier Hockey Federation, another professional women's hockey league. That included the names associated with some of the same locations that have PWHL franchises, such as the Toronto Six and the Minnesota Whitecaps. But Scheer said there was never any consideration to reviving those names. "Launching a new league, we wanted to build equity in what we were building as the PWHL. The determination was made to set out with six new names that could create our own history," Scheer said. The league said new team jerseys are still in production and will be available at the end of October or early November. The 2024-25 PWHL regular-season schedule will consist of 30 games per team, including neutral-site games.

It's actually some pretty good hockey.

Just let him be studly this year... Hell with cutter, rutger and cele Philly needs this, you need this, i need this. And i'm not even a flyers fan, i just want him to be the man....

Calder Trophy favorites for 2024-25 season discussed by NHL.com Celebrini, Smith of Sharks, Michkov of Flyers among selections by writers © Kavin Mistry/NHLI via Getty Images; Terry Wyatt/Getty Images ByNHL.com @NHLdotcom September 02, 2024 The NHL’s offseason business is close to finished with most free agents having been signed. Training camps loom in less than three weeks and the landscape of the League has changed with new faces in new places. Heck, even the team landscape has changed with the Arizona Coyotes being relocated to Salt Lake City and becoming the Utah Hockey Club. With that in mind, we asked NHL.com staffers to look into their crystal balls and do some prognosticating on the League’s major awards. Today, it’s the Calder Trophy, awarded annually to the League’s top rookie. Here, in alphabetical order, were the selections. Macklin Celebrini, San Jose Sharks Whenever you are the No. 1 pick in the NHL Draft, logic and history dictate the spotlight will be focused squarely on you throughout the season, even as an 18-year-old. So here’s why he should succeed, even if he’s not considered a generational player at the level of previous No. 1 picks such as Connor Bedard or Connor McDavid. Because Celebrini is with a rebuilding team, it’s unlikely the Sharks will coddle him. Instead, he’s likely to see plenty of minutes and play in multiple situations, including the power play. Keep this in mind too: He’ll have the comfort of his family being close by, since his dad, Rick, works 45 minutes north in San Francisco in his role as director of sports medicine and performance for the NBA’s Golden State Warriors. Add it all up, and there’s plenty of reasons why the Canadian could make a run at the Calder Trophy this season, no matter how high expectations might be. -- Mike Zeisberger, staff writer Cutter Gauthier, Anaheim Ducks The 20-year-old had a monster season for Boston College in 2023-24, getting 65 points (38 goals, 27 assists) in 41 games, but that is not why he made headlines. Drafted with the No. 5 pick by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2022 NHL Draft, the forward was traded to the Ducks on Jan. 8, 2024, after he said he did not want to sign with the Flyers. He had one assist in one game for the Ducks last season, and I think he’s going to have a breakout season for Anaheim. Not only does he have a ton of skill and size (6-foot-2, 189 pounds), he is confident in his game and likely has a chip on his shoulder ready to prove to both Flyers fans and fans around the League he’s a legit NHL player. He will be a big reason the Ducks have a strong season. -- Bill Price, Editor-in-Chief Rutger McGroarty, Pittsburgh Penguins The 20-year-old has had success anywhere he has gone. That shouldn’t stop with his arrival in Pittsburgh after being obtained in a trade on Aug. 22 from the Winnipeg Jets. The Penguins immediately signed McGroarty to a three-year, entry-level contract because they hope he can contribute right away. The forward certainly has the skills to be an impact player. He played two seasons at the University of Michigan, getting 91 points (34 goals, 57 assists) in 75 games. Before that, he played for the United States National Team Development Program and had 120 points (55 goals, 65 assists) in 107 games. He also was captain for the United States when it won the World Junior Championship in January; he had nine points (five goals, four assists) in seven games. He can play either wing and could land riding shotgun for either Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin. -- Shawn P. Roarke, senior director of editorial Matvei Michkov, Philadelphia Flyers Aside from Logan Stankoven of the Dallas Stars, is there another rookie forward more NHL-ready than Michkov? The 19-year-old right wing had 41 points (19 goals, 22 assists) in 47 games last season for Sochi of the Kontinental Hockey League, the most points among players under 20. He had 66 points (30 goals, 36 assists) in 91 KHL games during parts of three seasons. Michkov (5-10, 172), the No. 7 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, wasn’t expected in the NHL until the 2026-27 season. But the final two years of his KHL contract were terminated, and the Flyers signed him to a three-year, entry-level contract on July 1. -- William Douglas, staff writer Will Smith, San Jose Sharks Yes, I know, not the Sharks player you were thinking I’d select. Celebrini understandably has a lot of attention and Calder hype around him, being the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. But don’t sleep on Smith, San Jose’s No. 4 selection in the 2023 NHL Draft. The 19-year-old led the NCAA with 71 points (25 goals, 46 assists) in 41 games with Boston College last season. Is Smith going to be one of the young Sharks players targeted by opponents? Sure, but probably not as much as Celebrini, and I think he’ll take advantage of that. The Sharks have reason to be optimistic about the future, and I think Smith will start his NHL career by making a big impact his rookie season. -- Tracey Myers, staff writer Logan Stankoven, Dallas Stars The forward has to be the preseason favorite for the Calder Trophy, ahead of Celebrini or Smith or anyone else who might have been a higher draft pick and carries the burden of heavier expectations. We’ve already seen it from Stankoven. He has already been a top rookie in the NHL, but it was only for 24 games last season. He made his NHL debut on Feb. 24 and, from that point, was tied for fifth in rookie scoring with 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 24 games. He was behind Connor Bedard (22 points), Luke Hughes (20), Logan Cooley (17) and Hendrix Lapierre (15). He was tied with Brock Faber. They’ve all graduated out of Calder contention, leaving Stankoven as the most experienced and the favorite. He solidified his standing with his performance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, when he had eight points (three goals, five assists) in 19 games. He’ll play high in their lineup, get power-play time, and have an opportunity to produce. -- Dan Rosen, senior writer Dustin Wolf, Calgary Flames The 23-year-old is expected to be the No. 1 goalie for Calgary following the trade of Jacob Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils on June 19. Wolf played 17 games for the Flames last season, so he remains eligible for the Calder this season. The two-time American Hockey League goalie of the year (2022, 2023), Wolf won the AHL MVP award in 2023. Wolf was 7-7-1 with a 3.16 goals-against average and .893 save percentage with the Flames last season, but Calgary is confident enough in the American to give him the chance to compete for the starting job against Dan Vladar. The last goalie to win the Calder Trophy was Steve Mason of the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2009, but if Wolf can get the reloading Flames anywhere near the playoffs he might be a candidate. -- Derek Van Diest, staff writer

Just found this.... According to police, a driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee hit two "pedalcyclists," identified as the Gaudreaus, from behind while trying to pass an SUV on the right that had moved over to make way for the two cyclists. Police, who responded to the scene in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, at 8:19 p.m., said both Gaudreaus suffered fatal injuries. The driver, Sean Higgins, 43, is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and has been charged with two counts of death by auto, along with reckless driving, possession of an open container and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle. According to the probable cause affidavit, Higgins told police that he had five or six beers before the crash and had tried to go around the SUV on the right side after thinking the other vehicle was trying to block him from passing. He told police his drinking contributed to "his impatience and reckless driving." Higgins failed a field sobriety test, according to the affidavit. Police said the investigation is ongoing.

I have no words right now, all the impacted lives from something that could/should have not happened.

Top prospects for Tampa Bay Lightning Geekie expected to make impact in NHL this season as key piece in Sergachev trade © Jonathan Kozub/Getty Images ByDan Rosen @drosennhl NHL.com Senior Writer 12:00 AM NHL.com is providing in-depth prospect analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 1-Sept. 1. Today, the top five prospects for the Tampa Bay Lightning, according to NHL.com. 1. Conor Geekie, F How acquired: Trade with the Utah Hockey Club on June 29 2023-24 season: Swift Current (WHL): 29 GP, 23-27-50; Wenatchee (WHL): 26 GP, 20-29-49 Geekie was Tampa Bay's big prize in the blockbuster trade that sent Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club on the second day of the 2024 NHL Draft in Las Vegas. The Lightning also received defenseman J.J. Moser and two draft picks in the trade, but Geekie is the key to it all. He's 6-foot-4, 206 pounds and he's 20 years old. He was selected by the Arizona Coyotes with the No. 11 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. Geekie is coming off a strong season in the Western Hockey League. He has a chance to make the Lightning's opening-night roster with a strong training camp. "He plays a heavy game, a big game," Lightning assistant general manager and director of player development Stacy Roest said. "He makes plays, can really shoot it, good hockey sense. So, we love his 200-foot game. He's got the power and the NHL size. He's pro-ready." Projected NHL arrival: This season 2. Isaac Howard, F How acquired: Selected with No. 31 pick in 2022 NHL Draft 2023-24 season: Michigan State (NCAA): 36 GP, 8-28-36 Howard, 20, will return to Michigan State for his junior season. He transferred in from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and helped Michigan State win the Big Ten title. Howard (5-10, 180) also won gold at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship with Team USA, scoring nine points (seven goals, two assists) in seven games. "He's in a really good spot there [Michigan State]," Roest said. "We know offensively what he can do so we're looking for him to have a big year. He's trending up and heading in the right direction." Projected NHL arrival: 2026-27 © Michael Miller/ISI Photos/Getty Images 3. Ethan Gauthier, F How acquired: Selected with No. 37 pick in 2023 NHL Draft 2023-24 season: Drummondville (QMJHL): 64 GP, 36-35-71 Gauthier (5-11, 180) is expected to return to the QMJHL for his fourth season. The Lightning are hoping the 19-year-old will show a jump in production this season. He had 71 points in 64 games last season after scoring 69 in 66 games in 2022-23. "I like him," Roest said. "He's a great kid. He's got a good motor. He wants to learn. He works hard. He plays with some bite. Yeah, he's just going to keep getting better and better." Projected NHL arrival: 2026-27 4. Niko Huuhtanen, F How acquired: Selected with No. 224 pick in 2021 NHL Draft 2023-24 season: Jukurit (Liiga): 52 GP, 19-27-46 The 21-year-old Finnish forward (6-2, 204) led Jukurit in Liiga, Finland's top professional league, in scoring last season. He was the top rookie in Liiga in 2022-23. He also got in four Calder Cup Playoff games with Syracuse in the American Hockey League. Huuhtanen is expected to play in Syracuse this season. "He's big, strong, physical, can really shoot it and he plays with an edge," Roest said. "He plays to win every shift. We like the way he's progressed and we're excited that he's turning pro. We'll see how his first pro season over here goes. When he went to the postseason in Syracuse you could tell he's played in a men's league before." Projected NHL arrival: 2026-27 © Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images 5. Gage Goncalves, F How acquired: Selected with No. 62 pick in 2020 NHL Draft 2023-24 season: Syracuse (AHL): 69 GP, 13-45-58; Tampa Bay (NHL): 2 GP, 0-0-0 Goncalves, 23, led Syracuse last season with 58 points and made his NHL debut with the Lightning on Jan. 11. This season, Goncalves (5-11, 188) is playing on a one-year, two-way contract. Roest said he's improved in his puck management and ability to play in all situations. "I think you can just see him figuring it out," Roest said. "It's a huge camp for him." Projected NHL arrival: This season

Askarov was pissed because he did not want to play in the NHL and was buried on the depth chart, esp after the Preds gave Saros an extension.

BREAKING: Sharks Acquire Yaroslav Askarov From Predators The San Jose Sharks have traded for top goalie prospect Yaroslav Askarov from the Nashville Predators. Max Miller 5 minutes ago The San Jose Sharks have traded for top goalie prospect Yaroslav Askarov from the Nashville Predators. The Sharks also acquired a third-round pick and forward, Nolan Burke. Askarov was in the news recently as he requested a trade out of Nashville. The Sharks were seen as a potential landing spot for the 2020 11th overall pick. “Yaroslav is a goaltender who has the tools to become an everyday NHL goaltender,” Sharks GM Mike Grier said. “His ability to position himself effectively, vision, and athletic ability have been on display in the last few seasons, and he is a strong young addition to our goaltending group. We are happy to have him a part of the organization.” The 22-year-old has played just three NHL games. In two games last season, Askarov had a .943 save % and a 1.47 GAA. In 44 games in the AHL, the Russian netminder had a 30-13-1 record to go with his .911 save % and 2.39 GAA. Askarov wants time in the NHL, and the Sharks already have Mackenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vanecek set to be their netminders. Still, with training camp less than a month away, Askarov brings new competition to the duo. San Jose moves on from prospects Magnus Chrona and David Edstrom. Edstrom was acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights along with their 2025 first-round pick in exchange for Tomas Hertl. Should the Vegas first-round pick be inside the top ten, GM Mike Grier will decide to send either the Sharks 2025 first-round pick or the Golden Knights.

And now you can add Askarov to the list, was just traded to the Sharks

Top prospects for San Jose Sharks Celebrini, Smith expected to make impact in NHL this season; Dickinson to develop in OHL © Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images ByJon Lane @JonLaneNHL NHL.com Staff Writer 12:00 AM NHL.com is providing in-depth roster, prospect and fantasy analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 1-Sept. 1. Today, the top five prospects for the San Jose Sharks, according to NHL.com. 1. Macklin Celebrini, F How acquired: Selected with No. 1 pick in 2024 NHL Draft 2023-24 season: Boston University (NCAA): 38 GP, 32-32-64 The 18-year-old (6-foot, 197 pounds) signed his entry-level contract July 6, and will be the face of a rebuilding franchise. "You never really think about failing before you even start," Celebrini said. "You never want to go into a season thinking that you're going to lose games. I just feel like not letting it consume you, but fuel you." Celebrini helped BU to the Frozen Four semifinals, a 2-1 overtime loss to the University of Denver. He was the youngest player (17) to win the Hobey Baker Award, voted the top men's player in NCAA ice hockey and the first freshman since 2005-06 with 22 goals in his first 25 games. His 1.68 points per game was second in the NCAA behind another Sharks prospect, Boston College forward Will Smith (1.73). "He's an alpha," Sharks director of amateur scouting Chris Morehouse said. "He walks into a room, and you know he's there. He has that presence, that little bit of there's just something different when you talk to him in terms of his preparation." Projected NHL arrival: This season 2. Will Smith, F How acquired: Selected with No. 4 pick in 2023 NHL Draft 2023-24 season: Boston College (NCAA): 41 GP, 25-46-71 The 19-year-old (6-0, 180) signed his entry-level contract May 28 and used the offseason to adjust his diet and projects adding about 8-10 pounds entering training camp. Smith led Division I in points, set a BC record for most points by a freshman and helped lead them to the Frozen Four championship game, a 2-0 loss to Denver. He had nine points (five goals, four assists) in seven games for United States, which won gold at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship. "The X-factor, or where I'd never bet against him, is his mindset and his hockey IQ," Morehouse said. "He's going to give himself every opportunity to be there." Projected NHL arrival: This season 3. Sam Dickinson, D How acquired: Selected with No. 11 pick in 2024 NHL Draft 2023-24 season: London (OHL): 68 GP, 18-52-70 The Sharks traded the Nos. 14 and 42 picks to the Buffalo Sabres to take Dickinson (6-3, 203). The 18-year-old signed his entry-level contract July 10 and had four points (one goal, three assists) in three game for Canada at the 2024 World Junior Summer Showcase. Dickinson had 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 18 playoff games -- two goals and four assists in London's four-game sweep of Oshawa in the finals -- and two goals and two assists in four games at the Memorial Cup. "He's got a presence," Morehouse said. "It's just getting more, more reps, gain that experience, take a bigger role with London, all those little things you want to see." Projected NHL arrival: 2026-27 4. Filip Bystedt, F How acquired: Selected with No. 27 pick in 2022 NHL Draft 2023-24 season: Linkoping (SHL): 47 GP, 8-9-17; San Jose (AHL): 8 GP, 4-3-7 Bystedt (6-4, 204) made his professional debut after four seasons in the Swedish Hockey League. The 20-year-old now has an opportunity to accelerate his road to the NHL. "I think we'll let Filip decide that," Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said. "If he's ready, we'll let him tell us. I thought he was really, really good at development camp. He looks more powerful, like he's seeing the ice really well. He's a big, long center, which are obviously hard to find." Projected NHL arrival: Next season 5. Shakir Mukhamadullin, D How acquired: Trade with New Jersey Devils on Feb. 26, 2023 2023-24 season: San Jose (NHL): 3 GP, 0-1-1; San Jose (AHL): 55 GP, 7-27-34 Mukhamadullin (6-3, 178) made his NHL debut against the Sabres on Jan. 27 and had his first NHL point, an assist, in his third game against the Anaheim Ducks four days later. The 22-year-old played his first full pro season, was selected to the AHL All-Star Game, and named Barracuda MVP and prospect of the year. "I think he's very close to being the National Hockey League, I truly believe that." Warsofsky said. "He has a really bright future of what his ceiling could be. I love his makeup." Projected NHL arrival: Next season

Jets trade Michigan star McGroarty to Penguins TSN.ca Staff Published Aug 22, 2024 at 01:48 PM ET Share More options The Winnipeg Jets and Pittsburgh Penguins are swapping a pair of highly-touted prospects, with the Jets forward Rutger McGroarty to the Penguins in exchange for forward Brayden Yager. McGroarty was selected 14th overall in the 2022 draft, while Yager was picked in that same slot a year later. Following the trade, McGroarty signed his three-year entry-level deal with the Penguins. He is coming off two strong seasons in the NCAA with Michigan, posting 16 goals and 52 points last season and 18 goals and 39 points in 39 games the year prior. He was ranked as the No. 11 prospect on TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button's top 50 list from February. Trade comes amid reported rift between McGroarty, Jets Reports from earlier this off-season indicated that the 20-year-old McGroarty and the Jets were headed for a split. He was involved in trade talks around the NHL Draft but no deal ended up materializing. According to reports, the University of Michigan star’s relationship with the Jets had deteriorated since the end of the NCAA season. Murat Ates of the Athletic reported in June the Jets wanted to sign McGroarty to a professional contract this past April but were unwilling to promise the young winger a path to playing time at the NHL level either that spring or the following fall in training camp. This meant that McGroarty could have been sent to the AHL instead of returning to the University of Michigan. The school announced in April he would return for his senior season. “This isn’t a situation where the player wants out of Winnipeg because of his views on the city. Instead, there appears to be a disconnect between how Winnipeg’s player development viewed and communicated its plan with McGroarty and McGroarty’s view of his own future,” Ates wrote. McGroarty served as captain for Team USA at the 2024 World Juniors, leading the team to a gold medal with five goals and nine points in seven games. He had one goal and seven points in seven games at the tournament in 2023, taking home a silver medal. Yager joins Jets Yager scored 35 goals and added 60 assists for 95 points in 57 games last season for the WHL's Moose Jaw Warriors. He added 11 goals and 27 points in 20 playoff games. The 19-year-old centre from Saskatoon, Sask., helped Moose Jaw reach their first Memorial Cup since 1947 as WHL champions last season. He represented Team Canada at the 2024 World Juniors, posting two goals and five points in five games. Yager signed his three-year, entry-level deal with the Penguins last month.

Source: Jets trade Rutger McGroarty to Penguins for Brayden Yager Kristen Shilton, ESPN NHL reporterAug 22, 2024, 01:55 PM ET The Winnipeg Jets and Pittsburgh Penguins swapped top prospects in a significant trade, with the Jets sending forward Rutger McGroarty to Pittsburgh for forward Brayden Yager, a source confirmed to ESPN on Thursday. McGroarty, 20, was selected 14th overall by Winnipeg in the 2022 NHL draft; Yager was picked in the same slot -- No. 14 -- by Pittsburgh in 2023. Rutger McGroarty had 16 goals and 52 points in 36 games for the Michigan Wolverines last season and was an All-Big Ten first-team selection. The Jets had failed to sign McGroarty to an entry-level contract after he expressed concern about what a future in Winnipeg might look like for him, and general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff had been looking for a trade partner since. McGroarty, a Nebraska native, had already declared in April his intent to return to the University of Michigan for the upcoming 2024-25 season. He had 16 goals and 52 points in 36 games for the Wolverines last season. The trade to Pittsburgh could change McGroarty's timeline, however, as he's already inked an entry-level deal with the Penguins, the source said. In return for McGroarty, Winnipeg has acquired a promising asset from Pittsburgh. Yager, 19, a two-way center with good finish who can play in all situations, just inked his own entry-level contract with the Penguins in July. That came on the heels of him helping the Moose Jaw Warriors win the WHL championship last season on the strength of a 95-point regular season and a dominant 27-point showing in the playoffs. It's likely McGroarty is closer to appearing in the NHL than Yager, and that's good news for the Penguins, who failed to reach the postseason in consecutive years and could use an influx of young talent. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound McGroarty plays a heavy game with a solid mix of skill and speed. At Michigan, he was a Hobey Baker nominee and earned slots on the All-Big Ten first team and the All-Big Ten tournament team. Sportsnet was first to report the deal.

Top prospects for Pittsburgh Penguins Yager, Pickering could make jump from WHL to NHL; Blomqvist developing future into No. 1 goalie option © Getty Images ByWes Crosby NHL.com Independent Correspondent 12:00 AM NHL.com is providing in-depth roster, prospect and fantasy analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 1-Sept. 1. Today, the top five prospects for the Pittsburgh Penguins, according to NHL.com. 1. Brayden Yager, F How acquired: Selected with No. 14 pick in 2023 NHL Draft 2023-24 season: Moose Jaw (WHL): 57 GP, 35-60-95 Yager has made solid strides each of his past three seasons with Moose Jaw; the 19-year-old improved from 59 points (34 goals, 25 assists) in 63 games in 2021-22 to 78 points (28 goals, 50 assists) in 67 games in 2022-23 to 95 points last season. Pittsburgh could benefit from the offensive potential Yager (5-foot-11, 180 pounds) provides. The native of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan said he would like to push for a spot at training camp in September but still is looking to add size that could help him compete in the NHL. "I would never want to limit a young player's ability to make the team," Penguins assistant general manager Jason Spezza said. "So he controls that in terms of how he shows up and how he plays. But we saw great growth as far as his ability to play tough matchups." Projected NHL arrival: Next season 2. Joel Blomqvist, G How acquired: Selected with No. 52 pick in 2020 NHL Draft 2023-24 season: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL): 45 GP, 25-12-6, 2.16 GAA, .921 SV% Blomqvist could be the goalie of the future in Pittsburgh. The 22-year-old was third in the American Hockey League last season with a 2.16 goals-against average and fifth with a .921 save percentage, leading to questions surrounding the Penguins' current goalie situation. Tristan Jarry, the primary starter, is entering the second season of a five-year contract, and Alex Nedeljkovic signed a two-year contract June 20 to remain the backup. So there remains a roadblock for Blomqvist to reach the NHL. But if he continues to progress, Blomqvist (6-2, 183) could be in Pittsburgh soon. "How does Joel play, can he assert himself at that level (in the AHL)?" general manager Kyle Dubas said. "And then we will have more information on how we want to go ahead with our goaltending." Projected NHL arrival: This season 3. Owen Pickering, D How acquired: Selected with No. 21 pick in 2022 NHL Draft 2023-24 season: Swift Current (WHL): 59 GP, 7-39-46 Like Yager, Pickering is a recent first-round pick that has an established goal of making the NHL out of training camp. The 20-year-old should have a better shot than in his first two seasons after being drafted, when injuries kept him from participating in training camp. If Pickering (6-3, 179) isn't in the NHL, he's expected to have a large role with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, where he didn't have a point in eight games in 2022-23. "Obviously just trying to get stronger, more explosive," Pickering said. "I've put on some weight. Now it's just about maturing my game to the pro level." Projected NHL arrival: Next season 4. Ville Koivunen, F How acquired: Acquired in trade from the Carolina Hurricanes on March 7 2023-24 season: Karpat (Liiga): 59 GP, 22-34-56 Koivunen (5-foot-11, 161) was a primary piece of the return in the trade that sent forward Jake Guentzel to Carolina. He has high hockey sense that has made up for skating that has yet to fully develop. The 21-year-old could have a significant role with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season as he continues to adapt to North America. After playing 12 games with Chicago of the American Hockey League in 2022-23, he spent last season playing in the top professional league in his native Finland. "The rink closes on you a little quicker in the American League and the NHL (than in Finland)," Spezza said. "So we'll help him with that transition." Projected NHL arrival: Next season 5. Vasily Ponomarev, F How acquired: Acquired in trade from Carolina on March 7 2023-24 season: Carolina (NHL): 2 GP, 1-1-2; Chicago (AHL): 39 GP, 8-21-29; Tucson (AHL): 2 GP, 0-0-0; Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL): 4 GP, 1-0-1 Another part of the Guentzel return, Ponomarev had a goal and an assist for the Hurricanes in his NHL debut on Jan. 5, a 6-2 win against the Washington Capitals. But a high ankle sprain sustained in late March with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton derailed what was a promising season for the 22-year-old. Ponomarev (5-10, 180) has had limited offseason training because of the injury but could play for the Penguins this season. "It's unfortunate because he came over, he was playing well and just got a bad injury that's going to take precise care to come back (from),” Dubas said. Projected NHL arrival: This season