Although the NHL offseason isn't quite over just yet, it is safe to say that the dust has settled on the big signings and trades. It's also safe to say that the league has been shaken up quite a bit, which allows for a bit of a recap. At the draft, the Vegas Golden Knights made quite a splash with a bounty of draft picks in the first and second round. Those picks not only drafted elite prospects like Cody Glass and Nick Suzuki, but it also strengthened the Knights future and chances of success. However, the success of the Golden Knights wasn't the only big news at the draft. Blockbuster trades were completed that sent shockwaves around the league. Artemi Panarin, Brandon Saad, Derek Stepan, Travis Hamonic, and Brayden Schenn were some of the big names moved. Furthermore, prospects like Gabe Vilardi and Timothy Liljegren, who were some of the big name prospects, slipped out of the top ten selections to Los Angeles and Toronto, respectively. After the draft, the week of July 1st made way for an open free agent market which allowed unrestricted free agents able to sign with whoever they wished. Most of the big names were gone on July 1st. Kevin Shattenkirk signed with the Rangers on a 26.8 million dollar deal, Alexander Radulov signed a 31 million dollar deal with Dallas, and Patrick Marleau went to the Leafs for 18 million. For Shattenkirk, this deal gives him no room for error. After a trade from St. Louis to Washington, Shattenkirk struggled and was demoted to the third pair. Shattenkirk needs to bring the game that made him successful in St. Louis in order to effectively contribute under the bright lights of the Big Apple. In the case of Radulov, all he wanted was success. After failing to achieve that in Montreal, Radulov accepted the offer of a team that has already gotten better with the acquisition of goalie Ben Bishop. Patrick Marleau's signing, however, was surprising, considering he had been with San Jose for more than 16 years. However, Marleau was quoted as saying that he liked the young group, and foresaw them as Cup contenders. For the Leafs, it signifies that they want to win after a hard fought first round loss against Washington. With the continued success of the Leafs young players, combined with a deep pool of elite prospects, the Leafs might be able to win more often this year and into the future, which could lead to a possible Cup victory. Each year, the NHL offseason, whether it is quiet or filled with deals, can always lead to big surprises. This offseason is no different, and the NHL community should expect to see a new and shaken up NHL among all 31 organizations come puck drop in October.
Thursday, July 20, 2017
The NHL Offseason... So Far
Although the NHL offseason isn't quite over just yet, it is safe to say that the dust has settled on the big signings and trades. It's also safe to say that the league has been shaken up quite a bit, which allows for a bit of a recap. At the draft, the Vegas Golden Knights made quite a splash with a bounty of draft picks in the first and second round. Those picks not only drafted elite prospects like Cody Glass and Nick Suzuki, but it also strengthened the Knights future and chances of success. However, the success of the Golden Knights wasn't the only big news at the draft. Blockbuster trades were completed that sent shockwaves around the league. Artemi Panarin, Brandon Saad, Derek Stepan, Travis Hamonic, and Brayden Schenn were some of the big names moved. Furthermore, prospects like Gabe Vilardi and Timothy Liljegren, who were some of the big name prospects, slipped out of the top ten selections to Los Angeles and Toronto, respectively. After the draft, the week of July 1st made way for an open free agent market which allowed unrestricted free agents able to sign with whoever they wished. Most of the big names were gone on July 1st. Kevin Shattenkirk signed with the Rangers on a 26.8 million dollar deal, Alexander Radulov signed a 31 million dollar deal with Dallas, and Patrick Marleau went to the Leafs for 18 million. For Shattenkirk, this deal gives him no room for error. After a trade from St. Louis to Washington, Shattenkirk struggled and was demoted to the third pair. Shattenkirk needs to bring the game that made him successful in St. Louis in order to effectively contribute under the bright lights of the Big Apple. In the case of Radulov, all he wanted was success. After failing to achieve that in Montreal, Radulov accepted the offer of a team that has already gotten better with the acquisition of goalie Ben Bishop. Patrick Marleau's signing, however, was surprising, considering he had been with San Jose for more than 16 years. However, Marleau was quoted as saying that he liked the young group, and foresaw them as Cup contenders. For the Leafs, it signifies that they want to win after a hard fought first round loss against Washington. With the continued success of the Leafs young players, combined with a deep pool of elite prospects, the Leafs might be able to win more often this year and into the future, which could lead to a possible Cup victory. Each year, the NHL offseason, whether it is quiet or filled with deals, can always lead to big surprises. This offseason is no different, and the NHL community should expect to see a new and shaken up NHL among all 31 organizations come puck drop in October.
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