NHL Daily: 2017 Draft, Professional Tryout Offer (PTO) Rumors
By Ryan Ritchie
NHL Daily: Early Look at 2017 NHL Draft, Flyers/Senators PTO Rumors, NHLers Guide to China by Matt Beleskey in the Players Tribune (Morning Coffee Headlines)
Grab your morning cup of coffee and join us here at Puck Prose for a compilation of NHL daily links that will help keep you updated with everything going on in the hockey world.
In today’s edition: TSN‘s Craig Button releases his infamous “Craig’s List” previewing some of the top talent from the 2017 draft class, Philadelphia Flyers and Ottawa Senators are actively pursuing PTO offers before training camp starts, Matt Beleskey writes a piece in the Players Tribune titled “The NHLers Guide to China”, and much more!
NHL Daily: Morning Coffee Headlines
Craig’s List: September Rankings for 2017 NHL Draft
Hockey expert and TSN’s Director of Scouting Craig Button released his September prospect rankings for the 2017 NHL Draft. It’s still early, but according to Craig, Nolan Patrick stands in a class of his own destined to be a franchise center for whichever lucky team nabs the first pick at next year’s lottery draft. [TSN]
Isles Prospect Ryan Pulock Shatters Glass at Practice With 105MPH Slap Shot
Since day one, scouts have pegged Islanders defensive prospect Ryan Pulock as a player capable of quarterbacking a power play. He’s an offensive-minded blue liner with a howitzer of a shot. That power was on display at practice on Tuesday when Pulock shattered the glass with a 105 mph slap shot. [Eyes on Isles]
Senators, Flyers Rumored to be Active on PTO Market
According to Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch, the Senators are looking at numerous professional tryout offer (PTO) options. He believes Ottawa may be specifically looking at defense, but could be exploring insurance options in case Clarke MacArthur‘s return doesn’t work out. Dave Isaac of the Courier-News reports that Philadelphia is also looking to sign a few players to a PTO, although the Flyers are most likely looking at forwards. [My NHL Trade Rumors]
Max Domi a Good Fit to Wear the “C” After Shane Doan?
The Arizona Coyotes re-signed veteran captain Shane Doan this summer, but his career is nearing an end. At some point, the Yotes will need to hand over leadership to one of their younger stars. Andrew Walters over at Howlin’ Hockey believes that Max Domi is the perfect candidate to replace Doan, and explains why. [Howlin’ Hockey]
Related Story: World Cup of Hockey: Team/Player Impact Roundtable
Beleskey, Pastrnak, Raycroft Travel to China to Teach Hockey; Matt Discusses the Experience in Players Tribune
Boston sent Matt Beleskey, David Pastrnak, and former NHL goalie Andrew Raycroft to China this summer to help teach kids hockey. Matt discusses the experience in the latest release from the Players Tribune, which are notoriously good reads. [Players Tribune]
Craig Smith Quietly Facing Expectations in Music City
Chance Humphrey over at Predlines discusses how Craig Smith is quietly facing expectations in 2016-17. It’s an interesting topic/player when you consider he could be on that bubble of players that Predators are able to protect (since they may be forced to save four forwards, four defense opposed to seven forwards, three defense). [Predlines]
A Pre-NHL Link for Team USA’s Three Netminders at World Cup of Hockey
Alex Prewitt at SI.com released an interesting piece exploring the link between Team USA’s three goaltenders at the World Cup of Hockey. From competing at prep school through to the NCAA, Ben Bishop, Cory Schneider, and Jonathan Quick are forever linked as the trio look to lead their country together many years later. [SI.com]
Jesper Fast Will be Effective Secondary Scorer for Rangers
Jonathan Marrero at Blue Line Station discusses how Jesper Fast will continue to be effective in 2016-17. The young Swede is one of those under the radar type players who can provide a bit of secondary scoring (best suited in a third line role). [Blue Line Station]
Related Story: Las Vegas Mock Expansion Draft
NHL Daily Morning Rant
Since we brought up rumored PTOs… Here’s my list targeting the perfect fit for five remaining free agents:
D Kyle Quincey (age: 30)
PTO Fit: Boston Bruins
F R.J. Umberger (age: 33)
PTO Fit: Los Angeles Kings
F David Jones (age: 31)
PTO Fit: Philadelphia Flyers
F Lauri Korpikoski (age: 29)
PTO Fit: Minnesota Wild
F Tomas Fleischmann (age: 31)
PTO Fit: Carolina Hurricanes
Next: Fantasy Hockey Primer: Projections, 30-Team Analysis
It’s worth noting that reports surfaced on Tuesday from Tomas Fleischmann’s agent suggesting his client has upwards of eight PTO offers to choose from. It’s been a tough couple of years for Tomas, but he has the talent to re-establish himself similar to how Lee Stempniak did in 2015-16 – it’s simply a matter of choosing the right situation/team. A mediocre Hurricanes forward group might be his best chance to extend his NHL career.