NHL Weekly Roundup: Stamkos, KHL & More

Every Sunday, check out the NHL Weekly Roundup column, where I keep you updated on the latest rumours & news from around the hockey world.

In this edition, we discuss Steven Stamkos, KHL news, and NCAA Hockey/College Free Agency.

On Steven Stamkos…

Mar 31, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) shoots the puck against Montreal Canadiens center David Desharnais (51) and goalie Mike Condon (39) during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

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Fans of the Tampa Bay Lightning were given quite a shock Wednesday night, with it being announced Stamkos will be out 1-3 months with a blood clot in his arm. The Lightning star is Tampa Bay’s leading scorer and is tied or fourth in goals in the NHL with 36. Can the Bolts make it through (presumably) the first and second rounds of the playoffs with out the Stammer?

If the playoffs started today, Tampa Bay would play the Red Wings. They can win that. Florida vs. NY Islanders? Whoever wins, it’s gonna be a tough series for Yzerman and company. There is a potential way to make the blow of losing Stamkos softer. If you can give Jonathan Drouin top 9 minutes and have him flourish, that gives additional confidence to your team when Stamkos is not around. More on the injury, from the Blots press release:

“Obviously this situation is extremely disappointing because I wanted to help my team clinch a playoff spot and prepare for the start of the postseason,” Stamkos said in a statement released by the team. “During my recovery I will do all I can to help my teammates, and I hope to rejoin them soon in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.”From that same press release: “Stamkos is scheduled to undergo surgery to treat a type of Vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (called Effort Thrombosis) near his right collarbone…The procedure is scheduled to be on Monday, April 4 by Dr. Karl Illig, Director of Vascular Surgery at Tampa General Hospital. Stamkos is expected to fully recover.”

Another question: If Stamkos is unable to return in time, has he played his last game in a Lightning uniform? All signs point to yes. Even though it seems far-fetched, the most likely situation we’ll see is a sign and trade of Stamkos at the draft. Canadian teams such as the Canadiens, Canucks and Flames are expected to pursue Stamkos – but I think St. Louis could be a big sleeper.

More puck prose: Duncan Keith Suspended 6 Games

On The KHL…

Apr 2, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk (13) skates with the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. The Red Wings beat the Maple Leafs 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

According to TFP, the Toronto Maple Leafs and highly touted defensive prospect Nikita Zaitsev have agreed on a contract, but it looks like Lou Lamoriello isn’t done there. Alexander Radulov, 29, one of the best scorers in KHL history, has been reported to be a offseason target of the Leafs. There has also been rumours of Radulov’s interest in joining fellow teammate Zaitsev in Toronto, so it may be a match.

A week ago, I reported that Ilya Kovalchuk had agreed to join a Chinese KHL expansion team after his saga with SKA Petersburg came to an ugly end. However, Kovalchuk added to confusion this week when he released a statement saying he would not be packing his bags for China.

“I have a contract with SKA for one more season,” said Kovalchuk , via Aivis Kalnins. “It will be a pleasure and I will be happy to represent them for the remainder of my contract.” Futher in the interview: “China? What China? They don’t have a hockey team there just yet,”

Anyways, the KHL came up in the rounds yet again Saturday as it was reported that there is a ‘legitimate chance’ Detroit Red Wings star Pavel Datsyuk leaves the NHL for Russia next season, so he can be closer to family and home.

Datsyuk, 37, is a future Hall of Famer and his potential departure may do more good than bad for Detroit as he leaves them with $7M in cap space. If so, could they attempt to land Steven Stamkos?

More puck prose: NHL Offseason Goals For Every Team

The Leftovers: College Free Agency, Oilers

Apr 11, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Providence College Friar players hold the trophy after defeating the Boston University Terriers 4-3 in the championship game of the Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

A lot of ELC’s have been handed out this past week, as College Free Agency has been the most eventful in years. The Winnipeg Jets added another young building block in forward Brandon Tanev, who had 28 points in 38 matches with Providence.

The biggest news, however, was that college superstar and Nashville Predators top prospect Jimmy Vesey opted not to sign with the Preds and instead will hit free agency – he will become a free agent on August 15th. The Boston Bruins and the Maple Leafs seem to be the frontrunners for him.

Another big fish in the pond still remains unsigned. Alex Lyon, a 22-year-old goalie from Yale, is being highly pursued, according to reports. The finalists are apparently the Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers, according to Elliote Friedman of Sportsnet.

Next: 5 Absurd NHL Trades That Nearly Happened

Oh how the Edmonton Oilers are a mess. Coach Todd McLellan called out the team after an embarrassing 5-0 loss to the Calgary Flames, and big changes are looming for this Oilers team.

Last week, it was revealed that winger Nail Yakupov asked for a trade prior to the trade deadline. Could GM Peter Chiarelli package Yakupov and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to get a major player on the blueline, like Kevin Shattenkirk?

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