All posts by Mike Alessandrini

Leafs’ Bogosian medically cleared to face Canadiens

The Toronto Maple Leafs' blue line will return to full strength in time for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, as Zach Bogosian has been medically cleared from his shoulder injury, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.

Bogosian wore a full-contact jersey during Monday's practice after sporting a non-contact red kit on Sunday, according to The Hockey News' David Alter.

The defenseman suffered the injury in April against the Vancouver Canucks after falling awkwardly into the corner boards. Bogosian missed nearly four weeks of action as a result.

The 30-year-old had four assists in 45 games during the regular season while averaging 14:40 of ice time per game.

Toronto will take on the rival Montreal Canadiens in the opening round of the playoffs for the first time since 1979. Game 1 is Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET.

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Hurricanes land Skjei from Rangers for 1st-round pick

The Carolina Hurricanes added another defenseman at the deadline Monday, acquiring Brady Skjei from the New York Rangers in exchange for a first-round pick, the team announced.

Carolina will have the option of deciding which of its first-round selections to give to the Rangers as part of the deal prior to the draft.

The deal came shortly after the Canes traded for fellow blue-liner Sami Vatanen. The Hurricanes also added forward Vincent Trocheck from the Florida Panthers on Monday.

Skjei has accumulated 23 points, 41 penalty minutes, and 91 blocked shots across 60 games this season.

The 25-year-old, along with Vatanen, are joining a Hurricanes defense corps that includes Jaccob Slavin, Jake Gardiner, Trevor van Riemsdyk, and Haydn Fleury. Dougie Hamilton and Brett Pesce are both out with long-term injuries.

Carolina currently holds the second Eastern Conference wild-card spot but is tied with the Columbus Blue Jackets at 74 points apiece. The Rangers and Florida Panthers are also not far behind.

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Lightning sign Shattenkirk to 1-year, $1.75M contract

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced the signing of defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk to a one-year, $1.75-million contract on Monday.

The New York Rangers bought out Shattenkirk last Thursday after he spent two seasons with the club.

The 30-year-old recorded 28 points in 73 games with New York this past season after producing 23 points over 46 contests during his first campaign with the Rangers in 2017-18.

Once a productive offensive defenseman and power-play quarterback, Shattenkirk will now hope to revitalize his career as part of the Lightning's prolific offense. He'll join Victor Hedman, Ryan McDonagh, and Mikhail Sergachev, among others, on the team's blue line.

The signing brings yet another former Ranger to Tampa Bay, a common occurrence in recent years. McDonagh is the only notable example remaining on the roster, but Dan Girardi, Anton Stralman, J.T. Miller, and Ryan Callahan contributed to the club's success over the last handful of seasons.

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Sharks re-sign Labanc to 1-year deal

The San Jose Sharks have signed restricted free-agent forward Kevin Labanc to a one-year contract, the team announced Monday.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Labanc enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2018-19, registering career highs in goals (17), assists (39), and points (56) in 82 games. He also recorded nine points in 20 playoff contests.

"Kevin took a big step forward in his production last season and has grown into an important part of our team here in San Jose," general manager Doug Wilson said in a statement. "He's always had a dangerous shot but really stepped into a playmaking role for us last season and improved his 200-foot game as well.

"We think he still has even more potential to tap into and we're excited to see what he can do with an elevated role with this talented group."

The 23-year-old should see plenty of minutes as a top-six forward in 2019-2020 after the Sharks lost Joe Pavelski, Gustav Nyquist, and Joonas Donskoi in free agency.

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