Jarome Iginla officially announced his retirement Monday after 20 seasons, but former Calgary Flames president of hockey operations Brian Burke stole some of the spotlight with a surprising revelation.
While joining the broadcast panel covering Iginla's retirement, Burke indicated to Sportsnet's Faizal Khamisa that a reunion between Iginla and the Flames was nearly in the works last season with the then free agent before Calgary ultimately landed on Jaromir Jagr.
The Flames signed Jagr in October, but a nagging groin injury limited the Czech superstar to just 22 appearances, in which he was held to one goal and six assists.
While a homecoming wasn't in the cards for Iginla, he hangs up his skates as the Flames' all-time leader in games played (1,219), goals (525), and points (1,095).
We know who to watch for in the east. Now let’s take a look at Western Conference prospects with a shot at making an impact at training camp this fall.
Two Avalanche prospects who immediately leap to mind are Cale Makar and Shane Bowers. As they’re both NCAA players and won’t be at training camp, focus shifts to Conor Timmins. While Timmins isn’t ready for the NHL yet, he has a promising career ahead of him, and (provided he’s healthy) camp will be an opportune moment for both management and fans to get a glimpse of what his future might look like.
Blackhawks: C/W Dylan Sikura, 23
Sikura is on the older side, but he’s only played five games for the Blackhawks thus far. With management making some questionable forward signings this offseason, it’s not out of the question to think Sikura could be a difference-maker for Chicago next year. A solid camp could even put him in the top six to start the campaign.
Blues: C Robert Thomas, 19
Thomas is ready to make the jump to the NHL and should see significant time this season. And with the Blues’ acquisitions of Ryan O’Reilly and Tyler Bozak, he can make the transition without the weight of carrying a top line. That is, unless he immediately shows himself ready to do so.
Canucks: C/W Elias Pettersson, 19
Pettersson is in the top tier of drafted prospects right now. That’s good for the Canucks, who are desperately in need of a player (or several) of Pettersson’s caliber. With that said, this likely isn’t going to be a great season for Vancouver. Hopefully, fans will just enjoy watching Pettersson, and not fall victim to the Oilers fan base's curse of running a promising young player out of town when he doesn’t turn the team around single-handedly.
Coyotes: C Dylan Strome, 21
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
This is a make-or-break year for Strome. Anyone who has paid attention to his progress in recent years should be coming down heavily on the side of "make." His production in 21 NHL games has been criticized, but his final 10 contests with the Coyotes last season gave fans - and likely the organization - a glimpse at the Strome they’d been hoping for. Camp is the perfect time for him to take the reins and prove that those last several appearances weren’t merely a flash in the pan.
Ducks: C Sam Steel, 20
Steel was a huge steal for the Ducks at 30th overall in 2016 and has spent nearly every minute of his playing time since then proving it. In 2016-17, he scored 131 points in 66 games to capture the WHL regular-season scoring title. Expect a solid camp from Steel this fall. While he may make a short stop in San Diego to play for the Ducks’ AHL team, it won’t be long before he’s suiting up regularly in Anaheim.
Flames: D Juuso Valimaki, 19
(Photo courtesy: USA TODAY Sports)
Valimaki made preseason appearances with the Flames last season. This year he wants to take it one step further and stay in the NHL. His high-end hockey sense and strong skating might be enough to catapult him over some of Calgary's defensive depth. If it isn’t, he turns 20 in October, so he can be assigned to the AHL rather than return to the WHL’s Tri-City Americans.
Golden Knights: C Cody Glass, 19
Glass wants to make the jump to the NHL this season. If he doesn’t, he’ll have to return to the WHL. He’s in that awkward in-between stage, too good for the CHL and too young for the AHL. He’s more confident than last year, he has more muscle, and with a strong showing in camp, he could weasel his way onto the Golden Knights’ opening-night roster. Whether he can book his ticket this year or is forced to wait until till next, Vegas fans should be excited about this kid.
Jets: RW/LW Kristian Vesalainen, 19
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Vesalainen isn’t signed to an entry-level contract yet, but by the time training camp rolls around he should be. While the power forward likely won’t be an NHL regular this year, his size, skating, and puck skills make him an attractive call-up option for the Jets - provided he makes a good impression in camp.
Kings: C Gabe Vilardi, 18
News broke Sunday that Vilardi’s back issues have flared up again and he won’t be participating in the World Junior Summer Series for Team Canada, but he is expected to be ready for training camp. Kings fans should hope he is because Vilardi’s offensive abilities are quietly fantastic. If he can stay healthy, he’s got a good shot at contributing at the NHL level.
Oilers: D Evan Bouchard, 18
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
If the Oilers remain true to form, Bouchard will probably stick with the big club this season. Unlike some past prospects Edmonton has rushed to the NHL, however, Bouchard is probably ready for consistent NHL minutes. Keep a close watch on him during camp, because even with the (debatable) knocks on his skating, he’s got a decent chance at outplaying someone like Kris Russell.
Predators: LW/RW Eeli Tolvanen, 19
There’s a good chance Tolvanen snags a full-time NHL spot this season. He wants it; the Predators want it. What he’ll do with it is another question entirely. At times it seemed like he was sleepwalking through this summer’s prospect development camp, but Nashville could use more scoring on the wing. If Tolvanen lives up to his skill level, he could be a nice addition there.
Sharks: D Ryan Merkley, 17
Barring some strange series of events, Merkley isn’t going to see much time in the NHL this season. That doesn’t matter; pay attention to him at camp anyway. He’s such a polarizing prospect that the opportunity to see how he works within an NHL structure alongside other big-league players, is a captivating one. On the one hand, he’s thrilling offensively; on the other, his head coach once sent him to the dressing room during a game. Merkley has potential; how he uses it remains to be seen.
Stars: D Miro Heiskanen, 19
The Stars aren't just slightly enamored with Heiskanen, they love him to the point that they were reportedly unwilling to include him in a potential trade for Erik Karlsson. That’s a lot for a kid to live up to, but Heiskanen just might have it in him. He’s certainly NHL ready, at any rate.
Wild: LW/RW Jordan Greenway, 21
Last season was a big one for Greenway. He played for Team USA in PyeongChang, finished out his NCAA season with a Hockey East title, and signed his entry-level contract with the Wild, playing six regular-season games and five playoff contests. Now it’s time to show what he can do in a full season. While it’s possible that Greenway spends some time in the AHL, it seems unlikely at this point
The 5-foot-11, 203-pound winger ranked fourth on Nashville in hits and set a career high in blocked shots last season. Heading into his fourth full season with the Preds, he has recorded 19 points in 125 games.
The Raahe, Finland, native was selected in the second round by Nashville in the 2011 draft.
Cam Ward enjoyed life in Carolina, but he's optimistic about a change of scenery after signing a one-year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Ward joins a club that has won three Stanley Cups since 2010, and boasts a fervid fan base.
"That gives me goosebumps, knowing you're coming to a city, to an organization, to a fan base that really loves and has a passion for hockey," Ward told John Dietz of the Daily Herald. "I'm excited about going to the United Center."
Following Ward's 13-year run with the Hurricanes, Scott Darling's addition last offseason forced him to look elsewhere for work.
In Chicago, he's still seen as a secondary option, but he could take on increased playing time as starter Corey Crawford works his way back from injury.
His Carolina tenure included a Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy, back in 2006. But the sweet times in Carolina have been few and far between since, as the team last qualified for the postseason in 2009. He's happy to join a club with championship ambitions.
"As players, we thrive in atmospheres like that. At least I do," Ward added. "I love to go into a building where you can count on fans being in the seats.
"We have a lot of loyal and great fans in Carolina, but it's no secret that the attendance is always a little bit low. I'm looking forward to ... playing in front of a sold-out building and passionate fans."
The Hurricanes averaged 13,320 in attendance last season, ahead of only the Arizona Coyotes and New York Islanders, while the Blackhawks topped the charts, packing more than 21,600 into their home barn.
As for Ward, he finished his last season in Carolina with a 23-14-4 record across 43 games, posting a .906 save rate and 2.73 GAA.
The Ottawa Senators and defenseman Cody Ceci are reportedly $2.65 million apart in contract values approaching their arbitration meeting Wednesday.
Ottawa native Ceci is asking for $6 million, while the Senators have offered $3.35 million, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
The 24-year-old is a restricted free agent coming off a two-year, $5.6-million deal with the club. Ceci, Ottawa's first-round draft pick in 2012, has played 366 games with his hometown team, netting 25 goals and 92 points.
The 26-year-old restricted free agent remains unsigned, and little headway has been made toward a long-term deal, reports Larry Brooks of the New York Post.
Hayes is scheduled for an arbitration hearing Thursday, where he'll make his case for a raise. He's coming off a two-year agreement that carried a $2.6-million average annual value, according to CapFriendly.
Brooks added that Hayes could seek a one-year deal, which would make him an unrestricted free agent next summer. A first-round pick of the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010, he completed his four years of college eligibility before later joining the Rangers as an unsigned free agent.
A report last month indicated Hayes has garnered significant interest on the trade market. While there are no assurances he'll be dealt, the Rangers don't appear interested in signing him to a new deal worth more than double his last contract, Brooks added.
The Massachusetts native finished third in team scoring last season with 44 points, including a career-high 25 goals.
On Saturday, the Rangers re-upped fellow restricted free agent Brady Skjei to a six-year pact that will reportedly pay him more than $5 million per season.
In 59 appearances with Calgary last season, Hathaway tallied 13 points and 88 penalty minutes. He also skated in 18 games with the Flames' AHL club, with whom he notched 11 goals and eight assists.
It's never too early to look ahead if you're a fantasy hockey nut. So, in preparation for draft season, we rank the upcoming crop of rookies:
Note: We considered only standard-league categories (goals, assists, plus/minus, power-play points, penalty minutes, shots on goal). Ages are listed as of the start of the 2018-19 regular season.
10. Martin Necas, C/RW, Hurricanes
Team (League)
Age
GP
G
A
PTS
HC Kometa Brno (Czech)
19
24
9
8
17
Necas, whom Carolina's brass seems to adore, should slot in as the No. 2 or No. 3 center out of camp. The speedy youngster has the chops to make an impact as a rookie, will skate alongside quality NHLers - perhaps Sebastian Aho or Jeff Skinner - and should find a role on the second power-play unit. He's a safe bet for 30-plus points, but could be a plus/minus liability.
9. Andreas Johnsson, LW/RW, Toronto Maple Leafs
Team (League)
Age
GP
G
A
PTS
Toronto Marlies (AHL)
23
54
26
28
54
If Johnsson were on, say, the Canadiens, he wouldn't crack this list. As a member of the Leafs, however, his value is sky high, as he's one injury or lineup shuffle away from playing alongside Auston Matthews or John Tavares. And the small Swede's projected starting spot - Nazem Kadri's left wing - is nothing to sneeze at, either.
8. Filip Zadina, LW/RW, Red Wings
Team (League)
Age
GP
G
A
PTS
Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
18
57
44
38
82
Zadina is a wild card who's worth the gamble. He's not guaranteed a full-time NHL gig this season, but is armed with an incredible shot. A fair projection would be somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 points, but there's a real possibility he spends more time in the AHL/junior ranks than with the Wings in 2018-19. Still, a near certainty is that the 6-foot, 196-pounder will be an all-world sniper sometime soon.
7. Henrik Borgstrom, C, Panthers
Team (League)
Age
GP
G
A
PTS
University of Denver (NCAA)
21
40
23
29
52
Flying under the radar due to his team's low profile and because he's never been hailed as a top prospect, Borgstrom will properly introduce himself to the hockey world this fall. The 2018 Hobey Baker Award finalist is a big-bodied playmaker with creativity in spades. He's in line to assume the Panthers' No. 3 center role behind Aleksander Barkov and Vincent Trocheck.
6. Rasmus Dahlin, D, Sabres
Team (League)
Age
GP
G
A
PTS
Frolunda HC (SHL)
18
41
7
13
20
The first overall pick of 2018 is immediately the best defenseman in Buffalo. Dahlinwill get first-pair minutes, quarterback the power play, and share the ice with Jack Eichel and Casey Mittelstadt. The problem is, the Sabres are still a really bad hockey team, which means Dahlin will be shouldering a large defensive role and his plus/minus rating will most likely be in the red. Buyer beware.
5. Filip Chytil, C, Rangers
Team (League)
Age
GP
G
A
PTS
Hartford Wolfpack (AHL)
19
46
11
20
31
Chytil is ready for the big leagues after some marination. The Czech center is an excellent skater - especially for his size - and last year recorded 31 points in 46 AHL games and three points in nine NHL contests as an 18-year-old. Based on the state of the Rangers - new coach, young core, low expectations - Chytil should get every opportunity to rack up fantasy points in 2018-19.
4. Casey Mittelstadt, C, Sabres
Team (League)
Age
GP
G
A
PTS
University of Minnesota (NCAA)
19
34
11
19
30
The Minnesotan with magical hands will probably slot in right behind Jack Eichel on the Sabres' depth chart, as he appears ready to grab the No. 2 center role and run with it. Mittelstadt, who was named best forward at the 2018 world juniors, impressed in a six-game call-up last season, registering five points. Warning: Linemate quality - or lack thereof - may stymie his production.
3. Eeli Tolvanen, LW/RW, Predators
Team (League)
Age
GP
G
A
PTS
Jokerit (KHL)
19
49
19
17
36
Tolvanen's an interesting case. He came to North America and the Predators this spring as a hot commodity - breaking KHL records will do that - but went pointless in a three-game stint before sitting out the entire postseason. Still, with a proper camp, time to acclimate, and a few goals early on, the skilled winger could set the table for a 50-point campaign. This is a potential high-reward option.
2. Elias Pettersson, C/RW, Canucks
Team (League)
Age
GP
G
A
PTS
Vaxjo Lakers HC (SHL)
19
44
24
32
56
One of the most talked-about players outside of the NHL, Pettersson lit up the SHL last season, leading all scorers with 56 points in 44 games. He won the MVP award and became YouTube famous for his dynamite highlights. The hype train is gaining speed, and the crafty Swede - assuming the Canucks offer appropriate ice time and an offensive role - looks Calder Trophy-worthy.
1. Andrei Svechnikov, RW, Hurricanes
Team (League)
Age
GP
G
A
PTS
Barrie Colts (OHL)
18
44
40
32
72
True rookies are inherently difficult to peg. Svechnikov, though, is the 2018 draft crop's sure thing with regards to fantasy production. The all-around power forward - who's both a volume shooter and an elite scorer - is joining a 'Canes team starved for goals. He should step right into a first-line role at five-on-five and a trigger spot on the power play. Bonus: he takes penalties.
* Honorable mentions: Jordan Kyrou (STL), Sam Steel (ANA), Lias Andersson (NYR), Owen Tippett (FLA) and Brady Tkachuk (OTT)
