Tag Archives: NHL

NHL Free Agency 2019 Preview

R. Aaron Houde | July 1st, 2019

The NHL Free Agency opens up today, July 1st, and with the trading in a frenzy right now, hockey fans can expect the pace for free agency to be equally as fueled. Some of the personnel expected to be high on the list of sought-after players have been traded, but the list still remains quite impressive. What follows is an opinion-based list of the 10 most skilled players available in the Free Agency and who they are expected to sign with. This list will focus primarily on players not expected to return to their current teams. Continue reading →

Jack Hughes Draft Profile

Dale Money | June 21st, 2019

Tonight at Rogers Arena in Vancouver will be host to the NHL Entry draft, with the New Jersey Devils getting the first overall selection. Now it was only two years ago, the Devils selected highly touted Nico Hischier. The expectation is that Jack Hughes will go to the Devils, although Kaapo Kakko has certainly made the debate interesting. Thanks to a fantastic showing at the IIHF tournament. Continue reading →

Kaapo Kakko NHL Draft Profile

Dale Money | June 18th, 2019

As of now, the debate rolls on as to who goes first in the Draft between Kaapo Kakko and Jack Hughes. Kakko is a 6″2 left-handed shooting right winger. You could argue, he is the most complete winger available in this year’s draft. He was able to work his way up through the TPS youth system, going back to 2015 with the U16 squad when he was only 14 years old. He ended his 2018 season with 22 goals and 16 assists in 45 games for TPS. Continue reading →

Prospect Highlight: Trevor Zegras

R. Aaron Houde | June 18th, 2019

I have mentioned in my last few Prospect Highlight articles the increase in offensive play in the NHL. While goals and assists are definitely aspects of the game to pay attention to, that is not the only offensive aspect to be cognizant of; play away from the puck and drawing the defensive eye away is also key. With that in mind, I will be looking at Trevor Zegras. Continue reading →

Jets Send Trouba to New York – Who Won the Trade?

R. Aaron Houde | June 18th, 2019

It is no surprise to the world of NHL Fans that teams would be willing to make trades prior to their players becoming Free Agents in two weeks. Many big names are set to be on the Free Agent block, and while some teams are opting to re-sign those key players, some are aiming to restructure; gaining skilled players for less money and free some of their salary cap space. Today we will focus on the recent news of the New York Rangers and Winnipeg Jets trade. Continue reading →

Jordan Binnington: The Savior of St. Louis

Givanni Damico | June 16th, 2019

After getting off to a 9-13-4 start through 26 games, there were not high hopes for the Blues to make a postseason run. The offense was struggling to put the puck in the net, and Jake Allen was an inconsistent nightmare in the crease. Vladimir Tarasenko uncharacteristically recorded just 24 points in the first 40 games of the season. The Blues had high hopes going into the season after acquiring Ryan O’Reilly from the Buffalo Sabres as well as signing veteran winger Tyler Bozak. They had the pieces for a great season, but it all started at the top.

Continue reading →

Prospect Highlight: Peyton Krebs

R. Aaron Houde | June 13th, 2019

In the first round of the 2019-2020 NHL Draft, an anticipated 20 Forwards are to be drafted; 11 Centers, 7 Right Wings, and 2 Left Wings. With the increase in offensive output on the ice, it is no surprise that teams are looking to add skilled youngsters to their offensive lines. Today, I will be looking at Peyton Krebs of the Western Hockey League.
Peyton Krebs, born on Jan 26, 2001 in Calgary, AB, CAN finished the regular season in the WHL with 68 points (19 goals, 49 assists) in 64 games played for the Kootenay Ice*. While he is on the smaller side of the first round draft picks at 5’11”, 168 lbs (average height and weight for the projected first-round drafts is 6’0″, 188 lbs), his play in every zone on the ice, combined with his impressive faceoff abilities (538 faceoff wins for a 47% success rate), made him an easy prediction for top 50% in the first round draft. However, this is now subject to change, as Krebs had reportedly suffered a partial tear in his Achilles tendon when another player’s skate blade cut through his cut-proof sock and into his Achilles. After a successful surgery, he is expected to make a full recovery, but the timeline is unclear.

While it is unfortunate to place him at the back end of the draft, with the uncertainty of his recovery, it is likely that, if Krebs does go first round, it would be in the latter half, going to a team who is looking to free space in their Salary Cap or to replace their soon-to-be free agents.

Peyton Krebs was a proven asset to Kootenay, with his understanding of the defensive aspect of the game and his undeniable puck-skills. These aspects, partnered with smooth skating and a mix of speed, smarts, and willingness to go to the dirty areas and fight for possession, can prove to be a boon to any team, pending recovery is on Krebs side.

*Starting in the 2019-20 WHL Season, the Kootenay Ice are moving from Cranbrook, British Columbia to Winnipeg, Manitoba, reflagging as the Winnipeg Ice.Questions and comments?
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