Chris Wassel

973 Articles

NHL Free Agent Analysis: John Carlson Re-Signing With The Washington Capitals

John Carlson re-signed with the Washington Capitals over the weekend. This contract pays him $64 million over eight years. There exists some interesting signing bonuses including the lockout proof year. Carlson comes off a career year and an excellent playoff…

Chris Wassel

NHL Free Agent Analysis: Ilya Kovalchuk Signing With The Los Angeles Kings

Ilya Kovalchuk agreed in principle to a three year, $6.25 million AAV deal over the weekend that can be made 'official' on July 1st. By now, there have been several articles floating out there on expected impacts. Let's do something a…

Chris Wassel

NHL Trade Analysis: Washignton Sends Philipp Grubauer and Brooks Orpik to Colorado for a Draft Pick

It is time for a little NHL Trade Analysis as Philipp Grubauer has been traded from Washington to Colorado. The entire deal consists of Brooks Orpik and Grubauer heading to the Avalanche for a second-round pick (47th) tonight. This serves…

Chris Wassel

NHL Rumors: Montreal Canadiens, Carolina Hurricanes, and the Minnesota Wild

The final hours for Max Pacioretty in Montreal?  Eric Engels of Sportsnet ponders is this really the end of Pacioretty's days in Montreal. The Canadiens forward is involved in several rumors and a variety of destinations. Also, he has an…

Chris Wassel

NHL Rumors: New York Islanders and the Pittsburgh Penguins

On the New York Islanders ... Andrew Gross of Newsday checks in with the New York Islanders. The makeover continues as New York needs defense and even goaltending help. Likely, defensive needs can be addressed in this draft. There exists…

Chris Wassel

NHL Rumors: Los Angeles Kings Looking For Offense … Do The Philadelphia Flyers Trade Wayne Simmonds?

On the Los Angeles Kings... Curtis Zupke of the L.A. Times:  Rob Blake constantly is working the phones while exploring draft options. Contrary to last night, Gabe Vilardi expects to crack the lineup this year or next and will likely…

Chris Wassel

NHL Rumors: Sharks, Senators, Canadians, Rangers and Sabres

Musings on trade rumors and draft from Vegas Chris Johnson of Sportsnet:  The one thing clear about the San Jose Sharks is this - San Jose sets itself up to pursue free agents after the Mike Hoffman trade. Also, Ottawa…

Chris Wassel

Into The Fantasy: The Vezina Trophy

The Vezina Award is given to the league's best goaltender. It is voted on by the 31 general managers of the NHL. However, as always, there are different ways to interpret the award. What if this was looked at from…

Chris Wassel

NHL Rumors: Philadelphia Flyers – Ron Hextall’s Summer Plans … Move Up In The Draft?

Just another Philadelphia summer Jordan Hall of NBC Sports Philadelphia:  What does Ron Hextall do this summer? It appears like he is staying the course. "We are still the ultimate team sport and I think Vegas proved that to all…

Chris Wassel

NHL Rumors: Diving Into The Top NHL Free Agents

With the salary cap heading upward to maybe as high as $82 million, expect general managers to spend. That is the silly season known as the NHL Free Agent Frenzy. The negotiation window starts next week and there are a…

Chris Wassel

NHL Rumors: Barry Trotz, Los Angeles Kings, and the Boston Bruins

Where Will Barry Trotz land? Rory Boylen of Sportsnet opines about what could be next for Barry Trotz. After the New York Islanders, there are few, if any, fits. Even if teams would consider an upgrade, what would the price…

Chris Wassel

NHL Rumors: Ottawa Senators — The Latest On Karlsson, Hoffman, and Gaborik

The Latest On Mike Hoffman and Erik Karlsson … Ken Campbell of The Hockey News suggests that Pierre Dorion will want to put out this tire fire quickly. The Ottawa Senators have tried to trade Hoffman a few times and Karlsson…

Chris Wassel