Panthers bring in Letestu on a PTO
Florida Panthers: Panthers GM Dale Talon announced yesterday that they signed center Mark Letestu to a PTO. The 33-year old forward recorded 23 points in 80 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Edmonton Oilers.
Devils lock up defenseman Santini
Mike Morreale: The New Jersey Devils signed 23-year old defenseman Steven Santini to a three-year contract for $4.25 million (a $1.416 million salary cap hit). Devils GM Ray Shero on the signing: “He provides size and a physical element that complements our existing defensive group moving forward.”
Abby Mastracco of North Jersey.com: Shero said that the Devils blue line has more speed and skill, and Santini brings the group size (6′ 2″ and 205 pounds) and physicality.
Santini may be ready for a more permanent role this season, helping fill in for the departed John Moore.
Forward Miles Wood is the last remaining restricted free agent for the Devils.
One Coyotes center will have to play wing
Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports: The Arizona Coyotes will enter camp with their top five centers consisting of Derek Stepan, Alex Galchenyuk, Christian Dvorak, Brad Richardson and Dylan Strome.
Unless there is a trade or injury, one of the five will have to play the wing. Richardson hopes it isn’t him.
“I want to play center and I’m not really interested in wing,” he said.
Notes on Ellis’ eight-year contract extension
Adam Vingan: Next season the Nashville Predators top-four defensemen – P.K. Subban, Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis, and Mattias Ekholm – will make a combined $19.25 million. The following year when Ellis’ extension kicks in they will be a combined $23 million.
Adam Vingan: Ryan Ellis doesn’t have a no-trade or a no-movement clause. Pekka Rinne is the only Predator player who has one.
Cap Friendly: Ryan Ellis salary breakdown – 8 years, $50 million, $6.25 million AAV
2019-20: $700k base salary – $7M signing bonus
2020-21: $5.3M
2021-22: $7.7M
2022-23: $5.3M
2023-24: $7.5M
2024-25: $6.5M
2025-26: $5.5M
2026-27: $4.5M
Ryan Ellis (long deal with Nashville) is a first-pair defender by individual production and shot impact, with an extremely good penalty differential despite slightly defensive zone usage. pic.twitter.com/TfSycJD55k
— Micah Blake McCurdy (@IneffectiveMath) August 14, 2018