Golden Knights lock up Theodore long-term
Pierre LeBrun: The Vegas Golden Knights have signed defenseman Shea Theodore to a seven-year contract with a salary cap hit of $5.2 million. He will get $5.2 million each season and there are no signing bonuses. In the final two years of the deal, he will get a five-team no-trade clause.
PuckPedia: Theodore “had 29 Points in 61 Games (0.94 P/60), was on ice for 49.4% of 5v5 goals, 47% Expected GF% & 52% Corsi. His expected goals and corsi were -5.6% & -0.9% lower relative to teammates.”
Jesse Granger of the Las Vegas Sun: There is some risk for the Golden Knights signing the 23-year old to a big deal this early in his career, but GM George McPhee trusts their instincts, scouts, data and all their resources.
Theodore and his camp had initially been looking for a two-year bridge deal but McPhee was able to convince them to go long-term.
“I think when it was laid out and explained to the player why we were doing that, (because) I think it helps us manage the cap better, and if we’re doing that better I think our chances of winning are better, he bought in,” McPhee said.
Islanders sign Sbisa
Elliotte Friedman: The New York Islanders have signed defenseman Luca Sbisa to a one-year deal worth $1.5 million.
Gionta retires after 16 seasons
NHL: Brian Gionta retired from the NHL yesterday after 16 seasons in the NHL. He will take a position within the Buffalo Sabres organization.
“I’m announcing my retirement today,” Gionta said. “Looking forward to spending more time with my family and also playing a small part with the organization. Looking forward to that next step of my career.”
The Oilers release Upshall from his PTO
Kurt Leavins: The Edmonton Oilers have released forward Scottie Upshall from his PTO. He had been dealing with a nagging injury and was never able to get up to speed. Other wingers who are battling for a spot “shot the lights out.”
Jack Michaels: It’s sounding like coach Todd McLellan hasn’t totally closed the door on Upshall as he mentioned that Bakerfield (AHL) could be an option if Upshall agrees to the idea when he’s healthy enough.
The Panthers release Letestu from his PTO
Dan Kingerski: The Florida Panthers have released forward Mark Letestu from his PTO.
Nattinen chooses Finland over the AHL
Eric Stephens: The Anaheim Ducks put Julius Nattinen on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract. The 2015 second-round pick is heading back to Finland over reporting to San Diego of the AHL.