• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
NHL Offseason Report Card: Metropolitan Division

NHL Offseason Report Card: Metropolitan Division

November 30, 2020
Quick Impressions Of The Montreal Canadiens Trade Deadline

Quick Impressions Of The Montreal Canadiens Trade Deadline

April 15, 2021
Thomas Schemitsch of the Cleveland Monsters waits for the puck .

Cleveland Rolls Through Rochester in New York

April 15, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Karmanos Hired To Help Adams, Eichel Shutdown For The Season

Karmanos Hired To Help Adams, Eichel Shutdown For The Season

April 14, 2021
Winners and Losers on NHL’s Trade Deadline Day

Winners and Losers on NHL’s Trade Deadline Day

April 14, 2021
A New Jersey Devils Exhale Post NHL Trade Deadline

A New Jersey Devils Exhale Post NHL Trade Deadline

April 14, 2021
NHL Trade Grades

Grading the NHL Trade Deadline – April 12

April 13, 2021
Benn

Jordie Benn Ready to “Taste the Playoffs Again” in Winnipeg

April 13, 2021
Flyers Sign Laughton, Deal Gustafsson And Raffl On Deadline Day

Flyers Sign Laughton, Deal Gustafsson And Raffl On Deadline Day

April 13, 2021
Perfetti, Moose Jump Back Into Second Place With 5-1 Win Monday

Perfetti, Moose Jump Back Into Second Place With 5-1 Win Monday

April 13, 2021
Islanders’ Division Rivals Got Better Too At Trade Deadline

Islanders’ Division Rivals Got Better Too At Trade Deadline

April 13, 2021
NHL Draft

Five Takeaways from Senators GM Pierre Dorion

April 13, 2021
Penguins Acquire Carter for Conditional Picks

Penguins Acquire Carter for Conditional Picks

April 12, 2021
  • Full Press Coverage
  • Full Press Wrestling
  • Full Press Radio Network
  • FullPressShop.com
  • Want to write for us?
  • Advertise With Us


Friday, April 16, 2021
Full Press Hockey
  • NHL
    • Boston Bruins
    • Buffalo Sabres
    • Ottawa Senators
    • Philadelphia Flyers
    • Winnipeg Jets
  • AHL
  • KHL
  • Fantasy Hockey
  • NHL Draft
  • Prospects
  • Podcasts
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Off The Post Radio
    • C4 Canucks Podcast
    • High and Wide Radio
    • Fourth Line Hockey Pod
    • The Calder Farmstead
    • Front Range Podcast
  • Full Press Coverage
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
  • NHL
    • Boston Bruins
    • Buffalo Sabres
    • Ottawa Senators
    • Philadelphia Flyers
    • Winnipeg Jets
  • AHL
  • KHL
  • Fantasy Hockey
  • NHL Draft
  • Prospects
  • Podcasts
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Off The Post Radio
    • C4 Canucks Podcast
    • High and Wide Radio
    • Fourth Line Hockey Pod
    • The Calder Farmstead
    • Front Range Podcast
  • Full Press Coverage
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Hockey
No Result
View All Result
Home NHL Metropolitan Division

NHL Offseason Report Card: Metropolitan Division

Michael Augello by Michael Augello
November 30, 2020
in Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Featured, Metropolitan Division, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, NHL, NHL Draft, NHL Free Agency, Opinion, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals
0
888
SHARES
2.5k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

After going through a two-month ordeal to complete the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the bubble cities of Toronto and Edmonton, 31 National Hockey League clubs returned to some normalcy by making trades and signing free agents to remake their rosters for the 2020-21 regular season.

Unlike previous years, where general managers had the benefit of an increased salary cap due to $5 billion in annual league revenue, clubs were hampered by the $81.5 million salary cap staying flat due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but that did not stop them from making moves that may turn out to be consequential when the season begins in January or February.

Here is an evaluation of what changes clubs in the Metropolitan Division made:


CAROLINA HURRICANES


In – Jesper Fast

Out – Joel Edmundson, Trevor van Riemsdyk, Justin Williams, Sami Vatanen

For the second straight season, the Canes could not get past Boston, this time losing to the Bruins in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. GM Don Waddell bolstered his club upfront by signing the versatile Fast in free agency to plug the hole left by the retirement of Williams.

The departure of Edmundson (rights traded to Montreal) and van Riemsdyk (signed with Washington) are significant, but Carolina has solid organizational depth on the blueline and youngsters like Haydn Fleury and AHL Defenseman of the Year Jake Bean ready to step into a larger role.

Grade – B-

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS


In – Max Domi, Mikko Koivu

Out – Josh Anderson, Ryan Murray, Markus Nutivaara

Unsigned – Pierre-Luc Dubois

The Blue Jackets overcame numerous injuries during the regular season to stay in the playoff race and bested Toronto in the qualifying round before falling to Tampa Bay in the first round. In the offseason, GM Jarmo Kekalainen addressed the club’s lack of offense by swapping oft-injured winger Josh Anderson to Montreal for Domi (who Columbus signed to a two-year contract extension) and adding 37-year-old former Wild captain Koivu on a one-year deal.

Murray (traded to New Jersey) and Nutivaara (traded to Florida) were moved to clear over $7 million in cap space to re-sign Dubois, but the Jackets leading scorer remains unsigned with training camp a few weeks away.

Grade – B

NEW JERSEY DEVILS

RelatedPosts

Quick Impressions Of The Montreal Canadiens Trade Deadline

Karmanos Hired To Help Adams, Eichel Shutdown For The Season

Winners and Losers on NHL’s Trade Deadline Day

A New Jersey Devils Exhale Post NHL Trade Deadline


In – Corey Crawford, Andreas Johnsson, Dmitry Kulikov, Ryan Murray

Out – Joey Anderson, John Hayden, Cory Schneider

Unsigned – Mackenzie Blackwood

After finishing at the bottom of the Metro for the second straight season and firing head coach John Hynes, the Devils are hoping that GM Tom Fitzgerald and veteran head coach Lindy Ruff can help New Jersey with former #1 picks Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes improve and grow.

Fitzgerald benefited from having more than $20 million in cap space (after buying out Schneider) in a year where the cap stayed flat. That enabled the Devils to sign veteran Crawford for two years to partner with the unsigned Blackwood, add Murray (via trade) and Kulikov to bolster his blueline, and swap prospect Anderson to Toronto for former 20-goal scorer Johnsson.

Grade – A-

NEW YORK ISLANDERS 


In – Ilya Sorokin

Out – Thomas Greiss, Johnny Boychuk, Devon Toews

Unsigned – Andy Greene, Mathew Barzal, Matt Martin

The Isles beat Florida, Washington, and Philadelphia before losing to Tampa Bay in the Eastern Conference Final. In the offseason, the addition of KHL goalie Sorokin allowed GM Lou Lamoriello to let Greiss go to free agency, but New York’s cap situation was so perilous that they were forced to give away defenseman Toews to Colorado for a pair of draft picks.

Lamoriello was bailed out in a way by the forced retirement of Boychuk last week, which will allow the Islanders to bring back veterans Greene, Martin and re-sign leading scorer Barzal.

Grade – D

NEW YORK RANGERS

 

PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 21: Pittsburgh Penguins Defenseman Jack Johnson (73) skates during the first period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Dallas Stars on November 21, 2018, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

In – Alexis Lafreniere, Jack Johnson

Out – Lias Andersson, Jesper Fast, Henrik Lundqvist, Marc Staal, Greg McKegg

New York deftly navigated through some choppy salary waters after the season, buying out the final year of future Hall-of-Famer Lundqvist’s $8.5 million contract and giving Detroit a second-rounder to take on Staal to give GM Jeff Gorton the room to re-sign goalie Alexandar Georgiev, defenseman Tony DeAngelo and forwards Ryan Strome and Brendan Lemieux.

Top pick Lafreniere gives the Rangers another potential young impact player and Johnson (bought out by Pittsburgh) provides veteran depth at an economical price.

Grade – B+

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

In – Erik Gustafsson

Out – Derek Grant, Tyler Pitlick, Nate Thompson, Matt Niskanen

Unsigned – Philippe Myers

After a rather successful regular season and a second-round exit, the departures from the Flyers were limited mostly to rentals acquired at the trade deadline (Grant, Thompson) and bottom-six depth in Pitlick that will likely be replaced by prospects within the organization.

The retirement of Niskanen (who partnered with Ivan Provorov on the top pairing) was unexpected and leaves the club in a vulnerable position defensively. Gustafsson is a power play specialist and a bottom-pairing option at best, which could mean a larger role for the unsigned Myers.

Grade – C+

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

In – Kasperi Kapanen, Cody Ceci, Mark Jankowski, Mike Matheson, Colton Sceviour


Out – Nick Bjugstad, Patrick Hornqvist, Jack Johnson, Patrick Marleau, Justin Schultz, Dominik Simon

After being stunned in the qualifying round by Montreal, GM Jim Rutherford went about shaking up and re-shaping his roster in hopes of taking advantage of the remaining window of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang. The Pens bought out the final three years of Johnson’s deal, moved out Bjugstad for cap space, swapped their first-round pick, and prospect Filip Hallander to Toronto for Kapanen and let Marleau, Schultz, and Simon walk in free agency.

Pittsburgh made value free agent signings in Ceci, Jankowski, and Evan Rodrigues, but the most questionable move was the trade of Hornqvist to Florida for Matheson (who struggled with the Panthers the last two seasons and has six years remaining on his contract) and Sceviour.

Grade – B-

WASHINGTON CAPITALS

In – Trevor van Riemsdyk, Justin Schultz, Henrik Lundqvist

Out – Travis Boyd, Radko Gudas, Braden Holtby

A first-round loss to the Islanders resulted in the firing of head coach Todd Rierden and the hiring of Cup winner Peter Laviolette to hopefully revitalize a core group that won it all in 2018.


After re-signing Brenden Dillon for four years, GM Brian McClellan replaced the departed Gudas with Schultz and brought in van Riemsdyk for depth. Lundqvist will get an opportunity to prove he still can play at 38, as he replaces the departed Holtby (signed in Vancouver) as a tandem partner with youngster Ilya Samsonov.

Grade – B






Tags: Andreas JohnssonCody CeciCorey CrawfordDivision GradesErik GustafssonIyla SorokinKasperi KapanenThomas Greiss
Previous Post

Latest on the Lightning, Bruins and Islanders in NHL Rumor Roundup

Next Post

Avalanche, Lightning Stanley Cup Favorites As Uncertainty Remains

Michael Augello

Michael Augello

Next Post
Avalanche, Lightning Stanley Cup Favorites As Uncertainty Remains

Avalanche, Lightning Stanley Cup Favorites As Uncertainty Remains

2021 World Junior Championship News: Canada Shuts Down Camp; Spencer Knight Ready

2021 World Junior Championship News: Canada Shuts Down Camp; Spencer Knight Ready

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Benn

Jordie Benn Ready to “Taste the Playoffs Again” in Winnipeg

April 13, 2021
KHL

KHL Releases List of Top Player Salaries

December 1, 2020
Thomas Schemitsch of the Cleveland Monsters waits for the puck .

Cleveland Rolls Through Rochester in New York

April 15, 2021
Quick Impressions Of The Montreal Canadiens Trade Deadline

Quick Impressions Of The Montreal Canadiens Trade Deadline

April 15, 2021
Thomas Schemitsch of the Cleveland Monsters waits for the puck .

Cleveland Rolls Through Rochester in New York

April 15, 2021
Karmanos Hired To Help Adams, Eichel Shutdown For The Season

Karmanos Hired To Help Adams, Eichel Shutdown For The Season

April 14, 2021


  • Episode #29: Axel F
    by Full Press Coverage on April 16, 2021 at 6:19 am

    Just a few more weekends to go in the AHL season, and as always, C.C. and Sean have got you […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44355153/the_calder_farmstead_episode_29_final.mp3
  • 4/15 - Jackie Robinson and April 15th Events in History
    by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2021 at 11:43 pm

    Ian and Mike discuss the anniversary of Jackie Robinson playing his first MLB game and other famous […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44352891/adv1580103741.mp3
  • 4/13 - Julian Edelman Announces Retirement; John Sapochetti Joins
    by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2021 at 11:38 pm

    Ian and Mike discuss the retirement of Patriots receiver Julian Edelman with John Sapochetti.Learn […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44352890/adv8133226208.mp3
  • Episode #14 - Grub and Dub Connection
    by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2021 at 1:02 am

    The Avs were active at the trade deadline, the Eagles took on the Stars (and now host the Condors), […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44339027/front_range_hockey_episode_14_final.mp3
  • Brock Talks - Apr. 13, 2021
    by Full Press Coverage on April 13, 2021 at 8:00 pm

    Joining Anna & Chris is former professional hockey player Brock McGillis to talk about his […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/6F48GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV6517810548.mp3?updated=1618342546
  • HW Trade Deadline Recap ft Ant SanFillippo
    by HW Radio on April 13, 2021 at 10:00 am

    We're joined by the one and only Anthony SanFillippo of Crossing Broad and Snow the Goalie to recap […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44315226/https_d3ctxlq1ktw2nl_cloudfront_net_staging_2021_3_13_174985711_44100_2_81947de565543.mp3
  • Episode #28: Power Plays on Carcone Island
    by Full Press Coverage on April 13, 2021 at 4:51 am

    What happens when you bring in Brett Fera to talk Tucson in the AHL Weekend Preview episode? The […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44312645/the_calder_farmstead_episode_28_final.mp3
  • Episode #325 - The 2021 NHL Trade Deadline Special
    by Full Press Coverage on April 13, 2021 at 2:35 am

    It's NHL trade deadline day! We take a look at the buyers and sellers of trade deadline day. BUYERS […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44312139/episode325_output.mp3
All Shows

  • 2021 Dolphins Draft Prospect: Tight end Kyle Pitts
    by Christian Chappell on April 15, 2021 at 8:43 pm

    Kyle Pitts’ abilities make him a candidate to be the first TE selected in the top five picks of […]

  • Chicago Bears Draft Profile: Cornerback Caleb Farley
    by Carlos Nazario on April 15, 2021 at 7:11 pm

    With the release of Kyle Fuller, the Chicago Bears have a need at cornerback. Caleb Farley is […]

  • 2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Brady Christensen
    by Braden Holecek on April 15, 2021 at 6:40 pm

    2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Brady Christensen. BYU offensive tackle Brady Christensen is a solid […]

  • 2020 Raiders Mock Draft: Mid-April
    by Terrance Biggs on April 15, 2021 at 5:22 pm

    Speeding towards the NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders find themselves in an interesting spot. After […]

  • The Presumptive MVP Is No Joke
    by John Sapochetti on April 15, 2021 at 3:37 pm

    Who is leading the NBA MVP race? The post The Presumptive MVP Is No Joke appeared first on Full […]

FPC Radio LIVE Join Ian Glendon and Mike D'Adabte Monday through Friday as they discuss the latest news from the sports world and much more.

  • 4/15 - Jackie Robinson and April 15th Events in History
    by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2021 at 11:43 pm

    Ian and Mike discuss the anniversary of Jackie Robinson playing his first MLB game and other famous […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44352891/adv1580103741.mp3
  • 4/13 - Julian Edelman Announces Retirement; John Sapochetti Joins
    by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2021 at 11:38 pm

    Ian and Mike discuss the retirement of Patriots receiver Julian Edelman with John Sapochetti.Learn […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44352890/adv8133226208.mp3
  • 4/12 - Weekend Wrap, Vaccine Recap, Ed O'Neal, NHL Trade Deadline
    by Full Press Coverage on April 12, 2021 at 1:59 pm

    Ian and Mike recap the latest from the weekend including Ian's vaccine side effects, Netflix […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44303436/adv5842490920.mp3
  • 4/9 - Wrestlemania, 2024 Glendon/D'Abate Ticket, and Julian Edelman
    by Full Press Coverage on April 9, 2021 at 2:02 pm

    On this episode, Ian and Mike talk a little Wrestlemania before the weekend's event, the theme […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44272056/adv5505172386.mp3
  • 4/8 - More Cowbell, Sports Movies, Space Adventures, and More
    by Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2021 at 2:28 pm

    On today's show, Ian and Mike discuss the anniversary of the Sandlot and Major League, More Cowbell […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44258247/adv6567559796.mp3
  • 4/7 - Documentaries, Aaron Rodgers, and More With John Sapochetti
    by Full Press Coverage on April 7, 2021 at 2:29 pm

    John Sapochetti joins Ian and Mike to talk documentaries, Aaron Rodgers future and his appearance […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44242041/adv1869381289.mp3
  • 4/6 - Baylor Beats Gonzaga, Vaccines and Gil Hill, Sam Darnold To Panthers
    by Full Press Coverage on April 6, 2021 at 2:53 pm

    Ian and Mike discuss Baylor's victory over Gonzaga in the NCAA Men's Championship Game, getting […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44221388/adv9103610065.mp3
  • 4/5 - Married With Children, Vaccines, Red Sox, and More
    by Full Press Coverage on April 5, 2021 at 11:27 pm

    On an abbreviated episode, Ian and Mike discuss Married with Children on its 34th anniversary, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44211047/adv7870235805.mp3
Full Press Hockey

2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • NHL
  • AHL
  • KHL
  • Fantasy Hockey
  • NHL Draft
  • Prospects
  • Podcasts
  • Full Press Coverage
  • Shop

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • NHL
    • Boston Bruins
    • Buffalo Sabres
    • Ottawa Senators
    • Philadelphia Flyers
    • Winnipeg Jets
  • AHL
  • KHL
  • Fantasy Hockey
  • NHL Draft
  • Prospects
  • Podcasts
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Off The Post Radio
    • C4 Canucks Podcast
    • High and Wide Radio
    • Fourth Line Hockey Pod
    • The Calder Farmstead
    • Front Range Podcast
  • Full Press Coverage
  • Shop

2020 Full Press Coverage