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Sport St. Louis Blues sign Brayden Schenn to eight-year extension

05:35  05 october  2019
05:35  05 october  2019 Source:   prohockeyrumors.com

Carpenter HRs vs. Kimbrel in 10th, Cards bump Cubs from WC spot

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ST . LOUIS - Brayden Schenn has signed an eight - year contract extension with the St . Louis Blues worth million. "Getting 'Schenner' signed was a priority for us over the summer," said Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong. "To get this behind us is very comforting knowing we're one game

The St . Louis Blues have locked up a part of their core, signing Brayden Schenn to an eight - year extension . The deal will carry an average annual Schenn , 28, was one of two big names the Blues had scheduled for unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2020, alongside captain Alex Pietrangelo.

The St. Louis Blues have locked up a part of their core, signing Brayden Schennto an eight-year extension. The deal will carry an average annual value of $6.5M and keep Schenn in St. Louis through the 2027-28 season. CapFriendly gives us the full breakdown:

a group of people standing in front of a crowd© Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
  • 2020-21: $8.0M
  • 2021-22: $8.0M
  • 2022-23: $5.2M
  • 2023-24: $8.0M
  • 2024-25: $8.0M
  • 2025-26: $6.5M
  • 2026-27: $4.3M
  • 2027-28: $4.0M

Schenn, 28, was one of two big names the Blues had scheduled for unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2020, alongside captain Alex Pietrangelo. After locking up their second-line center to a long-term deal, they’ll now be able to put their full focus on the defenseman to try and keep him around. Pietrangelo’s future was put into the spotlight after the team recently acquired and extended Justin Faulk from the Carolina Hurricanes, but there is obviously still plenty of time to get a deal worked out if the team can find the cap space.

Former All-Star David Backes not guaranteed spot with Bruins after subpar 2018-19 season

Former All-Star David Backes not guaranteed spot with Bruins after subpar 2018-19 season David Backes will have to win the job if he wants to stay in the league. © Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY SportsThe 35-year-old struggled badly last season with just seven goals and 20 points in 70 games and even saw himself as a healthy scratch during several games during the Bruins' Stanley Cup playoff run. He has two years remaining at $6M per season, but that will not be enough to guarantee a spot. Backes has spent the summer retraining his body to make sure he stays in the rotation.

The St . Louis Blues announced on Friday morning the team has signed forward Brayden Schenn to an eight - year contract extension . The Blues are in a good situation having Schenn for the next eight - years . While it is a lot to pay for him when he gets older, Schenn could have received more on

The St . Louis Blues inked forward Brayden Schenn to an eight - year contract extension with an average annual value of .5 million, the team General manager Doug Armstrong could have a busy summer in 2020, so signing Schenn will allow him to focus on some other key players who will need

That may be an issue after this new extension for Schenn, as the Blues now have close to $74M in salary commitments for the 2020-21 season. A $6.5M cap hit matches Faulk’s new deal and puts Schenn ahead of everyone else not named Vladimir Tarasenko or Ryan O’Reilly, who are both signed through 2022-23 with $7.5M average annual salaries.

Not only does this contract put the squeeze on the Blues front office in terms of cap dollars, it also brings with it a fair amount of risk given the age of Schenn when it will kick in. He’ll turn 29 before ever playing a game on the new extension, meaning the deal will take him into his mid-30s when most players enter a rapid decline phase. The trade for that was keeping the cap hit relatively low, especially after seeing other free agent centers like Kevin Hayes receive more than $7M this summer. Schenn compares favorably to Hayes in terms of offensive production, especially if he can get back to the level he showed in 2017-18.

Blues' committal to Faulk creates questions about Pietrangelo's future

Blues' committal to Faulk creates questions about Pietrangelo's future It seemed almost certain that Alex Pietrangelo would be traded last December when the St. Louis Blues were in the NHL's basement. As we know now, St. Louis opted against a rebuild and, after a turnaround for the ages, Pietrangelo became the first player in franchise history to hoist the Stanley Cup. Since then, most thought he was going to remain a Blue for life. However, St. Louis traded for blue-liner Justin Faulk on Tuesday, which suddenly makes Pietrangelo's future unclear. The Blues sent defenseman Joel Edmundson, former first-rounder Dominik Bokk, and a seventh-round pick to the Carolina Hurricanes for Faulk and a fifth-rounder.

St Louis Blues star Brayden Schenn has signed an eight - year contract extension worth million with the Stanley Cup champions. Since being drafted by the Los Angeles Kings with the fifth pick in 2009, Schenn has appeared in 588 regular-season games, amassing 372 points – 154 goals and 218

The St . Louis Blues and forward Brayden Schenn agreed to an eight - year , -million US extension on Friday morning. CBC Sports · Posted: Oct 04, 2019 9:50 AM ET | Last Updated: October 4, 2019. Brayden Schenn , seen above hoisting the Stanley Cup in June, agreed to an eight - year extension

One of the biggest questions about the deal, however, will be whether Schenn stays at center throughout the length of the contract. The 2009 fifth-overall pick has rarely been a full-time pivot and moving to the wing does take away some of his value to the team. If his offensive totals don’t rebound from the 17-goal disappointment last season and he is moved out of the center position, the $6.5M could seem like an expensive price tag in a few years.

Still, the Blues just won the Stanley Cup on the backs of physical forwards like Schenn and they’re banking on him being an impact player for a while longer. On their playoff run last season he scored 12 points and registered 83 hits in 26 games, buying in completely with head coach Craig Berube’s system.

Related slideshow: Stanley Cup odds for every NHL team (Provided by Yardbarker)

  • Slide 1 of 31: The Senators have some good young players to build around, but the short-term outlook for this team is bleak. If Ottawa finishes with anything other than the worst record in the league the season would be a small success. But there is not anywhere near enough talent to compete for a playoff spot this season, let alone a championship. Marc DesRosiers, USATI
    1/31 SLIDES © Marc DesRosiers, USATI

    Ottawa Senators: +20,000

    The Senators have some good young players to build around, but the short-term outlook for this team is bleak. If Ottawa finishes with anything other than the worst record in the league the season would be a small success. But there is not anywhere near enough talent to compete for a playoff spot this season, let alone a championship. Marc DesRosiers, USATI
  • Slide 2 of 31: There are reasons for optimism in the long run. They have some good young prospects and Steve Yzerman is one of the NHL's top general managers. But he has his work cut out for him in turning this team back into a winner, and it is not going to happen this year, especially with a lineup that is similar to the one from a year ago.  Raj Mehta, USATI
    2/31 SLIDES © Raj Mehta, USATI

    Detroit Red Wings: +8,000

    There are reasons for optimism in the long run. They have some good young prospects and Steve Yzerman is one of the NHL's top general managers. But he has his work cut out for him in turning this team back into a winner, and it is not going to happen this year, especially with a lineup that is similar to the one from a year ago. Raj Mehta, USATI
  • Slide 3 of 31: The Kings have yet to fully commit to a rebuild, and it has left them stuck in neutral for too many years. They have a good farm system, but the current NHL roster is full of aging players who are past their primes and on bad contracts. All of that together points to a long season.  Jake Roth, USATI
    3/31 SLIDES © Jake Roth, USATI

    Los Angeles Kings: +8,000

    The Kings have yet to fully commit to a rebuild, and it has left them stuck in neutral for too many years. They have a good farm system, but the current NHL roster is full of aging players who are past their primes and on bad contracts. All of that together points to a long season. Jake Roth, USATI
  • Slide 4 of 31: With John Gibson and Ryan Miller the Ducks have one of the best goaltending duos in the league, and that should give them a chance on most nights. But there is simply not enough around them to make them a contender. The offseason departure of Corey Perry and the injuries to Ryan Kesler and Patrick Eaves open the door for some of their top young prospects to get chances, but they will experience some growing pains in the NHL.  Gary A. Vasquez, USATI
    4/31 SLIDES © Gary A. Vasquez, USATI

    Anaheim Ducks: +8,000

    With John Gibson and Ryan Miller the Ducks have one of the best goaltending duos in the league, and that should give them a chance on most nights. But there is simply not enough around them to make them a contender. The offseason departure of Corey Perry and the injuries to Ryan Kesler and Patrick Eaves open the door for some of their top young prospects to get chances, but they will experience some growing pains in the NHL. Gary A. Vasquez, USATI
  • Slide 5 of 31: Ralph Krueger is the latest new coach to attempt to turn this ship around. The Sabres have two core players in Jack Eichel and Rasmus Dahlin, but the holes on this team are still significant. This rebuild has taken far longer and been far less productive than anyone in Buffalo could have hoped.  Timothy T. Ludwig, USATI
    5/31 SLIDES © Timothy T. Ludwig, USATI

    Buffalo Sabres: +6,600

    Ralph Krueger is the latest new coach to attempt to turn this ship around. The Sabres have two core players in Jack Eichel and Rasmus Dahlin, but the holes on this team are still significant. This rebuild has taken far longer and been far less productive than anyone in Buffalo could have hoped. Timothy T. Ludwig, USATI
  • Slide 6 of 31: Paul Fenton was only on the job for one year as the Wild general manager before being fired, and he left quite a mess behind. This is an older team that lacks superstar talent. It's not a bad roster, but it's not a particularly good one either.  Brace Hemmelgarn, USATI
    6/31 SLIDES © Brace Hemmelgarn, USATI

    Minnesota Wild: +5,500

    Paul Fenton was only on the job for one year as the Wild general manager before being fired, and he left quite a mess behind. This is an older team that lacks superstar talent. It's not a bad roster, but it's not a particularly good one either. Brace Hemmelgarn, USATI
  • Slide 7 of 31: The Blue Jackets went all in at the trade deadline last year, pulled off a stunning upset in Round 1 and hit their ceiling in Round 2. Then things got ugly in the offseason when a free agent exodus took away some of their top players. They still have a lot of talent, but the goaltending hole left behind by the departure of Sergei Bobrovsky will hurt quite a bit.  Jerome Miron, USATI
    7/31 SLIDES © Jerome Miron, USATI

    Columbus Blue Jackets: +5,000

    The Blue Jackets went all in at the trade deadline last year, pulled off a stunning upset in Round 1 and hit their ceiling in Round 2. Then things got ugly in the offseason when a free agent exodus took away some of their top players. They still have a lot of talent, but the goaltending hole left behind by the departure of Sergei Bobrovsky will hurt quite a bit. Jerome Miron, USATI
  • Slide 8 of 31: Vancouver's front office operates like it has a team that is a contender right now. That would be fine if the Canucks were actually contenders. They are not, and instead of having some sort of clear long-term plan to build a champion, the goal seems to be to try to win 38 games instead of 34 games. If everything goes absolutely perfect this team might be good enough to compete for a wild-card spot — and that is IF everything goes perfect.  Anne-Marie Sorvin, USATI
    8/31 SLIDES © Anne-Marie Sorvin, USATI

    Vancouver Canucks: +4,000

    Vancouver's front office operates like it has a team that is a contender right now. That would be fine if the Canucks were actually contenders. They are not, and instead of having some sort of clear long-term plan to build a champion, the goal seems to be to try to win 38 games instead of 34 games. If everything goes absolutely perfect this team might be good enough to compete for a wild-card spot — and that is IF everything goes perfect. Anne-Marie Sorvin, USATI
  • Slide 9 of 31: Phil Kessel brings a lot of excitement to the Coyotes lineup. His addition, along with some better luck in the injury department, might be enough to get this team back in the playoffs. That is a realistic goal. The Stanley Cup, however, is still probably a few years down the line.  Mark J. Rebilas, USATI
    9/31 SLIDES © Mark J. Rebilas, USATI

    Arizona Coyotes: +4,000

    Phil Kessel brings a lot of excitement to the Coyotes lineup. His addition, along with some better luck in the injury department, might be enough to get this team back in the playoffs. That is a realistic goal. The Stanley Cup, however, is still probably a few years down the line. Mark J. Rebilas, USATI
  • Slide 10 of 31: They had one of the best offseasons in the NHL, but it's important to keep expectations within reason. They are a better team than they were a year ago and they have a bright future but still too many holes (especially down the middle of the lineup) to be a Stanley Cup contender.  Noah K. Murray, USATI
    10/31 SLIDES © Noah K. Murray, USATI

    New York Rangers: +3,500

    They had one of the best offseasons in the NHL, but it's important to keep expectations within reason. They are a better team than they were a year ago and they have a bright future but still too many holes (especially down the middle of the lineup) to be a Stanley Cup contender. Noah K. Murray, USATI
  • Slide 11 of 31: They are clearly behind the top three teams in the Atlantic Division, which probably sets their ceiling as a wild-card team in the Eastern Conference. They just missed the cutoff a year ago and did not really do much over the summer to add to their roster. They not only need Max Domi and Tomas Tatar to repeat their big seasons, but they also need some other players on the roster to take big steps forward.  Dan Hamilton., USATI
    11/31 SLIDES © Dan Hamilton., USATI

    Montreal Canadiens: +3,500

    They are clearly behind the top three teams in the Atlantic Division, which probably sets their ceiling as a wild-card team in the Eastern Conference. They just missed the cutoff a year ago and did not really do much over the summer to add to their roster. They not only need Max Domi and Tomas Tatar to repeat their big seasons, but they also need some other players on the roster to take big steps forward. Dan Hamilton., USATI
  • Slide 12 of 31: It is amazing that a team can have two of the top four scorers in the league and still be so far away from a championship. But that is the situation the Oilers are facing, as they hope Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl can carry the team to a playoff spot. Even in a weak Western Conference, that may be asking way too much.  Perry Nelson, USATI
    12/31 SLIDES © Perry Nelson, USATI

    Edmonton Oilers: +3,500

    It is amazing that a team can have two of the top four scorers in the league and still be so far away from a championship. But that is the situation the Oilers are facing, as they hope Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl can carry the team to a playoff spot. Even in a weak Western Conference, that may be asking way too much. Perry Nelson, USATI
  • Slide 13 of 31: They could have a championship-caliber offense, but the defense is a serious question mark. They attempted to address it in the offseason, but was it enough? If Corey Crawford and Robin Lehner can stay healthy, they should have a strong goaltending duo who could mask some of the flaws on the blue line.  Kamil Krzaczynski, USATI
    13/31 SLIDES © Kamil Krzaczynski, USATI

    Chicago Blackhawks: +3,300

    They could have a championship-caliber offense, but the defense is a serious question mark. They attempted to address it in the offseason, but was it enough? If Corey Crawford and Robin Lehner can stay healthy, they should have a strong goaltending duo who could mask some of the flaws on the blue line. Kamil Krzaczynski, USATI
  • Slide 14 of 31: The Flyers have made a lot of changes to their roster, but are they any better? It still seems like a pretty mediocre roster on paper outside of a few really high-end players at the top. Carter Hart will be the big X-factor in net. If he fulfills his potential, he could be a franchise-changing player.  Eric Hartline, USATI
    14/31 SLIDES © Eric Hartline, USATI

    Philadelphia Flyers: +3,300

    The Flyers have made a lot of changes to their roster, but are they any better? It still seems like a pretty mediocre roster on paper outside of a few really high-end players at the top. Carter Hart will be the big X-factor in net. If he fulfills his potential, he could be a franchise-changing player. Eric Hartline, USATI
  • Slide 15 of 31: These seem like really low odds for a team that was in the Eastern Conference Final a year ago and added some nice pieces over the summer. They are young, they are really good and if the goaltending is even somewhat decent they should be a major factor in the Eastern Conference.  James Guillory, USATI
    15/31 SLIDES © James Guillory, USATI

    Carolina Hurricanes: +3,300

    These seem like really low odds for a team that was in the Eastern Conference Final a year ago and added some nice pieces over the summer. They are young, they are really good and if the goaltending is even somewhat decent they should be a major factor in the Eastern Conference. James Guillory, USATI
  • Slide 16 of 31: The Islanders were probably the biggest surprise in the NHL a year ago, overcoming the free agent departure of their former franchise player to make the playoffs and sweep the Pittsburgh Penguins in Round 1. It was a great year. But can they repeat that? A lot of their success was goalie driven, and they made a big change in net going from Robin Lehner to Semyon Varlamov. Everyone around them managed to get better, while they remained mostly the same.  Brad Penner, USATI
    16/31 SLIDES © Brad Penner, USATI

    New York Islanders: +3,000

    The Islanders were probably the biggest surprise in the NHL a year ago, overcoming the free agent departure of their former franchise player to make the playoffs and sweep the Pittsburgh Penguins in Round 1. It was a great year. But can they repeat that? A lot of their success was goalie driven, and they made a big change in net going from Robin Lehner to Semyon Varlamov. Everyone around them managed to get better, while they remained mostly the same. Brad Penner, USATI
  • Slide 17 of 31: A healthy Taylor Hall and the additions of Jack Hughes, Nikita Gusev, P.K. Subban and Wayne Simmonds all make this team worth watching — especially when you combine that group with Nico Hischier and Kyle Palmieri. The big unanswered question: Who is going to stop the puck? Cory Schneider has declined rapidly, and they do not really have anyone else behind him.  Ed Mulholland, USATI
    17/31 SLIDES © Ed Mulholland, USATI

    New Jersey Devils: +2,500

    A healthy Taylor Hall and the additions of Jack Hughes, Nikita Gusev, P.K. Subban and Wayne Simmonds all make this team worth watching — especially when you combine that group with Nico Hischier and Kyle Palmieri. The big unanswered question: Who is going to stop the puck? Cory Schneider has declined rapidly, and they do not really have anyone else behind him. Ed Mulholland, USATI
  • Slide 18 of 31: They made a lot of changes to their roster after a disappointing performance in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs...but were they the right changes? Their forwards should still be good, even after the offseason trade of Phil Kessel, but they still have some big flaws on their defense after their top pairing.  Philip G. Pavely, USATI
    18/31 SLIDES © Philip G. Pavely, USATI

    Pittsburgh Penguins: +2,400

    They made a lot of changes to their roster after a disappointing performance in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs...but were they the right changes? Their forwards should still be good, even after the offseason trade of Phil Kessel, but they still have some big flaws on their defense after their top pairing. Philip G. Pavely, USATI
  • Slide 19 of 31: The Jets regressed significantly a year ago and look like they could be on the verge of taking another big step backward. The defense was decimated this offseason, Patrik Laine may not want to be there long term, and it just seems like they may have missed their best chance to win with this current core.  James Carey Lauder, USATI
    19/31 SLIDES © James Carey Lauder, USATI

    Winnipeg Jets: +2,200

    The Jets regressed significantly a year ago and look like they could be on the verge of taking another big step backward. The defense was decimated this offseason, Patrik Laine may not want to be there long term, and it just seems like they may have missed their best chance to win with this current core. James Carey Lauder, USATI
  • Slide 20 of 31: The Flames were the top seed in the Western Conference a year ago but were pretty easily eliminated in Round 1 by a faster, more talented Colorado Avalanche team. The Flames are still a really good team, but they have serious question marks in goal that could hold them back.  Sergei Belski, USATI
    20/31 SLIDES © Sergei Belski, USATI

    Calgary Flames: +2,000

    The Flames were the top seed in the Western Conference a year ago but were pretty easily eliminated in Round 1 by a faster, more talented Colorado Avalanche team. The Flames are still a really good team, but they have serious question marks in goal that could hold them back. Sergei Belski, USATI
  • Slide 21 of 31: Don't sleep on the Capitals as a Stanley Cup contender this season. They are still the best team in the Metropolitan Division, and with a lengthy offseason to rest they should be fresh and ready to go. Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Evgeny Kuznetsov, John Carlson and Braden Holtby still make up a championship core, and they have all of the right depth pieces around them.  Geoff Burke, USATI
    21/31 SLIDES © Geoff Burke, USATI

    Washington Capitals: +2,000

    Don't sleep on the Capitals as a Stanley Cup contender this season. They are still the best team in the Metropolitan Division, and with a lengthy offseason to rest they should be fresh and ready to go. Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Evgeny Kuznetsov, John Carlson and Braden Holtby still make up a championship core, and they have all of the right depth pieces around them. Geoff Burke, USATI
  • Slide 22 of 31: They lost a lot of offense this summer with Joe Pavelski and Joonas Donskoi leaving, and they still have a questionable at best goaltending duo. They also still have the best defense in hockey and some top-line forwards in Logan Couture, Tomas Hertl and Timo Meier. They face yet another year to try and get Joe Thornton his championship.  Stan Szeto, USATI
    22/31 SLIDES © Stan Szeto, USATI

    San Jose Sharks: +1,800

    They lost a lot of offense this summer with Joe Pavelski and Joonas Donskoi leaving, and they still have a questionable at best goaltending duo. They also still have the best defense in hockey and some top-line forwards in Logan Couture, Tomas Hertl and Timo Meier. They face yet another year to try and get Joe Thornton his championship. Stan Szeto, USATI
  • Slide 23 of 31: They are hoping Matt Duchene can be the missing piece at forward to help bolster what was the worst power play in the NHL a year ago. They will miss P.K. Subban on defense, but that is still a strong unit with Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis and Mattias Ekholm. They also have two outstanding goalies in Pekka Rinne and Juuse Saros, both of whom could be starters on most of the teams in the league.  Christopher Hanewinckel, USATI
    23/31 SLIDES © Christopher Hanewinckel, USATI

    Nashville Predators: +1,800

    They are hoping Matt Duchene can be the missing piece at forward to help bolster what was the worst power play in the NHL a year ago. They will miss P.K. Subban on defense, but that is still a strong unit with Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis and Mattias Ekholm. They also have two outstanding goalies in Pekka Rinne and Juuse Saros, both of whom could be starters on most of the teams in the league. Christopher Hanewinckel, USATI
  • Slide 24 of 31: The Panthers have a great core of young talent and what is probably the best bargain in the league in Aleksander Barkov. The one thing that held them back this past season was their goaltending situation. They addressed that with the signing of Sergei Bobrovsky. The pressure is on him to meet the expectations of that big contract. If he does, this should be a playoff team.  Robert Mayer, USATI
    24/31 SLIDES © Robert Mayer, USATI

    Florida Panthers: +1,700

    The Panthers have a great core of young talent and what is probably the best bargain in the league in Aleksander Barkov. The one thing that held them back this past season was their goaltending situation. They addressed that with the signing of Sergei Bobrovsky. The pressure is on him to meet the expectations of that big contract. If he does, this should be a playoff team. Robert Mayer, USATI
  • Slide 25 of 31: The Stars have superstars at every position. The one thing they lacked a year ago was depth, which they attempted to address in the offseason by adding Joe Pavelski and Corey Perry. Pavelski should be able to drive a second scoring line, but how much Perry has left in the tank remains to be seen.  Jerome Miron, USATI
    25/31 SLIDES © Jerome Miron, USATI

    Dallas Stars: +1,700

    The Stars have superstars at every position. The one thing they lacked a year ago was depth, which they attempted to address in the offseason by adding Joe Pavelski and Corey Perry. Pavelski should be able to drive a second scoring line, but how much Perry has left in the tank remains to be seen. Jerome Miron, USATI
  • Slide 26 of 31: The defending Stanley Cup champions should have an even better regular season, especially after the addition of Justin Faulk to strengthen an already good defense. The big key is Jordan Binnington being able to repeat his performance in goal over a full season. The biggest thing working against them is the difficulty in winning the Stanley Cup a second year in a row.  Jeff Curry, USATI
    26/31 SLIDES © Jeff Curry, USATI

    St. Louis Blues: +1,500

    The defending Stanley Cup champions should have an even better regular season, especially after the addition of Justin Faulk to strengthen an already good defense. The big key is Jordan Binnington being able to repeat his performance in goal over a full season. The biggest thing working against them is the difficulty in winning the Stanley Cup a second year in a row. Jeff Curry, USATI
  • Slide 27 of 31: The Avalanche are setting up to be the dominant team in the NHL for the foreseeable future. They have superstars in Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Gabriel Landeskog, a trio of young defenders who could be the foundation of a great blue line, and they addressed their forward depth in a significant way this offseason. They were in Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs a year ago and seem poised to play for a championship in the near future.  Isaiah J. Downing, USATI
    27/31 SLIDES © Isaiah J. Downing, USATI

    Colorado Avalanche: +1,300

    The Avalanche are setting up to be the dominant team in the NHL for the foreseeable future. They have superstars in Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Gabriel Landeskog, a trio of young defenders who could be the foundation of a great blue line, and they addressed their forward depth in a significant way this offseason. They were in Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs a year ago and seem poised to play for a championship in the near future. Isaiah J. Downing, USATI
  • Slide 28 of 31: The Bruins did not make many changes to their roster, and that is not really a bad thing. They already have everything in place to play for a championship. Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand are still on top of their games, David Pastrnak is a sleeper to win a goal-scoring crown, Charlie McAvoy is quickly developing into an elite top-pairing defender, and they have two starting caliber goalies in Tuukka Rask and Jaroslav Halak. They were in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final a year ago and are still a top contender.   Brian Fluharty, USATI
    28/31 SLIDES © Brian Fluharty, USATI

    Boston Bruins: +1,100

    The Bruins did not make many changes to their roster, and that is not really a bad thing. They already have everything in place to play for a championship. Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand are still on top of their games, David Pastrnak is a sleeper to win a goal-scoring crown, Charlie McAvoy is quickly developing into an elite top-pairing defender, and they have two starting caliber goalies in Tuukka Rask and Jaroslav Halak. They were in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final a year ago and are still a top contender. Brian Fluharty, USATI
  • Slide 29 of 31: After making an improbable run to the Stanley Cup Final in their first season, the Golden Knights followed that up in Year 2 with an improbable Game 7 meltdown against the San Jose Sharks when they allowed a three-goal lead to slip away in five minutes. It was a bitter end to an otherwise strong season. With a capable core in place, a full season of Mark Stone and a wide-open Western Conference sitting in front of them, they should enter the season as one of the top favorites in the league.  Stephen R. Sylvanie, USATI
    29/31 SLIDES © Stephen R. Sylvanie, USATI

    Vegas Golden Knights: +1,000

    After making an improbable run to the Stanley Cup Final in their first season, the Golden Knights followed that up in Year 2 with an improbable Game 7 meltdown against the San Jose Sharks when they allowed a three-goal lead to slip away in five minutes. It was a bitter end to an otherwise strong season. With a capable core in place, a full season of Mark Stone and a wide-open Western Conference sitting in front of them, they should enter the season as one of the top favorites in the league. Stephen R. Sylvanie, USATI
  • Slide 30 of 31: The Maple Leafs managed to keep their entire core of young players together long term and add to their defense by getting Tyson Barrie over the offseason. The trouble for them is they will almost certainly have to get through the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning in the first two rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. That has proved to be a challenge that has kept them from getting past Round 1 for the past three years.  Dan Hamilton, USATI
    30/31 SLIDES © Dan Hamilton, USATI

    Toronto Maple Leafs: +900

    The Maple Leafs managed to keep their entire core of young players together long term and add to their defense by getting Tyson Barrie over the offseason. The trouble for them is they will almost certainly have to get through the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning in the first two rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. That has proved to be a challenge that has kept them from getting past Round 1 for the past three years. Dan Hamilton, USATI
  • Slide 31 of 31: They followed up one of the best regular-season performances ever with one of the worst postseason performances ever. They have been so close to greatness over the past five years only to have it always find a way to slip right through their fingers. They lost a 2-1 series lead in a Stanley Cup Final, lost two 3-2 series leads in the Eastern Conference Final, then got swept in Round 1 after winning 62 regular-season games. Tampa has been a great team but just does not have the championship to show for it. The Lightning still have the best team in the league on paper though. Kim Klement, USATI
    31/31 SLIDES © Kim Klement, USATI

    Tampa Bay Lightning: +750

    They followed up one of the best regular-season performances ever with one of the worst postseason performances ever. They have been so close to greatness over the past five years only to have it always find a way to slip right through their fingers. They lost a 2-1 series lead in a Stanley Cup Final, lost two 3-2 series leads in the Eastern Conference Final, then got swept in Round 1 after winning 62 regular-season games. Tampa has been a great team but just does not have the championship to show for it. The Lightning still have the best team in the league on paper though. Kim Klement, USATI

Getting extension done for Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo could take time .
With Brayden Schenn’s extension getting done so quickly in St. Louis, some wondered if the Blues would also be getting something done soon with Pietrangelo.However, an asking price around the $9M per-year range appears to be too steep for the Blues. Also, Strickland notes that Pietrangelo’s representatives tend to stay away from a lot of early extensions in the hopes that getting closer to a firm deadline will work out to the benefit of their clients.

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