On today’s Stat Hockey NHL News & Rumours, signings are starting to trickle in as training camp approaches. The Calgary Flames add a couple veterans on PTOs after losing out to the newest player signed to the Colorado Avalanche.
The Montreal Canadiens have named their next captain and there has been an interesting spotting in San Jose.
Flames Sign 2 Players to PTOs
As teams are at their cap, it is the most popular time for free agents to start signing professional tryouts. The Flames added two veterans who will join the team at training camp in hopes of earning a contract for 2022-23. First it was forward Cody Eakin, and Michael Stone on defence.
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1569116580209909760
#Flames announce they’re bringing d-man Michael Stone to camp on a PTO.
— Pat Steinberg (@Fan960Steinberg) September 12, 2022
Eakin has spent the last two seasons in Buffalo, and despite down years, he is still a decent depth option who will compete for a spot on the Flames. As a centerman, he will be in contention with a couple of players like Kevin Rooney and Adam Ruzicka. If Eakin is signed after training camp, he would likely be a 13th or 14th forward.
Stone has spent the last 5.5 seasons with the Flames and has earned himself one-year deals the past three seasons. He hasn’t been a full-time NHLer since 2017-18 and has dressed for 79 games over the past four seasons. It is an interesting move here by the Flames considering they have 10 defencemen already on one-way deals.
Canadiens Name Suzuki Next Team Captain
The Canadiens have named Nick Suzuki as their next captain. He will be the 31st captain in team history and first since Shea Weber wore the ‘C’ last in 2020-21.
Capitaine Nick 🔥 #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/cg4orzLiw5
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) September 12, 2022
Instead of giving the captaincy to Brendan Gallagher who deserved it just as much or more, the Canadiens decided to go the younger route and hope Suzuki can lead for a long time. He has been in the NHL now for three seasons and has slowly gotten better as the years progressed. The 23-year-old is a top line centre for Montreal and could push to become a point-per-game player this season.
Avalanche Add Top Remaining Free Agent Rodrigues
Evan Rodrigues is finally off the market as the Avalanche lock him up to a solid one-year deal. He was the top remaining free agent available and many teams were interested. It made a lot of sense that he ended up in Colorado after Nazem Kadri left in free agency.
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1569333207295721475
Though J.T. Compher projects to be the second line centre next season for the Avalanche, Rodrigues adds an extra layer of protection in case of injury or struggles. The former Penguin stepped up big time last season for Pittsburgh when the team desperately needed him. He is available to do the same this season as he really steps up his game with a top-six role.
Joe Thornton Spotted in San Jose
Joe Thornton, former long-time captain of the Sharks, has been spotted in San Jose and around the rink. Corey Masisak of The Athletic reports that Thornton has moved back to San Jose as he enters the next chapter in his life. He last played for the Florida Panthers in 2021-22, recording five goals and 10 points in 34 games. Masisak said:
“He’s been spotted at Sharks Ice a few times this month skating w/SJS players, hanging out w/SJS brass and at a Jr. Sharks practice. Reached out to someone with the Sharks about Joe Thornton: He has no official role with the organization at this time.”
After spending so many good years of his life in San Jose with the Sharks, it is likely Thornton will be given a role with the organization if he so chooses.
