Lightning sign 2019 first round pick Nolan Foote to entry level contract

TAMPA BAY, FL – The Tampa Bay Lightning signed forward Nolan Foote to a three-year entry level contract, vice president and general manager Julien BriseBois announced today. The Lightning drafted Foote from the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League with the 27th overall pick at the 2019 NHL Draft in Vancouver, British Columbia this past weekend. Nolan is the younger brother of the Lightning’s 2017 first-round pick Cal Foote and the son of former NHL defenseman Adam Foote.

Jets select Simon Lundmark in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft

VANCOUVER, BC – The Winnipeg Jets announced today they have selected Simon Lundmark in the second round, 51st overall, in the 2019 NHL Draft.

Lundmark, 18, had three assists in 29 games with Linkopings in the Swedish Hockey League last season. He also suited up for the Linkopings U20 team and tallied 17 points (2G, 15A) in 25 games. He played for Sweden at the 2017 U-17 World Hockey Challenge and helped Sweden win the gold medal.

Nolan Foote Joins Brother as First Round Draft Pick of Lightning

VANCOUVER, BC – Nolan Foote and his older brother, Callan, dreamed of this possibility but never expected it to actually happen.

So when the Tampa Bay Lightning selected Nolan with the No. 27 pick in the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on Friday, it brought on a flood of emotions. It meant the Foote brothers have the opportunity to be NHL teammates.

The Lightning selected Callan with the No. 14 pick in the 2017 NHL Draft.

“Cal and I sharing that moment together was awesome,” Nolan said. “Then, hugging my mom and my dad is a dream come true.”

Nolan, a 6-foot-4, 195-pound forward, and Callan, a 6-4, 221-pound defenseman, are the sons of former NHL defenseman Adam Foote, who won the Stanley Cup twice with the Colorado Avalanche and played 19 seasons with Colorado, the Quebec Nordiques and Columbus Blue Jackets.

Personal decision for Trouba: Jets weren’t the issue for departing defenceman

WINNIPEG, MB – Jacob Trouba knows what many people are saying both under their collective breath and otherwise out loud — that he probably couldn’t wait to force his way out of Winnipeg.

That couldn’t be further from the truth.

The defenceman was shipped to the New York Rangers on Monday night for a return that includes the 20th overall pick in the 2019 NHL draft and fellow blue-liner Neal Pionk.

There is no doubt Trouba is thrilled about the prospect of what lies ahead, but that has absolutely nothing to do with the Jets organization or something he has against the city.

Jacob Trouba traded to NY Rangers by Jets for Pionk

NEW YORK, NY – Jacob Trouba was traded to the New York Rangers by the Winnipeg Jets on Monday for Neal Pionk and a first-round pick (No. 20) in the 2019 NHL Draft.

Trouba (6-foot-3, 202 pounds) led Jets defensemen with an NHL career-high 50 points (eight goals, 42 assists) in 82 games this season and had one assist in six Stanley Cup Playoff games. The 25-year-old can become a restricted free agent July 1.

“We’ve had a number of conversations over the last I would say few weeks with Winnipeg about some players and Jacob’s name came up,” Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton said. “Obviously he’s a player that we would covet. I think most teams would with what he can do and provide for you, which is a lot.

Coyotes Sign Russo To One-Year Contract

TUCSON, AZ – Arizona Coyotes President of Hockey Operations and General Manager John Chayka announced today that the Coyotes have signed defenseman Robbie Russo to a one-year, two-way contract. As per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

The 26-year-old Russo finished third on the Roadrunners in scoring and led all team defensemen with 6-33-39 and 32 PIM in 67 games this season. The 6-foot, 198-pound native of Westmont, Illinois has recorded 27-115-142 and 192 PIM in 271 career AHL games with Grand Rapids and Tucson. He also won the 2017 Calder Cup with Grand Rapids.