Troy Terry is Key Piece for Ducks Future

ANAHEIM, CA – It’s been over four months since Troy Terry skated in PyeongChang as a member of the men’s Olympic ice hockey team, more than 14 months since he became a national champion and about 17 months since he went five-hole at the 2017 WJC (multiple times) and won gold.

For being just 20 years old, Terry has more accomplishments on his resume than most players his age. Something he does lack though is games in the NHL. After losing to Ohio State in the regionals of the 2018 Frozen Four tournament with his defending champion Denver Pioneers, Terry signed an entry-level deal with the Anaheim Ducks. He only saw two regular-season games and watched a dismal sweeping of the Ducks from the press box in the playoffs. If anything’s for sure, though, he should have a spot on the roster for the 2018-19 season.

Riley Nash Signs Three Year, $8.25 Million Contract with Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus, OH – Veteran center Riley Nash signed a three year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets putting him with the team through the 2020-21 season.

Nash appeared in 76 games last season for the Boston Bruins and had a career year. He recorded a personal best in goals (15) and assists (26) for 41 points.

Nash was originally drafted by the Edmonton Oilers No. 21 overall in 2007 after they acquired his draft rights from the Arizona Coyotes. After he spent a few years in the ECAC, he was dealt to the Carolina Hurricanes for a second-round pick. He would play five seasons for the ‘Canes before signing with the Bruins in 2016. He is coming off a two-year deal that carried a cap hit of $900,000.

His next NHL game will be the 400th of his career.

Stars Sign Blake Comeau to Three Year Contract, $2.4 Million per season

FRISCO, TX – Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill announced today that the club has signed right wing Blake Comeau to a three-year contract that has an annual average value of $2.4-million per year.

Comeau, 32, registered 34 points (13-21=34) in 79 regular-season games with the Colorado Avalanche during the 2017-18 season. The winger shared fifth in the NHL and led Colorado with a career-high three shorthanded goals, while he finished tied for second on the team with three game-winning goals. Comeau also shared sixth on the team in assists (21) and ranked seventh in points (34), while he finished second in takeaways (47) and third in hits (145) on the season. Additionally, he appeared in six games during the Stanley Cup Playoffs and recorded two goals (2-0=2), which was tied for third on Colorado.

The 12-year NHL veteran has skated in 720 regular-season games with the New York Islanders, Calgary Flames, Columbus Blue Jackets, Pittsburgh Penguins and Colorado Avalanche, amassing 285 career points (121-164=285) and 454 penalty minutes. Comeau has also made three trips to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, recording three goals (3-0=3) in 17 career postseason contests.

“Blake will be a great addition to our forward group with his skill set and ability to play anywhere in the lineup”, said Nill. “His elite speed makes him a disruptive defensive presence and he fits well with what head coach Jim Montgomery is trying to accomplish.”

Ian Cole Signs Three Year, $12.75 Million Contract with Avalanche

DENVER, CO – Two-time Stanley Cup champion, veteran defenseman Ian Cole signed a 3 year, $4.25 million AAV contract with the Colorado Avalanche.

The 29-year-old defenseman had 20 points (five goals, 15 assists) in 67 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Pittsburgh Penguins last season. He had seven points (two goals, five assists) in 20 regular-season games with the Blue Jackets after he was acquired in a trade with the Penguins on Feb. 23, and had three assists in six Stanley Cup Playoff games.

“Ian has been a part of two (Stanley) Cup teams, brings leadership and a veteran presence to our blue line,” Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic said. “He’s a strong puck-moving defenseman who is solid in his own zone and kills penalties. We are pleased to have him under contract for the next three years.”

The St. Louis Blues selected Cole in the first round (No. 18) of the 2007 NHL Draft. He has 97 points (20 goals, 77 assists) in 405 NHL games with the Blue Jackets, Penguins and Blues. Cole, who has 17 points (one goal, 16 assists) in 62 playoff games, won the Stanley Cup with the Penguins in 2016 and 2017.

Troy Terry Using Development Camp to Lead, Make an Impact

ANAHEIM, CA – As Troy Terry makes his way around the Ducks locker room for prospect development camp, his teammates take notice. They recognize him from his international hockey experience, representing Team USA at the 2017 World Juniors, and, most recently, the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Terry, who finished off a stellar collegiate career with the University of Denver this past spring, was one of four NCAA players chosen by USA Hockey for the Olympics.

Terry doesn’t turn 21 until September 10, but the Highlands Ranch, Colorado native is one of the older players here. He’s also one of a few with NHL experience. As such, Terry is viewed as a leader for this weeklong camp.

Now bigger, next year quicker: Caps prospect Lucas Johansen tries to strike a balance

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Lucas Johansen saw the signs.

The Washington Capitals prospect watched the NHL draft last weekend and noticed how many defensemen who look like him were picked. They were smaller and shiftier, and they reinforced Johansen’s view that the NHL is transforming into a league in which great skaters thrive. It forced him to reconsider his preparation because, a summer after trying to bulk up by eating two chicken breasts and a potato every two hours, he wondered whether getting bigger is still the right move.

“A lot of guys will train to get as strong as they can and then lose a little quickness putting on so much weight,” Johansen said Tuesday after the team’s development camp opened at Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Arlington. “I want to be strong and quick and lean and as heavy as I can get without losing that quickness.”

New York Rangers Select Goalie Olof Lindblom 39th Overall in 2018 NHL Draft

DALLAS, TX – With their first pick on Saturday, the Rangers selected goaltender Olof Lindbom in the second round (39th overall pick).

Lindbom, 17 (turns 18 on July 23), appeared in 20 games with Djurgardens’ junior (U20) team in SuperElit this past season, posting a 3.10 GAA and a .897 SV%. He was one of 11 goaltenders younger than 20 years old to appear in at least 20 games in SuperElit in 2017-18. Lindbom helped Djurgardens’ U18 team win a gold medal and was named the MVP of the Playoffs, as he posted a 1.20 GAA and a .955 SV% in five appearances.

The Stockholm, Sweden native has represented his country in several tournaments. Lindbom was named the Best Goaltender at the 2018 IIHF U18 World Championship, as he posted a 1.66 GAA and a .949 SV% in six appearances while helping Sweden earn a bronze medal. In addition, he helped Sweden earn a bronze medal at the 2017 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.

Stars prospect Damiani drafted in Fifth Round while Dad is using bathroom

DALLAS, TX –  Riley Damiani’s father was waiting for some time to hear his son’s name called at the 2018 NHL Draft. 

However, nature called first.

With the 137th pick, the Dallas Stars selected Damiani, a forward from the Kitchener Rangers. But his dad, Rino, missed it. He was in the bathroom.

“He was telling me for the last 10 picks that he had to go to the washroom. And I kept telling him ‘No, you gotta stick around, you gotta stick around,'” Damiani said in a video produced for the Stars’ website. “And it just got to the point where he was like ‘nope, I gotta go.'”

Damiani even did his first interview as a member of the Stars organization before his father had a chance to return.

“When I came out of the bathroom I looked at the TV and I (did a double take) and I saw him on the floor,” said Rino Damiani in the video. “I go ‘That’s him!’ So I ran to the seat.”