adplus-dvertising
Connect with us

Sports

NHL trade grades: Canucks make big splash with Elias Lindholm addition

Published

 on

Eric Duhatschek: There is a quaint notion in the NHL that fierce divisional rivals won’t make trades with each other, a fact that has been disproved many times recently, including once earlier this season. That’s when the Canucks and Flames made their first trade of the year, Vancouver getting Nikita Zadorov from the Flames, Calgary settling for third- and fifth-round picks in exchange. Most didn’t like the deal at the time. Most have grudgingly come to concede it’s decent value over time.

Which is also how the latest transaction between the two teams is going to need to be evaluated.

Over time.

In the short term, it helps the Canucks enormously. If Lindholm was the top center in the marketplace this year, then the Canucks landed him, five weeks ahead of the NHL trade deadline, without giving up a contributing player on the roster. It hearkens back to another deal made right around now a year ago, when the Canucks traded away the No. 1 center available at the 2023 deadline, Bo Horvat, to the New York Islanders, for a first-rounder, a player and a prospect.

But Horvat was having an excellent year for Vancouver, so his value was high. Lindholm was moping through a much less effective year for Calgary, his scoring numbers way down, even though his reputation remains good. At his best, he can be one of the most effective two-way centers in the league. Good in the faceoff circle. Good on the penalty kill. Some years, he’d be mentioned in the Selke Trophy conversation — though not this year.

But Lindholm adds an element to a Vancouver team that it can use, if not desperately need. Someone who can play in the top nine and has the versatility, if necessary, to shift to the right wing, which is where his Calgary career began. For Vancouver, it’s a clear signal that the Canucks believe this year’s surge is no fluke and that their chances of making some playoff noise are as good as anyone else’s.

Lindholm, arguably, was the most coveted talent available at the deadline — and Vancouver got him off the market with five weeks to go. It’s a nice feather in their cap — and speaks to how the relationship between two relatively inexperienced GMs, the Canucks’ Patrik Allvin and the Flames’ Craig Conroy, has developed quite rapidly.

But Calgary did well too. A first-rounder in 2024. A conditional fourth-rounder in 2024. Plus, two prospects, both of them intriguing, probably Brzustewicz more so than Jurmo, and then Kuzmenko, the most visible and thus known product, who is suffering through a mediocre second NHL season after a very good NHL debut.

In Kuzmenko, the Flames hope to have found another player in need of a change of scenery.

Remember how heavily the Flames were criticized when they picked up Yegor Sharangovich from the New Jersey Devils, plus a third-rounder, for Tyler Toffoli? It took time, but ultimately that trade has paid good dividends for Calgary. You can easily imagine a scenario in which Sharangovich and Kuzmenko develop some chemistry and can be top-six forwards on a Flames team that is trying to work some of their younger players and prospects into the everyday NHL lineup.

Conroy also made it clear that he would happily take prospects over draft picks and that’s what Brzustewicz looks like. Drafted 75th last June, in the third round of the 2023 draft, the 19-year-old has 69 points in 47 games for OHL Kitchener this year, spectacular numbers for a right-shot defenseman. You don’t have to watch Calgary for too long these days to understand its crying need for someone to quarterback the power play.

In theory, that’s what Brzustewicz will ultimately become. Jurmo was a third-rounder, chosen in 2020 and currently playing in Finland, who is a big body — 6-foot-3, 207 pounds.

Some might wonder if Conroy had waited, could he have gotten a larger package? But as was the case when he shopped Zadorov earlier this season, he let teams know what it would take to get the deal done; and if the bidders were lukewarm, then he went in a different direction.

I personally like that approach — especially when it comes from a first-year GM. Set your price. Hold firm. Make the best deal you can. But stick to your guns — which sends a message to his new peers.

Recently, Conroy and I spoke at length about operating philosophy, and he made this point to me: While everyone on social media wants every trade to be a clear win, the object is to make a fair deal, one that — in theory — helps both teams meet whatever their specific goals are in the moment. This has a chance to do just that. Vancouver’s Stanley Cup hopes get an enormous boost, especially if Lindholm — who is in a contract year — comes in motivated to prove that he can be an elite contributor, because he clearly wants to get paid as an elite contributor. Calgary gets a little something for today — and theoretically, a lot more for tomorrow. Fair, in other words.

Canucks grade: B
Flames grade: B

Shayna Goldman: Credit to the Canucks for going bold sooner than later. The team isn’t just banking on a strong start to carry it through the second half — they’re actively improving the team to better their chances when it matters most. Vancouver’s absolutely right to go all in. This is the type of season to invest in.

Lindholm is an ideal fit for the Canucks. This team really could use a middle-six boost that he should provide. He’s a versatile center who can be relied on in all situations, against top competition.

The one red flag is that his game has declined over the last two years since his peak in 2021-22, and his scoring is down this season. But Vancouver should feel pretty confident in a rebound; Lindholm won’t shoot below 7 percent forever and should start converting on his chances at a higher clip in the second half of the season. Plus, the Canucks aren’t expecting him to come in and perform like the high-end first-line center the Flames needed him to be — he’s comfortably going to move behind Elias Pettersson on the second line. Between that even-strength role, and likely some time on the top power play, he should have more support than he’s had in Calgary this year.

If that rebound doesn’t happen, Vancouver is not locked in past this season, anyway. Management did not sign him to an instant extension and overcommit off the bat, which is for the best considering Lindholm’s likely ask, long-term trajectory, and the Canucks’ cap situation.

From the Canucks’ perspective, the return is relatively steep for a player in a down year. But it’s not too far off from the Horvat and Ryan O’Reilly trades from last either. Vancouver added the best player on the market to fit its center needs, which is going to add value to this roster. And there’s still time (and assets) available for any other necessary tweaks. Plus, the return didn’t just bring in Lindholm, but cleared Kuzmenko’s $5.5 million cap hit. That was pivotal for Vancouver, especially with rising costs ahead next season.

The return for Calgary isn’t perfect or overwhelming, but it’s fine. Maybe the Flames could have waited for more, as teams felt the need to improve closer to the deadline. But their leverage may have dwindled by then too, since it’s getting pretty obvious what their direction has to be.

Sure, Calgary is taking a salary dump in Kuzmenko. But maybe he can rebound in a greater role with the Flames than he had this season in Vancouver. It’s unrealistic to think that he will shoot almost 27 percent again. But if he can end up somewhere in between last season’s heights and this year’s disappointment, it could add some much-needed scoring pop to the Flames’ middle-six.

The real highlight for Calgary is the 2024 first. Brzustewicz is a solid add, too. The Flames need young up-and-coming players to be a part of this next era. Adding a puck-moving defender like Brzustewicz is smart since pending UFA Noah Hanifin will likely be on the move pre-deadline — as long as he can develop into an NHL-caliber defenseman.

Canucks grade: B+
Flames grade: B-

Corey Pronman: Lindholm is a great all-around center. He skates well. He has a lot of individual skill. He can make plays, has a strong shot and he has a strong two-way game down the middle. While talented, he may not be the game-breaking type of skill player to be a true 1C on a contender, but he could be an excellent 2C on the Canucks. I’m a big believer in the Canucks. I like their goalie and skater group and think they have a real chance to win this season so I’m all in favor of pushing their chips in. They get the top rental on the market, which can help their top-ranked offense become even more distinguished from the pack. They get out from a bad contract in Kuzmenko as well, who was becoming quite replaceable in their lineup.

Kuzmenko is a forward with a ton of skill. He is a solid compete type as well who can create on the interior. Kuzmenko came flying out of the gates in his rookie season, but as a small average skating winger who I would not call an elite offensive type with the puck he’s come crashing down to earth this season. He’s not worth the big deal Vancouver gave him but Kuzmenko is a top nine NHL forward who can be on a power play.

Brzustewicz is a highly skilled puck-moving defenseman with high-end vision who has been a top defenseman in the OHL this season. He skates well, and can make plays with pace which gives some confidence that his offense will translate to the pros. The concerns on his game are the average-sized frame, so-so physicality and whether he’ll be able to make stops at higher levels given that his skating isn’t truly elite. Those issues are why he was cut from Team USA’s world juniors team. I like the player, and I think he can play in the NHL, but he’s no sure thing.

Jurmo is a fringe NHL prospect at this point, but he’s a strong athlete, which is why he was a third-round pick in 2020. He’s a big defenseman who skates very well for his size and has some skill. He doesn’t have great hockey sense though and isn’t that competitiv, which makes him a long shot.

I don’t love that Calgary didn’t get a true premium young asset back in this deal even if it was for a rental. If you really believe in Brzustewicz as a potential top-four defenseman, which a minority of NHL scouts do, maybe you think they did, but I don’t project him as that currently. The best asset Calgary gets is a late first-round pick, and a hope to turn around Kuzmenko with more opportunity. The return for a great rental is always underwhelming, but this one in particular doesn’t feel great for the Flames.

Canucks grade: B+
Flames grade: B-

(Photo of Elias Lindholm and J.T. Miller: Derek Cain / Getty Images)

 

728x90x4

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Armstrong scores, surging Vancouver Whitecaps beat slumping San Jose Earthquakes 2-0

Published

 on

 

VANCOUVER – As the Major League Soccer season ticks down, Vanni Sartini wants his Vancouver Whitecaps to make a declaration — the team is ready to compete.

“The time of hiding ourselves, I think it’s over,” the coach said after the ‘Caps earned a 2-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday.

“We need to really say that we are here to try to be at the ball until the end and trying to shoot for the highest position. That doesn’t mean that we’re going to make it, but we have the quality to do it.”

With seven games left on their regular-season schedule, the ‘Caps (13-8-6) sit in fifth spot in the congested Western Conference, just two points out of fourth.

Saturday’s loss officially eliminated the last-place Earthquakes (5-21-2) from post-season action.

Vancouver has been on a hot streak since returning from the Leagues Cup break and is unbeaten (3-0-1) in its last four outings across all competitions. The team has not allowed a goal in those matches.

“It’s the fact that we play really well,” Sartini said of the clean sheets. “We have the ball a lot, we finish our attack most of the time in their box. So it’s really hard for the other team to attack us. And then when they attack us, in the rare times that they arrive in the final third, we’re very solid.”

Recent additions have bolstered the team’s ranks, including the club’s newest designated player, Stuart Armstrong. The 32-year-old Scottish midfielder scored his first MLS goal Saturday.

Three minutes after coming on as a substitute for Alessandro Schopf, Armstrong gave Vancouver a two-goal cushion in the 87th minute.

Midfielder Pedro Vite dished a short pass to ‘Caps captain Ryan Gauld, who tapped it toward Armstrong. The former Southampton FC player then blasted a shot into the top of the net for his first strike in a Whitecaps’ jersey.

He was mobbed by teammates in the corner of the field.

“I think everyone was happy. Also for the first goal, but also that it was an important three points,” said Armstrong, who signed with the ‘Caps on Sept. 3.

“It kind of felt a little bit like last week, when we had a lot of chances and we didn’t get the three points. So today, I think everyone was just relieved to have that two-goal cushion.”

Vancouver was the dominant team from the outset Saturday and did not relent, outshooting the visitors 19-5 and controlling 54.1 per cent of possession.

Fafa Picault also found the back of the net for Vancouver, while Gauld contributed a pair of assists.

Whitecaps goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka stopped both shots he faced to collect his seventh clean sheet of the year, while Daniel made nine saves for the Quakes.

Gauld and Picault teamed up in the 22nd minute when Gauld curled a cross in and the Haitian striker headed it down toward the net, only to see Daniel catch a piece of the shot with his forearm and redirect it out of harm’s way.

The duo connected again in the 35th minute on a Vancouver corner. Gauld swung a ball in and Picault jumped up from the pack to send a glancing header in past Daniel for his ninth MLS goal of the season.

San Jose briefly appeared to level the score in the 68th minute when an unmarked Ousseni Bouda collected the ball, froze Takaoka and tapped a shot into the Vancouver net. An official quickly raised the offside flag and waved off the tally.

Daniel kept San Jose’s deficit to a single goal with a pair of solid stops in the 82nd minute.

First, the Brazilian ‘keeper dove sideways on his line to tip away a bomb from Alessandro Schopf. He was tested again on the ensuing corner and jumped up to send a header from Picault over the crossbar.

“I think we created a lot of chances again,” Gauld said.

“We probably should have put the game out of their reach sooner. But we’d be more worried if we weren’t creating the chances. Three clean sheets in a row in the league, I think it’s a big thing for us. And it gives us a good platform to go forward.”

NOTES

Vancouver played without leading scorer Brian White for a third consecutive game as the American striker works his way back from a concussion. … Gauld’s second assist marked his 15th goal contribution (six goals, nine assists) in his last 15 Whitecaps games across all competitions. … An announced crowd of 21,309 took in the game at B.C. Place.

UP NEXT

The Whitecaps kick off a two-game road swing Wednesday against the Houston Dynamo. The Earthquakes host the Seattle Sounders the same night.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 14, 2024.

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Liverpool ‘not good enough’ says Arne Slot after shock loss against Nottingham Forest

Published

 on

 

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Not good enough. That was Arne Slot’s verdict after his first defeat as Liverpool manager on Saturday.

A shock 1-0 loss at home to Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League ended Slot’s perfect record since succeeding Jurgen Klopp at Anfield at the end of last season.

“We had a lot of ball possession but only managed to create three (or) four quite good chances, so that is by far not enough if you have so much ball possession,” said the Dutchman, who suggested his team should not be losing to the likes of Forest.

“If you lose a home game it’s always a setback, especially if you face a team … we never know, maybe they will go all the way to fight for Champions League tickets, but normally this team is not ending up in the top 10, so if you lose a game against them that’s a big disappointment.”

Slot won his first three games in charge, including a memorable 3-0 victory against Manchester United before the international break.

But that run came to an end after Callum Hudson-Odoi struck in the 72nd with a curling effort from the edge of the box and beyond goalkeeper Alisson.

Liverpool’s defeat leaves Manchester City as the only team with a 100% record in the league after a 2-1 win against Brentford kept the defending champion at the top of the table.

United won at Southampton 3-0 to end its two-game losing streak.

Unstoppable Haaland

Erling Haaland moved to 99 goals for City after scoring twice against Brentford.

The Norwegian’s double came after Yoane Wissa fired Brentford ahead with just 22 seconds on the clock.

Haaland scored his 98th and 99th goals in his 103rd City appearance in all competitions. And he was the width of the post away from his third consecutive hat trick after trebles against Ipswich and West Ham.

“He’s been really, really good. Yeah, I would say he’s the best (he’s been), but it’s only four fixtures (this season),” City manager Pep Guardiola said.

Haaland, who has been nominated for the Ballon d’Or, has nine goals in four league games. He has topped the league scoring charts in each of his two seasons at City since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 for $63 million.

Haaland’s first goal after 19 minutes evened the game following Wissa’s opener, which stunned the Etihad Stadium crowd. Haaland turned and swept a shot past goalkeeper Mark Flekken after a slight deflection off Ethan Pinnock.

He was then too strong for Pinnock when shaking off the defender and running through for his second in the 32nd.

He was inches away in the 81st; the shot came back off the post after beating the keeper.

Rashford snaps run

Marcus Rashford snapped a 12-game barren run in front of goal as United beat Southampton.

Rashford doubled United’s lead at Saint Mary’s after Matthijs de Ligt’s scored his first for the club. Substitute Alejandro Garnacho scored a third in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

The win came after back-to-back defeats for United.

Rashford hadn’t scored since March in United’s win over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarterfinals. He curled in a shot from the edge of the area to put Erik ten Hag’s team 2-0 up at Southampton in the 41st minute.

Ten Hag said it could be a turning point for the forward.

“For every striker, they want to be on the scoring list. Once the first is in, more is coming. Like a ketchup bottle, once it’s going, it’s coming more,” he said.

De Ligt, who joined United from Bayern Munich in the offseason, headed in from Bruno Fernandes’ cross in the 35th.

It could have been a different story if Cameron Archer converted a penalty for Southampton in the 33rd. Instead, his effort was saved by goalkeeper Andre Onana.

Newly promoted Southampton was reduced to 10 men when Jack Stephens was sent off in the 79th for a high challenge on Garnacho.

Villa comeback

After three straight defeats to start the league, Everton looked set for its first win when leading Aston Villa 2-0.

Goals from Dwight McNeil and Dominic Calvert-Lewin put Sean Dyche’s team in control until Ollie Watkins struck twice to even the game.

Jhon Duran completed Villa’s comeback and sealed a 3-2 win in the 76th to leave Everton rooted to the bottom of the table and the only top flight team without a point.

Late drama

Jean-Philippe Mateta converted a stoppage time penalty to salvage a 2-2 draw for Crystal Palace against Leicester.

Leicester led 2-0 at Selhurst Park after goals from Jamie Vardy and Stephy Mavididi.

But Mateta sparked Palace’s response with a goal in the 47th, a minute after Mavididi doubled Leicester’s advantage.

Conor Coady fouled Ismaili Sarr in the box right near fulltime and Mateta was cool enough to convert.

West Ham left it even later to salvage a point in a 1-1 draw at Fulham.

Danny Ings struck in the fifth minute of added time after Raul Jimenez’s goal looked like earning Fulham the win.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, the manager of the month for August, was frustrated as his team was held to 0-0 at home by Ipswich.

___

James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson

___

AP soccer:

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Cavaliers and free agent forward Isaac Okoro agree to 3-year, $38 million deal, AP source says

Published

 on

 

CLEVELAND (AP) — Restricted free agent forward Isaac Okoro has agreed to re-sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a three-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Saturday.

Okoro’s new deal is worth $38 million, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the contract has not been signed or announced by the team.

ESPN.com first reported the agreement, citing Okoro’s representation.

The fifth overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, Okoro is Cleveland’s best perimeter defender, often drawing the assignment of guarding the opponent’s top scorer. Okoro also has worked to improve his offensive game.

The 23-year-old averaged 9.4 points and 3.0 rebounds in 69 games — 42 starts — last season for the Cavs, who beat Orlando in the opening round of the playoffs before losing to eventual champion Boston.

Okoro shot a career-best 39% on 3-pointers, forcing teams to come out and guard him.

His agreement caps an extraordinarily busy summer for the Cavs that began with coach J.B. Bickerstaff being fired and replaced by Kenny Atkinson. All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell signed a three-year, $150 million extension in July, ending months of speculation that he wanted out of Cleveland.

Also, power forward Evan Mobley signed a five-year, $224 deal and center Jarrett Allen signed a three-year, $91 million extension.

___

AP NBA:

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

Source link

Continue Reading

Trending