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The Chicago Blackhawks have signed defenseman Mark Stuart and forwards Drew Miller and John Mitchell to professional tryout contracts for this year’s training camp. The three players were surprise inclusions on the team’s official roster for the camp, which opens on Friday.
Miller, and Mitchell give the Blackhawks some additional options to consider over the next few weeks. The team also brought in veteran defenseman Cody Franson on a PTO,Stuart, although there are indications he’s close to a lock to get a one-year deal once Marian Hossa goes on long-term injured reserve following the opening of the season.
Stuart, although it would reflect pretty poorly on those four if Stuart earned playing time over them., played the past six seasons for the Winnipeg Jets. He’s a stay-at-home defenseman with a track record of ugly possession statistics and minimal offensive production, 33, which begs the question of why the Hawks are interested in him. Presumably the main idea is simply to give Michal Kempny, Gustav Forsling, Erik Gustafsson,authentic Jaromir Jagr jersey, and Jordan Oesterle some extra competition in camp
32,adidas Anze Kopitar jersey, and Laurent Dauphin.,adidas Dustin Brown jersey,Mitchell,adidas Jonathan Quick jersey, is a bottom-six center who spent the past five seasons with the Colorado Avalanche. From 2012-13 through 2015-16, his production collapsed last season with three goals and seven points in 65 games (yikes). He’s good at faceoffs (50.7 percent career rate) and could factor in on the fourth line, he had four straight seasons with 10-plus goals and 20-plus points, but like the rest of the Avs, but you’d think the Hawks have better options between Tanner Kero, John Hayden
including a minus-14.4 percent Corsi Relative in 82 games in 2014-15. That means the Red Wings’ Corsi was nearly 15 percent lower with Miller on the ice compared to when he was off.,Miller, 33, is another bottom-six forward who played the past seven-plus seasons for the Detroit Red Wings. He’s posted some spectacularly bad possession numbers over the years
even when accounting for being used in a defensive-minded role. There should be real reason for concern if he’s earned a contract by the start of the season.,authentic Drew Doughty jersey,That’s almost unfathomably bad,adidas Drew Doughty jersey, I’m almost mad that he’s even gotten a PTO. I get this follows the pattern of bringing in vets like Tommy Wingels and Lance Bouma to make the bottom six “tougher to play against,adidas Jaromir Jagr jersey,and frankly,authentic Anze Kopitar jersey,” but Miller’s numbers are horrid
so hopefully that’s all this is.,authentic Dustin Brown jersey,So none of these additions are particularly notable,authentic Jonathan Quick jersey, and it probably won’t be a great sign for the upcoming season if any of them make the roster. It makes sense to bring in older players to help set the tone in training camp and push the younger players, though
With NHL training camps opening this week the folks at Bovada released their latest Stanley Cup odds for the 2017-18 season,authentic Mats Zuccarello jersey, and the Pittsburgh Penguins open up as the odds on favorites (7/1) to win the Stanley Cup for the third consecutive year.
No team has won three Stanley Cups in a row since the early 1980s New York Islanders.
losing Marc-Andre Fleury,The Penguins underwent a lot of changes this offseason, only adding Matt Hunwick, Chris Kunitz,adidas Henrik Lundqvist jersey, Trevor Daley,adidas Mats Zuccarello jersey, and Ron Hainsey off of their roster while,authentic Rick Nash jersey, Nick Bonino,authentic Erik Karlsson jersey, Ryan Reaves and Antti Niemi. They still have pretty big openings at their third-and fourth-line center spots. But they are still returning a great team overall and will be getting a healthy Kris Letang back after he missed the second half of the 2016-17 season and all of the Penguins’ Stanley Cup playoff run, to this point, as well as a full season from playoff standout Jake Guentzel.
the Chicago Blackhawks at 12/1,Just behind the Penguins are the Edmonton Oilers who open as 9/1 favorites to win, the Dallas Stars at 12/1 and the Anaheim Ducks, Nashville Predators, Tampa Bay Lightning,authentic Henrik Lundqvist jersey, Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals all at 14/1.
It’s a little surprising to see the Blackhawks so high given their questionable depth and the fact they haven’t been out of the first round of the playoffs in back-to-back years. The Dallas Stars are once again hyped up following a busy offseason full of blockbuster moves but it remains to be seen if this will be the year their performance on the ice matches the preseason hype.
The Detroit Red Wings,adidas Rick Nash jersey,Arizona Coyotes, Las Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, adidas Erik Karlsson jersey, New Jersey Devils and Vancouver Canucks all open up with the worst odds at 100/1.
Quarterback Cam Newton is listed as questionable for the regular-season opener Sunday but head coach Ron Rivera said he expects Newton to start for the Carolina Panthers against the San Francisco 49ers.
who had surgery on March 30 to repair a partially torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder,Authentic Cody Kessler Jersey, was limited in training camp. He played only one series -- a 10-play,Womens Carl Nassib Jersey,Newton, 75-yard touchdown drive when he completed both of his passes for 21 yards and a TD -- during Carolina's four preseason games.
'' Rivera said. "You wish he'd had a few more snaps and played a little bit earlier in the preseason so we'd have more to go on. But what we saw,Womens Joe Haden Jersey,"I think he's ready,Authentic Emmanuel Ogbah Jersey, we liked.
"We liked how everything seems to be meshing together as an offense. We'll see how it goes as we continue to work this week.''
28,Newton,Authentic Corey Coleman Jersey, has been a full participant in practice over the past week as the Panthers prepare for the opener at San Francisco.
"You really won't know until the opener,Womens Corey Coleman Jersey," Rivera said of Newton. "Nobody knew what he was going to be like his rookie year. That's kind of how this is going to be."
Newton's injury occurred in the Panthers' Week 14 game against the Chargers last season. He played in each of the team's remaining three games and underwent offseason MRI exams to monitor his progress before deciding on surgery.
the 2015 NFL MVP,Authentic Joe Haden Jersey,passed for 3,Womens Emmanuel Ogbah Jersey,509 yards with 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 15 games last season for the Panthers,Authentic Carl Nassib Jersey,Newton,Womens Cody Kessler Jersey, who missed the playoffs after finishing last in the NFC South with a 6-10 record.
A rule change for the upcoming season could (hopefully) lead to a serious reduction in the number of offside challenges from coaches.
a failed offside coach's challenge for will result in a two-minute penalty against the team that called the review. This was first reported by Elliotte Friedman. Previously a failed challenge would result only in the loss of a timeout. A penalty by itself is a much more severe punishment especially given that this could result in a two-goal swing.,adidas Gordie Howe jersey,For the 2017-18 season
Consider if a team challenged a goal scored against them and lost. Not only would they have given up a goal,adidas Jimmy Howard jersey, they would then face an immediate power play.
This rule will only apply to offside challenges and not goalie interference challenges which will still result in the loss of a timeout. Since offside is a much more clear rule than the always confusing goalie interference,Authentic Henrik Zetterberg jersey, this distinction makes sense.
The NHL is trying to increase scoring and the pace of the game. An offside challenge does the opposite. It stops the game in its tracks and takes goals off the board. Yet, Authentic Gordie Howe jersey,the league seems to think the rule is working. General managers decided during their meetings in March that there was no reason to change the offside challenge and Gary Bettman defended the rule right before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final which saw the very first goal from P.K. Subban overturned.
So why make this change if the challenge is apparently working so well? Perhaps another upcoming rule change had something to do with it.
Starting this season, teams will no longer be able to take a timeout after icing the puck. Unlike in football where coaches can strategically manage the clock or in basketball where timeouts are handed out like candy,adidas Henrik Zetterberg jersey, it cannot change lines which can be a major advantage later in games. Coaches will use their timeouts in order to give their players a quick breather since they can't sub out.,Authentic Jimmy Howard jersey, timeouts are rarely used in hockey. Each team only gets one and the vast majority of timeouts are called after an icing. When a team ices the puck
If teams can no longer use timeouts after an icing,adidas Frans Nielsen jersey, at that point they really only have one major purpose: challenges. Sure,Authentic Frans Nielsen jersey, the NHL is not going to let this happen.,adidas Wayne Gretzky jersey, coaches can still use them at any other point in a game,Authentic Wayne Gretzky jersey, but realistically they would primarily be saved for challenges which would result in even more stoppages in play.
Colo. (AP) -- Von Miller says Trevor Siemian has ''that Peyton Manning vibe .'',ENGLEWOOD
''The energy that Peyton had,'' Denver's superstar linebacker said.,Authentic Alex Anzalone Jersey, that's what Trevor has
Siemian also has Brock Osweiler as a backup.
Osweiler is getting a crash course in Mike McCoy's new offense following a whirlwind weekend in which he made a beeline for his old home after getting cut by Cleveland.
'' Osweiler said upon his return to Denver,''This is Trevor's team, where he was Manning's understudy from 2012-15., and I'm the backup
That's a role reversal for the quarterbacks.
than Manning's when he got to Denver as a seventh-round draft pick in 2015,Siemian picked Osweiler's brain as much, then forced his way onto the 53-man roster of a Super Bowl-bound team., if not more
he's the one helping Osweiler digest the playbook.,Now
''He's got exposure to this system, but he's gotten a lot of it,'' Siemian said. ''So, so he's done a really good job of picking things up on the fly. A little change in verbiage, I'm helping him out when I can. And shoot, he's helping me out, for the most part, too. So, it's good.''
no,So, Manning's successor isn't looking over his shoulder at the man who was, for so long, Manning's heir apparent.
''I'm excited to have him back, you know how sincere he is,'' Siemian said. ''I was good friends with Brock when he was here. He's was an unreal teammate,Authentic Drew Brees Jersey, how helpful he is. So, and I speak for a lot of the guys in the locker room when I say that. So,Authentic Michael Thomas Jersey, if you've met Brock,Authentic Trey Hendrickson Jersey, we're just lucky to have him.''
Siemian was the Broncos' third quarterback in 2015 but was one snap away from starting for the seven weeks Osweiler replaced an injured Manning.
He rose to the top of the depth chart the following season when Manning retired a month after the Super Bowl and Osweiler signed with the Texans in free agency.
On the same day Miller earned his first captainship of his seven-year NFL career, Siemian's teammates named him a captain for the second straight season Wednesday.
'' Siemian said. ''It's really cool. The respect I have for the locker room,Authentic Adrian Peterson Jersey,''It's an unreal honor for me, it's cool to see they have some respect for me. We're just a couple of guys that got named. But we have so many leaders in the locker room. It's just cool to be a part of.''
Miller also had high praise for Osweiler .
'' Miller said. ''So, we won a lot of games with Brock. Some of the stuff that Brock did for this team was unbelievable. So, to have him back like that, to have his energy back, to have that energy back on the football field,''That was my guy. I didn't want him to leave in the first place, Womens Adrian Peterson Jersey,so we're sure to have a great year this year.'', back in the locker room, it kind of feels like 2015. And we did a lot of great stuff in 2015
The Broncos needed a veteran backup QB after Paxton Lynch sprained his throwing shoulder against Green Bay on Aug. 26 in his first game after Siemian officially beat him out again.
The Broncos are only on the hook for $775,000 of Osweiler's salary this season with the Browns paying the other $15.25 million.
whose $615,000 annual salary doesn't come close to Osweiler's weekly paycheck of $941,An even bigger bargain is Siemian,176.
who makes his debut as an ESPN television analyst Monday night when the Broncos host the Chargers, suggested over the summer that Lynch - who's making $880,Rex Ryan,741 this season - should be named the starter so the Broncos see what they have in their first-round investment.
however,He's come around on Siemian,Womens Alex Anzalone Jersey, suggesting Wednesday that winning the quarterback competition two years running shows the former Northwestern QB has the requisite grit and his teammates' trust.
'' Ryan said. ''And that's what you have to have at that position. Obviously,Womens Michael Thomas Jersey,''The players believe in him and they know he's believes in himself,Womens Trey Hendrickson Jersey, he doesn't have the (prototype size) that you look for ... But this is a game based on production.''
WR Demaryius Thomas and K Brandon McManus. ... Thomas (groin) practiced for the first time since getting hurt against Green Bay. ''He looked great,Notes: The Broncos signed former Arkansas RB Jonathan Williams to their practice squad. ... The other captains are CB Aqib Talib,Womens Drew Brees Jersey,'' coach Vance Joseph said.
AP source: WR Hopkins agrees to 5-year extension with Texans
$81 million contract extension,Womens Eli Harold Jersey,HOUSTON (AP) — The Texans and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins have agreed to a five-year, according to a person familiar with the negotiations.
The person spoke to The AP on the condition of anonymity because the deal had not yet been announced by the teams.
which includes $49 million guaranteed,Authentic Jaquiski Tartt Jersey,The deal,Authentic Arik Armstead Jersey, comes as the star receiver was entering the last year of his contract.
Hopkins was the 27th overall pick in the 2013 draft. He has piled up 4,Authentic Joshua Garnett Jersey, including a career-high 1,Authentic Will Redmond Jersey,487 yards receiving in his first four seasons,Womens Arik Armstead Jersey,521 in 2015 despite playing with a revolving door of quarterbacks. He's started every game in his career and finished with 78 receptions for 954 yards last season.
The 25-year-old has 23 receiving touchdowns in his career and will be the centerpiece of an offense that is looking to bounce back after a tough 2016 season with Brock Osweiler at quarterback.
who have started eight quarterbacks since Hopkins was drafted,Womens Jaquiski Tartt Jersey,The production of Hopkins has been impressive considering the team's longtime woes at quarterback. The Texans, thought they'd solved their problems at the position when they signed Osweiler to a $72 million contract before last season.
Instead he was benched late in the season and shipped to Cleveland in the offseason, who has never thrown a touchdown pass,Womens Will Redmond Jersey, leaving Tom Savage,Womens Joshua Garnett Jersey,as the starter.
Houston selected Clemson star Deshaun Watson in the first round of this year's draft,Authentic Eli Harold Jersey, but it looks as if Hopkins won't be catching passes from him anytime soon with coach Bill O'Brien sticking with Savage as his starter throughout camp.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A preseason finale that featured plenty of playing time by the backups was spiced up by the presence of new acquisitions Joe Haden and Vance McDonald on the Steelers sideline Thursday night.
$27 million contract. Two days after being acquired in a trade,Haden didn't suit up — he hasn't yet been assigned a uniform number — one day after signing a three-year, McDonald was on the field for a few snaps as the Steelers wrapped up preseason play against the Carolina Panthers.
The acquisitions capped a busy few days for general manager Kevin Colbert, who received a two-year contract extension Thursday morning.
Haden was signed to join second-year cornerback Artie Burns in the Steelers defensive backfield. McDonald could supplant Jesse James as the starting tight end.
though,Colbert,Authentic Tarell Basham Jersey, said the moves shouldn't be viewed as a slight at other cornerbacks and tight ends on the Steelers roster.
“If we started the season without these two guys,Womens Marlon Mack Jersey,” Colbert said. “They are two quality guys,Womens Zach Banner Jersey, we were going to start the season without them,Authentic Ryan Kelly Jersey, two quality starters. You're negligent if you don't look into it.”
Colbert said the Steelers didn't have advance notice Haden would become available and didn't try to swing a trade before the Browns cut ties with the seven-year veteran.
“We're always watching the waiver wire and terminations this time of year,Womens T.J. Green Jersey, but not too often. Joe Haden is a quality starting player and,” Colbert said. “There are guys like this that get cut, fortunately, he was available for us.”
Making a big splash late in the preseason is unusual for the Steelers, particularly in the secondary. Then again, who have acquired minor pieces in recent seasonss, high-profile players such as Haden aren't typically hitting the open market in late August.
“Usually,” Colbert said. “Usually, starter-capable guys don't get released this time of year,Authentic Zach Banner Jersey, it's younger kids who aren't quite ready to play or older veterans on the downside of things. We didn't view him in that manner at all. We think he's a young,
Womens Tarell Basham Jersey, capable starter who can help us win.”
Unlike Haden,Authentic Marlon Mack Jersey, McDonald was in uniform against the Panthers. He will wear No. 89.
“Vance has size,Womens Ryan Kelly Jersey,” Colbert said. “He shows up as a blocker, speed and athleticism, and he shows up as a receiver.”
Colbert might not be done negotiating deals,Authentic T.J. Green Jersey, although any moves will be contingent on the makeup of the 53-man roster that must be set at 4 p.m. Saturday.
The Steelers would like to sign defensive end Stephon Tuitt to a long-term deal.
Factoring in a $2.6 million salary cap hit for McDonald and $3.2 million for Haden this season, the Steelers remain about $7 million under the cap. Colbert also prefers to keep $3 million in cap space available.
“We'll see how this shakes out (against the Panthers) and what our final 53 are,” Colbert said. “Adding these two guys this late in the process can change our thinking.”
Russian winger Zaripov cleared to pursue NHL contract
Danis Zaripov will get the chance to take his talents to North America after the NHL approved the Russian winger's eligibility following a doping ban in the Kontinental Hockey League and international play.
The 36-year-old Zaripov is free to sign with any team and could be the latest established Russian player to make an immediate impact in the NHL. Agent Dan Milstein said Zaripov is looking for a one-year contract so he can prove himself.
''He's going to be a huge contributor to whatever team that he will choose,adidas Henrik Lundqvist jersey,'' Milstein said.
Even that is only possible after the NHL ruled that the suspension by the KHL and International Ice Hockey Federation wouldn't have happened under its rules and found Zaripov eager to show he didn't intentionally use a banned substance.
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said Monday that Zaripov was cleared in part because pseudoephedrine is not on the NHL/NHL Players' Association prohibited substances list and that he was not allowed to testify at his hearing for the initial suspension . He added that the league approved Zaripov's status after the veteran forward testified last week and it reviewed evidence related to the suspension.
''I look forward to continuing my professional hockey playing career in North America,adidas Mats Zuccarello jersey, which provides me the opportunity to do so,authentic Rick Nash jersey, and today I am very grateful to the senior management of the NHL for its decision,'' Zaripov said in a statement.
''Even though I now have a chance to play in the best league in the world, I plan to continue my appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport to prove my right case and clear my name.''
Zaripov, who had never tested positive for a banned substance before, agreed to submit to additional testing if he signs a contract as part of what Daly called ''a meaningful demonstration of good faith and his bona fide desire to safeguard his name and reputation.''
Even though he had his KHL contract terminated and was banned by the IIHF until 2019, adidas Erik Karlsson jersey, Zaripov is expected to draw significant interest around the league.
Milstein said teams were initially warned by the NHL about the three players suspended by the IIHF: Zaripov,authentic Henrik Lundqvist jersey,Canadian defenseman Derek Smith and Russian defenseman Andrei Konev. Out of respect for the league's process,adidas Rick Nash jersey,he avoided contacting executives to talk about a contract until Zaripov was cleared.
''Beginning today we're open for business,authentic Erik Karlsson jersey,'' Milstein said by phone. ''We're going to be talking to a number of teams. Danis wants to win. He's a winner at heart. He's won at every level.''
Zaripov won the KHL's Gagarin Cup four times and the world hockey championship three times. He also represented Russia at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
After a 45-point season with Metallurg Magnitogorsk, Zaripov led the league with 15 goals and had seven assists in 18 playoff games.
''Danis Zaripov has a reputation in Russia what Pavel Datsyuk was here, referring to the Detroit Red Wings great who signed in the KHL last year. ''He's an outstanding,'' Milstein said, world-class player.''
A six-time All-Star at home, authentic Mats Zuccarello jersey, Zaripov recorded 121 goals and 135 assists for 256 points in 436 KHL games.