The Tampa Bay Lightning and Colorado Avalanche have put through the first of what appears likely to be many midseason deals as teams seperate between contenders and pretenders. The deal announced today sees Colorado make a double rental add as they look to take advantage of their games in hand chasing the 2nd seed in the central while Tampa Bay continues to get younger and look ahead to the draft lottery as part of their rebuild.

 

The full deal sees Colorado add forwards Soslan Tavasiyev and Patrick Baldry with Tampa Bay collecting forwards Dylan Featherstone and Marek Krakovsky plus the rights to KHL winger Joakim Andersson and QMJHL defenceman Samuel Blackburn.

 

Colorado Avalanche: B+ 
The money in money out trades with contenders stuck against the cap are always difficult to swing. I think Colorado did really good here to upgrade two forward slots while not creating a gap elsewhere on their squad. I know some people point towards it being a dangerous time to add as the Avs barely hold a wildcard spot but with the games in hand they have in their division they are well positioned to take advantage of this deal and chase down a top 3 division seed.

Baldry is a great two way winger who brings a lot of experience and energy to the team. His 36 points in 59 games thus far with the Lightning might feel underwhelming but I think it is fair to expect a ppg closer to his career high with Colorado as he should be rejuvenated joining a contending team.  

 

Tavasiyev is of a similar build; offensive talent and defensively responsible with the added touch of mean streak. Some have pointed out that he is the first Russian to join the Avs in quite a while. An important thing for me is this isn't some 18 year old kid breaking a trend and being pressured to save a franchise. Tavasiyev is a seasoned veteran and all he has to do is keep playing his game, he's built for the playoffs and all signs point towards Colorado heading to the dance.

 

I've left a little room for growth here, to push into an "A" grade the Avs need to take advantage of their games in hand. Getting one or both guys on a reasonable extension instead of oure rentals would help too.

 

Tampa Bay Lightning: B
I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again, its tough to see your team tearing down from a fan perspective. However, from a business perspective this is quality asset management from the Bolts. They swapped out two aging forwards that represent depleting assets quickly approaching free agency and bring in instead two warm bodies for the rest of the season and two prospects that have legit chances at being PSHL level assets for them.

 

No disrespect is intended towards Featherstone or Krakovsky who join Tampa mainly as salary offset for the transaction and to fill lineup spots for the rest of the season. Both of them are still quality PSHLers who were having down statistical years buried deep on the Avs depth chart. You've also got to feel for the guys as they both go from fighting for a playoff berth to joining a team not so subtly happy to lose. I have hope that in an expanded role both can bounce back and showcase themselves as potential deadline flips or at the very least help themselves for contract negotiations in the summer as both are pending free agents.

 

Of course, for a rebuilding team the interest is in the future assets brought in. In a bit of an anomaly for this type of trade Tampa did not collect any draft picks but instead two already developing prospects both of whom have a mix of intriguing upside and concerns.

 

Samuel Blackburn is a 20 year old defenseman previously selected in the third round by Colorado. After back-to-back 40+ point campaigns he has taken a step forward offensively sitting just below a point per game with 12 goals and 45 points in 46 Q games. He shouldn't be expected to see the PSHL ice for at least another year or two but projects as a solid two-way defenceman that can make quick breakouts, is sound positionally, and a team first guy. The offense isn't a complete blackhole but it is definitely his weaker end of the ice. The uptick in stats this season is a positive trend but being an overager in junoirs may explain it more than development can. He's got an outside chance to be a #4 defenceman but more likely is looking at being a bottom pairing guy on a championship level team.

 

The final asset brought in, and perhaps the most intriguing for Tampa Bay, is winger Joakim Andersson. Andersson was an Avs second rounder in 2044 but now 20 years old is yet to come to North America. Last season in his home nation of Sweden, he proved himself at the SHL level notching 40 points in 48 games. It still wasnt enough for the Avs to sign him leading to him signing a 3 year contract in the KHL. He's looked good in the second best league in the world currently having 35 points to his name in 56 games. Although he doesn't have any standout abilities he is an all-around solid player who looks capable of being a middle six two way forward at the PSHL level as soon as next season. The difficult part will be the final two years of his contract in Russia. If Tampa Bay can negotiate a reasonable buyout with Cherepovets Severstal then this would already look like a much better deal. It would not be the worst thing in the world for Andersson to develop another year or two in Russia but Tampa Bay potentially waiting multiple more years before seeing any value at the PSHL level from the return on the trade has me leaning Colorado on this one. 
 

The Erik Wallgren situation appears to be nearing a conclusion.

While the Red Wings have yet to announce anything publicly, league sources indicate that Wallgren and Detroit have mutually agreed that the time is right to move on, with the organization now working toward finding a destination for its veteran captain.

The decision is not believed to be the result of any dispute between the two sides. Rather, it reflects where each currently stands. Detroit is in the opening stages of a full rebuild, while the 31-year-old Wallgren remains one of the league’s premier defensemen and is at a point in his career where competing for a championship is understandably a priority.

Wallgren’s no-trade clause means he retains significant control over the process, and Detroit has been limited to discussing potential deals with teams he would be willing to join.

There is a growing belief around the league that those conversations have progressed considerably.

Detroit is also believed to be willing to retain a significant portion of Wallgren’s salary in order to maximize the return, potentially giving a contender an elite top-pair defenseman at a substantially reduced cap hit for multiple seasons.

Nothing has been formally announced, and Wallgren remains the Red Wings’ captain for now.

But after weeks of speculation, the question around Detroit no longer appears to be whether Wallgren will be moved.

It’s where he’ll be going.

The  PSHL season has surpassed the halfway mark and with it we already have many storylines to keep our eyes on. At the top of the table, the defending champion San Jose Sharks have looked strong building towards a bid at a repeat. The Vipers utilized a dominant start to sit beside them but both sit behind the league leading Chicago Blackhawks. Over in the east, Montreal and Buffalo have separated themselves from the pack while the top of the metro looks like a dogfight. At the opposite end of the spectrum, despite their best efforts the Redwings have won enough to hold the 4th worst record trailing behind Anaheim, Nashville, and the New York Rangers as the push towards the best lottery odds heats up. 

 

Of course, outside of the PSHL many storylines have developed and the first round of the PSHL draft is continuing to shape itself. Here is the midseason mock draft ranking the current top twenty prospects.

 

1.  C Paden Anderson, Oshawa Generals

Paden has had a strong first half of his draft season notching 12 goals and 54 points in 35 OHL games to date. He is about a half point per game behind Beckett Evans pace last year that netted him first overall honors, I don’t think it's fair to say Anderson has done anything to warrant losing the first overall slot but I also don’t feel he has been consistently dominant enough to be running away with it. Still his combination of elite skating and puckhandling while being a right-shot center with size has him as the leader of the class at this point. 

 

2. D Edvin Persson, Sodertalje SK

In the last mock draft Persson held the number three slot and I noted that taking the next step against pros in the SHL could see him push for number one. It's safe to say Persson has played well above expectations as he has 8 goals and 37 points in 40 SHL games while logging nearly 22 minutes per night as a draft eligible. At this point I think Persson is closer to #1 then he is to #3 and there is a very realistic chance a team prefers him over Anderson. The only knock right now is the draft class appears to be defence heavy which may make a team more comfortable going center number one and addressing defense later in the draft. Still, if Anderson can’t take it to the next level and Persson keeps at this level its going to be hard to argue against Persson. 

 

3. D Kevin Lariviere, Rimouski Oceanic 

Lariviere has not had a bad draft year and still possess a lot of upside as a potential top three pick that can be a top pairing shutdown defenceman for the next decade. It was no secret that Persson - among others - project to have better offense than Lariviere but its now looking worse than it was. Lariviere has just 29 points in 39 QMJHL games, a respectable mark for sure but concern is growing that the offense will hold him back from excelling at the next level regardless of his size/defense combo. If he is not able to find some more offense for the rest of the year, he could slide outside the top five as he looks more like a project pick. The kid is a hard worker though and I think a lot of scouts will forget their offense concerns when they see him in person at the combine. 

 

4. C Tanner Federov, Drummondville Voltigeurs 

Federov may not have one offensive trait that jumps off the page at you but he has managed to get his offensive game to the next level. At the time of writing he sits at nearly double his point-per-game mark from the year prior while also logging significantly more minutes and improving his game rating. He might not have enough sparkle for a team to take him top five, and some still have concerns about his long-term ability as a center, but I think at pick four a team could be getting excellent value. The more I watch him play the more I like him. 

5. C Marek Kroner, Bratislava HC

Kroner has done everything right in his draft year. Despite getting sent back to the under-20 team he put his head down, worked hard, and got himself back to the men;s team after posting 10 points in 8 games. Since then he’s been quite good at the top Slovakian level logging just under 20 minutes per night, holding his own defensively, and posting 19 points in 23 games. There have been some consistency concerns though and I think some evaluation teams are worried about the D+1 development year if Kroner opts to stay in Slovakia. 

 

6. LW Adamie Cousson, Rismouski Oceanic 

One of the draft class’ true boom-or-bust prospects, Cousson boasts elite offensive abilities that has seen him bury 23 goals with 63 points in 40 QMJHL games thus far. Although its tough to compare their style of game, Cousson has stolen the show from Rimouski teammate Lariviere on many nights. The problem is he is at best a non-factor in his own end and often even an inconvenience for his linemates when they don’t have the puck. However, the kid is a hard worker and has reportedly been in the film room every day with his assistant coach for additional work on defense. It remains to be seen how much of a difference the work will make. 

 

7. C Martin Hrdlicka, Chomutov Pirati 

Hrdlicka, who originally projected as a mid to late first rounder, has announced himself as a premier player of interest in this year’s class as he’s posted 34 points in 24 games for Chomutov. Similarly to Federov, Hrdlicka doesn’t have much wow factor but he does consistently look like a pro and at some point the stats have more relevance then the assessed attributes. 

 

8. C Remo Weidmann, HC Davos

Weidmann is another player who has been shooting up draft boards across the league. Playing in Switzerland’s second level against men, Weidmann has an outstanding 13 goals and 43 points in 38 games. I know some are pushed away because of the competition level but the way he is dominating despite being outsized every night has been impressive. He has shown no fear battling against bigger men and has held his own defensively with increased responsibilities as he builds trust from his coach.

 

9.  D Artyom Mikhalkov, HK Rostov 

Ranked as the 5th overall prospect prior to the season, Mikhalkov has done well transitioning the Russia’s second tier this season. His offensive upside has been clear as he currently has 6 goals and 33 points in 40 VHL games to his name. In the best way possible, he’s managed to be forgettable defensively not standing out as a negative for the team. The off-ice concerns are growing as scouts look closer at him and I think the potential of him preferring staying in Russia is also making teams weary. Still a strong finish - and ideally a look at the KHL level - could push him back towards the top five. 

 

10. D Brody Newman, Camrose Kodiaks

Newman has quietly been rising on draft boards but I think now is a safe time to really talk about him as a legit top ten possibility. 25 points in 33 AJHL games while logging nearly 26 minutes a night is undeniably impressive. Looking deeper at him, Newman already approaches the rink each day like a true professional, has elite skating, and projects to have great-elite offence with above average-great defense. There is a lot to like here. 

 

11. C Kristoffer Lundkvist, IK Oskarshamn 

There have been some growing pains as Lundkvist transitions this year from his dominance in juniors to playing against men at the second level of Swedish hockey. His 29 points in 39 games are more than respectable but the consistency is lacking. He still looks like a relatively safe pick who you can count on to have a lengthy PSHL career but he is looking more like a 2-3 years away guy rather than a 1-2 years away. 

 

12. D Wilhelm Harju, Jyvaskyla Riemu 

The numbers don’t jump off the page as Harju has struggled to find his role at times playing in Finland against me where he has 13 points in 27 games. It is a tough point-per-game to look at for a beyond elite skater which naturally entices teams to think they have a dominant offensive defenceman. There are still enough offensive traits that I think that side of his game can develop more and he has utilised his skating to be an effective defender and great on the breakout even if the points have added up yet. 

 

13. D Zakhar Migranov, Penza Dizel

Migranov has taken a big step forward at the VHL level playing nearly 19 minutes a night with 15 points in 42 games compared to under 12 minutes per night and 3 points in 13 games he had last year. He has proven night after night that he can be an effective and physical defender without crossing the line as he has just 6 penalty minutes on the season. Of course, the usual concerns are still there for any prospect coming out of Russia but I think there is a lot of potential value in taking him around this slot and aiming to bring him overseas in his 20s. 

 

14. D Brandon Carnevale, Atlantic Canada Jr B

Its no secret that playing your draft year at the junior B level is going to hurt your stock. Still Carmevale has a hit-parade compilation that rivals the highlight reel of anyone in the class. As much has hockey has evolved and will continue doing so, there will always be a need for hard-hitting, physical, team first, defencemen who make opposition skill guys uncomfortable touching the puck. 

 

15. RW Zach Mucenski, HK Aktobe 

Mucenski has been noted as full of potential since his bantam days state side. It's nobody in the hockey world’s place to debate him continuing his early career in Kazakhstan close to family but it is impossible not to factor in his level of competition to his stats and draft stock. 28 points in 30 games as an underager against men is impressive regardless of the level and Kazakhstan has a respectable hockey history but lets not pretend this is the same as playing in Finland or Czechia. Mucenski would need to absolutely obliterate his competition for the rest of the year to make any movement with his draft stock. It’s a lovely story but it is getting harder and harder to pitch the kid playing in Kazakhstan. 

 

16. LW Valtteri Junnikkala, Vaasa Sport

A team might feel inclined to take Junnikkala around this slot, if for nothing else, to ensure they don’t have to play against him in a few years. In the best way possible, Junnikkala is an absolute pest for opponents and although he sometimes crosses the line he is absolutely someone you don’t want to play against at all let alone for a seven game series. His 12 points in 42 SML games don’t show it, but there is offensive upside too to pair with his above-average defensive abilities. 

 

17. LW Matthew Podolsky, Langley Riverman

The smooth skating sniper from the BCHL, Podolsky has a pro-level release and has been showing it off with 17 goals and 30 points in 32 games. He is definitely a pick that projects to need more development time but the BCHL pathway has proven great for that. I think the defense scares some teams into thinking he may be more of a powerplay merchant but a bit of improvement could make him a legit second liner. 

 

18. LW Aris Belisle, Saint John Sea Dogs

Belisle draft year has not gone according to plan in the QMJHL as he now is closer to falling outside the top twenty than cracking the top ten like the preseason mock draft had him. The stats aren’t bad (16 goals, 46 points, 44 games) but it isn’t the leap forward from his D-1 year everyone was expecting. The hardest part of prospects climbing rankings is that a good kid like Aris is sliding down. There is still time to turn it around and a lot of teams picking in the later end of the first round would be grateful for Belisle to slide down to them. 

 

19. LW Colten Lombardo, Quebec Remparts 

The defense first winger has logged big minutes all year long for Quebec (over 23 per night) while posting a beautiful 76 game rating. His stock is going up too as he has taken a step forward offensively to the tune of 42 points in 44 games that a lot of people weren’t expecting of him this season.  

 

20. RW Jessen Keimig, Wolfsburg Baren

9 points in 42 games at the top German level really doesn’t scream first round pick let alone top twenty pick. I get it is a difficult argument to make, but I believe a lot in the offensive talents Keimig has displayed. Pair that with his pro-level skating and you’ve got a really good looking prospect on paper. I think some departments are afraid he might be the proverbial two years away from being a two years away prospect but I like the build. A strong finish will hopefully justify my stance. 

 

 

Detroit’s first year of the rebuild has gone about as expected: difficult results, a younger roster, and a growing collection of future assets.

Since taking over last season, the current GM has begun reshaping the organization, including deals that sent Jack Van Guilder to Carolina for Gabriel Lapointe, Jackson White and a 2nd-round pick, and Fyodor Cherepanov to Vancouver for Jozef Dobrovodsky and a 3rd.

The transition has not been easy on everyone. Several of Detroit’s remaining veterans are reportedly unhappy with the direction of the club, and more trades appear likely before the deadline. Erik Wallgren and Valery Baukin stand out as two of the biggest names who could be moved if the Red Wings continue prioritizing younger players and draft capital.

There have still been positives. Cosimo Duffek, 21, leads Detroit with 23 points in 37 games, while Macoy Stead and goaltender Haden Blair have shown encouraging signs. Prospect Jake Falk has also continued to impress with 22 goals and 35 points in 32 OHL games.

For now, much of Detroit’s attention is on the bottom of the standings. A strong position in the draft lottery could give the Red Wings a chance to add the true centerpiece this rebuild still needs.

The losses are piling up, but in Detroit, the hope is that they eventually turn into something much more valuable.

The Flyers began the season with a 4-5-1 record, which really wasn't that bad for a team that's trying to exit a 2 season long rebuild with no playoff appearances. However, for GM Whittaker, he felt this team was better than the record indicated. With that in mind he made an early season call up that is paying huge, immediate dividends. Enter Jan Sykora. The undrafted FA signing back in 2043 has come in and provided a steady presence between the pipes. Since losing his season debut, he has rattled off 10 consecutive victories while helping lead the Flyers to 2nd place in the Metro division at the ¼ mark of the season. “Without him, there's no telling where we would be sitting right now. I know it's a very small sample size, but the impact he has had is anything but small.” said the GM.

 

Around the same time, Erik Jacques (@PSHLMediaJackson's breakout candidate) was moved from a struggling 3rd line to a prime spot in the top 6 and found instant chemistry with X'Zavier Rivers and Miroslav Ligas. Since that move he has accounted for 10 goals, good for 2nd on the team, and improved his +/- to a healthy +13. “We know we have the players here to start breaking free from this rebuild, it just took a little time to find the right fits and for the line chemistry to develop, but we feel we are in a good place moving forward now” explained Whittaker. 

 

**Prospect spotlight**

 

Kyle Desmond - Kyle had his draft year cut short halfway through the campaign due to a severe concussion. Despite that the Flyers still felt strongly enough about him and his potential to make him the 12th overall pick of the 2044 draft. During training camp the following September he suffered a torn UCL which cost him the entire 44/45 season in Baie-Comeau. Now finally healthy he has exploded out of the gate and is validating the Flyers belief in him that he was worthy of the high draft slot. In only 19 games so far this season he has produced 18 goals and 47 points while centering one of the most explosive and dangerous lines in all of junior hockey. “We were well aware of the potential red flags with Kyle's injury history going into the draft, but we believed so highly in the talent he possesses that we decided it was well worth the risk. The post draft injury was a fluke thing that could have happened to anyone. There is still a lot of development ahead of him, but if he keeps up this production, his ascent to the pro ranks here in Philly looks like a matter of when, not if at this point.”