Prospect Info: Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL)/Maine Mariners (ECHL) Thread: Part XI

[Leetch3]

i think jones will get one before the year is up...my guess is Jan 1st he signs one since I believe that is the first date you can sign a contract that begins the following year.

 

[nyr2k2]

i think jones will get one before the year is up...my guess is Jan 1st he signs one since I believe that is the first date you can sign a contract that begins the following year.

Could be, I just don't understand why the Rangers would want to wait. They have spots to sign him for this year and there wouldn't be any cap implications. By not signing him, he's technically free to sign an ELC elsewhere.

 

[Ranger Ric]

As usual, I agree with nyr2k2. I liked Jones a lot in Traverse City and in the preseason game he played. I think he took the draw at the start of every penalty kill in Traverse City and seemed to win all of them. Good defensive player with some offensive upside. I was surprised he wasn't able to get an NHL contract last spring when he was ranked as one of the top NCAA players. Here are articles from the Last Word on Hockey ranking him as one of the top 40 NCAA free agents Top 2019 College Hockey Free Agents - Part 2 - Last Word on Hockey
and SB Nation's College Hockey writer, Chris Dilks, ranking Jones as the 8th best college player. 2019 Top NCAA NHL Free Agents. Based on my recollection of past signings I think the earliest the Rangers can sign him for the 2020-2021 season is January 1 but I am not positive about that.

Give Nick Jones a contract already.

 

[Joey Bones]

Very odd that NYR hasn't signed Jones to an ELC yet. Feel he has worked hard to this point in Traverse, Training Camp and Hartford's camp. Think it's safe to say he's worth the signing risk. Not to mention it would be a two year ELC so no harm no foul if he doesn't pan out.

 

[nyr2k2]

He may be going the JAM route and holding out hoping to improve his stock. Not that he's JAM--he's more of a meat and potatoes third line guy, but still. Though if he does that I think he's only eligible for a one-year ELC, and of course less bonuses.

 

[Leetch3]

jones gets another one in front of the rangers brass

 

[Ranger Ric]

Hartford blows a 2-1 lead late in the third to lose to Bridgeport 4-2 with Bridgeport scoring an empty net goal. Goals from Jones, as noted above, and Gettinger. Pack finishes preseason 1-2. But with another 9 or so cuts coming from the Rangers the team that starts the season will be somewhat different than the one playing in these games.

jones gets another one in front of the rangers brass

 

[Ranger Ric]

Leetch3 and I both think that the earliest he can sign an ELC for 2020-2021 is January 1. We need to check that. But that likely is the reason he does not yet a contract, not that he is holding out.

He may be going the JAM route and holding out hoping to improve his stock. Not that he's JAM--he's more of a meat and potatoes third line guy, but still. Though if he does that I think he's only eligible for a one-year ELC, and of course less bonuses.

 

[nyr2k2]

Leetch3 and I both think that the earliest he can sign an ELC for 2020-2021 is January 1. We need to check that. But that likely is the reason he does not yet a contract, not that he is holding out.

Yeah that's definitely the deadline for a deal beginning in 2020. I'm just saying, the Rangers may have offered him an ELC for this season, but for something like $700K and no bonuses. He may be betting on himself, that if he has a big year he can get an ELC from us (or, potentially, anyone else) for much better terms. In addition to maybe getting a signing bonus, it would also potentially boost his QO number (if he signed for 700 his QO would be 770; if he signed for 900 it would be 945). So, not saying this is what he IS doing, but there would be some logic in doing so if he was really confident in himself.

 

[nyr2k2]

Pack allowed two goals in 40 seconds late in the third to fall behind 3-2 en route to a 4-2 loss (ENG included). The other goalscorer was Gettinger. Haven't seen the box yet, so no word on assists. Yesterday Newell had two assists.

 

[Ranger Ric]

Here the game story with the box score. Pack Fall to Sound Tigers in Preseason Rematch | Hartford Wolf Pack

Newell with another assist.

There is going to be lots of cuts from the Wolfpack in the next couple of days. There may not be room for Newell, Jones and/or Elmer or the Rangers may decide to let these guys play first line minutes in Maine rather than bottom line minutes in Hartford.
Four forwards -- Fogarty, Belesky, O'Regan and DiGuiseppe -- already past their ELCs and one or two more coming from the Rangers in the next couple of day, may be crowding out room for the younger kids.

Pack allowed two goals in 40 seconds late in the third to fall behind 3-2 en route to a 4-2 loss (ENG included). The other goalscorer was Gettinger. Haven't seen the box yet, so no word on assists. Yesterday Newell had two assists.

 

[Ranger Ric]

Wolfpack signs Mason Geertsen. Wolf Pack Sign Defenseman Mason Geertsen | Hartford Wolf Pack

The defense is getting is crowded as the forward lines.

 

[Ola]

Gettinger was a name we didn't hear much about during preseason...

I like Geertsen, nice to see him get a contract.

 

[Ranger Ric]

Here is your 2019-2020 Wolfpack team: Pack Roster Update | Hartford Wolf Pack

Highlights: Huska will back up Shesterkin rather than play most games in Maine. McCallum and Brassard to man the nets in Maine.

Chytil and Kravtsov sent to Hartford. Jake Elmer and Ty Ronning sent to Maine. I think this is the end of the road for Ronning. Nick Jones, Patrick Newell and Zerter-Gossage make the team.

 

[Ranger Ric]

Two other notes: If Nieves clears the Wolfpack will have 15 forwards so one more forward may go to Maine. I can find no information about Rykov. Perhaps the Rangers put him on injured reserve.

Here is your 2019-2020 Wolfpack team: Pack Roster Update | Hartford Wolf Pack

Highlights: Huska will back up Shesterkin rather than play most games in Maine. McCallum and Brassard to man the nets in Maine.

Chytil and Kravtsov sent to Hartford. Jake Elmer and Ty Ronning sent to Maine. I think this is the end of the road for Ronning. Nick Jones, Patrick Newell and Zerter-Gossage make the team.

 

[nyr2k2]

Assigned to the Wolf Pack by the New York Rangers:
Forwards (3): Filip Chytil, Vitali Kravtsov, Vinni Lettieri (pictured)
Defensemen (1): Ryan Lindgren
Goaltenders (1): Igor Shesterkin
Reassigned by the New York Rangers from the Wolf Pack to Maine (ECHL):
Forwards (3): Jake Elmer, Dawson Leedahl, Ty Ronning
Loaned by the Wolf Pack to Maine (ECHL):
Forwards (2): Greg Chase, Shawn McBride
Defensemen (1): Zach Tolkinen
Goaltenders (1): Tom McCollum
Released from training camp tryouts by Wolf Pack:
Forwards (1): Connor Brickley
Goaltenders (1): Francois Brassard

My analysis: Leedahl has played his last game for Hartford barring a bunch of injuries. He's gone after the year. Ronning, unless he can fight his way back to Hartford within the first month or two, is also basically done as a legitimate prospect in our organization. Surprised to see Elmer down--may be a numbers game. McBride was the last of the 4 college PTOs from last season to receive an AHL deal this year, and it looks like it was for organizational depth. Brickley will catch on with another AHL team.

Pack roster is now more or less set, barring any waiver claims or movement by the big club.

Goal (2): Adam Huska, Igor Shesterkin
Defense (8): Brandon Crawley, Sean Day, Mason Geertsen, Joey Keane, Ryan Lindgren, Vincent LoVerde, Darren Raddysh, Jeff Taylor
Forwards (14): Matt Beleskey, Filip Chytil, Phil DiGiuseppe, Steven Fogarty, Gabriel Fontaine, Tim Gettinger, Ryan Gropp, Nick Jones, Vitali Kravtsov, Vinni Lettieri, Ville Meskanen, Patrick Newell, Danny O’Regan, Lewis Zerter-Gossage

DiGiuseppe-Chytil-Kravtsov
Beleskey-Fogarty-Lettieri
Gettinger-Jones-O'Regan
Newell-Fontaine-Meskanen
Gropp, Zerter-Gossage

Lindgren-LoVerde
Taylor (Rykov)-Raddysh
Crawley-Keane
Day, Geertsen

Shesterkin
Huska

I could see something like that. The defense, for the first time in a LONG time, actually looks like it could be a strength of the team, particularly when Rykov comes back. Good mix of old and young up front--could also be a very potent group depening on whether the young guys play well and the veterans like O'Regan and DiGiuseppe actually play instead of mailing it in.

Pack Roster Update | Hartford Wolf Pack

 

[Leetch3]

was gonna say I was surprised Elmer got sent down but those are some pretty stacked forward lines...even more when nieves gets added.

 

[Leetch3]

so whats the deal with AHL tv? is it still just some guy pointing his phone at the video screen on the scoreboard or do they have real cameras at this point? (haven't tried watching it in a few years)

 

[nyr2k2]

I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Meskanen and the Rangers terminate his contract.

 

[cwede]

I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Meskanen and the Rangers terminate his contract.

I am hoping he gives coach KK a chance, but that immediate demotion was likely as surprising to him as it was to us ...

 

[nyr2k2]

I am hoping he gives coach KK a chance, but that immediate demotion was likely as surprising to him as it was to us ...

Yeah IIRC he was pretty good last year, and then obviously was really good to start the season, so being in the first cuts (or second, whenever it was) seemed surprising.

 

[eco's bones]

Gettinger was a name we didn't hear much about during preseason...

I like Geertsen, nice to see him get a contract.

The AHL is a tougher league than the NHL IMO. Geertsen will help with that. He is big and willing. He also has over 200 games of AHL experience. Haley may end up in Hartford too. I don't mind this. I don't want guys targeting Kravtsov and Chytil. Quinn and Knoblauch are both cognizant of the fact that there is a need for guys willing to step up and protect their teammates. I don't want Kakko having to deal with Tom Wilson. Depending on on ice officials to keep opponents in line is not enough. We've got young players who are our future and I don't want them to be targeted all the time.

 

[eco's bones]

Assigned to the Wolf Pack by the New York Rangers:
Forwards (3): Filip Chytil, Vitali Kravtsov, Vinni Lettieri (pictured)
Defensemen (1): Ryan Lindgren
Goaltenders (1): Igor Shesterkin
Reassigned by the New York Rangers from the Wolf Pack to Maine (ECHL):
Forwards (3): Jake Elmer, Dawson Leedahl, Ty Ronning
Loaned by the Wolf Pack to Maine (ECHL):
Forwards (2): Greg Chase, Shawn McBride
Defensemen (1): Zach Tolkinen
Goaltenders (1): Tom McCollum
Released from training camp tryouts by Wolf Pack:
Forwards (1): Connor Brickley
Goaltenders (1): Francois Brassard

My analysis: Leedahl has played his last game for Hartford barring a bunch of injuries. He's gone after the year. Ronning, unless he can fight his way back to Hartford within the first month or two, is also basically done as a legitimate prospect in our organization. Surprised to see Elmer down--may be a numbers game. McBride was the last of the 4 college PTOs from last season to receive an AHL deal this year, and it looks like it was for organizational depth. Brickley will catch on with another AHL team.

Pack roster is now more or less set, barring any waiver claims or movement by the big club.

Goal (2): Adam Huska, Igor Shesterkin
Defense (8): Brandon Crawley, Sean Day, Mason Geertsen, Joey Keane, Ryan Lindgren, Vincent LoVerde, Darren Raddysh, Jeff Taylor
Forwards (14): Matt Beleskey, Filip Chytil, Phil DiGiuseppe, Steven Fogarty, Gabriel Fontaine, Tim Gettinger, Ryan Gropp, Nick Jones, Vitali Kravtsov, Vinni Lettieri, Ville Meskanen, Patrick Newell, Danny O’Regan, Lewis Zerter-Gossage

DiGiuseppe-Chytil-Kravtsov
Beleskey-Fogarty-Lettieri
Gettinger-Jones-O'Regan
Newell-Fontaine-Meskanen
Gropp, Zerter-Gossage

Lindgren-LoVerde
Taylor (Rykov)-Raddysh
Crawley-Keane
Day, Geertsen

Shesterkin
Huska

I could see something like that. The defense, for the first time in a LONG time, actually looks like it could be a strength of the team, particularly when Rykov comes back. Good mix of old and young up front--could also be a very potent group depening on whether the young guys play well and the veterans like O'Regan and DiGiuseppe actually play instead of mailing it in.

Pack Roster Update | Hartford Wolf Pack

A couple comments--Nieves is obviously going down today and potentially even Haley--I suspect Zerter-Gossage is heading to Maine then and/or possibly Meskanen's contract is terminated. I don't see Taylor hanging around when Hartford's defensive picture clears up. He'll be the odd man out IMO.

All in all I think Hartford's team looks much stronger than it has in many years. The one caveat I have is that they don't really have a great offensive D player. To me that's the team's Achilles heel right now. All other areas look good.

 

[cwede]

A couple comments--Nieves is obviously going down today and potentially even Haley--I suspect Zerter-Gossage is heading to Maine then and/or possibly Meskanen's contract is terminated. I don't see Taylor hanging around when Hartford's defensive picture clears up. He'll be the odd man out IMO.
All in all I think Hartford's team looks much stronger than it has in many years. The one caveat I have is that they don't really have a great offensive D player. To me that's the team's Achilles heel right now. All other areas look good.

agree in principle with all of this,
but i think Taylor could end up playing many HWP games,
while not big, he is steady and smart with good instincts, good on the PP,
and, as noted by EB, none of those other D are really known for their O-zone skills,

D seems deep, but
Keane is young, could do a few spells in Maine
Is Day healthy enough to play? did he play in any preseason games yet?
I don't think Rykov was initially expected,after TC, to still be off-ice until now, he's a ? until he actually plays
Lindgren is likely first call-up when needed
so 9 D (counting Rykov) could reduce quickly at times

i would be glad to see Haley, even McKegg or Howden, (or Smith...) rotated down to HWP for stretches, w Boo, Fil, Krav, or whoever earns it, rotating up

 

[CommaSynapse]

A couple comments--Nieves is obviously going down today and potentially even Haley--I suspect Zerter-Gossage is heading to Maine then and/or possibly Meskanen's contract is terminated. I don't see Taylor hanging around when Hartford's defensive picture clears up. He'll be the odd man out IMO.

All in all I think Hartford's team looks much stronger than it has in many years. The one caveat I have is that they don't really have a great offensive D player. To me that's the team's Achilles heel right now. All other areas look good.

I wasn't worried about the offensive side of the D because I thought Reunanen might stick. But it makes sense for him to play big minutes back home.

Could be a chance for someone to step up and develop a new side of their game. It would be great if Rykov got some more offense in his game, but I don't necessarily see it.

The LD/RD thing is a bit off, but that's not a major concern.

Making tough decisions is such a good problem to have and one we haven't had in a long time. Wouldn't surprise me to see some minor trades of prospects for a late pick from a team with contract slots once things settle down and we have a good idea of who needs to be where.

Some of the guys (like Meskanen) may be gambling on the trade deadline opening up spots for an opportunity.