NHL News: McDavid fined for hit on Kotkaniemi; Sharks willing to give up cap space for assets; Gostisbehere clears waivers; and more
Anthony Scultore
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The NHL news wire has been pretty busy over the last few hours. However when it comes to the top story; it’s easily the news that Connor McDavid was fined $5000 for his hit last night on Jesperi Kotkaniemi.
NHL News: McDavid fined $5000
McDavid delivered a vicious center ice hit on Montreal’s Kotkaniemi that looked like a charge and a head shot. Nick Alberga reported that the NHL was reviewing the hit, and the verdict came down today. The problem with the penalty is that based on the video you can clearly see McDavid take a run on a defenseless player in open ice. Furthermore; McDavid appears to have intent to injure as he raises his elbow upon contact and follow through. This was only worth a parking ticket basically.
Chalk this one up to superstar treatment; but many hockey fans agree that if this were a third or fourth line player they’d be suspended at least two games.
NHL News: Doug Wilson willing to act as a third wheel at trade deadline
Pierre LeBrun is reporting that Doug Wilson of the San Jose Sharks is ready to help cap strapped teams facilitate a trade. At a nice price of course.
Meanwhile, San Jose has told teams it has cap space for rent. The Sharks have more than $6 million in cap space and are seeking to leverage that into an asset or two. Keep an eye on them potentially being that third team in a complicated cap deal to facilitate trades.
The Athletic
It’s really hard to tell what will happen in the flat cap era; but we now have three teams with cap space ready to help. The Sharks join the Blackhawks and Red Wings as third party deal facilitators. LeBrun believes Wilson is looking for at least a 2nd round pick to start. That goes up depending on the amount needed.
NHL News: Shayne Gostisbehere clears waivers
Yesterday the Flyers put a 27 year-old defenseman who has two years left on a deal with a cap hit of $4.5 million on waivers. Not surprisingly he’s cleared. The question is what’s next for this once highly touted offensive rearguard? He scored 65 points in 78 games for the Flyers in 2017-18. However, his defensive issues have greatly overshadowed anything he brings to the table offensively. In 365 career games, Gostisbehere is a -30.
The rumor was that Philly was hoping he’d be claimed to clear up cap space for a deadline deal. The next step is likely the taxi-squad where the Flyers can pick up an extra $1 million in cap savings.
NHL News: Panthers sign Spencer Knight
The Panthers future in goal is solidified with the signing of Spencer Knight. Via the team’s website:
Originally selected by Florida in the first round (13th overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft, Knight appeared in 54 games over two seasons for Boston College (2019-20 to 2020-21) amassing a 39-12-3 record, .931 save percentage, 2.05 goals against average and eight shutouts.
“We are thrilled to have agreed to terms on a contract with Spencer,” said Zito. “He is an immensely talented and dynamic young goaltender who has been an elite player at every level that he has played. From the collegiate ranks to international tournaments, Spencer has consistently elevated his game, a testament to his work ethic, compete and character. We are excited for him to take the next step in his career with the Panthers and look forward to his future with our club.”