Roster News Roundup: 2022-FEB-23 - Puck Luck Analytics

In the roster news roundup, we take a look at some of the more noteworthy roster moves from around the NHL from the perspective of the current set of models. Read on for insights on moves made since the last roster news roundup post.

For more on the models and the evaluation methods used, check out these posts/pages:

About the Tools – Provides a general overview of how the models work and a description of the plots seen on the team pages.
Player Value: Part 1 (Player Impact), Part 2 (Other Factors for Players), Part 3 (Prospects and Picks), Part 4 (Future Value).
Determining Player Types – Describes the method used to group players by similar player types.
21/22 Season Projections – Main page for the 21/22 season projections with links to the team pages with greater detail.
22/23 Models – Detail on the improvements to the models for the 22/23 season
22/23 Season Projections – Main page for the 22/23 season projections. Updates will be made periodically as more 21/22 season data becomes available.

Trades

Calgary Flames / Montreal Canadiens – Tyler Toffoli

The Flames and Canadiens broke the ice in the leadup to the 2022 trade deadline. Tyler Toffoli heads west to join a Flames team that looks like a tough out. Montreal gains some cap flexibility for next season, along with a 1st round pick as they stare down a rebuild. With the teams’ current situations considered, it looks like a win-win deal.

For a much deeper look at the trade, check out the trade assessment post.

Toronto Maple Leafs / Arizona Coyotes – Ilya Lyubushkin

With very little cap space to work with, the Maple Leafs made a move to improve their depth as they look toward a playoff appearance. The Leafs acquired defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin and forward Ryan Dzingel from the Arizona Coyotes for forward Nick Ritchie and a conditional 2nd Round Pick.

Lyubushkin’s projected impact for the 21/22 season was a replacement level defenseman and he’s performed near that expectation so far. A solid defensive presence with very limited offensive contribution, Lyubushkin provides some additional depth at defense for the Leafs. Ryan Dzingel plays a similarly defensive minded game and entered the season projected as a lower end 2nd line forward. He’s struggled this season, however, and has had a lesser impact than projected.

The Coyotes acquired yet another draft pick for their rebuild, along with Nick Ritchie. Ritchie had fallen out of favor in Toronto and has another year left on his deal. Projected as a low-end second line forward for the 21/22 season, he’ll get an opportunity to play in Arizona.

The Leafs found good value in this deal for the current season and were able to clear cap space for the 22/23 season in the process. Meanwhile the Coyotes added another draft pick for their rebuild and get a player under contract for next season to help fill out their roster. Initially, this looked like a win-win deal with Toronto adding current value and Arizona adding future value. However, considering Dzingel was picked off waivers by the San Jose Sharks following the trade, it’s not as clear cut. The Coyotes certainly got what they were after. The result for the Leafs will depend on how Lyubushkin fits into their defense corps and whether they find success in this postseason.

Extensions

Nashville Predators – Mark Borowieki

Mark Borowiecki was projected to have a third pair impact for the 21/22 season, highlighted by a strong defensive presence. With this season’s performance right in line with the projections, there no surprise that he is once again expected to be an impact player next season.

Extension Cap Hit: $900k
Length: 1 year
UFA Market Rate: $4.25M
22/23 Projected Impact: Top Pair Defensive Defenseman
22/23 Projected Value: $5.1M

Pittsburgh Penguins – Chad Ruhwedel

Chad Ruhwedel has been a defensive stalwart for the Penguins this season and it’s earned him a 2 year extension. Projected as a 2nd Pair Defensive Defenseman for next season, it looks like the Penguins have found good value for a depth player.

Extension Cap Hit: $800k
Length: 2 years
UFA Market Rate: $2.97M
22/23 Projected Impact: 2nd Pair Defensive Defenseman
22/23 Projected Value: $3.9M

Waivers

San Jose Sharks – Ryan Dzingel

With the Sharks falling from the playoff race in the Pacific, they picked up Dzingel when Toronto put him on waivers following their trade with Arizona. It’s a low risk move that could pay off for the Sharks with Dzingel on an expiring contract.