NHL News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumors
Welcome to Last Word on Hockey’s 2022 summer series, exploring the best and worst free agent signings for each NHL team of the post-lockout, salary cap era. With this past offseason seeing some big splashes (and potential gambles) like Johnny Gaudreau, Claude Giroux, John Klingberg, and others, it’s time to take a look at how teams have boosted […] READ MORE
The NHL regular season continues winding down, as the playoff race heats up. Compared to most seasons, though, the races look a bit different. For example, the Eastern Conference playoff picture hasn’t changed in months. As many predicted, the top eight from mid-season maintained their prominence and continued separating from the rest of the Conference. […] READ MORE
The Colorado Avalanche dropped three of their first four contests to start the season. They looked great on opening night against the Chicago Blackhawks, cruising to a 4-2 victory. The same couldn’t be said of the next three games. Against the St. Louis Blues and then Washington Capitals, the Avs never held a lead and […] READ MORE
The Colorado Avalanche have signed free agent Defenseman Jack Johnson to a one-year contract worth $750,000. This contract carries him through the 2021-22 season. Johnson had originally started camp on a professional tryout. However, his hard work has earned him a spot. Jack Johnson signs in COL, one year $750K — Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October […] READ MORE
As a shortened and hectic offseason approaches, Last Word on Hockey is looking ahead towards how teams will deal with the reality of a flat salary cap. In terms of building a franchise, the offseason is the most crucial time of the year for front offices. However, due to COVID-19, the short-term future of how […] READ MORE
Defenseman Jack Johnson may have had his season come to a close following a sports hernia surgery Friday. TSN’s Darren Dreger tweeted the news Saturday afternoon saying the New York Rangers defenseman successfully underwent the procedure and would be in recovery until June/July. This effectively puts an end to his season, unless the Rangers make […] READ MORE
Post-season heroes come in all forms from the star player to the unknown fourth-liner. We all know the exploits of the great playoff performers. However, we hardly hear about the unlikely playoff heroes. These unlikely post-season stars can contribute in many ways. Contributions could be for an entire playoff run, a series, a game, or […] READ MORE
It was announced today that veteran defenceman Jack Johnson has signed a contract with the New York Rangers. Johnson was recently bought out by the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, clearly, both sides feel he has more to give. The deal is one-year for one million dollars. Jack Johnson agreement with the NYR when complete, expected to […] READ MORE
After trying to trade Jack Johnson after the Mike Matheson trade, the Pittsburgh Penguins decided to buy him out instead. For the next three years, he will be making a little less than $2M against the salary cap for the Penguins, and then for three years after, his cap hit will be $917K. With 3 […] READ MORE
The Pittsburgh Penguins just re-signed Juuso Riikola to a two-year deal. The deal has a cap hit topping $1 million, officially clocking in at $1.15 million. This inking has shocked Penguins fans. Many rumours have said that head coach Mike Sullivan was less than fond of Riikola. This, and the log-jam at left-defence, led many […] READ MORE
Gabriel Foley serves as the Senior Editor and SEO Analyst for Last Word on Hockey. He is nearing his 7-year anniversary at the site and is one of the crew's many NHL Draft experts, on top of covering the St. Louis Blues and Buffalo Sabres.