Sammi’s Daily: Huberdeau Blockbuster, Capitals Check In, Pacioretty Rips Vegas

As the Washington Capitals and other teams wait for training camp, the rest of the NHL still has work to do in NHL Free Agency. And, in Calgary fashion, the Flames announced a major deal in the late hours of Thursday.

Calgary inked new acquisition Jonathan Huberdeau to an eight-year extension, $84 million extension that carries an AAV of $10.5 million. The star, who finished fifth in Hart Trophy voting this past season, was traded from the Florida Panthers to Calgary as part of the Matthew Tkachuk blockbuster. Huberdeau’s new deal is not only a win for the star center but also kicks off a new era for the Flames.

Here are all the latest news and notes from D.C. and across the NHL:

Washington Capitals Links

• Despite a tough year for the last-place Medicine Hat Tigers, Capitals prospect Dru Krebs found ways to grow his game. (WHN)
• Where is the best place for Marcus Johansson to slot in this coming season for Washington? (WHN)
• Here’s a closer look at Capitals right wing prospect Henrik Rybinski, and a great 1-on-1. (The Athletic)

NHL Links

• Here’s a breakdown of the Huberdeau deal, which is the richest deal in Flames history. (CHN)
• After departing for the Carolina Hurricanes, Max Pacioretty ripped the Vegas Golden Knights and said they have no accountability or will to win. (VHN)
• Are the New York Islanders really considering moving Mathew Barzal, and would trading him even make sense? (NYIHN)

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

• Another Capitals prospect that stood out to me: Brent Johnson. The defenseman is coming off his freshman year at North Dakota and looked great in development camp, moving the puck effectively and joining the rush while playing a shutdown game in his own end. I expect him to continue to trend upward and get more confident as a puck-mover in the NCAA.
• Speaking of the NCAA and North Dakota, Shane Gersich still remains a UFA. Honestly, he’d be a good pick up on an AHL deal, especially if the Hershey Bears have room for him.
• Calgary definitely won the Huberdeau-Tkachuk trade. That’s not to say Tkachuk won’t bring a lot to Florida. The Panthers not only gave the Flames a solid 100-plus point center in Huberdaeu, but also sent over Mackenzie Weegar, a top-4 defenseman, and haven’t done much to address that void. So, out fo the deal, Calgary should feel good, especially following Johnny Gaudreau’s departure earlier on in the offseason.