Controversial thoughts on O’Reilly, normal thoughts on Pysyk, Gelinas, Etem  and more…

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Some re-signings, and then I’ll talk about what I think of the player in fantasy hockey. Because what else is there to discuss on July 15?

Montreal signed winger Michael Bournival to a one-year, two-way contract worth $600,000 in the NHL. Although he has shown a nice offensive touch in the QMJHL and is showing promise in the AHL, he’s firmly in his niche as a potential checking-line NHLer. Third line upside, possibly 35 to 40 points several years from now.

New Jersey signed defenseman Eric Gelinas to a two-year contract worth $3.15 ($1.575 AAV). This is pretty good money considering his reduced role. Because not only are John Merrill and Damon Severson on the scene, but Adam Larsson appears to have arrived. And all three have better upside and play a more complete game than Gelinas. What he needs is another team – a team that needs an offensive defenseman with little defense. While no other defenseman saw more than 49% offensive zone starts, Gelinas saw 61.2%. And his -0.94 quality of competition (relative Corsi) was also a team low. So most opportunities, weakest competition – 19 points. Pass.

The Rangers have signed winger Emerson Etem to a one-year deal worth $800,000. I like the potential line of Kevin Hayes with Etem and J.T. Miller. Great third line. Don’t see him moving up the chain unless there are some injuries.

The Rangers also signed prospect forward Oscar Lindberg to a two-year deal worth $1.3 million ($650,000 AAV). This is a one-way contract. It’s a low enough value that the contract can be buried in the minors. As things stand now though, he’ll be the 13th forward who could become the next Dominic Moore. He has some upside and could progress from there over the next several years.

The Sabres re-signed Mark Pysyk to a two-year deal worth $2.25 million. With that kind of money, he’ll be on the team this year. Which is interesting because I didn’t have him as an NHL regular this year. Just a few cups of coffee again. But at 23, it’s put up or shut up time. I’ve adjusted my expectations accordingly – looks like he’ll get the Golden Boy treatment (extra opportunities) while someone like Chad Ruhwedel will only get in if Pysyk fails and fails repeatedly.

Arizona signed Brendan Shinnimin to a one-year, two-way contract worth $600k in the NHL, thereby avoiding arbitration. At this point Arizona has three spots up for grabs, plus I’m sure they would consider replacing Joe Vitale if a fourth prospect really earns it. But I’m sure they’ll sign another free agent, and the likes of Max Domi, Anthony Duclair and Lucas Lessio have the inside track on those spots.

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One great way to get my 10th annual Fantasy Hockey Guide for cheap is to just take advantage of the Draft Kings deal. Get everything for 10 bucks. No tax added and three of the other guides are added free.

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Regarding Ryan O’Reilly – thanks to rataylor in the comments yesterday: the NHLPA provides free access to driver services anywhere in North America at any time. With that available, that there can still be DUI charges on players is nuts.