Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov ranked 49th on the first installment of NHL Network’s five-part countdown show Top 50 Players Right Now last night, ranking the best players in the National Hockey League. Barkov, who makes his debut on the second annual countdown, finished one spot ahead of Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski and one spot behind Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen.
The Arizona Coyotes have signed restricted free-agent right wing Anthony Duclair to a one-year, $1.2 million contract. After a fine rookie season, Duclair’s production dropped off markedly last season and he was sent down to the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL for part of the campaign. He finished with five goals and 10 assists in 58 games with the Coyotes.
Former Panthers forward Jack Skille is set to sign a contract with Minsk in the KHL in the next couple of days, according to TSN’s Hockey Insider Darren Dreger. Skille spent the the 2016-17 season with the Vancouver Canucks after signing two days before the season started on October 13. Good luck, Jack.
Expect 30 year old ex-Canuck, Jack Skille to sign a contract with Minsk in the KHL in the next couple of days.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) September 3, 2017