SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 9/11/2019 1107748 Who among the Ducks made the best impressions at the 1107776 Detroit Red Wings camp primer: These prospects could Rookie Faceoff? step up and claim jobs 1107777 Red Wings win NHL Prospect Tournament in Traverse City 1107749 Brett Ritchie ready to bring a little more brute force to the 1107778 Red Wings defeat Stars to win NHL Prospects Bruins Tournament 1107750 Brett Ritchie, Par Lindholm ready to compete for top spot 1107779 NHL Prospects Tournament live chat: Red Wings face with Bruins Stars for title 1107751 Charlie Coyle hopes for bigger role with Bruins during 1107780 Detroit Red Wings players make mid-Michigan stops upcoming season ahead of training camp 1107752 Werenski contract a pretty obvious blueprint for getting 1107781 looks to provide physical presence on Red McAvoy deal done Wings’ fourth line 1107753 In Connor Clifton, Bruins give prospects a model for how 1107782 Early impressions of Moritz Seider: ‘Jeez, he’s looked to reach the NHL really, really good’ Buffalo Sabres Edmonton Oilers 1107754 Brett Murray among Sabres prospects invited to 1107783 Goalie steals show for -starved Oilers rookies Rochester's camp 1107784 Oilers prospect Rodrigue will start in net against Calgary tonight Calgary Flames 1107785 Lowetide: Can Mikko Koskinen and Mike Smith stop 1107755 Flames young guns solid against Oilers prospects enough pucks for the Oilers? 1107756 Undersized, underrated Wolf continues to chase his 1107786 ‘You’re not alone’: How Shayne Corson found hope in his dream with the Flames battle with mental health 1107757 Five Flames prospects evaluate their own games and pick out one attribute that differentiates them from the pa 1107787 Newlywed game: Mike Matheson prepared to bounce back with ‘huge year’ for Florida Panthers 1107758 After offer-sheet drama, Canes star Sebastian Aho ready to work Los Angeles Kings 1107759 Is Justin Faulk the latest moving piece in a whirlwind 1107788 Whicker: Kings prospect Akil Thomas is hoping to take his summer for the Hurricanes? dad’s dreams to NHL fruition 1107760 Could Justin Faulk be the answer to the Ducks’ persistent 1107789 ROOKIES – SAN JOSE 7, LOS ANGELES 3 – RECAP, blue-line woes? PLUS STOTHERS QUOTES Chicago Blackhawks 1107761 Kirby Dach and Adam Boqvist are among 4 Blackhawks to 1107791 KFAN's Paul Allen will pinch-hit on Wild radio play-by-play suffer ‘minor’ injuries in their NHL Prospect Tournament duties 1107762 Blackhawks announce 55-man roster for training camp 1107792 Bill Guerin on Kevin Fiala as Wild camp looms: ‘I hope 1107763 Blackhawks dodge catastrophe after Kirby Dach, Adam he’s there, I really do’ Boqvist and 2 other prospects suffer minor injuries 1107793 KFAN’s ‘Brusso Radio’ 2019: The lighter side of the Wild 1107764 Ranking the Blackhawks’ top 10 prospects entering the head coach 2019-20 season 1107765 Concussion Foundation to honor Mikita Friday for his help Montreal Canadiens in studying CTE 1107794 Canadiens' Ryan Poehling and Nick Suzuki held out of 1107766 Takeaways and observations: Blackhawks rout Wild to final rookie game finish 7th place in Traverse City 1107795 Stu Cowan: University all-stars put on good show against 1107767 Four Blackhawks prospects injured in Traverse City finale, Canadiens rookies including Adam Boqvist and Kirby Dach 1107796 Bubble bursts after players make statements at 1107768 Blackhawks prospect Kirby Dach suffers injury scare in Canadiens' rookie camp Traverse City finale, but it's not believed to be serio 1107797 Jake Gardiner joins long list of free agents to turn down 1107769 Who’s a lock and who’s fighting for a spot? Breaking down Canadiens the Blackhawks’ training camp roster 1107798 Canadiens Notebook: Prospects can look up to Jesperi 1107770 Lazerus: Coming to terms with an unfamiliar feeling about Kotkaniemi the Blackhawks — optimism 1107799 ‘You’re not alone’: How Shayne Corson found hope in his battle with mental health 1107771 Avalanche winners and losers from the Anaheim Rookie New Jersey Devils Faceoff 1107800 Devils re-sign Pavel Zacha, ending speculation about possible KHL move | What it means Columbus Blue Jackets 1107801 Devils Prospect Challenge observations: Jack Hughes’ 1107772 Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo play, Michael McLeod’s standout weekend Kekalainen excited about team's young prospects 1107802 Devils re-sign Pavel Zacha to 3-year, $6.75 million 1107773 Blue Jackets impressed with play of 5-foot-6 Trey Fix- contract Wolansky 1107803 NJ Devils storylines to WATCH: P.K. Subban brings the star power 1107774 Dallas Stars’ Tyler Seguin dealing with damaged Ferrari after a hit and run 1107775 Stars prospect Tufte acclimating to pro game — but after 10 years with diabetes, adjustments are nothing new New York Islanders San Jose Sharks 1107804 Floral Park files suit against Belmont Park redevelopment 1107838 San Jose Sharks release training camp roster 1107805 Mason Jobst taking different path to NHL with the 1107839 How Kevin Labanc will help Sharks fill goal-scoring void Islanders this season 1107806 Islanders prospect camp: How Otto Koivula is faring at 1107840 Sharks goalie Martin Jones unveils cyborg-inspired mask center and how can earn a spot for 2019-20 season 1107841 Versatile prospect Sasha Chmelevski could be in position to crack the Sharks roster, but he’ll have competitio 1107807 Rangers wrap up prospect tournament on high note 1107808 Rangers facing training camp without Tony DeAngelo, St Louis Blues Brendan Lemieux 1107842 Blues notebook: 'Note prospects rally for 4-2 win over 1107809 NY Rangers notes: Kaapo Kakko, Vitali Kravtsov, Adam Chicago Fox and more from Traverse City 1107843 Blues will try to beat the odds this season 1107810 What people are saying about Rangers’ Kaapo Kakko 1107844 Reinke hopes to find a spot on crowded Blues blueline after tournament debut 1107845 Q&A with Alex Pietrangelo: The Blues’ captain on his 1107811 Raised in a billet house: Rangers prospect Matthew famous photo, playoff fatigue and contract Robertson might surpass all of his big brothers Ottawa Senators 1107846 Lightning makes appearances throughout the area with 1107812 Ottawa is finally home sweet home for Nilsson strikes of kindness 1107813 SNAPSHOTS: may have a new contract 1107847 Behind the Lightning’s ‘gamble’ on Mikhail Shalagin and ... and a new defensive partner other prospect camp observations 1107814 Showing the way: Anderson says the Senators leaders have to be role models for the future stars 1107815 Dorion says "the worst is behind us" as Senators head to 1107848 NHL camps opening with Marner, Laine among almost a camp dozen prominent restricted free agents unsigned 1107816 After swinging the sticks, Ottawa Senators ready for 1107849 Rejigged Maple Leafs have a lot to shoot for when camp training camp opens on the Rock 1107817 SNAPSHOTS: Senators will have plenty of players to 1107850 Coach Keefe looking forward to Marlies' outlook as choose from at main camp prospects tournament comes to an end 1107851 Maple Leafs' Matthews front and centre in NHL's new, young Fun Brigade 1107818 Blossoming Egor Zamula among Flyers on display in 1107852 ‘We have to look out for one another here’: Former Leaf rookie game Wednesday vs. Islanders heads home to aid in recovery efforts after Hurricane 1107819 Will Ivan Provorov sign with Flyers now that Zach 1107853 Maple Leafs training camp roster battles: The defence and Werenski is under contract with Columbus? backup goalie 1107820 Joel Farabee putting in extra time to stay in big time 1107854 ‘You’re not alone’: How Shayne Corson found hope in his 1107821 2019 Flyers training camp roster, schedule battle with mental health 1107822 Morgan Frost showing his hands, Chuck Fletcher praises Egor Zamula, more on Flyers rookie camp 1107823 6 things to know about Katie Emmer, NBCSP's new Flyers 1107863 Petrus Palmu still has Canucks dreams Pre & Post Game Live host 1107864 Bo Horvat says he’s ready to be Captain Canuck in 1107824 'Pretty important day' in Flyers' contract negotiations with Vancouver Ivan Provorov, Travis Konecny 1107865 ‘I just want to show them the work I put in this summer’: 1107825 Flyers paint ice at Wells Fargo Center ... and there's a Five talking points from Canucks prospect camp difference from years past 1107866 Can Olli Juolevi still become a top-four stud for the 1107826 Part I: Q&A with Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher Canucks? 1107827 State of the Franchise: After ‘step forward’ season devolved into disaster, Flyers aim for return to relevancy Vegas Golden Knights 1107828 Is the Flyers’ Carter Hart ready for the NHL’s most 1107855 Knights prospect Jonas Rondbjerg looks to add finishing challenging goaltending job? touch 1107829 2019-20 NHL Season Preview: Philadelphia Flyers 1107856 Allegiant’s Golden Knights plane to promote team in other markets 1107857 Observations from Vegas’ rookie camp: Cody Glass’ 1107830 Countdown to camp: Replacing Phil Kessel, Olli Maatta impressive leadership and more openings on defense won’t be easy for Penguins 1107831 Stormy offseason sent message to Kris Letang, Penguins Washington Capitals stars 1107858 Capitals training camp preview: When will Michal Kempny 1107832 Alex Galchenyuk meets new Penguins teammates, be fully healthy? brushes up on his Russian 1107859 Alex Ovechkin kicks off ‘Ovi’s O’s’ cereal tour with 1107833 Penguins winger Alex Galchenyuk begins classroom visit chemistry-building process with Evgeni MalkinLake Fong/Post-Gazette Websites 1107834 Forget last season and trade talk — Kris Letang is focused 1107867 The Athletic / In Moscow, Evgeni Malkin opens up about on another Penguins run his lost season, loneliness and NHL future 1107835 Penguins 2019-20 camp preview: Who are the real 1107868 The Athletic / Four Calgary brothers are on the hockey Stanley Cup contenders in the East? map thanks to their single mom and a spirit of sacrific 1107836 12 observations after Penguins' strong Prospects 1107869 The Athletic / 2019-20 NHL Best Bets: Which teams to put Challenge showing your money on 1107837 In Moscow, Evgeni Malkin opens up about his lost season, 1107870 .ca / 31 Thoughts: Tense RFA waiting game hits loneliness and NHL future final stages Websites Continued 1107871 Sportsnet.ca / Jets 'not worried yet' about Laine, Connor deals but season closing in 1107872 Sportsnet.ca / Inside Duchene's decision to pick Predators over Canadiens, Blue Jackets 1107873 Sportsnet.ca / Flames' Wolf triumphant in first chance to prove hockey world wrong 1107874 Sportsnet.ca / Three biggest questions facing Canucks entering training camp 1107875 TSN.CA / Sens aim to transition from embarrassment to genuine contender 1107876 USA TODAY / Capitals star Alex Ovechkin plays grocer for a day to promote pending release of his cereal brand 1107877 USA TODAY / Devils re-sign Pavel Zacha to 3-year, $6.75 million contract 1107878 YAHOO SPORTS / Brett Ritchie ready to bring a little more brute force to the Bruins 1107879 YAHOO SPORTS / Brett Ritchie, Par Lindholm ready to compete for top spot with Bruins 1107880 YAHOO SPORTS / Charlie Coyle hopes for bigger role with Bruins during upcoming season 1107881 YAHOO SPORTS / Werenski contract a pretty obvious blueprint for getting McAvoy deal done 1107882 YAHOO SPORTS / Morgan Frost showing his hands, Chuck Fletcher praises Egor Zamula, more on Flyers rookie camp 1107883 YAHOO SPORTS / Pretty important day' in Flyers' contract negotiations with Ivan Provorov, Travis Konecny 1107860 Jets' expectations not flying so high 1107861 A tale of two Finns: Vesalainen ineffective for Winnipeg Jets rookies, Heinola shone 1107862 How Nik Ehlers reviewed his game, received trade rumours and got ready for this Jets season SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1107748 Anaheim Ducks It’s expected that Eakins will play Terry and Steel together at some , but probably not right away. Terry, who turned 22 on Tuesday, had four goals and nine assists in 32 games with the Ducks. Most impressively, Who among the Ducks made the best impressions at the Rookie he also had 41 points (16 goals, 25 assists) in 41 games with the Gulls Faceoff? last season.

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By ELLIOTT TEAFORD PUBLISHED: September 10, 2019 at 7:26 pm | UPDATED: September 10, 2019 at 7:26 PM

IRVINE — The Ducks completed their third and final game of the Rookie Faceoff, taking a 5-3 victory from the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday at Great Park Ice. Troy Terry scored twice and assisted on Max Comtois’ game-clinching empty-net goal, and Sam Steel and Alex Dostie also scored.

Now the fun starts. Training camp opens Friday.

How many of the Ducks’ youngsters make their opening night roster remains to be determined. There are several job openings and plenty of talented prospects determined to crack the Ducks’ lineup for their Oct. 3 season opener against the Arizona Coyotes.

Comtois, Steel and Terry certainly didn’t disappoint while playing in two of the three Rookie Faceoff games, leading them to victories over the Kings on Saturday and against the Golden Knights on Tuesday. The Ducks also dropped an overtime decision to the San Jose Sharks on Sunday.

Kiefer Sherwood, their fellow forward, also impressed. He didn’t play Tuesday, but showed Saturday and Sunday he could fill a fourth-line role with an emphasis on -killing. His skating without the puck and ability to retrieve it were among the most noticeable aspects of his play.

Among the Ducks’ defensemen, Simon Benoit, Hunter Drew, Jacob Larsson and Josh Mahura also had their moments. There could be one or two job openings on the blue line, just as there could be among the forward spots as the Ducks make the transition to a younger and faster team.

“The scouting here, they’re putting good players in the system,” said Kevin Dineen, who coached the Ducks’ rookie team and will step behind the bench as the coach of the AHL’s San Diego Gulls. “That depth is exciting. Some of these guys showed very well this week.”

So, who has the best chance to earn a spot in the Ducks’ lineup and to stay there?

Here’s a closer look at three who could make the team:

KIEFER SHERWOOD, RW, 6-0, 194

Comparisons to former Ducks ironman Andrew Cogliano are not unwarranted. Sherwood plays with a similar sense of duty to old- fashioned hard work, as Cogliano did for 584 games over eight seasons with the Ducks. There’s always a job for that type of player.

Sherwood, 24, played 50 games last season with the Ducks, the most of any player on their Rookie Faceoff roster. He had six goals and six assists with the Ducks and also six goals and 12 assists in 29 games with the AHL’s Gulls.

SAM STEEL, C, 5-11, 186

It’s not difficult to imagine new Ducks coach Dallas Eakins slotting Steel, 21, into a spot on the Ducks’ second line to start the season, and why not? Steel showed in the rookie games he could play a fast, creative game and he appears to have gained strength and confidence in the offseason.

In addition to playing 22 games for the Ducks last season, Steel also played 53 games for San Diego, plus 16 more in the Calder Cup . He seemed to swell with confidence late in the season, making a successful jump from the junior-level .

TROY TERRY, RW, 6-1, 178

Terry might one day supplant longtime captain Ryan Getzlaf as the Ducks’ top playmaker. Getzlaf holds the franchise record with 662 assists going into his 15th season with the club, so it’s safe to say Terry won’t catch him any time soon. But the point is, the kid can pass with the best of them. 1107749 Boston Bruins

Brett Ritchie ready to bring a little more brute force to the Bruins

By Joe Haggerty September 10, 2019 7:18 PM

Brett Ritchie might just be exactly what the Bruins were looking for last season.

The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder isn’t going to be a 30-goal scorer, of course, and it’s still very much in question whether he’d be able to consistently handle the top-6 right wing spot where the Bruins have a big opening headed into this year.

But Ritchie is going to bring added size, strength and toughness as a 26- year-old forward that just a couple of seasons ago scored 16 goals for the Dallas Stars. He’s brawled with big, bad skaters like Colton Parayko and Tom Wilson and he very clearly brings the kind of size/strength combo that the Bruins just haven’t done a good job of developing among their forwards.

Ritchie was excited to sign with the Bruins in free agency on July 1 because he believes that his rough and tumble game will translate into exactly what’s traditionally been the Black and Gold style over the years.

“There’s definitely a size and strength aspect that’s still there in the league even though it’s getting faster,” said Ritchie. “It’s more skilled, but you definitely need that presence. I think I’m a well-rounded guy but I can definitely bring that physical side. St. Louis was in our division and I’ve played against those big and physical teams for my entire career.

Moore (shoulder) to miss start of training camp

“You grow seeing and thinking of the Big, Bad Bruins and [Boston] is a bigger market than I’m used to in Dallas. The winning culture [of the Bruins] is the feel you get playing against them all the time, so it’s definitely exciting.”

Sure, the Bruins still have Zdeno Chara, Kevan Miller and David Backes on their roster for size, strength and toughness, but those players absolutely needed more help, particularly among the forward group. The lack of true size, strength and NHL nastiness was on display in the Stanley Cup Final when the B’s were pushed around by the St. Louis Blues, and ultimately wore down against the Blues over the course of a long, physical seven-game playoff series.

The brute physicality is something Bruins fans clearly didn’t get enough of last season as attested to by the 29 percent of Bruins fans in the 2019 New England Sports Survey that thought the B’s needed bigger, stronger and tougher players on their roster. Hopefully Ritchie can help in that area a bit and perhaps Trent Frederic as well if the physical bottom-6 center can stick with the Bruins this season after getting a cup of coffee, and his first NHL fight, at the NHL level last season.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107750 Boston Bruins

Brett Ritchie, Par Lindholm ready to compete for top spot with Bruins

By NBC Sports Boston Staff September 10, 2019 5:53 PM

Brett Ritchie and Par Lindholm probably aren't names you've heard before, but they're ready to make a splash for the Boston Bruins this coming season.

Both Ritchie and Lindholm were able to meet their new teammates this week as they joined the Bruins for the team's annual charity golf tournament at The International. Among other things, the pair noted they're excited for a new opportunity in a city where hockey is idolized.

"It's a team that you look at and say, 'Wow, that would be cool to play with them,'" Ritchie told BostonBruins.com's Eric Russo. "I think it was an easy decision for me."

How Werenski's contract impacts McAvoy

Although the league is moving towards a faster, more skilled game, the 26-year-old noted that a physical presence is still needed to succeed in the NHL. With the departure of tough-guy Noel Acciari to the Flordia Panthers, Ritchie's physical presence will be relied on more heavily in the coming months.

While Ritchie is a big-bodied physical player, Lindholm stressed that his defensive game is what sets him apart from other players when describing his on-ice presence. If you know the Bruins, you know that they heavily rely on their forwards to contribute to the defensive side of the game as much as they produce offensively.

"Solid, especially defensively," said Lindholm. "I think I have a lot of offense in me too. I haven't shown that the last year, but I think it's there and hopefully I make things happen this year."

Like fellow newbie Ritchie, Lindholm is also excited for a fresh start with an original six franchise.

"A winning team, a team that went to the Finals last year. It's a good team," said Lindholm. "A lot of players who have been around for a long time and know what they need to do to make things happen. I'm excited to be on this team."

Lindholm spent last season (his first full NHL season) split between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Wininpeg Jets, where he notched 13 points (one goal, 12 assists) through 65 games. Ritchie spent the past five seasons with the Dallas Stars organization, where he tallied 54 points (33 goals, 21 assists) in 241 games played. Both were acquired by Bruins general manager Don Sweeney the day NHL free agency opened on July 1.

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Charlie Coyle hopes for bigger role with Bruins during upcoming season

By NBC Sports Boston Staff September 10, 2019 4:41 PM

Boston Bruins hometown hero Charlie Coyle is ready for his rather short summer away from hockey to be over.

The 27-year-old Weymouth, Mass. native is looking forward to the 2019- 20 NHL season, and he's set some pretty high standards for himself heading into the upcoming year. Coyle noted that he would like to play a bigger role with the Bruins during the upcoming campaign in a recent interview with NHL Network's Brian Lawton on "NHL Tonight."

"I obviously want to be better for my team," Coyle told Lawton. "You know, the whole contract thing and being unrestricted coming up, yeah it's in the back of your mind and you want to play well but I want to be a better player for the team. I know we have a team that can make another run and I want to be a bigger part than what I was last year and I want to do that right from the start."

"So I'm really looking forward to playing with this team right from the getgo, right from the season start rather than coming in halfway through," said Coyle. "Like I said, we have the team to do something again and I want to be a bigger part of that and make sure I'm doing the right things for the team."

How Wrenski's contract impacts McAvoy

Considering he wants to make a splash with the Bruins this coming season, Coyle needed to put in extra training this summer, and he did just that.

"I took a few weeks off, and then slowly got back in the gym," Coyle said. "You know, obviously you go through body work and make sure you're working properly and fix any aches and pains. Get into the weights and getting stronger, the usual stuff and a few weeks after that I got on the ice mid-July and you start to crank it up a little bit and, you know, make sure you're prepared and work on some things that you need to work on in your game to become a better player this year."

Through 21 games with Boston last season, Coyle tallied two goals and four assists for six points while exploding in the playoffs, tallying 16 points (nine goals and seven assists) through 24 games. With an open roster spot on David Krejci's right wing, the veteran very well could get a shot to prove himself as a top-six forward and see increased ice time before he becomes an unrestricted free agent at the close of the season.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107752 Boston Bruins Still, the precedent has now been set this fall and now it’s up to McAvoy to sign for fair market value without missing too much training camp. The longer he holds out for something that simply isn’t there will become a Werenski contract a pretty obvious blueprint for getting McAvoy deal problem for the player and the team. done Don Sweeney was asked about it at the Prospects Challenge tournament in Buffalo and referenced that the Werenski deal is going to have an impact on the McAvoy talks. By Joe Haggerty September 10, 2019 1:09 PM “I haven’t checked my phone since you and I started talking, I think the deal just came down,” Sweeney said Tuesday afternoon in Buffalo to a group of reporters. “Every deal allows things to continue to take shape. For most of the summer, the talk has been that Bruins restricted free- We’ll be in touch, as we have been, with Charlie and Charlie’s group, as agent defenseman Charlie McAvoy was looking for a long-term team with well as Brandon’s group.” the B’s on his second contract. Certainly, it was encouraging from the perspective that McAvoy, 21, wants to remain in Boston for a long, long It’s the way of the Bruins. Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and David time and loves being a member of the Bruins. Pastrnak all took market value, or a little less, in order to set up Boston’s salary cap structure for years to come. Now, it’s up to McAvoy to come to The former Boston University standout said as much at Bruins breakup terms with the way the restricted free-agent market is playing out and get day back in the middle of June. a bridge deal done with both sides that could lead everybody involved to "I don't want to go anywhere. [Boston] is the best place on earth," said greatness in the near future. McAvoy back in June. "This is home for me now. I live here in the Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.11.2019 summer. I love it here. I want to be here forever."

Bergeron's groin injury still lingering with camp just days away

But there was also a common-sense belief that a shorter bridge deal would make a lot more sense for both sides. After all, McAvoy has missed almost 50 games with injuries and health issues in his first two NHL seasons and really hasn’t put together the kind of dominant season that precedes a monster, maximum-term contract, particularly for a player coming out of his entry-level deal.

McAvoy certainly appears on track to be a No. 1 defenseman and has averaged seven goals and 30 points his two NHL seasons. He kicked it up a notch in the run to the Stanley Cup Final when he averaged 24:30 of ice time and posted two goals and eight points in his 23 playoff games. But the Bruins admittedly would like to see McAvoy put together a healthy, strong and consistent season before they shell out the huge term and megabucks similar to the eight-year, $60 million contract Aaron Ekblad signed with the Florida Panthers.

Bruins President Cam Neely said as much in his sit-down with NBC Sports Boston this summer when asked about McAvoy.

“You look at a player that’s had some health issues two years in a row at a young age,” said Neely to NBC Sports Boston, referencing McAvoy. “You look at that and say ‘Okay, is that going to stay the same or is it just bad luck?’ We all can see what Charlie is capable of doing. You’d like to see a bigger sample size, obviously. Since the cap has come into effect we’ve all seen deals that have been signed where three years down the road you say it’s not as good as you anticipated it would be.

“Charlie has had three playoff years and two full seasons where he hasn’t been healthy. A lot of times obviously that’s not his fault, but it’s nice to have a better sample size of where a player is going to go. You see the skill set that [McAvoy] has. We want both Charlie and Brandon [Carlo] to be Bruins for their whole career, but we also have to do what’s right for the organization.”

Similarly from McAvoy’s perspective, if he were to take a two-to-three- year deal for $5 million to $6 million per season now then he’d set himself up for a massive payday a couple of years down the line provided he plays up to his major talent.

As camp looms, so does Game 7 to Bruins

Enter the three-year, $15 million contract signed by Zach Werenski and the Columbus Blue Jackets this week that’s exactly the kind of bridge deal envisioned for McAvoy and the Bruins. Werenski, 22, has averaged 13 goals and 42 points in his first three NHL seasons, has missed just nine games in those three seasons and played in all 82 games last season while averaging 22:54 of ice time.

On paper, Werenski has done a ton more than McAvoy to this point in his career and stayed healthy while doing it for Columbus. Werenski is an obvious, direct comparable contract to McAvoy and Flyers RFA Ivan Provorov and should set up the template for both of those contracts to be in a very similar neighborhood when they are finally signed. McAvoy may want a six-to-eight-year contract and perhaps someday he’ll get it once he’s played like a franchise defenseman for an extended period. 1107753 Boston Bruins “Those guys, I think, you’ve got to watch out,” Leach said. “Because as humans, if you have that mindset, you’re going to make it. You’re going to if you really want to.”

In Connor Clifton, Bruins give prospects a model for how to reach the Hughes’ tournament, unfortunately, came to a premature end. On NHL Monday against New Jersey, Hughes took a skate blade to the face. Sweeney said Hughes is facing extensive dental work.

By Fluto Shinzawa Sep 10, 2019 “We’re bummed on that,” Leach said. “He’s taken a few of those. It’s just because he plays inside. He’s always over the puck, which we love. But with that comes some expense. That was certainly the case today. We’ll hopefully try to get him back sooner rather than later and he can be BUFFALO, N.Y. — Two years ago, at the 2017 Prospects Challenge, the looked at by our guys. I think he’ll be OK. But it’s never very much fun to Bruins had a good idea of what Charlie McAvoy and Matt Grzlecyk could get sliced at 9:30 on a Monday morning when he’s about ready to go become. back.” McAvoy, the team’s 2016 first-rounder, was coming off a six-game The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 postseason showcase against Ottawa. Grzelcyk, the Bruins’ 2012 third- rounder and McAvoy’s former partner at Boston University, was fresh off a 6-26—32 rookie season in Providence.

Connor Clifton, meanwhile, was an unknown. The former Quinnipiac defenseman was a free agent invite. The Coyotes, his draft team, showed little interest in signing the 2013 fifth-rounder.

It did not take long for the rambunctious Clifton to make a tournament impression.

“His play was an eye-opener two years ago in Buffalo in his first year there,” recalled Bruins player development coordinator Jamie Langenbrunner. “He came in and the Cliffy Hockey thing started then. I think he had two breakaways shorthanded on the same power play. He opened some eyes for us right then. He continued it last year. You saw the growth where he went from being a guy of, ‘That was pretty exciting,’ to a guy who controlled the play.”

Clifton’s AHL days appear over. This year, Clifton projects to share right- side shifts with McAvoy and Brandon Carlo. The 24-year-old defenseman will play on his entry-level contract, which pays him $725,000 annually. The following year, Clifton will start his three-year, $3 million deal.

But Clifton continues to be the model upon which the organization sets up rookie tournaments. Before the prospects left last week for this year’s Prospects Challenge, they were shown clips of Clifton and Karson Kuhlman, who participated in last year’s tournament.

“Maybe not thought of as guys who were going to be playing in the NHL,” Langenbrunner said. Then, “here they are, playing in the finals in June nine months later.”

Cameron Hughes and Cooper Zech may be this year’s versions of Clifton when it comes to determined, overlooked and motivated players.

Hughes, a sixth-round pick in 2015, appeared in 52 games for Providence last year as a do-it-all forward. Zech, the undrafted defenseman on an AHL contract, likes pushing the pace.

“The players that are OK hitting a wall and getting through that wall will ultimately succeed and continue to succeed,” Providence coach Jay Leach said, explaining the mindset common to Hughes and Zech. “You can get to the NHL. Then you’ve got to stay. Then you’re going to hit another wall. If you’re a player that gets to that one point and think, ‘I’m doing what I can do, and it’s over,’ it’s over. The thing with Cliffy and guys like Cliffy, he’s always had to battle. He’s going to run into another wall somewhere and he’ll be fine. Because he’ll just keep pushing through it.”

Leach classified Hughes, the left-shot forward, as the forgotten child, even within the organization amid shinier prospects such as Anders Bjork. But last season, as a Providence rookie, Hughes gained Leach’s trust by being responsible in multiple situations. During the Prospects Challenge, Hughes skated alongside Bjork and Jack Studnicka. In the NHL, Hughes projects to be a bottom-six worker bee.

“Everything,” Leach answered when asked what Hughes can do. “He’s certainly a utility guy. He can play wing. He can play center. He can play the power play. He can play the penalty kill. He’s a very heady player. He’s not afraid to be in the mix. He does a lot. He does a lot.”

Zech faces long NHL odds. He is vulnerable to punishment because of his size and willingness to make plays with the puck. Grzelcyk and Torey Krug already occupy the bucket in which he belongs. But Zech, who had to try out to make the unheralded North , has already advanced beyond previously expected thresholds. 1107754 Buffalo Sabres

Brett Murray among Sabres prospects invited to Rochester's camp

By Lance Lysowski Published Tue, Sep 10, 2019|Updated Tue, Sep 10, 2019

A Prospects Challenge that could have determined the next step in Brett Murray's career earned the 21-year-old winger an invitation to the Rochester Americans' training camp.

The Buffalo Sabres announced Tuesday that Murray, Pascal Aquin, Justin Baudry, Tobie Bisson, Shaw Boomhower and Kurt Gosselin will be joining the Amerks for camp later this month. Meanwhile, winger Lukas Rousek and goalie Matthew Welsh were returned to their respective junior teams.

Stephen Harper, Bobby MacIntyre and Sebastien Vidmar were released from their tryouts with the Sabres. Murray is unquestionably the most intriguing name among the transactions. He scored 41 goals with Youngstown of the United States Hockey League last season, however, the Sabres challenged Murray to prove to them this summer that he was ready to become a professional.

"We were crystal clear with Brett coming into development camp that it was going be a great opportunity for him to show us how committed he was to hockey," assistant general manager Randy Sexton told The Buffalo News last Friday. "He did a very good job. He had a very good development camp. His test results were very good. His conditioning was very good. Significantly improved from what we’ve seen in the past.

"After camp we were clear with him the next step is to come to rookie tournament, have a good tournament. If you have a good tournament, that could very well translate to an invitation to Rochester’s camp. No contract but an invitation to Rochester’s camp."

Murray, a fourth-round draft pick in 2016, was committed to Miami University (Ohio) for next season but decided not to join the school's hockey program. He made a few nice plays in the Sabres' opening game of the Prospects Challenge, specifically his reverse hit to gain possession prior to Dylan Cozens' goal, and was much better in the final two games, despite a few mistakes around the opposing net.

An invitation to Rochester does not guarantee Murray a roster spot with the Amerks, though. He will face competition from a roster that includes a number of players with American Hockey League experience. Though Murray was a goal scorer in the USHL, the 6-foot-5-inch power forward will likely need to learn how to become a checking-line player at the next level.

Buffalo News LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107755 Calgary Flames ICE CHIPS

Flames left-winger Dillon Dube, the only rookie-camper who has already skated at the highest level, was scratched Tuesday. The 21-year-old Flames young guns solid against Oilers prospects speedster has nothing left to prove against the prospects … James Malm, a go-to guy for the Western Hockey League’s Calgary Hitmen, was released from his amateur tryout with the Flames. Malm’s audition Wes Gilbertson was spoiled by a lower-body injury.

Calgary Sun: LOADED: 09.11.2019 Later this week, it’ll be a whole lot tougher to stand out.

The Calgary Flames’ rookie-campers should, though, be feeling good about their games after Tuesday’s final tuneup — a 3-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers’ up-and-comers at the Saddledome.

The next challenge is to show their stuff while sharing the ice with the starry likes of Johnny Gaudreau, Mark Giordano and the rest of the (under-contract) regulars.

“You have to get that summer hockey out of our system … You have to get the rust off your hands and just get moving,” said Flames forward prospect Adam Ruzicka, who tallied once Tuesday and probably could have potted a couple more. “Obviously, (scoring) helps, but I came out with a good work ethic and I just have to continue that into main camp. Whether there is Johnny or Gio on your team, you have to impress those guys, too, and learn from them every time you step on the ice.”

The big names officially report for duty Thursday.

Most of the young’ns will stick around at least a little while. How long, exactly, is up to them.

While these kids will likely be spending the winter in junior or with the farm club in Stockton, Calif., there are worse ways to introduce yourself to the home crowd than with a win against your prospect peers from Edmonton. (There were even a few ‘Oilers suck!’ chants from the future- focused fans.)

The Battle of Alberta wannabes played 60-plus minutes of shutout hockey Saturday in Red Deer before wee winger Matthew Phillips finally tallied for the crew from Calgary in overtime, but there was … thank goodness … a tad more offence in the rematch.

In fact, the locals started the lamp-lighting on the first shift of the evening, with pivot Glenn Gawdin chipping a puck past a flat-footed defender in the neutral zone, racing into enemy territory and zipping a blocker-side shot past Olivier Rodrigue.

“It’s just getting up to game-speed again,” Gawdin said. “The first game was more of a feel-out game, and tonight I felt like it was more high- paced, probably more what main camp is going to be like.”

About six minutes after Gawdin’s goal, Ruzicka found himself all alone in the slot and after linemate Jeremy McKenna found him there, the 20- year-old centre — a three-time representative of Team Slovakia at the world juniors and now aiming to jump to the professional ranks — roofed one of his own.

In Calgary’s crease, Dustin Wolf was perfect through two periods before Evan Bouchard’s shot from the blue-line glanced off one of the guys in red for a power-play strike.

The 18-year-old Wolf, who was the feel-good story of the 2019 NHL Draft after squirming in his seat until the Flames called his name in the seventh round, finished with 18 saves. He will eventually be returned to the Western Hockey League’s Everett Silvertips, but this was a heck of a first impression.

At the opposite end Tuesday, the Flames peppered Rodrigue with 42 shots. Phillips fired into an empty net in the final minute, with first-rounder Jakob Pelletier providing an unselfish setup.

Now, bring on the big boys.

“We tried to talk about the principles that the Flames look for in their play, so we’re reminding them of that and having them understand if they can keep those principles in mind, they have a bit of the structure,” said Stockton Heat head coach Cail MacLean, who was at the helm during rookie camp. “But it’s going to really get ramped up. The size of the player, the speed of the player, the strength of the player they are going against starting on Thursday or Friday is going to be quite different, so we’re just trying to remind them that, ‘Hey, it was a good week thus far, but you have to make sure you kick it up another notch.’ ” 1107756 Calgary Flames With five goalies currently in Calgary, he is at the bottom of the Flames’ depth chart based on his age and resume; a prospect in every sense of the word.

Undersized, underrated Wolf continues to chase his dream with the He just turned 18-years-old in April and is heading into his third season in Flames the WHL. In the coming days, he’ll be dispatched back to his junior team to start their 2019-20 campaign.

Kristen Anderson, Postmedia Yet in Tuesday’s game against the Oilers, he was solid and did not look out of place.

This is a big year for Wolf as there’s a good chance he could represent Dustin Wolf’s draft day story is emotional and well-documented. the U.S. team at the world junior tournament in Ostrava and Trinec in the Czech Republic this winter. He, along with Flames prospect Demetrios It was the culmination of a road that was born while he was watching Koumontzis, suited up for the Red, White, and Blue at the world junior Miikka Kiprusoff stop pucks during in his (brief) San Jose days, a dream summer showcase in Plymouth, Mi. nurtured by his parents, Mike and Michelle, with a move to Hermosa Beach, Calif., so their only child could play with the Los Angeles Junior At the same time, there is patience required when it comes to Wolf’s Kings. It continued with another move to Lake Stevens, Wa., so Wolf development and there is no intention on rushing him to the big leagues could play in the Western Hockey League with the Everett Silvertips any time soon. where he would go on to post the WHL’s best save percentage (0.936) last season, as Carter Hart’s successor. “I tell the goalies: You want to be in the NHL tomorrow. You want to be in the NHL today,” Speer was saying. “But if you were able to be in the NHL It continued when the Calgary Flames brought him and his entire family today, you’re probably not going to get there tomorrow. Wherever he’s to tears when they selected him No. 214th overall — far after many going to play next year, he needs to worry about being that best version players and their families had departed Rogers Arena in Vancouver. of Dustin Wolf every day, tomorrow.

But his story does not end there. “He’s going to be closer to being a Flame that way.”

“Ever since the draft, you feel like you’ve gotta do better, you know?” Calgary Sun: LOADED: 09.11.2019 Wolf said, on a quiet day prior to his first game in Scotiabank Saddledome as the Flames rookies welcomed the Edmonton Oilers prospects for Calgary’s second and final game of camp on Tuesday night. “You want to be the best out there. I think after I came back from development camp (in the summer) and went back home, it was just, ‘I want to be the best.’ And I want to come into this season and into this camp and do the best I can and try to take as much experience as I can from this and take it back to Everett.”

Take this summer, for example.

Following his first NHL development camp in early July, the team gave him clear instructions to improve his cardiovascular fitness on top of his Ryan van Asten-issued Flames strength program.

“As a goaltender, it’s kind of tough because you’re not doing quick 40- second shifts,” Wolf was saying. “You’re in there for the full game, so it’s a little different (than a player). The quick, endurance stuff as well as explosiveness and long distance — just being able to maintain a certain speed at a lower heart rate.”

So, what did he do?

Took it back to basics, of course.

“In my neighbourhood, there is one hill, so I would just do laps around it,” Wolf said. “It was tough. Running, in general is hard.

“My street is kind of like a big oval with houses around the middle. The hill goes up and then down, kind of like a ramp. It would seem easier on the way down, but hard on the way up. I just tried to do as many laps as I could without dying, basically.”

This is what the kid is about. And he has to be.

Generously listed at six-feet, 165-pounds, Wolf is considered an undersized goalie. His NHL comparable is Juuse Saros and because he can’t rely on his size, he has to rely on his skill and smarts to predict the play in front of him. Wolf, out of necessity, also has a deeper understanding of space and depth.

Stockton goalie coach Thomas Speer explains that a goalie like Wolf is able to read the blade of a stick longer upon the shot and isn’t so quick to drop down to protect the puck.

“Five, 10 years ago, (goalies needed to be) big, big, big,” Speer said. “Now the pendulum is coming back a little bit and you don’t have to be as big. Big guys can get away with stuff hitting them, or mis-reading a play because pucks will just hit them because they’re big.

“Wolfy, because he’s so good at reading the play and tracking pucks, when he sees the puck, he either catches it, controls it, or it sticks to him. It’s because he’s so good at reading the blade and tracking pucks … you’ll see it, when they rip it, he doesn’t even flinch and stands up and it goes right into his glove. It’s fun to watch.” 1107757 Calgary Flames things right and work hard and be accountable out there. Those are things that help you stand out from the other good offensive players in juniors, those little attributes.

Five Flames prospects evaluate their own games and pick out one What area still needs the most work? attribute that differentiates them from the pack Making a positive play and being dangerous every time I have the puck. Wait for plays to develop is the one thing for this year that I learned as By Darren Haynes Sep 10, 2019 last season went on. Early on, I’d be forcing plays and taking guys 1-on-1 when it’s not the right spot. It’s letting plays develop and finding a way to make the puck do the work, every time I have the puck, not just two out of three times, but every time, a positive play of some sort. What area of your game still needs the most work? As you get used to the pace of play and the difference at the pro level, What is that one attribute that will separate you from everyone else? you learn that every single time you touch the puck, you’re not going to How close are you to making the NHL? get a scoring chance. Have poise with the puck and find a way to make a positive play. Seeking specifics, not generalities, I sat down with five Flames rookies and led them through a self-evaluation by asking each of them the same What have you learned about yourself since being drafted? set of six questions. It’s been a lot different than I expected. I wouldn’t necessarily say harder Prospect camp is all about future gazing. It’s a chance for up-and-comers than I expected, but just different. It’s a different style. You have to use to showcase themselves before the prying eyes of the organization’s your teammates a lot more. You need to stick to the systems or else brass and to plant seeds as to where they could fit into future plans, you’re not going to get those opportunities. Where in junior, you could before the spotlight shifts with the start of main camp Thursday to veer off on your own page now and then and maybe beat a guy 1-on-1 veterans like Mark Giordano, Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan. and get a chance. That stuff doesn’t really happen at the pro level.

For a majority of the group hitting the ice daily right now at WinSport, How close are you to making the NHL? their time is not now. With the exception of the highly touted Dillon Dube, I’m close. I had a good summer and I think I’m going to take a step this most of the 25 participants in prospect camp are expected to be long year. I want to stick around Calgary as long as possible. If I end up in gone when Calgary’s opening night roster is declared in three weeks. Stockton, I think from the get-go, I’m ready to make an impact every Most will end up in Stockton, California, home of the Flames’ AHL game. I’ve built off of an up and down season and a challenging one, but affiliate. A handful more could be shipped to Kansas City, Missouri, I think in the long run, that will be good for me. location of the club’s secondary farm team, which plays in the ECHL. It will be back to junior for some, not eligible age-wise to be assigned to the A lot of that stuff starts with coaches’ trust and I built that up as the year minors and/or not yet ready. Meanwhile, those in rookie camp on tryouts went on. It’s tough as a rookie especially, we had a pretty deep team up who are unsuccessful in their bid to land a contract will be pondering their front last year. Nothing was really given. So I think that was good for next move. myself. Just a bigger role, more responsibility. I’m hoping to play on the penalty kill this year. I think I can be effective that way. Looking beyond Dube, as he was among the group I sat down with a year ago for this same thought-provoking exercise, which also included C Glenn Gawdin | Age 22, 6-foot-1, 190 lbs, shoots right Juuso Valimaki, Andrew Mangiapane, Oliver Kylington and Tyler Parsons, this year it was time to get to know better that next wave of Where do you envision yourself in 2022? players — all forwards — who down the road hope to eventually play Hopefully in the . From where I’ve come in junior NHL games for the Flames. and even the first year of pro, I feel like I’ve developed and gotten better The five players I chatted with this year ranked between No. 8 and 13 on each year, so in three years I hope to be there. The Athletic’s latest edition of the Flames top 20 prospects, which came I’ll take any role I can get. I think I learned in pro last year that you’ve got out in August. to work your way up. Entering into the league, I’ll probably be bottom of I met with Matthew Phillips (No. 8) and Glenn Gawdin (No. 12), a pair of the tier and that’s OK with me. I just want to earn and prove that I can second-year pros hoping to get their first taste of NHL action this season. play in any role. Each year, progress more and try to get more. I also chatted with Adam Ruzicka (No. 11) and Eetu Tuulola (No. 13), What element of your game will set you apart? both headed for their first season in the AHL. Rounding out the group is the highly skilled Dmitry Zavgorodniy (No. 9), Calgary’s quick-rising My overall awareness. Especially being a centre, you need that. Just seventh-round pick in 2018, who played the past two seasons for reading the game, seeing plays happen offensively and defensively, and Rimouski (QMJHL). The 19-year-old Russian signed his entry-level being able to cheat plays that you might see coming, or offensively to get contract in March. into those right spots.

As they reflected on where they’re at in their career, here’s what each What area has improved the most? player had to say. Consistency. Especially at a young age in junior. I had some good nights, RW Matthew Phillips | Age 21, 5-foot-7, 155 lbs, shoots right but I didn’t show up every night to the level that I should have. Being injured (torn ligaments in wrist, torn ACL, separated shoulder in junior) Where do you envision yourself in 2022? opened my eyes to that. Sitting in the stands, being in a small market in In the NHL. I think that’s a good window to develop and gain confidence Swift Current. I didn’t realize what it was like to be in the stands watching and also understand how to be an effective player, not only on the those games. Guys would score and the place would go nuts and I’m like offensive side but a well-rounded player. I’ve got to do that more often. It’s not always offensively, it’s shutting down guys, finishing checks and just being solid, night in and night out. I see myself anywhere in a top nine situation where I can go up and down. I feel like I’m the type of player that if you put me on any one of What area still needs the most work? those lines, I can contribute in different ways if needed. Skating. For me, it’s getting that separation and being better on my What element of your game will set you apart? edges and I worked on that a lot this summer (with Flames skating coach Dawn Braid). I feel more solid on the ice. Even in practice against guys, My tenacity and compete level has carried me through the ranks. Being you’re getting a little more separation and turning off guys quicker and an undersized guy, (a) willingness to work and work ethic is the big thing another way to get that separation is full-on speed. that’s been instilled on me as I’ve grown up and I haven’t had much of a choice, being the underdog in all situations. What have you learned about yourself since being drafted?

What area has improved the most? That I believe in myself. When teams don’t sign you or pass on you (was originally a fourth-round pick of the St. Louis Blues in 2015), you get Something I’ve always taken a lot of pride in growing up is not just being down and I did get down. People said that it was probably for the better, a guy that puts up points, but a guy you can count on to do the little go back to 20 and have your choice, but I didn’t believe it. What do you mean? How is that good for me? These guys don’t want me. But it was Of course I want to see myself with the Calgary Flames, playing in the the best thing for me. I’m in a better place now that I feel the team that NHL. In the lineup, I don’t know where I will be, but for sure, my goal and wanted me signed me. Just being able to overcome those types of my dream is to be on the first two lines. But just to play in the NHL here, adversities and prove to myself that you’ve just to got to trust what you’re that’s a big point. doing and have that confidence in yourself. What element of your game will set you apart? How close are you to making the NHL? I’ve been skating pretty well on the ice. That’s the thing that I have to I’m close. This camp is going to big for me to really see. Last year, I think about every game. To use my speed, to use my explosiveness. If thought was close and obviously I wasn’t. I got sent down and they’re they’re going to chip the puck in, I’m going to be first to it. deep down the middle, too, so you’ve got to live with that. But just going into pro, I thought I deserved more in the American League last year than What area has improved the most? I got. It was a little bit of an eye-opener. It was just another thing I had to I didn’t know what the hockey was like in North America, but they taught work for and in the second half, I got (more playing time). So I took a lot me and now I think I’m a lot better player than I was. I didn’t change, but I of steps last year. try to bring some good points from my Russian career and take some C Adam Ruzicka | Age 20, 6-foot-4, 210 lbs, shoots left good things from Canadian hockey, mix them both together and that’s helping me right now. Where do you envision yourself in 2022? A lot of my skill they taught me in Russia. Here they taught me how to Hopefully signing a new contract with Calgary and playing in the NHL. It play more defensively, more tactics, more possession-hockey. all depends on what kind of opportunity I’m going to make for myself and Calgary is going to give me. I can see myself being a second line What area still needs the most work? centerman, I can see myself being on a third/fourth line checking line. It Of course my size and strength, but the biggest thing is my all depends on what Calgary wants from me and I’ll do the job. explosiveness and to be more aggressive in the offensive zone, that’s What element of your game will set you apart? what I need to improve. To shoot the puck, to go to the net, to rush the net, to try to do breakaways and everything like that. I’m a big body and you need big bodies in front of the net — the dirty areas — that’s where you score goals from in pro hockey. Just get there. What have you learned about yourself since coming to North America two years ago? The league is going faster and faster and smaller and smaller, but you still need those big guys, which is good for me. I can play any role. But I’ve learned that I can survive by myself. Family is one of the most the big body is helpful for in front of the net. (Stanley Cup-winning St. important parts of my life and I didn’t live without my family before. But Louis Blues) had big bodies and physical guys. They got pucks to the net I’m alone here, living life by myself, away from my family and to be alone and scored some fortunate goals sometimes, just because they had guys and cook the food and everything. I’m more responsible than I was. in front of the net. That’s how it is. Mother is proud that I’m cooking, for sure. Usually I’m cooking simple What area has improved the most? things, healthy stuff like Atlantic Salmon. Add salt/pepper and some garlic spices and put it in the oven and maybe add some quinoa rice. My two-way play. I was working first with (associate coach and former Before, I was living with my parents and they were cooking everything. NHLer) Dave Legwand in Sarnia, and then when I got traded to Sudbury, So right now, she’s like, ‘Oh, you cooked that?’, and I was like yeah, I I worked on that a lot with (head coach and former Flame) Cory Stillman. cooked that, and she’s like, ‘Pretty good, my son has grown up!’ He helped me a lot in the last four months I’ve been with Sudbury. He put me on the right track with things. Helped me with how to be a pro. How to How close are you to making the NHL? get to the point to sign my first contract and how to be consistent every I have to work on a lot of things, but never say never. I have to improve night. The moved helped me a lot. Fresh start. myself a lot, but we don’t have impossible things in this life. I’ve always What area still needs the most work? said day by day. Only today is today and tomorrow is only going to be tomorrow. I’m going to do my best and we will see. Consistency. Go out there every shift and do the same work that I do. Do the same work that I did the shift before. Just the consistency of my play. RW Eetu Tuulola | Age 21, 6-foot-2, 230 lbs, shoots right Bring it every shift, every game, that’s the biggest part for me. Mostly, it’s Where do you envision yourself in 2022? the mental part. You’ve got to put your head down and do it. I just need to do it on every battle. Every loose puck there is, I’ve got to get it. That’s Hopefully a full-time NHL player. That’s what I’m always dreaming of, what I’ve worked on and I’m going to work on every day and every that’s my goal and that’s what I’m going after. Probably a bottom six practice. player, I assume, to start, then let’s see how much I can develop myself.

It’s definitely a European thing. You have a lot more space on the ice. It’s A power forward, who likes to shoot and score goals, but at the same the playing style we do in Europe, but I’ve been here for three years now time, being a little bit mean for the other players too. Hitting them and so I’m all set for North American hockey. playing tough, but still being an honest player.

What have you learned about yourself since coming to North America What element of your game will set you apart? three years ago? My size is probably one of the biggest assets for me, with my strength I’ve learned how my body works. I learn what to do to recover faster. I and my willingness to not give up. I’m pretty strong and I can battle the learned how my mind works in terms of (being) ready for every game and puck. That’s one good thing about how I can win a lineup spot and just get the mental strength ready. First of all, it was adjusting to the food in be a smart player in both ends, good offence and good defence. Canada — pregame meals, etc. We play like 40 games in Europe in a What area has improved the most? season so that’s a big part too. Here, it’s 82 in the NHL, or 72 in the junior, so you basically play every other day. So that was something to Off ice, I realize how to be a professional athlete. Getting myself into the adjust to. proper shape and all. You notice that when you’re doing the testing and all and your test results are going way higher than they used to be and How close are you to making the NHL? you start feeling faster on the ice. Just feel it when you’re getting in better It’s tough to tell. The doors are open, you just have to step in. For you to shape. You feel it in your body, you’re faster, you’re stronger. step in, you just have to do the right things that the coaches wants from On ice, offence side of the game. I recognize better now if I have to rush you, what management wants from you. I’ve been here all summer in it or not. My defence side has gotten better too. Calgary. Last year, too. They wanted me to stay here all summer so I did that because I want to play in the NHL as soon as I can so I’m just What area still needs the most work? following what they want from me. Defence is still the biggest, with the skating. Being faster and being better Where do you envision yourself in 2022? on the defensive side. I have improved it a lot, but I still need to be better on the defence so you can be a player that a coach can trust in every situation — doesn’t matter are we up, are we down. Those are the things that are still getting better in my game.

What have you learned about yourself since being drafted?

I’m getting older so I’m a little bit wiser, smarter and in better shape. In my one year in Everett I learned a lot in that year. I guess I’m becoming a little bit more independent as well. I don’t always have to rely on others so I can be myself and have fun.

How close are you to making the NHL?

That’s a tough question. I want to say I’m close, but it’s so hard to say. I want to believe I’m really close to getting in the lineup, but I don’t have anything to compare so it’s hard. (Skating with NHLers) I feel I fit in, for sure. For my battling and strength and all, I can be an NHLer, for sure, but there’s so many aspects of the game, it’s so hard to say. But I hope I’m pretty close but I guess we’ll see it in a few weeks.

The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107758 Carolina Hurricanes Canes general manager Don Waddell said on July 1 and afterward that he believed Aho only wanted to be with the Canes, that he had no intention of leaving regardless of what his agent said.

After offer-sheet drama, Canes star Sebastian Aho ready to work “I don’t take his comments with any grain of salt at all. I take Sebastian’s comments,” Waddell said in a recent interview. “I trust players, I don’t trust the agent. Sebastian has made it very clear this is where he wanted BY CHIP ALEXANDER SEPTEMBER 10, 2019 03:33 PM to be.”

Of the offer sheet, Waddell said, “It was sold to him as a way to get a contract done one way or another.” RALEIGH-Sebastian Aho scrimmaged Tuesday with his Carolina Hurricanes teammates at Raleigh Center Ice, did some extra skating and Aho, who turned 22 on July 26, was the first player to sign an offer sheet then spent time taking shots before finishing up the informal workout. since Ryan O’Reilly, then a center with the Colorado Avalanche, approved a two-year, $10 million offer sheet from the Calgary Flames on Had things gone differently on July 1, had the Montreal Canadiens not Feb. 28, 2013. The Avs matched. made an offer sheet for Aho, had Aho not signed it, the Canes center might not have been at RCI. Aho might still be in Finland, waiting for a Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour said he never fretted about Aho not new contract extension to be hammered out with management. returning. Brind’Amour worried about Justin Williams, perhaps, but not Aho. Like other restricted free-agent forward in the NHL — Toronto’s Mitch Marner and Winnipeg’s Patrik Laine, to name two — Aho might be still be “We knew he was going to be a part of our group,” Brind’Amour said last unsigned, still sitting out, wondering when he’d be joining his teammates. week at the Canes media day. “It was just a matter of how much we’d have to pay him.” “You never know but watching those other guys, there’s a pretty good chance,” Aho said in an N&O interview on Tuesday. Canes center Jordan Staal said Aho texted him a few times this summer. The message, Staal said, was that Aho was “happy to be part of this But the offer sheet was tendered by Montreal, the Canes quickly group and what we’ve accomplished so far and obviously trying to bring matched it and that was that. Aho was signed for the next five years (for another (Stanley) Cup here.” $42.2 million). When preseason training camp begins Thursday with physical testing, then on the ice Friday, the Canes’ leading scorer (83 Added Staal: “I think in general everything worked out the way everyone points) from last season will be there. wanted it to, for the most part. Maybe the Canes probably wanted to have had him for a few more years but beyond that I think the numbers “That was a pretty big reason why I did it,” Aho said. “I wanted to start the probably weren’t far off. It’s done and it’s over with and he’s focused and season on time and it’s pretty good to be here right now with the guys. he’s ready to go. I think that’s a big thing for our team and obviously one You don’t have to stress or anything. You’re here.” of our best players.” The Canadiens’ offer sheet on July 1, when NHL free agency began, was Aho, used at center by Brind’Amour, had a career-high 30 goals and 83 the first in the NHL since 2013 and widely discussed around the league, points in 82 games last season, and was named an NHL All-Star, as even though Aho said he missed most of the “drama” of the day. Carolina surged into the Stanley Cup playoffs and reached the Eastern “It was probably the weirdest day of my life,” Aho said. “It all happened Conference finals. Conceding he was ailing a bit in the playoffs without pretty fast. Obviously there’s a big time difference, too. It was evening disclosing the injury, Aho had five goals and seven assists in the 15 already (in Finland) when I had to make a pretty big decision. Actually games. that was a good thing. I was sleeping when a lot happened. I went to bed “There was no time to think about it and playing in front of such awesome and the next day was a new day and Carolina matched.” crowds gives you so much energy,” he said. Carolina Hurricanes’ Sebastian Aho (20) waits for a face-off during the Aho said he worked even harder this summer than in past years in third period of an NHL hockey game against the Detroit Red Wings, conditioning, beginning his skating in June rather than July, determined Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Raleigh Karl B DeBlaker AP to make his fourth NHL season better than the first three. Canes owner Tom Dundon appeared almost offended that a team would “It’s really nice to know I will be here for a long time and I really like make such an offer — five years, with an average payout of $8.454 where this team and this organization is going,” Aho said. “I mean we million per year. That it was front-loaded with bonuses, with $21 million to had a great year last year but I think that’s just us setting the bar a little be paid Aho in the first 12 months, caused Dundon no hesitation or bit higher. We want to be a really good team right from the jump and go consternation. He is a billionaire owner, with the financial wherewithal to from there.” match any offer. News Observer LOADED: 09.11.2019 Dundon on July 2 said the Canes would match the offer sheet, although the official notice to the league was not sent until July 7. Dundon referred to the ploy as a “waste of time” on the Canadiens’ part, even as Montreal general manager Marc Bergevin and Aho’s agent, Gerry Johannson, talked publicly of Aho’s apparent willingness to join the Canadiens and speculated that Dundon and the Canes might balk on making the financial commitment.

“I didn’t read any of that stuff,” Aho said. “I had no clue what was going on in the media.”

Aho said he talked with Dundon on July 2, adding: “I’m happy it went down pretty quickly. It was one day and everything was back to normal, I guess. There was a lot less drama than media (reports). Everyone knew pretty much what was going to happen.”

That Johannson made his comments to Marc Antoine Godin of The Athletic after the offer sheet was tendered made little sense. The terms of the contract were set once Aho signed the offer sheet. If anything, Johannson’s comments could have poisoned the water a bit for Aho with some Canes fans. Does Aho really want to play for the Canadiens?

“Those weren’t my comments, so I’d rather not comment on it,” Aho said Tuesday. “I’ve said probably a hundred times already what I think about the situation. That’s not what I was saying.” 1107759 Carolina Hurricanes “Kase is 23 and a legitimate offensive talent. He has scored 31 goals over 96 games in the past two seasons. He has the best possession numbers among Ducks forwards and has the potential to be a 30-goal Is Justin Faulk the latest moving piece in a whirlwind summer for the weapon. But he has also had trouble staying healthy, with multiple Hurricanes? concussions in his history and a season-ending shoulder surgery in January from which he’s had to recover.”

In addition to the above, a league source speculated that to the Ducks, By Sara Civian Sep 10, 2019 the benefit of fulfilling a serious roster hole outweighs the risk of a player who has sustained a few serious injuries at this point.

The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 Perpetual trade bait Justin Faulk is once again popping up in rumors as his contract year is about to begin, and this is possibly the furthest along talks have ever been.

But no, a trade that would send the offense-oriented defenseman out of Raleigh for the first time in his eight-season career is still not imminent.

Timeline of events

A league source told The Athletic that after extension talks did not go as well as advertised between Faulk’s camp and the Hurricanes around the draft, the Canes started hearing teams out for potential deals. At the time, as I wrote that day, it was also clear there would be a defenseman imminently on the move.

The Canes traded Calvin de Haan to the Blackhawks a few days later. A handful of sources indicated a Faulk deal was still very much on the table.

Carolina signed college UFA Chase Priskie. While there’s certainly no expectation that he’ll make the team out of camp or become a mainstay this season, there was reassurance that he’d get a fair shot and that the Canes are high on him.

The Hurricanes signed Jake Gardiner to a four-year, $4.05 million AAV deal. Whew. Our Pierre LeBrun also weighed in, saying Faulk may be the odd one out after the Gardiner signing.

It’s been my understanding as of last Friday that the Hurricanes have had a deal for Faulk in place to a team on his partial No-Trade list, meaning he’d have to waive the clause. The ever-reliable Elliotte Friedman reported Monday that the team is Anaheim, though he described the situation as intense discussion, not exactly a done deal.

The News & Observer’s Luke DeCock first tossed out the idea of Ondrej Kase as a potential return. Now, the potential trade is not imminent — Faulk would have to accept, and he is seeking an extension among other reasonable holdups. There has also been increased interest for Faulk elsewhere as this has been floating around the league, and there is still no extension deal that Faulk has accepted, so the Canes might field something else. But as of Tuesday, Kase is believed to be part of this particular deal.

Rapid-fire thoughts

Faulk is a lot of things around here: a lightning rod of takes, sometimes a scapegoat, sometimes deserving of criticism, a constant representative of a darker time. But bottom line, he endured the dark days right beside all of you, and I’m sure they were just as painful for him. Then, when he finally made the playoffs for the first time in his eight-season career, he showed up. He seemed to play with the physicality of someone who regained a love for his job. When the Canes clinched, I asked him what the biggest difference was with the 2018-19 team. “It’s been kind of a fun atmosphere the whole year,” he said. “Everyone really enjoys coming to the rink every day, and when you have that it makes it easy to work. That’s the biggest thing. There weren’t really any of those days this year where you’re rolling over in bed saying, ‘Darn, I gotta go to the rink again.’ It’s been fun, and everyone’s enjoyed it. I know we get to do this for a living and we all understand that but it gets tough once in a while when things aren’t going well. We’re all enjoying it right now.” One simply cannot blame Faulk for not instantaneously giving that up once he finally has it. And of course, he’s not going to do that without an extension in place.

The Hurricanes aren’t exactly tossing him around like he’s some scrub, either. They still very much like him as a player and a person. You just look at the business side of things, and he’s the player in a contract year in a tight defensive logjam. His ask is most likely more than the Canes can afford with all their spending lately.

Colleague Eric Stephens touched on the deal with Kase from the Ducks perspective of things: 1107760 Carolina Hurricanes To start, the mere acquisition of Faulk will be much more of a substantial cost than what the outlay for Shattenkirk would have been. And that’s not to say it will happen. There might be trade talks, but it doesn’t mean one Could Justin Faulk be the answer to the Ducks’ persistent blue-line will occur. Still, let’s look at the price Anaheim might have to pay. woes? If a deal is contingent upon a contract extension, Faulk could see his next contract in the range of $6 million or above in average annual value. He has had 10 or more goals in four of his last five seasons, and his 85 By Eric Stephens Sep 9, 2019 goals since entering the league in 2011-12 ranks ninth among defensemen in that span. The eight who have more are big names: Brent

Burns, Shea Weber, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Erik Karlsson, Dustin It cannot be said Bob Murray isn’t trying to fortify his thin defense corps, Byfuglien, Mark Giordano, Roman Josi and Victor Hedman. but at what cost? Moreover, Faulk’s 40 power play goals over those eight seasons rank Had the Ducks’ longtime general manager secured the commitment of fourth behind Weber, Ekman-Larsson and Burns. His cannon of a shot , that cost would have only been monetary and produced a career-best 12 goals in 2015-16 and his six last season were affordable after the New York Rangers bought out the veteran. four more than what the entire Anaheim defense produced. Shattenkirk had a better free-agent offer from Murray but chose Tampa Faulk is the better player than Shattenkirk at this point, so the higher Bay, which set franchise records with 62 wins and 128 points and won financial cost is understandable. He is also 27. If he was 30 or 31, the the Presidents’ Trophy last season and is still very much a Stanley Cup Ducks likely aren’t trying to pull off a deal. What will be enough to entice contender despite its stunning first-round knockout. him to waive his no-trade clause? Can Murray get him in under the $6.5 At 30, with his days as a power play specialist and consistent point million AAV that Fowler now makes? (Lindholm will eventually surge past producer from the blue line probably behind him, Shattenkirk is a player Faulk and Fowler when it’s time to start talking his extension two years with more questions now beyond being shaky defensively. But he is a from now.) right-handed shot, and his skill set would have filled a need for the Then there are the assets Carolina will want. The Hurricanes are in a cap Ducks. Two years and maybe $2.5 million per year is a commitment, but crunch, and moving Faulk might be a formality at this point, but it’s a bet not an exorbitant one. they’re not looking to deal him for pennies on the dollar. They’re going to Murray’s quest did not end there. It continues. It is an implied admission want something of quality and the ask could be higher if Faulk is good Hampus Lindholm, Cam Fowler, Josh Manson and the remainder of a with sticking around in Anaheim for some time. defense corps occupied by the unproven, unknown and underwhelming Raleigh News & Observer columnist Luke DeCock tweeted the Canes is not enough if there are designs on putting together a playoff-worthy have long had an interest in Ducks winger Ondrej Kase. If Kase is indeed roster. a return piece, it is guaranteed to not sit well with a vocal segment of the Hello, Justin Faulk. fan base.

Right shot? Check. Kase is 23 and a legitimate offensive talent. He has scored 31 goals over 96 games in the past two seasons. He has the best possession numbers Power play ace? Check. among Ducks forwards and has the potential to be a 30-goal weapon. But he has also had trouble staying healthy, with multiple concussions in Point producer? Check. his history and a season-ending shoulder surgery in January from which Shutdown defender? Er, um, yeah, let’s skip that one. he’s had to recover.

That sounds a bit like Shattenkirk, doesn’t it? Sportsnet’s Elliotte Those factors, and the belief Troy Terry (and perhaps Daniel Sprong) Friedman first reported Monday that Anaheim and Carolina have had can make up for Kase’s goal-scoring, could be what leads Murray to feel “ongoing discussions” regarding Faulk, who has spent his eight-year as if he can withstand the loss of a talented forward to fix a critical need career with the Hurricanes. Sources confirmed Faulk does not have the on the blue line. Manson is the only right-handed shot who has been a Ducks among the 15 teams he would be willing to accept a trade to, regular. Murray signed Jani Hakanpää, but he has yet to play his first meaning he’d have to waive that clause to facilitate a deal. NHL game.

Negotiating a contract extension could be the key toward sealing a trade. Faulk would give the Ducks a solid foursome leading the defense for the Faulk is entering the last of a six-year, $29 million deal he signed with coming seasons and ease the pressure on Brendan Guhle and Jacob Carolina in 2014. It is likely the Minnesota native will want to have one in Larsson trying to fill a big role. It would slot Michael Del Zotto and place before considering a move to Southern California. The Ducks might Korbinian Holzer as what they generally are now: serviceable part-timers. also be open to making a trade and working on an extension later if they Would a Faulk trade make the Ducks a playoff team? It’s still can’t come to an agreement with Faulk and his camp right now. questionable with a slight lean toward doubtful. Would it make them The Ducks are believed to have had interest in Faulk for a while, appreciably better? Maybe not appreciably, though John Gibson and especially after his future with the Hurricanes progressively got cloudier. Ryan Getzlaf wouldn’t mind having another proven veteran who can Carolina acquired Dougie Hamilton, a skilled right-shot defenseman with chew 22 minutes a night and get booming point shots through to the net. offensive leanings, in a blockbuster trade with Calgary at last year’s draft. Over the last five years, Faulk has averaged 427 shot attempts and 215 And while they moved Calvin de Haan just one season after signing him on net. Fowler is the only Ducks defender who has been remotely close as a free agent, the Hurricanes convinced right-shot college free agent to those two numbers in one season. Chase Priskie to sign with them after Priskie didn’t agree to terms with With the attempts to bring in Shattenkirk and to acquire Faulk, Murray is Washington. Does he sign with them if he knew Faulk would still be there trying to fix a problem that has developed through challenging asset blocking his path? Who knows, but one fewer defender makes the route management that hasn’t been error-free. The Ducks have not had the to the NHL a bit clearer. superstar No. 1 defenseman their SoCal rivals have (in Drew Doughty), The surest sign Faulk would be on the move happened Friday when but their defensive depth was once enviable. That’s no longer the case. Carolina signed former Toronto defenseman Jake Gardiner to a pricey Trading Shea Theodore was a casualty of the Vegas expansion draft, four-year contract. With Brett Pesce also signed to a long-term deal and with the need to shed the salary of an injured Clayton Stoner (a costly scant salary-cap space, it behooves the Hurricanes, who made a run to free-agent mistake) to keep the Golden Knights from taking Manson or the Eastern Conference final and are poised to enter a period of playoff Sami Vatanen. Trading Vatanen for center Adam Henrique has been a contention, to move Faulk’s salary. wash, with Anaheim and New Jersey desperately filling needs at those Faulk’s $6 million expenditure is higher than his $4.83 million cap hit. The positions. Trading Brandon Montour in February was a risk, though the Ducks can make a deal work. According to Cap Friendly, they’ve got Ducks are high on Guhle, who is younger and cheaper. about $8.5 million of cap room, and that’s not counting the ability to stash (There is also the inability to protect Manson or Vatanen because of away Ryan Kesler’s $6.875 million cap hit on long-term injured reserve. Kevin Bieksa and his full no-movement clause, but let’s not reopen an old Is it the wisest move to make? That’s a far different question. wound.) It is a predicament, but Murray has been trying to fix it. Losing someone like Kase would sting, and maybe the Ducks can make the trade without him. There is the fear the ebullient and energetic Czech right wing could play a full season and ring up 25-to-30-goal seasons for a long time. Sending him to the Eastern Conference would at least sharply lessen the opportunities of him hurting them in the future.

Ultimately, it could all be up to Faulk. He can seek a trade to one of his preferred destinations instead, and the Ducks could lose out again in their pursuit of the almighty right-shot defenseman. It could be a trade that works or one that backfires. It could not happen at all and maybe it can go down as one of the best trades to never be made.

It can be any of the above.

The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107761 Chicago Blackhawks consistently and should be on the roster when they open the season on Oct. 4 in Prague.

After Tuesday’s scare, the Hawks breathed a sigh of relief that their top Kirby Dach and Adam Boqvist are among 4 Blackhawks to suffer ‘minor’ two prospects apparently will still have that opportunity. injuries in their NHL Prospect Tournament finale Chicago Tribune LOADED: 09.11.2019

By JIMMY GREENFIELD

TRAVERSE CITY, MICH.- With each successive injury, the NHL Prospect Tournament seemed to grow bleaker and bleaker for the Blackhawks.

Tuesday’s appearance in the seventh-place game of the eight-team tournament already was disappointing enough. When Hawks first-round pick Kirby Dach left the game with a right shoulder injury after getting boarded midway through the first period, disappointment turned to shock.

But it was just the beginning.

Top defensive prospect Adam Boqvist, last year’s first-round pick, headed to the locker room early in the second period holding his side. Before anyone could process that the Hawks’ top two prospects were out of the game with injuries, forwards Philipp Kurashev and Mikael Hakkarainen left the game.

The Wild’s Damien Giroux was called for a major penalty for boarding Kurashev, who struggled to get up before leaving the ice. Minutes later, Hakkarainen lost several teeth when he was hit with an errant stick to end his afternoon.

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None of the players was made available to the media after the game — which the Hawks won 6-1 — but Hawks director of minor-league affiliations Mark Bernard said each of the four had suffered minor injuries.

“They’re all minor injuries,” Bernard said. "It’s more precautionary than ever. They’ve had a long week here in Traverse City. They show up Wednesday night in Chicago, they practice once on Thursday, they travel here and then (playing) four games in five days isn’t easy for these guys. And they’ve got training camp ahead of them, so we want to make sure they’re ready for that.”

Bernard said Boqvist suffered a bruise “up top in his chest” after going hard into the boards and wasn’t the result of a bad hit. But Giroux was ejected after his hit on Kurashev and the Wild’s Drake Pilon was called for a minor boarding penalty for his hit on Dach, who lay on the ground for several seconds before dragging himself off the ice to get medical attention.

The nasty boarding penalty that sent Kirby Dach to the locker room. #HawksProspects pic.twitter.com/AiNSwgm8KL

— Carter Baum (@CarterBaum) September 10, 2019

IceHogs coach Derek King, who has been coaching the Hawks prospects this week, tried to downplay the Wild knocking four of his players out of the game in less than two periods.

“Team gets down, gets a little physical, guys getting a little bumped up,” King said. “Nothing major. It was a good opportunity for the other guys to get some extra ice time and I thought they handled it really well.”

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The Hawks open training camp Friday and when asked if the four injured players will be available, Bernard said it was “pointing in that direction.” Kurashev and Hakkarainen have no chance to make the roster, but Dach and Boqvist are expected to fight for spots.

Boqvist is a year older than Dach and appears to be more NHL-ready, but the Hawks are set with their top six defensemen and aren’t likely to use him in a reserve role.

Dach had two goals in the tournament in less than seven periods of play — including a goal before leaving Tuesday’s game — and at times he looked like a man among boys. But Dach had a poor game Saturday and will need a strong camp to convince the Hawks he can perform 1107762 Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks announce 55-man roster for training camp

The team will undergo physicals and other off-ice tests Thursday, then hit the ice Friday ahead of Sunday’s festival.

By Ben Pope Sep 10, 2019, 3:04pm CDT

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — At the same time Blackhawks prospects were dropping like flies in the final game of the Traverse City tournament Tuesday, they were being officially named alongside Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and other top players on the Hawks’ 55-man 2019 training camp roster.

Fortunately, it sounds as if they’ll make it to camp, which begins with off- ice testing Thursday and the first on-ice sessions Friday.

Although many of the 55 won’t last long, with a significant number of prospects and AHL-bound depth pieces included as a formality only, they’ll likely survive at least through next Wednesday.

The Hawks will likely divide up their roster liberally over four exhibitions: the scrimmage Sunday at the Blackhawks Training Camp Festival, the preseason opener Monday against the Capitals in Washington and two games against the Red Wings — Tuesday in Detroit and Wednesday at home.

Only 20 players will make the season-opening NHL roster, but significantly more will enter camp believing they have a shot. General manager Stan Bowman focused on increasing depth and competition with his summer moves, and as a result, as many as 19 forwards, nine defensemen and three goaltenders conceivably have a chance.

Here’s a cursory glance at the roster battles that will ensue in the coming weeks:

Forwards

Locks (6): Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Alex DeBrincat, Dylan Strome, Brandon Saad, Andrew Shaw.

Likely (4): Zack Smith, Dominik Kubalik, Brendan Perlini, Drake Caggiula.

Possible (6): Ryan Carpenter, David Kampf, Anton Wedin, Alex Nylander, Dylan Sikura, John Quenneville.

Long shots (5): Kirby Dach, Aleksi Saarela, Alexandre Fortin, Jacob Nilsson, Matthew Highmore.

Defensemen

Locks (5): Duncan Keith, Erik Gustafsson, Connor Murphy, Calvin de Haan, Olli Maatta.

Likely (1): Brent Seabrook.

Possible (2): Slater Koekkoek, Carl Dahlstrom.

Long shots (3): Adam Boqvist, Philip Holm, Dennis Gilbert.

Goaltenders

Locks (2): Corey Crawford, Robin Lehner.

Possible (1): Collin Delia.

Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107763 Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks dodge catastrophe after Kirby Dach, Adam Boqvist and 2 other prospects suffer minor injuries

By Ben Pope Sep 10, 2019, 11:53am CDT

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — The sighs of relief all but blew over the arena Tuesday when Mark Bernard, who oversees the Hawks’ minor-league operations, uttered four crucial words: “They’re all minor injuries.”

Shortly before, the Hawks seemed at risk for a disaster — if not four disasters — when prospects Kirby Dach, Adam Boqvist, Philipp Kurashev and Mikael Hakkarainen all left the final game of the 2019 NHL Prospect Tournament.

Yet all four turned out to be mostly fine. They were held out for the rest of the game — which the Hawks won 6-1 over the Wild — largely for precautionary reasons. Bernard said all four are likely to be ready for the start of training camp Friday, although they’ll be reassessed upon returning to Chicago.

“This is a tournament you want the top prospects playing in, and you don’t want to see injuries happen to anybody, especially when it’s your own prospect,” Bernard said. “We’re very glad that none of them are injuries that are going to keep them out long-term.”

Dach, the third overall pick in this year’s draft, hurt his left shoulder nine minutes in when Wild free-agent invitee Darian Pilon boarded him behind the net. Dach went to the locker room with his arm hanging limp but emerged in a suit, chewing gum and unperturbed, during the second period.

Boqvist, Kurashev and Hakkarai-nen each left in swift, consecutive fashion early in the second period. Kurashev’s incident was the most concerning, as he was boarded from behind on a play that resulted in an ejection for the Wild’s Damien Giroux. He lay on the ice in a fetal position for a solid minute before being helped to the locker room. Bernard said his injuries were partly upper-body, partly lower-body.

Hakkarainen lost several teeth from a high stick, while Boqvist was merely bruised in an unfortunate collision.

“[Boqvist] just went into the boards the wrong way,” Bernard said. “It wasn’t a bad hit or anything — kind of bruised himself up top in his chest.”

The Hawks escaped Traverse City largely unscathed — both in terms of health and tournament results — as they salvaged a 2-2-0 record with the decisive victory. But Tuesday’s game easily could have ended differently.

No one criticized the Wild’s actions too severely afterward, and none of the injured prospects was made available to the media. But the Hawks’ anger was clear on the ice. Tournament invite Riley McKay, a teammate of Dach in Saskatoon, fought Drake Pilon, Darian’s brother, shortly after the hit on Dach. Later, referees had to keep the teams apart while they were skating to their locker rooms for the second intermission.

“[Drake Pilon] actually came at me, so, yeah,” McKay said. “I was just trying to stick up for my teammate, like I always would.”

Rockford IceHogs coach Derek King, who had only a 14-player bench for half the game, landed one parting shot.

“They’re not going to go out there and do the whole ’70s Philadelphia Flyers thing, but [the Hawks] stuck together, which was good to see,” he said. “Anytime somebody got bumped, it was always five guys surrounding them or helping each other out. . . . [The Wild] played a physical game, and that’s clearly not our game. We try to play more of a skill game, and it kind of showed on the scoreboard, right?”

Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107764 Chicago Blackhawks Kurashev’s agility, vision and puckhandling make him a dynamic offensive weapon who can create a play by himself.

Combined with a creative hockey mind and deceptive speed, he’s the Ranking the Blackhawks’ top 10 prospects entering the 2019-20 season fastest-rising prospect in the Hawks’ system. He’s been one of the most Kirby Dach and Adam Boqvist are clearly the top two, but which other impressive standouts in Traverse City so far. youngsters in the Hawks’ system have the brightest futures? No. 6: Nicolas Beaudin, defenseman, 19

Projected 2019-20 team: Rockford IceHogs (AHL).

By Ben Pope Sep 10, 2019, 6:55am CDT Speed remains a concern for the Hawks’ overshadowed 2018 first-round pick, but Beaudin managed to overcome that deficiency in the QMJHL, averaging over a point per game from the back end the last two seasons TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — With development camp now months in the for Drummondville. past and the Traverse City prospects tournament down to its last day today, the Blackhawks’ front office has a fairly clear picture of where its Moving up to Rockford this season will provide another test. Even if prospects stand entering the 2019-20 season. Beaudin finds himself forced to evolve into a more conservative, defensive defenseman, it might not be a bad thing. The two top-10 draft picks from the last two seasons are clearly Nos. 1 and 2, but the list beyond them is far deeper than it used to be. No. 7: Alex Vlasic, defenseman, 18

Plenty of uncertainty remains when plotting out the most likely career Projected 2019-20 team: Boston University (NCAA). course for each player — an inevitable problem when it comes to Vlasic is years away from NHL relevance, but when he does arrive — prospects — but the following is a best guess at how the hierarchy around 2023 or so — he could be on the same tier as someone like Ian shakes out for now. Mitchell.

This list includes only players age 21 and under: For a 6-6 defenseman, Vlasic can more than hold his own in the No. 1: Kirby Dach, center, age 18 offensive zone or on the rush, so if he can eventually put it all together, he has top-pairing potential. Projected 2019-20 team: Saskatoon Blades (WHL). No. 8: Alexis Gravel, goaltender, 19 Dach seemed a bit off-the-board when he was selected third overall in June, but he’s since demonstrated just why Stan Bowman, Mark Kelley Projected 2019-20 team: (QMJHL). and the rest of the Hawks’ front office were so bullish on him. Just a year removed from falling to the sixth round, Gravel broke out in Not only is Dach a prototypical 6-4 power center, but he’s also impressive fashion last season as his save percentage skyrocketed from surprisingly elusive, smooth with the puck, masterful with his stick (for .890 in 2017-18 to .913 in 2018-19. both offensive and defensive purposes), physical at times and a natural At 6-3, 219 pounds, Gravel doesn’t leave much space in the net for leader. He’ll be a top-six staple for years to come. opposing shooters, and his efficient movement and calm demeanor make No. 2: Adam Boqvist, defenseman, 19 the most out of that already impressive size. He looked ready for professional hockey already in the Traverse City opener, even though Projected 2019-20 team: Rockford IceHogs (AHL). he’s bound for another year in juniors.

Boqvist’s game has yet to fully round into form — he’s still somewhat No. 9: Evan Barratt, center, 20 mistake-prone, and he fluctuates significantly from game to game — but his raw talent is nonetheless striking. The Swedish blue-liner boasts an Projected 2019-20 team: Penn State (NCAA). accurate, powerful shot, great on-ice vision and a skating stride silkier Barratt unfortunately missed the Hawks’ various summer developmental than a pillowcase. programs rehabbing from hip surgery, but he should be ready for the He’ll probably spend the majority of the season developing more in start of the Nittany Lions’ season, hoping to build off a 2018-19 campaign Rockford, but Boqvist should enjoy at least a few NHL appearances. in which he ranked fourth in the nation in points per game (43 in 32). He’s a well-rounded, consistent forward with second- or third-line upside. No. 3: Ian Mitchell, defenseman, 20 No. 10: Brandon Hagel, winger, 21 Projected 2019-20 team: University of Denver (NCAA). Projected 2019-20 team: Rockford IceHogs (AHL). Questions about his contract future aside, Mitchell is almost as talented as Boqvist and more reliable defensively. For a 57th overall pick matched Hagel’s hockey career has been through a hurricane the last couple of up against an eighth overall pick, that’s a lovely comparison. seasons, but he now finds himself in a good spot.

He’ll likely be one of the top players in college hockey this season after The winger signed with the Hawks last fall after the Sabres let his rights bulking up to 181 pounds in the offseason and working with Hawks’ staff expire, and he immediately thrilled his new franchise with a 102-point to improve his gap control and physicality. season in the WHL.

No. 4: Alex Nylander, winger, 21 Rockford coach Derek King has shown in Traverse City that he’s a big fan of Hagel already — for three-on-three overtime, King sent out Dach, Projected 2019-20 team: Rockford IceHogs (AHL). Boqvist and Hagel — so he’ll be an interesting guy to watch with the IceHogs. When considering the fact that Nylander has already spent three largely unsuccessful years in the AHL, it’s easy to forget that he’s still just 21 Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 09.11.2019 (and won’t turn 22 until March).

The Hawks traded Henri Jokiharju (who likely would’ve slotted in at No. 3 in these rankings) to Buffalo in exchange for Nylander essentially because they believe three things: Nylander’s rough injury luck in recent years won’t continue, lifetime mentor Anders Sorensen and the rest of the Rockford staff can manage Nylander better than the Sabres did, and Nylander still owns the same talent that once made him a top-10 pick. This coming season will help determine if they’re right.

No. 5: Philipp Kurashev, center, 19

Projected 2019-20 team: Rockford IceHogs (AHL). 1107765 Chicago Blackhawks

Concussion Foundation to honor Mikita Friday for his help in studying CTE

Mike McGraw

The Concussion Legacy Foundation will honor Blackhawks legend Stan Mikita and his family with the Courage Award at the annual Chicago Honors event Friday at The Palmer House.

Mikita died last year at 78. Concussion Legacy Foundation CEO and co- founder Chris Nowinski, an Arlington Heights native, talked about Mikita's impact on the study of concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

"While he was alive and while he was well, he came to Boston and enrolled in one of our studies and then his family honored his wish to donate his brain when he passed away," Nowinski said. "He's the most famous hockey player to have his brain studied.

"He's been a leader in the community for his entire life and he made a significant contribution with his last act. We want to recognize that because without brain donations, we'll never have a treatment for this disease. We'll never understand how to protect our kids."

The event will also feature former Bears safety Gary Fencik and spotlight some Chicago families who have been impacted by severe brain injuries. The event is co-hosted by former Bears running back Mike Adamle and longtime Chicago news anchor Rob Johnson. Tickets are available at concussionfoundation.org.

Daily Herald Times LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107766 Chicago Blackhawks "He stood on his head," King said. "He was great. It could have been a lot different but he was really good today for us. ... He's just got some confidence. He's just poised in the net. There's no panic. There were a Takeaways and observations: Blackhawks rout Wild to finish 7th place in couple shots definitely screened where you think it's going in and he was Traverse City just square to the puck and it hits him and rebound comes and he swipes it away. It was good for him, it was good confidence for him too coming into camp."

By Charlie Roumeliotis September 10, 2019 2:45 PM Other observations:

— King is really going to like having Reese Johnson for a full season in Rockford. He's a terrific faceoff guy, kills penalties, is one of the first ones TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — The Blackhawks routed the Minnesota Wild to stand up for his teammates and can contribute on offense. He's been 6-1 to secure seventh place at the 2019 Traverse City Prospect on the first power play unit and penalty kill unit, and was the team's Tournament on Tuesday. primary faceoff specialist. He was also tabbed as an alternate captain for The big story was Blackhawks prospects Adam Boqvist, Kirby Dach, the tournament. Philipp Kurashev and Mikael Hakkarainen leaving the game with injuries, — Nicolas Beaudin hasn't been talked about much during this but the good news is all four players are expected to be fine and should tournament and it's because he hasn't been noticeable. But in a good be ready when training camp opens on Friday. way. He's a pretty sound defender and doesn't make many mistakes. Here are three takeaways and some observations from the win: He's a solid puck-moving defenseman, but isn't flashy. It will be interesting to see how his game translates to the pro level. 1. Blackhawks finish on positive note Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.11.2019 The Blackhawks went into Tuesday's game knowing full well that they were playing in the seventh-place game and not much was at stake. Then you couple that with the fact that four prospects went down with injuries, including Boqvist and Dach, before the second period even ended and it would've been easy to pack it in.

Instead, it served as an opportunity for the other prospects to get more ice time and show what they're made of. The Blackhawks rolled with nine forwards and five defensemen the rest of the way and held the fort down to close out the tournament on a positive note.

"The announcer announces that it's the seventh-place championship team game but it was good to see those guys, how they reacted," Rockford IceHogs coach Derek King said. "They stayed with it. It was nice to see them get rewarded. ... It felt like a minor hockey game with the three lines and four D.

"Nah, it was good. It happens. Team gets down, gets a little physical, guys getting a little bumped up. Nothing major. It was a good opportunity for the other guys to get some extra ice time and I thought they handled it really well."

2. Spreading the wealth

While the Blackhawks didn't finish where they wanted to as a team, there were a lot of individual standouts throughout the week. Different players stood out in each game, but there was also some consistency in their performances.

Four players finished with multi-point efforts on Tuesday, including MacKenzie Entwistle (one goal, one assist), free-agent invite Sean Josling (two assists), Tim Soderlund (one goal, one assist) and Michal Teply (one goal, one assist). Riley McKay, Dylan McLaughlin and Dach also scored goals.

"I just said to the guys: We're really happy with the way they progressed throughout the week," Blackhawks VP of hockey operations/team affiliates Mark Bernard said. "It's tough, you don't have a lot of time to work on special teams and you're being asked to go out there and kill a penalty and be on a power play and you don't even know the name of your left winger. It's a lot to be asked of these guys, but I thought they got better as the week went along and we were really happy with the play of most of our players. They really stepped up.

"I think it's an exciting time to be a Blackhawks fan. We have a lot of great prospects in our system and it's going to be fun to watch them over the next few years develop."

3. Alexis Gravel turns in strong showing

The Blackhawks have to be encouraged by what they saw out of Gravel in each of the two games he started in. In the opener against Detroit, he gave up only one even-strength goal and was a big reason why the Blackhawks hung on to beat the Red Wings 5-4 in overtime.

On Tuesday, Gravel stopped 27 of 28 shots for a save percentage of .964. He did this while the team played half the game with only nine forwards and five defensemen. He was great this week. 1107767 Chicago Blackhawks

Four Blackhawks prospects injured in Traverse City finale, including Adam Boqvist and Kirby Dach

By Charlie Roumeliotis September 10, 2019

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Four Blackhawks prospects were injured in Tuesday's finale at the 2019 Traverse City Prospect Tournament vs. Minnesota, including their two top prospects, Adam Boqvist and Kirby Dach.

Forwards Philipp Kurashev and Mikael Hakkarainen also left the game in the second period and did not return.

Blackhawks VP of hockey operations/team affiliates Mark Bernard confirmed after the game that all four players sustained "minor" injuries and "it's pointing in that direction" that each of them will be ready when training camp starts on Friday, but the team will reassess things on Wednesday.

"It's more precautionary than ever," Bernard said. "They've had a long week here in Traverse City. They show up Wednesday night in Chicago, they practice once on Thursday, they travel here and then four games in five days isn't easy for these guys and they got training camp ahead of them so we want to make sure they're ready for that. It was more precautionary that we held those guys out."

Dach left in the first period with a shoulder injury while Boqvist suffered a bruised chest in the second period after falling awkwardly into the boards. Neither player returned to the game.

Kurashev's injury was a scary one. He went into the boards hard and stayed down for a while before leaving the ice with a trainer. Wild forward Damien Giroux was ejected for boarding on the play.

Hakkarainen left in the second after taking a stick up high and losing a few teeth. He also experienced some dizziness, but Bernard said: "He's fine, but wanted to be sure."

"It's scary to see anyone when they go down injured," Bernard said. "This is a tournament where you want the top prospects playing in and you don't want to see injuries happen to anybody, especially when it's your own prospect. We've got four guys that didn't finish the game and we're very glad that none of them are injuries that are going to keep them out long term."

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107768 Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks prospect Kirby Dach suffers injury scare in Traverse City finale, but it's not believed to be serious

By Charlie Roumeliotis September 10, 2019

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — The Blackhawks had an injury scare during their finale at the 2019 Traverse City Prospect Tournament on Tuesday when top prospect Kirby Dach exited in the first period vs. Minnesota because of a shoulder injury.

Dach, who scored a goal 4:19 into the game, did not return, but a team source said it was for precautionary reasons and it's not believed to be serious. Blackhawks VP of hockey operations/team affiliates Mark Bernard confirmed after the game that Dach is fine and should be ready to go when training camp opens on Friday.

The injury occurred on a hit from Wild forward Darian Pilon, who was assessed a boarding penalty on the play. Dach was slow to get up, was evaluated on the bench by trainers then made his way to the locker room.

The nasty boarding penalty that sent Kirby Dach to the locker room. #HawksProspects pic.twitter.com/AiNSwgm8KL

— Carter Baum (@CarterBaum) September 10, 2019

Adam Boqvist, Philipp Kurashev and Mikael Hakkarainen also left the game with injuries. Bernard said they will all be reevaluated on Wednesday but signs are pointing in the direction that they should be ready for training camp on Friday.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107769 Chicago Blackhawks team. But if de Haan is ready to go — and he might be, based on his own proclamation at the convention in late July — then it’ll be down to Dahlstrom and Koekkoek for the No. 7 spot. Koekkoek had better Who’s a lock and who’s fighting for a spot? Breaking down the numbers in just about every respect — in fact, he was the only Blackhawks’ training camp roster Blackhawks defenseman last season with an expected goals-for percentage better than 50 (51.63, per Natural Stat Trick) — but Dahlstrom was adequate in a shutdown role with Murphy for much of the season. Whoever loses the battle will have to clear waivers, so the By Mark Lazerus Sep 10, 2019 stakes are pretty high, at least by No. 7 defenseman standards.

Like Dach, Boqvist is a long shot. But it’s hardly inconceivable that puck- As the Blackhawks open training camp on Friday at Fifth Third Arena, moving wizard could warrant a longer look, despite his defensive there aren’t a heck of a lot of roster spots up for grabs. deficiencies.

All eyes will be on Kirby Dach and Adam Boqvist as the two top-10 draft Goalies picks try to shove their way onto the NHL roster a year ahead of Locks: Corey Crawford, Robin Lehner schedule, but most of the drama will be of the bigger-picture variety. Rockford-bound: Collin Delia, Kevin Lankinen, Matt Tomkins How much will the Blackhawks benefit from a full training camp under Jeremy Colliton? How will Corey Crawford and Robin Lehner share the Back to juniors: Alexis Gravel workload in goal? How will Jonathan Toews look coming off his monster bounce-back season? If there’s any drama here, it’s only because something terrible happened in training camp. It remains to be seen how Colliton plans to divide up the But there’s still some intrigue on the fringes of the roster. There are as playing time between the oft-injured Crawford and the Vezina finalist many as 20 forwards who could conceivably lay claim to a spot on Lehner, but they form the most impressive 1-2 punch in the league. opening night, and it’s likely the bottom six will include a rotating cast of Delia, who was fully expecting to be the backup this season until the characters in the early going. surprising Lehner signing, will battle it out with Lankinen — fresh off leading Finland to a gold medal in the World Championship — in Let’s break down the camp roster, which was released on Tuesday and Rockford to see who is No. 3 on the organizational depth chart. Gravel, a included no PTOs (professional tryout contracts) and no surprises, to see sixth-round pick in 2018, is the only player in camp (besides Dach, most what battles do exist. likely) who will be headed back to juniors. He has spent the last three Forwards seasons with the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL.

Locks: Drake Caggiula, Ryan Carpenter, Alex DeBrincat, David Kampf, The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 Patrick Kane, Dominik Kubalik, Brendan Perlini, Brandon Saad, Andrew Shaw, Zack Smith, Dylan Strome, Jonathan Toews

Fighting for a spot: Brandon Hagel, John Quenneville, Alex Nylander, Aleksi Saarela, Dylan Sikura, Anton Wedin

Knocking on the door: Kirby Dach, Alexandre Fortin, Matthew Highmore

Rockford-bound: MacKenzie Entwistle, Mikael Hakkarainen, Reese Johnson, Graham Knott, Philipp Kurashev, Dylan McLaughlin (AHL contract), Jacob Nilsson, Nathan Noel, Tyler Sikura (AHL contract), Tim Soderlund, Kris Versteeg (AHL contract)

The Blackhawks have a whole lot of guys who seem like a No. 12 or 13 forward, for better or for worse. Assuming Kane, Toews, DeBrincat, Strome, Saad, Shaw and Kubalik are locked into the top nine, there are only a couple of open sports. Caggiula was effective on a line with Toews and Kane, but he’s better suited to more of a grinder role in the long term. Dylan Sikura looked quite good on Toews’ line last season, but hasn’t produced. If Nylander — with his elite skill and questionable motor — makes the team, it’s certainly not going to be in a fourth-line role.

Meanwhile, Carpenter is likely a lock at fourth-line center, but who will be his wingers? Smith, Wedin, Quenneville and Highmore could be good fits in such a role.

And what happens if Dach does make the team, even if it’s just for nine games before heading back to juniors? It would likely be in a third-line center role, bumping Kampf to the wing and knocking another guy out of the picture. So the drama here lies in the bottom six, particularly the fourth line. It might not be the sexiest battle, but forward depth is everything in the NHL. Just ask the 2010, 2013 and 2015 Blackhawks, all of whom had terrific fourth lines.

Defense

Locks: Calvin de Haan, Erik Gustafsson, Duncan Keith, Olli Maatta, Connor Murphy, Brent Seabrook

Fighting for a spot: Carl Dahlstrom, Slater Koekkoek

Knocking on the door: Adam Boqvist

Rockford-bound: Nicolas Beaudin, Lucas Carlsson, Dennis Gilbert, Philip Holm, Chad Krys, Jack Ramsey (AHL contract), Jake Ryczek (AHL contract), Joni Tuulola

The Henri Jokiharju trade sucked most of the drama out of this group, because if Calvin de Haan isn’t 100 percent from his offseason shoulder surgery by opening night, both Dahlstrom and Koekkoek will make the 1107770 Chicago Blackhawks So no, this is not an elite defense. But it’s no longer a laughable one. And hey, that’s progress.

Jonathan Toews can’t do it again Lazerus: Coming to terms with an unfamiliar feeling about the Blackhawks — optimism Can’t he, though?

Toews’ commitment to “total human optimization” is legendary. After battling injuries during his two down seasons from 2016-18 (including a By Mark Lazerus Sep 10, 2019 nagging back injury that was worse than he let on), Toews returned to health and returned to form last season. His power was back around the net, he regained a step in open ice, and Colliton lessened the defensive First, a disclaimer: I grew up an Islanders fan, a Mets fan and a Knicks burden on him and allowed him to play a more offensive role. If David fan. I’ve spent the last two decades quixotically rooting for Northwestern Kampf and Ryan Carpenter can handle tougher defensive assignments football and . I was always just waiting for Mike Milbury to trade (and shoulder some of Toews’ penalty-killing responsibilities), Colliton my favorite players. For the bullpen to blow a big game. For Michael can load up the top line with Toews and Patrick Kane together. Toews’ Jordan to ruin every spring. possession numbers were actually down last season from the previous two, but his production was up. That’s hockey. But that also comes with My point: I’m naturally a cynic. Maybe that’s why I was the only person at playing more with Kane, who’s not exactly a defensive-minded player. The Athletic (seemingly the entire city) to pick the Packers to beat the Bears last week. When everything’s supposed to go right, I’m usually With Toews and Kane on one line, Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Strome on expecting it to go wrong. Pleasant, I know. another, and Brandon Saad and Andrew Shaw floating around the lineup, the Blackhawks have an elite top six, and an above-average top nine. All of this makes my current situation a little itchy. This was a top-10 offense in the league (3.26 goals per game) last See, the general consensus around the NHL seems to be that the season. They’ll continue to score in bunches. So even a mildly subpar Blackhawks will be bad again this season. Not bad by Ottawa Senators defense should be sufficient to keep the Blackhawks in most games. standards, but bad by modern Blackhawks standards. Vegas Corey Crawford’s a concern oddsmakers have them more likely to miss the playoffs than make the playoffs. BetOnline gives the Blackhawks the same chance to win the Is he, though? Stanley Cup as the hopeless Minnesota Wild, a team in complete disarray. Our own Dom Luszczyszyn gave them a mere 29 percent Last season, Crawford wasn’t the same goalie he was before the two chance of making the playoffs. ESPN ranked the Blackhawks 21st out of major concussions that cost him much of the past two seasons. But that 31 teams after the dust settled in free agency. Vezina-caliber goalie was still there in spurts. When he returned to the lineup in mid-October, he allowed six goals in his first four games. His Yet here I sit, three days out from the start of training camp… optimistic? numbers were ghastly in November and early December, but the entire Weird, right? team was ghastly for that stretch, trudging through two eight-game losing streaks and getting Joel Quenneville fired in the process. When Crawford Reading story after story about how the Blackhawks range from hopeless returned from the second concussion at the end of February, he started at worst to mediocre at best has had me wracking my brain trying to poke to look like his old self again. He allowed three goals in a four-game span holes in my own reasoning. Am I delusional? Am I misinformed? Am I in mid-March, including a 48-save shutout in Montreal that was vintage really, really dumb? (Don’t answer that.) Yet my strange, rosy outlook Crawford. remains intact. I’m not typically one to drink the Kool-Aid, but I genuinely expect the Blackhawks to be a playoff team this season. That’s not the At 34 years old, he’s entering the final year of his contract. And Robin highest bar to clear, given that 51.6 percent of the teams do. But it’s still Lehner, on a one-year deal himself, is coming for his job. So Crawford high enough to get me kicked out of the I Believe In Math And Analytics won’t be lacking for motivation. club (we meet on Thursdays). He’ll also have help for the first time in three years. Lehner, coming off a So let’s look at the arguments against the Blackhawks, and my .930 season that made him a Vezina finalist with the Islanders, isn’t so uncomfortably optimistic brain’s responses. much a backup goalie as a co-goalie. Crawford has a long injury history, and can’t be expected to make it through a full season unscathed. That The defense is bad doomed the Blackhawks the last two seasons, when the likes of Anton Is it, though? Forsberg, Jeff Glass, J-F Berube, Cam Ward and Collin Delia were the only other options. Lehner is at another level. I’ve brought up this stat Stan Bowman didn’t do the team any favors by shipping out Henri before, but it’s worth hammering home: Ward and Delia combined for a Jokiharju for no apparent reason, but he did significantly address the .900 save percentage. Had they played at Lehner’s .930 level, they team’s most glaring weakness in the offseason. Calvin de Haan is the would have allowed 48 fewer goals and the Blackhawks easily make the reliable second-pairing defenseman the Blackhawks have been missing playoffs. Now, playing behind the Blackhawks defense isn’t the same as since Niklas Hjalmarsson was traded. He was 13th among NHL playing behind a Barry Trotz defense, so Lehner’s numbers are sure to defensemen last season with a 55.64 Corsi percentage, and is a go down. But it’s almost inconceivable that he won’t be better than what minutes-eating defender who can kill penalties (the Blackhawks’ other the Blackhawks had the last two seasons. most obvious deficiency). He’s the ideal partner for Brent Seabrook, who can play to his strengths as the more offensive-minded player of the pair. Remember, when the Blackhawks were ruling the NHL from 2013-16, they had the likes of Ray Emery, Antti Raanta and Scott Darling backing Olli Maatta isn’t the most exciting addition to the defense, but when up Crawford, all of whom put up spectacular numbers. Backup goalies you’ve got a top pairing of Duncan Keith and Erik Gustafsson, that’s all play anywhere from 25-40 games a year. A good one can make all the the excitement (good and bad) you can handle. Maatta, if he can stay difference. healthy, will form a legitimate shutdown pairing with the perennially underrated Connor Murphy. His skating is a concern — as our own Josh So what do you see when you look at the 2019-20 Blackhawks? Do you Yohe put it, “He’s slow. Very, very slow.” — but he’s a smart, sound, see an aging core with an albatross contract, an inexperienced coach reliable defender. That’s something the Blackhawks just didn’t have who’s in over his head, a team whose 96-point second-half pace was all enough of last season. smoke and mirrors and PDO? A team whose 53.77 GF (actual goals for) percentage and 45.16 xGF (expected goals for) at 5-on-5 during that The Jokiharju trade hurts the Blackhawks’ depth, and Adam Boqvist second-half surge tell the whole story? A team that missed the playoffs might still be a year away from contributing. Slater Koekkoek and Carl and is actually primed for regression? Dahlstrom, in the meantime, are perfectly adequate No. 7 types, one of whom can hold down the fort if de Haan’s not quite ready at the start of I get it. I understand that. Rationally, I see all of that, too. the season after shoulder surgery. Training camp will be critical, as But I also see a team with one of the best players in the world, who only Jeremy Colliton finally gets all those practices the rigorous in-season seems to be getting better, in Kane. I see a team with two dynamic schedule didn’t allow for. Seabrook and Co. will have no excuse now not scorers with unteachable chemistry on entry-level contracts in DeBrincat to turn Colliton’s more man-to-man style into muscle memory. and Strome. I see a team with an elite top power-play unit that helped create that gap between GF and xGF. I see a team with the best goaltending tandem in the NHL (perhaps only Nashville’s Pekka Rinne and Juuse Saros can compare). I see a team with a viable if unspectacular NHL defense, one which will have some of its flaws masked by its goaltending. I see a team that still has a leadership core that’s the envy of the league.

Maybe I’m drinking the Kool-Aid. Maybe I still give Toews, Kane, Keith, Seabrook, Saad, Shaw and Crawford too much credit due to their exploits earlier in the decade. Hell, maybe I’ve spent too much time in the sun during this seemingly endless offseason, and my brain is turning to mush.

Because all the numbers, all the gamblers and all the logic say the Blackhawks could be in for another long, fruitless campaign.

But, come on. What fun would sports be if the numbers, gamblers and logic were always right?

The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107771 Colorado Avalanche Great Park Ice

This facility is amazing. The Ducks really have something nice on their hands with this practice facility. Full concessions, VIP areas, four ice Avalanche winners and losers from the Anaheim Rookie Faceoff rinks, actual seats in the stands, bleachers with backs, robust parking. Everything about it has been pleasant and the Ducks put on a first-class event over the course of the last four days. BY AJ HAEFELE SEPTEMBER 10, 2019 Losers

Colorado’s other defensemen IRVINE, Calif. – The games are over out here in California. The Avalanche went 1-2 in their three games, losing the last two while only Byram and Timmins shined brightly as expected at times and were just managing to score one goal in those two games. okay at other times but were clearly the two most talented guys they had on the blueline. It’s certainly a disappointing overall result after an impressive 5-2 win against Vegas in their first game but the results of these things have Josh Anderson can’t seem to go through one of these prospect never really mattered a ton. There were a fair amount of winners and showcases without punching someone and he got kicked out of the third losers from the experience as a whole for the organization so let’s just game because of it. His turnover also led to Arizona’s only real goal of get to it. the game with a little gift right in front of his own net. Brutal showing from him. Winners The rest of the defenders had moments in some of the games but overall 1st Rounders were way too sloppy in their own zone. I liked individual moments from Kevin Davis, Wyatt McLeod, and Peter Tischke but each also made a fair Shane Bowers played in all three games and was varying degrees of share of mistakes along the way. good to great in all of them. The questions about his offensive upside remain after he was a big part of a power play unit that went 0/11 in the Tischke’s giveaway that led to the ENG in the AZ game was the stuff of final two games. His IQ and all-around game should mean heavy usage nightmares as he miscommunicated with Sasha Mutala in leaving the in Loveland this year. puck for him while Mutala skated away. Speaking of Mutala…

Martin Kaut is just solid at everything. His skill level isn’t overwhelming Sasha Mutala but he makes everyone around him better by being so willing to fit into the team concept. He’s a subtle playmaker who could use a little more It was a mess of four days for Mutala. His only reprieve came when they aggression in his game but he looks poised to have a good year. practiced on Monday morning and there were no in-game mistakes to make. His play through the first two games was poor overall but he was Bowen Byram was great in his first game and a little more pedestrian in off to a strong start in the third game before taking a very irresponsible his second game out but overall flashed the way he should have. He may high-sticking penalty. not be quite ready for the NHL but he’s close enough the team still has a tough decision on its hands. The rest of the game was up and down for him but ultimately it finished on a down note when Tischke left the puck in front of an empty Colorado Conor Timmins net and Mutala didn’t seem to know it was coming as he skated away from it without realizing it was sitting there. The freebie sealed the deal Him simply being on the ice makes him a winner here. After not playing for AZ and left Mutala with one final mistake to lament on the trip back to in a competitive game since May 2018, Timmins played in games one Colorado. and three and showed off what made him such an intriguing prospect to begin with. He’s so much better than he showed out here that you know he’ll bounce back eventually. It’s just too bad it went this way for him. The time off certainly cost him a little bit of his timing and that will come once he gets back to playing games regularly. The hockey IQ, vision, and Frontier Airlines/California traffic puck distributing skills are all what appealed to Colorado on draft day in 2017 and they were all on display out here. Be better, both of you. Damn.

It’s going to take a little bit of time but he’s still teeming with top-four That does it for me from California this week. I’ll be back in Denver with potential. our newest team member (stay tuned!) at Media Day on Thursday where the focus will surely be on the one player who isn’t expected to be there – Nick Henry Mikko Rantanen.

Henry flies under the prospect radar just a bit because he was a mid- BSN DENVER LOADED: 09.11.2019 round selection and his D+1 year was all about him returning from the shoulder injury suffered in his draft year.

Since getting healthy, he’s been a stud and that continued out here. He played next to Bowers in all three games and showed off his shot in game one, scoring one goal and nearly getting a second before having to settle for the assist.

His skating is still a work in progress but he works hard and lays the body hard on the forecheck. He’s probably not a high-end guy in the NHL but a good year with the Eagles and he could begin pushing hard for a bottom- six job as early as next year.

Logan O’Connor

I’ve never been the biggest fan of LOC’s game but there’s no denying the results he put up last year for the Eagles. He was the captain of the squad out here and he looks primed for another solid year in the AHL.

His speed was consistently a problem for opponents and his aggression and confidence in winning battles really serves him well. He’s the try-hard.

His puck skills are still lacking and that’s where I think he’ll meet the hard ceiling and probably what keeps him from being an NHL regular but I really like the rest of what I saw. 1107772 Columbus Blue Jackets guys an opportunity to become No. 1s. If they can do it, great. If they can’t, we’ll react to the situation.”

• You made some strong statements about wanting guys who want to be Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen excited Blue Jackets. Did you take this offseason personally, in terms of what about team's young prospects happened in free agency?

“No, it’s not personal at all. What I believe the team should be Brian Hedger The Columbus Dispatch constructed of is guys that want to bleed for that team and play hard, and give it everything they’ve got. They embrace the logo, they embrace the organization and the city. That’s the type of guys we want on our team, not guys that don’t want to be there or leave for other reasons other than TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Several minutes after the final horn sounded, winning and being on a good team and building something together. a stone-faced man weaved through a crowd of happy Boston Bruins at Nationwide Arena. "If they want to leave for other reasons, they can leave. I can’t do anything about it. We did everything we could. We wanted them to stay Jarmo Kekalainen found his counterpart, Bruins general manager Don for the right reasons, with a fair salary, and keep building what we were Sweeney, and gave him a firm, congratulatory handshake after Boston’s building, and they chose to do otherwise. And that’s their right. We have second-round triumph against the Blue Jackets. It was a stinging defeat, to respect that, but I agree with (coach John Tortorella): Don’t talk about for the Blue Jackets and their GM, and Kekalainen has thought about it winning. Don’t say, ‘We left because we want to win' with some other ever since. team, when there are four teams in the National Hockey League that The Blue Jackets open training camp Thursday. Artemi Panarin, Sergei have won more games than we have in the regular season the last three Bobrovsky and Matt Duchene are gone, but Gustav Nyquist, Alexandre years. So, you know, that’s BS, in my opinion. Just be honest about the Texier, Emil Bemstrom and Elvis Merzlikins are about to arrive, not to reasons why you wanted to make a change and there’s no problem.” mention a host of others eager to keep the Jackets afloat despite their • Has the perception of the Columbus Blue Jackets changed the past heavy free-agent losses. seven years? “You need to recharge the battery (in the summer), but every time you’re “Well, like I said, there are four teams in the last three years that have disappointed, you want to get another crack at it,” Kekalainen said won more games in the regular season. So, we talk about earning Tuesday, before the Jackets won the third-place game of the annual NHL respect around the league and I think we have, but we have to keep Prospect Tournament 5-4 in overtime against the Toronto Maple Leafs. doing that. It’s every day that you have to earn it. You can also lose it “We’re at the start of another season, and we have another opportunity to very quickly if you think you’ve arrived and everything is going smooth ... compete for the Stanley Cup.” you have to get there by earning your respect and you have to stay there Before it begins, Kekalainen talked with The Dispatch about the season by earning the respect. So, we’re going to keep doing the same things ahead. Here is an edited version of that conversation: over and over again, and hopefully we’ll stay there and earn the respect of the whole league.” • You have said for a while that you’re confident the Blue Jackets will remain competitive. What drives that confidence? Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 09.11.2019

“Why wouldn’t we be confident? Just because a couple players left? This is a team game. We were successful before Panarin ever got to us, and goaltending … there are great examples all around the league where guys who never really got the opportunity all of a sudden got it and proved to everybody they’re worthy of it and can carry the load of being a No. 1 goalie. So, that’s where the confidence comes from.

"We still have one of the best groups of defensemen in the league and a lot of talented forwards who are young and only going to get better. There are a lot of reasons to be confident.”

• Will you watch camp even closer than usual this year, just because there are multiple rookies vying for NHL spots?

“It’ll be more closely watched when we get to the start of camp with the big boys, and we start scrimmaging there and we start playing exhibition games against NHL players. This tournament’s great for evaluation, and certainly we’re going to look at it carefully every year. The guys that rise above the level of play here and are among the best here usually have a great chance of playing for us the year after, and there are plenty of examples of that in the past.

"You can see they’re elite here and they have a smaller transition step to the NHL. That’s what I see with a guy like Texier. He’s among the best here, and I think he’s going to have a really good chance of not only making our team, but making an impact on our team.”

• Are you expecting Merzlikins to have some bumps in the road as he adjusts to smaller rinks in North America?

“It’s just two games in now. (Elvis) has another month to prepare for the NHL season. I think every day is a great learning lesson for him. (Goaltending coach) Manny (Legace) is working with him, and he’ll be ready."

• You had enough cap space to sign a veteran NHL free agent to mitigate the loss of Bobrovsky in net. How come you’re going with all young guys?

“Because I don’t want our guys going somewhere else to get an opportunity and becoming No. 1 goalies for the rivals. It’s happened so many times if you look around the league, where the goalies who are now No. 1s were No. 2s somewhere else and they got traded without getting the proper opportunity. Now, they’re No. 1s. So, I want to give our 1107773 Columbus Blue Jackets Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 09.11.2019

Blue Jackets impressed with play of 5-foot-6 Trey Fix-Wolansky

Brian Hedger The Columbus Dispatch

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — He’s doing it again.

Three games into the NHL Prospect Tournament, Trey Fix-Wolansky is catching the attention of scouts and agents alike with his standout play for the Blue Jackets.

After scoring two goals in a 6-2 victory to open the tournament Friday against the New York Rangers, the forward — who is listed at 5 feet 6, 176 pounds — has added assists in the past two games for four points in the first three games. He is already taking strides toward his goal of earning an NHL spot in Columbus this year.

“He’s a player,” said coach Mike Eaves, who is running the Jackets’ bench in Traverse City. “He gets the game. He competes for it.”

The way Fix-Wolansky sees it, he has no choice. He has fought his entire career to prove that his size isn’t a detriment, and he knows people are now watching him closely to see if he can make his NHL dream a reality. Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen is one, and coach John Tortorella will be watching once training camp opens Thursday.

“They haven’t talked to (the prospects) personally, but everybody knows what the expectation is for this organization,” said Fix-Wolansky, who had 37 goals, 65 assists and 102 points for the last season in the Western Hockey League. “Everybody knows the kind of coach 'Torts' is and the kind of GM Jarmo is, so if you’re not giving your 110 percent all the time, then you’re probably going to get looked over. It’s important to play as hard as you can every day, in every game and practice, and just hope you catch their eye.”

Fix-Wolansky caught the eye of a Jackets area scout during the 2017-18 season with the Oil Kings. He made enough of an impression that the Jackets spent their final pick in the 2018 draft, 204th overall in the seventh round, to get him. It might turn out to be one of the best late- round gems in that draft if Fix-Wolansky keeps the same upward development curve.

“The thing about this game or any sport is you’ve got to use what your natural gifts are,” said Eaves, who could wind up coaching Fix-Wolansky this season in the American Hockey League. “He’s smaller in stature, but he can get in underneath people, and he’s willing to do that and go win puck battles.”

Opposing players in this tournament have seen it happen firsthand. Despite often giving up a significant amount of height and weight heading into a corner, Fix-Wolansky has charged into each confrontation with intensity and a low center of gravity.

He has also made a number of impressive reads to create scoring chances and spent time killing penalties.

“He’s got a great stick and he understands how the game goes together,” Eaves said. “Because of that, this little guy that probably many people say is too little to play, he’s pretty effective.”

The next step is training camp and likely a preseason game or two with the Blue Jackets — the team he intends to make, one way or another.

“Everyone who goes to camp, that’s their goal,” Fix-Wolansky said. “My main goal is to play pro this year, whether that's in the NHL or the AHL. Hopefully it’s the NHL, but if it’s the AHL, I’m just going to push myself harder every day to become an NHL player.”

Title defense ends

The Blue Jackets will not get a chance to defend their championship in the prospect tournament after losing 5-3 to the Dallas Stars on Monday.

Elvis Merzlikins allowed four goals and Egor Sokolov scored two for the Blue Jackets, who fell behind 3-0 before scoring their first goal. Columbus closed to within a goal twice, but couldn’t tie it. The regulation loss dropped them into the third-place game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. 1107774 Dallas Stars

Dallas Stars’ Tyler Seguin dealing with damaged Ferrari after a hit and run

BY STEFAN STEVENSONSEPTEMBER 10, 2019 05:43 PM

Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin has some auto repairs to deal with after his Ferrari 458 was damaged by someone in another car.

The details are unclear, but an image was posted on Instagram of a note left on Seguin’s Ferrari from someone apologizing for hitting his car.

The base price for a Ferrari 458 is about $230,000. The person admits he or she doesn’t have the funds (or apparently the insurance) to cover a repair bill. They are also not strong on English grammar.

“Sorry I just hitted your car. My bad bro. I don’t have money to pay,” the note read, with no name or phone number.

That won’t be a problem for Seguin, 27, who makes nearly $10 million a year.

Star-Telegram LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107775 Dallas Stars Canadiens forward Max Domi, and has already spoken with kids in Minnesota who have been diagnosed.

“I get a lot of messages and a lot of families that come up to me, it’s been Stars prospect Tufte acclimating to pro game — but after 10 years with awesome to talk with them,” Tufte said. “After my career is over, I want to diabetes, adjustments are nothing new do something that is with diabetes and can help young kids out. Any way I can help it’s a good way to help. I’m an athlete. If they don’t think they can achieve their dreams when they get diagnosed, you can help let By Sean Shapiro Sep 10, 2019 them know everybody can play (hockey) as long as you take care of it.”

Technology has made it easier than ever to monitor and manage blood sugar. Tufte has a wireless Dexcom G6 monitor that tracks his blood TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Most professional athletes crave a routine. sugar and insulin levels, has live access to his numbers and can look Hockey players included. back at a chart that’s updated throughout the day. He also has an Whether it’s planning a set meal or taking a nap at a certain time on Ominpod insulin pump, about the size of a half-dollar, that he replaces game days, normalcy helps performance and often puts an athlete in a every three days and wears on his chest. position where they’re at their mental peak for competition. Any worries about it coming off during a game? The Traverse City prospects tournament forces players to completely “It can come off, sure,” Tufte said. “But I change it every three days, so trash their routine. it’s not that big of a deal if it happens.” They play four games in five days, and the start times aren’t anything like Petersen uses a similar system now, and marvels at the technological the regular season. The Dallas Stars prospects’ start times have come at advances he’s been able to take advantage of. 3 p.m., 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. locally, while they’ll play for a tournament championship at 5 p.m. on Tuesday against the host Detroit Red Wings. “When I first started, it was manual finger poking and then you have to check it manually where you were checking the color of the strip after you For players used to afternoon naps and 7:30 starts, the early afternoon wiped the blood away to a color palette. That would tell you if your blood times can be a drag and a real mental hurdle. sugar was high if your blood sugar was low or if it was perfect,” Petersen For Stars forward prospect Riley Tufte, they also lead to further said. “Then all of a sudden the machines came around and you could complications. Tufte has Type 1 diabetes, which is also known as test it electronically.” juvenile diabetes, and he was diagnosed as an 11-year-old. Petersen got his first insulin pump in 2004 when he was playing in the “There is a lot of stuff that goes into my pregame that a lot others don’t AHL for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. have to do,” Tufte said on Friday. “It’s a completely different 180 from “I had been diabetic for 20 years when I finally got an insulin pump,” what they have to do. I think the main thing is eating at the right time and Petersen said. “I wore it during games the whole time, put it right in my taking the right amount of insulin, and sometimes this 3:00 game, it kind pants and that didn’t give me too much fear. I knew that if it broke, they’d of messed with it a little bit. Once I get on my routine, it’ll be just a normal send me a new one.” routine again. But it gets a little tough at the beginning of the season, playing these games at odd times.” Petersen said he rarely had issues on game days, monitoring his blood sugar and insulin was part of the routine. He added that the routine of a Tufte was an active kid, but at age 11, he started to feel lethargic and hockey player is pretty consistent, even in the AHL, so as long as you needed trips to the bathroom “at least every five minutes.” He also says stick to it a player would be in good shape. he lost close to 25 pounds in a short time period. That routine, of course, doesn’t often include games that start at 2 p.m. “I went to the doctor and my blood sugar was over 500. It’s supposed to be closer to 100,” Tufte said. “I remember they said it was diabetes and it “I can imagine that’s been a bit tough for Riley,” Petersen said. “Those was really scary, I really didn’t know what it was.” odd start times were the worst for that.”

Despite the initial fear, Tufte could cope with diabetes after he learned it After three years at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he won a wouldn’t stop him from playing hockey. His parents and doctors said it pair of NCAA championships, Tufte knows that he’ll have to alter his wouldn’t stop him, and then he got a letter from Dallas Stars forward routine as he turns pro. He also said it’s a learning experience. . While he struggled in the Stars’ first game, an early start on Friday “I remember one of my former teammates, who I can’t remember if they against the Minnesota Wild, Tufte had a standout showing against the were a family friend (of Tufte) or a coach, said that there is a player that Columbus Blue Jackets in a Monday afternoon game and had a goal and was diagnosed and it would be awesome to just get a couple of words of an assist. encouragement,” Petersen said. “With Riley, I remember the person saying he’s a big kid, he’s a good hockey player. Would hate for this After the game I relayed a message from Petersen, who asked me to tell disease to get in the way of what he loves.” Tufte he said hello and wish him luck during his first pro season.

It wasn’t anything profound, but Petersen wrote a simple message that “He remembered he sent me a letter?” Tufte said. “That’s awesome. That Tufte took to heart. If the Dallas forward could play in the NHL with was big for me.” diabetes, the pee-wee hockey player in Minnesota certainly didn’t have to The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 give anything up.

Petersen spent parts of six seasons with Dallas and played 243 of his 398 career NHL games with the franchise. In the twilight of his playing career, he took on a veteran role with the AHL-affiliated and retired in 2014 after winning a Calder Cup.

Petersen, who is now an assistant coach with the Rochester Americans in the AHL, grew up in Minnesota and said having athletes to look up to when he was diagnosed as a five-year-old was valuable.

“The two biggest people for me were the Vikings quarterback Wade Wilson (later the Cowboys’ quarterbacks coach) and Bobby Clarke,” Petersen said. “(Clarke) was the poster child for diabetics everywhere. He had the Hall of Fame career, won wherever he went and he was diabetic throughout. Those are the two guys that people in my generation looked up to and that was big for me as a kid.”

It’s a fraternity no one wants to be drawn into, but one that sticks together. Tufte has discussed the disease with others, including Montreal 1107776 Detroit Red Wings 2013 draft, has 27 points in 114 career NHL games. De la Rose, the 34th pick in 2013, has 28 points in 179 games.

Line 4: Jacob de la Rose Detroit Red Wings camp primer: These prospects could step up and claim jobs Erne, de la Rose and Ehn are all grinders and penalty killers. If at least two of them play their way onto the team, what does that do to Abdelkader? He’s had three straight disappointing seasons (75 points, Helene St. James, Detroit Free PressPublished 6:01 a.m. ET Sept. 8, minus-45, little physical presence in 210 games) but there are four years 2019 left at $4.25 million on his contract. Sending him to the minors would still leave around $3 million against the salary cap.

The fluidity of the forward situation beyond the first four spots will make When prospective Detroit Red Wings gathered at development camp, a for a competitive September. There are openings on all but the first line common topic was that Steve Yzerman was watching. It amplified the (Larkin, Mantha and Bertuzzi dazzled in that grouping down the stretch), motivation to impress. and veterans should feel the threat of prospects pushing them out of their way. Now Yzerman will be watching prospects and veterans as training camp commences next week in Traverse City, his first since taking over as Sizing up the back end general manager in April. Players young and old would do well to remember what Yzerman said this summer: Nobody is getting handed a Eleven defensemen played at least 10 games in a Wings uniform last position. Spots must be earned. season; that’s how banged up the back end was. If Mike Green, who missed 41 games battling a virus, is healthy, the top four will be him, There are spots up for grabs for forwards and defensemen, which should Hronek, Danny DeKeyser and newcomer Patrik Nemeth. make for a competitive camp and exhibition season. Veterans should feel vulnerable, because there are a handful of prospects ready to challenge Trevor Daley, 36 on Oct. 9, missed 38 games because of injuries (back, for jobs. broken foot, head). When healthy, Daley is a mobile puck mover, so ideally he plays well enough to draw trade interest from a contender. Here is a camp primer. Jonathan Ericsson, 35, missed 16 games early in the season and 10 of the last 12 because of injuries (back, lower body) and was a healthy Can prospect Filip Zadina (11) maneuver his way onto the Detroit Red scratch at times. Both he and Daley are in the last year of their contract. Wings this month? It seems unlikely either one will last the season, even if they make it Top prospects in line for jobs through camp.

Defenseman Filip Hronek, 21, has secured a lineup spot with a strong Madison Bowey, 24, appeared in 17 games after being acquired at the rookie season followed by a stand-out performance for the Czechs at the trade deadline. Oliwer Kaski, 24, was signed after the World 2019 World Championship. He embraced two assignments to Grand Championship on the strength of his right-handed shot and potential to Rapids, improving his defensive play and penalty killing. Look for him to boost the power play. Cholowski had 14 points in his first 40 games absorb some of Niklas Kronwall’s minutes at even strength and on the before poor decisions with the puck outweighed the good he penalty kill. Forward Taro Hirose, 23, impressed with his savvy passing accomplished. Moritz Seider, the sixth pick in 2019, is only 18 but he during the 10 games he played after signing out of Michigan State, giving played against men in Germany’s top league and is a mobile guy with a him an edge going into camp. Defenseman Dennis Cholowski, 21, needs mature game. At least one of these four prospects could lay claim to a to use exhibition game to show his demotion to Grand Rapids in the job, maybe more depending on how Ericsson and Daley hold up. second half of the season paid off similarly, and that he can be trusted to Sharing the net make good decisions with the puck. Forward Christoffer Ehn, 23, has demonstrated he is a solid (and cheap) fit on the fourth line. Barring injury, Jimmy Howard and have dibs on tending goal. What will be interesting to see is how coach Jeff Blashill divides the Prospects on deck workload. Bernier fared better last season when he played regularly: in Where is forward Evgeny Svechnikov, 22, at? The team’s first round pick 22 games through mid-February, he posted a 3.37 goals-against average from 2015 was ticketed for Grand Rapids when he hurt a knee during a and .898 save percentage. When he started at least every other game 2018 preseason game, leading him to miss all of last season (at least (as he did from mid-February until he was injured at the end of March), that translates to another year of being waiver exempt). Can he harness Bernier posted a 2.73 goals-against average and .918 save percentage his energy into an NHL job? Forward Michael Rasmussen, 20, a first- in 13 games. That, combined with Howard’s age (35), could lead to the round pick from 2017, was manhandled by opponents the second half of two sharing duties equally. his rookie season and would have been in the minors had he been Detroit Free Press LOADED: 09.11.2019 eligible. He’s likely to start the season in Grand Rapids.

Red Wings forward Michael Rasmussen shoots against Ottawa Senators goalie Anders Nilsson during first period action Thursday at Little Caesars Arena.

Forward Filip Zadina, 19, the sixth overall pick in 2018, had an OK first year of pro hockey, spent mostly with Grand Rapids (16 goals, 19 assists in 59 AHL games, three points in nine NHL games), but he lacked a center who could get him the puck. It’ll be interesting to see if he gets some shifts with Dylan Larkin, or maybe there’s a fit on a line with Frans Nielsen and Andreas Athanasiou. If Zadina shows he can score, he should start the season in Detroit. If he starts in Grand Rapids, there’s a good chance he’ll play with , the 30th pick in 2018, who has the skill set to set up Zadina.

The shape of things up front

Larkin, Athanasiou, Anthony Mantha and Tyler Bertuzzi have claims on four of the top six spots. The supporting cast of veterans numbers Nielsen, Valtteri Filppula, Luke Glendening, Darren Helm and Justin Abdelkader.

Then there’s Jacob de la Rose, a waiver pickup who suffered a second cardiac episode in a six-month span in March, and newcomer Adam Erne, acquired via trade from Tampa Bay. Erne, the 33rd pick from the 1107777 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings win NHL Prospect Tournament in Traverse City

The Detroit News

The Detroit Red Wings won the NHL Prospect Tournament with a 6-5 victory over the Dallas Stars in the final on Tuesday at the Centre Ice Arena in Traverse City.

Joe Veleno and Givani Smith scored two goals each for Detroit, which trailed 4-2 in the third period.

Veleno led the tournament with seven goals in four games and tied for the scoring lead with eight points with teammate Ryan Kuffner (three goals, five assists). Smith finished with three goals and three assists.

It was Detroit's second title at the prospects tournament in 21 years and first since 2013.

Training camp begins Friday with the exhibition opener against the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday at Little Caesars Arena at 7:30 p.m.

Detroit News LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107778 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings defeat Stars to win NHL Prospects Tournament

By Ansar Khan

Joe Veleno sparked a third-period rally with a pair of goals as the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Dallas Stars 6-5 Tuesday to win the NHL Prospects Tournament at Centre I.C.E. in Traverse City.

The Red Wings (3-0-1) won their final three games to capture this event for just the second time in 21 seasons and the first since 2013. They were awarded the Matthew Wuest , named for the founder of the former site, CapGeek.com.

Veleno, who also picked up an assist, led all players with seven goals and finished with eight points.

Ryan Kuffner’s unassisted goal at 8:40 of the third period was the first of four unanswered goals by Detroit that turned a two-goal deficit into a 6-4 lead. Veleno scored on the power play at 11:02 to tie it and notched an unassisted goal at 12:52 to give his team the lead for good.

Givani Smith scored his second goal of the game at 17:28, which proved to be the game-winner.

Sean Romeo, invited to camp on a tryout, made 23 saves in winning his third game in a row.

Kuffner, who’ll compete for an NHL spot in the main camp, tied Veleno for the tournament scoring lead with eight points (three goals, five assists.).

Smith finished with six points (three goals, three assists).

Gregor MacLeod opened the scoring for the Red Wings at 13:48 of the first period and assisted on Smith’s first goal.

The Red Wings’ main training camp begins Friday and concludes on Monday.

 pic.twitter.com/OkLRTKqvaD

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 10, 2019

CHAMPS. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/Mpj6L4guN8

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 10, 2019

Michigan Live LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107779 Detroit Red Wings

NHL Prospects Tournament live chat: Red Wings face Stars for title

By Ansar Khan

The Detroit Red Wings are seeking their second NHL Prospects Tournament championship in the event’s 21-year-history tonight when they face the Dallas Stars at Centre I.C.E. in Traverse City (5 p.m.).

Here is a link to watch the game on YouTube.

Several Red Wings prospects have impressed, including two-way center Joe Veleno (30th overall in 2018), who leads the tournament with five goals. His linemate, Filip Zadina (No. 6 overall in 2018) has five assists.

The Red Wings are 2-0-1 (W-L-OTL). Dallas is 2-1-0.

Detroit’s line of Chase Pearson, Givani Smith and Jarid Lukosevicius has been strong. Pearson leads all players with six points (four goals, two assists). Lukosevicius (two goals, two assists) and Smith (one goal, three assists) each have four points.

Ryan Kuffner, who’ll compete for an NHL spot in the main camp, has five points (two goals, three assists).

Defenseman Moritz Seider, the Red Wings’ first pick this year (No. 6), has been strong, picking up four assists.

Sean Romeo, invited to camp on a tryout, has won back-to-back games (3.50 goals-against average, .851 save percentage), starting in place of Kaden Fulcher. Filip Larsson is out with a minor groin injury.

The Stars have been led by Adam Mascherin and Ty Dellandrea with four points each. Jake Oettinger is 2-0 with a 2.00 GAA and .909 save percentage.

Michigan Live LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107780 Detroit Red Wings “Hockey’s for everyone. The problem with hockey in the inner city is it’s very expensive,” he said. “He’s creating a program that allows kids the opportunity to play who normally would never get the opportunity to play.

Detroit Red Wings players make mid-Michigan stops ahead of training “I feel that because I grew up in the city with my mother and I was very camp poor, and I wanted to play hockey very badly and I never got to. I didn’t start playing hockey until I was 23. To see kids get the chance that I didn’t get is awesome.” By Roberto Acosta After their stop in Flint, the players traveled up to Bay City to visit the historic St. Laurent Brothers candy and nut shop where they put on aprons and hopped behind the candy counters to hand out free treats to Four Detroit Red Wings players made stops in Flint and Bay City on their fans. way to training camp in Traverse City later this week. “We’re very grateful to our Red Wing celebrities that made a stop in Bay In Flint, forwards Dylan Larkin, Tyler Bertuzzi, Andreas Athanasiou and City and Bay County,” said Bay County Executive Jim Barcia. Anthony Mantha were taken on a tour Tuesday morning of Flint Fire Station No. 1. Rainy weather did not deter dedicated Red Wings fans. A sea of red and white clad devotees snaked around the side of St. Laurent Brothers down The Wings got a chance to go up on the department’s new ladder truck Water Street, with the line reaching the Boathouse Condominiums. and engage in a friendly, yet competitive street hockey game. Once in the candy shop, fans stopped at various stations manned by the “I’m sweating hard from that,” said Bertuzzi, flashing a smile. players to get treats ranging from cashews to chocolates. Fans of all The visits in Flint and the St. Laurent Brothers in Bay City came as part ages posed for selfies and photos with the players and gave high-fives, of the team’s Hockeytown Cares Community Tour. handshakes and even hockey tips to the Red Wings.

“It’s good for the Red Wings and the Michigan community,” Bertuzzi said. After the players served up sweets and snacks to the fans, the group of “To come here and meet all these firefighters; they work so hard every players presented a donation of $2,500 to the Bay County Civic Arena’s day for us. It’s nice to meet them.” Learn to Skate program.

Larkin added said the Flint Fire Department made them feel at home. Red Wing Larkin is familiar with the Bay County Civic Arena. He recalled his past of playing at the Bay County Civic Arena where he used to come “It’s a great group of guys and girls and women,” he said. “When I was a up and play against the Bay Area Thunder when he was on the Lakeland kid, I loved policemen and firemen and I would say these guys are Hawks team out of Waterford. heroes as well.” Larkin said, “It’s a proud community and you can obviously tell there’s a Larkin called the work put in by Flint Fire Department Quartermaster Rico lot of hockey people and a lot of hockey fans here, and it’s great to be up Phillips as part of the Inner-City Youth Hockey program -- on top of his here and spend some time with them.” duties at the fire station -- “amazing.” Michigan Live LOADED: 09.11.2019 The program launched by Phillips in 2010 led to his winning the NHL’s Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award in June.

The award is given annually "to an individual who - through the game of hockey - has positively impacted his or her community, culture or society," according to the NHL’s website.

“He’s a hero in the community. It’s inspiring for all of us to see how much passion he has for kids and for hockey and for just being a good person,” said Larkin. “It’s inspiring to me and it’s great for what he does in the community.”

The Flint visit included a $5,000 check presented to Phillips for use by the program.

Phillips said the money will give the program “a leg up” in terms of stability and marketing itself to draw in more children.

“I’m so, so thankful,” he said. “lt’s going to go a long way to make sure our program lasts for a long, long time.”

He appreciated the opportunity to have the Red Wings players in the station.

“Here in Flint we feel isolated a lot of times. One of things that we try to do is keep ... our heads up,” said Phillips. “When there’s an opportunity like this to share with people that are from outside of Flint all the good things, the good people of Flint, especially pro athletes from my favorite sport in the world…Today was an incredible day.”

He couldn’t help but notice the smiles across the faces of fellow firefighters who nabbed autographs and photos with the players, as well as some bumping during a quick game inside the fire station.

Justin Kinsman, 26, a third generation Flint firefighter and self-professed Red Wings fan, could hardly contain his excitement.

“I scored three goals playing with the Red Wings. I’m going to be flying high for a very long time. That meant the world to me,” he said. “I can think of three or four other guys that are as big of a Red Wings fan as I am on this department and I just got to play with them and score goals with them and Mantha’s my favorite player and he was on my team. I was stoked.”

Growing up in Flint, Kinsman has a fond place in his heart for Phillips’ program. 1107781 Detroit Red Wings

Adam Erne looks to provide physical presence on Red Wings’ fourth line

By Ansar Khan

(Last in a series of player profiles prior to training camp.)

Adam Erne

Position: Left wing

Age: 24

Height/Weight: 6-1/214

2018-19 stats: (Tampa Bay) 65 games, 7 goals, 13 assists, 20 points, plus-10 rating, 40 penalty minutes.

Career stats: 114 games, 13 goals, 14 assists, 27 points, even plus- minus rating, 62 penalty minutes.

Contract: One year at a $1.05 million cap hit. Will be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights after the season.

2018-19 in review: Acquired from Tampa Bay on Aug. 14 for a fourth- round pick in 2020. … Career-high three points Nov. 17 at Philadelphia (goal, two assists) and Dec. 29 vs. Montreal (two goals, one assist). … Six points in four games (three goals, three assists) from Dec. 18-29. … Two-point games Dec. 18 at Vancouver (goal, assist) and March 5 vs. Winnipeg (goal, assist). … Three game-winning goals. … Two power- play goals. … Third on Lightning in hits with 159. … Two fighting majors: Feb. 9 vs. Pittsburgh’s Teddy Blueger and Feb. 28 vs. Boston’s David Backes.

2019-20 outlook: New general manager Steve Yzerman traded for a player he drafted 33rd overall in 2013 to provide depth on the bottom two lines. Erne will provide a physical presence and might occasionally drop the gloves (one of his four career NHL fighting majors was against new teammate Andreas Athanasiou).

Erne doesn’t figure to kill penalties but saw limited power-play time in Tampa Bay (30 seconds per game) and could be used in that capacity with the Red Wings on occasion.

Key question: Will Erne be a regular in the lineup?

Michigan Live LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107782 Detroit Red Wings Without getting too deep down that hypothetical road, though, the advantage of Seider playing in Grand Rapids this season would be how much time he could get with Horcoff and the rest of the development staff Early impressions of Moritz Seider: ‘Jeez, he’s looked really, really good’ by being so close to Detroit. There’s still the matter of how many defensemen the Griffins are already expected to have in the fold, but Seider has looked capable of playing in the AHL should that end up being the outcome. By Max Bultman Sep 10, 2019 “Wherever he ends up, I think that he’s going to have a little bit of an

adjustment (if he’s in Grand Rapids) because that’s just the reality — it’s TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — It was Saturday, after the Red Wings a different country, it’s a different language, it’s a different culture, there’s prospects had just beaten St. Louis 7-3, that Moritz Seider lingered near a lot of differences,” Simon said. “There’s a lot of firsts. But for him, being the entrance to the Detroit locker room, spending a few extra seconds as mature as he is as a player and as a person, I think you’re still going looking at the team’s strategy sheets taped onto the door. to see an adjustment period but I don’t see it being a ton. … He works hard, he competes hard, he takes care of himself, and based on what Call it studying, reviewing or something else, but it was interesting to see I’ve seen, I think that acclimation period might be a little bit smaller, from an 18-year-old postgame at a prospect tournament, when he would hopefully.” have been forgiven for being quick to the exit — especially on a Saturday evening before an off-day in one of Michigan’s most pleasant cities. To that end, the physicality of Seider’s game has impressed the Red Wings’ staff in Traverse City. The downside is that he’s amassed eight Doing just a bit more than might have been expected has been an penalty minutes in three games, but at this stage, Detroit can probably emerging theme for Seider, though, since he was drafted sixth overall by stomach that pretty easily. the Red Wings in June. Consider the very first game of the tournament, for example, when Some of that was inevitable because so few had watched him Seider was matched up against the No. 3 overall pick from his same extensively while he played for Mannheim in the DEL last year, but as draft. Kirby Dach is also a very large player, and early in the second Seider makes his first meaningful impressions on the NHL prospect period Dach hit Seider in open ice. Seider went down. But early in the circuit and on his own coaches, it has been hard not to at least take note. third, Seider gave it right back.

“I think the one thing with Mo — the first thing that strikes you — is his “Looked like it pissed him off a little bit, and it was great,” Horcoff said. personality,” said Shawn Horcoff, the Red Wings’ director of player “He went right back at Dach, you could tell that. That was a good sign for development, on Monday morning. “He’s a very outgoing guy, wants to us because it shows his competitiveness. To be an elite player in the learn. He’s confident in his abilities. National Hockey League, you have to have that. There’s gotta be a level of that. There has to be some compete. You’ve gotta hate to get knocked “And jeez, he’s looked really, really good this week. It’s not easy for a down, you’ve gotta be the one that’s knocking people down. I mean, he’s defenseman — it’s not easy for anyone young, but it’s not easy for a got the tools to do it. He’s physically actually pretty strong for his age. defenseman — to come out and play like he is right now. It’s only two He’s got good size. Skates well. But you can see there’s a willingness to games in, but (he’s) been good so far.” finish checks and get involved. He plays hard in the hard areas. It’s a Horcoff was not alone in that feeling Monday morning, as those seeing pleasant surprise.” Seider at the NHL Prospect Tournament began to digest his play. That What it all means going forward, of course, is a different question. That’s specific comment came prior to Detroit’s third game of the tournament — where those caveats about the sample come into play. a pseudo-semifinal victory against Toronto in which the big defenseman maybe wasn’t quite as eye-catching as he had been in the two games But Seider has begun his Red Wings career by leaving a positive before. Yet at the end of the night, the scoresheet showed Seider had impression. At this stage, that’s about all anyone could ask. finished with a pair of assists. He’s one of just three defensemen, through three games at the tournament, with four or more points — and the other The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 two, Adam Fox and Teemu Kivihalme, are 21 and 24, respectively. Seider turned 18 in April.

“He’s really confident with the puck,” center Joe Veleno said after playing his first game with Seider Friday night. “He’s a big defenseman who’s got some good skill, who sees the ice really well, skates well, and you can already tell that he’s going to be a really good defenseman coming up.”

Seider’s been deployed in all roles for the Red Wings thus far, including both penalty killing and quarterbacking Detroit’s top power-play unit. That’s what you’d expect from a defenseman drafted sixth overall, of course. And the ever-important cautions that it’s been just a few games at a September prospect tournament can’t be forgotten. But Detroit’s top pick has looked mature for his young age so far. For the Red Wings, that’s a good sign.

Griffins coach Ben Simon, who is the head coach for Detroit at the tournament, was asked Monday if he could tell that Seider was a player who had already spent a year playing with men in Germany.

“You can,” Simon said. “Just the way he plays with the puck, plays away from the puck — he sees plays a little bit quicker. He plays with a little bit of a bark to his game. He’s got a physical element that most 18-year-old kids don’t have. Maybe that’s because he played in the DEL — and the DEL is a great league. I played there for a year. There’s some good hockey players over there, and you can tell he’s played with them.”

That raises one of the biggest questions surrounding Seider: where he’ll spend the coming season. The topic was magnified a bit on Monday when Seider told the team website, “It’s probably not Germany anymore. I decided for myself probably staying in the States for a couple years now.”

That same morning, though, Horcoff had said no official decisions had been made on where Seider would spend the season. Which makes sense: Training camp won’t even begin until later this week. 1107783 Edmonton Oilers “It’s good to get some games in,” said Bouchard. “You look forward to it all summer, getting back to the games. It’s not the way, personally, I wanted it to go as a whole, but it’s good to get these games in.”

Goalie steals show for goal-starved Oilers rookies GRINDING IT OUT

No goals for Tyler Benson in the two games, but he came one minor Robert Tychkowski away from the Sean Brown hat-trick. He took slashing and roughing minors and was at the centre of more than a couple of scrums in a hard night’s work.

CALGARY — You never want to read too much into a pair of rookie “He’s a skilled player who stands in there and is not asking anyone else games. In fact, you never want to read anything into a pair of rookie to clean up his mess,” said Woodcroft. “He stands in there and fights for games. his ice and tries to command his share of the rink. It’s not in his game to initiate that kind of stuff, but he’s going to stand in there if someone tries But one goal in six periods probably isn’t what anyone had envisioned to take advantage of him. It’s nice to see that little bit of bite.” given the talented crop of prospects in Edmonton Oilers camp this year. NO YAMO But through two games in rookie camp, mesh has been hard to find for the next generation of Oilers. Still no Kailer Yamamoto for the Oilers rookies as he waits for the doctors to give him the green light after off-season wrist surgery. He’s OK to After a 1-0 overtime loss against their Calgary Flames counterparts last practise with the team, but with all the contact and slashing that takes week, the Oilers kids were outshot 43-19 in a humbling 3-1 Saddledome place in a game, they’re holding him back for just a little longer. defeat that would have been ugly if not for Oilers goalie Olivier Rodrigue. Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 09.11.2019 “You never know how these rookie games play out,” said Bakersfield Condors coach Jay Woodcroft, who ran the bench in both games. “We ask them to give us their effort and their will and I thought that was there.

“The polish of system play and the polish of ways to create offence wasn’t there, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be going forward. Some of these kids, you look at the numbers they’ve put up at every level and you know it will happen.”

After waiting until OT to score in the first game, the Flames got right to it in this one. They scored at 36 seconds and again on the fourth at 6:31, but Rodrigue gave them nothing else. If not for him, this one gets way out of hand by the halfway mark.

The Flames controlled the entire second period, outshooting Edmonton 18-4 but somehow failing to expand on their 2-0 lead.

“Even if you give up a bad goal you have to move on and be ready for the next one,” said Rodrigue. “Because the next one is the most important.”

Edmonton finally broke its two-game goose egg on Evan Bouchard’s seeing-eye wrist shot from the point 1:45 into the third period, but the Flames sealed it with an empty netter.

“Definitely some stuff to work on,” said Bouchard. “I think we have to get back to the fundamentals. We were turning it over a lot and that’s where all of their chances came from.”

THE GOOD NEWS

Rodrigue fought back hard after the shaky start, which is exactly what you want to see in a goalie.

The second round pick (62nd overall) in 2018 not only showed the form to keep Calgary at bay for most of the night, but the intestinal fortitude to shake off a couple of early goals and still manage to steal the show.

With any kind of decent run support he would have stolen the game.

“He stood firm,” said Woodcroft. “It’s never easy giving up the first goal on the first shot, so for him to mentally bounce back was a real positive. I thought he looked calm and collected. We gave up too many chances as a team for my liking but he stood firm, which I was pretty proud of.”

BUCKLE UP

It only gets tougher from here as the players graduate to main camp.

“They whet their appetite with some new concepts, now it’s about going out and showing it against professional hockey players,” said Woodcroft.

“These two games were against their peer group. It’s only going to get more difficult and more ramped up as we move forward. So it will be interesting to see who starts to create a little separation.”

LEARNING CURVE

Edmonton’s blue-chip defencemen, who were stalwarts in the scoreless game in Red Deer, struggled a bit on Tuesday. Bouchard is always ahead of the curve in the offensive zone, but he struggled at times with Calgary’s pressure forecheck, as did Dmitri Samorukov. 1107784 Edmonton Oilers

WATCH: Oilers prospect Rodrigue will start in net against Calgary tonight

Shaughn Butts, Edmonton Journal

The Oilers’ second-round pick from the 2018 NHL draft will start in net against Calgary tonight at the Saddledome in the second rookie Battle of Alberta.

Olivier Rodrigue, who signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Oilers back in May, was among 10 netminders taking part in a under-20 evaluation in Calgary last June.

The Chicoutimi, Que. born goaltender comes by his duties honestly, following in the footsteps of his father Sylvain who played Junior hockey in before turning to coaching.

Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107785 Edmonton Oilers and a .912 save percentage. Clearly the Oilers would prefer the second half Smith, but he’s 37 and has a lot of miles on the tires. I expect the Oilers have at least pondered the idea of changing out Smith if things go Lowetide: Can Mikko Koskinen and Mike Smith stop enough pucks for sideways, but Shane Starrett is the only obvious option from the minors the Oilers? and he has zero NHL experience.

RE Goaltending 2019-20

By Allan Mitchell Sep 10, 2019 Mikko Koskinen: 50 games, 2.71 goals-against average, .912 save percentage

Mike Smith: 38 games, 3.06 goals-against average .902 save percentage Dave Tippett’s biggest coaching challenge in Edmonton involves shot suppression, controlled exits and squeezing a few more percentage Shane Starrett: 2 games, 3.00 goals-against average .900 save points in save percentage from his maligned goaltenders. Mikko percentage Koskinen is the incumbent; Mike Smith is the import. It’s possible the I have the total goals-against RE total for Edmonton in 2019-20 at 250, starting position lands with either (or elsewhere) during the 2019-20 an improvement from the 271 goals allowed last season. It’s very season. possible the organization shifts gears during the season to address the In the final installment of the ‘reasonable expectations’ series, we reach backup situation. The ‘reasonable expectations’ series lands on the the point where goals-against must be evaluated. It starts with shots, and Oilers as a negative goal differential team but the gap will close: the Oilers have enjoyed just one season since 2015 (and Connor 2015-16 goal differential: 199-242 (-43 GD) McDavid’s arrival) under 30 shots against per 60 minutes. 2016-17 goal differential: 243-207 (+36 GD) The playoff team in 2016-17 represents a high watermark for the team in recent history. The shots-against per 60 is the lowest total posted by the 2017-18 goal differential: 229-262 (-33 GD) team since the measure has been tracked (beginning in 2007-08). Todd McLellan’s first two seasons stand out from the last two in terms of 2018-19 goal differential: 229-271 (-42 GD) overall shots-against per 60, something that becomes even more 2019-20 projected goal differential: 239-250 (-11 GD) pronounced when looking at goals-against per 60, via Natural Stat Trick: The gap will tighten this year under Tippett based on the projections. Much of the success of the first two years is the Cam Talbot story, but Koskinen should post solid numbers if given enough rest and Smith could there is a correlation between increased shots against and goals allowed. surprise but the inconsistency of old goalies makes it impossible to Tippett will need to cut down on both and the discipline required will reasonably project a better performance. It’s possible the club is close mean all hands on deck. Ken Holland’s addition of veteran names like enough to the playoffs to make a trade in order to shore up the position Markus Granlund, Riley Sheahan and Josh Archibald over the summer is during the winter. a clear indication the organization is looking for major improvement on the penalty kill. Are the Oilers a playoff team?

‘You can’t give the puck up’ My projection for this year’s team is reminiscent of the 2018-19 Arizona Coyotes, who scored 209, allowed 220 and finished four points shy of On Monday, coach Dave Tippett told the media “there’s going to be extra No. 8 in the Western Conference. The Oilers have Connor McDavid; it is onus on playing responsibly in our own end” and that will come as music wise to refrain from betting against him at any time. I’d be more confident to Oilers fans ears. What will it look like? if the goaltending was true.

I like to quote Darryl Sutter’s line from years ago: RE scoring and goaltending 2019-20 (complete list)

“The big thing in today’s game is you have to be able forecheck and Connor McDavid: 78, 48-68-116 (1.49) backcheck, and you have to have the puck. You can’t give the puck up. We don’t play in our zone, so there’s not much defending. The game’s Leon Draisaitl: 82, 38-55-93 (1.13) changed. They think there’s defending in today’s game. Nah, it’s how Ryan Nugent-Hopkins: 72, 20-32-52 (0.72) much you have the puck. Teams that play around in their own zone think they’re defending but they’re generally getting scored on or taking Oscar Klefbom: 70, 10-25-35 (0.50) faceoffs and they need a goalie to stand on his head if that’s the way they play.” Evan Bouchard: 38, 3-16-19 (0.50)

For Tippett, speed, puck movement short passes and positioning are James Neal: 70, 18-14-32 (0.46) going to be important. Contesting every player who has the puck, Joel Persson: 50, 4-18-22 (0.44) beginning on the forecheck, will be central. It’s hard work, and not all Oilers will thrive. A player like Joe Gambardella thrived in college playing Cooper Marody: 37, 5-10-15 (.41) an aggressive forecheck and that may give him an early edge with Tippett. Sam Gagner: 68, 8-19-27 (.40)

The candidates for starter Josh Archibald: 60, 10-12-22 (.37)

When evaluating goaltenders, I like to find the most recent season and Tyler Benson: 34, 5-7-12 (.35) then look at all disciplines. The overall save percentage has value, but Alex Chiasson: 66, 12-10-22 (.33) you can sometimes find interesting information in special teams. I think even strength save percentage has the highest value for goalies. Here Jujhar Khaira: 53, 6-10-16 (.30) are Edmonton’s two candidates, Koskinen and Smith, with their respective totals for 2018-19: Riley Sheahan: 70, 6-14-20 (.29)

Koskinen had a solid start to his first season in Edmonton. In his first 21 Darnell Nurse: 76, 5-16-21 (.28) games, he delivered a 12-7-1 record and a save percentage of .919, Tomas Jurco: 11, 1-2-3 (.27) playing on back-to-back nights zero times. In his final 34 games, he went 13-14-5 with an .897 save percentage, playing on back-to-back nights Matt Benning: 53, 3-11-14 (.26) five times and with too much work for the rest of the schedule. Tippett has already talked about getting his goalies extra rest and I do believe Zack Kassian: 79, 10-10-20 (0.25) Koskinen will benefit from a more structured schedule. Markus Granlund: 68, 7-10-17 (.25)

Smith had a very poor start for a quality Flames team and took some Joakim Nygard: 60, 9-5-14 (.23) time to rebound. In his first 25 games (through the All-Star break), he posted a 3.04 goals-against average and an .888 save percentage. After Adam Larsson: 77, 2-14-16 (.21) the break, he played in 17 games, posting a 2.28 goals-against average Joe Gambardella: 14, 1-2-3 (.21)

Josh Currie: 10, 1-1-2 (.20)

Kris Russell: 50, 2-7-9 (.18)

Caleb Jones: 40, 1-6-7 (.18)

Gaetan Haas: 40, 3-3-6 (.15)

William Lagesson: 20, 1-2-3 (.15)

Colby Cave: 8, 0-1-1 (.13)

Ethan Bear: 18, 0-2-2 (.11)

Kailer Yamamoto: 3, 0-0-0

Patrick Russell: 1, 0-0-0

Mikko Koskinen: 50, 2.71 GAA, .912 SV%

Mike Smith: 38, 3.06 GAA, .902 SV%

Shane Starrett: 2, 3.00 GAA, .900 SV%

Projected opening night roster

Leon Draisaitl—Connor McDavid—Zack Kassian

James Neal—Ryan Nugent-Hopkins—Alex Chiasson

Jujhar Khaira—Riley Sheahan—Josh Archibald

Markus Granlund—Gaetan Haas—Sam Gagner

Joakim Nygard, Colby Cave

Darnell Nurse—Adam Larsson

Oscar Klefbom—Joel Persson

Kris Russell—Matt Benning

Caleb Jones

Mikko Koskinen (Mike Smith)

The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107786 Edmonton Oilers Corson’s penchant for dropping the gloves didn’t always sit well with the team’s coach, the late Pat Burns.

“I used to get shit from Burnsy a little bit,” Corson says. “He’d say, ‘I don’t ‘You’re not alone’: How Shayne Corson found hope in his battle with want you fighting that much. You’re not supposed to be fighting these mental health guys. Fight the middleweights.’”

Perhaps Burns’ apprehension was justified. Corson broke his jaw during By Peter Mendelsohn Sep 10, 2019 a tilt with the Blackhawks Curt Fraser in January 1987. Despite missing seven weeks after needing to get his jaw wired shut, Corson firmly established his place on the team during his rookie season and quickly became an integral part of the Canadiens’ roster. Over his first four full More than 26 years later, Shayne Corson still thinks about that drive seasons in Montreal, his scoring output increased every year. During the home. 1989-90 season, Corson scored 31 goals, registered 44 assists, and His father had picked him up at the Toronto airport during the Christmas made his first NHL All-Star Game. break in the 1992-93 season. Paul Corson was suffering from cancer of In the fall of 1991, Shayne, Paul, his mother June, and sisters Patti and the esophagus. Up until that night, Corson had only heard him speak Shannon were eating dinner at Da Vinci, an Italian restaurant in confidently about beating his illness. downtown Montreal. “If anything happens to me, if I don’t beat this…I’m going to beat it…but if Throughout the meal, Paul had a difficult time swallowing his food. His I don’t,” Paul told his son as they drove. “I want you to make sure to take family asked if he was ok. care of your mom and your sisters. Paul shrugged off his family’s concerns. “And take care of yourself,” he said. “I’m probably more worried about you than I am anybody.” But over the next few weeks, he continued to have difficulty swallowing. His oldest daughter Patti told him he needed to go to the doctor to get it Growing up, Shayne and Paul had a unique bond. It was more than the checked out. typical father and son relationship. They golfed and played tennis against each other. They spent Saturday nights on the couch watching “Hockey Again, Paul said he would be fine. Night in Canada.” Shayne’s youngest sister Shannon, a teenager at the time, scheduled a “We were best buddies,” Corson says. “He was like a brother to me.” doctor’s appointment for her father.

Six weeks after that drive, Corson was called off the ice during the Paul cancelled it. Edmonton Oilers warm-up skate. He knew the reason was probably serious. But he didn’t think it could be his father. In January 1992, the Corson family finally got Paul to see a doctor. He was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus. “As sick as he was, I always thought my dad was like Superman,” Corson says. “No matter how bad he looked and how bad things were, I always Over the next year, Corson watched his father lose his hair and drop in thought he was going to beat it.” weight from 220 to 160 pounds. Despite this, Paul always seemed brave. Corson tried to do the same but there were times when his anger Corson assumed he’d been traded. became too much.

But when he picked up the phone, he heard his father’s voice more than A young Shayne Corson with his dad. (Courtesy Shayne Corson) 3,000 kilometres away. Paul had gone in for surgery due to tumours that were pressing on the nerves in his back. He was supposed to be out of On February 13, 1992, Corson was accused of throwing shot glasses at the hospital in a day or two. a man in a Montreal nightclub. According to allegations, Corson approached the man and started fighting with him. Following the incident, But there had been complications and Paul wasn’t going to make it. Corson apologized to the Canadiens, explaining that he’d been under stress as a result of his father’s cancer diagnosis. They spoke for a few minutes. They told each other that they loved each other. When Paul passed away a year later, Corson was devastated.

Paul passed away 15 minutes later. He was 45 years old. “I didn’t cry in front of anybody, but I cried at night time by myself a lot,” Corson says. “I’d be in the car, and I’d hear a certain song, and it would For years, Shayne Corson suffered from unaddressed grief leading to a spark a memory of us being all together, and I would cry.” debilitating collapse. He battled panic attacks, depression, and suicidal thoughts while trying to survive his career. Today, he’s still healing while Despite being in a tremendous amount of pain, he didn’t spend much sharing his story in hope of helping others who are struggling too. time talking about what he was feeling. He pushed his grief aside and focused on his hockey career, which continued to thrive. Corson was 20 years old when he arrived at Montreal Canadiens training camp in September 1986. The left-winger had played a grand total of In 1994, Corson made his second All-Star Game, this time as a member three games with Montreal since being selected eighth overall two years of the Oilers. Two years later, he played on a line with Wayne Gretzky on earlier. There weren’t a lot of roster spots available but Corson was the St. Louis Blues. In 1998, he was selected to his third All-Star Game determined to do whatever it took to make the team. He realized the and also represented Canada at the Olympics in Nagano, Japan. Canadiens didn’t have a lot of fighters. So he decided to drop the gloves with the team’s enforcer, defenceman John Kordic. In the summer of 2000, Corson signed a free-agent contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. “I’m not going to lie to you, I was pretty scared, but I thought I was going to make a name for myself and get on their radar right away,” Corson “My dad would’ve loved to have watched me play for the Toronto Maple says. “I thought if they could see what I could do, and I wasn’t afraid to Leafs,” he says. “When I signed here, I thought about that a lot.” do it, it would help me make the club.” The Barrie, Ont., native desperately wanted to play well for the Leafs. Corson won the fight, made the team, and had his first NHL bout seven Shortly after signing in Toronto, he began feeling anxiety. games into the season when he fought Joey Kocur, a renowned While still in Montreal that summer, Corson woke up one night in the heavyweight known for a devastating right hand. early hours of the morning. His heart was racing. Before he knew it, he The 6-foot-1 Corson went on to have another 16 fights between October was curled up on the floor on all fours. and January. “I thought I was dying. I thought I was having a heart attack,” Corson “My dad instilled that toughness in me. He was a tough guy and he was says. “I was almost paralyzed, lying on the floor, and sweating like a always someone that would stand up for himself. He taught me to do the dog.” same things.” His wife, Kelley, called Dr. David Mulder, the Canadiens head physician, who quickly came over. After assessing Corson and speaking with him for a while, Dr. Mulder told him he’d just had a panic attack. “That was the very first one,” Corson says. “At the time, you don’t really “I tried to hide it, hold it in,” Corson says. “I didn’t talk to anyone about it. know what they are.” It just built and built and built.”

Corson spent the next three seasons as a member of the Maple Leafs. Speaking openly with doctors about all of the issues he’d repressed for For two of those seasons, he suffered from overwhelming anxiety, so long, Corson began to feel better. depression, and panic attacks. He learned how important it was for him to talk about his grief and life A high achiever from a young age, Corson was a perfectionist, putting a stresses. He also learned that he wasn’t the only one suffering. lot of pressure on himself. He blamed himself for being unable to get rid of his inner demons. “I could not believe how many people were suffering too, people that were very close to me,” he says. “I was one of those people that said, ‘Come on, you can snap out of it. What’s there to be down about? What’s there to be depressed about? Since retiring as a player 15 years ago, Corson has benefited greatly You’re playing a game you love to play,’” Corson says. “’You’re a hockey from professional treatment. He credits clinical psychologist Dr. Brian guy, you’re a big, strong guy. Come on, get through it.’” Shaw, Leafs medical director Dr. Noah Forman, and family physician Dr. Yoel Abells as three “incredible” doctors who were instrumental in his Corson developed a fear of dying young after his father’s death. care.

“I didn’t sleep for 12 nights once when I was in Toronto,” he says. “I was Corson still deals with anxiety and the occasional panic attack. Through afraid to go to sleep because I didn’t think I was going to wake up.” the treatment he has received, he now has a better understanding of what he is experiencing and has learned coping mechanisms that help Despite significant mental health issues, Corson tried to get better on his him deal with it. own without seeking professional help. He tries to work out every day and adhere to a daily schedule. “I was medicating myself on my own with Ativan and alcohol,” he says. He takes part in charity events with various volunteer organizations Looking back, Corson realizes trying to self-medicate was a recipe for including Hockey Helps the Homeless, which hosts pro-am tournaments. failure. “I get to raise money for something I believe in and I get to play hockey “It’s just a vicious cycle,” he says. “It just keeps going in circles and you and be in the room with hockey players,” Corson says. “It’s therapy for start feeling worse and worse.” me.”

During his years as a Leaf, Corson’s teammate and brother-in-law Darcy It’s also therapeutic for Corson to speak about his own mental health Tucker was fiercely loyal, helping Corson as much as he could. issues and try to help others who are struggling. Many people have “I told him, ‘Whatever you need,’” Tucker says. “If you need to chat, we’ll approached him to discuss their own difficulties and he happily shares chat. If you need to sit here and make the room quiet, we’ll make it quiet.” his experiences.

Corson’s mother, wife and sisters also gave Shayne tremendous support One interaction sticks out in his mind. and understanding. But Corson’s mental health had deteriorated to such While Corson met fans during an event in St. Catharines in 2014, a a state where there was a limit to how much family and friends could young man approached him hoping for a few minutes to chat. Corson really do. met up with him after he’d finished signing autographs — and the young “Nobody really understands it unless they’ve been through it. I don’t think man shared that he was going through similar struggles. They spoke for anybody in my family really understood it,” Corson says. “You need to a while, with Corson encouraging him with the steps that helped him. have professionals. They know the ways to help you maneuver through A year later, Corson was at an event in Hamilton signing autographs and work through it.” when he heard someone say “Hey, Shayne!”

Toward the end of the 2002-03 season, Corson suffered a flare-up of He looked up and saw the same young man from a year prior. ulcerative colitis, a condition he was diagnosed with when he was 15. As a result, he lost about 25 pounds. More importantly, his mental state was “I just want to tell you something,” the young man said. “By watching your deteriorating rapidly. story, and getting the chance to talk to you about what you went through and what you did to get better, you saved my life.’” “I was in a dark hole and wasn’t going to come out of it,” Corson says. “I was in full-blown depression, anxiety all day long, every day.” It’s a memory that makes Corson feel better than anything he ever accomplished during his hockey career. Corson had suicidal thoughts. He’d think about jumping off a balcony, but something in his mind would always prevent him from attempting any “It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” he says. kind of self-harm. Still, he knew he had to get the professional treatment he’d needed for a very long time. Incidents like these remind Corson how important it is for him to speak about what he went through. “At that point, if I didn’t get the help, it wasn’t going to end well.” “That’s why I talk about it,” Corson says. “I’m not shy to talk about it. I’m In the midst of the Maple Leafs first-round playoff series against the open about it. I won’t hold anything back about what I went through.” Philadelphia Flyers, Corson walked away from the team. He was harshly criticized immediately after his departure with many reports intimating Today, Corson runs an annual golf tournament near Barrie called Start that he had quit because of diminished playing time. Talking which encourages people to be open about their struggles with mental health. “It hurt me more than anything. For the first week or two, it made my sickness a lot worse, because I’ve never quit anything I’ve ever done in “The biggest thing is don’t be embarrassed and don’t be shy to talk about my entire life,” Corson says. it,” he says. “You’re not alone, there’s lots of us out there.”

“People that understand mental health know that sometimes you have to Paul Corson’s ashes still sit on the mantle of June Corson’s bedroom. get away and get the help you need. You can’t focus on anything but The pain of losing him remains. But Shayne recently spoke with his yourself. family about finding a place to lay him to rest.

“I couldn’t do both. I couldn’t play and get through it and get the help I “It’s almost like none of us want to let go,” Corson says. “It’s not letting go needed. I needed to go away and get the help. That way, I’m still around but it’s putting him somewhere where we can all go talk to him, tell him today to be able to talk about it and help people.” how much we love him, and think of all the good times.”

The day after walking away from the Leafs, Corson finally sought These days Corson visits a coffee shop whenever he wants to reminisce professional help. about his father.

Through treatment, Corson learned that while various life stresses played He gets a hot cup and finds a quiet place to sit. a role in his psychiatric condition, not properly dealing with his father’s He thinks about how happy Paul was in the dressing room after Shayne’s death was the cause of most of his issues. minor hockey team won the Silver Stick title in Port Huron, Ont. Paul’s toque sat high and awkward on his head. And he had a huge smile on his face. Corson will never forget that.

He remembers how his father always raised the spirits of everyone around him.

“He was always smiling and upbeat, and so good to all of us,” Corson says. “He’d give us a kick in the ass when we needed it. But he was always just so happy and fun to be around.”

And he thinks about that fateful drive home when his Dad tried to prepare him for the fact he might not be around much longer.

“I think of the good memories we had, the bad times we had. I have a little talk with him, and then I feel much better.”

The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107787 Florida Panthers After three seasons at Boston College, Matheson joined the Panthers at the end of the 2015-16 campaign and played in just three regular-season games before Florida took on the Islanders in the first round of the Newlywed game: Mike Matheson prepared to bounce back with ‘huge playoffs. Matheson was thrown into the mix, and, paired up with Ekblad, year’ for Florida Panthers made a huge impact in that six-game series.

In his true rookie season, Matheson continued to impress by scoring seven goals and averaging over 21 minutes a game. By George Richards Sep 10, 2019 Before his second NHL season began, Matheson signed an eye-opening eight-year contract extension with the Panthers further cementing his role as part of the team’s young core. CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — What has felt like the longest offseason in Florida Panthers history is about to come to its merciful end this week. Last season, however, Matheson took a bit of a step back. On Tuesday, the Panthers will skate out 25 players for an abbreviated two-day rookie camp with the full complement of players on the ice for Turnovers, mostly, were his biggest downfall. Matheson remained strong the start of training camp Friday morning. in the defensive zone and added some offensive punch with eight goals and 19 points last season despite not loading up on power-play time. For defenseman Mike Matheson, though, the summer did not drag on much at all. But the concern, and one that was hard to overlook, was the turnovers — especially the timing and placement of them. Although he says the frustration of a disappointing season — not only for his team but personally — lingered a few months after it ended, things Last year, Matheson’s 135 giveaways led the league as the Panthers had quickly ramped up. three defensemen (including Ekblad and Yandle) among the NHL leaders in that category. On July 19, he and longtime girlfriend Emily Pfalzer — who is a defenseman on the gold-medal-winning U.S. national team — got Based on the Panthers’ defensive system, giveaways were to be married in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. expected. Matheson’s biggest ones, however, were glaring because they came around the net and often led to goals. “I wear No. 19,” Matheson joked, “but the day of our wedding was purely coincidence.” Those turnovers led to Matheson pushing a little too hard. Which led to more turnovers. It seemed to be a cycle he struggled to escape. A young After the ceremonies — which several current and former teammates player his team is counting on, Matheson felt the pressure, and his attended, including Ian McCoshen and Aaron Ekblad, who were part of sinking confidence was evident at times. the wedding party — the two newlyweds took off for a spectacular honeymoon in the Maldives and Dubai. Every player makes mistakes, of course. The key is to not let one miscue affect the next shift, the next game. Once they got back from their trip, however, their thoughts returned to hockey. It is easier said than done.

“The first couple months, yeah, they were long, just watching the playoffs “It’s very difficult to do. It’s not an easy thing,” said Matheson, whose and having the sting of how the year went sit with you,” Matheson said of contract with the Panthers does not expire until 2026. It will pay him an his summer. average of just under $5 million per season.

“But you know, the offseason always turns a corner, and next thing you “For me, I care so much, and that’s where I get myself into trouble. I want know, it’s July. And then once July hits, pretty soon you’re back in to win so badly and I want to help the team so badly. And so when I Florida, and that part goes by so fast, especially this year. make mistakes, that thought creeps into my head, like, you know, ‘Oh, you’re not good enough’ or ‘You’re just gonna make a mistake.’ “The first couple weeks of July, we had all of the wedding planning, and next thing you know, we’re on our honeymoon.” “That’s where the snowball effect happens. You have all of those thoughts creeping into your head, and now you’re going back to get a VIEW THIS POST ON INSTAGRAM puck and you’re going to break it out with all of that going on?

MY CAMEL WOULDN’T STOP ASKING ME WHAT DAY IT IS  “You only have (snaps) that much time to make a decision, and you’re #MIKEMIKEMIKEMIKE #HUMPDAY trying to get the clutter out (of your head) while focusing on hockey, and sometimes it just doesn’t work. And so that’s where you need to be able A POST SHARED BY MIKE MATHESON (@MMATHESON19) ON JUL to have it go in one ear and out the other. Move on.” 22, 2019 AT 11:13AM PDT Though he is known as a smart player, Matheson says he has been By August, the two were back in South Florida and going hard in their working on the mental aspects of the game. Clearing out the mistakes preparations for another season. and focusing on what he knows works are Matheson’s goals now.

At the Darryl Belfry camp on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Matheson joined 21 “You want to have little mental cues or things you say to yourself,” he other NHL players including teammates Ekblad, Keith Yandle and said. “I kind of outline, let’s say, three things — that when I’m playing my Vincent Trocheck as well as Auston Matthews, Patrick Kane and Alex best hockey, I’m doing these three things. And all I’m focusing on is DeBrincat for a week of intense skating and training to help set the tone those three things. for what is ahead. “It doesn’t matter if I did one of those three things in the last shift, and it Aside from the vacation with his new bride, Matheson spent this doesn’t matter if I made a huge mistake. The next shift, I’m doing these offseason working toward a redemption of sorts. three things. And that kind of linear focus narrows your mental capability The previous season with the Panthers is not one he — or many of his in a way and doesn’t let all the bad stuff in.” teammates — will recall with much fondness. Few question Matheson’s physical skills. At 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, “I think we all struggled,” Ekblad said. “It was what it was last year, and Matheson has size and is a terrific skater who can move the puck well. we’re happy with the way things are going and the progressions that But sometimes, especially last year, the game seemed to come at him we’re making right now. fast.

“So it was a learning season, something we put behind us but don’t With new coaches and a new defensive scheme, the Panthers feel there forget. Hopefully, in the future with the stability of some new additions to is nothing Matheson won’t be able to fix. the back end and to the offensive side and obviously goaltending, we “His skills,” Ekblad said, “are better than mine. He is a better skater, a should be poised to really have each other’s back out there.” better puck-handler.”

Matheson, now 25, has been a key component of the Panthers’ future The ability to lean on his teammates when things go wrong is something ever since they made him their first-round draft pick (23rd overall) in Matheson has learned he can rely on. The Panthers may be relatively 2012. young, but they have plenty of veteran guys who have been through the The two-day rookie camp — which features players such as Henrik same things he has. Borgstrom, Aleksi Heponiemi and Owen Tippett — begins Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. “I think Matty has all the skill and the determination in the world,” Yandle said. “He is as dedicated an athlete as I have ever seen. For a D-man in All practices and scrimmages in Coral Springs are free and open to the the NHL, things do not come easy. Your first year, your second year, public. your third year, it builds up over time. That’s why you see D getting better as they hit their late 20s. The Panthers open their exhibition season with a pair of preseason games Monday at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville against the Predators. “He’s a guy who is just going to get better and better every year. Probably, confidence is the biggest thing for him. I think having a new set Brouwer is back of coaches in here is going to help him a lot, a little fresh start for him. One of last season’s free agents who will be at camp Friday is forward Just skating with him in the summer, I’m excited to see what he’s going Troy Brouwer, who will be in on a professional tryout. to bring this year. I think he is going to have a huge year for us.” The Panthers brought in Brouwer last summer on a one-year deal after Said Ekblad: “We are together a lot, and one of the best parts about learning that Jamie McGinn had offseason back surgery. Brouwer got off playing in the NHL is you have 82 games. You’re going to get a chance, to a great start and ended with 12 goals and 21 points in 75 games, just about every night, to grow and prove yourself. So having a very short mostly in a bottom-six role. memory is something I had to learn along the way. It is something I maybe have not mastered but have become pretty damned good at the A free agent at the end of last season, Tallon did not trade Brouwer at last couple of years. the deadline and said there was a possibility he could return. The Panthers did not sign Brouwer in the offseason, though, instead adding “You have to forget sometimes, just move on. We are defensemen forwards Brett Connolly and Noel Acciari. playing against the best players in the world — you are going to get beat sometimes. You want to limit it, and it’s OK to be mad about it in the The Panthers have had some history of bringing former players in on moment, but move on. I think he is still learning that.” PTOs for camp over the past few years, although David Booth and Brandon Pirri both left their respective training camps without a deal. Last Having supportive teammates, Matheson said, is a relief. year, veteran Mark Letestu was in camp on a PTO but was cut early on.

An avid tennis fan, Matheson sometimes watches matches and notices a After the season ended last April, Brouwer spoke of a willingness to player begin to struggle. No one on that court can bail the player out return to the Panthers. when the bad begins to creep in. “I would like to be back, first and foremost, because I really enjoyed my Matheson feels comfort in knowing he is not alone out on the ice. year here,” said Brouwer, who played for Quenneville and was part of the “In tennis, those players are out there on an island, good or bad,” he Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup championship team in 2010. said. “I have watched a tennis match and thought to myself, ‘Man, I am “I felt like I had a good year, a good bounce-back year. My family really lucky to have teammates,’ because I get to come back to the bench and enjoyed it here in Florida and the guys were great. I would love to be have three or four guys tap me on the shoulder or tell me, ‘We need you. back, but I know there is a business side of it all.” Get back out there.’ The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 “Some people are built to be individual-sport athletes. And some people are built to be in a team environment. And I’m lucky to have good teammates.”

One of those teammates is a player general manager Dale Tallon brought in from Tampa Bay with the idea of teaming him up with Matheson.

Anton Stralman became a free agent after an injury-filled season with the Lightning and signed a three-year deal with the Panthers on July 1. A 33- year-old who has spent 12 seasons in the NHL, Stralman is a veteran who plays a solid defensive game.

Not only did Tallon feel Stralman was a fit on a Florida team that has struggled on the blue line the past few years, but he also brought him in to be a steadying influence on younger players such as Matheson.

With training camp opening this week, it will be interesting to see how long it takes for new head coach Joel Quenneville and defensive assistant Mike Kitchen to put Matheson and Stralman together.

As for Matheson, he says he was excited to see Stralman sign.

“When I saw that he was a free agent, my first thought was that it would be unbelievable for us to get him and that I would love to play with him. Bring him across Alligator Alley!” Matheson said.

“He has been around for so long and has been so consistent that I would love to be able to work with him every single day and learn from him. And I know that not only would his game complement mine really well, but I think my game would complement his as well.

“But who knows what’s going to happen? Obviously, it’s a long season and I’m sure we’ll play together at some point. But I’m excited for that opportunity.”

Training camp to open

The Panthers will hold their first official workout of the 2019-20 season Friday when training camp opens at the IceDen in Coral Springs.

The team will hold three days of full workouts this coming weekend. The team will be split into two groups with practices and scrimmages beginning Friday at 10 a.m. 1107788 Los Angeles Kings Akil grew up in those ramshackle rinks, in those rooms with hooks on the wall. He was two years old when Khalil staged his first skating lesson.

“I went out and got a chair for him to hold onto,” Khalil said. “When I Whicker: Kings prospect Akil Thomas is hoping to take his dad’s dreams came back with it, he was out there skating by himself. So I guess it was to NHL fruition in his blood.”

The 19-year-old forward impressed during the rookie tournament in The end of Khalil’s playing road was in Florida. Akil took up the torch. Irvine. There were only three AAA junior teams in the state, so Khalil’s team logged some miles. When it became clear that Akil had a chance to make a living at this game, the family moved back to Toronto. By MARK WHICKER “I was accustomed to being the best player on the team,” Akil said. “When I got back to Toronto every team had someone as good as me. It was like a mini-NHL there, with the parents really involved. But when I IRVINE — There is no need to tell the rookies of the Kings, Sharks, was able to still play well there, I thought I might have a future.” Golden Knights, Avalanche and Coyotes that Great Park Ice is the exceptional exception to NHL practice facilities. The Kings are a land of opportunity for the young and the willing, so we’ll see if Thomas’ game can develop and translate. He already knows that Let them absorb all the new-rink smell, the roomy swankiness, and let nobody in the NHL is saving his chair. them think every place is like this. It will only get them here quicker. Orange County Register: LOADED: 09.11.2019 The Ducks are the proprietors of this icy mansion, behind the cramped chaos of Anaheim Ice.

On Tuesday they finished the six-team rookie tournament with a win over Vegas on Rink 4, just after the Sharks trounced the Kings 7-3 on Rink 3.

The Kings finished 1-2 and the Ducks 2-1. Kings’ fans could be encouraged by 5-foot-7 center Blake Lizotte, whose non-stop nature was obvious in the June development camp, and by second-round pick Tobias Bjornfot, a smooth defenseman from Sweden.

Akil Thomas was here, too. He banged in a second-period goal, although he was generally playing out of position on the wing.

“If you’re looking for a guy under the radar, I really liked Akil,” said Mike Stothers, the Ontario Reign coach who was handling the Kings’ rookies. “He has a different presence about him this year.”

Thomas won’t see anything like Great Park Ice for a while. He’s headed back to St. Catherine’s, Ontario, for his fourth consecutive season with the Niagara Icedogs. This time Thomas is Niagara’s captain. The Kings will be watching closely.

Last season Thomas had 38 goals and 102 points and was plus-42. He was only 16 when he broke into what is by most accounts junior hockey’s most demanding league, and scored 22 times.

“Last year I learned what it was like to dominate,” Thomas said.

He was the 51st pick in the 2018 draft, which didn’t thrill him, but few young players have a better handle on hockey’s career maze. His dad Khalil played hockey for 12 years. Khalil’s brother Leo traveled the same midnight roads.

Then, last season, Leo became the only black head coach in professional hockey. He was in charge of the , in the same East Coast Hockey League of the Greenville (S.C.) Swamp Rabbits, where Khalil is an assistant coach.

Paul Jerrard of New Jersey was the only coach of color who actually worked behind an NHL bench last season.

Khalil played in eight different pro leagues. He had six 20-goal seasons and, in his farewell, notched 30 for the Jacksonville Barracudas. He played in Memphis, Oklahoma City, Orlando, wherever there was a puck and a net. He had two sips of coffee in the American Hockey League, too.

“St. John’s was the affiliate of the Maple Leafs,” Khalil said. “Then they made a trade and the guy they sent down came to St. John’s. But I had very few complaints. I was getting paid to play a game that I loved. The bus rides and all that, they didn’t bother me too much.”

Neither did the realities of playing in the South, where the beer was cheap and cold and most everything except Khalil and the puck itself was white.

“I heard a few things, like ‘Stick to basketball,’ but honestly it wasn’t anything that I paid attention to,” he said.

“I heard some things when I played in the South,” Akil said. “I always took it as a compliment, because I was playing well enough to get noticed. You can’t let anything like that get in your way.” 1107789 Los Angeles Kings being played, and it is on a smaller surface than maybe they’re accustomed to. If they so choose to be playing here, they’ve got to adapt to that, and I think they will. They’re good hockey players, they’ll figure it ROOKIES – SAN JOSE 7, LOS ANGELES 3 – RECAP, PLUS out. STOTHERS QUOTES On anyone he felt had a good camp that maybe flew under the radar

If you’re going to pick a guy under the radar…Akil, I really liked him. I ZACH DOOLEY SEPTEMBER 10, 2019 think it’s a marketed improvement over last year’s camp, he probably had nowhere to go but up, but I’ve really liked him. It’s just a different presence that he has about himself both on and off the ice and I think it’s real impressive. You can see that he’s matured and he’s feeling good POSTGAME NOTES POSTGAME QUOTES about himself and so he should. If you’re going to pick somebody in that The LA Kings concluded the 2019 Rookie Faceoff with a 7-3 defeat department, that’s the first one that comes to my mind…but I think Lizotte against the San Jose Sharks, finishing the event with a 1-2 record was off the charts good in these three games. overall. San Jose finished with the event’s best record, winning all three On Tobias Bjornfot’s game games it played, followed by Anaheim (2-0-1), Arizona (2-1), Los Angeles, Colorado (1-2) and Vegas (0-3). Yeah, you know what, there’s a quietness to his game where I don’t think people are going to appreciate what he does. He makes it look effortless, The Sharks jumped all over the Kings to start the game,as they scored he’s really good, he’s really, really good and I think he’s only going to get five goals in the first period to take a 5-0 lead into the break. The Kings better for us. I think teams will start to pay attention to him once they see put forth a much stronger effort in the final 40 minutes, winning the final him once or twice, and I think we’re very fortunate us to have him. two periods by a combined 3-2 score. LA got second-period tallies from [Reporter: Quietness, as in you don’t really notice him in the games?] Blake Lizotte, Austin Strand and Akil Thomas, with Lizotte (1-1-2) and He’s just efficient. He’s not flashy, it’s not always the end-to-end thing Strand (1-1-2) each finishing with multi-point games. The Kings threw an that brings you out of your seat, but you just see the calmness, the onslaught of shots at the San Jose net throughout the third period, awareness that he has on the ice, where everybody is, where he’s going finishing with a 16-4 SOG advantage, but could not pull closer than three to throw his outlet passes and he defends pretty well too. He takes a guy goals down. Goaltender Lukas Parik went the distance in net and made on, makes a play, he’s not shy for taking a hit. If there’s anything that I 20 saves in defeat. can maybe want those d-men to correct, the Anderson’s and the Overall, the Kings performance at the camp had more positives than Bjornfot’s, people are still coming to finish their checks, so you can’t just negatives over the past four days. The group competed hard against a stand there and admire the thing. I know it’s not the old days where you very experienced and skillrf Anaheim team on Friday, dominated a can get your stick up and knock a guy’s teeth out, we’re not knocking Colorado team around their experience level on Saturday and fell against anybody’s teeth out, but you can protect yourself still. the eventual tournament champions in San Jose earlier today, albeit by a On Mikey Anderson lopsided margin. Consider forward Blake Lizotte a standout player throughout the tournament, as Head Coach Mike Stothers indicates I really liked him, really liked him. There’s a lot to like. He’s always got a below. Lizotte had multi-point games on Sunday (0-3-3) and today (1-1- smile on his face and he plays hard. He’s courageous with blocking 2) and was an impact player in all three games. The St. Cloud State alum shots, he’s making plays. He’s another guy that’s pretty mobile and I played with speed, was aggressive with the puck and on the forecheck think that with him and Durzi, it adds an element to our backend where and showed little fear in going into the corners at his 5-7 stature – More we’ve got some guys that are puck movers, they’re mobile and they can to come re: Lizotte tomorrow from Jon. Several others were impressive at play the game, as well as contribute in the offensive zone. I think it’s Rookie Camp as well, as will be noted in the coming days. The Kings will going to be real good for us. conclude rookie camp tomorrow with a team practice at Toyota Sports Performance Center in El Segundo, beginning at 9:30 AM, before most of LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 09.11.2019 the players in this group will begin NHL training camp on Friday.

Post-Game Quotes from Mike Stothers

On what went wrong with the team’s start

We talked about it this morning before we even left, because they didn’t have a morning skate and that was a little different than what they were accustomed to I guess. We tried to prepare them for that situation, it’s a pro game and you’ve got to get yourself ready for those situations. We had some video, we came here, they stretched and worked out together, but obviously we weren’t ready. They clearly were the better team in the first period and then I thought in the second period we were the better team and I actually thought we were the better team in the third. When it gets right down to it, that shorthanded goal probably took a little bit of the starch out of us, but overall, I was happy with the way we responded.

On the differences in the final 40 minutes, with more energy and chances created

Well, we were the team that was on their toes and they were the team that was on their heels. Why? Because we had established a better forecheck, did a good job of getting in lanes, getting sticks on pucks and made it hard for them to execute and when they did, we had better gaps in the neutral zone from our D. We weren’t retreating all the time, we were matching their speed. In the first period, they looked extremely fast, we were retreating the whole time. That’s not a real good recipe for winning, I mean, it’s a speed game now and we’ve got to nullify that by being up and in their face and I thought we did a good job [in the second and third] and it made a difference.

On Kupari & Fagemo and how they’ve adjusted to the North American ice

Well, it’s going to be a process for those guys. I don’t know how much they even skated throughout the course of the summer, so they come over here and have one practice and the next thing you know, games are 1107790 Los Angeles Kings 1:45 – Hard line at goal by McGrew, who bowls over Parik, his potential Spokane teammate. Parik slow to get up but adjusts himself.

0:45 – Middleton snapper catches the crossbar and deflects out. WATCH: ROOKIE FACEOFF VS. SAN JOSE – LIVE STREAM, LIVE BLOG 0:04 – Chmelevski stick checks Thomas, disrupting his backswing and removing him from the puck. Good defensive play.

0:00 – End. JON ROSEN SEPTEMBER 10, 2019 FIRST PERIOD

20:00 – Underway. Warmer in this rink. San Jose (2-0) vs Los Angeles GAME THREADSPROSPECTS AND SCOUTING (1-1).

WHO: Los Angeles Kings (1-1-0) vs. San Jose Sharks (2-0-0) 16:50 – Durzi saw a slight seam on a diagonal feed through some neutral WHAT: Anaheim Rookie Faceoff – Game 3 zone traffic – it was there – but a San Jose skater got a stick on it to create a turnover. WHEN: Tuesday, September 10 – 1 PM 16:25 – Good Kaliyev pressure to swat a puck out of the zone and create WHERE: Rink 3 @ Great Park Ice – Irvine, CA a footrace.

HOW TO FOLLOW: Video: Live Stream Below – AUDIO – Live Stream 15:55 – GOAL SJS. 1-0. Jake McGrew capitalizes on a turnover. Durzi’s Only – TWITTER: @lakingsinsider, @reigninsider pass was broken up on a forecheck, leading to McGrew’s opportunity down low. McGrew (Orange) and Sasha Chmelevski (Huntington Beach) LIVE STREAM are a pair of Orange County natives.

*Note – Live stream expected at 1 PM – Stream is Los Angeles television Head down as I was bloggin', but I'm told Jake McGrew just scored an market only – Will be blacked out in other markets attractive goal on potential @spokanechiefs teammate Lukáš Pařík. McGrew, an Orange native, is an overager who could also play for AHL- THIRD PERIOD San Jose. 1-0 SJS. 20:00 – Kings moving right to left this period. — Jon Rosen (@lakingsinsider) September 10, 2019 15:25 – Nice move by Yantsis to gain some separation on a two-on-one 13:32 – GOAL SJS. 2-0. Gregor from the slot. Hard wrister from a rush into the offensive zone. dangerous area after LAK had challenges clearing the puck. 10:27 – PENALTY SJS. Lee for tripping. 10:20 – Dangerous pass to the slot, but Gregor fanned on a one-timer 8:27 – A number of good looks for LAK, but no dice. Two key blocks by with some ample net. LAK back on their heels. Wilson. Solid pad work by Emond. 9:40 – Missed call as Hamaliuk trips Yantsis behind the SJS net. 6:33 – GOAL SJS. 7-3. Yurtaykin from Gregor after a defensive 8:49 – Sustained LAK work and pressure, and some loose pucks around breakdown led to a 2-on-0. the crease, but no prime rebounds or high-grade looks. 5:52 – Great Emond save on Lizotte, who cut through the crease to snap 8:10 – Nice little touch-give-and-go between Kupari and Fagemo. Wasn’t a loose puck on goal. Lizotte has been among the noticeable Kings perfectly executed, and didn’t result into a long foray into the zone, but a today. good idea around some traffic past the San Jose blue line. 0:29 – Morrison-Langan scrap. 7:16 – LAK picking up the pace. Spence walks into the high slot and 0:00 – Donesies. issues a backhand that Emond swallows up.

SECOND PERIOD 7:11 – LAK wins another draw – believe it was Thomas for the second straight time, even with JAD on the ice – Thomas took RW draws; JAD 20:00 – We’re back. took LW dOZ draws – and Spence snaps it on net. Emond save.

17:31 – LAK GOAL. 1-5. Lizotte from Strand. He’s formed a good 6:35 – More LAK pressure, but Thomas’ stick is lifted as he’s friendship with JAD and I believe they’ve been paired up quite a bit off dispossessed to Emond’s right and San Jose leaves the zone. the ice. Was told “they wanted to push each other.” Not literally, I hope! 6:15 – Parik pad save, cover on Chmelevski. 13:40 – PENALTY SJS. Ivanyuzhenkov for tripping. First LAK PP. 5:55 – GOAL SJS. 3-0. Hamaliuk from the perimeter. Head down while 12:52 – POWER PLAY GOAL LAK. Strand hard wrister from the left point blogging. through traffic, followed by a little stick spin. He’s a power play guy who scored once on the man advantage in 2018-19 but 14 times with WHL- 3:00 – PENALTY LAK. Austin Strand for interference. Stothers wasn’t Seattle the season prior. particularly happy about Strand’s four minors in the last game, though the long defender played a hard, chippy game while on the ice and got pucks 10:46 – Pushing, shoving. Actually surprised there hasn’t been as much on net. chippiness in the four-plus periods I saw. The COL game was fairly competitive. PP coming up for LA. 2:25 – Good Parik glove save on a sharp Kotkov wrister.

9:45 – PENALTY SJS. Gricius for high-sticking. 2:13 – POWER PLAY GOAL SJS. 4-0. I thought it was Hamaliuk on a deflection undisturbed in front of Parik, but credit goes to Yurtakin, 7:48 – SHORTHANDED GOAL SJS. 6-2. Good bye, Phenomenon at unassisted. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Five Point? Despite early pressure, Ivanyuzhenkov finds a seam down the left wing 1:56 into the power play and wrists a shot over Parik’s right 0:42 – GOAL SJS. 5-0. Kotkov bangs in his own rebound after a good shoulder. look from the right circle.

6:10 – Good reaching Parik save on Gregor’s stuff chance at the far post. 0:03 – Nice play by Gregoire to end what could of been a 3-on-1 or breakaway by chopping down a bouncing puck intended for either Kupari 3:20 – Good defensive play by Sodergran, getting an inside lane on or Fagemo. Read the play and adjusted well. Langan to win a 50/50 puck and leave the zone. 0:00 – ~fin~ 3:12 – LAK GOAL. 3-6. Lizotte backhanded feed through the defense, Thomas slam dunk. 6-3. Sodergran pressure on a zone exit to force a WARM-UPS turnover, setting the play up. Hello! JR here. Sharing lineups and notes shortly. Today’s lineups. Dudas to center, Rymsha, Bergh, Constantinou, Phillips out. Morrison, Sevigny, Garreffa, Spence in. pic.twitter.com/gkvTF2MLvj

— Jon Rosen (@lakingsinsider) September 10, 2019

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107791 Minnesota Wild

KFAN's Paul Allen will pinch-hit on Wild radio play-by-play duties

The Wild juggled its television and radio broadcasters a bit for the 2019- 20 season.

Fox Sports North play-by-play announcer Anthony LaPanta will be joined by a rotation of color analysts including Mike Greenlay, who had the job on basically a full-time basis in the past. Other analysts in the rotation will be Lou Nanne, Ryan Carter and Wes Walz. Kevin Gorg will continue as sideline reporter and Audra Martin will host Wild Live pregame and postgame shows with rotating analysts Tom Chorske, Ben Clymer, Greenlay and Walz.

Bob Kurtz, the radio voice of the Wild for its entire history, will reduce his schedule of road games on KFAN. The team announced guest play-by- play announcers on the road will include Vikings play-by-play man Paul Allen along with Bob FM’s Jim Erickson, studio host Kevin Falness and Iowa Wild broadcaster Joe O’Donnell. Tom Reid will continue as radio analyst.

The Wild also announced the start time for their home game Saturday, Oct. 12 against the Penguins has been moved to 7:30 p.m.

Star Tribune LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107792 Minnesota Wild Coach Bruce Boudreau isn’t thrilled that the 23-year-old Fiala may miss the start of camp because he has him penciled in on the right side of a line with Zucker and Eric Staal.

Bill Guerin on Kevin Fiala as Wild camp looms: ‘I hope he’s there, I really “He’s still at an age where I would want to be there from Day 1 to prove do’ how good I can be (with) the opportunity he’s going to be given,” Boudreau said on Labor Day when he co-hosted The Athletic Hour (for three hours) on KFAN. “Anybody that you see that misses training camps By Michael Russo Sep 10, 2019 87 or is out for awhile, their season doesn’t go anywhere as well as it should be. They’ll continue to tell you, ‘Oh, we practiced with the high school

team or the college team,’ but the pace of practices and the intensity of The 19th Wild season is about to commence with most every player set practices are so much more different when you get to the NHL. By the to report to training camp Thursday for physicals, fitness testing, media time you’re ready it’s 20 games in. … It takes a long time to get back to day and their introductory team meeting with new general manager Bill the conditioning and to the level of play the NHL guys are at by the time Guerin and the coaching staff. you decide to come back.”

One player in danger of missing the start of camp is restricted free agent Kevin Fiala’s highlights were few and far between in 19 games with the Kevin Fiala, who remains unsigned and could become the first Wild Wild last season, all the more reason GM Bill Guerin and head coach player to be late for training camp due to a contract dispute since Marian Bruce Boudreau want him in camp. (David Berding / USA Today) Gaborik and in 2003-04. Guerin, who played 1,263 regular-season games and another 140 playoff In 2017, Marcus Foligno came close. The forward, acquired during the games in 18 seasons as a player, has been in Fiala’s shoes. offseason from the Buffalo Sabres, agreed to terms on a four-year deal In 1997-98 with the New Jersey Devils and in 1999-00 with the the day players reported. The next day, Foligno hustled to get his Edmonton Oilers, Guerin was late arriving to each of those teams due to medical in the morning and made it to Xcel Energy Center in time for his contract disputes. first practice. “Both times it did not work out for me,” Guerin said. “Of course, at that Even if Fiala manages to settle later Tuesday or Wednesday, it’s doubtful time I thought I was doing the right thing, but looking back now, the he’ll make it in time to be on the ice for the Wild’s first series of practices difference that it made for me money-wise didn’t really make a difference. Friday. Fiala would first need a U.S. work visa and it’s believed he’ll still It went into November and I had bad years.” need to commute to Minnesota from his offseason home in Europe, where he splits time between Switzerland and Sweden. The Wild have signed 33-year-old veteran Drew Stafford to a professional tryout. He’s a right-shot right wing, so he theoretically can “We’ve made him a fair offer and he’s deciding,” Guerin, in Traverse City, provide Fiala insurance. But Guerin said the Fiala contract squabble did Mich., for the prospects’ tournament, told The Athletic during a phone not go into his thinking when he decided to bring Stafford, four goals shy interview Tuesday morning. “I understand the position he’s in. I’ve been of 200 for his career, in for a look. (The Athletic will have more on in it a couple times myself. We want to get him in as quick as possible Stafford this week.) because if you miss training camp, the chances of you having a good year aren’t very good. We want to get him in here and get him going. Fiala, coming off his entry-level deal with 48 goals and 104 points in 223 career games, is one of several unsigned restricted free agents in the “I’m just speaking from experience that you’re better off being in camp league. The others though are up-and-coming stars including Toronto’s than not. For Kevin’s sake and our sake, I hope he’s there, I really do.” Mitch Marner, Colorado’s Mikko Rantanen, Winnipeg’s Patrik Laine and ENTIRE #MNWILD TAKING PART IN CAPTAIN’S PRACTICE EXCEPT Kyle Connor, Vancouver’s Brock Boeser, Calgary’s Matthew Tkachuk, FOR UNSIGNED KEVIN FIALA. PLAYERS REPORT FOR TRAINING Tampa Bay’s Brayden Point and Boston’s Charlie McAvoy. CAMP THURSDAY PIC.TWITTER.COM/O0UFZGINXA It’s unlikely it would ever get to this point, but if Fiala isn’t signed by Dec. — MICHAEL RUSSO (@RUSSOHOCKEY) SEPTEMBER 9, 2019 1, he would have to miss the entire 2019-20 season and won’t be eligible to sign again until July 1, 2020. It’s uncertain what the Wild have offered and what Fiala’s seeking. Fiala’s agents, and Daniel Giger, wouldn’t comment except to “I don’t know what his other options are. They’re probably the obvious say the two sides were in negotiations. ones,” Guerin said, likely referring to playing in the KHL or somewhere else in Europe. “I hope we can get this done, get him here, get going and At the time of former GM Paul Fenton’s dismissal in late July, it’s put this all behind us.” believed the Wild were trying to sign Fiala to a two-year deal as opposed to a longer-term contract. The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019

Because Fiala’s coming off a tough 13-goal, 39-point season after scoring 23 goals and 48 points in 80 games during the 2017-18 season, the bridge deal strategy is almost certainly continuing since Guerin took over the Wild’s hockey operations department Aug. 21.

In July, fellow restricted free agent Ryan Donato bet on himself by signing a two-year, $3.8 million contract ($1.9 million cap hit). Last month, fellow restricted free agent Joel Eriksson Ek signed a two-year, $2.975 million contract ($1.4875 million cap hit).

According to Evolving Hockey’s contract projections, Fiala would command $3.1 million on a two-year deal, $3.56 million on a three-year deal, $4.38 million on a four-year deal and $4.97 million on a five-year deal.

Usually players who haven’t yet had their big breakthrough season don’t mind signing short-term deals because if they do prove themselves, they command big paydays on their next contract. For example, Jason Zucker once signed a two-year, $4 million deal, scored 22 and 33 goals during the life of the contract and was rewarded with a five-year deal worth $27.5 million ($5.5 million per year) in the summer of 2018.

Fiala was acquired last season from the for Mikael Granlund because Fenton, the former Predators’ assistant GM, saw Fiala as “electric” and a “game-breaker” for the future. But in 19 games with the Wild, he scored three goals and four assists, was minus-12 and led the Wild in giveaways in that span. 1107793 Minnesota Wild Anaheim that day. And I was all dressed in a suit and tie and I had to pretend, “My mum wants me to dress nicely before I come home,” because I told them I was going to see her.

KFAN’s ‘Brusso Radio’ 2019: The lighter side of the Wild head coach As a coach, was it awkward flying to Anaheim when you secretly know you’re going to be the Anaheim coach on a day the Ducks have a game and Randy Carlyle doesn’t know he’s going to be fired after? By Michael Russo Sep 10, 2019 9 It was weird because Randy’s a good friend of mine and we played together. And I was picked up by a scout (Dave Baseggio) who I knew really well because I interviewed him to be an assistant coach of mine at This past Labor Day, in a KFAN-created time slot, Bruce Boudreau and I one point and we went to Rick Patterson’s house to watch the game and co-hosted the second annual “Brusso Radio.” And, for the second five minutes before the game ended, Bob Murray was there and he said, straight year, Boudreau displayed the type of sense of humor and “I got to go, I got to go to the rink and fire Randy.” So that just seemed refreshing candidness that’s made the shows so entertaining. really weird because you usually get fired after a loss and Anaheim had On Monday, we featured the portion of the show that had Boudreau’s beaten Montreal, 4-1, that night. thoughts on the Wild’s late-summer GM change, the changes to the team Were you secretly thinking, “I hope they don’t change their mind?” and his outlook for the season ahead. But there was plenty of time for lighter topics too. Yeah, I was secretly hoping that. They fired Randy Carlyle, they fired the two assistants and the video coach that night, so we were coming in to For three hours, we were joined in the hut by Boudreau’s wife, Crystal, practice the next day and before they had left, the video coach had took and their 21-year-old son, Brady, who has hung up his goalie gear all the tapes of all the games Anaheim had ever played, erased officially and will be the Boudreau-co-owned Minnesota Blue Ox’s everything and took everything away, so we had just brought the guy assistant coach this season. We even put the mics on them later in the down from upstairs to do the video and there was nothing to do video of. show, and Brady kicked butt in the Bruce Boudreau trivia contest. Brady So, we looked like complete idiots the next day on our first meeting with will be billeting Blue Ox defenseman Matti Laitila this season, and the big the Ducks, and I’m sure they were like, “We fired our coach for this.” But Finn who looks like Olli Jokinen sat in the booth with us as well and it ended up working out alright. devoured some cookies, some buttery corn on the cob that was delivered by a nice gent from Corn Roast and the apple, chocolate and pumpkin Crystal and Brady join the show pies with ice cream delivered by George from Minneapple Pie. Crystal, who would you say would be the most obedient in the Knowing what the Wild lack, I asked if the 6-3, 220-pound Laitila household? Would it be Bruce, Brady, or…? happened to be a right-shot forward: “We could use one of them,” Boudreau said. “You know, we were at the office today and Jordan Crystal: The dog (Dixie, a 120-pound Newfoundland). Greenway was in there working out and they were just looking eye to So tell everybody about this dog, Bruce. How did this all come about? eye, and I said, ‘That’s pretty cool.’ If we could get some more guys with that size, that’d be great.” Bruce: Look, I’ve never had a dog, or an animal, until I met Crystal. Now we’ve got three cats and a monster. And Brady is one of those guys that Boudreau also told a great story about how he was fired in Washington has never asked for anything for Christmas, anything for graduation. as the Capitals head coach, and Wild strength coach Sean Skahan Except for a dog. And I think I was at a low point around Christmas time. joined the show for a good anecdote too. And my daughter (Kasey) was in town, and Brady said he wanted a dog. So here’s Part II of our highlights from this year’s Brusso Radio show. And I’m thinking, “OK, a little poodle, a little bulldog, or whatever” — one (Editor’s note: All bolded questions are from Russo unless noted. of those little things. And he says no, he wants a Mastiff, or he wants a Regular-text responses are from Bruce Boudreau unless noted.) Great Dane. And I said, “No way.” But I said, “OK, we’ll get you a dog.” And my daughter automatically went down and googled these purebred And if you’d rather listen, here’s the full show: Newfies. And came up and said, “Here, listen, I’ve already organized where you can go see it and where you can go pick it up.” And the next Getting fired by a guy in his pajamas thing I knew I had a Newfie dog in my house. And now the thing is 1- Wasn’t (former Capitals general manager) George McPhee like year-old, and he’s so big it’s ridiculous. But she’s also pretty cool. undressed when you were fired in Washington (in 2011)? Brady Boudreau and Dixie We had lost to Buffalo on Friday night, 5-1, and Buffalo was brutal. So we Brady Boudreau and Dixie (Courtesy Bruce Boudreau) had two days off, (Sunday) and (Monday) off. … So I remember telling Crystal, “I made it through (Sunday),” because our team wasn’t going Crystal, what is it like living with Bruce on a gameday, the night before a well and you get this premonition of bad things happening, right? So, game, after a game? made it though (Sunday), made it through (Monday). So I phoned all the assistant coaches (Monday) and said, “Back to work, let’s make sure Crystal: The night after, it depends on wins or losses. Everything else is we’re ready to go for (Tuesday).” By the way, we were in first place, too, structured. Dinner, he goes over it in his head. You can be talking to him when this was happening, but we had lost seven out of 10, so I was a in the middle of the night, and all of a sudden he zones out and you’re little nervous. like, “OK, hello?” And he’s going through lines in his head. And in the morning he gets up, he does his breakfast, and he goes in, comes home. In Washington, if anybody’s been there, the traffic is God awful, so I It’s lunch, nap, bath, I drive him back to the rink. leave about 6 in the morning to get to work. George phoned me at around 6:15 and said, “Bruce, if you don’t mind, can you stop by my Bruce: You don’t have to say about the bath! house before work?” I said, “This really can’t be good, can it, George?” Crystal: Well, I’d rather you bathe than not bathe. But no, he’s very And he said, “Just come on by the house.” But what he didn’t realize is I scheduled when he does games. For as much as he’s unscheduled in was like two minutes from his house at the time, so I just turned and went the summer, and changes everything — every minute of the day — to his house and knocked on his door within five minutes, and he came everything’s a routine during the season, for games. And it’s just his downstairs in his pajamas. I had to wait 20 minutes ‘til he put his suit and attitude, (whether) wins (or) losses. You can always talk to him, but will tie on before he came and told me the dirty deed. he respond, will change, depending on how the team does.

And then he called you three hours later about the Anaheim job? Does he ever bitch about the beat writers?

9:30, George phones me back and says, “Hey, just want to know, do you Crystal: Always. No, actually, he loves reporters. I mean, you guys have still want to coach in the NHL?” I said a couple expletives and I said, “Of a job to do, and so does he. And he gets that. course.” And he said, “Would you want to coach tomorrow?” And I said, “BS, there’s no way.” He said, “Expect another GM to phone you within Bruce: The whole idea is, I do know what their job is. And I’ve told Mike the hour.” So I hung up and 20 minutes later the Anaheim GM (Bob this … “Listen, you know, you have to write what you have to write. Murray) phones me and just says, “Do you want to coach our team?” We People are not going to believe you if you sugarcoat all the things. But, if didn’t even have an interview. I said, “Sure.” The next day, the you’re responsive, and you talk to (the media), and you’re human to (Washington) media was coming to my house. And I was going to them, then, if things are going bad, they’ll make it a little easier to live with rather than coming right out and being mean. And that’s what I’ve when I’m traveling. And the thing is he doesn’t know what he wants until always believed in. Tell the truth, but I’m a big boy and I can handle it. about 20 minutes before he wants it. So I can’t pre-do it. And he won’t Nobody likes negative news about them, but I know the nature of the heat it up. It has to be delivered hot. beast. Bruce: I don’t do a lot, is what they’re trying to tell you. I’m not a cook, Brady Boudreau is assistant coach of the Blue Ox, just hung up his and I don’t know how to pack. And thank God my wife does most of that skates, his goalie pads, his goalie mask, his goalie sunglasses. What for me. made you become a goalie? Crystal: What you do, you do well. What he doesn’t do well, or want to Brady: I don’t know what made me get into goaltending, but when I was do, he just doesn’t do. younger I was always fascinated with the position. I don’t know what drew me to it. I know one part of it was you didn’t have to skate as much, Brady, you’ve said you’ve learned a lot about your dad from his book, like and I wasn’t a great skater. I was very slow. So I think that was part of the streaking story, Gabby, Confessions of a Hockey Lifer? the draw. But I just think I liked the nature, or just like the actual position. Brady: He doesn’t talk too much. I really have to sort of prod to get the It was just more individualistic. I don’t know, I’ve just been drawn to just good stories out. Even then, sometimes you repeat the same stories. the position, and sort of the culture of it. But, two weeks ago when (former assistant coach) John Anderson, who Bruce: Let me tell you a quick story of how he really got into goaltending. is my godfather, was here, it was the great stories. Because he knows He was playing defense, and our team was losing 8 to 1, 10 to 1, 11 to 1 the stuff a lot. He’s not as afraid to tell stories about you as you are of every night. And he’d come home and he’d say, “Dad, our goalie stinks. yourself. So I get more of the stories from him. So I need to have a I’ve got to try goal, our goalie’s no good.” And I said, “OK,” because at dinner with him for a few hours, just to get, you know … that age, you know, they move the positions around a lot. So, the next Bruce: But I have to explain, now that he’s opened the bag, the streaking game he goes in and they lose 10 to 1. And he comes back to me and he story. OK, in 1975, I don’t know how many of us are old enough to says, “Dad, I had no help out there, the defense, nobody’s coming back!” remember when the streaking was in. Like everybody did it, there were So that’s the difference of how you think of it as a goaltender to songs going on, “The Streak.” And I never did it. And I was the captain of whatever. our junior team. And they all did it at every restaurant we went in. And Is Brady the one in your household that may stick up for your current then when we won the Canadian championship, I said, “Let’s go NHL goalies when you’re mad at them? streaking,” and nobody wanted to go streaking. And we’d had enough to drink where I ended up talking them into it. And the whole idea was to go Crystal: Always. from one bathroom to the other bathroom, and it was about 85 degrees out so we didn’t have much on anyway. And I went from the one Bruce: He’s also the most critical one of the goalies though, too, isn’t he? bathroom, but tripped over where the band was, and I put my head right Crystal: No, that would be you. through the drum. So there just happened to be two plainclothes policemen there that caught me. So that was my whole streaking story. Bruce, how proud are you that all your kids are into coaching, Brady with the Blue Ox, Ben as the young new head coach of (the ECHL) Fort And Bruce thought he was going to get away with it, but the next morning Wayne (Komets), your old team, and Andy coaching at the Banff Hockey it was in like every newspaper in Canada, right? Academy? Boudreau: Front page of the Toronto Star. My mum didn’t go to work for Bruce: It’s really prideful. And I’ve told all of them, if they’re all getting into a week. My dad wouldn’t talk to me. It was a mess. It was a mess. coaching, they better be prepared to move. Because you never stay in Question from a fan: Does Bruce bring work home? Does Bruce come one area too long. But it makes a father feel pretty proud when their home in a funk? children want to get into their dad’s profession. And even my daughter started working for the Ottawa Senators, and she was into it, too. So, I Crystal: He does come home in a funk. Sometimes we give him space. mean, all that stuff is really cool. And you just hope they have fun doing Sometimes we sit there and we just start talking until he actually has to it. respond. We just keep going and going until he’s just like, “OK!” Now I just stick the dog on him. You know, come on you’ve got a 125-pound It is interesting, when you were available, Calgary and Ottawa, two teams dog in your lap, licking your face, what are you going to do? you talked to, have fired their coaches since you were hired here. Do you look back at it and thank goodness you came here? Wild strength coach Sean Skahan joins the show

Bruce: First of all, thank goodness that I love the state (of Minnesota), What’s it like working with Bruce, both here and in Anaheim? love the people. That’s great. But, as a guy that has confidence, you always think that, hey, if I was the coach of that team that wouldn’t have Skahan: What I really love about working with Bruce is that what you see happened. So you know that’s what goes on. But, an interesting story, is what you get on a daily basis. As you can see from his personality and when I went to Ottawa for the interview, and my daughter was there, and how he is, that’s what we get every day. they took (a picture of us on) the front page of the Ottawa Sun, and Boudreau: I’ve been with him for eight years, and he works me out every everybody thought I was going to be there. And the question was, “We day. Look at how good he is as a strength coach. Problem is what you thought you were going to be there because of your daughter,” and my see is what you get, and sometimes I don’t like seeing what I get. answer was, “Yes, but my ex-wife moved there, so that nullified that.” Give me one Bruce Boudreau story that you can tell that’s allowed on the Tell me some Bruce Boudreau stories nobody knows. What’s it like to live air. with him? Skahan: I can’t really throw him under the bus, but you know the parking Brady: It’s funny because I see him first as my dad, but when we’re lot of the ? One morning I get there and Bruce’s car was in watching hockey I can’t resist and I want to just pick his brain to see if I’m the middle of the parking lot parked diagonally covering like four parking sort of on the right thought process when I watch a game. So, I feel like spots. I’m like, “Oh, wow. Somebody must have got Bruce, somebody I’ve gotten decent at looking for the right things watching it. But it’s fun must have stole Bruce’s keys and moved his car.” So I go down to the having (him) at my disposal, to just ask questions about. Knowing you’ll locker room and everyone’s like, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” get a pretty good answer. Or the right one. I go to Bruce, “Did you park your car this morning?”

Bruce: You’re getting the right answer. … There’s no stories about me. Boudreau: I forgot to put it in park. I’m a normal guy. Skahan: Luckily he was the first guy there, so he didn’t hit any cars or Brady: You want stories? anything.

Bruce: No, they don’t want stories, they want to talk about hockey. The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 Crystal: Well, my favorite story is, if I’m out of town with the Blue Ox or visiting my family, and it’s dinner time, no one can believe that he calls me to have dinner delivered — and paid for — because he doesn’t know what to do, or when to do it. So I will arrange to have dinner delivered 1107794 Montreal Canadiens “There’s no university of hockey,” Bouchard added. “I’ve said it, I’ll repeat it again, there’s none. You cannot go sit on a bench and pretend you will learn hockey. You need to be out there in those kind of tournaments. So Canadiens' Ryan Poehling and Nick Suzuki held out of final rookie game for all the guys that were on invites, some of them did really good, some of them maybe didn’t do as well as they would hope. But it’s still good mileage. There’s nothing wrong with failing. We want everybody to succeed. In life you have to fail to succeed. So I thought they did well STU COWAN, MONTREAL GAZETTE Updated: September 10, 2019 because they tried their best and we’ll see what they do after. Like I told the guys, what we like as hockey guys is to see players that find solutions when the stakes get a little higher, when the pressure gets a Ryan Poehling and Nick Suzuki, the Canadiens’ top two prospects, didn’t little higher, when the caliber gets a little higher. You’re right, some of play Tuesday in the final game of rookie camp in Brossard. them showed more than others but, hey, that’s the jungle of hockey.”

Poehling and Suzuki, along with fellow forward Jake Evans and Montreal Gazette LOADED: 09.11.2019 defenceman Cale Fleury, were all held out of the game, while Cayden Primeau filled the backup-goalie role behind Alexis Shank of the QMJHL’s Chicoutimi Saguenéens, who was invited to rookie camp on a tryout.

The Canadiens got two goals from Dylan Plouffe and Joe Cox, while Allan McShane, Alexandre Alain and Cameron Hillis added singles in a 7-3 win over the Quebec University All-Stars.

After the game, the Canadiens announced that 57 players will take part in training camp, which starts Thursday in Brossard with physical and medical testing. The first on-ice session will be at 10 a.m. Friday.

“We have guys that will play a lot of hockey — let’s not kid ourselves — in the next few weeks,” Laval Rocket head coach Joël Bouchard, who ran the rookie camp, said when asked about the players who were scratched from Tuesday’s game. “We wanted to give some of the younger guys that are still junior age to have a chance to be in some opportunity. It was planned that way from the beginning, so there was no surprise. We want to give mileage and we want to get a chance to see everybody and today was the day. But don’t kid yourselves. The guys that didn’t play, this morning they went hard in practice because we really pushed them to make sure they’re ready for the Montreal camp.”

Poehling was selected by Montreal in the first round (25th overall) at the 2017 NHL Draft, but will be attending his first Canadiens training camp. The 6-foot-2, 204-pound centre played the last three seasons at St. Cloud State University and NCAA eligibility rules prohibit players from attending NHL rookie camps and training camps.

Poehling signed an NHL entry-level contract with the Canadiens at the end of March after St. Cloud State was upset in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The 20-year-old played his first NHL game in the Canadiens’ regular-season finale, scoring three goals and adding another in a shootout in a 6-5 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Bell Centre.

“He’s a smart guy, he’s mature, he’s been in the big-stage games,” Bouchard said when asked what advice he had for Poehling entering his first NHL training camp. “Claude (Julien) and you have Kirk Muller, Dominique Ducharme behind the bench, that will help him. What we did with (Poehling) is just make sure that structure-wise, the next few days he knows where he’s headed at camp because Claude is demanding. He’s going to ask that the guys are sharp right away.

“There’s a lot of returning players, so we use the same structure as the Montreal Canadiens for him to be comfortable and understand and get his feet wet,” Bouchard added. “We can’t forget that he’s never been to a pro camp. Those NCAA players, they don’t come to rookie camp, they don’t come to NHL camp. So Suzuki (who played junior hockey) already has two rookie camps and two NHL camps vs. Poehling, that’s starting. So just to get his feet wet and keep going.”

Bouchard didn’t want to single out or analyze the performance of any of the players at rookie camp in front of the media, saying that was the job of general manager Marc Bergevin, assistant GM Trevor Timmins and their development team.

“I think everybody’s getting a great experience,” Bouchard said about the rookie camp. “Now, we’re going to see what’s next for them. But like I told them time and time again this weekend, this is just the beginning. They’re young hockey players that want to be pros. It’s going to be tough and there’s going to be time where they got to go back to their junior team and there’s going to be time where they need to go somewhere else and find their own game within the pro hockey. I think those are good eye-openers. 1107795 Montreal Canadiens of just how many good hockey players there are out there and how tough it is to make it to the NHL.

“If you look at a guy like (Alexander) Katerinakis (now with Concordia), Stu Cowan: University all-stars put on good show against Canadiens he was here at the rookie camp last year,” Bouchard said. “(Nikolas) rookies Brouillard (of McGill) went in the AHL. There’s a lot of guys that played pro hockey or went to camps and are going a different route right now. For some of them, it’s a decision. Some of them could play in pro hockey, STU COWAN, MONTREAL GAZETTE Updated: September 10, 2019 in the East Coast or even American Hockey League, and they decide to go play in a calibre that’s very good for development, but also to keep

going with school. After Concordia’s Philippe Sanche scored at 15:54 of the second period “(QMJHL president) Gilles Courteau and the governors and the owners to put the Quebec University All-Stars up 3-2 on the Canadiens rookies of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, we put a lot of money,” Tuesday afternoon in Brossard, there was a long delay before the goal Bouchard added. “I’m an owner and we put a lot of money in those funds was put up on the scoreboard. for a player to go to university. It’s nice to see some of the guys that Maybe the scorekeeper was a little shocked that the university players we’ve helped getting there as a hockey player, but also to make sure were actually beating the Canadiens’ prospects. To anyone who has ever they get a diploma coming out of university hockey. So it’s just positive watched Quebec university hockey, it wasn’t a big surprise, but it was for all of us.” probably an eye-opener for many of the fans who packed the stands and Montreal Gazette LOADED: 09.11.2019 maybe even the players in Canadiens uniforms.

University hockey remains one of the best-kept secrets in Montreal with both Concordia and McGill playing in a league that provides a highly entertaining product that is very affordable for families.

Tuesday’s game started on a very sad note as a moment of silence was held for McGill hockey coach Kelly Nobes, who died last week at age 45 after spending nine seasons behind the team bench, leaving behind his wife and four children. Nobes led McGill to its first-ever University Cup national championship in 2012, along with three Queen’s Cup league championships. Nobes also played four seasons at McGill, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education (1997) and a master’s degree in exercise physiology (2001).

Benoît Leroux, a former McGill teammate, started a GoFundMe page for Nobes’s family with a goal of raising $35,000. As of Tuesday afternoon, $21,750 had been raised.

As a tribute to Nobes, the university all-stars lineup to start Tuesday’s game was made up entirely of McGill players, who were obviously playing with heavy hearts.

The Canadiens rookies tied the game before the end of the second period and added four unanswered goals in the third to beat the university team 7-3, but it was a good game to watch from start to end. Dylan Plouffe and Joe Cox both scored twice for the Canadiens, while Allan McShane, Alexandre Alain and Cameron Hillis added singles. Concordia’s Carl Neill, UQTR’s Jordan Martel and Sanche scored for the university team.

The Canadiens were playing without top forward prospects Ryan Poehling and Nick Suzuki and goalie Cayden Primeau, who were given a rest ahead of the main training camp that opens Thursday, when players will report for physical and medical testing.

Laval Rocket head coach Joël Bouchard, who ran the Canadiens’ rookie camp that wrapped up Tuesday, wasn’t surprised by the play of the university all-stars. Before taking over the Rocket last season, Bouchard was coach, GM and part owner of the QMJHL’s Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.

“I know a lot of guys (on the all-star team) that played in our Quebec league and actually played for me,” Bouchard said. “So I think they looked at times stronger and they’re wiser — they have experience. But I thought our young guys really reacted well and by the third period — after we did a couple of adjustments after the second period — I thought we played a flawless third period. Not just because we scored goals, but our puck management was better and that’s what you want to see.

“We had nine periods with the guys (including 4-2 and 2-1 losses to the Ottawa Senators and Winnipeg Jets, respectively, at a rookie tournament last weekend in Belleville, Ont.) and I felt they progressed all the way until the last 10, 15 minutes,” Bouchard added. “So it’s good news for the kids to leave on a high note there. A couple of guys made good plays and scored some goals, which is fun. But I’m very happy the way that they adjusted against good hockey players.”

Now, the heavy work begins for the Canadiens rookies who were among the 57 players invited to the main training camp, with the first on-ice session slated for 10 a.m. Friday in Brossard. The game against the university all-stars should serve as a reminder to the Canadiens rookies 1107796 Montreal Canadiens

Bubble bursts after players make statements at Canadiens' rookie camp

PAT HICKEY, MONTREAL GAZETTE Updated: September 10, 2019

A couple of players who are on the bubble made statements Tuesday as the Canadiens’ rookie camp wrapped up with a 7-3 win over the Quebec University All-Stars, but it wasn’t enough to earn invitations to the main camp, which begins Thursday.

Defenceman Dylan Plouffe, who was in camp on a tryout, scored two goals, while Rafael Harvey-Pinard, who was a seventh-round draft choice in June, collected three assists. Neither player had a pro contract, but they were hoping their play during the past week would allow them to take the next step. Instead, they were among 12 players sent packing.

“I found myself in the right spot at the right time, that happens in hockey sometimes,” said the undrafted Plouffe, who will likely return to the Vancouver Giants as an over-age junior. “I was happy with myself. I just wanted to go out and play with confidence, and I did that.”

Plouffe, who attended the Florida and Vancouver rookie camps in previous years, has spent four seasons as a top-four defenceman with the WHL Giants and he feels there might be some unfinished business on the West Coast after losing to Prince Albert in the WHL final.

“That team back (in Vancouver) looks pretty good and we want to make a run for it,” said Plouffe. “That playoffs was something else.”

Plouffe had eight goals in 63 regular-season games, but caught fire in the playoffs with six goals and 10 assists in 22 games.

The Canadiens made a trade for a seventh-round choice and acquired Harvey-Pinard, who had been passed over in two previous drafts. There were concerns about his size — he’s 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds — but he had 40 goals and 45 assists during the regular season and helped Rouyn-Noranda win the Memorial Cup. His rights were were traded to Chicoutimi during the off-season and he’ll serve as the team captain.

At the Rookie Showcase in Belleville, Ont., he played on a line with first- rounders Ryan Poehling and Nick Suzuki, and showed a willingness to play in the dirty areas.

“I’m an intense player,” said Harvey-Pinard, whose goal was to start the season with the Laval Rocket.

The university team, which was composed of players who previously played major junior hockey, stayed with the pro prospects for two periods and held 1-0 and 3-2 leads. But the Canadiens closed out the game with five unanswered goals, including four in the third period when the university players were outshot 18-3.

Cam Hillis, a third-round pick in 2018, pulled the Canadiens even at 3-3 with a goal at 18:41 of the second period and then scored the winning goal at 1:51 of the third period. He’s also heading back to junior with the Guelph Storm.

Alexandre Alain, who has a year of AHL experience in Laval, Joe Cox and Allan McShane scored the other Montreal goals. Cox has an AHL contract, while McShane, a fourth-round draft choice in 2018, will be heading back to the OHL’s Oshawa Generals. He’s also hoping to earn a spot on Team Canada for the world junior championship.

The other players reassigned to their junior clubs were Cole Fonstad (Prince Albert), Samuel Houde (Chicoutimi) and Jacob LeGuerrier (Sault Ste. Marie). Five other players on tryouts were released: Marc-Olivier Crevier-Morin, Nicolas Guay, Vincent Marleau, Jack York and goaltender Alexis Shank.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107797 Montreal Canadiens

Jake Gardiner joins long list of free agents to turn down Canadiens

STU COWAN, MONTREAL GAZETTE Updated: September 10, 2019

It might be the weather, the taxes, language issues, the bright spotlight on and off the ice, or the fact the Canadiens haven’t been very good, missing the playoffs in three of the last four years.

Whatever the reason, top NHL free agents don’t want to come to Montreal.

Last summer, John Tavares wouldn’t even meet with the Canadiens before signing with Toronto. This summer, Matt Duchene agreed to meet with the Canadiens before signing with Nashville, but that might have just been a favour to his agent, Pat Brisson, who is a good friend of Habs GM Marc Bergevin.

Last week, Jake Gardiner agreed to a four-year, US$16.2-million contract with Carolina after the Canadiens offered him a three-year deal reported to be worth US$15.7 million.

“I don’t think there’s anything we could do,” Bergevin said Monday when asked about the free-agent situation. “I think it’s a case-by-case (situation). There’s players who do want to come here, for whatever reason they want to. And some don’t, for whatever reason they don’t want to. So I can’t answer that. But I’m not going to sit here and say there’s no way they don’t want to come here. It’s case by case and in that case (with Gardiner) only that player can answer why.”

Bergevin did sign two free agents this summer — defenceman Ben Chiarot and goalie Keith Kinkaid.

Max Domi, who was acquired by the Canadiens last summer from Arizona in exchange for Alex Galchenyuk, embraced everything that comes with playing in Montreal and had his best NHL season, posting 28-44-72 totals.

“It’s a small league, right?” Domi said. “Word travels fast. It’s a tight-knit group. All hockey players get along, we all talk, we all see each other in the summer. Obviously, not just in the media, when I talk to guys at skates or at workouts, they ask how it is. I say: ‘I love it here. Everything about it is awesome.’ That’s all you can really do. You can’t force guys to come play anywhere or tell them what to do. They’ll make their own decision. I think as a whole, we all kind of share how it feels to play here, which is awesome. It’s all positive stuff. So hopefully in the long run that helps us out.”

Paul Byron lives year-round on Montreal’s South Shore and was asked what advice he gives newcomers like Chiarot and Kinkaid.

“I think they’re all kind of shocked at how much attention there is here in Montreal,” Byron said. “That’s kind of the same way I felt. So I just try and tell them to kind of get used to it. Give them some guidance where to live, where to go, what to expect coming to this city. I think a lot of guys are excited to be here. You walk in that room the first time, you see the names, the numbers, the pictures. It’s a historic place to play here in Montreal. Everyone’s incredibly lucky to get this opportunity. We’re all really excited to get started again because it’s a fun place to play.”

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107798 Montreal Canadiens Tatar, who was acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights hours before last year’s golf tournament as part of the Max Pacioretty trade, posted 25-33-58 totals in his first season with the Canadiens, hitting the 20-goal Canadiens Notebook: Prospects can look up to Jesperi Kotkaniemi mark for the fifth straight season.

Does the 28-year-old set 20 goals as a benchmark each season?

STU COWAN, MONTREAL GAZETTE Updated: September 10, 2019 “Not really,” Tatar said. “You just want to go out there and do your job. Obviously, if you do well these kinds of numbers will just continue. If you don’t, it’s going to be hard. But I think everybody’s main focus is on the team and the other stuff will just be taken care of.” At this time last year, Canadiens fans didn’t know a whole lot about Jesperi Kotkaniemi after he was selected with the No. 3 overall pick at Tatar played in a roller-hockey league this summer back home in the NHL Draft. Slovakia.

Kotkaniemi didn’t have a great rookie camp and the expectation heading “It was fun,” he said. “I think it’s another addition to the summer into training camp was that the 18-year-old centre would be sent back offseason and I really enjoyed it, actually. We ended up winning a title home to Finland to continue his development. But Kotkaniemi, who had back home, so it was a lot of fun.” only played a handful of games on the smaller North American rink before getting drafted, found his game during training camp, made the Is he a good golfer? team and Canadiens fans quickly fell in love with his game and his smile. “No … I don’t know,” Tatar said. “If I can put in a grade, I would give Kotkaniemi was also a breath of fresh air in the locker room, finishing the myself a C.” season with 11-23-34 totals in 79 games to finish ninth among NHL Gallagher got an A for golf on Monday, beating all his teammates with a rookies in scoring. round of 80. The golf tournament raised $523,000 for the Montreal “Sitting here a year ago, I wasn’t sure if KK was going to make our team,” Canadiens Children’s Foundation. general manager Marc Bergevin said Monday morning before teeing it up Les verts étaient bleu-blanc-rouge aujourd'hui. at the Canadiens’ annual golf tournament at Laval-sur-le-Lac. “Most likely he was going to go back to Finland. He earned a job and he stayed the The greens were looking bleu-blanc-rouge today.#GoHabsGo whole year. I think he has progressed.” pic.twitter.com/JJ6D2gFlma— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) September 9, 2019 Bergevin would love to see one of the Canadiens’ other young prospects step up at this year’s training camp, which starts Thursday when players Missing Shawzy report for physical and medical testing. The Canadiens are going to miss Andrew Shaw both on and off the ice “I don’t know who it’s going to be,” the GM said. “I hope it’s one guy, this season after he was traded back to the Chicago Blackhawks. maybe two guys, maybe none. I don’t know that. But I think we have seven preseason games. It will be fun to watch.” Shaw had a career-high 47 points last season (19 goals and 28 assists), despite being limited to 63 games because of injuries, and was plus-17. Ryan Poehling and Nick Suzuki are the two prospects with the best Shaw was also probably the most popular guy in the locker room and chance of making the Canadiens heading into training camp. Coach was a big-brother figure for Kotkaniemi. Claude Julien said all the young prospects attending training camp can learn from and be inspired by what Kotkaniemi did last season. “It goes without saying what Shawzy brought to our group,” Gallagher said. “Obviously, an emotional leader, for sure. A guy that you can count “It was pretty obvious when you looked at Kotkaniemi in the rookie camp, on to play some tough minutes and when things weren’t going well a guy if you would have made a decision then he was going back (to Finland),” that could kind of swing it in your direction. But we got some young Julien said at Monday’s golf tournament. “But, you know, we gave him bodies coming up that are pushing for some spots and some veterans the opportunity to come to the main camp and he forced our hand. I’m who are definitely capable of filling in that role. Obviously, we need being honest here. I don’t think we started training camp saying this guy’s someone to step up because he did play some important minutes, but we a shoe-in. But as the camp went on, he demonstrated that he was good feel like we’ve got some people capable of doing it. enough and could handle that. The better players you put him with, the better he was. So he earned a spot last year and I think that’s a great Merci, Andrew, pour ta ténacité, ta passion et ta volonté de tout donner à example for our young players that are coming in to take that and run chaque présence. Bonne chance à Chicago!⁰ ⁰Thank you, with it. @shawz15er, for your grit, passion, and all-out play every single shift. You repped the CH with pride. Good luck in Chicago! “Come in and do your job and do it well and if you’re that good you’re pic.twitter.com/UdOoDntPts— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) going to force our hands to make some tough decisions,” Julien added. June 30, 2019

Brendan Gallagher was also impressed by Kotkaniemi last season. “He was liked by everyone in that locker room,” Gallagher added about Shaw. “For 82 games, you could count on him to compete and battle for “I think at times last year he kind of forgot that he was an 18-year-old his teammates. He’s a very competitive guy. He came in here with a kid,” Gallagher said. “That makes you excited just how much he’s going winning pedigree — a Cup from Chicago — and I think he taught us a to grow and how much better he can get. That experience that he gained little bit about what went into winning that Stanley Cup. That’s something last year is going to be huge for him going forward. He learned a lot that you can’t really teach … it’s experience that you have to gain and about himself, about the league, about what he needs to be to be a that’s what he had. I think we all appreciated definitely the work that he player and we’re going to rely on him to play some big, heavy minutes for did. It’s some tough, heavy minutes and he definitely competed hard for us. It’s something that we believe he’s capable of doing. It’s something our group and it’s something that we appreciated.” that we need him to be a productive player for us, obviously. But I know he’s really excited for the year and we’re really excited to see what he’s Said Paul Byron about Shaw: “It’s a big loss for our team, for sure. He capable of.” brought a lot to the team that isn’t exactly seen by everybody on a day- to-day basis. I wish him the best in Chicago, but I think as a group now Back to school for Tatar everyone’s going to have to step up and kind of pick up the slack that’s One of the highlights of Monday’s golf tournament was Tomas Tatar left from him leaving. We have a lot of good, young players that are on showing up to meet the media wearing a Canadiens backpack. the cusp right now and I think it’s a great opportunity for one to seize that opportunity. So it’s exciting, it’s good for the young guys. I hope I had to ask him what was in it? somebody comes in and grabs that spot.”

“Golf shoes,” Tatar said with a smile before adding: “Some people are Gallagher loved Aho offer sheet joking I’m going back to school, so I’m just going to go with it.” After failing to attract any big-name free agents to Montreal on July 1, Tomas Tatar with knapsack at #Habs golf tournament. “First day of Bergevin took a shot in the dark, making a five-year, US$42.27-million school,” he joked #HabsIO pic.twitter.com/4Z1CWhEFX8— Stu Cowan offer sheet to Sebastian Aho, a restricted free agent with Carolina. The (@StuCowan1) September 9, 2019 Hurricanes, not surprisingly, matched the offer. What did Gallagher think about Bergevin’s move?

“Personally, I loved it,” Gallagher said before teeing it up on Monday. “I thought it’s something we haven’t seen and it was kind of exciting. It was an opportunity to get a really good hockey player and it didn’t work out. But in the end, we lose nothing. We took a chance on something that could have made a pretty big difference. So it was a move I really liked.”

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107799 Montreal Canadiens Corson’s penchant for dropping the gloves didn’t always sit well with the team’s coach, the late Pat Burns.

“I used to get shit from Burnsy a little bit,” Corson says. “He’d say, ‘I don’t ‘You’re not alone’: How Shayne Corson found hope in his battle with want you fighting that much. You’re not supposed to be fighting these mental health guys. Fight the middleweights.’”

Perhaps Burns’ apprehension was justified. Corson broke his jaw during By Peter Mendelsohn Sep 10, 2019 52 a tilt with the Blackhawks Curt Fraser in January 1987. Despite missing seven weeks after needing to get his jaw wired shut, Corson firmly established his place on the team during his rookie season and quickly became an integral part of the Canadiens’ roster. Over his first four full More than 26 years later, Shayne Corson still thinks about that drive seasons in Montreal, his scoring output increased every year. During the home. 1989-90 season, Corson scored 31 goals, registered 44 assists, and His father had picked him up at the Toronto airport during the Christmas made his first NHL All-Star Game. break in the 1992-93 season. Paul Corson was suffering from cancer of In the fall of 1991, Shayne, Paul, his mother June, and sisters Patti and the esophagus. Up until that night, Corson had only heard him speak Shannon were eating dinner at Da Vinci, an Italian restaurant in confidently about beating his illness. downtown Montreal. “If anything happens to me, if I don’t beat this…I’m going to beat it…but if Throughout the meal, Paul had a difficult time swallowing his food. His I don’t,” Paul told his son as they drove. “I want you to make sure to take family asked if he was ok. care of your mom and your sisters. Paul shrugged off his family’s concerns. “And take care of yourself,” he said. “I’m probably more worried about you than I am anybody.” But over the next few weeks, he continued to have difficulty swallowing. His oldest daughter Patti told him he needed to go to the doctor to get it Growing up, Shayne and Paul had a unique bond. It was more than the checked out. typical father and son relationship. They golfed and played tennis against each other. They spent Saturday nights on the couch watching “Hockey Again, Paul said he would be fine. Night in Canada.” Shayne’s youngest sister Shannon, a teenager at the time, scheduled a “We were best buddies,” Corson says. “He was like a brother to me.” doctor’s appointment for her father.

Six weeks after that drive, Corson was called off the ice during the Paul cancelled it. Edmonton Oilers warm-up skate. He knew the reason was probably serious. But he didn’t think it could be his father. In January 1992, the Corson family finally got Paul to see a doctor. He was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus. “As sick as he was, I always thought my dad was like Superman,” Corson says. “No matter how bad he looked and how bad things were, I always Over the next year, Corson watched his father lose his hair and drop in thought he was going to beat it.” weight from 220 to 160 pounds. Despite this, Paul always seemed brave. Corson tried to do the same but there were times when his anger Corson assumed he’d been traded. became too much.

But when he picked up the phone, he heard his father’s voice more than A young Shayne Corson with his dad. (Courtesy Shayne Corson) 3,000 kilometres away. Paul had gone in for surgery due to tumours that were pressing on the nerves in his back. He was supposed to be out of On February 13, 1992, Corson was accused of throwing shot glasses at the hospital in a day or two. a man in a Montreal nightclub. According to allegations, Corson approached the man and started fighting with him. Following the incident, But there had been complications and Paul wasn’t going to make it. Corson apologized to the Canadiens, explaining that he’d been under stress as a result of his father’s cancer diagnosis. They spoke for a few minutes. They told each other that they loved each other. When Paul passed away a year later, Corson was devastated.

Paul passed away 15 minutes later. He was 45 years old. “I didn’t cry in front of anybody, but I cried at night time by myself a lot,” Corson says. “I’d be in the car, and I’d hear a certain song, and it would For years, Shayne Corson suffered from unaddressed grief leading to a spark a memory of us being all together, and I would cry.” debilitating collapse. He battled panic attacks, depression, and suicidal thoughts while trying to survive his career. Today, he’s still healing while Despite being in a tremendous amount of pain, he didn’t spend much sharing his story in hope of helping others who are struggling too. time talking about what he was feeling. He pushed his grief aside and focused on his hockey career, which continued to thrive. Corson was 20 years old when he arrived at Montreal Canadiens training camp in September 1986. The left-winger had played a grand total of In 1994, Corson made his second All-Star Game, this time as a member three games with Montreal since being selected eighth overall two years of the Oilers. Two years later, he played on a line with Wayne Gretzky on earlier. There weren’t a lot of roster spots available but Corson was the St. Louis Blues. In 1998, he was selected to his third All-Star Game determined to do whatever it took to make the team. He realized the and also represented Canada at the Olympics in Nagano, Japan. Canadiens didn’t have a lot of fighters. So he decided to drop the gloves with the team’s enforcer, defenceman John Kordic. In the summer of 2000, Corson signed a free-agent contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. “I’m not going to lie to you, I was pretty scared, but I thought I was going to make a name for myself and get on their radar right away,” Corson “My dad would’ve loved to have watched me play for the Toronto Maple says. “I thought if they could see what I could do, and I wasn’t afraid to Leafs,” he says. “When I signed here, I thought about that a lot.” do it, it would help me make the club.” The Barrie, Ont., native desperately wanted to play well for the Leafs. Corson won the fight, made the team, and had his first NHL bout seven Shortly after signing in Toronto, he began feeling anxiety. games into the season when he fought Joey Kocur, a renowned While still in Montreal that summer, Corson woke up one night in the heavyweight known for a devastating right hand. early hours of the morning. His heart was racing. Before he knew it, he The 6-foot-1 Corson went on to have another 16 fights between October was curled up on the floor on all fours. and January. “I thought I was dying. I thought I was having a heart attack,” Corson “My dad instilled that toughness in me. He was a tough guy and he was says. “I was almost paralyzed, lying on the floor, and sweating like a always someone that would stand up for himself. He taught me to do the dog.” same things.” His wife, Kelley, called Dr. David Mulder, the Canadiens head physician, who quickly came over. After assessing Corson and speaking with him for a while, Dr. Mulder told him he’d just had a panic attack. “That was the very first one,” Corson says. “At the time, you don’t really “I tried to hide it, hold it in,” Corson says. “I didn’t talk to anyone about it. know what they are.” It just built and built and built.”

Corson spent the next three seasons as a member of the Maple Leafs. Speaking openly with doctors about all of the issues he’d repressed for For two of those seasons, he suffered from overwhelming anxiety, so long, Corson began to feel better. depression, and panic attacks. He learned how important it was for him to talk about his grief and life A high achiever from a young age, Corson was a perfectionist, putting a stresses. He also learned that he wasn’t the only one suffering. lot of pressure on himself. He blamed himself for being unable to get rid of his inner demons. “I could not believe how many people were suffering too, people that were very close to me,” he says. “I was one of those people that said, ‘Come on, you can snap out of it. What’s there to be down about? What’s there to be depressed about? Since retiring as a player 15 years ago, Corson has benefited greatly You’re playing a game you love to play,’” Corson says. “’You’re a hockey from professional treatment. He credits clinical psychologist Dr. Brian guy, you’re a big, strong guy. Come on, get through it.’” Shaw, Leafs medical director Dr. Noah Forman, and family physician Dr. Yoel Abells as three “incredible” doctors who were instrumental in his Corson developed a fear of dying young after his father’s death. care.

“I didn’t sleep for 12 nights once when I was in Toronto,” he says. “I was Corson still deals with anxiety and the occasional panic attack. Through afraid to go to sleep because I didn’t think I was going to wake up.” the treatment he has received, he now has a better understanding of what he is experiencing and has learned coping mechanisms that help Despite significant mental health issues, Corson tried to get better on his him deal with it. own without seeking professional help. He tries to work out every day and adhere to a daily schedule. “I was medicating myself on my own with Ativan and alcohol,” he says. He takes part in charity events with various volunteer organizations Looking back, Corson realizes trying to self-medicate was a recipe for including Hockey Helps the Homeless, which hosts pro-am tournaments. failure. “I get to raise money for something I believe in and I get to play hockey “It’s just a vicious cycle,” he says. “It just keeps going in circles and you and be in the room with hockey players,” Corson says. “It’s therapy for start feeling worse and worse.” me.”

During his years as a Leaf, Corson’s teammate and brother-in-law Darcy It’s also therapeutic for Corson to speak about his own mental health Tucker was fiercely loyal, helping Corson as much as he could. issues and try to help others who are struggling. Many people have “I told him, ‘Whatever you need,’” Tucker says. “If you need to chat, we’ll approached him to discuss their own difficulties and he happily shares chat. If you need to sit here and make the room quiet, we’ll make it quiet.” his experiences.

Corson’s mother, wife and sisters also gave Shayne tremendous support One interaction sticks out in his mind. and understanding. But Corson’s mental health had deteriorated to such While Corson met fans during an event in St. Catharines in 2014, a a state where there was a limit to how much family and friends could young man approached him hoping for a few minutes to chat. Corson really do. met up with him after he’d finished signing autographs — and the young “Nobody really understands it unless they’ve been through it. I don’t think man shared that he was going through similar struggles. They spoke for anybody in my family really understood it,” Corson says. “You need to a while, with Corson encouraging him with the steps that helped him. have professionals. They know the ways to help you maneuver through A year later, Corson was at an event in Hamilton signing autographs and work through it.” when he heard someone say “Hey, Shayne!”

Toward the end of the 2002-03 season, Corson suffered a flare-up of He looked up and saw the same young man from a year prior. ulcerative colitis, a condition he was diagnosed with when he was 15. As a result, he lost about 25 pounds. More importantly, his mental state was “I just want to tell you something,” the young man said. “By watching your deteriorating rapidly. story, and getting the chance to talk to you about what you went through and what you did to get better, you saved my life.’” “I was in a dark hole and wasn’t going to come out of it,” Corson says. “I was in full-blown depression, anxiety all day long, every day.” It’s a memory that makes Corson feel better than anything he ever accomplished during his hockey career. Corson had suicidal thoughts. He’d think about jumping off a balcony, but something in his mind would always prevent him from attempting any “It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” he says. kind of self-harm. Still, he knew he had to get the professional treatment he’d needed for a very long time. Incidents like these remind Corson how important it is for him to speak about what he went through. “At that point, if I didn’t get the help, it wasn’t going to end well.” “That’s why I talk about it,” Corson says. “I’m not shy to talk about it. I’m In the midst of the Maple Leafs first-round playoff series against the open about it. I won’t hold anything back about what I went through.” Philadelphia Flyers, Corson walked away from the team. He was harshly criticized immediately after his departure with many reports intimating Today, Corson runs an annual golf tournament near Barrie called Start that he had quit because of diminished playing time. Talking which encourages people to be open about their struggles with mental health. “It hurt me more than anything. For the first week or two, it made my sickness a lot worse, because I’ve never quit anything I’ve ever done in “The biggest thing is don’t be embarrassed and don’t be shy to talk about my entire life,” Corson says. it,” he says. “You’re not alone, there’s lots of us out there.”

“People that understand mental health know that sometimes you have to Paul Corson’s ashes still sit on the mantle of June Corson’s bedroom. get away and get the help you need. You can’t focus on anything but The pain of losing him remains. But Shayne recently spoke with his yourself. family about finding a place to lay him to rest.

“I couldn’t do both. I couldn’t play and get through it and get the help I “It’s almost like none of us want to let go,” Corson says. “It’s not letting go needed. I needed to go away and get the help. That way, I’m still around but it’s putting him somewhere where we can all go talk to him, tell him today to be able to talk about it and help people.” how much we love him, and think of all the good times.”

The day after walking away from the Leafs, Corson finally sought These days Corson visits a coffee shop whenever he wants to reminisce professional help. about his father.

Through treatment, Corson learned that while various life stresses played He gets a hot cup and finds a quiet place to sit. a role in his psychiatric condition, not properly dealing with his father’s He thinks about how happy Paul was in the dressing room after Shayne’s death was the cause of most of his issues. minor hockey team won the Silver Stick title in Port Huron, Ont. Paul’s toque sat high and awkward on his head. And he had a huge smile on his face. Corson will never forget that.

He remembers how his father always raised the spirits of everyone around him.

“He was always smiling and upbeat, and so good to all of us,” Corson says. “He’d give us a kick in the ass when we needed it. But he was always just so happy and fun to be around.”

And he thinks about that fateful drive home when his Dad tried to prepare him for the fact he might not be around much longer.

“I think of the good memories we had, the bad times we had. I have a little talk with him, and then I feel much better.”

The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107800 New Jersey Devils

Devils re-sign Pavel Zacha, ending speculation about possible KHL move | What it means

By Chris Ryan

Pavel Zacha won’t be going to the KHL after all.

After it was reported Zacha agreed to terms on a one-year deal with a Russian team, the Devils and the restricted free agent were able to settle their differences, agreeing to a three-year, $6.75 million contract that carries a $2.25 million AAV.

Zacha was the Devils’ lone unsigned restricted free agent remaining this offseason, and since he did not have arbitration rights, negotiations continued into September, like many other RFAs around the NHL.

With training camp just days away, Zacha’s camp agreed to terms with Avangard in the KHL, putting some pressure on the Devils to get a deal done before Zacha actually signed in Russia. Once a KHL deal is signed, it does not include an NHL out clause, so Zacha would have needed to play the entire season in Russia.

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But that scenario has been avoided, and the Devils have the 2015 first- round pick locked up for another three seasons. He’ll be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights at the conclusion of his new contract.

“We are happy to have finalized this three-year agreement as Pavel is an important part of our team,” Devils GM Ray Shero said. “He has established himself as someone who can play in any situation and we are looking forward to his continued growth as a player.”

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The addition of 2019 No. 1 overall pick Jack Hughes during the offseason will likely put Zacha into a different role to begin his fourth NHL season. If Hughes can make the jump to the second line, Travis Zajac will likely anchor the third unit, leaving Zacha to take the middle on the fourth line. He has played some left wing in his career, so it’s possible he could get some time there higher in the lineup.

Zacha has struggled with consistency in the NHL, particularly on the offensive end. He did post a career high 13 goals in 2018-19, and he has proved to be one of the Devils’ most effective penalty killers.

Star Ledger LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107801 New Jersey Devils During the intermission of the first period of Monday’s game, Devils assistant GM Tom Fitzgerald said the Devils spent a lot of the opening game on Friday trying to find their legs, since it was the group’s first Devils Prospect Challenge observations: Jack Hughes’ play, Michael action together other than a morning skate earlier in the day. After that, McLeod’s standout weekend Fitzgerald saw a lot more of what he expected. He added when the Devils travel to the event next year, they’ll likely alter their schedule to give prospects more ice time prior to the first game.

By Chris Ryan Star Ledger LOADED: 09.11.2019

The Devils wrapped up play at the 2019 Prospects Challenge with a 3-2 OT win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday, giving them a 1-2-0 record for the three-game tournament in Buffalo.

Following three games for the team’s top prospects heading into the start of NHL training camp on Thursday, here are five takeaways from the tournament.

Jack Hughes finished with one goal in the two games he played — he was a healthy scratch on Saturday against the Penguins while the Devils rotated in other players — and all in all, Hughes showed exactly what you’d expect a No. 1 overall pick to show.

He constantly had the puck on his stick, making transitions into the offensive zone, and despite not getting much payoff for the chances he created, Hughes put plenty of pucks on net and set up teammates with some slick passes.

There were a handful of turnovers, but they’re a part of Hughes’ game. When he handles the puck with his level of frequency and attempts to make plays, defenders are occasionally going to poke it away and force an odd-man rush. But Hughes showed each time he’s willing to do anything to get the puck back.

It took Michael McLeod until the final seconds of regulation of the final game to find the scoresheet, but it was hard to miss him over the course of the weekend. Playing in the tournament for the fourth time, the 2016 first-round pick entered with more experience than most, and he played with the confidence you’d expect from a player in his position.

McLeod looked poised and confident in the face-off circle, and he was heavily involved on both ends of the ice. With the puck on his stick, McLeod looked decisive and ready to make plays to push the pace.

He assisted on the game-tying and game-winning goals Monday, and the tying pass was exactly something a player like McLeod should be capable of making. On a 6-on-4 advantage, he kept his head up in the left circle and threaded a pass to the right post, allowing Ludvig Larsson to score with relative ease.

McLeod is one of a handful of players that will be pushing for an NHL roster spot when training camp opens on Thursday. A solid weekend from him was a good start.

Ludvig Larsson was one of the Devils’ lower profile offseason moves, with the undrafted Penn State grad signing an AHL contract with Binghamton. In his first season pro, the plan was for him to report directly to AHL training camp, but following his performance in two games at the Prospects Challenge, that plan has changed.

Larsson earned an invite to NHL training camp following a two-goal performance in the finale on Monday, and he’ll report with the rest of the veterans on Thursday. Larsson will still end up in Binghamton later in the month, but it’s cool to see a player in his shoes getting a chance to fulfill a dream.

2019 third-round pick Graeme Clarke was one of the most noticeable Devils over the weekend. He scored a goal on Saturday, then got to stay on the top line with Hughes and Jesper Boqvist in Monday’s finale, where he didn’t look out of place.

Clarke will get his first taste of NHL training camp later this week before returning to Ottawa in the OHL for the 2019-20 season.

A team’s record doesn’t carry a ton of weight at a prospects tournament, but two losses in three games was a bit disconcerting for the Devils, mainly because they had the most talented roster of the four teams.

But in a three-game tournament where players appeared in their first games in months while playing with new teammates, it wasn’t the worst thing in the world. 1107802 New Jersey Devils

Devils re-sign Pavel Zacha to 3-year, $6.75 million contract

Abbey Mastracco, NHL writerPublished 1:15 p.m. ET Sept. 10, 2019 | Updated 6:26 p.m. ET Sept. 10, 2019

Pavel Zacha is staying in the NHL. The New Jersey Devils resigned the restricted free agent to a three-year, $6.75 million contract Tuesday, one day after Zacha threatened to sign with the KHL.

The backloaded contract carries an AAV of $2.25 million. New Jersey will pay Zacha $1.75 million this season, $2 million next season and $3 million in 2021-22. The Devils have $4.67 million in salary cap space remaining this season.

“We are happy to have finalized this three-year agreement as Pavel is an important part of our team,” general manager Ray Shero said in a statement. “He has established himself as someone who can play in any situation and we are looking forward to his continued growth as a player.”

Monday morning, a report surfaced saying the 22-year-old center had come to terms with Avangard Omsk of the KHL. However, the contract was never signed and the team never confirmed the report. Messages to Zacha and his agent, Patrik Stefan, were not returned.

Shero accused Stefan of posturing with a KHL deal in an expletive-laced interview with reporters in Buffalo at the Sabres Prospect Challenge tournament. Shero said going to the KHL was an ill-advised move and he essentially didn’t care where Zacha ended up.

The Devils drafted Zacha with the sixth overall pick in the 2015 draft after a standout junior career with Sarnia of the . The Brno, Czech Republic native has 29 goals and 47 assists (76 points) in 201 NHL games.

There have been questions about Zacha’s consistency at times and he was even demoted to the American Hockey League briefly last season. He struggled to put together a solid two-way game, focusing more on his defense and failing to create as much as he was projected to on the offensive end.

However, last season he scored a career-high 13 goals and tied his career-best mark with 25 points. He played in all situations as well as up and down the lineup. Zacha heeded the coaching staff’s advice and used his shot to create offense and his speed and size (6-foot-3) proved to be an asset.

The Devils are deep up the middle with Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes and Travis Zajac. Zacha may have to move to out to the wing or compete with Kevin Rooney for the fourth-line center position when training camp opens later this week.

Bergen Record LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107803 New Jersey Devils The Devils are paying the 30-year-old $9 million for each of the next three seasons. They took on the entirety of his salary, signaling the fact that they see him as a key piece to a winning team and they’re willing to NJ Devils storylines to WATCH: P.K. Subban brings the star power let Subban be Subban on and off the ice.

Bergen Record LOADED: 09.11.2019

Abbey Mastracco, NHL writerPublished 9:37 a.m. ET Sept. 10, 2019 | Updated 6:11 p.m. ET Sept. 10, 2019

The New Jersey Devils are just days away from the start of training camp. In anticipation of a big season, we’re counting down the five biggest storylines of the 2019-20 season.

When you look back on the most notable players to have played for the Devils throughout the team’s nearly-40-year history in New Jersey, it's quite an illustrious list but it might look foreign to many fans outside of hockey. Several Hall of Fame players came through the Meadowlands and Newark, but there have been few crossover stars, with the exception of maybe goalie Martin Brodeur and former forward Jaromir Jagr, to a lesser extent.

P.K. Subban takes the stage at Prudential Center to be introduced as a New Jersey Devil.

Back before social media, Brodeur’s Enterprise Rent-a-Car commercials were considered big exposure, but the celebrity culture wasn't the culture Lou Lamoriello cultivated. The name on the front of the jersey was more important than the name on the back and hey, it worked.

But it’s a new era in Devils hockey and defenseman P.K. Subban is oerfect for that. He brings some much-needed star power to a team that may have hockey stars but no real crossover stars. The NHL, in general, doesn’t have a huge amount of crossover stars. The league has historically been reluctant to market the personalities of their stars preferring to take a more Lamoriello-like approach.

But Subban has never been shy about his personality. If it’s too big to be contained, then New Jersey is where he belongs.

The Devils have a close relationship with the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, the other major North American team in the portfolio of owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer and their management company, Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment. One of the biggest lessons they've learned from the NBA is that they need to let players be who they need to be and stand for what they need to stand for in order to be successful.

Plus, current GM Ray Shero is quite the personality himself, as is evidenced by his expletive-laced tirade to reporters in Buffalo on Monday regarding the Pavel Zacha situation.

Subban boasts 1.1 million followers on Twitter, which is more than Taylor Hall and Connor McDavid combined. He’s been recognized for his style as a cover model for several magazines and is a fixture on red carpets with his fiancée, four-time Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn.

Plus, he’s garnered a huge youth following in Montreal and Nashville through his foundation, which has raised money for children’s hospitals and brought together underprivileged youth, low-income families and law enforcement through different initiatives.

With the Devils often overshadowed by the Rangers and eclipsed by the Yankees, Mets, Giants, Jets and Knicks in the No. 1 media market in the country, the star power Subban and Vonn bring will be beneficial.

But it’s not just about red carpets. When Subban was traded to the Devils during the draft in June he made it clear that his priority isn’t the New York social scene unless that party across the river involves him hoisting the Stanley Cup. Subban wants to win and his presence on the ice could be the spark the Devils need.

Throw out last year, one of the worst seasons of Subban's career. He played in only 63 games and put up a career-worst 31 points, but it appears to be an anomaly, as there is little evidence to suggest his career is on a downward trajectory. He was injured, the Predators’ power play was the worst in the league and data showed offensive generation.

Subban’s star power extends past the magazine covers and onto the ice as well. He’s creative, he plays with a high-risk/high-reward style of play that can agitate many. He has shutdown abilities as well as some offensive flair. 1107804 New York Islanders Mujica said he hasn't yet received specifics on Floral Park's concerns.

"We will do the right thing by them to the extent we can, but the project is the project and it’s going forward," Mujica said last week. Floral Park files suit against Belmont Park redevelopment As of Tuesday afternoon, the meeting with Mujica was still on, Longobardi said.

By Candice Ferrette and Jim Baumbach "In discussions with [the] legal team and village executives we decided we should do everything we think necessary to protect the village," Longobardi told Newsday. "We will be at the meeting and hope it's The Village of Floral Park has filed suit against the state to block the $1.3 productive." billion redevelopment of Belmont Park, including the new arena for the New York Islanders, ahead of a ceremonial groundbreaking on the Floral Park has $50,000 in its municipal legal budget, Longobardi said, property expected this month. but the lawsuit likely will cost more. He said "the village has other resources if necessary," but declined to elaborate. The Article 78 proceeding, a lawsuit against a municipality, asks a judge to overturn all approvals of the project, stop construction on the site and Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, a Democrat who has publicly restart the environmental review process, according to documents filed in supported the Belmont project, did not comment on the lawsuit but noted state Supreme Court in Mineola. the project's benefits to surrounding communities.

The suit says the public bidding process for the development rights at “We can’t afford to repeat the mistakes of Amazon," Curran said, Belmont Park was flawed and tipped in favor of developer New York referring to the failed bid to build an Amazon headquarters in Long Island Arena Partners due to a "secret plan" conceived before the state issued City. "I will continue to back this project because it accomplishes three a request for proposals. vital goals for Nassau: it boosts our economy with new jobs and revenue, expands our public transit network, and brings our Islanders home." The suit also claims the state's final environmental review did not fully study the impact of the new Elmont Long Island Rail Road station that Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 09.11.2019 will be built on the site of the racetrack's north parking lot.

"It is truly unfortunate that this is how this process is unfolding. The Village of Floral Park has never opposed the reasonable redevelopment of the underutilized parcels at Belmont Park," Mayor Dominick Longobardi said in an emailed statement to residents and business owners on Tuesday.

Floral Park officials had to sue because Empire State Development, the state agency responsible for granting the project's approval last month, "failed to mitigate the very real negative consequences to our Village that will result from the massive size and scope of the Project,” Longobardi said.

New York Arena Partners are approved to build a 19,000-seat arena for Islanders' games and concerts; 350,000 square feet of upscale shops and restaurants; a 250-room hotel and parking on 43-acres of vacant state-owned property at Belmont Park.

The development group is a partnership of the owners of the Islanders, the New York Mets and the arena development company Oak View Group.

A spokesman for the development group referred requests for comment to ESD.

“Empire State Development does not comment on litigation," said spokesman Jack Sterne. "This project has gone through a transparent, public process over multiple years, and has adhered to all requirements under state law. We will vigorously defend our actions so we can move forward with this project, which will deliver thousands of jobs and billions in economic activity to Nassau County.”

Jason Conwall, a spokesman for Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, said the state has worked in good faith with Floral Park for over a year to address village concerns.

"The mayor asked for and received a meeting with a top administration official to continue discussing the village's concerns, and then turned around and filed this lawsuit before it ever took place," said Conwall. "We don't comment on pending litigation, but we know a stunt when we see one and we're confident the courts will agree."

Cuomo, a Democrat, annouced the developers' successful bid for the state land at Belmont Park in December 2017.

Floral Park is represented by Michael Murphy of the environmental law firm Beveridge & Diamond. Murphy said no judge has been assigned to the case yet, so no hearing has been scheduled.

The suit comes as Longobardi is scheduled to meet with state budget director Robert Mujica and project developers Monday in Manhattan to discuss the village's concerns.

Longobardi said last week at a village trustees meeting he wanted to meet with Cuomo before filing a lawsuit. But the meeting with Mujica already had been scheduled, Cuomo's office said. 1107805 New York Islanders

Mason Jobst taking different path to NHL with the Islanders

By Andrew Gross

Mason Jobst has made a habit of overcoming significant hurdles in his hockey career, from concerns about his 5-8, 174-pound frame to shoulder injuries to not initially being offered a scholarship at Ohio State.

Starting his pro career at 25, making him considerably older than most of the other participants at the Islanders’ rookie camp, is just the latest.

“I feel like it’s an advantage,” the playmaking center said on Tuesday after the third day of practices at East Meadow. “Everyone’s route is different. For me, I took my time. Being a smaller player, going to college and letting me work out for four years has been great for my development. Maybe my window to make it is a little smaller than some guys. But, coming in as a 25-year-old, I feel like my confidence is a lot higher than it would have been as a 22- or 23-year-old.”

Jobst will get his first chance to play in an Islanders’ uniform on Wednesday night in a prospects’ game against the Flyers in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The veterans report for training camp on Thursday.

Jobst signed a two-year, two-way deal with the Islanders on April 2 after being a Hobey Baker finalist as an Ohio State senior. He compiled 17 goals and 19 assists in 36 games in his second season as a Buckeyes’ captain and finished his college career with 69 goals and 95 assists in 150 games.

The native of Speedway, Indiana, played junior hockey for Muskegon of the USHL after his hometown team passed on drafting him and injuries to both shoulders dampened college interest and left him undrafted.

“I battled some injuries and it slowed me down,” Jobst said. “I had a couple of chances to leave [to turn pro] but I just felt like we had such a good team I really was in no rush to get going.”

Jobst said he “looks up” to some smaller NHL standouts such as the Flames’ Johnny Gaudreau and the Blue Jackets’ Cam Atkinson and spent the summer in Columbus, Ohio, working out with Atkinson.

Jobst is almost certain to start the season in the AHL with Bridgeport, especially after the Islanders signed ex-Ranger center Derick Brassard to a one-year, $1.2 million deal on Aug. 21.

“I think it’s my job to come in and make the decision as hard as possible,” Jobst said. “I understand where the organization is at for center depth. It’s hard to make it and that’s what makes it the best league in the world. There’s no easy path and I’m up for the challenge.”

Notes & Quotes: First-round pick Simon Holmstrom (soreness), Bode Wilde (ankle) and Bobo Carpenter (shoulder) remained off the ice and all are expected to miss Wednesday night’s game.

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107806 New York Islanders The Isles have four lefties among the seven NHL-experienced defensemen coming to camp, plus three more lefties entering their third pro seasons in Sebastian Aho, Mitch Vande Sompel and Parker Islanders prospect camp: How Otto Koivula is faring at center and how Wotherspoon. If there’s going to be a trade before the season, the Noah Dobson can earn a spot likeliest candidates are on the left side (Thomas Hickey, Nick Leddy), which might leave more room for Dobson to earn a spot if he can play both sides.

By Arthur Staple Sep 10, 2019 34 Dobson skated on the right side with Aho in prospect camp on Monday.

A few key injuries to Isles prospects lingered into Monday, and if they linger any longer, a few Islanders roster decisions could be made easier. Tuesday is faceoff day for Otto Koivula. The 21-year-old Islanders center — and he is a center now, barring any further developments or injuries — Bobo Carpenter hasn’t skated following offseason shoulder surgery, didn’t do a ton of center-specific work this summer when he trained with which likely means he’s not in much of a competition for a depth center several Finnish NHLers near Helsinki. spot. The college free agent signed in March and played two games for Bridgeport. The surgery cost Carpenter the June prospect camp, as well. But now that he’s back on Long Island and in the middle of prospect camp, in the run-up to the main Isles training camp that begins on Friday, Bode Wilde is nursing a sprained ankle and hasn’t skated since he Koivula is getting into the drills centers do. Tuesday was his day to do arrived back on Long Island last week. With the crowd on defense, Wilde extra work with Marty Reasoner, a 14-year NHL center now in the team’s wasn’t likely to threaten for an NHL job. But if he’s out for any length of player development department. time once the big camp commences, his chances to even stick in the AHL might be at risk. Rather than try to work his way into game shape Koivula broke out and into the ranks of the best Islanders prospects last and bounce in and out of the lineup, he could go back to Saginaw of the year, his first in North America. The 120th pick in the 2016 draft had 21 OHL for another year. goals and 25 assists for Bridgeport last season, becoming the first Isles draft pick with a 20-plus goal rookie season in the AHL since Brock Finally, 2019 first-rounder Simon Holmstrom still hasn’t gotten on the ice Nelson in 2012. due to a lower-body injury he suffered while training in Sweden. He was headed back to the SHL regardless, but it would be good to get some Koivula also switched from wing to center, a move that forced him to reps in here before he goes. keep his feet moving and use his 6-foot-4, 230-pound body to good use. The switch, like his move from Finland to North America, was seamless. The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 “I wasn’t surprised. I think everyone else was surprised, but I felt very good from the start,” said Koivula, who had 19 total goals in his two full seasons in Finland’s . “North American hockey is for me, I think. I really like the way the game is played here and I think it’s good for me.”

Koivula spent his summer alongside former Islander Valtteri Filppula and current Islander Leo Komarov, among others. He knew he’d arrived in the organization when Komarov turned his sharp-edged chirp machine on the young prospect. “Pretty much, he likes to talk a lot,” Koivula said.

Koivula worked mostly on his skating, as he continues to adapt to being a center. He is certainly aware that the Islanders are much thinner down the middle throughout the organization than they are on the wing.

“There are maybe four or five centers at the NHL level in camp,” he said. “I know there’s a chance (to make the Islanders). I hope it’s a good chance, but I have to be ready for it.”

Jakub Skarek is another European draft pick who spent time in Finland’s Liiga. It was a bit of a surprise to see the 19-year-old goaltender, taken 72nd overall in 2018, on the ice in recent weeks with the Islanders veterans for their informal skates and not playing games for Pelicans, where he shared the net last season but was in line to be their No. 1 goalie this season.

But he said on Monday that his preference is to stay in North America this season, even if it means starting the year in Worcester in the ECHL. After years of painfully thin depth in goal at all the pro levels in North America, the Islanders may now be searching for places for their goalies to play.

Linus Soderstrom, the 95th pick from 2014, is healthy and competing for a job in Bridgeport. Christopher Gibson and Jared Coreau are veterans with AHL and NHL experience. And now Skarek, the only one of that group drafted by the current administration, could be here as well.

“I just want to play games,” Skarek said. “If I can do that here, that would be good. (Pelicans) is a great team and it’s a good league, but I think it might be better for me to be here and play as many games as I can.”

Noah Dobson’s path to an NHL roster spot is certainly crowded. One way the big right-handed defenseman could help himself? A little versatility.

Dobson said on Monday he played a decent amount on his off-side two seasons ago, during the first of his two Memorial Cup runs with Acadie- Bathurst. He was traded to Rouyn-Noranda midway through last season and won the Trophy as QMJHL playoff MVP, but he was solely on his right side through that run and the Memorial Cup run.

“I was the only righty on D, so that’s where they needed me,” he said. 1107807 New York Rangers

Rangers wrap up prospect tournament on high note

By Brett Cyrgalis

The Rangers already had moved on to thinking about the opening of training camp when the prospects tournament in Traverse City, Mich., ended Tuesday.

The Baby Blueshirts, who locked up fifth place after a 5-3 win over the Blues, sat Kaapo Kakko, Vitali Kravstov, Adam Fox, and Igor Shesterkin.

The team reports to camp on Thursday, has on-ice testing Friday, and the first full-team practice Saturday. All four of those young players will play prominent roles in camp, and forwards Kakko and Kravstov, along with defenseman Fox, all played well in the tournament.

The annual tournament ended with goalie Adam Huska making 34 saves, while center Karl Henriksson, drafted in the second round in June, had three assists. The goals came from Ryan Dmowski, Anthony Salinitri, Jake Elmer, Nick Jones, and Patrick Newell.

New York Post LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107808 New York Rangers Hartford. … Lemieux and DeAngelo are both taking part in the informal skates at the Blueshirts’ practice rink. … Boo Nieves, who has worn No. 24 the last two years, has switched at his own request to No. 15. That will Rangers facing training camp without Tony DeAngelo, Brendan Lemieux allow Kakko to don the No. 24 he has worn in Finland.

New York Post LOADED: 09.11.2019

By Larry Brooks

The standoff between the Rangers and restricted free agents Tony DeAngelo and Brendan Lemieux continues as the club prepares to report Thursday for training camp, The Post has learned.

President John Davidson thus is faced with the prospect of opening his first camp at the Blueshirts’ helm without two of his projected young, important roster pieces in attendance.

The Rangers, we’re told, are standing on their respective one-year qualifying offer of $874,125 to each player. Neither 23-year-old has indicated the slightest interest in signing for that number, which, by the way, represents less than the entry-level cap of $925,000 at which the team signed neophytes Kaapo Kakko, Vitali Kravtsov, Adam Fox, Igor Shesterkin and Yegor Rykov this summer.

According to calculations provided by Capfriendly.com, only one player with as many games experience as Lemieux (72 games), much less DeAngelo (132), has signed a QO coming off entry level this summer. That was the Blackhawks’ Brendan Perlini, in for $874,125 with 199 NHL games on his résumé. The Blue Jackets’ Sonny Milano signed his qualifier with an NHL career total of 70 games. A total of 13 players coming off entry level signed QO’s this summer, per Capfriendly.com.

As restricted free agents without salary arbitration rights, DeAngelo’s and Lemieux’s only leverage would come through withholding their services or by attracting an offer sheet. The Rangers, who have approximately $3.685 million of cap space working off a shadow roster that includes two goaltenders, 12 forwards and five defensemen, would be stressed to match a noteworthy offer sheet for either DeAngelo or Lemieux.

There would be no compensation in return for an unmatched offer sheet of up to $1,395,053 per; compensation of a third-rounder on an unmatched offer sheet of between $1.395,053.01 per and $2,113,716 per; and compensation of a second-rounder on an offer sheet for between $2,113,716.01 and $4,227,437 per.

Offer sheets of this kind are extremely rare in the NHL, but a team with space would put a hurting on the Rangers by making a bid at a strategic hour during camp. Compensation would not fill the hole created by either player’s departure.

Lemieux is perhaps the lone jagged-edge forward on a team filled with finesse-oriented forwards who would be helped by having some legitimate toughness on the roster. DeAngelo is one of three NHL-ready righthand defensemen (with Jacob Trouba and Fox) within the organization. Both are expected to take significant strides this season with the continued commitment to the Blueshirts’ greening.

The Rangers haven’t had a contract-related absence from camp since 2013, when Derek Stepan missed the first 16 days while negotiating his second contract coming off entry level before signing a two-year deal worth $3.075 million. Winger JT Miller, the last varsity player to sign a QO, came in at $874,000 in 2015-16.

This presents an interesting test for Davidson, who took a fairly firm hand overseeing negotiations in previous stops at Columbus and St. Louis, but was certainly willing to authorize traditionally New York-type spending to sign Artemi Panarin ($11,642,857 per) as a free agent and Trouba ($8 million per) after his acquisition from Winnipeg.

The Rangers, of their own doing, don’t have space with which to maneuver and offer their unsigned Group II’s competitive multi-year bids, but neither can they especially afford their absences entering the season. It will be interesting to see whether holdouts (a term not used as a pejorative) would prompt Davidson to come off the QO or instead induce the club president to dig in. There’s one day left for the parties to obviate such speculation.

Matt Beleskey will be assigned directly to the AHL Wolf Pack and thus will not attend Rangers’ camp, The Post has learned. Beleskey, the 31- year-old winger obtained from Boston as part of the 2017 pre-deadline package in return for Rick Nash, will carry a cap charge of $825,000 in 1107809 New York Rangers Let's try not to get too crazy based on one exhibition game against mostly non-NHL players... but this kid is going to be exciting to watch.

"If you look at him, you almost forget he’s 18 and one of the youngest NY Rangers notes: Kaapo Kakko, Vitali Kravtsov, Adam Fox and more guys here," Fox told MSG Network. "But like I said, there’s a reason he from Traverse City was taken second overall. There’s a reason he did so well at the World Championships. He’s a big guy, and definitely a lot of skill. I think he’ll do just fine in the NHL." Vincent Z. Mercogliano, NHL writerPublished 5:36 p.m. ET Sept. 10, 2019 | Updated 7:34 p.m. ET Sept. 10, 2019 Vitali Kravtsov, Adam Fox also impress

Don't let the Kakko hype train overshadow the fact that the Rangers' best players in Traverse City were Fox and Kravtsov. They each played well The New York Rangers’ team of prospects played four games over the in multiple games, while Kakko only skated for one. course of five days at the 2019 Traverse City Tournament, and each had a distinctly different feel. The standout performance for Fox came against the Stars, where he tallied five points (two goals and three assists). His skill with the puck It started Friday with a sloppy 6-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, was next-level compared to most defensemen in this tournament, and which resulted in a slew of predictable overreactions on social media. he's clearly NHL-ready from that standpoint. And while the results should be considered an afterthought compared to individual performance and development, there is something to be said "Impressive," general manager Jeff Gorton said when asked to assess for the way the Baby Blueshirts responded. Fox's tournament. "As advertised — his hockey sense, his poise with the puck and the plays he’s able to make. I look forward to the next step and They won their next three games, with unique heroes and storylines each getting him in there with the NHL guys this week." day. Each win had a theme of its own, a testament to the depth the Rangers have compiled and the improvement of their farm system. This compilation shows all of Fox's points from Game 2:

The first win was the bounce back, a 6-4 victory Saturday over the Dallas From @foxyclean's  night to that @Kravtsov  everyone's talking Stars. That showed the mettle of this group, highlighted by a five-point about, let's revisit all the top plays from last night's W vs. Dallas. performance from Adam Fox and the play-making ability of Vitali pic.twitter.com/itMZPiH9tm Kravtsov. — New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 8, 2019 The second win was the Kaapo Kakko show, a 4-3 overtime victory What Fox will still need to prove are his defensive abilities against NHL- Monday against the Minnesota Wild in which Kakko set Twitter on fire caliber forwards. This tournament was physical, but it's not geared with a four-point performance and a memorable game-winner. It was the toward defense. It's more free-wheeling and chance-taking, with only game the No. 2 overall draft pick would play in the tournament, but prospects going for broke to make an impression. (Fox noted that at man, what a first impression. practice last week.) The third and final win — 5-3 against the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday — You could make the case that he got over-aggressive and cheated too was arguably their most complete performance, which came despite the far up against the Wild on Monday, which led to this breakaway goal. decision to rest five of their most-hyped prospects. The lower-level (Although the bigger culprit was Matthew Robertson, who tripped and lost prospects played hard and cohesively, sending the Rangers back to New the puck.) York on a high note. #NYR turnover, Lodnia scores on a breakaway. The #MNWild prospects For the first time since 2009, the Rangers left Traverse City with three take a 1-0 lead pic.twitter.com/uqiLEiwdnt wins. There were many more positives to take away than negatives, so let's get to it. — Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) September 9, 2019

Kaapo Kakko will 'do just fine in the NHL' As for Kravtsov, his play-making ability was on full display. He finished the tournament with five points (two goals and three assists), including We'll run through all of the notable performances, but it's hard to start two goals in the memorable come-from-behind third period against with anyone other than Kakko. My friends at the Blueshirts Breakaway Minnesota. But beyond the goals, it seemed as if you could always feel podcast worship him as some kind of religious figure, and his debut grew his presence. He's pesky and creative, coming up with shots and passes the congregation. that most players don't even attempt. The Rangers were understandably cautious by sitting him out while he This assist to Ryan Dmowksi against the Stars is a great example: was feeling sick, and wisely chose not to play him two days in a row. Even his first two periods in the one game he did play were rather This assist by Vitaly Kravtsov last night was something else. nondescript. But what he did in that final period and overtime showed pic.twitter.com/TwlMmw28Kf exactly why so many feel he's going to have an immediate impact. — Alex Nunn (@aj_ranger) September 8, 2019 The winning goal was ridiculous because of how calmly he maneuvered through the defense and got to his spot. It showed he could take a game "I thought Vitali got better as it went on, which is good to see," Gorton into his own hands, when needed, and his big grin when he talked about said. "He’s got to get acclimated to a different-sized rink and everything that play was priceless. like that, but he looks good."

“I remember my old coach, like two years ago, said, ‘In overtime, don’t One more thing to note: Once Kakko returned for Game 3, they kept pass,’ " he said. "And I didn’t.” Kravtsov on the top line but moved him to the left wing. Both Kakko and Kravtsov are usually right-wingers, but that could indicate that the Kaapo KakkOT. #NYRpic.twitter.com/jL0fkgImOw Rangers will explore moving Kravtsov around. (Maybe even giving him some looks at center.) It could also be that they wanted to see their top — New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 9, 2019 two forward prospects play together for a game, but it's something to While that goal deservedly got most of the attention, his three assists in keep an eye on. the third period highlighted his all-around skill set. The second assist to Uneven results for Igor Shesterkin, Yegor Rykov Kravtsov was a high-difficulty pass through traffic, and his third assist on the game-tying goal from Patrick Newell with barely any time remaining While Kakko, Kravtsov and Fox are the prospects most likely to start the was another instance of him using his calmness under pressure to season with the Rangers — and each looked ready for that challenge this control the puck and make the right play. tournament — two other top prospects came away with some question marks. Kakko's got skills in Gretzky's office...  #NYRpic.twitter.com/TJ979Gimp1 For defenseman Yegor Rykov, who signed his entry-level contract this offseason and is expected to compete for a spot on the left side of the — MSG Networks (@MSGNetworks) September 9, 2019 Rangers' defense, the question is health. He left Saturday's game early and didn't play in the final two games. The Rangers said his status is "undisclosed" for now, noting that they won't have more information until they get him back to New York. Holding him out could have just been a minor precaution, but it'll be worth watching if he takes the ice once training camp begins later this week.

For goaltender Igor Shesterkin, the results weren't ideal — but don't read too deep into that. As previously noted, this tournament can be sloppy and lack discipline on the defensive end. There isn't much game-planning about which players to key on, putting goalies in a vulnerable position. But the Rangers did give up nine goals in the two games that their top goalie prospect played, which I'm sure he wasn't thrilled with.

Coming over from the KHL will require an adjustment period for Shesterkin, which is why it makes a lot of sense to start him at AHL Hartford.

Adam Huska will likely back Shesterkin up at Hartford, but he was the better goalie in Traverse City. He went 2-0 and stopped 32 of 35 shots in the finale against St. Louis. He was also the first player Gorton mentioned when asked about players he was pleasantly surprised with.

It was encouraging to see the Rangers finish with a win without Kakko, Kravtsov, Fox, Rykov or Shesterkin. The belief that their prospect pool is top-heavy and lacks depth is probably a false narrative. There may not be any game-changers beyond those top guys, but there are players who could develop into solid contributors.

Among the forwards not named Kakko or Kravtsov, the biggest standout was Karl Henriksson. One of two second-round picks this year (along with Robertson), he centered the top line and led the team in points with six (one goal and five assists). Without the big guys in the final game, he was a driving force with three assists. He's small, but skates and sees the ice well.

He downplayed his performance and credited the "fantastic players" he was lined up with, saying, "You just have to have your stick on the ice, and they will make the pass." But Henriksson is a player the Rangers are excited about. And with an unproven group of centers, I wouldn't be surprised to see him sign his entry-level contract in the near future and contribute as soon as next season.

A few other forwards have also made strides this offseason. Two undrafted guys in Nick Jones and Jake Elmer are clearly gaining trust. The Rangers chose to make them alternate captains for the tournament, along with Fox. (There was no captain.) They seem to have moved up in the pecking order and should have significant roles at Hartford this season.

Jones, in particular, was active on both ends of the ice and finished with three points (one goal and two assists).

Second point of the game for Reunanen. Fakes a slapper and tees up Nick Jones. pic.twitter.com/A8UnFtTvis

— Alex Nunn (@aj_ranger) September 10, 2019

Dmowski, Newell and Brett Kemp were also solid, finishing the tourney with two goals apiece.

On the defensive side, the standouts were Joey Keane and Tarmo Reunanen. Both are long shots to make the roster out of training camp, with Reunanen set to go back to Finland this season if he doesn't make the cut. But both look like they wouldn't be out of place on NHL ice.

Keane was singled out by Gorton, while Reunanen showed good skills with the puck. He had two assists in the finale, including a pretty one- timer to Jones.

It's been noted that the Rangers have more prospect depth on the left side of the defense, but Keane is right-handed and Reunanen was moved to the right side and paired with Robertson for the final game. Don't be surprised if the Rangers play him there in the preseason to compete with Fox and provide insurance if restricted free agent Tony DeAngelo remains unsigned.

NOTE: All stats from the Traverse City Tournament are unofficial.

Bergen Record LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107810 New York Rangers assumed they would, but the executive raved about Kakko’s game as a boon for the Rangers.

What stood out in particular? What people are saying about Rangers’ Kaapo Kakko after tournament debut “His tenacity,” he said. “He’s got high-end skill to go with a high-end level of compete.”

Throw in his size and it’s no shocker that Rangers fans are feeling less By Katie Strang Sep 10, 2019 56 and less forlorn about a rebuild and instead eager to see what a young, talented team can do now with the offseason additions of Kakko, in addition to unrestricted free agent signing Artemi Panarin and trade Traverse City, Mich. — People were already on alert with it being acquisition Jacob Trouba. second-overall draft pick Kaapo Kakko’s anticipated debut at the annual 2019 NHL prospects tournament. After so long leading a team that was a perennial Eastern Conference contender, goaltender Henrik Lundqvist openly admitted last week how And after setting up the Rangers’ game-tying goal against the Minnesota tough it was for him during the second half of last season to deal with the Wild with a poised behind-the-net feed, even fans of opposing teams upheaval and turnover the Rangers underwent. But he seemed thrilled at began to dial in on the 6-foot-3, 195-pound Finnish winger. One Detroit the prospect of someone with Kakko’s skill level and dynamism joining Red Wings fan started taping each shift on his smartphone, tracking him the club, and what it might mean for the team’s future. in isolation as he made his way up the ice on the rush. “I was skating with him a few times,” Lundqvist said. “What surprised me So when Kakko, during the 3-on-3 overtime period, delivered the type of is how quick he is with the puck. He’s a big guy, a strong guy — I knew goal you rarely see players even attempt — let alone execute — it felt that — but he can move fast, in tight. I’m excited to see here in the next like it happened in slow motion. Kakko wrapped around the net once few weeks in camp.” without any sense of panic, or urgency, really. And when he made another lap, tucking it in at the far post by curling the puck inside with a Another interesting morsel for the Rangers to digest following the team’s deft backhanded touch, it felt like he was simply waiting for the right appearance in Traverse City this past week: the play of defenseman moment to showcase his skill. Adam Fox, who has emerged as one of the more intriguing prospects entering training camp. The whole place erupted. The 21-year-old, who was a Hobey Baker finalist this past season at “He’s so far above the competition,” said one NHL executive, shaking his Harvard, elicited high praise from those gathered at the tourney in head about the goal. Northern Michigan. In fact, multiple people predicted he’ll slot in with the Rangers’ top six once the team whittles its roster. That’s no easy feat either, the executive noted, with the 18-year-old coming in cold, missing the first two games in Traverse City with the flu, The Rangers acquired Fox’s rights in a deal this past April with the playing against guys years older and more experienced. Rangers brass Carolina Hurricanes, and he signed an entry-level deal with the club had to be feeling pretty good about things, he mused. shortly thereafter.

Team President John Davidson was indeed pleased, watching from his The Eastern Conference executive figured the 5-foot-11 blueliner would perch in the corner of the bleachers on the opposite end. He’s been be a Torey Krug-type player, albeit a bit less physical. coming to this tournament for about 15 years now, previously as president of hockey operations for the Columbus Blue Jackets and in the One veteran scout said that opposing players seem intimidated when he same role for the St. Louis Blues before that. He remembers Erik carries the puck up the ice, not wanting to challenge him for fear of Johnson standing out at this same tournament. Jamie Benn, too. Kakko getting embarrassed. has the potential to make a similar impression. Granted, the tournament offers such a small sample size and pits older “Hockey’s a great team game and you need a lot of really good pieces to collegiate players against younger prospects — a matchup that can have a great team. You win with good players and, sometimes, you come make it difficult to predict a player’s true upside — but more than one across guys who can be great players,” Davidson said. “And he’s got that scout singled him out. chance. It’s fun when you have someone of that pedigree that belongs to Said one long-time talent evaluator: your group.” “He may have been the best player at camp.” For someone with such pedigree, Kakko hardly acted like it, offering a diplomatic response about the team win while deflecting his own role in The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 two critical goals. He had to be pressed further to talk about his game- winner, which prompted him to share some sage wisdom he got from an old coach.

“It was a nice goal. I remember my old coach from two years ago who said ‘You know what? Don’t pass,’” Kakko said. “And I didn’t.”

Once Kakko had the puck on his stick and that scoring play began to unfold, one NHL player development coach said he was certain that a wraparound attempt from Kakko was in store. He’d tracked all of Kakko’s scoring attempts last season and charted seven wraparound goals:

“Some teams don’t even score that many in a season,” the coach said.

To extrapolate one memorable game to mean that Kakko will have a seamless path to the NHL without growing pains and hiccups would be short-sighted. He’ll still need to adapt to the smaller North American ice surface, a transitional challenge he referenced in his postgame press briefing. One Eastern Conference executive noted that Kakko could stand to work on his pace, but offered that as a caveat for what was otherwise a laudatory review of the top prospect, noting that Kakko thinks the game well enough that he gets to where he needs to go, regardless.

After seeing Kakko at the world juniors, where he scored the game- winner in the gold medal game for Finland, this particular talent evaluator wondered whether his play would force New Jersey into a quandary with its first-overall pick. The Devils ultimately selected Jack Hughes, as many 1107811 New York Rangers “It’s been a very positive experience with all the boys who’ve come through the house. Matthew certainly had the privilege of having a lot of hockey players roll through. He has learned a lot, seen a lot. And he lives Raised in a billet house: Rangers prospect Matthew Robertson might and breathes hockey so it has been good that way,” Dean said. surpass all of his big brothers “In year one, we decided to billet after speaking about it as a family. We actually knew the Foster family through T.J.’s younger brother who ended up playing with Tyler in spring hockey and we kind of grew from By Scott Wheeler Sep 10, 2019 18 there and we just kept rolling. It’s a hockey family for sure.”

Dean and Roxanne knew the experience was good for Matthew because he was always a very quiet, reserved kid and his rotating cast of big TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Matthew Robertson knew his life had come brothers helped him come out of his shell. full circle when he was sitting down in a Vancouver restaurant this June with Griffin Reinhart and Jordan Hickmott, or playing in a summer golf Quickly, they knew he had the chance to be one of them someday, too. tournament with T.J. Foster. Matthew got his height from Roxanne’s side of the family, whose father is the shortest of three brothers at 6-foot-4. Growing up, Reinhart, Hickmott and Foster were among the several Edmonton Oil Kings players who’d lived with Robertson as his billet “Having billets at our dinner table who are literally our sons, they’d speak brothers over the course of nine years. hockey and I never played hockey so it was just a different language that they speak,” Dean said. Back then, he was the little kid in the house and they were his idols. “From day one, he always had, literally, a true passion for hockey. He In that Vancouver restaurant, though, he was on the brink of becoming would be in the garage and then on the backyard rink for four or five their peers — or even surpassing them. Not long after their reunion meal hours a day and that’s above and beyond the minor hockey practices and together, Robertson was taken 47th overall by the New York Rangers at games.” the 2019 NHL Draft. As he grew, Matthew began to beat Tyler in games of one-on-one on that On the golf course later in the summer, Robertson and Foster laughed backyard rink. about their height reversal. The 5-foot-11 Foster, who once towered over an 8-year-old Robertson, now stood 5 inches below the 6-foot-4, 201- “That’s how I became a defenceman because at a young age he always pound 18-year-old. wanted someone to go against and I was always defending. He was a lot bigger than me and he would usually win all the battles but as I got older The Robertsons had welcomed in a series of Oil Kings as their oldest I started to compete more and just get that competitive edge and win a son, Tyler, tried to make the team — and eventually did, playing four lot more battles,” Robertson said. years and winning a Memorial Cup for his hometown WHL team. The Robertsons still keep in touch with all of their billets. One of them, Years later, as Tyler finished his WHL career and prepared to enroll at Brett Breitkreuz, was recently married and has two kids. “We’re billet the North Alberta Institute of Technology, the Oil Kings selected the grandparents, which makes me feel old,” Dean mused. Though all of younger Robertson No. 7 overall in the 2016 WHL Draft. their billets are still spread across the globe playing hockey, the The following season, when Matthew briefly cracked the team, the two Robertsons usually see each of them every summer, and all of the boys brothers played seven games together. still text. They’re also entrenched within the Oil Kings community, according to team staff, who refer to the family as humble and down to The influence his real brother and each of his billet brothers had on his earth. now budding career is not lost on Robertson. He knows he was lucky, not only to grow up around them but also later to live at home instead of “As parents, the main part is to just be supportive of the player. Matthew having to move away to pursue his NHL Draft dream. does carry himself very well in terms of his stress levels. He was stressed at the draft thinking he would be a first-round selection and then “I was pretty young. Seeing their routines and seeing how they conduct slipping into the second round and he was disappointed but he did work themselves away from the ice as professionals and kind of getting into through that and he was extremely excited to be chosen by New York,” that hockey family routine with my brother playing in the WHL as well, it Dean said. helped to get my feet wet. It was pretty cool,” Robertson said, standing inside Traverse City’s Centre Ice Arena in the midst of his first NHL As Robertson begins the next chapter of his own hockey career, he tries prospect tournament. to use everything he has learned from a life inside the hockey world to his advantage. “I got to share the experience of playing in my brother’s last junior game with him. It’s been unbelievable. I’m pretty fortunate to live at home and In Traverse City, after a tough first period, he left an impression on live with my family. The organization is great and the facilities we have Rangers staff. After his second game, Rangers prospect tournament are top-notch. It doesn’t get much better. I really can’t complain.” head coach Kris Knoblauch called Robertson one of the team’s best players. It’s not lost on Dean Robertson, the family’s patriarch and a former police officer, how lucky he and his wife, Roxanne, a speech therapist, are to “You look at the roster, he’s an 18-year-old playing against some 25- have both of their sons play in Edmonton — and to have welcomed in so year-olds. That’s a tough thing to do,” Knoblauch said. many other boys (now men) that they call their children. “A lot of those young guys who just got drafted and just came here, it’s “It has absolutely been a blessing, not having to move away from home, overwhelming. Like you’re playing with a lot of older guys. Robertson and the Oil Kings have been absolutely first class right from the played so well defensively.” education part to the team itself and how they treat players and then of Months after the draft, Robertson is thrilled to be a Ranger and excited to course you have the brand new facility, which is unbelievable,” Dean go as far into training camp as he can after a strong rookie tournament. said. “First period the other night I struggled a little bit just getting my feet wet In 2014, when Dean was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and lost 60 and getting used to the pace with older players, but every shift I felt more pounds in 14 days in the hospital, he leaned on his extended family for comfortable and confident and that translated. support as he underwent chemotherapy, radiation and carried an ileostomy bag for just over a year. “I would probably say my strengths are just my skating and my hockey sense and my stick in the D-zone. My weakness is just being harder on “It was a little bit scary. Both boys saw what I was going through and they guys and giving them less time and space.” were very supportive. There was a lot of tears shed, it was tough times for both boys but I did have a lot of support from family and friends,” (Allison Farrand / For The Athletic) Dean said. In time, Oil Kings staff think the Rangers will fall in love with Robertson’s During the winter months, when other billet parents went away on game — and other teams will live to regret not taking him in the first vacation for a few weeks, it was not uncommon for the Robertsons to round. have close to half a dozen teenaged boys in their house. “With Matthew, the first thing is that he loves the game. He’s one of those players that has a mission and does everything he needs to make that next step. He wore a letter for us last year so he’s a leader through his play and has the ability to play big minutes in all situations. He played power play and penalty kill for us and was a guy we really relied upon in our top four last year,” Oil Kings general manager Kirt Hill said.

“He’s a big body, he’s lanky, he’s tall, he’s got a long stride and the ability to jump up into the play, he makes quick decisions up the ice, and our transition is a big deal for us in Edmonton and he does a good job getting it up to the forwards in the middle.”

Though Oil Kings assistant coach Luke Pierce would like to see Robertson play a little more physically, he says the towering 18-year-old isn’t clumsy like you might expect after an early growth spurt.

“Matthew has understood his body I think longer than a lot of kids that grow and accelerate that quickly. He’s not a guy you really have to manage from a size perspective as far as being awkward and I think that’s what makes him such a highly touted guy is because he manages his frame and his size,” Pierce said.

“He doesn’t look like an awkward, 6-foot-4 type of skater. He moves very well, he’s very fluid, and he handles the puck well for a guy of that size.”

In Robertson, Pierce said the Rangers are getting a player with “no major pitfalls” who is easy to work with.

“He’s very well rounded so as a coach you can use him in any situation, whether that’s running a power play, playing the penalty kill, anchoring shutdown minutes, or kick-starting your offence. From a coaching standpoint, he’s a great player to have,” Pierce said.

“The uniqueness in him is there’s nothing really that jumps out as his pillar. He’s good at everything. For a guy that size, his skating and how fluid he is in getting up and down the ice is probably his biggest strength. And for his improvement, it’s just doing things a little bit quicker. I think he’s going to be a real good player for a long time. He’s got the ability.”

Hill, who refers to Robertson as laid-back but focussed, has high hopes for his returning top draft pick this season.

He felt that Robertson came into his draft year tired after playing for Canada at the . By playoff time, though, Hill said Robertson found a new level to help the Oil Kings to the third round as one of their best players.

“He just kind of had the ability throughout the season to get better as things went on. This year, expectations just get that much higher,” Hill said.

Pierce doesn’t think Robertson will ever look back and expects him to continue to play in all situations while taking on an even more prominent role on the power play.

“I think there’s a weight off of him. It’s a lot of stress on those kids. I think he handled it well and I think that’s going to be one of his strengths, too,” Pierce finished.

“Nothing really bothers him a whole lot. He’s a pretty happy-go-lucky guy and he’ll handle the inevitable ups and downs over the next couple of years here well.”

The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107812 Ottawa Senators

Ottawa is finally home sweet home for Nilsson

Ken Warren

After playing for nine teams in three leagues over the past five seasons, goaltender Anders Nilsson is pumped about calling Ottawa home for awhile.

“Especially for my family, being able to settle in here before the season starts and move into a good house,” Nilsson said of signing a two-year, $5.2 million contract in the summer. “For me, it’s easy because I play hockey. I go to the rink and I travel a lot. This is better for my kids (Loui and Mio) to find a school and for my wife to find a routine and keep the family happy.”

While Nilsson has primarily served in a back-up capacity in his previous NHL stops with the New York Islanders, St. Louis, Buffalo, Edmonton and Vancouver, new Senators coach D.J. Smith says he’s leaning towards giving Nilsson and veteran Craig Anderson equal playing time in 2019-20.

Anderson has been the Senators unquestioned number one goaltender since arriving in 2011.

“It’s always appealing knowing that if you play well and perform, you have a chance to play,” said Nilsson, who posted a record of 11-11-0, with a 2.90 goals against average and .914 save percentage after being acquired from Vancouver last December.

“But you do need to stop pucks to get that ice. (Anderson and I) have a great relationship. We get along well. I’m looking forward to building on that relationship even more.”

Ottawa Sun LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107813 Ottawa Senators As noted in this space Monday, there will be 62 players at camp and they’ll be split into three groups. Dorion indicated this was a scenario he discussed with Smith when the club hired him in May. “It’s a very big SNAPSHOTS: Thomas Chabot may have a new contract ... and a new camp. When we interviewed D.J. he wasn’t afraid to have a big camp defensive partner and a competitive camp,” Dorion said. “He wants three teams of four lines and six defence so the team that isn’t scrimmaging is practising and he can set the pace for practice. I gotta tell you that we love the idea that practices are going to be hard.” … While Smith told Postmedia during an Bruce Garrioch interview Sunday that the club will have three alternate captains this season, Dorion confirmed the scenario during his availability Tuesday. You have to think Hainsey is in the mix along with Mark Borowiecki Thomas Chabot’s whole world with the Ottawa Senators could change because the club wants veterans to help lead the way. “We think it’s this season. better that some of the veterans handle the questions and the circumstances that this team is going to go through,” said Dorion. “We While general manager Pierre Dorion and the 22-year-old defenceman think whoever we name, they’re going to help the young kids grow.” confirmed Tuesday that talks to get a contract extension in place are continuing, coach D.J. Smith told reporters assembled at the club’s THE LAST WORDS annual charity golf tournament that veteran defenceman Nikita Zaitsev will start training camp as Chabot’s defensive partner. After having surgery on a torn achilles tendon he suffered on the first day of camp last September, centre Jean-Gabriel Pageau indicated that test Though newly-acquired veteran blueliner Ron Hainsey and Dylan won’t be held this year. “I guess I’m saving all of the team (from) doing DeMelo, who was Chabot’s partner most of last season, will both get that because we’re not doing it this year,” said Pageau. “The trainers their opportunities, Smith first wants to see how the 27-year-old Zaitsev, have always done a really good job to make sure we’re prepared and acquired in a deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1 to help the club we’re in really good shape.” … Asked if anyone wasn’t participating in defensively, fits with Chabot on the right side. camp, Dorion indicated the club may have some players with a “few bumps and bruises. Once camp opens, we’ll probably have an update for “There’s capable guys in Zaitsev, Hainsey and DeMelo,” Smith said at you.” Medicals are Thursday and the first on-ice session is Friday. The Marshes in Kanata. “I know we’ve got Zaitsev to start training camp there. That doesn’t mean there won’t be changes. We’ll see who fits well Ottawa Sun LOADED: 09.11.2019 with who.

“I know Ron Hainsey did a heck of a job with Morgan Rielly and I would say that Chabot is that kind of player, the way he jumps in the rush. I think Zaitsev has learned from Ronnie in that regard and I think either guy is going to be good for (Chabot). Sometimes it might be Dylan. We’ll see what happens, I think it’s going to be shared.

“I’ve seen first hand because Ron did a really nice job with Morgan as well.”

TALKS WON’T BE A DISTRACTION

Of course, there was no shortage of questions about Chabot’s status because he’s set to become a restricted free agent on July 1, 2020, when his entry-level deal expires.

The belief is the two sides have been talking all summer about different scenarios on a new contract for Chabot and the sense is the talks have been good, are continuing and some progress has been made, but there’s no sense that a deal is imminent.

Both sides are being tight-lipped because they want to be able to wake up one morning and announce they’ve got an extension in place for the club’s best defencemen. Chabot is leaving the negotiations up to his agents and said he has no concerns.

“It’s been a pretty good summer. I just worked out. I’m going into training camp with one more year left on my contract,” he said. “You’re all aware there’s been talks and they’ve been going smoothly. I’m just leaving that to my agents. They’re taking care of everything and, hopefully, we can get something done for sure.”

Chabot said he doesn’t have any kind of deadline to get a deal in place because it’s not his priority. The talks are between Dorion and the agents.

“Once the season started I’ll be trying to get focused for sure but at the end of day this isn’t something I’m really getting related to personally because I let my agents take care of it and I just focus on what I have to do right now,” said Chabot.

Dorion didn’t offer much more in the way of an update. The Senators signed centre Colin White to a six-year contract extension in the off- season and the organization is confident it will be able to find common ground with Chabot.

“We’ve talked. We know the importance of our young players on this team, we know we’d like to have our young players locked up for many years to come and we know the importance to the fans of players like Thomas Chabot, Brady Tkachuk amongst others,” said Dorion.

OFF THE GLASS 1107814 Ottawa Senators charge and we teach them the right way, to make them the hardest working guys. If they do that on a daily basis, it’s tough for a guy who is on the second or third line to come in and not put in that same effort.”

Showing the way: Anderson says the Senators leaders have to be role There’s an irony in all of the above. If the Senators’ kids can eventually models for the future stars rise together to lead the club back to where they can legitimately compete for the Stanley Cup, the 38-year-olds like Anderson and Hainsey will likely be retired by the time it happens. Ken Warren That is, however, the new normal in an era where younger players are being given more responsibilities at an earlier age.

Craig Anderson joked about being the last man standing. “It can’t be the way it was 20 years ago,” said Anderson. “But there are two consistencies: hard work and showing up on time. The guys who After the summer trade of Zack Smith to Chicago for Artem Anisimov, the work the hardest are the guys who get rewarded.” Ottawa Senators goaltender became the club’s longest serving member. Ottawa Sun LOADED: 09.11.2019 As he heads into his 19th season of professional hockey, he has learned a thing or a thousand while stopping a million pucks along the way.

Anderson is enthused about the optimism surrounding the official opening of training camp Thursday, having seen first-hand the potential talent of the 22-and-under gang. It’s a group that includes Thomas Chabot, Brady Tkachuk, Colin White, Drake Batherson, Christian Jaros, Max Lajoie, Erik Brannstrom, Logan Brown and Josh Norris.

But Anderson also knows from vast experience that you can’t go from zero to 60 wins — or even 40 wins — overnight. The Senators finished dead last in the NHL in 2018-19, with a 29-47-6 record.

It’s going to take time and it’s going to take the help of established players to allow the youngsters to reach their full potential.

“Guidance is what they need,” the 38-year-old Anderson said Tuesday on what role he and the club’s other veterans play in the progression. “I was once a young guy with no guidance coming in, thinking that you can do this and you can do that, without setting boundaries.

“As I progressed through my career, (I) learned those boundaries. The sooner guys can learn the ways of the world here, with the room and the amount of stuff you need to do off the ice and with the practices, the sooner you can learn what it takes to be a good pro, the better off you’re going to be and you don’t have those hiccups.”

Anderson is doing his part. With his wife, Nicholle, and young sons Jake and Levi, at home in Florida for the start of the school year, he’s once again opening his home up to Lajoie. Anderson also took in Lajoie at the the start of the 2018-19 season, when he enjoyed a stunning start to his NHL career.

“We’ve glued our friendship up a bit,” said Anderson, who owns the Senators franchise record with 191 wins. “He’s starting to make fun of me a little bit more. It’s that negative feedback that makes you feel like you’re a good friend.”

Of course, the Senators no longer have Mark Stone to serve as an ideal leader by example, trading him away to the Vegas Golden Knights last February in the swap that brought Brannstrom to the organization. (A year ago, Stone housed the rookie Tkachuk, a relationship that gave rise to Tkachuk’s infamous “that’s me paying rent” line when he fought Detroit’s Justin Abdelkader following Abdelkader’s high hit on Stone).

Replacing Stone’s leadership qualities is impossible, but new coach D.J. Smith will lean on 38-year-old defenceman Ron Hainsey for some of the guidance that Anderson talked about.

“It’s certainly very fun to be around these young players and to be able to continue, hopefully, to keep up at this point,” said Hainsey, who will likely receive one of the three alternate captain positions. “They bring so much energy every day.”

On the ice, Hainsey is expected to see at least some time as Chabot’s playing partner.

For the relationship between established player and young player to work best, it has to be a two-way street. The older players have to show what the league is all about, but the youngsters have to stay hungry to push for more.

Anderson says there’s probably no better example than in Pittsburgh, where 32-year-old Penguins captain sets the tone.

“He’s probably the best player in the world and it’s pretty tough to take a day off if he’s the hardest working guy in that room,” he said. “We have to take our core of premier players who are supposed to be leading the 1107815 Ottawa Senators

Dorion says "the worst is behind us" as Senators head to camp

Bruce Garrioch

Pierre Dorion is hopeful there are better days ahead.

No, he wasn’t going to promise a playoff spot next spring when the question was posed Tuesday afternoon at The Marshes in Kanata, but the Ottawa Senators’ general manger is confident his club will make improvements this season.

“I definitely think if the players step up to the plate we can surprise some people,” said Dorion when asked if the Senators can be a playoff team next spring? “The worst is behind, I’ve said that many times, and, at the same time, we’re going to put the onus on them and this coaching staff to see where this team can be at the end of the year.”

Dorion said there’s a lot to be excited about with the changes that were made.

“This is definitely something new for us,” Dorion said. “It’s my fourth year being GM here and we’ve had some ups and some downs, but with the new players we brought in we’ve got a new enthusiasm with this group and we’re really excited about the coaching staff we’ve put together and we can’t wait for it to start Friday.”

Ottawa Sun LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107816 Ottawa Senators “I’ve said all along that we want to make this a healthy franchise that is good for seven-to-10 years where you’re competitive ever year. What I saw (in Belleville) this weekend certainly excites me as to what the future After swinging the sticks, Ottawa Senators ready for training camp holds.”

It’s been 158 days since the Senators closed out a difficult 2018-19 campaign and when the players report to camp the organization will Bruce Garrioch officially be able to turn the page towards next year.

Ottawa Sun LOADED: 09.11.2019 The Ottawa Senators hit the links one last time before they hit the rink on a full-time basis Friday morning.

The Senators held their annual charity golf tournament at The Marshes in Kanata Tuesday afternoon before the action heats up at the club’s training camp with medicals Thursday at the Canadian Tire Centre and the first on-ice session Friday morning.

After finishing in last place overall in the NHL and going through a summer that saw several changes, the Senators are excited to get going after general manager Pierre Dorion installed new coach D.J. Smith behind the bench and made several personnel changes as this rebuild enters its next phase with a roster that will be built around young players.

Dorion is excited to see what kind of effect the acquisition of veterans Nikita Zaitsev, Ron Hainsey, Tyler Ennis, Connor Brown and Chicago’s Artem Anisimov can have on the club’s roster. The slate has been wiped clean with a whole new coaching staff taking over and there will be a battle for jobs in training camp in the next three weeks.

“I like the fact they’re ready for a new challenge,” Dorion said Tuesday before teeing off in the event for the Senators’ Foundation. “D.J. has spoken to every one of the players that are fighting for spots and they know what’s expected of them. They know that we have to be much better than we’ve been the last two years.”

A look at the depth chart indicates there’s about five openings going into camp and the Senators feel there will be battles for those positions. Up front, Dorion indicated there’s probably three forward spots open while the sixth and seventh defencemen spots are available on the back end. Yes, Christian Jaros has the inside track for the No. 6 position.

While young forwards Brady Tkachuk and Colin White will see their roles increase this season, top blueliner Thomas Chabot is expected to show improvement on the back end. Coming off a 3-0 effort at the rookie tournament in Belleville, the Senators are hopeful that bodes well for some of the young players to make the roster.

That means young forwards like Drake Batherson, Logan Brown, Alex Formenton, Josh Norris and Max Veronneau will get chance to push for playing time. On the back end, Erik Brannstrom, a dynamic offensive defenceman with good skills, will find himself in a battle for a spot but the opportunity will only be there for him if he’s able to earn it.

“We’ve got 10 forwards that are pretty much locked in so you’e looking at three forward spots that could be available,” Dorion said. “On the back end, there are five defencemen that are pretty much locked in, so you’re looking at two spots there.

“At the same time, we finished in 30th (in 2018) and 31st place (in 2019) so there could be more spots available. Both D.J. and myself are on the same page, in that, if they (the players) don’t perform through camp then they won’t be here.”

Smith, appointed to the club’s coaching job May 23, will be demanding of the players.

“I want to see us work and I want to see us push each other to be better every day,” Smith said. “Certainly it will take care of itself over time. One thing we can’t let our guard down with is our work ethic and it has to be every night. I’m going to be holding them accountable for that and they should be holding themselves accountable.

“But we have to show up and play 100% every night.”

After spending the weekend in Belleville watching the prospects, Smith, who is heading into his first season as a NHL head coach, has done all the preparations and is ready to get going.

“I’m excited for this opportunity and when you look at the organization how strong it’s at the rookie level and the minor-league it’s very exciting to know that these guys are eventually going to take jobs up here and help this franchise really get going,” Smith said. 1107817 Ottawa Senators Coach Smith noted during an interview on the weekend that he expects to try top blueliner Thomas Chabot with veterans Nikita Zaitsev and Ron Hainsey during camp. Last year, Chabot played mostly with Dylan SNAPSHOTS: Senators will have plenty of players to choose from at DeMelo, but there’s a strong chance that may change. “I think you’ll see main camp Zaitsev and Hainsey both play with Chabot throughout the year,” Smith said. “They’re both guys that can defend, they know where to stand on the ice, they can hold the blue line and they’ve both played with offensive players before in (Jake) Gardiner and (Morgan) Rielly. They’re both guys Bruce Garrioch that are used to being with guys who are up the ice a little bit. That’s certainly going to help.” … Centre Logan Brown, who also sat out this one, is ready for the next step after wearing the captain’s ‘C’ at the rookie BELLEVILLE — As the Ottawa Senators’ rookies skated Monday tourney and having a strong effort. “This was a good start. I’ve just got to morning at CAA Arena, general manager Pierre Dorion and the staff sat work on keeping those going into main camp,” Brown said Monday. “It’s in the stands trying to put together a final list for training camp that will going to be harder and there’s going to be better players and I’ve just got get under way Thursday at the Canadian Tire Centre. to build off this.”

Some of the decisions are obvious, others aren’t as easy and that’s why THE LAST WORDS Dorion had no plans to finalize the roster with the rest of the staff until after getting one final peek at the newcomers as the Senators closed out Goaltender Joey Daccord, who stopped 34-of-36 shots in a 4-2 victory the three-team rookie tournament Monday night against the Winnipeg over the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night, wasn’t on the ice Jets. Monday, but was kept off for precautionary reasons. He has a stiff neck from a collision with 10 seconds left that didn’t allow him to finish the Not all of the 28 players that participated in the tourney for Ottawa are game. The expectation is Daccord will be ready to skate Friday in camp. going to get the chance to attend main camp, but there’s no question it’s going to be bigger than past years with as many as 55 to 60 players on Ottawa Sun LOADED: 09.11.2019 hand because new coach D.J. Smith wants to split the camp into three teams with 12 forwards, six defencemen and two goalies.

That means most of the players who attended the rookie tourney will be on hand at camp and there may even be a few spots for some of the players who were on amateur tryouts.

The Senators will hold their annual golf tournament Tuesday at The Marshes in Kanata, will have one last day off Wednesday and then players will report for medicals Thursday. The club has jobs open up front and there won’t be anybody at the end of camp that will be able to complain about not getting the chance.

IMPRESSIVE TOURNEY

Defenceman Erik Brannstrom was among the players given the final night of the tourney off, but he made his presence felt in the two games he played.

Acquired in the deal that sent winger Mark Stone to the Vegas Golden Knights at the February trade deadline, Brannstrom, 20, showed he’s got good offensive skills and a strong ability to read the play. Will it be good enough for hIm to play in the NHL on a full-time basis this season? Well, that part is to be determined in camp, but he made a good impression.

“As a coaching staff, you need structure throughout the game and structure allows you to win consistently, but a guy like Brannstrom — because of his elite talent — he may get away from the game plan at times, but he’s still able to make plays,” Belleville coach Troy Mann said on Monday morning.

“That’s why he’ll be an elite player at some point. Is he there yet? Probably not, I think there’s still a ways to go defensively. His stick positioning is inconsistent at times and I’d like to see him use the wrist short more than the slapshot if you watch him on the blueline. You can’t get that slapshot through all the time — even at the AHL level — but those are minor details he has to work on.”

A No. 15 overall pick of the Knights in the 2017 NHL draft, Brannstrom finished the year with Ottawa’s AHL affiliate in Belleville and camp will decide whether he starts in the NHL.

“In the next couple of weeks does he impress enough to start the year in Ottawa? We’ll see, but certainly if he starts the year in Belleville I don’t think it’s going be a bad thing for him,” Mann added. “If he does start the year here, as a coaching staff we’ll work our tails off to make sure (they work on those) small details.”

The Senators don’t want to rush Brannstrom into the NHL.

“My philosophy on it is, and I don’t make those decisions, but let’s get these players ready individually so when they do get the call to Ottawa you never see them again,” Mann said. “There’s one thing to reward a player for great player, there’s another get him fully developed so that they go up and never come back.”

THIS N’ THAT 1107818 Philadelphia Flyers Fletcher was scheduled to talk Tuesday with the agents for restricted free agents Ivan Provorov and Travis Konecny. Fletcher hopes to have them signed and at camp when it opens Friday. … Goalie Felix Sandstrom is Blossoming Egor Zamula among Flyers on display in rookie game expected to start Wednesday for the Flyers. … Farabee: “I think one of Wednesday vs. Islanders my strengths as a player is being able to play all different kinds of roles. I think I can play top-six and I can also play bottom-six. I think that really helps me out trying to get to the next level.” He sees himself as a penalty-kill performer early in his pro career. “I think the game really well, by Sam Carchidi, and I think that helps on the PK,” he said. … Captain is scheduled to arrive late Tuesday. … Defenseman Mark Friedman, sidelined earlier in rookie camp as he recovered from minor abdominal With so many young defensemen promoted to the Flyers in recent years, surgery, was on the ice during Tuesday’s session. the organization has made an effort to bolster the blue line in its farm system. Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 09.11.2019

Egor Zamula, signed as an undrafted free agent last year, is one of the players keeping the pipeline moving.

The 6-foot-3, 178-pound Zamula has had an outstanding rookie camp. A native of Russia who speaks English, Zamula will participate in the rookie game Wednesday between the Flyers and New York Islanders at the PPL Center in Allentown (7:05 p.m., NBC Sports Philadelphia+).

“The one guy to me who keeps getting better is Zamula,” general manager Chuck Fletcher said after watching rookie camp Tuesday in Voorhees. “He’s an impressive young man. He has another year of junior. He’s not a candidate to make our team this year in Philadelphia, but I saw him play in junior and [while scouting for the Devils] watched him play in training camp with the Flyers last year, and he just keeps getting better and better.”

Zamula, 19, a left-handed shooter, will likely be paired with Phil Myers in the rookie game.

“He has a tremendous package of size and skill and skating,” Fletcher said of Zamula, who had 10 goals and 56 points in 61 games with Calgary in the Western Hockey League last season. “As he matures and gets stronger, he’s going to be a pretty impressive player.”

Myers called Zamula “a mobile guy and he’s really working hard, and it’s awesome to see.”

I am very happy to sign my first NHL contract with @NHLFlyers !!!!

I'll say thank you to my family❤️ pic.twitter.com/3garHCa6Xh

— Egor Zamula (@egor_zamula) November 28, 2018

Zamula says that he feels more comfortable than he did at this point last year, and that he has a simple game plan for Wednesday: “Play every shift hard and fast. Make a good first pass and keep going.”

Wednesday will be an opportunity for all Flyers rookies to make an impression.

“Obviously, games are the best way to evaluate players,” Fletcher said.

The Flyers’ highly touted rookie first line — Morgan Frost centering Isaac Ratcliffe and Joel Farabee — will be on display Wednesday. All three will be at the Flyers’ main camp, which starts Friday, and are candidates for the third-line right-wing spot.

“We all complement each other really well,” Farabee said.

Farabee, the nation’s top NCAA first-year player while at Boston University last season, doesn’t lack confidence.

“I’m pretty optimistic. I think I’m ready for the challenge, and hopefully the staff can see that,” he said. “I have to showcase that in the game and then throughout main camp, and if they think I’m ready, hopefully I can make that jump.”

Farabee, 19, will make the shift from left to right wing in Wednesday’s matchup.

“Obviously, the game will be a good test for me to see where I’m at,” he said.

Frost, 20, is eager to center his two close friends.

“We’ve had scrimmages but haven’t played a full game in a long time,” he said. “It’ll be an adjustment, but I’m excited to get into a game. Rookie camp kind of gives you a head start on main camp and kind of gets your legs back under you. I’m definitely ready for main camp.”

Breakaways 1107819 Philadelphia Flyers

Will Ivan Provorov sign with Flyers now that Zach Werenski is under contract with Columbus?

by Sam Carchidi,

Will Ivan Provorov sign with Flyers now that Zach Werenski is under contract with Columbus?

How will Zach Werenski’s signing Monday affect restricted free agent Ivan Provorov?

Well, the Flyers hope it will speed up the negotiating process.

“We’re getting to a point where we need to see some progress if they’re going to be here Friday on the ice,” general manager Chuck Fletcher said on Tuesday, referring to Provorov and Travis Konecny, another restricted free agent.

The Flyers open their main training camp Friday.

Werenski, a defenseman like Provorov, signed a three-year bridge deal with Columbus, inking a $15 million contract that has an average annual cap hit of $5 million.

The players are believed to have similar value. Provorov, 22, coming off a subpar season, is regarded as a better defender than the 22-year-old Werenski, who is stronger offensively. Last season, Werenski had a minus-12 rating and collected 44 points — 18 more than Provorov, who was minus-16.

“Certainly, Werenski is a very good young defenseman and a very comparable player to Ivan, so it certainly sheds some light on where the market is,” Fletcher said.

Mark Gandler, Provorov’s agent, reportedly has been seeking $8 million per season. Maybe now, he’ll negotiate a bridge deal and hope for a bigger payday down the road.

Source: #Flyers and Provy were working on six-year deal. That may change after Werenski signed three-year contract. Provy is in South Jersey and working out, but he won’t sign for what Werenski received (three years at $5M per).

— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) September 10, 2019

New Flyers coach Alain Vigneault said last week he had separate phone conversations with Provorov and Konecny and told them that, with a new coaching staff and a new system being installed, it was important for them to be at camp when it opens Friday in Voorhees.

Vigneault also said he understood that the players have earned the right to do what’s best for them.

On Tuesday morning, Fletcher said he planned to talk to Provorov’s and Konecny’s agents later in the day. He was hopeful of having them signed before Friday.

“I’m not positive or negative,” Fletcher said of signing the players in the next few days, “but I still think there’s an opportunity to get these guys signed and in camp.”

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107820 Philadelphia Flyers

Joel Farabee putting in extra time to stay in big time

By Wayne Fish

VOORHEES — “How Ya Gonna Keep ’Em Down on the Farm?” was a song about young soldiers from American rural areas who got a taste of Paris during World War I and found it tough to go back to the slow life when the conflict ended.

That little ditty might sort of apply to Flyers rookie Joel Farabee if he gets a formidable stay in Philadelphia.

The former 2018 first-round (14th overall) draft pick decided to leave the Boston University program after one season to take a crack at the NHL.

Farabee probably wouldn’t have made such a move if he didn’t think his odds of making it in the pro ranks at age 19 weren’t pretty good.

And so it will be interesting to see if the Cicero, N.Y., native can duplicate what Ivan Provorov and Travis Konecny did at a similar age a few years back.

One thing is almost certain: If Farabee lights it up at a wing position in the preseason, it’s going to be hard to send him back to the “farm.”

It all starts with this camp. Then things intensify when the main training camp gets going on Friday. Right now he’s taking it a day at a time.

“The first two days are sort of like systems stuff,” Farabee said after practice at the Skate Zone. “We’re just getting comfortable playing with each other and getting ready for the game Wednesday (the rookie game against the New York Islanders at PPL Center in Allentown).

“The pace has been good and the guys are kind of feeding off each other.”

To accent Farabee’s expectation level, he spent the summer in the Philadelphia area. After attending the July development camp, he stayed here to concentrate on his workout program.

“I feel more comfortable than I probably would have if I hadn’t stayed here,” said Farabee, who’s listed at 6-foot, 171 pounds. “I was just trying to build strength and put on as much weight as I can without being too much weight for my body to handle.”

Farabee posted nearly a point per game for the Terriers last season (36 points in 37 games). The Flyers scouts like what they’ve seen so far.

Phantoms coach Scott Gordon, who oversees the rookie camp, is a big believer in Farabee’s talent.

Because there are some openings on the lower lines, don’t bet against Farabee making the opening night roster in Prague, Czech Republic against the Chicago Blackhawks.

While his natural position is left wing, Farabee has been getting some playing time on the right side during camp. Maybe just an experiment to see if he can fill a specific vacancy.

Gordon says versatility can be a positive when it comes to having value in the long run.

“I think it benefits every player to be multi-faceted,” Gordon said. “Like I once had a conversation with a first-round draft pick (during his coaching days with the Islanders). He was a left winger. “I said to him, ‘I know you want more ice time but we have two guys on the left side that are in front of you. We need a first-line right winger.’ He said, ‘No, I’m not a right winger.’

“If you have that mindset, you might lose an opportunity to play more minutes or have a bigger role with the team.”

At this point, Farabee will take whatever he can get. He doesn’t want to even think about going back to the farm.

Burlington County Times LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107821 Philadelphia Flyers

2019 Flyers training camp roster, schedule

By Jordan Hall September 10, 2019 5:15 PM

VOORHEES, N.J. — The first Flyers training camp under general manager Chuck Fletcher and head coach Alain Vigneault is nearly upon us.

The team on Tuesday announced the schedule and roster for the 2019 camp, which kicks off Friday.

All camp practices will be held at Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, New Jersey, and are open to the public, free of charge.

The 2019-20 season is an important one for the Flyers as they look to jump back into contention after missing the playoffs for the fourth time in the last seven years. The team is expecting its offseason additions to supplement the established core and growing group of younger players on the roster (see story).

Will it all translate? Everything gets started Friday.

For the details on camp, see below (the practice groups will be announced by the team):

Schedule

• Friday, Sept. 13 — Practice, Group C: 8:30-9:30 a.m.; Group A: 10- 11:45 a.m.; Group B: 1-2:45 p.m.

• Saturday, Sept. 14 — Practice, Group C: 8:30-9:30 a.m.; Group B: 10- 11:45 a.m.; Group A: 1-2:45 p.m.

• Sunday, Sept. 15 — Practice, Group C: 8:30-9:30 a.m.; Group A: 10- 11:45 a.m.; Group B: 1-2:45 p.m.

• Monday, Sept. 16 — Morning skate: Game group, 10:30 a.m.; non- game groups, 8:30-9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Monday, Sept. 16 — Preseason game vs. Islanders, 7 p.m. (NBCSP)

• Tuesday, Sept. 17 — Morning skate: Game group, 10:30 a.m.; non- game groups, 8:30-9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Tuesday, Sept. 17 — Preseason game at Islanders (Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum), 7 p.m. (NBCSP+)

• Schedule for the rest of non-game days, morning skates is to be determined

• Thursday, Sept. 19 — Preseason game vs. Bruins, 7 p.m. (NBCSP)

• Saturday, Sept. 21 — Preseason game vs. Rangers, 7 p.m. (NBCSP+)

• Monday, Sept. 23 — Preseason game at Bruins, 7 p.m. (NBCSP+)

• Thursday, Sept. 26 — Preseason game at Rangers, 7 p.m.

• Monday, Sept. 30 — Preseason game vs. HC Lausanne in Switzerland, 2 p.m. ET (NBCSP+)

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107822 Philadelphia Flyers "It's been great for Scott to start to work with them on some of the habits and things that we want our players in Lehigh to do this year," Fletcher said.

Morgan Frost showing his hands, Chuck Fletcher praises Egor Zamula, This is a talented rookie camp considering it features seven players with more on Flyers rookie camp a shot at winning a season-opening roster spot on the big club.

4. On the Laberge of more?

By Jordan Hall September 10, 2019 8:40 PM The Phantoms will be loaded with experienced and young forwards in 2019-20.

VOORHEES, N.J. — The games are about to begin. One of those forwards to keep an eye on is Pascal Laberge.

Day 4 of Flyers rookie camp wrapped up Tuesday, setting the stage for The 2016 second-round pick has battled injuries throughout his early Wednesday's prospects game at PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania, career, but in the 15 games he did play last season with Lehigh Valley, against the Islanders. he scored five goals.

Let's get into our latest five observations: There's some offensive potential in the 21-year-old's game.

1. Chill in the air Pascal Laberge, top shelf. pic.twitter.com/Z7ZnyJGuNr

Morgan Frost will be fun to watch Wednesday night and throughout the — Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) September 10, 2019 preseason. 5. The game

When the 20-year-old center has time and space, he's super dangerous. Gordon, who will coach the Flyers in the rookie game, said the team will But even when he's in tight and around the net, his hands are so dress 19 skaters and two goalies. impressive. He's brisk, instinctual and accurate, and it will be fascinating to see how quickly those strengths translate at the pro level. The Flyers will hold a morning skate from 10-11 a.m. at Skate Zone in Voorhees, New Jersey, so we'll know more then about the lineup. In camp, he has centered two of the Flyers' other top prospects Joel Farabee and Isaac Ratcliffe. The trio's chemistry looks natural and don't The game is at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on NBC Sports be surprised to see that line in the rookie game. Philadelphia+ (no live stream).

"It should be awesome," Farabee said. "Playing with some really elite Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.11.2019 guys in our group here."

Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost, impressive defensively and offensively. pic.twitter.com/uqZhVhMXxy

— Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) September 10, 2019

Good combo: Isaac Ratcliffe and Morgan Frost. pic.twitter.com/jOkjS8y1aI

— Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) September 10, 2019

2. Don't ignore Egor

When general manager Chuck Fletcher was asked if any prospect has jumped out at him during camp, he mentioned Egor Zamula.

The 6-foot-3, 172-pound defenseman continues to turn heads with his progress.

The one guy, to me, that just keeps getting better every day is Zamula. He's an impressive young man. He has another year of junior, so he's not a candidate to make our team this year in Philadelphia. But I saw him last year play junior, watched him play in training camp with the Flyers last year and he just continues to get better and better. He has a tremendous package of size, skill and skating, and as he matures and gets stronger, he's going to be a pretty impressive player.

- Fletcher

Zamula (who said there's no Y needed in his first name) was an excellent discovery by Flyers amateur scout Mark Greig (see story). The 19-year- old went undrafted last summer, was invited to 2018 Flyers training camp and earned an entry-level contract.

He is no longer a raw prospect as he skates smoothly, covers ground and possesses great reach. The lefty shot scored 56 points over 61 regular-season games in 2018-19 with the WHL's Calgary Hitmen.

"Coming in here, he looks really comfortable," AHL affiliate Lehigh Valley head coach Scott Gordon said. "Obviously it's a nice find."

3. 'The best way to evaluate players'

A rookie game is a lot different from a preseason game.

However …

"A lot of these kids are coming in, they want to make an impression and games are the best way to evaluate players," Fletcher said.

The Flyers' GM has been pleased with the showing in camp. 1107823 Philadelphia Flyers

6 things to know about Katie Emmer, NBCSP's new Flyers Pre & Post Game Live host

By NBC Sports Philadelphia Staff September 10, 2019 1:45 PM

One of Katie Emmer's earliest childhood memories involves putting on ice skates.

She says she might have been 3 at the time, but could have been younger. Katie grew up in a household that loved hockey. She and her six brothers -- yes six -- would play on the pond in their backyard.

Katie turned her love of hockey and other sports into a broadcasting career. She most recently worked at Fox Sports North where she covered the Minnesota Wild, Twins, Lynx, Golden Gophers, and Timberwolves. In 2018, she was honored with the Jim Nantz Award as the top collegiate sports broadcaster in the country and is the first woman in history to receive the award. She graduated from St. Cloud University with a degree in Mass Communications with an emphasis in Television Broadcast Journalism.

Her knowledge and passion for sports, particularly hockey, make her a great host for Flyers Pregame Live and Flyers Postgame Live.

Here are 6 other things to know about Katie, who you can @katieemmer or on Instagram @katie.emmer.

Nickname?

Kemmer

You're from Minnesota. What drew you to Philly?

Without a doubt, the city's love of sports. I went to church here on Sunday and saw fans wearing Eagles jerseys and I couldn't stop smiling.

Go-to beverage?

I consider myself a cold brew connoisseur and I really like coffee, but I'm trying to cut down on it.

In addition to hockey, what other sports did you play as a kid?

Volleyball, basketball, and soccer.

Hobbies?

Rollerblading, and I can’t wait to do it on Kelly Drive.

What's it like growing up the only girl with 6 brothers?

It was. ... competitive, and I was always up for a challenge. One of my brothers once dared me to throw a over our house. I was really young at the time and didn't have the arm strength to do it. So I wound up throwing it straight into the house, and broke a few windows.

My brother laughed. My parents, not so much.

***

Katie will make her hosting debut on Friday, Oct. 4 as the Flyers begin their season against the Chicago Blackhawks. She will be joined by analysts Colby Cohen, Chris Therien and Al Morganti throughout the season.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107824 Philadelphia Flyers

'Pretty important day' in Flyers' contract negotiations with Ivan Provorov, Travis Konecny

By Jordan Hall September 10, 2019 12:45 PM

VOORHEES, N.J. — Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher classified Tuesday as a "pretty important day" for the contract negotiations of Ivan Provorov and Travis Konecny.

Both restricted free agents remain unsigned with training camp set to begin Friday morning. At around 11 a.m., Fletcher said he expected to speak with the representation of both Provorov and Konecny on Tuesday.

"We're getting to a point where we need to see some progress if they're going to be here on Friday on the ice," Fletcher said.

How positive is he that deals can get done before camp opens?

"That's hard to say," Fletcher said. "I've been through so many of these. I've been in situations where you seem like you're a long way away and it comes together very quickly and then there are other times it seems like you're right there and you can't get to the finish line.

"So I don't think I'm positive or negative. I still think there's an opportunity to get both of these guys signed and in camp."

On Monday, Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski re-signed on a three-year, $15 million contract. It was significant in a few ways. Firstly, the bridge deal for the 22-year-old Werenski opened some eyes. What will be the preference for Provorov's camp and the Flyers? We'll see. Secondly, Werenski's $5 million average annual value should give both sides a much better idea of the market (see story).

You'd think a longer-term deal would be the goal for Provorov's agent Mark Gandler (see story). Has the 22-year-old already proven himself? Provorov has been handed the responsibilities of a No. 1 defenseman and hasn't missed a game over the past two seasons. Among all NHL blueliners during that span, he has played the 11th-most minutes per night (24:38), the ninth-most shorthanded minutes (449:51) and has scored the 18th-most goals (24).

Now that Werenski has a $5 million AAV, Provorov's camp could shoot for $6 million.

"I think we're open to either — shorter or longer with Ivan, just whatever makes sense," Fletcher said. "Werenski is a very good young defenseman and a very comparable player to Ivan, so it certainly sheds some light on where the market is. But we're not wed to a shorter-term deal. If something makes sense in a long-term deal, we'll explore that."

Konecny, an important 22-year-old forward, is coming off back-to-back 24-goal seasons and has 30-goal potential. His role will continue to grow in 2019-20. Proving himself over a bridge deal might make the most sense for Konecny and could lead to a larger payday down the road (see story).

Tuesday was an important day. Friday is a big one, too, and quickly approaching.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107825 Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers paint ice at Wells Fargo Center ... and there's a difference from years past

By Jordan Hall September 10, 2019

Whenever the ice is painted at the Wells Fargo Center, that's when you know hockey is right around the corner in South Philly.

It's a beautiful thing.

The ice was painted last weekend and you'll notice a difference from years past.

The Flyers are going with one single logo at center ice, which you can see in the video above. The team has always gone with the symmetrical double logos.

Philadelphia Flyers, Jakub Voracek, Flyers logo

Here's more on that from the Flyers' official site contributor Bill Meltzer:

The center ice double logos at Flyers home arena was an Ed Snider- driven tradition. He thought it looked distinctive and symmetrical having the two and didn't like the red line bisecting the logo. Flyers now going to single logo, which is what rest of league has.

— Bill Meltzer (@billmeltzer) September 8, 2019

Flyers training camp starts Friday and the first home preseason game is Monday.

That's when everyone will see the single logo for the first time.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107826 Philadelphia Flyers CF: Yeah, that will be a challenge for Chris but he’s worked extremely hard this summer by all accounts. He looks to be in great shape and we have opportunities. I know Chris pretty well. He had a couple stints in Part I: Q&A with Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher Minnesota when I was there. He was the 18th pick overall back in 2006. This is a man that’s had success in this league. He’s a power forward and certainly we’re excited to see what he can do.

Dave Isaac, NHL writer Published 12:37 p.m. ET Sept. 10, 2019 DI: Analytics. You made a couple new hires and you were always in front of that in Minnesota. What are some of the statistics that you look at and

value in that regard? There’s a lot of stuff that’s public information that It's three days before training camp is set to begin and the Flyers are you see written about, but someone in your chair, what are the things without their top defenseman and a perennial 20-goal scorer. you’re looking for that aren’t in the typical box score that tell you more about a player or a game? Chuck Fletcher knows that time is of the essence and the general manager wants to get restricted free agent defenseman Ivan Provorov CF: Our group does some good things and they come up with some and winger Travis Konecny signed as quickly as possible. numbers that probably aren’t in the public sphere that we rely on a lot, particularly evaluating defensive play. To me, every number can tell part “I still think there’s an opportunity to get both these guys signed before of a story and we just try to make sure we’re evaluating everybody fully in camp,” he said. “Today will be a pretty important day.” terms of quality of their linemates, quality of their competition when they’re on the ice, what they do at 5-on-5. You just really try to break There's a lot going on with the orange and black, but signing those two is down and get the story behind their statistics, if you will. We have a good on the front burner and it's where things started in a Q&A with Flyers group and as has been announced by the league, sometime over the reporter Dave Isaac. This is the first in a two-part series, which will next year here we’re gonna get to real-time player and puck tracking. By continue Wednesday. adding to our staff we hope to get ahead of it. We hope to build a staff Dave Isaac: All the big talk is the two guys who aren’t here yet. Did you and have good people in place so when this massive data dump has ever envision it would take until this close to the finish line? This summer arrived, hopefully we’ll be ready to start analyzing it. It’s gonna be a seems a little different from years past. whole new frontier and we’re excited about it.

Chuck Fletcher: It seems like the last few years this has been the trend DI: So you think that will be a game changer, having that type material and it seems to be growing each year, too. Still a lot of guys unsigned. It instead of trying to adjust things through a formula? doesn’t really surprise me. It just seems to be the nature of the business CF: Yeah. A lot of the ways we measure puck possession now are right now with these young RFAs. through proxies, through shot differentials and things like that. We’re DI: Is there a particular thing holding them back, whether it be AAV gonna have access to data that’s gonna tell a story in and of itself. We’ll (average annual value) or term? have to see. It’s gonna take a while probably to separate what’s relevant and what’s noise. Again, that’s why we want to build our staff out now CF: We just haven’t been able to agree really on anything, term or and get people in place and get our structure together so that when the money. Again, conversations have been amicable. Both sides are data dump comes, we’re in a better position to hit the ground running. It’s working. The players want to be here. We want them here. It’s not like gonna be exciting and I’m sure there will be things that we’ll be able to do either negotiation is highly contentious. We’re working through the that we have no idea of right now. That’s the exciting thing. It’s certainly process. As you look around the league there’s a lot of similarly situated going to usher in a new way of analyzing the game. players. I think this market just seems to have changed a little bit in the last couple years and both sides are trying to adapt and figure out how to Courier-Post LOADED: 09.11.2019 make something work.

DI: In talking to Alain Vigneault last week, he mentioned how obviously it would be advantageous for both of them to be there at the start of camp with a new coaching staff and new systems in place. Is that something that could potentially be a small thing working in your favor to get this done before the finish line instead of dragging on into camp or beyond?

CF: We’ll see, but I think it’s critical that they’re here. We’re coming off a tough season and our coaches are ready to start making the changes that we need to make from Day 1 of camp. We have a lot of work to do as a team and we need every day of camp to play that game against Chicago in Prague. I think it’s critical for every player to be in camp. For any player to miss time, particularly this year, would be a bad thing.

DI: Considering those are the only two left unsigned, everything else looks pretty much done. Before camp starts, what’s your evaluation? It looks like you hit everything you set out to after last season in terms of getting stronger defensively and cutting down the goals against. Obviously the hope is not to use eight goaltenders again. How do you like what you’ve got on paper?

CF: On paper, we have a talented group of players. The key for us is just to become a talented team. I talk a lot about process but I think if we focus on the areas we need to focus on — defensive structure, our details, our habits, our team orientation and if everyone is committed to doing the things we need to do, I think we’ll be in a good place at the end. It’s a process here. It’s gonna take time and we have a lot of work to do. I think we’ve made some good moves and now we’ve got to put the work in.

Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher enters his first full season at the helm. He's still making sure all the changes he's made are as seamless as possible.

DI: One of the potential moves, because he’s only here on a tryout, is Chris Stewart. You had him in Minnesota, but coming off almost essentially a year off — I know he played a little bit in Great Britain — what do you expect? 1107827 Philadelphia Flyers including the consistently successful Alain Vigneault as head man — will be tasked with producing the “mindset change” in the players that Fletcher highlighted when 2018-19 concluded. The acquisition of Kevin State of the Franchise: After ‘step forward’ season devolved into disaster, Hayes addresses the longstanding gaping hole at 2C. Matt Niskanen and Flyers aim for return to relevancy Justin Braun are stylistic fits as right-handed defensemen with years of experience in the top-half of NHL depth charts; they’re meant to take pressure off Philadelphia’s three talented lefty-shot blueliners and serve as stabilizing presences on and off the ice. Brian Elliott was retained as a By Charlie O'Connor Sep 10, 2019 “good enough to jump in if Carter Hart struggles, but not threatening enough to make Hart think the lead goalie job isn’t his for the taking” tandem option in net. What a difference a year makes. It’s not difficult to imagine a scenario in which most or all of these moves Last September, our State of the Franchise article led with a quote from pan out. Conceptually, they make sense and seem to address real general manager Ron Hextall, who with his words and actions — namely, problems the Flyers had last season (and longer). While it’s unlikely the a massive contract given to James van Riemsdyk — proclaimed the Flyers, even in a best-case-scenario, will be Stanley Cup contenders in 2018-19 season as the moment when, finally, the Philadelphia Flyers 2019-20, one can pretty easily envision them in the next tier down. would escape their cycle of mediocrity and return to contention. So why do fans seem so underwhelmed right now? Twelve months later, both Hextall and his handpicked head coach, Dave Hakstol, are gone, and the neat-and-tidy narrative of a franchise slowly Really, there are three distinct criticisms of the team’s offseason. First, a but steadily trending upward via a methodical retooling process left with contingent exists who believe there is something rotten within the club’s them. core; only a full-scale roster restructuring (one or more big-name players shipped out) would have satisfied them. The second dissatisfied group New general manager Chuck Fletcher has the same goal as Hextall did: held that the Flyers needed to add star-level talent, both to jolt the team return the Flyers to relevancy. A front office doesn’t sign free agents to out of its cycle of mediocrity and to re-engage an increasingly apathetic big-money deals and trade away draft picks for expiring contracts the fan base (large contract aside, Hayes didn’t qualify as “big enough” for way the Flyers did this summer unless it thinks the team is capable of this group). Then there’s the third group, which largely trusts the team’s competing for a playoff spot now. But the 2018-19 goal of a playoff series core and was ambivalent about the pursuit of big names this summer. win felt like the culmination of years of building on the part of Hextall, Their concern is that the moves the Flyers ultimately made simply whereas Fletcher sees the playoffs as something that will only be weren’t the right ones. achieved through necessary changes to the team’s mindset. The first two are easiest to dismiss. Group One teeters dangerously “We have a new coaching staff. They’re going to implement new systems close to the classic Philadelphia tendency to blame poor team obviously, maybe new line combinations,” Fletcher told The Athletic. “But performances on the actually good players, rather than a lack of talent as importantly, they’re going to establish their standards, their behind them. Group Two all too often seems to dream of a return to its expectations about how we play the game. There’ll be a learning process colored perception of the Ed Snider days, when the Flyers supposedly for the players to go through, to understand what the coaches’ just snapped their fingers and got whatever they wanted (except a expectations are, and the sooner we get through that process and we Stanley Cup). start to play the right way, then we’ll be successful. The third group, however, raises legitimate concerns about the choices “To me, my expectation is that we have to make big adjustments from the club made this offseason. what happened last year. We have to change our mindset. We have to change our habits, the details in our game have to improve. And the Hayes is a good player, but his seven-year, $50 million contract is a risk, quicker we go about doing that, then the sooner we’ll be successful.” particularly the latter half of the deal. Niskanen and Braun are both 32, and by public advanced metrics, have been in decline for multiple The change in tone makes sense, and not just because Hextall and seasons. Elliott comes with a checkered recent injury history. Even the Fletcher are different. Last September, the Flyers were fresh off a playoff new coaches come with concerns: A sizable online contingent of New berth; the next logical step was obvious. But a mess of a season like York Rangers fans largely loathe Vigneault based on complaints very 2018-19 can’t be erased as if it never happened. For the team to take similar to those some Flyers fans lobbed at Hakstol for years; Mike Yeo’s that long-awaited step forward, the players first need to address the St. Louis Blues quickly became one of the best teams in hockey (and mistakes that led to the club falling so short of the old regime’s goal. won the Cup) after Yeo was fired; and Michel Therrien has clashed with young, talented players in the past (and if you haven’t noticed, the Flyers “Everybody wants to make the playoffs and, believe me, we want to have quite a few of them). make the playoffs,” Fletcher said. “But before we can make the playoffs, we’ll have a process we’ll have to go through.” The biggest on-ice question is which side is more correct: Fletcher or the reasonable skeptics of his moves? Can the new coaches build a play- The Flyers, on paper, appear to have improved their roster. This is a club driving system at 5-on-5 and solve the special teams issues from the that realistically should have designs on the postseason, just as it did 12 past few seasons? Will Hayes take to his new home and immediately months ago. become the 2C the team desperately needs? Can Niskanen and Braun But Fletcher’s message to the players is simple: If you don’t want to reverse their troubling statistical trends? Can Elliott stay healthy? The struggle through the same issues from 2018-19, get with the program. answers to those questions will play a large part in determining whether Quickly. 2019-20 is a success or just more of the same for the Flyers.

“To me, I’m more focused on the process and the implementation of what How will new 2C Kevin Hayes handle the transition in joining the Flyers? we have to implement, and getting buy-in from the players,” he (James Guillory / USA Today) acknowledged. Biggest off-ice question The next seven months will show if they achieve that buy-in — and if the Training camp starts in three days, and the team’s presumptive No. 1 roster Fletcher helped to construct is good enough to take full advantage defenseman and a potential top-line right winger aren’t under contract of it. yet. Biggest on-ice question Those seem like the makings of pretty big questions concerning Ivan The consensus in April was that the Flyers — coming off a severely Provorov and Travis Konecny. disappointing season with a new front office — would be especially active The negotiations with Provorov were always likely to be the more during the summer. And it’s impossible to argue that the front office didn’t contentious of the two. Agent Mark Gandler has a long track record of live up to those expectations. They certainly did things. aggressively pursuing his clients’ wishes, and Provorov has been no Did they do enough things? Did they do the right things? Far less clear. exception. Dating to Hextall’s tenure, the Provorov camp has pushed for a very ambitious extension, and the defenseman’s disappointing 2018-19 You don’t have to squint to see the logic behind Fletcher’s offseason season didn’t change their approach (though one imagines if Provorov moves. Three coaches with extensive NHL head coaching experience — had delivered a stellar campaign, the current asks would be even higher). That said, there are reasons for optimism regarding Provorov’s chances That’s why the acquisition of Kevin Hayes could be so impactful. While of rejoining the Flyers in the near future. Monday’s news that Columbus Hayes has cracked the 50-point mark in his career only once, he’s had agreed to a three-year, $15 million contract ($5 million AAV) with averaged 1.99 Points/60 minutes at 5-on-5 over his five-year career, and Zach Werenski was significant; Provorov, Werenski and Boston’s Charlie he’s never posted a lower single-season rate than 1.60, which still ranked McAvoy have always been viewed as logical comparables, and if the first 149th in the NHL (high-end third-liner level) in 2016-17. He’s driven on- defenseman to sign had agreed to a contract far above or below market ice shot quality (by Evolving Wild’s Expected Goals RAPM metric) in all expectations, it might have inspired the benefiting side in the other two but one of his seasons, and is coming off his best performance in that negotiations to draw a firmer hard line in talks. Instead, Werenski signed area last year. The raw point totals may not be eye-popping, but Hayes to something that looks like a traditional bridge deal, hinting that the has historically been very efficient, and he fills a massive hole for the defenseman market hasn’t dramatically changed in the wake of large club. contracts given to just-off-their-entry-level-deal restricted free-agent forwards such as William Nylander and Auston Matthews. The addition of Hayes pushes Patrick to third-line center, a necessary move for both team and player. After a stellar second half in 2017-18, the In addition, deadlines spur action. After a relatively quiet August, talks 2C role was set aside for Patrick last season, but he struggled to between the Flyers and Provorov’s camp have understandably kicked consistently meet the expectations that come with such a lofty spot in the back into gear with training camp near. That doesn’t mean a deal is lineup. For a player with Patrick’s physical gifts, a breakout is always imminent, of course. But the Flyers have high expectations for the possible, but the Flyers could no longer count on it as inevitable if they coming season, and Provorov is a hockey obsessive — his intense had designs on playoff contention in 2019-20. The Flyers hope Patrick, offseason training methods show as much. Provorov also has a brand who turns 21 later this month, will benefit from the easier minutes at 3C, new coaching staff he needs to impress and new systems to learn. Each and that the temporary demotion actually proves to be a boon for his side wants a deal they deem fair value, but both are also highly long-term development. motivated to agree to a deal, period. The acquisition of Kevin Hayes pushes Nolan Patrick to 3C. (James When will the Flyers and Ivan Provorov settle on a new deal? (Isaiah J. Guillory / USA Today) Downing / USA Today) The fourth-line center spot is the only one with uncertainty. At first If the Provorov situation lingers into camp (and the regular season), it will glance, the logical choice is Scott Laughton, and he could very well end have a trickle-down effect on the entire defense. Suddenly, Travis up there to start the season. But many in the organization believe he Sanheim likely returns to first-pair duties, and Shayne Gostisbehere’s plays his best hockey at wing, and Laughton — who essentially bet on expected cushy spot — starting the season on the sheltered third pair — himself with a two-year extension this summer that takes him right into turns into a tougher-minutes job in the top-four. One assumes Niskanen unrestricted free-agent status — would prefer to play higher in the lineup, and Braun would receive more responsibility as well (a dicey proposition which would require a shift to wing. given the statistical concerns surrounding them), and Robert Hagg or Samuel Morin would jump into the projected lineup. Provorov averaged If Laughton were to end up at wing, it would open the door for a prospect 25:07 per night last season; that’s a lot to replace, particularly for a club to potentially win the fourth-line center job. Mikhail Vorobyev — who desperate to avoid another slow start. struggled in two NHL stints last season — would be a plausible option, as would German Rubtsov, who can play both center and wing. As a natural Konecny’s lack of a contract is more surprising because the Flyers’ center, Morgan Frost can’t be ignored, but he’d likely only factor into the offseason additions seemed to necessitate a bridge deal for the young mix at the NHL level to start the season if one of Couturier, Hayes or winger due to lack of available cap space for a longer-term, higher AAV Patrick suffered an injury. It’s hard to imagine Frost beginning his Flyers deal. When Washington locked up Jakub Vrána on July 16 to a two-year career in limited, fourth-line center minutes. deal with a $3.35 million cap hit, it seemed to set a low-end comparable for Konecny on a short-term deal (the two players produced similar Left Wing: The addition of Hayes ensured that Claude Giroux could seasons in 2018-19, but Konecny has the better overall track record). But remain at wing, where the captain acknowledged in April he believes he it’s now Sept. 10, and the two sides have yet to come to terms. provides maximum value to his club. Giroux can play on both the left and right side, but has mostly skated at LW since moving away from center to As with Provorov, this could easily end up a case in which the looming start the 2017-18 season. Expect him to begin 2019-20 there and be his training camp provides the final impetus for an agreement. If both sides usual dynamic self. know deep down that they’d be willing to cave from their current positions, it makes more sense to do so now, before the player misses Claude Giroux had 22 goals and 63 assists in 2018-19. (Eric Hartline / meaningful time, as opposed to after he is absent for valuable camp or USA Today) game time. Nylander’s 2018-19 season showed the negative impact of James van Riemsdyk and Oskar Lindblom should end up playing left months away from a team; it took until late January for the center to look wing on Lines 2 and 3, though the order will be decided at camp. like himself again from a scoring standpoint. Lindblom is the more defensively sound of the two, and has showcased a Konecny’s situation is further complicated by the number of talented knack for pushing play in the right direction at 5-on-5 in his young NHL young forward prospects closing in on NHL jobs. Provorov knows that it’s career. JvR, on the other hand, is a pure goal scorer who overcame an unlikely anyone is going to “steal” his 25-minute-a-night role with the early injury to light the lamp 27 times despite appearing in only 66 games Flyers even if he misses a few weeks of the regular season, but the idea in his first season back in Philadelphia. Both will be pivotal parts of the of Morgan Frost or Joel Farabee taking advantage of an extended top-nine forward mix. Konecny absence to nab a spot at wing on one of the top two lines isn’t Likely filling out the lineup is Michael Raffl, who signed a two-year ridiculous. That possibility, even if remote, adds another element of extension late in the 2018-19 season. He’ll be pushed by veteran signing urgency to the negotiations. Andy Andreoff, who has long been viewed as a gritty role player but Depth chart analysis scored 55 points in 75 games in the AHL last season as a 27-year-old, his best offensive season as a pro. The Flyers will give Andreoff a real Center: Any concerns that Sean Couturier is not of 1C quality should chance to make the 23-man roster. Carsen Twarynski is a long shot for a have died with the merciful end to the 2018-19 season. Not only did he roster spot out of camp but could factor in as an injury call-up during the essentially replicate his scoring leap from the year before, but he also season. Top prospects Joel Farabee and Isaac Ratcliffe will also be in established himself as arguably the league’s best two-way center at 5- the mix this month; if they miss out on roster spots, they would be logical on-5. He’s the definition of a set-it-and-forget-it player. injury replacements (depending on their respective development paths) should a top-nine LW miss extended time. The Flyers’ weakness at 2C goes back longer than most realize. Apart from the 2015-16 season — which saw Couturier break out at 5-on-5 and Right Wing: Jakub Voracek may not begin the season on the top line for Giroux deliver his final impact season in the middle — you have to go the sake of balance, but he remains the RW who will receive the most ice back to 2011-12 to find a year in which Philadelphia iced two clearly time. Even if his play-driving results have dipped in recent years, he can above-average top-six centers (Giroux and Daniel Briere). For the past still be trusted to produce points at a high-end level, and it’s possible his seven seasons, the Flyers have tried to fill the spot with youngsters not all-around game could benefit from a new coaching staff. Voracek returns quite ready for the responsibility (pre-breakout Couturier, Nolan Patrick), as one of the team’s leaders. players better suited for wing (Brayden Schenn, latter-day Giroux) or rapidly declining veterans (Briere, Vincent Lecavalier, Valtteri Filppula). Jakub Voracek is entering his 12th season in the NHL. (Andy Marlin / USA Today) The contract situation is clearly a complication for Travis Konecny, but strength of the team, the Philadelphia power play dropped to 23rd in the assuming he makes his way to camp, there’s a strong chance he begins NHL, its worst showing since the disastrous 2006-07 season. the season on Line 1 with Giroux and Couturier, as they’ve formed one of the most effective trios in hockey since midway through the 2017-18 Granted, the Flyers’ underlying power play results remained sound — season. Konecny has work to do in order to become a two-way force, but fifth in shot attempts per 60 minutes and third in Expected Goals per 60. his offensive ability is unquestioned. They just couldn’t score, posting a 30th-ranked 9.90 shooting percentage. Therrien’s primary goal will be to make the unit more The third-line RW spot is up for grabs. Veterans such as Laughton and efficient in scoring while not sacrificing its established ability to create Raffl could take the job by default if none of the other contenders step up shots and chances. to nab it, but competition will be fierce. Prospects Farabee, Frost, Rubtsov, Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Ratcliffe will make their cases for the His first task will be to tackle a lingering problem with the top unit last job, with veterans Kurtis Gabriel (signed to a one-way contract in July) season: The team’s five best power play weapons don’t fit naturally and Chris Stewart (at camp on a PTO) providing chase as well. together from a handedness standpoint in the current 1-3-1 structure. Most likely, PP1 will consist of Giroux, Voracek, Couturier, van Riemsdyk Newly acquired Tyler Pitlick was expected to be involved in the third-line and Gostisbehere, but if Giroux remains on the left side of the formation right-wing battle, but an injury will put him on the shelf for the bulk of and van Riemsdyk continues to be the netfront presence, the latter being camp. The hope is that Pitlick will be ready for the start of the season, but left-handed forces him to receive passes from Giroux on his backhand. even if he returns in time, he’ll likely begin the year on Line 4. It’s less than ideal.

Left Defense: If Ivan Provorov agrees to an extension prior to the start of Last season, Knoblauch addressed the problem by trying Giroux on the the season, this is the most straightforward section of the depth chart. right side for extended stretches, which served to neuter Giroux as a PP Provorov leads the way on the left side, and his goal will be to bounce goal-scoring option; he potted only two power play goals in 2018-19, back from an underwhelming third year in the NHL. Travis Sanheim most tying his career low from 2008-09, when he wasn’t even on the top unit. If likely will begin the season in second-pair duties now that the veteran Therrien plans to keep this group of five together, he needs to find a way right-side blueliner acquisitions allow him to return to his natural left side. to do it while maximizing the skill sets of his players. That could mean He’ll attempt to build off a breakout performance. Like Provorov, Shayne structural adjustments to the unit itself. Gostisbehere is returning from a down year, and as a result, he sits third on the LHD chart, though one presumes he’ll receive more minutes than The precise personnel of the second unit will be an intriguing subplot the average No. 5 defenseman. throughout camp. Presumably, Hayes and Konecny are locks for PP2 action, with Patrick likely to earn a spot as well. But it’s unclear whether Robert Hagg and Samuel Morin round out left-side depth. If all six of the Therrien will opt for a four forward/one defenseman structure or go projected starters are active for the beginning of the season, the Flyers 3F/2D. Lindblom, Provorov and Sanheim would be the logical fits to fill will need to decide whether to keep eight defensemen on the roster. A the final two spots, with the odd man out decided by which personnel “yes” answer to that question allows them to keep both Hagg and Morin grouping Therrien prefers. Of course, PP2 projections could be thrown with the big club. A “no” would result in some type of roster move — for a loop if Frost or Farabee makes the team out of camp; neither would passing one of the two through waivers, executing a trade — to excise be out of place on an NHL power play unit, even at a young age. one and carry only seven blueliners. Penalty Kill: Yeo’s job — in addition to coaching the defense corps — will Right Defense: New acquisitions Matt Niskanen and Justin Braun should be to resolve the team’s long-standing shorthanded woes. For the fifth begin the season at the top of the RHD depth chart. Most likely, consecutive season, the Flyers ranked in the bottom-third of the league Niskanen will start on the first pair while Braun will open his Philadelphia in PK efficiency in 2018-19. tenure on the second pair, as both spots would mirror their respective roles on their former clubs. Philippe Myers, while not a roster lock, will be To Ian Laperriere’s credit, the penalty kill was much better in the second given every opportunity to make the big club out of camp and take up his half after he reinstituted a more attacking style, a change supported by designated role as third-pair defenseman on the right side. interim head coach Scott Gordon. But with Laperriere moving to an “eye in the sky” role in the coaching staff this season, Yeo will be tasked with Providing depth behind the top-three will be veteran Andy Welinski, who carrying that momentum into 2019-20. signed a one-way contract on July 1, and prospect Mark Friedman, who made his NHL debut in Game 82 last season as a reward for strong work Couturier will remain the leader of the shorthanded units, befitting his in the AHL. Both presumably will be in the mix as options to slide into the status as a Selke Trophy contender. Laughton, Raffl, Hayes and NHL lineup if injuries strike Niskanen, Braun or Myers. Lindblom are logical forward choices for PK duties as well, with Giroux primarily taking a “faceoff-and-off” role. Pitlick could see shorthanded Goalie: Carter Hart and Brian Elliott are the clear duo. Fletcher noted time, and there are rookie contenders for roster spots — namely Rubtsov after signing Elliott to a one-year extension that he expects the split of or Farabee — who could factor into the PK rotation if they make the big starts to be something like 50/30, with quality of play deciding which club. netminder ends up with the larger share. Fans hope that will be the high- upside 21-year-old, and the organization is crossing its fingers for that On defense, Provorov and Braun will presumably take the lion’s share of outcome as well. the minutes, with Niskanen in support. Gostisbehere is not expected to play a PK role, so the final spot in the regular rotation should fall to While no one expects the Flyers will cycle through eight goalies as they Sanheim or Myers. Hagg and Morin would also factor into the mix in their did last season, injuries happen. Elliott, in particular, has struggled with starts. core ailments in recent seasons. If Hart or Elliott ends up on the IR, Alex Lyon would be the first recall option. Lyon had a solid season with the Final assessment Phantoms in 2018-19, posting a professional-career high 0.916 save The Flyers should be a better hockey team in 2019-20 than they were in percentage behind a group of skaters that only got weaker as the season 2018-19. progressed. Jean-François Bérubé will also be in the mix at the AHL level, and prospect Felix Sandstrom could force himself into the I don’t view this as a particularly controversial statement. With the conversation if he gets off to a fantastic start in his North American pro exceptions of Couturier and Giroux’s continued stellar play and career. Sanheim’s Year Two step forward, it’s tough to imagine more of a worst- case-scenario year for the Flyers than what played out last season. How the Flyers will distribute playing time between Carter Hart and Brian Elliott is an open question heading into training camp. (Eric Hartline / They cycled through eight goalies, who collectively posted the third-worst USA Today) save percentage in hockey. They watched their two best defensemen deliver severely disappointing years. Their top young forward inexplicably Special teams stagnated after strong hints the previous year a breakout was coming, Power Play: Therrien will take over management of the power play, leaving the Flyers largely as a one-line team. Oh, and they broke replacing Kris Knoblauch. While Knoblauch’s chances of surviving the convention in firing their general manager midway through the season, organization-wide shakeup were already slim because new head which sparked a two-month stretch of internal turmoil only calmed by the coaches tend to bring in their own assistants, he didn’t make a strong removal of a lame-duck coach and the interim coach finally having a case in 2018-19 for his continued employment in Philadelphia. Long a chance to implement his preferred tactics. In short, it was a debacle. Having the worst goaltending in the league for nearly the entire first half of the season, and going to work every day not knowing who is going to be fired next, is going to have a negative impact on any player’s psyche. Which then, in turn, has an impact on performance and statistical results. It becomes something of a death spiral, and that’s exactly what I believe happened to the Flyers players last season, at least until Hart’s emergence gave the team a reason to believe that not everything in their hockey world was a mess.

That said, the 2019-20 club has holes. Or perhaps a better way to put it is that they have question marks — a lot of them. No one has a clue how the roster will respond to the new coaching staff. If the most pessimistic metrics are right, Niskanen and Braun might just end up being slightly better versions of Andrew MacDonald and Hagg, respectively, instead of substantial upgrades, as the front office believes. Even goalies destined for future stardom don’t always deliver strong Year Two performances when they’re as young as Hart is. The Provorov and Konecny contract situations will remain a worry until they’re resolved. There is no guarantee that the young players on the roster take the steps forward that both the fans and the organization are desperately hoping they will take.

I keep coming back to one point, however. In September 2018, I evaluated the roster and confidently believed it was playoff-caliber with the potential to even win a round. The Flyers enter this season projected to have a similar starting lineup, with the following one-for-one positional swaps:

Kevin Hayes in for Mikhail Vorobyev

Matt Niskanen in for Andrew MacDonald

Justin Braun in for Robert Hagg

Philippe Myers in for Radko Gudas

Tyler Pitlick in for Jori Lehtera

Carter Hart in for Michal Neuvirth

Yet-to-be-determined 3RW in for Wayne Simmonds

With the possible exception of the Myers-for-Gudas swap — and that pessimism would be mostly driven by trust in Gudas’ stellar underlying metrics and a bearish view of Myers in his rookie year — which of these moves aren’t clear upgrades in terms of talent? The third-line wing spot remains an unknown, but it’s not hard to imagine that even if a talented youngster doesn’t nab the job out of camp, the Flyers should be able to piecemeal together more than the 0.8 GSVA worth of value that The Athletic’s Dom Luszczyszyn projected Simmonds to provide before last season began, and certainly more than the negative-2.0 worth of Goals Above Replacement value he ended up delivering in his 62 games with the club last season (per Evolving Wild’s metric).

Isn’t this, on paper, a better, deeper team than the one most penciled into a playoff spot this time last year?

Yes, it’s possible everyone just overrated the Flyers going into 2018-19. But in a way, I find it reassuring that even in a season that saw everything go wrong, Philadelphia still only finished with the 10th-worst record and remained at least on the outskirts of playoff contention until mid-March. I don’t believe the Flyers — from a true-talent standpoint — were as bad as their results indicated. And I do believe the Flyers — again, from a true-talent standpoint — are better now than they were this time last year.

In other words, I’m expecting an improvement. But other teams in the conference haven’t sat on their hands. The Panthers have improved. The Devils made big additions. The Islanders, Hurricanes and Canadiens each look far better than they did in September 2018. It will be a battle for even an improved version of the Flyers to return to the postseason.

If I had to guess, I’d say they find a way to keep their “one year in, one year out” playoff streak intact. There’s just too much talent on the roster, and while the team’s downside is undeniable, the upside is just as clear. But what if the team “underachieves” again due to a failure to buy into Fletcher’s mindset? Well, don’t expect the general manager to be nearly as patient as the old one in accepting the status quo.

The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107828 Philadelphia Flyers market helps to explain the crossroads at which Hart and the Flyers find themselves heading into training camp.

The Flyers haven’t won a Stanley Cup since 1975. There are myriad Is the Flyers’ Carter Hart ready for the NHL’s most challenging reasons why the team’s Cup drought has extended beyond four decades, goaltending job? but chief among them has been the absence of a bona fide Stanley Cup caliber goaltender.

Scott Burnside Sep 10, 2019 Hart is the next best chance to put an end to that misery. The anticipation about what the young goaltender represents is palpable.

Hart was in Philadelphia for some offseason workouts and he stopped in SHERWOOD PARK, Alberta – There is something purposeful about the an Apple Store to buy an iPad. A couple introduced themselves and then solitary figure on this sheet of ice in this suburban rink outside Edmonton introduced their newborn; Carter. He’s named after Hart. on this day in early August. Soon other patrons and staff in the store were crowding around asking The heir to the oft-cursed Philadelphia Flyers goaltending throne makes for pictures and wishing Hart well on the upcoming season. looping circles up and down the ice, gliding first on one leg and then the other. Hart recalled the odd feeling the night of his NHL debut Dec. 18 as the crowd at Wells Fargo Arena roared its approval for his first-ever NHL Carter Hart is worried about the great gouges he’s left in the ice at the stop. It was a routine shot from well out, but the fans had been waiting for Millennium Place. Though the rising NHL star need not worry. The that moment virtually since the Flyers made him the first goaltender staffers who come out to chat at the end of Hart’s hour-long session selected in the 2016 draft. Their enthusiasm made Hart smile behind his seem more pleased by his presence than annoyed about any damage mask. he’s done to their ice surface. On the bench, interim head coach Scott Gordon recalled a stop Hart Hart booked the ice himself. He packed a special drill bit and brought made just before Detroit scored its first goal that night, somehow getting along some NHL style goal pegs to anchor the net. his body in front of a shot that seemed destined to go in.

Once he secures the posts, he slides quickly back and forth, sealing first “It was unbelievable,” Gordon said. one side of the net and then the other with his skates. The Red Wings scored on the rebound, but Gordon looked down the If the pegs aren’t set, the posts will move and that’ll disrupt Hart’s bench and saw an energized team. The players looked at each other as session. if they had just seen a sign of things to come.

“I missed on one of them,” the now 21-year-old said during a water “Every goalie makes big saves, but it was kind of a moment, wow, this break, sweat pouring down his face. “But it’s gotten a lot better than what kid’s pretty good,” Gordon said after the 3-2 Flyers victory. it used to be.” Hart is expected to occupy a place quite apart from the franchise’s A man perfecting his craft. pockmarked history with goaltenders. The Flyers haven’t had a Vezina Trophy winner since Ron Hextall in 1987 and haven’t had a finalist for the At age 10, Hart sat down at the family table in Fort Saskatchewan, award since Roman Cechmanek in 2001. Over the past 20 seasons Alberta, and wrote on a blank piece of paper: “I will play in the Western (1998-99 through 2018-19), the Flyers have made 15 appearances in the Hockey League.” playoffs, taken part in 27 playoff series and employed 12 different He would look at that paper every morning before he left his room. starters in goal. Four other goaltenders appeared in Flyers playoffs games during that period but did not start games. When he was in Grade 6, he informed his teacher that he would be playing in the NHL one day. The teacher told him the odds would suggest When the subject of the team’s quixotic search for a franchise netminder that wasn’t likely. comes up, Hart is always reminded of the sage advice from his former junior coach, Kevin Constantine: “Only care about what you’re doing the “But it can be done,” he said. next day.”

Growing up, Hart would often beg off outings or parties if he had early In short, erasing four-plus decades of goaltending angst isn’t his agenda. hockey the next day. As he got older, relationships were put on hold so he could focus on his game. Even now, he prefers to eat at home the “I don’t really care (about the Flyers’ history) because that’s the past,” night before home games in order to make time for his pregame rituals, Hart said. “The only thing that matters is right now. which include 45 minutes of stretching before bed. “I don’t need to be anybody’s savior.” But to suggest that Hart’s single-minded pursuit of excellence has come Hart and his family lived in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, about a half-hour somehow at the cost of his humanity, that his commitment to craft has drive northeast of Edmonton, until Hart was 13. That’s when they moved come at the expense of a personality, a sense of humor, a curiosity about to the bedroom community of Sherwood Park. life, in short to suggest that Hart has somehow become a goaltending cyborg if you will, is refreshingly untrue. At the side of the Hart residence there’s a hockey net. Its presence reminds Hart of the times he would bundle younger sister Sarah, now 16, As his solo session nears completion, an 8-year-old boy attending a in padded clothes and street hockey gear and set her in the goal for summer hockey camp appears near the ice in full gear. some target practice. Hart stops by the bench to say hello and invites the boy onto the ice to “Most of the time it would end up with her running into the house crying,” take a handful of shots at him. The lanky 6-foot-2 Hart and the pint-sized Hart acknowledged. skater create an interesting tableaux. A boy perhaps too young to understand the nature of dreams and a young man just now fully In the basement, Hart’s domain, there is a room to the left that bears the understanding the power of such dreams. distinctive, perhaps even comforting, odor familiar to any family that has stored hockey gear for any length of time. The youngster tells Hart, respectfully, that he’s a Chicago Blackhawks fan. A couple of favored jerseys hang on the wall in his bedroom, including a signed Braden Holtby Capitals jersey, which is also signed by former “Well, I guess we can’t be friends,” Hart jokes, “unless you become a Washington netminders Olie Kolzig and Michal Neuvirth. Flyer fan.” In December, Neuvirth spent time as Hart’s netminding partner in The boy said he doesn’t mind the Flyers, though he has grave Philadelphia after Hart was called up from the AHL. reservations about Flyers fans. In contrast to all the hockey paraphernalia in the small carpeted living The fact that an 8-year-old boy thousands of miles from the center of room, an acoustic guitar rests in a stand and not far away is an electric Philadelphia hockey angst has at least a passing notion of that hockey guitar, Hart’s pastime away from the rink. Carter Hart practices guitar. (Scott Burnside / The Athletic) John told his son early on that if he was serious about goaltending he would find a goaltending coach. He made an appointment for Hart to see He bought his first guitar for $150 his final year as a major junior star in local goaltending guru John Stevenson. Everett. He’d graduated from high school and wanted a hobby to challenge himself. He began taking lessons from a local musician who Hart’s mother drove him to Stevenson’s rural workout facility but was told seemed more interested in talking politics, so after learning a handful of she would have to wait outside in the truck, that it would be just chords, Hart fired him. Stevenson and the young netminder on the ice.

He is now more or less teaching himself. When it was over, Stevenson told Shauna he’d never seen a young netminder with the focus her son revealed in that early session. And, yes, He agrees, somewhat reluctantly, to play a sample of some of the songs he’d love to work with him. he’s been working on. Stevenson still remembers the joyful exuberance the young Hart showed, There are snippets from Johnny Cash’s “Hurt,” Green Day’s “Boulevard sliding from side to side on the ice in his best 11-year-old imitation of of Broken Dreams,” “Time of Dying” one of his favorites by Three Days rising Montreal star netminder Carey Price. Grace and “Zombie,” made famous by the Cranberries. “He was way ahead of everybody else,” Stevenson said. Some of the tunes are instantly recognizable while others are, well, less so. Guitar is a work-in-progress. And while there are easier hobbies, the Stevenson taught Hart early on about the power of visualization. Hart intricacy appeals to him. recalls lying on the bench in the dressing room, closing his eyes and imagining making saves, being in position, being a goaltender. When you’re working on the guitar, “that’s all you think about,” Hart said. The mentor and the student remain connected to this day, as The counter next to the family’s kitchen constantly plays host to plates of Stevenson’s importance a decade after their first meeting ranks up there homemade cookies, smoothies, fresh fruits or local cured meats. with Hart’s parents.

Hart’s mother, Shauna, a former mortgage administrator with a national In his early teens, Hart came to Stevenson before a big tournament. bank, makes sure the fridge is well-stocked for her son’s summer sojourn Scouts were going to be watching and Hart wanted to perform well. home and she consults with Hart on his preferred menu in preparing dinners so he doesn’t get overloaded on one particular food group. But with all the pressure and his desire to show well, Hart struggled and was pulled in several games. Thus far this summer, Hart has more than five pounds to his 6-foot-2 frame, part of his goal of getting a bit bigger and stronger. A few days later, Hart and Stevenson sat down to go over the disappointing outcome. What do you love about goaltending, Stevenson During the season, Hart talks to his father, John, a self-employed wanted to know. The joy of being part of a team, the satisfaction of being mechanical coordinator in the petroleum industry, pretty much every day in the right position, the feeling of the puck hitting the glove, Hart said. and certainly after every game. Stevenson urged him to focus on those things the next time the end The two attend car shows around the Edmonton area during the result of a game threatened to intrude on his thoughts. offseason and Hart imagines a day when the two will own a classic car, maybe a late model Camaro or Mustang, and show it themselves. A few years later, the night before the gold medal game at the World Junior Championships in 2018, Hart called up Stevenson for a chat. They also play as much golf as they can. He was sitting by himself in the lobby of the team’s hotel in Buffalo. Hart John, who played senior hockey in British Columbia for the legendary wanted very badly to rewrite the script from the previous year, when the Trail Smoke Eaters, happens to be an excellent golfer who has never lost Canadians lost in the gold medal game in a shootout with Hart in goal. to his son. Stevenson asked him to think back to their early work together and When they play together, if Dad hits a poor shot, he’ll invariably wonder imagine just playing goal. Not the outcome but the simple feeling of aloud to his son: “Is this the day?” making a stop, the correct positioning on any given play, going back to But it’s never been that day. the core elements of playing the position.

Last summer, they put a friendly $250 wager on whether Hart could best “Even the sounds of the game,” Hart said. his father just once before he headed off to training camp. Hart paid out, When you’re in that moment of memory, he said, “you can almost hear in Canadian dollars, which lessens the sting of loss slightly, he said. the puck hitting the webbing of the glove.”

“He can outdrive me, no problem there,” John said. “But Carter gets a The next day, Canada won the gold medal and Hart was Player of the little stubborn sometimes. He doesn’t like to take advice.” Game.

Hart began playing youth hockey as a skater but after subbing in When Stevenson decided to go full-time into the psychological end of the occasionally for the team’s regular goaltender he informed his parents business, working not just with hockey players but other athletes and when he was about 9 years old that he wanted to be a goaltender full- corporate clients, the Harts needed to figure out who Carter could work time. with as he got into his teenage years.

“Dad, you can’t deny me my dream,” he reportedly told his father. Enter Dustin Schwartz.

John and his son headed to the basement to figure out if goaltending was Schwartz was a highly regarded local goaltending coach and part of the for his son. staff at Vimy Ridge Academy, a school Hart attended before being Hart grabbed his baseball glove and a stick and his father started drafted by Everett of the WHL. snapping shots at him with a hard sponge ball. “He was 100 percent a student of the game,” said Schwartz, now the “His decision to play goal was not my decision,” John said. “I was trying goaltending coach for the Edmonton Oilers. “Bursting for something new to deter him from it. I tried to fix it.” all the time.”

One of the first shots hit Carter, sans mask, in the lip. There was some The two would often take lunch breaks at school together to go over blood but no tears. video.

“He just shook his head and said, ‘OK, Dad, bring it,’” John said. “He gave up his lunchtime because hockey was a priority,” Schwartz said. The next shot went by his ear and the boy never flinched. Schwartz was working with him when Hart was cut by the local AAA U-15 “I thought, ‘oh no, here we go,’” Hart’s father said. team.

From Hart’s peewee days. (Courtesy of the Hart family) Disappointed but undaunted, Hart told Schwartz that even if he was playing for a lower-tier team, he was going to be the best goalie in that league. And he was. A year later, he was with Everett and by the end of that first full season “He shredded me,” Hart said. with the Silvertips, he was the undisputed No. 1 goalie. In his next start, the team’s first regular-season game, he earned a Schwartz said Hart has “transitioned with purpose,” as he’s faced greater shutout and went on to win 35 games with a 2.14 GAA. and greater hurdles in the game. He understands what the next level looks like and understands the work that needs to be done to get there. When you’re a 16-year-old boy away from home for the first time not all answers are found in save percentages and minutes played. Firstline Training is housed in a vast warehouse/workout facility in Sherwood Park and early this August morning it’s dominated, as it is In his first full season in Everett, Hart bounced around to a number of most days, by hockey players. different billet homes. It wasn’t ideal in general and it especially wasn’t ideal for a shy boy from Sherwood Park. There are a couple of NHLers including Hart’s longtime pal Sam Steel, one of Anaheim’s most promising forward prospects, a couple of WHL In his second year, Hart and Riley Sutter, son of Ron Sutter and part of players and a handful of minor pro hopefuls. the sprawling Sutter hockey family, were paired with longtime Everett billet Parker Fowlds. There is a steady hum of activity as the players move from station to station, some doing weights, others working on cardio and so on. The soon-to-be 79-year-old has been hosting major junior hockey boys for 15 years now and recalls having to read Hart the riot act early. Riding herd on the entire operation and seemingly in tune with where each of the dozen or so customers are at in each of their workouts is Hart was content to come home from school or practice and retreat to his owner Phil Daly. room and listen to music.

Hart was about 14 the first time he sauntered into this gym with his That wasn’t Fowlds’ way. hoodie on, knapsack on his back and earphones in his ear. “He was very shy and he wasn’t presenting himself with the other boys “He was the goofiest little kid I’ve ever come across,” Daly said. that came very well,” Fowlds said. “It took him a little while to get used to it. He grew up pretty fast.” Training a goalie is, on some levels, different than training a skater because of the mechanics of the position. All players have the same And just as quickly, routines developed. Every morning for three engine system and the demands on the body are the same, Daly said, seasons, Fowlds fixed Hart roughly the same breakfast; eggs scrambled, but a goalie differs dramatically in how the body moves. Goalies need to chocolate milk and a couple of pieces of toast. Fowlds was in the same be strong off their knees, which requires a strong core and hips that allow seat for each home game, five rows up to the right of the home goal. And for sudden, dramatic pushes laterally. before every game, Hart would skate past Fowlds and look up ever so briefly, raising his left arm. When he came in, Hart was a goalie, Daly said. “That was it,” Fowlds said. “From then on the game was focused.” “Now I’ve turned him into an athlete.” Whether it was traveling to the local bay to skip stones as a way of Erin Baker leads Hart through a workout that includes elements of diffusing pregame anxiety, getting ice cream or engaging in late-night Pilates, yoga and tai chi. (Scott Burnside / The Athletic) chats before bed, Fowlds became an important part of Hart’s life. So when Hart was called up from the American Hockey League for his first When Hart arrived for his first full season in Everett at the age of 16 the stint as an NHLer, he bought Fowlds’ airline ticket so he could share in expectation was that he would play in a handful of games while learning the event. from more experienced players. With veteran netminders in place with the big club in Philadelphia, Hart “By January he was out-performing our 19-year-old and won the job and began his first season as a professional netminder in Lehigh Valley in the was our goalie in the playoffs,” Constantine said. “He was just intensely AHL. in love with goaltending and worked his butt off. He wasn’t distracted by normal things.” Gordon, Hart’s coach in Lehigh Valley, puts it this way: If you took the top five players from every team in the WHL, they would have trouble finding Hart lives “in goalie world,” he said. roster spots in the AHL. That’s how big a jump between juniors and pro Constantine, who has been coaching almost continuously since 1985 hockey is. with NHL stops in San Jose, Calgary, Pittsburgh and New Jersey, “I’m not saying he took it lightly,” Gordon said of Hart’s transition at the believes that most people who come in contact with Hart come away beginning of last season. But there was a period of adjustment and it happy they have done so. reflected in his play.

“And the reason I say that is he’s charming in a really weird way,” Gordon pulled Hart from a game in Providence early that season. “I said, Constantine said. “And I’m an ex-goalie and I wear the weirdness label ‘I didn’t think you were ready to play tonight,’” Gordon recalled. with pride.” The following night, Gordon said Hart played one of his best games of Constantine had a routine in Everett where he invited small groups of the season. players to his house for dinner with his family. The standing rule for those dinners was that hockey talk was banned so the conversations went to Over the next month, it was more of the same. family, schooling, hometowns, current events and the like. In late November, the Flyers needed a goalie to fill one of the endless Usually the players would be looking at their watches or phones, injury voids they suffered. wondering when they could escape to text or play video games or hang out with their pals, Constantine admitted. Would it be Anthony Stolarz or Hart?

Not Hart. Gordon was honest in his assessment and said that he needed to see more from Hart. Hart, who was particularly impressed by some cream puffs made by Constantine’s wife, spent much of the evening in the kitchen chatting with “To me that was a turning point,” Gordon said. her about their shared love of cooking shows. It was as though Hart knew what it would take to be the one to get the “They talked forever about ‘Cake Boss,’” said Constantine, now coaching call the next time and he played superlatively in five straight games in South Korea, with a laugh. “I don’t even know what it is other than it’s leading to his own call-up in mid-December. on the Food Network.” “I almost felt he was sensing how close he was,” Gordon said. “He Constantine had a profound impact on Hart’s evolution in part because played at a different level.” he was uncompromising. Hart arrived at training camp for his second full If the on-ice learning curve was steep, it was no less steep away from the year in Everett and was not particularly sharp and was not particularly rink where Hart was now fending for himself in Allentown. concerned about it. After a number of desultory preseason performances, Constantine took Hart aside and told him in no uncertain terms that what Hart was proactive and took advantage of the offer of help from the he was bringing to the table was not enough. Flyers’ nutritionist, Nyree Dardarian, who journeyed to Allentown to help him shop properly. The routine continued after Hart moved into his own So, maybe it’s not surprising that when you ask John Hart what his place in Philadelphia and they would talk on the phone intermittently to favorite moment is since Carter has stepped into the NHL world, it’s not a make sure Hart was maintaining a healthy diet. win or a save or a star turn.

Hart and teammate Connor Bunnaman rented an apartment in Allentown, Late in the regular season, with the playoffs an afterthought, the Flyers and Hart was in charge of paying the heat and electricity bill. Or he was had invited students from a school for the blind to take in a practice at the supposed to be. One night, they returned to find the apartment cold and team’s facility in Voorhees, N.J., Carter hit it off with a young man named dark. It was the weekend so they were forced to spend a miserable Justin and invited him to the team’s final home game. couple of days huddled around candles purchased in bulk from a local department store. Justin came to the locker room after the game and Carter gave him a stick and they talked about how the game sounded, what it smelled like “So that’s how I learned,” Hart said. for Justin. Hart then gave the boy a puck, which he held in his hands.

Not long after Stolarz was called up to the sputtering Flyers he, too, was “He said, ‘Oh, so that’s what a puck feels like,’” John Hart recalled the injured, setting the stage for Hart’s NHL debut. boy saying. “It almost brought a tear to my eye.”

By the time Hart was penciled in to start against Detroit on Dec. 18, the Back at the Millennium Place, Hart is finishing up his offseason on-ice team was in the midst of seismic changes. session with his newfound friend.

Longtime Flyers great Hextall, who drafted Hart, had been replaced as The youngster’s mates have all emerged from the dressing room and are general manager a few weeks earlier by Chuck Fletcher. Then, in the waiting for the ice to be resurfaced. That their friend is on the ice with hours before Hart’s first start, head coach Dave Hakstol was fired and Hart creates a buzz. Gordon took over as interim coach. Who is that, someone asks? Hart let none of the external issues deter him. Carter Hart, answers another. “It was the plan and he was ready,” Gordon said. “I knew one thing. After the game, I wasn’t getting the game puck.” Who?

Veteran netminder Mike McKenna, 36, got a chance to observe Hart up The kid calmly lists off Hart’s impressive resume, played for Canada close last season as he finished his career with the Flyers organization twice at the world juniors, drafted by Philadelphia, expected to be their starter this season. “First of all, he’s mature beyond his years,” McKenna said. “Basically, he’s going to be the next Carey Price,” the kid says matter of The way he prepares for games, his mentality is something you’d expect factly. from a more experienced pro netminder, McKenna said. Maybe. And that’s a nice thought. “I really think he’s built for success.” But what if he’s simply the one and only Carter Hart? McKenna chuckles at the rituals and the idiosyncrasies that are also part of Hart’s daily routine. The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019

Like his staring at droplets of water shot from a water bottle, a regimen the public first saw with Holtby in Washington.

Every little goalie in Philadelphia is going to be staring at water droplets now, McKenna predicted.

Or traveling to and from the rink.

Even though Hart and McKenna were staying in the same hotel, Hart wouldn’t give McKenna a ride to the rink before one game. Hart prefers to use that time for pregame preparation.

“He just liked to drive on his own,” McKenna said. “It didn’t faze me a bit.”

After compiling a modest 9-8-1 record and .902 save percentage with the Phantoms, Hart went 16-13-1 with a solid .917 save percentage after his December call-up to the Flyers.

Will there be a step back this season as Hart looks to earn the fulltime starter’s role ahead of veteran Brian Elliott? Perhaps.

“I’d be surprised if he played 60 games this year and absolutely lit it on fire,” McKenna said. “I would expect at some point some regression. And I think we’re really going to see what he’s made of when he gets into that lull.”

Still, many observers believe Hart might possess the perfect disposition and high-end goaltending skills to fill that long empty void in Philadelphia.

“If anybody is built to walk into that role and be successful it’s him,” McKenna said. “He doesn’t seem to be fazed by anything. One thing for sure, you can’t be an emotional goalie in the Philly market.”

And make no mistake, even with the addition of new head coach Alain Vigneault and veteran pro coaches Michel Therrien and Mike Yeo and veteran defenders Matt Niskanen and Justin Braun, Hart is the story in Philadelphia.

No question he’s an NHL goalie, McKenna said, “The question is whether he’s a very good goaltender or an elite goaltender.”

Hart’s parents hoped for the longest time that he’d use hockey as a catalyst to an education.

Then scouts and coaches and general managers started saying things about their son’s skill and drive to be an NHL player. 1107829 Philadelphia Flyers the other seven goalies combined, which was .910. In 31 games, Hart actually allowed 4.5 goals above expected.

With that in mind, expectations regarding Hart might need to be 2019-20 NHL Season Preview: Philadelphia Flyers tempered as much of his success last year relied upon the team in front of him, as difficult as that may be to believe. That was just his first pro season though, and at 21 there’s plenty of reason to believe it’s By Dom Luszczyszyn Sep 10, 2019 something he can build off of, especially considering his exceptional WHL resume. For now, my model doesn’t value him highly, but if he can

showcase legitimate prowess manning an NHL net, it could provide a The Flyers came into the 2018-19 season with a lot of hype. Big further boost to the Flyers’ chances this season. resurgent seasons from their star players the prior year to go along with a If he falters though, Brian Elliott isn’t exactly the best backup plan. After a burgeoning young core and a stocked prospect cupboard brought along miracle season with St. Louis in 2015-16, Elliott has put up below high hopes for the franchise. Things didn’t exactly go according to plan average numbers at a remarkably consistent rate, going .907, .909, and as Philadelphia ended up being one of the most disappointing teams last .910 over the last three seasons, all 0.3-to-0.4 percentage points below season. expected. With Elliott, you know what you’re getting, but what you’re The 14.6 point difference between what was projected of the Flyers (96.6 getting isn’t very good at this point in his career at age 34. He’s a fine points) and what they actually earned (82 points) was the third largest back-up, but nothing more and last year’s injury troubles don’t inspire negative gap in the league. Of teams that missed the playoffs, the Flyers much confidence either. had the highest playoff chances at 74 percent. Ouch. The hope is that the team defense improves as a whole, consistently Big changes came during and after the season, as a new look Flyers playing at the level it was while Hart was in net last season. That would rose from the ashes of the team’s failure. Will sweeping offseason make things easier on a goaltending duo that still appears to be bottom changes be enough? Right now, it looks like things could go either way. five in the league, but at the very least is no longer a massive detriment. Supporting the netminders will be the key to a successful season, and It’s been said that the best way to know if a stat is on the right track is if the Flyers revamped its defense group with that in mind. the Philadelphia Flyers look painfully mediocre in every respect. In that case, I think we nailed it. The left side remains unchanged and is one of the league’s deepest with all three possessing plenty of upside, while the right side has been At this juncture, that means it’s hard to predict exactly where the Flyers overhauled in order to find a better fit on each pair. The goal was also to land as there’s little certainty with the team landing close to the middle find players that can handle the responsibilities of playing in the top four, with a 46 percent chance at the postseason, just outside the East’s top an area the previous tenants at those positions either struggled with eight. The team is on the outside looking in, but could just as easily (Andrew MacDonald and Robert Hagg) or weren’t trusted with (Radko leapfrog one of the teams ahead all the same. Gudas).

While there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Flyers, what is likely In that regard, the team found what they were looking for in Matt though is that the team should improve on last season’s performance. Niskanen and Justin Braun, two defensively responsible players who The Flyers have an 86 percent chance of besting last year’s pitiful 82 have been used primarily in matchup roles, but I’m not so sure what point total and while offseason moves play a role in that, it’s mostly just they’ll actually be receiving in terms of value is what they signed up for. regression working positively for them. At 32, both players are on the wrong side of the age curve and recent seasons have not been kind to them. A decline looks very real and in After a successful 2017-18 campaign, few expected last year’s implosion both cases the Flyers were sold on a reputation rather than what the and that means the team’s true talent level likely lies somewhere player currently is. It’s an improvement over what they previously had in between. Last year the team’s biggest problem was goaltending – using the top four, but I do believe they’ll miss Gudas more than they expect. eight (8!) different netminders speaks to that – where their .895 save percentage ranked 29th in the league. Relative to expectations, it was Niskanen took a major step back last season with the worst expected even worse as the Flyers’ goaltending octagon allowed 37.8 more goals goals percentage on Washington last season and he and his partner, than expected. That’s six-to-seven wins lost from that alone and a Dmitri Orlov, were the only Capitals’ defenders to be outscored at 5-on-5. reversal of fortune to just average puts the team at 94-to-96 points last The season prior the shutdown pair was Washington’s strongest en route season, a few points higher than this year’s projection, and a few below to a Stanley Cup victory. His defensive impacts were still solid in 2018-19 last year’s. That’s regression in action. given the degree of difficulty of his minutes, but his ability to drive offence cratered. He’s been strong there before and his puck-moving skills There were some other factors too, none of which should be as bad as remain, so he likely gets first crack at the top pair next to Ivan Provorov, they were last season. That means the Flyers should improve this year, with the hope that last season was a blip rather than a trend. I’m but whether it’ll be enough to make the playoffs again remains to be skeptical considering his GSVA has dropped in four straight seasons. seen. Braun moves down the depth chart as a result and will likely no longer be Everything will once again hinge on the goalies as the team can’t afford tasked with shouldering the burden of the supremely tough minutes he to have goaltending sink yet another season. It’s been a running issue for was often saddled with in San Jose. Until last season when the burden the Flyers for as long as I remember, but last year’s collective effort was was eased up, he and Marc-Edouard Vlasic often faced the highest a new low, a truly deplorable season. It simply can’t be that bad again, concentration of elite talent year-after-year since Pete DeBoer arrived as mostly because even the worst teams in that regard usually regress head coach, but Braun’s ability to contain and shutdown those players upwards. has waned in recent seasons. He’s always been very strong defensively In Philadelphia’s case, it’s also because the team won’t be going through and it was usually enough to offset his weakness with the puck, but the a goaltending carousel this time around as there finally appears to be problems on offence have only increased over the years. That may not stability at the position. The team called up goaltender of the future be his “job,” but it still means his defensive impact is generally Carter Hart on December 17 and almost instantly the team’s woes came undermined by his inability to do much else. The one-dimensionality of to a halt. Prior to that date the Flyers sported a grotesque .874 save his game has led to the Sharks being outscored 167-134 over the last percentage in the league, good for dead last by a mile. That the team three seasons, the worst mark on the team with a break-even expected was 12-15-4 at that point despite that is nothing short of a small miracle. goals rate that also rates as a team worst. Tough usage isn’t much of an Afterwards, the team posted a collective .906, a league average rate built excuse when he gets to play with a player like Vlasic, who’s arguably upon the strength of Hart’s personal .917. been dragged down by Braun’s contributions over that time frame.

While Hart’s raw numbers look strong however, they were buoyed by a The question here is whether giving Braun softer minutes will help his team defense that did well in limiting quality looks in front of him. Perhaps numbers and while I don’t think it would hurt, I wouldn’t expect big value it was a byproduct of playing in front of a rookie goalie, knowing they had either. Those expecting Braun to help on a penalty kill that ranked sixth to tighten things up after a wretched start, or playing under a new coach, worst last season should note that Braun’s numbers there haven’t been but Hart’s expected save percentage was actually .922. That’s well sterling either over the last few seasons, with his goals against and above his output and much higher than the expected save percentage of expected goals against rate last season being worse than every regular Flyer penalty killer on defense, on a better penalty-killing team no less. Niskanen and Braun will likely start the season being paired with Ivan especially for Giroux whose expected goals percentage dropped from 54 Provorov and Travis Sanheim, two players that represent the future of percent to 49 percent. Voracek went from 50 percent to 49 percent. Both the Flyers’ blue line. Provorov, 22, is the team’s de facto number one player’s transition stats remained unchanged meaning something else defender in line for a big pay day before the season starts, but he hasn’t was affecting their results. consistently looked the part in his short three-year career yet. There was a brief glimmer two seasons ago when paired with Shayne Gostisbehere, With both now in their 30’s a decline becomes a growing concern, one but that disappeared last season. Last year with Sanheim was mostly that seemed to be quieted by an electric 2017-18 campaign, but might be fine too, though the duo did get that outscored. In that vein, it seems that back to being a legitimate possibility going forward. With 2017-18 still in who plays with seems to matter a ton as he’s not strong enough yet to my model’s priors, it expects both to hold steady or bounce-back slightly, carry a pair on his own, not while also dealing with tough competition, too but it’s possible 2017-18 was an outlier season. If things only drop off (and in his defense, few players can). He’s an excellent puck-mover, but further from last season, the Flyers would be in trouble. that hasn’t really translated into tangible results befitting of his pedigree Giroux’s ability to drive play to an elite degree is a huge part of what just yet. For the Flyers to take the next step, they need Provorov to lead made him MVP-worthy in 2017-18 and in order for the Flyers to succeed them by taking one himself. With Niskanen on his right, he has a this season, he needs to see a bounce-back campaign in that facet of his dependable partner (and one who actually shoots right-handed unlike game. That, plus the lack of power play success, is what fuelled a two- Gostisbehere and Sanheim), but the onus is on him now. win drop in Giroux’s bottom line. He was still right around three wins, an Sanheim was Provorov’s most frequent partner last season and on the elite rate, but the previous season had him leading the league in GSVA surface it seems like he struggled in the role on the shutdown pair. Away entirely. Finding a way to recuperate at least some of that lost value from Provorov – presumably in less difficult minutes – Sanheim had a would go a long way for this team. 53.9 percent expected goals rate, but together the duo was only at 49.5 His partnership with Sean Couturier can’t be overstated enough and their percent. But it’s important to note here that Sanheim’s ascent up the separation last year is a big part of why Giroux’s two-way game likely lineup coincided with Scott Gordon assuming head coaching duties after deteriorated. In 2017-18, Giroux played with Couturier in every single Dave Hakstol was fired, and the team’s expected goals percentage was game of the season, but that changed last year at the 26-game mark drastically different under both coaches. About 96 percent of his minutes when Couturier missed two games. Once he came back from the short with Provorov came afterwards and though a 49.5 percent expected absence, everything had changed (including Giroux’s position) and the goals rate is a mostly unassuming rate, it was 4.4 percent better than two were only reunited for brief stints for the remainder of the season. when the duo was on the bench. That was on his off-side too. The 23- Couturier was still Giroux’s most common linemate for the season, but year-old took a big step forward last season and projects to be the team’s the two shared 57 percent of Giroux’s minutes in 2018-19 as opposed to most valuable defender as a result going into 2019-20. he should be a 90 percent the year prior. strong anchor on the second pair behind Provorov, especially playing on his strong side again. If Provorov can make due on his potential and Prior to that date the duo weren’t their usual dominant selves (50.2 Sanheim continues to show growth, the Flyers have the makings of a percent expected goals, 51 percent goals), but neither was at their best very strong 1-2 punch in the top four. afterwards. Giroux was hit hardest though – especially in having to move back to center – sporting a 42.3 percent expected goals rate in 511 That leaves Gostsibehere on the third pair, a role he can likely thrive in minutes without Couturier (which was negative relative to the team), that gives the Flyers a strong puck-moving driver on every pair, an while Couturier was at 49.7 percent. They found their magic together underrated advantage. Gostisbehere’s career has been very uneven to when reunited under Gordon (57.6 percent expected goals), but it seems date so who knows what the Flyers will get next season, but odds are it’ll clear that Giroux is better suited at wing, and that he probably needs be somewhere between the 65-point dynamo who can drive play at both Couturier more than the other way around. The latter is the one that can ends of the ice or the 37-point player who struggles to keep up. The drive play much more effectively in both directions. In that regard, he’s difference between the two seasons was nearly three wins of value and a one of the league’s best which is why my model considers him to easily handful of deserved Norris trophy votes. That’s his range and be a top 15 center, despite what other summer rankings may suggest. Gostisbehere’s current projection this season essentially falls into the More advanced valuation methods like him even more as he’s first in average of his last three. With him there seems to be a lot of variance in expected goals RAPM differential over the last three seasons and sixth in his performance that can greatly affect Philadelphia’s chances this WAR. It’s worth mentioning too that Couturier played at an 89-point pace season. What’s reassuring at least is his elite ability to enter and exit the in the second half. zone and defend entries remained unchanged year-over-year. As long as the Flyers have both, they’re in a good spot and this year’s big The drop in overall value between 2017-18 and 2018-19 was not a off-season addition, Kevin Hayes, filling the vacant second line center phenomenon exclusive to Gostisbehere, it affected a number of other role should mitigate the need to separate their best duo in the name of prominent Flyers, especially up front and it’s primarily due to a struggling balance. At the very least, if that time comes, it allows Giroux to stay on power play that finished in the league’s bottom 10. With the personnel the wing. Hayes had a career year last season and showed to be an available, that shouldn’t be happening as the team scored 14 fewer goals effective play-driver with the Rangers. If the Flyers get that version as with the man advantage. Part of that was a decreased efficiency, but the opposed to the one Winnipeg received (or the one from prior years), then other part was that the team also had 27 fewer opportunities than the their center depth looks very competitive, ranking as the league’s year prior, the fourth worst drop in the league. The Flyers essentially seventh best. That’s no guarantee, but with that being Hayes’ most need to find a way to get back to the line more and convert those recent season he grades out well here. opportunities when they do. Further growth from Nolan Patrick is needed too as he’s mostly been just It meant lesser production for Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek, two of average in his first two seasons. He was thrust into a second line center the team’s cornerstones for most of the past decade. In 2017-18 the duo role that he found little success in last season, a domino effect that likely spit out over seven points-per-60 with the man advantage en route to 102 set the course for splitting up the team’s elite top line, one that the and 85-point seasons respectively, but that plummeted down to under addition of Hayes solves. As the team’s third line center, Patrick is in a five points-per-60 the following season which was the main cause of both better position to make his mark in this league. dropping nearly 20 points year over year. Philadelphia has relatively strong winger depth with James van Perhaps the totals from 2017-18 were too high to begin with and bound Riemsdyk, Travis Konecny and Oskar Lindblom as decent top six options to come down, but I’m skeptical. With both players on the ice, the team joining Giroux and Voracek. Last year’s off-season splurge, van scored 10.6 goals-per-60 on the power play in 2017-18 and that dropped Riemsdyk, missed some time due to injury, but when he played he did to 7.3 a year later. In terms of expected goals however, the power play’s what he did best: score goals, producing nearly one-per-60 and scoring efficacy of creating chances remained unchanged, going from 9.4 22 in the second half; but also what he did worst: play defense, earning expected goals in 2017-18 to 9.7 in 2018-19. It was a matter of the team the second highest expected goals against rate on the team. A spot seeing a 66 percent drop in its shooting percentage, from 15 percent to further down the lineup should serve him well as he’s more sheltered and 10 percent, a mark far too low considering the talent available. Overall, can focus on goal-scoring, while not bringing down the top six’s the Flyers’ shooting percentage on the power play was the league’s defensive efforts. Konecny was actually worse in that regard, but as one second worst mark, a figure I’d expect to regress. of the team’s stronger play-drivers in 2017-18, I’ll give him a pass. The While the power-play issues should revert back to normal, their play at 5- London boy is still young and entering his prime, and with his worst on-5 is a bit of a concern. The duo’s scoring rates at 5-on-5 remained results coming with van Riemsdyk and away from Couturier I wouldn’t be relatively consistent year over year, but their ability to drive play didn’t, too concerned. His scoring rate has been first line calibre in two straight seasons. Lastly, Lindblom is a sneaky good player who actually led the two right-handed defensemen with long track records of playing top-four team in expected goals on the strength of stingy defense. minutes in the NHL who can partner with the lefty-shot trio of Provorov, Sanheim and Gostisbehere, while also allowing Myers to get his feet wet The rest of the forward group doesn’t move the needle much and the on the third pairing. Elliott provides Hart a veteran complement who configuration is still to be decided. The right wing spot on the third line is serves the dual purpose of being good enough to play for extended still very much up for grabs and while German Rubstov appears to be the stretches if Hart struggles, but doesn’t threaten him enough to make Hart most physically ready, I’d personally love to see Morgan Frost, he of feel the organization doesn’t trust him to take the reins. back-to-back 100-plus point seasons in the OHL, get a shot there. That could have the potential to be one of the strongest scoring third lines in It all sounds great – in theory. the league if he finds his potential NHL-game quickly. Hayes is the closest to a sure thing; he may not score at a 62-point pace There’s a lot to like here, especially if you have strong priors like my in 2019-20 and the end of the contract might get ugly, but for now, he’s model does and remember how elite the core players were in 2017-18. only 27 with a long track record of good-to-great 5-on-5 results. He’ll be That value hasn’t been forgotten and if the team’s best can recuperate fine. Niskanen and Braun, on the other hand, could reverse their some of that, they now have significantly more depth to surround that downward career trends in a new locale – or they may continue to fade, group. The forwards look strong enough to compete and will be a driving saddling the young defensemen with name-brand versions of past force towards a playoff run, especially if the power play regresses as anchors. Elliott’s injury issues could even recur, forcing a goalie who just expected. gained the right to drink legally in the United States to start far more games than he should. Despite off-season changes and finding stability in net, Philadelphia’s collective team defense still remains its biggest concern. The backend Now, even if these worst-case scenarios play out, it’s unlikely the Flyers itself still looks below average despite a strong left side and Hart still has will be bad. As Dom pointed out, last year’s debacle of a season was a lot to prove. All that could be what holds the Flyers back from a playoff something like the club’s floor, and they still only finished with the 10th- run. worst record in hockey. So long as the new coaching staff doesn’t prove to be a disaster, there’s enough high-end talent to keep the Flyers in At this point, we’re entering the mushy middle of team forecasts, where bubble playoff contention. In addition, I personally value a few of the teams can go either way. When it comes to the Flyers, that’s readily players at the bottom of the lineup – namely Myers, Laughton and Raffl – apparent. higher than the model does. Factor in the many high-end prospects in the Market Expectations AHL who will be pushing all year for a call-up (if they don’t make the team out of camp in the first place), and the Flyers suddenly look like a Philadelphia Flyers: 89.5 points fairly deep team, especially up front.

The market is not far off from where my model is, albeit with slightly more But there are still so many question marks. Can Carter Hart take another skepticism. My model has always been higher on the Flyers than most step in his development and ensure the Flyers won’t suffer through a and that remains unchanged here, but with a bigger emphasis on bottom-five-in-the-league goaltending situation again? Do at least a few defense and the Flyers being weak there, things are much closer than of the skaters in the young homegrown core progress from fine to good, previous years. or good to great? Will Niskanen and Braun prove that they’re not finished as above-average top-four defensemen? Is the coaching staff able to What Fans Predict construct (and get the players to buy into) a play-driving system at 5-on-5 Public Sample: 1,337 again?

Fan Sample: 156 If the answer to all of these questions proves to be yes, the Flyers will cruise to the playoffs. If it’s about a 50/50 yes/no split, they’ll force fans to Two very opposite forecasts here. Flyers’ fans believe this is a playoff sweat it out all the way until April. And if every query comes back in the team, that last year was an aberration, and off-season changes should negative… well, the 2020 Draft is supposed to be a very good one. be what puts them over the top. The public is skeptical after last year’s disappointing season and not being too enamored with the new arrivals. The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019

Both fair points and why my model lies right in the middle of the two scenarios. Both viewpoints appear to be a little too extreme for my liking, as the team should regress after an awful season, but too much faith is being put on the new additions.

What The Athletic Insider Thinks

Charlie O’Connor: Chuck Fletcher’s offseason strategy may have been divisive – has proven by the model’s skepticism in addition to the general public’s – but the underlying thought process was clear. Rather than “blow up” the team in a radical restructuring, Fletcher decided the best way forward was an attempt to place his young core – players in the 21 – 26 age range – in better positions to succeed, and try to ride their subsequent growth to pull the team out of mediocrity.

At this point, the veteran forwards at the top of the lineup are what they are. Couturier will provide Selke-worthy play at center. Giroux – particularly if he remains alongside Couturier at wing – will be an offensive wizard and hover on the outskirts of the MVP race. Voracek will get his points; van Riemsdyk will get his goals. But those guys – particularly the “Big Three” of Couturier, Giroux and Voracek – have been doing that for years yet the Flyers remained stuck in the middle of the league table (at best). They clearly need help.

Enter the young core: Provorov, Sanheim, Gostisbehere, Patrick, Konecny, Lindblom, Myers, and of course, Carter Hart. If the Flyers are going to break out of their “painfully mediocre” rut, it’s going to be driven by the gains made by that group.

But just as the high-end veteran forwards need help, so do the kids. And in theory, all of Fletcher’s offseason moves should provide it. The signing of Hayes allows Patrick to develop (and hopefully thrive) in a more comfortable 3C role, in addition to giving Konecny and Lindblom another scoring center not named Couturier as support. Niskanen and Braun are 1107830 Pittsburgh Penguins

Countdown to camp: Replacing Phil Kessel, Olli Maatta won’t be easy for Penguins

JONATHAN BOMBULIE | Tuesday, September 10, 2019 6:01 a.m.

When general manager Jim Rutherford takes his perch above the practice rink and coach Mike Sullivan steps onto the ice to begin the first day of training camp Friday morning at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry, both probably will have smiles on their faces.

They’ve made substantive changes to the Pittsburgh Penguins roster over the summer designed to make the team younger, faster and harder to play against.

The upgrades, however, came at a cost.

Phil Kessel and Olli Maatta, cornerstone performers on back-to-back Stanley Cup teams in 2016-17, are gone. Kessel’s unconventional attitude and defensive indifference greased his path to Arizona. Maatta was moved to Chicago, for most intents and purposes, to open salary- cap space.

With two days left before the start of camp, here’s a look at the areas where the Penguins will have to replace the two most high-profile players they lost in the offseason.

1. Kessel’s contributions

• Offensive production: Kessel is one of only 15 NHL players to record at least a point per game in each of the last two seasons. To expect Alex Galchenyuk, the winger acquired from Arizona in exchange for Kessel, or any one player to pick up all that slack seems foolhardy. The Penguins will need several players to step into the void.

The Penguins didn’t trade Kessel because they thought they had a horde of players ready to replace his production, of course. They traded him in an effort to become harder to play against. Last season, they were sixth in the league in goals for and 14th in the league in goals against. They probably wouldn’t mind dropping a few spots in the former category if it means a major upgrade in the latter.

• Power-play position: Kessel’s tenure with the Penguins lasted four seasons. During that span, they had the best power play in the league (23.0%). That’s not a coincidence. His puck-moving acumen from the left half-wall was off the charts.

In one sense, it will be easy for the Penguins to replace Kessel on the power play. They have a 40-goal scorer on the roster, Jake Guentzel, who reached those heights with hardly any power-play time last season. Galchenyuk is also a proven power-play performer. The problem will be finding a configuration that works. The Penguins either will have to abandon the idea of having a right-handed shot in the left circle or try someone like Kris Letang, Justin Schultz or Nick Bjugstad in the role.

2. Maatta’s minutes

• Blue-line rotation: Maatta made his NHL debut as a 19-year-old in 2013. Since then, only three players have logged more ice time for the Penguins: Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Letang. Maatta had his problem areas over the years, especially as it relates to foot speed, but the vast majority of the time, he was a reliable minutes muncher.

So who steps into the void on the left side of the blue line? Marcus Pettersson is the obvious answer, but he’s a second-year pro who has yet to prove himself capable of handling a heavy workload. Jack Johnson did not fare well in his first season in Penguins colors. It remains an open question.

• Penalty killing: The Penguins face a similar dilemma on the penalty kill. Since 2013, the only defensemen to play more short-handed minutes than Maatta are Letang and Brian Dumoulin. The Penguins will need another defender to fill the void.

Tribune Review LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107831 Pittsburgh Penguins

Stormy offseason sent message to Kris Letang, Penguins stars

JONATHAN BOMBULIE | Tuesday, September 10, 2019 1:00 p.m.

Many words have been used to describe the four-game sweep at the hands of the New York Islanders that ended the Pittsburgh Penguins’ season in the first round of the playoffs in April.

Kris Letang came up with another phrase for it as he and 14 teammates gathered for an informal skate Tuesday morning at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.

A waste.

“I’m one year closer to retirement,” Letang said. “I try to make as much as I can (of) my time in the NHL. … We want to win every year. Maybe we wasted it one year last year, but this year is a new year. That’s the only thing I’m thinking of.”

As the Penguins learned repeatedly from 2010-15, wasted opportunities often lead to tumultuous offseasons. It was no different this summer as trade rumors swirled around Letang and Evgeni Malkin before Phil Kessel was dealt to Arizona.

With two days left until the start of training camp Friday, here are two thoughts Letang had about the Penguins’ offseason.

1. Kessel’s contributions

There’s a temptation to suggest that because the Penguins didn’t move Malkin or Letang, their offseason overhaul wasn’t as dramatic as expected.

Letang pushed back against that notion, pointing out moving Kessel is a significant change.

Take the power play, for example. For the past four seasons, the same five players have formed a potent top unit for the Penguins: Kessel, Letang, Malkin, Sidney Crosby and Patric Hornqvist.

Now, one of the first orders of business at training camp will be deciding on a new five-man configuration that doesn’t include Kessel’s playmaking acumen on the left half-wall.

“Obviously he’s a great player,” Letang said. “He was a good player on our power play, a good passer, a guy that can enter the zone with control. Somebody has to kind of take that role and maybe try to fill his spot, but maybe in a different way, maybe more of a shooting role or something like that. I don’t know. It’s too early to tell.”

2. Leave a message

By letting the rumors about Malkin and Letang fester before ultimately trading Kessel, it’s fair to suggest general manager Jim Rutherford intended to send a summer message to the players remaining on the team: Clean it up, or anyone not named Crosby can be moved out.

Whether that was Rutherford’s intention or not, that’s pretty much how Letang took it.

“We lost a guy who helped us win Stanley Cups,” Letang said. “It kind of sends you a message (about) how good the league is when you can trade guys like this and try to get better in different areas and try to change your lineup.

“It tells you that you have to bring your A game every night and try to be the best player out there. There’s so many good players. I’m pretty happy to be a Penguin one more year, I guess.”

Tribune Review LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107832 Pittsburgh Penguins Tribune Review LOADED: 09.11.2019

Alex Galchenyuk meets new Penguins teammates, brushes up on his Russian

JONATHAN BOMBULIE | Tuesday, September 10, 2019 12:47 p.m.

Alex Galchenyuk’s Russian is a little rusty.

Given his spot in the Pittsburgh Penguins locker room at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry — right next to Russian superstar Evgeni Malkin — that’s about to change in a big way.

Galchenyuk said he never really met Malkin on a personal level before he was traded to the Penguins in the Phil Kessel deal in June. Their introduction came during a summer training session at a rink in South Florida.

On Tuesday morning, they skated together wearing Penguins colors as 15 players held an informal practice in Cranberry in preparation for the start of training camp Friday.

“The most exciting part is getting on the ice and skating with everybody, getting to know everybody, getting used to it, a little bit of chemistry,” Galchenyuk said. “Everybody’s looking forward to camp.”

Galchenyuk is an American who plays for Team USA in international competition, but his Eastern European roots run strong and deep. He was born in Milwaukee, and his father, Alexander, a native of Minsk, Belarus, played minor league hockey in the old IHL.

An eighth-year pro who played in the Ontario Hockey League, Galchenyuk admitted he’s fallen out of practice with his native tongue.

“I only talk to my parents and my sister (in Russian), and that’s it,” Galchenyuk said. “It’s slowly getting worse and worse. … I gotta catch up with Geno a bit.”

That process shouldn’t take long as Malkin isn’t exactly the quiet, contemplative type in the locker room.

“He’s a really outgoing and funny guy,” Galchenyuk said. “I’m learning a lot about him and his game.”

How Galchenyuk’s game meshes with Malkin’s is perhaps the primary concern as far as the Penguins are concerned.

They were anxious to move Kessel along, with his unique personality and carefree style of play beginning to grate on those around him, but now, with camp about to open, they’re faced with the reality that they have excised quite a bit of production from their lineup.

Kessel had 82 points in 82 games last season, running his four-year total with the Penguins to 303.

It wouldn’t be fair to ask Galchenyuk to replicate those numbers. It would be fair to ask him to develop some chemistry with Malkin, his new locker room neighbor.

“He’s definitely a player who is easy to play with,” Galchenyuk said. “I’m just going to out there and compete hard and use my skill.”

Galchenyuk has played with some pretty solid linemates in his career — Clayton Keller in Arizona, and Alexander Radulov in Montreal, to name a few — but he’s never been teammates with players whose resumes rival those of Malkin or Sidney Crosby.

“Those are guys you look up to before you even get to the league, then obviously competing against them,” Galchenyuk said. “But now, being with them on the same team, it’s surreal. It’s definitely something really exciting. It was something I was looking forward to, to learn from guys like that.”

Notes: Defenseman Marcus Pettersson was one of the players skating Tuesday even though he’s an unsigned restricted free agent. The Penguins still must decide whether to sign Pettersson to a short-term deal, which only would require some standard roster wrangling to fit under the salary cap, or a more lucrative long-term deal that would require a cap-clearing trade. … With Olli Maatta gone to Chicago, Jack Johnson switched from No. 73 to No. 3. 1107833 Pittsburgh Penguins Canadiens invested the No. 3 overall pick in 2012. In his relatively brief six-year career, he’s had to make a number of changes. He has gone through position shifts, from center to the wing. He’s changed scenery, Penguins winger Alex Galchenyuk begins chemistry-building process from Montreal to Arizona to Pittsburgh. with Evgeni MalkinLake Fong/Post-Gazette So far, his best statistical season came in 2015-16 when he scored 30 goals and tallied 56 points. Last year, in 72 games with Arizona, he tallied 41 points. If you’re counting at home, that’s exactly half as MIKE DEFABO Pittsburgh Post-Gazette SEP 10, 2019 3:43 PM productive as Kessel, who recorded 82 points last year.

But how much of a boost will Galchenyuk get from playing next to Malkin? We’ll start to get answers Friday. Step into any NHL locker room, and you’ll immediately be transported into a tour of nations, with different languages, accents and cultures Post Gazette LOADED: 09.11.2019 around every corner.

Take the Penguins locker room, for example. There’s the French- speaking Canadians, Latvian-speaking Teddy Blueger, Swedish- speaking Patric Hornqvist. Heck, newly acquired forward Alex Galchenyuk speaks three languages himself: Italian, English and Russian.

Or, at least he did.

Galchenyuk picked up the languages as a kid, when his dad, Alexander, moved around Europe playing pro hockey. But, as Galchenyuk developed into a prospect of his own and the eventual No. 3 overall pick in the 2012 draft, he was forced to speak English more and more. The Russian lagged behind.

Forget last season and trade talk — Kris Letang is focused on another Penguins run

“Even though it’s my first language, it’s something I don’t use that much,” Galchenyuk said. “I only talk to my parents, my sister, so that’s it. It’s slowly getting worse and worse.”

Luckily for Galchenyuk, he won’t have to venture far to hear his native tongue this season. Right next to Galchenyuk’s at UPMC Lemiuex Sports Complex is fellow Russian Evgeni Malkin’s locker.

That’s no coincidence.

While there’s bound to be plenty of line shuffling this season, there’s a good chance the Penguins’ second line could feature both Russians, with Malkin at center and Galchenyuk on one of the wings. Building chemistry and having open lines of communication will be critical on the ice, no matter what language they choose.

That process, still in its early stages, continuen Tuesday. Galchenyuk and Malkin were part of a group of 13 skaters and two goalies who participated in an optional, informal workout. Things ramp up more Friday when the Penguins open training camp at their facility in Cranberry.

“Coming in here, meeting all the guys, it’s great,” Galchenyuk said. “But the most exciting part is getting on the ice and skating with everybody, getting to know everybody, getting used to it, [building] a little bit of chemistry. Everyone is looking forward to camp.”

This will be an important training camp for both Russians, but for different reasons.

Calen Addison goes through drills during the Pittsburgh Penguins Development Camp Thursday, June 27, 2019, at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry, Pa.

Matt Vensel

12 observations after Penguins' strong Prospects Challenge showing

Malkin endured a rare down year last season, at least compared to his Hart-Trophy-winning standards. He racked up a career-high 84 turnovers, piled up the second-most penalty minutes of his career (89) and finished minus-25, by far a low watermark.

The Penguins shook things up dramatically this offseason when they shipped Malkin’s linemate, Phil Kessel, to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for Galchenyuk and defenseman prospect Pierre-Olivier Joseph.

It will be interesting to follow how the move impacts both Russians. Malkin used to be able to defer to the other star on his line. But now, there’s no questioning that this is Malkin’s line this year.

Meanwhile, at 25, Galchenyuk still has plenty of career ahead of him and time to reach another gear. His ceiling appeared high when the Montreal 1107834 Pittsburgh Penguins Sullivan practically begged his impatient players to stop gifting the Islanders so many odd-man rushes.

So, immediately after the season, they discussed whether it made sense Forget last season and trade talk — Kris Letang is focused on another to trade one or more of Letang, Malkin and Kessel, sources told the Post- Penguins run Gazette then. In the end, Kessel was the one to go, leaving the team’s big three intact.

MATT VENSEL Pittsburgh Post-Gazette SEP 10, 2019 3:13 PM “I’m pretty happy to be a Penguin [at least] one more year,” Letang said.

Letang, who has three years left on his contract with a team-friendly salary of $7.25 million, was slyly acknowledging that things can change If after five long months you can zoom out from the disappointing end to in this business. 2018-19 and take a 10,000-foot view of how Penguins defenseman Kris Letang performed throughout last season, you should actually feel pretty That’s why he isn’t dwelling on last season or looking too far ahead. good about it. All that matters is what’s directly in front of him — a chance to win a At minimum, you should finally stop screaming at your television. fourth Cup next to Crosby and Malkin, with a new-look supporting cast around them. Letang, who had a rocky 2017-18 in his first season back from neck surgery, was elite once again, one of the team’s top two or three players “It’s exciting. It’s a new year, new things to accomplish,” Letang said. and a strong Norris Trophy candidate when the Penguins reached the He added: “Obviously, we’re three guys in this dressing room that want to season’s quarter pole. win as much as we can until we’re done. I think it’s the same goal for this He already had 15 goals when he got hurt in the outdoor game Feb. 23 in team.” Philadelphia, sidelining him for pretty much the rest of the regular Post Gazette LOADED: 09.11.2019 season. Then came the sweep against the New York Islanders, which, yes, was insanely frustrating.

Still, big picture, last season did have some positives, right, Kris?

“I don’t really think about it to be honest,” Letang said Tuesday. “I just think … I’m one year closer to retirement. So I try to [accomplish] as much as I can during my time in the NHL. ... We want to win every year. Maybe wasted one year last year. But this year’s a new year, and it’s the only thing I’m thinking about.”

The 32-year-old has been back in town for a couple of weeks now, ramping up to Friday’s start of training camp with informal practices at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. Tuesday, he was one of 15 veteran players working up a sweat.

But his return to Pittsburgh was not a given in June, when general manager Jim Rutherford publicly explained why he didn’t consider Letang to be “untouchable,” and then there was speculation Letang could be dealt at the NHL draft.

In the end, it was Phil Kessel who got shipped out, giving Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Letang at least one more chance to chase a Cup together.

Sitting at his locker, he shrugged off hearing his name in trade chatter.

“There was some trade speculation, but there was a trade also,” Letang said. “We traded a guy that helped us win Stanley Cups. They kind of send you a message about how good the league is when you can trade guys like [Kessel] and try to get better in different areas and try to change your lineup. It tells you that you have to bring your ‘A’ game every night and try to be the best player out there.”

Many nights last season, especially early on, he brought it. Letang and partner Brian Dumoulin typically kept top-line forwards under wraps, and Letang was on pace to set new career highs in goals and points before he was injured coming to the defense of Dumoulin, who was concussed by a hit by Wayne Simmonds.

Letang returned before the start of the postseason, but he hurt the Penguins with failed gambles in both the first and final games of that stunning sweep.

In Game 1 on Long Island, he charged by himself into the Islanders zone, coughed up the puck and watched the Islanders go the other way to score the overtime winner. In the clinching game at PPG Paints Arena, he got caught inside the offensive zone again, leading to 2-on-1 and a momentum-tilting goal.

To his credit, Letang after the season declined to use his late-season injury as an excuse. He also scoffed when questioned whether he might have to change his style going forward, perhaps play a little more conservatively.

Penguins management obviously doesn’t want the five-time All-Star to become a stay-at-home defenseman. But they were miffed by Letang’s mistakes, especially the one in Game 4, which came after coach Mike 1107835 Pittsburgh Penguins Washington Capitals: After hoisting the Stanley Cup (and then drinking plenty of Russian vodka out of it) in 2017-18, Washington sure looked like a team slogging through a championship hangover. Add in the Penguins 2019-20 camp preview: Who are the real Stanley Cup growing pains that come with a new coach, and you have the recipe for contenders in the East? that first-round playoff exit.

After a long offseason to replenish the electrolytes, the Capitals figure to be a contender again. Their big, heavy style and elite power play makes MIKE DEFABO them a force in the regular season. They have talent at every level with elite scorers like Alexander Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Evgeny

Kuznetsov, high-level defensemen like John Carlson and top-tier This is the sixth installment of Penguins primers leading up to the start of goaltending in Braden Holtby. training camp Friday. Check out our Penguins page to see what we’ve Las Vegas odds: 9-1 to win the Eastern Conference; 20-1 to win the Cup been up to. TIER 2, COULD SURPRISE: They have some question marks, but these For years, the NHL’s Eastern Conference has been a battle between four teams should make the playoffs. And, if they do, watch out. They could teams: the Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning, Washington Capitals and be dangerous if they are playing well at the end of the year. Boston Bruins. Toronto Maple Leafs: Since he was drafted with the No. 1 overall pick in One of these four teams represented the Eastern Conference in the the 2016 draft, Auston Matthews has emerged as one of the NHL’s most- Stanley Cup Finals in nine of the previous 12 seasons. The run includes talented players. He leads a Toronto team with no shortage of star four Cup appearances by the Penguins, three by the Bruins, one by the power, including Mitchell Marner — assuming his contract dispute gets Lightning and one by the Capitals. resolved — and John Tavares. The Leafs made significant changes from But, if the past postseason was a sign, the shape of the Eastern last year at this time, and it’s possible more than half of their opening- Conference slowly could be changing. The Penguins, Capitals and night roster will be different than last season. What remains is a team Lightning all lost in the first round of the playoffs. Then, in the offseason, with skill, speed and the ability to move the puck. the teams that missed out on the postseason were among the most Las Vegas odds: 9-2 to win the Eastern Conference; 10-1 to win the Cup active. Penguins: We’ve already broken down the Penguins from virtually every Among the most notable moves: angle. (If you’ve missed anything, you can catch up here.) But here’s the The New York Rangers signed Artemi Panarin, the most coveted free bottom line: If you’ve got star power like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni agent, to a seven-year, $81.5 million deal. Malkin, every year could be your year.

The New Jersey Devils acquired a number of difference-makers, But after being swept out of the postseason and dealing Phil Kessel, the including the No. 1 overall pick Jack Hughes. Penguins enter this season at a crossroads. If Malkin plays like 2016 Malkin, the Penguins should easily elevate themselves into our Tier 1 as The Florida Panthers locked down one of the best goalies in the league, true Cup contenders. But another down year from Malkin, a key injury or Sergei Bobrovsky, with a seven-year, $70 million deal. inconsistent goaltending could drop the Penguins down to our Tier 3 as a team fighting for a postseason berth, just as they were last year. Could this mean more balance and parity in the Eastern Conference? Or will the usual suspects strike again? Las Vegas odds: 12-1 to win the Eastern Conference; 25-1 to win the Cup We broke down the Eastern Conference into four tiers: true believers, could surprise, on the fringe and maybe next year. TIER 3, ON THE FRINGE: These teams will have to fight to make the playoffs. And, if they do, they will probably only last a round or two. TIER 1, THE TRUE BELIEVERS: If an Eastern Conference team hoists the Stanley Cup this year, one of these teams should be the favorite to Carolina Hurricanes: The Hurricanes became one of the surprises of the do it. postseason last year just by qualifying for the first time since 2009. They went on to upset defending Cup champion Capitals in seven games and Tampa Bay Lightning: The Lightning made history last season when they then swept the New York Islanders to advance to the Eastern tied an NHL record with 62 regular-season wins. But then, they made Conference Final. history again — and not in a good way — as the first Presidents Trophy winner to get swept out of the postseason in a stunning first-round playoff This year, the Hurricanes will try to build on that momentum. They added exit at the hands of the Columbus Blue Jackets. some depth at forward and matched a five-year, $42.27 million offer sheet to retain their leading scorer Sebastian Aho. They already had a Despite such embarrassment, expect the Lightning to contend again. potent blue line, led by Jaccob Slavin, Dougie Hamilton, Brett Pesce and Tampa Bay is still loaded with talent after locking down goaltender Andrei Justin Faulk, and then strengthened it further by signing Jake Gardiner to Vasilevskiy, 25, to an eight-year, $76 million extension. They have a a four-year deal. good mix of veterans like reigning Hart Trophy winner Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman to go along with rising talent. Las Vegas odds: 15-1 to win the Eastern Conference; 30-1 to win the Cup They’ve been close before. The Lightning were two wins from the Cup in 2015 and lost to the eventual Cup champion Penguins in 2016 and New Jersey Devils: The Devils made some of the biggest splashes this Washington in 2018 in the Eastern Conference Finals. Perhaps, this is offseason. They selected 18-year-old center Jack Hughes with the No. 1 the year Tampa Bay gets over the hump. overall pick. They traded for star defenseman P.K. Subban and KHL star Nikita Gusev. They also signed winger Wayne Simmonds. Bu,t for a Penguins winger Jake Guentzel (standing) watches as A.J. Dickson and team that wasn't afraid to make moves, perhaps the biggest boost comes his daughter, Aila, blow out the candles on a birthday cake. Guentzel was from within their own organization. Taylor Hall, the 2010 first overall pick one of 15 Penguins players who delivered season tickets to families and 2018 Hart Trophy winner, missed the majority of last season with a around the area on Monday. knee injury. Will his return and the other moves be enough to help the Las Vegas odds: 3-1 to win the Eastern Conference; 6-1 to win the Cup Devils make the playoffs for just the second time since 2012?

Boston Bruins: After the Bruins came within a Game 7 of bringing Las Vegas odds: 12-1 to win Eastern Conference; 2-/1 to win the Cup another title to the city of Boston, they went relatively quiet in the Florida Panthers: After missing the playoffs 16 of the past 18 seasons, offseason. And that’s OK. From Brad Marchand — a 100-point scorer the Panthers made major changes with a new coach, new goalie and — last year — to David Pastrnak to Patrice Burgeron to Zdeno Chara, the maybe — a new attitude. Coach Joel Quenneville brings a championship Bruins have proven they have the horses to make a deep playoff run. pedigree as a three-time Stanley Cup winning coach (2010, 2013 and Las Vegas odds: 11-2 to win the Eastern Conference; 12-1 to win the 2015). Former Columbus goalie Bobrovsky, a two-time Vezina Trophy Cup winner, will help shore up the defense after leading the NHL with nine shutouts last year. Florida is sure to be better. How much better? Las Vegas odds: 9-1 to win the Eastern Conference; 20-1 to win the Cup

New York Islanders: Coach Barry Trotz reshaped New York’s playing style during his first season behind the bench, taking a team that allowed the NHL's most goals in 2017-18 (293) and turning it into a unit that allowed the fewest (191). The Islanders used that defensive-minded approach to frustrate the Penguins in the first round of the postseason. After goalie Robin Lehner signed with Chicago in the offseason, can they repeat that defensive prowess with new goalie Semyon Varlamov between the pipes?

Las Vegas odds: 20-1 to win the Eastern Conference; 40-1 to win the Cup

New York Rangers: The Rangers landed the prized free agent of this offseason by signing former Blue Jacket Artemi Panarin to a seven-year deal. They also beefed up their lineup by adding defensemen Jacob Trouba and Adam Fox while also selecting Kaapo Kakko, the No. 2 overall pick in the draft. Are these additions enough to help the Rangers be 20 points better than last season, the margin that kept them out of the playoffs? Maybe. The bigger question is for Henrik Lundqvist. The 37- year-old goalie has been among the stars at his position for years. But can he bounce back to All-Star form after an uncharacteristic lull at the end of last season?

Las Vegas odds: 15-1 to win the Eastern Conference; 30-1 to win the Cup

Philadelphia Flyers: The Flyers have missed the playoffs two of the past three seasons, including last year when they were a distant 16 points behind Columbus for the second wild-card spot. Philadelphia will count on new leadership to produce different results with former Rangers coach Alain Vigneault taking over. The Flyers have some interesting young pieces, including 2017 No. 2 overall pick Nolan Patrick and Carter Hart, a 21-year-old who happens to be one of the NHL’s best young goaltenders. But will that be enough for a team that hasn't won a postseason series since 2012?

Las Vegas odds: 20-1 to win the Eastern Conference; 40-1 to win the Cup

Montreal Canadiens: After finishing just two points from the second wild- card spot, the Canadiens return most of the same team, led by defenseman Shea Weber and goalie Carey Price. They were close last year. But did they do enough this offseason to make a significant stride?

Las Vegas odds: 30-1 to win the Eastern Conference; 60-1 to win the Cup

Buffalo Sabres: Buffalo hasn’t qualified for the playoffs since 2011, the longest active drought in the NHL. The Sabres made some moves by hiring a new coach, Ralph Krueger, and signing a handful of free agents to add some depth to a lineup that needs it. But will it be enough?

Las Vegas odds: 40-1 to win the Eastern Conference; 80-1 to win the Cup

TIER 4, MAYBE NEXT YEAR: Or the one after that. Possibly 2021-22 ...

Columbus Blue Jackets: No team lost more this offseason than Columbus. Bobrovsky went to Florida. Panarin bolted to the Rangers. Matt Duchene (Nashville) and Ryan Dzingel (Carolina) found new homes, too. The Blue Jackets still have a good, young core. But the losses might be too much to overcome this year.

Las Vegas odds: 50-1 to win the Eastern Conference; 100-1 to win the Cup

Detroit Red Wings: The Red Wings have missed the postseason three consecutve seasons. Steve Yzerman returns to the organization where he played for 22 years as the new general manager. He’ll have his work cut out for him to remake the roster over the next few years.

Las Vegas odds: 100-1 to win the Eastern Conference; 200-1 to win the Cup

Ottawa Senators: The Senators finished next to last in the NHL in 2017- 18 and last in 2018-19. The coach is new, and much of the roster has been turned over, but it’s probably not enough to make any noise at all this year.

Las Vegas odds: 250-1 to win the Eastern Conference; 500-1 to win the Cup

Post Gazette LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107836 Pittsburgh Penguins had the speed to recover if they got past him. He didn’t always. He was also shaky with the puck at times and whiffed on two pinch attempts at the blue line. But he settled in as the weekend went on. Maybe his 12 observations after Penguins' strong Prospects Challenge showing performance Friday can just be chalked up to nerves from wearing a Penguins sweater for the first time. Vellucci seems pretty stoked about him, particularly his vision and his poise. “I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but I like him and I like him a lot,” the coach said after Monday’s MATT VENSEL Pittsburgh Post-Gazette SEP 10, 2019 8:00 AM 6-4 win. “I think there’s so much potential there.”

8. Niclas Almari, a left-shot defender ticketed for the AHL duty this BUFFALO – The Penguins left here Monday afternoon with a 2-1 record season, plays a quiet, understated game. I can see why some like him. in the annual Prospects Challenge and a lot to feel good about in regards He has a chance. to a farm system they tried to restock this summer with a first-round 9. It probably says something that Sam Lafferty, the Hollidaysburg native, selection and a pair of trades. centered the first line in the tournament, played on the top power-play With new Wilkes-Barre/Scranton coach Mike Vellucci behind their bench, unit and was often asked to kill penalties. Oh, and he wore the “C” all the team bounced back from a last-second loss to Boston Friday with weekend, too. The local kid has wheels and hustle, which he showed off exciting wins against New Jersey and Buffalo. If they handed out a Monday with a great individual effort to score a short-handed goal. One trophy, they might have it. guesses that Vellucci will give strong consideration to Lafferty when choosing his captain for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. But the results on the scoreboard here are secondary to getting a first- hand look at some of the top prospects in the organization. Here are 12 10. I don’t know if Brandon Hawkins, already 25, is going to be an NHL takeaways after watching all three games and chatting with Vellucci after player. But I do know I’d keep my head up if we were ever out on the ice the tournament. together.

1. John Marino was one of Pittsburgh’s best players at the Prospects 11. Two players who didn’t really stand out one way or another were Challenge. Marino, acquired in a trade with Edmonton in July, displayed forwards Jordy Bellerive and Jake Lucchini. We’ll see if those two, who a solid all-around skill set. He also pleasantly surprised by leading or both got a cup of coffee in the AHL this spring, can make a bigger impact joining the rush a bunch of times. He made a nice play against the in training camp. Sabres to carry the puck into the zone then dish it to an open man, 12. Spent some time with Vellucci before the Saturday game. This guy leading to Marino picking up the secondary assist. The most impressive appears to be the real deal. Check out this story on Vellucci’s road to the thing about the right-handed defenseman’s game was his ability to Penguins. navigate incoming forechecks consistently before snapping an accurate pass to the lead the breakout. Some members of the NHL club had Post Gazette LOADED: 09.11.2019 trouble doing that last season.

2. Calen Addison has so much swag. The 19-year-old blue-liner didn’t assert himself offensively as much as you’d hope he would in this setting. But his stick stills are so impressive. In the 4-3 loss against the Bruins, Addison raced back into the right corner in pursuit of a puck that was rolling on its edge along the wall. The right-shot D-man nonchalantly twirled his stick so his blade was perpendicular to the ice and used the toe of his blade to flick the stick back up the wall to a teammate. Addison might be a little undersized, but his ability to fly back, scoop up dump-ins and quickly lead the rush the other way is reminiscent of Kris Letang. He should be good.

3. Emil Larmi, the 22-year-old from Finland, struggled in both of his starts. He looked a little jittery Friday in his first game as a North American pro. He played with more poise Monday but still allowed the Sabres to tie the game on a shot from the left corner. His rebound control was an issue, too. That cost him Monday when he couldn’t squeeze a long shot, letting a rebound drop to his feet, where a Buffalo player poked it in for the first of their four consecutive goals. Alex D’Orio, meanwhile, bounced back from an early goal Saturday to play a strong game, especially late. D’Orio made a few difficult saves in that 2-1 win over the Devils.

4. With due respect to Samuel Poulin, who is a smart and steady player, the more dynamic of the two 2019 draft picks here was Nathan Legare, Poulin’s childhood buddy. With that wrist shot and his knack for lurking in soft spots in the defense, Legare developing into a 30-goal scorer in the NHL is within his range of potential outcomes. The righty whipped one home from the left circle Friday, then buried a big go-ahead goal Monday when the puck found him in the slot. Vellucci said Legare, 18, needs to improve his foot speed and focus. If he does, look out.

5. Vellucci on Poulin: “I liked what he did. He did a lot of good things defensively. He held on to pucks offensively. So, it was a good tournament overall.”

6. Given that the Penguins only have a couple of large men in their forward group and that Nick Bjugstad and Evgeni Malkin aren’t exactly known for physical play, there could be an opportunity for Anthony Angello to get called up if Mike Sullivan wants a Garrett Wilson-type presence in his lineup. After he got challenged by Vellucci following the game Friday, Angello powered his way to a goal Saturday, then scored two more against the Sabres. He dropped the gloves Monday, too.

7. Pierre-Olivier Joseph’s first game wasn’t pretty. The blue-liner, acquired in the Phil Kessel trade, got caught flat-footed on a few occasions, perhaps thinking that he could step up on guys because he 1107837 Pittsburgh Penguins Malkin’s fights with his coach, Mike Sullivan, were about ice time. Malkin lobbied for around 20 minutes and he wanted to play when opponents pulled their goalie. Sullivan needed to see the Malkin from the Penguins’ In Moscow, Evgeni Malkin opens up about his lost season, loneliness championship runs in 2016 and 2017. He wanted to trust Malkin in the and NHL future crucial moments of games. He wanted Malkin to give what captain Sidney Crosby was giving the Penguins every game. He needed to eliminate blind passes to the middle of the ice. Pick spots instead of going in the corner. Take pucks from opponents rather than committing By Rob Rossi turnovers.

While Malkin’s fights with Sullivan typically took place in private, his MOSCOW — Though it is only 3 miles southeast of the Kremlin, problems with Phil Kessel were much harder to hide. Morozovo Arena can be hard to find. Ringed by traffic-filled main roads, Each is proud to the point of being stubborn. They are fussy about their it’s nestled into a nondescript, mostly industrial area near the meandering equipment (and were agitated by problems last season: skates and Moscow River. Its windowless exterior is stark save for 20-foot-high gloves for Malkin, sticks for Kessel). They have some of the best shots in fabric murals of hockey players and figure skaters near the main the history of the game. And when the stakes are highest, Malkin and entrance. Kessel are at their best, a trait among some great players who transform Inside, the building is more familiar. Twin rinks dominate the space. At a into icons. modest cafe, teenagers serve hot tea to visitors watching adults and kids Their friendship is real, Malkin says. of all ages skim across the ice. Twin steel doors lead to a corridor, which leads to dressing rooms with wooden benches. Nearby, there is a snack But by the end of last season, everybody from ownership to management shop and a glass case displaying trophies won by youth teams and to coaches believed Kessel had to go for Malkin to stay. champion skaters. Jerseys of Russian hockey stars hang on the walls. Phil Kessel and Evgeni Malkin were teammates for four years and At the end of the corridor is a small room, and it is here where Evgeni linemates for three. (David Dermer / USA Today) Malkin occasionally retreats after his grueling summer training sessions. He sits near a big wall decal of a cartoon wolf in a hockey jersey and Malkin declined to elaborate on how his on-ice relationship with Kessel watches his 3-year-old son Nikita. Outside the room, out on the ice, fell apart. But it’s clear he grew tired of feeling caught between the Malkin pushes himself along with other NHL players, trying to drown in ongoing Sullivan-Kessel rift, according to multiple team and league sweat the memories of a disastrous 2018-19 season. Here, in this little sources. Those sources also say Malkin had come to believe Kessel was playroom, he is mostly still, often for up to an hour, looking on as his son content with two titles and mostly interested in his statistics. Malkin was relentlessly slaps at plastic pucks with his toddler-sized stick. worried he’d be seen the same way if Kessel remained his winger. Instinctively, like his dad, he loves to grip and rip it. Multiple team sources say Malkin requested a trade if Kessel was to “(He’s a) forward for sure,” Malkin says. “No defenseman. No goalie. If he return. (is not a) forward, he not play hockey. … He loves to take, like, 20 pucks Malkin denies that, but it doesn’t mean he wanted to play another game, and wants to score 20 pucks. He never puts pucks back. He’s trying (to) let alone another season, with Kessel as his linemate. find more pucks and score again. I say, ‘No, we need (to put) pucks back.’ And he’s, like, ‘No, no — pucks always stay inside.’” He did not.

Malkin is driven by that same desire. When he scores — as he has for So now Kessel is in Arizona, traded away. most of his career — he is happy and confident. When he doesn’t — and last season, he didn’t — that confidence turns to doubt, fear and anger. In June, Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford said only Crosby was untouchable in trade talks, a shot across Malkin’s bow, intended or not. “You lose confidence, and you start (to) think too much,” Malkin says. “I Multiple team sources said Crosby, rarely one to involve himself in (started) to think too much. And when I start to think too much, I start to management matters, made it clear to the Penguins that Malkin should get mad at everyone.” not be traded for any reason.

Not since the summer before arriving in Pittsburgh at age 20 has Malkin “It’s me and Geno,” Crosby said. faced an offseason like the past few months. After a dozen mostly charmed years, he was not expecting a season when he would feel Malkin downplayed Rutherford’s comments. He rolled his eyes while frustrated by his language limitations, embarrassed about his on- and off- discussing them and noted he had heard trade talk before. Privately, the ice decisions, angry at almost anyone, and isolated from loved ones. trade talk stung. It hurt worse because he first heard the news while with Team Russia at the World Championships in Slovakia. He comes to Moscow each summer to reconnect with his heritage, friends and family. After a hellacious season, he also returned needing to Mostly, Malkin was peeved because for the first time, his future — not find a new purpose, even if he didn’t know that when he arrived. just in Pittsburgh, but as a great NHL player — was being openly doubted. He found it during hard training sessions on the ice of this nondescript arena in the working-class South Port District, and also in that small room “We talk (about) one bad year, you know?” Malkin says. His quick, deep watching his son trying to score and score and score. And the latter may sigh suggests exasperation. be as consequential as the former in helping Malkin find his greatness Malkin has not shared with many people — especially in Pittsburgh — again. just how difficult last season was for him.

“I never see the future,” Malkin says. “I think this is my problem.” He had gone long stretches without seeing his family. Nikita Nobody was more shocked than Malkin when last season turned into “the accompanied Malkin’s wife, Anna, to Moscow, where she spent the worst” of his 13-year NHL career. Christmas and New Year holidays working for Russian television. When they weren’t in Moscow, Anna and Nikita spent many winter days at the “I think last year, it was all my fault,” Malkin says. Malkins’ property on Fisher Island, just outside Miami.

He scored half as many goals (21) as the previous season. He seemed Daily video messages and phone calls only made him miss them more. slow in transition. He took too many risks and made too many turnovers. He was injured at times but also frustrated. Malkin was often separated from his wife, Anna, and son, Nikita, during the season. (Charles LeClaire / USA Today) He grew distant. He fought with his coach. He lost faith in his winger. He looked like a “regular player.” At the same time, Sergei Gonchar, an assistant coach with the Penguins and a man Malkin says is “not like a friend, like family,” was not around Malkin was unrecognizable in almost every way. To himself most of all. as often. He had received permission from management to split his time between the team and his family in Dallas. “I think my head starts, like, (getting) crazy,” Malkin says, “I fight with Sully. I fight with teammates. A little bit upset at everyone.” “I think I’m sometimes (too) alone thinking about myself,” he says. “My the corners. Had he not, he never would have been able to win races to wife is mad (at) me; I’m not open to her still. We’re, like, five years loose pucks. together, but sometimes I’m never saying my problems to her. Penguins personnel cited Kessel becoming too content as one of the “I never say my problems to anyone.” issues Malkin had with his former winger. If he was being honest, Malkin would say he had allowed the same to happen. Pittsburgh also began to feel smaller. Though he had always found cities such as Moscow, Miami and New York to be more exciting, Malkin Reigniting a career is easier said than done in Russia. appreciated Pittsburgh for its people; the blue-collar mentality of Western Pennsylvania reminds him of his hometown, Magnitogorsk, another steel Ice time is hard to find, especially once KHL clubs open training camp in city. July (which is typically when NHL players start to ramp up their offseason workouts). Finding a rink with a weight room attached? Forget about it. The local teams mean more to the people of Pittsburgh and Magnitogorsk than they do in bigger cities. Malkin loved the passionate Nutritious meals are not as readily available as they are even in connection he had formed with fans. Unlike when he played for Pittsburgh. Moscow is a bigger city, but it remains a city in Russia, where Metallurg, he could have the best of both worlds in Pittsburgh: adoration trying economic times have not allowed the country to keep up with and privacy. America and Canada.

But Pittsburgh had turned gloomy. “It rains, like, every day,” he says. And Trinca had once heard Malkin describe a day in his Moscow life from only he is not wrong. The city’s wettest year on record was 2018, and 2019 a few years ago: He would grab something to eat on the way to a rink. was tracking similarly. He would change after an on-ice workout, but could not store equipment at the facility. So Malkin would toss it in the trunk and have a driver take Malkin also still feels somewhat like a stranger in North America. “U.S. is him home, where he’d hang his gear so it could air out. He would eat a little bit hard for me,” he says. “Because (of) language. Because maybe again — and again, not something all that healthy — before he was it’s, like, different mentality.” driven to a different facility, usually in another part of town, so he could warm up and lift weights in a gym that did not really meet the basic needs Malkin says he is not confident either friends in Pittsburgh or Penguins of a professional hockey player. teammates, specifically newer ones, “understand” him. He does not join many group meals and admits he often fails to return text messages. “It’s not too easy for hockey players in Russia,” Malkin says.

He theorizes his hesitation to quickly engage with younger or newer A few years ago, Malkin was told about a former hockey prospect named teammates limits his ability to be an effective leader for the Penguins. All Pavel Markidan, who worked out of a newer facility, the Morozovo Arena. these years later, and even though he can conduct entire interviews in It had the bare minimum of what he needed, good enough but not too English (including several for this story), Malkin remains “scared” he will good. say the wrong words, and to his embarrassment “people will not understand me.” Malkin parlayed his high profile into gaining squatter’s rights to Morozovo Arena. He does not own the building, but he has the run of it. Malkin calls “I know I need (to bring) leadership in the room,” Malkin says. the shots on ice time and gym availability, and can even request menu “Sometimes I’m scared because I feel like my English is, like, bad.” items at the arena restaurant.

He trusts that Crosby and Kris Letang, his teammates for well over a Malkin takes a break during a July training session at Morozovo Arena in decade, know him as “a funny guy.” They do. He feels safe sharing “the Moscow. (Rob Rossi / For The Athletic) real Geno” with Penguins vice president of media relations Jennifer Bullano Ridgley. In return, Markidan has been allowed to hang several of Malkin’s autographed jerseys throughout the building. He also runs on-ice Mostly, though, Malkin has yet to reveal himself in full to Pittsburgh or the sessions that feature Malkin, Alexander Radulov and other NHL players Penguins. including of the Stars, Ilya Lyubushkin of the Coyotes and Vladisav Kamenev of the Avalanche. When Ilya Kovalchuk is in Moscow for Malkin offers the familiar and the foreign. The colorful Moscow, he also joins Malkin’s posse — an ultimate sign of respect from cathedrals, stone statues and brilliant buildings throughout the city the unquestioned leader of this generation of Russian hockey stars. center. The hidden-gem restaurants — Italian, French, Middle Eastern and Asian eateries mixed with the few spots serving traditional Russian Malkin takes charge in Moscow. Much the way he has seen Kovalchuk dishes such as borscht and freshly stirred citrusades. do for years. Much the way he feels he can’t in Pittsburgh.

Malkin has always found in Moscow a sense of comfort that allows him to He never would have tried to gain favorable treatment at a North breathe easier, center himself and get back on track. American facility. He would have been embarrassed to play up his fame in such a manner in Magnitogorsk or Pittsburgh. Moscow is where Malkin flipped from recovery to revival after losing the second half of the 2010-11 season to torn knee ligaments. It was here But in Moscow, Malkin is a man in full, and the presence of Anna and where Anna whisked him for the final days of the 2014 Olympics after Nikita play a huge part in that. Russia failed to medal in the men’s hockey tournament. This is her hometown, but it’s been his safe space. He and Anna want their son to appreciate the country and its culture, especially because Nikita was born in Pittsburgh and is being raised So, after the worst season of his career, it was the only place he could primarily there and near Miami. land. If Malkin was going to find himself again as a great hockey player, it was going to be here. Malkin’s free time with his son is mostly limited to the offseason, and even then — between training sessions, visits with friends and things like Malkin is not from Moscow, but his wife is, and they spend most of his traffic, going to the bank and, well, life — he doesn’t get as much time as offseason in Russia’s capital city. (Rob Rossi / For The Athletic) he would like. Here in Moscow, the nurturing side of Malkin is able to come out in ways it can’t elsewhere. A year ago at this time, after reconditioning his body under the guidance of Alex Trinca, the Penguins assistant strength and conditioning coach, His support group in Moscow has always included the Gonchar family, Malkin anticipated a “great year.” But after the opening month last which spends a few weeks in the city every summer. Russian agent season, Malkin says he “forgot to still work” as Trinca had taught. Gennady Ushakov, for whom Malkin reserves his most playful jabs but to whom Malkin is fiercely loyal, is around to handle all variety of needs. He stopped staying in the gym to stretch after lifting. His legs betrayed Childhood friends from Magnitogorsk make visits with their families. him, feeling weaker each game. Skating had always been the foundation Malkin also has made friends of Moscow celebrities from the art and for his success, but his “first couple steps were really hard” and Malkin music scenes. says he felt “slow a little bit.” Few from Pittsburgh have made the trip here to visit Malkin. Trinca is the He tried to compensate by cheating up ice. Except he could not get back exception. fast enough to help defensively. He forced high-risk passes because he could not consistently burst through the neutral zone or dance around Unlike a year ago, Malkin already had been skating for three weeks when opposing skaters. He put himself in harm’s way with reckless dashes into Trinca arrived in the last week of July. Anna had taken Nikita on a holiday to Sochi to guarantee Malkin could focus on Trinca’s training. Soon Malkin and Trinca were accompanied by Besa Tsintsadze, a former “It’s (a) huge next three years,” Malkin says. “I still want to play 100 competitive figure skater who is now a power-skating specialist and has percent — and sign (for) three more years with Pittsburgh.” worked in the past with Malkin and Crosby in Pittsburgh. That would take Malkin through age 38 and his preferred “20 years with “We had an incredible 10 days of skating and he went hard,” Tsintsadze one team” if counting when he was drafted by the Penguins. Nikita will says. “What I like is when Geno said, ‘Besa, you come to Miami and we have just turned 9 and ideally be a big brother to at least one sibling. keep going.’ How did Malkin respond to the worst season of his career? “You know, everybody is saying Geno is finished. I see him skating strong again, and I say he’s going for another great five years now.” He stepped back on the ice. He worked. He says he has changed. But that might be less important than how he looked into the future and set Malkin has spent much of his summer with Pavel Markidan (left) and Alex the ending he wanted. For his career. For his wife and little Nikita, the kid Trinca (right). (Rob Rossi / For The Athletic) who showed in that small room that he can grip and rip it just like his father. Malkin punished himself on the ice with Markidan and Tsintsadze. He tested his own limits during workouts with Trinca, who intentionally “I understand I am losing my hockey life every day,” Malkin says. “I want inserted discomfort into the dynamic by changing all the exercises from to be hungry. This is huge for me. This is fundamental.” the previous summer. The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 This rebuild was happening from the ground up. But Malkin also was making changes he once resisted.

He cut alcohol from his diet to train. He signed up with a health-food delivery service. He ate salads and lean meats for lunch. He dropped about seven pounds.

Malkin even started turning in early on weeknights.

As August ended and Malkin returned to Pittsburgh, he felt he had made good on the goal he set for himself when his flight touched down in Moscow a couple of months earlier.

Retreat. Recover. Rebuild.

Then return with a purpose.

Hockey players are taught to seize the moment and avoid fixating on the past or the long-term future. Win the next shift. Make the next save.

But now, at this moment in his career, looking ahead was what Malkin needed to do.

“My desire is to win a fourth Cup,” Malkin says. “It’s, like, not many Russians with four Cups. I would be (the) only one. This is my target right now.”

Mentioning Crosby and Letang, Sullivan and Rutherford, Malkin says he “understands our group” and is confident the Penguins’ early postseason exit last year was an aberration — not unlike his aggravating season.

“With this team, we have (a) real chance to win again,” Malkin says. “I believe that, for sure. Because we have professionals in our organization.”

Malkin believes winning the Stanley Cup a fourth time would cement his legacy among Russian greats. (Christopher Hanewinckel / USA Today)

He knows winning the Cup again is not possible without him back at “my level.”

“It’s my challenge,” Malkin says. “I know I can.”

In a June meeting, Malkin told Sullivan to give him 20 minutes of ice time and he’ll make sure it’s a “good 20.”

“I always feel like I’m thinking on ice,” Malkin says. “But it’s only when you’re older you realize how I can change (my) game to be better.”

Can he be better?

Even if his mind is right. Even if his body is stronger. Even if the fights are over and he’s on the ice more. Even if all the problems that led to the worst season of his career suddenly disappear, can Malkin, at age 33, make it not only back to where he once was but improve?

“I (have) not shown my game at 100 percent. I still think I can be better,” he says

Malkin has returned to Pittsburgh with a clear vision for the rest of his hockey life.

Up first, he says, is a top-five finish in the scoring race and “close to 100 points, for sure.” That should ease the burden on Crosby and help the Penguins reach a 14th consecutive postseason. Only nine goals from 400, Malkin is already eyeing The 500 Club and joining Alex Ovechkin as the only Russian member. He is close to surpassing childhood idol Sergei Fedorov’s 1,179 points. 1107838 San Jose Sharks

San Jose Sharks release training camp roster Camp opens Friday at Solar4America Ice in San Jose

By LAURENCE MIEDEMA | September 10, 2019 at 1:07 PM

After a busy offseason the Sharks are set to return to the ice this weekend with the start of training camp in San Jose. Camp opens Friday at Solar4America Ice as the Sharks prepare for their first campaign without captain Joe Pavelski in 14 years. Also gone are Gustav Nyquist and Joonas Donskoi, but potential free agents Erik Karlsson, Joe Thornton and Timo Meier are back in the fold. The Sharks on Tuesday released their camp roster and schedule. Most camp sessions at Solar4America Ice are open to the public. Scrimmages are scheduled Sunday and Monday at 11:30 a.m. on the South Rink. Seating is limited to 250 fans. The Sharks’ preseason opener is Tuesday, September 17 against the Anaheim Ducks and they open the regular season on Oct. 2 at Vegas. The Sharks’ home opener is two nights later against the Knights. San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107839 San Jose Sharks

How Kevin Labanc will help Sharks fill goal-scoring void this season

By Brian Witt September 10, 2019 8:07 PM

Editor's note: The Sharks open training camp later this week, looking to replace nearly 60 regular-season goals from departed forwards Joe Pavelski, Joonas Donskoi and Gustav Nyquist. Before camp officially begins, NBC Sports California is examining the players who will help San Jose fill that goal-scoring void. We continue with Kevin Labanc. When projecting the Sharks' lines entering training camp, four of the six spots on the top two lines can already be written down in ink. Logan Couture and Tomas Hertl will each center one of them, with Timo Meier and Evander Kane each flanking one of them on one side. The two remaining spots, previously occupied by Joe Pavelski and Gustav Nyquist, are now up for grabs after both left in free agency. Someone is going to play on the right side of the scoring lines, and Kevin Labanc is as good of a bet to do it as anyone else on the team. Assuming he does, Labanc will be in prime position to replace a hefty chunk of all the goals the Sharks lost from last season -- more than 20 percent of last season's franchise-best total. Nearly all of the reasons to expect a greater offensive output from Labanc in the season ahead are related to increased opportunity. Labanc has increased his scoring total from 20 to 40 to 56 points in each of his three seasons thus far, despite averaging between 13:41 and 14:21 average minutes of ice time per game over that span. With Labanc earmarked for a spot in the top six, it would stand to reason that his minutes will increase, and so too will his scoring output. Labanc became a mainstay on the power play last season, and most assuredly will retain that status this coming year. His 18 power-play assists were tied for the second-most on the team and ranked first among all forwards last year, as his passing ability jumped to a new level. Moving forward, though, some of those passes are likely to turn into shots, as Pavelski and his 12 power-play goals and nearly three minutes per game with the man advantage are no longer around. Considering Labanc is blessed with one of the best shots on the team, it would not be surprising to see San Jose attempt to make him more of a focal point of the power-play attack. Speaking of Labanc's shot, he did post a career-best shot percentage last season (13.1 percent), but there's no reason to believe he couldn't improve upon that further. Remember, he won't turn 24 years old until December. And even if Labanc were simply to repeat that same shot percentage this coming year, he'd likely end up with more goals as a result of attempting more shots. In fact, it's entirely possible he could end up with more goals even with a worse shot percentage. It's not rocket science. Pavelski is gone, and Labanc is the odds-on favorite for the greatest minutes increase of any forward on the roster, or at least those in contention for the top six. He has got an electric shot, and he should be in a position to utilize it more frequently. The Sharks might not replace all of the goals they lost in the offseason, but Labanc is certainly capable of helping to fill the void. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107840 San Jose Sharks

Sharks goalie Martin Jones unveils cyborg-inspired mask for 2019-20 season

By Jessica Kleinschmidt September 10, 2019 3:09 PM

If you want to play good, you have to look good -- or some derivative of that, as the saying goes. And Sharks goalie Martin Jones is making sure to do just that after the unveiling of his new mask. And it's a little scary:

Our first look at Martin Jones’s new mask  pic.twitter.com/z5Yxp4MQK5 — San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) September 9, 2019 According to Blades of Teal, Jones has a tendency to sport a more modest style, so the cyborg, shark look certainly is something out of his comfort zone. EYECANDYAIR specializes in custom airbrush painting on hockey helmets with art and designs, and the detail on this particular one is flawless. Jones will enter his fifth season with San Jose and hopes to improve after an inconsistent season. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107841 San Jose Sharks obviously it helps to be heavy, but I find that you’ve got to have strength in your legs if anything, more than weight.”

He considers himself a better skater and believes he’s faster than this Versatile prospect Sasha Chmelevski could be in position to crack the time last year, while also adding “a little more grind” to his game. “You Sharks roster, but he’ll have competition don’t score as much from the outside (at this level), you’re a lot closer to score in front of the net, and playing inside is really important,” he said. By Kevin Kurz Sep 10, 2019 Sharks development coach Mike Ricci was in touch with Chmelevski throughout last season, giving him tips on some of the finer points of the game, such as faceoffs. If Chmelevski is to make the Sharks’ opening night roster, winning draws will be important. Coach Pete DeBoer prefers IRVINE — The Ducks’ gorgeous new four-sheet practice facility in Irvine, to have two solid faceoff guys on his forward lines, and as a natural host of this weekend’s six-team Rookie Faceoff tournament, is less than center, that’s been a part of Chmelevski’s game that has steadily 15 miles away from the KHS Ice Arena in Anaheim. It was there that a improved. According to Wilson Jr., Chmelevski won 63 percent of his young Sasha Chmelevski spent countless hours of his childhood, draws in the OHL playoffs last season. working on his skating and hockey skills until he was 12 years old, when his family relocated from Huntington Beach to Plymouth, Mich. “Me and ‘Reach’ always talk about (faceoffs), even during the season, and we go over video,” Chmelevski said. “Faceoffs are a key part. It Eight years after the move, Chmelevski, 20, is back in the area as part of helps to be a righty centerman, I know those are less in the league. Just the Sharks’ rookie roster, looking potentially like a big part of the taking a responsibility like that is huge.” organization’s future. Among the 31 players the Sharks brought to the event, Chmelevski may have the best odds to crack the NHL lineup when Ricci has monitored Chmelevski’s progress perhaps more than anyone in the Sharks open their season on Oct. 2 in Las Vegas. the organization and sees a more mature, well-rounded player than a year ago. “I feel like things have come full circle for me coming back to the place where I used to play hockey growing up,” Chmelevski said this week. “It’s “He understands there’s going to be ups and downs, he understands pretty cool.” there’s going to be stuff he understands better than others,” Ricci said Tuesday. “He really doesn’t think too much about outside noise. I think Chmelevski, a sixth-round pick of the Sharks in 2017, is coming off of an that’s where his game has grown the most. On any given night he can be impressive season in juniors that cemented his status as one of the your best penalty killer, he can be your point guy, he can take your last club’s top prospects. He posted 75 points (35g, 40a) in 56 games for the faceoff — all that stuff. Ottawa 67’s, and added another 31 points (12g, 19a) in just 18 playoff games. He also showed well at the World Junior Championships in “But I think his game has grown just knowing you’re going to lose a Vancouver for with four goals and three assists for seven points in seven faceoff once in a while, you’re going to have a bad shift. Those are the games, second in scoring for Team USA, which finished as the runner-up things that I think he’s gotten better at, just the mental parts of it. It’s to Finland. tough to explain, but he’s matured more than I thought he would.” When asked on June 26 what he likes about Chmelevski’s game, Sharks While those are all good signs for Chmelevski, by no means does he scouting director Doug Wilson Jr. said: “Everything. He’s just a really have a roster spot locked down for opening night at T-Mobile Arena. The good kid. He had a great year, he had a really good World Juniors. He Sharks have a number of forwards who will also be hungry for jobs, started the World Juniors kind of lower in the lineup, made his way (up), including guys like Joachim Blichfeld, Jake McGrew and Noah Gregor, all and then by the end he had a goal and an assist in the (gold-medal) of whom were more consistent throughout the course of the three-game game and he just kept on getting more ice time. We’re excited about tournament in Chmelevski’s former backyard. Others like Alex True and Sasha.” Antti Suomela will look to make the full-time leap from the AHL. “The thing about him is he’s really smart,” said Barracuda coach Roy Everyone involved will clearly know what’s at stake when the main camp Sommer, who had Chmelevski for a brief stretch in the AHL in 2018 and opens on Friday. who also serves as the coach of the rookie team. “You talk about a high hockey IQ, like a Logan (Couture) or (Joe Pavelski), I think he’s got that “It’s obviously exciting to know that there’s availability, but you can’t let it in him. He had a good year last year, with the U.S. team and stuff. I think creep into your mind too much because it’s such a long process to get to he’s exceeded expectations.” there,” Chmelevski said. “You’ve got to take it day by day, because every day you have an opportunity to improve, and if you look too far ahead But is he NHL-ready? The Sharks sure hope so after losing wingers into the future I feel like you can miss that opportunity to get better.” Pavelski, Joonas Donskoi and Gus Nyquist as free agents in the offseason. They also opted to pass on unrestricted free agent Patrick Ricci said: “I think for prospects you can’t ask for anything better than to Marleau, despite the franchise’s all-time leading scorer publicly stating have opportunity to win a job. Someone will. … They’re going to be really his desire to return. If no other moves are made between now and Oct. 2, motivated for it. Someone’s going to be playing (for the Sharks), we just there will surely be at least one or two rookie forwards who make the don’t know who yet.” team out of camp. The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 “There’s a group of guys that will be going (to the rookie tournament) representing us that will probably play for us this year,” general manager Doug Wilson said Friday. Although his rookie tournament was a bit uneven, Chmelevski has as good a chance as any, especially considering he can play right wing, which is where the Sharks need help. Through two games, Sommer said: “I don’t think his tournament has been that great, I’ve seen him play better. It’s almost like he’s trying to do too much.” After some soft plays with the puck and a few turnovers in the first game on Saturday, Chmelevski felt he improved on Sunday, and scored a power-play goal in early in the first period of the Sharks’ 5-4 overtime win against the Ducks rookies. “Obviously, everything happens quicker and faster at this level so you’ve got to make your decisions faster and sometimes when you try to take it upon yourself too much, it can hurt your game,” Chmelevski said. Physically, Chmelevski hasn’t changed since last year, at least on paper — he was listed as 6-foot, 190 pounds for last year’s tournament in Las Vegas and he’s at the same height and weight now. That was by design, as he wanted to make sure he kept his speed and quickness. “I don’t like getting too heavy,” Chmelevski said. “Sometimes, I find it hard to move out there; I find the game is really quick and fast now and 1107842 St Louis Blues players should have a few good years left in the tank. Good move, in your opinion?

JIM THOMAS: I think it's a plus to basically have a defending Stanley Blues notebook: 'Note prospects rally for 4-2 win over Chicago Cup championship team return intact. There's a lot of character on the team, and even if that wasn't the case, Craig Berube has shown he will keep them motivated. By Jim Thomas St. Louis Post-Dispatch Sep 9, 2019 0 The team will miss Maroon's tenacity and physical play, plus his locker room and on-ice presence. But I think that means players such as Blais, Sanford, Fabbri and MacEachern have the opportunity for larger roles. TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — After two tough games to open the NHL Prospect Tournament here in northern Michigan, the Blues stayed out of And certainly Kyrou is expected to make a push for a roster spot. the penalty box. And got into the victory column. NEVER TOO EARLY TO TALK ABOUT THE LINES! After spotting the Chicago Blackhawks’ prospects a 2-0 lead in the first period, the Blues scored the game’s final four goals — including three in It's all or nothing for the Blues in Game 7 the final period — to register a 4-2 victory Monday at Centre Ice Arena. QUESTION: With Barbashev and Maroon figured out, what is your guess Goals by Nikita Alexandrov, a second-round draft pick in June, and 2017 on the opening night roster and who are the two extra skaters? first-rounder Klim Kostin tied the game 2-2. Defenseman River Rymsha, JT: Potential lines: a free-agent invitee from Miami (Ohio), scored the winner through traffic from the left point with just 58 seconds remaining in the game. Another Schwartz-Schenn-Tarasenko free agent invitee, forward Kevin Hancock of Owen Sound of the Ontario Hockey League, finished off the Blues’ scoring with a short-handed Sanford-O'Reilly-Perron empty-net goal with just two seconds remaining. Blais-Bozak-Thomas (Hancock’s goal mistakenly was credited to Mitch Reinke in the Steen-Barbashev-Sundqvist tournament boxscore.) Extras: Fabbri, MacEachern. (Under this scenario Kyrou does not make All in all, it was a dramatic turn of events for the Blues’ prospects, who opening-day roster.) were outscored by a combined 13-5 in losses to Toronto and Detroit to begin the tournament. On defense: The Blues had six penalties in their tournament opener, a 6-2 loss Friday Gunnarsson-Pietrangelo to Toronto. They had eight penalties, one a double-minor, in a 7-3 loss to Detroit on Saturday. Bouwmeester-Parayko Even in those defeats, Blues prospects coach Drew Bannister generally Dunn-Bortuzzo was pleased with the team’s five-on-five play. Well, the Blues stayed out Extra: Edmundson (Yes, it seems odd to have Edmundson as an of the box for the most part Monday — with two minors and a fighting opening-day scratch, but somebody has to sit, barring injury.) major — and walked away with their first victory of the tournament. Goalies: Binnington ... Allen “In the third (period) we kind of took over,” said Bannister, head coach of the Blues’ San Antonio affiliate in the American Hockey League. “We BOTTOM LINE ON THE MAROON DECISION started to create a little bit more offensive opportunities.” St. Louis Blues, fans celebrate Stanley Cup victory The Blues close the tournament Tuesday in the fifth-place game with an 11:30 a.m. contest against New York Rangers prospects. COMMENT: Loved the Barbishev re-signing, and had to agree on the Maroon decision. Your take? KASPICK INJURED AGAIN JT: Barbashev is only 23 and has plenty of upside. Maroon is 30, and Last year in Traverse City, forward Tanner Kaspick suffered an upper- pretty much what you see in him now is what you get. So I can body injury that limited him to only two games in the tournament, getting understand the decision-making, although in no way do I want to demean his season off to a slow start. Maroon's contribution in 2018-19 and what he brought to the team in terms of intangibles. This time around he made it through only one game in Traverse City. The 21-year-old forward from Brandon, Manitoba, suffered an upper-body It was clear that signing all the RFAs was the priority for Armstrong this injury in the Blues’ opener Friday and hasn’t played since. offseason. A few of them, in my opinion, may have come in a little higher than expected. And that ended any chance of there being enough money “He’s gonna be questionable, I think, for the start of camp,” general to bring back Maroon. manager Doug Armstrong said. “We’ll get more information when we get back home. That’s sort of the yin and the yang of these tournaments. WHO FILLS THE MAROON ROLE? “They’re competitive and people get hurt. I know Tanner was really The Blues and Predators fight it out at Enterprise Center looking forward to having a good camp and getting ready. So it’s difficult, but that’s just the ‘rub of the green.’” COMMENT: Seems like M MacEachern should be able to fill the Maroon role quite well, maybe better in the regular season, than Maroon did. He As in back luck. got regular ice time until late in the season. “He’s a competitive player,” Armstrong said. “He’s tenacious. He’s a good JT: MacEachern was a forgotten man down the stretch. He was a healthy worker. He’s a guy that sort of plays the style that we like to play. Like all scratch in the last 10 regular-season games as well as all 26 playoff young players they gotta find a consistent role on a team and excel. I games. But he has some size to him (6-3, 197) and isn't afraid to hit thought last year, his first year of pro, there were some ups and downs. somebody. Hasn't displayed great offensive prowess, but once in a while The second year’s gonna be a better year for him.” he will surprise. So I can see what you're saying to a degree. Kaspick, a fourth-round pick (No. 119 overall) in the 2016 draft, had four Another candidate could be Sammy Blais on the third line. Blais hasn't goals and four assists in 48 games last season in San Antonio. He also shown himself to be one that drops the gloves, and hasn't really been a played six games for the Blues’ Tulsa affiliate in the ECHL, with one net-front presence. But obviously he will throw his body around. Also, assist. Klim Kostin has shown himself to be very physical in San Antonio, will drop the gloves, but still may need some AHL seasoning. Quick Hits: Jim Thomas on the Blues SURPRISED BY TERMS OF BARBY'S DEAL? BRINGING THE BAND BACK TOGETHER Blues take on Bruins Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals It's all or nothing for the Blues in Game 7 COMMENT: I was surprised by the contract terms for Ivan Barbashev. I QUESTION: I'm jacked about the fact that most of the team is returning. thought he would have gotten more $$$ and perhaps another year. Maybe it's recent Stanley Cup bias, and there is a bit of a risk being so close to the cap, but I love this team's tenacity and most of the top JT: Agreed. I thought he'd get closer to $2 million, but $1.475 million a year is still a nice boost from the $863,000 he was making. Keep in mind, he's still not arbitration eligible after this two-year deal ends, so that hurts Playoff intensity was more than I anticipated. his leverage. On the minus side, the deadlines for night games can be nerve-wracking. As for the contract length, if you're Barbashev, you get more money and There are occasions when I wish it was an open locker room instead of a a little security with the 2-year deal, but you don't want to box yourself in few select players available postgame — although Blues PR does a good for longer if you continue to progress like you did last year. job of getting us who we need. Those are just a few things off the top of my head. EXPECTATIONS FOR A REPEAT? WHERE'S GARRY UNGER? Scenes from Blues Stanley Victory Parade Coolest Blues Names: Garry Unger QUESTION: Can (will?) the Blues repeat as Cup champions? Or should we brace ourselves for the boys to fall victim to a massive hangover this QUESTION: Has anyone checked in with my boyhood idol Garry Unger, season? either during or after the Blues' epic run to winning the Cup? JT: History says no repeat, and I don't expect a repeat. JT: Not to my knowledge. I can remember going to a Blues game with some friends during Unger's time here. After the game, we waited at the I think some kind of hangover is possible — a slow start wouldn't shock players' entrance and out came Unger with a blonde on his arm, stepping me in the least. But I don't expect a "massive hangover." I think the into a sports car and driving off into the night. Just as you'd imagine it, massive hangovers took place in late June. right? TRADE TALK INVOLVING SCHENN? St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 09.11.2019 It's all or nothing for the Blues in Game 7 QUESTION: Why is there discussion about Schenn being traded? What's going on there? JT: I haven't really heard much chatter on that front, but I guess I understand it given the Blues' cap situation, the fact that Schenn's production was down last season, and the fact that he's entering his walk year. I'm sure the Blues would like to make room on the roster for Kyrou and Kostin at some point in the near future — this year or next. Follow-up: What players one from the Blues varsity rooster and the other a prospect within the organization you suppose currently have the highest trade value? JT: I guess I'd have to say Kryou and Schenn. And that's with the assumption that Parayko and Thomas aren't going anywhere. Follow-up: How would you feel of a trade of Gunnarsson (maybe to Calgary) for a draft pick, to free up more cap space? Maybe Fabbri as well. JT: Well, it wouldn't free up much. Combined Gunnarsson and Fabbri count only $2.65 million against the cap ALL EYES ARE ON . . . Game 7 Stanley Cup Final QUESTION: What one player on the team has the most pressure to perform better than ever before? JT: Interesting question. Not that it's fair to expect him to be better, but I'd say all eyes will be on Jordan Binnington again this season. He won't sneak up on anyone this season. Follow-up: How likely is Allen to be trade bait for a contending team at midseason, should their primary goalie go down before then? JT: I'ts certainly in the realm of possibility, depending on how Binnington plays, how Allen plays, and just as importantly, how Husso plays in San Antonio. DOES THAT AMOUNT OF CAP SPACE REALLY HELP? Blues practice before playoffs QUESTION: Please explain how the $1.2 million left under the cap would be used to solve an injury shortage. JT: Simply stated, say Jordan Binnington gets hurt, Ville Husso is called up, Husso's salary counts against the Blues cap if he's at the NHL level. He would make $700K at the NHL, pro-rated of course. So if he's up for one-10th of the season, it would be $70K. And so on. LOOKING AHEAD TO YEAR 3 ON THE BEAT iParty Sports on Tap: St. Louis Blues edition QUESTION: As you start Year 3 with the Blues, are there any aspects of the hockey beat that stand out as your favorite or least favorite? Is there anything you know now that you wish you had known on Day One? JT: I love the speed of the game. I like the fact that the game basically is all in front of you — unlike football where you really can't get a great feel for line play unless you watch game tape. The access is good. Love the Canadian travel, specifically the western Canada trips. Writers, PR staffs around the league are good to deal with. 1107843 St Louis Blues blossoming stars that beat the Stars (and Jets and Sharks and Bruins) return to the ice in their prime.

A lot of how the Blues do will be because of how the leadership leads. Blues will try to beat the odds this season There is such a fine line between using past success as motivation and resting on laurels. This offseason, Blues players had to work harder and smarter in less time than opponents. But the Blues have something the Sep 9, 2019 other teams don’t — the confidence of knowing they have a group that can win a Cup. But surely, during the course of this year, the players will also be told that “last year was last year.” The messages sent by the coaches and captain must be synchronized. The San Francisco Giants recently were in town. If we learned anything from last season, it’s that the expected is often They’re older now. The forever fresh-faced Buster Posey now is 32. So is trumped by the unexpected. Brandon Crawford, and the gold has worn off the shortstop’s glove. Even Madison Bumgarner is, at least occasionally, mortal. He allowed more For all the hockey analytics and scouting that goes into a season, runs (six) than innings pitched (five) last Wednesday at Busch Stadium. sometimes it comes down to a little luck or a magic stick. That’s what And manager Bruce Bochy has only a few weeks left wearing his Giants makes it fun. That’s what made it fun — the greatest ride in St. Louis hat — until it’s back on his head on his Cooperstown plaque. sports history. But these names and faces evoke Octobers. They were once postseason The Blues are at it again. It’s (almost) hockey season. Get Craig Berube giants. They’re remembered as great champions. But they’re also behind the bench and Ryan O’Reilly on the dot and Chris Kerber on the remembered for their eternal reminder — it’s crazy-hard to repeat. radio airwaves and Jeremy Boyer on the arena organ and let’s do this. Should be another thrill ride — though maybe not as bumpy. No team in sports has ever taught us more about the difficulties of repeating than the Giants — they won the World Series in 2010, 2012 But as for this year’s team trying to repeat — they might be Giants. and 2014, yet didn’t even make the playoffs in 2011, 2013 and 2015. Three-time champions in six years — and not one repeat in there. St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 09.11.2019 Seeing the Giants in St. Louis made me think of the Blues. Our town’s team accomplished the impossible — from the fewest points in the NHL in early January to Stanley Cup champs. And now the Blues will try to accomplish the improbable — a modern sports team repeating as champions. The Blues should be pretty good this season. They’ll make the playoffs, could win a round or two. But it’s hard to think they can win it all, yet again. If anything, the odds are against them. And not just the Vegas odds — the Action Network has the Blues at 16-1 to win the Cup in 2020, as does VegasInsiders.com (both sites have five other teams with the same or better odds to win it all). But the odds of repeating are so low, because of so many facets and factors. There was the wear and tear on the body during the long playoff run (that most other teams didn’t endure). The shortened summer of training, compared to the other teams. The threat of injuries because of that. The hangover because of the Cup — first literally and then figuratively. And in this particular season, perhaps the best regular-season team of this generation — the Tampa Bay Lightning — returns for revenge after being ousted in the first round of the playoffs. Oh — and the Blues’ division, already “Norris-like,” was bolstered with acquisitions. Only once in the salary-cap era (2016 and 2017) has an NHL team been back-to-back champions. That was the Pittsburgh Penguins, who were blessed with a generational talent in Sidney Crosby. Before that, the last Cup repeat winners were the Red Wings in 1997 and 1998. Baseball hasn’t had a repeat World Series champ since the Yankees’ three-peat from 1998-2000, back when the Blues’ Robert Thomas was in diapers. The last NFL repeat was New England in 2004 and 2005. And since we’re an MLS town now, how about this — hasn’t had a repeat winner since the LA Galaxy in 2011 and 2012. The Blues open camp on Friday. That looks wrong. This Friday? Weren’t we all just at the Cup parade? Is Brett Hull even recovered? But it’s true. It still seems like they just won the title, and now they’re preparing to defend it. And they have exceedingly high amount of exhibition games, too — eight. It’s all happening. Fast. The season opener is October 2 (incidentally, the first game of the National League Division Series is October 3). The Blues’ front office did a steadfast and stellar job at retaining every free agent but one, and it made sense, with younger players on the cusp, to part ways with Patrick Maroon. Now, there is a very good chance that either the Blues or Maroon will win the Cup in 2020, because he’s on the Lightning. But the Blues’ nucleus is pretty much the same one that arrived to camp a year ago, back when many people, including coach Mike Yeo, thought it was a group that could compete for a Cup. Again, this 2019-20 team should be good. And there are some firecracker prospects who hope to crack the club like the rookie Thomas did last year, and Vince Dunn the year before that. Can Jordan Binnington play at the same level as last season? Of course not. But he still can be expected to play at a high level. And the Blues’ 1107844 St Louis Blues training camp. I feel like I’ve moved the puck well here, and I feel like I’m getting there. So I’m just looking to keep doing that.”

At 5 feet 11, 181, Reinke doesn’t fit the mold of the Blues’ D-corps in Reinke hopes to find a spot on crowded Blues blueline terms of height and reach. He’s more Vince Dunn than Colton Parayko, Pietrangelo, Bouwmeester, Edmundson, etc, in terms of stature. By Jim Thomas St. Louis Post-Dispatch Sep 9, 2019 But he’s a puck mover who can contribute on offense, and those types of players are in demand in today’s NHL.

“He went into the American Hockey League and produced points, which TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Defenseman Mitch Reinke was with the is very hard for a first-year player,” Blues general manager Doug Blues for most of their Stanley Cup playoff run last season, albeit as a Armstrong said. “We like his skillset, we like his ability to skate and move “Black Ace” — or roster extra. the puck. He rode in the back of a pickup truck down Market Street with goalie Ville “It is a ‘first-pass’ league from the back end. You gotta be able to skate. Husso during that amazing victory parade. And he has a lot of those qualities that we saw in some of those Boston players like (Matt) Grzelcyk and (Torey) Krug. That’s the type of game “As far as you could see there was people,” Reinke said. “It’s one of the that he has to model his game after. most incredible things I’ve ever been a part of.” “He’s not gonna play like Colton, or ‘Bouw’ or ‘Petro.’ But you have to He even got the Cup for half a day back home in Stillwater, Minn. have a balance, and we’re excited to see him in the main camp. Hopefully our skill players enjoy playing with him and we’re gonna see if “It was pretty special for my family and friends and my whole community,” his skillset and brains are up to the task of putting those guys in good Reinke said. “I took it to the Stillwater rec center — that’s where I played positions.” my youth hockey . . . and then I had a party at a family friend’s house. We just enjoyed it and had some fun with it.” One thing Reinke learned from up close is that it takes a village to win a Stanley Cup. There’s only one thing missing from the equation: namely, making the Blues’ “varsity” roster. “You look at some of the contributors in major games, like Carl Gunnarsson had a huge overtime goal (in Game 2 of the Cup final Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan Tech near the end of against Boston),” Reinke said. “He’s not a guy that normally scores goals the 2017-18 NHL regular season, Reinke actually played in one Blues but he got the job done for the team that night. game that year — a forgettable 6-0 loss to Arizona on March 31. “There’s several guys that I could list that stepped in and made a big play This past season, Reinke enjoyed a record-setting campaign for the in the game.” Blues’ San Antonio affiliate in the American Hockey League. He set Rampage records for goals (12), assists (33), points (45) and power play Reinke would like to be one of those guys this season. goals (nine) for a rookie defenseman and was named to the AHL’s all- rookie team. St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 09.11.2019 “Mitch had an outstanding season,” San Antonio coach Drew Bannister said. “I think it started early on — he was really good here (in Traverse City) a year ago. Had a good camp in St. Louis. “Started off (in San Antonio) the way you would expect a first-year player coming out of college. Took his lumps early on but learned very quickly. And obviously towards the end, the second half of the season, he was outstanding for us — playing in every situation, playing against other teams’ top lines. Just really worked hard at his game. “He’s gonna be someone that’s gonna be pushing for a spot in St. Louis here in the next year.” Bannister is in Traverse City coaching the Blues’ youngsters in the NHL Prospect Tournament. Reinke is back for his second prospects tournament — and is the Blues’ captain this time. “Obviously it’s just a short tournament, and the captain of the St. Louis Blues is Alex Pietrangelo,” Reinke said. “So this is just a very part-time thing. But for sure it’s a good honor. It just means they respect you and think highly of you.” Whether that respect leads to a spot on the Blues’ regular-season roster remains to be seen. At one point, veterans Jay Bouwmeester, Carl Gunnarsson and Robert Bortuzzo were scheduled for unrestricted free agency after the 2018-19 season, but all three re-upped with St. Louis. Joel Edmundson entered the offseason as a restricted free agent but now is under contract as well. As a result of those signings, the top seven defensemen from the Stanley Cup-championship team are returning this season. The only departure was veteran Michael Del Zotto, who returned to Anaheim via free agency in July. Barring injury, that lack of movement on the blueline doesn’t leave much room for Reinke. “At the end of the day, in pro hockey that’s out of your control,” said Reinke, 23. “So I think you just try and go in and play your game. And if you do that, you’ll eventually be recognized for it.” Obviously, Reinke wants to perform well in the Traverse City tournament, which concludes Tuesday. But he really wants to shine when training camp starts Saturday in St. Louis at the new Centene Community Ice Center. “I think that’s where I need to prove myself the most,” Reinke said. “I want to feel good here (in Traverse City) so I have confidence going into 1107845 St Louis Blues pictures with them. Obviously they’re not going to remember when they’re older, but they’ll see the pictures. There’s nothing better than sharing those moments with your family, and anybody who has kids Q&A with Alex Pietrangelo: The Blues’ captain on his famous Stanley knows how special it is. My wife is a big part of it, too, so my first thought Cup photo, playoff fatigue and contract was get it to her and spend the day with the family. We heard that you were back training about a week after the parade. Is that true? By Jeremy Rutherford Sep 10, 2019 Pietrangelo: I didn’t go on ice until August, but I started training right after the season. You want to take time off and rest. I had some injuries that I had to make sure I stayed on top of, and that was the reason why I Before the Blues hit the ice for the start of training camp later this week, started training so quickly. When you’ve played this long, there’s always they hit the links Tuesday for the annual Blues for Kids Golf Classic. injuries and things that are lingering, and you’ve got to stay on top of them to make sure they’re good to go for this season. At 10:30 a.m., Alex Pietrangelo and the rest of the players put their clubs on the back of their carts at the Country Club of St. Albans and headed Everybody talks about the fatigue factor after playing four rounds of out to raise money for charity. playoff hockey. When you started skating in August, could you feel it? Is it real? There were no jokes to make about the Blues’ work on the links this summer; their Stanley Cup victory put any criticism to rest for at least a Pietrangelo: No, (not) if you train the right way and prepare the right way. few months. The defenseman, who will be entering his fourth season as It was a little bit harder to get back into it because it felt like you were just team’s captain, admitted that being on the receiving end of many on the ice. But now that we’re going, I think everybody feels pretty good. congratulatory messages has been a welcomed change. Typically when teams win the Stanley Cup, it’s hard to keep the roster “It’s a little bit different,” Pietrangelo said. “It’s nice not to have that blame intact, but the Blues are bringing back everyone except Pat Maroon. I game and have something positive moving forward.” know a lot of hockey people will say you have to rebuild chemistry every year, no matter what, but will that carryover be an advantage to you? The Athletic took the opportunity Tuesday to speak with Pietrangelo about those positives and several other topics, including his contract Pietrangelo: Yeah, it’s rare, and it’s an easy transition for us. We’re on situation. Here’s our Q&A with the 29-year-old, father of triplets who will the ice now, and it’s easy to get back on the ice because it feels like we be playing his 10th full season with the organization … were just playing Game 7 together. It’s a good thing, and it should be an easy transition going into the year. Pietrangelo: (Laughing) I saw it after the game somewhere. Someone showed it to me on Twitter. It’s pretty cool, right? How much will Maroon be missed? THIS IS PERFECT FOR #WORLDPHOTOGRAPHYDAY! Pietrangelo: Well, we know the impact he has on the city, right? A St. Louis kid who scored some big goals for us, played some good hockey, (ALEX PIETRANGELO) PIC.TWITTER.COM/IO7BG7XCOG especially in the playoffs. It’s part of the business, unfortunately, but he’s — NHL (@NHL) AUGUST 19, 2019 going to be part of this group for a long time. We’re looking forward to playing against him and seeing him again. If you look at all the other pictures, then you look at that one, with the fireworks in the back, I think it’s one of the coolest ones. Maybe I’m just Coach Craig Berube did a remarkable job after taking over for Mike Yeo, biased because it’s me. I don’t have it hanging up. I’ve got a bunch of especially when you consider that he didn’t have much practice time to stuff I’ve got to hang up still. My parents have it hanging up, though. They install some different aspects of his system. What kind of tweaks do you had it right by the fireplace when I walked in this summer. Everybody is think he’ll have in store? asking me for (copies of Sports Illustrated), but I don’t have any. I have a Pietrangelo: That’s a good question for him. We’ll find out. We’ve talked couple for myself. about a few things. You know, we have a recipe that works, a roster The No. 1 takeaway from the parade, you probably know, was the team that’s built that way. So we’ll change some things, but for the most part, interacting with the fans. Did one of the players make a point of doing we’ll keep things the same. that before it started, or was that just something organic that happened? One of the areas in which the Blues struggled the most last season, Pietrangelo: We love the city of St. Louis. You play here, and there’s a particularly in the playoffs, was on the power play. In June, the club passion that the players have, and it shows. I think once some of us announced that former NHL forward, Marc Savard, had joined the started getting off the floats, we all did. It was more enjoyable for us to coaching staff and will specialize with that unit. How much do you think get off and interact with the fans. he can help? Speaking of indelible Images and interacting with the fans, there is one of MARC SAVARD, WHO HAD A 13-YEAR NHL CAREER AND POSTED you carrying the Stanley Cup along with a fan wearing your No. 27 jersey 706 POINTS IN 807 REGULAR-SEASON GAMES, HAS JOINED CRAIG backward. I tracked him down — he’s 20-year-old Harry Schmidt — and BERUBE'S STAFF AS AN ASSISTANT COACH. he said you made that an absolute lifelong memory for him. What do you HTTPS://T.CO/29MB1OISR5 #STLBLUES recall about that? — ST. LOUIS BLUES  (@STLOUISBLUES) JULY 24, 2019 Pietrangelo: I was the last player in the parade, so there was some time in between the guys in front of me. We weren’t really moving, so I figured Pietrangelo: He’s had a lot of success in the league, and he’s an I’d get some people involved. I saw some people in the crowd that I offensive-minded guy who can help us. Not just the power play, but it’s a thought could maybe use a bit of a boost. It’s a big deal for me — I grew good opportunity for everybody to reach out to a guy who’s scored in this up wanting to win it — but there’s a lot of people who share that joy in a league and had success offensively. He’ll certainly be a big help for our different way. For me, it was important to spread that enjoyment. forwards. What was your day with the Cup like? Training camp is less than a week away … are you ready? I’m not sure if anybody told you, but there’s a new practice facility, the Centene Ice It was good. I had the one at home (in Toronto) that was quiet, mostly Community Center, in Maryland Heights. Do you know how to get there? just family, and here in St. Louis I did charity work. Nothing too crazy. I just wanted to make sure the people who helped me along the way had Pietrangelo: Yeah, I think everybody has kind of flipped that switch, we’re an opportunity to see it. ready to go. I haven’t been to the practice facility yet. I just figured I’d wait and be excited when I go to the new rink the first day of camp. It’s A couple of years ago, we wrote a story at The Athletic about the exciting. It’s great for the organization, great for the city, and it’s big for personal struggle that you and your wife, Jayne, went through, enduring St. Louis hockey. multiple miscarriages. Now you are the proud parents of triplets — Evelyn, Oliver and Theodore — and you’re a Stanley Cup winner. We’ll end with an easy question, so I’ll just lob this softball question out to Nothing can erase the tragedy, but how blessed do you feel? you (wink, wink). Your contract? You’ll be entering the final year of your deal, which colleague Pierre LeBrun and I wrote about recently. Have BABIES' FIRST #STANLEYCUP. PIC.TWITTER.COM/AXRNJXDTAY there been any talks about an extension, and would you like to get something done before the start of the regular season. — ST. LOUIS BLUES  (@STLOUISBLUES) JULY 14, 2019 Pietrangelo: I’m not going to talk about it. Ask (Blues general manager Pietrangelo: Yeah, it kind of gives me goosebumps. I guess my first Doug Armstrong). I’ve got nothing to say about it. I don’t want it to be a thought when I got the Cup was, I wanted my kids to see it and get distraction. I’m not going to talk about it. Well, we tried. The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107846 Tampa Bay Lightning Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 09.11.2019

Lightning makes appearances throughout the area with strikes of kindness Lightning players, coaches, alumni and staff “striking” 40 Tampa Bay sites with giveaways and charitable contributions.

By Diana C. Nearhos

TAMPA — A Dunkin’ run isn’t a standard part of Melissa Wiebeck’s morning but she made an exception on Tuesday. She and her 3-year-old Alexander popped into Dunkin’ to grab him a donut and to meet a couple of Lightning players. Ryan McDonagh and Braydon Coburn worked the Dunkin’ counter and drive through for an hour Tuesday morning, spending $750 to cover customers’ orders. That was just one of the appearances the Lightning made as part of their “Strikes of Kindness Day.” The team (players, coaches, staff, alumni, broadcasters and executives) made 40 stops around the area, going as far as Orlando. They volunteered, interacted with fans, and made donations. SPORTS DAY TAMPA PODCAST: Is Bruce Arians making a valid point, an excuse or both? All told, the team gave away $100,000 in charitable donations and also bought more than $2,000 worth of food for fans to deliver to teachers and first responders around the area. That doesn’t account for swag bags and ticket giveaways. The NHL gave the Lightning $100,000 as winners of the Presidents’ Trophy (given to the best regular-season team). Jeff Vinik, who is part a group of local investors who in 2017 loaned $12 million to the Times Publishing Co., didn’t know the Trophy came with money. When they found out, he and CEO Steve Griggs decided to share it with the community. “It’s just a big part of our DNA to get our employees out there in the field, engage and work with some of these organizations,” Vinik said, during an appearance at Feeding Tampa Bay. “So immediately, we knew we wanted to make this an important day.” They could have just written a check, but the Lightning wanted to do more. They added volunteer work, fan giveaways and player appearances for random strikes of kindness. One Dunkin’ customer was right on message. McDonagh pointed out that on Dunkin’ customer’s shirt was right on message. “A little kindness can change everything,” read 17-month-old Riley Small’s pink tee. Small’s dad Lance works nearby Dunkin’ and he wasn’t expecting to find Lightning players when he dropped in for his coffee. Nor was Jon Fiddelke when he pulled up to the drive through with his Lightning- branded credit card in hand. “Aw man, look,” he called to his 3-year-old twins Olivia and Jacob, upon seeing McDonagh in the window. He repeated how great this was and rolled down the back window for his twins to wave to McDonagh. When asked, though, Olivia said her favorite players are Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov. Milan Kratz, another 3-year-old, shyly took her bag of munchkins from Coburn, but reached up to shake his hand when her father Tim prodded. The Strikes of Kindness initiative involved the entire organization. All of the Lightning’s players and coaches made appearances. Alumni like Mathieu Garon, Dave Andreychuk, Adam Hall, Ruslan Fedotenko made stops. Griggs and Phil Esposito visited the mayors of Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater with customized jerseys. Broadcasters Rick Peckham, Paul Kennedy and Greg Linelli were in on the effort. The team spread the $100,000 between Goodwill, Feeding Tampa Bay, Humane Society, Metropolitan Ministries, Southeastern Guide Dogs and Junior Achievement – Finance Park. They also had about 100 staff members volunteering at those sites. The Lightning made stops at Dunkin’, Chick-Fil-A and Tropical Smoothie to treat fans. They brought breakfast to first responders and 100 smoothies to teachers at Rampello Elementary School in Tampa. Victor Hedman and delivered swag bags to patients at Tampa General Hospital. Tyler Johnson and Mathieu Joseph did the same at MacDill Air Force Base. 1107847 Tampa Bay Lightning * Lightning assistant GM Stacy Roest, the new Crunch GM, said the prospects here “know what’s at stake. There are spots open” on the Lightning roster, he said. We broke down the competition in detail here. Behind the Lightning’s ‘gamble’ on Mikhail Shalagin and other prospect While a couple of the key candidates for the final two forward spots with camp observations the Lightning weren’t there — Carter Verhaeghe, Alex Volkov, Mitchell Stephens, etc. — Alex Barre-Boulet got a head start on the competition. By Joe Smith Sep 10, 2019 Barre-Boulet is coming off a breakout rookie season with Syracuse, tying with Verhaeghe for the AHL lead with 34 goals. Though half of those goals were on the power play, Crunch coach Ben Groulx said Barre- Boulet is a better five-on-five and two-way player than people think. BRANDON, Fla. — There have been 66 picks made by the Lightning in (Here is our profile of Barre-Boulet and Verhaeghe.) the nine NHL Drafts since Al Murray took over as the franchise’s scouting director. “He makes plays that nobody else can make,” Groulx said. “He’s making plays that we can’t teach. So when a player can do that, obviously they And Russian winger Mikhail Shalagin, taken in the seventh round this often become one of the best players on the ice. past June, is the rare one to hear his name called without either Murray or right-hand man Darryl Plandowski having seen him play in person. “When you combine that with his work ethic and that competitiveness, you have the rookie of the year. There’s no secret his work ethic is very “He may be the only one,” Murray said. “Most of our guys never saw good. He’s a competitor. When we healthy scratched him one game, he him.” came back the next day and was the best player on the ice.” Then why did the Lightning take a chance on the 19-year-old, who was Groulx said he held Barre-Boulet off the penalty kill last year to “protect signed to a one-year AHL deal Friday? him,” as the forward is not a big guy and was already playing lot of five- on-five and power-play minutes. But Barre-Boulet could be among their His goal-scoring ability was intriguing, as Shalagin set records in the most effective on that unit. MHL by racking up 48 goals in 43 games for Spartak. While Shalagin flew under the radar because he didn’t play for the Russian national “It’s easy when a young player has success offensively to become an program, Lightning scout Yuri Yanchenkov spotted him. Fellow European offensive player,” Groulx said. “Alex Barre-Boulet is a very good two-way scouts Kari Kettunen and Anton Routa followed up and offered player. He’s good in three zones, one of the best guys on the PK. Is he impressive reports. faster, is he stronger? NHL camp will give us a good indication.” So when the Lightning were on the clock for pick No. 198 at the draft in #TBLIGHTNING PROSPECT SHOWCASE UNDERWAY. WHO DO Vancouver, Murray trusted his guys. YOU WANT TO READ ABOUT? PROFILE ON ALEX BARRE-BOULET + CARTER VERHAEGHE HTTPS://T.CO/4K04XJTK4H NOLAN FOOTE ON THE BOARD! HTTPS://T.CO/KS6SLYU7MM CAL FOOTE SHALAGIN FROM CAJKOVIC MAKES IT 3-1 AFTER 40. HTTPS://T.CO/PRKD2CAGLF WHO CAN CRACK ROSTER? PIC.TWITTER.COM/DB3RLLO8XN HTTPS://T.CO/BAGCRLBYDQ PIC.TWITTER.COM/V2IATH86EY — TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING (@TBLIGHTNING) SEPTEMBER 7, 2019 — JOE SMITH (@JOESMITHTB) SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 “He was steadily progressing in the MHL, which is their top junior * I still think Verhaeghe has an inside track on one of the final two league,” Murray said. “He set all their records as a 19-year-old. The forward spots, and not only because he would require waivers to get sent records he broke were from guys like Nikita Gusev, Nikita Kucherov. to Syracuse. You get the sense that Verhaeghe, picked up off the scrap They were big numbers, but they did them as 17-year-olds before moving heap from the Islanders’ ECHL team a couple of years back, has put on. Shalagin did it at 19. But you can’t take away the record from him — himself on Tampa Bay’s radar with back-to-back strong seasons in he scored the points. Syracuse. “He’s 6-4, he’s got good hands, so we thought he was worth the gamble.” “I remember having a conversation with him at midseason last year,” Groulx said, “and I said, ‘You’re not a suspect anymore, you’re a The other key part was that Shalagin was willing to come over and play prospect.’ But it’s true. You’ve got to think like that, got to be like, ‘Next in North America right away, where he can work on his strength and year, you’re going to play in the NHL.’ Your attitude has got to change. skating with coaches at Syracuse in the AHL. You’ve got to believe in yourself.” “I decided it is a great chance to develop my skills and be better as a Verhaeghe’s progression has come all over the ice. hockey player,” Shalagin said through interpreter and fellow prospect Oleg Sosunov. “Coming here, it’s a bigger opportunity.” “He’s a guy that understands more and more how good he is,” Groulx said. “When you look at his game without the puck now, it’s night and day Shalagin has some deficiencies in his game, Murray said, areas in which (from) where he was a year ago. When you look at his game with the he has to grow. For example, “He’s not a great skater.” But during the puck, it’s also night and day. I believe the chemistry he found on the prospect showcase over the weekend, you could see the flashes of skill, power play helped him progress on five-on-five. It gave him the including a couple of goals in Nashville. confidence to make certain plays he never tried before. He was at the right place at the right time.” SHALAGIN ON HIS BACKHAND.  #PROSPECTSSHOWCASE PIC.TWITTER.COM/7RHIGI5N7S * Groulx said he saw forward Mitchell Stephens skate recently in Toronto and believes he’s healthy and looking good after an injury-marred season — TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING (@TBLIGHTNING) SEPTEMBER 8, 2019 with Syracuse. Groulx doesn’t think Stephens was back to his regular self The one-year AHL deal provides flexibility for both sides. Shalagin can even by the end of the year, so he’s excited to see what the scrappy show what he can do in Syracuse and ECHL Orlando (where Sosunov center/winger can show in training camp. spent time last season). He could earn a three-year, entry-level deal in a “He can finish with the shot, he can score from the top of the blue line, he year or return to Russia and play (with Tampa retaining his NHL rights). can score from anywhere,” Groulx said. “His game improved dramatically “Our European scouts get all the credit or all the blame for him,” Murray defensively. His awareness on the ice is much better. joked. “But it seems like a worthwhile gamble in the seventh round.” “You’re excited for his second year, and then he goes through all those Observations from the Lightning prospect showcase injuries. He was never at his best. I never thought he was comfortable at getting his game back.” * The first two games of the Lightning prospect tournament against the Predators and Hurricanes were a bit underwhelming. It’s not just that MITCHELL STEPHENS WITH A BEAUTY SHOOTOUT GOAL Tampa Bay lost both games, one to former goalie prospect Connor PIC.TWITTER.COM/AERMQQUB1N Ingram, whose strange saga in Tampa Bay resulted in a summer deal to — LIGHTNING INSIDER (@ERIK_ERLENDSSON) SEPTEMBER 17, Nashville. The Lightning prospect group that attended was light on the 2018 blue line (with Cal Foote sitting out the second game) and in net. But the execution wasn’t up to the team’s standard. It’s not a major concern, but * One of the prospects I was looking forward to seeing this past weekend it’s worth noting as these players will soon be reporting to main camp this was Jimmy Huntington, whom the Lightning signed last season as the week. 20-year-old was becoming the CHL’s leading scorer. Tampa Bay has shown it is not afraid of signing overage guys and taking a chance (like Tyler Johnson, Yanni Gourde, Alex Barre-Boulet). Huntington’s stock soared while playing with next year’s likely No. 1 pick, CANDIDATES TO SNAG FINAL COUPLE #TBLIGHTNING ROSTER Alex Lafrenière, with Rimouski. Huntington’s goal total jumped from 18 SPOTS IN CAMP HTTPS://T.CO/BAGCRLBYDQ the previous year in Victoriaville to 40 in 66 games with Rimouski. PIC.TWITTER.COM/0VGV0EFWQJ “He’s an interesting guy,” Murray said. “He was always a bottom-six-type — JOE SMITH (@JOESMITHTB) SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 player for his team, and last year he got to play with Lafrenière, and his offensive game really took a step forward. We weren’t the only team on “For me, it’s consistency in his case,” Groulx said. “When Volkov is him — a lot of teams were talking to him about signing. I think what he’s playing his best, when he’s really playing his ‘A’ game, he’s a very good done now is show people that he can play with good players, he knows player. He needs to do that. He needs to skate, he needs to be stronger how to create and finish opportunities. He may not be a legitimate top six, on the puck, needs to pursue the puck and be relentless. All those things but he’s a better third-, fourth-line player than he was. He showed more make him a very good player. skill and believes he has more skill. His game progressed from being just “But if you’re only playing on skill, if you’re waiting for the puck to come at a defensive player to a really good two-way player.” him, it’s not working. I think it’s maturity in his case.” Huntington said what helped seal the deal for him signing with Tampa The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 Bay was when GM Julien BriseBois and Roest came to Rimouski for one of his games around Christmas. Huntington was playing against Lightning prospect Gabriel Fortier, who was with Baie-Comeau. “When a GM comes to see you, it means a lot,” Huntington said. “That’s why I decided to go. He said, ‘We want to offer you. You don’t have to decide right now, but I’m here for a reason.’” Huntington played against Boulet in the QMJHL, and after watching what he did last year with the AHL team in Syracuse, Huntington said, “I want to do what he did.” Huntington trained in Montreal this summer with Lightning strength coach Mark Lambert and other prospects like Barre-Boulet, Fortier, Cal Foote, and others. “I can play physical, I can play both ways — defensively and offensively,” he said. “I can score, play power play, penalty kill, all around. And I can fight, too.” “Playing with Lafrenière, people say, ‘You played with him,’” Roest said. “But you watch the game. Most of the nights, (Huntington) was the guy driving the line. He was a 20-year-old overage, so he should be having an impact on every game. But the more we watched him, the more we liked him and the better he got. There weren’t many games where you left and he wasn’t the best player.” * Speaking of Fortier, he’s an intriguing forward prospect who can play any position up front. “He gives himself 12 chances to make a team,” Murray said. Fortier had a career season in junior (35 goals, 48 assists in 68 games), combining that feisty, relentless style with a scoring touch. “I just took my time,” he said. “I usually play so fast, I rush things. I just was more patient, and it paid off.” * Taylor Raddysh was a prolific goal scorer in junior, former teammates with Connor McDavid. And after a solid first pro season with Syracuse, Raddysh was one of the few bright spots in Sunday’s 7-4 loss to Carolina. Raddysh had two power-play goals and an assist. The biggest areas in which Raddysh feels like he’s improved the past year have been his speed and his mobility. “In the past, my skating’s been a big fault in my game,” he said. “I feel like over the last couple of years, I’ve put a lot of time and work into that. I feel like it’s come a long way.” X2!@ROSCOLDASH AND @RADDY1998 LINK UP AGAIN ON THE POWER PLAY FOR OUR THIRD PPG OF THE GAME. #PROSPECTSSHOWCASE PIC.TWITTER.COM/HA1E6J15TN — TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING (@TBLIGHTNING) SEPTEMBER 8, 2019 * Cal Foote, who is getting closer to being NHL ready, was noticeably quicker, showing some improvements after working on his skating during the summer. For the first time, Foote spent a good chunk of time working out in Montreal with several other Lightning prospects and Lambert. “He looks quicker, stronger, faster,” Roest said. “Last year, at the beginning of camp, he struggled a little bit. But after Christmas, he took off and was our best defenseman (in Syracuse). He’s very smart on and off the ice, and we’re excited for what he can do at this camp.” * While Volkov wasn’t among those in the prospect showcase, he’s been in Brandon the past week or so skating with the Lightning veterans. As one of the final cuts the last two Tampa Bay camps, you can sense that Volkov is hungry to stick this time. Each practice, you watch Hart Trophy winner Nikita Kucherov taking him under his wing and showing him different drills, from shooting one-timers to driving the net. If Volkov has another great camp, it wouldn’t surprise me if he lands on the Lightning roster. THE LAST GUY ON ICE? ALEX VOLKOV, ALONG WITH VET BRAYDON COBURN. WROTE ABOUT VOLKOV + THE OTHER 1107848 Toronto Maple Leafs happen, then it does change our team a little bit because then we’ve lost a lot of players. As of right now, I obviously see them coming back, hopefully coming to camp, but coming back to our team, and then it’s NHL camps opening with Marner, Laine among almost a dozen looking good.” prominent restricted free agents unsigned The Bruins without McAvoy and Carlo and the Flyers without Provorov and Konecny are in a similar spot. Boston could be without half of its top four on defence. STEPHEN WHYNO “It doesn’t bother us,” goaltender Tuukka Rask said. “I think it’s more for the general managers and coaches, that you don’t know what’s going to happen.” Toronto Maple Leafs centre Mitch Marner is one of the top NHL restricted free agents still unsigned as training camps are about to open for the Based on his own experience, Krug said, he thinks it can be a distraction 2019-20 season. not to have key players in camp. He also believes what players are doing in their downtime matters. P.K. Subban doesn’t want to give advice to all the unsigned young players around the NHL. He just vividly remembers his own experience “Are they still training, or are they sitting there pouting and wondering, as a restricted free agent. ‘When am I going to sign, and when do I actually have to get serious and ramp things up?’ ” he said. “It’s a different circumstance for all players. Before he signed a short, “bridge” contract, he took some motherly [But] once you show up, the contract’s over with and you just start advice. playing.” “My mom picked up the phone and called me and said: ‘P.K., listen, Whenever that happens to be. you’re young still. You have lots of time. If you’re ready to go and play, go play,’ ” Subban recalled. “And I went and played and won the Norris Globe And Mail LOADED: 09.11.2019 Trophy.” Almost a dozen prominent restricted free agents remain unsigned on the eve of training camps around the league, and several situations threaten to linger into the season, as Subban’s did in 2013 and Toronto’s William Nylander’s did a year ago. Nylander’s Maple Leafs teammate Mitch Marner, Tampa Bay’s Brayden Point, Philadelphia’s Ivan Provorov and Travis Konecny, Colorado’s Mikko Rantanen, Boston’s Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo and Winnipeg’s Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor could all be conspicuously absent when camps open this week. “Everybody’s waiting on somebody to make a move,” Toronto centre Auston Matthews said. “I’m surprised there’s lots of guys. It’s not just [Marner]. You’ve got a lot of really good players that aren’t signed yet. I guess everybody’s just kind of playing the waiting game.” Dominoes could start to fall after Columbus signed restricted free-agent defenceman Zach Werenski to a US$15-million, three-year deal and New Jersey gave forward Pavel Zacha US$6.75-million over three years. The salary cap is a concern: Toronto will have to use long-term injury allowance to get Marner under contract, Tampa Bay has less than US$9- million in cap space for Point, Boston is roughly US$7-million under with McAvoy and Carlo unsigned and Winnipeg has US$15-million for both Laine and Connor. “Everybody’s got room to do what they need to do,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. “You’re not looking at situations where the restricted free agents haven’t been made substantial offers. It’s they and their agents want more. I respect that.” NHL Players’ Association executive director Don Fehr said he would like all those players to have the contracts they want, but acknowledged, “That’s not probably the world we live in.” The continuing contract stalemates have sparked plenty of questions about the lack of rights for restricted free agents and the trend toward younger players wanting to cash in on their second contracts. “The team has you in a certain situation where you have no rights, so you don’t have much of a say,” Boston defenceman Torey Krug said. “That’s how it’s set up. Those guys will make their big bucks later on or whatever. It’s just how it works.” Krug said, “If you just look at the star power, it’s potentially damaging to some teams” if they can’t get their restricted free agents signed in time for the start of the season. Nylander missed the first two months last season when contract talks were at an impasse. Things could also drag out with Marner and others. “Every player just wants a deal that they think that they deserve,” Nylander said. “There’s always going back and forth, and sometimes there’s no talking at all. … It’s always a tough process. In the end, it’ll work out for both sides.” It didn’t work out between Edmonton and restricted free-agent forward Jesse Puljujarvi, who took his talents back to Finland for the season. Zacha was in talks to play in the KHL before signing with the Devils on Tuesday. The overseas route is far more common for European players, but is often considered a last resort. If Laine plays anywhere but Winnipeg or Connor stays home, it affects everything for the Jets. “Everyone wants them back,” forward Nikolaj Ehlers said. “If we don’t have those two guys for the whole season, which I don’t think is going to 1107849 Toronto Maple Leafs The job on Morgan Rielly’s right side is available after Ron Hainsey’s departure as a free agent to the Senators. Cody Ceci, acquired from Ottawa, is the most likely candidate and has been playing there during Rejigged Maple Leafs have a lot to shoot for when camp opens on the informal workouts. Ceci was a top-pair D-man in Ottawa last year and Rock struggled, so maybe he’s better off further down the lineup. He’ll be with better players, though, so maybe the transition will be smooth. If healthy, Travis Dermott — coming off shoulder surgery — could challenge, even though he’s a lefty. By Kevin McGran Second pair

If anything’s set, it’s Jake Muzzin and Tyson Barrie here. Barrie has a When a team is considered a Stanley Cup contender and a no-brainer for skill set similar to the departed Jake Gardiner — who recently signed with a playoff spot, training camp tends to be a boring affair with just one or Carolina — and is a right-handed shooter. The Leafs have balance in two spots up for grabs. their top four if it all works out. Not the 2019-20 Toronto Maple Leafs, who have medicals Thursday and Third pair open camp in St. John’s on Friday. There’s no guarantee that Dermott will be healthy, so this unit is up for Six players who suited up for Game 7 against the Boston Bruins in the grabs. Timothy Liljegren and Rasmus Sandin will get a long look together first round of the playoffs in April are gone — as is Nazem Kadri, who in camp. Both former first-round picks are probably going back to the was suspended at the time. Three others are hurt or unsigned. Marlies, though, to log big minutes in all situations. Justin Holl and Martin Marincin, frequent healthy scratches last season, are back but face tough So there are plenty of jobs available, from the first line to backup goalie, competition from Ben Harpur (six-foot-six), Jordan Schmaltz (six-foot-two and plenty of contenders for each of them. Here’s a look at how things and a righty) and puck-mover Teemu Kivihalme, who played in Finland are shaping up: last year. The first line Goaltending Mitch Marner and Zach Hyman formed two-thirds of the top line with star Saving the most important position for last, it’s worth noting that a good centre John Tavares last season, but Marner remains without a contract backup for Frederik Andersen is incredibly important. Garret Sparks — and Hyman may not be ready after surgery to repair a knee ligament. traded to Vegas — did not thrive in that role, perhaps leading to more That’s two jobs right there. And maybe it’s not even the top line anymore. games for Andersen than desirable and a few points lost. Michael Andreas Johnsson is the likely candidate to sub for Hyman on left wing. Hutchinson is signed and did OK last year, but 31-year-old Michal Jeremy Bracco, who led the AHL’s Marlies in scoring last year, has the Neuvirth, in on a tryout, has to be considered the favourite. He has 257 talent to run an NHL power play, but it might be a bit of a leap. He’ll NHL games to his credit, mostly as a backup. probably get a look there in training camp, and could get a break if Marner doesn’t sign by the start of the season. Russian Ilya Mikheyev is Toronto Star LOADED: 09.11.2019 also a strong possibility. He can play either wing and, soon to be 25, would offer more of a veteran presence. The second line Star centre Auston Matthews played with a rotating crew last year, and is now yearning for some stability. A reunion with right winger William Nylander is not out of the question, and a return to their magic of two seasons ago would be welcome. On the left side, Mikheyev fits the bill as the digger. As a favourite already of coach Mike Babcock, expect Mikheyev to get some top-line looks in camp. Trevor Moore also wouldn’t look out of place. A bit like the dearly departed Connor Brown, now in Ottawa, he can play anywhere in a lineup. The third line The Leafs added Alexander Kerfoot from Colorado in the Kadri trade, so he’s a logical candidate. He can also play any forward position, so it’s entirely possible he comes in as a winger, with Jason Spezza getting some time in a top-nine role. The only holdover from last year’s third line would be Kasperi Kapanen, who can also play further up the lineup if needed. At this point, it’s worth mentioning that Kenny Agostino and Nic Petan are candidates and beginning two-year deals, a sure sign that general manager Kyle Dubas believes in both of them. Once everyone is healthy and signed, however, the third line could be Johnsson-Kerfoot- Kapanen. The fourth line Frederik Gauthier is the incumbent centre, but he’s no sure thing to make the team. He’ll have to start killing penalties. If Spezza falls to the fourth line, it could be as a winger. Moore could end up here. Petan is another possibility, although he didn’t seem to earn Babcock’s trust after the Leafs acquired him from Winnipeg for Par Lindholm at the trade deadline. Babcock might prefer an all-size line from among Gauthier (six-foot-five), Spezza (six-foot-three) and one of Mason Marchment (six-foot-four), Yegor Korshkov (six-foot-four) or Pierre Engvall (six-foot-five). Other forwards Matt Read, Pontus Aberg, Nick Shore, Kalle Kossila and Garrett Wilson were all brought in over the summer as Dubas hopes to find another Tyler Ennis — a player with skill who might have been in the wrong system or overlooked by his last team. Read’s 33, with 449 NHL games to his credit, and is in on a tryout. The others are signed. Wilson, 28, is hurt (hamstring). Kossila inked a two-year deal, indicating a commitment from the Leafs. If there’s a common theme (Aberg, Shore and Kossila in particular), they’re playmakers. Top-pair defence 1107850 Toronto Maple Leafs “You’re playing against guys who have played a bit in the NHL, a bit in the AHL, guys who are top prospects. It definitely gives me confidence just to showcase myself and produce like I did. Coach Keefe looking forward to Marlies' outlook as prospects tournament “I think it brought the better game out of me. When I play higher comes to an end competition, it brings the best out of me. In junior you can get away with a few things, but here I was just more aware. I found other ways to be effective out here too. Not hitting guys, but positioning myself well and Terry Koshan that helped me out.” We would agree. Robertson shone all weekend. TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – Sheldon Keefe is as curious as anyone else ELYNUIK EXCELS to see what shakes out once the Maple Leafs start training camp. Elynuik is ready to move into a full-time job with the Marlies after getting Keefe, the coach of the Toronto Marlies, will have a better handle on his a 10-game look last season, and figure that will include some work on the club once those players competing for depth roles with the Leafs begin to penalty kill. separate themselves, both at forward and on defence. In his three games, Elynuik usually was among those first over the “This year probably more than any other, I think there is lot of question boards when a penalty was called against Toronto. The Leafs finished marks about who is it that is actually going to end up coming down second on the penalty kill in the tournament at 83.3% (10 for 12). because there is going to be great competition in the Leafs camp, from the looks of it,” Keefe said. “That will significantly impact the look of our “I penalty-killed pretty much my whole junior career and penalty-killed last team. year too, so I feel comfortable doing that and it’s a role I am for sure willing to take on,” Elynuik said. “It was really good for me to get put out “There is enough depth there that we are going to end up with good there a lot and get the feel of things back. I thought I did a really good job players, but who they are and how that affects depth and lines remains to of it.” be seen.” Toronto Sun LOADED: 09.11.2019 Keefe could be guiding any one, or two, of forwards Nic Petan, Nick Shore, Kenny Agostino, Pontus Aberg, Frederik Gauthier or Garrett Wilson (who is nursing an injury) once final Leafs cuts are made. On the blue line, Keefe got a good look at Teemu Kivihalme during the prospects tournament at Centre Ice, and if Kivihalme’s goal of making the Leafs falls short, he’s going to be a vital player on the Marlies blue line. As for the Leafs’ initial participation in the annual eight-team event hosted by the Detroit Red Wings (who happened to win the championship with a 6-5 win against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday), Keefe gave it two thumbs up, with a small caveat. “I think there is some debate to be had about the value of rookie tournaments in general, just because of the demand and the wear and tear it puts on players,” Keefe said. “I know in talking to some of the other teams that have been coming here for a while, that is one of the downfalls. “You’re asking a lot of your players in a short amount of time. We have been fortunate we have got through this clean. It has been a positive experience in that sense. And the chance to interact with some of these players in game settings, particularly with this group, it has been important and productive and I have learned a lot through it.” With four games in five days, the Leafs brought 13 extra players, with the majority playing in three games. On Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the game for third place, Keefe rested the best of the Leafs prospects taking part, including Kivihalme, Nick Robertson, Semyon Der-Arguchintsev, Justin Brazeau, Hudson Elynuik, Egor Korshkov and Ian Scott. The Leafs were down 4-1 before coming back to tie the game on a goal by Matt Bradley with three seconds remaining in regulation, only to lose 5-4 at 3:23 of overtime when Alexandre Texier scored for Columbus. Trey Bradley, Marc-Antoine Pepin and James Hamblin also scored for the Leafs. Maksim Zhukov started in goal for Toronto and made 14 saves on 16 shots; Zachary Bouthillier took over midway through and stopped 17 of the 20 shots he faced. What’s encouraging for the Leafs is the players who were expected to be their leaders in the tournament, whether on offence or in other ways, were exactly that. Considering the positive experience for the Leafs as a whole, we would expect Toronto to return to the event next year. ROBERTSON ON POINT Despite not turning 18 until Wednesday (the 11th), Robertson, the Leafs’ second-round pick this past June, wound up leading the Leafs with five points (four goals and one assist). While no one will remember that years from now, if not days, the production will give Robertson some spring in his step with the main camp around the corner. “To represent the Leafs and do well makes me feel good going into the season and going into camp this weekend,” Robertson said. “You have to know this is the start. There is a lot more to come after this. 1107851 Toronto Maple Leafs Body Issue, is constantly being told that he is too flashy, something he attributes to racism.

“If you don’t acknowledge (the racial element) to some degree, you’re Maple Leafs' Matthews front and centre in NHL's new, young Fun living in the shadows,” Kane told The Mercury News. “It’s an older Brigade mentality and something that (hockey) hasn’t caught up to. There’s nothing wrong with lights, camera, action and embracing the entertainment side of sports. Unfortunately, we don’t have enough guys Michael Traikos who want to do that or think it’s important to do that. If you look at the four major sports, that’s why hockey ranks fourth.”

That’s changing. Slowly. Somewhere along the way, Auston Matthews decided he would grow a moustache. For years, Alex Ovechkin wasn’t afraid to have fun with his goal celebrations (remember his “my stick is too hot to hold” routine after It took him weeks to cultivate. But he probably knew what it would look scoring 60?) or to add flair to his wardrobe with tinted visors, yellow laces like in just a few minutes. and even demonic goats on his skates. All he had to do was pop in the latest NHL 20 video game and go to the “We have to have fun,” said Ovechkin. “Without fun, what can you do? I editing function, where you can change everything about a player’s think for us to be on the ice is fun. We have to show it.” appearance, from their hairstyle and stick tape to their goal celebration. Subban and recently retired Roberto Luongo have also embraced social Want to see what Matthews looks like with a handlebar moustache or a media to interact with fans and help grow the sport on Twitter and Brent Burns-style beard? Want to dress him up like a lumberjack or Instagram. More are following their lead. But in the end, players have to something straight out of the 80s? It’s just a click away. do what feels comfortable. Matthews, who arrived to last week’s Player Media Tour in a light grey “I think it’s unfair if you compare Auston Matthews to Taylor Hall or me to suit with a pair of white Givenchy sneakers, decided on a standard Taylor Hall,” said Subban. “We’re all different, so everybody’s going to do moustache, trimmed pencil-thin and dyed black (IRL, he added Just For things different. Whether they have a social media account or not, Men), giving him a look that was fit for a Columbian drug lord. whatever we do in the public eyes is going to look different. People just have different comfort levels in front of the camera and behind the “I like it. I like what he’s going for,” said Calgary’s Sam Bennett. “It’s more camera. One thing that we all have in common is we feel comfortable on like Pablo Escobar-ish.” the ice. “Without the beer belly,” added Matthews. “But as far as the game goes, just allowing players to be themselves, I In the world of CHEL (as in NH-chel), gamers have long been able to think we’re seeing more of that now, where guys are more opinionated customize their on-line players to match their own personality. In the and tweeting.” actual NHL, players are finally doing the same. There’s an end goal to this. With more exposure will come more It’s art imitating life. Or, in the case of Boston’s Brad Marchand marketing opportunities — and thus, more money for the players and the performing a goal celebration that was straight out of the video game last league. season, it’s vice versa. “We have to look at other sports where players are getting paid like “They’re on very similar paths,” said William Ho, the creative director hundreds of millions of dollars off the court,” said Subban. “Some of that behind EA Sports’ NHL 20. “We’re seeing (P.K.) Subban and the young is more than just marketing … they’re doing something right. But I think stars like Matthews who are really outspoken and into fashion and how we’re on our way. The way that players handle themselves off the ice is they conduct themselves out in the world. But also the gaming trends are going to help. I’ve seen improvements since I’ve been in the league. I’m that people want to dress them up, unlock more rewards and customize happy with the way things are going.” them. That’s why games like Fortnite are so popular. They’re game At the same time, the old-school mentality is not going away. For every trends but they align with hockey trends.” Subban or Matthews there is a Bo Horvat, who would rather emphasize Matthews, who is 21 years old, might be part of Generation Z, but he’s at the crest on the front of his jersey than the name on the back and disable the forefront of what NHL 20 has dubbed Generation Why Not. his Facebook account. “Coming from Arizona, it was different,” Matthews said in a recent promo “I think it would be good for the game to show more personality, but I’m for NHL 20, in which he appears on the cover. “Most of my friends played definitely not going to be the guy to do it,” said the Vancouver Canucks football, basketball, basketball. They asked, ‘Why hockey?’ centre. “Hockey players are wired the exact same way. We’re humble and easy-going and stick-to-the-book when it comes to answers. We’re “And I said, ‘Why not?’ ” just so taught to be team-based. I’m definitely not going to be the guy to do it. The message extends to everything: Why not grow a moustache or a beard? Why not wear a suit that attracts attention? Why not celebrate a “We don’t tolerate that kind of stuff in the dressing room, where goal in a way that makes you happy? Why not show your personality? somebody thinks they’re better than the game or better than you.” “Through these actions, through this swagger, he’s able to connect with There’s a time and place for everything. Matthews acknowledges this. new fans to help grow the game,” said Ho. “And now, in short order, he stands shoulder to shoulder with these other athletes in other sports, the In his first season with the Leafs, Lamoriello was his boss. Matthews (Conor) McGregors, the (Russell) Westbrooks and the (James) Hardens didn’t have a moustache. He wouldn’t even dare to show up to a game of the world who are not afraid to be their own person.” with five o’clock shadow. Lou Lamoriello might not appreciate facial hair and Don Cherry famously Three years later, he’s now embraced his role in the league. He’s one of called the Carolina Hurricanes a “bunch of jerks” for their post-win the stars. And he’s having fun with it, as we saw at last year’s All-Star celebrations last season. But NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said he Game, when he won over the San Jose fans by taking off his jersey to welcomes the individuality and fun that is spreading throughout the reveal a Maple Leafs jersey with ex-Shark Patrick Marleau’s name on the league, as long as it’s not contrived. back. “Everybody being themselves is what I consider authentic,” Bettman told “I played three years now. I’m not a veteran or anything, but you kind of Postmedia News last week. “We’re letting the players — and gain that experience, you gain that respect from your peers,” said encouraging them — to express themselves. And that’s what’s important Matthews. “You’re not going to walk in as a rookie and be on the cover of to Gen Zs. In some respects, it’s represented a cultural change to the magazines or the cover of the NHL video game. But I think the more way teams have always in hockey presented themselves and the comfortable you get as the years go by, the more you can be yourself.” cohesiveness of team-first and I still believe that’s an essential element In the words of Matthews: “Why not?” to the game. But younger people, younger players, view how they express themselves differently.” KANE HELPED BRING OUT MATTHEWS’ FUN SIDE This is still a relatively new concept in the NHL. You can thank Patrick Kane for helping to bring Auston Matthews out of his shell and into the spotlight. Sure, Matthews is getting props for being himself and having fun — and it helps that he can back it up — but at the same time a player such as It was a year ago in a wild back-and-forth high-scoring game when the Evander Kane, who this month is featured practically nude in ESPN’s two traded goals — and celebrations aimed at one another. First, it was Kane performing an uppercut punch after scoring a tying goal with the goalie pulled that caused the arena to go ballistic. Seconds later, after Matthews gave the Maple Leafs another lead, he held up his hand to his ear in hopes of quieting the Chicago crowd. Of course, they wouldn’t stay quiet for long. After scoring yet another goal, Kane brought his hand up to his ear and smiled, as the camera panned to Matthews on the bench. “That thing with Matthews, I wasn’t thinking about it before or anything. It just came to me,” said Kane. “It’s entertainment. It’s good for the game. We kind of laughed about it after.” Indeed, few probably remembered that Morgan Rielly scored the overtime goal. But what they do remember are the theatrics Kane and Matthews performed. “I like going into a game knowing there are 20,000 people out there who could potentially have all their eyes on you at one point in time throughout the game,” said Kane. “And you want to give them a show. You want that night or that moment to be entertaining for the fans.” Toronto Sun LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107852 Toronto Maple Leafs Once his father was able to find a power source and assure André he was safe, Drexel also joined in to help his son.

Days will often begin on the side of the road, with his team looking for a ‘We have to look out for one another here’: Former Leaf heads home to water source. On Monday, it took hours before they discovered a church aid in recovery efforts after Hurricane Dorian with a well. The rest of their day was spent installing a proper water pump in the well and then purifying the water in their cistern. Towards the evening, Deveaux estimates that 200-300 people arrived to fill up jugs By Joshua Kloke Sep 10, 2019 with drinking water. “People are devastated,” Deveaux said. “There’s a big need. You see the desperation, but you also see how thankful people are for people coming Drexel Deveaux told his son not to worry. to help.” It was August 31st and André Deveaux couldn’t escape the news of THANKS TO ALL OF THOSE WHO GOT US HERE. THIS IS JUST THE Hurricane Dorian’s impending landfall on the Bahamas, the country he BEGINNING OF THE AID NEEDED HERE BUT IT’S A GREAT START. was born in. The Toronto-based first responder and former Toronto PLEASE DONATE IF POSSIBLE. LINKS IN BIO!!!!💪🏾 💪🏾 💪🏾  Maple Leaf forward immediately called his father, who still lives in #BAHAMASSTRONG #FREEPORT #GLOBALMEDIC Freeport. Drexel tried to assure him that the hurricane wouldn’t be as bad PIC.TWITTER.COM/0QUPZKEILB as expected. But an hour later, as Deveaux finished his shift, he received an email from his father telling him that their water was being shut off in — ANDRÉ DEVEAUX (@ANDREDEVEAUX07) SEPTEMBER 7, 2019 anticipation of the coming storm. He realized the hurricane’s impact would be worse than expected. It is 10 p.m. local time when Deveaux calls The Athletic after his day has ended. He is staying at a hotel with no running water. The electricity was It would be five days before Deveaux would hear from his father again. only restored on Monday. After Hurricane Dorian first hit the Bahamas on Sept. 1, at least 70,000 And he will be up early again the following morning to continue his work. people have been left homeless in its wrath. The National Hurricane He has plans to begin teaching locals how to install and use the water Center called Dorian “the strongest hurricane on record in the purifying units so that they can continue aiding those impacted in the northwestern Bahamas.” CNN reported on Monday that at least 50 future. people have died because of the hurricane and that government officials warn the death toll could be even higher. Deveaux finds himself overwhelmed when he fills up jugs of water for fathers around his age with their own sons. Deveaux, born in Freeport and the first-ever NHL player from the Bahamas, felt compelled not just to help from afar but get to the “And you think ‘What if? What if I didn’t know where my son would get his Bahamas as fast as he could. He had last returned two years ago to next drink of clean water from?’” Deveaux asked. attend a funeral after Hurricane Matthew. He is quick to admit that had things turned out a little differently in his life, Deveaux contacted GlobalMedic, an Etobicoke-based organization that he could have just as easily been at standing in that same lineup, asking sends Canadian volunteers to assists those impacted by natural for water. disasters. Born in Freeport but raised in Welland, Ontario, Deveaux was drafted in Two days after the hurricane hit the Bahamas, Deveaux left his job at the sixth round of the 2002 NHL Draft by the Montreal Canadiens. The Pearson International Airport, his four-year-old son and his wife, who is physical forward bounced between the OHL, AHL and ECHL before eight-and-a-half months pregnant with their second child. making his NHL debut for the Leafs on Nov. 27th, 2008. Deveaux would play 22 games for the Leafs during the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons “Flying in, you see how scary the power of mother nature is,” Deveaux and then nine more games for the New York Rangers in 2011-12. said succinctly about the wreckage he observed. Deveaux spent the majority of his professional career as an AHL He arrived in Nassau to begin his work aiding people left devastated by enforcer, logging 1217 penalty minutes over 449 games, having last Dorian. played professionally for HK Dukla Trencin in Slovakia in the 2017-18 season. “My grandfather, when he was alive, told me ‘It’s great what you have in Canada. I hope you stay there forever. But just know that you can always But now, after a week volunteering in the Bahamas, hockey is the come back to the Bahamas. In the Bahamas, Bahamians look out for one furthest thing from his mind. another.’ That’s always stuck with me,” Deveaux said. “There’s a lot of pressure in professional sports,” Deveaux said. And so Deveaux has aimed to do just that over the last week in the “Sometimes if you’re worried about something, whether it’s what line Bahamas. Leading a team of seven, Deveaux’s days begin early. The you’re on or if you sat out for a game or you don’t like your ice time, you focus of his work is installing water purifier units that take any water that come here and it all seems pretty trivial.” isn’t saltwater and make it potable. He also travels back and forth between airports and communities distributing food and hygiene kits that “I don’t like it when people preach, but we don’t have much to complain have arrived on the island. about back home,” he added. “This just makes me realize that a lot more.” (Courtesy of GlobalMedic) Eventually, Deveaux will leave the Bahamas but he knows his time in the Deveaux has also launched a page on CanadaHelps to raise funds “to country will stay with him. Asked what he will tell his children about his help the people of the Bahamas regain access to basic supplies, medical experience, Deveaux quickly interjects. attention and to rebuild their homes.” “I’ll show them,” he said proudly. “I’m Bahamian as much as I am According to Deveaux, local assistance can be hard to come by at times. Canadian. I want my son to have a connection here.” Coupled with the chaos that comes after a natural disaster of Dorian’s magnitude, Deveaux and his team are being bogged down in their In the wake of tragedy, the connection to the country he was born in is attempts to find sources of water due to red tape. When he’s not working stronger than ever for Deveaux. to install water purifiers or distributing food and hygiene kits, Deveaux is “We have to look out for one another here,” he said. trying to establish contacts on the ground to help future endeavours. The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 “This isn’t a place where you could just move in and start making moves. You have to work with the local government,” Deveaux said. “It’s rewarding to see it happen on the ground, but there’s a lot more to the process, there’s a lot more moving parts to help this be effective.” As soon as Deveaux understood what he was up against on the ground, he became eager to share contacts he’d developed throughout his life with GlobalMedic in the hopes of streamlining their efforts. “It makes such a difference, a Bahamian introducing someone to another Bahamian,” Deveaux said. “We’re able to help a lot more people because of this.” 1107853 Toronto Maple Leafs results for Harpur — because it didn’t go well at all for him in Ottawa last year. Opponents grabbed almost 60 percent of the shot attempts, scoring chances and goals when he was on the ice, primarily with Ceci. Maple Leafs training camp roster battles: The defence and backup goalie Harpur is also only 24, though, with just 103 games on his NHL resume, so there’s conceivably growth there still to be had. He’s also humongous — among the largest defencemen in the league at 6-foot-6 and 222 By Jonas Siegel Sep 10, 2019 pounds — and physical, and the Leafs might just want some of those ingredients on a defence that’s largely full of the opposite. The Hamilton, Ont., product can also kill some penalties, if less effectively than Marincin. So much mystery! It’s likely only the emergence of Sandin that puts Harpur’s roster spot (or Just like the battle for jobs up front, which we dug into on Monday, the Marincin’s) in jeopardy. Leafs could go in so many different directions on defence depending on how camp shakes out. Camp could also decide who wins the backup Justin Holl goalie gig. Holl was scratched 72 (!) times last season. Let’s get into it. He made it into only two games over the first four months of the season, Defence suiting up for 11 games total. Locks (4) Will a new year, with new competition and slightly more experience but the same coach, change that? Were Travis Dermott healthy, there might be a competition brewing in the top four, and undoubtedly one fewer job would be up for grabs. Instead, Justin Holl has played in 13 career NHL games. (Anne-Marie Sorvin / four spots are probably there to be had (the Leafs could also go with 14 USA Today) forwards), with the depth chart looking something like this: Babcock seemed to have Igor Ozhiganov destined for the third spot on Morgan Rielly — Cody Ceci right defence last fall, but this time around, with Ozhiganov in Russia, there’s no apparent favourite heading into camp. Schmaltz was a first- Jake Muzzin — Tyson Barrie round pick in 2012, but nonetheless has only 42 NHL games under his Martin Marincin — Justin Holl belt, playing sparingly over 20 games with St. Louis last year. Timothy Liljegren, meanwhile, probably has to wow at camp to get an early look. Ben Harpur — Jordan Schmaltz Holl is the known commodity within the organization, the one GM Kyle Rasmus Sandin — Timothy Liljegren Dubas found, believed in and helped develop. He’s also the one still trying to gain Babcock’s trust. First impressions can be hard to break that Kevin Gravel/Teemu Kivihalme way, but maybe Holl, with more opportunity and a skill-set that fits the *Travis Dermott (injured) remodeled Leafs, can do it. Otherwise, he’s facing another ominous year, potentially, of lonely bag skates and press box seats. Bubble (6) Jordan Schmaltz Martin Marincin About a month after they hired Dave Hakstol to join Babcock, Paul If it felt like Marincin was caught out there for a lot of goals against over McFarland, and Andrew Brewer on the coaching staff, the Leafs traded 24 games it’s because he was — 22 in about 365 minutes, including 18 for Schmaltz. Why does that matter? Well, Schmaltz played at the against five-on-five. But those sneaky underlying numbers tell a deeper University of North Dakota for three seasons and Hakstol was his coach. story — that the goaltending was largely below par when he was out there, and that by expected-goals five-on-five, Marincin was actually just Perhaps that connection will help unlock some of the potential which led fine (tops among Leafs defencemen at 54 percent). He remained a to Schmaltz going 25th overall in 2012 — to the Blues, no less, a team penalty-killing master, with his flamingo-like legs and reach, posting the that’s drafted some gems on defence. best expected goals against per 60 minutes number on the team — albeit Schmaltz never could make it happen in St. Louis, where Alex in a small sample size. Pietrangelo, Colton Parayko, and, for a while, Kevin Shattenkirk blocked It’s no wonder the Leafs brought him back for another season for the way to playing time on the right side. He won’t face such obstacles in $700,000. Toronto, and with his ability to dish the rock and transport it himself, he fits the Dubas mold on defence. He’s also 6-foot-2 and close to 200 The question, as always, is whether Marincin will grab hold of an pounds, though not at all physical. opportunity. He’s yet to do so over four seasons in Toronto. Confidence has always been sort of fleeting for the 27-year-old, who was scratched (Read this for a good primer on why Schmaltz never hit it off with the more than 40 times last season. Blues.) Maybe this year will finally be different. Ultimately, it’s worthwhile for the Leafs to take chances like this, on players of pedigree who didn’t work out with their first (or second) team. The Leafs could use his penalty-killing superpowers now that first-unit All the more so, as in the case of Schmaltz, when the cost is low staples Ron Hainsey and Nikita Zaitsev are playing in Ottawa. Marincin (Andreas Borgman would have been deep on the depth chart at left also has the whole versatility thing going for him — able to play the left defence even after the departure of Calle Rosen) and fills, potentially, an and right sides — and Mike Babcock seems to have a soft spot for what area of need. he can bring. Schmaltz might not be an NHL player. Underlying numbers last season, Martin Marincin is among the Leafs’ better penalty killers on defence. for example, were uninspiring — albeit in just 20 games, and primarily (Sergei Belski / USA Today) during the Stanley Cup champions’ horrendous start to the season, and with a declining Jay Bouwmeester often at his side. Those numbers were If anything, Marincin should probably be the favourite for the third spot on a lot peppier during brief stints the two previous seasons. In other words, left defence with Dermott out. Ben Harpur struggled last year in Ottawa, it’s hard to make too much of the statistical record. the Leafs seem like they would prefer Rasmus Sandin get more Marlies seasoning, Teemu Kivihalme has never played in the NHL and Kevin Jordan Schmaltz has five assists in 42 NHL games. He’s still looking for Gravel is likewise still establishing himself as an NHL player at 27. his first goal. (Jeff Curry / USA Today) The job is there for Marincin to grab. Even when Dermott returns, Schmaltz, who turns 26 in October, will be competing with Holl, Liljegren, Marincin could conceivably slide over to the right. and maybe Marincin for the third gig on the right side. Given his handedness, pedigree, age and contract (he’s an RFA next summer), he The worst case, and it’s happened before, is Marincin gets waived. feels like someone the club will hang onto at the end of camp regardless. Likelier still is a repeat of last season. More could be had, though, if Marincin finally goes all carpe diem and seizes the day. Rasmus Sandin/Timothy Liljegren Ben Harpur Sandin and Liljegren are kind of in the same boat, in that their path to the Leafs is tentatively blocked by veterans still trying to figure things out at Like with Ceci, the Leafs have to be hoping that a better team, with better the NHL level. Decent enough camp performances from those veterans teammates and structure, and easier minutes equals (much!) better likely means the two Swedes end up back with the Marlies. And that feels like the right way to go — maybe. They also found someone in Hutchinson who fit the role quite nicely, albeit while playing only five times. He’s a solid, if limited, option if they Let’s remember Sandin is only 19 and won’t turn 20 until March. He was don’t think they can depend on Neuvirth, who hasn’t played an NHL the rare (though not so rare for the Leafs) 18-year-old AHL defenceman game since January. last season, and while his poise stuck out, along with his knack for calmly handling play in all situations for Sheldon Keefe, more developing with It’s possible, too, that neither guy gets the job, that the Leafs instead find the Marlies won’t hurt. Sandin only played 57 games for the Marlies. an upgrade on the waiver wire. Before that, he was one and done with the Soo Greyhounds. Stay tuned. That said, there’s no downside to giving him a shot if he looks ready. Each year, we see a few teenage defenders make a go of it, including The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 last season with the Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin, the Stars’ and Henri Jokiharju, who got into 38 games for the Blackhawks. Sandin’s competition is studded with question marks and he’s already made a positive first impression on Babcock. The Leafs could always give him an October tryout and then turn course if need be when Dermott returns. Alternatively, if Sandin shines, they could slide Dermott to the right on what’s the best possible combination of talent on the third pair. This is almost certainly the last camp that Sandin is on the bubble. The same likely goes for Liljegren, who might have got a crack at the NHL last year were it not for injuries. He’s got an extra year of AHL experience on Sandin while also facing more turbulence along the way. Like Sandin, more sunshine in prime time with the Marlies would be beneficial: more time running a power play, say, as Keefe has suggested, or combating top lines. Perhaps a midseason call-up, if warranted, is the right way to go. Stand out at camp and Liljegren can shove Holl and Schmaltz out of the way and push that timetable up. Dark horses (2) Kevin Gravel Gravel has NHL experience with 106 games with the Kings and Oilers. He’s another large dude at 6-foot-4 and 211 pounds. And he’s a viable, temporary third-pair option in the event that none of Marincin, Harpur, or Sandin look the part. More security in short, but likely a Marlies player. Teemu Kivihalme The 24-year-old will arrive at camp fresh off an appearance for the Leafs at a prospect tournament in Traverse City, Mich. Just sending him there suggests Kivihalme, with Minnesota roots and a resume that includes the U.S. college system and in the top league in Finland, will need more seasoning before he gets a chance with the Leafs. Kivihalme did play big, effective minutes last season for Karpat, Liiga’s top-ranked regular- season team. He’s a prospect worth watching. Backup goalie Locks (1) Frederik Andersen Bubble (2) Michael Hutchinson/Michal Neuvirth Choosing a backup goalie off the returns of a few sloppy periods of preseason hockey doesn’t make much sense. Instead, the Leafs should select the goalie most capable of putting together 25 to 30 solid games of relief. Both candidates have done it with varying levels of success in the NHL — Hutchinson with the Jets and Neuvirth with the Capitals, Sabres, and Flyers. Both have also had bumpy experiences along the way. Neuvirth, 31, is two years older than Hutchinson, with a much longer body of work (227 starts to 95) and slightly better career numbers (.920 even-strength save percentage to .916). As recently as 2017-18 season, he put up a .934 even-strength save percentage, which tied Corey Crawford for sixth-best among goalies who made at least 20 appearances. He’s also developed a not-undeserved reputation for getting hurt, including the final 42 games of his final season in Philadelphia, when he had a lower-body injury. Michal Neuvirth had an .859 save percentage in only seven appearances with Philadelphia last season. (Kim Klement / USA Today) While Neuvirth might be the marginally more attractive candidate, the Leafs might not feel comfortable trusting him behind Andersen. 1107854 Toronto Maple Leafs Perhaps Burns’ apprehension was justified. Corson broke his jaw during a tilt with the Blackhawks Curt Fraser in January 1987. Despite missing seven weeks after needing to get his jaw wired shut, Corson firmly ‘You’re not alone’: How Shayne Corson found hope in his battle with established his place on the team during his rookie season and quickly mental health became an integral part of the Canadiens’ roster. Over his first four full seasons in Montreal, his scoring output increased every year. During the 1989-90 season, Corson scored 31 goals, registered 44 assists, and made his first NHL All-Star Game. By Peter Mendelsohn Sep 10, 2019 In the fall of 1991, Shayne, Paul, his mother June, and sisters Patti and Shannon were eating dinner at Da Vinci, an Italian restaurant in downtown Montreal. More than 26 years later, Shayne Corson still thinks about that drive home. Throughout the meal, Paul had a difficult time swallowing his food. His family asked if he was ok. His father had picked him up at the Toronto airport during the Christmas break in the 1992-93 season. Paul Corson was suffering from cancer of Paul shrugged off his family’s concerns. the esophagus. Up until that night, Corson had only heard him speak confidently about beating his illness. But over the next few weeks, he continued to have difficulty swallowing. His oldest daughter Patti told him he needed to go to the doctor to get it “If anything happens to me, if I don’t beat this…I’m going to beat it…but if checked out. I don’t,” Paul told his son as they drove. “I want you to make sure to take care of your mom and your sisters. Again, Paul said he would be fine. “And take care of yourself,” he said. “I’m probably more worried about Shayne’s youngest sister Shannon, a teenager at the time, scheduled a you than I am anybody.” doctor’s appointment for her father. Growing up, Shayne and Paul had a unique bond. It was more than the Paul cancelled it. typical father and son relationship. They golfed and played tennis against each other. They spent Saturday nights on the couch watching “Hockey In January 1992, the Corson family finally got Paul to see a doctor. He Night in Canada.” was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus. “We were best buddies,” Corson says. “He was like a brother to me.” Over the next year, Corson watched his father lose his hair and drop in weight from 220 to 160 pounds. Despite this, Paul always seemed brave. Six weeks after that drive, Corson was called off the ice during the Corson tried to do the same but there were times when his anger Edmonton Oilers warm-up skate. He knew the reason was probably became too much. serious. But he didn’t think it could be his father. A young Shayne Corson with his dad. (Courtesy Shayne Corson) “As sick as he was, I always thought my dad was like Superman,” Corson says. “No matter how bad he looked and how bad things were, I always On February 13, 1992, Corson was accused of throwing shot glasses at thought he was going to beat it.” a man in a Montreal nightclub. According to allegations, Corson approached the man and started fighting with him. Following the incident, Corson assumed he’d been traded. Corson apologized to the Canadiens, explaining that he’d been under stress as a result of his father’s cancer diagnosis. But when he picked up the phone, he heard his father’s voice more than 3,000 kilometres away. Paul had gone in for surgery due to tumours that When Paul passed away a year later, Corson was devastated. were pressing on the nerves in his back. He was supposed to be out of the hospital in a day or two. “I didn’t cry in front of anybody, but I cried at night time by myself a lot,” Corson says. “I’d be in the car, and I’d hear a certain song, and it would But there had been complications and Paul wasn’t going to make it. spark a memory of us being all together, and I would cry.” They spoke for a few minutes. They told each other that they loved each Despite being in a tremendous amount of pain, he didn’t spend much other. time talking about what he was feeling. He pushed his grief aside and focused on his hockey career, which continued to thrive. Paul passed away 15 minutes later. He was 45 years old. In 1994, Corson made his second All-Star Game, this time as a member For years, Shayne Corson suffered from unaddressed grief leading to a of the Oilers. Two years later, he played on a line with Wayne Gretzky on debilitating collapse. He battled panic attacks, depression, and suicidal the St. Louis Blues. In 1998, he was selected to his third All-Star Game thoughts while trying to survive his career. Today, he’s still healing while and also represented Canada at the Olympics in Nagano, Japan. sharing his story in hope of helping others who are struggling too. In the summer of 2000, Corson signed a free-agent contract with the Corson was 20 years old when he arrived at Montreal Canadiens training Toronto Maple Leafs. camp in September 1986. The left-winger had played a grand total of three games with Montreal since being selected eighth overall two years “My dad would’ve loved to have watched me play for the Toronto Maple earlier. There weren’t a lot of roster spots available but Corson was Leafs,” he says. “When I signed here, I thought about that a lot.” determined to do whatever it took to make the team. He realized the Canadiens didn’t have a lot of fighters. So he decided to drop the gloves The Barrie, Ont., native desperately wanted to play well for the Leafs. with the team’s enforcer, defenceman John Kordic. Shortly after signing in Toronto, he began feeling anxiety. “I’m not going to lie to you, I was pretty scared, but I thought I was going While still in Montreal that summer, Corson woke up one night in the to make a name for myself and get on their radar right away,” Corson early hours of the morning. His heart was racing. Before he knew it, he says. “I thought if they could see what I could do, and I wasn’t afraid to was curled up on the floor on all fours. do it, it would help me make the club.” “I thought I was dying. I thought I was having a heart attack,” Corson Corson won the fight, made the team, and had his first NHL bout seven says. “I was almost paralyzed, lying on the floor, and sweating like a games into the season when he fought Joey Kocur, a renowned dog.” heavyweight known for a devastating right hand. His wife, Kelley, called Dr. David Mulder, the Canadiens head physician, The 6-foot-1 Corson went on to have another 16 fights between October who quickly came over. After assessing Corson and speaking with him and January. for a while, Dr. Mulder told him he’d just had a panic attack. “My dad instilled that toughness in me. He was a tough guy and he was “That was the very first one,” Corson says. “At the time, you don’t really always someone that would stand up for himself. He taught me to do the know what they are.” same things.” Corson spent the next three seasons as a member of the Maple Leafs. Corson’s penchant for dropping the gloves didn’t always sit well with the For two of those seasons, he suffered from overwhelming anxiety, team’s coach, the late Pat Burns. depression, and panic attacks. “I used to get shit from Burnsy a little bit,” Corson says. “He’d say, ‘I don’t A high achiever from a young age, Corson was a perfectionist, putting a want you fighting that much. You’re not supposed to be fighting these lot of pressure on himself. He blamed himself for being unable to get rid guys. Fight the middleweights.’” of his inner demons. “I was one of those people that said, ‘Come on, you can snap out of it. Yoel Abells as three “incredible” doctors who were instrumental in his What’s there to be down about? What’s there to be depressed about? care. You’re playing a game you love to play,’” Corson says. “’You’re a hockey guy, you’re a big, strong guy. Come on, get through it.’” Corson still deals with anxiety and the occasional panic attack. Through the treatment he has received, he now has a better understanding of Corson developed a fear of dying young after his father’s death. what he is experiencing and has learned coping mechanisms that help him deal with it. “I didn’t sleep for 12 nights once when I was in Toronto,” he says. “I was afraid to go to sleep because I didn’t think I was going to wake up.” He tries to work out every day and adhere to a daily schedule. Despite significant mental health issues, Corson tried to get better on his He takes part in charity events with various volunteer organizations own without seeking professional help. including Hockey Helps the Homeless, which hosts pro-am tournaments. “I was medicating myself on my own with Ativan and alcohol,” he says. “I get to raise money for something I believe in and I get to play hockey and be in the room with hockey players,” Corson says. “It’s therapy for Looking back, Corson realizes trying to self-medicate was a recipe for me.” failure. It’s also therapeutic for Corson to speak about his own mental health “It’s just a vicious cycle,” he says. “It just keeps going in circles and you issues and try to help others who are struggling. Many people have start feeling worse and worse.” approached him to discuss their own difficulties and he happily shares During his years as a Leaf, Corson’s teammate and brother-in-law Darcy his experiences. Tucker was fiercely loyal, helping Corson as much as he could. One interaction sticks out in his mind. “I told him, ‘Whatever you need,’” Tucker says. “If you need to chat, we’ll While Corson met fans during an event in St. Catharines in 2014, a chat. If you need to sit here and make the room quiet, we’ll make it quiet.” young man approached him hoping for a few minutes to chat. Corson Corson’s mother, wife and sisters also gave Shayne tremendous support met up with him after he’d finished signing autographs — and the young and understanding. But Corson’s mental health had deteriorated to such man shared that he was going through similar struggles. They spoke for a state where there was a limit to how much family and friends could a while, with Corson encouraging him with the steps that helped him. really do. A year later, Corson was at an event in Hamilton signing autographs “Nobody really understands it unless they’ve been through it. I don’t think when he heard someone say “Hey, Shayne!” anybody in my family really understood it,” Corson says. “You need to He looked up and saw the same young man from a year prior. have professionals. They know the ways to help you maneuver through and work through it.” “I just want to tell you something,” the young man said. “By watching your story, and getting the chance to talk to you about what you went through Toward the end of the 2002-03 season, Corson suffered a flare-up of and what you did to get better, you saved my life.’” ulcerative colitis, a condition he was diagnosed with when he was 15. As a result, he lost about 25 pounds. More importantly, his mental state was It’s a memory that makes Corson feel better than anything he ever deteriorating rapidly. accomplished during his hockey career. “I was in a dark hole and wasn’t going to come out of it,” Corson says. “I “It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” he says. was in full-blown depression, anxiety all day long, every day.” Incidents like these remind Corson how important it is for him to speak Corson had suicidal thoughts. He’d think about jumping off a balcony, but about what he went through. something in his mind would always prevent him from attempting any kind of self-harm. Still, he knew he had to get the professional treatment “That’s why I talk about it,” Corson says. “I’m not shy to talk about it. I’m he’d needed for a very long time. open about it. I won’t hold anything back about what I went through.” “At that point, if I didn’t get the help, it wasn’t going to end well.” Today, Corson runs an annual golf tournament near Barrie called Start Talking which encourages people to be open about their struggles with In the midst of the Maple Leafs first-round playoff series against the mental health. Philadelphia Flyers, Corson walked away from the team. He was harshly criticized immediately after his departure with many reports intimating “The biggest thing is don’t be embarrassed and don’t be shy to talk about that he had quit because of diminished playing time. it,” he says. “You’re not alone, there’s lots of us out there.” “It hurt me more than anything. For the first week or two, it made my Paul Corson’s ashes still sit on the mantle of June Corson’s bedroom. sickness a lot worse, because I’ve never quit anything I’ve ever done in The pain of losing him remains. But Shayne recently spoke with his my entire life,” Corson says. family about finding a place to lay him to rest. “People that understand mental health know that sometimes you have to “It’s almost like none of us want to let go,” Corson says. “It’s not letting go get away and get the help you need. You can’t focus on anything but but it’s putting him somewhere where we can all go talk to him, tell him yourself. how much we love him, and think of all the good times.” “I couldn’t do both. I couldn’t play and get through it and get the help I These days Corson visits a coffee shop whenever he wants to reminisce needed. I needed to go away and get the help. That way, I’m still around about his father. today to be able to talk about it and help people.” He gets a hot cup and finds a quiet place to sit. The day after walking away from the Leafs, Corson finally sought He thinks about how happy Paul was in the dressing room after Shayne’s professional help. minor hockey team won the Silver Stick title in Port Huron, Ont. Paul’s Through treatment, Corson learned that while various life stresses played toque sat high and awkward on his head. And he had a huge smile on his a role in his psychiatric condition, not properly dealing with his father’s face. Corson will never forget that. death was the cause of most of his issues. He remembers how his father always raised the spirits of everyone “I tried to hide it, hold it in,” Corson says. “I didn’t talk to anyone about it. around him. It just built and built and built.” “He was always smiling and upbeat, and so good to all of us,” Corson Speaking openly with doctors about all of the issues he’d repressed for says. “He’d give us a kick in the ass when we needed it. But he was so long, Corson began to feel better. always just so happy and fun to be around.” He learned how important it was for him to talk about his grief and life And he thinks about that fateful drive home when his Dad tried to prepare stresses. He also learned that he wasn’t the only one suffering. him for the fact he might not be around much longer. “I could not believe how many people were suffering too, people that “I think of the good memories we had, the bad times we had. I have a were very close to me,” he says. little talk with him, and then I feel much better.” Since retiring as a player 15 years ago, Corson has benefited greatly The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 from professional treatment. He credits clinical psychologist Dr. Brian Shaw, Leafs medical director Dr. Noah Forman, and family physician Dr. 1107855 Vegas Golden Knights

Knights prospect Jonas Rondbjerg looks to add finishing touch

By David Schoen Las Vegas Review-Journal

The majority of Jonas Rondbjerg’s shifts during the Anaheim Rookie Faceoff featured the Golden Knights prospect working hard on the forecheck or taking care of his defensive-zone responsibility. His reward for all that inconspicuous work nearly came during the third period Tuesday. Rondbjerg had a partial breakaway with less than four minutes remaining and the Knights trailing by two goals, but he absorbed a whack from an Anaheim defender and couldn’t convert. “I wanted to move it over to my backhand to go five-hole, but he got me good there on the backcheck,” Rondbjerg said. “But we scored afterwards, so it doesn’t matter.” A third-round pick in 2017, Rondbjerg has displayed a mature, 200-foot game despite his inexperience. The next step for the native of Horsholm, Denmark, is to add more scoring touch to his tool box. “I want to be more productive this year than I was last year,” Rondbjerg said. “I had good chances last year, but the puck just wouldn’t go in for me and the points (weren’t) rolling in. But I want to get that going again.” Rondbjerg showed his playmaking talents in the Swedish junior league in 2016-17 prior to the Knights taking him with the 65th overall pick. The following season, he posted 11 points (six goals, five assists) in 35 games for Vaxjo Lakers in the professional and had seven points in six games for Denmark at the world junior championship. But the 6-foot, 176-pound Rondbjerg wasn’t able to build on that and managed 2-4-6 in 45 games for Vaxjo last season. “He makes good, smart plays with the puck. I think he reads the game well,” said Chicago Wolves coach Rocky Thompson, who led the Knights rookies at the tournament. “They’re good habits that he already has, and now we want to encourage how he can take advantage of that and translate it into offense.” Rondbjerg did not participate in the Knights’ rookie camp last year and has limited experience on NHL-sized rinks. The games in Southern California provided an opportunity to acclimate to the smaller ice surface. “For me and Jonas, especially, we’ve been over there with a wide rink and all that,” Swedish winger Lucas Elvenes said. “I think we’re getting used to it more. We talk about it, what we can do, see what the other guys do who are used to it.” Rondbjerg was credited with two shots on goal in the 5-3 loss to Anaheim, which dropped the Knights to 0-3 for the tournament. Rondbjerg joined center Jake Leschyshyn and camp invite Pavel Gogolev on the second line against the Ducks after he skated with center Cody Glass on the top line in the first two games. He did not record a point in three games and registered five shots on goal. “It got better and better. I had to get into it again,” Rondbjerg said. “The first game was a little hard and the second and third game got a little better. I’m looking forward to get to play some more hockey.” Rondbjerg signed a three-year, entry-level contract in May, and the 20- year-old will play this season for the Knights’ American Hockey League affiliate in Chicago. Thompson said he is still trying to get a feel for Rondbjerg’s strengths and limitations, making it difficult to project where he will fit in the Wolves’ lineup. “We’re going to have six rookies up front,” Thompson said. “Offensively, I don’t know if he’s had the same opportunity that Lucas (Elvenes) has had (in Sweden), and his point totals kind of reflect that. But definitely, we need our young players coming in, players like Rondbjerg, Jake Leschyshyn, we’re going to need them to produce, where we were a little top heavy last year.” LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107856 Vegas Golden Knights

Allegiant’s Golden Knights plane to promote team in other markets

By Mick Akers Las Vegas Review-Journal

The Golden Knights now can infiltrate opposing teams’ markets without having to step foot in those cities. Allegiant Air unveiled its “knighted up” Golden Knights-themed Airbus A319 plane Tuesday, featuring the Knights logo near the rear of the plane, with the team’s crossing swords logo on the engines on both sides of the plane. On the belly of the plane is the team’s motto “Vegas Born” with a Knights logo, for all to see below. The plane will be stationed in Las Vegas, where both the Knights and Allegiant call home, but fly to 56 nonstop destinations, with a number of those cities being home to other NHL franchises. “We’re going to be able to invade 10 other NHL cities with our plane,” said Kerry Bubolz, Golden Knights president. “The Golden Knights go in and invade some of the enemy territory.” The plane took its maiden voyage Monday out of McCarran International Airport, flying to Grand Junction, Colorado, and Fresno, California, before returning to Las Vegas. The plane is scheduled to be back in service Tuesday. The plane idea came about approximately a year ago when Allegiant and the Knights struck a deal naming the low-cost carrier the official domestic airline partner of the team, according to Allegiant Chief Marketing Officer Scott DeAngelo. Allegiant also has its logo featured on the ice at T- Mobile Arena during home games as part of the deal. “It takes awhile to get the plane out of circulation, to get it in and paint it,” DeAngelo said. “We’ve been trying to do this for some time and we’re excited that this is the day.” Fans can get in on the action Jan. 4 in the Knights home game versus the Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues, as every fan will receive a miniature model of the team-themed plane, DeAngelo said. “It’ll be a big game against the defending champs coming to town,” he said. “We would have done it sooner, but it takes awhile to make 20,000 plastic model planes.” LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107857 Vegas Golden Knights Maybe it’s not just one spot on the blue line? One of the best aspects of a tournament like this is how many great hockey minds are under one roof at the same time. The stands are Observations from Vegas’ rookie camp: Cody Glass’ impressive littered with scouts, directors of player personnel and general managers. leadership and more openings on defense An interesting note I’ve heard from multiple sources is that perhaps more than one of the rookie defensemen will start on the opening night roster. By Jesse Granger Sep 10, 2019 6 Since Colin Miller was traded to Buffalo, it’s largely been assumed Vegas will choose one rookie defenseman to be promoted to the big club.

Obviously the decision doesn’t have to be made for several weeks, but IRVINE, Calif. — On the surface, it’s easy to be underwhelmed by Cody that may no longer be the case. Whether it’s waiving a current Glass’ start to rookie camp. defensemen (Nick Holden is the best candidate with a $2.2 million cap hit), making another trade or carrying eight defensemen, I think it’s He’s the first draft pick in franchise history, and after three years of becoming more and more likely it won’t be a single rookie on the Vegas development Glass appears to be on the verge of taking the next step to blue line. the NHL. That decision will also be influenced by how the rookies play in camp and He enters this — the most important training camp of his career — after preseason. Nic Hague is the most talented of the group. A league source dominating junior hockey, starting as the top line center for Team told The Athletic that the Golden Knights are extremely high on the 20- Canada in the World Junior Championships and leading the Chicago year-old and expect him to be a cornerstone of the defense for years to Wolves to the Calder Cup final all in the past year. come. That obviously doesn’t come as a surprise, but it does hint to their current mindset when deciding who will make the roster this year. Many expected Glass to completely eviscerate the competition at this week’s Rookie Faceoff Tournament in Irvine and that hasn’t happened When asked what he’s looking for in the defenseman to eventually win through the first two games. He certainly hasn’t been bad. He was the the job, GM Kelly McCrimmon said, “Last year is part of it, and what type driver of nearly every offensive chance the Golden Knights generated, of upward trend the player might be on.” and assisted on two of the four goals Vegas scored. But it hasn’t been the offensive spectacle many expected. Reading between the lines, that certainly sounds like Hague. However, Dylan Coghlan has had a phenomenal week of camp, scoring both goals “It’s kind of frustrating obviously, with two losses and it’s been hard to get in the Golden Knights’ first game. things going,” Glass told The Athletic following practice on Monday. Pavel Gogolev skated in the Detroit Red Wings rookie camp last summer Vegas’ early offensive struggles are a product of the roster they brought and hopes to make an impression on Vegas coaches this week. (Allison to Irvine. In Sunday’s 3-2 loss to Arizona, seven of the Golden Knights’ Farrand/Special to The Athletic) 12 forwards were undrafted camp invites (including two of the top-six forwards). Camp invitee Pavel Gogolev has stood out It’s a result of circumstance. Outside of Glass, the Golden Knights’ most Because Vegas’ forward prospect pool isn’t as deep as most, they’ve offensively-skilled prospects are Peyton Krebs (missing camp with an given plenty of opportunity to camp invites this week, and the best of the injury), Ivan Morozov (currently playing in Russia), Pavel Dorofeyev (also bunch in my eyes has ben Pavel Gogolev. playing in Russia), Jack Dugan (in camp with Providence) and Brandon Kruse (in camp with Bowling Green). The 19-year-old Russian has shown great speed, and above average hands and puck skills. He helped lead the Guelph Storm to an OHL Because of this, Glass regularly generated offense on his own by taking championship last season and is on the NHL second training camp of his the puck from his own zone and dicing through the defense for a clean career after skating with the Red Wings last summer. zone entry. He’ll put the puck on his teammates stick in great position and drive to the net, only to look back and find the puck has been “I’m just trying to go out there and work as hard as I can on every shift, fumbled away far too often. because I’m not sure if I’ll get another chance,” Gogolev said. “You try to leave a good impression on and off the ice. Just being honest, last year Even under these tough circumstances, Glass impressed his coaches. in Detroit I wasn’t in the best shape, so this time I worked as hard as I can for this camp, and it’s a good opportunity.” “He’s trying to lead by example,” coach Rocky Thompson said. “He’s our hardest working player out there. We asked the team to simplify and Gogolev is mostly known for his offensive ability, but Thompson has Cody was doing it, chipping pucks.” surprisingly used him exclusively on the penalty kill in the first two games of the tournament. After struggling to create offense, Thompson instructed the team to refrain from carrying the puck into the zone because it was resulting in “In the OHL I’m not really a big penalty kill player, but here I’m trying to too many turnovers, and instead to just dump the puck and chase. It took do it for the first time, and I think I’m doing a pretty good job of it,” the team some time to adapt, and to Thompson’s surprise, Glass was Gogolev said. “I just try to work as hard as I can to disrupt the power leading the way. play.” “I just trust the coaches as much as I can,” Glass said. “If he sees me Gerard Gallant, George McPhee and the rest of the Golden Knights doing that stuff then it leads to the younger guys doing that as well. organization made it clear they value complete forwards, who are That’s not really my game, but in a tournament like this there isn’t much responsible in their own end. I believe playing Gogolev on the penalty kill room out there. You try to make the best of something that’s not really is their way of testing him to see how he’ll respond. there.” “I’m more of a playmaker and goal scorer, but I’m fighting for a job, so if Glass is a top-10 draft pick with immense offensive skill. He racked up you’re a third- or fourth-line player, you need to play defense,” Gogolev nearly 300 points in junior hockey, and just led his AHL team in playoff said. “I think I’ll do anything to make the team.” points. If he’s willing to dump and chase as the coaches ask, it sends a message to every player on the roster. Thompson has been impressed with Gogolev’s skating. “As a coach you don’t want your strongest players necessarily doing that, “I thought he’s played penalties pretty well for us,” he said. “I thought he’s but he wanted to set an example and wanted guys to follow it,” worked hard. He has good speed, and I think he can use that speed Thompson said. “After the first period you could see the guys looking up more to his advantage off the rush by driving guys back. and saying ‘wow, Cody’s buying in to what’s being said,’ and they wanted “He needs to play with pace. When you play with pace it’s really hard on to do it too.” the defensemen. Once you’ve done that and drove wide on them, for one After a brutal first period where Vegas was outscored 3-0, the Golden it opens up shooting lanes and you can funnel pucks to the net, but also Knights outscored Arizona 2-0 over the final two periods. Thompson said the defensemen will start to overplay that, and it opens up the middle of he’s been impressed by Glass’ defensive play in the tournament and the ice.” believes the offensive side of his game will shine eventually, especially Perhaps Gogolev has earned some power play time in the final game of when he starts playing with the NHL players in training camp. the tournament. If the Golden Knights do offer a contract to any of this “He’s been vocal in a positive way on the bench, just very encouraging,” week’s invites (like they did Coghlan two years ago) I expect Gogolev is Thompson said. “He’s a fighter. He wants to continue to push through one of the best candidates. and have success every shift and every night. He has a lot of character.” The goalies have impressed Through two games in Irvine the Golden Knights were outshot 75-45. So while their 0-2 record is ugly, the scores would be a lot uglier if it weren’t for stellar play in net. “Our goaltending has been good,” Thompson said. “They’ve stood out at times. We’ve made it difficult on them, but they’ve done a good job.” Jiri Patera started game one, stopping 33-of-35 shots he faced from the Colorado Avalanche. Jordan Kooy got the call for game two against Arizona, and after allowing three goals in the opening period he settled in to stop the final 20 shots he faced. “I felt a little slow in the first, but I definitely picked it up in the second and third,” Kooy said. “After the first period we all came in the room and decided we needed to pick it up, and we did.” Kooy made multiple acrobatic saves late in the game, including one late in the second period where he sprawled across the crease to get his pad on a one-timer. He continues developing under goalie coach Dave Prior and has a bright future with Vegas. “We just keep trying to do what he wants us to do,” Kooy said. “He wants us to stay aggressive and just try to get there on your feet.” That doesn’t even account for Dylan Ferguson, who has yet to play in the tournament and is probably the best of the goalie prospect pool for Vegas. The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107858 Washington Capitals There will be a training camp battle to fill the left spot on the third pair. Siegenthaler and Djoos are expected to fight for the role, with top prospects such as Alex Alexeyev viable options as the season goes on. Capitals training camp preview: When will Michal Kempny be fully Djoos, who struggled last season and missed two months with healthy? compartment syndrome in his thigh, will return to training camp fully healthy and look to regain his spot in the lineup. He played 45 games last season, averaging 13:34 of ice time, and scored one goal and had nine By Samantha PellSeptember 10 at 6:00 AM assists. Djoos brings more of an offensive game, while Siegenthaler was a steadier option in the second half of the season. Siegenthaler replaced Djoos after Djoos was benched following Game 3 of the first-round playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes. Siegenthaler, who spent After we previewed the forwards yesterday, our position-by-position time alongside Carlson on the top pair, skated in 26 games and averaged Washington Capitals training camp previews continue with the 14:09 of ice time with four assists. defensemen, a group that will experience some turnover from last season with Brooks Orpik and Matt Niskanen no longer in the fold. The Salary cap constraints may play a role in the battle for this spot. Djoos, Capitals’ 2019-20 season officially begins with the first on-ice day of who was awarded a one-year, $1.25 million contract in arbitration, is in training camp Friday. danger of being dealt. The Capitals are more than $1.3 million over the $81.5 million salary cap after they avoided arbitration and re-signed RETURNING PLAYERS depth forward Chandler Stephenson to a one-year, $1.05 million deal in John Carlson, Michal Kempny, Dmitry Orlov, Nick Jensen, Christian late July. The Capitals are allowed to exceed the salary cap’s upper limit Djoos, Jonas Siegenthaler by 10 percent until final rosters are set Oct. 2. OFFSEASON NHL ADDITIONS Washington Post LOADED: 09.11.2019 Radko Gudas (acquired via trade with Philadelphia) OFFSEASON NHL DEPARTURES Brooks Orpik (retired), Matt Niskanen (traded to Philadelphia) NOTABLE PROSPECTS Alex Alexeyev, Martin Fehérváry, Lucas Johansen, Tyler Lewington, Colby Williams, Connor Hobbs, Tobias Geisser STORY LINES 1. When will Michal Kempny be fully healthy again? Kempny, who is still recovering from the torn left hamstring he suffered in March, will not be skating with the team when training camp opens. This news comes as no surprise to the Capitals, and the 29-year-old is still on track with his recovery with no setbacks so far. Kempny has been on the ice at the Capitals’ practice facility during informal skates, and the team will continue to evaluate his progress. The Capitals are still hopeful Kempny will be able to play in the regular season opener at the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 2. “Obviously our goal is to make sure that he’s coming back when he’s 100 percent,” Coach Todd Reirden said last week. “And we won’t put him in until he is because it’s too long of a year and it’s too difficult of an injury to force him into playing prior to when he’s healthy.” Before his injury, Kempny tallied six goals and 25 points in 71 games last season. If he isn’t ready for the season opener, that will mean finding a temporary replacement to skate on the top pair alongside John Carlson. 2. Who will be Dmitry Orlov’s partner? With the trade of Matt Niskanen to Philadelphia in the offseason, there is a lingering question about whom Orlov will be matched with on the second pairing. It’s possible Orlov’s partner changes throughout the season as the coaching staff works to find the right fit to help Orlov return to the level he played at during the team’s 2018 Stanley Cup run. But if the Capitals have their full defensive unit healthy, Nick Jensen or Radko Gudas, whom the Capitals acquired in the Niskanen trade, could move into a top-four role. Before Jensen was sent to the Capitals at the trade deadline last season, he showed he can be a top-four defenseman in the NHL. He averaged 20:48 of ice time over 60 games with the Detroit Red Wings before the trade, and he signed a four-year extension with the Capitals shortly after he was dealt. With Jensen’s skating ability, he would bring more offensive prowess to the second pairing. He had a rocky adjustment period after joining Washington, but with a full offseason under his belt and training camp ahead, Jensen could prove himself as a viable option for a top-four role. Gudas is more of a big-hitting defenseman who plays well in his own zone and has the ability to play in a shutdown role. He is a reliable blue- liner who could help open Orlov up offensively if they are paired together. Gudas finished 10th in the NHL in hits this past season with 255, but his physical style can sometimes get him in trouble. He has been suspended four times by the Department of Player Safety since 2015. He played 17:53 per game last season and had four goals and 16 assists in 77 games. 3. How will the Capitals manage Jonas Siegenthaler and Christian Djoos? 1107859 Washington Capitals

Alex Ovechkin kicks off ‘Ovi’s O’s’ cereal tour with classroom visit

By NBC Sports Washington September 10, 2019 1:33 PM

Alex Ovechkin took a tour of the Washington D.C. area on Tuesday to promote his new cereal 'Ovi O's.' Ovechkin's first stop on the trip was to the Arlington Traditional Elementary School where he barged into a second-grade class: Special delivery! @ovi8 surprised some 2nd graders with boxes of Ovi O’s 北 pic.twitter.com/uQtMiS2qZK — NBCSports Washington (@NBCSWashington) September 10, 2019 In addition to delivering boxes of his cereal, the Washington Capitals forward signed autographs for the teachers and students. Ovechkin was told the teacher is a big fan. She immediately swooped in with a jersey for him to sign. 'Well since you mentioned it....' pic.twitter.com/43xncOX16v — JJ Regan (@JJReganNBCS) September 10, 2019 Surprisingly enough, Ovechkin even found a student that spoke his native language Ovechkin discovered one student spoke Russian pic.twitter.com/voieSbxmXh — JJ Regan (@JJReganNBCS) September 10, 2019 Obviously this wasn't intentional, but everyone knows this kid's question dug at Ovi on the inside. Ovechkin gets asked if he has won the Stanley Cup only once pic.twitter.com/o8zfk7Domw — JJ Regan (@JJReganNBCS) September 10, 2019 The cereal is available exclusively at local Giant Food grocery stores. It is set to hit store shelves on Sept. 17. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107860 Winnipeg Jets Lofty expectations this fall? Eh, not so much. The Jets took a step backward last season, lost key personnel this summer and added no shiny new toys to exhilarate the fan base. Jets' expectations not flying so high The Central Division is stacked, with the Blues as defending Stanley Cup champions and major off-season upgrades to the Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators and Dallas Stars. Can the Jets stay in the playoff By: Jason Bell and Mike McIntyre mix? MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

It’s rather fitting that when the curtain rises on a new season, the Talking points for the team lately, based on comments by Bryan Little Winnipeg Jets will take their act on the road and open up on Broadway. (shown) and Mathieu Perreault, appear to centre around lowering expectations. Does that take pressure off? You couldn’t script a better debut, what with old friends-turned-foes Jacob Trouba and Brendan Lemieux and the New York Rangers playing MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS host at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, Oct. 3. Talking points for the team lately, based on comments by Bryan Little However, the show really begins this week in the form of training camp at (shown) and Mathieu Perreault, appear to centre around lowering Bell MTS Iceplex, with physicals and on-ice testing on Friday and the first expectations. Does that take pressure off? of seven dress rehearsals (pre-season games) starting Monday. Last week, centre Bryan Little mentioned to reporters that while he has There’s no shortage of interesting characters, storylines, compelling faith in the talent assembled here, perhaps a more tempered approach to drama and likely a few plot twists that will unfold over the next three the team’s outlook would benefit all involved. Forward Mathieu Perreault weeks. To help set the stage, here’s an even 10 to keep an eye on. echoed those sentiments a few days later. 1) WHEN DO LAINE AND CONNOR PUT PEN TO PAPER? Was that an idea floated to portray the squad as a division underdog, thus alleviating some of the pressure placed on it by a supportive but Forget about the 47 players at training camp. The real focus is on two discriminating fan base? who, barring last-minute developments, won’t be here. 3) HOW DO THEY REBUILD THE BLUE LINE? A year ago, top-pairing defenceman Josh Morrissey was a no-show at the Iceplex when camp started, yet there were strong indicators the Jets There are important positions to be filled. Winnipeg lost three big pieces would get him inked to a new contract before the real action unfolded. of their defensive corps over the summer. Trouba was dealt to the They did. Rangers, Tyler Myers joined the Vancouver Canucks and fellow unrestricted free agent Ben Chiarot signed with the Montreal Canadiens. But no such optimism exists when it comes to restricted free agent Depth piece Joe Morrow wasn’t offered a contract. forwards Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor, each coming off entry-level deals and looking to cash in on multiple productive campaigns. Winnipeg received Neal Pionk as part of the return for Trouba, re-signed Nathan Beaulieu and added only journeyman Anthony Bitetto during the The Jets have about US$14.5 million in salary-cap space to get the two off-season. young snipers signed, but it’s believed both are looking to earn north of US$8 million per year. The duo supplies a pile of goals — last year Morrissey and Dustin Byfuglien are the pillars of the group, but each is Connor scored 34, while Laine had 30 (although 18 were generated in without his longtime partner in Trouba and Chiarot, respectively. The oft- the month of November) — so subtracting a chunk like that would be injured and inconsistent Dmitry Kulikov is also back, sans Myers. debilitating for any team, particularly one hoping to keep pace with the Beaulieu filled in admirably after being picked up from the Buffalo Sabres big dogs in the NHL’s Western Conference. in a deadline deal. Reviews were mixed on Pionk’s contribution to the Rangers, and it remains to be seen if he’s a top-four guy in Winnipeg. SASHA SEFTER / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

JASON HALSTEAD / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

We haven't seen Kyle Connor or Patrik Laine (top) in Jets jerseys yet, whether we'll ever see them in Jets jerseys again remains to be seen. Defenceman Sami Niku is possibly the best candidate to make a full-time jump from the Moose, but how well will he fill holes left by the departures SASHA SEFTER / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS of Tyler Myers, Ben Chiarot or Jacob Trouba? We haven't seen Kyle Connor or Patrik Laine (top) in Jets jerseys yet, JASON HALSTEAD / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS whether we'll ever see them in Jets jerseys again remains to be seen. Defenceman Sami Niku is possibly the best candidate to make a full-time Where would that production come from? Do the Jets split up the potent jump from the Moose, but how well will he fill holes left by the departures pair of Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler in an effort to spread out the of Tyler Myers, Ben Chiarot or Jacob Trouba? offence? Expecting youngsters such as Mason Appleton, Jack Roslovic and Kristian Vesalainen to step in and fill the void is dreaming in Sami Niku, a seventh-round pick in 2015 whose stock has risen at a technicolour. shocking rate, could be a major part of the revamped defence this year. He’s a smooth skater with a great first pass and could be a significant Any RFA who doesn’t sign by Dec. 1 can’t play for the rest of the NHL addition to the club’s second power-play unit. season. Does Winnipeg have a William Nylander situation on its hands, in duplicate? And how much of a distraction does this create in training Tucker Poolman shows far less flash but plays with quiet efficiency. He camp? took a regular turn on the third pairing when injuries struck the club during a stretch of the 2017-18 season, and was deemed the Manitoba 2) NOT-SO-GREAT EXPECTATIONS? Moose’s best defender last season despite being shelved for almost half the season with injuries. A year ago, the Free Press headline on our annual Jets training camp preview read: ‘Welcome to Camp Gottawinacup.’ Defining the three defensive pairings will be a top priority in camp. Yeah, expectations around Winnipeg were sky high after the team swept 4) IS THE COACH ON THE HOT SEAT? aside the Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators before falling to the Vegas Golden Knights in five games in the Western Conference final the Look, even the best coaches in NHL history had an expiry date, hitting previous season. the point where their message no longer resonated with the masses. Is Paul Maurice approaching that stage? And they were great out of the gate, posting victories in six of their first nine games. Winnipeg was one of the NHL’s top squads by Christmas Is Paul Maurice about to run up against a truism in hockey, that every but had an average second half at best and stumbled into the 2019 post- coach is hired to one day be fired? season, winning just three of its final nine games to set up a first-round meeting with the St. Louis Blues. Is Paul Maurice about to run up against a truism in hockey, that every coach is hired to one day be fired? We all know how that turned out. With their season on the line in Game 6, the Jets mustered just six shots through two periods and lost 3-2 to Since being hired on Jan. 12, 2014 to take over for Claude Noel, every bow out of the playoffs with a whimper. single NHL team except the Tampa Bay Lightning has replaced their bench boss at least once. Some teams, such as the Edmonton Oilers, have made multiple moves. As the most tenured coach in the league outside of Tampa’s Jon Cooper, JASON HALSTEAD / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS you have to wonder how long Maurice’s leash will be should his squad get off to a rough start. Nothing short of a third straight playoff Will Connor Hellebuyck regain his Vezina-finalist form from 2017-18, or appearance would be deemed acceptable around these parts. will we see another regression this year? There’s no question the smooth-talking Maurice is a quality leader, and There’s no question the No.1 netminder struggled at times last season he didn’t get to seventh all-time in coaching wins (695) by accident. But under lofty expectations and, perhaps, the pressure of a long-term, big- it’s also worth noting he’s No. 1 in regulation losses (619), and the money contract extension. Can he rebound in a big way? burning question is how many more he can afford in Winnipeg. Laurent Brossoit will also have a say in the matter. He got off to a Adding to the intrigue is the fact the team has never revealed just how tremendous start in a backup role last season, then suffered a lower- long his contract runs, short of announcing a "multi-year extension" in body injury that cost him several games down the stretch — and meant September 2017. playing Hellebuyck far too much. Ownership certainly places a premium on loyalty, but it has made one in- Brossoit re-signed with the Jets this summer and, as a pending UFA next season coaching change before. Could a second be on the horizon? summer, should be highly motivated to prove he’s capable of being a starter somewhere. 5) ARE THE FEATHERS STILL RUFFLED? Ideally, these two good friends off the ice will push each other on the ice, Maurice raised some eyebrows last spring in his exit meeting with the battling for playing time in the crease and making each other stronger in media when he mentioned there were some "ruffled feathers" within the the process. room that will need to be smoothed out going forward. 8) ARE THEY READY FOR FULL-TIME WORK? Couple that with a late-season collapse, closed-door players’-only meeting a week before the playoffs and a quick first-round exit and it’s Make way for yet another youth movement. clear all was not right in Jetsville. These were teammates that needed a MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

break from each other. Now they’re back together, with a handful of new faces but most of the young core still intact and skating under the same Has spending much of the last season in Europe helped Kristian leadership group. Vesalainen's chances of making the big club? The picture that was worth 1,000 words: If there wasn't bad blood in the MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS locker room at the end of last season, this shot of centre Mark Scheifele (background) and captain Blake Wheeler delivering their final media Has spending much of the last season in Europe helped Kristian interviews did nothing to calm the rumour mill. Vesalainen's chances of making the big club? The picture that was worth 1,000 words: If there wasn't bad blood in the Vesalainen significantly increased his frequent-flyer points last season, locker room at the end of last season, this shot of centre Mark Scheifele starting the year with the Jets before suiting up with the Moose and (background) and captain Blake Wheeler delivering their final media (Helsinki) of the KHL. The former first-round pick is big and skilled interviews did nothing to calm the rumour mill. and has stated repeatedly a desire to be a major contributor for the NHL squad, sooner rather than later. Can they quickly get on the same page and pull in the right direction together? Nobody’s saying they all need to be best friends, join hands Confidence, or lack thereof, was a factor a year ago but he’s older and and sing Kumbaya every day, but a little harmony can go a long way. presumably wiser. A job on the left wing is his to lose this fall. There will be additional pressure on the likes of captain Wheeler and his Appleton, a sixth-round pick in 2015, is also eyeing a full-time gig after alternates, Scheifele and Byfuglien, not to mention Maurice, to make sure stints with the Jets and Moose last season. He’s a guy in perpetual the room is right to ensure maximum efficiency on the ice. motion, preferring to be the first forechecker in on the puck, and could be a replacement for Brandon Tanev. Solid work ethic aside, Appleton also If not, changes will be required. has some offensive upside. 6) WHO IS THE SECOND-LINE CENTRE? Roslovic was Winnipeg’s other first-round pick in 2015, along with Connor, but hasn’t had anywhere close to the same impact. Could he win It’s deja vu all over again as the Jets use yet another training camp to the second-line centre job out of training camp? Roslovic had a couple of audition for a the role of second-line middle man. tremendous spurts — he was named the league’s first star of the week There’s no question Scheifele’s got the top job locked up. Little would (Jan. 28 and Feb. 3) when he collected five goals and an assist in four appear to be the de facto No. 2 but he’s yet to show he can click with games (including a hat trick at home against the Anaheim Ducks) — and Laine, Connor or Nikolaj Ehlers with any consistency. That’s why the Jets enjoyed time on the second power-play unit. picked up Paul Stastny and Kevin Hayes in consecutive trade deadline But he was also relegated to the fourth line on many nights, playing just a deals to bolster the roster for playoff runs the last two seasons. handful of minutes. If Maurice allocates a loftier spot for him on the depth Want more sports? chart, Roslovic has to make the most of it. He’s also heading into a contract year (an RFA next summer) and that should add some major Get the latest sports coverage from Winnipeg and beyond in your inbox. motivation. SUBSCRIBE TO PLAYBOOK 9) SPECIAL TEAMS THE STUFF OF DREAMS — OR NIGHTMARES? In conversations this fall, Little says he’s at his most comfortable at his When it’s clicking, the Jets have one of the most potent power plays in natural position and believes he can still carve out chemistry with a the league. They finished last season at 24.8 per cent efficiency, good for couple of the Jets’ dynamic wingers. If he can’t, look for Roslovic or fourth in the NHL, and it was a difference-maker in plenty of games, Andrew Copp to play the position on a trial basis. especially early on. There’s also the notion that Maurice could excise Wheeler — one of the But there were also times — especially when the team’s fortunes began NHL’s elite right-wingers — from Scheifele’s side and slide him in as the to change in the second half — where it became too stagnant, too second-line centre. He did a terrific job two seasons ago when Scheifele predictable and too easy to counter. was out with an injury, helping the Jets to an 11-4-1 record in that span. That’s an unlikely approach, judging by Maurice’s track record of forming Even with Jacob Trouba (left) and Brandon Tanev in the mix, the Jets' his forward units — even when he has the line blender set to maximum. penalty kill ranked only 22nd in the NHL. That will have to improve for the Jets to have a chance. But you know what they say about desperate times... Even with Jacob Trouba (left) and Brandon Tanev in the mix, the Jets' 7) CAN THE MASKED MEN SAVE THE DAY? penalty kill ranked only 22nd in the NHL. That will have to improve for the Jets to have a chance. Connor Hellebuyck told us earlier this week he believes he can regain his Vezina-finalist form of two seasons ago. The Jets hope that’s true, The personnel could look a whole lot different if Laine and Connor — two considering they’ll likely need Hellebuyck to be at the top of his game of the five players on the often-deadly top unit — are still sidelined once with so much turnover on the blue line. they drop the puck for real next month. JASON HALSTEAD / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Who fills those roles and how dangerous can it be? Will Connor Hellebuyck regain his Vezina-finalist form from 2017-18, or As for the penalty kill, the Jets would be wise to behave like angels on will we see another regression this year? the ice and avoid the sin bin as much as possible. Tanev, Trouba and Myers were all key cogs when short-handed last year and won’t be easy to replace. Even with that trio in the fold, the Jets only had a 79.2 per cent success rate, which ranked 22nd overall. In a league where the line between victory and defeat is often razor-thin, there’s cause for concern when it comes to this all-important area of the game. 10) MO MONEY, MO PROBLEMS? With apologies to the Notorious B.I.G., the Jets might just be singing a similar tune this season. Sure, they’ll likely be spending right to the US$81.5-million salary cap ceiling, but there seem to be more questions than ever about the roster. They bid goodbye to several important players during the summer just to save enough room for others who needed new deals. There was no free agent shopping spree to be found, with bargain-bin adds such as Mark Letestu, , Bitetto, Andrei Chibisov and Joona Luoto all they could afford. Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff's work as a draft-and-develop GM could be overshadowed this season by money woes, as the Jets are likely to be a cap team, unable to add pieces as they did Paul Statsny or Kevin Hayes. Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff's work as a draft-and-develop GM could be overshadowed this season by money woes, as the Jets are likely to be a cap team, unable to add pieces as they did Paul Statsny or Kevin Hayes. Unlike the past two seasons, the Jets won’t be able to try to buy their way out of any potential trouble spots, the way they did at the last two trade deadlines by acquiring Stastny and Hayes. There simply won’t be room. Any deal made will have to be money in, not money out. Depending how the Laine and Connor deals shake out, it’s possible the Jets will still need to ship out a player or two to become cap compliant. Does that mean a veteran forward such as Perreault and his US$4.125 million cap hit goes back on the trading block, as he was rumoured to be all summer? Would they consider burying Kulikov’s US$4.333 million contract in the minors with the Moose just to give themselves some financial breathing room? Like so many of the questions posed above, stay tuned. Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 09.11.2019 1107861 Winnipeg Jets “Obviously I’m a confident guy,” he said. “I don’t really like to push myself down. So I’m just going to forget these games and take some lessons with me that I have to work harder every day.” A tale of two Finns: Vesalainen ineffective for Winnipeg Jets rookies, That’s never a bad place to start. Heinola shone BLUE-CHIP BLUELINER

One prospect who did stand out was Heinola, this year’s first-rounder. Paul Friesen As smooth a skater as there was, the 5-foot-10 defenceman did many of those little things right. He almost always made the right pass. Didn’t try BELLEVILLE, Ont. — The Winnipeg Jets annual rookie tournament isn’t to do too much. the be-all and end-all when it comes to predicting who will and who won’t He also scored a goal in Game 2 against the Habs. some day crack the NHL. Vincent lit up when asked about him. But it does provide some clues. “Very smart player,” the coach said. “He’s a good pick. He’s going to be a And two blue-chip prospects from Finland left some very contrasting difference maker for us sooner than later.” evidence for Jets brass to collect and take home from Belleville. Heinola, who played professionally in Finland last season, was dealing Given their draft years, 20-year-old Kristian Vesalainen should with the switch to the smaller ice surface and a case of jet-lag. theoretically be a step closer to the big leagues than 18-year-old Ville Heinola. “The first one (against Ottawa)… my first game in here, and jet-lag and everything, so it was bad,” Heinola said, Monday night. “But the Montreal Of course it doesn’t always work that way. Development of teenagers game was pretty good. And this (Ottawa, again) was like, OK. Not the isn’t always a straight line and rarely an exact science. best, but OK. I was a little tired because of everything… you don’t sleep In Belleville, the 6-foot-3, 209-pound Vesalainen went pointless and was well the first week here.” inconspicuous, and didn’t pretend otherwise. Heinola says nothing really surprised him. He knew the games would be “I didn’t get much with the puck like I wanted to,” the winger told me after faster and the hitting far more frequent than what he’s used to. Monday night’s finale, a 2-1 overtime loss to the Senators. “So offence “In Finland, not so much hitting,” he said. “I like to play with puck and I was a little bad for me. First game was bad. Second one was not that don’t like to hit much. And smaller ice means you have to be faster on the good, either. Third one, OK. It would be easy to fix if I would know. I don’t puck and have not much time.” know why it was. An NHL scout in the stands suggested Heinola has a bit of Josh “If my offensive game doesn’t work, I just try to work hard on the defence. Morrissey in him. Do some simple stuff.” “Some similarities,” Vincent agreed. From where I sat, Vesalainen was putting in the effort. He back-checked hard, tried to play his position properly. If Heinola gets the positioning down the way Morrissey has, even if he doesn’t add Morrissey’s ability to hit, he’ll be a good one. But the 2017 first-rounder didn’t make much happen with the puck, and didn’t always make great decisions with it. “Here you have to sometimes hit,” he acknowledged. “But I want to be strong stick and not so much hitting. It’s getting better and better. These Even on the power play, he was ineffective. games helped me a lot.” His best rush was an individual play in the three-on-three overtime on CAMP SET Monday, taking the puck hard to the net but losing it before he could sweep it past the Sens netminder. The Jets released their camp schedule on Tuesday. But this isn’t just about Vesalainen’s lack of high-end plays. It gets going with on-ice fitness testing Friday at 10 a.m., followed by twice daily practices, at 9 a.m. and noon, on the weekend. You know those little things players do that separate the average from the really good: the sneaky pass in traffic to keep a rush alive, or eating All session are at the Iceplex and are open to the public. the puck instead of giving it away? The first pre-season game is in Edmonton on Monday, the first home pre- Vesalainen didn’t do those things consistently, either. season game against Minnesota, Wednesday. Head coach Pascal Vincent, who guides the Moose, agreed with Winnipeg Sun LOADED 09.11.2019 Vesalainen’s unflattering self-appraisal. Unlike the player, the coach has a theory. “I’ve seen it in the past,” Vincent said. “Yeah, they want to do well, but their mind is in Winnipeg with the big boys. If you look at the details in his game he was trying to do the little things, coming back hard, his stick was good. We expect more offensively… but I’m not worrying.” Going into the rookie tournament, Vincent made it pretty clear what he wanted to see from the organization’s best forward prospect. “I want him to go there and try to be a difference maker,” Vincent said that day. “He’s going to be an assistant captain… so yeah, I want him to take charge.” After the tournament, I reminded Vincent of those words. “He tried,” the coach said. “But in a different way. He’s trying to be more of a complete player, and I appreciate that.” Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff isn’t about to rush anybody. “He’s someone that should be knocking on the door for an opportunity, or at least pushing,” Cheveldayoff told me. “But he’s a young guy, still.” This tournament was all about giving the prospects a chance to get their feet under them so they’re a little more up to speed for main training camp. Vesalainen would have loved nothing better than to dominate some shifts, score some goals and roll into Jets camp on a high. 1107862 Winnipeg Jets the best that he could, though his skating ability was obviously impacted by the ailment.

Having said that, Ehlers had no regrets about telling Jets head coach How Nik Ehlers reviewed his game, received trade rumours and got Paul Maurice he was good to go, even if he wasn’t anywhere close to ready for this Jets season 100 percent. “It wasn’t a hard (decision) because it was a pretty important game. We By Ken Wiebe Sep 10, 2019 15 had been trying to create something special all season and for me to sit out that one would have been tough, no matter what,” said Ehlers. “I wanted to go out there and do my best and I wanted to show the boys that, no matter what, we’re in this together. When I got on the ice, I could Nik Ehlers has always been one of his harshest critics. feel it but we did everything we could to make that pain go away and it felt OK. I’m happy I got out there, but I’m not happy about the result. The speedy Winnipeg Jets winger has never had an issue with accountability and his combination of quick wit and self-deprecating “When you don’t play, you feel like you’re letting down the team.” humour has come in handy at times during the first four years of his NHL career. The recovery period wasn’t too long, but the injury was serious enough to prevent Ehlers from suiting up for Denmark at the IIHF men’s world This past summer was far too long for Ehlers’ liking, with the Jets making hockey championship. a quick exit from the Stanley Cup playoffs when they were dispatched in six games by the St. Louis Blues, who ended up holding a parade in “I wanted my foot to heal completely for this season,” said Ehlers. June. As for the matter of him having no goals in 21 playoff games, Ehlers But with some additional time on his hands, Ehlers tried to use the shows his sense of humour when the subject is broached. summer vacation wisely – watching every single shift from last season. “What? Zero?” said Ehlers, who quickly got serious in his self-evaluation. This wasn’t your typical binge-watching session, though. For Ehlers, “It’s a different game. At the end of each regular season, you start to get there was a method to his madness. into that playoff mentality and get into the playoff type of hockey and that prepares you,” said Ehlers. “For me, my first playoff wasn’t bad (seven “I do it during the season, maybe not every game but I do watch most of assists in 15 games as the Jets reached the Western Conference final), the games, but this was the first time where I literally watched all 62 but there are a lot of small things that are different in playoff hockey that games in the summer,” Ehlers said during a one-on-one interview I’ve been trying to figure out. following an informal skate with the Jets. “It’s not like I use six hours on my iPad and watch every single game. At night before bed, I would watch “It’s just harder, tougher, faster. There’s more grit to it and it’s just a one or two games and go through them. matter of going out there and playing a little bigger and tougher than you are. Getting to the net, shooting more. For me, it’s not something that I’m “You learn something every year, not just on the ice but off the ice too, to thinking too much about right now. But there are a lot of those small be a professional. You figure out what works for you – and I wanted to try things that I can take into the regular season and just start there. I’m something different. It was just a matter of getting through all of those going to do my best to build up to playoff hockey better.” things that I wrote down and (apply them) out on the ice. I hope it helps me a little.” That goose egg under the goal category was probably one of the reasons Ehlers found his name in trade rumours for the first time of his young When it came to discussing the specifics of his mission through video, career this past summer. Ehlers wasn’t exactly forthcoming, but he wasn’t trying to be coy either. One of those rumours had the Jets discussing moving Ehlers to the “I started writing down all of the small things and there is a long list,” said Carolina Hurricanes for a defenceman, most likely Brett Pesce. Ehlers. “For example, no circles. Stop and start instead. How to go in with your stick on the forecheck, how to stop when you lose the puck and Sure, it comes with the territory when you’re playing professional sports, to stay on the puck. All of these small, obvious things but when you look but Ehlers didn’t let the outside noise bother him. at it and you see it more and more and you think about what you can do to make things better.” “It didn’t touch me, to be honest,” said Ehlers. “It was kind of funny to hear my name, because you have no idea what’s going on. You’re Ehlers’ electrifying skating ability is impressive to watch and can lead to hearing this from people. The first time I heard something, it was one of some dynamic plays and impressive zone entries so there were some my friends or my dad and he said ‘I guess you’re going here.’ All of these personal highlights for him to go through. people are asking me, ‘where are you going? What’s happening?’ The only thing I could tell them was that I have no idea. I still had a great But there were times during the viewing process where Ehlers could summer, I didn’t think about that – only when people came up to me, of hardly believe what he was watching. course. “I don’t think it’s hard to look through my games. I know that I play “I’m happy to be back here and I want to stay, obviously.” (crappy) games and I play good games,” he said. “You go through them and you sit there and sometimes you’re just shaking your head (and With training camp officially opening with fitness testing on Friday, Ehlers thinking) ‘what are you doing?’ isn’t worried about possibly being on the move. There are much more pressing matters to focus on. “It’s kind of fun to go through it and see where you’re at and where you can get better.” “I want to get a bigger role, that’s what everybody wants. I’m going to keep working for that,” said Ehlers. “And if I get it, I’m going to keep It was an interesting season for Ehlers, who missed 20 games due to working in order to keep it. I’m not saying that I don’t have a big role, but injury while recording 21 goals and 37 points as he averaged 15:46 of ice you always want more. You’re not just doing that for yourself, but you’re time per game. doing that for the other guys in the room. Everyone in the room is trying to get better. At times, Ehlers found himself on the top line with Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler on what was a highly effective and productive unit. “It’s exciting. I don’t think there should ever be a guy or a woman in sports that is just fine with how they play. Everybody is always pushing to But at others, Ehlers endured a few dry spells and battled through a be No. 1, always pushing to be better. Once you’re there, you’re not period of inconsistent play. going to stop doing it – or you’re going to lose that spot.” “You don’t want to play one good game out of four, you don’t want to play With fellow wingers Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor still waiting to sign new two good games out of four,” said Ehlers. “Three out of four is OK. You contracts, Ehlers was asked if he was glad that he signed his long-term know that you’re not going to play 82 fantastic games. No one in the extension (six years, $36 million with an AAV of $6 million) before the league has done that, maybe Wayne Gretzky. So, you’ve got to find a final year of his entry-level contract started. way to play at a high level for 82 games and keep working towards getting close to that.” “For me and the Jets, when we decided to do it, it literally took three days,” said Ehlers. “We both knew what we wanted. I wanted to stay and During the playoffs, Ehlers went six games without recording a point and they wanted me to stay and I was happy to get it done that fast and I there was some debate over whether he should have even dressed for didn’t have to go through all of that (contract negotiation). There was what ended up being the final game of the season for the Jets. never a doubt in my mind where I wanted to be, so it was easy for me to Ehlers blocked a shot from Blues defenceman Colton Parayko and say that I want to stay for the long term. suffered a fractured foot, but he did what he could to be ready and did “I don’t know what they (Laine and Connor) are going through right now, I’ve never been in that situation. It’s up to them, but for us guys, it obviously sucks not having them here. We’ve played with them for three years. You want your brothers to come back.” For the record, Ehlers isn’t overly concerned with point totals, though many are wondering if this just might be the season he hits the 30-goal plateau for the first time. “I don’t know. I’ve never set myself statistic goals,” said Ehlers. “Sometimes it goes really well and sometimes it doesn’t. You can play a bad game and have three points or you can play a good game and have zero. You have to play your best for the team and when that’s not happening, you’ve got to find a way to do it or to find a different way to help the team. A more simple, easy game. “It’s something that I feel I’ve gotten better at and it’s something that I will be working on.” The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107863 Vancouver Canucks

Petrus Palmu still has Canucks dreams

Patrick Johnston

Don’t count out Petrus Palmu just yet. The 5-6 Finnish forward, who left the last season after struggling to win ice time under coach Trent Cull and returned to TPS Turku of the Finnish Liiga, still wants to play in the NHL. “His dream is to play in the NHL, we’d like that to be in Vancouver,” Palmu’s agent Todd Diamond said Tuesday morning. But one thing at a time: the question in front of him is where next? It’s not going to be Utica or TPS, that much is clear. “At this moment we want to get him into a slightly better league, get him a better challenge,” Diamond said. “He’s been there (TPS) two seasons already.” That means likely either the Swedish Hockey League, or perhaps even Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). “Preferably Sweden,” Diamond said. But it’s likely going to be a few weeks before Palmu lands a new team. “When we agreed to do this, people had spent their initial budgets,” he explained, noting that trades and injuries will inevitably create some openings soon. “We spoke with Jim (Benning) about it a couple of times, we both agreed for now that this would be the best,” he said about Palmu staying in Europe for the time being. They also discussed the possibility of Palmu making a return to Utica towards the end of the season, if his European season is done. “Obviously we’d have to see where everybody is at that time,” Diamond said. Tryamkin door still open Diamond also represents Nikita Tryamkin, the former Canucks defenceman who is once again playing for Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg of the KHL. “We continue to stay in touch,” he said. Canucks GM Jim Benning said earlier this year he’d love to bring back the big Russian, drafted by Benning in 2014. Tryamkin is in the final year of a three-year deal he signed after his lone full season with the Canucks in 2016-17. Canucks players, including Nikita Tryamkin, face the media at Rogers Arena after the end of the 2016-17 NHL season. Jason Payne / PNG files Diamond reiterated what he had said in June, that Tryamkin is open to a return to Vancouver, but there’s still plenty of time to come before such a move might happen. Like Palmu, Tryamkin would be eligible to join the Canucks once his KHL season is over; the Gagarin Cup playoffs begin in late February, with the final in late April. With the Canucks’ regular season ending April 4, Yekaterinburg would have to be eliminated from the playoffs before the conference finals, which begin in late March. Vancouver Province: LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107864 Vancouver Canucks Horvat – who put up career-highs in goals (27), assists (34) and points (61) in a breakout season of his own – said it was hard to tell how good Pettersson was until he recorded a goal and an assist in his very first Bo Horvat says he’s ready to be Captain Canuck in Vancouver game, and didn’t look back. “You’re just like, ‘Wow, this kid’s a player,“’ he said. “He continued to keep doing it game after game after game. It’s not easy. As a young guy, JOSHUA CLIPPERTON maybe you have a couple good nights here and there, but he just seemed to keep doing it night in and night out.

“He’s a special player. We’re lucky to have him. He’s just going to keep Bo Horvat is ready and willing to be the next captain of the Vancouver getting better as he gets older and gets more experience and bigger and Canucks. stronger. He’s just waiting for the tap on the shoulder. “So look out.” The team left the role vacant last season following the retirement of Globe And Mail LOADED: 09.11.2019 Henrik Sedin and his twin brother Daniel, but Horvat said Thursday he’d be willing to take on the hefty responsibility in a razor-focused Canadian hockey market. “It’d be an unbelievable honour to wear the ‘C’ – to wear any letter for that matter,” the 24-year-old centre said at the NHL/NHLPA North American Player Media Tour. “Even to be in consideration is definitely humbling. But it wouldn’t change who I am and it wouldn’t change the type of player I want to be. “I wouldn’t let it affect me that way, but I’d just try to be the best leader I can be.” Horvat certainly had some good teachers. He sat a couple stalls away from the Sedins in Vancouver’s locker room from the time he made the league at age 19 until the Swedish superstars waved goodbye in April 2018. There were lean years, but the superstar Swedes were always there to face reporters. “Their last three years, it definitely wasn’t easy standing in front of the media and taking the heat, and talking every single day,” Horvat said. “Just watching it, you were like, ‘How did these guys do it?’ I kind of had that responsibility last year, so I got a little bit of practice. “I’d be ready to make that next step.” Vancouver is far from the only NHL team without a captain – the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vegas Golden Knights, Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings are among the other seven without one – but Horvat said it’s important in the long run to have one voice. “It is nice to have a guy to lean on and a guy to go to when times are tough and have somebody to set the tone,” he said. “But at the same time there’s no rush for our team or any team to name one right away. It’s obviously up to the (general manager) and the coaching staff to decide who they think is the best fit. “We have a lot of great guys in our room.” The Canucks have missed the playoffs the last four seasons, but made a number of off-season acquisitions in hopes of challenging for a spot in the Western Conference in 2019-20. Vancouver dove into free agency by signing defencemen Tyler Myers and Jordie Benn, as well as winger Micheal Ferland, while forward J.T. Miller was acquired in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning. “I really like our additions,” Horvat said. “I definitely think they’re going to help us make the next step.” Another key would be getting restricted free agent Brock Boeser in town for training camp, but the star winger continues to negotiate a new contract with the team. Horvat knows what the uncertainty can be like after waiting until Sept. 8, 2017, to sign a six-year, US$33-million extension with Vancouver coming out of his entry-level deal. “I’ve been talking to (Boeser) a little bit, just asking how things are going,” Horvat said. “I’ve been through it. It’s not easy, especially this late in the summer. “We’d love to have Brock for camp and love to have him to start the season, because he’s such a huge part of our team. Hopefully they can get a deal done.” One player Horvat and his teammates will be counting on from Day 1 is Elias Pettersson – the slick Swede that took the NHL by storm early last season on the way to capturing the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year. “I don’t think he has a ceiling,” Horvat said. “He hasn’t completely filled out in his body yet and he’s already doing what he’s doing right now.” 1107865 Vancouver Canucks “You learn how you have to work in the offseason. “Some players have to go through that. ‘I just want to show them the work I put in this summer’: Five talking “They’ve worked extremely hard this summer, they’ve taken the areas points from Canucks prospect camp they knew they need to work on and they’ve improved themselves. A lot of the unknown that was there a year ago, they know it now, it’s in front of them. I expect them to take big steps and be better players because of By Thomas Drance Sep 10, 2019 25 what they’ve experienced.” Gadjovich and Lind, for their part, gamely answered questions about last season’s disappointment throughout the weekend. Both have vowed to The Young Stars Tournament is on hiatus this season, but it could well use the experience of last year to sharpen their edge in Year 2. be back next September. Thank goodness. “I got frustrated (several times throughout the year last season), you want As Jim Benning told The Athletic last week, talks continue between the to be on the ice,” said Gadjovich. “You also want to be out there being Western Canadian teams and there’s a real sense of optimism on all successful. I had to do some extra work on my skating and conditioning. sides that the tournament will be renewed and maybe even expanded on Looking back at it now, I understand that. Now I know that I’ve stuck with next season. it and I can carry that into this season.” There’s a lot of road to run yet, but the appetite to go back to Penticton is MacEwen, star pupil widely shared – and not just among media members. Zack MacEwen is the star pupil for Canucks player development. In the meantime, the Canucks held a series of on-ice sessions for their prospects this weekend at Rogers Arena. It was a camp focused on The undrafted free agent has improved enormously in both of his conditioning and skills development, designed to give Vancouver’s professional seasons, earning a four-game cup of coffee with the club. It youngest players an opportunity to skate, shake off the summer cobwebs was four games that opened his eyes to the vast gulf separating the and prepare for main camp next week. American League from The Show. “This wasn’t an evaluation camp and you could see that from the focus of “It’s the first thing I noticed, the speed,” MacEwen recalled of getting a the drills,” Canucks senior director of player development and Utica shot in the NHL. “The awareness too, of where plays are going. Guys Comets general manager Ryan Johnson told the media Monday. “We know what they’re doing with the puck before they get it. just want to put (our prospects) in the best position to put their best foot “On my first shift, I was digging out the puck and thought I had some time forward at main camp. It was more about details and getting them ready, coming up the wall,” continued MacEwen. “As soon as I had it, there rather than evaluating.” were two sticks on me. Time and space is just so limited, you need to Johnson confirmed that all of the prospects who skated over the realize that early on and adjust to it.” weekend would be invited to main camp, which will open over the Making adjustments is MacEwen’s thing, though. He’s developed from an weekend in Victoria. undrafted free agent into a guy who might have a realistic NHL shot in Without making too much out of the on-ice sessions – and remember, no more normal circumstances by soaking up everything he’s exposed to. matter what a team says, they’re always evaluating their prospects – “He just improves, improves, improves – so you know he’s going to take here’s a dive into five talking points from Canucks prospect camp. Also, a step,” Johnson said, lavishing praise on MacEwen. “He’s all in. He’s Harman went deep on Olli Juolevi, so get to that wherever you consume taken every resource we have … You can’t not get better when you your The Athletic content. approach things like that.” Year 2 for Gadjovich and Lind As it stands, with 14 one-way forward contracts on the books – and For various reasons – injuries, the adjustment to the American Hockey another to sign prior to the season in Brock Boeser – there’s a lot of League, lack of regular ice time – Vancouver’s highly touted 2017 depth chart gridlock for MacEwen to navigate if he’s going to break camp second-round picks Jonah Gadjovich and Kole Lind struggled to meet with the NHL club. It’s a tall order, perhaps an insurmountable one in the expectations in their first professional seasons with the Canucks near term. organization. If the developmental trajectory MacEwen is on continues though, it’s a Lind contended with a series of injuries that stalled his momentum. He matter of time before he’s in the NHL lineup. also struggled with the jump up in level. “Things will fall into place if you’re doing things right,” MacEwen said of “It was surprising,” Lind told The Athletic this weekend. “I was used to coming into camp with so much competition ahead of him. “I don’t stress just rolling, putting up points and scoring. It was a change of scenery for too much about what’s going to happen, I’m going to do everything I can me and a big adjustment. I learned a lot of the little things last year that I to give myself the best shot, but I won’t knock myself down if it doesn’t want to bring to my game, and hopefully put the puck in the net and put work out right away … up some points.” “I just want to show them the work I put in this summer. It’ll speak for As for Gadjovich, the adjustment was similarly sharp. His focus over the itself.” summer has been on improving his foot speed, as he continues to work Hughes wants to play toward his goal of being a trusted player with the Comets. September is a strange month in the NHL, filled with distractions like “I think there’s a focus on my skating, that’s no secret, and that’s scoreboard shoots, sitdown interviews and endless media scrums. Even something I’ll be working on for the next 20 years of my career,” said before you get to the neutral site and split-squad games, there’s working Gadjovich. “There’s a lot of things I can get better at, catch and release, out ahead of fitness testing and the lengthy on-ice sessions. shooting, intensity in battles, coming out off the wall. Hughes got a taste of NHL hockey last spring. He seems to just want to “There was a lot of work I put in this summer, and I feel confident going get back to it. into the year.” “Yeah, it’s exciting,” Hughes said of attending prospect camp. “It’s closer As the Canucks’ young core ages out of their entry-level deals and to the start of the season and that’s what I’m excited for. becomes expensive, the ongoing development of that next layer of Canucks prospects is crucial for the organization’s long-term health – “I’m excited to get going, it’s been a long summer,” Vancouver’s prized from both a salary cap perspective and in terms of overall talent level. blueline prospect added later in the scrum. “I don’t really want to work out anymore, I just want to play.” The organization has high hopes for both players in their second year and it’ll be a major test for the club’s player development apparatus. As And what’s Hughes looking forward to the most? the Canucks acknowledge, they haven’t produced many players out of Utica in recent seasons. “Playing with (Pettersson) and Boeser in OT, against Dallas and St. Louis,” Hughes told The Athletic, when asked what stands out to him as “Those guys (Jonah and Kole), those of us in the fire with them every his favourite moment from his scintillating five-game cameo last season. day, we saw improvements from them as they went along,” said Johnson. “When you really respect the professional game, and “They’re so good, so smart. They know how to play and they make me understand coming in after one year of experience – I’ve been through it, better. Hopefully I can do the same for them. players go through it – you get your feet wet, you see what it’s all about. “They read the game so well,” Hughes continued, “it’s a lot of fun. I’m excited to get back to it. We’ll make it up as we go.” Woo’s defensive focus Vancouver’s 2018 second-round pick Jett Woo had a breakout offensive season with the Moose Jaw Warriors. In his draft-plus-one campaign, Woo scored 12 goals and added 54 assists, nearly doubling his point per game rate from his first draft-eligible season. Traded to the Calgary Hitmen in early May, the physical, two-way side of Woo’s game remains his bread and butter and what he takes the most pride in. “Whether I get a lot of points or not, my head is always focused on playing well in my own end,” Woo said this weekend. “I’ll always be someone who takes pride in the defensive side of the game. Even when I was growing up, the biggest compliment I can get is when someone says they wouldn’t want to take me down low 1-on-1. That’s never going to change.” It’s easy to get excited about a prospect’s production at the junior level. It’s also useful to remember that a high scoring rate in junior should be viewed more as a prerequisite for a player with a chance of carving out a lengthy NHL career – not a barometer of how that player projects in the NHL. Your point per game defenceman in junior often matriculates to the NHL as a more defence-oriented piece. For what it’s worth, Woo knows what skills set him apart. In fact, he relishes it. “I think I improved in my offensive ability last year,” Woo said, “but regardless, I’d be focused on going into the season contributing everywhere on the ice and taking care of my own end.” DiPietro’s technical tweaks Thrown into the NHL fire in an unusual, emergency basis recall situation last February, Michael DiPietro is about to enter his first professional season. Technically he hasn’t “reinvented the wheel” as he prepares to make the jump to professional hockey, but he’s added some elements to his game. He’s committed to being disciplined about utilizing a high stance more frequently, to conserve energy and improve his overall mobility in the crease. “Pucks are coming a lot quicker, a lot faster to the net (in the NHL),” DiPietro explained. “The one pro game I had up here, in that little stint, when I was watching this summer, I realized how no play is wasted, no puck, no entry, something always results out of it. “So as a goaltender, making sure you’re moving quickly and as efficiently as possible is important.” The Canucks have a variety of resources for a young goaltender like DiPietro to lean on. As he prepares for his first professional season, DiPietro has worked through some of what Cancuks goaltending coach Ian Clark has suggested – in particular incorporating and mastering Clark’s three-stance approach, a core element of Sergei Bobrovsky’s style over the years – and is confident it’ll ease his transition into professional hockey, regardless of whether he starts the season in the American League or in the ECHL. “Meeting Clark last year, he tells it like it is,” said DiPietro. “There’s no sugar-coating it. I think that’s why he’s been so successful and I think that’s what has helped me the most. He tells you what you need to work on, but the biggest thing is why. He gives you the why. “The why, I think, really helps me understand how I can improve. This is why it works. This is why I have to do this. And this is why what I’m doing doesn’t work in this situation. “You can certainly get away with some things at the junior level, but once you make the jump to pro, you can’t. The guys are better, you have to be on top of it. “Like my stance. Before I was so locked in on my save-selection stance, I wasn’t really using my high stance. When he said that, started explaining why I had to make sure I was bigger, making sure I was showing the logo, making sure I could move more fluidly around the perimeter – that really resonated with me.” The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107866 Vancouver Canucks Shayne Gostisbehere (22) Roman Josi (21) Can Olli Juolevi still become a top-four stud for the Canucks? Thomas Chabot (21) Jared Spurgeon (21) By Harman Dayal Sep 10, 2019 42 Alex Pietrangelo (21) Ryan Ellis (21) Olli Juolevi is the most divisive prospect among the Vancouver Canucks’ Jaccob Slavin (21) fan base. P.K. Subban (21) You can understand why — as the No. 5 overall pick from the 2016 draft he’s seen players behind him such as Matthew Tkachuk, Clayton Keller, Keith Yandle (21) Mikhail Sergachev, Charlie McAvoy and Jakob Chychrun not only break Josh Morrissey (21) into the NHL but establish themselves as upper-echelon talents. Ryan McDonagh (21) It’s hard not to contrast the rapid development of those names with what’s occurred for Juolevi, who after a mediocre draft-plus-one year in T.J. Brodie (21) London, solid draft-plus-two season in the Finnish Liiga and injury- shortened draft-plus-three campaign in the AHL finds himself as the only Jake Muzzin (21) top-15 selection from 2016 not to have appeared in an NHL game. Jake Gardiner (21) Many have already declared him a bust and while it’s unlikely he’ll ever Brett Pesce (21) justify the pick used on him, there’s still reason to believe Juolevi has legitimate top-four upside and can be an important part of the future core. Chris Tanev (21) When do top-four defencemen break into the NHL? Of course, looking only at age is useless without examining the prospect. In Juolevi’s case, there are a few ways to measure his development The chief concern expressed with Juolevi has been how long his objectively. We can begin with a surface-level comparison — compiling a development has taken and while it’s been slow relative to others taken list of defencemen since 2013 who produced similar offensive output in in the top 10, it’s easy to forget that he just turned 21 in the offseason. the AHL in their draft-plus-three seasons (Juolevi scored 0.72 points per When examining the career paths of current top-four defencemen (as game, so we’ll use a window between 0.62-0.82 to establish determined by all situations time on ice), it’s not uncommon to see comparables). rearguards take their time breaking into the league. The above cohort yields a ton of different outcomes which include Using age data from Hockey-Reference (which uses the player’s age as outright busts and top-four studs — variance which should be expected of Feb. 1 in that season), I looked at the first season in which current top- given that we’re discussing draft-plus-three prospects who were still four defencemen played at least 10 games. I used this cut-off because it developing. I like to focus on the overall trend of a group and in the case, exceeds the nine-game threshold that an NHL team can play CHL I’d consider five of the 11 defencemen (Shea Theodore, Matt Dumba, defenders for without burning the first year of their entry-level contract. Justin Faulk, Travis Dermott and Rasmus Andersson) top-four capable. Those certainly don’t seem like bad odds, particularly for those already Since the only criteria we’re looking at is whether they were dressed for writing him off as a bust. 10 games, this isn’t a proxy for when they established themselves — it’s simply when they broke through to the point of getting an NHL chance. With the exception of Andersson and Adam Clendening, each back had Some took this opportunity and were top-four options immediately, while the opportunity to get a cup of coffee in the NHL that season. others continued bouncing between the minors and the big leagues for Presumably, that would have been the case for Juolevi too had he not some time before growing into bigger roles. been derailed by his knee injury. We can see a pretty clear pattern emerge in the graph above. It’s very One defenceman who missed the cut-off, but serves as a positive common to see these top-four blueliners step in at any point during their example of why it’s too early to write Juolevi off, is 2014 first-round pick age 19 and 21 seasons. There’s a drop-off, but still a notable portion of Travis Sanheim. The Flyers defenceman is now 23 and played two years the cohort cracking the league at age 22 before a more precipitous of junior and then a full season in the AHL after that. His entire draft-plus- decline at age 23. four season (which is coming up this year for Juolevi) was also spent in the minors. Last season, he finally blossomed as a legitimate top-four In all, more than half (52.4 percent) the league’s top-four defencemen defenceman — in his sixth full season after getting drafted. entered the NHL in their age 21 or later seasons. For Juolevi, this upcoming 2019-20 season will represent his age 21 campaign so it’s You don’t want to put too much stock into potential outliers, but the premature to call him a bust. I’d start to get a little concerned if he doesn’t optimism continues through other viewpoints. play well enough to get a cup of coffee either at the end of this season or A more complex lens of viewing Juolevi’s probability of graduating into a at the start of the next one, but it’s clear that a significant portion of the valuable NHLer can be found thanks to Jeremy Davis — founder of NHL’s better defencemen broke in at the same or even older age than NextGen Hockey and the Prospect Graduation Probabilities System Juolevi currently sits at. (pGPS). This model takes various factors including age, production and Here are some of the most notable defencemen who entered the league size among others to create statistical matches and then looks at how during their age-21 season or later: those comparables fared in the NHL. Brian Dumoulin (24) Viz and data courtesy Jeremy Davis Mark Giordano (23) XLS%: Expected Likelihood of Success/Odds of becoming an NHL player Matthias Ekholm (23) Top 4 XLS: Expected Likelihood of top-four Success/Odds of becoming a Jeff Petry (23) top-four defenceman Josh Manson (23) XPR: Expected Production Rate/82 Games Niklas Kronwall (23) pGPS shows us that 59 percent of Juolevi’s comparables became regular NHL defencemen and just over half did so providing top-four John Klingberg (22) value. Duncan Keith (22) The takeaway point I’m making in looking at Juolevi’s statistical profile is Colton Parayko (22) that it’s still too early to tell what path he’ll tread on. Heck, if he stayed healthy last season we could very well be talking about someone who Sami Vatanen (22) isn’t a prospect anymore. There’s a possibility he can’t recover from all the missed development time and busts, but there’s also a legitimate Torey Krug (22) chance that he could one day become an impact second-pairing defender to support Quinn Hughes. A strong puck mover with good offensive instincts In this clip, Juolevi displays excellent anticipation. You won’t see it on screen, but as soon as the Comets lose the puck to Belleville, he Watching Juolevi’s tape from the AHL last year, it’s clear he was trending aggressively steps up in the neutral zone as he thinks the Senators in the right direction and building confidence. There were, of course, defenceman will make an outlet to the winger on his side. areas to improve on, but you were also able to see the strengths of his game that originally made him a blue-chip prospect shine through. Sure enough, that’s the pass made and so Juolevi closes the gap and uses a smart stick to break the play up. This forces the Senators back As expected, he’ll never blow you away with dynamic skills or highlight- into their own zone after which he makes another good read and reel plays (keep that in mind when watching some of these clips). decisively closes the gap to give the opposing winger no option but to For Juolevi, it’s all about efficiency in his all-around game and more chip the puck out to the neutral zone where Utica corrals it. specifically being a conduit in transition. This begins in the defensive end It’s a subtle sequence that won’t grab most people’s attention, but those where he’s a consistently solid puck-mover. He’s very poised with the aggressive pinches are the difference between a shift in your own zone puck, has a high panic threshold against the oncoming forecheck and without the puck and what actually transpired where the Comets good awareness in knowing where his support outlets are. The end result established clear possession. This is how you make an impact in the is simple but effective breakouts that get the team out of the defensive modern game without being flashy and it’s definitely encouraging to see zone with possession of the puck more often than not. out of Juolevi. Juolevi is so composed he routinely invites forechecking pressure so he Juolevi’s neutral zone proficiency manifested itself in some of the data can bait the opposition and create that much more space for his that CanucksArmy contributor Darryl Keeping tracked for the first month teammates. That much was apparent in the clip above and is illustrated of the season. In that sample, Juolevi broke up 20 percent of the rushes again in the play below. against him and allowed controlled entries against at a level that was Zack MacEwen’s rush to the net here is created in large part to the way right up there by Jalen Chatfield for the Comets lead. Juolevi draws the Laval forwards. Notice how at the start of the play Viz and data from Darryl Keeping there’s no real estate for MacEwen or for the rest of the Comets team to operate through the neutral zone in. What should we expect this coming season? Contrast that to the space that’s there for the taking when Juolevi, who If Juolevi had completed a full season in Utica developing the way he had pulled this off at the end of his shift, releases the puck to MacEwen. started the year, I would have said we should be looking for him to take a step forward and establish himself as a regular NHLer right out of training Because Juolevi never looked at MacEwen and slipped his pass without camp. turning his head, the Laval centre drifted closer to Juolevi — creating the daylight that MacEwen needed to charge into the offensive zone. For his part, Juolevi remains confident that he can be a contributor for the Canucks right away this season. The Helsinki native also owns a good first pass in being able to consistently connect on longer distance feeds through the neutral zone. “I want to be part of the team here in Vancouver,” Juolevi told reporters following the second day of prospect camp. These skills with the puck enabled Juolevi to thrive on the power play — a facet of his game that he’s confident will translate to NHL success. “I really believe I can help the team this year and I’m ready whenever the call comes.” “I definitely think that I can be a power-play D-man,” Juolevi told The Athletic. Realistically speaking, though, Juolevi’s knee injury makes breaking the main team out of camp a distant possibility. He not only missed much- “I think I have the vision to move the puck and make other guys look needed development time but after being out of commission for so many better on the ice too and I think you always need those guys.” months, it’s going to take him time to get back to where he was last Those characteristics held true in my viewings as Juolevi brought the season. same poise, vision and accurate passing skills as he did transitionally. He To me, an encouraging year for him would mean reacclimating himself to also has a quick-release shot that consistently gets through traffic and the AHL game and from that point on taking strides to round out his can beat pro-level goalies. defensive game. The fact that the NHL can be a lot faster than the Defensive game needs refinement minors is a cliche tossed around, but in Juolevi’s case, I think it’s vital that he chips away at improving this element of his game too. Should he For all the promise Juolevi showed as an efficient puck-mover and take these steps forward, it’s only natural that he’ll be relied upon as an distributor, when he self-reflected on the 18 games he played last year all-situations minute muncher and from that point, a midseason call-up, if he made it clear that he wanted to take steps forward in improving his any injuries or trades arise, would make sense. defensive game. In short, you’re looking for Juolevi to do what was expected from him last Reviewing the video I came to a similar conclusion. Part of these hiccups year — thrive in a prominent role in the AHL prior to earning a call-up certainly had to do with adjusting to a new league and a smaller rink (he when the main club inevitably needs help. was pretty reliable defensively in the Liiga in his draft-plus-two season), but there were moments when you could see the inexperience peer It makes more sense when breaking down some of the strengths and through. weaknesses we identified earlier. Here, Juolevi’s defence partner was already closing in on the puck carrier Juolevi is very poised, has a high panic threshold and good situational skating behind the net. Given this, his responsibility was to protect the awareness — qualities that mould him into a smart and simple puck- front of the net, especially with a man right in front. Instead, he made a mover. poor read and drifted below the goal line to provide support behind the In watching power-play tape, it’s evident he has real PP2 quarterback net. It ultimately leads to a goal against and it comes from the man upside. His lateral mobility, vision, accurate passing and quick release Juolevi was supposed to be marking. shot won’t be a central component of the man advantage but improves it Suffice to say, there are strides that need to be made in how Juolevi many ways. functions positionally with in-zone coverage. There’s work to be done for Juolevi on the defensive front, specifically On the other hand, as a man-on-man defender, he didn’t face many with his off-the-puck coverage. His man on man defending looks fine. On issues — displaying many of the fundamentals you like to see out of a a more positive note, his neutral zone defending features exactly what young defenceman. you’d like to see — tight gaps, strong positioning and adept stickwork. Here, Juolevi does a good job of defending in an arc (something The Given that the Canucks struggled mightily with their in-zone coverage, Athletic colleague Mitch Brown explains well in the image below) — they wouldn’t be able to trust Juolevi until that aspect of his game has taking an angle to ensure a play down low is sealed off — forcing the been polished. But if and when he’s able to figure that out, he can bring Belleville forward to skate away from the net toward the point. lots of value to the table as someone who tilts the ice in his team’s favour with his transition skills in being both a strong puck mover and neutral Image from Mitch Brown zone defender. From there, he does a good job of wedging his stick to poke the puck Such an outcome will require more patience, but make no mistake — free and force it out into the neutral zone. Juolevi still has legitimate top-four upside. One area where Juolevi’s defensive acumen is really polished is in the The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 neutral zone. 1107867 Websites Sidney Crosby was giving the Penguins every game. He needed to eliminate blind passes to the middle of the ice. Pick spots instead of going in the corner. Take pucks from opponents rather than committing The Athletic / In Moscow, Evgeni Malkin opens up about his lost season, turnovers. loneliness and NHL future While Malkin’s fights with Sullivan typically took place in private, his problems with Phil Kessel were much harder to hide. By Rob Rossi 197 Each is proud to the point of being stubborn. They are fussy about their equipment (and were agitated by problems last season: skates and gloves for Malkin, sticks for Kessel). They have some of the best shots in the history of the game. And when the stakes are highest, Malkin and MOSCOW — Though it is only 3 miles southeast of the Kremlin, Kessel are at their best, a trait among some great players who transform Morozovo Arena can be hard to find. Ringed by traffic-filled main roads, into icons. it’s nestled into a nondescript, mostly industrial area near the meandering Moscow River. Its windowless exterior is stark save for 20-foot-high Their friendship is real, Malkin says. fabric murals of hockey players and figure skaters near the main entrance. But by the end of last season, everybody from ownership to management to coaches believed Kessel had to go for Malkin to stay. Inside, the building is more familiar. Twin rinks dominate the space. At a modest cafe, teenagers serve hot tea to visitors watching adults and kids Phil Kessel and Evgeni Malkin were teammates for four years and of all ages skim across the ice. Twin steel doors lead to a corridor, which linemates for three. (David Dermer / USA Today) leads to dressing rooms with wooden benches. Nearby, there is a snack Malkin declined to elaborate on how his on-ice relationship with Kessel shop and a glass case displaying trophies won by youth teams and fell apart. But it’s clear he grew tired of feeling caught between the champion skaters. Jerseys of Russian hockey stars hang on the walls. ongoing Sullivan-Kessel rift, according to multiple team and league At the end of the corridor is a small room, and it is here where Evgeni sources. Those sources also say Malkin had come to believe Kessel was Malkin occasionally retreats after his grueling summer training sessions. content with two titles and mostly interested in his statistics. Malkin was He sits near a big wall decal of a cartoon wolf in a hockey jersey and worried he’d be seen the same way if Kessel remained his winger. watches his 3-year-old son Nikita. Outside the room, out on the ice, Multiple team sources say Malkin requested a trade if Kessel was to Malkin pushes himself along with other NHL players, trying to drown in return. sweat the memories of a disastrous 2018-19 season. Here, in this little playroom, he is mostly still, often for up to an hour, looking on as his son Malkin denies that, but it doesn’t mean he wanted to play another game, relentlessly slaps at plastic pucks with his toddler-sized stick. let alone another season, with Kessel as his linemate. Instinctively, like his dad, he loves to grip and rip it. He did not. “(He’s a) forward for sure,” Malkin says. “No defenseman. No goalie. If he (is not a) forward, he not play hockey. … He loves to take, like, 20 pucks So now Kessel is in Arizona, traded away. and wants to score 20 pucks. He never puts pucks back. He’s trying (to) In June, Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford said only Crosby was find more pucks and score again. I say, ‘No, we need (to put) pucks untouchable in trade talks, a shot across Malkin’s bow, intended or not. back.’ And he’s, like, ‘No, no — pucks always stay inside.’” Multiple team sources said Crosby, rarely one to involve himself in Malkin is driven by that same desire. When he scores — as he has for management matters, made it clear to the Penguins that Malkin should most of his career — he is happy and confident. When he doesn’t — and not be traded for any reason. last season, he didn’t — that confidence turns to doubt, fear and anger. “It’s me and Geno,” Crosby said. “You lose confidence, and you start (to) think too much,” Malkin says. “I Malkin downplayed Rutherford’s comments. He rolled his eyes while (started) to think too much. And when I start to think too much, I start to discussing them and noted he had heard trade talk before. Privately, the get mad at everyone.” trade talk stung. It hurt worse because he first heard the news while with Not since the summer before arriving in Pittsburgh at age 20 has Malkin Team Russia at the World Championships in Slovakia. faced an offseason like the past few months. After a dozen mostly Mostly, Malkin was peeved because for the first time, his future — not charmed years, he was not expecting a season when he would feel just in Pittsburgh, but as a great NHL player — was being openly frustrated by his language limitations, embarrassed about his on- and off- doubted. ice decisions, angry at almost anyone, and isolated from loved ones. “We talk (about) one bad year, you know?” Malkin says. His quick, deep He comes to Moscow each summer to reconnect with his heritage, sigh suggests exasperation. friends and family. After a hellacious season, he also returned needing to find a new purpose, even if he didn’t know that when he arrived. Malkin has not shared with many people — especially in Pittsburgh — just how difficult last season was for him. He found it during hard training sessions on the ice of this nondescript arena in the working-class South Port District, and also in that small room He had gone long stretches without seeing his family. Nikita watching his son trying to score and score and score. And the latter may accompanied Malkin’s wife, Anna, to Moscow, where she spent the be as consequential as the former in helping Malkin find his greatness Christmas and New Year holidays working for Russian television. When again. they weren’t in Moscow, Anna and Nikita spent many winter days at the Malkins’ property on Fisher Island, just outside Miami. “I never see the future,” Malkin says. “I think this is my problem.” Daily video messages and phone calls only made him miss them more. Nobody was more shocked than Malkin when last season turned into “the worst” of his 13-year NHL career. Malkin was often separated from his wife, Anna, and son, Nikita, during the season. (Charles LeClaire / USA Today) “I think last year, it was all my fault,” Malkin says. At the same time, Sergei Gonchar, an assistant coach with the Penguins He scored half as many goals (21) as the previous season. He seemed and a man Malkin says is “not like a friend, like family,” was not around slow in transition. He took too many risks and made too many turnovers. as often. He had received permission from management to split his time He was injured at times but also frustrated. between the team and his family in Dallas. He grew distant. He fought with his coach. He lost faith in his winger. He “I think I’m sometimes (too) alone thinking about myself,” he says. “My looked like a “regular player.” wife is mad (at) me; I’m not open to her still. We’re, like, five years Malkin was unrecognizable in almost every way. To himself most of all. together, but sometimes I’m never saying my problems to her. “I think my head starts, like, (getting) crazy,” Malkin says, “I fight with “I never say my problems to anyone.” Sully. I fight with teammates. A little bit upset at everyone.” Pittsburgh also began to feel smaller. Though he had always found cities Malkin’s fights with his coach, Mike Sullivan, were about ice time. Malkin such as Moscow, Miami and New York to be more exciting, Malkin lobbied for around 20 minutes and he wanted to play when opponents appreciated Pittsburgh for its people; the blue-collar mentality of Western pulled their goalie. Sullivan needed to see the Malkin from the Penguins’ Pennsylvania reminds him of his hometown, Magnitogorsk, another steel championship runs in 2016 and 2017. He wanted to trust Malkin in the city. crucial moments of games. He wanted Malkin to give what captain The local teams mean more to the people of Pittsburgh and Trinca had once heard Malkin describe a day in his Moscow life from only Magnitogorsk than they do in bigger cities. Malkin loved the passionate a few years ago: He would grab something to eat on the way to a rink. connection he had formed with fans. Unlike when he played for He would change after an on-ice workout, but could not store equipment Metallurg, he could have the best of both worlds in Pittsburgh: adoration at the facility. So Malkin would toss it in the trunk and have a driver take and privacy. him home, where he’d hang his gear so it could air out. He would eat again — and again, not something all that healthy — before he was But Pittsburgh had turned gloomy. “It rains, like, every day,” he says. And driven to a different facility, usually in another part of town, so he could he is not wrong. The city’s wettest year on record was 2018, and 2019 warm up and lift weights in a gym that did not really meet the basic needs was tracking similarly. of a professional hockey player. Malkin also still feels somewhat like a stranger in North America. “U.S. is “It’s not too easy for hockey players in Russia,” Malkin says. a little bit hard for me,” he says. “Because (of) language. Because maybe it’s, like, different mentality.” A few years ago, Malkin was told about a former hockey prospect named Pavel Markidan, who worked out of a newer facility, the Morozovo Arena. Malkin says he is not confident either friends in Pittsburgh or Penguins It had the bare minimum of what he needed, good enough but not too teammates, specifically newer ones, “understand” him. He does not join good. many group meals and admits he often fails to return text messages. Malkin parlayed his high profile into gaining squatter’s rights to Morozovo He theorizes his hesitation to quickly engage with younger or newer Arena. He does not own the building, but he has the run of it. Malkin calls teammates limits his ability to be an effective leader for the Penguins. All the shots on ice time and gym availability, and can even request menu these years later, and even though he can conduct entire interviews in items at the arena restaurant. English (including several for this story), Malkin remains “scared” he will say the wrong words, and to his embarrassment “people will not Malkin takes a break during a July training session at Morozovo Arena in understand me.” Moscow. (Rob Rossi / For The Athletic) “I know I need (to bring) leadership in the room,” Malkin says. In return, Markidan has been allowed to hang several of Malkin’s “Sometimes I’m scared because I feel like my English is, like, bad.” autographed jerseys throughout the building. He also runs on-ice sessions that feature Malkin, Alexander Radulov and other NHL players He trusts that Crosby and Kris Letang, his teammates for well over a including Denis Gurianov of the Stars, Ilya Lyubushkin of the Coyotes decade, know him as “a funny guy.” They do. He feels safe sharing “the and Vladisav Kamenev of the Avalanche. When Ilya Kovalchuk is in real Geno” with Penguins vice president of media relations Jennifer Moscow, he also joins Malkin’s posse — an ultimate sign of respect from Bullano Ridgley. the unquestioned leader of this generation of Russian hockey stars. Mostly, though, Malkin has yet to reveal himself in full to Pittsburgh or the Malkin takes charge in Moscow. Much the way he has seen Kovalchuk Penguins. do for years. Much the way he feels he can’t in Pittsburgh. Moscow for Malkin offers the familiar and the foreign. The colorful He never would have tried to gain favorable treatment at a North cathedrals, stone statues and brilliant buildings throughout the city American facility. He would have been embarrassed to play up his fame center. The hidden-gem restaurants — Italian, French, Middle Eastern in such a manner in Magnitogorsk or Pittsburgh. and Asian eateries mixed with the few spots serving traditional Russian dishes such as borscht and freshly stirred citrusades. But in Moscow, Malkin is a man in full, and the presence of Anna and Nikita play a huge part in that. Malkin has always found in Moscow a sense of comfort that allows him to breathe easier, center himself and get back on track. He and Anna want their son to appreciate the country and its culture, especially because Nikita was born in Pittsburgh and is being raised Moscow is where Malkin flipped from recovery to revival after losing the primarily there and near Miami. second half of the 2010-11 season to torn knee ligaments. It was here where Anna whisked him for the final days of the 2014 Olympics after Malkin’s free time with his son is mostly limited to the offseason, and Russia failed to medal in the men’s hockey tournament. This is her even then — between training sessions, visits with friends and things like hometown, but it’s been his safe space. traffic, going to the bank and, well, life — he doesn’t get as much time as he would like. Here in Moscow, the nurturing side of Malkin is able to So, after the worst season of his career, it was the only place he could come out in ways it can’t elsewhere. land. If Malkin was going to find himself again as a great hockey player, it was going to be here. His support group in Moscow has always included the Gonchar family, which spends a few weeks in the city every summer. Russian agent Malkin is not from Moscow, but his wife is, and they spend most of his Gennady Ushakov, for whom Malkin reserves his most playful jabs but to offseason in Russia’s capital city. (Rob Rossi / For The Athletic) whom Malkin is fiercely loyal, is around to handle all variety of needs. A year ago at this time, after reconditioning his body under the guidance Childhood friends from Magnitogorsk make visits with their families. of Alex Trinca, the Penguins assistant strength and conditioning coach, Malkin also has made friends of Moscow celebrities from the art and Malkin anticipated a “great year.” But after the opening month last music scenes. season, Malkin says he “forgot to still work” as Trinca had taught. Few from Pittsburgh have made the trip here to visit Malkin. Trinca is the He stopped staying in the gym to stretch after lifting. His legs betrayed exception. him, feeling weaker each game. Skating had always been the foundation Unlike a year ago, Malkin already had been skating for three weeks when for his success, but his “first couple steps were really hard” and Malkin Trinca arrived in the last week of July. Anna had taken Nikita on a holiday says he felt “slow a little bit.” to Sochi to guarantee Malkin could focus on Trinca’s training. Soon He tried to compensate by cheating up ice. Except he could not get back Malkin and Trinca were accompanied by Besa Tsintsadze, a former fast enough to help defensively. He forced high-risk passes because he competitive figure skater who is now a power-skating specialist and has could not consistently burst through the neutral zone or dance around worked in the past with Malkin and Crosby in Pittsburgh. opposing skaters. He put himself in harm’s way with reckless dashes into “We had an incredible 10 days of skating and he went hard,” Tsintsadze the corners. Had he not, he never would have been able to win races to says. “What I like is when Geno said, ‘Besa, you come to Miami and we loose pucks. keep going.’ Penguins personnel cited Kessel becoming too content as one of the “You know, everybody is saying Geno is finished. I see him skating issues Malkin had with his former winger. If he was being honest, Malkin strong again, and I say he’s going for another great five years now.” would say he had allowed the same to happen. Malkin has spent much of his summer with Pavel Markidan (left) and Alex Reigniting a career is easier said than done in Russia. Trinca (right). (Rob Rossi / For The Athletic) Ice time is hard to find, especially once KHL clubs open training camp in Malkin punished himself on the ice with Markidan and Tsintsadze. He July (which is typically when NHL players start to ramp up their offseason tested his own limits during workouts with Trinca, who intentionally workouts). Finding a rink with a weight room attached? Forget about it. inserted discomfort into the dynamic by changing all the exercises from Nutritious meals are not as readily available as they are even in the previous summer. Pittsburgh. Moscow is a bigger city, but it remains a city in Russia, where This rebuild was happening from the ground up. But Malkin also was trying economic times have not allowed the country to keep up with making changes he once resisted. America and Canada. He cut alcohol from his diet to train. He signed up with a health-food delivery service. He ate salads and lean meats for lunch. He dropped about seven pounds. Malkin even started turning in early on weeknights. As August ended and Malkin returned to Pittsburgh, he felt he had made good on the goal he set for himself when his flight touched down in Moscow a couple of months earlier. Retreat. Recover. Rebuild. Then return with a purpose. Hockey players are taught to seize the moment and avoid fixating on the past or the long-term future. Win the next shift. Make the next save. But now, at this moment in his career, looking ahead was what Malkin needed to do. “My desire is to win a fourth Cup,” Malkin says. “It’s, like, not many Russians with four Cups. I would be (the) only one. This is my target right now.” Mentioning Crosby and Letang, Sullivan and Rutherford, Malkin says he “understands our group” and is confident the Penguins’ early postseason exit last year was an aberration — not unlike his aggravating season. “With this team, we have (a) real chance to win again,” Malkin says. “I believe that, for sure. Because we have professionals in our organization.” Malkin believes winning the Stanley Cup a fourth time would cement his legacy among Russian greats. (Christopher Hanewinckel / USA Today) He knows winning the Cup again is not possible without him back at “my level.” “It’s my challenge,” Malkin says. “I know I can.” In a June meeting, Malkin told Sullivan to give him 20 minutes of ice time and he’ll make sure it’s a “good 20.” “I always feel like I’m thinking on ice,” Malkin says. “But it’s only when you’re older you realize how I can change (my) game to be better.” Can he be better? Even if his mind is right. Even if his body is stronger. Even if the fights are over and he’s on the ice more. Even if all the problems that led to the worst season of his career suddenly disappear, can Malkin, at age 33, make it not only back to where he once was but improve? Malkin has returned to Pittsburgh with a clear vision for the rest of his hockey life. Up first, he says, is a top-five finish in the scoring race and “close to 100 points, for sure.” That should ease the burden on Crosby and help the Penguins reach a 14th consecutive postseason. Only nine goals from 400, Malkin is already eyeing The 500 Club and joining Alex Ovechkin as the only Russian member. He is close to surpassing childhood idol Sergei Fedorov’s 1,179 points. “It’s (a) huge next three years,” Malkin says. “I still want to play 100 percent — and sign (for) three more years with Pittsburgh.” That would take Malkin through age 38 and his preferred “20 years with one team” if counting when he was drafted by the Penguins. Nikita will have just turned 9 and ideally be a big brother to at least one sibling. How did Malkin respond to the worst season of his career? He stepped back on the ice. He worked. He says he has changed. But that might be less important than how he looked into the future and set the ending he wanted. For his career. For his wife and little Nikita, the kid who showed in that small room that he can grip and rip it just like his father. “I understand I am losing my hockey life every day,” Malkin says. “I want to be hungry. This is huge for me. This is fundamental.” The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107868 Websites It meant sleeping in the car at tournaments while teammates were tucked into hotel rooms.

It meant going on the road and praying that the only stick you owned The Athletic / Four Calgary brothers are on the hockey map thanks to wouldn’t snap. their single mom and a spirit of sacrifice It meant skipping trips to the mall. Ocean figures it’s been 15 years since his mom last bought new clothes. Scott Cruickshank Sep 9, 2019 22 It meant, in the face of mounting household bills, paying first for hockey registration — a choice that forced the family to pull up stakes more than once. Two brothers have gathered up their meagre belongings — well-worn clothes and tattered hockey gear. They’re leaving home. The Wiesblatts have learned to “grind,” as Ocean puts it. But never have they taken for granted the generosity of others. The oldest is heading south. The other, west. Clockwise from bottom left: Oasiz, Ocean, Ozzy, Kim, Orca, Oceania. Yet there are no teary farewells on the front lawn. No pleading for changes of heart. No hand-wringing anxiety. Friends bring over groceries — on one occasion enough meat for a month — and drive to the food bank on Kim’s behalf. Hockey fees are In fact, their departure in the late summer of 2014 comes as genuine anonymously donated or sometimes even forgiven. Doors to a highly relief. regarded training facility are thrown open. New gear is now provided, no questions asked. The Wiesblatt family needs help. At the head of the household is a single parent, Kim, who is deaf and going through a divorce. The family lives in Mom considers the actions of supporters — some are friends, some are a cramped rental unit in Millrise, a community in Calgary, a mom, her five strangers, some pitch in without a peep — to be heroic. children and limited means of support. “Absolutely, yes,” Kim said through a sign-language interpreter. “It does So Ocean, at 15 and her oldest kid, cooked up a plan. He will temporarily make me feel awkward at times, there’s no question. But it’s like, ‘Accept move in with another family. the gifts that come and move on.’ We survive. We make it.” “Just to get the weight off my mom’s shoulders,” Ocean was saying the Bumps, though, never seem to end. other day. “It was kind of shitty because you weren’t with the brothers — but you just had to leave and there was no choice.” This past March at Lake Louise, Mom had been showing Oceania how to skate when she fell awkwardly and wrecked her right shoulder. It even Orca, then 14, seeing the wisdom of the proposal, followed suit. He, too, hurts to sign now. Surgery is required. So there’s that. knew of someone who would take him in. “Kind of a unique situation,” he explained. “We didn’t have what every other family has.” Unemployed since being laid off two years ago, Kim remains on social assistance. Still at home with Kim are — Ozzy, 12; Oasiz, 10 and the boys’ only sister, Oceania, 6 — each trying to wrap their head around what was But the boys have come to embrace the experience. happening. “It’s my story,” said Orca, who, like his brothers, sat down with a reporter Oasiz admits he had been shaken — his big brothers, his heroes, were to detail the hardships. “I love the way I live. I would hate to be some rich gone, even if only a few minutes away. kid. I’m happy that I had to sacrifice everything. It makes it kind of an adventure. If I could change it, I wouldn’t change it. I love the way “I thought they were leaving forever,” he recalled. “But we needed it everything worked out.” because my mom didn’t have enough money to feed us all. We’re thankful for (the other families), for taking care of the boys. The brothers wear brave faces. But don’t be fooled — they’ve suffered, insists one friend, who, despite playing a significant role in the family’s “It sucked, but it was kind of smart in a way, I would say.” welfare, requested that his name not be used. The family’s financial burden eased, the eldest brothers got what they “To see what these boys have actually overcome? Absolutely amazing. needed, too. A stable environment. Square meals. Educational support. Amazing,” he said. “You want to talk about tough skin? They’re going to A healthy dose of structure. And, not insignificantly, they could count on school and they’re being laughed at because their mom’s deaf, their rides to the rink, access to better equipment and assistance with dad’s deaf, they have no money, they’re wearing second-hand clothes, registration fees. they’re wearing second-hand hockey equipment. When you start thinking about that, it puts a tear in my eye.” “Whatever helped out my mom is what we had to do,” Ocean said. “I understood the situation. I wouldn’t have played hockey if I didn’t go. Voice cracking, he finishes the thought. Everyone has to make sacrifices. That’s just one of the sacrifices. “This is about the boys. However you want to write your story, your piece “We had to do what we had to do.” should truly be about these boys and their mom. They need all the kudos. They’re the ones that had to walk through the door and live it Which is the guiding principle of the Wiesblatts. They had already every day.” traveled plenty, from Osoyoos, B.C., to Kelowna to Calgary. They did what they had to do. Opening up an hour-long conversation in the kitchen of the family’s home in the community of Midnapore, Kim smiles and signs: “It’s a long story. The brothers endured countless indignities and relentless bullying, but It’s a long journey.” the strength of their family bond has put them right where they are today, which is pegged squarely on the hockey map. Which opens in B.C. in 1999, when Ocean is born. He could hear. So, as it turned out, could the rest of the kids. Ocean, now 20, is returning to MJHL Portage for his final year of junior eligibility. Orca, 19, wants to get a full-season foothold with WHL Calgary. But as children of deaf parents, how would they learn to talk? Communication at home was sign language. There were no bedtime And the two youngest boys appear to be stars in the making. stories. Exposure to television and friends allowed them to pick up only a limited amount of English. Ozzy, 17, heads back to WHL Prince Albert for his second season. Leading into his NHL draft year, the youngster’s summer included a trip Athletically, though, they were naturals. with the Canadian U18 squad to the Czech Republic for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Oasiz, 15, was a first-round selection of Medicine Hat in the Ocean and Orca tore up the soccer pitches of Osoyoos. A teammate’s 2019 WHL bantam draft. He’ll skate for the Calgary (midget AAA) father, noticing their pace, had one thought: Get these lads into hockey. Buffaloes this winter. Kim informed him that they could not afford it. Lofty accomplishments for any family, but more impressive considering But their new friend, who could sign a bit because his son’s mom was the challenges toppled by the Wiesblatts. Hockey, as everyone knows, is deaf, insisted. He had connections — a key to the arena, for starters — expensive. Fees and camps, gear and sticks, training and travel; imagine because he was a former player. Barry Something. Kim thinks he had all of that times four. been captain of the New York Rangers. It meant rummaging through lost-and-found bins for skates and pads. Tall broad-shouldered guy? Yes. Barry Beck? Sure enough. And the long-time NHLer went out of his way to help with ice time, instruction, equipment. “Barry was our biggest fan,” said Kim. “I really have to thank him because “We didn’t know how we were paying for hockey — we honestly thought he opened the door for my kids to love hockey. Just a nice man. Just a it could have been over,” he said. “Mom’s like, ‘We can’t afford this.’ I really nice human being.” was just trying to come up with a plan. So me and Orcs kind of had to leave, just so we could help out my mom. She couldn’t afford (the They eventually parted ways — the Wiesblatts to Kelowna, the Becks to hockey), the food, driving us all around.” Hong Kong, where he coaches and manages a non-profit hockey academy there. Orca, meanwhile, shifted to Huber’s house — a change that was jarring. When he was home and his mom wanted to get his attention, she waved Beck, through an overseas email exchange with The Athletic, says those or stamped on the floor. And, of course, there was nearly no talking kids are an inspiration. among the family members — signing, so as not to exclude Kim, was the “They were motivated and high energy as I think they had something to rule. constantly prove,” he wrote. “Just because both parents were deaf didn’t So moving in with the Hubers was a culture shock. “I didn’t know how to mean that they couldn’t succeed at whatever they put their minds to.” act or walk around.” Orca’s assessment of Beck’s presence? “He started everything.” Looking back, Orca acknowledges that it had been a necessary Meaning their involvement with hockey became an obsession that ran education, being on the hook for housework — dishes done, beds made four deep. — and schoolwork. “I’m happy I did that. He put me in a straight line.” After supper, they would chase pucks outside — “Till 10, 11 when our Still, there were moments. Huber remembers one winter night arriving parents would flash the lights (to come home),” says Ocean — or home late. There, in his driveway, was Orca, shooting pucks — wearing downstairs. With their father Art’s blessing, they yanked the carpet out of only roller-blades and tighty-whities. It was minus-20 C. the basement so they could rip shots off of the bare floor. Following “He’s a free spirit, put it that way,” said Huber, who had the privilege of practices, they would come home and pull on their Rollerblades. buying Orca his first store-bought pair of skates — the kid was 14. In-house, it was always oldest and youngest (Ocean and Oasiz, both Thanks to the help, Orca was able to play major bantam and the younger lefties, both stocky) versus the middle two (Orca and Ozzy, both righties, boys, Ozzy and Oasiz, have never missed a rep season. both lean). “I don’t know where we’d be if we didn’t meet them … they really pulled “Absolutely destroyed,” is how Ocean fondly describes the leavings. us out of the hole,” said Ocean. Walls broken. Windows smashed. “A lot of fistfights,” said Orca, grinning. But missing their family and realizing Mom needed help around the In 2012, the family moved to Calgary, a city that boasted excellent house, the eldest boys returned home after two years. hockey programs. When the marriage dissolved, Art returned to B.C. and Kim took on a variety of odd jobs, and relied on the food bank to keep the “That’s life,” Ocean said. “You’ve got to give things up and find other family afloat. ways.” “Obviously, there’s four hockey-playing boys — we eat a shit-ton of food,” Kindness didn’t always take the form of financial boosts, room and board said Ocean. “You’ve got to find a way to get that food. You’ve got to find or tutors. a way.” Sometimes, it was simply a meaningful act. Bantam standouts, Ocean and Orca settled for community-league placement in the Shaw Meadows association. Rep hockey, after all, can Ozzy’s best friend, Jake Neighbours, learned the basics of sign language cost upwards of $5,000 per season. because he didn’t like seeing Kim excluded from conversations. “Oh, hockey is so expensive. Absolutely, it steals every penny,” said Kim. So, during road trips with the Buffs midgets, Neighbours got Ozzy to give “It’s been really stressful financially, I’ll say that. We’ve sold some things. him a crash course in signing. We’ve become minimalists … very stressful as a single parent, but what “When he learned it, I think we became a lot closer, too,” said Ozzy. “Not I’ve tried to show my kids is that we can be positive, we can make it just me, but to everyone in my family, really. We’ve never had anyone through this.” who really wanted to learn and actually put in the time. He can talk to my Ozzy remembers breaking his stick at an out-of-town prospects mom just fine now. It’s really cool to see.” showcase. His tournament was over — until a teammate’s parent, Neighbours, who lives in Calgary and plays for WHL Edmonton, says unprompted, bought him a new one. being able to communicate was the right thing to do. “It just makes “To do that out of the kindness of their hearts?” said Ozzy. “Those are everyone’s life a little bit easier.” pretty special moments.” Dave Cowan, who represents the boys for O2K Worldwide Management Ocean Wiesblatt. Group, calls Neighbours an honorary Wiesblatt brother. “He’s probably the best thing that could ever happen to the family, in terms of having a None of the boys were fussy about equipment. One on-ice snapshot kid that’s right alongside Ozzy,” Cowan said. “His mind is in the right shows a wee Ocean in men’s skates — size 7 or 8. In another photo, a spot. Takes care of the boys. Drives them to workouts. Takes them very young Oasiz is wearing hockey gloves that go up to his elbows. everywhere. He is essentially an extension of their brothership.” “I’m so proud of my kids — they never ever complain,” said Kim. Cowan, who had been touched by the family’s story, took on the Wiesblatts a year ago. Talking now, there is no bitterness. Even from Oasiz, the family’s bottom rung, the final stop for passed-down pads. “It was the exact reason why I got into the agency,” said Cowan. “I wanted to support the boys and do what I can to try to keep them moving “Actually, I didn’t mind it — I hate breaking in new gear,” he said. “Usually forward.” parents always buy new equipment. This was just a whole other story, I guess. But I always thought it was a positive — ‘At least I’m playing The list of benefactors includes Darryl Hughes, a Bauer Hockey hockey.’ That’s all I care about.” executive, who ensures that the boys get proper gear; and Doug Crashley, who operates Crash Conditioning, a local who’s-who training Their hard-luck story made its way through Calgary’s hockey circles. facility and allows the brothers free access. Mike Huber, whose son Brandon was a teammate of Ozzy’s, stepped up, starting by ferrying the Wiesblatts to and from rinks. “He understands that our income as a family is not sufficient,” said Kim. “He’s been so fabulous, right?” Eventually, Huber and business partner Sonny Belanger hired Kim to deliver flyers for their renovation company. Belanger’s father Fern began There are occasional difference-makers behind the scenes, too. chipping in, too. For instance, Ozzy’s final year of midget was taken care of anonymously, “I’m just helping these kids realize their dream,” said Fern. “If I could be a a $5,000 tab quietly settled. tool for that? Good for me. Good for them. My reward is going to be seeing them succeed, to be a part of something special.” “There’s a lot of people helping these boys out,” said a family friend. “There are three or four families giving them a big push.” The family’s financial strain, however, remained. But not everyone means well. It comes as no surprise to hear that the Which is why Ocean decided to approach Belanger about moving in with boys have been the subject of taunts. his family. There have been playground scuffles. “You hear, ‘Oh, your parents are Added Ozzy: “Our mom’s basically the rock. What she’s done … it’s kind deaf,’ so you go beat the kid up,” said Ocean. of unexplainable. That’s something that none of us take lightly.” Bantam, they say, is when on-ice trash-talking gets amplified. Not The brothers have been crafting a plan to show their appreciation. Details hockey-flavoured taunts, but family-belittling abuse. Even a rival coach might be vague, but intentions are whole-hearted. Kim loves the coast, once lit into Ozzy after a game, reducing him to tears. so it may mean finding her a place near the water. Or perhaps buying and renovating their old house in Kelowna. Something to thank Mom for Ocean knows — knows — that he’ll hear more this season. her contributions, including their unique names: “Really rude,” he said. “I would never … if someone else’s parents are Ocean Mickey deaf or blind or had Down syndrome, that’s just a thing you don’t go after.” Orca Nike Last spring, as Prince Albert marched to the Memorial Cup, Ozzy got an Ozzy Ocean Orca earful of guff. Raiders captain Brayden Pachal overheard one comment and immediately confronted the offending player. “Those are moments Oasiz Sky Diamond that you can’t really thank people enough for,” said Ozzy. Oceania Aloha The key, according to the brothers, is not letting the slurs affect you or “I love nature. I love nature names,” she explained. “I suppose if you your game. looked at me, you would think, ‘Oh, she’s a bit of an old hippie.’ But in our “Now that you’re older, if someone chirps you, it’s irrelevant — ‘I don’t family, I was a little bit of the black sheep. Very independent. Loved care what you have to say about my parents. You don’t mean anything to nature. Loved life. Loved sort of that natural path.” me,'” said Ocean. “But when you’re young, you get mad, you yell, you Reactions are mixed. Introduced to one of the Wiesblatts, some people fight.” cackle. Others dig the names. He admits that he let it get the best of him in bantam, leading to penalties “I like to be different,” said Orca, “so I’m happy the way it turned out.” and suspensions. “Stupid,” Ocean said. “That’s why you can’t let people control your emotions because it’ll bring the worst out of you.” Ever wish you were called Bob or Jason? “I think my name is sweet,” replied Oasiz. “I love it. … If I have kids, I’m going to keep it on with O’s.” Orca, who’s dressed for more than 60 dates for the Hitmen, says after listening to one opponent diss his mom and dad, he wanted to drop his More than a letter of the alphabet unites this foursome. gloves. The rival refused, then repeated the insults. Orca was so furious, he direct-messaged him on Instagram. To say the puck-chasing boys are tight doesn’t begin to describe the bond. “I told him, ‘We’re fighting,'” he said. “It was immature of me … but he would do it every game and I would ask him every game to fight me (and “You don’t realize it when you’re younger, but four brothers is perfect,” he wouldn’t). I’ll probably just have to jump him this year.” said Ozzy. “Playing two versus two in everything. A lot of fights, but a lot of memorable times. We’re still, to this day, the closest we’ve ever been.” Oasiz, too, hears plenty — “Just trying to throw you down. Pretty rude things” — but he doesn’t react. Usually. Naturally, there are flare-ups. Like the time Ocean, incensed by the video-game beating he was absorbing, whipped the remote into Ozzy’s Oasiz Wiesblatt. face, chipping one of his teeth. “You get mad in the moment,” said Ozzy, “but a couple hours later you kind of cool off and laugh about it.” “It depends on the game,” said the 15-year-old. “If I’m playing a good game, there’s no point in me raging on the guy. I might as well put more They’re competitive about everything — even their heights. (Ozzy, they points on the board. But if I’m having a bad game, I might throw a hit.” claim, somehow manages to cheat the tape measure.) The oldest, Ocean at 5-9, finished fifth in penalty minutes last season in the MJHL. Like everything else they’ve endured, the put-downs have shaped the The youngest, Oasiz at 5-7, may be the snarliest of the bunch. Notes one Wiesblatts. For the better, insists Ocean. acquaintance: “He’d be the guy coming out of the cage if they were “It made us stronger in the head,” he said. “It taught us to be more having a cage fight.” mentally strong. It made us want to be better at hockey. We just wanted That fire serves the plucky, undersized forwards well in their ultimate to prove everyone wrong.” goal: to reach the NHL. For the big brother, it has not been a smooth road — “I had to learn all “All the boys, they can fly,” said Brent Harrison, who, as part of the Buffs the hard ropes” — but he helped pave a better path for his younger organization, has coached Orca, Ozzy, Oasiz. “One thing that sticks out siblings. to me? They all just love to play hockey. If they could be on the ice four Everyone refers to Ocean as the family’s de facto dad because of the hours a day, they would be, right?” responsibility he’s willingly taken on since his parents split up. This tale, with its fuzzy-cheeked protagonists, is far from complete. “I knew my mom was going through rougher shit than me,” said Ocean. “It’s the real Canadian story — boys just wanting to play hockey,” said a “The least I could do was help out, right?” family friend. “Struggling family, struggling mom, single mom, hard mom. He’s barely out of his teens, but you wouldn’t know it. He has a hand in The story is about a hard mom doing whatever she can to keep those Lads Business Solutions, a local digital-marketing outfit, and he’s boys playing hockey and doing the best she can with what she has. focused on someday propping up his family’s fortunes. That’s the story.” “I want to make money,” Ocean said. “I want to help out my sister. I want So feel free to admire the Wiesblatts. Just don’t pity them. They refuse to to help out my mom. I want to help out my brothers.” feel sorry for themselves and they don’t feel cursed. When Cowan had been considering taking on the Wiesblatts as clients, They even have a lucky number — 7. That’s how many are in the family, he met for coffee with the family’s representative — Ocean. and their birthdays fall in seven sequential months (Ocean in January, Oceania in February, Ozzy in March, Oasiz in April, Kim in May, Orca in “It was one of the most remarkable conversations I’ve had in my life, to June, Art in July). be honest with you,” Cowan said. “I’m essentially sitting across from what felt like a 25- or 30-year-old man. I was really impressed. That alone, No. 7 is what Ocean wears in Portage and what Oasiz wore last winter. before meeting the rest of the boys, helped make up my mind in saying, It isn’t superstition, though, that’s propelled them this far. ‘Yeah, this is something I want to be a part of.'” “We had to do what we had to do,” Ocean said again. “We all had to Orca tugs up his left sleeve to reveal a large tattoo. There is the word figure out how to talk, how to speak, how to sign, go away for hockey, “Family” in a bed of roses, plus birds — five small ones to represent the help each other out, pay for the bills, pay for the food, find that food, find kids and a big one for his mother. that second-hand clothing, figure out how to find gear. It was the whole That Kim is the focal point is no surprise. Ocean calls her a “super hero.” thing, the process behind it — how to get it. Orca talks about how much she’s sacrificed. “My mom, she’s worked all “It was stressful. But we got it done. We’re fine. We’re alive. We’re good. her life … just so we could all play hockey,” he said. “I’ve never seen her Honestly, we all feel thankful. There’s people that have it way worse than go out and have fun. I’m not just saying that. I’ve literally never seen her us.” go out and have fun.” The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107869 Websites Los Angeles Kings: (Over 74.5) Same effect as the Ducks, just with less confidence that they’ll be any good. I think the Kings are one of the weakest teams in the league, but The Athletic / 2019-20 NHL Best Bets: Which teams to put your money 74.5 points feels too low. They have a strong chance to bounce-back on after last season and they still have some players with an elite reputation that are motivated to prove they’re not washed up. A resurgence feels likely, even if it’s only to around 80 points. By Dom Luszczyszyn Sep 10, 2019 81 New York Rangers: (Under 88.5)

Everything depends on how the young kids fit and develop, but for now, Before every season, oddsmakers set lines on which teams are likely to this appears to be way too high for a team coming in with a lot of make the playoffs, and how many points they’ll get. With the NHL being a offseason hype, but likely isn’t ready for primetime just yet. While many very random league, it presents a lot of opportunities to make some good are adding their offseason haul to their final point total, that total was coin in places where it is legal to do so. achieved with Mats Zuccarello and Kevin Hayes on the team. Without them, the Rangers were brutal and that’s the team the new guys are I’ve been doing this feature for two seasons now and after starting hot in being added too, which mitigates their value. 2017-18, there was some regression to the mean last year – though it came from the three bets I had listed as honorable mentions. I did say it Columbus Blue Jackets: (Over 83.5) would be a tougher year! In terms of main bets, my model (which is how I decide which lines offer value) is 14-4 over the last two seasons and 4-3 I’m not as confident in this one as the rest, given what they’ve lost, but in “bets also worth considering” so maybe it’s time to just stick to the there’s still value here as there was a strong foundation laid out aside main bets. from Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky. This team has depth and a strong blue line, it’s just a matter of whether the unproven goaltending 2017-18 Record: 8-2 (4-0 with honorable mentions) can hold up over a full season. I’m not holding my breath, but I still believe there’s enough here for a point total in the mid-to-high 80’s, 2018-19 Record: 6-2 (0-3 with honorable mentions) rather than the lower range. As already mentioned, last season was a tough one as NHL oddsmakers Playoff Chances have sharpened up on their point total game. It looks to be a similar story this season as there are 13 lines within 2.5 points of my projections and Slam Dunks only three where the difference is greater than five points. Not a lot to work with there. The best value on the board. But while bookmakers have become sharper with their point totals, their Carolina Hurricanes: (YES -140) playoff odds look downright wacky and that could be the new avenue to Arizona Coyotes: (NO +115) finding value in the NHL market. Playoff lines weren’t on the menu in this series over the last two seasons, but they’ll be added this year because New York Rangers: (NO -125) there’s too much value to pass up. At around 11 a.m. on Monday, I tweeted that the Hurricanes line to make Here’s where I’m placing my money for the 2019-20 season, sorted by the playoffs was one of the worst I had ever seen at nearly even odds. the confidence I have in each bet. Since then, it’s already gone up to -140 and that’s still way too low. It’s an implied probability of 58 percent which is significantly lower than it should Lines are courtesy of Bodog and are subject to change after publication. be. Point Totals For Arizona and New York, it’s a matter of both teams being far too close Anaheim Ducks: (Over 81.5) to 50 percent with the Coyotes actually being favored to make the playoffs. I don’t buy that with their current team. For the Rangers, as As many of you saw in the season preview series, my model is higher on mentioned above, they’re not ready for primetime yet and it would take a the Ducks than most and is well off the market here. While it may not be lot of internal improvement for them to make it in a tough East. The line completely justified, I think this line is still far too low and should improve suggests they miss 56 percent of the time, but my model thinks it’s closer off a nightmare-ish 80-point campaign. Everything went wrong last year, to 82 percent – a huge chasm. there were several lengthy losing streaks, plus the team suffered through plenty of injuries. Better health, a new coach and a youth movement Underrated should all equal improvement next season. Plus, they have the best Teams not getting enough credit going into the season. goalie in hockey. Minnesota Wild: (YES +145) Minnesota Wild: (Over 87.5) Anaheim Ducks: (YES +220) We shockingly haven’t seen the Wild’s season preview yet and it’s because of my model’s switch to expected goals, with more emphasis on No one likes either of these teams which is why I love them. I don’t think defense, has found a kindred spirit in the much-derided team from the either makes the playoffs personally, but the lines are too good not to state of hockey. Regardless, I do think they’re hugely underrated due to take given how close they are, likely much closer than they’re currently the front office turmoil and also because their strength is on defense, being given credit for. I suspect both will be on the bubble. which isn’t the sexiest skill. Strong defensive teams are still a market inefficiency and the Wild certainly qualify as one of the league’s stingiest Overhyped teams. As long as they’re not undone by goaltending, they should be in Teams getting too much credit going into the season. the playoff mix. Winnipeg Jets: (NO +200) Carolina Hurricanes: (Over 95.5) Florida Panthers: (NO +200) The Hurricanes sailed past this number last year despite being largely mediocre for half the season. In the other half, they were one of the best Colorado Avalanche: (NO +240) teams in hockey. They have confidence now, their young players are only getting stronger and this number feels very low for the talent and It’s not that I hate any of these teams, it’s that I don’t think they deserve depth they seem to have. Goaltending is always a concern, but this team their current standing. The Jets lost a lot of wins and are closer to an should be competing for the division, not for the playoffs. average team than a contender in my opinion. They don’t deserve the reverence they’re getting here. Ditto the Avalanche who are stronger, but St. Louis Blues: (Over 96.5) are being treated like a Cup contender when they haven’t earned that badge yet – the team still has a lot of depth issues. And while Florida Like Carolina, the Blues also surged after a lackluster start with one of solved its biggest problem this summer in adding coach Joel Quenneville the best records in hockey in the second half. The difference: they won and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, their line is similarly getting out of hand. the Stanley Cup, so I’m a bit shocked by their low valuation. Like the They’ll likely be getting closer to the bubble too. Wild, I think the Blues are getting underrated because their biggest strength lies in their own end. Goaltending is a wildcard here because of Conservative Lines Jordan Binnington’s small sample, but it’s hard not to see the Blues improving over last year’s total with a full year of him and coach Craig Lines that oversell the uncertainty of an NHL season. Berube. Nashville Predators: (YES -205) Edmonton Oilers: (NO -190) Buffalo Sabres: (NO -210) St. Louis Blues: (YES -260) Tampa Bay Lightning: (YES -400) Toronto Maple Leafs: (YES -325) Pittsburgh Penguins: (YES -205) These lines come with a lot of juice attached to them, but arguably nowhere close to enough. The lines are far too conservative given the talent or lack-of, and the likelihood they’ll make the playoffs as a result. It means putting down more money to win a little less, but in these cases, it might be worth it. Another way to look at the is by translating the above to the implied playoff probability for each team. Nashville Predators: 67 percent Edmonton Oilers: 34 percent Buffalo Sabres: 32 percent St. Louis Blues: 72 percent Tampa Bay Lightning: 80 percent Toronto Maple Leafs: 77 percent Pittsburgh Penguins: 67 percent Seeing the Lightning at 80 percent is all you need to know. I’ll take that bet any day of the week and the rest here are just as bad. It doesn’t jive at all with their point totals as I’m not sure on what planet a true talent 108.5 point team only makes the playoffs four out of five times. Whatever, their loss, our gain. Probably. The Athletic LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107870 Websites optimism and there’ve been times of pessimism. This is a huge year for the Canucks. They need a great start. It’s going to be much more difficult without Boeser. Only four teams scored fewer goals than Vancouver the Sportsnet.ca / 31 Thoughts: Tense RFA waiting game hits final stages last two seasons. Boeser’s 55 goals during that span are equal to Artemi Panarin and Jonathan Toews; more than Filip Forsberg, Jack Eichel and Mark Stone. Elliotte Friedman September 10, 2019, 2:28 PM 2. It is impossible to write or talk about Marner without offending someone, so here is my attempt at a bias-free take: It’s tense and personal. My belief is Toronto is willing to go to an $11-million AAV, but only if he signs for seven years. I’d heard both sides might agree to two Now we find out who is serious, and who isn’t. years — then let arbitration sort it out — but a few sources threw cold A few years ago, one particular player remained unsigned as the season water on that. I mentioned during a radio hit last week the rumour that approached. There was a lot of rhetoric about his situation. He agreed to Marner’s representatives pitched a three-year contract with a structure terms days before Game 1, and was ready to go for puck drop. similar to the Meier/Werenski setup, with the third season as high as $15 million. However, I’m told that was several months ago and is no longer I sent him a congratulatory text. He called back to reveal he was never relevant, although both sides have continued to explore that kind of an going to miss games. “Just wanted to see if I could gain anything by option. I don’t sense things are anywhere close. waiting,” he said. “I’m in good shape, wasn’t worried about the pre- season.” 3. Laine’s looking for a bridge, but his situation is unique. This is as much about “fit” as anything. Scheifele and Blake Wheeler are hard-driving I was telling this story to a GM on Monday. He laughed a bit and said, perfectionists. They demand a lot of themselves and of everyone around “Some (of this year’s unsigned players) will do that, yes. But this them. There’s not much of an “off” switch. It’s wrong to say Laine doesn’t generation seems more willing to say no.” care, but he likes to relax, turn off his brain and do other stuff. If I’m the Jets, I’d like his game to evolve — the sooner, the better — but I There’s been so much hot air about RFAs over the past year that it might recognize his incredible talent and am not giving up on it. Everyone here be responsible for Greenland’s record ice melt. Finally, we’re getting to has to work to understand each other, for the betterment of the team. the deadlines that really matter: training camp, the start of the season, and, ultimately, Dec. 1 — the last day any of these players can sign and 4. Anaheim and Carolina have a deal in principle, and it is now Justin still be eligible to play in 2019-20. Faulk’s decision. The Raleigh News & Observer’s Luke DeCock reported Ondrej Kase is part of the return, and he’s someone the Hurricanes tried If I were a team, I’d want term. The price for talent never goes down. to acquire last season. The Ducks are on Faulk’s no-trade list, and the Look at all the great players who extended in the summer of 2016 — two sides are trying to hammer out an extension. Faulk makes $6 million Johnny Gaudreau, Nathan MacKinnon, Sean Monahan and Mark in salary this season, and while he’s not going to reach Jacob Trouba Scheifele among them. How much has the market changed in three territory, that contract raised the bar for the field. You have to think he’s years? It’s massive. If you really believe in your free agent, lock him in for targeting $6.5 to $7 million. The Ducks appear willing to make the move as long as you can. without any long-term security at this time. At the very least, Faulk has to Colorado wants this with Mikko Rantanen. Gabriel Landeskog and Cale see the writing on the wall in Carolina. You never know how life will go, Makar are up in two years, MacKinnon in four. They don’t want to worry but, on paper, it’s not ideal for a player heading into free agency. about extending the talented Finn a second time in that span. The 5. At the Canadiens’ golf tournament, GM Marc Bergevin confirmed his Avalanche seem willing to make Rantanen their highest-paid player, but interest in Jake Gardiner. I think Vancouver and Winnipeg looked there, don’t want him making, say, $4 million per year more than MacKinnon. too. His best offer came in Carolina, but if it wasn’t Toronto, he wanted The dynamic is similar with Matthew Tkachuk in Calgary. A five-to-eight something quieter. It will be good for him. year term makes him the highest-paid Flame. Everyone understands 6. A few teams expressed surprise with the reports about Kase. He’s not that. But how much higher than Gaudreau and Mark Giordano is the someone who was available for a long time. Anaheim must be concerned question. about his health. Toronto prefers term with Mitch Marner (more on him later). It’s believed A weekly deep dive into the biggest hockey news in the world with hosts Kyle Connor prefers security in Winnipeg. You can’t blame a player for Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek. choosing this route, but, as part of the CBA talks, everyone’s been told to expect a bump in the American television rights for the 2021–22 season. 7. There are teams out there who like Pavel Zacha, too. Monday’s mini- Not everyone will want to lock in for eight years knowing a revenue blowup had other GMs wondering if the Devils would trade him, although injection is coming. Tuesday’s treaty makes that unlikely. Two-way centre who kills penalties. Still young, room to evolve. Centres are hard to find. Patrik Laine, for one, is believed to want a bridge (we’ll discuss him later, too). Some teams won’t have a problem with that. Those without 8. Tuesday will be the third business day in a row the NHL and NHLPA breathing room face two more seasons of tight squeezes before the new have met for CBA negotiations. There were several more meetings in the numbers kick in. It is expected that Brayden Point and the Lightning will summer; those went under the radar. With the player deadline to re-open follow organizational history with something in the three-year range. Most the CBA on Sunday, there’s a soft deadline, and deadlines spur action. agents and executives picked Point as the RFA that would get done first, Last spring, the players were hoping the escrow problem could be solved since he’s made it clear he wants to make it work in Tampa. But nothing by their pension or benefit costs being moved to the ownership side of yet. ledger, but, as far as I can tell, that’s not on the radar. Back on July 1, San Jose and Timo Meier filed a contract that provided a What I do think is a possibility is both sides work to avoid what happened path through stalemate. Meier signed for four years and $24 million, with last year, where an $83-million cap was projected only to have it fall the fourth season worth $10 million. Upon its completion, the winger will short. That squeezed the teams — and the middle-class player. What be one year from unrestricted free agency. If he wishes, he’ll be able to could happen is that the 2020–21 cap is set much earlier than we’re used take the qualifying offer San Jose has to extend in order to keep his to, based on 2018–19 revenues, instead of waiting until next June. rights (one year at $10 million), and walk right to freedom. Setting the cap earlier gives a better chance to avoid overly optimistic projections and decisions made because of them. That might end up Essentially, it makes Meier’s contract a five-year, $34-million deal. Zach happening throughout the extension. We don’t know if it can be done by Werenski followed that model with his three-year, $15-million extension the weekend, but there’s no question we’re getting less rhetoric than in Columbus. Because its final season is worth $7 million, it’s essentially we’re used to. Thank God. a four-year, $22-million offer that could walk him right to the open market. 9. ’s Kevin Paul Dupont reported last week that Jeremy After Werenski signed, a few sources indicated they believed several Jacobs signed ownership of the Bruins to his six children. That doesn’t other RFA defenders (Brandon Carlo, Charlie McAvoy, Ivan Provorov) mean his influence will wane. Jacobs remains chairman of the NHL’s could follow the same path. Another source thought Philadelphia might Board of Governors. do this with both Provorov and Travis Konecny. 10. I’m very curious to see if, as part of the new CBA, NHL teams get the There’s no doubt there are renewed efforts to end these skirmishes. Still, right to send some 19-year-old Canadian Junior picks to the AHL. we wait to discover who is serious about sitting. 11. There were reports last week that Edmonton had interest in Patrick 31 THOUGHTS Marleau, but I don’t think that’s going to happen. 1. The hardest to read right now is Brock Boeser and Vancouver. 12. Jesse Puljujarvi knows what he has to do in Finland — play hard and They’ve discussed different contract lengths. There’ve been times of play well. He’s off to the right start. The Oilers talked with Carolina (Julien Gauthier) and Tampa Bay (Alexander Volkov was someone they liked), … how to use it as much as possible. And I think it’s gotten a lot better. but didn’t get to where they felt comfortable. And [coach Paul Maurice], of course, wants me to use that as much as I can. Not just when I get the puck and skate down the side with it. But 13. The NHL/NHLPA media tour (held last week in Chicago) is such a also in forechecks, in back checking, in all that.” home run. The players are in good moods — it’s too early to hate us. Jeff Marek and producer Amil Delic taped several 31 Thoughts podcasts, and Ehlers had a great quote about the summer trade rumours. “Everyone there was some good stuff. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins said there hadn’t been around me in Denmark was like, ‘Hey man, where are you going, what’s a face-to-face yet with new GM Ken Holland, but there was a phone happening?’ and I was like, ‘I have no idea. I haven’t heard or seen conversation. Did Nugent-Hopkins request anything in particular? anything from anyone.’” “I think, for me personally, [it’s] consistency,” he replied. “That’s He said people would reply with, “What? How do you not know more than something that’s kind of been lacking when we have tough years. I do?” Obviously, when you are not having success, you want to change things up, but I think at the same time, it’s important to keep guys together…. “I don’t think about it,” Ehlers said. “The only time I thought about it was I’ve had eight or nine head coaches and this is going to be my ninth when people asked me about it.” year…. It’s a huge thing in my head where I want to play with the same 18. That Central Division is going to be brutal. There are five legit Stanley guy, I want to build some chemistry — whether it’s one guy or two guys. Cup contenders there including the defending champion. Nashville and Something I really haven’t even able to do the last few years is find a Winnipeg were the big boys the past couple of years, but there is much linemate — even one linemate — I can stick with, build chemistry with. love for Colorado and Dallas. Are the Jets and Predators being (Holland) is a steadfast guy, and what he’ll bring is some steadiness.” disrespected? 14. Teams are currently mandated to play between six and eight “I don’t care,” Ehlers replied. “I really don’t care. I don’t care if they talk a exhibition games, with rules in place to make sure they don’t show up lot about us. We know what we’ve done; we know what we can do. They with a Tuesday night beer-league squad. I polled players about how can talk about everyone else as much as they can, and we’ll stay in the many exhibition games they think they should be playing, and only back and do our thing. We’re good with that.” Nikolaj Ehlers and Patrick Kane said four, preferring to play instead of practice. Everyone else went the other way, with no one going more than 19. Sidney Crosby, on the Evgeni Malkin trade rumours: “My reaction to three. that, honestly, was that I’ve been through this before,” he said. “And I didn’t like it, because it brought back those memories of so many times in “The last two for sure — maybe one more,” Derek Stepan said. that window between 2009 and 2016 where we fell short. And the next Thomas Chabot pointed out he played just one last year, and really liked few days, it was like, ‘This trade’s going to happen.’ That’s the it, “because you do plenty of skating even if you don’t play.” The website consequence and the result of losing. I understand. I’ve been through it fivethirtyeight.com calculated that this exhibition season, NFL Week One but I also know that’s the way it is. You wait for the dust to settle to really starting quarterbacks accounted for less than 12 per cent of all passing evaluate things…. Usually when you do that, everything gets a little more attempts, a huge drop from 2018. Teams aren’t wasting their best. clear and you figure out what it is you have to do…. The whole Geno thing, that’s part of losing. You understand there’s always different The NFL’s biggest pre-season story was Andrew Luck’s sudden possibilities, different outcomes that come with that, but I’m happy to retirement. Two NHL GM’s — Arizona’s John Chayka and Toronto’s Kyle know that he’s back.” Dubas — attended Colts camp this summer (Chayka was there right around the time Luck injured his ankle), so I was wondering if all of this Does Crosby ever ask to speak to GM Jim Rutherford about these would affect their approach in hockey. things? “There’s certainly a paradox with it,” Dubas said. “You don’t want your “I don’t really talk to Jim that often. He’s great at getting a pulse on the guys to burn out and spend a massive amount of energy in games that group and guys individually. I just try to focus on playing. I haven’t really don’t matter in the standings. The shift is going to go more toward playing been one to ever call a GM and say, ‘I need this or I think we need to do less. Whether that’s fewer games overall, or fewer core guys, I don’t that.’ They’re there for a reason, that’s their job. If they [ask for] an know. But you have to respect what your coaching staff wants. [Mike opinion [I will give it], but I’m not one to be knocking on the door.” Babcock] has a long-held belief and it’s proven to have success in getting 20. There was a twinkle in Alex Ovechkin’s eye when he tied the two guys up to speed.” years remaining on his contract to the length of his career, but we did ask Two new assistant coaches in Toronto — including a new power play — him if wanting to see his son grow up in Russia would be factor in his affects decisions, too. decision. “You have to remember that coaches and players have far more skin in “No, I think, for him, he’s going to speak two languages anyway,” the the game,” Chayka said. “Good young players, or those who were in the Capitals captain answered, before joking that the boy might want to AHL, want to show what they did all summer. You have to give them that speak even more. “The most important thing is [to be] healthy. If you’re opportunity, and get veterans the games they feel they need.” healthy, you can still play the game the way you want to play. I don’t want to be a player who signs a contract and and then, ‘Okay, I’m hurt, and I’m The Coyotes GM said the thing he was most impressed with in just going to get a paycheque and going to enjoy my life.’ I don’t want to Indianapolis was how the Colts go about hiring and drafting people, the do it.” research they do to make sure everyone is a fit — “how you make sure everyone is pulling in the same direction, while maintaining diversity of I always remember one of my favourite baseball players, Mike Schmidt, thought.” retiring two months into the 1989 season because he felt he wasn’t good enough to live up to his standard. I have an admiration for that thinking. (As always, no one quoted in this article is used as an anonymous Wayne Gretzky’s goal record? source.) “Of course it matters,” Ovechkin answered, “but like I said, I’m not going 15. There is at least one NHL team considering having its NHL roster to score 300 goals in two years. It’s going to take five or six years. I have together right from the start — rather than mixing the groups — for to be healthy enough to do that. I don’t want to play just for that record. I practice purposes. The fivethirtyeight article said the NFL’s pre-season want to be healthy, I want to have fun, I want to enjoy the moment when future might be controlled scrimmages instead of games. Dubas said I’m on the ice.” he’s wondered about that. “I don’t know how you do that in hockey…. Maybe coaches who have a good relationship in separate conferences is 21. Unrestricted free-agent-to-be Torey Krug on whether he’s concerned the way to go.” about the lack of contract talks with the Bruins: “I wouldn’t say concerned…. [I] would say just interested to see what is going to happen. Sign up for NHL newsletters It’s my future. It’s going to affect my family, where they live. It’s going to affect my kids, where they go to school…. It affects a lot things. Not Get the best of our NHL coverage and exclusives delivered directly to concerned, just curious to see what is going to happen.” your inbox! 22. At the recent basketball World Cup tournament in China, Canada’s 16. When Chris Tanev hits the ice in Vancouver, word is it will be with Melvin Ejim watched via FaceTime as wife Samantha gave birth to their custom-made shin pads and gloves, created by the team’s trainers. He’s second son. Krug came close to a similar experience during last year’s missed too much time because he plays hard and refuses to bail out on Stanley Cup Final. Wife Melanie gave birth to the couple’s first child four the ice. In 2019–20, it will be with greater protection. days after Game 7. What would he have done? 17. Ehlers on how the Jets want him to maximize his speed: “That’s “We had discussed the implications of that,” he laughed. “Being our first obviously my biggest strength. For the first couple of years, I felt like I child, labour is typically a little longer than normal. She had given me the had a problem with when to use it, and when to — not take it easy — but green light to play in any game if it happened in the morning of the game or something — ‘Go ahead and play and get your ass back here before a teacher. According to Breseman, their family possesses the oldest farm the baby comes!’ I’m very thankful and glad it worked out the way that it still run by its original owner in the entire state — East Grove Farms. did. Unbelievable experience — leaves you speechless to be honest.” “I came home one night, and my wife (Sarah) was on the phone with 23. It was noticeable how hard Buffalo and Boston prospects went after them,” Breseman said. “She said, ‘You’re not going to believe this, but Jack Hughes in their rookie games. A preview of what he will deal with Elizabeth Warren is coming to the farm.’” this season. There is a weekly regional flight from St. Petersburg to Cedar Rapids, so 24. Curious to see if Nick Suzuki gets any time alongside Max Domi and they got to Salem (where the farm is located) two days before the Jonathan Drouin during pre-season play. Democratic presidential candidate’s visit. It’s a mead and wine farm, and the couple spent the day before the event helping set up. Hours before 25. The Athletic’s Craig Custance reported Calgary’s Noah Hanifin Warren’s arrival, they attended a breakfast with another candidate — tinkered with his one-timer at Darryl Belfry’s skills camp last month. He’s Cory Booker — at a local breakfast cafe. (Dave Helman was once not the only Flame working on his finish. Another is Sam Bennett. chairman of the county’s Democratic party.) “I can do a better job of finishing opportunities,” he said. “Release points. “Once the higher-ups got there, things changed,” Breseman said. “Ten Someone told me every time I shoot the puck it’s the same. Sometimes minutes before she was supposed to speak, I was on a stool, screwing you need to mix it up, change the angle, change the release point, and I and unscrewing flags. You’ve got to make sure they are facing the right was working on that.” way…. The state flag has to be smaller and not higher than the country’s Bennett added he was working on shooting off different feet, as well. flag.” Ryan Dixon and Rory Boylen go deep on pucks with a mix of facts and On the property is a historical landmark, a Victorian-era homestead fun, leaning on a varied group of hockey voices to give their take on the restored to look like it did back when it was built. Warren toured it with country’s most beloved game. Sarah’s uncle. Critical information: Her dog, Bailey, did not make the trip, but her husband did. 26. Mathew Dumba led all NHL defencemen in goals (12 in 32 games) before going down with a season-ending injury. Has he set a goal for this “He had a few meads,” Breseman laughed. “East Grove ships mead, too, year? if your Canadian friends want some.” “Kind of like to keep that to myself,” he said, before relenting under fierce Warren tried the Growler Home Brew. Did Breseman get her to sign any interrogation. “I want to tickle 30. I want to try to get up there, break 20- Lightning merchandise? 25. I want to get into that range.” “No, I didn’t,” he replied. “Not to nerd out or anything, but I had a copy of Never bad to aim high. her Time magazine cover, and I had her sign that.” 27. There’ve been rumblings that Sabres players have been pleasantly I distrust politicians of all kinds, but am glad to hear Warren was friendly surprised by their meetings with new coach Ralph Krueger. Eichel and low-maintenance. confirmed that in Chicago. 31. Whenever athletes retire, they always talk about missing not so much “I’ll tell you, I went to meet him for a cup of coffee in Slovakia (World the games, but the behind-the-scenes moments. I can say it’s 100 Championships) and ended up going to dinner for three hours,” the percent the same when it comes to Nick Kypreos, Doug MacLean and captain said. “I was extremely blown away by my meeting with him. If he John Shannon. says that he does something, it makes you want to do it. He started Doug is the biggest ballbuster alive. Every show he would gleefully tell talking to me about Bikram Yoga and how much he loved it, so I went me how terrible I was. My opinions were terrible, my facts were terrible — and tried Bikram Yoga.” everything was terrible. I would always joke what a great motivator he Eichel joked that he sweats a lot, so he fit in nicely. must’ve been as a coach because I knew every time I was on the air I would be done if I didn’t perform better next time. I’ll miss that. “He brings the best out of people. I don’t think we had one negative conversation the whole summer. He’s very calculated. He knows what he John’s a great teacher. When I thought I was good, he would say, “You wants to do and has a plan for it. Nothing’s spur of the moment. Nothing could’ve been better, and here’s how.” When I thought I wasn’t good, he emotional for him, he’s very thought out. I think it will be very good for would say, “It’s not that bad, but here’s how you can fix it.” us.” The Nick you saw on the air is Nick off the air. Passionate, forceful, and Eichel said their conversations spanned more than just hockey, with you never knew what could happen around you. Rather than words, just topics including “rock and roll, cars, travelling, everything.” watch the video below. This is Nick Kypreos. And even though this happened years ago, I still laugh my head off whenever I watch this: Does Krueger have good taste in music? “He likes ’70s rock,” so yes. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 09.11.2019 28. I never got to use this quote from last summer, but I loved it and wanted to include it here. At the NHL Awards, Jordan Binnington was asked how a guy who thrived with an edge would keep it after achieving the ultimate goal. “It’s an interesting question, because I think you’ve always got to find your motivation, and that’s really key,” he said. “You know, after a certain amount of wins, I was like, ‘All right, like, what’s your motivation now?’ But you just keep finding things that push you. Life is tough and it’s a grind, and you’ve got to keep finding things that will excite you and push you. Yeah, I think I’ll find some things.” (Thank you to NHL.com’s Nick Cotsonika for transcribing.) 29. Good note from former AHL Belleville coach Kurt Kleinendorst, now running a bench in Nurnberg, Germany. “My team played a tournament in Bolzano in August, and Jaromir Jagr was there with his team,” he texted. “How many guys in our world are owner, GM and player at 47 years old? That’s crazy in an awesome way. I watched two of his practices and what a treat. If he’s not the hardest worker, he’s one of [them]. And how he treats people is absolutely refreshing. He had time for everyone, on the ice and off. After the game he took individual pictures with half my team. Couldn’t have been more gracious.” 30. There’s some element of, “What did you do during the summer?” when you meet up with players and staffers at the showcase. One of this year’s best stories came from Tampa Bay’s Senior Director of Communications, Brian Breseman. His in-laws, Dave and Cathy Helman, live in southeastern Iowa. Dave is a retired federal prison warden, Cathy 1107871 Websites the hockey calendar has these designated pressure points for transactions sprinkled throughout. Whether it’s the trade deadline in February, July 1 when guys hit the open market or a looming arbitration Sportsnet.ca / Jets 'not worried yet' about Laine, Connor deals but date, players and teams often need a nudge to finally sort things out. season closing in "Whenever there’s a deadline on things, it seems to get stuff done," he said. Ryan Dixon | @dixononsports September 10, 2019, 3:15 PM The next big one in Winnipeg hasn’t landed yet, but it’s only weeks away. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 09.11.2019 WINNIPEG — Listening to Winnipeg Jets players speak about restricted free agents Kyle Connor and Patrik Laine, it almost sounds as if they’re describing an early season losing skid: There’s no reason to panic yet, but things need to change in the near future. While the start of training camp later this week represents a soft deadline of sorts, it’s clear the real demarcation point in the minds of Jets players is Oct. 3, when Winnipeg opens the regular season at Madison Square Garden versus the New York Rangers. If Laine and Connor — both of whom need new contracts with the club — are still nowhere to be seen, anxiety levels are going to spike. "(We’re) not worried yet, just because it’s pretty early," said veteran centre Bryan Little. "If we start getting into the regular season and playing games that matter, those are a couple of guys you want in your lineup." Another Jets forward, Mathieu Perreault, couldn’t agree more. "We need them on the ice with us once the season starts," he said. "I’m really hoping they can figure it out with the team and get something done. We need Kyle and Patty on the ice to give ourselves the best chance (to win games)." A weekly deep dive into the biggest hockey news in the world with hosts Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek. Surely nobody involved wanted the summer-long subplot to drag even this far into September. As it stands, though, Connor and Laine remain two of a few ultra-talented youngsters around the NHL who haven’t been able to hammer out new terms with their club following the expiration of their entry-level deals. And while the Jets — who’ve been gathering in Winnipeg for informal skates for a number of days now — would love to have their teammates twirling around the ice with them, everyone understands the reality of the situation. "We’re professionals, we know it’s a business, we know that’s just the way it goes sometimes," said left winger Nikolaj Ehlers. A couple Jets, in particular, have had their own trying experience with the dollars-and-cents side of the game. Defenceman Josh Morrissey missed the early part of training camp one year ago before he and the team were able to agree on a new two-year pact. And just this past July, Andrew Copp went through a seven-hour arbitration hearing that ultimately resulted in the left winger getting a two-year deal worth $2.28 million annually. He, perhaps as well as anyone, understands players sometimes have to take hard action in pursuit of what they feel are their best interests. "I don’t think there’s any resentment whatsoever," Copp said in reference to Connor and Laine being absent from the squad. "Everyone has their own reasons for what they’re doing. I went to arbitration, so it’s not like I’m (going to pass judgement). "Guys are going to fight for what they believe in and what they think they deserve. I don’t think it’s a lack of loyalty by any means. It’s a tough business and you don’t want to (leave money) on the table. Hopefully, these guys get signed, but there’s zero resentment for those guys in the room." It’s hard to know exactly what the feeling is on the other side of the fence, though Laine and Connor are certainly in touch with their teammates. It’s just that those conversations don’t necessarily delve directly into the biggest issue of the day. Morrissey said most of the back and forth he had with the two players over the summer revolved around the state of everybody’s golf game. Ehlers, who is quite close with Laine, actively avoids the subject of new contracts, but is pretty sure he knows where his buddy’s head is at. "He wants to play," Ehlers said. "Kyle as well. I’ve talked to both. I haven’t talked to them about the situation because that’s not something I feel I have a right (to ask them about). It’s between them and the bosses. I know they want to get back and play some hockey, that’s what we (as players) want, that’s what we work for all summer. So sitting at home right now is probably not the most fun for them." How long that will stay the case remains to be seen. Morrissey — who acknowledged his ordeal last September was extremely tough — noted 1107872 Websites He arrives at a good moment in his life. Somewhat incredibly, the third overall pick from 2009 is coming off his most productive NHL season with 31 goals and 70 points in the 73 Sportsnet.ca / Inside Duchene's decision to pick Predators over games he split between Ottawa and Columbus last season. That’s no Canadiens, Blue Jackets small feat given the trade discussion and rumours that followed him in the early months of the regular season. Chris Johnston It’s also a far cry from how Duchene felt when he was dealt to the Senators from Colorado in November 2017 — a period he now looks back on as a down time. He says that former Ottawa coach deserves a lot of credit for helping him dig out of it. CHICAGO — Rewind back to the final days of June and Matt Duchene had his young family on quite the road trip. They visited Montreal and "I got there to Ottawa and I was fragile mentally," said Duchene. "I was Nashville, and had just come from Columbus at the end of last season. playing really well at the start, but couldn’t produce anything and we were losing. I was stressed, I was whatever. I’ve known Guy for a long time They were in search of the next place to call home. and he believes in me and believed in me. As a coach he believed in me a lot. He just let me kind of [go]. He just kept putting me out there, he just As much as it had seemed fated for years that Duchene would join the kept saying good things, he kept supporting me. Where I expected Predators — where he ultimately signed a $56-million, seven-year deal maybe to be beaten down a little bit or whatever, he didn’t do that. on July 1 — there was still some stress during the free-agent interview period. "Then all of a sudden it was like, ‘OK, I can just be me,’ and I went out and started to play that way." This was an opportunity to tour facilities, speak with team officials and get a feel for the day-to-day lifestyle with boots on the ground. One last Now, he hopes to take another step again. chance to scrutinize and prioritize before making a life-altering decision. Duchene believes there is still more in him to give and that played into "I think it’s important, it allows you to compare close up," Duchene told the free-agent decision as well. He wanted to land with an organization Sportsnet. "You get a taste; it’s almost a sense, you get a feel of things. where he could enjoy his best years. Both places had that for me. "I’m a pretty decisive person, I’m pretty focused. I know kind of what I "When I went in I could see myself wearing both uniforms." want," said Duchene. "There was kind of a few teams that my wife and I saw us going to and I think Nashville definitely was the front-runner. At So, before he ever pulled on a No. 95 sweater in eye-popping yellow at the end of the day that’s what made the most sense for us and that’s Bridgestone Arena, he had to first visualize what it might be like to wear where I think our hearts were. the bleu, blanc et rouge. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 09.11.2019 There’s only so much detail Duchene can share publicly about what that experience was like, but he doesn’t shy away from the fact Montreal held serious appeal. The grandparents on his father’s side lived near the Quebec border in Northern Ontario while he was growing up and the entire family pulled for the Canadiens — at least until Patrick Roy was traded to Colorado in December 1995, and some allegiances strayed. When Matt and his wife Ashley welcomed their son Beau in January, the first gift he bought him was a copy of Roch Carrier’s famous book "The Hockey Sweater." And if those sentimental ties weren’t enough on their own, the Habs certainly gave him something to think about when he visited the city as well. "French-Canadian background, and [GM Marc Bergevin] and [owner Geoff] Molson couldn’t have been better when we went to Montreal," Duchene said during the recent NHL/NHLPA player media tour. "There was definitely something to be said for the history and the tradition they have there. It was pretty cool just to even talk to them, go to that rink, have them [involved]. "It was very humbling." A weekly deep dive into the biggest hockey news in the world with hosts Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek. Ultimately, Duchene chose Nashville over Montreal and Columbus. He’s a known superfan of country music — the Predators gave him a guitar in addition to his sweater, when he was first introduced to the media there — but the main draw was a team the 28-year-old centre viewed as having some staying power. Duchene traces his love affair with the city back to the 2016 all-star game and insists there was no grand plan at play during free agency. Yes, he already owned an investment property in Nashville, but that didn’t guarantee he’d wind up there. "I never planned ever to end up in Nashville," he said. "It was one of those things where it was like, ‘If it happens, it would be amazing’ and I knew that there was common interests, for sure. And, yeah, there was rumours way back two years before I ended up getting traded [by the Avalanche] about me ending up there." Another big thing working in Nashville’s favour was how comfortable he felt there. The laid-back lifestyle reminds him of how things were in Haliburton, Ont., when he was a kid. "I know it’s the south, but I always tell people down there: Small-town Canada, it’s the same thing," said Duchene. "There’s obviously some little differences — maybe the accents are a little different, we say ‘eh’ they say ‘y’all,’ but it’s very, very similar." 1107873 Websites “I talked to (Flames starter David) Rittich a bit,” he smiled. “I’ve been able to hang out with (Stockton goalie Tyler) Parsons and been rooming with Nick Schneider. It’s pretty amazing being in a facility Sportsnet.ca / Flames' Wolf triumphant in first chance to prove hockey like this and around everything that is going on. You step into the locker world wrong room and it’s first class — it’s a lot different than junior hockey. Everything is professional. Hopefully in a couple years I’ll be back up Eric Francis | @EricFrancis September 11, 2019, 12:42 AM here.” NOTES: The Flames outshot the Oilers 43-19 to win the second of two prospects games against the Oilers … Phillips also scored Calgary’s only CALGARY — On this night there were no tears of joy and no family goal in their 1-0 win Saturday in Red Deer … The most dangerous line members to embrace. on the ice all night was Phillips, Gawdin and Jakob Pelletier, the Flames’ first-round pick this summer … Gawdin’s goal came 36 seconds into the Yet, you best believe the feel-good story of the Calgary Flames‘ 2019 evening on the first shot of the game on Oilers starter Olivier Rodrigue … draft was relieved his debut in red and gold ended triumphantly. Flames main camp opens Thursday with physicals. Two-and-a-half months after weeping in his mother’s arms after being the Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 09.11.2019 fourth-last pick — 214th overall — of the NHL Entry Draft in Vancouver, Dustin Wolf played it cool after getting his first chance to start proving the hockey world wrong. Okay, it was a prospects game. No big deal in the grand scheme of things, but a proud night for a kid who was almost perfect in his debut. “It’s only a rookie game, but you just want to get the first one under your belt,” said the 18-year-old goaltender following a 3-1 win over the Oilers’ hopefuls at the Saddledome. “You want a little more shots, but whatever it takes to win is what you are trying to do. For me, it’s just another hockey game. It’s good the way it came out. Unfortunate there was one bad bounce there, but I thought I played pretty well.” Wolf led the Western Hockey League in his first full year as a starter last season with a sparkling .936 save percentage, not to mention a 1.69 goals-against average and 41-15-2 record one might think would have prompted an NHL squad to pluck him earlier than the seventh round. If not for a frame generously listed at six-feet tall, the 165-pound teen would most certainly have gone sooner. Alas, like so many undersized forwards making their way in today’s NHL, the onus is on him to prove he can overcome the stigma of being well under the NHL goalie standard of roughly six-foot-three or more. “Yeah, obviously teams want six-foot-three goalies now, so you’re trying to be as positionally sound as you can, and you’ve got to make up for your height with being athletic and being able to sprawl across the net to make saves you probably shouldn’t,” said the Everett Silvertips star, a California native who could very well backstop the U.S. at the World Juniors this Christmas. “I’ve been watching (five-foot-11 Nashville backup) Juuse Saros the last few years and he’s a testament to the fact it’s not how tall you are as long as you do your job. Being a shorter guy I try to replicate what he does and how he goes about his business.” Wolf didn’t have a whole lot of business to tend to Tuesday in front of a surprisingly healthy Saddledome crowd that paid $5 to charity to watch the Oilers and Flames prospects clash. All told he faced just 19 shots in a game won 3-1 by a Flames squad powered by goals from Glenn Gawdin, Adam Ruzicka and an empty- netter from Matthew Phillips. The Oilers only goal came early in the third when Evan Bouchard’s seeing-eye shot from the point eluded Wolf after being deflected in front. None of Wolf’s saves were of the spectacular variety, attesting to his positioning, which Stockton bench boss Cail MacLean had praised earlier in the day. “Technically he’s pretty strong — he’s very good positionally,” said MacLean, who has overseen the Flames prospects camp. “His size doesn’t overwhelm you but when you watch him play there’s not a lot of room for shooters. From a player’s perspective that can be frustrating because you feel there should be some room there. He understands the game and the geometry of it and he’s very good at being efficient at getting to the right spot and taking those angles away.” Sitting seventh or so on the Flames’ goalie depth chart, Wolf is clearly destined to return within a week to Everett, where the CHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year has been a brilliant replacement for Flyers hotshot Carter Hart. Between now and then the youngster is intent on soaking up a big- league experience that hasn’t been marred by the incredible jump in intensity, skill and speed from the WHL. 1107874 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / Three biggest questions facing Canucks entering training camp

Iain MacIntyre

Led by rookie-of-the-year Elias Pettersson, the Canucks did better than anyone expected last season, improving by eight points and losing Game 82 to finish one win below .500. The team made a handful of key off-season acquisitions and has a legitimate chance to challenge for its first playoff spot in five seasons as the franchise celebrates 50 years in the National Hockey League. Current cap space: $4.16 million (25 players) Get the best of our NHL coverage and exclusives delivered directly to your inbox! Is there a place for Loui Eriksson – and his $6-million cap hit? Benning’s biggest mistake as GM was signing Eriksson to a six-year, $36-million contract three seasons ago. But only now, as Benning’s Canucks face a cap crunch for the first time, is the contract potentially debilitating. Green healthy-scratched his most expensive player for one game last season, and Eriksson told the Swedish media at the world championships in May that he and his coach don’t get along 100 per cent. If Benning could trade Eriksson, he would have. The veteran’s contract is buyout proof, so it’s up to Green to find a place in his lineup for the 34- year-old or convince Benning it’s worth sending Eriksson to the minors to save $1.075-million against the cap. Where art thou Brock? In his first two-plus NHL seasons, Boeser has scored 59 times in 140 games, despite some serious injuries, and is already the Canucks’ best finisher. But he is part of the NHL’s great unsigned RFA class of 2019. Given Vancouver’s needs and Boeser’s desire to return to an ascending team rebuilt around players his age, the 22-year-old is still expected to agree to a lucrative new deal with the Canucks. But what if he doesn’t? And how does Benning do the salary-cap limbo if Boeser does sign? Until the sniper returns, everyone who takes a turn on Pettersson’s right wing is auditioning to fill Boeser’s spot. Where do the new guys fit? Benning’s busy summer included acquiring power wingers J.T. Miller and Micheal Ferland, both potential 20-goal scorers, and signing defencemen Tyler Myers and Jordie Benn. The blue line will also feature super- prospect Quinn Hughes, who could follow Pettersson to the Calder Trophy winner’s circle. There are a pile of defence and forward combinations for Green to sort out, as well as a lot of new options for the power play. With 14 forwards on one-way NHL contracts, plus Pettersson and (we think) Boeser, there are going to be some losers by the end of training camp. Let the competition begin. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107875 Websites organization is eager to show off their return for Mark Stone. Other young stars like Logan Brown, Christian Wolanin and Josh Norris could also leave their fingerprints on this team this season. TSN.CA / Sens aim to transition from embarrassment to genuine Pre-season 7: Is Colin White the answer to Sens' thin middle? contender With the Sens looking thin up the middle entering the new season, will Colin White be able to step up to the plate? Who will become Thomas Ian Mendes Chabot's new right hand man? How many rookies could crack the roster? TSN Senators reporter Brent Wallace joins Gino Reda to discuss in the latest edition of the Pre-season 7. Cold and rainy conditions Tuesday couldn’t dampen the spirits of the Coupled with the fact the Senators have two first-round picks in the Ottawa Senators players and coaches as they gathered for their first upcoming 2020 NHL Draft – their own and San Jose’s via the Karlsson official team event of the 2019-20 season. trade – many people are convinced the Senators have the necessary pieces to be a contender down the road. "I think this year there’s a whole new mindset. It’s a change for everybody," explained Brady Tkachuk, shortly before the rain opened up But after consecutive seasons in which they’ve finished 30th and 31st on the players’ annual golf tournament. "This year has a different feel respectively in the overall standings, most experts are also picking the around it. It should be a lot of fun." Senators to finish in that same part of the standings in 2019-20. And for the players, it’s a potential rallying cry inside the dressing room that the "I think everybody is kind of excited to see where everything will go," said hockey world is dismissing them as a potential playoff team in 2020. Thomas Chabot. "I think last year at the end of the season we created a different identity and I think that’s something we’re going to bring to “Play with a chip on your shoulder – you’d be stupid not to,” Borowiecki camp. Everybody is excited to be here and to get things going." said about his team's playoff chances. "There’s no expectations on this group, so why play tight, why play scared and timid? Just go out and The current optimism around the club is in stark contrast to the situation play. that was on the golf course at this event last September when the club was also surrounded by a dark cloud – although it was a much more "Look what Carolina did last year. Nobody expected that," said White. ominous shadow that hung over the team. "There are a lot of teams that weren’t expected to do well that came out hot and had good years. I think it’s something we want to do this year." A year ago, the Senators were arguably the most intriguing NHL team at the start of training camp, as they were mired in a seemingly never- Sens Ice Chips: Who will play alongside Chabot? ending series of controversies during the summer of 2018. On the eve of the golf tournament in 2018, team owner Eugene Melnyk tried to alleviate As training camps start to take shape, the biggest question in Ottawa is the fears of the fan base, with a pre-recorded video that fell short of its which one of the former Maple Leafs' defencemen will start alongside intended mark. Thomas Chabot. Brent Wallace has more. And on the day of the 2018 golf tournament itself, Erik Karlsson showed TSN.CA LOADED: 09.11.2019 up and declined to speak to the media, deftly avoiding dozens of cameras and reporters. The superstar defenceman was sporting a pair of bright teal golf shoes that would ultimately serve as a harbinger of his trade to San Jose 48 hours later. There were also questions swirling around the futures of pending free agents such as Mark Stone, Matt Duchene and Ryan Dzingel. Craig Anderson had reportedly asked for a trade out of town as well. Quite simply, the Senators were like a bad reality television show people couldn’t stop watching. But on Tuesday, the Senators had a different feel around them altogether. There were no awkward videos from the owner. No superstar players potentially on the trade block. And no testy and terse moments with the media. “It’s a different vibe for sure. A little less turmoil, a little less tumultuous times for us here in Ottawa,” Mark Borowiecki said. “Last year was a tough year with all the ‘Who knows who's going to be back?’ and ‘Is he going to get traded?’ or ‘Is he going to be signed?’ ” added Chabot. “Now that it’s over, we’ve all moved on from that. We’ve got some new players cracking up the lineup and it's just exciting.” The toxicity in Ottawa has been replaced by an aura of cautious optimism, as the Senators try and make the difficult transition from an embarrassment – to an organization with an embarrassment of riches. "I think if the players step up to the plate, we can surprise some people. I think the worst is behind us. I’ve said that many times," said general manager Pierre Dorion, who hired former Toronto Maple Leafs assistant D.J. Smith as his new head coach in May after the firing of Guy Boucher in March. "We’ve had some ups and some downs but with the new players that we’ve brought in we’ve got a new enthusiasm around this group." Dorion believes worst is behind Senators Pierre Dorion says that he is feeling positive with the new players and coaching staff coming into camp. The Sens GM believes that the worst is behind them, and if the players step up to the plate, they can surprise some teams. Dorion also confirms that there will be no captain this season, and that it will be a big camp with three teams taking part. The Senators are loaded with young talent with the likes of Tkachuk, Chabot and Colin White leading the way. The club is optimistic that Alex Formenton and Drake Batherson will take the next step forward and become productive NHL forwards this season. Erik Brannstrom will be given every opportunity to make this club in training camp, as the 1107876 Websites

USA TODAY / Capitals star Alex Ovechkin plays grocer for a day to promote pending release of his cereal brand

Mike Brehm, USA TODAYPublished 10:31 p.m. ET Sept. 10, 2019 | Updated 10:58 p.m. ET Sept. 10, 2019

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is best known for skating down the ice at breakneck speed, checking opponents and one-timing shots past helpless goalies. He can add temporary supermarket employee to that list. Ovechkin will have a limited-release cereal brand coming out next week, so he took up shop at an area Giant Food supermarket Tuesday to tout Ovi O's as part of a promotional tour. His job included stocking shelves with the cereal, which will hit real shelves on Sept. 17, and working the checkout aisle as surprised shoppers and local media recorded him and his impish style of humor. As a stock person, he did well, though he did knock some of the competition out of the way like a true hockey player. Stocking the shelves in aisle 8. He accidentally knocked a few other boxes off the shelf pic.twitter.com/xC2Ez3jArh — JJ Regan (@JJReganNBCS) September 10, 2019 Still sporting the nicks and scrapes from a recent bike fall, he made his way to the checkout aisle and worked as a cashier. He carded someone who was buying beer and made an announcement over the PA system about where to buy his cereal, but the $10 million player also took a while to make change for a customer. Ovechkin is carding this guy pic.twitter.com/dJz0JMeQvZ — JJ Regan (@JJReganNBCS) September 10, 2019

Oh no, who gave Ovi a microphone  pic.twitter.com/QgjGTtTQdu — RMNB (@russianmachine) September 10, 2019

Someone please help Ovi figure out how to make change  pic.twitter.com/qqMVIgmYk8 — elizabeth (@of_elk) September 10, 2019 Ovechkin's wife, Nastya Shubskaya, also bought groceries at his aisle and he paid for them with his credit card. #Capitals Alex Ovechkin (@ovi8) “see you at home” After he rings up AND PAYS for his wife’s groceries at @GiantFood!!! @wusa9@WUSA9sports@Capitals 藍藍藍藍 pic.twitter.com/UkDWsqXsIT — Darren M. Haynes (@DarrenMHaynes) September 10, 2019 The Capitals' training camp opens Friday. USA TODAY LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107877 Websites

USA TODAY / Devils re-sign Pavel Zacha to 3-year, $6.75 million contract

Abbey Mastracco, NHL writerPublished 1:15 p.m. ET Sept. 10, 2019 | Updated 6:26 p.m. ET Sept. 10, 2019

Pavel Zacha is staying in the NHL. The New Jersey Devils resigned the restricted free agent to a three-year, $6.75 million contract Tuesday, one day after Zacha threatened to sign with the KHL. The backloaded contract carries an AAV of $2.25 million. New Jersey will pay Zacha $1.75 million this season, $2 million next season and $3 million in 2021-22. The Devils have $4.67 million in salary cap space remaining this season. “We are happy to have finalized this three-year agreement as Pavel is an important part of our team,” general manager Ray Shero said in a statement. “He has established himself as someone who can play in any situation and we are looking forward to his continued growth as a player.” Monday morning, a report surfaced saying the 22-year-old center had come to terms with Avangard Omsk of the KHL. However, the contract was never signed and the team never confirmed the report. Messages to Zacha and his agent, Patrik Stefan, were not returned. Feb 9, 2019; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils center Pavel Zacha (37) skates with the puck during the second period against the Minnesota Wild at Prudential Center. Shero accused Stefan of posturing with a KHL deal in an expletive-laced interview with reporters in Buffalo at the Sabres Prospect Challenge tournament. Shero said going to the KHL was an ill-advised move and he essentially didn’t care where Zacha ended up. The Devils drafted Zacha with the sixth overall pick in the 2015 draft after a standout junior career with Sarnia of the Ontario Hockey League. The Brno, Czech Republic native has 29 goals and 47 assists (76 points) in 201 NHL games. There have been questions about Zacha’s consistency at times and he was even demoted to the American Hockey League briefly last season. He struggled to put together a solid two-way game, focusing more on his defense and failing to create as much as he was projected to on the offensive end. However, last season he scored a career-high 13 goals and tied his career-best mark with 25 points. He played in all situations as well as up and down the lineup. Zacha heeded the coaching staff’s advice and used his shot to create offense and his speed and size (6-foot-3) proved to be an asset. The Devils are deep up the middle with Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes and Travis Zajac. Zacha may have to move to out to the wing or compete with Kevin Rooney for the fourth-line center position when training camp opens later this week. USA TODAY LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107878 Websites

YAHOO SPORTS / Brett Ritchie ready to bring a little more brute force to the Bruins

Joe Haggerty

Brett Ritchie might just be exactly what the Bruins were looking for last season. The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder isn't going to be a 30-goal scorer, of course, and it's still very much in question whether he'd be able to consistently handle the top-6 right wing spot where the Bruins have a big opening headed into this year. But Ritchie is going to bring added size, strength and toughness as a 26- year-old forward that just a couple of seasons ago scored 16 goals for the Dallas Stars. He's brawled with big, bad skaters like Colton Parayko and Tom Wilson and he very clearly brings the kind of size/strength combo that the Bruins just haven't done a good job of developing among their forwards. Ritchie was excited to sign with the Bruins in free agency on July 1 because he believes that his rough and tumble game will translate into exactly what's traditionally been the Black and Gold style over the years. "There's definitely a size and strength aspect that's still there in the league even though it's getting faster," said Ritchie. "It's more skilled, but you definitely need that presence. I think I'm a well-rounded guy but I can definitely bring that physical side. St. Louis was in our division and I've played against those big and physical teams for my entire career. Moore (shoulder) to miss start of training camp "You grow seeing and thinking of the Big, Bad Bruins and [Boston] is a bigger market than I'm used to in Dallas. The winning culture [of the Bruins] is the feel you get playing against them all the time, so it's definitely exciting." Sure, the Bruins still have Zdeno Chara, Kevan Miller and David Backes on their roster for size, strength and toughness, but those players absolutely needed more help, particularly among the forward group. The lack of true size, strength and NHL nastiness was on display in the Stanley Cup Final when the B's were pushed around by the St. Louis Blues, and ultimately wore down against the Blues over the course of a long, physical seven-game playoff series. The brute physicality is something Bruins fans clearly didn't get enough of last season as attested to by the 29 percent of Bruins fans in the 2019 New England Sports Survey that thought the B's needed bigger, stronger and tougher players on their roster. Hopefully Ritchie can help in that area a bit and perhaps Trent Frederic as well if the physical bottom-6 center can stick with the Bruins this season after getting a cup of coffee, and his first NHL fight, at the NHL level last season. YAHOO.COM LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107879 Websites

YAHOO SPORTS / Brett Ritchie, Par Lindholm ready to compete for top spot with Bruins

NBC Sports Boston Staff

Brett Ritchie and Par Lindholm probably aren't names you've heard before, but they're ready to make a splash for the Boston Bruins this coming season. Both Ritchie and Lindholm were able to meet their new teammates this week as they joined the Bruins for the team's annual charity golf tournament at The International. Among other things, the pair noted they're excited for a new opportunity in a city where hockey is idolized. "It's a team that you look at and say, 'Wow, that would be cool to play with them,'" Ritchie told BostonBruins.com's Eric Russo. "I think it was an easy decision for me." How Werenski's contract impacts McAvoy Although the league is moving towards a faster, more skilled game, the 26-year-old noted that a physical presence is still needed to succeed in the NHL. With the departure of tough-guy Noel Acciari to the Flordia Panthers, Ritchie's physical presence will be relied on more heavily in the coming months. While Ritchie is a big-bodied physical player, Lindholm stressed that his defensive game is what sets him apart from other players when describing his on-ice presence. If you know the Bruins, you know that they heavily rely on their forwards to contribute to the defensive side of the game as much as they produce offensively. "Solid, especially defensively," said Lindholm. "I think I have a lot of offense in me too. I haven't shown that the last year, but I think it's there and hopefully I make things happen this year." Like fellow newbie Ritchie, Lindholm is also excited for a fresh start with an original six franchise. "A winning team, a team that went to the Finals last year. It's a good team," said Lindholm. "A lot of players who have been around for a long time and know what they need to do to make things happen. I'm excited to be on this team." Lindholm spent last season (his first full NHL season) split between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Wininpeg Jets, where he notched 13 points (one goal, 12 assists) through 65 games. Ritchie spent the past five seasons with the Dallas Stars organization, where he tallied 54 points (33 goals, 21 assists) in 241 games played. Both were acquired by Bruins general manager Don Sweeney the day NHL free agency opened on July 1. YAHOO.COM LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107880 Websites

YAHOO SPORTS / Charlie Coyle hopes for bigger role with Bruins during upcoming season

NBC Sports Boston Staff

Boston Bruins hometown hero Charlie Coyle is ready for his rather short summer away from hockey to be over. The 27-year-old Weymouth, Mass. native is looking forward to the 2019- 20 NHL season, and he's set some pretty high standards for himself heading into the upcoming year. Coyle noted that he would like to play a bigger role with the Bruins during the upcoming campaign in a recent interview with NHL Network's Brian Lawton on "NHL Tonight." "I obviously want to be better for my team," Coyle told Lawton. "You know, the whole contract thing and being unrestricted coming up, yeah it's in the back of your mind and you want to play well but I want to be a better player for the team. I know we have a team that can make another run and I want to be a bigger part than what I was last year and I want to do that right from the start." "So I'm really looking forward to playing with this team right from the getgo, right from the season start rather than coming in halfway through," said Coyle. "Like I said, we have the team to do something again and I want to be a bigger part of that and make sure I'm doing the right things for the team." How Wrenski's contract impacts McAvoy Considering he wants to make a splash with the Bruins this coming season, Coyle needed to put in extra training this summer, and he did just that. "I took a few weeks off, and then slowly got back in the gym," Coyle said. "You know, obviously you go through body work and make sure you're working properly and fix any aches and pains. Get into the weights and getting stronger, the usual stuff and a few weeks after that I got on the ice mid-July and you start to crank it up a little bit and, you know, make sure you're prepared and work on some things that you need to work on in your game to become a better player this year." Through 21 games with Boston last season, Coyle tallied two goals and four assists for six points while exploding in the playoffs, tallying 16 points (nine goals and seven assists) through 24 games. With an open roster spot on David Krejci's right wing, the veteran very well could get a shot to prove himself as a top-six forward and see increased ice time before he becomes an unrestricted free agent at the close of the season. YAHOO.COM LOADED: 09.11.2019 1107881 Websites Don Sweeney was asked about it at the Prospects Challenge tournament in Buffalo and referenced that the Werenski deal is going to have an impact on the McAvoy talks. YAHOO SPORTS / Werenski contract a pretty obvious blueprint for "I haven't checked my phone since you and I started talking, I think the getting McAvoy deal done deal just came down," Sweeney said Tuesday afternoon in Buffalo to a group of reporters. "Every deal allows things to continue to take shape. We'll be in touch, as we have been, with Charlie and Charlie's group, as Joe Haggerty well as Brandon's group." It's the way of the Bruins. Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak all took market value, or a little less, in order to set up Boston's For most of the summer, the talk has been that Bruins restricted free- salary cap structure for years to come. Now, it's up to McAvoy to come to agent defenseman Charlie McAvoy was looking for a long-term team with terms with the way the restricted free-agent market is playing out and get the B's on his second contract. Certainly, it was encouraging from the a bridge deal done with both sides that could lead everybody involved to perspective that McAvoy, 21, wants to remain in Boston for a long, long greatness in the near future. time and loves being a member of the Bruins. YAHOO.COM LOADED: 09.11.2019 The former Boston University standout said as much at Bruins breakup day back in the middle of June. "I don't want to go anywhere. [Boston] is the best place on earth," said McAvoy back in June. "This is home for me now. I live here in the summer. I love it here. I want to be here forever." Bergeron's groin injury still lingering with camp just days away But there was also a common-sense belief that a shorter bridge deal would make a lot more sense for both sides. After all, McAvoy has missed almost 50 games with injuries and health issues in his first two NHL seasons and really hasn't put together the kind of dominant season that precedes a monster, maximum-term contract, particularly for a player coming out of his entry-level deal. McAvoy certainly appears on track to be a No. 1 defenseman and has averaged seven goals and 30 points his two NHL seasons. He kicked it up a notch in the run to the Stanley Cup Final when he averaged 24:30 of ice time and posted two goals and eight points in his 23 playoff games. But the Bruins admittedly would like to see McAvoy put together a healthy, strong and consistent season before they shell out the huge term and megabucks similar to the eight-year, $60 million contract Aaron Ekblad signed with the Florida Panthers. Bruins President Cam Neely said as much in his sit-down with NBC Sports Boston this summer when asked about McAvoy. "You look at a player that's had some health issues two years in a row at a young age," said Neely to NBC Sports Boston, referencing McAvoy. "You look at that and say ‘Okay, is that going to stay the same or is it just bad luck?' We all can see what Charlie is capable of doing. You'd like to see a bigger sample size, obviously. Since the cap has come into effect we've all seen deals that have been signed where three years down the road you say it's not as good as you anticipated it would be. "Charlie has had three playoff years and two full seasons where he hasn't been healthy. A lot of times obviously that's not his fault, but it's nice to have a better sample size of where a player is going to go. You see the skill set that [McAvoy] has. We want both Charlie and Brandon [Carlo] to be Bruins for their whole career, but we also have to do what's right for the organization." Similarly from McAvoy's perspective, if he were to take a two-to-three- year deal for $5 million to $6 million per season now then he'd set himself up for a massive payday a couple of years down the line provided he plays up to his major talent. As camp looms, so does Game 7 to Bruins Enter the three-year, $15 million contract signed by Zach Werenski and the Columbus Blue Jackets this week that's exactly the kind of bridge deal envisioned for McAvoy and the Bruins. Werenski, 22, has averaged 13 goals and 42 points in his first three NHL seasons, has missed just nine games in those three seasons and played in all 82 games last season while averaging 22:54 of ice time. On paper, Werenski has done a ton more than McAvoy to this point in his career and stayed healthy while doing it for Columbus. Werenski is an obvious, direct comparable contract to McAvoy and Flyers RFA Ivan Provorov and should set up the template for both of those contracts to be in a very similar neighborhood when they are finally signed. McAvoy may want a six-to-eight-year contract and perhaps someday he'll get it once he's played like a franchise defenseman for an extended period. Still, the precedent has now been set this fall and now it's up to McAvoy to sign for fair market value without missing too much training camp. The longer he holds out for something that simply isn't there will become a problem for the player and the team. 1107882 Websites This is a talented rookie camp considering it features seven players with a shot at winning a season-opening roster spot on the big club.

4. On the Laberge of more? YAHOO SPORTS / Morgan Frost showing his hands, Chuck Fletcher praises Egor Zamula, more on Flyers rookie camp The Phantoms will be loaded with experienced and young forwards in 2019-20.

One of those forwards to keep an eye on is Pascal Laberge. Jordan Hall The 2016 second-round pick has battled injuries throughout his early career, but in the 15 games he did play last season with Lehigh Valley, VOORHEES, N.J. - The games are about to begin. he scored five goals. Day 4 of Flyers rookie camp wrapped up Tuesday, setting the stage for There's some offensive potential in the 21-year-old's game. Wednesday's prospects game at PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Pascal Laberge, top shelf. pic.twitter.com/Z7ZnyJGuNr against the Islanders. — Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) September 10, 2019 Let's get into our latest five observations: 5. The game 1. Chill in the air Gordon, who will coach the Flyers in the rookie game, said the team will Morgan Frost will be fun to watch Wednesday night and throughout the dress 19 skaters and two goalies. preseason. The Flyers will hold a morning skate from 10-11 a.m. at Skate Zone in When the 20-year-old center has time and space, he's super dangerous. Voorhees, New Jersey, so we'll know more then about the lineup. But even when he's in tight and around the net, his hands are so impressive. He's brisk, instinctual and accurate, and it will be fascinating The game is at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on NBC Sports to see how quickly those strengths translate at the pro level. Philadelphia+ (no live stream). In camp, he has centered two of the Flyers' other top prospects Joel YAHOO.COM LOADED: 09.11.2019 Farabee and Isaac Ratcliffe. The trio's chemistry looks natural and don't be surprised to see that line in the rookie game. "It should be awesome," Farabee said. "Playing with some really elite guys in our group here." Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost, impressive defensively and offensively. pic.twitter.com/uqZhVhMXxy — Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) September 10, 2019 Good combo: Isaac Ratcliffe and Morgan Frost. pic.twitter.com/jOkjS8y1aI — Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) September 10, 2019 2. Don't ignore Egor When general manager Chuck Fletcher was asked if any prospect has jumped out at him during camp, he mentioned Egor Zamula. The 6-foot-3, 172-pound defenseman continues to turn heads with his progress. The one guy, to me, that just keeps getting better every day is Zamula. He's an impressive young man. He has another year of junior, so he's not a candidate to make our team this year in Philadelphia. But I saw him last year play junior, watched him play in training camp with the Flyers last year and he just continues to get better and better. He has a tremendous package of size, skill and skating, and as he matures and gets stronger, he's going to be a pretty impressive player. - Fletcher Zamula (who said there's no Y needed in his first name) was an excellent discovery by Flyers amateur scout Mark Greig (see story). The 19-year- old went undrafted last summer, was invited to 2018 Flyers training camp and earned an entry-level contract. He is no longer a raw prospect as he skates smoothly, covers ground and possesses great reach. The lefty shot scored 56 points over 61 regular-season games in 2018-19 with the WHL's Calgary Hitmen. "Coming in here, he looks really comfortable," AHL affiliate Lehigh Valley head coach Scott Gordon said. "Obviously it's a nice find." 3. 'The best way to evaluate players' A rookie game is a lot different from a preseason game. However … "A lot of these kids are coming in, they want to make an impression and games are the best way to evaluate players," Fletcher said. The Flyers' GM has been pleased with the showing in camp. "It's been great for Scott to start to work with them on some of the habits and things that we want our players in Lehigh to do this year," Fletcher said. 1107883 Websites

YAHOO SPORTS / Pretty important day' in Flyers' contract negotiations with Ivan Provorov, Travis Konecny

Jordan Hall

VOORHEES, N.J. - Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher classified Tuesday as a "pretty important day" for the contract negotiations of Ivan Provorov and Travis Konecny. Both restricted free agents remain unsigned with training camp set to begin Friday morning. At around 11 a.m., Fletcher said he expected to speak with the representation of both Provorov and Konecny on Tuesday. "We're getting to a point where we need to see some progress if they're going to be here on Friday on the ice," Fletcher said. How positive is he that deals can get done before camp opens? "That's hard to say," Fletcher said. "I've been through so many of these. I've been in situations where you seem like you're a long way away and it comes together very quickly and then there are other times it seems like you're right there and you can't get to the finish line. "So I don't think I'm positive or negative. I still think there's an opportunity to get both of these guys signed and in camp." On Monday, Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski re-signed on a three-year, $15 million contract. It was significant in a few ways. Firstly, the bridge deal for the 22-year-old Werenski opened some eyes. What will be the preference for Provorov's camp and the Flyers? We'll see. Secondly, Werenski's $5 million average annual value should give both sides a much better idea of the market (see story). You'd think a longer-term deal would be the goal for Provorov's agent Mark Gandler (see story). Has the 22-year-old already proven himself? Provorov has been handed the responsibilities of a No. 1 defenseman and hasn't missed a game over the past two seasons. Among all NHL blueliners during that span, he has played the 11th-most minutes per night (24:38), the ninth-most shorthanded minutes (449:51) and has scored the 18th-most goals (24). Now that Werenski has a $5 million AAV, Provorov's camp could shoot for $6 million. "I think we're open to either - shorter or longer with Ivan, just whatever makes sense," Fletcher said. "Werenski is a very good young defenseman and a very comparable player to Ivan, so it certainly sheds some light on where the market is. But we're not wed to a shorter-term deal. If something makes sense in a long-term deal, we'll explore that." Konecny, an important 22-year-old forward, is coming off back-to-back 24-goal seasons and has 30-goal potential. His role will continue to grow in 2019-20. Proving himself over a bridge deal might make the most sense for Konecny and could lead to a larger payday down the road (see story). Tuesday was an important day. Friday is a big one, too, and quickly approaching. YAHOO.COM LOADED: 09.11.2019