SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 12/19/2020 1197058 NHL, Players Assn. reach tentative agreement on terms 1197084 NHL, NHLPA agree in principle on rules and regulations for 2020-21 for a shortened 2020-21 season 1197059 NHL, players reach tentative deal for 56-game season that 1197085 Former Ohio State hockey player opens up about sexual would begin Jan. 13 abuse: ‘I just can’t stay quiet now’ 1197060 NHL, players reach tentative deal for 56-game season 1197086 Source: NHL, NHLPA reach tentative agreement on beginning Jan. 13 56-game season 1197061 Game On? NHL and NHLPA Reach Tentative Agreement On NHL Return 1197062 BHN Puck Links: Are Boston Bruins Prepared For A 1197087 NHL, players reach tentative agreement to start 56-game Compacted Season? season on Jan. 13 1197063 Bruins predictions for the 2021 season: Will the defense hold? 1197088 The NHL close to a return, agree with NHLPA on a 2021 season 1197064 Reports: NHL, NHLPA have tentative agreement to start 1197089 Panthers New Forwards Bringing Drive & Intensity season Jan. 13 1197065 Ex-Sabre, Amerks defenseman Nathan Paetsch announces retirement 1197090 SUCCESSFUL COLLEGE FREE-AGENT SIGNINGS KEY 1197066 Sabres training camp: The expected battles at each roster FOR KINGS spot 1197091 Judge backs searches of 'Miracle on Ice' hockey star Mark 1197067 Oliver Kylington re-signs with Flames, anxious to carve out Pavelich's home after alleged assault regular role 1197092 Dean Evason talks Wild update, , 1197068 Flames announce $200,000 donation to ALS research training camp and more through Snowy Strong campaign 1197069 20 to ’20: Calgary's sporting icons of the 2000s so far — Johnny Gaudreau 1197093 Islanders’ projected salary cap in 2021-22: No move is off the table 1197094 REPORT: Islanders, Mathew Barzal Camp Have Been in 1197070 The NHL could play a 56-game regular season. When ‘Constant Communication’ might it start? 1197071 Hurricanes sign defenseman Roland McKeown to one- year, two-way contract 1197095 NHL, players reach tentative deal to start the season in 1197072 A Hurricanes fan’s guide to the WJC and what to expect 2021 from their prospects 1197096 Former Rangers goalie always was a fascinating person Blackhawks 1197073 3 things we heard from President Stan Bowman, including holding off on the playoff talk and 1197097 The NHL and NHLPA have some details in place as they 1197074 Column: Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman wait for go-ahead from governments expanded his power by convincing the Wirtzes he can 1197098 How we’d run the Senators: Patience, prospects and piling reinvent himself up draft picks 1197075 Reports: NHL, NHLPA reach tentative agreement for 56-game schedule starting Jan. 13 1197076 Stan Bowman’s new title as Blackhawks’ hockey 1197099 NHL, players reach tentative deal for 56-game season operations president brings challenge, accountability 1197100 The Flyers and division rivals will be seeing a lot of each 1197077 Wirtz explains why Blackhawks believe so strongly in other. Let the animosity begin. Bowman 1197101 Big-time sleeper in Flyers' system signs his entry-level 1197078 Stan Bowman not considering hiring GM after Hawks contract promotion 1197102 An awesome gesture by Raffl as he delivers a surprise 1197079 Dach ready for captain role with Canada in World Juniors back home 1197080 Stan Bowman proposes how Hawks' rebuild could play out 1197081 What’s it like to be an NHL free agent right now? Slater Koekkoek explains Colorado Avalanche 1197082 NHL STUFFReports: Tentative agreement in place for 56-game NHL season 1197083 Dater’s Daily: NHL season still to be decided, and how to get an Avs reverse retro jersey at a good sale price Websites 1197103 Minor league report: Nailers fall to Solar Bears 1197130 The Athletic / Down Goes Brown: Is Iginla for Nieuwendyk 1197104 Penguin A to Z: Jonathan Gruden could be more than a the greatest win-win trade in history? throw-in 1197131 Sportsnet.ca / NHL and NHLPA have tentative deal on 1197105 Penguins A to Z: Mark Jankowski is a low-risk, high 56-game season reward addition 1197132 Sportsnet.ca / Uncertainty surrounding Canada's teams 1197106 WE HAVE A SEASON! NHL-NHLPA Tentatively Agree to the big hurdle for NHL's return 56-Game SeasonPublished 7 hours ago on December 18, 1197133 Sportsnet.ca / Six unresolved NHL storylines, from 2020 unsigned RFAs to goalie intrigue 1197107 Fleury and Crosby Jerseys Become the Top Sellers 1197134 Sportsnet.ca / Leafs' Marner on 'underachieving,' 1197108 Dan’s Daily: No Canada, ALL NHL Teams to U.S.? Warm possibility of Canadian teams playing in U.S. NHL Trade Talk 1197135 TSN.CA / Byram, Cozens complete 'three-headed monster' of leadership 1197136 TSN.CA / NHL, NHLPA reach tentative deal on new 1197109 Media column: First Warriors TV broadcast in months was season, but big hurdle remains just a bit rocky 1197137 TSN.CA / Team Canada gets back to work ahead of World 1197110 NHLRight Now, More Questions Than Answers for Sharks’ Juniors 30th Anniversary 1197111 Torrey Mitchell on McLellan Being Ahead of Analytics Curve, “Scare Tactics” Prank, Clowe 1197127 All-Canadian division not all it's cracked up to be 1197128 Video Room: How Neal Pionk became a power play force St Louis Blues in his debut Jets season 1197112 Cap-onomics: Blues ponder how to use Steen cap money SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1197113 Steven Stamkos’ among Sports Illustrated’s Plays of the Year 1197114 NHL’s plan for upcoming season hits potential roadblock 1197115 NHL, players agree to 56-game season, starting Jan. 13 1197116 The NHL has hinted at moving Canadian teams to the U.S. during the pandemic. That’s preposterous 1197117 KOSHAN: Burke's book in a style only the former Leafs GM could write 1197118 HORNBY: Slicing American pie for Canada's NHL teams 1197129 NHL and NHLPA agree on return-to-play plan, but B.C. health plan remains a work in progress 1197119 NHL reaches tentative agreement for 2020-21 season 1197120 Reports: NHL, players are close on deal for 56-game hockey season 1197121 LVSportsBiz’s 2020 Year In Review: A Stadium Is Born, Coping With COVID-19 And Different Paths To Racial Justi 1197122 Without Lundqvist, Could Washington Chase Fleury? 1197123 NHL and NHLPA agree on 56-game season, mid-January starting date 1197124 Report: NHL, NHLPA reach tentative agreement on the season 1197125 What are the Capitals' options for replacing Henrik Lundqvist? 1197126 Capitals, and a fierce game of Pictionary, bring joy to children in hospital 1197058 Anaheim Ducks games in 1994-95 and again in 2012-13, each time with a mid-January start.

LA Times: LOADED: 12.19.2020 NHL, Players Assn. reach tentative agreement on terms for 2020-21 season

By HELENE ELLIOTT

DEC. 18, 20205:45 PM UPDATED8:25 PM

The NHL and NHL Players’ Assn. tentatively agreed to begin the pandemic-delayed 2020-21 season on Jan. 13 with each team playing a 56-game schedule solely within one of four temporarily realigned divisions, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed Friday night in a post published on the league’s website, NHL.com.

The post also confirmed that one division will envelop all seven Canada- based teams, freeing them to compete against each other while avoiding severe travel restrictions that currently limit border crossings between the U.S. and Canada. Those restrictions led the NBA’s Toronto Raptors to relocate to Tampa, Fla., this season and sent Major League Baseball’s Toronto Blue Jays to Buffalo to play home games last season.

The top four teams in each of the new divisions will qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs, according to reports by Canada’s Sportsnet network.

The executive board of the NHLPA was scheduled to discuss the agreement Friday night. The league’s Board of Governors was scheduled to convene via conference call over the weekend.

Los Angeles Kings Todd McLellan and assistant coach Marco Sturm instruct from the bench.

The NHL said the tentative agreement includes health and safety protocols. Enough other issues, however, remain unresolved to make it possible the opener will be pushed back a few days. The principal issue is securing approval from health officials in the five Canadian provinces that are home to NHL franchises. The province of recently instituted a lockdown in Toronto, home of the Maple Leafs.

“The NHL and NHLPA have had to adjust to government regulations at all levels, from restrictions at the Canada-United States border to local limits on gatherings, and the coronavirus situation in each of the markets for the 31 NHL teams,” the league’s post said.

The presence of fans in arenas in even limited numbers would be determined by local, state or provincial health policies in each city. Less than a quarter of the NBA’s 30 teams are expected to admit fans when that league opens its season on Tuesday.

As tentatively agreed, training camp will open on Dec. 30 or Dec. 31 for the seven NHL teams that missed the 2019-20 playoffs, a group that includes the Kings and Ducks. Camp for the 24 remaining teams will open on Jan. 3.

The NHL paused the season on March 12 because of the pandemic. It resumed play on Aug. 1 with an expanded field of 24 teams playing in bubbles in Edmonton and Toronto. The Tampa Bay Lightning won the Stanley Cup on Sept. 28 in Edmonton.

Replicating a hub setup remains a possibility for 2020-21, though players reportedly oppose being separated from family for the time necessary to play a 56-game schedule. Players will be allowed to opt out if they have concerns for their health or if they feel they must protect a close family member who is considered at risk of developing a health problem.

The 1979 O-Pee-Chee rookie card.

There won’t be any exhibitions. Each team will have a taxi squad of four to six players, in deference to the short preparation time and the possibility the coronavirus might render players unfit to play while mandating isolation of those who came in contact with people who test positive.

The absence of fans in arena will hurt the NHL, which is the most gate- dependent of the four major North American professional leagues. By playing 56 games, however, the league and individual teams will be able to generate vital revenues through TV contracts and in-arena advertisements. There’s precedent for playing a shortened season: Lockouts imposed by Bettman cut each team’s 82-game schedule to 48 1197059 Anaheim Ducks

NHL, players reach tentative deal for 56-game season that would begin Jan. 13

By ELLIOTT TEAFORD | PUBLISHED: December 18, 2020 at 6:43 p.m. | UPDATED: December 18, 2020 at 6:43 p.m.

The NHL and its players’ union hammered out a tentative agreement for a 56-game season, pending the approval of each side’s executive committee and, perhaps most importantly, health officials, according to multiple reports on Friday.

The shortened season would begin on Jan. 13, with training camps starting as soon as Dec. 30 for the Ducks, Kings and the other five teams that did not advance to the playoffs last summer. The remaining 24 teams would start their camps on Jan. 3. There would be no exhibition games.

It’s possible each of the dates could be pushed back by several days or more.

The league’s board of governors and the players’ association were to hold calls late Friday.

Both sides must still vote to approve the agreement.

The Ducks and Kings last played on March 11. The NHL suspended play one day later because of the coronavirus pandemic, and then resumed it for only the top 24 teams Aug. 1 in hub cities in Edmonton and Toronto. The Stanley Cup was awarded on Sept. 26.

It was uncertain whether the league’s 31 teams would return to play in hub cities again or whether it could start the season with clubs playing in their home arenas, with or without fans. Also still to be determined was the extent of the league’s divisional re-alignment.

What’s more, the thorny question of whether the league’s Canadian teams would be granted permission to play by provincial health departments was unresolved. There was talk of moving the Canadian teams to the U.S. temporarily if health officials wouldn’t agree to coronavirus protocols.

The NHL also could place the Canadian teams in a bubble in Edmonton, but neither option was appealing to the owners or the players, who vowed not to return to the bubble format for 2020-21. After all, the league hopes to have some socially distanced fans in attendance before the end of the season.

“The resumption of sports events in Canada must be undertaken in adherence to Canada’s measures to mitigate the importation and spread of COVID-19,” the Public Health Agency of Canada said in a statement Thursday. “NHL teams and other professional sports must operate within the rules of their provincial jurisdictions for sports or sporting events.”

Re-alignment, in whatever form it might take, would mean the Ducks, Kings, , San Jose Sharks and Vegas Golden Knights would say farewell to the Calgary Flames, and Vancouver Canucks for the 2020-21 regular season.

The Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars and either the Minnesota Wild or St. Louis Blues would likely join with the five U.S.-based Pacific Division teams. Each team would play the seven others eight times each to reach 56 games. There would be no play outside the division.

Rosters would remain at 23 players, according to Canada’s TSN, and each team would have a taxi squad of four to six players, who would practice and travel with the club in case of a coronavirus outbreak or injuries. Taxi squad members would be paid salaries.

The AHL said it would begin its season on Feb. 5 and roster moves would be more flexible.

Players could chose to opt out for personal or family concerns about safety.

Orange County Register: LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197060 Boston Bruins Last week, NHL commissioner confirmed that the US- Canada border closure would necessitate the one-year reimagining of divisions, including the creation of an all-Canadian section.

NHL, players reach tentative deal for 56-game season beginning Jan. 13 It’s unclear if that remains the plan. Because of government travel restrictions, the NBA’s Toronto Raptors are playing home games in Tampa.

By Matt Porter Globe Staff,Updated December 18, 2020, 9:47 p.m. If the seven Canadian teams remain north of the border, Boston would reportedly fall into a division with Buffalo, New Jersey, New York

Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Washington. NHL players have been flocking back to their home cities the last few The other divisions, as reported: days. Good timing. ▪ Carolina, Chicago, Columbus, Detroit, Florida, Minnesota, Nashville, The league and its players association agreed on a blueprint for the and Tampa Bay. 2020-21 season, multiple news outlets reported Friday evening. ▪ Anaheim, Arizona, Colorado, Dallas, Los Angeles, St. Louis, San Jose, TSN in Canada said NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed the and Vegas. agreement was “tentative” and “subject to approval by both of our respective constituencies.” A league spokesperson said the NHL would ▪ Calgary, Edmonton, , Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, and not comment further until the Board of Governers voted on the deal. Winnipeg.

The Bruins, if the agreement is ratified, would open a shortened, 10-day Boston Globe LOADED: 12.19.2020 training camp Jan. 3 at Warrior Ice Arena, weeks after the initial release of a long-awaited vaccine for Covid-19.

Opening night would be Jan. 13 and the season would last 56 games, with game scheduling and locations still to be sorted. Health restrictions may keep several teams from starting their seasons at home rinks.

Several entities, including the NHLPA’s executive board, the NHL’s Board of Governors and health officials in Canada, had not publicly signed off on the deal as of late Friday. NHLPA leadership agreed in principle Friday evening, Sportsnet reported.

A Board of Governors vote was expected Saturday or Sunday.

If plans are cemented and health conditions allow — no guarantee in a pandemic — the Bruins, like the Celtics, would hold their home opener at TD Garden. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh expressed hope last week that fans would be allowed to attend games on Causeway Street sometime in the next few months.

The NHL has expressed an interest in cutting down on travel, ostensibly for health and economic reasons. Teams would likely stay in road cities for multiple-game series, rather than one-offs.

Players will be allowed to opt out of the season, as they were last August when the NHL finished its shortened, 70-game season with a 24-team pandemic playoff. Players will be paid their full salaries this season, Sportsnet reported.

This year, the NHL is likely to create a “taxi squad,” which would allow teams to keep a handful of players training with the team (particularly important in Canada, where three teams have AHL franchises in the US). Sportsnet reported teams could carry four to six players in addition to their usual 23-man roster, the latter of which is restricted by the salary cap. It is believed each team will carry a mandatory third goalie.

The Bruins have not announced whether players have returned to Warrior Ice Arena in Brighton for voluntary workouts, but the rink’s public schedule of events has blocked off several morning hours per weekday, as it would during the season. If ice time and gym equipment is available to pro athletes, they are likely to use it.

The Bruins, whose season ended Aug. 31 in Toronto with a five-game, second-round loss to the Lightning, would hold their first formal workouts 16 days from Friday. For the teams that didn’t make last season’s unprecedented, 24-team playoffs-in-a-bubble, training camps would begin Dec. 31. There will not be exhibition games, Sportsnet reported.

As for the 2020-21 playoff format, Sportsnet reported the top four teams in each division will play each other, over several weeks in late spring, for a spot in the Stanley Cup semifinals. The number of teams (16) will remain the same.

This will be the shortest NHL season since 2013, when a lockout made it a 48-game sprint that ended with the Bruins and Blackhawks in the Cup Final.

The NHL will hope to award the trophy by mid-July, so its most important and most-watched games won’t compete for TV viewers with the postponed Tokyo Summer Olympics. Both products are shown on NBC’s networks in the US. 1197061 Boston Bruins

Game On? NHL and NHLPA Reach Tentative Agreement On NHL Return

Published 6 hours ago on December 18, 2020

Jimmy Murphy

With just a week until Christmas, a potential Christmas miracle started to take shape as reports percolated through the NHL and social media on Friday night that the NHL and NHLPA have reached a tentative agreement on an NHL Return and 56-game 2021 season.

“We have a tentative Agreement with the Players’ Association on plans for the 2020/21 NHL Season,” NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told TSN Insider Pierre Lebrun. “The agreement is subject to approval by both of our respective constituencies.’‘

According to Lebrun and fellow TSN Insider Frank Seravalli, as well as Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the agreement still needed to be approved by the NHL Board of Governors and the PA. The latter was scheduled to hold a vote on Friday night at 8 PM ET and the former “sometime this weekend” according to Lebrun. If, as expected, both parties gave unanimous yays, training camp for the seven teams that didn’t make the 2020 NHL Return to play and Stanley Cup playoffs would begin training camp on December 30. The remaining 24 clubs would then report to their respective camps on January 3, with January 13 still set as the target date.

Tentative agreement between #NHL and #NHLPA (which requires approval) calls for training camps to open on Jan. 3 and regular season on Jan. 13.

The 7 teams who did not make 24-team playoff can open camp on Dec. 30.

Throughout the day on Friday, numerous NHL sources confirmed to Boston Hockey Now that if the league was still unable to resolve the COVID issues north of the border with Canadian federal and provincial authorities on whether they can play in Canada, the Canadian teams would either be moved to the United States and play out of adopted homes there or play in temporary hubs in Canada. On Friday night, one of those sources told BHN that they were now leaning on a temporary hub in Edmonton where the Conference Finals and Stanley Cup Final took place this past summer.

Friedman tweeted other key details of the NHL Return format that was tentatively agreed upon:

So as North America is being ravaged by COVID still, the NHL and NHLPA have given hockey fans a glimmer of hope that we could very well hear the words ‘Game On!’ by the end of the weekend. Like in the classic comedy Wayne’s World, there will surely be cars with a license plate reading COVID, forcing teams to temporarily bring their nets to the side of the road, but just the idea that we may hear those words ‘Game On’ and have the chance to bring the nets back out for more hockey hopefully until early July is perfect right about now!

Boston Hockey Now LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197062 Boston Bruins

BHN Puck Links: Are Boston Bruins Prepared For A Compacted Season?

Published 13 hours ago on December 18, 2020By Joe Haggerty

How will teams like the Boston Bruins adjust to the compressed NHL schedule and the expanded taxi squad that’s likely to be available to NHL teams due to COVID-19 challenges this season?

It’s an interesting question, and there will undoubtedly be benefits for teams like the Boston Bruins that stocked up on extra players at forward and defenseman, and that employ arguably the best goaltending duo in the NHL in Jaroslav Halak and Tuukka Rask, perfectly cast to split a heavy workload.

How will other teams fare in conditions that will probably be similar to the 2013 NHL season shortened to 48 games by the lockout?

It’s a fair question asked by Pittsburgh Hockey Now’s Dan Kingerski this week, and it will be different for each and every team based on personnel. Two quality is going to be an important factor, but those teams well-stocked with defensemen are probably also going to be fare pretty well with dense bunches of games expected. Even with Zdeno Chara’s status uncertain with the Boston Bruins for this upcoming season, the B’s have a wealth of defensemen under NHL contract in Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo, Matt Grzelcyk, Kevan Miller, Connor Clifton, Jeremy Lauzon, John Moore, Jakub Zboril, and with guys like Steve Kampfer and Urho Vaakanainen waiting in the wings as well.

There’s still plenty of unknowns about the format for the 2021 NHL season that need to be worked out, but it’s safe to say there’s a general formula for the teams that will handle it best. The Boston Bruins should be one of those teams.

Now on to the links:

*Do the Bruins still have a chance of signing free agent sniper Mike Hoffman to a short term deal? Of course they do as things start to get unclogged with player transactions across the NHL. We have plenty more in this week’s Hagg Bag mailbag. (Boston Hockey Now)

*There are reports filtering out that the city of Edmonton has had discussions with the NHL about being a hub city again if circumstances dictate it. Oh boy. (TSN)

*I couldn’t agree with Larry Brooks more here when he says that Henrik Lundqvist deserved a better ending to his career than potentially having to call it quits over a heart issue. King Henrik was a great ambassador for the NHL and would have been really interesting with the Washington Capitals this season. (New York Post)

*Great story on NHL Network from FOH (Friend of Haggs) Jon Paul Morosi about local hockey product Matt Beniers, who is on Team USA at the World Junior tournament and is the son of a Broadway star. (NHL Network)

*Want to feel old? Victor Hedman turns 30 years old today. (The Athletic)

Get BHN+

*FOH George Richards has all the details on Anthony Duclair signing a bargain basement one-year deal with the Florida Panthers for $1.6 million ahead of things getting going with the start of the season. (Florida Hockey Now)

*For something completely different: When I say the season 2 finale of the Mandalorian was amazing, I am not engaging in any kind of hyperbole. Watch it before you get caught up in spoilers. (CNN)

Boston Hockey Now LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197063 Boston Bruins (13.81 percent) helped the Bruins score more (2.55 GF/60, 16th overall) than expected.

Krug signing with St. Louis won’t help matters. Neither will Pastrnak (hip Bruins predictions for the 2021 season: Will the defense hold? surgery) possibly being unavailable at the start.

Prediction: The addition of Craig Smith and full seasons from Ondrej Kase and Nick Ritchie provide some measure of secondary scoring. But By Fluto Shinzawa Dec 18, 2020 the Bruins will still be mid-pack when it comes to offensive punch at even strength.

3. What happens if Rask or Halak have to miss time? The window is closing. Torey Krug is gone. Zdeno Chara is unsigned. David Krejci and Tuukka Rask are unrestricted after next season. Patrice The Bruins are in a good spot. They have two proven NHL goaltenders Bergeron is signed through 2022. for a season that demands equitable workloads assuming a condensed, 56-game schedule. This leaves the Bruins in a delicate position: Chasing another Stanley Cup with their graybeards in charge while rebuilding for when their chain- With experience, though, comes vulnerability. pullers are gone. At their ages, season-long health is not guaranteed for Rask (33) or The two tasks should play well together in 2021. The Bruins still have Halak (35). This is even more so assuming a condensed schedule. enough star power and complementary players to contend for the Cup. It Regular helpings of three games in four nights are just asking for sore doesn’t mean they’re without urgent questions to answer. hips with limited windows for recovery.

1. How will the left side of the defense hold up? If one of the vets pulls up lame, the other is equipped for a short-term bump in action. But neither is set up for a long-term run. The Bruins It is all well and good for the Bruins to think highly of Jakub Zboril. By the would have to work in goaltending reinforcements: conclusion of the 2019-20 AHL season, Zboril, with assistance from stay- at-home partner Josiah Didier, was playing the best professional hockey Prediction: Dan Vladar would get the call over Jeremy Swayman, Kyle of his career. Keyser and Callum Booth. Vladar was put in an awful spot against Tampa Bay in August when he had to eat the Lightning onslaught in an Providence John Ferguson Jr. is emphatic that Zboril is ugly playoff relief appearance. It remains to be seen how that barrage will ready for the NHL. That may be so, even if Zboril is 23 years old and affect Vladar’s confidence. But Vladar is the Bruins’ only choice. coming off a season of zero NHL games. His only two varsity Swayman has yet to play a pro game. Keyser’s first season was a appearances were in 2018-19, when the list of injured defensemen washout because of a concussion. Booth split time between the AHL and included Chara, Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo, John Moore and Urho ECHL last year. Vaakanainen. 4. Who will replace Krug on the power play? Zboril is, in essence, an NHL newbie. He would not be the first 23-year- old defenseman to qualify as such. Krug did it all for the Bruins power play. (James Guillory / USA Today)

That old yarn about defensemen needing more time to develop, however, Nobody will replace Krug on the power play. He did it all, from initiating doesn’t hold as true lately as it did before. McAvoy was 19 years old entries to shooting for sticks to rotating down the right-side half-wall. The when he roared into the NHL playoffs in 2017. Carlo played most of that power play was Krug’s baby. season as a 20-year-old rookie. Zboril has yet to become a full-time NHL player partly because of circumstance — Chara, Krug and Matt Grzelcyk What gives the Bruins comfort is that they don’t really require 100 had the left-side spots previously locked down — but also because his percent Krug duplication. The unit should remain weaponized with projected varsity impact was not worth compromising his development in Bergeron’s bumper presence, Pastrnak’s one-timer, Krejci’s no-panic Providence. threshold and Marchand’s do-it-all ability.

The latter appears to be over. With Krug in St. Louis and Chara So if one of their defensemen can handle retrievals, gain the offensive unsigned, Zboril’s opportunity and readiness align like never before. zone and be something of a shooting threat while distributing pucks, the Bruins should still be in good shape. The question is what level of performance Zboril can provide. Because the Bruins need left-side stability in a big way, from Krug’s puck-moving Prediction: With shutdown defense being Job 1 for McAvoy, Grzelcyk will and power-play touch to Chara’s in-zone thoroughness, especially on the get the first crack at filling Krug’s spot. Because Grzelcyk is a lefty, the kill. other first-unit attackers won’t have to adjust to passes arriving from different angles. Grzelcyk has quick feet to walk the line and open up The absence of NHL data makes it difficult to set the bar for Zboril in options. those areas. Like they did with McAvoy and Carlo, the Bruins will have to trust that Zboril is ready. Zboril’s age, however, serves as a check to set 5. How will the fourth line improve? expectations lower than they were for his right-side counterparts. Joakim Nordstrom, Sean Kuraly and Chris Wagner should have It may be, then, that the left side of the blue line is a component where combined to form a position of strength this past season. In 2018-19, the Bruins have to acknowledge and accept compromise. There are no Nordstrom earned coach ’s trust and regular promotions optimal solutions in a flat-cap environment. Money they would have spent higher in the lineup. The Bruins felt Kuraly’s absence early against to reinforce the position is not available. Toronto in the first round and rebounded when he was cleared to play. Wagner scored a career-high 12 goals. The Bruins are fortunate to have strengths that could compensate for their left-side shortcomings. McAvoy, Carlo, Connor Clifton and a healthy But little about their collective performance last season qualified as Kevan Miller make up a lively and hard-to-play-against right side. Rask acceptable. The line, once used as a matchup trio, chased the puck so and Jaroslav Halak are good enough to plug left-side leaks. regularly that Cassidy could not afford to deploy it against top attackers.

Prediction: Zboril makes the team and plays a sheltered role. Chara Prediction: Competition will make the line better. Greg McKegg will push signs a budget extension. Zboril gets some second-pairing shifts with Kuraly and Par Lindholm. Karson Kuhlman and Zach Senyshyn are Carlo and moves down to the No. 3 duo when the Bruins need more in- options at right wing. Anton Blidh has his hand up to replace Nordstrom. your-face presence from Chara or Jeremy Lauzon. is in the mix at center and left wing.

2. Do the Bruins have enough 5-on-5 firepower? The Athletic LOADED: 12.19.2020

Only three teams had lower expected goals rates last season than the Bruins (2.12 per 60 minutes, per Natural Stat Trick): Winnipeg (1.99), Buffalo (1.99) and Detroit (1.92). They did not do well enough generating chance quantity and quality. In particular, the finishing touch of Brad Marchand (18.92 shooting percentage at 5-on-5) and David Pastrnak 1197064 Buffalo Sabres The players were reportedly willing to consider such changes to the CBA's memorandum of understanding; however, they wanted a concession in return, including a potential increase to the current $81.5 million flat salary cap. Reports: NHL, NHLPA have tentative agreement to start season Jan. 13 Players, though, will eventually absorb a financial hit since they have a 50-50 revenue split with owners.

Lance Lysowski Dec 18, 2020 Updated 3 hrs ago Buffalo News LOADED: 12.19.2020

The long wait for Sabres hockey to return might be over before 2021 begins.

According to multiple reports Friday night, the and the NHL Players Association have a tentative agreement to launch a 56-game season beginning Jan. 13 – a little more than 10 months after the Sabres last played a game.

Both sides need to vote on the plan, which was first reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. The NHLPA Executive Board was expected to meet Friday night and the NHL Board of Governors is tentatively scheduled to vote Sunday or Monday, per TSN's .

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly confirmed the agreement to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.

TSN’s Frank Seravalli added that the agreement includes a Dec. 31 training camp start date for the seven teams that did not compete in the return-to-play last summer, including the Sabres. The rest of the league would begin camp Jan. 3, with no exhibition games ahead of the regular season. A player would be able to opt out if he or a member of his immediate family are considered high-risk during the coronavirus pandemic.

All dates are subject to change and scheduling has not been finalized, Seravalli said. Other details include a 23-man roster with an $81.5 million salary cap, and the creation of a taxi squad of four to six players. Each NHL team could carry a maximum of 29 players who would travel and practice, and the taxi squad members would receive a full American Hockey League salary.

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The top four teams in each division would make the playoffs, according to Friedman.

However, a significant hurdle remains for the seven Canadian teams, as the provinces have yet to approve the NHL’s protocols. The tentative plan is for those teams to compete in the same division – which would require the NHL to temporarily realign – in response to the Canada-U.S. border remaining closed. The NHL is hopeful an agreement with the Canadian government can be reached by Monday, according to LeBrun.

If the provinces decline to allow teams to travel without a mandatory quarantine, the NHL is reportedly considering moving the seven Canadian teams to the United States or a hub city in Canada. Edmonton would be a logical choice because it was used for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and is currently hosting the IIHF World Junior Championship, which is scheduled to end Jan. 5. NHL players are reportedly not fond of either option and would prefer playing in their team’s respective home city.

The inclusion of the taxi squad will be an interesting layer, as the Sabres and other teams will have to decide which extra players to carry on their roster. The decision might be more difficult if the AHL is unable to hold its season. The AHL has a tentative start date of Feb. 5, but there are doubts the league can operate without fans.

The NHL and its players association made significant progress toward an agreement earlier this month when they agreed to proceed with the financial framework of the collective bargaining agreement ratified in July.

Negotiations reached a stalemate last month after the NHL reportedly requested increases in salary deferrals and escrow in response to the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. With cases surging across the globe, it appears unlikely fans will be able to attend games in most venues this season, delivering a financial blow to a league that’s heavily dependent on game night revenues. 1197065 Buffalo Sabres

Ex-Sabre, Amerks defenseman Nathan Paetsch announces retirement

Lance Lysowski Dec 18, 2020 Updated 14 hrs ago

Nathan Paetsch’s 17-year professional playing career officially ended Friday when the former Buffalo Sabres defenseman announced his retirement.

Paetsch, who played parts of five seasons with the Sabres from 2005-10, spent the past three years with the of the American Hockey League. He played 870 games in the NHL, AHL and Germany’s .

Paetsch, 37, played in parts of seven seasons in two stints with the Amerks. He appeared in only 43 games with the team in the past three seasons, but his expertise was an important resource for Chris Taylor’s coaching staff. On game nights when Paetsch did not play, he would serve as an extra set of eyes for Taylor and helped mentor the team’s young defensemen.

“I was extremely fortunate to play the game for as long as I have and to create so many lasting friendships with teammates, coaches, front office staff and support staff,” Paetsch said in a news release. “I couldn’t be happier to have started and finished my career with the Rochester Americans. The city and organization not only gave me a place to play, but more importantly, a home and a family. It was extremely special to begin my career as a teammate of Chris Taylor and end it with him as my coach."

Paetsch made a significant impact off the ice, as he was a five-time winner of the Amerks’ McCulloch Trophy for his commitment to the Rochester community. He was also named Rochester’s AHL Man of the Year for his community service in each of the past three years.

Paetsch was also a three-time nominee for the league’s Fred T. Hunt Award, which is presented annually to the player who best exemplifies the qualifies of sportsmanship, determination and dedication to hockey.

Paetsch, a seventh-round draft pick of the Sabres in 2003, last played in the NHL in 2009-10 when he split the season between Buffalo and Columbus. He will be remembered by many Sabres fans for making his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut in Game 7 of the 2006 Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes. It was only his second game in the NHL.

Paetsch appeared in 157 regular-season games for the Sabres, including a career-high 63 during the Presidents’ Trophy run in 2006-07, and totaled 42 points.

Buffalo News LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197066 Buffalo Sabres minus-15 was worst among Amerks forwards. He had six games with at least four shots and nine with one or none.

It’s too early to write off Mittelstadt. But as players drafted behind him in Sabres training camp: The expected battles at each roster spot 2017 start to blossom, most notably St. Louis’ Robert Thomas, Montreal’s Nick Suzuki, Edmonton’s Kailer Yamamoto and the Rangers’ , the Sabres would love to see significant progress as soon as camp opens. By John Vogl Dec 18, 2020 Mittelstadt is the lone player unsigned, but the restricted free agent has

no leverage and will likely be under contract soon. After nearly a year in hibernation, the Sabres’ return will be highly Buffalo: Eichel, Staal, Eakin, Lazar. anticipated. Toss in a heaping dose of roster intrigue and it promises to be a training camp like no other. Taxi: Asplund, Mittelstadt.

Not only are there bubble players galore, great jobs are available. Who February changes: It doesn’t make sense for Mittelstadt and Asplund to wouldn’t want to skate on a line with Jack Eichel and Taylor Hall or be practice and not play. They can head to Rochester while Dea joins the Rasmus Dahlin’s defense partner? taxi squad. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent after the season and doesn’t figure into the organization’s future plans. And, of course, there will be COVID-19 challenges. Camp will be shorter and exhibition games aren’t expected, so practice will matter more than Left wingers ever. The Sabres’ ECHL affiliate is sitting out the season, giving the organization fewer jobs to dole out. Taylor Hall

Though scheduling is subject to change, the NHL hopes to play games Jeff Skinner by mid-January. The American Hockey League is on track to start Feb. 5. Zemgus Girgensons That two-week lag will also impact who stays and who goes. Tobias Rieder So, who stays and who goes? C.J. Smith Roster sizes are still being negotiated and may expand. There’s word of a taxi squad that won’t count against the salary cap, allowing teams to Brett Murray have extra players in town in case positive tests arrive. Dawson DiPietro The Sabres are lucky that their minor-league team is in the same state and 60 miles away, so quarantine rules won’t affect them as much as Matej Pekar other teams. Still, they’ll have to choose between letting a prospect play Jesper Olofsson (AHL) in Rochester or watch from the taxi squad in Buffalo. Dalton Smith (AHL) With all that in mind, here are our projections for the Sabres and taxi squad, plus tweaks in February when the Amerks take the ice. While the Hall and Skinner make for an enviable start. Girgensons is locked into final numbers are subject to change, we’ll work with a 23-man roster and the defensive line. seven players on the taxi squad, putting up to 30 players in Buffalo. There’s room to improve after that. Centers Rieder not only has the edge in experience, the speed of the seventh- Jack Eichel year pro would boost the penalty kill and third line. He was a double-digit scorer during his first four seasons but has just four goals in his last 122 Eric Staal games.

Cody Eakin Ruotsalainen, who’ll arrive as the prospect du jour, could slot nicely onto Curtis Lazar the third line. The 23-year-old paced the Finnish league with 16 goals and 27 points in 19 games, an unreal start that has folks awaiting the Casey Mittelstadt NHL translation.

Arttu Ruotsalainen Smith has a primarily because of his contract. It transitions to a one- way deal, meaning he’ll earn $700,000 whether he’s in Rochester or Rasmus Asplund Buffalo. He potted 28 goals for the Amerks two seasons ago but dipped Jean-Sebastien Dea to 12 last year. He’ll need a quick start at camp to unseat Rieder and skip past Ruotsalainen. The top three are locked in with Eichel, Staal and Eakin. Buffalo: Hall, Skinner, Girgensons, Rieder, Ruotsalainen. With a report that Ruotsalainen may shift to left wing, it’ll be a three-man race for the final spot with Lazar, Asplund and Mittelstadt. Taxi: Smith.

Lazar is favored for the checking line after a solid second half last February changes: None. After three full seasons in Rochester, the 26- season. Recalled for good in late December, he finished with five goals year-old Smith has phased out of the prospect category. The Amerks can and 10 points. Lazar led all centers by winning 51.3 percent of his give his ice time to first-year pros DiPietro, Pekar and Jesper Olofsson. faceoffs, a significant number for a team that finished last in the NHL at Right wingers 45.9 percent. He was also the best penalty-killing forward. Sam Reinhart Asplund, who’ll be starting his third season in the organization, got 29 games in Buffalo last year. He put up just one goal and two assists. The 23-year-old was also an OK penalty killer on a team that had very few. Asplund has been playing in Sweden’s second league this fall, ranking Dylan Cozens sixth on Vasterus with four goals and placing fifth with nine points in 14 Kyle Okposo games. Tage Thompson Mittelstadt is the wild card. At age 22, he would be in his senior year at the University of Minnesota. Instead, his third pro season needs to be Andrew Oglevie better than his second. Steven Fogarty After four goals and five assists in 31 games, Mittelstadt earned a trip to Rochester. He recorded nine goals and 25 points in 36 games, but his Brandon Biro Dominic Franco (AHL) Taxi: Bryson.

This is undoubtedly the position to watch. One lucky soul gets to skate February changes: If he’s not playing in Buffalo, Bryson needs the ice with Eichel and Hall. One good player might not make the roster. time in Rochester. Davidson, who has played for the Oilers, Canadiens, Islanders, Blackhawks, Flames and Sharks, could fill a taxi slot. Reinhart remains the No. 1 option at right wing. Olofsson slides over from the left side to claim the second spot. After that? Right defense

Cozens is booked until Jan. 5 with Canada’s World Junior team. He Rasmus Ristolainen might not start practicing until a few days before the season starts, but he’ll be in peak shape and should have little trouble acclimating. General Henri Jokiharju manager and coach Ralph Krueger have spent the Brandon Montour offseason talking him up, so Cozens has the inside track at a starting job. Colin Miller It would be a surprise, but the Sabres could send the 19-year-old back to junior hockey. The and Cozens’ Lethbridge Will Borgen Hurricanes are scheduled to begin Jan. 8. Cozens has nothing left to Oskari Laaksonen prove in the WHL, but at least it would be somewhere to play. He’s not eligible for the AHL. Casey Nelson

Okposo is back for the fifth year of his seven-year contract. As a member Casey Fitzgerald of the checking line, he had nine goals and 19 points in 52 games. Those numbers aren’t worth $6 million per season. But Okposo was fourth on The position remains overloaded, but questions remain about its the Sabres in goals and points per 60 minutes, so the 32-year-old effectiveness. produces with the limited role he’s given. Ristolainen, Jokiharju, Montour and Miller are locks. With Montour The Sabres want to find a spot for Thompson, who signed a three-year expected to shift left, the other three will jockey for minutes while fighting deal during the offseason. He’s played almost equally at left wing and off Borgen. right during his career, so he could compete with Rieder, Ruotsalainen If Dahlin’s minutes jump, so will his partner’s ice time. Last season, and Smith along with Cozens and Okposo. Dahlin played 356 minutes with Miller, 265 with Montour, 103 with Thompson seems poised for a breakout campaign, but the 23-year-old Jokiharju and 91 with Ristolainen. A similar breakdown would be a big has plenty to prove. He hasn’t played a game in more than a year. He break for Miller. suffered a season-ending shoulder injury during his only appearance with The defenseman had a rough first season in Buffalo. Miller was the Sabres on Nov. 17, 2019. Any momentum gained by a stellar start in scratched 18 times, saw his total plummet from 29 to 11 and had Rochester has been lost. He’s been training hard, but there will his minutes dwindle from 19:39 to 17:08. The 28-year-old has a big camp undoubtedly be rust when camp opens. ahead. Oglevie led the Amerks in goals last season and will get a look, but he’s Ristolainen will anchor the second power-play unit and the second got a lot of hurdles to clear to earn a spot. pairing. Jokiharju, like the Sabres, had a better first half than second. He Buffalo: Reinhart, Olofsson, Cozens, Okposo, Thompson. averaged an extra minute per game from mid-December to the finish, but his numbers suffered. Still, the 21-year-old will be a regular at even Taxi: Oglevie. strength and on the penalty kill.

February changes: With only 1½ seasons of minor-league experience, Calls for Borgen will increase whenever anyone else struggles. Drafted Oglevie could use a few more games in Rochester. There are two extra along with Jack Eichel in 2015, he’ll be 24 when the season starts and forwards already on the roster plus Smith and Dea on our taxi squad, so has put in two full years with the Amerks. He’s the tough, stay-at-home no one else needs to be added. player the Sabres have lacked.

Left defense He’s also got a lot of people ahead of him on the depth chart.

Rasmus Dahlin Buffalo: Ristolainen, Jokiharju, Montour, Miller.

Jake McCabe Taxi: Borgen.

Matt Irwin February changes: None. At this point in his development, Borgen can learn more being around the Sabres than by spending another season in Jacob Bryson Rochester. Mattias Samuelsson Goalies Brandon Davidson Linus Ullmark Ryan Jones (AHL) Carter Hutton When detractors point to the Sabres, this is one of the two positions they Jonas Johansson question. Dustin Tokarski Dahlin should assume the role of No. 1 defenseman, playing big minutes at even strength and on the power play. McCabe has bounced up and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen down the pairings for five years, and he’ll have a starting job. Michael Houser (AHL) Irwin seems ideally suited as the seventh D-man, which is the job he held in Nashville. That leaves a big hole. Simply put, the Sabres have too many goalies.

It’ll likely be filled again by Brandon Montour, who is right-handed. The In a normal year, six is the right number. Two for Buffalo, two for only one who can challenge him is Bryson. Rochester and two in Cincinnati. But the Cyclones have opted out of the ECHL this season, leaving the organization with significant decisions The 23-year-old had a nice first season in Rochester, finishing seventh ahead. among AHL rookie defensemen with 27 points in 61 games. In a sign of rapid maturity, most of his production came during the second half. At the top is where to play Luukkonen. The No. 1 goalie prospect was Bryson had four goals and 16 points in the final 21 games, giving the scheduled to start in Rochester. He’s been getting much-needed minutes organization confidence that he can be the workhorse in Rochester or in Finland during the pause, and the Sabres could extend the loan to compete in Buffalo. TPS or find another squad since TPS recently started carrying three goalies. Buffalo: Dahlin, McCabe, Irwin. Ideally, the 21-year-old would develop under the watchful eye of the Sabres’ coaches, but these aren’t ideal times.

Ullmark enters as the unquestioned No. 1 for Buffalo, unseating Hutton. Ullmark will be an unrestricted free agent following the season, so it’s a make-or-break year for the 27-year-old.

Hutton is in line to serve as Ullmark’s backup, but Johansson will push for the No. 2 job. Adding intrigue is Johansson’s contract status. The 25- year-old needs to play at least 30 minutes in 23 games to remain Sabres property. If Johansson fails to meet those marks, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent, unless the NHL and the players’ association change the CBA because of a shortened season.

In addition to keeping Luukkonen overseas, there are other directions the Sabres can go.

They can put the top three in Buffalo, allowing Ullmark, Hutton and Johansson to share the crease while leaving Tokarski and Houser to split minutes in Rochester. The drawback is less practice work with two nets and three goalies.

They can keep Ullmark and one backup (either Hutton or Johansson), put Tokarski or Houser on the little-used taxi squad and let Luukkonen get big minutes in Rochester alongside Hutton or Johansson. The top two goalies in each city would play while the third gets limited practice time.

Buffalo: Ullmark, Hutton.

Taxi: Tokarski.

February changes: It depends on Hutton. If his freefall continues, the Sabres can send the veteran to the Amerks and make Johansson the backup.

The Sabres’ opening-night depth chart (not the lines and pairings) would look like this:

Hall-Eichel-Reinhart

Skinner-Staal-Olofsson

Girgensons-Eakin-Cozens

Rieder-Lazar-Okposo

Ruotsalainen–Thompson

Dahlin-Ristolainen

McCabe-Jokiharju

Irwin-Montour

-Miller

Ullmark

Hutton

First taxi squad: Asplund, Mittelstadt, Smith, Oglevie, Bryson, Borgen, Johansson

February taxi squad: Dea, Smith, Davidson, Borgen, Tokarski

The Athletic LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197067 Calgary Flames “A big part of this league is there’s competition every day,” Treliving said. “We think we’ve made ourselves deeper at the position, but a lot of it is these young guys taking that step and grabbing a hold of it. And I know Oliver will be hungry to come in and show what he’s got and be a Oliver Kylington re-signs with Flames, anxious to carve out regular role contributing factor.”

Based on the belief that an NHL needs several hundred games to fully develop, there is lots of untapped potential in the Wes Gilbertson youngster who wears No. 58 for the Flames. Publishing date:Dec 19, 2020 Kylington has some of intriguing tools.

“I think my upside at this point is still my skating abilities and how I can The Calgary Flames found a little loot for Oliver Kylington, signing the defend with my feet and how I can jump into plays and how I can move restricted free-agent defenceman to a one-year contract that squeezes the puck and be effective moving up the ice and be a 200-foot them quite close to the salary-cap ceiling. defenceman that can be relied upon offensively and defensively,” he said. “I think that they think I can deliver that and I just need to prove Question is, can they find a spot in the lineup for him? them and myself that I can be that type of player.”

Or, better yet, can the 23-year-old force them to? Friday’s signing, according to the number crunchers at Puck Pedia, leaves the Flames with $223,000 and change in available cap space. “I’m grateful the Flames want me back,” Kylington said Friday after signing his qualifying offer — a one-year, two-way pact with a salary-cap Calgary Sun: LOADED: 12.19.2020 hit of US$787,500 at the highest level. “They have been supportive and really shown me that they believe in me and want me to grow and to take the next step in my career.”

With the NHL and NHLPA tentatively agreeing to a Jan. 13 puck-drop, Kylington won’t have to wait much longer to show that he’s ready to do just that. If the plan for a 56-game season is approved by both sides, training camp for most squads would open Jan. 3.

Kylington has so far logged 87 appearances at in the Flaming C, including a career-high 48 last winter, but the smooth-skating Swede has yet to suit up for a playoff date. In back-to-back campaigns, he’s been bumped down the depth chart after the trade deadline.

Right now, many have Kylington slotted as Calgary’s seventh defenceman for the 2021 season. He will have to outplay free-agent addition Nikita Nesterov — among others — if he wants to be an every- nighter on the third pair.

Kylington admitted “it’s been difficult and it’s been frustrating” to be limited to spare-part duties down the stretch in the past two seasons, but sounded Friday like a guy who had put that in his rearview mirror and is anxious to prove he can be trusted in crucial contests.

“I’ve been having conversations with Brad (Treliving, the Flames’ general manager), talking and having open honesty. I think we’ve had good dialogue,” said Kylington, with five goals and 15 points on his career stat- sheet so far. “I think from both parts, we want to make this happen and we want to see if this could be something that could last in the future.

“I think my mindset is just to grow more and obviously earn, but also get more opportunity to be the player that I know I can be. I think they’ve shown that they want that, and I think I just need to deliver. I know that a lot of stuff is on me. Still, I need to grab that opportunity and deliver the things they want to see.”

Treliving stressed after Friday’s signing — and before word that the NHL and NHLPA have struck a tentative deal — that he’s seen plenty of improvement from Kylington in his five seasons of pro hockey, saying “he’s progressed in every facet of his game.”

“The one thing with Oliver, he’s always been a really hungry player,” Treliving praised. “He’s very confident in his abilities. You never have to worry about him putting in work. He’s a guy who takes his craft seriously. He trains hard. He looks after himself. He’s a really, really committed athlete. A great kid. Coachable.

“I see him as a guy who has progressed, continues to develop, is motivated and hungry for more. Now, whenever we do get started, he’ll be fighting for as much ice time and role and responsibility as he can.”

The Flames have five presumed locks on the blue-line — left-handers Mark Giordano, Noah Hanifin and Juuso Valimaki and righties Rasmus Andersson and Chris Tanev.

Among those in the mix for the remaining jobs are Kylington and Nesterov, plus Connor Mackey, Alex Petrovic and Alexander Yelesin.

Kylington, Nesterov and Mackey are lefties, but should all have an opportunity to audition on the off-side. Valimaki also worked on the right for some of his loan to Tampereen Ilves in Finland’s . 1197068 Calgary Flames

Flames announce $200,000 donation to ALS research through Snowy Strong campaign

Publishing date:Dec 18, 2020

STAFF

One year after revealing his ALS diagnosis, Calgary Flames assistant general manager Chris Snow was marking a significant donation to find a cure for the disease.

The Flames Foundation announced Friday that $200,000 — funds raised through the Snowy Strong campaign and the #TrickShot4Snowy challenge — would be directed to ALS research at Sunnybrook’s Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program in Toronto.

Snow, a 39-year-old father of two, has been part of a ground-breaking gene therapy trial at Sunnybrook.

This funding, according to a team-issued release, is earmarked to support “an innovative, world-first clinical trial scheduled to begin in 2021.”

“Chris is alive today because of scientific research and the unselfish efforts of those who came before us to accelerate the path to a cure,” the Snow family said in a statement. “This diagnosis was a death sentence for Chris’ father, uncles and cousin. Today is about honouring them and continuing to change the narrative of what it means to be diagnosed with ALS.

“Today is equally about all of you who have donated. You have given us greater purpose, heightened our hope and formed a community that supports and drives us every day. We are not done. We view this as only one year of many to come to pay forward our good fortune.”

To date, the Snowy Strong campaign has raised more than $265,000, with about $63,000 of that going to the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine.

Calgary Sun: LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197069 Calgary Flames that season it would be that game against the Kings right before the Christmas break. The Flames had lost eight in a row and really needed to win that game to stop the bleeding and go into the break on at least a bit of a high note. They were down 3-0 in that game and he ends up scoring 20 to ’20: Calgary's sporting icons of the 2000s so far — Johnny a hat-trick, including a couple of late goals to tie it before Mark Giordano Gaudreau wins it (in ). He just has that ability to bring you out of your seat and when you need him to do something, he’s quite often done that for

this team. Wes Gilbertson “There have certainly been some ups and downs in Johnny’s career. But Publishing date:Dec 18, 2020 every single night, I go to the rink and I wonder what he’s going to do next. And that is pretty exciting.”

Added Giordano, who’s admittedly grown accustomed to Gaudreau’s As 2020 winds to a close, Postmedia’s Wes Gilbertson has been profiling offensive wizardry: “It’s hard to do what he does — literally every shift, Calgary’s sporting icons of the 2000s so far. This is the final story in the he’s creating something, it seems like. He’s making a play or making a series. move that makes you shake your head. I think, sometimes, when you play with a guy for so long, you can sort of get used to it. Which you One, now retired, was famous as a finisher. shouldn’t. I mean, I’ve never played with a guy as dynamic as Johnny in The other, now in the prime of his career, is celebrated mostly for his my career, and I haven’t played against too many.” highlight-reel assists, his how-the-heck-did-he-see-that setup skills. With 445 points, Gaudreau has already ascended to ninth on Calgary’s Every Calgary Flames fan has, at one time or other, imagined what it all-time charts — not too shabby for a guy that many figured was too might have been like if they’d skated side-by-side. small to survive, let alone thrive, at the NHL level. Based on his career clip, he’d climb to fifth in franchise lore before his current contract is up in The ace passer, Johnny Gaudreau, pondered it too. In fact, he two years. apparently mentioned a few years back that he’d happily do the dishing if local legend Jarome Iginla wanted to return to the Saddledome to add to In each of his six campaigns so far, his No. 13 jersey has been at or near his franchise-record scoring stats. the top of the list of best-sellers at the Saddledome.

“I know Connie (Craig Conroy) is really good friends with him and I was He hears the criticism. But he’s heard the roars, too. (Prior to the like, ‘You’ve gotta get Iggy here. That would be awesome. Put him on my pandemic, of course.) The volume at the rink seems to rise whenever the line. I’ll play with him. Me and Monny (Sean Monahan) will play with him,’ speedy left- scoots through the neutral zone or has the puck on his ” Gaudreau said. “I was trying to push for that. It ended up not working, tape in enemy territory. but I thought that would have been special for him but also us young “Growing up, every kid’s dream is to play in front of a ton of fans in a guys. Just to play with a player like that, it would have been really cool. huge arena for an NHL team, with the fans all cheering for you. I just try “It didn’t work out, but you could just tell from that Minnesota game how not to take it for granted,” said Gaudreau, who hails from Carneys Point, much the fans love him in Calgary.” N.J. “I try to bring some energy every night to the game. Our fan-base is awesome, and I just try to do something special for them every night. Ah yes … that Minnesota game is how the conversation turned to this Sometimes it doesn’t happen, but it’s always good when you make a play topic. or score a goal and you hear the crowd cheering for you and sometimes Gaudreau, asked to pinpoint the loudest moment of his six seasons at calling your name.” the Saddledome, is scanning his memory. You wouldn’t expect an early- Iginla, recently inducted to the , hasn’t been in the March meeting against the notoriously dull Minnesota Wild to be on the Saddledome since that goosebumps-worthy jersey-retirement ceremony short-list but on this evening, with Iginla having his No. 12 raised to the in March 2019 but has often admired Gaudreau’s handiwork from afar. rafters, the decibel level was cranked. “I really like his creativity and some of the neat things he does in the “That night with Iggy, that was insane,” Gaudreau recalled. “The whole game,” Iginla praised. “It’s the old eyes-in-the-back-of-your-head type of barn was packed to see Iggy, and we hadn’t even gone out for warm-ups thing. He can see the passes. He has that high of a skill level where he yet. And, thankfully, we were playing a team from the States, so you can have his head up all the time and slow the game down, but all of a could hear them say ‘C!’ and ‘Red!’ in the U.S. national anthem. sudden he can just speed it up too.

“It was just really cool to be a part of that, because you can tell how much “When he’s feeling good and he’s confident, he’s as fun to watch as the fans love him here. There are still more Iginla jerseys than any other anyone out there.” jersey, I think. It’s awesome what he’s done and as younger players, just try to kind of follow his footsteps — do right in the community, play hard Perhaps, come 2040, a local writer will be crafting a list of Calgary’s on the ice and try to win a Stanley Cup for the people of Calgary.” sporting icons of the past 20 years.

As we wrap this feature series on Calgary’s sporting icons of the 2000s, Among pucksters, Tkachuk certainly has the early makings of a franchise much of Gaudreau’s story is still to be written. icon.

At 27, he has a lot of hockey left in him, but he has faced growing If prized free-agent signing Jacob Markstrom can provide Vezina-calibre criticism for his failure to be an impact sort in the playoffs. After another goaltending for the foreseeable future, he’ll join a short list of beloved first-round exit this past summer, some have suggested it’s time for the backstops. Flames to trade away No. 13. And although some are currently down on Gaudreau after another Whatever the future holds, this much is already certain … After Iginla’s underwhelming post-season showing, there is plenty of time to solidify departure, this team was desperate for both skill and star-power, for his status as one of the Flames’ all-time greats. somebody who would create a buzz in the building and give folks A banner-raising would do it, especially if he proved to be a clutch spring something to gab on the CTrain on their ride home. Johnny Hockey, right contributor. from his rookie campaign, has been that guy, even if Matthew Tkachuk has perhaps emerged as the favouritest-of-Flames over the past couple “Ever since I’ve been there, the amount of support that we get, it’s crazy of winters. to me,” Gaudreau said. “Anywhere I go in the city, people are talking about our team. Even the years that we weren’t doing well, we’d still got “From the first moment that I saw him with my own two eyes at the a ton of support. Young Stars Classic in Penticton back in 2014, Johnny just has this ability to bring you out of your seat,” said Derek Wills, the radio play-by- “So I think it would be really special for us to bring one back for the city. I play voice for Sportsnet 960 The Fan. “And I stand to calls games, but he know it’s been a while. I know the guys really want to do it and I think it’d gets me on my toes and makes me wonder what he’s going to do next. be really special for the city to win one, so we’re going to do everything we can.” “I think that first season back in 2014-15, he caught a lot of people by surprise. If I had to pick one moment that jumps out to me, certainly from JOHNNY GAUDREAU

Remember me for …

Simply put, Johnny Hockey is one of the most electrifying offensive talents in the NHL. The undersized puck-whiz has averaged close to a point-per-game so far in his career with the Calgary Flames.

Oh and another thing …

Gaudreau had made five straight trips to the NHL All-Star Game before that streak of invites was snapped last season.

Staggering stat …

445 — Since scoring in his debut in the final game of the 2013-14 campaign, Gaudreau has racked up 151 goals and 294 assists in the Flaming C. He has produced 68 points more than any teammate over that same span.

These days …

Despite off-season trade speculation, the 27-year-old Gaudreau — recently engaged to be married — remains one of the go-to guys at the Saddledome.

He said it …

“It’s awesome when you get to walk in and you see your jersey in warm- ups everywhere and you can tell how much the city really enjoys your play and loves having you in their city and playing for their team, and I’ll never take that for granted. I think it’s pretty special.”

Calgary Sun: LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197070 Carolina Hurricanes

The NHL could play a 56-game regular season. When might it start?

BY CHIP ALEXANDER

DECEMBER 18, 2020 08:21 PM,

The National Hockey League is ready to return and play hockey again.

The NHL and the NHL Players Association have reached a tentative agreement to start a new season in 2021, deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed in an email to The News & Observer Friday. Daly said the deal was pending approval of the executive boards of the league and the players.

The NHL would play a 56-game schedule, it was reported by the TSN media outlet in Canada and website Sportsnet. The season will begin Jan. 13, with preseason training camps to open Jan. 3, pending final approval from the league and players.

Everything remains tentative, in that changing conditions with the pandemic and a surge in coronavirus cases could result in a delay or other disruptions. But the plan is to play.

No final decision has been reached on the makeup of the divisions, it was reported. There have been media reports about an all-Canada division because of Canadian travel restrictions during the pandemic, the N&O previously reported. It also was reported Friday that teams could have a “taxi squad” similar to an NFL practice squad in addition to the 23- man rosters.

Elliotte Friedman of Hockey Night in Canada reported Friday that the Stanley Cup playoffs would be be made up of the top four teams in each of four divisions.

The NHL paused the 2019-20 season in March when it became unsafe to continue during the pandemic. The league’s decision came after the NBA suspended its season, and other leagues soon followed.

The NHL and NHLPA agreed in July to a new collective bargaining agreement and a “Return to Play” format that allowed the league to have a postseason and close out 2019-20. Twenty-four teams began play in two bubble cities, Toronto and Edmonton, and the Stanley Cup was won by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The seven teams that were not in the 2020 postseason will be allowed to open their training camps Dec. 31, it was reported.

The NHL last agreed to an abbreviated schedule in 2012-13, when there was a lockout before a new CBA was approved. The teams played 48 games in the regular season before the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Hurricanes have reached the playoffs the past two seasons and were eliminated both times by the Boston Bruins. The Canes have made few changes to their roster since losing to Boston in Toronto, adding free- agent forward Jesper Fast.

News Observer LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197071 Carolina Hurricanes

Hurricanes sign defenseman Roland McKeown to one-year, two-way contract

BY CHIP ALEXANDER

DECEMBER 18, 2020 05:25 PM

Charlotte Checkers Roland McKeown celebrates a goal against the Chicago Wolvesin June 1, 2019 at in Charlotte..

The Carolina Hurricanes announced Friday they had signed defenseman Roland McKeown to a one-year, two-way contract that will pay him $700,000 on the NHL level or $100,000 on the American Hockey League level this season.

The Canes also have loaned McKeown to Skelleftea AIK of the .

“Roland had a solid season in the AHL last season and it is important that he get back on the ice to continue his development,” Canes president and general manager said in a statement. “Playing in the Swedish league is a great opportunity for him to do just that.”

McKeown, 24, had 24 points (4 goals, 20 assists) in 61 games and served as team captain for the AHL’s in 2019-20.

McKeown has 84 points in 271 career AHL games with Charlotte. He made his NHL debut on Nov. 4, 2017 at Arizona and has played 10 career NHL games with Carolina.

News Observer LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197072 Carolina Hurricanes Those highlights and many others make me believe in Ponomaryov/Ponomarev (according to Elite Prospects, his last name could be spelled both ways in English) as someone who has mastered the zone transition and flow of the current game. It looks like he gets it, A Hurricanes fan’s guide to the WJC and what to expect from their and Burke agrees so aggressively that he actually asked me if he could prospects take a nap before giving me his full thoughts.

Burke’s take: This kid’s got one hell of a motor. His effort is never in question. As we saw at the World Junior A Challenge, he’s pretty creative By Sara Civian Dec 18, 2020 and gifted as a puckhandler when he’s got some talent to play with, too. He’s a playmaking two-way forward. Has a bit of a throwback skating stride; he recovers wide and is a bit top-heavy. That said, Ponomaryov’s If you’re a bored Hurricanes fan, the 2021 world juniors lineup panned activity rate is so high that it barely matters. out pretty well. Sold. While the Canes aren’t the Kings, who lead the NHL with nine prospects in the Dec. 25-Jan. 5 tournament, Carolina has four prospects Noel Gunler: Team Sweden representing three different countries this year. That means you’ll have I don’t know about you, but every time I think about Noel Gunler, I think four countries to take an interest in if you so choose: Ryan Suzuki about everyone on Twitter saying “Of COURSE the Canes got him 41st representing Canada, Vasiliy Ponomarev representing Russia, Noel overall.” Gunler and Zion Nybeck representing Sweden and the U.S. representing your potential bragging rights. The 19-year-old Swedish winger had 13 points (4 goals, 9 assists) in 45 games with the SHL’s Lulea in 2019-20 — good for sixth among the There are several time-honored traditions when it comes to this SHL’s rookies. tournament, first and foremost being the stress of figuring out how to even watch it in the U.S. In some unbelievable holiday miracle, NHL Being the genius that I am, I know that it’s generally good to play in the Network is actually airing all of the world juniors games for the first time SHL at a young age and that stats don’t tell the whole story. So at the ever. And for the first time ever, some of us are remembering why we time I was confused on if the Twitter fodder was a good or bad thing: pay for NHL Network. I later found out it was both, and that’s what makes it Canes-y. High risk, I recruited Elite Prospects‘ NHL Draft and Prospect expert J.D. Burke to high reward. give us a different perspective on the four Hurricanes prospects living out their childhood dreams. I always like getting Burke’s perspective because People had Gunler anywhere from Top 15 (bold) to early 30s, but not he’s extremely plugged in and gives credit where it’s due without holding many had him still available at 41. So a phenomenon we need to start back on the bad stuff. Yesterday he ranked the Hurricanes’ prospect pool calling the Canes Occam’s Razor happened, where they pick the best No. 4 overall in a very fun read, and you can check out his and co-host value player late in the game and everyone’s like “OF COURSE!” Craig Button’s recent, in-depth interview with Hurricanes director of I picture general manager Don Waddell (always been good at drafting, player personnel, Darren Yorke. FWIW), Yorke and vice president of hockey management and strategy Ryan Suzuki: Team Canada Eric Tulsky staring at the camera like Jim Halpert. Then I picture owner Tom Dundon running up and down the hallway in a tracksuit just elated it I’ll admit Suzuki is the Canes prospect I’m keeping the closest eye on wasn’t a defenseman. during the tournament, partially due to how close he is to getting a crack at an NHL career (and his potential in that context), partially because of Anyways, the Canes recently hired former Dobber Prospects head of Scott Wheeler’s piece. The Canes picked the now-19-year-old center European scouting Jokke Nevalainen as an amateur scout. He wrote 28th overall in the 2019 draft. His confidence immediately struck me about Gunler ahead of the draft (and ahead of his hiring): “Gunler has an when I asked him to scout himself and he said, “I like to be electric out incredible ability to score goals in different ways because of his elite there.” release and ability to shoot the puck. It doesn’t matter if it’s a wrist shot, a snap shot or a one-time slap shot, Gunler’s shots are hard and accurate, Same. and he doesn’t need much time or space to get them off his blade.”

After a slow-ish start in the OHL (for him) and a gruesome eye injury Burke’s take: “You’ll be hard-pressed to find any two scouts who think detailed in Wheeler’s piece, Suzuki was traded from the to similarly of Noel Gunler. He’s a bit of an enigma that way. Depending on the Saginaw Spirit. He took off and ended up with 58 points (18 goals, 40 who one asks, he’s either a surefire bet to play top-six minutes in the assists) in 44 games. NHL or a lost cause destined for a productive career in Europe, with very little happening in-between. If pressed, I would lean towards the former Burke’s take: “Suzuki’s development seemed to plateau a bit last season, camp. Gunler’s got a wicked shot. It’s the most consistent component of but it’s fair to wonder how much of that can be traced back to the major his game. Even when his work rate wanes, which is often, that shot is eye injury he suffered and has since remedied. Concerns about his work there as an ever-present threat that demands the opposition’s attention. rate and game-to-game consistency linger among the scouting He’s shy of contact with the puck on his stick, and often makes panicked community, but he’s doubtless one of the more creative rush distributors plays as a result. He’s all over the place defensively, alternating between outside of the NHL. The problem is, he’s so committed to being a launching himself at opponents in a straight-line or just wandering playmaker that he often passes up Grade-A scoring chance opportunities aimlessly — neither method is especially effective. His skating needs himself. He’s about an above-average NHL skater, and his puckhandling work, particularly his stride recovery. His off-of-the-puck instincts are checks in at about that range, too. This tournament will offer a nice excellent, when he’s fully engaged, but that’s not nearly often enough. opportunity to see him in a post-eye injury context.” Noel Gunler’s game: It’s a land of contrasts.” Now, it’s well-known in the world of NHL prospects media that Burke isn’t In conclusion: The Absolute Canes the biggest Suzuki fan out there, but I appreciate that even more since I and many of you are already sold on him. We now have a solid list of Zion Nybeck: Team Sweden things to consider when we watch him play. As discussed above, I know the Hurricanes’ prospect brains are among Vasily Ponomaryov: Team Russia the best in the league. But nothing will convince me they didn’t at least joke about Zion Williamson while selecting 18-year-old left-wing Zion Ponomaryov, an 18-year-old center drafted 53rd overall in 2020, has Nybeck 115th overall in the 2020 draft. Will a 5-foot-8, 18-year-old stroll registered nine points (5 goals, 4 assists) in nine games with the into Raleigh and land a shoe deal with Nike? No. But at least that shoe Shawinigan Cataractes of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League this won’t explode mid-game — there go the Canes, crushing it with their big season, after tallying 49 points (18 goals, 31 assists) in 57 games in brains once again. How do they do it?! 2019-20. The cool thing about Nybeck is his prior performance on the world stage: I’ve never hidden how unimpressed I am when people tear it up in the Q, He recorded five points (2 goals, 3 assists) in seven games at the 2019 so let’s look at some highlights with conveniently funky background Under-18 World Championship — the one where Sweden won the gold music. medal. Burke’s take: “There are some really interesting qualities to Nybeck’s The Athletic LOADED: 12.19.2020 game. He’s an excellent distributor, with a great sense of patience and timing with the puck on his stick. The problem is, that patience sometimes turns to passivity, and that lack of pace stands as a major hurdle en route to the NHL. Likewise, his skating just isn’t good enough for a player his size. There aren’t many 5-foot-8 playmakers with average skating strides playing NHL minutes on the wing, and I’m not especially sold on Nybeck’s ability to buck the trend.”

Here are all the games you’ll want to watch that will feature Hurricanes prospects in Eastern time:

Sunday, December 20 — Exhibition Play

6 p.m. — Team USA vs. Switzerland

Monday, December 21 — Exhibition Play

6 p.m. — Sweden vs. Canada

9:30 p.m. — Russia vs.

Tuesday, December 22 — Exhibition Play

6 p.m. — Finland vs. Team USA

9:30 p.m. — Switzerland vs. Sweden

Wednesday, December 23 — Exhibition Play

6 p.m. — Canada vs. Russia

Friday, December 25

9:30 p.m. — Russia vs. Team USA

Saturday, December 26

2 p.m. — Sweden vs. Czech Republic

6 p.m. — Germany vs. Canada

9:30 p.m. — Team USA vs. Austria

Sunday, December 27

6 p.m. — Slovakia vs. Canada

9:30 p.m. — Czech Republic vs. Russia

Monday, December 28

6 p.m. — Austria vs. Sweden

Tuesday, December 29

2 p.m. — Team USA vs. Czech Republic

6 p.m. — Canada vs. Switzerland

9:30 p.m. — Austria vs. Russia

Wednesday, December 30

9:30 p.m. — Russia vs. Sweden

Thursday, December 31

6 p.m. — Canada vs. Finland

9:30 p.m. — Sweden vs. Team USA

Saturday, January 2

Noon — Quarterfinal: TBD

3:30 p.m. — Quarterfinal: TBD

7 p.m. — Quarterfinal: TBD

10:30 p.m. — Quarterfinal: TBD

Monday, January 4

6 p.m. — Semifinal: TBD

9:30 p.m. — Semifinal: TB

Tuesday, January 5

5:30 p.m. — Bronze Medal Game: TBD

9:30 p.m. — Gold Medal Game: TBD 1197073 Chicago Blackhawks Blackhawks center Kirby Dach skates during practice on July 13, 2020, at Fifth Third Arena in Chicago.

Bowman will be judged by the growth of a crop of young prospects, but 3 things we heard from Chicago Blackhawks President Stan Bowman, that strategy has to be balanced with veterans. including holding off on the playoff talk and ‘climbing our way back up “They’re the ones that are going to be carrying the load while we that mountain’ incorporate young players,” he said. “This year, we want one or two (young) guys who really didn’t factor much last year to become more household names, and the same in the coming years. That would be By PHIL THOMPSON probably the best way to measure if we’re on the right track.”

DEC 18, 2020 AT 3:01 PM Bowman said he expects the veterans, some with Stanley Cup championship experience, to at least maintain their level of play while a

few younger players are added to the mix. The Chicago Blackhawks gave general manager Stan Bowman the “If you look at our team next year and compare it to the team the year additional role of president of hockey operations this week, but he said after, we need to have that infusion of young talent,” he said. “Once we Friday that the new title doesn’t change his daily world a great deal. do that over a year or two or three, we’re going to have a pretty strong “Probably the biggest change is looking forward with the way that I foundation to support those veterans. So as far as the progression of our operate more internally,” Bowman told reporters Friday in a team, that’s how I would see it going in the coming years.” videoconference call. “Hockey-wise, for the most part, things are going to 2. There are no shortcuts as the Hawks ‘climb the mountain’ again. continue on the way they’ve been. But part of a new role and leadership is to really play an active role in the development of your staff.” Bowman made a point about not comparing the 2014 Hawks with the 2020 Hawks. In 2014, a veteran-laden team was ramping up to win the Still, new CEO Danny Wirtz said he promoted Bowman to president not 2015 Stanley Cup, their third in six years. only to develop and elevate young, new voices within the organization but because he expects Bowman to bring fresh ideas to hockey as part “Clearly we were in a different stage of the life cycle of an organization,” of an organizationwide mission to do things differently. he said.

However, Wirtz said Thursday that he’s on board with the roster The Hawks haven’t made it past the first round of the playoffs since then, revolution Bowman already has initiated as well as the long-term strategy and their postseason berth this summer came as a result of the NFL Bowman envisions to get the Hawks back to an elite level — and stay expanding the field because of special circumstances after the COVID-19 there. pandemic interrupted of the season.

Wirtz said the front-office shakeup — he also hired former consultant Despite winning a series against the Edmonton Oilers in the qualifying Jaime Faulkner to run business operations — gives Bowman a “clean round, no one’s mistaking the Hawks as a playoff threat next season. sheet” and allows the Hawks to “build positions from scratch and make sure we have the right structure in place and responsibilities. Perhaps Bowman has a new outlook on sustainability after 2015. He has taken a lot of heat for taking on bad veteran contracts and trading away General manager Stan Bowman watches Blackhawks practice before emerging stars such as Artemi Panarin and Teuvo Teravainen as the their season opener against the Flyers on Oct. 2, 2019, in Prague. Hawks seem to be in a perpetual salary-cap crunch.

“In many ways,” Wirtz said, “(it’s) not a huge departure, the way in which COVID-19 likely will keep the NHL cap flat for at least the next two it’s structured to give accountability, complete line of sight, support and seasons, so the Hawks might need to be even more frugal and do more empowerment from us to lead the hockey operations,” which includes to hold on to their young stars. drafting and developing prospects, managing the salary cap and administrative work. Bowman acknowledged it’s difficult to develop youth and be competitive, “but you have to make an effort to continually invest in younger players.” “(Bowman) has the accountability and he’s empowered to go and make the decisions to get our team back to elite level.” “Looking back, we want to do even more of (that),” he said “So we’re climbing the mountain. We were at the top of the mountain for a while, Even if it’s not spelled out on paper, Bowman is armed with additional we dropped down, and now we’re climbing our way back up that support from up top. mountain to be an elite team.

The Wirtz family isn’t asking Bowman to hire a general manager under him, and Bowman said he’s not looking make such a move — at least for now. “Once we’ve reached that point, we want to maintain it for a number of years. To do that we have to really rely on the continual infusion of young “Hockey-wise, it’s certainly nice to know that you’re going to be able to players — even as you’re excelling and even as you’re a top team. That’s play out your vision as you want going forward,” Bowman, 47, said. something that’s going to be paramount in the coming years.”

He delved into how an organizational reboot will his affect his job for 3. Bowman is hungry to figure out the Hawks ‘puzzle.’ seasons to come. Wirtz used some version of “hunger” or “hungry” four times Thursday in Want to talk hockey? Join our Blackhawks Fans group and sound off. reference to Bowman.

Sign up for our Blackhawks alerts on your phone, desktop and inbox to “You can bring new for sake of new or you can work with existing folks stay current with the latest news. who have a hunger to grow,” Wirtz said, for example.

1. Let’s put a pin in the playoff talk. Bowman said he loves the challenge of rebuilding the team into a contender. Wirtz shied away from giving a “time horizon” to get back to the playoffs, focusing instead on building a long-term contender, and Bowman’s “Honestly, that’s even more fun sometimes,” he said. “The maintaining of comments Friday tracked with that philosophy. it is not as much (fun) for me personally than the challenge of what’s ahead. “That’s something that’s hard to pinpoint an exact number or answer to that question,” Bowman said Friday. “The way I would answer is, we “When we’re facing difficulty and a puzzle on how we’re going to put this want to develop young players so they can take steps forward in the back together, that what gets me really excited and it gets me energized.” coming years. Chicago Tribune LOADED: 12.19.2020 “We saw a glimpse of that last year with a couple young players taking a step forward — Kirby Dach in particular, but even Adam Boqvist, two teenagers coming into the NHL and becoming regular players on our team.” 1197074 Chicago Blackhawks When the Hawks encamped in Edmonton in late July, Danny Wirtz joined them, and he and Bowman had three weeks mainly holed up in a hotel and Rogers Place to pick each other’s brains and get familiar with one another. Column: Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman expanded his power by convincing the Wirtzes he can reinvent himself. But by what standard will Wirtz also got an in-person view of future core players such as Kirby he be held accountable? Dach and Adam Boqvist in a playoff setting and stood next to Bowman as he explained how they and others fit into his grand strategy for the future.

By PHIL THOMPSON What Bowman told reporters in late August is even more illuminating now. DEC 18, 2020 AT 8:00 AM “(We) hadn’t had the opportunity to spend that much time with him

leading up to it,” Bowman said in August. “To spend over three weeks The king is dead, long live the king! every day, multiple hours per day with him, it was great for me, really learned a lot. I was able to shed light on, pull back the curtain, on some I was puzzled when I first heard that saying as a youth. Who wishes long of the day-to-day (operations). You see what’s behind some of the life for a dead king? decisions and how things play out.

I came to understand it was a declaration that a monarch has died and “Talking to Danny, he found that very helpful. As far as philosophically, his heir has succeeded him. (we) had a number of conversations. I think we touched on almost everything.” In one of the greatest feats of his 19 years with the Chicago Blackhawks, Stan Bowman somehow has become one and the same: predecessor From those talks, Wirtz gained an understanding of Bowman’s thought and successor. process and gave him the nudge — perhaps even the OK — to be more publicly transparent about rebuilding. “New Stan” subsequently went on a Who was the first general manager to win three Stanley Cup titles in the media tour and talked about the roster reconstruction with anyone who salary-cap era but since the last one in 2015 presided over a team that would listen. was eliminated in the first round or missed the playoffs entirely until the NHL’s COVID-19 reset gifted them a berth in this summer’s 24-team Wirtz said Bowman’s openness to change is part a combination of factors play-in field? that contributed to why he tapped Bowman to lead hockey operations.

Bowman. “Stan has set forth a vision for where he wants to take the organization and the hockey team (and) a system to get us there,” Wirtz said. “And And as former interim president and newly minted CEO Danny Wirtz set he’s been obviously very transparent in the last couple of months about a out to establish a new “vision” for the franchise, who would be his hire to more development approach to rebuilding this organization, to balance “re-imagine the potential of hockey” on and off the ice as president of our amazing core talent but also bringing in those young players. That is hockey operations? in motion. That is a process that was started several years ago that is in Bowman. motion right now.

How can that be? John McDonough was cast aside in April because his “So for me it was more about insuring that he is positioned properly to philosophies and ideas, though innovative for their time, represented a lead. This isn’t a reward for 2010. This is about he is the one in the seat traditional way of thinking — or at least rooted in the present — and the right now, driving this current strategy to get us back to that elite level. Wirtz family wanted to cast their gaze on the future. That’s really what went into it. We have a lot of trust in Stan.

Bowman was as much a part of the “establishment” Hawks as “His knowledge is great and he’s a growth-minded leader. … A lot of McDonough, Bowman’s mentor in many respects, but two things worked people that have had success, that becomes the stopping point. They in Bowman’s favor: the rebuild he initially refused to call a rebuild and the stop and they rely on that. The encouraging thing for us with Stan is that ability to sell that both he and the Hawks can experience a that is a great piece of his history, but his work is not done and he is not metamorphosis. satisfied with just the previous success. He’s hungry for more. He’s hungry to grow as a leader and he’s hungry to contribute another When Wirtz addressed the Chicago media in a Thursday championship team to the Chicago Blackhawks.” videoconference call, naturally several questions centered on why he thought Bowman, 11 years into the job as general manager, was the That begs the questions: What does that growth look like, and by when person to execute a new vision — not only to keep his current job but be does it need to happen? elevated to president of hockey operations with no new voices to act as a By what standard will Bowman be held accountable? check. Perhaps the answers reveal the most about Wirtz’s mindset: He’s not Wirtz, who was appointed to his role Wednesday by his father, team looking to give Bowman a quick hook if they don’t make the playoffs in Chairman , explained: “We wanted to be very thoughtful the near future. about making sure that it was a vision that frankly incorporated all aspects of the organization, both of hockey and business — and that’s to “It’s not as much a time-bound thing, but we are as competitive and re-imagine the potential of hockey and to build a culture that is highly anxious as anyone,” Wirtz said. “The important thing beyond time curious, that wants to grow and operates with a growth mindset. Those horizons is seeing improvements. We expect each year to build upon the are the real tenants of our new vision. last year and we want to make that as soon as possible. But we also want to be patient with the process.” “You can bring new for the sake of new, or you can work with existing folks who have a hungry curiosity to grow and learn and develop. And It’s more about “how long we can stay there (as a Cup contender) than that’s what I really took away from Stan was that he wasn’t satisfied. He how fast it will take for us to get there,” he continued. was not a finished product. He was interested in advancing himself, advancing our hockey operations. Wirtz admitted: “I understand it’s a hard position and fans — rightfully so — want to get there tomorrow. And we do too. It’s a combination of “He exhibited the kind of aspiration in thinking differently we’re looking to making sure we do it right but getting there in a time frame that makes embed it across all aspects. So those were a lot of the things that that led sense.” us specifically to Stan’s role and that he was the right person to still want to push forward and to reinvent how we do things on the hockey side.” However long the Hawks’ new world order lasts, long live the king.

In case you missed it, the reinvention already is in progress. Same as the old king.

Perhaps the unique circumstances of the pandemic shutdown and the Chicago Tribune LOADED: 12.19.2020 Edmonton bubble played a role in all this. 1197075 Chicago Blackhawks

Reports: NHL, NHLPA reach tentative agreement for 56-game schedule starting Jan. 13

By Ben Pope Dec 18, 2020, 7:35pm CST

The Blackhawks could be less than a month away from starting their 2021 season.

According to numerous reports, the NHL and the NHL Players Association reached a tentative agreement for the season’s format and rules Friday night.

Nothing will be official until the agreement is approved through a vote by both sides.

The tentative agreement reportedly calls for each team to play a 56- game regular season — with games taking place in home arenas — starting Jan. 13.

The Hawks and the 23 other teams who qualified for the 2020 playoffs in August will reportedly begin training camp Jan. 3, while the seven teams who did not will start Dec. 30 or 31.

Much of that general framework has likely been established for weeks, but the sides have been working out logistics about salary deferral — eventually sticking with a CBA modification settled over the summer — and pandemic-related adjustments.

One such adjustment, per reports, is that teams will be allowed to field a four- to six-player “taxi squad” in addition to their primary 23-man roster. Taxi-squad players will reportedly be paid AHL salaries, not count against the $81.5 million NHL salary cap, travel to road games with the team and be eligible for activation at any time if players on the main roster can’t play.

Additionally, players will reportedly be allowed to opt out of participating in the season if they have a family member at high risk for COVID-19. In that case, teams would be able to carry over the player’s contract for an additional year.

Friday’s reports did not contain information about a specific Hawks schedule or the opponents they will face this season.

The NHL will likely split teams into divisions and play all or mostly intra- divisional games, but projections for the eight-team Central Division have varied.

Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197076 Chicago Blackhawks building something. That’s something I was a part of in the past, and I’m excited to be a part of it now, as well.”

Wirtz has sensed that same exuberant drive for self-innovation within Stan Bowman’s new title as Blackhawks’ hockey operations president Bowman. He referenced it when defending his decision to not bring a brings challenge, accountability new set of eyes into the hockey-operations department — following three consecutive losing seasons — like he did with Faulkner in business operations.

By Ben Pope Dec 18, 2020, 1:29pm CST Given how Wirtz’s close relationship with Bowman has mainly formed just over the last eight months, perhaps a new light switch has clicked on

recently within the GM, even 11 years into his tenure. Stan Bowman, the Blackhawks’ general manager for the past 11 years, “You can bring in new for the sake of new, or you can work with existing added President of Hockey Operations to his titles this week. folks who have a hungry curiosity to grow and learn and develop,” Wirtz Stan Bowman received a promotion this week, but fans won’t said. “What I really took away from Stan was that he wasn’t satisfied. He immediately see many tangible changes in the Blackhawks’ roster or was not a finished product. He was interested in advancing himself, Bowman’s outward stature as a result. advancing our hockey operations. And so he exhibited just as much of the aspiration as we have on our business side.” The effects of his new title as president of hockey operations, on top of his retained general manager duties, will be more evident internally. The fact Bowman now holds both the GM and president titles doesn’t necessarily exclude him from hiring another GM to work underneath him “Hockey-wise, for the most part, things are going to continue on the way in the future, though. they’ve been,” Bowman said Friday. “But part of the new role and leadership is to play an active role in the development of your staff. One Wirtz said part of Bowman’s new powers will include hiring decisions of the things is we want to try to invest in a lot of new people in new within the department, and Bowman didn’t shoot down the proposal positions. [We] promoted a few younger people, and part of the job is to Friday as fiercely as he often does with ideas more popular in the fan guide them in the coming years so that they can expand their careers.” base than in the front office.

The Hawks’ front office shake-up Wednesday that promoted Bowman “That’s something we’ll look into in time,” Bowman said. “But for right and hired Jaime Faulkner opposite him only provided the topping on a now, we’re just sort of at a beginning stage of [the] next phase.” series of personnel shuffles. Strome talks still going The younger people Bowman referenced include the three newly Dylan Strome has been a restricted free agent for more than two months promoted assistant general mangers — Mark Eaton, Ryan Stewart and now, and it doesn’t sound like a contract resolution is imminent. Kyle Davidson — and newly promoted director of hockey administration Meghan Hunter. Part of Bowman’s new job apparently will be to mentor Bowman is continually talking with Strome’s new agent, Pat Morris, but them. doesn’t have any concrete updates.

But new CEO Danny Wirtz on Thursday described Bowman’s new role “Really nothing to report other than we’re negotiating with him and with different word choices, and one in particular stood out: hopeful that we’ll get that done,” he said. accountability. Morris echoed similar optimism when reached Friday night. “The way in which it’s structured is to give him the accountability, the complete line of sight and obviously the support and empowerment from “Still jockeying for position on this one,” he said. “[We] trust we will get it us,” Wirtz said. “He has the accountability, and he’s empowered to go done, as Dylan has been infinitely successful in Chicago.” and make the decisions and do the things we need to do to get our team Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 12.19.2020 back to that elite level.”

When John McDonough was president, he was rumored to meddle more than occasionally in trades, signings, draft picks and other player decisions that Bowman normally would have handled himself. Veteran coach , given his experience, had a say, too — as did longtime high-ranking executives such as Al MacIsaac.

Asked Thursday if Bowman lacked full control previously, Wirtz didn’t say yes, but he didn’t say no, either.

“I don’t know if it was a reflection on what he had or didn’t have in terms of control before,” Wirtz said. “But I do think that there’s a piece of reframing of what’s expected. And with that comes reframing your role, what you’re responsible and accountable for and what the expectations are.

“You want to give leaders the autonomy to make those decisions and hold them accountable for those decisions. So that’s really what it’s about more going forward, [rather] than trying to fix something that may or may not have been there before.”

Now McDonough and Quenneville are gone, and while MacIsaac, scouting director Mark Kelley and others remain, they rank below Bowman in the hierarchy. This presidency makes clear that he controls 100% of the decisions.

If the Hawks’ player moves work out favorably, Bowman deserves credit. And if they don’t, Bowman takes the blame.

It has, refreshingly, become that simple. And Bowman seems enlivened by it.

“I try to keep a more calm approach and demeanor,” he said. “But inside, I’m very determined, and I’m excited about the challenge ahead. It’s something I wake up excited to do. I love that . . . part of the business is 1197077 Chicago Blackhawks Because I can. Those are all issues for another day, though.

In the near term, Bowman now has more authority to reshape and rebuild Wirtz explains why Blackhawks believe so strongly in Bowman the Hawks the way he sees fit. Wirtz believes Bowman will succeed for myriad reasons, not the least of which are his competitiveness and drive.

John Dietz Bowman keeps the emotions that come with those traits close to the vest. Updated12/18/2020 1:41 PM But have no doubt. He says they are definitely there.

"I'm very determined, very focused and extremely competitive," Bowman Why? said. "I do this because I love what I do, and the challenge is what's exciting to me -- the challenge of building something. Honestly, that's That was the question that came to mind for many Blackhawks fans even more fun sometimes. when it was announced Stan Bowman was being promoted to president of hockey operations on Wednesday. "The maintaining of it is not as much fun for me personally as the challenge of what's ahead. ... When we're facing difficulty and a puzzle What has Bowman, who remains the general manager, done over the on how we're going to put this back together, that what gets me really past few years to add this prestigious title? After all, the Blackhawks -- excited and it gets me energized." who have won three Stanley Cups during Bowman's tenure and were the No. 1 seed in the West in 2017 -- have been on mostly a downward spiral Daily Herald Times LOADED: 12.19.2020 over the past three years.

The move was a curious one, so I decided to ask Danny Wirtz what went behind the decision.

After pausing to collect his thoughts for 10 seconds, Wirtz explained the Hawks' thinking. Here were his main points during a two-minute response:

• "(Bowman's) role in reshaping three Stanley Cup teams multiple times cannot be misunderstood or underappreciated."

• Bowman "has set forth a vision for where he wants to take the organization and the hockey team (and) a system to get us there."

• Bowman has been transparent with fans, players and ownership about the rebuilding that will be going on in the near term.

• Hawks ownership has "a lot of trust in Stan." Bowman won't rest on his laurels and desperately wants to take the team back to the top.

A decent answer by Wirtz, who was named CEO on Wednesday. Yet it's still one that leaves us wondering.

There is little doubt Bowman has experienced plenty of highs and lows as GM over the past 10 years. But the pitfalls -- the contract and the trade of Artemi Panarin being at the very top -- are so low that they over ride much of the good.

Having said that it's important to understand that former President John McDonough, who was fired in April, was not afraid to poke his nose into the hockey side of the business. He wanted to make the playoffs every season, even when the more prudent course was to take a step back, let young players develop and rebuild for a season or two.

Bowman was trying to manage a nightmare salary cap situation, create roster spots for inexperienced forwards and D-men, AND attempt to put a playoff-caliber roster together.

Make no mistake -- that's an impossible task for any GM.

Asked about the complexity of the previous situation, Bowman admitted Thursday that "there's no question it's a challenge to try to do both aspects ... because when you're developing young players (you) usually have to have a bit of patience and there's a process that goes into place before they can become elite players."

Wirtz and Bowman would not put a timetable on when they believe the Hawks will become a perennial playoff team that can consistently compete for Stanley Cups. They simply want to see progress each and every year. Do that and eventually they will once again reach the top of the mountain.

Of course, the challenge -- and it's an immense one -- is to figure out how to accomplish this while Patrick Kane, and Duncan Keith are still contributing at a high level. Not only that, but to also show all of them that the Hawks are indeed on the right path.

Because if that doesn't happen there's an extremely good chance that Kane, Toews and Keith would entertain offers from other teams when they become free agents in the summer of 2023. Can't you see Kane in New York, reunited with Artemi Panarin? 1197078 Chicago Blackhawks

Stan Bowman not considering hiring GM after Hawks promotion

Jeff Vukovich

In July, the Blackhawks restructured their hockey operations department by changing the titles of nine staff members. On Wednesday, the organization announced its new leadership executive team with the hiring of Jaime Faulkner as president of business operations and Danny Wirtz as CEO.

Stan Bowman was also elevated to president of hockey operations, to go along with his duties as general manager. The new title means he will have a larger internal leadership role in helping develop staff members, but not much is different when it comes to running the hockey operations department, at least from what he was already doing after previously holding the vice president title.

And the vote of confidence from the ownership group certainly helps, too.

"The biggest change is just going to be looking forward with the way that I operate more internally," Bowman said. "Hockey-wise, for the most part, things are going to continue on the way they’ve been. ... It’s certainly nice to know you’re going to be able to play out your vision as you want going forward. We’ve talked a lot over the last couple months about where we’re headed as an organization and I think we’re going to try to be as clear as we can going forward about what we’re doing."

The promotion does, however, give Bowman full power to make any front office decisions moving forward. For example, if there was a time where he wanted to hire a GM to handle the day to day grind while he focuses on the big picture, that's ultimately Bowman's call.

But that's not something in the cards, as of now.

"I think where we are now, we're just embarking on a new approach like we’ve talked about back in October when we were more open with everyone about where we’re going," Bowman said. "We certainly want to see that out. That's something we’ll look into in time. But for right now, we're just sort of at a beginning stage of the next phase and it's something that I’m thrilled about. I really can’t stress enough how much excitement that I have for where we’re headed as well as the group that I’m part of."

Bowman didn't rule out the possibility of adding a fresh set of eyes from outside the organization down the road if it's something that would be beneficial to the organization. But he feels confident that the promotions the Blackhawks made in July are already paying dividends.

"Where we are today in the short term, I want to give some of these younger executives a chance," Bowman said. "They have a seat at the table now in their new role. Before they were in more of a supporting role. I’ve noticed just in the past four or five months with several of them, they’re taking big initiative and they’re coming up with a lot of ideas that maybe they weren’t putting forward as much in the past.

"Now that they’ve taken a bigger position, they’ve come up to me recently with some really interesting thoughts and they’re pushing. I think we’re going to see some of that, and if we need to supplement it from the outside, I would have no hesitation to do that, either."

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Dach ready for captain role with Canada in World Juniors

by Scott King

On Friday, Blackhawks center Kirby Dach was named captain of Team Canada for the World Juniors.

Dach, 19, turned around his rookie season in the 2020 playoffs after playing in all nine of the Hawks' postseason games, picking up six points, as Chicago made it through the qualifying round against the Edmonton Oilers and lost in Round One to the Vegas Golden Knights.

The rookie had an underwhelming first NHL regular season, picking up 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists) in 64 games, but after putting on size and elevating his game for the bubble, it's appears he's definitely on his way to becoming a dangerous center the Hawks will be able to throw on their first or second line for years to come.

Dach, selected by the Blackhawks at No. 3 overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, is ready to embrace the role of captain for Canada on a big stage. “I’m going to lead by example and I’m not going to be afraid to speak up when things need to be said in the dressing room... I’m going to have that pro mentality here," he said according to The Athletic's Scott Wheeler.

The International Federation's World Junior Championships will begin on Dec. 25 in Edmonton.

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Stan Bowman proposes how Hawks' rebuild could play out

by Scott King

Blackhawks longtime general manager Stan Bowman received a promotion this week, becoming the President of Hockey Operations for the team, while maintaining his GM duties. Bowman spoke with Hawks media Friday morning about his new role and the timeline for the team's rebuild to start paying dividends.

Bowman stepped on the gas with the rebuilding process around the Core Four of Brent Seabrook, Duncan Keith, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane this offseason when he made the decision to move on from two- time Stanley Cup champion goalie and trade away forward Brandon Saad (also a two-time Cup winner) again.

It's hard for Bowman to pinpoint exactly how long until the young players on the Hawks mature enough to help the team contend again, but he has an idea for how it could play out.

"The way I’d answer is, we want to develop young players so they can take steps forward in the coming years," Bowman said. "We saw a glimpse of it last year with a few young players taking a step forward, (Kirby) Dach in particular, even (Adam) Boqvist, two teenagers coming into NHL becoming regular players on our team.

"As we move ahead, the way the team looks is probably going to be the biggest benchmark for how we’re doing. We need more young players to join that group. We’ll never have a full team of young faces because it’s not a realistic recipe for success. Thankfully, we have a group of accomplished veterans and big contributors for our team. They’ll be carrying the load while we incorporate young players.

"This year, we want one or two guys who didn’t’ factor [in] much last year to become household names, and the same in the coming years. That'd be the best way to measure if we’re on the right track. There’ll be unexpected things happening. We all assume what happened last year is a minimum and everyone will be better than last year. I’d love for that to be the case, but player performance can wax and wane. Not a guarantee players who had a strong season last year will build on it. That's what we expect, but things happen. That's why we need more than one or two players coming into the mix.

"If you look at our team next year, compared to the team [the] year after, we need an infusion of young talent. Once we do that over a year or two or three, we’ll have a strong foundation to support the veterans. The veterans have done a good job of maintaining their level. They don’t necessarily expand their game, but they maintain it. And if they can expand it, that’s a bonus. So as far as [the] progression of our team, that’s how I see it going."

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197081 Chicago Blackhawks lot of teams that will be reaching out and maybe looking to sign a guy or two still. But I still think there’s a lot of UFAs out there and a lot of good ones. It’s definitely an interesting year.”

What’s it like to be an NHL free agent right now? Slater Koekkoek Koekkoek isn’t ruling anything out. The Blackhawks didn’t want to sign explains him before, but maybe that changes. A source said the Blackhawks had mixed opinions on letting Koekkoek walk.

“And obviously like we talked about before, I loved my time in Chicago By Scott Powers Dec 18, 2020 14 and I loved the coaches and all my teammates,” Koekkoek said. “Who knows? Maybe something still happens. But as for right now, I’m not

really sure on that front.” Slater Koekkoek was excited about the possibilities of free agency. Maybe he ends up with his former defensive partner, Maatta, with the The Blackhawks decided to not qualify him as a restricted free agent, Los Angeles Kings? which he somewhat understood. He was arbitration-eligible. They had “It was definitely sadness the day that I saw Olli was traded,” Koekkoek already traded Olli Maatta, whom he had been paired with for the second said. “I still didn’t know if I’d be re-signed by Chicago or not, and I saw half of the season. The team announced its rebuild. Maybe Koekkoek Olli go to L.A. I just reached out to him and said thanks for everything. wasn’t a fit any longer. You know I loved our time together so much. I thought we worked so well Still, he believed he’d be a fit somewhere. He was coming off his best together. When I saw that, it was tough to see. Ultimately, when I didn’t NHL season. He and Maatta were arguably the Blackhawks’ best pairing re-sign with Chicago, I was wondering and talking to Rich is there any during the second half of the season and in the playoffs. They had a way Olli and I can reunite in L.A. maybe? But we’ll see if that happens.” 55.53 expected goals percentage in 350-plus minutes together. They The Athletic’s Dom Luszczyszyn’s model has Koekkoek playing at a top- were on the ice for nine goals for and four against in the playoffs. The 26- 4 defenseman level for four more seasons and having a current market year-old Koekkoek had a lot of reasons to think he’d find a new home value of about $2.9 million. Evolving-Hockey projected him to receive a when free agency began on Oct. 9. one-year, $1.429 million deal. Koekkoek didn’t get into what he was But he didn’t. looking for from a team, but it didn’t sound like money was a major consideration. “I think there’s been some ups and downs throughout free agency,” Koekkoek said by phone on Thursday. “There’s obviously excitement on “You saw this year what guys are signing for,” Koekkoek said. “It’s that first day, not knowing what’s going to happen and just seeing a lot of definitely a little less in recent years or in booming years, but the deals happen and just seeing a lot of deals go down. Once those first pandemic has taken so much from everybody. I’m not asking for the couple days go by, it kind of goes into a lull, and there’s not much action. world by any means. Just looking for a good landing spot, looking for a I think the toughest part through it all has been the people asking me, good opportunity and looking to help a team win. what’s going on with your situation and where do you think you’ll end up “Obviously I had a good second half last year and a good playoffs, fit in this year. The unknown is very tough throughout this whole process. It’s well in Chicago and helped the team to do the best we could in the been interesting.” playoffs, so it’s about that. It’s about finding whether it be a rebuilding The pandemic has turned the world on its head, including pro sports. The team or whether I slot in on a team that needs a good presence in the NHL did everything it could to finish last season in a bubble. The draft dressing room. I’d be comfortable in saying, that a lot of the guys, we got came and went. Free agency took off, a bunch of contracts were signed along well in Chicago. I’m 26 years old now, I’ve been in the league for a and then it slowed down. The league is still trying to figure out the few years, so I think I could bring a lot of good things to a team.” logistics of a 2021 season. Now, Koekkoek waits some more and hopes for the best. Amid it all, Koekkoek has been patiently waiting to see how his future will “I think Ritch and I have had multiple calls looking at potential play out. He knows he’s not the only person in this situation and there’s opportunities or you know maybe a team who could use my services,” still time to be added to a team, but he’s also now sensing more of a Koekkoek said. “Whether it be Ritch reaching out or the team reaching ticking clock as he watches friends leave for their teams’ cities and out, I think it could go any way. Hopefully the team sees some potential follows news of the upcoming season. and sees some upside and ultimately gets a deal done. Most players don’t want to talk to the media while they’re free agents, but “I’ve been training and skating as much as I can and trying to prepare for Koekkoek was willing to pull back the curtain and explain what it’s been wherever I end up. I always have confidence in Ritch, my agent, and like the past few months and what he thinks about the future. confidence in my ability. I think I played well in the playoffs, you know, Is he thinking about it all the time? displayed myself in a good light. I’ve never had a doubt throughout this whole process that I can definitely play in the NHL and help any team’s “Oh, yeah,” Koekkoek said. “I think you ask any unrestricted free agent, top-6 on the back end, for sure.” it’s the first thing they think about when they wake up and it’s the last thing they think about when they go to bed. Especially now, it’s crunch The Athletic LOADED: time. You know I got some buddies who are leaving here to get to their cities whether they have to quarantine for a couple days or whatever it is. I think guys are really geared up now and getting ready for the start of the season.”

Koekkoek is doing his best to be prepared. He’s skating at home in Ottawa. He has no doubt he’ll sign somewhere, but it could be anywhere.

While he trains and thinks about his future, his agent, Ritch Winter, is working on his behalf to find a contract. Winter has friends all around the league and loves to communicate, so he’s undoubtedly been sharing Koekkoek’s numbers and explaining why Koekkoek would make sense on a given team.

Now, with the talk of taxi squads, Koekkoek wonders if that might be a fit for him somewhere.

“Ritch has been talking to some teams,” Koekkoek said. “Just like any other free agent, we’re trying to get a deal in place. There’s so many unknowns still in the league. Just recently the news came out about maybe some extra roster players, maybe some taxi squad players, so I think there’s a lot of unknowns. But then it’s going to be a quick turnaround if they say, the season’s starting on Jan. 13. There will be a 1197082 Colorado Avalanche

NHL STUFFReports: Tentative agreement in place for 56-game NHL season

Published 8 hours ago on December 18, 2020By Adrian Dater

You know, when I wrote earlier today that I was in a gloomy mood about the start of the NHL season, that I worried it would be delayed, I honestly DID have the DaterJinx in mind. Just like me betting $20 on the Raiders to win last night – a bet in which I did at the start of overtime – it looks like the Jinx has come through again. There is word tonight that a tentative agreement on a 56-game regular season has been reached between the NHL and NHLPA – pending voted approvals by each body – which would start Jan. 13, with Avs training camp starting Jan. 3.

Just like we knew all along…

I’m still waiting on my sources to confirm that the home games will be played in teams’ own arenas, but I believe that will indeed be the case. I did report that first the other day, and there’s no Jinx on that one I don’t believe. UPDATE: Confirmed. Teams will play in their own buildings for home games, my sources say.

I also believe I was the first to report training camps for the 24 teams that made the playoffs would start Jan. 3rd, but hey, who’s counting?

That means we’re going to have Avalanche players on the ice, officially, pending approval of course, in two weeks right here in Denver. This is how I feel now about this new development:

More as it develops…

Colorado hockey now LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197083 Colorado Avalanche I couldn’t agree with Larry Brooks more here when he says that Henrik Lundqvist deserved a better ending to his career than potentially having to call it quits over a heart issue. King Henrik was a great ambassador for the NHL and would have been really interesting with the Washington Dater’s Daily: NHL season still to be decided, and how to get an Avs Capitals this season. (New York Post) reverse retro jersey at a good sale price Colleague George Richards has all the details on Anthony Duclair signing a bargain-basement one-year deal with the Florida Panthers for $1.6 million ahead of things getting going with the start of the season. Published 10 hours ago on December 18, 2020By Adrian Dater (Florida Hockey Now)

I bet $20 on the Raiders to beat the Chargers last night. How about that Happy Friday. It’s not such a happy time for the NHL at the moment. Or, finish of the game, for the ultimate DaterJinx right? You’re welcome, it sure doesn’t seem like it anyway. *UPDATE: Everything you read in the Bronco fan/Raider Haters. next few paragraphs is, happily, moot now. The Avs, if/when the season starts, will wear something on their uniforms While the NBA is set to open a 72-game regular season on Tuesday to honor Lacroix. Don’t know exactly in what form that will be just yet, but night and has already been playing preseason games, the NHL is still it’ll happen I’m told. stuck in the mud trying to get even an announcement out on a new Could the Washington Capitals now be in the market for Marc-Andre regular season. We’re a week away from Christmas, and we still don’t Fleury, now that Hank has to sit out? (Vegas Hockey Now) have a schedule. We still don’t know what division in which the Avs might play. As hockey fans, we don’t seem to know much of anything. Colorado hockey now LOADED: 12.19.2020 The latest red-tape hassle has to do with the seven Canadian teams. Essentially, Canadian provincial governments have yet to sign off on safety protocols/allowances for the teams to play games in the country because of COVID-19. From Chris Johnston of Sportsnet: “As the NHL continues to work through discussions with five different provincial health authorities about its plans to stage the upcoming season, a fallback option looms in the background. The possibility of playing entirely in the United States. Sources say that’s the likely outcome if agreements can’t be reached to make the Canadian Division a reality for 2020-21.While there’s nothing concrete to indicate that the necessary government bodies won’t eventually sign off on the NHL’s plans, that had yet to happen as of Thursday night.

The NHL would prefer to have each of its seven Canadian teams based out of its own city and arena for a 56-game regular season. Play would be entirely within the realigned division, travel would be exclusively domestic and national border issues wouldn’t come into play. However, that plan requires approval from health authorities in Quebec, Ontario, , Alberta and British Columbia and it’s believed to have met some opposition. The government prefers the bubble setup the NHL used for its summer return-to-play in Edmonton and Toronto, according to sources, but the league doesn’t believe it’s feasible to recreate that for an entire season.”

The NHL, as I reported the other day, is adamant that teams play their regular-season home games in their own buildings. That is still the plan, the goal, the objective. But the virus might have other ideas. If the Canadian teams have to move to the States, obviously the all-Canada division would be scrapped. Then, they’d have to decide who plays in what division.

I can’t imagine the nightmarish headaches Gary Bettman, Bill Daly and the rest of the NHL staff are having to deal with right now, with all this stuff. They’re doing their best. This isn’t their fault. There’s nothing we can do except let the proper authorities try to work this out. It’s starting to seem like a Jan. 13 start date is a pipe dream to me, though. I hope I am wrong but…

Some links, thoughts, observations:

What a strange story here, about Wayne Gretzky’s memorabilia being stolen from his dad’s house, by a family friend (Hockey News)

Reminds me of a saying I use a lot – “Money makes you do things you don’t want to do”

I just saw episode 1 of “The Man in the High Castle” and I see a long weekend of binge-watching ahead. Lots of people say the show takes a nosedive after the first few episodes though. Anyone got more reviews, without spoiling it?

The top-10 selling individual player reverse retro jerseys (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

A really good sale on Avalanche reverse retro jerseys can be had by clicking here. They seem to going fast, and might not be on the page still when/if you click that, but there are a lot of other Avs jerseys at deep discounts too. 1197084 Columbus Blue Jackets

NHL, NHLPA agree in principle on rules and regulations for a shortened 2020-21 season

Brian Hedger

The NHL and NHLPA tentatively reached agreement on a plan to play a shortened 56-game season in 2020-21. The season is targeted to open Jan. 13 with training camps opening as soon as Dec. 31 for seven teams that didn't participate in the league's 24-team postseason this past summer. The soonest the Blue Jackets would open camp would be Jan. 3, but all dates could still change.

Nothing is final yet, but the NHL’s 2020-21 season has taken a big stride in the right direction.

According to multiple reports Friday that sources have confirmed to the Dispatch, the league and NHL Players Association have reached a tentative agreement on a 56-game season targeted to start Jan. 13 with training camps opening around the start of the new year.

Teams that were not included in the NHL’s 24-team postseason conclusion to 2019-20 this summer could begin camps Dec. 31, while all other teams would wait until Jan. 3.

“We have a tentative agreement with the players association on plans for the 2020-21 NHL season,” NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told The Athletic. “The agreement is subject to approval by both of our respective constituencies.”

The league and NHLPA have negotiated on protocols that will govern the season, which could still be played using hub cities or with limited travel between cities in geographically realigned divisions.

There is a possibility a Canadian division will encompass all seven teams north of the U.S./Canada border, but it’s also possible those teams may have to relocate to the U.S. for the entirety of the season – based on whether Canadian provincial health authorities approve of the new COVID-19 protocols the two sides have agreed upon in principle.

The NHLPA had a meeting of its executive board scheduled for Friday night, so players might hold a vote on the agreement during that session. The league’s board of governors did not have a meeting scheduled Friday, but could hold one soon to review and vote on the agreement – possibly as soon as this weekend.

According to a report by TSN, players will again be granted an opportunity to opt out of playing the season – similar to the agreement that presided over the postseason return. The difference, according to the report, is that players who opt out might not be paid and teams would have the option to keep the length of their current contract intact.

The same report said the usual 23-man roster with an $81.5 million salary cap will apply, but a taxi squad of four-to-six players will travel and practice with the NHL team while being paid full AHL salaries.

A Sportsnet report said there will be no exhibition games, player salaries will not be prorated and the Stanley Cup [layoffs will include the top four teams from each new division. That report said each division will crown a champion during the playoffs, with those winners advancing to the Stanley Cup semifinal round.

Prior reports, citing leaked information from negotiations, put the Blue Jackets back into a reconstructed Central Division with many of their former rivals prior to the franchise’s move to the Eastern Conference’s Metropolitan Division in the lockout-shortened 2013 season – which lasted 48 games.

If so, that would mean a return to playing numerous games against teams like the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and .

The agreement could be finalized as soon as this weekend if both sides vote on it.

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197085 Columbus Blue Jackets Novakowski is a businessman in the Salmon Arm community. He was elected to the British Columbia Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011 as a member of the 1985-86 Penticton Knights, and he’s on the alumni board of the , the Canadian junior hockey club that endured Former Ohio State hockey player opens up about sexual abuse: ‘I just a horrific bus crash two years ago. can’t stay quiet now’ “I know some people are going to be very supportive,” Novakowski said. “And I’ve already had friends who told me to never speak about this publicly, that I should just be John Doe for this. But I can’t do that. I just By Aaron Portzline can’t stay quiet now. People need to know our stories.”

Al Novakowski in uniform for his hometown team in British Columbia. COLUMBUS, Ohio — The words tumbled out of Al Novakowski’s mouth (Courtesy of Novakowski) so easily, as if he was chit-chatting with a friend about the weather or a Ohio State hockey was a middling program in the Central Collegiate hockey game. Hockey Association for most of the 1980s. But in 1987 they landed a The 54-year-old former Ohio State and Columbus Chill (ECHL) prized recruit from Western Canada in Novakowski, a 6-foot-4, 220- defenseman was in a counseling session early last month near his home pound defenseman. in Salmon Arm, British Columbia. After he had endured eight back Novakowski could have played major junior in Canada. He could have surgeries in less than two years, his doctors and his wife, Cindy, were played at any number of colleges in Canada. He turned down a full-ride concerned that his constant pain and frustration could lead to depression. offer from North Dakota, which was then, as today, a national It was his second session; the counselor was still in the getting-to-know- powerhouse. you phase. Novakowski, seated next to Cindy, wondered, privately, if all “They flew me down to Columbus on a recruiting trip,” Novakowski said. of this was necessary. Then, out of nowhere, the counselor asked the “I stayed at the Holiday Inn across from Ohio Stadium on a Friday night. question: At 3 o’clock in the morning, I wake up and look outside, and they were “Al, have you ever been sexually assaulted?” already setting up for the tailgate party. There’s just person after person in gray and red — I didn’t even know to say scarlet and gray, at this point There was no pregnant pause, no moment taken by Novakowski to — and it was wild as hell. And that was the start of me thinking, ‘Holy gather his thoughts. crap, this is a really cool place to be.’

“I was,” Novakowski replied. “By Richard Strauss.” “We went to the game later that day. There were 98,000 people in the place. My hometown (Williams Lake, B.C.) is 11,000. I remember looking Cindy turned to her husband. “Pardon me?” up from the field and thinking ‘You could put my entire hometown up He’d never said it out loud, never disclosed it to anyone. He’d held it there in that corner of the stadium. It was … it was all pretty amazing.” inside for more than 30 years, but now it was out there and irretrievable. That trip, plus Novakowski’s desire to play right away (he’d likely have to “Oh, nothing. It’s nothing!” he said. sit a couple of years at North Dakota) were enough for him to commit to Ohio State. He returned to Columbus in the fall, 21 years old and ready And then it hit him, the release that comes with finally letting go of the to go. deepest of secrets. “It’s true on every team, but when you’re that far from home, it’s “I was kind of freaking out for a moment there, to be honest with you. And especially true — your teammates become your family. That’s what I was then I just started crying.” looking forward to,” Novakowski says.

Dr. Richard Strauss was the Ohio State team doctor who is alleged to “I had my first physical just before camp started. And that was the first have sexually assaulted more than 350 students and student-athletes time I met Richard Strauss.” during his two-decades (1979-98) of employment at the university. Novakowski’s experience with Strauss is similar to so many others who After a two-year investigation funded by Ohio State, the school suffered sexual abuse in Strauss’ office. Under the guise of checking for acknowledged in May 2019 that Strauss’ abuse was known by a hernia, Strauss fondled Novakowski’s penis and scrotum and inserted administrators, coaches and others in positions of power who did not act a finger into his rectum. to stop it. The university has repeatedly sought to have the nearly 20 lawsuits against it dismissed due to the statute of limitations, further “After the first physical it was like, ‘Well, that was, uh, interesting,'” infuriating many victims. Novakowski says. “And you’d ask the other guys how’d their physicals go, and it was always a strange response. The second time I had a The ugly saga links Ohio State to the other major universities that have physical, I was like, ‘OK, this is not right. You already checked me for a had sexual abuse scandals — Michigan State with Dr. Larry Nassar, hernia last time.'” Penn State with assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky, and Michigan with Dr. Robert Anderson. (Strauss committed suicide in 2005.) Novakowski felt violated. He was confused, frustrated and angry. He was also a freshman who’d never played a game at Ohio State. He was just Ohio State’s investigative report cited 177 victims, but those are only the another student-athlete, and Strauss was a highly decorated doctor at a former student-athletes who responded to the school’s initial plea to step major university. forward. In the year since the report was made public, more and more athletes and non-athletes have come forward alleging abuse, many of “Everyone (on the team) agreed that he was just a really weird guy,” them, like Novakowski, joining lawsuits. Novakowski said. “But at the time he was the leading expert in the world on steroids. He was a respected doctor by a lot of people.” “We’re talking well over 300 victims that have been associated with the different lawsuits that have been filed,” says Ed Vasquez, a victims’ right Novakowski’s entire freshman season was a blur of confusion and attorney who, as of last month, began representing Novakowski. “We anxiety. Why is this happening to me? Am I alone? This isn’t normal, is estimate that there are probably close to 1,500 total victims. There are a it? lot of people who have not come (forward), for obvious reasons.” “A shot goes off my foot in practice and it’s really, really bruised up,” Novakowski was one of them, for the longest time. Novakowski says. “So why is he checking me for a hernia? That was every physical, no matter what was wrong with you. So you found ways But in the weeks since his counseling revelation, as he read more and to avoid him, even if you probably could have really used the help of a more about what Ohio State officials knew about Strauss’ actions and doctor. how they didn’t act to stop him, his rage grew. “You didn’t want to get hurt. You didn’t want to have to go see Strauss.” “That’s what gets me beyond the point of humiliation and makes me angry. They knew about him and what he was doing. Are you kidding Novakowski said he approached then-Ohio State hockey coach Jerry me? Are you fucking kidding me? That was it for me,” Novakowski says. Welsh regarding Strauss after his play suffered and his playing time started to dwindle during his freshman season. “I’m not trying to make excuses, but the stuff with Strauss was messing “Looking back now, I understand that I wasn’t the best teammate. I didn’t with me big time. I was just trying to keep my shit together, and I wasn’t hang out with them all the time. I didn’t really want to be around them,” very good at it,” Novakowski says. “I wasn’t practicing well, so I wasn’t Novakowski says. “Whenever I saw them, it brought me back to Strauss.” playing well. Novakowski, now off the hockey team, lost his scholarship after his “It was a hard conversation (with Welsh), but I finally said it: ‘Something’s sophomore year, so he started working at a hockey school back home wrong with Strauss. There’s something wrong with him. He’s weird.’ during the summer and picked up some hours with his friend’s landscaping company to cover the cost of international tuition at Ohio “(Welsh) basically told me that my game sucked and I needed to worry State. about my on-ice game, not the doctor. He didn’t want to talk about nothing. He was mad at me because I wasn’t playing well. He felt that I “I’m trying to go to class, but my dream of being a professional athlete is wasn’t living up to the big plans they had for me.” done,” Novkowski says. “I’m trying to concentrate in class. But I’d start crying sometimes and I’d just get up and go back to my room. Welsh, who now operates a bed and breakfast with his wife in Michigan, says that meeting never took place. “No one has ever come forward to “I told my roommate that I wasn’t good enough to play college hockey. me, ever, and mentioned anything about Dr. Strauss,” Welsh told The And that’s the lie I started to tell myself, too. It was easier to say that than Athletic. “Nobody’s come forward to tell me anything. I was totally the truth. I was just a mess inside, doing drugs more and more.” shocked to hear about the lawsuits.” One night, in the spring of 1990, Novakowski was partying with friends on With the exception of fencing coach Charlotte Remenyik, now deceased, campus after one of them, Tim Moxley, was selected by Washington in the university’s report “did not identify … evidence indicating that the NFL Draft. Novakowski went to the health clinic at Ohio State’s members of the OSU coaching staff, including head coaches or assistant Student Union because he was having trouble swallowing. coaches, received or were aware of complaints regarding Strauss’ sexual misconduct.” However, the report states that numerous student-athletes He was standing in line to be seen when a doctor recognized him. complained about Strauss’ behavior either directly to or in front of OSU “It was Strauss. I should have said ‘Fuck you!’ but I still saw him as an coaches. Welsh told The Athletic that he has spoken with investigators authority figure. I told him I was having trouble swallowing and he said, regarding Strauss. ‘come with me.’

Novakowski does not believe that Welsh knew Strauss was abusing “Of course I got checked for a hernia. I knew that was coming. But he athletes, but he felt unheard by Welsh, and he felt isolated and helpless. said the only way to stop the spasming in my throat was with a muscle- He started drinking heavily. relaxer. That, in my head, made sense. He said, ‘I’ll give you one now “It got worse all the time,” Novakowski says. “The anxiety, the build-up, and the other when we get you back to your apartment.’ the ‘what the hell is going on?’ I was living in Drackett Tower (on- “I said, ‘Just give me one big shot, Doc, you don’t need to bother coming campus) with two aeronautical engineering students. They were probably over.’ He said, ‘Oh, no, no. I’m leaving now, anyway. I’ll just give you a good guys, but I was so anxiety-ridden … I became an asshole to them.” ride home.'”

Novakowski played in 29 games for Ohio State as a freshman, totaling Novakowski was more than a little uneasy, but he knew his roommates two points (both assists) and 78 penalty minutes. It was not the season were back home. He figured that would be enough to deter Strauss. he anticipated, and nothing changed at the start of his sophomore year. “By the time we got to the house, I was pretty loopy,” Novakowski says. There were more check-ups with Strauss. “Tim (Moxley) said, ‘Here, I can help.’ And Doc said, ‘No worries, I’ve got “What I figured out about Strauss was this: If you were aggressive with him.’ He took me upstairs to my room and gave me a second shot. He him, it went faster,” Novakowski says. “So in my sophomore year, I didn’t said, ‘This will put you out, and you’ll be able to sleep.’ We weren’t even wait for him to tell me what to do. I didn’t wait for him to tell me to take off in the room yet and he had the needle out. my shirt or my skivvies. “I could feel him snuggle up behind me. I was thinking, ‘Am I dreaming “I’d say, ‘Doc, let’s get this done, I’ve got shit to do.’ I took off my clothes this? Is this real?’ I couldn’t really move. I don’t know what he gave me — and walked right up to him and he was kind of out of sorts. That physical if it really was just a muscle-relaxer — but it knocked me out. I was fast took five minutes. It felt like if you were dominant, aggressive, it helped. asleep.” So that’s how I went at him from then on.” When he awoke sometime later, “I was laying … on my side,” But Novakowski’s sophomore season lasted only two games. After losing Novakowski says, pausing frequently and fighting back tears. “I was the first two games of the season, Welsh called a rare Sunday morning groggy, but my bum was sore. I don’t know … if I reached down or just practice. looked down, but there was blood all over the bed. I was like, ‘What the hell happened?’ There was also sperm, but I didn’t know it was that at “I played horribly, just horribly (in the first two games),” Novakowski says. the time. “I was drinking quite a bit at this point. I was late to (that Sunday) practice, and I’m never late to anything. When I got to the rink, the trainer “I got up and I took my stuff and threw it all in the washing machine. told me to go see (Welsh). It’s strange that Coach wasn’t on the ice. Thank God nobody was awake. I went and had a shower and went back to my room. All these thoughts were racing through my mind and I’m “I said, ‘Coach, I’m sorry,” and he said ‘Sit down.’ He proceeded to tell crying. How could this have happened? The guys would have come up me that I was nothing but a cancer to the hockey team. He kicked me off and seen it. How does this happen? I was in my own house!” the team. In the Ohio State-funded investigation, 47 of the 177 victims say they “I don’t honestly know what I said to him, but I walked out of the (rink) were raped by Strauss, often under the haze of heavy drugs. It’s unclear that day and I’ve never been back. I didn’t take any of my stuff. I left how many of the 350-plus victims in the lawsuits were raped. everything behind and basically went and hid for about two months.” Novakowski said he never even considered going to university officials or Welsh, who said he hadn’t thought about Novakowski for years before campus police. his conversation with The Athletic, says he doesn’t recall why Novakowski was kicked off the team, and he doesn’t remember the final “I was a student from another country, a kid that had been kicked off the meeting. But he recalls that Novakowski was a big, physical defenseman, hockey team,” Novakowski says. “This was a world-class doctor. Who’s more fit for the “Broad Street Bullies in Philadelphia” than for college going to believe my word over his?” hockey. “He wasn’t able to perform well enough to get minutes,” Welsh Strauss continued his abuse for another decade, becoming only more says. brazen. According to the university’s report, Strauss would often shower Novakowski’s dream of playing four years at Ohio State, of helping to multiple times a day with male students in Larkins Hall, where OSU’s bring the program to prominence, was finished. In reality, it had been fitness center was located. Athletes not-so-jokingly called Strauss “Dr. dying for some time. Hands” and “Dr. Jelly Paws.” In 1996, as complaints from athletes and non-athletes continued to mount, Strauss was removed as a team doctor and as a physician in the health center. But he was allowed to retain his tenured faculty position, partied until 3-4 in the morning, then slept for a few hours and I’d go back and he simply set up an off-campus location. to the rink for practice.

According to the university’s report, Strauss abused athletes in 16 “I was trying to mask the pain and forget the memories. Looking back different sports. More than 50 athletic department staffers, including now, I should have gotten help. It never should have happened.” coaches, have corroborated victims’ accounts. Last month, when Novakowski began to talk about his abuse, he made a Unfathomably, he was granted emeritus status by the university in 1998 phone call to Crowe, now one of his longtime friends. when he retired. “When I told Phil, he cried,” Novakoswki says. “He was pretty upset. He Novakowski left to go back to British Columbia not long after the night he said he never could figure out why I didn’t go on and play more hockey. was raped by Strauss. The business degree he dreamed about was left unfinished. His hockey career, it seemed, was finished. “I was a defensive defenseman. I could clear the front of the net and I could get the puck up the ice very, very well. Was I Bobby Orr? Not at all. But then, in the summer of 1991, Novakowski learned that Columbus But I could play, especially in that era (when teams had big, tough was getting an ECHL franchise, the Chill. He’d been away from hockey defensemen).” for almost three years at this point, but he continued skating and had stayed in shape. The dream of a pro career still flickered. Novakowski, middle, with NHLers Carey Price (left) and PK Subban. (Courtesy of Al Novakowski) “I was coaching teams back home and I’d step into drills sometimes to show the kids how it was done,” Novakowski says with a laugh. “I thought Novakowski owns and operates two businesses in Salmon Arm, an I was old, right? I was (25) and I could still do some things out there.” advertising firm and an apparel company. He’s not rich, but it’s a comfortable living, and he’s surrounded by a tight-knit community. He Novakowski made a cold call to the Chill office. and Cindy, his wife of 26 years, have three children.

“The lady who answered said they didn’t really have tryouts,” Novakowski “Once I was away from Columbus, I knew I had to change or I was going recalls. “But she said, ‘Coach is here. Wanna talk to him?'” to end up dead somewhere,” Novakowski says. “I’m a pretty strong-willed person. I got my life back in order once I left there.” She passed the phone to Chill coach Terry Ruskowski, the former NHL player who played in Humboldt in 1970-71 and still had connections in But his “dirty little secret,” as he calls it, was held deep inside for 32 the area. years. Every once in a while it would surface, like when the stories of Graham James’ abuse in junior hockey emerged in the 2000s. “I told him I was 5-foot-17 and I wanted to play for the Columbus Chill,” Novakowski says. “He laughed. It was an ice breaker. I ended up on the “When Theo Fleury came forward and Sheldon Kennedy came forward to training-camp roster. So I worked my ass off for three weeks back in talk about the abuse they suffered, I would literally throw up,” Humboldt and headed to Indianapolis (where the Chill held training camp Novakowski says. “I’m reading those stories and thinking about what with the IHL Indianapolis Ice).” happened to me and I’d have two, three really hard days.

As with any ECHL camp, the roster was full of scrappers and fighters. “And then I’d pack it back down, put it in its place and go on with my life.” Ruskowski, though, gave them strict orders to not fight during camp. “He said, ‘I know you can fight; let’s see if you can play hockey.'” When the Ohio State news began to break in 2018, Novakowski got a call from longtime friend Don Moxley, Tim’s brother, who asked if he was That lasted about 15 minutes. one of Strauss’ victims.

“I knew nothing about Phil Crowe,” Novakowski says. “He knew I played “I got all defensive: ‘What are you talking about?’ Novakowski says. “I at Ohio State, so I think he thought I was a college softy. There was an was like, ‘Man, I would have broken his neck.'” incident where he gave (Don) Granato a shot. I’m pretty sure Crowe was pissed off that he got sent down from the IHL, and he was gonna take it Then last month, after it came pouring out in counseling, Novakowski out on somebody. called Don Moxley back. “I said, ‘Donnie, can I tell you something?’ And he knew right away.” “He gave Granato a shot. I gave him a shot. We dropped our gloves and had the most incredible fight I’ve ever been in. This was in practice! The Novakowski is usually the biggest guy in any room. He traded on his size Indianapolis Ice players were doing off-ice workouts and they all stopped and physicality throughout his too-brief hockey career. His self- to come over and watch. deprecating humor is usually based on his towering frame. It’s also part of the reason the abuse is so hard for Novakowski to accept or “We went at it for 45 seconds, just all bombs. I’ve never fought anybody understand. That is often the case when men or boys are victims of so tough. I was impressed. I’ve never been hit like that before, and I don’t sexual abuse at the hands of other men. When Novakowski told his want to say I beat the shit out of him, but I was right there.” mother about the abuse he suffered, she responded: “How did you let this happen? You’re so big!” Crowe and Novakowski, both bloodied, left practice for medical treatment in the back of a staffer’s Toyota Corolla, still wearing all their gear but “I ask myself that question all the time. I could have broken his neck with with tennis shoes, not skates. Crowe had a broken nose and needed my freakin’ hands. I could have broken his neck. How could this happen? multiple stitches to his face; Novakowski needed a knuckle on his right How could I let this happen? I’ve been the big, tough hockey guy my hand pushed back into place. entire career. How do you tell somebody that you let this happen?”

Novakowski made the Chill that season. He played nine games in Two other hockey players from Novakowski’s time at Ohio State have Columbus before a glut of demoted players from the IHL forced his trade stepped forward to add their names to lawsuits — Roger to Roanoke Valley, where he played just two games. Beedon and forward Paul Forfia. Others are listed as John Does in court documents. “When I made the Chill … I was just ecstatic,” he says. “And I wasn’t there long, but we had a blast. The Eastern Cocktail Hockey League, eh? In June 2019, Beedon spoke publicly in support of Ohio House Bill No. It was a tough way to live, but it was pure elation after my experience at 249, which would remove the criminal statute of limitations for the victims Ohio State.” of Strauss. The bill was introduced in May 2019, but has never made it out of committee and never reached the floor for a vote. It dies at the end But it also got him thinking about what could have been. Crowe had a 12- of the year. year pro career, including 94 games in the NHL with Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Ottawa and Nashville. Could Novakowski have done Beedon was good enough to be drafted by the out something similar? of high school in 1985. But his career quickly fizzled at Ohio State, and he never had a meaningful pro career, even in the minors. He was first “What if I’d spent four years at Ohio State developing in a healthy abused by Strauss during his sophomore season. It happened again his environment?” Novakowski says. “Would I have been drafted? Could I junior year and multiple times as a senior. have had a pro career? I mean, I didn’t play for three years, then trained for three weeks and made (the Chill). “It was so bad that I developed a fixation with Dr. Strauss,” he told Ohio Statehouse reporters. “I was afraid of him. I was afraid of when he would “I carried the Ohio State shit with me every day. If I would have been clean and not doing so many drugs, I would have been a better player. I come around. I was afraid when he was in the locker room. The fear harmed my performance on the ice.

“Every time I went to the rink, went to work out, I lived in fear that Dr. Strauss was going to be there. I often prayed I would never get hurt or injured because that would give Dr. Strauss the opportunity to abuse me again.”

Ohio State has publicly apologized to all of Strauss’ victims, vowed that the university is a far different place today, and offered to pay for future counseling or reimburse for past counseling. They’ve also promised to be transparent, but they’ve fought to keep victim testimony private and they’ve linked non-disclosure agreements to some of the settlements.

According to Sports Illustrated, the first settlement, involving 177 litigants, was for $40 million, or about $225,000 per person. That’s roughly one- fifth what the victims of Dr. Larry Nassar at Michigan State received. There are currently 99 plaintiffs in the lawsuit that Novakowski has joined, and no matter the potential settlement he might receive, Novakowski says it won’t replace what he’s lost.

“I want my degree and I want my fucking varsity awards,” he says. “I want my jacket. I want my fucking watch. I want my fucking blanket. I want my fucking rings. That’s what I want from them, the stuff they took away.

“I went there to be the best student and the best athlete I could be. I chose to go there. I chose The Ohio State University, and what did they give me? They gave me Richard fucking Strauss. They knew about him for 10 years before I got there.”

The Athletic LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197086 Dallas Stars

Source: NHL, NHLPA reach tentative agreement on 56-game season

By Matthew DeFranks6:53 PM on Dec 18, 2020 CST

The NHL and NHLPA tentatively agreed Friday night on a 56-game regular season, a source confirmed to The Dallas Morning News. The news was first reported by Sportsnet.

Further details were not available: where games would be played, what the schedule would look like, what realigned divisions would be or what the league’s COVID-19 protocol would be. Reports previously indicated Jan. 13 as the start of the regular season, preceded by training camp on Jan. 3.

The NHL’s Board of Governors and the NHLPA have not officially voted on the agreement, but could in the coming days.

While the announcement of a 56-game season was expected at some point, the agreement nonetheless moves the NHL closer to beginning the 2020-21 season in mid-January and ending before the Summer Olympics in July.

For the Stars, it would be their first chance to play since losing Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, falling two wins short of winning the Stanley Cup. Dallas will return the vast majority of their core and officially named head coach in October, but will be without Tyler Seguin (hip) and Ben Bishop (knee) at the start of the season due to surgeries.

Dallas Morning News LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197087 Detroit Red Wings

NHL, players reach tentative agreement to start 56-game season on Jan. 13

Updated 10:54 PM; Today 10:54 PM

By Ansar Khan

The NHL took a significant step toward returning to the ice Friday as the league and players reached a tentative deal to play a 56-game season starting on Jan. 21, The Associated Press and several other news outlets reported.

The plan needs to be approved by the league’s board of governors, which could happen as soon as this weekend.

Training camps for the seven non-playoff teams from 2019-20, including the Detroit Red Wings, would open on Dec. 31 and a Jan. 3 for the 24 playoff clubs.

It is unclear whether teams could play in their home arenas or in hub cities, as was the case in the 2020 playoffs (Edmonton and Toronto).

According to the AP, approval from health officials in the five Canadian provinces that have teams is still needed before the NHL season can commence. It also remains to be seen whether the Canadian teams can play in Canada in the wake of more stringent COVID-19 restrictions, or whether they will be forced to play all their games in the United States.

The league would have temporary realignment, including possibly an all- Canadian division (if games can be played in Canada), and the schedule would feature only divisional games.

If there is an all-Canadian division and three U.S. divisions, the Red Wings’ division is expected to include Carolina, Chicago, Columbus, Florida, Nashville, Tampa Bay and either Dallas, Minnesota or St. Louis.

The top four teams in each division would qualify for the playoffs, which would feature only inter-divisional matchups through the first two rounds.

There is not likely to be any preseason games.

Michigan Live LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197088 Florida Panthers All 56 of the games this season will be played within the new divisions. The Panthers would play each of their new divisional rivals eight times

this season with many series expected to come baseball-style. The NHL close to a return, agree with NHLPA on a 2021 season For instance, the Panthers and Columbus could play each other three consecutive times when the Blue Jackets come to town (and vice versa) to cut down on travel. Published 7 hours ago on December 18, 2020By George Richards Friedman reports that the top four teams from each division will make the playoffs — and, per Russo that means the Panthers are in with Tampa Bay and Dallas which are the reigning conference champs — with the Usually by Christmas time, NHL teams are gearing up for a few days off winner of the two division rounds giving us a Final Four from each during the grind of a season — not getting ready for a new one. division. Yet here we are. All signs point toward the Panthers being able to play home games at the And here, it appears, we go. BB&T Center in Sunrise.

According to NHL Insiders Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic/TSN and Elliotte It does not appear that U.S. teams will begin in hub cities as had been Friedman of Sportsnet, the NHL and the NHLPA have come to an previously thought. agreement to finally kick off what will be a 2021 season in the coming A good number of Florida players are already in town and have been weeks. holding informal practices in Coral Springs — with rigid COVID-19 The NHL has reached an agreement with the NHLPA on the season, protocols in place — for months. pending respective votes by each side. With this current schedule, the Panthers would officially open training NHL plans to schedule a Board of Governors call/vote sometime this camp on Sunday, Jan. 3. weekend. The NHLPA already had an exec board call scheduled for 8 As we have gotten closer to a potential return to play, more and more pm ET tonight. players have made their way south. — Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) December 19, 2020 There are a lot more details to come — including how many players will According to Friedman, the two sides have agreed to a 56-game make up the roster as well as taxi squad players — so, stay tuned. schedule in 2021 which would start as early as mid-January. Florida Hockey Now LOADED: 12.19.2020 Support local journalism and coverage of YOUR Florida Panthers with a subscription to Florida Hockey Now TODAY!

Frank Seravalli of TSN is reporting that the NHL wants to open some training camps (for the seven teams which did not make the expanded postseason) on Dec. 30 with the other teams reporting Jan. 3.

The 2021 season would start Jan. 13.

That seems pretty ambitious, however, with Seravalli noting “all dates subject to change. Scheduling not finalized.”

He later added: “Those dates could get pushed back.”

NHL.com confirms the report through NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly. The deal is pending votes by both the NHL Board of Governors and the NHLPA. That is expected no later than Monday.

Tentative agreement between #NHL and #NHLPA (which requires approval) calls for training camps to open on Jan. 3 and regular season on Jan. 13.

The 7 teams who did not make 24-team playoff can open camp on Dec. 30.

With the coronavirus pandemic still raging — and the Canadian border basically closed for non-essential travel — what comes next will be interesting.

Remember that whole temporary divisional realignment talk with an All- Canadian division staying north of the U.S. border?

Well, now there are questions whether all the teams in Canada will be allowed to play in their home provinces due to local health concerns.

An All-Canada division may indeed remain — either by relocating those teams to the United States for a bit or start the season in a Canadian hub cities such as Edmonton where play would be allowed — since so much work has already gone into scheduling to try and get a season going as soon as a deal was reached.

We will see what happens.

As for the Florida Panthers, it appears they will remain, at least for 2021, in a revamped Central Division which initially was to include Atlantic rivals Tampa Bay and Detroit as well as Carolina, Chicago, Columbus, Minnesota and Nashville.

Friday night, Mike Russo — former Florida beat writer for the Sun- Sentinel now with The Athletic — reported the Wild will be going further west to the Pacific and Dallas will join Florida in the Central. 1197089 Florida Panthers Durin the same time as the Wennberg signing, Carter Verharghe signed a 2-year deal worth $1 million a year. Originally a Toronto Maple Leafs prospect, Verhaeghe found a new home in Tampa Bay, playing 52 games and tallying 13 points (9 goals, 4 assists) in the 2019-20 season. Panthers New Forwards Bringing Drive & Intensity In the 2018-19 season, he led the AHL in points with 82 points (34 goals, 48 assists) through 76 games. Additionally, he was featured in eight

playoff games, tallying only two assists. BY JOEY GANZI DECEMBER 18TH, 2020 Furthermore, he reached the top of the NHL mountain and secured a Stanley Cup ring with the Lightning. At only 25 years of age, he’s done what most NHL players would only ever dream of. As mentioned before To say new Florida Panthers general manager, had a busy with Wennberg and Hornqvist, he could easily mentor the young and offseason would be a massive understatement. He made moves to upcoming forwards with his Cup experience and lessons he learned from change his blue line such as signing Radko Gudas, moving Mike stars like Steven Stamkos and . Although, he’s still young Matheson and trading for Markus Nutivaara. What he also did was try to and could take some tips and tricks himself in some instances from the improve his core of forwards by giving them depth and veteran other veterans like Noel Acciari and Brett Connolly. leadership. Carter Verhaeghe Tampa Bay Lightning After losing both Evgeni Dadonov and Mike Hoffman to free agency this season, they’re going to need their newly acquired forwards now more Carter Verhaeghe, former Tampa Bay Lightning (Jess Starr/The Hockey than ever. Writers)

Patric Hornqvist The issue with Verhaeghe is that he could not find his place in the lineup during the playoffs, so him playing time was limited during his time with This trade stole headlines across the NHL. After going through many the Bolts. Assuming he plays up to his potential, head coach Joel hoops with trade clauses, Matheson and forward Colton Scevior were Quenneville should have no problem plugging him in somewhere in the traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for forward Patric lineup night in and night out. In addition, he’s more than likely going to Hornqvist on Sept. 24. have young and fast players on his line because of his skillset. With all those pieces, he’s should be able to flourish in an area just a little more Hornqvist almost needs no introduction. He is a decorated forward with 2 than 250 miles southeast of Tampa. Stanley Cups under his belt with the Penguins. With 770 regular season games played and 90 playoff games played, he has shown he can play in Ryan Lomberg the NHL. Last season, he tallied 32 points (17 goals, 15 assists) with two points in the playoffs. It is somewhat of a drop off from his recognizable On the same day as Wennberg and Verhaeghe were signed to deals, performances from years past but he can still put in at least 20 goals a Zito signed 26-year-old Ryan Lomberg to a two-year deal worth season for a team with his pestering style of play. $725,000.

Patric Hornqvist Penguins Lomberg was featured in 11 career NHL games, all with the Calgary Flames. During his time there, he tallied only one point, an assist in Patric Hornqvist, former Pittsburgh Penguin (Amy Irvin / The Hockey 2017-18. During his time in the AHL with the , he played Writers) 219 games and tallied 109 points (49 goals, 60 assists). For the most part, Lomberg was brought on as a young forward with a lot of energy With that, he also does something that most Florida players seem to and for his physical presence. However, he will more than likely be a avoid doing, and that’s going into the dirty areas of the ice to generate bottom six forward and put on some sort of sand paper line that could goals. In addition to assisting the offense, his experience will also pass feature Acciari. All in all, it seems he was brought on to be either a camp down great advice to Florida’s upcoming young prospects such as Anton body or an AHL player. Lundell and Owen Tippett. Although, Florida has always struggled with depth stepping up when their There’s only one issue with Patric that could become a massive problem big pieces are down. With that, Lomberg was brought in a a depth piece. if it isn’t kept under control. He tends to get injured often as he hasn’t So in the grand scheme of things, this was a good signing and its hopeful played a full season since the 2015-16 season. With the shortened that he turns out to be something greater for this hockey club. season in 2020-21, he shouldn’t have an issue missing any games as he played 52 last season. However, we should hope that he’ll stay out of Vinnie Hinostroza injury trouble this season. Vinnie Hinostroza signed a 1-year, $1 million deal with Florida during the Alexander Wennberg same 24 hours as Lomberg, Verhaeghe and Wennberg were inked. Much like how Zito brought on Wennberg due to their familiarity, coach On Oct. 9, Alexander Wennberg decided to take his talents to Sunrise on Quenneville assisted in bringing in Hinostroza due to their familiarity in a 1 year, $2.25 million deal. He was seemingly brought in due to his their time spent with the Chicago Blackhawks. familiarity with Zito during their time in Columbus after the final year of his contract was bought out. However, he will more than likely be thrown into Hinostroza is a 26-year-old forward that has been in the league for the the bottom nine in the lineup. past five seasons. With the Arizona Coyotes last season, he tallied 22 points (5 goals, 17 assists) through 68 games and was featured in seven Wennberg is a 26 year-old forward who brings playoff experience and playoff games last season. With that, Hinostroza has some experience skill to the forward lineup. In 52 games last season with the Blue Jackets, and knows how to handle certain situations that most of the younger he tallied 22 points (5 goals, 17 assists) and played in 10 playoff games, players have yet to experience. tallying 5 points (3 goals, 2 assists). He is far from the player he once was, but if a change of scenery gets him even slightly back to form, he’ll Vinnie Hinostroza Arizona Coyotes thrive with the forwards down here as he’ll get a chance to play with talented forwards such as captain Aleksander Barkov and alternative Vinnie Hinostroza, former Arizona Coyotes (Jess Starr/The Hockey captain Jonathan Huberdeau. Writers)

In addition, along with Zito, his familiarity with some of his former So much like Wennberg, Verhaeghe and Hornqvist, Vinnie can guide the teammates in Nutivaara and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky should make younger faces in the right direction. In addition, Coach Q will know him feel right at home. Furthermore, much like Hornqvist, his experience exactly how to use him night in and night out as he knows his skillset with will show the younger players how to make it in the NHL. their time spent together.

However, also like Hornqvist, he has had injury trouble throughout his Will it Be Enough to Cover the Loss of Hoffman and Dadonov? NHL career and has yet to play a full season. If he can stay healthy, he While these forwards may not have the goal scoring touch that Dadonov can be a very vital asset to this Panthers team. And with the 2020-21 and Hoffman had in years past, they bring a sense of energy and season being shortened due to the coronavirus pandemic, he’ll more toughness to the lineup. This is something that Florida has been lacking than likely play a full season for the first time. for a few years now as grit was always seen as optional in their lineup on Carter Verhaeghe some nights. In addition, they also bring leadership qualities to the team that everyone in the locker room can thrive off of. With all these pieces put together by Zito, it might finally claw the Cats back to the promise land this season.

Hockey Writers LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197090 Los Angeles Kings earned his first NHL point (assist). He split the 2018-19 season between Ontario and Los Angeles before becoming a mainstay on the Kings’ backend last season. This offseason, he earned himself a four-year, $10.6 million contract and looks to be an integral piece on the Kings SUCCESSFUL COLLEGE FREE-AGENT SIGNINGS KEY FOR KINGS blueline for years to come.

The final, and most recent, college free agent making an impact for the Kings right now is Blake Lizotte. The energetic forward was highly sought BY EDDIE FISCHERMANN DECEMBER 18, 2020 after following his 2018-19 college season ended abruptly with St. Cloud State. He helped the Huskies to the top overall seed both seasons with St. Cloud, ultimately losing in the Regional Semi-Final in both years. The It has been well documented over the last two years about how many Kings scooped him up immediately following the conclusion of the NCAA strides the Kings have made at the NHL Draft to build their prospect pool campaign, and he made his NHL debut with Los Angeles in the team’s up to one of the best, if not the best in the NHL. The most recent final game of the season against Vegas. His first full season in the NHL example of this is their NHL-high (for the second consecutive year) nine proved that he was the sparkplug the organization hoped he would be as players going to the IIHF World Junior Championship beginning on he tallied 23 points (6-17=23) in 65 games and was voted the Most Christmas Day (last year the Kings led the league with nine players in Popular Player on the team as voted by the Kings Booster Club. He also attendance). led all NHL rookies in shorthanded goals (2) and finished the season ranked eighth among NHL rookies in assists and tied for ninth in games What hasn’t been discussed enough is the impact the Kings have also played. made in the college free agent market. That has helped shape their future almost as much as the success they have had drafting star talent, Overall, the Kings totaled 213 games played from college free agents last because while those draftees have continued to develop largely at the season, and they combined for 90 points (28-62=90), eight power-play junior, collegiate or European levels, college free agents have been able goals and two shorthanded goals while Petersen, in goal, won five of his to step in on both the Kings and Reign rosters. eight appearances while posting a .922 SV% and 2.64 GAA.

The success began in April of 2017 with the signing of undrafted winger With the success from signing these players, along with how well the Alex Iafallo, who had just finished helping the University of Minnesota- Kings have drafted, it shows how truly bright the future of this team is. Duluth to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including Being able to build an organization from the top down takes time, and the his senior year, where he led them all the way to the championship game Kings front office has shown the ability to remain patient, and strike when before falling the University of Denver. He had his best statistical season they see the opportunity to improve. during his senior year, posting 51 points (21-30=51), which was tied for 12th in the nation. NOTE – Eddie Fischermann works for the Kings and is currently one of many contributors to LA Kings Insider. Our organization understands the He signed a contract with the Kings and started the next season importance of LAKI to you and we remain committed to evolving the immediately at the NHL level. He has not looked back since then, platform and providing exciting new content once we resume our usual becoming a mainstay on the Kings top line, appearing in 227 games and operations. amassing 101 points (41-60=101) over his three seasons in the NHL. In fact, this past season, Iafallo ranked second on the Kings in points (43), LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 12.19.2020 tied for second in goals (17) and third in assists (26).

Another notable Kings college free agent signing occurred before Iafallo made his debut when they nabbed Cal Petersen as soon as he became available on July 1, 2017. Originally a fifth-round pick by the Buffalo Sabres in 2013, Petersen became a free agent following his junior year when he chose not to sign with the Sabres.

During his junior season alone, he was named captain of Notre Dame’s team, becoming the first goalie to be named captain in Notre Dame history. He went on to post a 23-12-5 record with a .926 SV%, 2.22 GAA and six shutouts in 40 games with the Irish. Petersen was named to the Hockey East First All-Star Team and ranked first in the nation in minutes played (2,375), tied for first in shutouts, tied for fifth in wins and 11th in save percentage. He led the Fighting Irish to the Frozen Four before, like Iafallo and Minnesota-Duluth, falling to the eventual National Champion Denver Pioneers in the semi-finals and ended his NCAA career starting 90 consecutive games.

The decorated Fighting Irish goaltender, who prior to his signing was part of the U.S. roster at the 2017 IIHF Men’s World Championship, has made an immediate impact in the Kings organization. Once at the professional level, he has played most of his career with Ontario (AHL), where he has amassed 53 wins over his three seasons there and been named to the AHL All-Star game twice (2017-18 and 2019-20). He is expected to start next season in the NHL and continue the success he has had at the professional level.

The next player to come into the fold with the Kings was defenseman Sean Walker, out of General Manager and Director of Player Personnel Nelson Emerson’s alma matter, Bowling Green. Walker has had to earn everything on his way up to where he is now. He was a starter immediately with the Falcons and was a consistent from day 1. He registered double-digit points every season, including topping out with a career-high 24 points his senior year. A captain his final two years, he nearly helped bring the Falcons to the NCAA tournament in 2017 but lost in double overtime of the WCHA Championship game to a Michigan Tech program that featured a future Kings teammate in Matt Roy.

Following his signing on an AHL contract, Walker played a full season with Ontario where he helped the Reign earn an AHL playoff bid in 2018. He then earned an NHL deal in the summer of 2018 and made his NHL debut the following season on Oct. 23, 2018 in Dallas, where he also 1197091 Minnesota Wild

Judge backs searches of 'Miracle on Ice' hockey star Mark Pavelich's home after alleged assault

By Paul Walsh and Paul Walsh Star Tribune DECEMBER 17, 2020 — 9:16PM

A North Shore judge has rejected arguments from "Miracle" hockey legend Mark Pavelich's defense that guns collected during law enforcement searches of his home should be ruled inadmissible as evidence in the assault case and that two of the four felony counts should be dismissed.

The decision this week by Cook County District Judge Michael Cuzzo also included more details about what law enforcement found during their searches, including the discovery of a suspected booby trap and numerous firearms throughout the home.

Pavelich, 62, of Lutsen, is charged with second- and third-degree assault as well as weapons violations in connection with the beating of a neighbor with a metal pole after a fishing trip last summer. Pavelich, according to the charges, had accused the neighbor of "spiking his beer."

In September, Pavelich was moved from the state's high-security mental health hospital in St. Peter to a less restrictive facility in Sauk Centre as his criminal case moves forward.

Defense attorney Chris Stocke argued in a hearing in October that law enforcement lacked sufficient probable cause when guns were recovered during an initial search immediately after the 911 call on Aug. 15, 2019, and during a court-approved search immediately afterward. Stocke wanted two counts thrown out that allege possession of firearms with missing or altered serial numbers.

He specifically argued that because the alleged crime scene was in Pavelich's driveway, a warrant to search his home, outbuildings and vehicles was "overly broad" and lacked probable cause because there was nothing to indicate evidence of a crime would be found there.

However, Cuzzo said the two sheriff's deputies were within their rights to conduct the searches and denied the defense's motions to suppress the evidence and dismiss the two counts.

"The state submitted sufficient evidence to establish probable cause," Cuzzo wrote.

Deputies Jesse Johnson and Michael Running, along with a U.S. Forest Service officer testified in the October hearing that Running found a rope attached outside the home from a second-floor balcony to a ground-level glass door in a setup that resembled a booby trap. Pavelich could also be seen through a window moving about. A brief, cautionary search of the home turned up a modified shotgun under a bed, ammunition on a dresser and a rifle in plain view in the bathroom.

After securing a warrant from a judge, the officers soon returned and located the metal pipe on the lawn and two guns with serial numbers missing.

Family and friends have said the allegations against Pavelich don't fit with the man they said was once a generous introvert who lived quietly on the North Shore of Lake Superior.

A hockey star for Eveleth High School and then the University of Minnesota Duluth, Pavelich joined his U.S. teammates in winning gold in the 1980 Olympics, defeating the Soviet Union in a medal round game later dubbed the "Miracle on Ice," and he played several seasons in the National Hockey League afterward. In recent years, family and friends said, they watched him become confused, paranoid and borderline threatening. They said they came to believe that he suffers from chronic traumatic encephalopathy caused by repeated blows to the head while playing hockey.

Star Tribune LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197092 Minnesota Wild going to lead our hockey club regardless if they have a letter on their jersey. We’d like to get to that point as well, to name him, so that it can be out there. And we’re excited to do that, but you’ll have to wait.”

Dean Evason talks Wild captain update, Kirill Kaprizov, training camp As the Wild wait patiently for an NHL return-to-play announcement, and more Evason and his staff have been assuming that there will be a 10-day training camp starting around Jan. 3. But he knows things can change in these turbulent times, so if they need to adjust, they adjust.

By Michael Russo Dec 18, 2020 “But we’re definitely prepared,” he said. “We were all in the office last week. And clearly we’ve been in contact and Zoom meetings throughout

this whole thing. But physically we were able to get in there and hammer The Wild know who the heir apparent to captain Mikko Koivu will be. out our videos and our structure, our practice plan. So we’re ready to go. We’re just waiting for the word.” They’re just not saying yet. Here are some other subjects Evason touched on during the KFAN On Thursday, I filled in for Dan Barreiro on KFAN and touched on the interview. captaincy during an interview with Dean Evason. While the Wild head coach didn’t break any news as to the identity of the Wild’s second full- On assimilating a largely revamped roster in what will be a short window time captain in franchise history, he conceded that the decision has been of time: “Although we can’t show the video and be on the ice and all that made. kind of stuff, you can still talk. And we’ve done that as far as talking over the phone throughout our pause here, and we’ll continue to do that. But “It’s going to be tough to have a captain after Mikko Koivu,” Evason said. on that note, we are extremely excited about having new people filtered “The job that he’s done here, the person that he was in the community, into our group, new blood, if you will, and opportunity for that excitement and how he led this organization for so many years, it’s going to be hard level to be there. We’re no different than any other team. We’re in a to fill. But clearly, we have an idea of what we want, and to be honest, we position where we have to come together very quickly in order for us to do know who we’re going to name. We have to go through that process. have a chance at having some success.” But we certainly have a lot of candidates, and you can just look at our roster.” On the hope of Cam Talbot stabilizing the team and AHL Goalie of the Year Kaapo Kahkonen’s role as backup now that is out It’s unclear if the Wild’s next captain knows it’s him yet, but general indefinitely with an upper-body injury and Andrew Hammond was signed manager has been making the rounds the past couple weeks to be the team’s third goalie: “We’re excited about Cam. That’s why meeting with many Wild players, especially the veterans. we’ve gone out and acquired him. We’re excited about the way that he’s performed and excited about how he’s going to perform going forward. As The Athletic broke down in a captaincy candidacy story recently, With Al, it’s tough, obviously. Not sure when we’ll have him back. But the and Zach Parise are considered the top two candidates way that he showed at the end of the year how he played, we know he to replace Koivu, although Ryan Suter and Marcus Foligno are viable can play, and no different than Kahkonen. We know he can play. When candidates as well. he came up and played for us, he played extremely well (3-1-1 with a One would think in those conversations with Guerin that the topic of 2.96 goals-against average and .913 save percentage). He had a great captaincy would come up, particularly if Spurgeon’s going to be the guy. year in the American Hockey League. So we feel that he is ready to Guerin would have to assure that the veteran defenseman, who begins a make that step if we need him to do that. So we’re really excited about brand new seven-year, $53.025 million contract this season, would feel our goaltending.” comfortable captaining the team over the longtime faces of the franchise, On Mats Zuccarello’s timetable after arm surgery this offseason and how Parise and Suter. they fill in if he misses time: “We don’t expect him at the start of training Jared Spurgeon (Brace Hemmelgarn / USA Today) camp, but then we’ll evaluate as we go here. But we’re going to have training camp, simple as that. We’re going to have people try to step up It certainly feels like things have been trending Spurgeon’s direction. and win positions on our hockey club in different areas. Clearly in today’s He has been one of the Wild’s best defensemen for years and is game and certainly this year, the majority of our group is penciled in. But arguably the franchise’s biggest discovery after once being signed as a there’s still obviously room. We’re not 100 percent how many players junior hockey free agent. It’s also no coincidence that one of Guerin’s first we’re going to be able to carry (because the NHL may have expanded acts as GM in 2019 was to sign Spurgeon to a contract that averages rosters beyond the usual maximum 23 players, plus a taxi squad due to almost $37,000 more per year than Parise and Suter. the virus and delay of the AHL season). So guys are going to be competing for jobs and competing for positions. We have these new Spurgeon’s $7.575 million cap hit is the highest in franchise history, and people that we’re not sure where chemistry is going to lie. In the past, at the time, it sure felt like Guerin was sending a loud and clear message we’ve kind of known who fits, who plays well together. We don’t know that this was no longer just Parise, Suter and Koivu’s team. that right now. So we’re going to have to go through a real quick process and hopefully get an idea of who has chemistry, certainly on the forward Spurgeon, 31, is extremely popular and respected in that locker room for lines, with each other.” the person he is, not to mention he’s a total gamer on the ice. On his first impressions of Kirill Kaprizov: “If you were to watch him as we So he makes an excellent candidate. have, clearly in the gym and around the locker room, he’s always got a One could also argue Parise, the Wild’s energizer bunny and still-top smile on his face, he’s interacting with his teammates, with the training goal scorer, makes the most sense. staff, with very high spirits. And he’s not somebody that’s shy sitting in the corner, and not getting involved, and not being around. So I think He captained the United States in the 2014 Olympics. He captained the what we’ve seen so far, his personality is wonderful. He’s excited about New Jersey Devils to the 2012 Stanley Cup Final. He’s the all-time not only playing the game, but even when we first picked him up and leading goal scorer amongst Minnesota-born players. And, while there’s talked to him (last summer), he was excited about getting going and no doubt Parise has been frustrated the past few years as he watches playing, but he was as excited about meeting his teammates. So we think his career hit the twilight years while he still craves a Stanley Cup, that sits well for someone that needs to get integrated real quickly.” presenting him with the honor could reenergize him and give him more of a sense of purpose.

Parise has said that regardless of who gets the captaincy, it’ll be On whether Kaprizov and Kevin Fiala could play together 5-on-5: “If you important for the entire leadership group to rally around that person that could have them both on different lines and playing, hopefully, in the gets it and support him. But this is also his hometown, so Guerin has to same type of skill set as we know that they both can play, it would be walk a delicate line because it could be deemed publicly as an nice to have them on two lines, and have definitely two lines going, and embarrassment to Parise if he were not the selection. then have the ability to flip them into positions where they are playing together in offensive-zone faceoffs and what have you. Certainly on the “I don’t think you can look at it and go, ‘OK, that’s the guy,’” Evason said. power play, there’s an option for them to be together on that as well. “We’re excited about that because we have several different guys that We’re not 100 percent we’ll see chemistry with the two of them either. could wear the ‘C’ on our team. We have several different guys that are But providing and knowing their skill sets, I’m anticipating that they will play well together.”

On whether Fiala could play the power-play point so the Wild could have four forwards on the No. 1 unit, allowing Kaprizov and Fiala to play together with Parise, who scored 12 power-play goals last season, and a center: “I can tell you this, we don’t want to be as structured as we were in the past. And that kind of sounds funny because I talk about structure all the time. But we would like to be a little bit more of allowing creativity, allowing different concepts on our power play so that it’s not so predictable. Kevin Fiala on the half-wall and, say, Matt Dumba shooting on his side. There’s different options that we feel that we have. We feel we’ve got some skill sets that we need to take advantage of in different positions. So I think you’ll see early some different looks. I know you’ll see some different looks that we want to work through to hopefully have a (better) power play. I mean, our power play’s been good the last couple of years, but it certainly can be better, absolutely. Our special teams have got to be better. And anytime you have a shortened season like this, your special teams have to be real good. And we’re going to concentrate a lot on them whenever camp gets rolling.”

On whether Marco Rossi may only get a sneak peek/tryout once world juniors ends and ultimately wind up back in Zurich, or if he anticipates the teenager to spend all season with Minnesota: “We definitely see him competing for an opportunity to play here. There’s no question. We’re excited about watching the world junior. I’m always excited about watching the world junior, but especially excited about watching him, and our other prospects (Matt Boldy, Marat Khusnutdinov, Vladislav Firstov and Pavel Novak) at the tournament will be exciting for us. But we expect (Rossi) to play very well there, concentrate on playing well for his country, and then coming here and competing for an opportunity to play for the Minnesota Wild.”

The Athletic LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197093 New York Islanders $3 million Ross Johnston

$1 million Islanders’ projected salary cap in 2021-22: No move is off the table Oliver Wahlstrom

$894,000 By Arthur Staple Dec 18, 2020 Simon Holmstrom

$894,000 Training camp is on the horizon for the 2020-21 Islanders. still has a few pieces of unfinished roster business before the team Anthony Beauvillier convenes for whatever kind of shortened season the NHL is planning, with re-signing restricted free agent Mathew Barzal at the top of the list. RFA

The only real questions left in the Barzal negotiation are for how much Michael Dal Colle and how long. It’s unlikely the Islanders will fail to get Barzal signed RFA before camp begins, whether that’s the first week of January or a bit beyond. We’ve discussed all offseason how Barzal, an RFA with no Otto Koivula arbitration rights, had barely any leverage to force Lamoriello into a bad spot. With the pandemic turning the salary cap flat, there was no hope of RFA an offer sheet and no pressure of a timeline in which to get Barzal Kieffer Bellows signed, as there was with Ryan Pulock, who had an arbitration hearing scheduled. RFA

Barzal will sign, most likely for two or three years. Lamoriello will register Casey Cizikas the short-term deals for veterans Cory Schneider, Matt Martin, Andy UFA Greene and possibly Derick Brassard. The Islanders will set off on their quest for a Stanley Cup in a shortened season. Matt Martin

And then, heading into 2021-22, Lamoriello will have to repeat his high- UFA (projected) wire salary cap routine. It’s already a crowded group here. As we wrote in our expansion draft The Islanders already have $67.8 million committed against the 2021-22 projection last week, there will be at least a few attractive names left cap for just 15 players. Given that the upcoming season will most likely exposed from this group, most notably (in our opinion) Eberle, who will be played without fans and the NHL and the players’ association did not have three years left on his deal. If Seattle bites, that’s a big number off adjust escrow for it, 2021-22 will almost certainly have the same $81.5 the books. If not, well, that could be an issue. Beauvillier is coming off a million cap as the previous two years. If we make an educated guess that bridge deal at $2.1 million per; if he puts up 20 goals in this shortened Barzal signs for three years at $7 million per, then we’re down to less season, his arbitration ask could be north of $5 million. Even penciling than $7 million in cap space already. him in for two years, $4.5 million per creates a crunch before you get to Pelech and Sorokin. That, obviously, is bad news for the Islanders. They will lose a player to Seattle in the expansion draft prior to the start of 2021-22, and Lamoriello Ladd will be down to two years remaining on his deal, and guess what? will most surely try to steer the Kraken toward one of his higher-priced It’s still buyout-proof! So depending on what Lamoriello does with Ladd players. RFAs Anthony Beauvillier, Adam Pelech and Ilya Sorokin will all this coming season, perhaps Ladd will end up sitting out those final two need new deals and all of them are arbitration-eligible. That was the seasons and possibly on long-term injured reserve to open up more cap situation that forced Lamoriello’s hand when he dealt Devon Toews to space. the Avalanche for a pair of second-round picks. There is a somewhat attractive buyout candidate in this group: Komarov. So, let’s see where things stand for 2021-22, with the caveat that we Demoting him for the final year of his deal would save $1.075 million have no earthly idea what this coming season will bring. against the cap versus saving $1.33 million on a buyout, with a $667,000 cap charge for 2022-23. As with Ladd, a lot depends on how the Forwards Islanders deal with Komarov this coming season. Anders Lee Then there’s Cizikas. We had him on the protected list for Seattle despite $7 million the fact he’ll be a UFA. He’ll be 30 by next summer, and if he can’t get through next season in one piece, it might be worthwhile to move on from Mathew Barzal the consummate Islander, either by leaving him unprotected and/or $7 million (projected) letting him walk. If he doesn’t get something good on the open market — he’ll surely be looking for a raise off his deal of $3.5 million per — the Brock Nelson Islanders would be wise to bring him back on a short, cheap contract, even if the rest of the fourth line isn’t complete. $6 million Philadelphia’s Scott Laughton, a similarly styled player to Cizikas, is Jordan Eberle slated to be a free agent next summer, though he’s three years younger $5.5 million and liable to be more expensive. And “more expensive” is not a phrase the Islanders can even afford to listen to over the next couple of seasons. Andrew Ladd Whether or not Wahlstrom is able to crack the 2020-21 lineup, it’s crucial $5.5 million he makes a strong showing in 2021-22. Holmstrom might be ready to challenge for an NHL role by then, but that’s less likely. Josh Bailey Defensemen $5 million J-G Pageau $5.5 million $5 million Ryan Pulock Cal Clutterbuck $5 million $3.5 million Thomas Hickey Leo Komarov $2.5 million that the Islanders could sign a veteran goalie like Schneider and leave Varlamov unprotected in the Seattle expansion draft, or simply try to Scott Mayfield trade Varlamov to a goalie-desperate team.

$1.45 million That would require the Islanders to either keep Schneider as Sorokin’s Noah Dobson backup or look for a cheap 1B alternative. There are always goalies around, but the team would need to act fast. Veterans who, as of now, $894,000 are UFAs next summer include Devan Dubnyk, Antti Raanta, Pekka Rinne (who spent plenty of time with Mitch Korn and in Samuel Bolduc Nashville), Petr Mrazek and Philipp Grubauer. $843,000 The bottom line is that the Islanders, much as they did this offseason, will Bode Wilde be looking to shed salary wherever they can heading into 2021-22. Where the surprises this fall were the Toews trade and Boychuk’s forced $764,000 “retirement,” next offseason might bring the departures of a few more familiar faces. In the tight cap world the Islanders live in, no move is off Sebastian Aho the table. $725,000 The Athletic LOADED: 12.19.2020 Grant Hutton

$725,000

Johnny Boychuk (IR)

$6 million

Adam Pelech

RFA

Andy Greene

UFA (projected)

The big question with the defense will be what Pelech gets. With his injury history, it’s unlikely the Islanders would commit long term, so if he gets two years, $4.75 per after another solid (and preferably injury-free) year next season, that would be good enough for the Islanders. Either Leddy or Mayfield will likely be left unprotected in the waiver draft and could be appealing to pick. If that happens and Greene isn’t interested in playing at 40 years old, the 2021-22 Isles will need at least one of their young defensemen to become a regular or start mining the UFA/trade market for one or two solid defensemen.

Among the veteran defensemen slated to be UFA next summer who could be wedged in on a short deal are Alec Martinez, Jamie Oleksiak, David Savard. If Leddy gets scooped up and the Isles need a puck- mover with the willingness to spend a little, Dougie Hamilton could be out there.

Continuity has been Lamoriello’s top priority so far as Islanders GM, and it’d be a surprise if he decided to make big changes to the blue line. Bolduc and Wilde will have their first full pro seasons in 2020-21, though it’s hard to envision either of them being ready for full-time NHL work after whatever will pass for an AHL season this winter and spring.

Goaltenders

Semyon Varlamov

$5 million

Ilya Sorokin

RFA

Cory Schneider

UFA (projected)

Here’s where the Islanders’ cap crunch gets interesting or messy, depending on your point of view. Varlamov will have two years left on his deal. Sorokin, coming off his rookie season at $2 million, presumably will do nothing to cost himself a decent raise as the younger, more talented member of the tandem. If we’re talking at least $4.5 million per for all three of Beauvillier, Pelech and Sorokin, the Isles would be right up against the cap when you factor in Boychuk’s $6 million hit available via LTIR.

And that’s only with 18 total rostered players. So relief needs to come from multiple places, and not just the twisted hope that Ladd is unable to play and is thus a candidate for LTIR; that’s too risky to have as a your plan. There will be draft picks on the table (the Isles have two second- rounders in the 2022 draft) to sweeten a salary dump, buyout candidates (Hickey, Komarov) and, in the case of goaltending, the real possibility 1197094 New York Islanders

REPORT: Islanders, Mathew Barzal Camp Have Been in ‘Constant Communication’

Published 14 hours ago on December 18, 2020By Christian Arnold Mathew Barzal

Mathew Barzal remains without a contract as the NHL and NHL Players Association works to hammer out parameters to get a 2021 season going by Jan. 13.

While a deal may not have been reached just yet between Barzal and the New York Islanders, the two sides have had “constant communication.” NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reported during Thursday’s edition of TSN’s Insider Trading that the two sides have been talking and that he was getting a positive vibe out of the negotiations.

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“They’ve talked short term, medium term, long term deals,” LeBrun said. “Again getting a positive vibe out of that negotiation and we’ll see where that goes.”

The highest likelihood is that Mathew Barzal signs a two or three-year extension with the Islanders in the neighborhood of $7 million per year. Officially the Islanders have a mere $3.9 left in salary cap space, but will have Johnny Boychuk’s $6 million cap hit come off the books one way or another before the season starts.

New York also has to decide what they’re going to do with Andrew Ladd. There is a possibility the Islanders would place him on LTIR, which would allow them to utilize his $5.5 million cap hit elsewhere.

Mathew Barzal is the Islanders last major re-signing for the offseason and things between the two sides are likely to progress quickly once a firm start date is set for the 2021 season. The Islanders also reportedly have deals in place with Matt Martin, Andy Green and Cory Schneider.

Several reports indicated that the NHL had hoped to have a deal in place for owners and the players union to vote on by Friday, but at the time of publishing, no such deal had been put in place.

Barzal led the Islanders in points last season with 60 over the course of 68 games and his 19 goals were third on the team. Barzal added another 17 points and five goals in 22 games during the Islanders’ run to the Eastern Conference Finals.

NYI Hockey Now LOADED: 1197095 New York Rangers

NHL, players reach tentative deal to start the season in 2021

By Andrew Gross

Updated December 18, 2020 8:46 PM

An NHL return-to-play plan for a truncated 2020-21 season beginning on Jan. 13 was tentatively agreed upon by the league and the NHL Players’ Association on Friday night.

Now, both sides boards must vote to approve the plan.

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly confirmed the sides have agreed to a 56-game regular season preceded by a 10-day training camp that does not include preseason games. The Devils, Kings, Ducks, Sabres, Sharks, Red Wings and Senators — the seven teams that did not qualify for the August-September postseason after the COVID-19 pandemic halted the regular season on March 12 — will be able to open their camps on Dec. 30.

The NHLPA executive board, comprised of the 31 team representatives, met via teleconference to vote on the proposal on Friday night. The NHL Board of Governors had yet to schedule their vote but that is expected to happen by the end of this weekend.

The tentative agreement confirms the flat, $81.5 million salary cap and calls for a 23-man roster with the addition of a maximum six-player taxi squad, which would travel with the team.

Players will be able to opt out of the season.

The plan is to divide the league into four, geographically-based divisions — with the season limited to divisional play — in order to limit travel. One of those divisions is supposed to be the seven Canadian teams to account for the U.S.-Canada border restrictions.

However, that is perhaps the most tentative aspect of the plan.

Some or all of the Canadian provincial health authorities may not approve the NHL hosting games in those cities.

If not, the NHL will have to consider either having the seven Canadian teams play in one hub city — the postseason was conducted in sequestered bubbles in Toronto and Edmonton — or potentially find temporary U.S. homes for those franchises.

Neither is considered a desired option and would force the NHL and NHLPA to re-adjust the planned, temporary re-alignment.

Tentatively, the Islanders and Rangers have been placed in a division with the Devils, Flyers, Bruins, Sabres, Penguins and Capitals.

A major financial hurdle was cleared earlier this month when the league and the NHLPA agreed to play under the economic guidelines set in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement ratified in July. In November, the NHL had sought increased salary deferrals and escrow charges from the players.

Some owners had been reluctant to start the season given the huge economic losses of playing in empty arenas. NHL revenue is heavily gate driven and Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley said in October many teams would not be financially viable without fans in the buildings. He added "40 or 50% attendance" was needed.

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197096 New York Rangers But there seemed to be a million more fun moments with Lundqvist over the years, whether it was talking about hockey or music.

Three, in particular, stand out to me. Former Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist always was a fascinating The first came the first time I ever saw Lundqvist on the ice, for an person informal skate at the Rangers’ practice facility prior to training camp in September, 2005. The seventh-round pick in 2000 came with a glowing scouting report but not much was known about how he would fare Updated December 18, 2020 5:22 PM STAFF coming over to North America.

I watched as Lundqvist practiced one-on-one with goalie coach Benoit Allaire and I remember thinking — and later saying on an MSG Networks The cruel irony, of course, is that his heart has ultimately betrayed Henrik documentary about Lundqvist — I had not seen a goalie go post-to-post Lundqvist. quicker. After practice, I spoke with Lundqvist for the first time and was Because the future Hall of Fame goalie showed nothing but heart during struck by his friendliness and his humble outlook about his chances of his 15 seasons as the face of the Rangers’ franchise. In an NHL full of making the team that season. uber-competitive athletes, Lundqvist always seemed to be the uber-est The second came after a game in Nashville. The Rangers were staying on his team. over that night, a rarity as the team usually chartered to its next Lundqvist, who turns 39 in March, announced on Thursday via Twitter he destination immediately. I was at a bar enjoying some post-game would be unable to play for the Capitals this season — if there is a relaxation with a colleague when Lundqvist and a couple of his season — because of a heart condition. He signed a one-year, $1.5 teammates wandered in. million deal with Washington on Oct. 9 after the Rangers, turning over I wound up chatting with Lundqvist while a Rangers’ fan, wearing a their net to Igor Shesterkin and Alex Georgiev, bought out the final Lundqvist No. 30 jersey, stood alongside, back-to-back but oblivious to season of his seven-year, $59.5 million deal on Sept. 30. Lundqvist’s presence. We both got a huge chuckle out of that. "We have decided that the risk of playing before remedying my condition Another time, I stood with Lundqvist’s twin brother, Joel, who had played is too high," Lundqvist said after "many weeks of tests and conversations in the NHL with the Stars, watching a Rangers’ practice. Joel Lundqvist with specialists around the country." had us cracking up as he jokingly complained that while his twin brother "I will spend the coming months figuring out the best course of action." always wound up on various sexiest and best-looking athlete lists, nobody ever thought to think of Joel Lundqvist as that attractive. Lundqvist, true to his nature, made it sound like he was working to return to the ice. Still, it would not be shocking if this marks the end of So, all the best to Henrik Lundqvist and his family. Be healthy. Lundqvist’s stellar NHL career. Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 12.19.2020 My assignment for Newsday is covering the Islanders but I was a Rangers’ beat reporter at two other newspapers for most of 2003-2016, meaning I was around to chronicle the bulk of Lundqvist’s career in New York.

Always a fascinating person to be around, in many ways, Lundqvist is a study in contrasts.

Most of the times, he looks like he’s stepped from the pages of GQ, with his impeccably-tailored suits and perfectly-coifed hair. He always seems at ease in front of a camera, whether it’s a post-game interview or a charity event.

Swedish is his first language but I’ve never seen him stumble in English.

Several years back I asked him about his public persona and the Henrik Lundqvist brand.

He said all of it was a learned reflex, that, as a young athlete, he felt incredibly shy and often still did. Lundqvist said he had worked extremely hard to seem so at ease.

Lundqvist’s at-ease manner also belied the intense competitiveness that drove him relentlessly. He was not above taking his teammates to task for lax play in front of him, whether it was in a game or at a practice. He certainly didn’t like being shown up at practice.

One day, Mats Zuccarello, a close friend of Lundqvist’s, celebrated a little too much after scoring a goal in practice. Lundqvist angrily took a warning shot across Zuccarello’s bow, in the form of a fired puck, as Zuccarello skated at center ice.

Lundqvist backstopped the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Final once, in 2014, where they lost to the Kings in five games. The Rangers lost all three games in Los Angeles in overtime, including double overtime losses in Games 2 and the deciding Game 5, as Alec Martinez’s goal at 14:43 of the second overtime clinched the second Cup in three years for the Kings.

Lundqvist’s locker was by the entrance to the visitor’s dressing room at Staples Center and, as the media entered, Lundqvist sat at his stall, his goalie pads still on and his head in his hands. The media conducted other interviews with an eye kept on Lundqvist to see when he would be ready to talk.

It seemed like he never moved, so frozen in defeat was he. Lundqvist finally did talk, of course — he always did — but it was hard not to be affected by his raw emotions that night. 1197097 Ottawa Senators

The NHL and NHLPA have some details in place as they wait for go- ahead from governments

Bruce Garrioch

Publishing date:Dec 19, 2020

Nobody is sure how this is all going to work, but the National Hockey League and the NHL Players’ Association have a deal for the 2021 regular season.

Though there are issues that have to be dealt with in Canada, the players were expected to rubber stamp the deal on Friday night.

None of this is written in stone, but this is the talk about areas that are resolved or on the table:

• Camps could start Jan. 3 with the hope the season can begin Jan. 13. That’s not confirmed and is looking less likely with each passing day.

• The seven teams that didn’t make the playoffs in 2020 can open camp Dec. 31. In Canada, the Ottawa Senators are the only team that can go to camp early.

• There will be an opt-out option for players.

• Rosters will remain at 23 players plus an injured list.

• Taxi squads could be anywhere from four to six players. If there are six players, all 29 will practise with the team and travel.

• NHL teams may be able to loan players to European teams.

• The extra players will have to clear waivers and will receive a full American Hockey League salary. They will also get NHL per diems.

• There will be changes to the salary cap to allow for emergency call-ups because of COVID-19.

• Call-ups to Canadian teams without AHL teams based in this country — Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary — will be difficult because the 14-day quarantine remains in place.

• The NHL is trying to deal with the Canadian government plus five provinces to allow teams to host games in their own buildings. The option of playing in the United States is on the table, but isn’t preferred. It’s possible Toronto and Edmonton could be hub cities.

Ottawa Sun LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197098 Ottawa Senators The key now will be figuring out which pieces are building blocks for the future and how many more the team needs. Also, weaponizing their cap space to accrue more assets — though that’s a big ask considering the team’s ownership. Doing that could net Ottawa a few extra draft picks. How we’d run the Senators: Patience, prospects and piling up draft picks Beyond player personnel, the Senators need to be much better at evaluating defencemen. They took too long to see Cody Ceci was a third pairing defender (if that). He lost all his trade value, they moved him for a By The Athletic NHL Staff Dec 18, 2020 player and contract who’s even worse, and then took on Erik Gudbranson during the offseason, who’s one of the league’s worst defencemen. The Senators project to have the league’s worst defence As an extension of the NHL Future Power Rankings, which look ahead to group next season and it’s a major reason the team likely won’t make how teams will stack up three seasons from now, we are diving into what many on-ice improvements. — Dom Luszczyszyn each team can expect and what moves it can make to produce the best outcome. The Prospect Pipeline

The Athletic will break down what each team needs to do to, or should When will our players get here? do, to take the next step toward contention. James Mirtle will give advice The depth of the Senators’ pool means that there should be a constant based on the salary cap situation. Dom Luszczyszyn will dive into the flow of young talent to the NHL club over the next few years and steady analytics and look at what each team has on his Stanley Cup checklist. competition for jobs throughout those years. It’s not going to be as simple Scott Wheeler and Corey Pronman will answer four key questions about as it is for some teams, where there’s a natural line between one level the team’s prospects. And Eric Duhatschek will propose a game plan for and the NHL level for the team’s top prospects. The Sens will have some the general manager. Then the local beat writer will put it all in young players who would make other teams that just don’t get the same perspective with a reality check. opportunity in Ottawa. That’s a good thing because it means that those The Cap Situation who do make it will likely have distinguished themselves even further.

Ottawa’s a hard team to evaluate cap-wise, given they have an internal How good will they be when they get here? budget well below the actual ceiling. Ottawa’s strength is its number of middle-six quality forwards and The Senators roster is scheduled to make just $59 million, which is under second-pairing quality defencemen, with Tim Stuetzle as a likely the salary floor. Dead space for buyouts (Dion Phaneuf and Bobby Ryan) exception and as a potential one. The Sens will have no and injured players (Marian Gaborik) add another $10 million to get them trouble tapping into impactful NHLers, though. I expect all of Drake up on par with the other low-salary clubs in the league. Batherson, Shane Pinto, Erik Brannstrom, Josh Norris and Jacob Bernard-Docker will be that, with players like Logan Brown, Roby The best use of their 2020-21 season is, as the organization’s young Jarventie, Lassi Thomson, Alex Formenton and Ridley Greig potentially a players continue to develop, to clear out players underperforming their slight cut below that. contracts (Colin White), take on bad deals from other teams in exchange for picks and prospects, and aim to be a contender in two or three years What positions do they play, and do we have excesses or deficiencies? when players like Tim Stuetzle are going to be a factor. The Sens’ pool isn’t deficient at any one position. While they lack a true Getting Brady Tkachuk on a long-term extension should be a top priority top goalie prospect, they’ve even got depth in numbers in net — enough in the next few months. to suggest they might get a decent NHL backup out of one of them. There are some excesses at forward, where it’s now make-or-break for Ottawa has some questionable contracts like Nikita Zaitsev’s, but they’re players like Brown and Vitaly Abramov. Their trade value will be not overly committed to declining players over 30. They have so many impacted the longer they go without establishing themselves as full-time deals expiring in the near future that they project to have nearly $50 NHL players, and I think some of that could have been afforded if the million in cap space by 2022-23; there’ll be a clear path to adding talent Sens hadn’t targeted so many depth NHLers in free agency (players I’m as their prospects develop and improve, provided they’re more open to unconvinced will have more of an impact than someone like Brown). But spending at that point. it’s not an easy task finding that balance between leaving holes open for young prospects and signing veterans to insulate them. In the flat-cap NHL, Ottawa could be a significant disruptor, given they’re well-positioned to take on cap dumps from contending teams. Leveraging What does our prospect pool tell us about where we are in a competitive that advantage is going to be vital in the next 18 months. cycle?

In the medium term, the contract is another one they’ll have The strength of the Senators’ prospect pool suggests that it’s now time to to keep an eye on; his cap hit could be a significant issue if he doesn’t begin taking the next step. Eventually those players need to be allowed regain his No. 1 netminder form. — James Mirtle to take on a more prominent role with the NHL club. — Scott Wheeler

The Analytics The Game Plan

The Stanley Cup Checklist is based on research done earlier this year The main order of business will be to get Brady Tkachuk, going into the looking at the average value for players at every position from the past final year of his entry-level contract, signed to an extension — and if the 10 Cup champions. It’s based on the best-of-the-best each year, making precedent of Thomas Chabot is any indication (eight years at an AAV of it a high bar to clear and it means no team will have every box checked $8 million), Tkachuk won’t come cheaply. But he is the key galvanizing off, but the more holes a team has filled, the closer they are to being a piece on a team that’s still miles away from contention. Presumably, the Cup contender. A name in a specific box means he’s in the right ballpark reason GM didn’t weaponize his salary cap space more for projected value compared to past Cup winners, with some on the aggressively is he’ll need to save some until he learns what it will cost to lower end and some on the higher end. Using an age curve, we made retain Tkachuk. The Senators sold high on Jean-Gabriel Pageau at last note of what each team already has on their roster signed for each of the year’s trade deadline and got good value in return from the New York next three seasons. Islanders (a first-rounder, a second-rounder and a conditional third). But Pageau and Anthony Duclair were two of their most productive forwards Let’s take a look. and while they were replaced on this year’s NHL roster with free-agent Patience remains the key as it’s hard to see Ottawa contending in the acquisitions Evgenii Dadonov and Alex Galchenyuk, that’s a lateral move next three years barring a lot of prospects turning into strong NHLers at best. Newcomer Matt Murray is probably an upgrade in goal, if he can quickly. get anywhere near his 2017 levels, but the Senators are really counting on internal development for any rise in the standings. Sadly, that’s The Senators had an active offseason, but I don’t think they’ll be much something which can’t be fast-tracked. better. This is still a very green team and there’s still a lot of pain on the horizon. Ottawa is not yet in a position to rush its rebuild and the playoffs This is still not a very good team. It could become a good team – even a remain very far away. very good team — if the three 2020 first-rounders (Tim Stuetzle, Jake Sanderson and Ridly Greig) develop and eventually contribute at the NHL level, but that’s not happening immediately. Instead of signing Dadonov, I would have used that salary cap space ($5 million annually) to help Tampa get out of its salary cap purgatory. The Lightning could have provided them with a comparable scorer and attached draft choices or players as a sweetener. But you can’t rewrite history. It means the Sens will need to adopt a -like level of patience until the fruits of all that draft capital emerges. So much will depend upon the marching orders Dorion receives from owner Eugene Melnyk, who tends to want to see results sooner rather than later. If the turnaround happens in small, slow, predictable increments, it’s not going to be pretty. — Eric Duhatschek

The Reality Check

It feels like Mirtle has been reading a lot of Sens Twitter, but not a lot of my recent stories when it comes to White’s contract.

White certainly didn’t play up to his $4.75 million cap hit, but it was only his sophomore season in the NHL, and he dealt with some injuries that were significant enough to send him to the AHL for a brief conditioning stint. White significantly benefited from playing with Mark Stone in his first full NHL season. Being dropped from Stone to a rotating cast of bottom- six wingers didn’t help his cause. All that is to say … Give him a bit more time before we point to his contract as one that needs to be moved out.

*exhales*

Otherwise, I think our panel has really nailed the big picture here: It’s all about patience. This year’s draft was touted as franchise-altering, but those changes are going to take time as the haul from the last few years progress toward becoming NHL-ready.

The Stanley Cup checklist is mostly empty, but as some of the prospects begin to develop and get closer to the NHL, it should start to fill up. Sanderson, Jacob Bernard-Docker and Erik Brannstrom should all be in the top pair or top four columns in the years to come. Stuetzle could elevate to an elite centre, with Shane Pinto, Josh Norris or Logan Brown potentially filling out the top-line centre spot. Alex Formenton, Drake Batherson and Roby Jarventie (to name a few) could fill out those top- line winger spots.

As Wheeler notes, there is a lot of talent coming. Some players may not pan out, but it should get better in Ottawa. It’s just going to take some time.

Over the course of the offseason, the Senators did a nice job bringing in and extending some important players— like Connor Brown, Murray and Dadonov — who will provide some experience to the roster.

But at the end of the day, this is Tkachuk and Chabot’s team. And as Duhatschek said, locking in Tkachuk long term is going to be the priority once the 2021 season is complete. I expect Tkachuk to bet on himself this year and play himself into a higher paycheque, like his brother Matthew did.

Cap space isn’t an issue, but it could be if the organization misfires and locks in a player who ends up outside of the top six or top four. So, admittedly, Mirtle is correct in saying that this team is eventually going to have to trim the fat on contracts that aren’t key pieces. It should also be noted that the organization has missed some opportunities to leverage their vast amount of cap space.

I like the Dadonov signing, though, so I don’t agree with Duhatschek on the use of money in that instance. The team has lost so much scoring lately that Dadonov is an important asset to have. What I would have preferred is for the Senators to help out the cap-strapped Lightning by taking a big contract off their hands for a draft pick rather than trading an asset for Erik Gudbranson. Gudbranson will fill a leadership hole left by the departure of , Pageau and Ron Hainsey. But I think the Senators could have gotten a leader and an asset from Tampa if they weaponized that cap space differently.

Perhaps once they sign some of their young players (Logan Brown, Batherson, Christian Wolanin and Tkachuk are all going to be RFAs) then Dorion will have a clearer picture of what he can take on. Some of the takeaways from the panel could seem bleak, especially the checklist, but the future really is bright if the organization plays their hand right. — Hailey Salvian

The Athletic LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197099 Philadelphia Flyers

NHL, players reach tentative deal for 56-game season

by STEPHEN WHYNO,

The National Hockey League and players reached a tentative deal Friday to hold a 56-game season in 2021 beginning Jan. 13, pending the approval of each side’s executive board and Canadian health officials.

Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly confirmed the sides have an agreement, pending the approval of various executive boards.

The NHL Players’ Association’s board is meeting Friday night to discuss it, while the league’s Board of Governors could vote on the plan as soon as this weekend. Approval from health officials in the five Canadian provinces that have teams is still needed before the NHL can go ahead with the season.

Training camps for the seven non-playoff teams would open Dec. 31 and then Jan. 3 for the other 24 teams. It’s unclear whether teams would play in their home arenas or in “hub” cities, though an all-divisional schedule is expected.

Exhibition games aren’t expected to be included in the leadup to the new season. Sportsnet in Canada first reported the tentative agreement.

The NHL, like the NBA, finished its previous season in a quarantined bubble — two of them, one each in Toronto and Edmonton, Alberta. Commissioner Gary Bettman awarded the Stanley Cup to the Tampa Bay Lightning in late September in Edmonton.

Owners and players agreed to a long-term extension of the collective bargaining agreement before the 2019-20 season resumed, setting the table for financial ramifications of the pandemic. They agreed recently to stick to that deal, which includes players deferring 10% of salaries, a cap on money they pay into escrow and a flat $81.5 million cap.

The NHL follows the NBA in moving toward another regular season. The basketball season opens Tuesday.

One hurdle remaining is where the seven Canada-based teams will play. The original plan was to put them in the same division, though tougher pandemic restrictions north of the border put that into limbo this week.

“The resumption of sports events in Canada must be undertaken in adherence to Canada's measures to mitigate the importation and spread of COVID-19,” the Public Health Agency of Canada said in a statement Thursday night. “NHL teams and other professional sports must operate within the rules of their provincial jurisdictions for sports or sporting events.”

Major League Baseball’s Toronto Blue Jays played last season in Buffalo, New York, and the NBA’s Toronto Raptors have relocated to Tampa, Florida, because of government prohibitions. The NHL so far has one American team that may need a new home: the San Jose Sharks, who play in ’s Santa Clara County with a temporary ban on professional and collegiate team sports that has affected the NFL’s 49ers.

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197100 Philadelphia Flyers Parent let out a hearty laugh, just like he did this week as he donned a Santa Claus suit and took photos with guests to help benefit the Ed Snider Youth Foundation.

The Flyers and division rivals will be seeing a lot of each other. Let the “But most of the time, they’ll hit me with the shot or miss the net,” he animosity begin. added.

Hall of Fame goaltender Bernie Parent (left) with Flyers goalie Carter Hart at a golf tournament before last season. Parent believes the Flyers by Sam Carchidi, will one day win a Stanley Cup with Hart in the nets.

GINI PARENT

Assuming a 56-game schedule is approved, the Flyers and teams in their Hall of Fame goaltender Bernie Parent (left) with Flyers goalie Carter division will play each other eight times this season. They will learn their Hart at a golf tournament before last season. Parent believes the Flyers opponents’ tendencies and build an intense dislike for each other — even will one day win a Stanley Cup with Hart in the nets. if fans are not allowed in buildings to incite the teams. The conversation drifted to one of Parent’s favorite topics, Carter Hart, Eight games against each other, compared to the usual four games, can the current Flyers goalie. In his first full season, Hart, then 21, had the create a growing sense of animosity that is, well, healthy for the rivalries. league’s eighth-best goals-against average, at 2.42.

That’s one good thing to come out of another pandemic-altered season. “He’s a young kid and there’s no ceiling,” Parent said. “Every year as you gain more experience you get better. As a goalie, I learned there’s The Flyers and cross-state Pittsburgh Penguins have always had extra always room for improvement. They’re going to win a Cup with him. He’s intensity in their games. Now, with teams only playing division opponents smart and a heck of a goalie.” during a season that could start as early as Jan. 13, the emotions will spread to other rivals. And he should benefit from playing only division rivals. Hart has a 13-6-1 career record against the seven opponents expected to be on the Flyers’ It’s going to create “a lot of great games,” Flyers center Kevin Hayes said schedule. the other night. “A lot of carryover will occur within each game.” Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 12.19.2020 The four, new-look divisions have not yet been finalized. Delaying things: The seven Canadian teams may have to play games in the United States because of coronavirus-related guidelines set by Canadian health officials. If that happens, the Canadian teams probably won’t play in one division, which was the original plan.

As it stands, the Flyers are expected to be in a division with Pittsburgh, Boston, Buffalo, New Jersey, the New York Islanders, New York Rangers, and Washington.

Hayes, whose Flyers had the NHL’s sixth-best record last season and won their first playoff series since 2012, said the players are “excited to get back at it and create another winning culture. We have the right guys in the room to lead the way. And playing the same teams over and over again will bring out the best in our guys because the game plans are not going to change that much.”

Still, facing a team eight times is child’s play when compared to how the NHL looked just before the Flyers and five other teams joined the league in the Great Expansion of 1967-68.

Before the NHL doubled its size from six to 12 teams in 1967-68, the players knew a thing or two or 100 about their opponents. That’s because they played each other a staggering 14 times in a 70-game regular season. Fourteen.

Bernie Parent was a member of the Boston Bruins during those crazy schedules in the 1960s.

Positive spin

“I’m always looking at the positive side,” Parent said. “Back then, it forced you to concentrate on the mistakes you were making and to make adjustments the next time [you played that team], and things got better.”

Parent, who led the Flyers to Stanley Cups in 1974 and 1975 and became a Hall of Fame goaltender, thinks goalies and defensemen benefit the most when they play a team so many times.

“You talk to your defensemen and discuss how to position yourself in certain situations against that team, and it helps you be in the right position to make the save,” he said.

Playing devil’s advocate: But what about the forwards who learn the tendencies of the defense and the goaltender?

“I understand where you’re coming from,” Parent said, “but at the same time, I always told the defensemen, ‘Let’s play a style that is successful against those guys.’ And instead of us adjusting to those guys, let them adjust to us. If I give a [forward] about four inches on the left-hand side above my shoulder and the guy hits it, God bless him. I’ll go and hug him.” 1197101 Philadelphia Flyers

Big-time sleeper in Flyers' system signs his entry-level contract

by Jordan Hall

Mason Millman, a fleet-skating, puck-moving defenseman in the Flyers' system, is set up for his last hurrah at the junior hockey level before turning pro.

The Flyers on Friday signed the 2019 fourth-round draft pick to his three- year entry-level contract. In 2020-21, the 19-year-old will play his final season with the OHL's Saginaw Spirit, who drafted Millman during the seventh round of the 15-round 2017 OHL draft and have seen impressive development from the blueliner.

The OHL is looking to start its season in February and Saginaw is coming off a 41-16-5 campaign in 2019-20. Millman was a plus-31 (fifth best among OHL defensemen) with 44 points (13 goals, 31 assists) in 58 games for that club.

"It is a true testament to a player’s hard work combined with the focus on development from the Saginaw Spirit coaching staff to achieve this goal," Saginaw general manager Dave Drinkill said to NBC Sports Philadelphia on Friday. "We take great pride in the environment and program we have created here in Saginaw, one that allows players like Mason to develop on and off the ice and to allow them to reach their dreams of being NHL players. We couldn’t be more happy for Mason and the Millman family as they have been a huge part of the culture we have here with the Spirit."

Millman looks like a sleeper in the Flyers' prospect pool because he was the third defenseman taken by the club in that 2019 draft and the organization has its share of blue-line prospects, led by Cam York and Egor Zamula.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Millman recently took part in Canada's selection camp for the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship but did not make the team. He is a smooth skater who pushes the puck with speed and controlled pace. Defensively, he's smart in his own end and getting stronger.

"I really believe he can be one of the best defensemen in the OHL, if not the CHL," Drinkill said in April.

"His ability to transport pucks either with his feet or with his head and brain, they’re elite at our level. And I’m betting that if he keeps developing and gets into the Flyers’ system, he’s going to keep becoming an elite defenseman that way."

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An awesome gesture by Raffl as he delivers a surprise back home

by Jordan Hall

Unlike in the past over his seven-year tenure with the Flyers, Michael Raffl has been able to enjoy some hockey in his native Austria during the months of November and December.

The time at home must have been a treat for Raffl, especially after he had spent a good chunk of the summer back in the United States and Canada for the NHL's return-to-play 24-team tournament.

To get in work and stay ready during this atypical NHL offseason, Raffl was recently on loan to Villacher SV, an Austrian pro team in which he had played for prior to his NHL career. His loan consisted of four games as Raffl will be headed back to the Philadelphia area before an early- January Flyers training camp.

Raffl's time back in Austria was also a treat for his fellow homeland's hockey players. Along with his close friend Michael Grabner, Raffl was one of two players from Austria to play in the NHL last season. He's one of five Austrians to play in the league over the last 20 years and has appeared in the third-most NHL games of anyone from the country.

So you can imagine the thrill of Raffl joining a camp practice with the Austrian women's national team. Per a tweet on the IIHF's official Twitter account, Raffl surprised the team and took part in its skills practice Friday.

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Minor league report: Nailers fall to Solar Bears

SETH RORABAUGH | Friday, December 18, 2020 10:09 p.m.

Goaltender Shane Starrett made 27 saves on 31 shots for the in a 4-2 home loss to the Orlando Solar Bears on Friday at WesBanco Arena in Wheeling, W.Va.

Forwards Tyler Drevitch and Sean Josling scored goals for Wheeling (0- 2-0).

The Nailers next game is at home against the Solar Bears on Saturday, 7:10 p.m.

Tribune Review LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197104 Pittsburgh Penguins A long-term project for the Penguins’ development staff, Gruden offers plenty of intrigue, even as a mid-level prospect, and could prove to be more than merely a throw-in from a trade.

Penguin A to Z: Jonathan Gruden could be more than a throw-in Tribune Review LOADED: 12.19.2020

SETH RORABAUGH | Friday, December 18, 2020 2:54 p.m.

As the NHL prepares for a new season expected to start in mid-January, the Tribune-Review will offer Penguins A to Z, a player-by-player look at all 48 individuals under NHL contract with the organization, from mid- level prospect Niclas Almari to high-profile trade acquisition Jason Zucker.

Jonathan Gruden

Position: Center

Shoots: Left

Age: 20

Height: 6-foot

Weight: 172 pounds

2019-20 OHL statistics: 59 games, 66 points (30 goals, 36 assists)

Contract: First year of a three-year entry-level contract with a salary cap hit of $788,333. Pending restricted free agent in 2023

Acquired: Trade, Oct. 7, 2020

Last season: A fourth-round selection (No. 95 overall) of the Ottawa Senators in 2018, Gruden labored through an unimpressive freshman season at Miami (Ohio) in 2018-19. Appearing in 38 NCAA games for a poor RedHawks team, Gruden put up only 15 points (three goals, 12 assists).

That April, he opted to sign his entry-level deal with the Senators and jumped to the (OHL), joining the London Knights, one of the premier franchises in all of junior hockey. The Knights had selected him in the fifth round (No. 100 overall) of that league’s priority draft in 2016.

Working on London’s top line, Gruden skated on the left wing as a complementary piece to NHL first-rounders Liam Foudy (Columbus Blue Jackets, 2018) and Connor McMichael (Washington Capitals, 2019).

By the time the OHL halted play in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Knights were in first place of the Western Conference with a 45-15-2 record thanks in part to Gruden, who finished second on the team with 30 goals.

On the second day of this year’s NHL draft, the Penguins acquired Gruden along with a second-round draft pick (No. 52 overall) from the Senators in exchange for Stanley Cup-winning goaltender Matt Murray.

The future: In the immediate sense, Gruden can return to London for an overage season at the junior level or begin his professional career, presumably at the American Hockey League level.

That decision is out of anyone’s control at the moment as the OHL isn’t scheduled to begin its 2020-21 season until Feb. 4 while the AHL is slated to begin Feb. 5. Each of those dates appear to be moving targets due to the uncertain nature of the pandemic.

Should Gruden join the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, he would likely inhabit a bottom-six role to open the campaign.

The son of New York Islanders assistant coach John Gruden (himself a former NHL defenseman), Jonathan Gruden lives up to all the cliches of being the son of a coach. That’s to say he’s attentive to the details of the game and has the proverbial “high hockey IQ.” A lot of his goals come from areas directly near the cage, not through blood-and-guts battles but through calculated precision.

A little bit on the light side, Gruden, a native of Rochester, Mich., could stand to add some muscle to his frame whenever he jumps to the AHL, particularly if he wants to make a living around the blue paint and withstand the rigors the professional game offers. 1197105 Pittsburgh Penguins And as a pending unrestricted free agent, he presumably would have plenty of motivation in rebounding.

Jankowski is a low-risk, high-reward addition for the Penguins. Penguins A to Z: Mark Jankowski is a low-risk, high reward addition Tribune Review LOADED: 12.19.2020

SETH RORABAUGH | Friday, December 18, 2020 1:09 p.m.

As the NHL prepares for a new season expected to start in mid-January, the Tribune-Review will offer Penguins A to Z, a player-by-player look at all 48 individuals under NHL contract with the organization, from mid- level prospect Niclas Almari to high-profile trade acquisition Jason Zucker.

Mark Jankowski

Position: Center

Shoots: Left

Age: 26

Height: 6-foot-4

Weight: 212 pounds

2019-20 NHL statistics: 56 games, seven points (five goals, two assists)

Contract: One-year contract with a salary cap hit of $700,000. Pending unrestricted free agent in 2021

Acquired: Unrestricted free agent signing, Oct. 9, 2020

Last season: Generally speaking, having a down year before you hit free agency is poor timing.

But to do it just before a worldwide pandemic that crushes the economy, including the bottom lines of your potential employers? That’s just cruel.

Such is the case of Mark Jankowski.

A former first-round pick (No. 21 overall) in 2012 by the Calgary Flames, Jankowski had such an unimpressive 2019-20 campaign that the Calgary Flames declined to make him a qualifying offer as a restricted free agent and let him depart as an unrestricted free agent.

Granted, the Flames, like most other NHL teams, were facing a salary cap crunch this offseason because of the NHL’s finances being crippled by the coronavirus pandemic, and they would have had to offer him a deal that matched his salary last season ($1.75 million). But, finances aside, there was little reason for them to retain a player who was a healthy scratch for 13 games out of a possible 70 last season.

His first goal of 2019-20 did not come until his 39th game of the season Jan. 18.

During the NHL’s postseason tournament, Jankowski was held without a point while used primarily on the fourth line. Additionally, he was a healthy scratch for five of the 10 playoff games the Flames played.

Jankowski’s decline in 2019-20 came on the heels of two solid seasons. After spending four seasons at the NCAA level with Providence, Jankowski enjoyed a rookie campaign in 2017-18 in which he appeared in 72 games and posted 25 points (17 goals, eight assists) while filling out a bottom-six role. He followed that up in 2018-19 by topping those figures with 79 games and 32 points (14 goals, 18 assists).

The future: The Penguins, facing their own salary cap crunch, went bargain shopping this offseason to fill out their lineup and found a gently used Jankowski on clearance at the NHL’s minimum salary.

Management views him as a candidate for their third-line center role much as he was in during the high points of his career in Calgary. That said, faceoffs aren’t exactly his forte. After winning 52% of his draws in 2018-19, that figure fell to 44.7% last season.

Jankowski also figures to be a part of the penalty kill as he averaged 2 minutes, 2 seconds of short-handed ice time last season.

Given Jankowski was drafted more than eight years ago, it is easy to forget he is entering only his fourth true NHL season. There is plenty of room for improvement under a new coaching staff. And Jankowski wouldn’t be the first wayward soul to rediscover his game in Pittsburgh. 1197106 Pittsburgh Penguins

WE HAVE A SEASON! NHL-NHLPA Tentatively Agree to 56-Game SeasonPublished 7 hours ago on December 18, 2020

By Dan Kingerski

The final details may be sketchy and even the location of the Canadian teams may be a work in progress, but the NHL and NHLPA have reached an agreement on a 56-game 2020-21 NHL season, according to multiple reports from Sportsnet and TSN, which are the NHL’s Canadian rights holders.

The NHL season, of course, is pending approval by the NHLPA and the NHL Board of Governors.

The sides have been wrangling for weeks in an attempt to figure out the logistics of a season, which both satisfied owners need to create sufficient revenues and the players’ desire to remain with their families.

Additional Updates: The Penguins will play in the Atlantic Division with most of the Metro Division, minus Carolina and Columbus. Boston and Buffalo will take their place. Of course, this is pending the confirmation of the all-Canadian division. Per Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the playoff format will take the top four teams from each division. No wild cards.

As of writing, further details have not been released, including the fate of the all-Canadian division. On Friday afternoon, a team source apprised the Hockey Now network of one Canadian team owner who informed his staff that a temporary bubble for Canadian teams was possible.

However, a high-level NHL source told the Hockey Now network Friday evening, teams will play in their home buildings, but did not provide additional details.

“Yes,” was the simple response to the primary question if teams will play at home. Our source did not address the Canadian situation, other than to express confidence it will be resolved.

The only firm detail as of Friday evening is a 56-game schedule. The NHLPA scheduled an 8 p.m. conference call to update members and approve the agreement. The NHL Board of Governors is expected to do the same this weekend.

Various dates have been published over the past three weeks regarding a start date, but training camps for non-playoff teams could begin as soon as Dec. 29. Training camps for the 24 teams which participated in the postseason could open on Jan. 3.

However, those dates are unconfirmed.

As one of the new revenue streams to alleviate the heavy losses from a lack of fans being allowed to attend games will be ads on players’ helmets. The two sides are also expected to agree to that soon, according to the Sports Business Journal.

As part of the ads on helmet deal, teams could sell separate ads for home and away games.

The NHL also unveiled reverse retro jerseys last month.

The initial negotiations were strained as the NHL and NHLPA fought over economics. The NHL owners wanted to reconfigure the CBA agreement which the two sides signed in May. Owers wanted a greater escrow and salary deferral, but the NHLPA held firm.

The owners dropped their demands and the season planning began about three weeks ago.

For now, the good news is–We have a 2020-21 NHL season! Details TBD.

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Fleury and Crosby Jerseys Become the Top Sellers

Published 17 hours ago on December 18, 2020By Chase Wilpert

Desperately seeking a new No. 87 Sidney Crosby Pittsburgh Penguins jersey? Maybe show loyalty to an old friend by buying a Marc-Andre Fleury Vegas Golden Knights sweater? You’re not alone, according to the latest numbers from the Fanatics merchandise sales.

The top sellers of jerseys this holiday season (Happy Hannukah and Merry Christmas) are indeed Sidney Crosby and Marc-Andre Fleury. Last month, the NHL released the reverse retro jerseys to spur sales further. The Penguins jersey, which is white with diagonal “P-i-t-t-s-b-u-r-g-h,” initially drew mixed reviews but has become a hot property since its release.

Mark J. Burns of the Sports Business Journal tweeted the current sales from official NHL supplier Fanatics on Thursday night.

Top 10 selling NHL players on Fanatics:

1-Marc-Andre Fleury

2-Sidney Crosby

3-Artemi Panarin

4-Brent Burns

5-Patrick Kane

6-Auston Matthews

7-Alexander Ovechkin

8-Connor McDavid

9-Patrice Bergeron

10-David Pastrnak pic.twitter.com/91ugJUxyYw

— Mark J. Burns (@markjburns88) December 18, 2020

It appears Fleury has supplanted Crosby as the NHL’s merch leader. Last January, the NHL released the figures from 2019-20, and Crosby was the leading sweater getter from NHL sales. We should note the above is for Fanatics.com sales.

From the NHL sales, Crosby was also the top jersey in 2018-19, and his iconic 87 was in second place in 2017-18.

Last January, St. Louis Blues winger Vladimir Tarasenko was second, followed by Alex Ovechkin, Connor McDavid, and Patrice Bergeron.

How is McDavid ranked only fourth and Auston Matthews, not in the top 5? Hockey fans, we need to have a chat. Rounding out the top 10 last season were Matthews, Fleury, Tyler Seguin, Patrick Kane, and Jamie Benn.

Also, way to go, Dallas!

We should note Marc-Andre Fleury is currently atop the Fanatics listing. The NHL should release their sales rankings in January.

Fleury’s Vegas Golden Knights jersey may become a collector’s item. Vegas is currently over the salary cap, and NHL trade rumors have swirled around the loveable goalie who is among the all-time winningest netminders. Fleury will make $7 million this season.

The Penguins core of Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang remain with the Penguins despite some bubbling NHL trade speculation following the Penguins’ four-game postseason loss to the Montreal Canadiens.

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Dan’s Daily: No Canada, ALL NHL Teams to U.S.? Warm NHL Trade Talk

Published 19 hours ago on December 18, 2020By Dan Kingerski

If you are mad at Pennsylvania officials for shuttering restaurants and small businesses with only tangential evidence, just imagine our Canadian friends who were hit last night by the revelation that the NHL may have to move the Canadian teams to the U.S. to play the 2020-21 season because of restrictive rules imposed by the provincial health ministries. Also, in the daily reads, the Pittsburgh Penguins may not be suited for the coming season, Anthony Duclair signed, and more NHL trade rumors.

Some NHL trade speculation: The big news on Thursday, at least until the Canadian news broke, was goalie Henrik Lundqvist will miss the entire 2020-21 NHL season due to a heart condition (Russian Machine Never Breaks)

And here’s the speculation…but it makes sense. Carl Hagelin for Marc- Andre Fleury? Washington needs a goalie. A mentor would be helpful for young Ilya Samsonov. Vegas has a goalie they’d like to trade. Marc- Andre Fleury with the Washington Capitals?? (Vegas Hockey Now)

No Canada?

That’s my headline. I called it. All seven Canadian teams may be forced to the U.S. because of Canadian COVID restrictions. Here’s the full story from the TSN Insiders who broke the news (TSN)

A high-level source expressed confidence the NHL will figure it out, but it’s touchy (Boston Hockey Now)

However, when we get an NHL season, it will be compressed, and each game will be more important than previous regular seasons. The Penguins schedule may also be a baseball like series-style schedule. How will that affect the Penguins? (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

The San Jose Sharks’ trouble with northern California isn’t getting easier. The San Francisco 49ers will have to move their Jan. 3 game. That doesn’t bode well for the Sharks (San Jose Hockey Now)

There are a lot of fans disappointed today. Anthony Duclair picked a team, and the 20-goal scorer will make an affordable $1.7 million (Florida Hockey Now)

More NHL Trade Rumors and UFA chatter:

Mike Hoffman to the Boston Bruins? Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun asks–what’s taking so long?? (Ottawa Sun)

Patrik Laine to the Philadelphia Flyers?? (NBC Sports Philadelphia)

Fleury in Washington. Wow, that would rock a few Penguins fans.

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1197109 San Jose Sharks Azubuike: I thought it was pretty painless today. We both got tested. It’s pretty efficient, relatively quick process.

Lacob: It was. And I’m very curious to hear comments from the media, Media column: First Warriors TV broadcast in months was just a bit rocky who also got tested. I’m dying to see their comments. I thought was a good process.

Fitzgerald: Well, see, the NBA has performed a great example in Orlando By Steve Berman Dec 18, 2020 in that when you have testing and you have people wearing masks and you have people being safe, three months, and no positive test. And so,

if everybody that walks into this structure had a PCR test today — and I The pent-up anticipation to see this new, very much different version of agree with you, Joe, that this is the safest place to be, maybe in the world the Warriors on Saturday was real. One could tell that this would be the right now, because we’re in a building where every single person in here case earlier last week, when every practice scrimmage snippet was has been tested and tested negative, which is why they were allowed analyzed and exalted like a Steph Curry highlights package from any of entry into the building in the first place. his playoff series against the Trail Blazers. The idea that “is the safest place to be, maybe in the world Overall, fans felt pretty good after the final buzzer sounded and the right now” would probably be news to the citizens of New Zealand. Was it Warriors started the preseason 1-0 with a 107-105 victory over the safer than spending several hours in most indoor venues in this country? Nuggets. That was because many of the team’s new additions, guys like Perhaps, but Fitzgerald’s assertion was over the top considering the Kelly Oubre Jr., Brad Wanamaker and Kent Bazemore (a new/old current state of this country’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis. addition) showed glimpses of how they’d make this season’s team much The interview also had a few entertaining moments, like Lacob leaving deeper than the squad that finished the 2019-20 season with the his seat for an Alen Smailagić 3 attempt (he missed). But based on the league’s worst record. Also, it was just fun to see the Warriors play an live reactions on social media, and the abrupt decision to switch away actual game for the first time since March, even if it didn’t count. from the split-screen view near the end of the interview, we should The broadcast, however, seemed much like a lot of NBC Sports Bay probably assume (or at least hope) that all parties involved will tone down Area’s weekday morning and afternoon programming. Meaning, it came these in-game interviews in the future. off like an informercial. Other Warriors broadcasting thoughts and updates This isn’t even about how Bob Fitzgerald and Kelenna Azubuike played • The sound for the preseason opener was … not great. It seemed like up the Oakland-themed alternate uniforms (“Swag-gy!” according to the fake crowd noise was emphasized, while the on-court and basket Azubuike). Broadcast crews are constantly asked to throw in plugs for mics were muffled. This could’ve been caused one of two things. merchandise, ticket deals and giveaways. There’s a reason Mike Krukow has made “I wanna get that” one of his many catchphrases. 1. The NBA might want to avoid letting everyone hear every bit of conversation between teammates, trash talk between opponents, No, this is more about the very long and compliment-filled in-game bantering/arguing between players and/or coaches with officials, and interview with Warriors owner . Fitzgerald set the tone instructions provided by coaches during games. immediately: “It’s not quite courtside, boss, but you’re close enough.” That was followed by some loud guffaws by Lacob and Fitzgerald, and 2. This is all a work in progress for NBC Sports Bay Area, and the on- from that point the boss was shown on a split-screen for most of the court sounds will be clearer and more amplified as the technical people second quarter. adjust to this new, altered arena environment.

In fairness to Lacob, let’s state a few things about him being onscreen for If fans aren’t allowed in the buildings, it’s not asking too much for the over 15 minutes of an interview that lasted about 20. First, we’re talking NBA and its partners to be a little more generous with the sound and give about the preseason. NBCSBA could’ve had Mo Speights and Nick the audience some extra “access.” If that means someone in the truck or Young on the call and it wouldn’t have mattered in the grand scheme of studio has to be judicious with the editing button or we end up catching things (actually, can we make that happen?). Second, Lacob deserves some language that’s PG-13 or harsher, everyone would be pretty credit for several things we don’t see from most owners. He’s the leader understanding given the current climate. of a group that’s spending at a rate never seen before in this region. His ownership tenure has been wildly successful. And while fans often cringe • On Tuesday and Thursday, when the Warriors were in Sacramento to when owners get too involved in personnel decisions — and often for play twice against the Kings, Fitzgerald and Azubuike called the games good reason — an owner who serves as an ambassador who’s willing to (while wearing masks) from the NBC Sports Bay Area studio instead of communicate with fans is better than someone who hides in hopes of from Chase Center. The audio from Golden 1 Center seemed to come in escaping public scrutiny (like Lacob’s predecessor, Chris Cohan). a little clearer than what we heard on Saturday, with the standard sneaker squeaks and on-court chatter a little easier to hear. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, we shouldn’t ignore that this extended chat with Lacob not only shrunk the camera shot of the actual • This week NBC Sports Bay Area announced its coverage plans, which game to about half its normal size but also included a barrage of pats on will include Kerith Burke. Per the network’s press release: the back for Lacob. The flattery reached a crescendo a few minutes into “Returning this season, NBC Sports Bay Area Warriors reporter Kerith Lacob’s first segment (which lasted about five minutes; he stayed on for Burke (@KerithBurke) will provide her unique team insight and analysis another 15 minutes after the first commercial break), when Fitzgerald across the network’s multiple-content platforms, focusing on story-telling brought up Lacob’s ambitious plans to rapid-test every fan who enters and fan interaction. Featured highlights in Burke’s expanded role will Chase Center, once paying customers are allowed to enter. include exclusive Warriors interviews and content on the network’s Fitzgerald: How about the logistics of Operation Dub Nation, Joe? I traditional linear programming, as well as on the network’s digital mean, you have advanced degrees in epidemiology. You’re fully aware of platforms via articles, videos and cross-platform commentary. In the world we live in, health and science-wise. And to have same-day addition, Burke will expand her popular ‘Ask Kerith’ franchise to include rapid PCR testing, which is the Rolls-Royce gold standard of health social media takeovers and live chats with Dub Nation throughout the testing for everyone to come into this building, no franchise has done this season.” anywhere in the world. Note that nowhere in this release does it say that Burke will be a part of Lacob: That’s true. And, you know, honestly we believe that this is game broadcasts. This is in contrast to NBC Sports California’s Kings probably the safest place you can be, right here, at what is it, 6:15 (p.m.) coverage, which in a separate release promised to include “new primary on the West Coast? Right now, this place right here, everyone in this Kings TV play-by-play announcer Mark Jones (@MarkJonesESPN), building is tested. It doesn’t matter who you are, with a rapid PCR test, Kings legend/veteran game analyst Doug Christie (@TheDougChristie) gold standard. And even if we had, frankly, a lot more people in this and additional in-game analyst Kayte Christensen-Hunter delivering the building, we think it would be very safe. So that’s our goal. We had a plan game call.” to have fans, of course. With what’s going on out there in terms of Media morsels number of cases and public health officials, we weren’t able to convince them to do anything with respect to fans. But we’ll see. We prove how • The Raiders and 49ers were on local TV at the same time on Sunday well it works and by later on in the season, maybe we can do it. (Raiders-Colts kicked off 20 minutes earlier than 49ers-Washington), and the local ratings looked like what one would probably expect. For KTVU, the 49ers’ close yet fairly ugly loss to Washington registered a 14.8 household rating in the Bay Area, with an 8.2 rating among the 25-54 demographic. The Raiders’ defeat in Las Vegas had a 7.1 household rating for KPIX, with a 5.4 in the previously mentioned demo.

One note about the KTVU numbers: I was told that they might’ve actually been slightly higher than what was listed above, just because the game went longer than the scheduled window.

• Sunday’s 49ers-Cowboys game, which was bumped to CBS at 10 a.m. PT after originally being slated for Week 15’s “Sunday Night Football” offering, will feature Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins on the call.

• The Sharks announced this week that Jamie Baker is stepping away from the team’s broadcast crew. Baker’s statement is below:

STATEMENT FROM JAMIE BAKER. PIC.TWITTER.COM/MV0F5MDHZU

— SAN JOSE SHARKS (@SANJOSESHARKS) DECEMBER 16, 2020

Baker, who gave no specifics about what went into his decision, took two leaves of absence during the 2017-18 season to treat mental health difficulties that he has since been very candid about facing. Along with describing in vivid detail to The Athletic’s Katie Strang the moment when, while calling a Sharks game on Jan. 31, 2018, he decided that he would take his own life (a choice he thankfully reconsidered), he’s also been outspoken about his battles with ADHD and depression.

This would appear to be a full-fledged retirement from broadcasting for Baker, and I’d like to join all Sharks fans in wishing him well. I don’t know Baker well, but I’ll always be grateful for how gracious, welcoming and informative he was when the team let me sit in on the TV and radio broadcasts for a game back in January.

At this point, Baker’s decision leaves as the team’s lone color analyst (, who was a part-time broadcaster for the Sharks last season, accepted a job as a player development coach with the Blackhawks in November). The Sharks are still awaiting details on when next season will begin and where they will play (seeing as they call Santa Clara County home and the county’s ban on contact sports is still in effect and might be continued into 2021), so we probably won’t see any additions to the broadcast crew anytime soon.

Some will naturally wonder if the Sharks would ever consider bringing back , who was quite popular during his time in San Jose. Though a reunion with Remenda isn’t something Sharks fans should expect in the near future — or perhaps ever, given the circumstances of him joining the Oilers’ broadcast crew in 2014 when the Sharks didn’t renew his contract — it’s not necessarily out of the question. After all, Remenda left the Sharks after the 2005-06 season to serve as an analyst on “Hockey Night in Canada,” but ultimately returned to San Jose after one season with CBC. And despite Remenda’s ties to another organization, he’s still been a regular guest on Tom Tolbert’s KNBR shows in the years since his departure to discuss the Sharks and the NHL playoffs. A return for Remenda is probably unlikely, but this should be described as a “never say never” scenario.

The Athletic LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197110 San Jose Sharks Based on geography, Los Angeles, Anaheim, Vegas, Arizona, and Colorado are assured.

Otherwise, it’s been a game of musical chairs between Dallas, NHLRight Now, More Questions Than Answers for Sharks’ 30th Minnesota, and St. Louis for the division’s two remaining spots, with Anniversary various reports tying each to the new Pacific.

At the moment?

Published 2 hours ago on December 18, 2020By Sheng Peng Related to this is confirmation from Elliotte Friedman that the top four teams from each division will make the post-season.

For competitive reasons, this isn’t a great draw for the Sharks. Colorado The NHL is back? and Vegas are true Cup contenders, while the Blues, even sans Alex Pietrangelo, still feature most of the group that won the 2019 Stanley Earlier this evening, the NHL and NHLPA reached a tentative agreement Cup. on plans for the 2020-21 season. But at least it’s Minnesota instead of 2020 Western Conference The league wants training camp to open on January 3rd and the regular champion Dallas, I guess? season on January 13th. The seven teams that missed the playoffs, including the San Jose Sharks, can open camp on December 30th. This proposed division — and another that featured Dallas instead of St. Louis — appears to be a derby for the fourth-and-last playoff berth after But there’s still a lot up in the air, chiefly: the clear top-three. San Jose should be in the mix, but it’s fair to say they The safest thing to say, because of COVID-19 surges throughout the won’t be the favorites for even fourth place. United States and Canada, is all these aforementioned dates shouldn’t This looks way more daunting than the regular Pacific Division, featuring be considered set in stone. Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver instead of Colorado, Dallas, The NHL-NHLPA agreement also allows for a four to six-player taxi Minnesota, or St. Louis. squad to be added on top of the regular 23-man roster. Of course, the Sharks could still receive that possibly easier draw, if all Players will also have the option to opt out of the 2020-21 campaign. the Canadian teams are forced to play in the US. In that case, divisions probably revert back to normal. So what does this all mean to the San Jose Sharks? This is another unknown, like so many things about the plan to pull off a We’ll try to answer the key questions, best we can. non-bubbled regular season. This NHL/NHLPA agreement is a big step, but just a step on the long road to the 2021 Stanley Cup. WHERE WILL SHARKS HOLD TRAINING CAMP? San Jose Hockey Now LOADED: 12.19.2020 San Jose Hockey Now confirmed yesterday that Santa Clara County has banned contact sports until January 8th. This includes the San Jose Sharks and their practice facility Solar4America Ice at San Jose.

Both Kevin Kurz of The Athletic and Frank Seravalli of TSN have reported that the Sharks will open camp around Phoenix. That’s yet to be officially announced, but it’s a safe bet, considering Arizona’s more relaxed COVID-19 restrictions.

WHO’S GOING TO CAMP?

Last year, the San Jose Sharks opened training camp with 63 players.

SJHN has heard — expect a lot less this time around. There’s no sense in having larger-than-necessary gatherings.

Just guessing, but 35-40 invites make sense as the Sharks work their way to a maximum 29. The seven non-playoff teams will also have just two weeks to select their roster as opposed to the customary month.

WHERE WILL SHARKS PLAY HOME GAMES?

Will the San Jose Sharks get to play in San Jose this year?

Adrian Dater of Colorado Hockey Now has learned:

Does this mean the Sharks will play their entire 30th anniversary on the road?

Not necessarily — you have to imagine, as more people receive the COVID-19 vaccine, that the County of Santa Clara will relax restrictions.

But how long will the Sharks be away from San Jose?

“You’ll have to ask them,” a highly-placed NHL source said of Santa Clara County.

Now the county’s ban on contact sports ends, as of now, on January 8th. On paper, the Sharks could still make it home by January 13th. But there’s no reason to believe — considering the anticipated post-holiday coronavirus surge — that the county will deviate from its current course of action in three weeks.

Long story short, the San Jose Sharks are almost certainly starting their 30th anniversary season on the road. But where?

Both and T-Mobile Arena have been floated as serious possibilities. We’ll know more soon.

WHO WILL BE IN SAN JOSE’S DIVISION? 1197111 San Jose Sharks Mitchell, on how knee surgery in 2008 changed the trajectory of his career:

I was never the same player when I came back. But I managed to play Torrey Mitchell on McLellan Being Ahead of Analytics Curve, “Scare 10 more years. Tactics” Prank, Clowe Mitchell, on the infamous “Scare Tactics” prank:

For five years after that incident — that prank — I’d be lining up at the UpdatePublished 15 hours ago on December 18, 2020By JD Young faceoff, and guys would be like, “Please tell me that story is true.” I’d be like, yeah, it’s true.

It was going around the league for a while once people started finding out Torrey Mitchell burst on the scene during the 2007-08 season, scoring about it. one of the more memorable goals in San Jose Sharks history. Mitchell, on if he and Setoguchi ever got Roenick back: But during the next pre-season, Mitchell crashed into a post in a scrimmage, breaking his left leg. The forward wouldn’t play a hockey No. (laughs) It’s on the back of our minds though. We’d love to get back game for 14 months. at him.

“I was never the same player when I came back,” Mitchell admitted to Mitchell, on how Ryane Clowe is doing: Locked On Sharks. “But I managed to play 10 more years.” He’s doing a lot better. He was still having headaches when he was A solid chunk of that was with San Jose, where the 2004 fourth-round coaching there last year. But he seems to be fully back on track. Let’s pick provided speed and penalty killing for Todd McLellan’s back-to-back see if he gets the coaching itch again. Western Conference finalists. From what I heard, he’s a pretty good coach. And he really likes it. So In July 2012, Mitchell signed with the Minnesota Wild. He also played for we’ll see. Buffalo, his hometown Canadiens, and Los Angeles, before retiring in Part of me thinks that’s not the last time the hockey world is going to hear 2018. Ryane Clowe’s name. Mitchell revisited his San Jose Sharks career with us and detailed his Mitchell, on Elev802: new endeavor, Elev802. Over the last five or six years, we’ve seen a lot of these smaller studio- Here are some highlights from this rollicking chat, including when Ron size, almost patch ice rinks, where you can get a lot of touches, get a lot Wilson pranked Mitchell and Devin Setoguchi, how Todd McLellan was done in a small space. Most recently, Auston Matthews let people know ahead of the analytics curve, Torrey’s side of Jeremy Roenick’s infamous he grew up training on rinks like this. “Scare Tactics” prank, and how Ryane Clowe is doing these days. We thought it was a little niche business that we could start. I have a Listen to the entire podcast below, this is just a tease! partner [Peter Lenes] who I played with at the University of Vermont and Torrey Mitchell, on how Ron Wilson kept him and fellow rookie Devin had just retired from playing in Austria. Setoguchi in suspense on whether or not they had made the San Jose Our ice is about 40 x 60 feet. We do skill development. We do private Sharks: hockey lessons, mostly one-on-one. Ron Wilson brought us into the office. I guess before the last pre-season We’ve been open a little more than a year. We’ve created a pretty good game? An hour before warm-ups. following on social media with our content. And he said something like, “Sorry guys, this is a numbers thing. You’ve It’s caught fire locally in Vermont. If it wasn’t for COVID — we’ve had so performed really well…” many messages from hockey players, boys and girls, from outside And we were like, oh man, we’re going to get sent down? We did so well. Vermont, all the way up to Montreal and Toronto and south to Boston. We’ve had a lot of interest. It’s been pretty cool… And he was like: “So I want you guys to pick your new numbers. You made the team.” If you aren’t doing stuff like this where you’re getting this many touches on a smaller sheet…the American Development Model (ADM), it’s what He totally pranked us. Our stomachs just dropped and we kind of looked they do with the five, six, seven, eight-year-olds…when you go to at each other like are you kidding me? What do we need to do to make practice, the ADM model, they break you up into small 40 x 60 stations this team? And he kind of let it play out for five more seconds. anyway, so the kids are doing small-area skills.

Mitchell, on Todd McLellan: USA Hockey, it’s not a fluke they’re doing that. They know. Our training model is very similar to theirs, its small-area skills. Every kid is doing it For me, Todd was the best coach I’ve ever had. He could command a now. room. You noticed it right away, when he came in, when guys like Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau and Jeremy Roenick and Rob Blake — we To answer your question, if you’re not doing small-area skills, you have had such a veteran team — when those guys are perked up in their seats no chance of playing hockey at a high level. And every kid is starting out because the head coach is talking, you know this guy could command that way with USA Hockey. Everyone’s on that track right now. the room. Kyle, Erik, JD, and Sheng Peng from San Jose Hockey Now chat with Mitchell, on how McLellan and his staff were ahead of the analytics San Jose Sharks fan favorite Torrey Mitchell. Among other things, we curve: cover:

A specific example, I remember [my first] training camp with Todd Does Torrey Mitchell know about “Taco Torrey”? (2:00) McLellan. Our offensive zone entries, when we crossed the offensive zone blueline in transition, they knew the shooting angle — if we shot When Ron Wilson pranked Mitchell and Devin Setoguchi (5:00) from wherever — they knew 70 percent of the time, the puck ends up Wilson vs. McLellan (11:00) here. So we need to have a guy there to retrieve the puck. They were already ahead of the curve. Importance of beating Red Wings in playoffs (14:00)

I don’t know if it was [assistant coach] Jay Woodcroft that was piecing How McLellan and staff were ahead of the analytics curve (17:00) that stuff together just by watching games. Because we certainly didn’t have an analytics guy hired for the team yet. But it was alive and well Mitchell on the long-term effects of his 2008 knee surgery, including five then… more surgeries and problems today walking down the stairs (21:00)

That was the first time I had ever seen that. Torrey’s side of the infamous “Scare Tactics” prank, including new details on how an Arizona Cardinals guard was involved and the locker room fallout (27:00) Memories of playing in the for the + a Ryane Clowe update (35:00)

Mitchell explains his new endeavor Elev802 and its role in the future of the game (42:00)

San Jose Hockey Now LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197112 St Louis Blues But obviously, Dunn would like more money, regardless of whether he signs a one-year or a multi-year contract. His salary for the 2019-20 season, when he scored nine goals and was a team-best plus-15, was $722,500 (per CapFriendly.com), which would be the lowest salary Cap-onomics: Blues ponder how to use Steen cap money among any of the 23 players expected to make this year’s Blues roster.

He should get two, three times that amount for this season. Maybe more. If it’s, say, $2 million, that would leave the Blues with about $2.575 million Jim Thomas 4 hrs ago of cap space if Steen went on LTIR prior to the start of the regular season.

Just in time for the holidays, Alexander Steen’s retirement Thursday gave It would leave the Blues with about $3.75 million of cap space if Steen the Blues the gift of salary cap space. goes on LTIR once the regular season begins.

Exactly how much cap space? Well, that’s tricky. So what do you do with the rest of that cap space?

Exactly how will they use that cap space? Well, general manager Doug The $2.575 million wouldn’t be enough to lure unrestricted free agent Armstrong never shows his cards. Mike Hoffman, the high-scoring forward who played last season for the Florida Panthers. At $3.75 million, maybe the Blues are at least in the “We’re walking through all those different things, knowing now that neighborhood. (Steen’s retirement) is a reality,” Armstrong said. “But we could have some money to spend here between now and the start of the season Hoffman’s cap count was $5.187 million last season in Florida. But these when Alexander will go on LTIR (long-term injured reserve). Or we could are financially depressed times for NHL free agents due to the potentially move some money and get more (cap relief) if we do it in- coronavirus pandemic. So perhaps Hoffman, who has indicated that he’s season.” willing to consider a one-year deal, comes cheaper.

This is the tricky part. Hoffman, 31, won’t wow anyone with his defense. But he can score goals, to the tune of 169 over the past six seasons including 29 in the As a retired player, Steen’s $5.75 million cap hit for this coming season pandemic-shortened 2019-20 season. no longer counts against the team’s salary cap. But the accounting methods for subtracting that $5.75 million from the cap vary according to Among the other free-agent forwards, and there are lots still out there, when Steen is placed on LTIR: the only other name that grabs the eye is Mikael Granlund, who was with Nashville last season. • If he goes on LTIR before the regular season starts, the Blues will end up with about $4.575 million of cap space. That’s the result of subtracting Granlund, 28, scored 26 goals in 2016-17 and 21 in ’17-18 for the $1.175 million (the amount the Blues currently are over the cap) from the Minnesota Wild, but has dropped to 16 and then 17 goals in two seasons $5.75 million (Steen’s cap count). since. He counted $5.75 million against the cap last season in Nashville, all of which might make him a less enticing option. There’s a kicker here. Any unused part of the $4.575 million cap space goes away once the regular season starts per league rule. Another thing to consider is who Hoffman or Granlund, or anyone else, would take minutes away from in the Blues’ lineup. Would it mean Robert • But if the Blues wait until the start of the regular season to place Steen Thomas or Zach Sanford drop out of the top six? Or that Jordan Kyrou on LTIR, they get the entire $5.75 million and can use it at their discretion has a diminished opportunity to earn a top-nine role? throughout the entire season. All food for thought for Armstrong and coach . There’s a kicker here, too. In order to go this route, the Blues must be cap compliant at the start of the regular season. That means shedding St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 12.19.2020 the $1.175 million that they are currently over the cap.

It’s unlikely anyone else is retiring, so under this scenario the Blues would have to trade a player whose cap count is at least $1.175 million for a future draft pick or minor-league prospect. (That way, there would be no incoming cap ramifications.)

“But there could be an opportunity for us to add players, either prior to the season or into the season,” Armstrong said.

Which is music to the ears of Blues fans, who like fans anywhere, love to play fantasy GM.

The first order of business seemingly is re-signing defenseman Vince Dunn, who as of Friday was among only 28 unsigned restricted free agents in the NHL.

There are some names of note among those 28, including New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal, Tampa Bay center Anthony Cirelli, Chicago center Dylan Storm, Columbus forward Pierre-Luc Dubois and Tampa Bay defenseman Erik Cernak.

Prior to last season, Ivan Barbashev didn’t sign his Blues contract as a restricted free agent until 12 days before training camp started.

So it’s unusual, but not unprecedented for RFAs to be unsigned this late in the offseason.

When asked Thursday if the cap space created by Steen’s retirement would accelerate things on the Dunn front, Armstrong said: “No, they’re not connected. Vince is sort of like all of our contracts. Behind the scenes we’re working towards getting something done.

“I know Vince hopes it happens soon. I know I hope it happens soon. Nature will take its course and when it happens we’ll have an announcement.”

Dunn’s agent has not returned multiple text messages from the Post- Dispatch. 1197113 Tampa Bay Lightning

Steven Stamkos’ Stanley Cup goal among Sports Illustrated’s Plays of the Year

Mari Faiello

Hockey fans aren’t alone in recognizing just how special it was to see Steven Stamkos come out on the ice in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup final.

In the injured Lightning captain’s 2020 postseason debut, he scored on his first shot in the 5-2 win against Dallas. That moment is one of four nominated for Sports Illustrated’s Play of the Year.

Stamkos’ goal joins Spanish professional golfer Jon Rahm’s 66-foot putt at the BMW Championship, Miami’s Bam Adebayo’s block in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against Boston’s Jayson Tatum, and Chicago pitcher Alec Mills’ no-hitter in a September win against Milwaukee — the Cubs’ first since 2016 — for top plays.

Stamkos’ feat is recognized in part because of his ability to score on his first shot in 210 games, only playing 2:47 that night before spending the rest of the game watching from the bench. Going into the game, it was unknown if he would compete in the postseason after a tough rehabilitation from core muscle surgery in March.

The same stick Stamkos used to score that “magical goal” is one of many pieces of Lightning memorabilia that will end up in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

The Lightning also are in the running for Sports Illustrated’s Game of the Year.

Tinnitus? When The Ringing Won't Stop, Do This (It's Genius)

Game 4 of the Stanley Cup final caught national attention after Tampa Bay trailed Dallas 2-0. Brayden Point scored a pair of goals to tie it up in the second period before the Lightning took a 4-3 lead in the third.

But the game went into overtime after Joe Pavelski scored the tying goal. The Lightning took a 3-1 series lead after Kevin Shattenkirk netted the winning goal on a power-play opportunity in overtime.

Joining the Lightning for Game of the Year is the Rays’ Game 4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. In comeback fashion, the Rays defeated the Dodgers 8-7.

Down 7-6, Seminole native Brett Philips hit a line drive to right- centerfield. But the Dodgers’ Chris Taylor mishandled the ball and lost time as Kevin Kiermaier crossed home plate.

Dodgers first baseman Max Muncy caught the relay throw from Taylor but he and catcher Will Smith failed to connect on the throw to home plate, which would have tagged out Randy Arozarena.

The Rays postseason star was caught between third base and home plate — after he tripped rounding third — but when Smith missed the catch, Arozarena saw his chance and dove toward the plate, sealing the Rays’ win.

Other games nominated are Super Bowl 54 between San Francisco and Kansas City and Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Heat and Lakers.

Fans interested can watch the Sports Illustrated Awards show — out of Las Vegas — on Saturday at 7 p.m. The show will be streamed on the publication’s Facebook page.

Other categories that will be recognized include: Best Dressed, Breakout of the Year, Player of the Year, Game of the Year, the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award and the 2020 Sportsperson of the Year recipients.

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197114 Tampa Bay Lightning

NHL’s plan for upcoming season hits potential roadblock

Eduardo A. Encina

The NHL’s work to finalize the framework for a 2021 season to begin Jan. 13 appears to have hit a major snag.

Owners and players recently overcame financial hurdles and were on pace to vote on a structure for an abbreviated schedule, with teams playing in regionally realigned divisions to limit travel, including one that would keep all seven Canadian teams playing north of the border.

But reports Thursday said the NHL hadn’t gained approval from Canadian provincial health authorities for proposed protocols that would allow the Canadian teams to play in their home arenas, creating the possibility that those teams might have to play in a hub-city format or find temporary homes in the United States.

The league’s hope has been that the Canadiens, Canucks, Flames, Jets, Maple Leafs, Oilers and Senators and would be able to travel freely around Canada and play a regular-season schedule and two playoff rounds without having to come to the United States and be subject to quarantine rules upon their return.

Now, with coronavirus cases rising on both sides of the border, there is doubt about whether the league will receive approval from all five provinces that host teams: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.

“The Government of Canada’s priority is to protect the health and safety of Canadians,” Andre Gagnon, a spokesman for the Public Health Agency of Canada, told Canada’s Rogers Sportsnet in a statement. “The resumption of sports events in Canada must be undertaken in adherence to Canada’s measures to mitigate the importation and spread of COVID- 19. NHL teams and other professional sports teams must operate within the rules of their provincial jurisdictions for sports or sporting events.”

Tinnitus? When The Ringing Won't Stop, Do This (It's Genius)

The Canadian government is believed to prefer that its teams play in a hub, Sportsnet reported, similar to the format the league used when it returned to finish last season in bubbles in Toronto and Edmonton.

Commissioner Gary Bettman, speaking Wednesday as part of the World Hockey Forum, said the season might have to start in hub cities or a bubble but holding a full regular season inside a bubble isn’t realistic. The Stanley Cup finalists Lightning and Stars spent more than two months in isolation during last season’s playoff run, something players don’t want to repeat.

“We didn’t think we could put the players in a bubble for six months,” Bettman said. “Right now, we’re focused on whether or not we’re going to play in our buildings and do some limited traveling, or play in a bubble, and that’s something we’re working on and getting medical advice on.”

Due to virus-related travel restrictions in Canada, the NBA’s Toronto Raptors will play at least the first half of their home games this season at Amalie Arena, and baseball’s Toronto Blue Jays were forced to play their home games in Buffalo, N.Y., this year. But those situations differ from the NHL’s issue because those teams are the only Canadian franchises in their leagues and they couldn’t maintain a schedule while being subject to quarantine rules every time they returned home from the United States.

If the Canadian teams can’t play games across provincial boundaries, that could not only delay the season’s proposed start but prompt new restructuring as well.

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197115 Toronto Maple Leafs Players can also opt out of the season. Pending government approval in Canada, the divisions would align this

way: NHL, players agree to 56-game season, starting Jan. 13 Toronto Star LOADED: 12.19.2020

By Kevin McGran

Fri., Dec. 18, 2020

The NHL and its players have reached a deal for a 56-game regular season starting Jan. 13.

The players’ 31-member executive board expressed support for the deal on Friday night. It wasn’t a formal vote, since the document wasn’t finalized, but they agreed to leave it up to the board of governors to ratify the deal reached between commissioner Gary Bettman and players association executive director Donald Fehr.

The NHL board is expected to rubber-stamp an agreement that will see the season end May 8 and players collect 72 per cent of their salaries.

Training camps will open for most teams on Jan. 3. The seven teams that did not play over the summer can open Dec. 30.

All dates are subject to change, however, pending approval from various Canadian health authorities.

“We’re still working through Canadian issues,” said an industry source, who requested anonymity in order to speak freely before the deal is finalized.

Not every province with a team has signed off on the NHL’s COVID-19 protocols, meaning not all would be allowed to play in their home buildings, though lobbying efforts continue with some resolution expected within days.

Teams have the green light to train now, and the Maple Leafs are doing so in small groups at the Ford Performance Centre. But playing games in their rinks, with the related travel and hotels and big entourages, has some provinces — believed to be Quebec and B.C. — balking at the idea.

Ontario and Alberta let the NHL hold its summertime Stanley Cup playoffs in isolated bubbles in Toronto and Edmonton.

Major League Soccer also managed to have Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver play each other in their home stadiums for a portion of the pandemic-shortened season. But eventually they relocated to the U.S. — like the Blue Jays and Raptors, whose cross-border issues are more complicated as the only Canadian teams in their leagues.

But the COVID-19 caseload was lower when the NHL bubbles were set up in Toronto and Edmonton. These days, the opposite is true. Premiers are ordering strict lockdowns and forcing businesses to close while the coronavirus spreads rapidly. Politicians may be worrying about mixed messages.

“That’s been the challenge,” said a second industry source.

As a backup plan, the seven Canadian teams might all head to Edmonton, now hosting 10 teams for the world junior championship, which starts Christmas Day. The Alberta government only recently placed restrictions on indoor and outdoor social gatherings, but that is scheduled to end Jan. 12.

If hubs are needed in the U.S., Buffalo, New Jersey, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Minnesota, Las Vegas and Arizona are being discussed. Most have hotels attached to NHL rinks, and practice facilities either directly linked or close by.

Another possibility: the seven Canadian teams could relocate to the U.S., possibly ruling out plans for realignment including a Canadian Division.

The protocols are expected to be very close to the return-to-play document that got the league through its COVID-free Stanley Cup playoffs, with physical distancing, hygiene and regular testing at its core.

Another wrinkle is the creation of a taxi squad of extra players who won’t count toward the $81.5-million (U.S.) salary cap. They will be paid as if they are in the minors, but stay close to the NHL team to limit travel. Players with no-movement clauses aren’t eligible for the backup squad. 1197116 Toronto Maple Leafs This entire issue seemed a bit premature, or at least it was until the NHL and the NHLPA went for the early Jan. 13 start date. Now they’re on the clock. A Feb. 1 start made more sense, and would have allowed everyone to see where things in Canada stood by mid-January. That’s The NHL has hinted at moving Canadian teams to the U.S. during the basically what the major junior Western Hockey League has done. The pandemic. That’s preposterous Ontario Hockey League is now gunning for February.

On the other hand, the IIHF and are plowing ahead with the world juniors, which will take place in a bubble environment in Damien Cox Edmonton. Eight players from Germany have already tested positive and Fri., Dec. 18, 2020 the competition hasn’t yet started.

With every day, there’s new information. There’s also hope on the horizon. Another vaccine has been approved in the U.S. and is expected If the NHL can’t get clearance from health authorities to play games in to soon be approved in Canada. The 2021-22 hockey season, at the NHL Canada involving only Canadian teams, the league shouldn’t be trying to and all levels, is looking very promising because of those scientific have a season at all. achievements.

Think about it. Canada is struggling with an upsurge in COVID cases in The NHL should be wary of alienating Canadian hockey customers in a all major centres. The federal government estimates it will be September misguided, shortsighted effort to ram through an abbreviated season by until all Canadians who wish to be vaccinated against the coronavirus will abandoning the all-Canadian division idea. The backlash, one suspects, be vaccinated. will be intense if the NHL tries to airlift the seven Canadian clubs to the U.S. at the same time ordinary Canadians are making daily sacrifices to Now look at the United States. It’s a nightmare. On top of having the deal with this pandemic. most COVID deaths in the world and the ugliest infection numbers, there is no countrywide co-ordination of the fight against the virus. Some won’t care. After all, it’s not like fans will be allowed into the arenas. But the optics would be terrible, and would reinforce the Yet despite these contrasting situations, we are to believe the NHL is still steadfast belief of many that the Bettman administration cares only about considering moving all the Canadian teams to the U.S. to play this its American franchises. And the Leafs. season, if necessary. Beyond that, a Canadian division playing in Canada would create an Someone thinks this is responsible? If you can’t play in the safer of two enormous wave of interest and enthusiasm. But put Montreal in countries, move everyone to the less safe country and drop the puck? Jacksonville, Edmonton in Grand Forks and Vancouver in Syracuse, and A tentative agreement reached Friday night between NHL owners and it won’t be same, will it? players calls for a 56-game schedule beginning Jan. 13, but did not Above all, if hockey isn’t safe to play in Canada, of all places, it’s likely definitively settle the question of an all-Canadian division. Negotiations not safe to play, period. The NHL can float the rumour for leverage if it are ongoing with the federal government and health officials in the five wants, but taking Canada’s birthright and shipping it to the U.S. is utterly provinces that need to sign off on the NHL’s plans. preposterous. If they can’t come to an agreement, there are two options. Bubble all the Toronto Star LOADED: 12.19.2020 Canadian teams together in one site — likely a non-starter with the players — or move seven teams and more than 200 players to the U.S. to play out the season.

Surely the NHL Players Association will never go for this. It’s one thing for a single team, the Blue Jays or the Raptors, to be put in such a situation. But all seven Canadian hockey teams? After only a handful of players opted out of last summer’s bubble season, you’d have to believe many more players on Canadian teams would choose to be opt-outs this time if forced to head south.

Remember last summer when the situation was so dire in the U.S. that 18 NHL clubs were forced to play for weeks in Toronto and Edmonton along with six Canadian clubs as part of a bubble playoff season? The U.S. teams couldn’t even manage a single, acceptable bubble site to offer the NHL.

Since then, the coronavirus situation has deteriorated on both sides of the border, but it’s significantly worse in America. California and Florida, home to five NHL clubs, are in crisis. The Canada-U.S. border has been closed for months and won’t reopen anytime soon.

So, if necessary, the logical solution for the NHL now is to reverse the flow from last summer and ship all the Canadian teams south for the season, but not into bubbles? This would be madness.

Now, maybe this is just the usual passive aggressiveness from Gary Bettman, the same strategy he periodically uses to threaten that this team or that team will surely have to move if it doesn’t get a new arena built with taxpayer dollars. Worked nicely in Edmonton. Calgary, too.

Perhaps Bettman is sounding the alarm now without actually putting his name to the rumours, hoping Canadian health officials back off on their absurd program of putting the health of Canadians before the needs of professional sports franchises.

Based on what happened with the Raptors and Jays, that’s not likely to happen. Theresa Tam and her colleagues look awfully tough to intimidate. But hockey fans have a loud voice in this country. Mix in some anti-vaxxers and probably Erin O’Toole, and you’ve got a noisy lobby group. 1197117 Toronto Maple Leafs was widely known and other people in hockey would have heard it by then.”

Burke puts emotion on the pages in the chapter on the death of his son KOSHAN: Burke's book in a style only the former Leafs GM could write Brendan, who was killed in a car accident in February 2010 at the age of 21. The legacy of Brendan, who had come out several years earlier, continues with the You Can Play organization, started by his brother Patrick with the tenet that gay athletes were welcome in sports with equal Terry Koshan opportunity. Publishing date:Dec 19, 2020 “It was difficult,” Burke said. “If you listen to the audiobook, I have trouble reading it. It was tough writing that chapter.

Not unlike a bone-crunching hip check, the words jump off the page and “It’s important that Brendan made lives for a lot of young men a lot easier send you for a loop. by encouraging them to face up to coming out, to talking openly and honestly about it. We decided his death was not going to be in vain, his It’s Brian Burke’s description of himself when it dawned on him on the work was going to continue.” day in January 2013 that he was being fired from his job as general manager of the Maple Leafs. Toronto Sun LOADED: 12.19.2020

In his car and on the way to Pearson Airport — Burke was heading to New York to help ratify the new collective bargaining agreement between the National Hockey League and the Players’ Association — Burke’s cell phone rang. On the line was Tom Anselmi, then the president of MLSE.

Anselmi told Burke to get back to the office. Burke figured MLSE was going to fire Bryan Colangelo, then in charge of the Toronto Raptors, and that MLSE wanted to give Burke a heads-up.

Not quite, and it hit Burke when he walked into Richard Peddie’s old office and saw Anselmi, Dale Lastman and Larry Tanenbaum waiting for him, unable to make eye contact.

“That’s when the penny dropped,” Burke wrote in his book, Burke’s Law, A Life in Hockey. “Oh f—. It’s me … I was f—ing flabbergasted — which may make me the dumbest motherf—er in the world.”

Following a breakfast meeting with Nadir Mohamed of Rogers three weeks earlier, Burke figured he would be fine until at least the end of the season, and whether he would return might be contingent on if the Leafs made the playoffs.

Burke wears his heart on his sleeve and there’s absolutely nothing different in the book, written with the guiding hand of veteran sports journalist and author Stephen Brunt.

Anything less, and it wouldn’t be Burke.

“I think the stories are interesting and I think Stephen Brunt did a great job telling the stories,” Burke said. “I told Stephen I wanted people to feel like they were in my office or on the draft floor with me, and I think you get that.”

And the F-bombs that are sprinkled throughout? That’s Burke, a graduate of Harvard Law School, too.

“I heard someone review the book and they said there is too much swearing,” Burke said. “A lot of it is quoting people. In our industry, that is how we talk. It wasn’t an effort to sell the book with bad language. It was an effort to be authentic.

“By taking the swear words out, now it’s a Christmas book for a 10-year- old. Mine is not.”

Burke takes the reader behind closed doors throughout his career and life, starting with his family background and childhood, continuing to his time at Providence College and learning under coach Lou Lamoriello, and through his extensive career in the NHL, including stops with Vancouver (twice) Hartford, the NHL front office, Anaheim,Toronto and Calgary.

Pat Quinn and Gary Bettman, along with Lamoriello, were major influences in Burke’s growth in hockey and in life. As Burke told us during our chat this week, he was grateful “in real time” for the impact each had on him.

“I felt lucky at the time,” Burke said. “I realized the value of learning at the knee of these three guys. I felt fortunate back then.”

While some of the stories Burke tells might rankle some, Burke had a rule as the writing process unfolded.

“The test was that it had to be a story that was widely known around the team at the time,” Burke said. “In other words, no dirty laundry, no secret stories, I wouldn’t tell a story that would embarrass someone unless it 1197118 Toronto Maple Leafs BLACKHAWKS KEEP NAME The Chicago Blackhawks have no plans to change their name and logo,

as they and other pro sports teams grapple with sensitivity to North HORNBY: Slicing American pie for Canada's NHL teams American native peoples.

New CEO Danny Wirtz was asked Thursday to comment on the Cleveland Indians’ monicker being dropped at the end of the 2021 Lance Hornby baseball season. The Redskins, now the Washington Football Club, already made the move after years of protests. Publishing date:Dec 19, 2020 “I respect the decision the Cleveland Indians made,” Wirtz told

theChicago Sun-Times. “But we continue to deepen our commitment to Before any talk of Auston Matthews suiting up in Austin, Tex., or Patrick upholding our namesake and our brand. (Given) the work we’ve been Mahomes catching up with Patrik Laine in Kansas City, know that moving doing over the last several months in expanding and deepening a Canadian NHL club to the United States would be very difficult — conversations and partnerships in the Native American community, we though not impossible. continue to feel really positive about … the ways in which we can be better stewards of the namesake and history and to use our platforms to If it comes to the Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets or any of the seven be educators for our fans and internal teams.” northern teams going south — Friday night’s tentative agreement to start a 56-game season Jan. 13 still requires COVID-19 protocols be settled ICE CHIPS with various provincial health authorities — much needs to be done on Vegas Golden Knights coach Peter DeBoer was asked his team’s the fly before moving vans roll. chances of playing in a possible re-aligned Pacific group with Colorado, That starts with where in the U.S. to set up temporary shop, neutral Dallas and St. Louis. That would pit the top four finishers in the Western ground from the 24 American franchises if they’re allowed in their own Conference from last season and possibly the Minnesota Wild, who are rinks, or a bubble. 6-1-1 all time against the Knights. DeBoer likened it to “the Group of Death” in a top-heavy World Cup soccer draw … Among the Flyers who If a deal to keep the seven in their locales or a Candian bubble by early have made it back to North America for training camp is winger Oskar next week isn’t reached, then Kansas City and Milwaukee, long time Lindblom. Just before departing Sweden, he received a clean bill of bridesmaid teams when NHL expansion is discussed, would have to be health after a rare form of bone cancer a year ago threatened his career. in the mix as substitute cities. After several treatments, he made it back for Philly’s autumn playoffs … The Carolina Hurricanes signed RFAdefenceman Roland McKeown to a One NHL governor told Postmedia that Austin is being looked at, the one-year, two-way minimum salary NHL contract Thursday, but home of the AHL Texas Stars having the broadcast-friendly H-E-B immediately loaned him to Skelleftea in Sweden … Though it will be Center in the suburban isolation of Cedar Park, Tex. There’s also the another dark Saturday in the NHL on usually one of its busiest evenings chance of a few American NHL cities serving as bubbles where all 31 of the holidays, it’s also a significant anniversary, On Dec. 19, 1917, the teams could disperse. four-team league launched with the beating the A former Canadian NHL arena executive, familiar with the layout of T- visiting Toronto Blueshirts 10-9 and the Canadiens defeating the Mobile Center in K.C. and the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, vouched for Senators 7-4 in Ottawa. the NHL fitness of the two rinks among others. Toronto Sun LOADED: 12.19.2020 “Logistically, going anywhere down there will hard, but not unheard of,” he said Friday. “You’ll need the right venue and support staff. Our teams have gone to the U.S. for training camp before.

“You’ll need a practice facility and room to store two sets of equipment. It can be as painful as moving your own house and of course you’re packing for an indeterminate amount of time away.”

The Blue Jays already had to set up for a shortened 2020 MLB season, eventually in Buffalo, and the Raptors have been in both the NBA’s Orlando, Fla., playoff bubble and now Tampa Bay for the upcoming regular season.

“Hockey players are probably flexible about moving because they’re used to that (lifestyle),” added the former exec. “But the unknown for them is when are you going to come back?”

Naturally, the preference is to keep the seven operating at home, especially with the season now in motion. But as COVID-19 numbers keep rising, it’s harder for provincial governments to justify special treatment for the NHL to gather and conduct business.

The Raptors’ biggest challenge was finding accommodations, complicated by Super Bowl week being in Tampa leading up to Feb. 7, which tied up rental properties.

Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, might also face the challenge of whether to base themselves in a non-Eastern time zone. Austin, K.C. and Milwaukee are all an hour behind Toronto. But if no fans are attending, a 6 p.m. local start shouldn’t affect anything other than players’ sleep patterns for the first few days.

CAPS SHORT IN CAGE

Henrik Lundqvist’s shocking announcement Thursday that a heart condition will prevent him playing net this season for his new team, the Washington Capitals, leaves the team short of experience between the pipes. After losing Braden Holtby (who departed for Vancouver) and the 38-year-old Lundqvist, the Caps now have 23-year-old Ilya Samsonov, who was expected to share time with Lundqvist, plus 24-year-old Vitek Vanecek and fellow farm-hand Pheonix Copley. 1197119 Vegas Golden Knights the horizon. … Keep our fingers crossed that we can keep moving in the right direction.”

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 12.19.2020 NHL reaches tentative agreement for 2020-21 season

By David Schoen

December 18, 2020 - 5:34 PM

Updated December 18, 2020 - 7:01 PM

There’s no need to ask Santa Claus for hockey’s return. That gift was delivered Friday.

The NHL and NHL Players’ Association reached a tentative agreement on the protocols for the 2020-21 season, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed.

The executive board of the NHLPA was scheduled to hold a conference call Friday night, while the league’s Board of Governors was expected to meet this weekend.

“We have a tentative agreement with the Players’ Association on plans for the 2020-21 NHL season,” Daly wrote in an email to the Review- Journal. “The agreement is subject to approval by both of our respective constituencies.”

Both sides must vote to ratify the guidelines for a 56-game regular season that is tentatively scheduled to begin Jan. 13, Sportsnet and TSN reported.

The Golden Knights would begin training camp Jan. 3, while the seven teams that did not qualify for the playoffs last season will open Dec. 31. There will be no exhibition games, according to Sportsnet and TSN’s reports.

“At this stage of my career, I don’t get too optimistic until things really get set in stone,” Knights forward Max Pacioretty said Tuesday. “Obviously it looks like we’re going to play, but it’s just a matter of when.”

Several details of the agreement need to be resolved, including whether games will take place in home arenas and if fans will be allowed to attend.

The league has yet to clear up issues with Canada’s health officials over a seven-team, all-Canadian division, which could push back the scheduled start dates.

“The resumption of sports events in Canada must be undertaken in adherence to Canada’s measures to mitigate the importation and spread of COVID-19,” the Public Health Agency of Canada said in a statement Thursday. “NHL teams and other professional sports must operate within the rules of their provincial jurisdictions for sports or sporting events.”

The Knights are expected to play in a realigned Pacific Division with holdovers Anaheim, Arizona, Los Angeles and San Jose, along with three teams from the Central Division. Colorado, Dallas, Minnesota and St. Louis are the most likely candidates.

Sportsnet reported that the playoffs will consist of the top four teams in each division, with the champion advancing to the Stanley Cup semifinals.

“I think everybody’s looking forward to get going,” Knights goalie Marc- Andre Fleury said Tuesday. “It seems like we’re on track to start, too.”

The league and players’ association previously agreed to the economic framework from the collective bargaining agreement that was ratified in July.

That includes an $81.5 million salary cap along with a 23-player roster. According to reports, the season will include a four- to six-player taxi squad that will practice and travel with the NHL club.

Similar to the protocols for the return to play in August, players can opt out of the season for reasons related to COVID-19.

“It’s been a crazy set of circumstances both in the hockey world but more importantly in the world,” Knights coach Pete DeBoer said Tuesday. “I’m glad that there’s hockey on the horizon. I’m glad that there’s a vaccine on 1197120 Vegas Golden Knights

Reports: NHL, players are close on deal for 56-game hockey season

By Justin Emerson

Friday, Dec. 18, 2020 | 5:38 p.m.

There will be hockey this season. All that’s left to do it dot the i's and cross the t's.

The NHL and the NHL Players’ Association have agreed to the framework of a 56-game season, according to Sportsnet and TSN. The season will begin Jan. 13 with training camps opening on Jan. 3.

The agreement still needs to be ratified by the NHL Board of Governors and the NHLPA, who are both expected to meet tonight. Because it is not yet official, the dates are subject to change and could be pushed back.

There is still plenty that has not been decided, including how the divisions will look. It was widely expected that the seven Canadian teams would form their own division to avoid crossing the border with the U.S., which is strictly regulated as of now because of the pandemic. But that is subject to Canadian provincial authorities’ approval. If that does not come, the Canadian teams could be relocated to the U.S. this season.

A 56-game regular season would put the NHL on a path to finish the playoffs and award the Stanley Cup before July 21, a soft deadline because of the Olympics. NBC is the TV rights holder for both the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Olympics, and the hope is to avoid a conflict.

If the offseason is indeed ending in just over two weeks, the Golden Knights have some housekeeping to take care of. Currently they are about $974,000 above the salary cap, according to CapFriendly, meaning they would need to make a roster move to be cap-compliant. That could involve a trade or waiving a roster player.

LAS VEGAS SUN LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197121 Vegas Golden Knights SEVEN: Golden Knights skate For racial justice: The National Hockey League is not known for its players speaking out about social unrest and racial issues. But during the summer when games were played in the Edmonton and Toronto bubbles players did not play for two days after LVSportsBiz’s 2020 Year In Review: A Stadium Is Born, Coping With WNBA and NBA players refused to play in light of several police brutality COVID-19 And Different Paths To Racial Justice cases, including the George Floyd killing in Minneapolis on Memorial Day. The Golden Knights even created a video that included footage of

anti-racism protests. December 18, 2020 EIGHT: No NFR, NBA Summer League, PBR Finals, NFL Draft in Las By Alan Snel Vegas: The NBA Summer League and the National Finals Rodeo attract two very different demos to UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center arena, but both pump in millions of dollars into the tourism economy. But the summer league was scrubbed and NFR moved to Texas in December for A highly-contagious worldwide virus shut down sports in Las Vegas for a one-year hiatus in Las Vegas. The Professional Bull Riders usually set several months in 2020 and the year-in-review was all about the sports up ship at T-Mobile Arena, but that event also shifted to Texas this year. industry pivoting best it could to new conditions, restrictions and financial the NFL Draft scheduled for the center of the Strip was also scrubbed. hardships. There was no shortage of sports-business news in Las Vegas The NFL Draft will be held in Las Vegas in 2022. this year. Amid all the COVID-19 shutdowns and adjustments Las Vegas saw its biggest, most expensive and publicly-subsidized sports venue in NINE: Circa sports gambling sportsbook, BetMGM app take center stage. mid-2020. Here’s the LVSportsBiz Top Ten. Amid the downturn of the economy was the opening of the new Circa hotel-casino in downtown Las Vegas, complete with a legit wow-factor ONE: Allegiant Stadium opens. There was no fanfare when this stadium sportsbook, and MGM Resorts enlisting entertainer Jaime Foxx to pitch project was finished at the end of July. No celebrations. No ribbon its sports betting platform. Everyone from the Westgate SuperBook to the cuttings. No worker luncheon parties. But on Aug. 21, the Las Vegas South Point sportsbook welcomed sports bettors after the lockdown in Raiders took to the grass field for the very first time. Players loved the April and May. domed, 65,000-seat stadium sitting on 62.5 acres on the west side of I- 15 across from Mandalay Bay. Raiders owner Mark Davis said if all the TEN: Boxing re-launched in Las Vegas via Top Rank. Las Vegas-based season ticket holders could not attend games then none would. So, it Top Rank created a boxing bubble at the MGM Grand hotel-casino to turned out that UNLV’s football team would inaugurate fans into the continue its boxing matches. It worked. The promotion staged its first building on Halloween with 2,000 fans in the stands for a game against event June 9 and built its bubble on the entire 12th floor at the MGM in-state rival Nevada. Grand.

TWO: UFC’s show goes on: Dana White would not be denied. UFC’s LVSportsBiz.com LOADED: 12.19.2020 boss and ringmaster, his technical title is “president” of UFC, took a lot of grief to forge ahead with fights when sports leagues like the NBA and NHL were closed for business. But on May 30, White staged the first major sports event in Las Vegas when he staged a fight show at UFC’s Apex building, next to UFC’s headquarters. About a month earlier, White had put on a UFC fight show in Jacksonville, Florida, drawing a video shoutout from his pal, President Donald Trump.

VGK netminder Robin Lehner

THREE: Golden Knights reach conference finals in Edmonton bubble. Like all NHL teams, the Vegas Golden Knights lost millions of dollars in revenue when the NHL season was paused in March. The team advanced to the Western Conference Finals, before losing to the Dallas Stars. But the The Golden Knights were busy off the ice, opening an ice center in downtown Henderson, partnering with the city of Henderson on a new $84 million Henderson arena at the old Henderson Pavilion site and showing off the new jersey for its new minor league team, the Henderson Silver Knights.

New Las Vegas Aces player Angel McCoughtry with Breonna Taylor’s name on her jersey.

FOUR: Las Vegas Aces piled up wins while working on racial injustice issues. The Aces played in the WNBA bubble in Bradenton, Florida, about an hour south of Tampa and made it to the finals before bowing to the Seattle Storm. The Aces’ star forward A’Ja Wilson emerged as the league’s, MVP, while the team joined the other 11 clubs in being a leader in fighting for racial justice during a summer marked by protests across the country in response to police shootings.

FIVE: No Aviators games in Summerlin. Las Vegas had no baseball in the summer because Minor League Baseball games were scrubbed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Howard Hughes Corporation, the Texas-based development company that owned the Aviators and their jewel of a ballpark hit the jackpot in 2019 when the new ballpark in Downtown Summerlin was the biggest-drawing ball yard in the minors. What’s the game plan for the $150 million baseball venue for 2021? Nobody knows yet.

UNLV Athletic Director Desiree Reed-Francois

SIX: UNLV cancels football and basketball games because of the novel coronavirus. UNLV had to cancel a UNLV vs Boise State football game and a UNLV vs Eastern Washington basketball game because of COVID-19 problems a few days apart in early December. But UNLV football’s team did get the chance to play three home games at Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders. It included the first game ever to have fans inside the palatial new stadium. 1197122 Vegas Golden Knights Trevor van Riemsdyk and Jonas Siegenthaler in the top six D this season. However, if the Caps are comfortable with those two (or any other low-cost option) then the math works out similarly to Hagelin’s.

Without Lundqvist, Could Washington Chase Fleury? As far as the Golden Knights’ needs on defense, they’re looking good without Jensen. But if they were to acquire the 30-year-old rearguard it frees up the ability to make another move on the back end. I’m not sure that’s where this will end up going, but it does provide more depth for Published 20 hours ago on December 18, 2020By Tom Callahan Vegas at a reasonable price.

Admittedly, this is not as likely a scenario but is still a possibility. Henrik Lundqvist announced today that he won’t be suiting up for the Analysis Washington Capitals this season due to a heart condition. While he didn’t completely close the door on playing again he did say that medical tests There is a fit for Marc-Andre Fleury in Washington. Hagelin is the piece made it clear that playing hockey is not what he should be doing right that I think the Golden Knights would most covet and for both teams, now. While Lundqvist spends the next several months figuring out what’s makes the most sense. There would be no further juggling required by next, the Capitals find themsleves without a goaltender. Is there a fit for either side. Plus Vegas gets a solid third-line player with a Stanley Cup Marc-Andre Fleury in Washington? pedigree. Combining him with Alex Tuch and Chandler Stephenson could yield a very strong third line for Vegas. If Fleury is ok going to DC, this Looking for last-minute gifts for your hockey fans? Please enjoy the might provide opportunity for both teams. Vegas Hockey Now discount at Fanatics! Vegas Hockey Now LOADED: 12.19.2020 Let’s start with the basics. Lundqvist was due just $1.5M on a one-year contract with the Caps this season. That cap hit will go away with him on LTIR. Then there’s Michal Kempny, who had off-season surgery to repair a torn Achilles which puts him out 6-8 months. Kempny carries an AAV of $2.5M and placing him on LTIR frees up more space. So now the Caps are able to maneuver a bit more with $4M of LTIR space. Once they trade a contract back to Vegas, we can make the math work.

It’s no secret the Golden Knights would be spending a lot of money on goalies if Fleury remains on the roster. Fleury has a cap hit of $7M each year for the next two years, and Vegas has to retain half of his salary to make the following numbers really work. With the groundwork in place, let’s take a look at some options for the beloved Marc-Andre Fleury.

Carl Hagelin

To me, the guy who makes the most sense coming back to Vegas is Carl Hagelin. With three years left on his deal at an AAV of $2.75M the math can work for the Golden Knights. Vegas could retain that $3.5M of salary for Fleury and just get under the salary cap.

Hagelin is one of those guys who puts up decent NHL numbers in terms of points (30+ in a good year) during the regular season. Come playoffs, he’s a sought-after piece of the puzzle. He works hard and brings intangibles to a third-line role, plus has the experience of winning a pair of Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017.

The 32-year-old vet had a good regular season in Washington, but like many players struggled in the bubble. It was a rare poor showing for Hagelin, but the Caps also didn’t look very good as a team either. Hagelin has appeared in a whopping 136 playoff games in his career. That’s tied for 19th among active players with Alex Ovechkin, Patrick Kane, and Kris Letang. Pretty heady company.

More than anything, that playoff experience is what the Golden Knights could really use most. There’s no doubt this team is a regular-season monster, deep and talented. But to get over that final hump and hoist the Stanley Cup, Hagelin might be that third-line glue guy.

Michal Kempny

Well, there’s always Kempny. A member of the 2018 Stanley Cup Champion Capitals, he’s battled injuries since. He missed the 2019 playoffs and part of the 2020 season with a torn hamstring. Then in October, he tore his Achilles training and had surgery on it which will keep him out 6-8 months.

Kempny has one more year after this on his deal for $2.5M and will be 31 in September. If he’s healthy he’s a nice piece on the back end with championship experience for 2021-22. If he’s unable to rehab the injury and come back, then the money stays on LTIR for Vegas.

If Vegas were to trade for his $2.5M to stash on LTIR, it places them just barely under the cap and doesn’t ruffle the current defense. I like the current top six D for the VGK and this makes a lot of sense for me. Washington might have to do some figuring if they trade this cap hit, but they might not be done making moves yet anyway.

Nick Jensen

At this point, I don’t think moving Jensen’s $2.5M makes as much sense for Washington as it does for Vegas unless they’re comfortable with both 1197123 Washington Capitals

NHL and NHLPA agree on 56-game season, mid-January starting date

By Andy Kostka - The Washington Times - Friday, December 18, 2020

The NHL and NHL Players’ Association have reportedly reached an agreement for a 56-game season, with a potential starting date of Jan. 13.

Training camps for teams that didn’t qualify for the NHL‘s return-to-play bubble could open by Dec. 30, while the remaining teams can open training camps on Jan. 3, according to TSN’s Frank Seravalli. Those dates could change, however, Seravalli reported.

There are still significant hurdles for the league to address, though, including local health and travel restrictions, particularly for the league’s Canadian franchises. Seravalli reported the agreement between the NHL and NHLPA includes a 23-man roster with the creation of a four-to-six player taxi squad. A maximum of 29 players can travel and practice with the NHL team.

The preliminary agreement is still subject to pending approval from the league’s board of governors and the NHLPA, although the movement is a promising step toward a season being played following weeks of back- and-forth between the sides.

It’s still unclear if teams will play in their home cities or if hub cities — such as the NHL used to complete the playoffs this summer — will be employed once again. The NHL had initially sought a Jan. 1 start date, but that proved increasingly unlikely as discussions dragged on.

Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston reported there will be no preseason games played; teams will go right from training camp to the 56-game regular season — likely on Jan. 13.

Washington Times LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197124 Washington Capitals

Report: NHL, NHLPA reach tentative agreement on the season

by J.J. Regan

At long last, a deal was tentatively reached Friday between the NHL and NHLPA on the 2021 season, Elliotte Friedman was the first to report. The agreement is still subject to approval from the NHLPA executive board which was scheduled to meet at 8 p.m. on Friday, and the NHL Board of Governors is scheduled to vote sometime over the weekend.

According to Frank Seravalli, under the agreement, the season would start on January 13 with training camps to start on January 3. The teams who were not in the postseason will be able to start in late December. Players will have the option to opt-out of the season if he or an immediate family member is considered high-risk. In those cases, the team would have the option of "tolling" the contract which, based on my understanding, means adding an extra year to the contract.

The 23-man maximum roster limit and the $81.5 million salary cap will remain, but with a four to six-man taxi squad with each player being paid their full AHL salary.

Even if the agreement should pass, there is still more work to be done. The issue over where the seven Canadian teams will play has not yet been resolved, according to Pierre LeBrun. The league is hopeful this can be settled on Monday, but the possibility that these teams will need to play in a hub or moved to the United States remains.

All dates are subject to change and they may well change depending on what the ultimate decision on the Canadian teams is. However, this is the biggest step forward yet towards the beginning of the hockey season.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197125 Washington Capitals The NHL is moving more and more toward goalie tandems so most teams with two viable netminders probably won't want to give one up anyway. Plus, the expansion draft is looming. The expansion draft requires every team to expose a goalie who is under contract in 2021-22 What are the Capitals' options for replacing Henrik Lundqvist? or who will be an RFA. Some teams may have an extra goalie on their roster for the sole purpose of exposing that goalie to Seattle and may not

want to give them up without MacLellan giving up a high price. by J.J. Regan Wait it out

This one is a two-step solution in which the Caps go with Vanecek as the What are the Capitals' options for replacing Henrik Lundqvist? backup to start, but eye the trade market throughout the season up to the trade deadline. There are not expected to be any limitation on trades Capitals other than any quarantine requirements set by local authorities so an in- season trade is possible. Basically, the team could go into the season Henrik Lundqvist never got the chance to play for the Capitals, but his using a Samsonov/Vanecek tandem, but with the expectation of picking absence for the upcoming season certainly puts the team in a bind. Ilya up a goalie when one becomes available or at the trade deadline when it Samsonov will be the No. 1 goalie, but the team still needs a No. 2 to will be more manageable to fit their salary cap onto the roster. play with him. Here are the most likely options for Washington to consider. This is a gamble as there may not be a situation where a goalie of the caliber Washington would want becomes available. The Caps could end Internal options up stuck with a goalie tandem it may not have faith in or overpay for a Pheonix Copley was the backup to Braden Holtby in 2018-19 and put up goalie who ultimately does not provide much of an upgrade. decent numbers with a 16-7-3 record, .905 save percentage and 2.90 Sometimes you can get lucky and find a Cristobal Huet as Washington GAA. There were certainly times, however, in which his numbers looked did in 2008 or a Robin Lehner like Vegas did in 2020, but goalies can be better than his actual play on the ice and the Caps seemed to agree. hard to move midseason. Plus, with a shortened season, more teams will Copley spent the 2019-20 season in Hershey then, with Samsonov out remain in the playoff hunt for longer meaning fewer teams will want to injured, was not tapped to backup Holtby in the postseason. A new coach give up a goalie and throw in the towel on the season. This is a gamble brings a new perspective so perhaps Copley can impress Peter and it's an easy gamble to lose. Laviolette, but I have a hard time seeing Copley as a viable option to be the backup this season just a few months removed from losing out to Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 12.19.2020 Vitek Vanecek.

Vanecek appears to be a more realistic option. He has had an impressive run in Hershey and has been named an AHL All-Star in each of the last two seasons. He is 24 and has a cap hit of just over $716,000. But while there is some excitement among the fan base about Vanecek and the possibility of two young prospects leading the Caps forward, there are a few issues with this.

First, Vanecek's ceiling is likely as a backup NHL goalie. This is not going to be the next Semyon Varlamov/Michal Neuvirth tandem where both looked like they could be NHL starters. Olie Kolzig, former NHL goalie and now professional development coach for the Caps has a similar projection. Granted, at this point the only real options to bring in would be back-up caliber goalies and you can't beat Vanecek's price tag, but he also has no NHL experience. General manager Brian MacLellan would be betting the entire season on two young goalies with a combined 26 games of NHL experience, all Samsonov's.

If the team has any doubts about Samsonov as a No. 1 this season and the team feels like it needs a safety net in the form of a veteran goalie, Vanecek may not be the best option.

External options

The 2020 free-agent class was very deep for goalies, but the initial frenzy has left only a handful of veterans left available.

Cory Schneider is a familiar name, but his play has fallen off to a serious degree and his NHL numbers have been horrific the past two seasons. Scratch him off the list.

Craig Anderson, Jimmy Howard and Ryan Miller are more realistic targets. None of these are goalies who should be able to push Samsonov for the No. 1 job, but they are each long-time NHL goalies who could mentor the young netminder. The fact that they are still available and that Washington could provide a shot at winning the Cup could possibly make them affordable options.

Trade options

There is a significant number of goalies entering the final year of their contract, but there are two factors that make this option a nonstarter. First, the Caps are very tight against the salary cap and would have to free up cap space to get almost anyone who could realistically help them. Second, with the flat salary cap, no teams are looking to do anyone any favors. Any team with a goalie they would be willing to part with is not going to give them away for free. It's going to cost Washington big to grab someone, even if it is for just a mediocre goalie. It's a seller's market. 1197126 Washington Capitals Backstrom didn’t think much of Carlson’s interpretation of a reindeer, either.

“It’s a reindeer, not a moose, buddy!” Backstrom shot back at Carlson. Capitals, and a fierce game of Pictionary, bring joy to children in hospital Wilson jumped in and questioned Backstrom’s methods.

“Did you actually draw that one?” Wilson asked. “Or was it the kids?” By Tarik El-Bashir Dec 18, 2020 “Believe it or not,” Backstrom responded, “It was actually me.”

Backstrom’s reindeer ultimately garnered the win. A few minutes into Wednesdays’ video conference call, Nicklas “I’m voting for Nick because he also had grass and also on the tail he Backstrom, John Carlson and put their heads down, grabbed had hair,” Joseph said. a notepad and pen, and went to work. Backstrom pumped his fist, knowing he’d completed the unlikely A 45-second countdown began. comeback. When the clock expired, they held up their drawings for the judges, a trio “He just beat me at fantasy football, too,” Wilson quipped. of patients in MedStar Georgetown University Hospital’s pediatric cancer unit. Wilson later doubled down on his assertion that Backstrom had some help off camera. Joseph Miller leaned over to consult with his older brother, James. “I don’t want to sell anyone out on their dark secrets but there had to be “John!” Joseph said, announcing his pick with enthusiasm. some — I don’t know — some stencils or copying,” Wilson said with a “He put those two seconds in to make that scarf,” James added, laugh. “But Nick’s hands are his moneymakers, that’s why he won the explaining the rationale for their choice. contest. Thanks to my guy Brocker for giving me some pity votes.”

Everyone on the call laughed. The call wrapped up with some lighthearted small talk.

For the past five seasons, one of the biggest off-ice events on the And, of course, a group picture. Or in this case, a group screengrab. Capitals’ calendar has been the team’s trip to MedStar, where players It’s been a challenging year for everyone. mingle with children and their families right before the holidays. But it’s been decidedly more challenging for some. An in-person visit, though, was not possible this year due to the pandemic. For one snowy December afternoon, though, three kids fighting serious ailments made memories that the Caps hope will help buoy them through So the event had to be reimagined, 2020 style. the holidays. “It’s been challenging, but it forces you to be creative and find different “The fact that it was a snow day and they got to be on a Zoom with three ways of doing things,” said Amanda Tischler, the Caps’ vice president of of their favorite NHL players from their favorite team, hopefully that was marketing. “We’ve really just had to look at the resources that we have such an uplifting experience that they will be able to take with them for available, from our own channels, and then come up with what is the holidays and as they are battling these terrible diseases,” Tischler possible versus focusing on what is not possible.” said. “We feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to do it, and I As it turns out, there’s still plenty possible with a little flexibility and know MedStar was really grateful that we were able to make something ingenuity. work.”

Following the players’ informal practice at the team’s Arlington, Va., Nathan, who is battling complications from sickle cell anemia, was still practice facility, Backstrom, Carlson and Wilson went home, fired up their giddy hours later. laptops and logged into Zoom for an afternoon of activities and games “It’s really hard to go through this, and no one should have to go through with some of MedStar’s biggest hockey fans — Joseph Miller, 10; Nathan it,” he said by phone. “But this was really a treat.” Baron Job, 11; and Brock Ludwigson, 8. Joseph’s 12-year-old brother James was also on the call. Nathan’s father, Henri Job, added: “As you know, the condition that Nathan has is not an easy one. Over the past couple of weeks, he’s “We just want to do what we can to make an impact and bring a little bit either had to have some procedures or go to the hospital for a of joy in these kids’ lives,” Wilson said. “It’s the least we can do. It’s transfusion. We are so thankful to the players and to MedStar definitely a fun part of the job to be able to do these kinds of events and Georgetown. It was such a great thing for the kids to have this wonderful interact and have some laughs with kids who really need it.” moment with the players.” Wilson added: “I’ve seen those faces over the years. Brock is the same The Athletic LOADED: 12.19.2020 old Brock; he’s such a character and so much fun to be around. And the other kids were awesome, too. It was great to see their spirits were high. That’s what this is all about.”

The call began with the players and patients sharing their favorite holiday movies and/or songs. It was no surprise that “Home Alone” and “Elf” were the runaway winners in the movie category. What was not expected, however, was Backstrom’s favorite holiday song: “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey.

Carlson and Wilson laughed.

“Weird choice, right?” Backstrom acknowledged. “But that’s my favorite.”

The next activity was an unexpectedly competitive game of Pictionary, which featured a dramatic comeback and, afterward, some accusations of cheating.

Carlson jumped out to the early lead thanks to his superior sketch of a snowman, complete with the scarf. But Backstrom later rallied for the overall win thanks to a detailed drawing of a reindeer in the final of four rounds.

“It looks like a dog,” Carlson said of Backstrom’s sketch. 1197127 Winnipeg Jets But nobody asked me. Feeling Blue over bucks

You had to feel for GM the other All-Canadian division not all it's cracked up to be day, as he laid bare the mess he’s facing, along with most GM’s in the CFL.

Paul Friesen Walters has to cut as much as half a million bucks from his player budget for 2021, no easy task when you have two of the loop’s highest-paid Publishing date:Dec 19, 2020 defensive players and a half-million-dollar quarterback on your roster, not to mention a gaggle of award-winning pending free agents.

That sound you hear is , and It’s about that much-trumpeted all-hoser division in the NHL. choking on offers to take less, or at least defer some of their pay, so that Seems Gary Bettman’s gang and players boss Don Fehr have have people like Andrew Harris, , , Nic worked out most of the details to drop the puck early in the New Year. Demski and can be offered less than they expected.

But the all-Canadian division remains a threatened species, before it It’s the new reality, though. even chirps its first note of the Hockey Night in Canada theme song. “If the reality of the world is our cap has been reduced, then it’s We first received word Thursday night the NHL has run into some impossible to keep everybody around,” Walters said. “It’s not complicated clutching and grabbing from pesky provincial health officials concerned math.” about its plan to stage a semi-normal season. CFL start in September? Something about having teams fly around the country without mandatory It says here the CFL will be lucky if it even gets the 2021 season off the quarantines doesn’t sit well with the authorities, and who can blame ground on time. them? We’re told all Canadians should have access to the COVID-19 vaccine There was word of progress Friday night, but if they can’t appease the by September, so that seems a more likely time frame to at least play country’s top docs, the Canadian clubs could be relocated to the more games with people in the stands. Covid-friendly confines of the Infected States of America. Perhaps they can kick it off in empty stadiums for the pre-season and How that would sit with the Blake Wheelers of the world who have kids in first several weeks of the regular season. Canadian schools is beyond me. But how do you pay players and coaches even close to a full wage if your Fans aren’t going to be allowed into the arenas, anyway, so whether they ticket-buying public can only attend half the games? drop the biscuit in downtown Winnipeg or in Last Chance, Iowa, is irrelevant to most of them, you’d think. In the gate-dependent CFL, you can’t. Not without taking another bath.

However, going south would likely mean the end of the All-Canadian Here’s hoping they figure it out. Plan. Because a second year without three-down football would leave the Boo-hoo. league decimated, forced to rebuild from scratch.

While everybody else has been frothing at the mouth over the prospect of I asked Walters if any players had approached him for emergency cash some 10 games each against the woeful Senators, the dysfunctional during the shutdown, and he said there were a couple a while back who Leafs and Matthew Tkachuk’s Flames, it strikes me as way too much of a asked about signing new deals just so they could grab a signing bonus to not-so-good thing. keep them going.

Kind of like the 1980’s all over again. The Smythe Division, with the “I had to tell them there’s nothing we can do right now,” the GM said. Canucks, Flames and Oilers on repeat. Walters called the whole thing “demoralizing.” I’d feel the same way about watching that many games between any teams, not just those in the Great White North. That 2019 win?

But it’s worse when we’re already inundated with coverage of the Sacred Seems like it happened 29 years ago. Seven by the talking heads on the Canadian networks. Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 12.19.2020 We’re instantly informed of every change of Auston Matthews’ underwear in the Centre of the Universe, told ad nauseam how the Edmonton defence isn’t good enough, and if I hear one more analysis about which Canadian team is going to break this country’s Stanley Cup drought, I’m going to hurl this morning’s plate of pancakes and maple syrup.

Variety is the spice of life.

Watching the Jets take on a steady diet of Canuck squads would be blander than oatmeal without the brown sugar.

Touch that dial

If and when the NHL gets its show off the ground, the Jets will have a different home on the airwaves, at least on your radio dial.

Apparently unhappy with how things were unfolding at all-sports radio TSN-1290, Mark Chipman exercised his option a year early and moved his team over to old friend CJOB, at the 680 mark.

It won’t sound completely different, as play-by-play man Paul Edmonds and his growl will make the move as well.

But Edmonds’ cohort will be all-around good guy Jamie Thomas, the voice and face of JetsTV.

I prefer my broadcasters aren’t employees of the team they cover, as it invariably keeps them from telling it like it is when things go south. 1197128 Winnipeg Jets “There are a lot of things I can’t control,” Pionk said. “My job is to distribute the puck in a way that will give us the best chance to score.”

Whatever his process, the results were spectacular. Let’s have a look. Video Room: How Neal Pionk became a power play force in his debut Oct. 12, 2019, at Chicago Jets season A primary assist on a Nik Ehlers one-timer. The shot is a rocket and

Corey Crawford is screened by a jumping Mathieu Perreault. Ehlers has By Murat Ates Dec 18, 2020 as much room as he does because Pionk had previously played catch with Jack Roslovic on the other wall. Roslovic sized up Chicago’s PK for seams without finding any. He did look like a realistic enough threat for Chicago to collapse, however, meaning Roslovic to Pionk to Ehlers left After scoring a career-high 45 points in 71 games, Neal Pionk knew he’d the great Dane in a terrific position to shoot. Is there anything special had a productive debut season for the Winnipeg Jets. about Pionk’s pass? Honestly, no — not as far as I can tell. The pace of Pionk just didn’t know how strong his production was, particularly on the the decision and the pass is what I would call “in flow” — the same pace power play, where he finished among the top players in the NHL. as the play, not faster, not slower. It does land on Ehlers’ back foot exactly where it looks like 27 wants to blast it from. The league leaders in points per minute at 5-on-4 last season were: Oct. 17, 2019, vs. New York Connor McDavid This one is pure Ehlers. Winnipeg wins a faceoff in the Islanders’ zone, Leon Draisaitl Ville Heinola taps it to Pionk at the left point, and Pionk circles to the middle of the blue line. The Islanders are shaped into a wedge, with a ton David Pastrnak of room on either flank. Pionk finds Ehlers — again with a ton of time and Mika Zibanejad space — and this time Ehlers corrals it, steps to the top of the circle and snipes over a screened Semyon Varlamov. Once again, Perreault is the Neal Pionk man taking the goaltender’s eyes away (he may be losing a step but his That’s incredible company for the 25-year-old defenceman to keep and offensive instincts are still quite right). And once again, Pionk has done he knows it. the right thing — playing the role in a straightforward, correct manner as opposed to searching for spectacular. “I would have never guessed that,” Pionk said by text this week. “Whenever your name is mentioned with guys like McDavid and Draisaitl, Nov. 8, 2019, vs. Vancouver I think most people would be surprised.” This secondary assist has very little to do with Pionk. Wheeler leads a McDavid is the most dangerous offensive player on the planet. Draisaitl rush into Vancouver’s zone, cutting into the middle and shooting wide. is the reigning Hart Trophy and Art Ross Trophy winner. Pastrnak’s 48 Roslovic recovers the puck on the left wing wall and then walks all the goals tied him with Alex Ovechkin for the Rocket Richard Trophy. way to the top of the crease before shooting, collecting his own rebound Zibanejad scored 75 points in 57 games — an even higher scoring rate and top-shelving his second effort. Roslovic is elated — it’s a pure effort than Draisaitl’s 110 points in 70 games. That these four players show up play. Pionk’s last touch was in the other end of the rink. among the league leaders in power play points per minute is not remotely Nov. 10, 2019, vs. Dallas surprising. Laine can still launch rocket, seen here against a helpless Anton Pionk doesn’t move as fast as McDavid, pass as well as Draisaitl or Khudobin. But Pionk does three easily identifiable things that lead to the shoot as well as Pastrnak. There are times when his pass across to goal. Patrik Laine looks slow and it can’t be argued that he has a cannon from the point that’s the same as Dustin Byfuglien. First, he recognizes Wheeler’s options as Wheeler curls below the goal line in search of a one-timer from Roslovic in the slot or Laine in the Ovi But Pionk’s power play points rate cannot be argued. spot. When the seam doesn’t open up for Wheeler, Pionk is a safe out for It’s not even likely to be a fluke, given that Pionk was ninth in 5-on-4 him on the right wing boards because he knew Wheeler might need one. points per minute in 2018-19. He doesn’t have a freakish “on-ice” Second, Pionk fakes a slap shot that freezes the Stars’ defence, shooting percentage or an outlandish shooting percentage of his own. So guaranteeing space across the ice for the often over-guarded Laine. And how does Pionk keep scoring points like the league’s elite without great finally, the pass is in a place Laine can wire it from. fortune or an eye-catching individual talent? This brings us to one of the most common gripes about Pionk’s 5-on-4 “I think it’s a combination of all the talents on the power play unit,” Pionk game — a place where the eye-test says he doesn’t excel but the end-of- said. “Between Laine’s shot, Wheeler’s passing, Scheifele’s IQ and year point scoring stats say he’s elite. Connor’s hand-eye in front of the net, we’re able to create a lot of How fast, or slow, is Pionk’s tee-up pass supposed to be? chances that turn into goals.” “I think there is a fine line of speed when passing for a one-timer,” said Pionk’s credit for his teammates is well placed. While he is fifth in points Pionk. “A lot of it is player preference and it’s something that Patty and I per minute, he’s first in secondary assists per minute — a statistical work on after practices.” suggestion that he is not the driving force on Winnipeg’s top power play unit. Secondary assists are thought to vary more than primary assists. To watch Winnipeg’s power play is to think more Laine one-timers are available with a faster pass. But it’s not as though Pionk relied solely on secondary assists. Pionk was 14th with 3.04 primary assists per minute — just 0.01 behind known And yet, to look at the rate at which Pionk generates primary assists is to quarterback and teammate Blake Wheeler. So yes, of course he benefits think he’s one of the NHL’s elite setup men. He ranked 14th in primary from an elite array of shooters on Winnipeg’s power play unit. points per minute in 2019-20, tucked just behind Erik Karlsson and Blake Wheeler and just ahead of Sidney Crosby and Roman Josi. But so did the visually impressive, rocket launching Byfuglien — who also scored a ton of secondary assists and whose overall scoring rate Pionk Nov. 27, 2019, at San Jose just beat. The most famous goal from this game will always be the one where For more insight into how and why Pionk produced at such a high level David Gustafsson walked around his childhood hero Erik Karlsson and last season, I thought it would be wise to deep dive all 25 of his power then picked a corner for the first goal of his NHL career. Laine’s seventh play points here on the site. goal of the season was just as pretty, though, capping off a passing play between Wheeler and Pionk that caught San Jose sleeping. Pionk faked Some clear trends emerge — yes, his pass to Laine is slow but so many a pass to Laine, keeping Karlsson frozen high, then passed to Wheeler in other passes are patient and poised. No, Pionk doesn’t have a cannon his office. Wheeler found a seam underneath Barclay Goodrow and but he does time his shot through traffic with purpose and placement. Melker Karlsson and Laine blasted it home. Sometimes he gets the bounces and sometimes he doesn’t. Sometimes it looks spectacular and sometimes it doesn’t. Nov. 29, 2019, at Anaheim Pionk’s first power play goal of the season was not a rocket. It was the Dec. 27, 2019, vs. St. Louis product of Pionk using his patience and vision to keep the play alive with a little help from Laine and Wheeler. This is another case of Pionk getting a point for doing his job — a reminder that many power play points (and therefore many points, The play starts with a Pionk missed shot that Laine recovers under period) are a function of opportunity. pressure and returns to Pionk at the point. Pionk is also under pressure — Rickard Rackell is all over him at the blue line — but Pionk waits just In this case, Connor dodges a stick check from one Blues defender at the long enough for Jakob Silfverberg to leave Laine alone. The pass itself is St. Louis line and then feeds Scheifele through two more defenders’ simple but it’s simultaneously patient and brazen stuff from Pionk. sticks. Scheifele corrals the pass and gets a path straight to Jordan Binnington as a reward. Scheifele doesn’t score but Connor does and From there, it’s Laine across the ice to Wheeler and Wheeler back to Pionk gets a point for having started the play. Pionk at the top. Anaheim is moving, which is good news for Pionk, and Kyle Connor has taken away John Gibson’s eyes. In the second Dec. 31, 2019, at Colorado playthrough, you can see Gibson straining to see around Connor and Sometimes gamesheets lie. then dropping into a butterfly just in time for Pionk’s shot to beat him high. Pionk is credited with the secondary assist on this goal but, for the life of me, I can’t see anything other than Pionk taking a wrist shot and Connor Dec. 8, 2019, vs. Anaheim tipping it in front.

Whereas Pionk’s goal against the Ducks in November can be directly Either way, the play is a faceoff win and a wrist shot that goes well. It’s linked to his unique skill set, his December assist against them could tough to make the objective case that Pionk is gifted or average or have been anyone. Laine gained the zone with tenuous possession of horrible at getting his shot through — we have to trust our eyes on this the puck, prompting Cam Fowler and Derek Grant to chase him to the left one — but I’m willing to say I think he’s good at it. How definitive, I know. wing boards. He recovered in time to feed Pionk, who passed to Wheeler, who found Mark Scheifele in the slot before the Ducks could Jan. 4, 2020, at Minnesota recover. This goal is why Wheeler is the quarterback. Dec. 10, 2019, vs. Detroit The way he protects his space against two Minnesota defenders, A lot of things had to go right for Scheifele’s rocket to turn into Pionk’s unfazed by Ryan Suter’s aggressive feint in particular, for long enough to primary assist. open up the lane to Scheifele is worthy of praise on its own. The pass itself deserves a three-part biopic. It begins with Wheeler taking the draw. This is interesting because neither Wheeler (50.7 percent) nor Scheifele (51.2 percent) were Pionk gets a secondary assist for doing his job at the top. particularly good faceoff men on the power play last season. It’s also Jan. 9, 2020, at Boston worth noting that both players were well above 50 percent that night against Detroit. Pionk scores on a one-timer from the blue line that Jaroslav Halak can’t find through a dual screen of Connor and Brandon Carlo in front. “Pucks Wheeler wins the draw, Pionk moves it to Scheifele, and short term Red to the net” is a cliche for a reason. Wing Eric Comrie doesn’t stand a chance. Jan. 14, 2020, vs. Vancouver Dec. 15, 2019, vs. Philadelphia (1) Speaking of screens, Wheeler’s goal against Vancouver in January is an Pionk picked up two secondary assists against the Flyers in this game. ice-level pass through Jacob Markstrom. It’s made possible by great The first is trademark Jets: Pionk to Wheeler to Scheifele in the slot. passing by Connor earlier in the shift and it goes in because Connor Winnipeg was able to exploit a broken Flyers stick down low but takes away Markstrom’s line of sight. It may also be that Markstrom — Scheifele’s goal was just the Jets power play working how it’s supposed like Wheeler — assumed that Connor would redirect the pass. to work. Pionk gets a primary assist and “get pucks to the net” lives on in our Dec. 15, 2019, vs. Philadelphia (2) hearts. Pionk’s second secondary assist of the night highlights his patience and Jan. 22, 2020, at Columbus then the power of a fortunate bounce. He and Wheeler pass back and forth around Kevin Hayes — Pionk’s saucer pass in particular is a nice Pionk scored three power play goals last season and you’ve already read piece of handiwork — but the goal itself is a double deflection. about two of them. Care to guess how he scores his third?

Scheifele tips Pionk’s long-range wrist shot from the high slot and the It’s a long range wrist shot through a little bit of traffic that Elvis Merzlikins puck bounces off Connor’s foot on the way into the net. Scheifele and probably still wants back. Scheifele and Connor both wave at the puck on Connor share a laugh, Pionk gets a point, and Winnipeg ends up winning its way to the net, possibly taking away Merzlikins’ eyes, but otherwise 7-3. he’s in position and simply doesn’t make the save.

Dec. 17, 2019, vs. Carolina While I think that this is a case of Merzlikins missing, it’s also a reminder that Pionk’s three goals all came with at least a little bit of help from The most spectacular goal scored between the Jets and Hurricanes on Connor in front. Smaller, skilled players can still be effective in front of this day belongs to Andrei Svechnikov, whose lacrosse-style goal was the net if they’re willing to go there and time their screens. the second “Michigan” of his NHL career. Feb. 8, 2020, vs. Ottawa (1) The most clever play of the Scheifele goal on which Pionk netted his assist belongs to Laine, who set up in the high slot and one-timed a pass Pionk doesn’t have a cannon from the point but it’s worth celebrating his to Scheifele in the circle. The one-timed pass fooled all four Hurricanes even strength goal that opened the scoring against Ottawa last February. but missed Scheifele’s wheelhouse, landing on his backhand and thus He stepped into a Mason Appleton pass at the right point and just not immediately turning into a goal. unloaded a slap shot past Craig Anderson to open the scoring. It could have been the hardest shot of Pionk’s season; it was a beauty. From there, it was Scheifele in the circle to Pionk at the top, Pionk at the top to Wheeler in his office and Wheeler across the seam back to Pionk’s first power play assist of the night is a product of precision Scheifele for a one-timer. instead of power — a wrist shot through traffic that Connor fights for and Laine buries on the rebound. The Wheeler pass was exceptional and yet this goal had a feeling of inevitability to it. All four right-handers on Winnipeg’s power play were Feb. 8, 2020, vs. Ottawa (2) moving the puck with purpose and speed. Pionk’s second power play assist also ends up on Laine’s stick. Winnipeg Dec. 23, 2019, vs. Montreal already has Ottawa running around thank to a clean zone entry by Scheifele and a Connor one-timer that the Jets recover. No clip necessary here: Carey Price can’t find Pionk’s wrist shot through Scheifele, Connor and a teammate in front. The rebound goes to Scheifele who takes a stab at it before Connor finishes the play. The Senators regain their shape just in time for Wheeler to set Pionk up at the top and then:

Pionk’s fake one-timer opens up space between Ottawa’s forwards at the top and his wrist shot meets a perfect redirection from Laine in the slot. It’s a goal earned by all five Jets and Pionk is a deserving part of it.

Feb. 9, 2020, vs. Chicago

Pionk’s breakout pass to Wheeler flying up the right wing was excellent; Wheeler’s snipe over Corey Crawford’s shoulder from the bottom of the right wing circle was spectacular. As a bonus, Connor Hellebuyck picked up an assist by stopping Chicago’s dump-in and leaving it for Pionk.

Feb. 14, 2020, vs. San Jose

Are you kidding me?

Feb. 20, 2020, at Ottawa

Scheifele has already scored one power play goal on this night in Ottawa when he redirects a Pionk wrist shot past Marcus Hogberg. Some credit should also go to Pionk and Laine for their nice passing at the top of the zone to keep the play alive off a scrambled faceoff win.

Feb. 22, 2020, at Philadelphia

Pionk at the top to Laine in his office. You know exactly how this goes.

March 6, 2020, at Vegas

Pionk’s final power play point of the regular season is the result of his point shot bouncing off Brayden McNabb and straight to Laine before Marc-Andre Fleury can recover. Laine’s shot is perfection. The season is paused just five days later.

The 197 minutes Pionk played at 5-on-4 last season — and 109 minutes the season before that — are a decent sample but hardly a lifelong body of work.

We’ve identified real strengths — patience, a wrist shot that beats the PK’s primary blockers and an ability to open up lanes with a well-timed fake. But Pionk’s weaknesses are real, too. His lack of a big shot means he doesn’t stretch defences so as to open up lanes from Wheeler to Laine quite like Byfuglien did, nor does his shot lead to goals for himself.

After all of this, I’m still not comfortable saying Pionk will maintain his place among the NHL’s elite. And yet he simply keeps scoring.

The Athletic LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197129 Vancouver Canucks

NHL and NHLPA agree on return-to-play plan, but B.C. health plan remains a work in progress

Patrick Johnston

Publishing date:Dec 19, 2020

If everything goes to the NHL’s plan — and as everyone knows, in this pandemic world of ours, any plan is very much written in pencil — professional hockey’s top league will have all its teams back on practice ice on Jan. 3, the first time since COVID-19 forced the pausing of hockey and the world last March 12.

Under an agreement reached Friday night between the league and the NHL Players’ Association, Jan. 3 is the day the 24 teams that took part in last summer’s Stanley Cup playoffs and qualifiers, including the Vancouver Canucks, will open training camp. The seven teams whose season came to a sudden stop in March and didn’t qualify for the expanded postseason will hit the ice Dec. 30.

The hoped-for start to what would be a 56-game regular season is Jan. 13, but the COVID-19 situation in either country could force a delay.

Teams will remain at their usual 23-man rosters, but will be allowed to keep a “taxi” squad of four to six players in their city to ease call-ups from the minors, a situation that would be very problematic for the Canucks, Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers, who all have their minor-league teams based in the United States. Under current public health rules in Canada, anyone arriving from abroad has to quarantine for two weeks, making the NHL/AHL call-up process untenable.

As it stands, the plan is for the seven Canadian teams to play in an all- Canadian division, with the preference being teams playing in their home arenas without fans (at least to start).

Public health officials have yet to sign off on the NHL’s plans, though teams, including the Canucks, have been given exemptions to group- gathering restrictions to hold practices in their own facilities, as long as they are following strict protocols.

In the Canucks’ case, Dr. Bonnie Henry, the provincial health officer, has yet to approve the NHL’s plans to host games. B.C. is not alone in having not yet approved the plans to play games.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health said discussions are ongoing: “Dr. Henry continues to work with the NHL and the other provinces involved to find a safe solution for the return to league play. Discussions have been ongoing to ensure the proposal aligns with the restrictions in place across all provinces.”

Sources on the Canucks side have described those talks, which have also included officials from Vancouver Coastal Health, as “positive.”

Some other details of the plan agreed on between the NHL and NHLPA:

• There will be an opt-out option for players.

• NHL teams may be able to loan players to European teams.

• The extra players will have to clear waivers and will receive a full American Hockey League salary. They will also get NHL per diems.

• There will be changes to the salary cap to allow for emergency call-ups because of COVID-19.

• The NHL is negotiating with the Canadian government plus five provinces to allow teams to host games in their own buildings. The option of playing in the U.S. is on the table, but isn’t preferred. It’s also possible Toronto and Edmonton could be hub cities.

Vancouver Province: LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197130 Websites Mike Vernon shouldered the load. Ramage was a dependable piece who ate minutes and could play at both ends. Neither guy was exactly a “Nieuwendyk wins the Conn Smythe” sort of impact. Do the Flames still win without them? They might, yeah. The Athletic / Down Goes Brown: Is Iginla for Nieuwendyk the greatest win-win trade in history? Bottom line: Hull was so good for so long that this might be one of the only trades where a team that quickly won a championship might still want to at least think about a mulligan. I don’t mind keeping it in the win- win category because a Cup is a Cup, but the Iginla/Nieuwendyk deal By Sean McIndoe Dec 18, 2020 checks all the same boxes and does them better.

Heatley for Hossa This weekend will mark the 25-year anniversary of one of my favorite The setup: Coming out of the 2004-05 lockout, Dany Heatley needed a trades of all time: the Joe Nieuwendyk for Jarome Iginla blockbuster that fresh start after his role in tragedy in Atlanta. Meanwhile, Marian Hossa reshaped two franchises. signed a three-year deal with Ottawa because he wanted to stay with the It’s just such a great deal. You couldn’t ask for more star power, with both Senators, which meant he was in for a surprise. players going on to become Hall of Famers. It was the sort of big, gutsy The trade: Hours after getting the 26-year-old Hossa’s signature on an move that used to happen back in the pre-cap days but has faded out of extension, the Senators flipped him to Atlanta for the 24-year-old favor over time. And to this day, it still holds up as just about the Heatley. In a nice bit of symmetry with the Iginla/Nieuwendyk trade, this archetypal veteran-for-prospect deal. is another one of those deals that people incorrectly remember as being Like most legendary deals, it didn’t go down quite the way most of us one-for-one, with defenseman Greg de Vries playing the role of Corey remember it. For one thing, it wasn’t a one-for-one trade, even as Millen. important piece Corey Millen has largely been written out of the The impact on the Senators: Heatley was everything the Senators were retellings. It was somewhat overshadowed at the time by the hoping for, slotting in on a formidable top line with Jason Spezza and repercussions of an even bigger trade that had gone down just a few Daniel Alfredsson and recording back-to-back 50-goal seasons, the only days earlier. The deal wasn’t exactly a Day 1 hit in Calgary, where a local times in franchise history anyone has hit that mark. The good times newspaper ran a headline reading “Jarome Who?” And there’s the small lasted four seasons before a bitter fallout led to a trade demand and matter of Nieuwendyk’s season-long holdout, one that had helped get eventual deal to San Jose. Flames GM Doug Risebrough fired just weeks earlier. That part makes the story a little more complicated, and often gets left out. The impact on the Thrashers: Hossa clicked nicely with Ilya Kovalchuk, nearly matching Heatley’s offensive output while being the far better two- But that’s all fine, because Jarome Iginla and Joe Nieuwendyk were both way player. He was traded at the end of his third year in Atlanta (for a awesome. And that’s the real beauty of the trade: It worked out just about disappointing return), but still had nearly a decade of excellent hockey perfectly for everyone involved. Iginla went on to become quite possibly left in him. the greatest player in Flames history, while Nieuwendyk led the Stars to the franchise’s only Stanley Cup a few years later, winning the Conn Why it might be the best: Considering this move was basically forced on Smythe along the way. Both sides got exactly what they were hoping for. one of the teams involved, it worked out about as evenly as it possibly could have, with both teams getting exactly what they were looking for. Most NHL blockbusters, in hindsight, have a winner and a loser. The Hawks got taken to the cleaners when they sent to Boston, Why it might not: The two stars combined to spend less than seven full the Kings clearly won the Wayne Gretzky sale trade, the Leafs robbed seasons with their new teams, and neither turned into much on the way the Flames in the Doug Gilmour deal, and so on. Most aren’t quite so out of town, so the long-term influence here isn’t all that impressive. lopsided, and a strong pair of homer glasses can occasionally make things seem a little better, but we can almost always look back and know Bottom line: This is a solid contender, and could take the title of best win- which team would do the deal again and which might prefer a do-over. win trade of the cap era. I don’t think it beats Iginla/Nieuwendyk for overall impact, though. But every now and then, we get a deal that works out for everyone. Is Iginla/Nieuwendyk history’s top trade in that category? Let’s try to figure Speaking of the cap era, let’s take a quick break to recognize some that out, as we remember five more big deals that both sides would relatively recent moves that didn’t make our list but could stake a claim happily do all over again. soon.

And we might as well start with another famous Flames trade … Recent contenders

The trade It’s hard to know for sure how a relatively recent deal will be viewed in time, but these deals are at least headed in the general direction of solid The setup: Heading into the 1988 trade deadline, the Flames were a very win-win status. good team two years removed from a loss in the Stanley Cup Final and well on their way to the best regular season finish in franchise history. Seth Jones for Ryan Johansen: You’d have to think the Blue Jackets do But they still had Wayne Gretzky and the Oilers looming in the playoffs, this deal again in a heartbeat. The Predators might have to think about it, and GM Cliff Fletcher wanted to load up on veteran depth for what he although they did get a Presidents’ Trophy and a trip to the Stanley Cup hoped could be a Cup run. If that meant he had to move a rookie Final out of Johansen’s prime. sharpshooter with a famous last name and a shaky work ethic, he was Dougie Hamilton for Elias Lindholm: The stats guys would tell you that willing to do that. Hamilton was the best piece in this five-player deal, and they’d be right, The trade: The Flames sent 23-year-old Brett Hull and Steve Bozek to but Lindholm had a monster first season in Calgary and Noah Hanifin is the Blues for Rob Ramage and Rick Wamsley. still young enough that we can wait and see where this goes.

The impact on the Blues: Reasonably positive. Hull scored 40 goals in Brayden Schenn to St. Louis: Schenn was a key piece on a Cup winner his first full year in St. Louis, then exploded for 228 over the next three while the Flyers got a pair of firsts that they turned into two of their best seasons, leading the league each time. He won the Hart in 1991 and current prospects, Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee. Time will tell, but so ended up scoring 527 goals in 11 seasons with the Blues far this looks great for both sides.

The impact on the Flames: Calgary lost to the Oilers again in that year’s Phil Kessel to Pittsburgh: The rebuilding Leafs got prospects and a pick playoffs, but that summer’s Gretzky trade opened the door, and Ramage they eventually turned into Frederik Andersen, and more importantly they and Wamsley helped the team finally take home the Cup in 1989. got bad enough to win the Auston Matthews lottery. The Penguins got two Cups before Kessel inevitably wore out his welcome. Why it might be the best: On the surface, this is basically the early prototype of the Iginla/Nieuwendyk trade, as one team gives up a future Shea Weber for P.K. Subban: For all the handwringing over this stud but wins a Cup shortly after. blockbuster, it’s been fine for both teams. Both Subban and the Predators had a higher peak since the deal, with Subban finishing as a Why it might not: Wamsley was a decent backup during the 1988-89 Norris finalist in Year 2. He’s already in New Jersey, though, while Weber season, but made just one quick relief appearance in the playoffs as continues to be a key piece in Montreal, albeit with those last few years Bottom line: This is another deal that doesn’t fit the classic “They gave up of his contract still looming. This one is to be determined, but it could end too much but went on to win a Cup” mold, and that’s good, because a up with everyone getting roughly what they wanted. trade can be worthwhile even if it doesn’t result in a banner hanging somewhere. But I don’t think it takes a serious run at Iginla/Nieuwendyk. Amonte for Matteau and Noonan Honorable mentions The setup: I know we all decided long ago that Butch Goring was the ultimate deadline trade, and fair enough, but the 1994 Rangers don’t get There are a ton of trades we could at least come up with a plausible case enough love in that category. Neil Smith turned over a quarter of his team for. Before we get to our fifth and final nominee, here are a few more that over the course of one day, making five trades. That included sending are worth a mention, and I’m sure you’ll have a few more for me in the Mike Gartner to Toronto for Glenn Anderson, and a young Todd comments. Marchant to Edmonton for Craig MacTavish. But he wasn’t done. The trade: I mean, you have to at least consider it, right? The trade: The Rangers sent 23-year Tony Amonte to Chicago for The Nordiques did great under the circumstances, adding enough short- veterans Stephane Matteau and Brian Noonan. term help to drag them into quasi-contention and a long-term stud in Peter Forsberg. But the Flyers got a guy who dominated the league when The impact on the Blackhawks: This must have felt like a no-brainer for healthy, winning an MVP. The “when healthy” was always the key with Chicago, who were muddling through a disappointing season. Noonan Lindros, but you kids today don’t realize how unstoppable he was when and Matteau were nice enough players, but Amonte had played two full he was at the top of his game. seasons in the NHL and had topped 30 goals in both of them. Yeah, we’ll take that guy for the next decade or so, please. And sure enough, Blake Wheeler for Rich Peverley: This is basically a more modern Amonte posted six straight 30-goal seasons in Chicago, including three version of the Amonte trade. Wheeler was by far the better player, but of 40 or more. For a franchise that’s nearly a century old, Amonte still flags fly forever. ranks eighth all-time in goals. Paul Coffey to Pittsburgh: This seven-player deal provided a key piece of The impact on the Rangers: This was a classic case of a team trading the Penguins’ eventual first Cup run, while the Oilers went into the trade elite skill for bottom-six sandpaper, and that’s almost always a bad idea. with their hands tied but still landed a 40-goal scorer in . Noonan and Matteau weren’t all that old, so it wasn’t quite like the Marchant deal or the 1993 trade that sent Doug Weight to Edmonton for Mark Recchi for Rick Tocchet: This five-player deal saw the Flyers get Esa Tikkanen. Still, Noonan and Matteau combined to score 35 regular the best years of Recchi’s productive career, while the Penguins added a season goals with the Rangers after this deal while Amonte had at least prototype power forward for a second Cup run. that many in four different seasons in Chicago. to Calgary: The Flames found their starting goalie for the So yeah, you’re basically always going to regret a move like this, unless next decade at the low cost of a second-round pick. The Sharks were one of the pluggers you get back flukes into scoring one of the biggest already set in goal, and they used the pick on Marc-Edouard Vlasic. goals in franchise history a few months later. Oh, hey, look at that. Mike Richards to Los Angeles: Another one that saw a team give up too Why it might be the best: I mean, this might be history’s most ridiculously much but not care because they won a Cup. The Flyers got two good lopsided trade that the losing team’s fans would never undo in a million young players in Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds, which wasn’t years. bad for a player they couldn’t afford anyway. Uh, just don’t ask about why that was. Why it might not: You probably need a little bit more star power if you’re going to take a run at Iginla/Nieuwendyk. Roberto Luongo to Florida: No, not the disaster, the other one. The Canucks got out of a bad contract and landed a goalie of the Bottom line: I think there’s a really good case to be made that this is the future in Jacob Markstrom, while Luongo had a late-career resurgence in best win-win deadline deal of all time, but I’m not sure I can push it any Florida and at least got them back to the playoffs before retiring. further. The Joe Thornton trade: Just kidding, but if I don’t mention it then I’ll hear Housley for Hawerchuk from all the crazed Bruins fans who like to wave their arms around in front of bulletin boards with string connecting a photo of Marco Sturm to The setup: Hawerchuk had firmly established himself as the best player the 2011 Stanley Cup. in Jets history, but was feuding with GM Mike Smith and asked for a trade. Trying to make the best of a bad situation, the Jets moved him for Sundin for Clark the biggest name they could find. The setup: By the 1994 offseason, the Leafs and Nordiques had both The trade: On the day of the 1990 draft, the Jets sent Hawerchuk to emerged as quasi-contenders. But the Leafs roster was older and Buffalo for Phil Housley, Scott Arniel and Jeff Parker. The teams also needed a second-line center to complement Doug Gilmour. Meanwhile, flipped first-round picks. the Nordiques were young and talented but still trying to shake off years of losing and needed a veteran presence who could show them how to The impact on the Sabres: Hawerchuk went to Buffalo and did what he take the next step. always did, settling in as a consistent offensive presence. He averaged over 90 points a year in four full seasons, and helped the Sabres finally The trade: On the floor of the 1994 draft, the Maple Leafs shocked the win a playoff series in 1993. (So did Brad May, who was the guy the crowd by sending , Sylvain Lefebvre and Landon Wilson to Sabres chose with that first-round pick.) Quebec for , Garth Butcher and Todd Warriner. The two teams also flipped first-round picks. The impact on the Jets: Housley was coming off a career-high 81 points and a top-five Norris finish, and he picked up where he left off in The impact on the Maple Leafs: First, let’s be clear — Toronto hated this Winnipeg, peaking with a phenomenal 97-point season in 1992-93 that deal at the time. This rant sums up the consensus pretty remains the third highest scoring season in NHL history from any well. But in hindsight, this was the Leafs’ Iginla trade, the one that saw blueliner not named Orr, Coffey or Potvin. Those would be his only three them swallow some short-term pain but land a franchise icon in the years in Winnipeg, but the Jets also turned the first-rounder into Keith process. Tkachuk. The impact on the Nordiques: Clark was good for one year in Quebec, Why it might be the best: Both teams got a star player who did pretty but a contract dispute led them to flip him in a three-way deal that landed much exactly what was expected. Both guys wound up in the Hall of them , who’d just won the Conn Smythe and would Fame. Both teams hit on their draft pick. become a crucial piece of a Stanley Cup in Colorado.

Why it might not: Neither team won a Cup, or went deep in the playoffs, Why it might be the best: This might be the closest match to the so there may not be enough “win” in this win-win deal for your liking. The Iginla/Nieuwendyk dynamic, with the added bonus of being especially two stars were both on to new teams within five years. And most traumatic for one of the fan bases involved. importantly, Hawerchuk was such an important piece of Jets history that this trade isn’t remembered all that fondly in Winnipeg, even though it Why it might not: You have to take an extra step to get from Clark to mostly worked out under the circumstances. Lemieux, and while he was crucial to the Avs’ Cup win, he wasn’t quite a Nieuwendyk-level star. Bottom line: I’m still not over this and don’t want to talk about it anymore.

So what’s the verdict?

I think we’re going to break Betteridge’s law here and say that yes, Iginla for Nieuwendyk is the greatest win-win trade in NHL history. Some of these other deals are at least in the ballpark, while others will have people screaming at me that they weren’t win-win at all. That just goes to show how hard it is to make a blockbuster deal that both sides can be truly happy with.

That’s the beauty of the Iginla-Nieuwendyk trade. One team got its only Stanley Cup, the other got arguably its greatest player ever. I’m not sure you can do much better than that, and I can’t imagine that there are fans of either team who’d go anywhere near the undo button if given the chance.

The Athletic LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197131 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / NHL and NHLPA have tentative deal on 56-game season

Sportsnet Staff

December 18, 2020, 7:35 PM

The NHL and NHLPA have reached a tentative deal on a 56-game season, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman has learned.

Following a conference call, the NHLPA's executive board is in favour of progressing with the agreement, Sportsnet's Chris Johnston adds. The NHL's board of governors will also hold a call regarding the agreement, likely on either Sunday or Monday. Both the players' association and the board still must vote to ratify the deal before it becomes official.

The tentative agreement calls for no exhibition games to be played, Sportsnet's Chris Johnston reported, meaning the NHL will go directly from the off-season and training camps into regular season games.

As has been previously reported, the plan would be to start the season on Jan. 13, though the date is not finalized. This hope aligns with the NHL's prior plan, which included the mid-January start date. Under the new agreement, training camps will start on Dec. 31 for non-playoff teams and Jan. 3 for playoff teams.

The NHL is planning to go with a proposed division realignment that includes a seven-team Canadian division which will require approval from local health officials. If those approvals are given in Canada, the NHL's realignment would look like this:

If games cannot be played in Canada, the NHL has considered a plan that would see Canada's teams play their seasons in the United States.

At the conclusion of the 56-game regular season, the top four teams in each division will make the playoffs, Friedman reported. Each division will produce a champion for the Stanley Cup semifinals.

As Johnston noted, if the necessary hurdles are cleared to create an all- Canadian division, this arrangement would guarantee a Canadian team reaches the final four of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Will it be economically viable to play 56 games for the NHL season?

In addition to the scheduling decisions, the agreement features at least three roster-related elements as well. Friedman reported that there will be no proration of salaries, teams will have a 23-man roster plus a four- to-six player taxi squad, and teams will have the option to "toll" the contract year of a player who opts out of the season -- meaning it's up to the team to decide whether that player still owes them that year of play or not.

Players on one-way deals will have their contracts dealt with the same way whether they’re on an NHL roster, assigned to a taxi squad, or sent to the AHL, meaning they will be subject to 10 per cent salary deferral and 20 per cent escrow payments. The players who are in the AHL on two-way contracts will have a prorated salary based on how many games are played in that league, with a 40 per cent minimum salary payout. And players who are on the taxi squad with two-way contracts will receive AHL pay with NHL benefits.

Canadian division the NHL's biggest question mark

"Essentially the way (taxi squads) will work for all intents and purposes is those players are considered to be in the AHL, that is if they're players who would normally need waivers, you're going to need to clear waivers to be sent to the taxi squad," Johnston explained. "But that taxi squad will be with the NHL team, they'll travel with the team, those players will receive NHL benefits like per diem and the like, but they can be called up at a moment's notice and put into games."

As part of the league's COVID-19 protocols, players will be tested every other day, possibly every day, and will be expected to have minimal outside contact. More details on those protocols are to follow.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197132 Websites Decisions will be put off until the last possible second to make sure as much information as possible is available when making them.

In the event this Canadian division fails to get the necessary government Sportsnet.ca / Uncertainty surrounding Canada's teams the big hurdle for support, the NHL and NHLPA would have to quickly agree on another NHL's return path forward. The most obvious alternatives are a hub setup in Edmonton or the relocation of all the teams to the United States.

However, it’s entirely possible the league will wait beyond the opening of Chris Johnston training camps before pivoting in another direction. There’s a deep- seated desire to try and make this work for the Canadian teams in their December 19, 2020, 1:15 AM own markets.

That helps explain why everything isn’t playing out in a predictable Not since the days of the 21-team NHL has the path to the Stanley Cup sequential order right now. Friday night’s tentative NHL/NHLPA Final been so clear for a Canadian team. agreement was significant because it marked the end of multiple weeks of back-and-forth on minute details -- the creation of four- to six-man taxi Whoever emerges from the Group of Seven under the proposed rules for squads, altered formulas for performance bonuses and other thresholds, a reimagined 2020-21 season would waltz straight into the Final Four. voluntary opt-out language for any payer wishing not to play and the like - - but some major loose ends will remain even after the executive boards Can you imagine the buzz? ratify the deal in the days ahead. Four of the Canucks, Flames, Oilers, Jets, Senators, Leafs and The Canada question is the biggest of them all. Canadiens would be promised a spot in the Stanley Cup tournament, setting the stage for three-all Canadian best-of-sevens and a guaranteed We now know there’s going to be a season and it’s one that holds representative with games still to play while 27 other NHL teams are amazing possibility, especially for fans in the country that lays claim to already at home. the sport. But it may not be allowed to go ahead as intended.

Of course, this being an age defined by uncertainty and impermanence, After a year like this one, what a shame that would be. there’s only one hitch. Here’s a look at the proposed realigned divisions in the tentative And it’s a rather large one. NHL/NHLPA agreement:

31 Thoughts: The Podcast • Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg.

Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman talk to a lot of people around the hockey • Boston, Buffalo, New Jersey, N.Y Islanders, N.Y. Rangers, world, and then they tell listeners all about what they’ve heard and what Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington. they think about it. • Carolina, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Florida, Nashville, Even as the NHL and its players reached tentative agreement on the Tampa. protocols and rules governing a radically reimagined season on Friday night, the health authorities in Canada had yet to endorse the plan. • Anaheim, Arizona, Colorado, Los Angeles, Minnesota, San Jose, St. Louis, Vegas. In fact, a call was scheduled with the provinces on Saturday to continue those discussions. So far, they’ve not gone smoothly, which is why the Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 12.19.2020 NHL has been forced to at least entertain the idea of moving its seven Canadian teams to the U.S. for the season, as Sportsnet first reported this week.

But that is not a path anyone with a vested interest in these discussions truly wants to walk down.

The league is endeavouring to create an all-Canadian division that features 56 games per team played entirely among the Group of Seven. That would eliminate the need to cross the federal border and observe quarantines.

However, it must get five provinces to sign off on the protocols governing play and there’s been some resistance from government officials about having seven teams criss-cross the country for games. The NHL’s plan calls for players to be tested at least every second day -- it could potentially be every day -- while essentially creating little bubbles around each team with as little outside contact as possible.

Charter planes would be used for all travel and the health standards at road hotels and restaurants would be strictly monitored. Players would basically be confined to the hotel and rink, too. The league must do everything it can to assuage concerns about how it might be impacting the public health risk at a time when COVID-19 cases are surging.

Where this gets really interesting is the NHL is targeting a Jan. 3 start to training camps and a Jan. 13 puck drop on the regular season. That’s a little more than three weeks from now. Unless the provincial governments have a quick change of heart, the discussions with the NHL are going to quickly start pushing up against those dates.

Everyone is flying by the seat of their pants to some degree here -- basically a necessity amid a pandemic.

For example, the San Jose Sharks are going to conduct training camp in Scottsdale, Ariz., because of health restrictions in Santa Clara County but it’s not yet clear how long they’ll remain there and how exactly that will impact their playing schedule. 1197133 Websites The most motivated buyers — those with cap space and a clear mandate to win now — have mostly already spent their money and made their investments for the 2020-21 season. But there are still a number of teams with cap room who will be looking to fill out their rosters and take Sportsnet.ca / Six unresolved NHL storylines, from unsigned RFAs to advantage of any favourable market conditions. There certainly are some goalie intrigue interesting names available to them.

Mike Hoffman: The best scorer left in unrestricted free agency, Hoffman was well on his way to back-to-back 30-goal seasons when the pandemic Rory Boylen halted the regular season, finishing with 29 in 69 games. Do the Blues December 18, 2020, 11:30 PM now make sense?

Travis Hamonic: The right shot defenceman led all Calgary Flames blueliners in average shorthanded ice time last season and would be a It perhaps took a little longer than we all would have liked, but on Friday great add for anyone needing a shutdown player. His offensive upside is night the NHL and NHLPA reached a tentative agreement on a return to low, with just 12 points last season, but this acquisition would be made play plan for a 2020-21 season, with a target start date of Jan. 13. with an eye to improving on defence. The Canucks had interest before bringing Nate Schmidt in, while it's believed Hamonic still wants to play in The agreement, which still needs to be ratified by the NHLPA and the the west. Board of Governors, covers rules and roster guidelines, such as a four- to-six player taxi squad in case of injury or positive tests, no proration of Sami Vatanen: For a little more offence from the back end, right shot salaries, a player opt-out option, and a tolling option which allows teams Sami Vatanen is still available. The New Jersey Devils' leader in average to decide whether or not to retain the year on a player's contract who power play ice time from the blue line had a strange season, where he opts out. was traded while injured at the deadline to the Carolina Hurricanes, but only played seven games with them in the summer playoffs. If the agreement is ratified by both sides in the coming days, it will chart a clearer path to the start of a new season, and in rather short order. But Mikael Granlund: Maybe a good buy-low target, Granlund is just two before we get to the drop of the puck there are a number of unfinished seasons removed from scoring 67 points and did score 17 goals in 63 storylines still to resolve, and some to look forward to. games with the Nashville Predators in 2019-20.

Rosters are still being constructed for the coming season and more than Zdeno Chara: Look, we all expect him back in Boston on a cheap, one- a few notable contracts -- either UFA or RFA -- still have to be signed. year deal if Chara decides to play another season. He's staying close to the community, delivering Thanksgiving pies last month. So, even after the business between the NHL and the NHLPA is resolved, there will be much team and player business to get to. Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman talk to a lot of people around the hockey world, and then they tell listeners all about what they’ve heard and what *I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time. they think about it. WHERE WILL CANADA'S TEAMS PLAY? While there are some solid players still available on the UFA market, the It seemed like the surest thing of this whole negotiation was that the remaining unsigned RFAs has the better pool of players at the top. If ever coming season would bring us an all-Canadian Division to avoid cross- there was an off-season for a competitive offer sheet to put a team in a border travel between the U.S. and Canada. But as Sportsnet's Chris bind this is it, and it's telling we've yet to see one. Johnston reported Thursday night, the NHL is also having to prepare for Some RFAs do take this long to sign in normal circumstances — the possibility that all seven Canadian teams will have to relocate south Brayden Point, for instance, didn't re-up with the Lightning until late of the border for the season, if local health authorities don't sign off on September last year. the NHL's return to play plan. The difference now, of course, is that it's really not clear how some of While a tentative agreement has been reached between the NHL and these players will fit under the cap. Trades will likely need to be made to NHLPA on the new season, the Canadian team issue remains clear room in some of these cases. unresolved. The two teams that are in a particular bind are the Tampa Bay Lightning "I’ve heard varying reports on that today," Elliotte Friedman said of the and the New York Islanders. The Lightning's situation is very well Canadian question on the FAN 650's The Program. "I've heard some documented, and we took a look at their squeeze after Mikhail progress. I've heard progress in some and not others. Sergachev signed his bridge contract a few weeks back. "Worst case scenario is all Canadian teams move to the United States. The Islanders are in a similar spot, with just $3.9 million in projected cap It's possible there is a hub. It's possible maybe one of the teams gets space under the regular-season limit and RFA Mat Barzal still to sign moved to another city. All of this stuff is on the table, it's just not sorted (spoiler alert: he'll get more than that). If Point is any indication, Barzal out yet." could command around $7 million on a short-term bridge deal. A shorter REMAINING FREE AGENTS term is believed to be where Barzal is headed in this market.

In any normal season the unrestricted free-agent class would be mostly "That's still what I'm hearing," Elliotte Friedman said on Sportsnet 960 bare this long after the market opened, but for many reasons there are The FAN's Big Show. "They still have a lot of cap issues, so that's what I still a handful of serviceable and impactful players available to sign. expect.

Because of the flat cap at $81.5 million, 16 NHL teams are within $2 "I just don't know how they're going to be able to get to a Barzal six- or million of the ceiling. Because of those tight squeezes, some players seven-year number without major surgery. Even a two- or three-year deal could still be available at a discount via trade, which is another market for could be somewhat painful surgery." teams who hold cap space to target. Teams can go over the regular-season cap by 10 per cent in the off- The conditions for the remaining UFAs couldn't be much worse, but some season, so there is room for the Islanders to work with now, though that opportunities have opened in the past few days. With Henrik Lundqvist window is rapidly closing. Some trading would need to happen before the having to miss the season due to a heart condition, the Washington season starts to make them compliant. The Islanders already have nine Capitals will either have to promote an unproven netminder from within players on the roster making $5 million or more and four of their six the organization, or explore veteran options on the free agent market, highest-paid forwards have full no-trade clauses. We have to know which we explored this week. The Florida Panthers inked Anthony exactly what Barzal's price point is before understanding how much Duclair to a bargain one-year, $1.7 million contract after his 23-goal money New York would have to shed, but this is setting them up to make season in Ottawa. a losing trade.

And Alex Steen's retirement means they can use his contract on LTIR, Barzal and Tampa Bay's Anthony Cirelli have been the two most talked which would open up a little cap room to go after a replacement forward. about RFAs because of the cap pinches their teams will face after signing them, but they're not the only RFAs of note still out there. The Columbus Blue Jackets' Pierre-Luc Dubois had somewhat of a breakout season in 2019-20 and really announced himself in the playoffs, where since passed, but would he consider opening it again, especially if the he posted 10 points in 10 games and centred a line that gave the Toronto Coyotes falter? Maple Leafs and Lightning fits. Notable players in the final seasons of their contracts who could possibly The difference with Dubois and the other two is that the Blue Jackets be found as rentals by the trade deadline include Taylor Hall, who was in have the cap space to get a deal done without having to make a trade a similar position last season and was dealt from New Jersey to Arizona. that allows the dollars to work. Columbus has $9.2 million in salary cap He signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Sabres, but if they fail to take room and Dubois remains the only player unsigned on the team. a step up again, would they have to sell Hall for futures? Consistent goal scorer Kyle Palmieri of the Devils is also in the last season of his deal, Here are some of the other notable RFAs... which is attached to a modified no-trade clause, and he could be caught Vince Dunn: Young puck-mover with plenty of offensive upside and a up in rumours (again) this season. great skater, Dunn is coming off his entry-level contract but the Blues The fact the Seattle expansion draft looms on the horizon next off-season aren't exactly brimming with cap space after signing Torey Krug from the could also lead teams into proactive trades. In Winnipeg, Patrik Laine is UFA market, especially if they seek a replacement for Steen. Dunn's in the final season of his contract before becoming RFA eligible again, name has also been linked in trade rumours, so a re-signing is no and to avoid any difficult choices in the off-season, could they strike a guarantee. deal that includes bringing back much-needed defensive help?

MacKenzie Blackwood: Last season was a coming out party for Penguins GM Jim Rutherford, one of the more active dealers in the Blackwood, who played 47 games for the Devils and posted a .915 save league, recently discussed why he thinks this year's trade market could percentage and 2.77 goals-against average. He's 24 and is the clear be quieter than normal. future of the crease in New Jersey. They have over $17 million in cap space so that's not an issue here. And Blackwood, a young goalie "It's probably more like football than ever," he told The Athletic. "It's coming off his ELC, shouldn't be overly expensive yet. probably going to be more where you set your team and that's going to be your team." Ethan Bear: He was one of the great surprises out of Edmonton last season, leading all NHL rookies in average ice time per game and It's also not yet clear when the trade deadline will be -- or when any of locking down a top-four role on the team. The Oilers are right up against the critical dates are beyond training camp and season start. Usually set the cap, too, but defencemen generally get bridge deals on their second for the end of February, the trade deadline likely will be pushed back a contracts that help keep AAV down. That is likely to happen here as well, little further. though some other roster move would need to accompany it. In October, we wrote about why this was the year of the netminder, and NHL targeting January 13th for season start date we saw a number of them change places. This will continue to be an interesting season at the position, to follow those who changed CAP REALITIES AROUND THE LEAGUE addresses, to see what comes next for the pending UFAs, and the The crunches being felt by these teams who still have important expansion draft ramifications of it all. contracts to figure out is a big deal but according to Cap Friendly 10 In Toronto, Frederik Andersen enters the season on the final year of his teams are currently over the regular season spending limit. Some of contract and with surprisingly much to prove. Last season was his worst those teams will be able to move roster pieces around to the farm or to yet on the Leafs, following three years of remarkable regular season LTIR to get right, while others will still have trades to make. None of them consistency. Was that the start of a decline, or a blip on the radar? The will have much wiggle room. Leafs have Stanley Cup hopes as well, but have yet to get out of the first With the cap staying flat at $81.5 million, GMs who built and planned round with this core and this goalie, and so it will be a crucial year for their rosters under the belief that the upper limit would continue to rise them to decide if Andersen is their guy moving forward, or if they have to are in tough right now. The trade market is thin and unfavourable if you're go in a different direction. looking to shed dollars. This is why the Vegas Golden Knights had to In Florida, Sergei Bobrovsky perhaps has the most to prove, though he trade Nate Schmidt to the Vancouver Canucks for a future third-round has the security of a big-money, long-term contract. After signing that pick, after signing Alex Pietrangelo. $10 million AAV in the summer of 2019, Bobrovsky was a disaster with Transactions have been mostly stale for the past number of weeks, but the Panthers, posting a .900 save percentage that was well below his now that we have more clarity on next season and what the financial normal level. Will the two-time Vezina winner recover and transform his picture is, we should get ready for the action to pick up again shortly. team's outlook or, at 32 years old, is that contract always going to be an issue? “Once this gets ratified…you’re going to see some movement," Friedman said. Young goalies are also looking to make their mark around the league. Both New York teams (Igor Shesterkin for the Rangers, Ilya Sorokin for Will it be economically viable to play 56 games for the NHL season? the Islanders) are transforming at the position, Washington (Ilya Samsonov), is being forced to skew younger after Lundqvist had to step AND WHAT WILL THE TRADE MARKET BE LIKE THIS SEASON away, and Vancouver's Thatcher Demko will be looking to build on a ANYWAY? heroic playoff performance where he had to step in for an injured Jacob Trades are difficult to pull off in normal times, but now there could be Markstrom. quarantine and travel rules to contend with. These stars of the future join the likes of Carter Hart (Philadelphia), Elvis Think about it -- if the Canadian division does happen, how open would Merzlikins and Joonas Korpisalo (Columbus) and MacKenzie Blackwood those teams be to trading with their American counterparts, knowing that (New Jersey), who have already played full years and shown plenty of any acquired player would have to quarantine for two weeks upon arrival promise. And keep an eye out in Minnesota for 24-year-old Kaapo (barring other grants from the government). And if they can't afford to Kahkonen. wait that long for a player to cross the border, would they want to trade Markstrom himself signed with Pacific Division rival Calgary this off- with teams in their division, knowing they will be facing them a number of season, where he hopes to take that team to heights it hasn't seen in times? years. Holtby joined the Canucks on a two-year contract and hopes to re- These considerations may be less of an issue in the U.S., but any border establish himself as an upper-echelon netminder -- but if he shows any crossing will add a layer of complexity, and local rules could lead to some level of stable improvement, will that lead the Kraken to choose him as delay anywhere. their goalie?

For Tampa Bay to become cap compliant, Alex Killorn's name has been As it stands, next season's UFA goalie market will include the likes of mentioned in the trade rumour mill. They placed Tyler Johnson on Andersen, Tuukka Rask, Jordan Binnington, Philipp Grubauer and Pekka waivers months ago, but he went unclaimed. Can they find a deal for him Rinne, among others. Assuming the cap remains flat, the market for each now? of these players is unclear. Does this current climate mean they are more likely to settle and stay, or will anyone want to test the situation and see The Arizona Coyotes explored the possibility of trading Oliver Ekman- what they can get in free agency? Larsson in the off-season, but he has a full no-move clause on his contract and set a deadline for any trade to occur. That date has long Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197134 Websites Intensity. That’s the word Marner uses to describe the gym and ice sessions of the 30-some Leafs already in town prepping at Ford Performance Centre for the unknown start of NHL training camps.

Sportsnet.ca / Leafs' Marner on 'underachieving,' possibility of Canadian “To go all the way – that’s gotta be the expectation,” Marner stated. teams playing in U.S. “Everyone came back with a new passion and fire. We weren’t happy with what happened last year, so I think everyone's just looking stronger, faster.” Luke Fox From the idea of playing the season stateside to being scared of Wayne December 18, 2020, 8:27 AM Simmonds, here are some more nuggets from our conversation with Marner….

On Thursday night’s Marner Assist Fund stream-a-thon, which raised TORONTO – There is a theory about Mitch Marner, and he isn’t buying it. more than $20,000 for Second Harvest: The theory goes something like this: That because of the strain of his “I love what they do. They’re finding families over the GTA and Canada very public and hotly debated contract negotiations — which resulted in a that are in need of meals. The amazing thing about tonight is $1 donated $65.3-million windfall and a couple missed days of training camp — he equals two meals delivered, and they’re delivering them right to people's wasn’t his usual dominant self in 2019-20. That whatever transpired front doors. That's pretty incredible to me, them sacrificing their time like between the ears affected his play between the buzzers. that. What they're doing is amazing. It's a big help to a lot of families, and This theory ignores the fact Marner still averaged 1.14 points per game, I know how important holidays is. It's very important for my family and the slightest of declines from his previous campaign. This theory also many others, so I think what they’re doing is amazing. We want to help downplays a freak high-ankle sprain injury that cost him four weeks of out and get as many meals out there as we can.” action and would nag at him “every once in a while” through the winter. On new Leaf and fellow Toronto native Wayne Simmonds: And that the winger skated a career-high 21:33 per night and appeared on a number of ballots for the 2020 Selke Trophy, adjusting to multiple The first time Marner met Simmonds, 32, was when they joined forces line changes and a significant head-coaching switch. with a red Maple Leaf on their chests and captured silver for Team Canada at the 2017 world championships. So, while it would seem perfectly human to feel extra pressure to perform the moment you cash a $15.3-million signing bonus cheque, Marner “I think I was scared s–––less of him, to be honest. I was scared of him,” firmly shoots down the notion that the contract weighed him down. admits Marner, who was still an NHL rookie at the time. “Everyone knows Simmer in the NHL. Knows he's a big power guy, finishes his checks, “No. Not at all,” Marner said during an interview on the eve of his One works hard every single shift, doesn’t take a game off. So, meeting him at Team United fundraising stream-a-thon to help feed Canadian families worlds was pretty nerve-racking for me.” over Christmastime. Marner held a ton of respect for Simmonds’ accomplishments with “I mean, a lot of people thought I underachieved — and that's fine to me. Philadelphia and L.A., and the two would frequently sit beside each other I thought I did what I was supposed to do out there, power-playing and at Team Canada’s nightly team dinners in Europe. penalty-killing and playing against the best people every night. I took pride it that. Obviously, every single night it's not going to go your way “He was unbelievable, a great guy. I talked to him a lot,” Marner says. when you're playing against the best, so I just want to make sure I'm “On the ice, he brings a different fire and passion, but off the ice he's a being smart on both sides the ice.” great dude to be talking to. Has a lot of jokes and has a lot of fun with what he does. That’s something I appreciate.” *I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time. Asked to name a player that has stood out during the Leafs’ pre-camp Friends and teammates describe Marner as a quick laugh and a bundle skates, Marner singles out Simmonds’ “amazing” work along the wall, of contagious energy. how he uses his powerful six-foot-two frame to protect the puck, and his A mood-lifter who sees the glass half full. “Keep things light” is one of the uncanny knack for roofing pucks upstairs in tight to the net. playmaker’s go-to phrases. In the latest Leafs' teaser video for social “He's not afraid to get dirty,” Marner said. “We've had those guys before media, it's Marner seen dancing in the gym. as well, with Marty (Matt Martin) and having Cliffy (Kyle Clifford) last year. So, Marner didn’t have to fake a chuckle when, during Thursday’s live Kind of an overlooker, making sure nothing happens and always there to stream, it was noted that good friend and grinder Matt Martin scored support the team if they didn't like anything. Simmer is gonna bring the more playoff goals for the Islanders in the bubble than Marner did for the same kind of intensity as those two.” Leafs (5-0). On Nick Robertson, another OHL superstar looking to make a quick NHL There is a fierce competitor beneath Marner’s easygoing exterior, still. impact: Remember: His general manager, , made a point of Marner has been impressed not only by the teenager’s recent work on vehemently defending his best winger in the wake of another the ice but how driven Robertson — who is choosing training camp over underwhelming postseason. the world juniors in January — has been since the Leafs’ post-season Yet Marner needn’t be reminded there is another level to reach here, exit. both as an individual and as a franchise. “Quick, elusive, taking it to the net, not afraid to shoot it” goes the Marner “I was happy with my game, yeah. Defensively I thought I played well. I scouting report on Robertson. mean, I went in every game trying to play the best I could,” Marner said. “He hasn't gone back home since the season ended. He stayed here in “The injury sucked throughout the season, but that stuff kind of happens, Canada so he wouldn’t have to quarantine when he came back. As soon so you got to grind through it. Not a big deal.” as the rink opened back up, I believe he was the first guy here, working Marner’s goal total dropped from 26 to 16 year-over-year, but so did his on showing that he wants to be here, which is amazing,” Marner says. shooting frequency and shooting percentage. He failed to light a lamp In their talks, Marner advises Robertson to stay calm, trust in himself, during the lost Blue Jackets series but did post four assists in those five “play how you can play.” games. That said, Marner knows Robertson faces a challenge in cracking the “I feel like I get myself in great positions and I'm always ready for that opening-night lineup with all the veterans and skill Dubas added to the pass,” said Marner, vowing to pull the trigger more often. “Nowadays, it’s forward corps. just when I get myself in that position, not being afraid to shoot it. Get pucks to the net more and prove that I can score. So I think I just gotta “Everyone's gotta work for their spot,” Marner said. get my mentality back of doing it.” On the possibility of Canadian teams playing the season in the U.S.: “That's the first time I'm hearing it. But as long as I could bring my family with me, my dog and girlfriend, then (it’d be fine). I think everyone is wanting to bring their family wherever they go. It'd be a long time without seeing anyone in your family or people close to you. So, I think if they have that in play and make sure that we're staying safe and smart during the time, then I think I would be OK with it. Hopefully it's somewhere warm. It's kinda chilly right now here in Ontario. So hopefully if that happens, we get somewhere nice and warm and kind of enjoy the weather a little bit more.”

On the league likely adding advertiser logos to helmets as a new revenue stream:

“I wouldn't really care, to be honest. You wouldn't see it. Wouldn't be a big deal. I'd have to see it, I guess, but at the moment it seems like it doesn't really matter to me.”

On what changes he anticipates killing penalties again:

“You’d have to ask Hak (assistant coach ). I'm assuming I'm still penalty-killing, especially losing Kappy (Kasperi Kapanen), a guy that penalty-killed. Simmer killed when he was in Philly and Jersey, so I'm sure he'll add to that. He's got a great long reach, good eye-hand coordination, so we'll see. But I'm sure I'm still going to be on the penalty kill.”

On the competitiveness of a potential Canadian Division and forming rivalries with star-studded squads like Vancouver and Edmonton:

“Both teams are similar (to us) in the way of younger guys, teams that want to prove they deserve what the hype is about. (We) kind of have the same personalities as younger teams — that fire of wanting to prove people wrong about what everyone's saying about them behind closed doors.”

On giving contract advice to friend Anthony Cirelli, Tampa Bay’s key RFA, who is still unsigned with training camp looming:

“I did talk a little bit about it to him. I'm gonna keep that between me and him; it doesn't need to get out in any media source, so I don't really care to explain it. But I talked to him about it. I told him my thoughts on it. I think he's a hell of a player. I think he's very, very skilled and very great at what he does on the ice.”

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 12.19.2020 1197135 Websites "It's crazy," Byram said of getting to wear a letter. "Growing up and watching the tournament you always looked up to the leaders on the team and now to be one of those guys is something I'll remember forever. Our job's not done though (laugh). There's a lot of things to do. I TSN.CA / Byram, Cozens complete 'three-headed monster' of leadership mean, we got to win a gold medal."

"I'm a guy that everyone feels comfortable with and can come up and talk to," said Cozens. "I want to be a guy who's there for everyone." By Mark Masters "It was kind of a three-headed monster since the beginning in terms of

leadership," said Tourigny. "They were all in." Team Canada held its first practice inside the Edmonton bubble on Both Byram and Cozens played key roles during the gold-medal run in Friday. Ostrava last year. During that tournament, Canada dealt with a series of At the end of Friday's practice, their first inside the Edmonton bubble, setbacks. Eventual MVP Alexis Lafreniere was injured during a blowout Team Canada gathered at one end of the ice and players were told to loss to Russia, the most lopsided in Canada's history at the event. look up for a special message. Moments later, Oilers captain Connor Afterwards, captain Barrett Hayton didn't take his helmet off during the McDavid, who won a gold medal at the 2015 World Juniors in Toronto, Russian anthem creating a controversy that spilled into the off day. appeared on the video board. Centre Joe Veleno was suspended one game for head-butting a Russian player. "There's nothing more special than winning a gold medal on Canadian soil so hopefully you can defend it and do Edmonton and do Canada Canada recovered to win the next five games, including coming back proud," McDavid told the group. from down 3-1 in the third period against Russia in the gold-medal game.

He then proceeded to announce the team's leadership group. Lethbridge "We know it's not going to be easy," said Cozens. "We know how hard it centre Dylan Cozens and Vancouver defenceman Bowen Byram, both is to win this tournament. That's some experience I bring from last year. returning players, will be alternates while forward Kirby Dach, on loan The biggest thing for us is staying humble." from the Chicago Blackhawks, will be captain. It was only a few months Cozens admits McDavid announcement caught everyone by surprise ago that Dach helped the Blackhawks eliminate McDavid's Oilers inside the Edmonton bubble. McDavid noted that Dach is "going to be a special Dylan Cozens says everyone was caught by surprise when Connor player." McDavid announced their captains at the end of practice. He joins Mark Masters to talk about their leadership group, what he hopes the team can "He touched on it there that we battled it out in the playoffs and it was fun accomplish at the World Juniors and his thoughts on the COVID cases series," Dach said. "It was a coming-out party for me and I had fun on other teams. playing there and hopefully I can continue that individual success and bring it to the team and have a good tournament here." The players are well aware of all the buzz surrounding this incredibly deep Canadian roster, which boasts 20 first-round picks. After Dach produced six points in nine playoff games while logging big minutes, it seemed unlikely that he'd be available to Hockey Canada for "There's a lot of talk about us, all the first round picks and what not, but the World Juniors. But after plans to hold the event were confirmed, Dach the biggest thing for our group is everyone buying into their roles," said reached out to the Blackhawks through his agent, and let them know this Byram. "It's a huge thing in a short-term event." is an opportunity he craved. While Dach is admittedly more on the reserved side, Byram isn't afraid to "His willingness, his desire to represent his country, you could feel it right speak up. from the beginning," observed Team Canada head coach Andre Tourigny. "The way he carries himself during games, the way he "I'm a vocal guy," he said. "I try to bring a lot of energy and that's my prepares, the way he pays attention to detail in practice and games, he leadership style. I try to make sure everyone's included and feeling part really showed a lot of maturity, a lot of leadership." of things."

Tourigny said the decision on the captaincy was obvious to everyone Tourigny credited Byram for showing urgency during Friday's practice they consulted so the staff figured there was no reason to hold off on when the power play wasn't connecting during the special teams work. making it official. "You could see how much he cared," the coach noted. "Kirby playing in the NHL last year, it’s pretty cool for us to have him," Byram on his leadership style, exiting quarantine and COVID outbreaks said Byram, "awesome of him to want to be here and participate with us." Bowen Byram was named one of Canada's assistant captains for the That professional experience should serve Canada well. Dach learned a World Juniors and spoke with Mark Masters about his leadership style, lot from watching Chicago's core four up close. He lived with Brent how nice it was to be out of quarantine and if he's worried about the Seabrook and his family during the season. He marvelled at the work COVID cases on other teams. ethic of Patrick Kane and the elaborate home gym of Duncan Keith. And he got to see what makes Jonathan Toews a good leader. Most of Team Germany will need to remain in quarantine until Dec. 24 after eight players tested positive for COVID-19. "He just seems to have that knack for saying things when they need to be said and how to say it and how to get through to everybody," Dach told "It was shocking for us," said head coach Tobias Abstreiter. "We have to TSN before Canada opened camp. make the best out of this situation.”

On Friday, Dach said he's still getting a sense for that part of leadership. The event's medical team, a five-member panel of Canadian and international experts, reviewed each positive test on an individual basis "I'm still trying to learn that as I go along," he noted. "I think that just before making a decision on how to act in consultation with Alberta comes with experience and being comfortable with a situation. I'm Health Services. comfortable here and there's a lot of good guys in the locker room." "For sure very tough news," said German forward Tim Stuetzle. Dach announced as Team Canada World Junior captain by playoff foe "Everybody was thinking everything was good. We had a lot of testing at McDavid our training camp and we tested every day and nobody was positive and Kirby Dach got the ball rolling by calling his agent to work on getting him so yeah, for sure, it was kind crazy when we got the news." released by the Blackhawks so he could play for Team Canada at the A handful of German players who previously tested positive will be able World Juniors. Dach was rewarded today, when Connor McDavid to skate, but most of the team remains confined to their rooms inside the appeared on the video board to announce he had been named captain of JW Marriott where they have been since arriving Sunday night. the squad. Mark Masters has more on McDavid's special appearance at Team Canada's practice. "It's a dream for the guys to play in Canada in a World Championship here in Edmonton and in a nice building," said Abstreiter. "We will push In Byram and Cozens, Dach has two lieutenants who have first-hand each other and give each other trust and confidence and work on our knowledge of how unpredictable this event can be. identity. I think the guys are very positive and once we come out we want of Famer said, "and try to help the young guys to see the game a to push the stamp from Team Germany on this tournament." different way than they're used to seeing it. I'm happy to see some good signs of listening to how we played back in the day and in Detroit with Ottawa's third overall pick in October's draft, Stutzle is eager to get back Russian Five." into game action regardless of the circumstances. He's been sidelined since breaking his left hand in October. Seventeen of Russia's players have suited up in the KHL this season, but that isn't always great for their confidence. "I just want to play games again," Stutzle said. "I just want to play games again and be with the boys on the ice so I think that’s greatest thing. I "They are very strict by the system and by the coaches," Larionov noted. can’t wait to get out of quarantine." "The coaches, obviously, they're under the pressure and not letting the boys go through mistakes and when they come to my hands and the Germany is facing a tough schedule with Finland on Christmas Day and World Junior team I kind of let the boys be the boys and play the game, Canada on Boxing Day and now only one full practice day to prepare. create some chances and do some stuff like they were doing as kids."

"We have to be realistic," admitted Abstreiter. "Those games against Salavat Yulaev Ufa winger Rodion Amirov, who has eight points in 23 Finland and Canada, of course, we want to be prepared and show our games this season, is one of the players that Larionov has been coaxing best performance, but we have to be realistic and it's going to be tough creativity from. for the guys. But they're going to play as hard as they can." "He's got a lot of skill and this kid needs some confidence to play hockey 'Shocking for us': Stutzle, Germany in tough after quarantine extended so that's one of the biggest tasks for me when I'm getting the boys from Most of Team Germany will have to remain in quarantine through Dec. the KHL teams." 24 after eight players tested positive for COVID-19. That means they will Amirov scored three goals in three games as Russia's under-20 squad only have one practice before facing Finland on Christmas Day and then won the Karjala Cup in November. Canada on Boxing Day. "We have to be realistic," said coach Tobias Abstreiter. "It's going to be tough for the guys, but they're going to play as "So, now it looks like he comes into this tournament with a good hard as they can." confidence and good skill and he's going to play with good teammates too," Larionov said. Most of Team Sweden will also remain in quarantine until Monday after two staff members tested positive for COVID-19. Only seven players Amirov, a Maple Leafs first round pick in October, is currently on a line were on the ice on Friday night with team doctor Ryan Allenby with Marat Khusnutdinov and Vasily Podkolzin, who is entering his third overseeing the workout. World Juniors.

"It's my coaching debut," he said with a laugh. "These boys, they're well Podkolzin, a Vancouver Canucks prospect, has six points in 24 games versed in their craft and they could run it just as easily without me so I'm with St. Petersburg this season. just there to help out where I can. Myself and the seven players all had a COVID infection within the last 90 days so we're exempt from testing and "There's no doubt in my mind he's a team leader and he's a guy who can that's why we were released today." handle the pressure, who can do a lot good, little things for the team and his skill level is top notch," Larionov said. "Sometimes he's doing a bit too This is the latest setback for the Swedes who already lost four players much, but now with a good centre I think he's going to do his job more and head coach Tomas Monten due to positive tests during training efficiently and effectively." camp. TSN.CA LOADED: 12.19.2020 "It's a tough run, but the boys talked about it before we came here and even though we're short staffed we wanted to go and fight for a gold medal," said Allenby. "So, yeah, it's rough but the guys will be ready when they get out of their rooms."

Allenby actually played junior hockey in British Columbia with the Chilliwack Chiefs.

"I was probably a better student than an ice hockey player," he said with a chuckle. "My wife is Norwegian so we lived in Norway, but we moved for our jobs. The hockey, of course, was better in Sweden so it was an easy choice for me. It was always my dream as a doctor to work in hockey so it's fantastic to be at the World Juniors."

Igor Larionov isn't wasting any time putting his imprint on Team Russia in his first year as head coach of the national junior team. The Hockey Hall of Famer, who is taking over for Valeri Bragin, wants his young charges to learn from his past.

"It's kind of showing my experience and my knowledge and how to play the game I want them to play and try to help the young guys to see the game different than they're used to seeing it," Larionov explained. "I'm happy to see some good signs of listening to how we played back in the day and also in Detroit with the Russian Five."

Sergei Fedorov, Vladimir Konstantinov, Slava Kozlov, Slava Fetisov and Larionov helped the Red Wings rack up wins in the 1990s while controlling possession and moving the puck with lightning-fast efficiency.

"We're going back to the basics," Larionov said. "First of all, it's the game of hockey so it should be fun. It should be entertaining. So, to me, it's maybe a bigger task to get the boys to understand, like, move the puck and play good, attractive hockey and to express yourself. The boys started to realize it's sometimes much easier and you spend less energy when you're moving the puck fast and you're creating some chances and read and react in any situation. It's the best way to play the game."

Larionov plans to bring Detroit's 'Russian Five' style to World Juniors

In his first year as Russia's head coach at the World Juniors, Igor Larionov has a clear vision for how his team should play. "It's showing my experience and my knowledge to the young players," the Hockey Hall 1197136 Websites > NHL players will be paid 72 per cent of their published salaries in 2020- 21. Twenty per cent will be taken off the top to repay owners for the revenue shortfall that saw players collect more than their allotted 50-50 share; then another 10 per cent of that 80 per cent remaining will be TSN.CA / NHL, NHLPA reach tentative deal on new season, but big deferred, to be repaid beginning three years later in installments. hurdle remains > Players may choose to opt-out from the 2020-21 season if he or an immediate family member is considered part of certain high-risk categories. Any player who chooses to opt-out will not be paid and his By Frank Seravalli team holds the option of tolling (or carryover) his contract for one year.

> Rosters will be capped at the usual 23 men with an $81.5 million salary Buckle up. The NHL’s mad dash to a mid-January puck drop could soon cap. Each team will be permitted to carry a four to six player “taxi squad,” begin. which includes a mandatory third goaltender. All 29 (maximum) players will practice and travel with the team. The NHL and NHL Players’ Association reached a tentative agreement on Friday night to begin a 56-game regular season on Jan. 13 with teams > For all salary cap intents and purposes, the taxi squad will be treated hosting games in their own home arenas, wherever possible. like the AHL. Players will require waivers to be sent down to the taxi squad from the active roster. Players on the taxi squad will also be paid Training camps would open on Jan. 3, with no plan for exhibition games, an AHL salary if playing on a two-way contract. and the seven non-playoff teams from last season permitted to start three days earlier on New Year’s Eve. > Pending provincial health approval, the NHL’s four divisions will be re- aligned and re-named for 2020-21: The regular season would tentatively end on May 8. Playoffs would follow with the Stanley Cup to be awarded by the first week of July. - Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg.

But like seemingly everything in 2020, those 2020-21 critical dates - Boston, Buffalo, New Jersey, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, remain fluid. It is possible that the two parties mutually agree to push the Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington. dates back a week or two given the holiday time crunch and still - Carolina, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Florida, Nashville, Tampa skyrocketing COVID-19 numbers. Bay. That’s because so much remains in-flux, including required layers of - Anaheim, Arizona, Colorado, Los Angeles, Minnesota, San Jose, St. approval. Louis, Vegas. The agreement will need to be formally ratified by both the NHL’s Board If the seven Canadian teams end up temporarily moving to the United of Governors and the NHLPA’s Executive Board. States, then the NHL will need to realign again. The NHLPA’s Executive Board verbally supported moving forward with TSN.CA LOADED: 12.19.2020 the agreed upon terms on Friday night, pending review of the details once papered. The NHL’s Board of Governors is expected to vote on Sunday or Monday.

But perhaps the most critical sign-off required is in the hands of Canada’s five provincial health authorities, which have jurisdiction on whether NHL games can be played in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.

The fate of the in-demand, all-Canadian division rests in those hands. Who wouldn’t love each Canadian team squaring off nine or 10 times apiece in 196 glorious one-anthem matchups?

The biggest hurdle yet remains to be cleared.

The NHL and its seven Canadian clubs have been in detailed discussions with their provincial and regional health authorities all week, massaging and re-working protocols in an attempt to gain approval to play. That approval has not been granted, raising significant question marks about the feasibility of the division.

One of the big sticking points has been whether NHL players - who will be travelling on chartered flights and likely not permitted to leave the team hotel except otherwise to play - will be subject to potential intra- provincial quarantine restrictions if enacted.

But the NHL remains optimistic that all stakeholders involved can be satisfied as to the safety and well-being of teams and players as well as the public’s health. They are expected to re-engage in discussions on Saturday afternoon.

If they can be, Canada will be guaranteed one team makes it to the NHL’s final four for the first time since Winnipeg in 2018. The first two rounds of the Stanley Cup playoffs would be pure divisional play, with the first four teams in each division qualifying, followed by the four division winners squaring off in the semifinals. The semifinals will be seeded by regular season points.

If those provincial health authorities cannot be satisfied, well, then the NHL and NHLPA will have to consider alternatives, including a hub city in Edmonton - or potentially moving all seven Canadian teams to the United States for the season.

For now, at least, the NHL and NHLPA have nailed down details and transition rules, subject to ratification: 1197137 Websites you get more comfortable. So, each game I got better and better and better so hopefully I can keep that momentum going into the tournament."

TSN.CA / Team Canada gets back to work ahead of World Juniors I want to do a little word association with you when it comes to some of your teammates. What's the first thing that pops into your head when you think of Lethbridge centre Dylan Cozens?

By Mark Masters "Fast."

London's Connor McMichael mentioned the speed is really evident through the neutral zone. After spending 18 of the past 24 days quarantining in their hotel rooms, Team Canada's players are finally able to rev up their engines ahead of "When he's winding up and he's swinging low and gets the puck he kind the World Juniors. of knifes his way through the neutral zone with ease. It's tough to get the puck off him. He's strong as well. He's a big guy and he can move pretty "Everyone here is excited," said defenceman well." Thomas Harley. "We're all ready to get out of the hotel rooms. We've all seen enough of them over the past month. We're ready to get back on How about Dach? the ice and get this tournament rolling." "Strong. He's a farm boy. Holy!" The selection camp in Red Deer, Alta., was halted for a 14-day quarantine after two players tested positive for COVID-19. Protocols then How hard is it to get him off the puck? dictated that all the teams had to quarantine for four days upon arriving in "I'm not a small guy. I'm 6-3 and over 200 pounds and it's hard to move Edmonton on Sunday night. him. I was going one-on-one with him in the corner and I couldn't get the "A lot of the same stuff, really," Harley said of the activities this week. puck off him. I just resorted to cross-checking him in the back and hoping "We had a poker night. The Wi-Fi is better here [at the JW Marriott] so a he'd get annoyed and move the puck." lot of Xbox, a lot of Call of Duty: Warzone being played." How about Jack Quinn, who you face in the Ontario Hockey League? Team Canada will now have three practices before their first pre- "Sneaky. You don't notice him out there and then all of the sudden he's in tournament game against Sweden on Monday. They will also play Russia the slot with the puck on his stick and he roofs it and you're sitting there on Wednesday before things get going for real on Boxing Day against like, 'How did this guy get open?' You don't really recognize him out there Germany. and then you look at the end of the game and he's got three points and The stacked Canadian roster features 20 first-round National Hockey it's like, ‘Damn.'" League draft picks, including all 14 forwards. McMichael? "Very special," said Harley of the team's potential. "The goal is gold. “Sniper. That guy can score. I swear every shot he takes has a greater Everyone knows that and we have a great shot to win. The forwards are than 50 per cent chance of going in in practice. He doesn't miss very incredible. I mean, how many first-round picks do we have? It's nuts. But often." we just got to keep our heads down and not read our press clippings too much." Kamloops goalie Dylan Garand was saying the way he pulls it in and changes his release is tough to read. During an interview with TSN before leaving quarantine, Harley offered insight on Canada's top players and described what it was like to find out "I know it comes off his stick real quick. It's tough to get stick on puck on he had made the team via a FaceTime call from his dad. him. It's on and off his stick in a heartbeat."

The following is an edited transcript of the conversation. How about defenceman Bowen Byram?

You were in the NHL's Edmonton bubble this summer with the Dallas "Controlling is the best word for him. When he's on the ice everything Stars. If a Canadian teammate asks what's it like playing in a bubble, seems to just run through him. The puck's always following him around. what do you say? He's always in control of what's going on. Even when he doesn't have the puck it seems like he's never out of position." "Playing in a bubble isn't a whole lot different than playing outside of a bubble. You're so focused on the game you don't really notice the lack of And his partner, Erie's Jamie Drysdale? fans. Life outside of the rink is definitely different, and you don't have a ton of options to go out and do stuff, so it's a lot of just staying busy and "Smart. I've been playing against him for two years now and I haven't keeping your mind active. You don't want to be laying down all day. seen him make too many mistakes. There's only a handful he's made Maybe read a book or go for a ride on a stationary bike to stay active, and when he does make mistakes he's got the wheels to make up for it stay awake and make sure you're not getting too bored." and get back."

Have you heard from any Stars players lately? Both Byram and Drysdale like to get up in the play. How's it working so far? "A couple guys texted me. [Jamie] Benn texted me a couple times. [Andrew] Cogliano checked up on me. We were interested in each "They're both smart players. They understand the give and take of the other’s fantasy football team, so we kind of kept that going. They say, position. They both realize they'll get opportunities to join the rush and ‘Congratulations' and 'Enjoy it' and 'We’ll see you in a couple weeks.' To when they're out there they're not exactly playing a lot of defence. They be part of their little group and tight-knit team they have is really special. always seem to have the puck, so I don't think that's a problem for them." It's a place I want to be when this tournament's over." What about Thomas Harley? What would you want someone to say We weren't able to broadcast the last two scrimmages of camp due to about you? strict COVID protocols. Who stood out to you in the last week? "Good looking."

"I thought [Northeastern University goalie Devon] Levi looked really good About hockey? and has been tough to score on. [Kirby] Dach looks pretty dominant out there. I think that's pretty safe to say. But I don't think there's any one guy "Smooth, I guess. I don't love talking about myself." standing out above everyone else. It's pretty even. We're all really competitive, which has led to good practices." You have that in common with a lot of hockey players.

How do you assess your camp? "I always try to be in the right position and never try to overextend myself. I play within myself, you know? Make the simple play when it's there "Coming into camp I hadn't played an organized game in a couple [and] if there's an opportunity to join the rush I'll be up there in the play months, so was a little rusty coming back and didn't want to get hit in the and hopefully won't mess up too badly and still get back and play D." first game. But then as soon as you get hit you're like, 'Alright, I'm into it,' and you remember it doesn't hurt and it’s just part of the game and then What about Boxing Day at the World Juniors? What's the first thing that pops in your head.

"Sitting on the couch with my dad and wearing a Canada jersey and just watching the games."

He was the one who called you last week to officially tell you that you made the team. What was that like?

"I was surprised. I thought it was breakfast, honestly. I went to the door and I'm half asleep and I had my retainer in. There was a lady videotaping and [assistant coach Mitch Love] Lover is there with my dad on FaceTime. I'm like, 'What's going on here?' It took me a minute to kind of recover and figure out what was going on. Definitely a nice surprise."

Your parents live in Syracuse, N.Y., but I'm guessing they won't be shy about supporting Canada. Perhaps some flags in the windows?

"Yeah, they'll have them out in the windows. We put our Christmas lights out, but they're not red and white like the Schneiders. That was pretty cool. Braden wasn't very happy, though, when he saw it on TSN and he was like, 'Come on!' But, yeah, the Canadian flags will be up at the Harley household.”

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