SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 11/24/2020 Bruins 1196167 Bruins re-sign Jake DeBrusk to two-year, $7.35 million 1196195 Penguins Prospect WATCH: Cam Lee records 6 points in deal 3 games 1196168 Bean: reminds us what he does best 1196169 Why DeBrusk's new two-year contract with Bruins is great for both sides 1196196 leaves Sharks’ broadcast team, 1196170 Jake DeBrusk reacts after signing extension with Bruins joins Blackhawks in new role 1196171 Tuukka Rask a top 3 goalie? NHL Network reveals new 1196197 Sharks mailbag: How Erik Karlsson can change his top 10 ranking ‘horrible contract’ label 1196172 Bean: What's left for Bruins to do this offseason? 1196173 Jake DeBrusk’s contract extension is a bridge deal, which St Louis Blues makes perfect sense 1196198 BenFred: Many reasons to give thanks during a 1196174 Why the Bruins should offer sheet Mikhail Sergachev bittersweet Thanksgiving for STL sports 1196175 Jack Eichel on Sabres' offseason moves: 'It’s so hard to 1196199 Lightning’s Andrei Vasilevskiy spends day with the Stanley win when you’re young' Cup 1196176 Looking ahead to the Sabres’ projected in 1196200 Why the Bruins should offer sheet Mikhail Sergachev 2021-22 Maple Leafs 1196201 For the Maple Leafs and many other elite athletes, 1196177 Mount Royal Cougars set for exhibition against world- lockdown doesn’t mean locked out junior hopefuls 1196202 NHL notes: McDavid + Matthews = Magic 1196178 After a long, hard road, Josh Leivo looks forward to his 1196203 After a long, hard road, Josh Leivo looks forward to his Flames debut Flames debut 1196204 Mirtle: Projecting the Maple Leafs roster and cap outlook Blackhawks all the way to 2023-24 1196179 Former enforcer Daniel Carcillo tells HBO’s ‘Real Sports’ that psychedelic drugs helped him Canucks 1196180 Olympic hockey star Kendall Coyne Schofield becomes 1196211 Ben Kuzma: Benning knows former teammate Lowry good the 1st woman hired by Chicago Blackhawks as a player fit as Jets assistant coach deve 1196181 Blackhawks make Kendall Coyne Schofield the team’s first female player development coach 1196205 Four Golden Knights test positive for COVID-19 1196182 Historic hire: Coyne Schofield joins Blackhawks as 1196206 add Joel Ward to staff development coach 1196207 Four Golden Knights Players Are Infected With COVID-19, 1196183 Chicago hires Coyne Schofield as player development According To Team Statement coach 1196184 Michael Krutil, Isaak Phillips: Blackhawks draft pick analysis, Part I 1196208 Ovechkin vs. Lundqvist 2009: The first matchup Websites 1196185 Hockey in the time of COVID-19: Blue Jackets find 1196212 The Athletic / LeBrun: What could the NHL playoffs look success and frustration abroad like this ? 1196213 The Athletic / What makes Shane Wright special? Everyone who knows him can explain 1196186 Three years in, Detroit Red Wings haven't gotten much 1196214 .ca / , Connor McDavid sharing from 2017 draft ice to prepare for 2020-21 season 1196187 Red Wings’ Jeff Blashill: ‘We hope we’ve improved in each 1196215 Sportsnet.ca / What each all-Canadian division matchup area’ would mean for the Maple Leafs 1196216 Sportsnet.ca / Dave Lowry, with son Adam's blessing, Oilers excited for role on Jets staff 1196188 Lowetide: Oilers’ increased focus on drafting skill is key to 1196217 Sportsnet.ca / THE INTERVIEW: ALLAN WALSH future success 1196218 With or without Laine, Jets have work to do on power play 1196219 NHL in legal battle with insurers refusing to pay Canadiens concussion lawsuit costs 1196189 What the Puck: Canadiens fans' Cup dreams might be just that — dreams 1196190 Kotkaniemi leaves Finnish team; Canadiens lose amateur 1196209 Jets add some 'pop' to the lineup scouting guru 1196210 'I look at it that we're both professionals:' New Jets' 1196191 How the Canadiens are managing player conditioning assistant Dave Lowry ready to coach his own son in NHL from a safe distance SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1196192 GARRIOCH: As the NHL and the NHLPA continue stalemate, the Ottawa Senators are waiting patiently Flyers 1196193 After two ACL surgeries, Samuel Morin is ‘thankful’ and ‘lucky’ to have another chance with the Flyers 1196194 Flyers’ 2021-22 salary cap picture: Carter Hart’s deal, expansion draft and more 1196167

Boston Globe LOADED: 11.24.2020

Bruins re-sign Jake DeBrusk to two-year, $7.35 million deal

By Matt Porter Globe Staff

Updated November 23, 2020, 11:49 p.m.

Over the last few years, Don Sweeney’s trading partners across the NHL have inquired about Jake DeBrusk. No has made Sweeney change his mind: He wants DeBrusk here long-term.

He will be here for at least two more seasons.

On Monday, the club announced a two-year, $7.35 million deal with the 24-year-old, who will cost $3.675 million against the salary cap. In a Zoom discussion afterward, Sweeney said a longer, larger pact was on the bargaining table.

“It’s probably on me,” he said, that they didn’t go long.

While he didn’t drill down on specifics, Sweeney said the Bruins “pivoted” to a short-term deal because of the league’s uncertain financial landscape. Since March 12, the only NHL games have been contested inside fan-free bubbles in Edmonton and Toronto. The league and its players association have yet to agree on a framework for 2020-21. If and when the season begins, fans will be limited in number, if they are allowed in the building at all.

“There are a lot of unknowns,” Sweeney said. “With all the positive news associated with vaccines and a hopeful climate that could potentially exist, we get back on track. But we have some ground to cover.”

This deal, Sweeney said, gives the team flexibility in the near future. If DeBrusk can fulfill his projected role of two-way, high-scoring wing, he will take home a much larger cut in two years, when the league should be in a post-pandemic recovery.

For now, he gets a raise on his second contract commensurate with his production (62 goals, 120 points in 203 games). DeBrusk, who turned 24 last month, will make $2.5 million in salary. He will be an arbitration- eligible restricted free agent in 2022, when his salary will rise to $4.85 million.

By then, the Bruins also will need to extend rising star defenseman Charlie McAvoy, whose salary will have escalated to $7.3 million. will be an unrestricted free agent. David Krejci and Tuukka Rask will be unrestricted free agents after this season, as will Jaroslav Halak.

Monday’s signing gives the Bruins about $3.7 million of cap space, according to PuckPedia, with Zdeno Chara still unsigned. Chara’s most recent deal came in at $3.75 million, including $1.75 million in performance bonuses. Chara, per Sweeney and his agent, Matt Keator, wants to see the framework of 2020-21 before deciding if he will return for a 23rd NHL season.

DeBrusk was on pace for his second 20- season in his three-year career when the NHL paused on March 12. He produced a 19-16—35 line in 65 games, playing mostly with David Krejci and shuttling between the first and second power play units.

He has a reputation as a streaky player, but he always seems to get hot in the postseason. DeBrusk has 14 playoff goals and 23 points in 49 playoff games, including a 4-7—11 line in the Bruins’ 2019 run to the Final. He scored 27 goals and 42 points in 68 games that regular season.

The most accomplished to date of Boston’s three first-round picks in 2015, DeBrusk since his rookie year of 2017-18 ranks fourth on the Bruins in goals (62), fourth in power-play goals (17), sixth in points (120), and eighth in assists (58). He is tied for third in game-winning goals (14).

Sweeney said contract negotiations have been “a little more pragmatic” this offseason, “in terms of what players as individuals are dealing with, what teams are dealing with, and being cognizant of the financial landscape. Like I said, we’re happy where we’re at. We’ve put him at the top of his peer group and I think Jake has a chance to go forward and really, depending on obviously where the league goes, to take it to a level beyond this. Well beyond this.” 1196168 Boston Bruins

Bean: Don Sweeney reminds us what he does best

by DJ Bean

The Bruins checked one major task off their to-do list when they announced a new contract for second-line left wing Jake DeBrusk. The development doesn't set anything else in motion, but it does give them an idea of how they can proceed as they wrap up their offseason.

Thankfully, the DeBrusk contract was a strong move by Don Sweeney at a time when the Bruins could use one. In an offseason that's been headlined by the departure of Torey Krug and uncertainty around Zdeno Chara's future, the DeBrusk contract is a reminder of what Sweeney does best: re-up his own restricted free agents.

Two years with an average annual value of $3.675 million is a perfect contract to give DeBrusk. First off, it gets a player who has averaged 20 goals a season at a low price given how tight finances have been throughout the league.

Secondly, a bridge contract should have always made the most sense for DeBrusk from the Bruins' standpoint. This is a player who pushed for 30 goals a couple seasons ago (27 goals in 68 games), but has been a very streaky scorer. Assuming health, it's safe to expect 20 goals a year from DeBrusk, but if they went longterm, they might have to compensate him like he'll become a 30-goal guy, which they don't know. Going low money for a short term was the safe move.

Sweeney has generally pulled the right strings when signing his own RFAs. Most notably, David Pastrnak's contract (six years at $6.66 million per) is one of the best contracts in the league. Other strong deals the GM has struck with young players include Brandon Carlo (two years at $2.85 million per).

Now the Bruins, if they wanted, have enough to enter the season, but there are still two obvious holes on their roster: one on the left side of their defense and one behind DeBrusk on the depth chart. With somewhere between $2.9 million and $3.7 million, the B's probably have the dough to address one of those, but probably not both without making more moves.

Chara remains a free agent, with Sweeney indicating Monday that Chara's waiting to see what the structure of the coming season looks like before deciding what to do. If he wants to come back, the Bruins should be able to fit him in with their cap situation. Chara carried a $2 million cap hit last season on a contract that netted him another $1.5 million in bonuses.

As has been the case since Krug left, the Bruins need Chara back. He's far from his Norris days, but the Bruins are just weak on the left side. He gives them a sure thing, even if it's on the third pairing.

As for the need on the left wing, nothing's really changed. Players are still out there, ranging from really good (Mike Hoffman) to reclamation projects (Andreas Athanasiou). Bringing in Hoffman would actually make it so one could argue the Bruins got better over the offseason, but they'd probably need to bid Chara adieu while also trading away more money.

These can at least remain possibilities thanks to the DeBrusk contract. Had the B's gone long with DeBrusk's deal, they'd have even less room to address their remaining needs, as longer deals for young players generally require a higher cap hit to buy out years of free agency. Sweeney played this one correctly.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196169 Boston Bruins

Why DeBrusk's new two-year contract with Bruins is great for both sides

by Nick Goss

Jake DeBrusk is coming back to the Boston Bruins.

The restricted free agent forward has signed a two-year contract with the B's worth $7.35 million, the team announced Monday. The deal includes an annual salary cap hit of $3.675 million.

DeBrusk, who tallied 35 points (19 goals, 16 assists) in 65 games last season, didn't have many options as an RFA without arbitration rights. However, both sides should feel good about this contract.

How Bruins might be impacted by an all-Canadian division in 2020-21

It's a very team-friendly deal for the Bruins. For starters, they have locked up a top-six left winger who's averaged 20 goals scored over his first three seasons for less than $4 million annually. This figure is below what a player of DeBrusk's caliber and age (24) normally would receive on the open market.

It's also a good price for Boston because the team didn't have much room under the salary cap before this deal. Now the Bruins still have about $4 million left under the cap, which should be enough to re-sign and veteran defenseman Zdeno Chara at some .

Bean: What's left for Bruins to do this offseason?

Why is it also a good contract for DeBrusk?

He only signed for two years, which gives him time to become a more consistent scorer -- one of the biggest knocks against him -- and hit the market again in the summer of 2022 when the financial climate in sports should be in better shape than it is now during a pandemic.

DeBrusk will have plenty of motivation to take his game to a higher level and set himself up for a bigger payday in two years.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196170 Boston Bruins

Jake DeBrusk reacts after signing extension with Bruins

by Justin Leger

Jake DeBrusk is fired up after signing a contract extension with the Boston Bruins.

On Monday, DeBrusk and the B's agreed to a two-year deal worth $7.35 million. The 24-year-old took to Instagram to share his reaction, and he seems pretty excited.

Rask a top-3 goalie? NHL Network reveals new top-10 ranking

While it's a team-friendly contract for the Bruins, it's also a solid "prove-it" deal for DeBrusk, who could set himself up for a major payday two years from now. The B's now have approximately $4 million left under the cap.

DeBrusk tallied 35 points (19 goals, 16 assists) in 65 games during the 2019-20 season.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196171 Boston Bruins

Tuukka Rask a top 3 goalie? NHL Network reveals new top 10 ranking

by Nick Goss

Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask didn't have an ideal end to the 2019-20 NHL season, but there's no question that from a statistical standpoint it was one of his best years.

Rask posted a 26-8-6 record with a 2.12 goals against average and a .929 save percentage. Those were his best GAA and save percentage numbers since 2013-14.

The veteran netminder finished second in Vezina Trophy voting behind Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets.

How Bruins might be impacted by an all-Canadian division

The 2020 didn't last long for Rask. He left the team and the league's Toronto bubble before Game 3 of the first-round series against the to be with his family.

NHL Network over the last few weeks has been unveiling its top 20 players at each position going into the upcoming 2020-21 season.

This is a pretty fair ranking. Some Bruins fans might be surprised to see Rask rated so high. The reality is Rask arguably was the best goalie in the regular season and probably should've won the Vezina instead of Hellebuyck.

Bean: What's left for Bruins to do this offseason?

Some Bruins fans will point to his playoff resume and what happened in Game 7 of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final as evidence that Rask shouldn't be ranked No. 2, even though the entire team played poorly in that game against the St. Louis Blues. Let's also remember Rask has the second- best career playoff save percentage among active goaltenders.

Regardless of which side of the Rask debate you fall on, there's no question the 2020-21 season is a huge one for the 33-year-old goalie. He's entering the final year of his contract with unrestricted free agency awaiting him in 2021. It's also a very important year on the ice because the Bruins' current core probably has one more deep playoff run left in it.

Ranking Bruins' top prospects entering 2020-21 season

The Bruins have not had a very good offseason, and there's still a large hole on the blue line with Torey Krug gone and Zdeno Chara still unsigned. Luckily for the Bruins, they still have the best goaltending tandem in the league, and Rask is the key part of that.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196172 Boston Bruins saying they would have no issues with a one-year deal. Anthony Duclair is still just 25 and scored 23 goals last season for Ottawa.

Then there are the reclamation projects. Erik Haula's best days in the Bean: What's left for Bruins to do this offseason? NHL came as a center, but has played plenty of left wing as well. Having had two disappointing seasons since his 29-goal campaign with Vegas in 2017-18, he's less of a sure thing than Hoffman, but would have to be by DJ Bean significantly cheaper.

Andreas Athanasiou scored 30 goals in the 2018-19 season for the Red Wings. He'd scored only 10 through 46 games last season before being The Bruins opened free agency by saying goodbye to Torey Krug and traded to the Oilers for a pair of second-rounders, but the Oilers opted bringing in Craig Smith. not to qualify him, making the 26-year-old a free agent. His stock has They passed on and waited before doing anything with Zdeno completely plummeted, but for a cash-strapped Bruins team, that might Chara. They signed restricted free agent to a deal. not be the worst thing.

Then other things took our attention. The Patriots season got into full Oh yeah, money. That factors in here. swing, the election happened and now the NBA's offseason is about to, It factors into everything, but regardless of what happens with Chara, the as usual, blow the NHL's out of the water. Bruins probably won't have the dough to bring in a Hoffman-type. They But the Bruins' offseason still isn't done. could create more space by trading Ritchie and John Moore, or they could wait out some of the lesser left wings available and see just how Not every question on their roster has an answer, and though we've cheap they can get them. probably forgotten about a lot of it, there are things to figure out given that a hypothetical January start would mean teams might need to be Yes, this has been an underwhelming offseason for the Bruins so far. No getting ready for the season pretty soon. one should be placing any wagers on them winning the Cup this season if this is it. WHERE'S DEBRUSK'S DEAL? There's still work to be done, though. We'll find out soon enough how A restricted free agent still being unsigned this late in the game shouldn't much they can still improve. be a shock. It's common enough for RFAs to still be unsigned when camp begins, something the Bruins experienced years ago with Torey Krug and Reilly Smith without new deals back in 2014. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 11.24.2020 That said, the Bruins and DeBrusk obviously have to hammer something out eventually. DeBrusk, who just turned 24, averaged 20 goals a season over the course of this entry-level deal. A long commitment would be pricey, and between the Bruins not having a lot of cap space ($7.35 million, per Puckpedia) and DeBrusk's streakiness making it tough to tell if he'll be a regular 20-goal guy or a 30-goal guy, a short-term deal worth somewhere in the $4 million range might be the play.

WILL CHARA RETURN?

When the Bruins still hadn't given Chara a new contract in the days leading up to free agency, it seemed like an under-considered storyline that the Bruins' captain could theoretically depart. Then free agency opened, with Chara receiving interest, and still nothing happened.

Nothing has changed since then, but if Chara wanted to leave, he probably could have by now. It's a weird holding pattern that seemingly comes down to when the Bruins are ready.

They should want him back. With Krug gone and Kevan Miller re-upped, the Bruins' options on the back end look like this:

That right side is solid, but the Bruins could use another sure thing on the left. Grzelcyk will graduate to a top-four spot, and with no easy answer for the other, having a veteran on the cheap makes sense. Chara obviously isn't what he once was, but at 43 he should still be able to be at least a third-pairing defenseman in a shortened season.

Chara's last one-year deal carried a $2 million cap hit with $1.75 million in incentives. If the Bruins can bring him back for the same deal minus the incentives, they should do it.

In need of middle-six help on the wing, the Bruins let Smith serve as their move in the first wave of free agency. Smith, who has five 20-goal seasons to his name, will be a very strong addition to the right of either David Krejci or Charlie Coyle.

Whichever of the aforementioned pivots does not get Smith will get Ondrej Kase. Factor in that these guys are playing behind David Pastrnak and the fact that Jack Studnicka is probably ready to contribute, and the Bruins are absolutely fine on the right side of their top three lines.

They needed more than just a right wing, though. Nick Ritchie is still on the team and could compete for the third-line left wing job. That wouldn't be great. Brad Marchand is elite and DeBrusk is very good. If the Bruins want to match the depth they have on the right side, they'll need to bring in another option.

Fortunately for them, legitimate players remain on the open market. Mike Hoffman, who scored 29 goals in the pandemic-shortened season and 36 the year before that, remains unsigned, and his agent is on record as 1196173 Boston Bruins In 65 games, DeBrusk scored 12 5-on-5 goals last season. That was down from 17 goals in 68 games the previous season. A dip in shooting percentage (9.16 percent from 14.53 percent) may signal that bad luck Jake DeBrusk’s contract extension is a bridge deal, which makes perfect was one reason for the skid. sense Goal-scoring valleys, the kind that DeBrusk tumbled into more often than expected last season, strike a lot of former first-rounders on entry-level contracts. If streakiness, albeit not so severe, remains a page of By Fluto Shinzawa DeBrusk’s resume, the 14th overall pick from 2015 has other qualities that should blunt nights off the scoresheet. During a Monday video call, Nov 23, 2020 Sweeney repeatedly insisted that DeBrusk is just turning the first pages of his playbook — one that is more diversified than putting pucks in nets.

By now, after 203 NHL games and 74 AHL appearances worth of “He scored an enormous goal for us coming down the off wing,” said impressions and data, Don Sweeney has a high-definition picture of what Sweeney of DeBrusk’s 2018 Game 7 goal against Toronto when he Jake DeBrusk will become during his next contract. abused Jake Gardiner. “The game against Carolina in the playoffs this year. He has those abilities to do that. Few players do. But again, can The general manager sees a left wing who, in all likelihood, will smooth you impact it over the course of 60 minutes? Where you leave the rink out the spikes of his offensive production. DeBrusk will be a fearless, some nights where, ‘Yeah, I might not have finished. But I really, really fleet-footed, three-zone wing with the absolute determination to impacted the game and made a few more plays.’ It was a little more tilted accomplish big things in big moments. toward the goal-scoring side of things than the assist side of things. But with his speed and his ability to drive play in all three zones, I think Jake Such players, especially when they are 23 and still under construction, should recognize that he has at least one more, if not two more, levels to are the ones that organizations lock up long term at high costs. Sweeney get to.” had no issues committing six years and $40 million to David Pastrnak when the right wing had 59 career goals upon expiration of his entry-level DeBrusk, in other words, should threaten the 40-goal threshold as the contract. If you’re counting, that’s three fewer goals than DeBrusk has No. 2 left wing and net-front presence on either the first or second power- scored following his first three NHL seasons. play unit. He should also kill penalties, disrupt breakouts on the forecheck and be physical when necessary. Then again, pandemic. The Bruins expect more from DeBrusk. He should have no trouble The flat $81.5 million cap for next season, the uncertainty of when next meeting their expectations. season will begin and the pointless nature of projecting economic recovery have jerked away the kind of resolution, in all meanings of the word, that GMs love. As certain as Sweeney can be about DeBrusk as a player, he cannot begin to predict, with anything resembling accuracy, The Athletic LOADED: 11.24.2020 how the left wing’s future earnings will fit into the Bruins’ salary structure. So Sweeney and Rick Valette, DeBrusk’s agent, shifted to a two-year conversation.

A bridge deal, like the one they agreed to on Monday that will net DeBrusk a $3.675 million average annual value through 2022, will accommodate the economic concerns of both parties. It will give the Bruins cost certainty in the last legs of megabucks due to David Krejci ($7.25 million annually through 2021), Tuukka Rask ($7 million through 2021) and Patrice Bergeron ($6.875 million through 2022).

DeBrusk will get another good swing, this time with arbitration rights and bolder statistical achievements, at a big-number payday. The money should be there, given the pending goodbyes of Krejci, Rask and Bergeron and sunnier economic forecasts once arms are filled with vaccines.

“Sometimes it just doesn’t work,” Sweeney said of long-term second contracts, the kind he also pursued at times with Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo. “In this case, I think a little of the unknown landscape had me pivot back to shorter term to allow us flexibility now and moving forward. And allowing Jake the next platform with his ability to take it to another level with a little more certainty as to where things may head financially with the league.”

DeBrusk befell the misfortune of once-in-a-century timing. The money that would have been there with a standard rise of revenue was unavailable because of the pandemic’s fallout. This was compounded by the fact that DeBrusk could have already been on his second contract — one signed on pre-pandemic terms — had he waited to sign his entry- level deal.

The Bruins, meanwhile, were negotiating on higher ground because of DeBrusk’s lack of arbitration rights. But DeBrusk is part of their next- generation core, right there with Pastrnak, McAvoy and Carlo. Sweeney would not have done himself any favors by playing hardball with DeBrusk and fomenting any kind of ill will.

So in interest of fairness, Sweeney signed DeBrusk to an average annual value higher than those of Tyler Bertuzzi ($3.5 million), Roope Hintz ($3.15 million), Victor Olofsson ($3.05 million) and Denis Gurianov ($2.55 million), other forwards leaving entry-level.

“I think this references Jake’s importance to our team and where he is among his peer group,” Sweeney said. “We were happy to put him at the top of that grouping.” 1196174 Boston Bruins the potential is there at 22. That’s the key in the acquisition as Sergachev can not only be an adequate Krug replacement, but there’s a ceiling he hasn’t reached yet where he might be even more. In terms of replacing Why the Bruins should offer sheet Mikhail Sergachev Krug, the big question will be whether Sergachev can replicate Krug’s impact on the top power play. It’s a tall order, but he has the talent to do so and did decently enough whenever he played with Tampa Bay’s top unit. By Dom Luszczyszyn Sergachev is a player worth targeting, but for how much? When it comes Nov 23, 2020 to offer sheets there are two considerations: the annual average and the draft pick compensation attached to the annual average. For a player of Sergachev’s calibre, we’re looking at the following two tiers. The Boston Bruins have had a very interesting offseason. They shored up their forward group in signing Craig Smith, but they also lost a big $4.36M – $6.54M: First- and third-round pick piece of their top-four defencemen in Torey Krug. Couple that with Zdeno $6.54M – $8.73M: First-, second- and third-round pick Chara’s future being uncertain and the team’s defence goes from being a major source of strength to a legitimate weakness — one that likely Generally, there’s a fear in the draft picks going the other way, but with needs to be addressed if the Bruins have serious aspirations of the Bruins being a contender that’s hardly a concern. For a contending contending for a Stanley Cup this season. team, the draft pick haul for the first tier is about 3.7 wins over their first seven seasons and 4.9 wins for the second tier on average. Sergachev is As it stands, the team has three legitimate top-four defenders in Charlie expected to deliver that value over the next three seasons. There’s a McAvoy, Matt Grzelcyk and Brandon Carlo, but the rest of the group chance the draft picks turn into more, but it’s a low chance. It’s a non- appears mostly replaceable featuring some combination of Connor issue and for a team whose window might be closing soon anyway, the Clifton, Jeremy Lauzon, John Moore, or Jakub Zboril. That makeup might time to go all-in is now regardless. Boston shouldn’t be that worried about be good enough to still be one of the league’s best teams considering losing picks. Boston’s other strengths, but come playoff time the team’s lack of depth will be a problem. So the next question is how much and for how long. It’s a balancing act between what Boston can afford, what it does to their current internal cap The fortunate thing is that the Bruins have some cap flexibility with $6.6 structure (Charlie McAvoy’s deal is up in two years), and how high the million worth of space (and potentially a bit more depending on how Bruins need to go before Tampa Bay has to say no. healthy Kevan Miller is). That’s enough to add a very capable piece to the top four, but the market isn’t exactly flush with options. There’s no Typically, a player of Sergachev’s ilk would sign for around $6 million as one left in free agency that can be that guy and there doesn’t appear to an RFA. That’s according to his on-ice value and tracks with Evolving be anyone available via trade either. Hockey’s projections — though they’re slightly lower for everything below an eight-year deal. The Bruins could sign him to a $6.54 million deal, But there is one other player acquisition option, a rarely used one: an save a second-round pick, have just over $150,000 worth of cap space offer sheet. left and put the Lightning $3.6 million above the salary cap with Anthony And there just so happens to be a perfect candidate eligible for one: Cirelli and Erik Cernak still left to sign. It’s a reasonable deal that puts the Mikhail Sergachev. Lightning in a very challenging spot, especially if the Bruins don’t offer much in the way of term (a three-year term effectively makes the contract I’m not usually one to say specific teams should do specific things with a $6.5 million bridge which would be tough to swallow since his bridge regards to player acquisition, but from the Bruins’ perspective, there’s a price should be closer to $4 million) and/or add a steep salary in the final lot of things that make too much sense to ignore. In the dog days of the year to up the qualifying offer. offseason, it’s an idea that’s at least worthy of discussion. (I do realize it takes two to sign and all indications are Sergachev loves it in Tampa I’m not sure how much farther I would go or how necessary it is given Bay, but for the sake of argument let’s just say he’s interested in more Tampa Bay’s current bind. Whether it’s $6.5 million or $8 million money and a bigger role without losing much in terms of Cup contention (considering the Bruins were in on Oliver Ekman-Larsson at $8.25 million probability). earlier in the offseason, that’s probably as high as can be expected), it’ll take more than giving up Tyler Johnson for the Lightning to get cap For starters, Sergachev is a helluva player and just 22 years old. compliant with their other RFA’s to sign. That’s something the team Everything about him screams “future No. 1 ” from his play- already had trouble doing. driving prowess at both ends of the ice to his ability to move the puck up ice in transition to his offensive production. There are a lot of indicators The one issue from the Bruins’ perspective that arises from this is that he’s the real deal with the only issue being he hasn’t been tasked to do it the team still hasn’t signed their own RFA, Jake DeBrusk. A Sergachev very far up the lineup in Tampa Bay. By value added, he’s already there, signing wouldn’t leave much of anything for DeBrusk, a productive top-six albeit in a sheltered role. winger, but in terms of balance and depth, a player like Sergachev is arguably much more necessary than DeBrusk. Considering the team’s In most cases a sheltered player is a red flag and Sergachev is in the forward depth, DeBrusk can be expended and the team has sort of bottom fifth for defenseman usage. It denotes a lack of trust from the treated him as such this past offseason, with his name being floated in coaching staff, but on a team that has and Ryan rumour mills. That can potentially recoup some draft capital lost in a McDonagh it’s likely more of an opportunity problem than a trust problem. Sergachev offer sheet. DeBrusk is a good player and there are other Head coach doesn’t need to trust Sergachev to play tough ways to fit him (Miller on LTIR, buried money, trading someone), but minutes when he already has the horses to do so, but that doesn’t mean there are also players on the come-up like Jack Studnicka and Anders Sergachev couldn’t succeed with more responsibility. Over the past two Bjork that can step in without losing much. I like DeBrusk and would find seasons he has a 55 percent expected goals rate and a 58 percent a way to fit him, but I like Sergachev a lot more, especially on this team. actual goals rate at five-on-five and while it’s unlikely he puts up those exact numbers higher in the lineup, there’s enough leeway to figure While the addition of Sergachev is already pretty appetizing, there’s one they’ll translate well enough that he can handle the role. other major reason that Boston should consider this and it follows the same principle as a “four-point game.” The biggest key to that is Sergachev’s ability with the puck. Anecdotally, the defenders who have proven they could handle bigger roles in the When Boston plays Tampa Bay, a regulation win is doubly important past were the ones with strong puck skills that can safely move it out of because it’s not just two extra points for the Bruins, it’s also two fewer trouble with control. Based on tracking data from Corey Sznajder over points for the Lightning. In a divisional matchup, it creates a big swing the past two seasons, Sergachev looks elite in that regard in terms of when it comes to playoff seeding as how much you gain is just as both exiting the defensive zone and entering the offensive zone. There important as how much the team you’re competing with loses. aren’t many defenders in the league with his profile — not even the It’s that exact scenario that makes this proposition uniquely tantalizing departed Krug who was a strong puck-mover playing similarly sheltered compared to an average acquisition. This isn’t just about Boston helping minutes. itself to a potential star defenceman, it’s just as equally about hurting the It remains to be seen whether Sergachev can pass the test and Lightning and taking one away from them. Tampa Bay is by far Boston’s play on a top pairing against the opposition’s best on a nightly basis, but biggest threat in the Eastern Conference and the two are very close in terms of total win value on the roster. Under normal circumstances, the Bruins adding a player of Sergachev’s calibre would add nearly two wins to their lineup while doing nothing to their rivals because that player will usually come via free agency or a bottom feeder. This particular deal also has the added benefit of taking away two wins from Tampa Bay’s, creating a four-win gap where previously there would be nearly none (if the two teams are equal). It’s a massive swing that’s double the actual player’s value — a four-win acquisition. That type of opportunity doesn’t come around often as most contending teams don’t have the cap flexibility that Boston does to bring in a player of Sergachev’s calibre where his potential is still untapped due to being sheltered on an elite team.

But that’s just what happens if Tampa Bay doesn’t match. Ideally, the Bruins want the player first and foremost, but the cherry on top of this potential move is that if the Lightning do match, they’re now in very serious cap trouble being $3.6 million over with Cirelli and Cernak still left to sign, as mentioned before. It leaves them more vulnerable than before (especially if Tampa Bay’s plan was the bridge route) with the benefit of the Lightning having to shed value off its roster still very much in play in order to fit Sergachev’s new deal. Boston may not get the player or the added value, but the move still screws with Tampa Bay’s books in a serious way enough where they lose value. Either way, Boston comes out ahead by forcing Tampa Bay’s hand.

When it comes to offer sheets there’s an unwritten code among general managers not to mess with each other through this avenue, and this proposed offer sheet may seem especially vindictive in that regard. It’s equally about helping one team as much as it is about specifically hurting another, a rival competitor.

Frankly, I don’t care about the code when offer sheets are a tool that was collectively bargained for. If I’m Boston, I care about one thing only: Boston. If it helps Boston improve its Cup odds, then it’s something worth considering and this is a very unique case where the deal has even bigger ramifications given the team that’s being targeted. It helps Boston’s Cup odds in two different ways.

Boston is already the league villain, a team nearly everyone outside of Boston loves to hate. This type of move would only cement that, and when you’re already the heel, you might as well lean into it.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196175 Buffalo Sabres the toughest job in the world. I definitely agree with you that you need the older guys. You need the veteran presence. You need guys like that to calm the bench down when things get going and things aren’t going the Jack Eichel on Sabres' offseason moves: 'It’s so hard to win when you’re right way.” young'

Buffalo News LOADED: 11.24.2020 Lance Lysowski

Nov 23, 2020 Updated 11 hrs ago

Amid an end-of-season interview with reporters in May that included expressions of frustration, captain Jack Eichel noted he wanted to see the Buffalo Sabres add more veterans to the dressing room.

Eichel’s new boss, General Manager , delivered by acquiring former Stanley Cup Eric Staal, signing former Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall and adding center Cody Eakin. The moves apparently earned high marks from Eichel, who turned 24 years old last month and is coming off a season in which he scored a career-high 36 goals in 68 games.

During a recent appearance on the hockey podcast “Missin’ Curfew,” which is hosted by former NHLers Shane O’Brien, and Jimmy Hayes, Eichel was asked what the Sabres need to snap their nine-year playoff drought.

His answer again reflected a desire for the Sabres to go older. Former General Manager , who was fired in June with two years remaining on his contract, went younger with Buffalo’s roster in previous seasons by trading Ryan O’Reilly and providing significant NHL opportunities to Tage Thompson and Casey Mittelstadt. Zach Bogosian, a veteran defenseman who is a close friend of Eichel, went on to win the Stanley Cup with Tampa Bay after being waived by the Sabres last February.

“I know the league is trying to go younger, but I think that you still need those older guys, the veteran guys, the guys that have been there and won. I think you need them in your locker room, first of all, and you need them on the ice. We’ve definitely been young. We’ve been in a transition for a few years now. There’s always young guys coming through the organization and you want to see everyone have success, but you look at the transformation that our team made this offseason.

“We added Eric Staal. Obviously, he’s won a Cup, he’s been around the league for a while. A guy like Cody Eakin, a guy like Hallsy. These are guys, established guys in the league that are older, veteran guys. I think they bring a lot on the ice. Taylor Hall, MVP a few years ago. He’s going to bring a lot to the game, but I think they bring a lot to the locker room and just overall the culture of your group. … It’s so hard to win when you’re young. … I think it’s so important to have that veteran presence in the room and on the ice, so I think it was good for us to add that this offseason. We’ll see what happens.”

Though the Sabres added quality veterans, they also parted way with four forwards who possess NHL experience: Dominik Kahun, Johan Larsson, Jimmy Vesey and Wayne Simmonds. Additionally, coach Ralph Krueger may add two young forwards to the lineup who weren’t on the team at the end of last season: Thompson and Dylan Cozens, a 19-year- old center drafted seventh overall by the Sabres in 2019.

Adams did not make any significant changes on defense – the team’s lone signing was Matt Irwin, a 32-year-old who played in the 2017 Stanley Cup Final with Nashville – but opted to keep veteran goalie Carter Hutton, an important figure in the Sabres’ dressing room.

The team also signed Tobias Rieder, an effective -killer with a resumé that includes 434 regular-season games.

Eichel, who has been training in Florida with Hockey Hall of Famer Adam Oates, mentioned how the past two Stanley Cup champions – the St. Louis Blues and Tampa Bay Lightning – were led by established veteran players. He also noted that the , who reached the Cup Final during the most recent playoffs, added Corey Perry and Joe Pavelski last offseason.

“It’s super hard,” added Eichel. “Look at the teams that made it this year. Look at Dallas. It’s an older group. … These guys have played a thousand games in the NHL and have been around for a while. I think it’s important. I’m not going to try and be a GM here because it’s probably 1196176 Buffalo Sabres Dylan Cozens

$894,167

Looking ahead to the Sabres’ projected salary cap in 2021-22 Curtis Lazar

$800,000

By John Vogl Their cap hit totals $45.87 million, leaving the Sabres with $36.63 million in cap space for 11 more players. Nov 23, 2020 Reinhart, Dahlin and Jokiharju are scheduled to become Buffalo’s marquee restricted free agents. The qualifying offers will be $5.2 million Kevyn Adams has tiptoed nicely through a cap minefield. Faced with 11 for Reinhart and $971,250 for Dahlin and Jokiharju. Those add up to restricted free agents and significant holes to fill, the Sabres’ new general $7.14 million. manager has improved the team and given himself a little financial wiggle The trio will expect larger deals than their qualifying offers, but we’ll start room. with those numbers as a bare minimum expense. The Sabres’ cap is up It’s a good warm-up for next offseason. Things might be even harder. to $52.01 million, leaving them $29.49 million away from the upper limit.

Consider: ’s buyout is also on the books through 2022-23. It adds $791,667, bringing the cap total to $52.8 million and the cap space to The Sabres hope to re-sign Taylor Hall. $28.7 million.

They’ll need new contracts for Rasmus Dahlin, Sam Reinhart and Henri The Sabres need wingers for the third line, which assumes Thompson Jokiharju. will be ready for the second. There are two holes on left defense with the expiring contacts of Jake McCabe and Brandon Montour. They won’t have any NHL goalies on the roster. The big hole, obviously, is in net. There’s no one to play goal. Linus And how much cap space will they have for all that (and more)? Ullmark and Carter Hutton will be unrestricted free agents. Jonas Let’s take a look. Johansson will join them if he doesn’t play 23 games for Buffalo this season. Salary cap The Sabres hope Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will be ready for an NHL role in This year, the cap stayed flat at $81.5 million. It’s a good bet that will 2021-22, but there’s no guarantee. The only other goalie under contract remain for 2021-22. will be Dustin Tokarski, and he hasn’t appeared in an NHL crease since October 2016. The updated collective bargaining agreement, ratified in July, states the “upper limit will remain at $81.5 million until preliminary (hockey-related Roster projection revenue) for the just completed league year surpasses $3.3 billion.” To fill the holes at forward and defense, we’ll dig into Buffalo’s pipeline. With a shortened season, no ticket sales in sight and advertising likely to tumble, it would take a tsunami of reverse retro jersey sales to surpass Arttu Ruotsalainen, Jack Quinn and Andrew Oglevie will compete for $3.3 billion. The hockey-related revenue prior to the pandemic was roster spots this season, so we’ll plug them into the 2021-22 lineup as projected to be around $5 billion, and there’s no doubt the league has two starting wingers and the extra forward. Ruotsalainen and Quinn have taken a significant loss. cap hits of $925,000 while Oglevie is at $750,000, which totals $2.6 million. That brings the cap hit to $55.4 million and lowers the space to So, we’ll assume $81.5 million again next summer. $26.1 million.

Contracts Left-handers Jacob Bryson and Mattias Samuelsson are potential answers to defense holes in 2021 while righty Will Borgen is already The definition of “NHL player” may change with prospect development knocking on the door. Samuelsson’s cap hit is $925,000 and Bryson is at this season. But, as of now, the Sabres have just 11 NHL players under $889,166. Borgen will be a restricted free agent who’s due a qualifying contract for 2021-22. offer of $971,250. Their $2.79 million brings the cap hit to $58.19 million Jack Eichel and lowers the space to $23.31 million.

$10 million We’ll hand the backup goalie job to Luukkonen and his $778,333 cap hit. The cap is at $58.97 million and the space is $22.53 million. Jeff Skinner There’s simply no one else to play goal, so the Sabres will have to sign a $9 million UFA or make a trade. The free-agent market will feature Frederik Andersen, Jordan Binnington, Antti Raanta, Petr Mrazek and Tuukka Kyle Okposo Rask. $6 million Salary projections Rasmus Ristolainen With 20 skaters and one goalie, the Sabres have $22.53 million in cap $5.4 million space available. While that includes the qualifying offers for Dahlin, Reinhart and Jokiharju, it doesn’t include any raises. Colin Miller They’ll get raises. $3.875 million Dahlin will get a large bump from his $925,000. The multimillion-dollar Victor Olofsson question is how much?

$3.05 million There have been a few young, marquee defenseman to sign deals in the Cody Eakin past two years. Ottawa inked Thomas Chabot to a contract worth $8 million. Philadelphia’s Ivan Provorov got $6.75 million. Samuel Girard $2.25 million and Zach Werenski signed for $5 million with Colorado and Columbus, respectively. Zemgus Girgensons The average of those four deals is $6.19 million. Using that conservative $2.2 million figure for Dahlin (while subtracting his qualifying offer) brings the Sabres’ Tage Thompson cap to $64.23 million and lowers the space to $17.27 million.

$1.4 million For Jokiharju, a recent comparable second-tier contract could be Boston’s Brandon Carlo, who signed for $2.85 million. That deal (minus the qualifying offer) puts the cap at $66.06 million and the space at $15.44 million.

The Sabres need to make their final decision on Reinhart next summer. The 2021-22 season will be his last before unrestricted free agency. Another one-year deal would potentially end his Buffalo career while a long-term deal would bring a higher cap hit.

The Sabres gave Reinhart a 38.7 percent raise this summer. A similar increase would put his next deal at $7.2 million. That would bring the Sabres’ cap to $68.06 million and lower the space to $13.44 million.

Bottom line

Boasting more than $13.4 million in cap space with a nearly full roster isn’t bad. Finding a starting goalie could be costly, though.

Nine No. 1 netminders got new deals this summer. The average price was $4.39 million, which would bring the Sabres’ cap space to around $9 million.

That could be enough to re-sign Hall, who joined for $8 million this season.

The potential is certainly there, but the club would be mighty young. Cozens will have to establish himself as a true No. 2 center. Quinn will need to be ready for a scoring line. Samuelsson and Bryson will likely be rookies. Luukkonen would be a first-year NHLer, too.

The projection also includes that $6.19 million figure for Dahlin. Another big leap in his game will allow him to command more.

The Sabres will get monetary relief from the Seattle expansion draft, possibly as much as $2.25 million if the Kraken opts for Eakin or Girgensons.

Add it all up and it appears the Sabres will have room to re-sign their marquee RFAs, keep Hall and add a No. 1 goalie. That’s the goal.

But Adams will no doubt be walking a tightrope. At least he’s had some practice.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196177 Calgary Flames

Mount Royal Cougars set for exhibition against world-junior hopefuls

Staff Report

Calgary Sun

Publishing date: Nov 23, 2020

The Mount Royal University Cougars men’s hockey team will help tune up Team Canada for the world junior hockey championships.

It was confirmed Monday that the Cougars, along with the Alberta Golden Bears, will travel to Red Deer for separate two-game exhibition series against Canada’s roster hopefuls.

There remains a spot on the schedule for a third opponent, leaving open the possibility that the University of Calgary Dinos could also be included.

“To play against the top junior players in Canada is something our whole team is excited about. It’ll be one of those experiences that we’ll never forget and we’re just thankful for the opportunity,” said Cougars captain Tyson Helgesen, a third-year blue-liner and business student. “It gives the whole team something to look forward to. We want to represent MRU and U Sports men’s hockey proudly and the guys have been doing their part by ramping up their level of intensity.”

Team Canada is currently conducting its selection camp inside a bubble in Red Deer. Among those auditioning are Calgary Flames forward prospects and Connor Zary.

They’ll face off against the Golden Bears on Nov. 28-29, clash with the Cougars on Dec. 5-6 and have another back-to-back tentatively set for Dec. 12-13. Each of those games will be broadcast on TSN.

The world junior tournament begins on Christmas Day in Edmonton.

Calgary Sun: LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196178 Calgary Flames “It would be very difficult,” said Spott. “If anything, it’s a testament to the character he has, because not many players could do that for the length of time that he did. It’s very challenging. As much as you’re a hockey After a long, hard road, Josh Leivo looks forward to his Flames debut coach, you’re an amateur sports psychologist because you continually have to find ways to motivate.”

With the Leafs, more often than not, that task fell to assistant D.J. Smith, By Scott Cruickshank who spent time with Leivo, “just to make sure he was feeling good about himself,” according to Spott. “You go through ups and downs as a player. Nov 23, 2020 As coaches, our job is to make sure that they’re leaving the ice every day trying to feel good about themselves.

Go to an NHL rink. Take an elevator up. Peek into the press box. On “And that sometimes is a challenge because you don’t see a light at the hand are three game-time givens: bad popcorn and hot coffee and Josh end of the tunnel. But, thankfully for Josh, he found that light.” Leivo. Even if that light features a dimmer switch. If that sounds harsh, imagine how the young forward of the Toronto Leivo’s time with coach Travis Green and the Canucks started in Maple Leafs felt. splendid fashion — on the top line with Elias Pettersson and Brock Sure, healthy scratches are a thing of the past for Leivo. But back in Boeser, scoring a goal in his Vancouver debut. 2016-17? In 2017-18? He might as well have been another piece of However, his stint ended in abrupt fashion 12 months later, when, in furniture upstairs. While desperately trying to gain an NHL foothold, Leivo December 2019, he was cranked into the boards by Vegas Golden ended up sitting out more than 100 times under coach , Knights defender Nick Holden. including an official DNP count of 66 one season. On the sequence, he fractured his right kneecap, which required surgical When Leivo DP — did play — he was actually decent. Good, even. This repair, which cost him the rest of this past season, including the hub-city is a 6-foot-2 winger with better than industry-standard ability and a playoffs. snappy . During one stretch he made 10 consecutive appearances — and responded with nine points. Then he was shoved back to the For a player, especially one on an expiring contract, it stood as a wicked roster’s fringes. blow. What now?

It’s telling that Leivo took his medicine — and took it without a public Going into free agency last month, Leivo wasn’t sure what to expect. He peep. says a half-dozen clubs reached out initially, all of them curious about the state of his knee. With cross-border travel restrictions — and teams He says that he had a couple of buddies who, while going through similar wanting their doctors to inspect his leg — the field of suitors narrowed, trials, had popped off, had acted out. It turned out to be Leivo says, to basically Vancouver and Calgary. counterproductive. So he flew here and got checked over by Flames medical staffers, who, “It’s a hard league to make — I didn’t want to blow it (by) saying in turn, gave general manager the thumbs up. something stupid,” Leivo said the other day. “I just wanted to work hard and hopefully somebody would notice that and give me an opportunity.” Leivo also learned an interesting tidbit — that Treliving had tried to pry him out of Toronto back in the day, but Leafs boss Which is what happened. refused to budge. “It just never worked out for some reason.” This time, Leivo, in December 2018, was transferred to the , though, the Flames would not be denied. with whom he finally received a fair on-ice opportunity. And more “From Day 1, they pursued pretty hard,” he said. “They hunted me more recently, of course, the 27-year-old has been welcomed with open arms (than anyone else). It felt great to be wanted that way, especially coming by the Calgary Flames. off an injury and a scare like that. So I went with my gut on it. It felt right.” All positive notes, adding yet more layers to Leivo’s stick-with-it story. Leivo, of course, is familiar with fellow former Canucks — Jacob But, looking back, he acknowledges that it had been no picnic in Toronto. Markstrom and Chris Tanev — now at the Saddledome. Plus, he typically A kid from the area who played junior in Sudbury and Kitchener and works out in the summers with Sean Monahan and Mark Giordano. And graduated from the AHL’s Marlies. And then? He got grounded at the Air he knows Byron Froese from their overlapping days with the Marlies and Canada Centre — while tantalizingly close to his goal. Leafs.

Had the fairy tale played out, it would have been highlighted by heroics “The guys were texting me and everything,” said Leivo. “It was a full-team and championships, all while draped in blue and white. No one effort to get me here. We’ll wait and see how that goes, but it should be daydreams about game-day bag skates and long nights in the press box. an exciting time in Calgary.”

“Frustrating, but I’m an easy-going guy,” said Leivo. “I didn’t want to bring His new contract is a single season for $875,000 — coming off a deal the team down. I liked being in Toronto. The guys were great. Very easy that paid him $1.5 million. For the Flames, it’s a bargain. to be a part of that group. It’s very unfortunate I couldn’t get in. I don’t But there’s no telling where Leivo winds up slotted. Given the city-wide know what it was. I’d play well and still wouldn’t get in. interest in re-arranging the forward group — combined with his versatility “But you know what? I can’t complain. I learned a lot from it. But I never and right-handedness (a roster rarity) — he presents to the coaches want to be in that situation again. So I make sure that every time I go out plenty of flexibility. on that ice, I’m giving my all. I don’t know what the situation was … but “He’s starting to hit his stride,” Spott said. “He’s getting to that point of his I’ve moved on from it.” career now where he knows the league, he knows the buildings, he Consider Steve Spott an expert here on a couple of levels — on Leivo, understands it. Now he can just play — and be comfortable at the NHL on bag skates. level. That’s not always easy for players wondering if they’re going to be a healthy scratch or wondering if they’re going to be sent down. He traded for, then coached, Leivo in OHL Kitchener. And in 2013-14, player and coach turned pro together, joining the Marlies. Leivo mentions “He’s at the point of his career where he can take a breath. But, at the Spott by name when discussing his successful transition to the AHL. same time, he knows he has to continue to perform to have the opportunity to get that big contract. I think that’s something he’s going to And Spott these days — as an assistant coach in the NHL, now with shoot for now.” Vegas — is someone in charge of administering to the extras the morning’s on-ice punishment. Leivo’s grandparents lived near Lake Wilcox in Richmond Hill, Ont., and his father, Kari, would bundle him up and take him onto the ice. Meaning he gets it. The drill is familiar to him. “I hated it at first because my skates were too tight,” he said. “He taught So for a player to experience the number of sitdowns — and setbacks — me a little bit, then he let me learn.” that Leivo did? Well … Growing up, Leivo showed that he could play, although not exactly like start. “It was a very trying time … it was not easy. Mike Babcock is Mike Pops (who, in 1985-86, paced the OJHL with 493 penalty minutes — 172 Babcock. Josh didn’t get a lot of breaks there. But he persevered and (!) more than the next surliest player — in 42 games). practised hard, worked on his game and waited for his opportunity.”

“Yeah, he was a little bit of a nutcase out there — old-school hockey,” And when the Leafs needed a roster spot for the late-signing William said Leivo with a laugh. “Big scrapper, but, apparently, he could still put Nylander, Leivo got the fresh start he desperately wanted, heading to the puck in the net. He wasn’t shy to drop the mitts. But I’m different than Vancouver in exchange for minor-league winger Michael Carcone. him. I’ve got a little more skill than he had.” As a bonus, he got to wear No. 17 — his dad’s number — with the The OHL took notice. The selected Leivo in the 11th Canucks. (In Sudbury, it had been retired — Mike Foligno — and in round, 205th overall, of the league’s priority draft in 2009. Toronto everyone knows that’s Wendel Clark’s sweater.)

A cool moment, no doubt, but this was a kid with other interests. “In Vancouver, I asked for the number,” said Leivo. “It wasn’t in the rafters yet — there’s a couple good players that have had it (notably Even after a season in the OHL, he was still pitching. Following a two- ) — but once I had it, I was excited. It was cool to be able to hitter, Leivo was approached by scouts from the Kansas City Royals and wear that number in the NHL.” Cleveland Indians. “Threw some nasty junk and some heat,” said Leivo, who also played shortstop. “I think I had some potential in , but (And in Calgary? He laughs. “Obviously, Looch being here, I’m not going … hockey was always the first true love.” to say much — he can have that.” No. 27 is fine.)

Especially after getting drafted into the NHL. Making his Canucks debut against the — and getting nearly 17 minutes of ice time — he opened the scoring, with the helpers Not that he’d been in the Xcel Energy Center bleachers when his name going to his new friends, Pettersson and Boeser. was called in 2011. “Josh’s time in Vancouver speaks for itself,” Pulver said. “His advanced Not that he’d been awake. stats were outstanding. He put the puck in the net. And when he was on Understandably. the ice, he did really good things. Travis Green gave him every opportunity in the world — I thought Josh took full advantage of it.” Leivo, after all, had failed to crack Central Scouting’s rankings of the top North American skaters, a list that went 210 teenagers deep. So when Leivo finished with 10 goals in 49 appearances. Then last season, while the Leafs stepped up 86th overall and shouted out his name — one pick on an eight-point-in-11-date run, he suffered that knee damage. after Alan Quine and three before Jordan Binnington — he had been “I was just coming along, finding my game,” said Leivo. “I find that my oblivious. game builds as the year goes on. Right then I was starting to feel it a bit “I’d talked to St. Louis a little bit. They said maybe sixth round, seventh more, feeling more comfortable. Then it was unfortunate with that shitty round. Then, all of a sudden, the surprise in the third round,” said Leivo. injury I had.” “I was sleeping. I had a bunch of missed calls … about seven calls from Rehabbing took longer than expected, which kept him out of the seven different people. I was in shock for the first little bit, but once it all postseason bubble in Edmonton, where the Canucks knocked off settled down it was awesome to get drafted by your hometown team.” Minnesota and St. Louis, before falling in Game 7 to Vegas.

He skated another winter in Sudbury, then, midway through his third All Leivo could do was watch. season with the Wolves, he was dealt to the . Just like his days with the Leafs — more spectator than contributor. Eager to make a run, Spott reeled in both Leivo and Frankie Corrado. “It was a big trade at that time. I guess you call them blockbusters.” But only “The grind I’ve had … being a scratch for two and a half, three years, after doing his due diligence. then the patience with the knee, really put things into perspective,” said Leivo. “I don’t take anything for granted now. I’m ready to work in every “Like any general manager, you dig in to find out what kind of person situation. you’d be bringing into your organization,” he said. “Josh checked all the boxes. He obviously made us a much better hockey club, but he was “It’s been a long journey. My family’s grinded it out with me. Just to be also the type of person we wanted to bring into the Kitchener area. able to play another game, that’ll be instant relief. I can’t wait for it.” Thankfully we were able to acquire him. Already, after informal skates in Calgary, he’s compared wounds with “I thought he was going to be a good pro. Coming into Kitchener, I think it Matthew Phillips, who also dinged up his kneecap last December. It feels was a good stepping stone for him to deal with big-moment situations. like he already knows half of the Flames players. And he and head coach Friday nights in the (Kitchener Memorial) Auditorium were a mini-version Geoff Ward share ties to the Kitchener Rangers. Which can’t hurt, either. of a pro game. “It almost doesn’t feel like I’m switching teams.” “It was a good fit for him and for his family and a good transition for him going into the the following year.” Leivo and his young family — fiancée Bianca and their young boys, Zayne and Cruz — have moved into a place in Kensington. It showed. As a 20-year-old, Leivo authored 23 goals in 59 games for the Marlies. Which got him that much closer to the Leafs. The fit on the ice, according to Flames brass, is ideal.

Heck, the teams practised in the same building. Spott agrees.

“Our dressing room was right across the way from the Maple Leafs’ “A brilliant signing,” he said. “Josh’s ability to hang on to the puck and his dressing room,” said Spott, “so for our players, it was a lot of motivation puck possession offensively down low are elite. He’s able to make plays to get from one side of the rink to the other.” in tight areas. He possesses it, he protects it. Players work on that all the time. But, for him, it’s one of those god-given attributes. While with the Marlies, Leivo was encouraged to brush up his skating stride, so he worked with Barb Underhill. “That was probably the most “It’s going to be very interesting. If he stays healthy, he could have a glaring area … he put a lot of time and energy into that,” said Spott. “Just breakout year.” rounding him out so he could become an everyday NHL player.” Asked what excites him the most about joining the Flames, Leivo says He got seven games with the Leafs that season, nine more the next, a it’s the potential of the local outfit. dozen in 2015-16, all while toiling primarily with the Marlies. “I think anyone could see it,” he said. “Wardo wants to win. He wants to However, the next two seasons, while full-time with the Leafs, Leivo bring that into the locker room. I want to win. To bring a Stanley Cup to skated in only 29 NHL contests — and, deflatingly, was scratched more this city would be amazing. I think it was ’89 that they won it, right? than 100 times. “Any Canadian team winning the Stanley Cup would be amazing. And, “He’s a player’s player. He’s always had a great attitude, even through hopefully, it’s Calgary.” the tough times in Toronto when Mike Babcock wasn’t playing him,” said agent Ian Pulver, who has served as Leivo’s representative from the The Athletic LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196179 Chicago Blackhawks

Former Chicago Blackhawks enforcer Daniel Carcillo tells HBO’s ‘Real Sports’ that psychedelic drugs helped him battle post-concussion effects

By PHIL ROSENTHAL

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

NOV 23, 2020 AT 7:53 PM

Retired Chicago Blackhawks enforcer Daniel Carcillo says it took a mind- blowing drug to save his brain — and his life.

“It was the most amazing experience,” Carcillo says on the latest edition of “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel,” set to debut at 9 p.m. CST Tuesday on HBO and HBO Max.

Carcillo, who sued the NHL over his concussion-related injuries, is among the former athletes on the program extolling the benefits of psychedelic drugs in helping him cope with aftereffects of brain trauma.

The research in this area, correspondent David Scott notes, is “embryonic but intriguing.”

“Real Sports” opens its segment with Carcillo in the Peruvian jungle, where under supervision he would receive a potent hallucinogenic cocktail brewed from ayahuasca, a drug that’s illegal in much of the world.

Carcillo’s nickname as a player was “Car Bomb,” which he attributes to “being a psycho on and off the ice and being totally unpredictable.”

The winger played three of his nine NHL seasons with the Blackhawks and was part of their 2013 and 2015 Stanley Cup championships.

Twice he led the league in penalty minutes and paid a price well beyond what the refs meted out.

Carcillo had seven diagnosed concussions. Unofficially, he says, the number was in the hundreds before he retired in 2015. The damage followed him off the ice.

“I was spiritually, mentally and physically dead inside,” Carcillo says on HBO, rattling off a series of debilitating afflictions such as “light sensitivity, slurred speech, headaches, head pressure, insomnia, impulse-control issues, short-term memory loss, long-term memory loss, concentration issues.”

Things were so bad, he says he began eyeing the beams in his home ominously and contemplating suicide.

But Carcillo contends the ayahuasca, which had him communing with his long-dead grandparents, was transformative in ways traditional medicine, therapy and psychotherapy have not been.

“I do not suffer from any of those symptoms any longer,” he says.

His wife, Ela, backs up Carcillo, saying he’s a changed man.

“It’s amazing,” says Rick Doblin, a researcher and advocate of the therapeutic use of psychedelic drugs. “But, yes, he has rewired his brain, and because there (are) new pathways he’s built in his brain, it lasts.”

Doblin concedes the hallucinogens are neither a cure-all nor risk-free, but he says “benefits are often substantial.”

There are other voices in Scott’s report, other anecdotes shared. No experts with conflicting views are heard, however.

“I’m just trying to look for more peace, more peace of mind, less suffering,” Carcillo says.

Later, he adds, “I’m living my best life by far.”

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Olympic hockey star Kendall Coyne Schofield becomes the 1st woman hired by Chicago Blackhawks as a player development coach

By PHIL THOMPSON

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

NOV 23, 2020 AT 12:34 PM

Kendall Coyne Schofield has added another first to her hockey resume.

The Olympic women’s hockey gold medalist will join the Rockford IceHogs staff as player development coach and youth hockey growth specialist, the Chicago Blackhawks announced Monday. She’s believed to be the first female full-time coaching hire in the Hawks organization.

On Jan. 25, 2019, the Palos Heights native made headlines as the first woman to compete in the NHL All-Stars skills competition, timing at 14.326 seconds in the fastest-skater challenge.

Coyne Schofield has been part of the Hawks organization in various roles for seven years, and she said male players and staff have been very supportive.

“No matter who walks through the door, whether it’s a new coach, a new nutritionist, a new strength coach, as a new coach you need to earn the trust and the respect of the players, and I plan on doing that regularly through the work ethic that I will show,” she told reporters in a Zoom call Monday. “That’s how I made it as a player and that’s how I plan on making it as a coach.

“While I might be the first female coach a lot of these players have worked with, I don’t see it being an issue. I see them as seeing me as someone that’s going to help them aspire to get to the next level to fulfill their NHL dream. I’m going to do everything I can to get them ready to do that.”

The Hawks also announced the hiring of Erik Condra as an IceHogs player development coach and Juan Gonzalez as strength and conditioning coach.

“Adding talented people with diverse and multifaceted backgrounds like Kendall, Erik and Juan enhances our operations as we assess the changing landscape of hockey at all levels and continue to build and maintain a system of elite hockey,” Hawks general manager said in a statement. “Each of these individuals brings unique experience to their position, and we are excited to welcome them to the Blackhawks family.”

Coyne Schofield becomes part of a wave of female pioneers in professional hockey.

Dawn Braid made history in 2016 when the hired her as skating coach — the first woman to hold a full-time coaching position in the NHL.

Last year, the expansion franchise hired former U.S. Olympic team captain and Downers Grove native as the league’s first female pro scout.

Earlier this month, Emily Engel-Natzke was named the AHL ’ video coach, making her the first female coach in the Washington Capitals organization.

Coyne Schofield has served as a community liaison for the Hawks for several years. As a player development coach, she will help IceHogs coach Derek King and his staff with “evaluating, assessing and scouting potential prospects,” according to the Hawks statement.

The Sandburg High School alumna also will be involved with community work, building on her “Golden Coynes” all-girls program as well as overall youth outreach through grassroots programs and clinics.

Chicago Tribune LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196181 Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks make Kendall Coyne Schofield the team’s first female player development coach

By Ben Pope@BenPopeCST

Updated Nov 23, 2020, 4:53pm CST

As a player, Kendall Coyne Schofield already has reached the pinnacle of her career.

But as a coach, her journey officially has just begun.

On Monday, the Blackhawks made Coyne Schofield the franchise’s first female player development coach, headlining several additions to the front office.

The team also hired retired NHL forward Erik Condra as another player development coach and Juan Gonzalez as the Rockford IceHogs’ strength and conditioning coach and promoted Meghan Hunter to director of hockey administration.

Coyne Schofield, 28, a Palos Heights native and six-time world champion with the U.S. women’s national team, started with the Hawks as a media- relations intern in 2014.

More recently, she had served as a community-relations liaison for the Hawks — running an all-girls youth hockey program in Chicago known as the “Golden Coynes,” which will continue despite her new position — and had tried her hand at broadcasting.

“I’ve spoken to so many of my now-teammates with the Blackhawks and said it finally feels real,” she said Monday. “It was organic in the way that it happened, and I knew I could be an asset in player development. I knew I wanted to get my feet wet, and I knew I could help this team.”

Coyne Schofield said her duties will be diverse, helping to train, coach and advise players at various levels of the organization on and off the ice. She’ll spend the most time with the IceHogs.

But she’ll also remain an active player with the women’s national team, which will seek to defend its 2018 Olympic gold medal in 2022. She sees that duality of roles as an advantage.

“There are going to be some funny moments,’’ she said. ‘‘Maybe if I’m telling a player, ‘Do this,’ then he watches me play and he says, ‘You told me not to do that, and you just did it!’ But I’m still a player, so I’m still in the same shoes that they walk every day. But at the same time, I’m fulfilling that role as their player development coach, which will help them get to the next level.”

Condra, 34, played 372 games as a forward for the Senators, Lightning and Stars from 2010 to 2019, retiring from pro hockey just this year.

A Michigan native, Condra will join Coyne Schofield as well as fellow ex- NHL players Mark Eaton, Brian Campbell, Yanic Perreault and in the Hawks’ development coaching tree.

Gonzalez worked as a strength and conditioning adviser for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program.

“Adding talented people with diverse and multifaceted backgrounds like Kendall, Erik and Juan enhances our operations as we assess the changing landscape of hockey at all levels,” general manager Stan Bowman said.

Hunter, an native and former University of Wisconsin star, previously served as Bowman’s senior assistant. In addition to her new director post, she’ll also help with amateur scouting.

Coyne Schofield’s hiring and Hunter’s promotion come a week after MLB’s Marlins made Kim Ng the first female general manager in the history of the four major North American pro sports leagues.

“There are a lot of young girls in this area and beyond that are looking at this and saying, ‘Wait, I can do that, too?’ ” Coyne Schofield said.

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Historic hire: Coyne Schofield joins Blackhawks as development coach

Scot Gregor

Follow @scotgregor

Updated

11/23/2020 6:43 PM

Kendall Coyne Schofield keeps making history.

Already well known for her prolific play in the Olympic Winter Games, which includes winning a gold medal with the U.S. women's team in 2018, Coyne Schofield became the first female development coach in Blackhawks history on Monday.

The Palos Heights native and Sandburg High School graduate will work with players at Rockford, the Hawks' top minor-league affiliate.

"This is an incredible opportunity," the 28-year-old Coyne Schofield said. "I'm so excited. I remember being three years old putting on my first pair of skates and watching the Blackhawks play, and at seven years old playing in the junior Blackhawks game at the United Center and doing it again when I was nine.

"And then from there, time passed and I became the (Blackhawks' media relations) intern in 2014 after the Olympics. I've always felt a part of this organization so to see things finally be formalized, from a business standpoint, is such an honor. As a young kid, I always dreamed to be a part of this organization."

Coyne Schofield has already made a name for herself at the NHL level. She became the first female to compete in the All-Star Game's fastest skater competition (2019) and has also been a broadcaster on NBC Sports Network.

Now, Schofield is ready for her next challenge with the Blackhawks.

"While I might be the first female coach a lot of these players have worked with, I don't see it being an issue," she said. "I see them seeing me as someone that's going to aspire to get to the next level to fulfill their NHL dream and I'm going to do everything I can to get them ready to do that.

"I think no matter who walks through the door, whether it's a new coach, a new nutritionist, a new strength coach, you need to earn the trust and the respect of the players. I plan on doing that right away through the work ethic that I will show them. That's how I made it as a player and that's how I plan on making it as a coach."

The Hawks also announced Erik Condra has been hired as a player development coach and he'll work with Coyne Schofield in Rockford.

Originally drafted by Ottawa in 2006, Condra played in 372 games with the Senators, Lightning and Stars.

Daily Herald Times LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196183 Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago hires Coyne Schofield as player development coach

By STEPHEN WHYNO

Associated Press

Updated

11/23/2020 4:30 PM

Kendall Coyne Schofield figures there will be a time in her new role as player development coach that a Chicago Blackhawks prospect will razz her for preaching one thing and doing the opposite on the ice herself.

She's not worried about how she'll be received as a woman in a men's professional sport.

Coyne Schofield is the first woman to become a player development coach in the Blackhawks' 94-year history. While planning to continue playing for the U.S. women's national team, the 28-year-old will work with the coaching staff of Chicago's top minor league affiliate in Rockford, , and serve as youth hockey growth specialist.

She joins a slowly growing list of women working in hockey operations for an NHL team. Retired Canadian star Hayley Wickenheiser is assistant director of player development for the , while the expansion Seattle Kraken hired Hall of Famer Cammi Granato as a pro scout and Alexandra Mandrycky as director of hockey strategy and research.

Hockey hasn't advanced as quickly as other sports, like in baseball, where Kim Ng became general manager of the Miami Marlins, or football and , where women are full-time assistant coaches. Coyne Schofield hopes she helps that change.

Coyne Schofield previously held broadcasting jobs with NBC Sports and the San Jose Sharks. She said a conversation with Granato made her want to move into hockey operations and she would like to move into coaching or management someday.

Chicago also added former NHL forward Erik Condra as player development coach, hired Juan Gonzalez from USA Hockey to be a minor league strength and conditioning coach and promoted Meghan Hunter to director of hockey administration and amateur scout.

Condra will join Coyne Schofield working with the Rockford IceHogs after playing eight seasons in the NHL. Gonzalez was most recently a strength and conditioning adviser for USA Hockey's National Team Development Program. Hunter had been senior executive assistant to Bowman before her promotion.

Daily Herald Times LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196184 Chicago Blackhawks It’s just getting him over here, playing our game, getting him on a smaller rink like they all go through. The communications that our organization has had with him, seems like a really young man.”

Michael Krutil, Isaak Phillips: Blackhawks draft pick analysis, Part I Fifth round, No. 141: Isaak Phillips, defenseman, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)

Left-handed, 6-3, 195 pounds, 19 years old

By Scott Powers Isaak Phillips has always been a great skater. What he’s getting used to Nov 23, 2020 is being a great skater with size, which has just come on in recent years.

The Blackhawks are hoping Phillips figures out how to combine those traits and develops into an NHL defenseman. The potential is there. There was so little time to reflect on the NHL draft this offseason, with free agency opening shortly after. Phillips’ strengths: What Sudbury Wolves coach Cory Stillman first noticed about Phillips was his skating. So with some downtime as the NHL figures out when next season will begin, it’s a good time to revisit the eight players the Blackhawks drafted “I think his feet, how quickly he can close,” Stillman said. “His first three this year. From their first-round pick Lukas Reichel to their seventh-round strides for a defensemen are very good. I think that was the biggest thing pick Louis Crevier, I’ll provide an overview of each player in this two-part for me. He’s a big kid. He defends well. We’re working on his offensive series. game. But moving forward as he goes into the , I see him as a player that can play in a shutdown role, play hard minutes We’ll start with the final four draft picks and break down the first four later and play a lot. this week. “I think the confidence in the game for him is growing and also the size Right-handed, 6-3, 202 pounds, 18 years old and the strength. He can see plays now. He can skate himself out of trouble because he’s bigger, he’s stronger. He grew from his first year of Michael Krutil may have been drafted higher if he had been healthier camp to the NHL draft. He probably grew about four inches and put on over the last few seasons. But multiple injuries derailed him and left NHL 20 pounds. He’s still learning to play with his body.” teams with an unclear picture of his future. Where Phillips can improve: Phillips’ focus will be on being a more When healthy, Krutil has shown he has a lot of tools that could make him physical player. an NHL defenseman. He has size. He can skate. He’s physical. He handles the puck well. He’s creative. The question now is if he can stay “So what happens in there is all of a sudden you get drafted, you’ve healthy. played, you’ve been a smaller kid for a long time,” Stillman said. “You’re coming into midget hockey, there’s kids who are 5-5, there are guys who Krutil’s strengths: Krutil has a lot of traits to be an all-around are 6-2. He was a guy who was 5-11, not small, but wasn’t big. He relied defenseman. a lot on his stick, so he has a good stick, good stick on puck. But now “His strengths are his defensive activity, stopping the opponent, removing he’s grown, now he’s 6-3, now you expect the physical presence out of the puck, relaxing with the puck from the wall, boxing out, good passing, him. All of it is still having the good stick, having the stick on the ice, but power player, good work on the attacking blue line,” Sparta Praha U-20 now taking that extra stride and making body contact. Guiding him into coach Richard Zemlicka wrote in an email. the corner, when maybe if you’re smaller, you don’t do it. Now he sees it himself, he believes it he can make that. I’ve angled you, I’m bigger than Sparta Praha sports manager Petr Ton also spoke highly of Krutil’s you, I’m stronger than you, now I’m going to finish my check. That to me game. is how he’s going to become a more physical player. It takes some time. Once you understand it, it goes into your book, OK, when I’m playing “He’s obviously still developing, but I can say that he skates well, has well, what am I doing? For Isaak, it’s going to be eliminating players. He good technique and shot,” Ton said. “Overall I would say that he is built does it. I just want more from him on it.” to be successful in modern hockey. … I think he is one of the best 2002- born players in the Czech Republic. He has a strong chance to Stillman also thought Phillips could be a more dangerous offensive participate in this year’s World Juniors, even though he is a year player. younger. I believe that if he continues to work on himself, he has a chance to make it in the NHL, however, it is way too early to be making “I think moving the puck. He skates himself out of traffic extremely well,” these predictions.” Stillman said. “I’d like for him at times to maybe make a quick play, move the puck and then jump in. He can create the way he skates. He can Where Krutil can improve: Staying healthy is the priority for Krutil now. make a 3-on-2, a 4-on-2. So if he moves the puck, he gets there. I think a lot of kids, working on their shot, hitting the net, getting it through traffic, “Michael’s biggest issue right now are frequent injuries,” Ton said. “He it’s a skill. It’s a skill by defensemen now because everybody is in needs to find a way to work with his body in a way that will help him shooting lanes, everybody blocks shots, so we need our defensemen to prevent them. He was injured throughout most of last season.” work on every day of getting the puck, pass the first checker of a winger, Video: Krutil gets the faceoff, carries the puck inside to create a different pass the net-front, and if you can hit the net, there’s a chance to go in, shooting lane and contributes to a goal. One of Krutil’s best offensive but the biggest thing is there’s a rebound that’s staying in front of the assets is his fearlessness while handling the puck. net.”

Where Krutil will play this season: Krutil is currently on loan playing for Video: Phillips shows off his skating as he carves his way through the HC Stadion Litomerice in the second division in the Czech Republic. He defense. is expected to join the of the WHL after the World Where Phillips will play this season: Phillips will return to Sudbury for his Junior Championship. third season whenever the OHL season begins. When Krutil could join the Blackhawks: The Blackhawks will likely allow When Phillips could join the Blackhawks: Phillips is another player the Krutil to develop a year or two in the WHL before signing him. Blackhawks have two years to decide on. His development will determine Other thoughts: “The biggest thing is he was injured last year and really that. affected his draft positioning,” Kelowna Rockets general manager Bruce Other thoughts: “He comes, he works hard, he’s got a smile on his face,” Hamilton said. “Probably didn’t play a lot until Christmas, I think. We got Stillman said. “There’s never a problem. During the game, I can correct a pretty good lead on him from one of our guys over there and then the his mistake, I can mention it to him and he goes out the next shift and will agent (who) represents himself actually has Pavel Novak that we have complete that task. Great to teach, great to coach.” on our club here, who played with us last year, who is from the same area. We got some pretty good information on him. We dug up lots of Right-handed, 5-11, 178 pounds, 20 years old video on him. Big guy, skates really well. We just hope we get started, he gets an opportunity to come over and here play. The Blackhawks have had luck drafting goal scorers from the in the past, including Alex DeBrincat. “I think he’s got a really good offensive side of him. What we’re hoping is he’s a power-play guy. He’s a really good-sized player, skates really well. Chad Yetman isn’t DeBrincat. But Yetman has plenty of offensive upside. Crevier’s strengths: Crevier’s future is dependent on how he learns to After going undrafted the two previous years, he broke out for 43 goals in utilize his size. For Sagueneens coach and general manager Yanick 61 games last season in the OHL and put himself on the Blackhawks’ Jean, Crevier has already come a long way in his development. radar. “His overall game has improved dramatically,” Jean said. “It’s amazing to Yetman’s strengths: Yetman knows where to put himself and how to see his progression from one year to another every year since he arrived score. to the league. He’s 6-foot-8. He uses his stick very well. He never gets beat 1-on-1. He’s more and more physical as his progression goes. “He works on his game constantly,” Otters coach said. Tremendous pick the Blackhawks made. “He’s got a great wrist shot. It’s a deceptive release. He puts himself in areas to score goals. He does score off the rush a little bit. He’s not “He always had good mobility. He always had good hockey sense. He afraid to shoot it when he needs to. I think that was always our challenge always had good stick-handling and shot. It was just a matter of fact of to him was don’t pass up a chance to shoot the puck and certainly we honing his body. When you grow up that fast, sometimes the saw that this year where the clip he was scoring was pretty impressive. coordination takes a little bit more time to develop. It’s not one part of his … Like I said, he’s able to beat guys 1-on-1, he’s able to score pretty game that was lacking. His stick work is so good and he improved so goals. But on our power play, he plays that net-front area. He’s smart much in that department, that’s why he never gets beat.” around there. He’s able to get his stick available. He’s able to find rebounds. He’s able to put himself in position where rebounds might Where Crevier can improve: “He just keeps improving every part of it,” come. Jean said. “He can shoot it. I want to see him put more and more pucks on net and I want to see him more and more physical. “I think with all kids they develop at a different rate. I think Chad still has the ability to get stronger. I think he will now especially after the year he “First he had to improve his stick game. Now his stick is really efficient. had and trying to prove to people he can be a pro. Nothing from me. It He doesn’t make any mistakes. Now we want him to bring the stick on was just always there. Honestly, it was just a matter of him believing in puck, then finish on the body. Since Christmas last year, we’re more himself, not getting down on himself. And Chad is such a positive kid, demanding on him to finish on the body. Previous to that it was more the once he figured out all that stuff out, we all knew he was going to pop at stick work.” some point.” Where Crevier will play this season: Crevier is back with Chicoutimi this Where Yetman can improve: Because Yetman is older, he doesn’t have season. The QMJHL has already begun playing games. He has four as much time to prove himself to the Blackhawks. He has to show them assists in eight games. he’s worth taking a shot on with a contract. His game took a step in a lot When he could join the Blackhawks: The Blackhawks have a two-year of different areas last season, and he’ll have to continue that this season. window to decide whether to sign Crevier. Odds are he’ll play the next “It’s funny, I remember a year-end meeting after his first year, he wanted two seasons in the QMJHL while the Blackhawks weigh whether to sign to be the best,” Hartsburg said. “His wording was I think, best offensive him. player, or the best player in the offensive zone. I said to him, why can’t Other thoughts: “This is the kind of defenseman you win with in the you be the best player in all three zones. I think he’s taken upon that to playoffs,” Jean said. “You know, those resistant, don’t-miss games, they be that for us especially, and I think it showed, whatever the poll was, he don’t get injured. Every year, there’s that kind of defenseman, (Colton) was voted the most underrated player in the league. I think for me that’s Parayko with St. Louis, guys like that. It’s not like they make a ton of what we always knew. He knew he was a great hockey player. It was just points, but they’re so effective and even more in the playoffs. He’s going a matter of recognition. Playing on a team that maybe isn’t viewed as an to play. I could not understand he was not picked before that.” upper-echelon team, you get kind of dismissed a little bit. But for us, we always knew what we had here.

“I think his general progression is to be the guy. If we lose Max Golod, The Athletic LOADED: 11.24.2020 which may or may not happen, Chad’s going to be our top forward and he’s going to be relied on to be that for us every night. He’s an all- situation player for us and that certainly won’t change. Now it’s a matter of maybe making his linemates better, which he has done really throughout his career. He makes players better. He’s an easy guy to play with. Again for me, it’s growing off what he’s done the last two years especially and not just resting on his laurels, maybe you got drafted and things might be easier. I think he knows better than that. He certainly won’t have a let up. Now there’s going to be a little bit more pressure on him, for sure.”

When Yetman could join the Blackhawks: The Blackhawks have a two- year window to sign Yetman, but it’s likely they’ll sign him after this season considering his age. They’d be better off having him in Rockford next season when he’s 21.

Other thoughts: “I think the one thing about Chad, he’s just a natural-born leader,” Hartsburg said. “He’s kind of been the big brother for a lot of younger players since he’s arrived. He cares. He’s bright. He’s intellectual. He’s going to do what he can to be a player. I wasn’t surprised when Chicago took him just because this kid’s on an upward trend, boy. He’s going to do whatever he can to get there. I think it was a hell of a pick by the Blackhawks.

The Blackhawks have gone nearly all in with larger defensemen in the last two drafts. Five of the six defensemen they took were at least 6-foot- 3. And none is taller than Louis Crevier.

A player of that size often comes with upsides and downsides. They’re also a rarity in the NHL. There were three defensemen who stood 6-7 or taller in the league last year. Over the last decade, there have been nine, including former Blackhawks defensemen John Scott and Viktor Svedberg.

But if you’re going to take a chance at a 6-8 defenseman, you might as well do so late in the draft. 1196185 Columbus Blue Jackets league. He last played for the Brûleurs de Loups (Wolf Burners!) as a 17- year-old in 2016-17.

The very good news is that Texier’s grandmother is doing better. Hockey in the time of COVID-19: Blue Jackets find success and frustration abroad The rough news is that Texier played only one game with Grenoble before the season was put on hold because of the pandemic.

So Texier is biding his time in Grenoble. He practices with the team in the By Aaron Portzline morning but otherwise is allowed to leave his apartment for only one hour Nov 23, 2020 per day to run necessary errands such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy.

France’s lockdown has been as strict as any in Europe. Restaurants and COLUMBUS, Ohio — When it became apparent last summer that the bars are closed, as are most non-essential businesses. Schools and 2020-21 NHL season wouldn’t start on time, many players looked toward factories are open. Anybody seen in public without a mask is subject to a leagues in Europe or Russia as a way to stay sharp and play competitive fine of 135 euros, or about $160 U.S. games while they waited and wondered. “That’s in place until Dec. 1, but they might be extending it,” Texier said. Call them COVID contracts. All of the players were loaned to foreign “The situation here is pretty bad.” clubs by their NHL teams with the agreement that the players would be free to leave shortly before NHL camps were scheduled to open, likely Rediscovering his offensive touch (hopefully) sometime in December. One of the lingering (and painful) memories of the Blue Jackets’ first- Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen encouraged all of his round playoff loss to Tampa Bay involved Emil Bemstrom, who came to players to consider it, but it was only young players who followed Columbus last season with sterling credentials as a sharpshooter after a through. strong season in .

I caught up with three prominent young Blue Jackets to detail their Bemstrom had the puck teed up for him after a perfect pass from Seth experiences abroad, which ranged from emotional to productive to Jones. Tampa Bay goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy had momentarily lost incredibly brief and frustrating. track of the puck and was staring in the wrong direction. The Blue Jackets were on a five-on-three power play, a chance to take an early Alexandre Texier, expected to be the Blue Jackets’ first-line left winger, lead in Game 3 in a series that was tied 1-1. initially joined a club in Kuopio, Finland, but quickly switched to his hometown club in Grenoble, France. He has played all of one game and Instead … Bemstrom’s shot clanged off the near post, and the Blue is living under quarantine. Jackets never recovered.

Emil Bemstrom went to HIFK Finland in Helsinki and has been tearing up It would be foolish to say Bemstrom’s misfire cost the Blue Jackets the at more than a point-a-game pace, hoping to rediscover his series; they were overmatched talent-wise, to be sure. But who knows offensive touch after struggling with the finer points as an NHL rookie. how Game 3 would have been altered if they had taken a 1-0 lead? The Lightning went on to win that game, the series and the Stanley Cup. Jake Christiansen, signed to an entry-level deal as an undrafted free agent in March, flew halfway across the world to Bratislava, Slovakia, in “It took me some weeks to move on from that,” Bemstrom said after a late October only to fly back home to , Canada, less than long, audible sigh. “I’m not thinking about it anymore. It happens. It two days later without having practiced or played. happens to everyone, right? But … we probably needed that goal.”

Here are their stories: It wasn’t just that one misfire that bothered Bemstrom, though. He didn’t like his postseason performance overall, so much so that he was one of ‘A very close family’ the first players to approach Kekäläinen about playing overseas until the NHL got started. It was early October, and Alexandre Texier was just getting settled in Kuopio, where he’d spent the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons playing for Bemstrom had 10-10-20 in 56 games as a rookie. Many players would be KalPa. He got the news he never wanted to hear: His beloved more than happy with that, but Bemstrom felt a little frustrated, he said. grandmother, Annie, was sick back home in Grenoble. He was playing well in the weeks before the season was halted in March and never quite got that feeling back. This would be rough news on its own, but Texier was still living with regret after missing his grandfather’s final days less than a year earlier. “I don’t know why, but playing again (in March) … I felt like I did at the Michel Texier, 78, died during Texier’s rookie season in Columbus. beginning of the season,” Bemstrom said. “I felt back in that zone again, being shy with the puck. I didn’t do what I did the last month before we “It’s a game day, and you wake up to a call from your mom,” Alexandre went home when COVID came. I just didn’t get back to fully me, if you Texier said. “She doesn’t know how to say this to me, but my grandfather know what I’m saying. died. “So I came here to find that again.” “It was pretty tough to be focused on the game, to be honest. I tried to keep it to me. I didn’t tell anybody during the day or after that. I didn’t Bemstrom would have gone back to Djurgardens, where he played so want to talk. I kept it for me and tried to play the game for him. well in 2018-19, but the didn’t allow NHL players with existing contracts to play in the league, even under loan “I didn’t score, but I played a good game. I remember because I put agreements. everything into it for him. I loved my grandfather. Really, really loved him. So everything inside of me was for him.” Kekäläinen, a proud Finn, helped Bemstrom land a spot with HIFK Helsinki in Finland’s top league, where he’s playing with former AHL Texier has an extremely close-knit family, all of them living within a few Cleveland forward Alex Broadhurst and having weekly lunches with Blue miles of each other in Grenoble, a city of 150,000 in southeast France. Jackets goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, a Helsinki resident. When his mother called early last month, he felt an unrelenting urge to get back home. It has been a marvelous match: In 15 games, Bemstrom has 8-9-17, including seven multi-point games. He’s tied for fifth in the league in goal His grandmother, after all, was responsible for driving young Alexandre scoring. to the hockey rink most days for practice. “Of course it’s a confidence booster, being out there in offensive “I don’t want to not see my grandmother again, so I was going home to situations,” Bemstrom said. “I’ve always been put out there when the take care of her,” Texier said. team needs me the most. It’s great. I didn’t get much of those scenarios Texier contacted his agent, Markus Lehto, and the KalPa club (in Columbus) last year. I want to be a player who’s scoring points and management and departed the following day. He quickly signed a making the team better offensively, so I think this is huge for me. contract with his old club team in Grenoble, a member of France’s top “It’s a pretty good league. There’s a lot of teams with structure in their game plans. Some of the teams use traps, which … I think I have to develop my game with the puck, skating with it. So it’s been really good “I can really challenge myself with guys at that level,” Christiansen said. for that.” “It’s good to be home.”

Bemstrom missed two games this weekend because of the flu. (Yes, he was tested for COVID-19, but two tests were both negative.) The HIFK club will have two home games canceled this week because Helsinki has The Athletic LOADED: 11.24.2020 begun a three-week shutdown after seeing COVID-19 cases spike.

But Bemstrom has gotten everything he wanted out of his experience in Helsinki.

“Now I know how the (NHL is) played, and that’s gonna help me a lot,” Bemstrom said. “I hope to open my offensive skills. I hope I’m gonna take on a bigger role. That’s my goal.”

Thirty-six hours in Bratislava

Jake Christiansen hadn’t played since the middle of March, when the pandemic threw the brakes on the season and shuttered all of Canada’s major-junior programs just as the playoffs were starting.

When it became clear that the start of the 2020-21 hockey season in North America would be delayed, Christiansen started looking elsewhere.

“I was looking for an opportunity to play games again,” he said. “It’s been a long time.”

His agent, Mark Mackay, got back to him a couple of days later. He’d found a roster spot in Bratislava, Slovakia, a member of Austria’s top league. By the end of October, Christiansen was on a plane with all of his gear.

“I flew into Vienna and got a ride to Bratislava,” Christiansen said. “I didn’t see much of the city, but it looked beautiful. It looked amazing. The next day I got up, went to the rink, did some interviews with the team and the (local) media. The rink was amazing, as well.”

Christiansen knew only one of his teammates, forward Mitch Hults. The first hint of worry came when he asked Hults for a rundown of the next day’s schedule.

“Mitch said, ‘It’s an off day. We’re waiting on test results,'” Christiansen said. “I was like, ‘OK …’ But I instantly thought, ‘Oh, shit. I hope nothing really big happens. That would be a bummer.'”

Christiansen pressed the GM of the Bratislava club for details later that day, and the picture wasn’t pretty. Six players tested positive for COVID- 19. Five more players were in quarantine and were recovering from the virus.

“He said that they couldn’t play for two weeks because there weren’t any goalies,” Christiansen said. “Both goalies caught the virus.

“I went there to develop, so if I’m not playing games or even practicing …. It was more than that, too. The protocols there weren’t really what they are in Canada or the . It was maybe a little bit more relaxed. They were saying, ‘After this, we’ll be fine because everybody on the team will have had it.'”

Christiansen’s mind started racing. He hadn’t caught the virus yet, and it seemed inevitable that he would contract it if he remained. The illness was scary enough. The fear that the after-effects could linger and disrupt his training-camp plans with the Blue Jackets made it worse.

“That’s not a great first impression,” he said.

So the next morning, after roughly 36 hours in Austria and Slovakia, Christiansen boarded a plane back to British Columbia. His career with the Bratislava Capitals lasted one day.

“I was excited to be there and they were excited to have me, so I didn’t want to just leave,” Christiansen said. “I called the GM and explained myself, told him I was thankful for the opportunity. He understood. He said if that’s how I felt with my health and safety, he respected that.”

When Christiansen returned to Canada, he was forced to quarantine for two weeks. He has a home gym and a “great setup for shooting pucks,” so he was fine being off the ice for a couple of weeks.

One week ago, he stepped out of quarantine and back on the ice at a rink in Coquitlam, B.C., where NHL players Mathew Barzal, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and others train daily. They’ve been playing three-on- three games most days. 1196186 Detroit Red Wings

Three years in, Detroit Red Wings haven't gotten much from 2017 draft

Helene St. James

Detroit Free Press

The Detroit Red Wings came away from the 2017 NHL draft with 11 selections, few of whom remain in the farm system.

Malte Setkov, admittedly a dark horse to make it to the NHL considering where he was drafted, has been sent down to HockeyAllsvenskan, the second-highest league in Sweden, by Malmo, where he had been playing in the top-tier Swedish Hockey League. Setkov had no points in six games and had been a scratch for three straight games.

The Redhawks made the announcement Monday, with general manager Patrik Sylvegård saying playing for AIK is better for Setkov’s development.

The Wings selected the 6-foot-7, 205-pound Dane 100th overall in 2017, describing him at that time as a smart defenseman who moves the puck well. His rights still belong to the Wings, but if he isn’t signed by summer, he’ll be a free agent.

Given that at 21 he has yet to establish himself at the SHL level (he split the 2019-20 season between the SHL and HockeyAllsvenskan), Setkov probably won’t be signed. If so, he’d join the list of picks from that draft who have been flushed out of the Wings’ system.

The 2017 draft marked the first time the Wings were in the draft lottery, damned with an entry spot after missing the playoffs for the first time in 25 seasons. They finished with the sixth-worst record but were pushed back to ninth because expansion Vegas won the sixth spot and the and Dallas Stars moved ahead of Detroit.

In addition to Setkov, the Wings drafted forward Michael Rasmussen (ninth), defenseman Gustav Lindstrom (38th), defenseman Kasper Kotkansalo (71st), forward Lane Zablocki (79th), forward Zachary Gallant (83), goaltender Keith Petruzzelli (88th), defenseman Cole Fraser (131st), forward Jack Adams (162nd), defenseman Reilly Webb (164th) and forward Brady Gilmour (193rd). Zablocki, Gallant, Fraser, Webb and Gilmour are no longer in the Wings’ system.

Rasmussen is among several Wings players on loan to a team in Europe because of the pandemic. He has two goals and six assists with Graz in Austria. He appeared in 62 games with the Wings in 2018-19, recording eight goals and 10 assists, but spent last season with the Grand Rapids Griffins because the Wings want Rasmussen (6-6, 220) to get comfortable playing center at the pro level. He projects as a bottom six forward who can increase his value as a net-front presence on power plays.

Lindstrom appeared in 16 games last season for the Wings, playing a safe, solid game. He’s currently on loan to Almtuna IS, also in HockeyAllsvenskan.

Kotkansalo had been playing at Boston University, but he left that program to play for in Finland, where he has one assist in 18 games. He also appears unlikely to be signed before the summer deadline.

Petruzzelli had a strong 2019-20 season with Quinnipiac, recording a .920 save percentage and 2.01 goals-against average and starting all 34 games. The Bobcats have yet to start playing this season because of COVID-19.

Adams is an intriguing prospect. He’s 6-6, 209 pounds and went from scoring four goals as a freshman at Union College in 2017-18 to scoring 10 goals as a sophomore. He missed all of 2019-20 after tearing both the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his right knee during development camp in 2019. With Union College having canceled its season, he is looking for a place to play.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196187 Detroit Red Wings times with COVID, so it hasn’t always been fluid, but certainly it’s been a productive time. He’ll get the chance when we get going to come over and prove that he’s improved as a hockey player and can help us be a Red Wings’ Jeff Blashill: ‘We hope we’ve improved in each area’ better team.”

Q: Does more forward depth enable you to keep the top line (Dylan Larkin with Anthony Mantha and Tyler Bertuzzi) together for longer Updated Nov 23, 2020; Posted Nov 23, 2020 stretches?

By Ansar Khan | [email protected] A: “We have to get more from more lines and part of that is those lines earning more ice time and not having to play the Larkin line as much as I

did a year ago. That’s not to say their ice time won’t be significant, it will Jeff Blashill heads into his sixth season as Detroit Red Wings coach with be, but to a level that makes sense for our team. To do that, other lines a deeper roster and more viable lineup options after an offseason have to find ways to be successful, whether that’s through points or featuring free free-agent signings and a trade. through momentum, through creating more opportunities than you give up. I’m hoping our depth gives us that ability. We can’t be a one-line It should translate into a better record. Climbing out of the NHL’s team and have success. We have to be a team that has success basement still will be a challenge since they have a 23-point deficit to throughout each line. All this is prediction at this point. Once the season overcome. gets going, guys will have an opportunity to prove it.”

“With how our season went last year, we hope we have improved in each Q: How much difference can a healthy Danny DeKeyser have on the area,” Blashill said. “We’ll get a chance to show that when the season defense? starts. There are always unknowns going into every season. I’m looking forward to at some point here getting started and getting the opportunity “If we get a healthy Danny DeKeyser back, that certainly makes us a to get better every single day.” much better hockey team. He was one of the players I didn’t think going into the season we could afford to lose. We were a little bit thin on that The league still is aiming for a Jan. 1 start, but nothing has been set. back side. He was an extremely significant piece that when he went down it really hurt us. He had major back surgery, so you never know Blashill spoke recently with M-Live about the roster and in particular the exactly how players are going to come back from that. If he’s healthy and new additions: at 100 percent, that makes our team much better right away.” Q: What can Bobby Ryan provide? Q: How will the changes on defense affect that unit? A: “With the addition of Bobby and re-signing of Sam Gagner, you have A: “The addition of (Marc) Staal, (Jon) Merrill and (Troy) Stecher, gives two right-shot forwards that are natural power-play guys, Bobby is proven us guys with experience in the league that have shown they’re good to have high-end skill, the reason he was drafted as high as he was (No. players in different ways. All are pretty smart defenders, efficient hockey 2 in 2005), the reason he’s scored as many goals as he has. He’s gone players. That’s what we’re looking for on that back side, as many guys through trials and tribulations over the last couple years and I was who can be efficient and make good decisions, move the puck out of our excited speaking with Bobby, seeing where he’s at personally, how he end under pressure, jump up in the play and add offense when needed. feels going into the season, how excited he is to be a Red Wing. I’m With Fil Hronek, we’ve got a real good offensive defenseman. Obviously, hoping that all translates into a great year. He’s got very good ability on in all areas of the game we got to be better. But I don’t think there’s a the power play; he’s got high-end skill. He’s worked really hard to get team that has success without being a very good defensive hockey himself in really good shape heading into the season. I hope that all team.” translates into a lot of success for Bobby.” Q: Dennis Cholowski earned a job out of training camp in each of the Q: Do you view Vladislav Namestnikov as a center or winger? past two seasons but struggled and was demoted. What does he need to A: “I see him a guy who can play all three (forward) positions. Wherever do to stick around? we think it’s best to utilize him and help our hockey team we’ll put him. A: “The one area Dennis can add more positives than some other guys is One of the strengths of Vladdy is his ability to play a lot of roles. He can he does have ability, skill. Can he be more dangerous offensively? Can play on the power play, on the penalty kill. He gives us more depth at he be dynamic on the power play? If he can, that allows you to make each position because of that. He’s been fairly well-traveled but if you more mistakes at times because you’re adding those other positives and look at the year he’s had at each spot, he’s done a pretty good job. It you don’t have to try to play a mistake-free game. I also think the level of brings more competitiveness to our forward group.” compete … creating stalls in your own end and winning battles in front of Q: This is a big year for Evgeny Svechnikov, who no longer is waiver- the net are critical areas for any NHL defenseman. If you don’t create exempt. What does he need to show to prove he is NHL-ready? stalls, you spend all night defending. If you don’t win battles in front of your net, the puck goes in your net far too often. Those are two areas A: “I just talked to him the other day and he seemed like he’s doing pretty we’ve spoken about, but also trying to accentuate what he’s really good well and excited to get going. He’s a very hard-working young guy. He’s at and what he has a chance to be great at, and that’s the offensive continued to work hard through a lot of injuries. It hasn’t always been side.” easy. Hopefully that perseverance pays off. He’s going to have to make a big impact on a night to night basis in some fashion to a degree greater Q: The power play ranked 29th last season. How can it be better? than other guys. He can do it by putting points up. You can do it by A: “We have to make sure that our execution is way better, making plays bringing physicality and energy, where you change momentum of games. that are available to us, making sure we execute the passes that are You can do it by becoming great at one particular area -- the net front. available. It sounds simple, but it wasn’t for us last year. We’ve had That’s going to be up to him. Another guy that is competing for a spot.” opportunities to execute and we simply didn’t do that. We have to learn to Q: How much progress can be expected from Filip Zadina this season? be dangerous without being careless with the puck and making hope plays, attacking and creating those outnumbered situations and A: “When he came up to play for us last year, I thought he grew as a ultimately ending with outnumbered situations at their net. I don’t think player. He was more dangerous than he had been previously, more success is super-complicated. I don’t think it needs to be anything fancy, confident, seemed to be a little bit quicker and stronger. He’s had a long but I do think it starts with execution, whether that’s executing on the period of time even before he started playing in the Czech League to breakout, making sure that you’re making the passes available to you, grow his body into that elite level of professional athlete’s body that all going tape-to-tape, not turning the puck over without being under young players have to do to become great. I’m hoping he did that. He immense pressure. We have different pieces. Having two righties for the says he feels he’s in a good spot that way. I think the fact he’s able to season up front that are power-play guys with Gagner and Ryan can play (during the pandemic) is great. It’s difficult to say how the success help. It makes your power play less one-sided and can add some (in the Czech League) transfers to the NHL, but I know the league is different dangerous points to it.” hard, guys are big and strong and he’s playing against men. That’s only going to help him ensure that he’s ready to win those puck battles, learn Q: Do you see a competitive situation in goal with Jonathan Bernier and how to leverage his body so he can utilize his skill-set. He’s had issues Thomas Greiss? with some injuries and then the league has had to pause at different A: “I thought from December on, Bernier had an excellent year. I didn’t think we played very good defense in front of him at that point. I thought earlier in the year we did. He’s worked hard through this long break to make sure he’s ready. With Thomas, I’ve seen him for a long time in the NHL and at the World Championship. He’s a big man (6-2, 232), he knows how to fill the net, he works extremely hard and he’s a pretty unflappable person. It gives us two really solid options. With the schedule we’re going to face, with a condensed year as it appears, you need two guys that can go out and give you great goaltending, and our plan is to utilize both guys and hopefully have a great tandem.”

Q: How important will it be for the seven non-playoff teams to get an extra week of training camp?

A: “I’m not sure what is going to happen. I have not received any word that we will for certain. I think it depends on the timing of when the season starts. We’re getting closer and closer. If it is a Jan. 1 start, it could be difficult for us to get that extra week. Whatever we’re given, it’s always important to have a great training camp, but it’s going to be that much more important this year. We will not have time to absorb the type of injuries sometimes you absorb at training camp, so we’re going to have to be smart about how we train our players. But they’re going to have to be really smart about coming into camp being extremely hockey- ready. That’s not anything different, but it’s probably magnified this year by how long we’ve been off and the fact we’ll probably play fewer games.”

Michigan Live LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196188 Oilers general manager and director of amateur scouting Tyler Wright might also have taken advantage of extra and recent viewings of European talent. Maksim Berezkin was playing in the KHL Lowetide: Oilers’ increased focus on drafting skill is key to future success (five games, one assist, over seven minutes per game) at the time of the draft, and that’s a substantial accomplishment for such a young player. No idea if that was a deciding factor in Edmonton’s selection of him, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to know a KHL coach believes the young man is By Allan Mitchell one of his 12 best options at age 18. Nov 22, 2020 Also active was Jeremias Lindewall, in Swedish juniors. He had scored 4-4-8 in four games as of the day of the draft and has also played in the Allsvenskan (10 games, 1-0-1) since draft day. In 1974, the NHL made a major change to its draft rules that would affect the rest of the decade. Due to the raiding of Canadian junior leagues by If Berezkin and/or Lindewall emerge as strong NHL prospects, and the the new rival league (the WHA), teams would be allowed to draft one Oilers were paying attention to and factoring recent progress, they could underage player (younger than 20). The window to draft that underage stand as examples of proactive innovation by the organization. player came in the first two rounds; after that, teams would reset and Skill, skill, skill draft only graduating junior players. There’s no reason to draft a player who isn’t delivering offence at his Nine of the 18 first-round selections in 1974 were teenagers, meaning current level. the younger (and more difficult-to-project) players were going off the board quickly. Edmonton spent the early part of the last decade drafting players who filled checking roles effectively in junior (Mitchell Moroz, Travis Ewanyk) general manager took the opposite path. but didn’t have enough goal-scoring ability to contribute offensively once Selecting No. 4 overall, New York (two years past expansion and still they arrived in the high minors. struggling to find actual NHL players) chose a sure thing in left winger Clark Gillies of the champion (WHL), leaving I was absolutely ready to hammer the Oilers scouting staff at the 2020 his underage selection for later. draft. Reading the tea leaves leading up to the draft made it fairly clear that Dylan Holloway was one of the options being considered (I In the second round, at No. 22 overall, Torrey took his shot after 10 mentioned him here), but it looked like more skilled options would still be underage players had been chosen. In grabbing Bryan Trottier in the on the board. second round of the 1974 draft, Torrey and his scouts gave the Islanders a massive boost — two Hall of Fame talents in one draft summer. Just before Edmonton picked at No. 14, the skilled men fell like dominoes. Cole Perfetti, Anton Lundell and Seth Jarvis all went just Torrey wasn’t finished. He drafted impressive puck mover Stefan before Holloway, leaving the final truly superior offensive option (Dawson Persson late in the draft. Persson debuted in the NHL during the 1977-78 Mercer) and a couple of big, fast and athletic forwards like Holloway. season, when he posted 50 assists as a rookie defenceman. Holloway matches the Wright template for the draft, fitting in with several Torrey still wasn’t finished. Understanding the difficulty of being an selections he made for the Detroit Red Wings in terms of physicality and expansion team with the vultures surrounding a general manager (NHL style. and WHA), Torrey approached the management of the new with a fleecing disguised as a gift. Wright surprised me in the ensuing rounds by taking forwards (the first time in team history Edmonton did it) and making sure they all brought During the 1974 draft, the Scouts picked centre 38th overall. skill. None of the later picks is perfect — Carter Savoie has lapses in The Scouts were having trouble getting Bourne signed and needed attention, Tyler Tullio is a smaller player, Berezkin is not a fast train — players for training camp. Torrey dealt two serviceable defencemen, the but every one of these young men has plus skill. rights to Larry Horning and the beautifully named Bart Crashley (all NHL expansion teams in the 1970s were worthy of a Bart Crashley) for the A more mature organization just-drafted Bourne, who played immediately for the Islanders. A decade ago, the Oilers were drafting juniors out of the Edmonton Oil Torrey walked out of the 1974 draft with two Hall of Fame forwards, an Kings. There’s no sin in it, but when Ewanyk and Moroz couldn’t score exceptional two-way centre (Bourne), a brilliant puck-moving defender enough to move up the AHL depth chart, fans ranted about the scouts (Persson) and a big man who would sign with the WHA Edmonton Oilers and their attachment to the local junior team. in 1976 but eventually land with the Islanders in time for the Stanley Cup runs (Dave Langevin). The attachment to Oil Kings players, real or imagined, wasn’t the problem. The Oilers scouting staff in that era misjudged the amount of That’s maximizing a draft and taking advantage of two specific offensive talent required in junior needed to become an NHL checker. opportunities: a tweak in the rules and a desperate expansion team. NHL teams were no longer using their fourth lines on enforcers and were feeding on clubs who kept up the old ways, like Edmonton. The 2020 draft In 2020, Wright and the scouts drafted men who have shown offensive There were a few unique wrinkles to the 2020 draft, and the Oilers were talent during their rise to draft day. Holloway and Savoie hammered the involved in a couple of them, at least on the periphery. AJHL, and Holloway looks like a man among boys this season in a small One major change for the 2020 draft came as a direct result of COVID-19 NCAA sample with Wisconsin. Tullio was over a point per game in the and its impact on everyone. At the time of the draft, European leagues world’s best league. Berezkin is playing in the world’s second-best were mostly playing regular-season games, while North American league as a teenager. hockey was at a standstill. What does it all mean? The best example of the COVID-19 draft impact came when the In one way, the 2020 draft is a one-off. We’ll probably never see another Columbus Blue Jackets chose Yegor Chinakhov far higher than he was late-fall draft year in our lifetimes. The second innovation by Wright and rated. Chinakhov scored five goals in his final five games with Avangard the scouting staff — all skill, all the time — can be duplicated until the Omsk of the KHL leading up to the draft, and he was scoring those goals end of time. with very little ice time. I don’t think Oilers fans should expect Edmonton to draft forwards all Like Torrey back in 1974, Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo down the line, and I’m sure a shutdown defenceman or two will be a part Kekäläinen and his scouting staff were taking advantage of a recent of future drafts. change in draft circumstances. The good thing about the 2020 draft is that the organization and the fan Another early example might have been ’ decision to base will be able to track Edmonton’s experiment in the coming years. grab Shakir Mukhamadullin at No. 20 overall. The gigantic defender is also playing in the KHL and having across-the-board success with Ufa. The miserable disappointment of shy scorers peaking at the AHL level won’t happen with this group. Failure is possible: Conditioning, discipline, learning to play without the puck and foot speed are all in the word cloud for Edmonton’s 2020 draft.

The Edmonton Oilers didn’t waste any picks in 2020. That’s a massive step forward for an organization that was slow to adapt to the modern innovations of draft evaluation.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196189 Columbus rather than the miserable No. 4 pivot here and notches 80 points while Anderson only tallies 40 points? What if signing Gallagher to a six-year deal turns out to be a mistake for a small, rugged player eight What the Puck: Canadiens fans' Cup dreams might be just that — seasons into his career and we discover his best years are behind him? dreams And then there’s the biggest “what if” of them all. A well rested Price was indeed amazing in the playoffs, but what if he has his usual roller-coaster season? If that happens, either Allen steals his job or the Habs miss the Brendan Kelly • Montreal Gazette playoffs.

Publishing date: Nov 23, 2020

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 11.24.2020 The Canadiens are masters of media spin and a big chunk of the team’s fan base buys into it without a second thought.

Take as Exhibit A the current off-season. I am already on record saying, to the shock of many, that I have liked most of Habs general manager ’s moves in recent months. With the additions of Jake Allen, Joel Edmundson, Josh Anderson, and Tyler Toffoli, the Canadiens are a better team than they were when the season shut down in mid- March.

I, like every Habs fan, am anxiously awaiting the return of National Hockey League action, which is hopefully coming early in the new year — as long as the owners and players come to their senses and realize losing a season would be insane. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels a curious kind of emptiness on Saturday nights with no . And it’s going to be fun to check out these new-look Habs.

But can we all just calm the heck down? The way hockey talk is going in Montreal, you’d think Les Boys had already won the Stanley Cup. This month, TVA Sports ran a piece with the headline: “Marc Bergevin hit a home run.” The headline was a quote from Canadiens goalie coach Stéphane Waite, who was talking about his boss’s decision to trade for Allen to serve as Carey Price’s backup.

First, only in Habs circles would someone describe the hiring of a backup goalie, who’d lost his job to a relatively inexperienced Jordan Binnington, as a home run. It’s a good move to finally snare an NHL-quality No. 2 netminder to help out Price but, rather than go all hyperbolic on us, one might rather ask why it took Bergevin eight years to figure out Price merits a decent backup.

But we keep hearing people talking about Bergevin’s home run of an off- season. The Athletic recently did a survey of Habs fans and their enthusiasm was off the charts. In spring, with our heroes in 24th place in ’s league, only 37.8 per cent of respondents felt the 2020- 21 Canadiens would be a playoff team. Fast forward eight months and now 95.3 per cent of fans believe this season’s team will make the playoffs. Even more astonishing is a good chunk of those surveyed believe this team could win a Stanley Cup during the next five years, something few believed in spring.

I say give the Cup to the Habs marketing department. I mean did I forget to pick up the paper the day Bergevin signed Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid and David Pastrnak?

Bergevin has signed a core for the coming years, including Toffoli, Anderson, Jeff Petry, Brendan Gallagher, and Carey Price, and that’s a solid nucleus, but is it a championship team? Of course it isn’t.

“I think they’re playing it safe,” Simon (Snake) Boisvert told me Monday.

Boisvert, a fellow contrarian and drafting expert, thinks the Canadiens just want to have a competitive team that can at least have a shot at making the playoffs, in order to keep the unruly masses from rioting in the streets. And it’s hard to disagree with his assessment.

I was as excited as the rest of you when Montreal eliminated the Penguins and did reasonably well against the Flyers, but it doesn’t change the fact they haven’t won a playoff series since 2015. I think this team could make the playoffs, but it’s not a given. Oddly, I think the Canadian division, if it comes to be (which is quite likely), could help Montreal’s playoff chances. They have a good record against Canadian teams during the past three seasons (27-11-9), much better than their record in general. So they might catch another lucky break, the same way they did when Bettman ruled that 24 teams would make it into the post-season play this summer.

Maybe all of these signings will be home runs, but it’s also possible some will be strikeouts. What if Max Domi comes to life as the No. 2 centre in 1196190 Montreal Canadiens

Kotkaniemi leaves Finnish team; Canadiens lose amateur scouting guru

Pat Hickey • Montreal Gazette

Publishing date: Nov 23, 2020

Jesperi Kotkaniemi will be heading back to Montreal.

The Pori Assat team announced Monday that Kotkaniemi’s loan to the Finnish SM-Liiga club has ended. That’s a sign that the Canadiens are making plans for their training camp and Kotkaniemi will be returning to Montreal to begin his 14-day quarantine before camp begins.

The start of camp is tentatively scheduled for mid-December although there are questions about whether the team will be able to practise in Montreal because the government was ordered all sporting facilities to close until Jan. 11.

The Canadiens loaned Kotkaniemi to his hometown team because they wanted the centre to get game experience and build on a strong performance in the playoffs. The 20-year-old Finn used the time between the halt of play in March and the playoffs to get stronger, and the results were evident in the playoffs. He scored four goals to tie for the team lead with fellow young gun Nick Suzuki.

Kotkaniemi played well throughout his stay in Finland, but failed to get on the scoreboard in his first three games. He finished with two goals and six assists in 10 games and leaves on a hot streak with seven points in his last five games.

Meanwhile, the Canadiens are looking for a new director of amateur scouting after Shane Churla left on Monday to take the same position with the . Churla has spent the past seven years with the Canadiens, including the last four as director of amateur scouting.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196191 Montreal Canadiens “We consider 20 to 30 one-hour sessions on the ice to be a minimum before starting a training camp with NHL intensity,” he said.

Except if the NHL hopes to start the season in mid-January, which would How the Canadiens are managing player conditioning from a safe mean training camps starting a bit before Christmas, reaching a goal of distance 20 to 30 times on the ice before the start of camp is starting to get a little tight on time.

By Marc Antoine Godin There are, however, ways to compensate, Delisle-Houde explained. Just before the start of the return to play training camp in July, Allard, Delisle- Nov 23, 2020 Houde and Lanni had counted all the hours each player had spent on the ice leading up to camp and those numbers were handed over to coach

Claude Julien and his staff, who took that into account when deciding Three weeks of competition in 10 months. That’s it. how to manage each player’s workload.

If the NHL can get the season going sometime in mid-January, that If some players are a bit behind in their ice time in December, the would be the extent of on-ice activity for the Canadiens since the Canadiens can always adjust the same way. beginning of the pandemic. For the , there’s been nothing Every player also has a personal trainer he works with at home in the since March 15. offseason, whether that’s Ian Gallagher for his son Brendan in The team’s training staff has had to adjust to all this time away from the Vancouver, Shane Pizzey with Shea Weber in Kelowna or Raymon ice to make sure players at all levels of the organization aren’t overly Veillette with Phillip Danault in Quebec City. The Canadiens have no penalized. interest in imposing their demands on these trainers, whom the players have chosen because they have confidence in them. The Canadiens During a normal offseason, the players’ training is done in intervals with need to respect that confidence. It is very similar to how director of player the summer chopped up into cycles meant to ramp up their conditioning development Rob Ramage needs to stay an arm’s length away from the to peak form toward the end of August or beginning of September, just people who are coaching Canadiens prospects, avoiding stepping on before the start of training camp. toes and realizing everyone has the same goal, which is to make sure the player improves. Of course, this is not a normal offseason. Allard and Delisle-Houde have a personalized plan for each player when The Canadiens director of sports science Pierre Allard sat down with the offseason begins, but along the way there will be phone calls with strength and conditioning coach Patrick Delisle-Houde and his personal trainers to get their perspective. And that’s what’s important, counterpart in Laval, Stéfano Latti, and all three decided the normal Delisle-Houde says, that then lines of communication remain open and intervals wouldn’t work this year. Instead, they made a list of all the that information is shared both ways. various elements they would like to see the players improve on over the long offseason. “If they do any testing, they will send me the results so I can have an idea of what’s going on,” he said. “That way, we can offer a more informed “We’ve had a lot of time to focus on little things in my training. So I guess opinion on how we see things. In the case of a younger player, it can be it’s a been a blessing that way,” forward Nick Suzuki said last Tuesday how we feel he will develop the best. For an older player in his 30s, it evening during Hockey 911, an online fundraising event to benefit the could be keeping an eye on how he reacted to a long season in terms of Montreal General Hospital Foundation. his energy and to see if adjustments are necessary.” “We focused more on developing ways to touch on a greater number of A veteran like Weber knows what his body needs and knows what he athletic qualities several times a week with the players we are following,” enjoys doing in training. The Canadiens will naturally lead him in that Delisle-Houde said last week during a Zoom conference. “That way, we same direction in order to get the most out of him in the gym. On the hoped to have a bigger impact and better monitoring considering we still other hand, it’s not as though the Canadiens need a complex strategy to don’t know when we’ll start playing or how often different players will be get him to go to the gym. This fall, Weber initiated a virtual competition able to get on the ice depending on where they are living right now.” on the bike with his teammates as a way to motivate them and keep Access to ice is a real problem during the pandemic, but it is particularly them all on the same page. He is a beast in the gym and Julien identified problematic here in Quebec, where players have nowhere to skate and him as the player with the highest pain tolerance on the team. the Canadiens have been unable to get clearance from the provincial “He’s a player I consider to be old school,” Julien said during the Hockey public health authorities to open the in for 911 event. “You have to take a lasso and tie him to a post to keep him their players. from playing because he’ll play through anything. He has incredible Canadiens owner met with Premier François Legault 10 endurance.” days ago and this situation came up during their conversation. On top of One of the things that brings a sense of familiarity to the Canadiens but that, Dr. David Mulder, the Canadiens’ top physician, reached out to Dr. was impossible because of the pandemic was having the players train as Richard Massé, a strategic advisor to Quebec public health director a group. In that sense, having someone like Weber take the initiative of Horacio Arruda on managing the COVID-19 crisis. having virtual cycling competitions checks a lot of boxes, because it “Yes, public health was contacted by the Canadiens and discussions are allows the guys to feel together as a team while also taking care of some continuing, but we would prefer not to comment on those discussions,” conditioning needs in a competitive environment. The Canadiens might said a spokesperson for Quebec’s health ministry. reap the rewards of this once training camp starts, whenever that might be. The Canadiens hope to find a solution to the problem shortly, but in the meantime, players like , for instance, can’t skate. Everyone has tried their best to remain sharp while awaiting an announcement on the start of the season. The present has been taken “When we don’t have access to rinks it’s very difficult to reproduce the care of as well as possible; the future remains fraught with the unknown. biomechanics or the muscular, neurological or cardiovascular stress that you create by skating on a rink, that’s for sure,” Delisle-Houde said. “But We can safely assume this season will have a compressed schedule to you have to look at the other side of it. Yes, we have more restrictions in avoid dragging the playoffs too deep into the summer. That will mean lots Quebec, but it’s the same thing in Calgary and in several regions of the of games every week, which will require a certain adjustment in terms of United States and Europe.” physical maintenance.

Considering the Canadiens were knocked out of the playoffs in the third “It’s going to be a big challenge in the sense that the stress will be week of August, the players are currently in what would be July of a different,” Delisle-Houde said. “We’re not used to seasons like this. We’ll normal offseason, according to Delisle-Houde. It is a time of year when need to stay on top of the details so we can act and react accordingly. players are expected to get on the ice once or twice a week to prepare to We’ll have a plan based on data that our sports science department has ramp things up for August. So right now, Delisle-Houde doesn’t want gathered over the years, but we’ll have to be ready to make adjustments players to overdo it. to that plan as things happen.” When will the season start? What kind of travel-related stress will it entail for the players? How condensed will the schedule actually be?

For now, there are no answers to these questions. All we know is that once the cars are allowed out of the garage, they’ll have to be ready to floor the gas pedal immediately.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196192 Ottawa Senators Coach D.J. Smith and his staff have been in the offices for months, they’re champing at the bit to get going.

Newly-acquired goaltender Matt Murray moved into his new Ottawa GARRIOCH: As the NHL and the NHLPA continue stalemate, the Ottawa home midway through last week while is back here Senators are waiting patiently from his home in the Muskoka region.

Defenceman Thomas Chabot, who makes his off-season home in Bruce Garrioch Quebec City, has been in the area for awhile so he’ll be ready to go whenever the players get the green light. The likes of Nick Paul, Chris Publishing date: Nov 23, 2020 Tierney, Connor Brown, and prospect Alex Formenton have been skating in the Toronto area so they’re close by.

The hurdle for the Senators with this delay between the two sides is this The roster is all but set, the ice at the Canadian Tire Centre has been in 14-day quarantine. Any player arriving from outside of Canada must self- place for nearly a month and now all the Senators need is the green light isolate and unless the NHL can negotiate testing procedures with the to get training camp under way. federal government that’s not going to go away any time soon. While there was hope we’d know by now when camp will get started, the The changes made, with the addition of the likes of Evgeni Dadonov, NHL and the NHL Players’ Association threw cold water on the idea Austin Watson, Alex Galchenyuk and defenceman Josh Brown, along when they were unable to come an agreement last week on a deal that with No. 3 overall selection Tim Stuetzle has people waiting with would allow both sides to set a starting date for the 2020-21 campaign. anticipation for the Senators to get camp under way. It’s been 258 days since we last saw the Senators. The club dropped a 3- Unfortunately, it’s out of their hands on when that may happen and this 2 decision to the at the Staples Center before the matter is only complicated by the fact the COVID-19 virus is showing no league went on pause March 11 because of the threat of the novel signs of slowing down. coronavirus and since then there’s been no shortage of changes to the club’s roster.

Trying to help the Senators improve, general manager has Ottawa Sun LOADED: 11.24.2020 made no shortage of changes and has been backed by a commitment from owner Eugene Melnyk. Once this roster does start this season it won’t look much like the one we saw in March.

The big question remains: When will that be?

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly are working hard to get this season under way but it won’t happen until the players agree to a financial format the owners can stomach. A proposal for changes to salary deferral and escrow offered recently haven’t been accepted.

According to former NHL player , who hosts his own Real Kyper at Noon show with former league GM Doug MacLean, there were no discussions between the NHL and the union on the weekend.

“Without knowing repercussions for denying owners request, players tell me they have little choice but to sit (and) wait,” Kypreos wrote on his account.

He also suggested the players believe the league could push back the start to as late as Feb. 1 and the result would be a shortened 48-game schedule.

The league remains focused on a Jan. 1 start date but Daly has suggested several times that is flexible so it may have to be pushed back a week or two.

It’s likely been quiet because both sides have retreated to their own offices and are trying to come up with a plausible solution that will work. Speaking on The Bob McCown podcast last week, Melnyk confirmed not all the owners are on board with the plan being put forward because of the financial hit they’ll take.

As he noted, there are 31 owners with different opinions. Melnyk is excited to get the season under way because of the roster changes and, of course, he’d like to be able to have fans in the Canadian Tire Centre. The club has done modelling for the seating of 6,000 people with proper social distancing in place.

For that to happen, the province would have to lift its gathering limits and the city of Toronto was one of the regions in Ontario that started a 28-day lockdown Monday. Bettman has stated several times that even the league starts without fans and that may not be the way the season finishes.

One way or another, we feel there’s going to be a season which is why the NHL and NHLPA need to carve out a path to make it possible. The Senators, one of the teams that didn’t participate in the Return to Play in the summer, are scheduled to get an extra week of camp but that may be sacrificed to play more games.

The players are slowly making their way back to town and the expectation is sometime in the near future they’ll be able to use the arena to get ready for the season. 1196193 Philadelphia Flyers year removed from his second ACL surgery and said he was “back to full speed.”

“When camp starts, I have to be ready to go,” he said. “I still have some After two ACL surgeries, Samuel Morin is ‘thankful’ and ‘lucky’ to have work to do, but the knee feels good. That’s the important part.” another chance with the Flyers The NHL hopes to start training camps in mid-December and the season on Jan. 1. Morin has virtually no chance to make the team because of his by Sam Carchidi inactivity the last three years, so he figures to play with the Phantoms if he clears waivers – with his injured past and his age, it’s unlikely he would be claimed – to get his game back in order.

Samuel Morin, the big Flyers defenseman with a wickedly dry sense of “He’s probably going to have to go in the American League and get 50, humor, is an optimistic sort. Even a second torn anterior cruciate 60 games staying healthy under his belt,” Flyers coach ligament in his right knee – and another seemingly endless rehab that said recently. “He’s got to get a chance to play.” followed surgery – hasn’t made him lose hope that he’ll be an NHL regular someday. Flyers assistant coach Ian Laperriere (left, standing) has helped Morin stay positive during his rehab from another knee surgery. Head coach Still, there are rare moments when he wonders how much more he can Alain Vigneault (right, standing) said the big defenseman needs to play take. lots of AHL games before he is ready for the NHL this season.

The hockey gods, you see, have not been kind to Morin, 25, on his way Flyers assistant coach Ian Laperriere (left, standing) has helped Morin to becoming a crease-clearing fixture in the Flyers lineup. stay positive during his rehab from another knee surgery. Head coach Alain Vigneault (right, standing) said the big defenseman needs to play Because of injuries, the 6-foot-7, 230-pound defenseman played in only lots of AHL games before he is ready for the NHL this season. 28 games – eight with the Flyers, 20 with the AHL’s – over the last three seasons. He has been beset with so Three years ago, Morin, then 22, had a great training camp and nearly much bad luck that it caused him to briefly consider leaving the sport. earned an opening-day spot with the Flyers.

At first, Morin was in denial when he tore his ACL a second time after he “Am I the same as I was when I was so close to making it and I was shoved a Phantoms opponent in the corner, and his knee gave out about playing really well? No, I’m not. It would be a lie to say that,” the always- a year ago. He knew it was bad but told himself this couldn’t be pleasant Morin said in his thick French Canadian accent. “I went through happening again. He came off the ice, taped his knee, and returned for two ACLs. I didn’t play [much] for almost two and a half years, so I can’t two more shifts. say I’m better than I was. But can I become the same player I was? I believe so. But it’s going to take time. I need to play hockey. What’s good “It was terrible, and I was like, ‘Oh my God. It must be a tear,’” he for me is that, with the coronavirus, some guys haven’t played for like recalled. nine months.” A few days later, after the MRI confirmed his worst fears, Morin broke Morin laughed. down. “I know what it feels like,” he cracked. “I’m in my truck crying and saying to myself, ‘I think I’m done,’” he said after a workout Tuesday at the Flyers’ training facility in Voorhees. “It’s Deep down, Morin said, “I really do believe I’m going to be a hockey just a really hard process. It’s a long and painful rehab.” player again and have a nice career. I’m so lucky and thankful right now. I’m healthy again, and I just need to play. I just need to control what I can He talked to his parents and his agent, and they calmed him down. control.” “I’ve always had the passion. This is what I want to do. Play hockey,” he And hope the hockey gods realize he has withstood enough bad luck that said in a low, forceful tone. “I have one more year left on my contract, would have sent a less-driven player to another occupation. and I’m going to go out there and have fun. I love it so much. I love hockey, and love everything about it. If you look back at where I was a year ago, I think I’m in a pretty good spot.” Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 11.24.2020 When he first started workouts after his latest surgery, the second in 18 months on the same knee, Morin felt confident he would return to the ice.

“I know sometimes as an athlete, you kind of put the blinders on,” said Morin, who, after going through Rehab I, made the Flyers last season but was sent to the Phantoms early in the year. “You go through a lot of emotion and say everything is fine. There have been some tough days, but I think the most important thing I’m trying to do is just take it day by day. I don’t look too far in the future, especially right now with COVID and all that stuff.

“It’s kind of an unknown, and unknown is not good. It makes you scared sometimes when you think about it, so I know it’s a cliche. But I think the most important thing is to take it day by day.”

Morin and Toronto's battling for the puck in 2019.

Morin and Toronto's John Tavares battling for the puck in 2019.

The rehab process has been grueling. Again.

“It’s not fun. It sucks,” he said. “But I told myself I was going to work hard and just try to enjoy life. I’m still working on it. It’s not always easy.”

Assistant coach Ian Laperriere, a fellow French Canadian who overcame lots of adversity of his own during his playing days, has helped Morin get through rough spots with numerous one-on-one chats. And Kjell Samuelsson, the former defenseman who is the Flyers’ director of player development, has been by his side during many of his rehab skating sessions.

Morin, selected 11th overall in the first round of the 2013 draft, has been lifting weights and skating in Voorhees for a few months. He is about a 1196194 Philadelphia Flyers is shorter — Mark Friedman, Egor Zamula, maybe Cam York — but still teeming with plausible options.

The cap projection numbers aren’t exact, of course. Not every yet-to-be- Flyers’ 2021-22 salary cap picture: Carter Hart’s deal, expansion draft determined player on an entry-level contract (ELC) will have a $900,000 and more cap hit; $3 million might not be Myers’ ultimate number. But in general terms — assuming no subtractions — $15 million in cap space to sign five contracts feels about right. By Charlie O'Connor Who will those players be? Well, the good news is that the Flyers likely Nov 23, 2020 have quite a few of them already on the roster.

The need-to-be-signed group

The shadow of a stagnant salary cap ceiling has loomed over the entire Fletcher doesn’t necessarily have to look far to fill these holes in the 2020 NHL offseason. As a result of the pandemic, which put a premature 2021-22 roster. Let’s run through the players who will be free agents — halt to the 2019-20 regular season and forced the league to hold the restricted or unrestricted — next summer. postseason four months later in front of no fans, the salary cap for 2020- 21 remained at $81.5 million — the same mark as the previous year — Carter Hart (RFA) and forced almost every organization to pare back on its team-building (RFA) strategies. Nolan Patrick (RFA) That shadow will still be dark as ever come the 2021 offseason. (UFA) Even if the NHL can return to some semblance of normality during the 2020-21 season, the loss of revenue that began in March won’t be made Michael Raffl (UFA) up overnight. The salary cap ceiling is expected to remain “flat” at $81.5 million for at least the next few seasons, meaning that teams can’t Erik Gustafsson (UFA) depend on a gradually increasing budget to fit new additions and re-sign Brian Elliott (UFA) players. Some of these players are likely to receive a handshake and well wishes The Philadelphia Flyers, of course, are no different. after the season is over, with both parties understanding that they no Their 2020 offseason has been notably uneventful from a major longer fit in the Flyers’ plans. Considering the organizational depth at acquisition standpoint, in part because of their enviable stable of bottom-six forward, it would make sense for Michael Raffl to look for homegrown talent, but also because the stagnant cap made it difficult to greener pastures, unless he’s willing to take a pay cut down to ELC swing big additions or trade away players. That cap crunch isn’t going to levels. Elliott will be 36 next summer, so this could certainly be his last relax in 2021; if anything, the situation becomes even tighter, as general go-around. Then there’s Gustafsson, who could force his way into the manager will have to find a way to fit multiple raises to team’s future plans with a strong prove-it season on his one-year deal, or key young players under the cap without blowing up the roster. In fact, end up as merely a brief defensive stopgap. part of the reason for Fletcher’s conservative approach this offseason The top four players on the list, however, will be the real priorities. was to prepare for the demands of 2021. Can the Flyers fit all of their 2021 pending RFAs under the cap? So will the Flyers be in “cap hell” next offseason? Not quite. But let’s put it this way: Fletcher will certainly earn his paycheck in constructing the Probably. Maybe. Hopefully. 2021-22 roster. The problem with projecting these contracts now is that we have no idea 2021-22 cap situation as it stands how Sanheim, Patrick and Hart will perform in 2020-21. Sanheim could break out offensively and establish himself as the clear No. 2 in the wake The difficult part about an exercise like this is the fact that we’re of Matt Niskanen’s retirement, or he could remain what he is now: a solid projecting how the Flyers’ roster might look a full year out. It’s impossible No. 3, good for 35 or so points a season. Patrick could return with a to know which prospects might establish themselves as NHL contributors vengeance and show why he was the No. 2 pick in 2017, or he could not during the upcoming season, which roster pieces might be traded, who return at all. Hart could regress, or he could take a run at the Vezina might be lost in the expansion draft and which outside players (if any) Trophy. We’re talking about a wide range of possible outcomes for all of might be added. In a way, all of this is (educated) guesswork. these players, which means lots of uncertainty regarding how much A good place to start is to see how many NHL-caliber players the Flyers leverage each will have entering their respective contract negotiation. have under contract for the 2021-22 season. If a key player doesn’t That said, we can at least get in the ballpark, starting with Sanheim. appear below, it doesn’t mean he won’t be on the 2021-22 roster — it’s When he signed his two-year, $3.25 million cap-hit deal last summer, two just pointing out that, as of now, he’s not signed to a deal that lasts close recent comparables were Josh Morrissey (two years, $3.15 million through 2021-22, and as a result, his cap hit for that year is unclear. average annual value) and Darnell Nurse (two years, $3.2 million AAV). That’s 14 spots and a little over $61 million in players already committed On their next deals, Morrissey got an eight-year contract worth $6.25 to the 2021-22 salary cap of $81.5 million. (Morgan Frost’s presence million per year, and Nurse received another two-year contract, but this might be a bit of a projection, but if the Flyers’ top prospect is not an NHL one was worth $5.6 million per year. Sanheim hasn’t cracked the 0.5 regular by 2021-22, even after two full years in the minors, they have point-per-game mark, while Morrissey and Nurse did so in the first year problems.) Teams usually keep 22 or 23 players on their nightly roster, of their respective post-ELC deals. But somewhere in the $4.5 to $6 so this would leave the Flyers about $20.5 million to add eight or nine million range for a cap hit doesn’t seem outlandish for Sanheim’s next players to the mix, assuming no subtractions from this group of 14. deal, depending on the quality of his 2020-21.

Seems like a lot of spots, right? Well, let’s use some good old common The Patrick situation is strange, as he sat out the final year of his ELC sense and fill some of those gaps with placeholders — namely, because of a migraine disorder and accepted his qualifying offer as his prospects the system should be expected to produce. Also, Philippe first post-ELC deal. But it’s probably best to essentially view 2020-21 as Myers is conspicuously absent because he hasn’t signed a deal for 2020- a de facto third ELC year for him, in terms of digging up comparables for 21, let alone 2021-22. To keep this from turning into a Myers contract next summer’s negotiation. If Patrick were to return and deliver similar projection article, let’s give him a $3 million cap hit — a reasonable guess scoring numbers to his career averages, he’d end up with a lot of the if Myers and the Flyers land somewhere between super short term and same comparables that had last summer: Jakub Vrána very long term — and add him to the roster as well. ($3.35 million cap hit), Teuvo Teräväinen ($2.86 million), Kevin Fiala ($3 million) and André Burakovsky ($3 million). So a solid third-line-center Who are the prospects? Take your pick. At forward, Wade Allison, season for Patrick — not a breakout, which would dramatically increase , German Rubtsov, David Kaše, Connor Bunnaman his price tag but feels like one of those “good” problems — puts him and Carsen Twarynski could be part of this group in 2021-22, and those somewhere in the $2.5 million to $3.5 million cap-hit range on a bridge are just the guys closest to NHL readiness right now. At defense, the list deal. As for Hart, it’s frankly a total unknown what his next contract might look Voracek stands as the obvious name, but the Flyers could figure that like. There’s simply no recent comparable for a goalie signing a lucrative, Voracek’s contract is protection enough (three more years with a $8.25 long-term deal right out of his ELC, and that’s because goalies these million cap hit) and that Seattle won’t take him. James van Riemsdyk days almost never become the unquestioned starter for their teams could be exposed by following a similar thought process, even if his two during their ELCs. The closest comparables to Hart received bridge years remaining at $7 million per aren’t quite as imposing as Voracek’s deals, but none entered negotiations with the kind of NHL track record contract. Laughton would be an option if the Flyers re-sign him before the Hart is likely to have by next summer. expansion draft, and even Nicolas Aubé-Kubel could enter the mix, if Fletcher wants to try to force Seattle into taking a higher-priced player by Even in a shortened, 60-game regular season, Hart could easily end up taking away all of the “cheap” potential selections. clearing 130 games started if he stays healthy and the Flyers go on anything remotely resembling an extended playoff run. Assuming his Who might they lose? Aubé-Kubel feels like the easy choice if he’s save percentage doesn’t collapse in the process, Hart would enter available: He’s young, inexpensive and shows early promise by negotiations in a totally different price bracket than his closest recent advanced metrics; Seattle’s high-profile analytics hires such as positional comparables. Then, the choice for the two sides becomes a Alexandra Mandrycky and (former contributor) Namita Nandakumar will bridge deal (presumably one more lucrative than the above) or a massive be cognizant of that. Van Riemsdyk isn’t ridiculous as a high-priced market-setting, long-term contract. That won’t come cheap from a cap hit option, assuming he has a bounce-back season; he could be the standpoint. Kraken’s version of Vegas’ James Neal selection. An unsigned Laughton could be nabbed if Seattle likes him enough to negotiate a new contract So can the Flyers fit Sanheim, a healthy Patrick, and Hart into their with him. Or maybe they see a player like Voracek or Shayne projected 2021-22 cap situation? Sure, there are paths — maybe Hart Gostisbehere as a marketable star. gets a $5 million cap hit on a short-term bridge deal, Sanheim nabs $5 million AAV and Patrick gets $3 million. It’s tight, especially because The Flyers could also look to pay Seattle in draft picks or prospects to they’ll also need to fill the No. 2 goalie hole, but plausibly workable — select a player of Fletcher’s choosing, with the goal of clearing out cap barely. space. But trying to guess which future deal Fletcher might decide to make with an organization that isn’t fully constructed yet is a fool’s The Laughton conundrum errand. Just know that will be another possible tool for Fletcher in his With all due respect to Raffl, Gustafsson and Elliott, Laughton is the efforts to construct the 2021-22 roster. primary internal unrestricted free agent of interest for the Flyers next Other ways to clear out space summer. The expansion draft isn’t the only avenue Fletcher could use to open up My understanding is that, all things being equal, the Flyers would like to cap space. Trades with existing clubs — while more difficult to execute in find a way to keep Laughton. They like that he’s homegrown, they like his this cap crunch world than ever before — remain an option. versatility and they like that he’s something of a social bridge between the team’s older players and the young, emerging core. Oh, he’s also a And if the Flyers were to trade a player before the 2021-22 season, pretty solid player, too. Gostisbehere stands as the most likely candidate. His deal is largely buyout-proof (the Flyers would save just $666,666 in 2021-22 cap space Here’s the problem: The Flyers will likely need to move money out by doing so next summer), making a trade his most likely way out of somewhere if they want to bring him back. His cap hit is $2.3 million, and Philadelphia. Gostisbehere didn’t inspire much interest this offseason, Laughton will justifiably expect a raise on his next deal. It’s hard to but as injuries start to pile up around the league during 2020-21, perhaps imagine a player who has yet to crack 35 points in a season will break a club has a change of heart and decides it needs another puck-moving the bank — and the economic forces of the pandemic have hurt the defenseman. bargaining power of middle-of-the-lineup guys so far — but even in this environment, presumably Laughton is going to want at least $3 million The Gostisbehere situation is key for the Flyers heading into 2021-22 per year. That’s not going to be easy to fit, especially with potential raises because it’s inextricably tied to the problem of replacing Niskanen. The for Sanheim, Patrick and (especially) Hart kicking in at the same time. front office knows it needs another top-four quality defenseman capable of playing the right side to solidify the blue line. And perhaps a back-in- For the Flyers, the big question surrounding Laughton is whether they form Gostisbehere could fill that vital need. But if he continues to struggle have players coming in the pipeline who could replace what he provides and can’t play his way back up the lineup, clearing out his $4.5 million for a lot cheaper. On the ice, the answer might be yes, though Laughton would go a long way toward providing the necessary cap space to target is no scrub; he’s averaged 1.74 points/60 minutes at even strength the a player to truly fill that hole. past three seasons (low-end second-liner quality) and is basically break- even by play-driving metrics. He’s good, but by the numbers, he’s not a Fans will surely bring up the Flyers’ two high-priced veteran forwards game-changer. If the front office thinks a prospect such as Laczynski or who lack trade protection — van Riemsdyk and Voracek — as options to Allison, for example, could provide 80 percent of Laughton’s value but at be moved in the near future for cap reasons. But both are still productive 25 percent of the price for 2021-22, that could be enough to convince the hockey players, and it’s going to be very difficult to move contracts of that Flyers to wave goodbye to Laughton. size in the stagnant cap era. A trade of one of the two in cap-dump form before 2021-22 isn’t impossible, but it shouldn’t be viewed as especially In truth, it will likely come down to how much the Flyers value Laughton’s likely, either. intangibles and versatility. Oh, and how much Laughton’s camp wants. Final thoughts What about the expansion draft? The primary takeaway from this exercise: If you figured the Flyers were So how might the Flyers go about shedding salary to retain a player like going to stumble into a windfall of cap space next summer to make up for Laughton? The looming expansion draft is certainly one possible way. a relatively dull 2020 offseason, it’s time to temper your expectations.

Next offseason, the Seattle Kraken will be able to poach one player from Absent the jettisoning of a big contract or two, 2021 could look a lot like each team (except the Vegas Golden Knights, who are exempt because 2020 for the Flyers, in the sense that the bulk of their projected cap of their recent status as an expansion team). There are restrictions on space will be budgeted to re-signing existing players rather than targeting whom they can take; the Flyers will be able to protect up to 11 players new ones. The negotiations with Hart and Sanheim in particular promise from selection. to force Fletcher to open up the checkbook. The good news is he won’t Right now, I view 10 players as likely to be protected: , necessarily have to take a hacksaw to the roster to fit those raises. The , , Travis Konecny, Lindblom, Patrick, Ivan bad news is he might have to pull out that hacksaw to do anything else Provorov, Sanheim, Myers and Hart. Of course, this is subject to change beyond that. based on the 2020-21 season. Patrick, for example, could fall off the list if Of course, there are still an enormous amount of unknown variables that he can’t return to action, and the Flyers could even appeal to the league will affect the Flyers’ approach to the 2021 offseason and their 2021-22 for a medical exemption to make him ineligible for the expansion draft in roster. Myers doesn’t have a contract yet. Gostisbehere’s future in that scenario. But if Patrick returns and flashes at least some of his Philadelphia is in question, and there’s still a chance, albeit small, that he potential, it’s hard to imagine them leaving him unprotected. isn’t on the team to start the 2020-21 season. The expansion draft In the above scenario, the Flyers would have one protected slot promises to be chaotic and unpredictable. The Flyers will have to make a remaining for a forward, and they wouldn’t be lacking options. Jakub decision on Laughton. And then, there’s always the possibility of a big, roster-shaking trade over the next half-year. Fletcher has been working the phones, and such a trade could lead to a roster restructuring and render some of this thought experiment obsolete.

In the here and now, however, it’s easy to understand why Fletcher made sure to warn Flyers fans in September that the front office wouldn’t be shopping at the top of the free-agent market during the next few years. It’s going to be difficult enough to keep this group of players together and stay cap compliant. The 2021-22 roster, in other words, is far from set in stone.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196195 Pittsburgh Penguins • In Sweden’s second-tier HockeyAllsvensken, goaltender Calle Clang’s team, Kristianstads IK, has had its past three games postponed because of coronavirus concerns and have not played since Nov. 11. Their next Penguins Prospect WATCH: Cam Lee records 6 points in 3 games scheduled game is Wednesday at home against Almtuna.

Clang, 18, was a third-round pick (No. 77 overall) in this year’s draft and has yet to sign with the Penguins. SETH RORABAUGH • Also in the HockeyAllsvensken, defenseman Jesper Lindgren and Modo Monday, November 23, 2020 7:31 a.m. had a road game on Sunday against AIK postponed for the same reason.

Lindgren, 23, is entering the final year of a three-year entry-level contract. The Penguins acquired him in a trade from the Toronto Maple While the NHL and many leagues in North America are in the the midst Leafs in August. of their offseasons because of the coronavirus pandemic, several leagues in Europe and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League have • Forward Radim Zohorna had a goal for BK Mlada Boleslav during a 7-3 already opened play for the 2020-21 season. home win against PSG Berani Zlin on Friday in the Czech Republic’s ELH. Eighteen of the Penguins’ prospects or minor leaguers are currently playing, primarily in Europe. Here is a weekly look at their progress: The undrafted Zohorna, 24, is signed to a one-year entry-level contract with the Penguins. • Defenseman Cam Lee recorded six points over the course of three games last week with HC Slovan Bratislava in the Slovak Extraliga. First, • In Norway’s , forward Drew O’Connor had a goal and two on Tuesday, he recorded four assists in a 6-3 home win against DVTK assists for Manglerud Star during a 6-5 home loss to Sparta on Jegesmedvék Miskolc. His second and third assists were primary helpers Thursday. resulting in goals off of tipped shots from the point. The 22-year-old O’Connor was an undrafted free agent signing in March After being held without a point on Friday a 3-1 home win against HC 07 and is entering the first year of a two-year entry-level contract. Detva, Lee scored the first two professional goals of his career on Sunday in a 4-1 road win against HC Kosice. • In the Latvian Hockey Higher League, forward Raivis Ansons recorded an assist for HK Zemgale in a 3-1 road win against HK Mogo on The 23-year-old Lee was an undrafted free agent signing in March who is Wednesday. entering the first year of a two-year entry-level contract with the Penguins. Ansons, 18, was a fifth-round pick (No. 149 overall) in this year’s draft and has yet to sign with the Penguins. • In the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, forward Nathan Legare recorded an assist for Baie-Comeau Drakkar on Thursday in a 4-2 home • In the multi-country Alps Hockey League, forward Jan Drozg’s team, HK loss to the Val-d’Or Foreurs. SZ Olimpija Ljubljana, had a game against Rittner Buam on Saturday postponed because of coronavirus concerns. The team had several • Legare missed another home game against Val-d’Or on Sunday games postponed throughout October and November for the same because of a back injury. The 19-year-old Legare was a third-round pick reason. (No. 74 overall) in 2019 who is signed to a three-year entry-level contract (which has yet to begin) with the Penguins. Drozg, 21, was the Penguins’ fifth-round pick (No. 152 overall) in 2017 and is entering the second year of a three-year entry-level contract. • Defenseman Clayton Phillips made his season debut with Penn State on Thursday. In a 4-1 road loss to Minnesota, Phillips recorded three shots on net and was held without a point. Phillips went scoreless again Tribune Review LOADED: 11.24.2020 with a single shot on Friday in a 3-2 road loss to Minnesota.

The 21-year-old Phillips was a third-round pick (No. 93 overall) in 2017 and has yet to sign with the team.

• On Friday, of Finland’s top-tier Liiga announced defenseman Santeri Airola would be sidelined for one week for undisclosed reasons. Airola missed roughly two months of the action throughout October and November after suffering a preseason injury in September.

Currently on loan to Koovee of the Finland’s second-tier league, the 20-year-old Airola was a seventh-round draft pick (No. 211 overall) who has yet to sign with the Penguins.

• Elsewhere in the Mestis, defenseman Antti Palojarvi recorded his second point of the season — an assist — with a defensive play which forward Ville Heikkala converted into a game-winning goal for Hermes during a 4-3 road win against IPK on Wednesday.

Palojarvi, 21, was a sixth-round pick (No. 186 overall) in 2017 who has yet to sign with the Penguins.

• Also in that game, goaltender Joel Blomqvist made 31 saves on 34 saves to record the victory. Blomqvist followed that up Friday by making 21 saves on 22 shots to lead Hermes to a 2-1 home win against RoKi.

The Penguins selected Blomqvist, 18, in the second round (No. 52 overall) of this year’s draft. He has yet to sign with the team.

• In the Liiga, goaltender Emil Larmi made 15 saves on 16 shots for HPK in a 2-1 road shootout win against JYP on Tuesday.

During a 7-2 home loss to Luuko on Friday, Larmi was pulled after allowing three goals only seven shots. He rebounded on Saturday by making 24 saves during a 3-2 road shootout loss to TPS.

The undrafted Larmi, 24, is entering the second-year of a two-year entry- level contract with the Penguins. 1196196 San Jose Sharks

Kendall Coyne Schofield leaves Sharks’ broadcast team, joins Blackhawks in new role

By CURTIS PASHELKA | [email protected] | Bay Area News Group

PUBLISHED: November 23, 2020 at 12:18 p.m. | UPDATED: November 23, 2020 at 5:30 p.m.

Kendall Coyne Schofield will not be a part of the San Jose Sharks’ broadcast team this upcoming season, announcing Monday she will return to her hometown of Chicago to be a player development coach and youth hockey growth specialist with the Blackhawks.

Coyne Schofield, 28, is the first woman player development coach in Blackhawks team history.

Schofield, an Olympic gold medalist and six-time world champion, was an NBC Sports California analyst for 13 Sharks games in 2019-20, part of a three-person broadcast crew that included play-by-play announcer and either or . She was also a pre- and postgame analyst for the network during the 2019 playoffs.

During the NHL’s All-Star Weekend at SAP Center in January 2019, Coyne Schofield became the first woman to participate in the league’s skills competition. She participated in the fastest skater event — drawing cheers from the crowd and kudos from her competitors.

“From the moment I stepped on the ice for the NHL Fastest Skater Competition, to the moment I joined the Sharks broadcast team, San Jose you welcomed me, cheered for me, believed in me and embraced me as one of your own,” Coyne Schofield wrote in a note she posted on Twitter.

“Although the season didn’t end the way we wanted it to, it was my absolute honor and joy to work alongside so many incredible people within the San Jose Sharks and NBC Sports California family.”

Coyne Schofield made her broadcast debut on Oct. 10, 2019 when the Sharks played the Blackhawks at United Center.

“She’s passionate about growing the game,” said NBC Sports producer Sean Maddison said that day. “She’s excited about doing it. These are the only off days she has. She’s busier than any other human I know, but she’s been unbelievable so far. It couldn’t have worked out any better.”

Coyne Schofield wrote that her new job will allow her to continue to train with the U.S. Women’s National Team. The IIHF Women’s World Championship is scheduled to take place in April in Nova Scotia. The Americans are the defending champions, having won gold in 2019 in Finland. The 2020 championships were canceled.

A Sharks team spokesman said as of now, there are no plans to add another member to the broadcast team, which also features longtime radio play-by-play announcer . The NHL has not yet officially announced a start date for the 2020-21 season, although it is likely to begin in January.

The Blackhawks also announced Monday that Meghan Hunter, previously an executive assistant to general manager Stan Bowman, will be promote to director of hockey administration and amateur scout. The team hired Mary DeBartolo as a coordinator in hockey analytics last tear.

“It’s long overdue in my mind,” Bowman told ESPN. “It’s something that’s important to me. These three women are good hockey minds and it’s important to give them chances to take on bigger roles over the coming years.”

San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196197 San Jose Sharks But I have no issues with Couture’s contract, which carries an $8 million cap hit through the 2026-27 season. He’s the captain of the team, he is still productive and, other than Dan Boyle, I don’t think there’s anyone Sharks mailbag: How Erik Karlsson can change his ‘horrible contract’ else in the nine years I’ve covered the team that hates to lose more than label Couture does. Most importantly, he’s clutch. Couture is the kind of player any team would want in the playoffs. He is one of the league’s leading postseason scorers since he entered the league.

By Kevin Kurz Yes, he has to be better next season, just like everyone else on the team. I have fewer questions about his ability to do that, though, than I do Nov 23, 2020 about some others on the roster. While his offensive numbers were down (39 points in 52 games), Couture was the only player other than Brenden Dillon to not have a minus rating last season, so he was at least still Lots of questions came in about the expansion draft, and I promise that’s responsible and worked hard nightly. That’s more than you can say for at something we’ll get to in due time. Keep an eye out in the early part of least half the team. next month. While there are some injury concerns, and Couture will be 38 when the For now, here’s one more mailbag about a whole host of topics for the contract expires, I think his deal is a fair one for both sides when you holiday week. consider his importance to the organization both on and off the ice.

Who will be the “breakout” player for the Sharks this season? — Jose G. If California doesn’t allow the SAP Center to re-open for the Sharks, where else could they play (without fans) if the season starts? — Dylan Two candidates immediately come to mind — Ryan Donato and Noah W. Gregor. This is the kind of question that strikes to the heart of how difficult it will Let’s start with Donato. When it comes to the two players the Sharks be for the NHL to come up with a return-to-play plan that suits all 31 acquired from the Minnesota Wild on Oct. 5, Donato and Devan Dubnyk, clubs. If the plan includes teams playing at their home arenas beginning my impression is that Donato is viewed as the more valuable asset. He in mid-January, and Santa Clara County health officials don’t allow that, helps address their depth problem at wing and the team is hopeful he your guess is as good as mine as to what happens then. can become a legitimate top-six forward. The Sharks see that each of Donato’s 14 goals last season came at even strength, and his 1.4 even- Of more immediate concern, though, is training camp. Team president strength goals-per 60 minutes ranked eighth in the NHL. If he gets more Jonathan Becher said in a Zoom call Friday that the Sharks “do not yet opportunity, including some time on the second power-play unit, the 24- have permission” from the county to hold full practices and scrimmages, year-old could take another step. As a pending restricted free agent, he which would be necessary if, as is possible, camp opened in a few will remain in team control after this coming season. weeks. Right now, the players already back in town are skating in small groups a few times a week. As for Gregor, I feel like every time I do one of these things I write how he was the only true young forward prospect in the organization that “We’re hoping to hear back from the county next week in order to open proved last season he can play nightly in the NHL. What makes Gregor that up, which then would allow scrimmages and practices to start in stand out is that he has multiple ways he can impact a game, whether it early December,” Becher said. be with his speed, his shot or his ability to play with physicality. While his upside might not be as high as with a guy like Donato, I can see him And if the county won’t allow that? Could camp be held elsewhere? being a valuable depth piece for a long time. “That would be a last resort for us,” Becher said. “But if the season is If the Sharks once again find themselves as a lottery team, other than going to start in January and we can’t train here, we would have to train (Brent) Burns and (Marc-Edouard) Vlasic who do you believe will be someplace else.” potential trade bait? Obviously, there is depth on this team that would be Becher wouldn’t elaborate on where that might be, although there have traded for late-round picks, but can you see them moving off someone been discussions for what he calls a “backup plan.” like (Tomas) Hertl if they end up going into rebuild mode? — Alex M. Perhaps the Vegas Golden Knights’ new practice facility in Summerlin, “Rebuild mode” isn’t something the Sharks are thinking about because Nev., could be an option? they really can’t do that with all of the long-term contracts they have that include full or limited no-movement clauses. They were quiet this How much of the recent Sharks outcry about San Jose redevelopment is offseason because it will give them more flexibility to make moves in the really the Sharks wanting to move to another location, building or city? — 2021 offseason. Remember, next summer features the Seattle expansion Matt B. draft, so there will be more opportunities to reshape the roster than there would be in a normal offseason. Let’s be clear, the Sharks do not want to go anywhere. Their current lease runs until 2040 and they would prefer to stay at least that long. So, no, I don’t see them under any circumstances moving Hertl, who was That’s why they’ve been putting their own money into the facility in recent named as an alternate captain last season and is viewed as someone years, including the new lighting system a couple of years ago, a new who can help lead the team on and off the ice. If the Sharks are again out lounge area in the building last season and ripping up the floor this of the playoff race at the 2021 trade deadline, the most likely guys to get summer to install a more modern ice-making plant. dealt would be the pending unrestricted free agents like Dubnyk, Stefan Noesen, Matt Nieto, Marcus Sorensen or maybe even Patrick Marleau Were Becher’s comments earlier this month a bit too alarmist? That’s again. entirely possible. But they seemed to have the intended effect, according to his comments on Friday. Remember, too, that Burns has a three-team limited no-trade clause, so it would be difficult to move him if he doesn’t want to go. Vlasic has a full “There have been a number of conversations with city officials, with no-movement clause, so he would be even harder. council people that we had not previously talked with in much if any detail,” he said. “And many of them expressed that their own constituents The only other thing I would say about Burns is that if he believes the had reached out to them. One council member said to me, ‘I never team might struggle for a couple more years, perhaps he would be open realized I had so many Sharks fans in my district.’ to going elsewhere, especially with his beard buddy now in Toronto. “The heart of the message I was trying to get across was we need more Other writers have pointed out that the Sharks hold three of the worst than just talk. … This is not the time for talk, this is the time for action. contracts in the league (Logan Couture, Vlasic, and Erik Karlsson). That Essentially, the window closes in the spring because many of these Couture’s contract was considered a bad one, relative to production, was decisions will be made. As one of our athletes said, ‘the time is nigh’ to surprising. What can Couture do to come back this season to previous make a decision, not sometime in the future.” levels of production? — Tony E. Becher agreed that it’s “fair to say” he’s more encouraged now than he I understand the Vlasic contract being viewed as bad, because it is. The was on Nov. 12 when he first went public with his complaints. Karlsson contract doesn’t look great right now, either. I am curious about how you think a shortened season will impact the I would push back just a little bit on Stutzle and Norris, because, while Sharks. A healthy team, fewer games and less travel might mean we they do look like good prospects, they still have to prove it at the NHL have a better chance at players staying healthy and not burning out level. Taking the final step is the most difficult. That said, Ottawa has to physically. I know everyone thinks the Sharks are going to suck, but I be pretty excited about the possibility of those two players centering their think they are gonna surprise us and compete in a shortened season. — top two lines for the next decade. David R. Tierney is a nice piece, as most of you know, and he’ll be in Ottawa for There are some pros and cons. Would it be easier for a team that is two more seasons at least after his latest contract extension for two maybe a little less skilled to remain competitive if the season is shorter? years, $7 million. DeMelo has progressed nicely and signed a four-year, Probably. I would argue this season’s Giants were an example of that. $12 million contract with the Winnipeg Jets last month. Ottawa got a 2020 third-round back for him in a trade deadline deal last season. At the same time, an all-Canadian division would make the Sharks’ division much more difficult than their usual grouping. All of a sudden, Don’t forget that the Senators still have the Sharks’ second-round pick in you’re replacing the Flames, Oilers and Canucks probably with the 2021 from that trade, too. Avalanche, Stars and Wild. Many consider Colorado the Stanley Cup favorite, while Dallas is the defending Western Conference champion. Still, I’m not quite ready to call the trade (and subsequent gigantic Finishing among the top four teams in that eight-team division, which contract for Karlsson) a total disaster. Karlsson just turned 30 on May 31, also would include the Golden Knights, Coyotes, Kings and Ducks, would and Wilson has said he expects the defenseman to be as healthy to start be a tall task. this season as he ever has been since joining the Sharks. There is a chance that Karlsson can be one of the best defensemen in the league What also could hurt the Sharks in a shortened season is that they for at least a couple more years, and if he is, it changes the entire face of haven’t gotten off to good starts in either of the last two seasons. They the team and the perception of the trade. were able to overcome that in 2018, but, of course, they weren’t as successful last season. Further, coach (and new Do I expect that to happen? Frankly, I’m very doubtful. While Karlsson assistants John Madden and Rocky Thompson) will be trying to install can still be very effective, it looked last season like some significant some new systems in what will probably be a shorter training camp with injuries over the years caught up with him. He couldn’t make some of the fewer preseason games. plays he was used to making, particularly with his feet/mobility.

If you had to pick just one, who do you think is the biggest hurdle in Perhaps the long layoff will do wonders. Here’s hoping we find out soon. standing in the way of a more traditional rebuild: , Hasso What does Erik Karlsson have to do to make this season a success Plattner, the players or the fan base? — Simon W. personally for him and start to move the needle away from the horrible I’m not sure you can pin the reluctance to stage a full rebuild on any contract label? — Vince D. single one of those people or entities, but it’s clearly not something the We could know early whether Karlsson is in for a rebound season. In his organization is considering at this time. first season in San Jose, he essentially had to play himself into shape. Regarding Wilson, he can’t pitch a rebuild to Plattner because of all of Part of the reason he struggled over that first month and a half was he the expensive contracts on the books. If the Sharks were to rebuild now, just wasn’t prepared. The start of last season was complicated, too, when it would have to be with a new general manager. As for the players in the Karlsson left the season opener at the last minute to join his wife for the room, they didn’t sign long-term deals here to be a part of a team that is delivery of their first baby. Let’s not downplay how monumentally life- going to undergo at least two or three years of losing. altering that is, particularly after what the couple went through.

Plattner is an interesting case. I’ve heard rumblings that there isn’t much Wilson has said many times during this never-ending offseason that the interest in keeping the team in the family for the long term, but since we Sharks must avoid getting off to a bad start for the third straight season. haven’t spoken with him in years, that’s tough to verify. We can only That sounds obvious, but there’s no doubt in my mind that it’s a point the speculate as to how long the 76-year-old wants to own the team. If it’s new coaching staff will hammer into the team. Karlsson being readier only a few more years, I can’t see him signing off on a rebuild, especially from Day 1 would be paramount in that regard. after the Karlsson mega-deal a little more than a year ago. What does he have to do this season to make that eight-year, $92 million Fan support, of course, is something that every team considers. It contract, in which he’ll be in his second season as the league’s highest- already seems like the Sharks have altered their plans based on the paid defenseman, look better? likelihood of crowds not being allowed into SAP Center, at least to start That’s easy. Be in the Norris Trophy discussion. Full stop. the season. Rather than attempting to dramatically alter what was a last- place roster in 2019-20, the Sharks instead simply added a few Is Thomas Bordeleau the real deal? — Patrick F. peripheral pieces that improve their depth and left open the possibility of Well, he’s sure off to a nice start at the University of Michigan, capped off a more dramatic overhaul in the summer of 2021. by this beauty the other night: Do you think Jumbo (Joe Thornton) would come back for one final Bordeleau, the Sharks’ second-round pick last month, has seven points season in teal to end his career? — Neil J. (2g, 5a) in his first four collegiate games, tying for the team lead on a You never say never, but no, I really don’t see that happening. Nothing stacked Michigan team. against Thornton, but it’s time for the Sharks to start looking forward now When it comes to prospects, I defer to our experts here at The Athletic. that he and Joe Pavelski have departed. The players in the room have to Colleague Corey Pronman recently posted a real-time update on figure out a way to come together without those two huge, unifying Bordeleau (before he scored that pretty OT goal), saying: “Sharks pieces. Thornton himself is better off chasing a Stanley Cup in Toronto prospect Thomas Bordeleau has been impressive to start the first three this season, and perhaps another, depending on how he holds up. games of his freshman season. There were questions on how his game That all said, I’m sure when the time comes, Thornton will retire as a would translate to higher levels due to his size/speed, but his skill and Shark. playmaking have translated and he’s been a top player in his conference through the first two weeks.” Can we call the Karlsson trade a disaster already? We possibly have given the Senators a first-line center (Tim Stutzle), a second-line center Now, Bordeleau is just 18. We won’t see him at 2020 training camp, of (Josh Norris) and a third-line center (Chris Tierney) plus Dylan DeMelo, course, and it’s more likely that he’ll play at least two seasons with the who is a quality top-six defenseman, plus Rudolfs Balcers, who has Wolverines. But, yes, I’m sure the Sharks are looking excitedly at what bottom-six potential. We are also paying Karlsson more than all these kind of player they might have snagged with the 38th overall pick. players combined. Thoughts? — Tanner G. Is it a goalie competition or did Martin Jones do enough at the end of the Yikes, when you put it that way … year to be the starter? — Jason A.

There’s no doubt that the Senators’ rebuild is probably ahead of where The former. Jones had a few good weeks leading into the shutdown, but they figured it would be, in large part because of the Karlsson trade. when you look at his body of work over the last two seasons, I fully Colleague Hailey Salvian broke down the return from the Sharks earlier expect it to be an open competition for opening-night starter when this offseason, prior to the draft lottery. training camp begins. That’s how I imagine Boughner will handle it, too. One of the first messages that Boughner sent when he took over for Pete DeBoer is that whichever goalie is playing better will get the bulk of the time, and he was true to his word when Aaron Dell took over the No. 1 role for about a month and a half.

When looking at Jones and Dubnyk, the organization would surely prefer that Jones, who has four seasons left on his contract, takes the reigns and emerges as the top option this season. He will surely get every opportunity to do so, but it’s up to him as to whether he does it. Fortunately for the Sharks, Jones seems to be hard at work on his game with goalie consultant Adam Francilia.

What’s your favorite Napa winery? — Michael Russo, staff

I’m more of a Sonoma guy, Michael. Ever been to Healdsburg?

The Athletic LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196198 St Louis Blues I’m thankful for the St. Louis Sports Commission’s resiliency. The good folks there have had to scrap countless plans and cook up infinity more during this trying time for sports events in our region. The commission BenFred: Many reasons to give thanks during a bittersweet Thanksgiving will work to get back the events we lost. You can count on that. for STL sports I’m thankful for the staying power of Doug Elgin. In an era of college sports defined by greed and sorely lacking in stability, the retiring Missouri Valley Conference commissioner made Arch Madness a sports Ben Frederickson staple for St. Louis. Elgin and his staff kept the Valley on the map for quality college basketball no matter which of the league’s programs

pursued greener pastures elsewhere. No one would have blamed Elgin if There is not enough sugar in your favorite pie to make this Thanksgiving he bolted before this season of insanity started. But of course, he’s going anything better than bittersweet. to guide the league through it before he retires.

A pandemic that descended upon our sports world in March still is here. I’m thankful for Lutz Pfannenstiel’s vision. The more the St. Louis City SC sporting director talks about how he wants to run his team’s youth soccer Lives have been lost. Lives have been threatened. These are the most academy, the more it becomes clear that he’s one of the few in the game important things. That cannot be forgotten. who is willing to challenge the traditional pay-to-play model. He wants soccer to be a sport that welcomes all. It will be in St. Louis, if Far down the list, but still on the list, is the impact on the sports world. Pfannenstiel’s plan works. The virus has canceled seasons, shredded schedules, eliminated opportunities, curtailed crowds and kept us from the shared experiences I’m thankful for Jim Montgomery’s recovery. The fired Dallas Stars coach we too often took for granted. is now an assistant with the Blues. He deserved a second chance, and I hope he makes the most out of it. Yet even while we wait to break through to the other side, and we will break through to the other side, it is clear our sports region is overflowing I’m thankful for the help of the hardworking, behind-the-scenes folks who with reasons to give thanks. are going above and beyond to make it possible for media to cover sporting events during this time, whether that’s media relations staffers I’m thankful for Travis Ford’s excitement. The SLU basketball coach is who have learned to run Zoom rooms, or the kind folks at the gates of head over heels in love with his sport, and it’s contagious. Ford is the Busch Stadium who checked our temperatures before every game. only coach I’ve met who can get you fired up for March Madness in mid- Thank you. August. I’m thankful the Blues won their first Stanley Cup at a time the entire city I’m thankful for Eli Drinkwitz’s clarity. So many of these college football could celebrate it. I found some photos from the parade this week. I can’t coaches are pretending important information about how the pandemic is wait until a crowd like that feels normal again. It will. And I won’t take it affecting their teams is some sort of competitive advantage. It’s pathetic. for granted when it does. Drinkwitz, the Mizzou coach, has been candid and informative. It’s appreciated.

I’m thankful for Carolyn Kindle Betz’s example. Seeing the waves of St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 11.24.2020 celebration roll in after the Marlins hired Kim Ng as their general manager served as a reminder of what CKB represents. Women are in the general manager’s suite in baseball, and in the soccer owner’s suite — when the stadium is finished — in St. Louis. Good riddance, glass ceilings.

I’m thankful for the grit of the 2020 Cardinals. We will continue to debate the ways the club can improve — more power for the lineup! — but let’s not forget manager Mike Shildt’s team came back from the verge of losing its season to the virus and gutted its way through 53 games in 43 days while winning enough of them (28) to extend the organization’s stretch of consecutive winning seasons to 13. That can and should be appreciated, even as more can and should be expected.

I’m thankful for Jack Flaherty, Dexter Fowler, Willie McGee, Bob Gibson and other Cardinals players past and present who were willing to speak up about their experiences as Black or biracial men in America. I’m thankful for fans who listened and learned something.

I’m thankful for Cuonzo Martin’s wisdom. At one point I vented to the Mizzou basketball coach about some of the frustrating conversations I encountered during a turbulent summer for sports. His advice? Invite someone who disagrees to get a cup of coffee. Wouldn’t we all be better off if we took that approach?

I’m thankful for Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina’s tenacity. They keep striking out Father Time. The easiest sports bet in the world is the one that is made against the “old” guys. Make that bet often enough, and you will win. But Wainwright and Molina are two tough hombres, and I hope we get to watch them take on Father Time as Cardinals again.

I’m thankful that a beautiful, safe celebration of life for Lou Brock was able to take place despite the challenges presented by the pandemic. I’m thankful Gibson, who passed less than a month later, was able to honor his friend and former teammate through comments sent along to fellow Cardinals legend Ozzie Smith. I’m thankful Brock and Gibson are together again.

I’m thankful for Jayson Tatum and Brad Beal’s generosity. The NBA stars and former Chaminade greats teamed in April to donate $250,000 to the St. Louis Area Food Bank to help with the pandemic’s punch. Beal is 27 years old. Tatum’s 23. They can make such a difference, and they’re doing it. 1196199 Tampa Bay Lightning

Lightning’s Andrei Vasilevskiy spends day with the Stanley Cup

By Eduardo A. Encina

Published Yesterday

TAMPA — Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy celebrated his day with the Stanley Cup this past weekend in Tampa.

Vasilevskiy drew attention from onlookers Saturday night while on a yacht docked in Garrison Channel near American Social on Harbour Island.

Vasilevskiy had a small party on the yacht with his parents, who flew in from Russia, and a few friends. Among the attendees were Lightning teammates Alex Killorn and Alex Volkov and e-gaming star Turner “Tfue” Tenney.

Earlier in the day, Vasilevskiy made an impromptu stop at Buddy Brew Coffee in Hyde Park — where he is a regular patron — putting the Cup on the counter and welcoming customers to take a photo with it.

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196200 Tampa Bay Lightning the potential is there at 22. That’s the key in the acquisition as Sergachev can not only be an adequate Krug replacement, but there’s a ceiling he hasn’t reached yet where he might be even more. In terms of replacing Why the Bruins should offer sheet Mikhail Sergachev Krug, the big question will be whether Sergachev can replicate Krug’s impact on the top power play. It’s a tall order, but he has the talent to do so and did decently enough whenever he played with Tampa Bay’s top unit. By Dom Luszczyszyn Sergachev is a player worth targeting, but for how much? When it comes Nov 23, 2020 to offer sheets there are two considerations: the annual average and the draft pick compensation attached to the annual average. For a player of Sergachev’s calibre, we’re looking at the following two tiers. The Boston Bruins have had a very interesting offseason. They shored up their forward group in signing Craig Smith, but they also lost a big $4.36M – $6.54M: First- and third-round pick piece of their top-four defencemen in Torey Krug. Couple that with Zdeno $6.54M – $8.73M: First-, second- and third-round pick Chara’s future being uncertain and the team’s defence goes from being a major source of strength to a legitimate weakness — one that likely Generally, there’s a fear in the draft picks going the other way, but with needs to be addressed if the Bruins have serious aspirations of the Bruins being a contender that’s hardly a concern. For a contending contending for a Stanley Cup this season. team, the draft pick haul for the first tier is about 3.7 wins over their first seven seasons and 4.9 wins for the second tier on average. Sergachev is As it stands, the team has three legitimate top-four defenders in Charlie expected to deliver that value over the next three seasons. There’s a McAvoy, Matt Grzelcyk and Brandon Carlo, but the rest of the group chance the draft picks turn into more, but it’s a low chance. It’s a non- appears mostly replaceable featuring some combination of Connor issue and for a team whose window might be closing soon anyway, the Clifton, Jeremy Lauzon, John Moore, or Jakub Zboril. That makeup might time to go all-in is now regardless. Boston shouldn’t be that worried about be good enough to still be one of the league’s best teams considering losing picks. Boston’s other strengths, but come playoff time the team’s lack of depth will be a problem. So the next question is how much and for how long. It’s a balancing act between what Boston can afford, what it does to their current internal cap The fortunate thing is that the Bruins have some cap flexibility with $6.6 structure (Charlie McAvoy’s deal is up in two years), and how high the million worth of space (and potentially a bit more depending on how Bruins need to go before Tampa Bay has to say no. healthy Kevan Miller is). That’s enough to add a very capable piece to the top four, but the market isn’t exactly flush with options. There’s no Typically, a player of Sergachev’s ilk would sign for around $6 million as one left in free agency that can be that guy and there doesn’t appear to an RFA. That’s according to his on-ice value and tracks with Evolving be anyone available via trade either. Hockey’s projections — though they’re slightly lower for everything below an eight-year deal. The Bruins could sign him to a $6.54 million deal, But there is one other player acquisition option, a rarely used one: an save a second-round pick, have just over $150,000 worth of cap space offer sheet. left and put the Lightning $3.6 million above the salary cap with Anthony And there just so happens to be a perfect candidate eligible for one: Cirelli and Erik Cernak still left to sign. It’s a reasonable deal that puts the Mikhail Sergachev. Lightning in a very challenging spot, especially if the Bruins don’t offer much in the way of term (a three-year term effectively makes the contract I’m not usually one to say specific teams should do specific things with a $6.5 million bridge which would be tough to swallow since his bridge regards to player acquisition, but from the Bruins’ perspective, there’s a price should be closer to $4 million) and/or add a steep salary in the final lot of things that make too much sense to ignore. In the dog days of the year to up the qualifying offer. offseason, it’s an idea that’s at least worthy of discussion. (I do realize it takes two to sign and all indications are Sergachev loves it in Tampa I’m not sure how much farther I would go or how necessary it is given Bay, but for the sake of argument let’s just say he’s interested in more Tampa Bay’s current bind. Whether it’s $6.5 million or $8 million money and a bigger role without losing much in terms of Cup contention (considering the Bruins were in on Oliver Ekman-Larsson at $8.25 million probability). earlier in the offseason, that’s probably as high as can be expected), it’ll take more than giving up Tyler Johnson for the Lightning to get cap For starters, Sergachev is a helluva player and just 22 years old. compliant with their other RFA’s to sign. That’s something the team Everything about him screams “future No. 1 defenceman” from his play- already had trouble doing. driving prowess at both ends of the ice to his ability to move the puck up ice in transition to his offensive production. There are a lot of indicators The one issue from the Bruins’ perspective that arises from this is that he’s the real deal with the only issue being he hasn’t been tasked to do it the team still hasn’t signed their own RFA, Jake DeBrusk. A Sergachev very far up the lineup in Tampa Bay. By value added, he’s already there, signing wouldn’t leave much of anything for DeBrusk, a productive top-six albeit in a sheltered role. winger, but in terms of balance and depth, a player like Sergachev is arguably much more necessary than DeBrusk. Considering the team’s In most cases a sheltered player is a red flag and Sergachev is in the forward depth, DeBrusk can be expended and the team has sort of bottom fifth for defenseman usage. It denotes a lack of trust from the treated him as such this past offseason, with his name being floated in coaching staff, but on a team that has Victor Hedman and Ryan rumour mills. That can potentially recoup some draft capital lost in a McDonagh it’s likely more of an opportunity problem than a trust problem. Sergachev offer sheet. DeBrusk is a good player and there are other Head coach Jon Cooper doesn’t need to trust Sergachev to play tough ways to fit him (Miller on LTIR, buried money, trading someone), but minutes when he already has the horses to do so, but that doesn’t mean there are also players on the come-up like Jack Studnicka and Anders Sergachev couldn’t succeed with more responsibility. Over the past two Bjork that can step in without losing much. I like DeBrusk and would find seasons he has a 55 percent expected goals rate and a 58 percent a way to fit him, but I like Sergachev a lot more, especially on this team. actual goals rate at five-on-five and while it’s unlikely he puts up those exact numbers higher in the lineup, there’s enough leeway to figure While the addition of Sergachev is already pretty appetizing, there’s one they’ll translate well enough that he can handle the role. other major reason that Boston should consider this and it follows the same principle as a “four-point game.” The biggest key to that is Sergachev’s ability with the puck. Anecdotally, the defenders who have proven they could handle bigger roles in the When Boston plays Tampa Bay, a regulation win is doubly important past were the ones with strong puck skills that can safely move it out of because it’s not just two extra points for the Bruins, it’s also two fewer trouble with control. Based on tracking data from Corey Sznajder over points for the Lightning. In a divisional matchup, it creates a big swing the past two seasons, Sergachev looks elite in that regard in terms of when it comes to playoff seeding as how much you gain is just as both exiting the defensive zone and entering the offensive zone. There important as how much the team you’re competing with loses. aren’t many defenders in the league with his profile — not even the It’s that exact scenario that makes this proposition uniquely tantalizing departed Krug who was a strong puck-mover playing similarly sheltered compared to an average acquisition. This isn’t just about Boston helping minutes. itself to a potential star defenceman, it’s just as equally about hurting the It remains to be seen whether Sergachev can pass the ultimate test and Lightning and taking one away from them. Tampa Bay is by far Boston’s play on a top pairing against the opposition’s best on a nightly basis, but biggest threat in the Eastern Conference and the two are very close in terms of total win value on the roster. Under normal circumstances, the Bruins adding a player of Sergachev’s calibre would add nearly two wins to their lineup while doing nothing to their rivals because that player will usually come via free agency or a bottom feeder. This particular deal also has the added benefit of taking away two wins from Tampa Bay’s, creating a four-win gap where previously there would be nearly none (if the two teams are equal). It’s a massive swing that’s double the actual player’s value — a four-win acquisition. That type of opportunity doesn’t come around often as most contending teams don’t have the cap flexibility that Boston does to bring in a player of Sergachev’s calibre where his potential is still untapped due to being sheltered on an elite team.

But that’s just what happens if Tampa Bay doesn’t match. Ideally, the Bruins want the player first and foremost, but the cherry on top of this potential move is that if the Lightning do match, they’re now in very serious cap trouble being $3.6 million over with Cirelli and Cernak still left to sign, as mentioned before. It leaves them more vulnerable than before (especially if Tampa Bay’s plan was the bridge route) with the benefit of the Lightning having to shed value off its roster still very much in play in order to fit Sergachev’s new deal. Boston may not get the player or the added value, but the move still screws with Tampa Bay’s books in a serious way enough where they lose value. Either way, Boston comes out ahead by forcing Tampa Bay’s hand.

When it comes to offer sheets there’s an unwritten code among general managers not to mess with each other through this avenue, and this proposed offer sheet may seem especially vindictive in that regard. It’s equally about helping one team as much as it is about specifically hurting another, a rival competitor.

Frankly, I don’t care about the code when offer sheets are a tool that was collectively bargained for. If I’m Boston, I care about one thing only: Boston. If it helps Boston improve its Cup odds, then it’s something worth considering and this is a very unique case where the deal has even bigger ramifications given the team that’s being targeted. It helps Boston’s Cup odds in two different ways.

Boston is already the league villain, a team nearly everyone outside of Boston loves to hate. This type of move would only cement that, and when you’re already the heel, you might as well lean into it.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196201 Toronto Maple Leafs

Toronto Star LOADED: 11.24.2020

For the Maple Leafs and many other elite athletes, lockdown doesn’t mean locked out

By Kevin McGran Staff Reporter

Mon., Nov. 23, 2020

The Toronto Maple Leafs are still working out at the Ford Performance Centre.

The exemption created in the spring that allowed the Leafs to prepare for last summer’s expanded NHL playoffs remains in effect for many of Ontario’s professional teams, even with Toronto and Peel Region starting a 28-day lockdown to battle the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

“We continue to operate our training facility in accordance with a return to play plan approved by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health,” Steve Keogh, the Leafs’ director of media relations, said by email. “We’ll of course look to stay in close contact with public health authorities at all levels of government and monitor developments closely.”

Arenas, curling rinks and other recreational facilities have been closed to the general public across Toronto and Peel, making things such as small- group practices for minor hockey and adult recreational leagues off limits. Even kids in the GTHL who had been allowed to skate in small cohorts are not allowed on the ice.

But as the Leafs continue to prepare for what they hope will be a January start to the NHL season, they are far from the only athletes continuing to train through Lockdown 2.0.

Toronto-based players from other NHL teams and high-performance figure skaters are also allowed on some rinks. Canada’s Olympians and Paralympians remain eligible to train with swimmers at the national aquatic centre in Scarborough, while cyclists have access to the velodrome in Milton.

Not all are as lucky. Canada’s top local archers, for example, are having a problem finding a venue that can accommodate the Olympic distance of 70 metres. The private club at which they normally train in Peel has been closed, though it was looking at ways to accommodate high- performance archers.

“It’s critical, but we’re struggling quite a bit to find a location where we can train,” said national recurve coach Shawn Riggs. “It’s been such a challenge.”

Unlike swimmers and cyclists, Canada’s archers did not get a legacy building of their own from the 2015 Pan Am Games. Despite that, the program had one of its most successful years in 2019, said Riggs.

“We had medals at the Pan Am Games and were close to qualifying three men in the Olympics, and super close to fielding a full team at the world championships. We’re right on the cusp,” said Riggs.

As far as other local pro teams with playoffs underway or seasons approaching:

The Raptors have an exemption, like the Leafs, but won’t be training in Toronto. Some will meet next week for a player-led workout in Los Angeles before heading to Tampa to open their 2020-21 season in late December.

Apr. 22, 2020

Toronto FC trained at home over the last two weeks while waiting for an opponent from the play-in round of the playoffs, but are back at their temporary base in Hartford, Conn., for Tuesday’s date with Nashville FC and will be there for the duration of their post-season. They played just three times at BMO Field this year: Aug. 18, Aug. 21 and Sept 1 against Vancouver and Montreal.

The Toronto Six, an expansion franchise in the National Women’s Hockey League, have not released a schedule, but the league had been targeting a January start.

Facilities outside Toronto and Peel remain open, but health authorities in those regions are discouraging outside residents from visiting. 1196202 Toronto Maple Leafs FATHERS AND SONS

Dave Lowry has been named an assistant coach of the Winnipeg Jets, the same team son Adam has played on for the past six years. The many NHL notes: McDavid + Matthews = Magic roots of the Dineen family tree was the first such arrangement in the NHL.

Lance Hornby In the KHL, meanwhile, Danis Zaripov, the 39-year-old captain of Ak Bars, returned from injury to score his first goal of the year, the same Publishing date: Nov 24, 2020 week 17-year-old son Artur debuted for Ak Bars’ junior team.

DRIVE-IN HOCKEY

If a Canadian division is a go next year in a re-aligned NHL, who’s up for Russian teams are taking a page from NHL clubs, inviting COVID- Connor McDavid head-to-head against Auston Matthews six to eight conscious fans to park their cars at the rink and watch games on a big times in the regular season? screen. Avtomobilist in Yekaterinberg did so last week and provided commentary that could be picked up on the car radios. Fans arrived in While hockey is on hiatus in Canada, two of the country’s prominent stars team colours and came out in the cold to sing the Russian anthem before have been whetting appetites in the Arizona heat. the game. McDavid, captain of the Edmonton Oilers, and Toronto Maple Leafs’ But the Maple Leafs, who had playoff viewing parties at the large lot at leading scorer Matthews were on the same rink with a couple of other Ontario Place in early August, don’t plan to do it for regular season NHLers in what we hope is socially distanced skating and what they hope games, hopeful that some spectators eventually get into Scotiabank is a precursor to December training camps. Arena. McDavid accepted Matthews’ invitation to come south earlier this month, DEBRUSK SIGNS, CHARA NEXT? the two having struck a friendship during the on the Young Guns North American team. The Bruins announced Monday night that RFA forward Jake DeBrusk is coming back on a two-year deal with an AAV of $3.675 million US. The unfortunate goalie on their 2-on-0 drills was recent NHLer Peter Reports from Boston estimate that leaves about $3 million to get 42-year- Budaj. old Zdeno Chara under contract for 2020-21, if he’s willing and doesn’t “I am always trying to add layers to my game and remain as versatile as mind what’s going to be a compacted schedule. possible,” Matthews wrote in an email to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet ICE CHIPS when word of the pair’s workouts got out. “Just trying to improve in all aspects. If a deal is reached to play next season, players on Canadian teams want to have been properly quarantined and ready to join camps. The latest “The respect (for McDavid) goes back for so long. Connor’s hockey IQ, example is Montreal’s young forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who ended his speed and edges are so impressive to say the least and his vision at the loan agreement with Finnish club Pori Assat on Monday and will return to speed he moves obviously stands out. It really is the whole package with undergo his 14-day isolation … Bridgestone Arena in Nashville painted him.” its lines and centre-ice Predators’ logo on the weekend, optimistic camp McDavid had similar sentiments and said the time during the best-on- will start soon … Joel Ward and fellow ex-NHLer Jamie Heward have best test also allowed him “to try and add upper-body strength.” landed assistant coaching jobs with the Golden Knights new in Henderson, Nev. … Original Penguin Ken Schinkel passed away Friday “Using ELDOA (a form of yoga) to increase flexibility, posture and muscle at age 87. He played 655 games with Pittsburgh and New York, part of tone for injury prevention. (I) also worked on faceoffs as well as the Schinkel-Shack-Schock Line with Eddie and Ron, respectively … defensive-zone stuff,” said the Oilers star. Sunday was the anniversary of the St. Louis Blues’ GM/coach Lynn Patrick deciding the expansion team’s poor start required a new man McDavid has 10 points in eight games against Toronto since Matthews behind the bench. He turned to assistant and the rest is was picked first overall a year after himself, while Matthews has five history. points in nine contests.

A couple of games didn’t have either of the stars participate due to injury. Toronto Sun LOADED: 11.24.2020 The start of next season remains up in the air, with the NHL Players Association balking at the league’s request to make them take less salary as the COVID-19 crisis continues. The goal is an early December deal to salvage a 60-game schedule, likely with the league split into divisions on either side of a closed Canada-U.S. border.

LADIES FIRST

The Chicago Blackhawks are the latest team to give women prominent roles in their hockey office.

On Monday, they hired U.S. national team star Kendall Coyne Schofield as a player development coach and promoted Meghan Hunter to amateur scout and director of administration, after she was senior executive assistant to GM Stan Bowman.

Coyne Schofield competed in the 2019 NHL all-star game fastest skater competition and was on the San Jose Sharks broadcast crew last year.

The Leafs have had Hayley Wickenheiser in their player development department office as assistant director since August of 2018.

SOME MEDICAL ADVICE

Wickenheiser, who is an advanced med student at the University of Calgary, tweeted Monday that she has spent an eye-opening week in a rural Alberta hospital, alongside an experienced doctor.

“My biggest fear (is not) COVID,” she said of the prevalent pandemic, “it’s the patient who comes in and has waited too long out of fear (the) hospital (is) not safe (gets worse) and we can’t get them to help in time. Come in if sick.” 1196203 Toronto Maple Leafs “It would be very difficult,” said Spott. “If anything, it’s a testament to the character he has, because not many players could do that for the length of time that he did. It’s very challenging. As much as you’re a hockey After a long, hard road, Josh Leivo looks forward to his Flames debut coach, you’re an amateur sports psychologist because you continually have to find ways to motivate.”

With the Leafs, more often than not, that task fell to assistant D.J. Smith, By Scott Cruickshank who spent time with Leivo, “just to make sure he was feeling good about himself,” according to Spott. “You go through ups and downs as a player. Nov 23, 2020 As coaches, our job is to make sure that they’re leaving the ice every day trying to feel good about themselves.

Go to an NHL rink. Take an elevator up. Peek into the press box. On “And that sometimes is a challenge because you don’t see a light at the hand are three game-time givens: bad popcorn and hot coffee and Josh end of the tunnel. But, thankfully for Josh, he found that light.” Leivo. Even if that light features a dimmer switch. If that sounds harsh, imagine how the young forward of the Toronto Leivo’s time with coach Travis Green and the Canucks started in Maple Leafs felt. splendid fashion — on the top line with Elias Pettersson and Brock Sure, healthy scratches are a thing of the past for Leivo. But back in Boeser, scoring a goal in his Vancouver debut. 2016-17? In 2017-18? He might as well have been another piece of However, his stint ended in abrupt fashion 12 months later, when, in furniture upstairs. While desperately trying to gain an NHL foothold, Leivo December 2019, he was cranked into the boards by Vegas Golden ended up sitting out more than 100 times under coach Mike Babcock, Knights defender Nick Holden. including an official DNP count of 66 one season. On the sequence, he fractured his right kneecap, which required surgical When Leivo DP — did play — he was actually decent. Good, even. This repair, which cost him the rest of this past season, including the hub-city is a 6-foot-2 winger with better than industry-standard ability and a playoffs. snappy shot. During one stretch he made 10 consecutive appearances — and responded with nine points. Then he was shoved back to the For a player, especially one on an expiring contract, it stood as a wicked roster’s fringes. blow. What now?

It’s telling that Leivo took his medicine — and took it without a public Going into free agency last month, Leivo wasn’t sure what to expect. He peep. says a half-dozen clubs reached out initially, all of them curious about the state of his knee. With cross-border travel restrictions — and teams He says that he had a couple of buddies who, while going through similar wanting their doctors to inspect his leg — the field of suitors narrowed, trials, had popped off, had acted out. It turned out to be Leivo says, to basically Vancouver and Calgary. counterproductive. So he flew here and got checked over by Flames medical staffers, who, “It’s a hard league to make — I didn’t want to blow it (by) saying in turn, gave general manager Brad Treliving the thumbs up. something stupid,” Leivo said the other day. “I just wanted to work hard and hopefully somebody would notice that and give me an opportunity.” Leivo also learned an interesting tidbit — that Treliving had tried to pry him out of Toronto back in the day, but Leafs boss Lou Lamoriello Which is what happened. refused to budge. “It just never worked out for some reason.” This time, Leivo, in December 2018, was transferred to the Vancouver Canucks, though, the Flames would not be denied. with whom he finally received a fair on-ice opportunity. And more “From Day 1, they pursued pretty hard,” he said. “They hunted me more recently, of course, the 27-year-old has been welcomed with open arms (than anyone else). It felt great to be wanted that way, especially coming by the Calgary Flames. off an injury and a scare like that. So I went with my gut on it. It felt right.” All positive notes, adding yet more layers to Leivo’s stick-with-it story. Leivo, of course, is familiar with fellow former Canucks — Jacob But, looking back, he acknowledges that it had been no picnic in Toronto. Markstrom and Chris Tanev — now at the Saddledome. Plus, he typically A kid from the area who played junior in Sudbury and Kitchener and works out in the summers with Sean Monahan and Mark Giordano. And graduated from the AHL’s Marlies. And then? He got grounded at the Air he knows Byron Froese from their overlapping days with the Marlies and Canada Centre — while tantalizingly close to his goal. Leafs.

Had the fairy tale played out, it would have been highlighted by heroics “The guys were texting me and everything,” said Leivo. “It was a full-team and championships, all while draped in blue and white. No one effort to get me here. We’ll wait and see how that goes, but it should be daydreams about game-day bag skates and long nights in the press box. an exciting time in Calgary.”

“Frustrating, but I’m an easy-going guy,” said Leivo. “I didn’t want to bring His new contract is a single season for $875,000 — coming off a deal the team down. I liked being in Toronto. The guys were great. Very easy that paid him $1.5 million. For the Flames, it’s a bargain. to be a part of that group. It’s very unfortunate I couldn’t get in. I don’t But there’s no telling where Leivo winds up slotted. Given the city-wide know what it was. I’d play well and still wouldn’t get in. interest in re-arranging the forward group — combined with his versatility “But you know what? I can’t complain. I learned a lot from it. But I never and right-handedness (a roster rarity) — he presents to the coaches want to be in that situation again. So I make sure that every time I go out plenty of flexibility. on that ice, I’m giving my all. I don’t know what the situation was … but “He’s starting to hit his stride,” Spott said. “He’s getting to that point of his I’ve moved on from it.” career now where he knows the league, he knows the buildings, he Consider Steve Spott an expert here on a couple of levels — on Leivo, understands it. Now he can just play — and be comfortable at the NHL on bag skates. level. That’s not always easy for players wondering if they’re going to be a healthy scratch or wondering if they’re going to be sent down. He traded for, then coached, Leivo in OHL Kitchener. And in 2013-14, player and coach turned pro together, joining the Marlies. Leivo mentions “He’s at the point of his career where he can take a breath. But, at the Spott by name when discussing his successful transition to the AHL. same time, he knows he has to continue to perform to have the opportunity to get that big contract. I think that’s something he’s going to And Spott these days — as an assistant coach in the NHL, now with shoot for now.” Vegas — is someone in charge of administering to the extras the morning’s on-ice punishment. Leivo’s grandparents lived near Lake Wilcox in Richmond Hill, Ont., and his father, Kari, would bundle him up and take him onto the ice. Meaning he gets it. The drill is familiar to him. “I hated it at first because my skates were too tight,” he said. “He taught So for a player to experience the number of sitdowns — and setbacks — me a little bit, then he let me learn.” that Leivo did? Well … Growing up, Leivo showed that he could play, although not exactly like start. “It was a very trying time … it was not easy. Mike Babcock is Mike Pops (who, in 1985-86, paced the OJHL with 493 penalty minutes — 172 Babcock. Josh didn’t get a lot of breaks there. But he persevered and (!) more than the next surliest player — in 42 games). practised hard, worked on his game and waited for his opportunity.”

“Yeah, he was a little bit of a nutcase out there — old-school hockey,” And when the Leafs needed a roster spot for the late-signing William said Leivo with a laugh. “Big scrapper, but, apparently, he could still put Nylander, Leivo got the fresh start he desperately wanted, heading to the puck in the net. He wasn’t shy to drop the mitts. But I’m different than Vancouver in exchange for minor-league winger Michael Carcone. him. I’ve got a little more skill than he had.” As a bonus, he got to wear No. 17 — his dad’s number — with the The OHL took notice. The Sudbury Wolves selected Leivo in the 11th Canucks. (In Sudbury, it had been retired — Mike Foligno — and in round, 205th overall, of the league’s priority draft in 2009. Toronto everyone knows that’s Wendel Clark’s sweater.)

A cool moment, no doubt, but this was a kid with other interests. “In Vancouver, I asked for the number,” said Leivo. “It wasn’t in the rafters yet — there’s a couple good players that have had it (notably Even after a season in the OHL, he was still pitching. Following a two- Ryan Kesler) — but once I had it, I was excited. It was cool to be able to hitter, Leivo was approached by scouts from the Kansas City Royals and wear that number in the NHL.” Cleveland Indians. “Threw some nasty junk and some heat,” said Leivo, who also played shortstop. “I think I had some potential in baseball, but Making his Canucks debut against the Minnesota Wild — and getting … hockey was always the first true love.” nearly 17 minutes of ice time — he opened the scoring, with the helpers going to his new friends, Pettersson and Boeser. Especially after getting drafted into the NHL. “Josh’s time in Vancouver speaks for itself,” Pulver said. “His advanced Not that he’d been in the Xcel Energy Center bleachers when his name stats were outstanding. He put the puck in the net. And when he was on was called in 2011. the ice, he did really good things. Travis Green gave him every Not that he’d been awake. opportunity in the world — I thought Josh took full advantage of it.”

Understandably. Leivo finished with 10 goals in 49 appearances. Then last season, while on an eight-point-in-11-date run, he suffered that knee damage. Leivo, after all, had failed to crack Central Scouting’s rankings of the top North American skaters, a list that went 210 teenagers deep. So when “I was just coming along, finding my game,” said Leivo. “I find that my the Leafs stepped up 86th overall and shouted out his name — one pick game builds as the year goes on. Right then I was starting to feel it a bit after Alan Quine and three before Jordan Binnington — he had been more, feeling more comfortable. Then it was unfortunate with that shitty oblivious. injury I had.”

“I’d talked to St. Louis a little bit. They said maybe sixth round, seventh Rehabbing took longer than expected, which kept him out of the round. Then, all of a sudden, the surprise in the third round,” said Leivo. postseason bubble in Edmonton, where the Canucks knocked off “I was sleeping. I had a bunch of missed calls … about seven calls from Minnesota and St. Louis, before falling in Game 7 to Vegas. seven different people. I was in shock for the first little bit, but once it all All Leivo could do was watch. settled down it was awesome to get drafted by your hometown team.” Just like his days with the Leafs — more spectator than contributor. He skated another winter in Sudbury, then, midway through his third season with the Wolves, he was dealt to the Kitchener Rangers. “The grind I’ve had … being a scratch for two and a half, three years, then the patience with the knee, really put things into perspective,” said Eager to make a run, Spott reeled in both Leivo and Frankie Corrado. “It Leivo. “I don’t take anything for granted now. I’m ready to work in every was a big trade at that time. I guess you call them blockbusters.” But only situation. after doing his due diligence. “It’s been a long journey. My family’s grinded it out with me. Just to be “Like any general manager, you dig in to find out what kind of person able to play another game, that’ll be instant relief. I can’t wait for it.” you’d be bringing into your organization,” he said. “Josh checked all the boxes. He obviously made us a much better hockey club, but he was Already, after informal skates in Calgary, he’s compared wounds with also the type of person we wanted to bring into the Kitchener area. Matthew Phillips, who also dinged up his kneecap last December. It feels Thankfully we were able to acquire him. like he already knows half of the Flames players. And he and head coach Geoff Ward share ties to the Kitchener Rangers. Which can’t hurt, either. “I thought he was going to be a good pro. Coming into Kitchener, I think it was a good stepping stone for him to deal with big-moment situations. “It almost doesn’t feel like I’m switching teams.” Friday nights in the (Kitchener Memorial) Auditorium were a mini-version of a pro game. Leivo and his young family — fiancée Bianca and their young boys, Zayne and Cruz — have moved into a place in Kensington. “It was a good fit for him and for his family and a good transition for him going into the American Hockey League the following year.” The fit on the ice, according to Flames brass, is ideal.

It showed. As a 20-year-old, Leivo authored 23 goals in 59 games for the Spott agrees. Marlies. Which got him that much closer to the Leafs. “A brilliant signing,” he said. “Josh’s ability to hang on to the puck and his Heck, the teams practised in the same building. puck possession offensively down low are elite. He’s able to make plays in tight areas. He possesses it, he protects it. Players work on that all the “Our dressing room was right across the way from the Maple Leafs’ time. But, for him, it’s one of those god-given attributes. dressing room,” said Spott, “so for our players, it was a lot of motivation to get from one side of the rink to the other.” “It’s going to be very interesting. If he stays healthy, he could have a breakout year.” While with the Marlies, Leivo was encouraged to brush up his skating stride, so he worked with Barb Underhill. “That was probably the most Asked what excites him the most about joining the Flames, Leivo says glaring area … he put a lot of time and energy into that,” said Spott. “Just it’s the potential of the local outfit. rounding him out so he could become an everyday NHL player.” “I think anyone could see it,” he said. “Wardo wants to win. He wants to He got seven games with the Leafs that season, nine more the next, a bring that into the locker room. I want to win. To bring a Stanley Cup to dozen in 2015-16, all while toiling primarily with the Marlies. this city would be amazing. I think it was ’89 that they won it, right?

However, the next two seasons, while full-time with the Leafs, Leivo “Any Canadian team winning the Stanley Cup would be amazing. And, skated in only 29 NHL contests — and, deflatingly, was scratched more hopefully, it’s Calgary.” than 100 times.

“He’s a player’s player. He’s always had a great attitude, even through The Athletic LOADED: 11.24.2020 the tough times in Toronto when Mike Babcock wasn’t playing him,” said agent Ian Pulver, who has served as Leivo’s representative from the 1196204 Toronto Maple Leafs also get creative and protect one of those players by offering another asset.

Or they could open up some more cap space by letting one of those Mirtle: Projecting the Maple Leafs roster and cap outlook all the way to contracts go to Seattle. 2023-24 Overall, I think the Leafs are in fine shape here, assuming they get continued progression from some of their young players and good health By James Mirtle from their older ones. In a best-case scenario, Campbell steps up and looks ready to take on more duties next season, which would mean they Nov 23, 2020 could run a cheap tandem in net and upgrade elsewhere.

The 2022-23 Maple Leafs

This is the perfect article for one of my favourite GIFs to come out. Estimated NHL salary cap: $82.5 million. There is probably going to be some limited growth in the cap by this season but nothing likely to allow Take it away, George … for major additions. This will depend on how league revenues rebound in Projecting what an NHL team will look like beyond the next eight months, the wake of (hopefully) a COVID-19 vaccine in 2021 and fans returning to especially in this pandemic-influenced environment, is extremely difficult. buildings thereafter. Roster turnover is always high, especially with teams like the Leafs, Key unrestricted free agents in summer 2022: Morgan Rielly, Ilya which have a lot of salary tied up in a small core and a fluid supporting Mikheyev, Jack Campbell cast. Outlook: We’ve given Rielly a raise, but otherwise, the cast is relatively Still, it’s a useful exercise to think about how Toronto’s front office has to the same. Mikheyev feels like he’ll be a cap casualty in two years. continue building this team and plotting its medium-term future. (For a Campbell? Well, who knows? It’ll largely depend on how he plays, close look at the roster for this coming season, see the latest depth chart whether he re-signs and for how much. here.) Dermott will be looking for a longer-term deal at this point, and if he’s For some ground rules: I won’t trade away anyone under contract emerged as a top-four defenceman, he could price himself out of the through 2023-24. I’ll re-sign every restricted free agent and the significant lineup. unrestricted free agents who are likely to come back. But there won’t be any other free-agent signings. And no trades, so the big guns are here At this point, however, Brodie and Muzzin will have two years left on their throughout this projection. deals and could be moved if there’s a strong push from the young blueliners in the organization. Holl, in the final year of his contract, could Your methods may vary. also be someone punted to free up ice time and cap room (assuming he Before we dive in, let me be clear: This is meant to be an act in fun hasn’t been moved before this). guesstimation more than anything concrete. We’re going with our best The roster is obviously thin up front, especially if Kerfoot is ultimately who assumptions and leaving some blanks to be filled in when we need to. they lose to Seattle in 2021. Back to the bargain bin, I suppose. Although Then we can all yell about how I got the third D pairing in 2023-24 wrong it’s worth noting they have $8.5 million in space, space that will grow to in the comments. (We all know it will be Martin Marincin, anyway.) more like $14 million without Kerfoot and Holl on the roster.

Here we go … It’s hard to say whether anyone from the most recent drafts can make an impact on this roster two years from now, beyond Robertson. Rodion The 2021-22 Maple Leafs Amirov is likely three or four years away, but perhaps one of the other fliers the organization has taken deeper might surprise. Estimated NHL salary cap: $81.5 million. The cap may be slightly higher than this by the season after next, but don’t expect a bump of more than The Leafs certainly are going to continue to need contributions from a few hundred thousand dollars, if there is one. The lack of fans in players not making a lot of money if they elect to bring back Rielly and buildings will keep revenues down, which will keep the cap almost flat for Hyman at the salaries I’ve allocated here. multiple years. Outlook: We are way, way into the future here. We might have jetpacks Key unrestricted free agents in summer 2021: Frederik Andersen, Zach by now. Hyman, Joe Thornton, Wayne Simmonds, Mikko Lehtonen, Zach Bogosian, Jimmy Vesey, Jason Spezza This will be the final season for Auston Matthews’ contract. The final season for William Nylander’s, too. They’ll be 26 and 27 years old, Projected cap space remaining: $6.3 million respectively, and in line for big UFA payouts the following July 1, assuming they aren’t extended before the summer of 2024. Roster pieces needed: No. 1 or tandem goalie, two additional forwards (including one in top nine) Only Tavares (who will be 33) and Marner (26) are currently signed beyond 2023-24. For this exercise, we’ve also given Hyman and Rielly Outlook: If the Leafs don’t sign Andersen and give Dermott (RFA) and long-term deals that would keep them in the fold beyond this point. Hyman (UFA) modest raises, things get tight pretty quickly for 2021-22. The Leafs will have some cap space, but they also have a lot of roster The good news is the roster is largely intact from 2020-21, with so much questions that will have to be answered. I can’t imagine both Muzzin and of the core signed. The bad news is we need help in goal and up front, Brodie play out their full contracts in Toronto, so there’s additional and there simply isn’t a lot of cap space to manoeuvre with. turnover there that’s likely to happen in the next three seasons. Digging into the offseason free-agent bargain bin again will be a must. Projecting Dermott, Sandin and Liljegren this far down the road is Perhaps they can find a goaltender for $3 million or $4 million? Then they virtually impossible, too. Still, this is probably about the right amount of could bring in a few league-minimum players to round out the cast. cap space to allocate to the blue line. If someone like Lehtonen has a big year, however, it feels like it’ll be It’s also fair at this point to wonder if the Core Four survive to this point. impossible to keep him. And I’m not sure which kids on entry-level Tavares will be quite old, by NHL standards. It probably doesn’t make contracts beyond Sandin and Robertson will be able to make an NHL sense to walk both Matthews and Nylander to unrestricted free agency, impact 10 months from now. either, and it might be difficult to re-sign both of them to lucrative The one thing not considered here is the expansion draft, and it’s likely extensions, given the cap is likely to remain relatively stagnant. the Leafs lose someone off the NHL roster. There’s a real debate now for It’s quite likely that there are only six or seven players from the current the Leafs between protecting 7-3-1 (seven forwards, three defencemen organization who are on the 2023-24 roster. That’s often how much and a goalie) or 4-4-1 (four forwards, four defencemen and a goalie) after turnover you see in a three-year timeframe in the NHL. signing Brodie. Overall conclusions My guess is they lose Kerfoot, Holl or Dermott, although who knows what the roster looks like by the time the Kraken get cracking. The Leafs could If you look around the NHL at some other organizations — and I investigated all 31 teams’ cap situations until 2023-24 — they have only one or two contracts signed until 2024. The Leafs are a bit of an outlier in that they have so many of their top players, in their primes, signed long term.

Had the cap risen to $90 million or more in this period, it would have set them up nicely to complement that group with another star using the additional cap space. As it is, if they want to keep players like Rielly and Hyman — without subtracting a big-money forward — they’re going to have to continue to find wins in other areas of the roster to stay at the top of the standings.

A lot of this comes down to how players perform, too. Maybe prospects like Amirov or Hallander can surprise and make a bigger impact sooner than expected? And maybe the Leafs unearth Mikheyev-like contributors from Europe for cheap again and again?

None of what’s here, however, looks particularly dire. After moving out Kapanen and Johnsson, and not putting a lot of salary into the bottom six forwards or bottom two defencemen, the Leafs have some cap flexibility well into the future.

Whether they can win with this cast — and a rotating group of cheap depth pieces — remains to be seen. But in comparison with much of the league, the Leafs are very low on bad contracts, no-movement clauses and dead money from buyouts and salary retention. Most organizations have more skeletons in their cap closet.

That matters, especially without much cap growth coming in the next few years.

And we’ll save the cap projection for Matthews’ $14 million third contract for another day …

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Four Golden Knights test positive for COVID-19

By Ben Gotz Review-Journal

November 23, 2020 - 8:48 PM

Updated November 23, 2020 - 9:24 PM

Four Golden Knights players have tested positive for COVID-19, the team confirmed to the Review-Journal on Monday.

The news was first reported by TSN. The players who tested positive were not identified.

The Knights said the four players are self-isolating and are “recovering well.” As a precaution, the team is closing all the off-ice player areas at City National Arena (the locker room, lounge, gym, training room and video room) to players and staff through Sunday.

The Knights will keep their hockey programming, team store and MacKenzie River Pizza restaurant open at City National Arena.

“We will continue to follow recommendations and guidance from the CDC, NHL and our local officials to ensure the health and safety of our community, players and staff,” the team said in a statement.

The team previously hadn’t had a public positive COVID-19 test. The Knights did not have any players test positive during training camp in July at City National.

The NHL did not have any players test positive during the postseason, which was conducted in “secure zones” in Toronto and Edmonton, Alberta. The league ultimately conducted more than 30,000 tests without a positive result.

The Knights are awaiting word as to when the 2020-21 NHL season will begin. The league has a tentative start date of Jan. 1.

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Henderson Silver Knights add Joel Ward to staff

By Ben Gotz Las Vegas Review-Journal

November 23, 2020 - 1:58 PM

Updated November 23, 2020 - 6:52 PM

Joel Ward remembers what it’s like to struggle for one’s shot at the NHL.

He has been called up and down before. Three times in one week, as a matter of fact. And he’s going to take the lessons he learned from those experiences and impart them to some of the Golden Knights’ promising prospects.

Ward, who played 726 NHL games despite being undrafted, was named a Henderson Silver Knights assistant coach Monday. The recently retired right wing will work under coach Manny Viveiros and with Jamie Heward, who was also named to the staff.

“A strength of mine is just to share my experience,” Ward said. “For guys, they can relate to somebody that’s been through it.”

Ward, 39, took a longer path than most to the NHL. He played four seasons at the University of Prince Edward Island in Canada and didn’t make his professional debut (in the American Hockey League) until he was 24.

He still managed to carve out an 11-year NHL career thanks to his work ethic, toughness and two-way play. He finished with 133 goals and 304 points, including one assist in three games against the Knights in his final season in 2017-18.

Ward knew he wanted to stay involved in hockey after he hung up his skates and was approached about several opportunities. But only one role made sense to him.

“I knew deep down inside that I wanted to be hands-on,” Ward said. “I knew coaching was something that was in my blood.”

When Ward felt he was ready, he started reaching out to contacts within the game asking for advice. One person was the former Washington Capitals general manager who signed him to a four-year contract in 2011: Knights president of hockey operations George McPhee. Another was his coach for three seasons with the San Jose Sharks: Knights coach Pete DeBoer.

That got the ball rolling for Viveiros and Ward to connect around the time the former was hired. The Silver Knights will stylistically play a lot like the Golden Knights, which means in his first professional coaching gig Ward will be tasked with teaching systems he’s already executed.

“I enjoyed a lot of the X’s and O’s stuff that we had as a team,” Ward said of his time with the Sharks. “There were a couple moments where I went, ‘Oh, I can’t wait to teach some of this stuff.’”

Ward now gets that opportunity. He’ll do so along with Heward, a former first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Penguins who played 394 NHL games as a defenseman. Heward, 49, worked under Viveiros for two seasons as an assistant coach and director of player development with the Western Hockey League’s .

In their second season together, the team finished with the No. 3 offense and No. 1 power play and won the WHL championship. Viveiros was named the league’s coach of the year.

Ward will have to hope he brings his new boss similar success. He already remembers plenty about DeBoer’s system because he said his former coach dissects the game “as good as anybody that I came across.”

This time it’s Ward’s turn to do the dissecting.

“What carried me to have a career in the game was paying attention to details,” Ward said. “It paid off for me and hopefully (it will) for some of these guys that are on the cusp or bubble from playing up and down.”

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Four Golden Knights Players Are Infected With COVID-19, According To Team Statement

November 23, 2020

By Alan Snel of LVSportsBiz.com

A day after Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak outlined COVID-19 restrictions to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus, the NHL Vegas Golden Knights said four players have tested positive for the virus recently.

The Golden Knights did not identify the players who tested positive.

Here’s an official statement from the VGK organization Monday night: “Four Golden Knights players recently tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. Those individual players have been self-isolating and are all recovering well. As a precautionary measure, the Golden Knights off-ice player areas (locker room, lounge, gym, training room and video room) will be closed to all players and team staff through the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

“City National Arena hockey programming, the Arsenal and MacKenzie River Pizza remain open at City National Arena and continue to operate under the guidelines set forth by the State of Nevada and local health officials. We will continue to follow recommendations and guidance from the CDC, NHL and our local officials to ensure the health and safety of our community, players and staff.”

The report about the players testing positive for COVID-19 came several weeks after VGK owner Bill Foley said he was infected by the coronavirus.

Golden Knights owner Bill Foley.

The Golden Knights staged a Thanksgiving food give-away Monday, but the infected players were not part of the Thanksgiving food giveaway. The players involved in Monday’s food giveaway included star forward Mark Stone.

Sisolak wants casinos, bars and restaurants to limit capacity to 25 percent, down from 50 percent.

It’s unclear when the National Hockey League will start the next season. The NHL has mentioned Jan. 1 as a start, but that seems unrealistic and Foley has mentioned Feb. 1 as a more realistic start date.

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Ovechkin vs. Lundqvist 2009: The first matchup

by J.J. Regan

Capitals

Before they were teammates, Alex Ovechkin and Henrik Lundqvist were rivals on the ice with Ovechkin being one of the top goal scorers and Lundqvist being a top goalie. Their rivalry developed through five playoff matchups against each other. This week, we are looking back at each one. Today's series is 2009.

The matchup

No. 2 Washington vs. No. 7 New York

Just one year after reaching the playoffs for the first time in the Ovechkin era, the 2008-09 season was a breakout year for the Capitals who erupted for 108 points to win the Southeast Division for a second- consecutive season. Washington was firing on all cylinders offensively as Ovechkin scored 56 goals to win the Rocket Richard Trophy for the second consecutive season. He was one of three players on the team with over 30 goals that season. Alex Semin also contributed 34 while Mike Green had an incredible 31 goals as a defenseman.

The Rangers went through a mid-season coaching change as Tom Renney was fired in February and replaced by John Tortorella. Lundqvist played a whopping 70 games in the regular season marking the third consecutive season in which he played in at least 70. He managed a 38- 25-7 record with a .916 save percentage and 2.43 GAA.

This was the first postseason meeting between Ovechkin and Lundqvist.

The results

Ovechkin: 3 goals, 4 assists in seven games

Lundqvist: .908 save percentage, 3.00 GAA

Washington won the series 4-3

Ovechkin came into this series like a bull in a China shop. He was flying down the ice and hitting everything that moved. In Game 1, he recorded two assists, but did not get a goal of his own as Lundqvist turned aside all 13 shots Ovechkin fired on net. The high volume of shots did not stop for Ovechkin -- the fewest he recorded in a game for the whole series was three -- but he could not get one past Lundqvist until Game 4. Ovechkin hit the cross-bar in Game 2 and recorded an additional two assists in Game 3.

Finally, in Game 4, Ovechkin took the puck on a defensive-zone draw, took it down the ice and in for his first playoff goal against Lundqvist. Ovechkin used defenseman Derek Morris as a screen and snapped a shot off the bar and in to beat Lundqvist. Lundqvist had stopped the first 31 of Ovechkin's shots on goal in the series.

Ovechkin would try another shot from essentially the exact same location and again through a defenseman later in the game and Lundqvist snagged it with his glove for the nice save.

Game 5 featured one of the great goals of Ovechkin's tremendous career. He took the puck into the offensive zone and looked poised to make that same play again, cutting to the center to get the screen and firing the shot. This time, however, Ovechkin had a Rangers player both in front of him and to the side. Ovechkin deked right past , then left through the legs of Morris.and backhanded the puck past Lundqvist as Aaron Voros shoved him down to the ice from behind.

Ovechkin would score on a redirect in Game 6 for this third goal of the series. He would finish with seven points which is a good series, but Lundqvist managed to stop 46 out of Ovechkin's 49 shots for the series. Still, the Caps would come out on top, overcoming a 3-1 series deficit to beat the Rangers in seven games. Ovechkin's performance in the series and his Game 5 goal are overshadowed by how the series ended with Sergei Fedorov scoring late in Game 7 for the win.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196209 Winnipeg Jets "I felt and Paul felt that Adam wasn’t an established player in the NHL and he was still finding his way. We left it at that. Four years later, he’s a solid NHL player, he’s established himself in the NHL and that’s what Jets add some 'pop' to the lineup allowed this opportunity to come to fruition."

Adam has played 408 regular-season games since the Jets drafted him in the third round (67th overall) in the 2011 draft. He’s entering the final Mike McIntyre year of his contract, making US$2.9 million, and will become an unrestricted free agent next summer if he is not re-signed before then.

"I don’t think me being on the bench, or his contract status… I don’t think Dave Lowry won’t need much introduction to the Winnipeg Jets. The I have anything to do with it. Adam’s gotta go out and be the best player club’s new assistant coach has been watching them closely for years that he can be. Our expectation is you need him to be good to win, and since his son, Adam, is a key part of the roster. The proud papa will get a that is a challenge that will present (itself) to him on a daily basis," said more personal look this coming season, leaving the Brandon Wheat Lowry. Kings after one year behind their bench to join Jets head coach ’s crew. Lowry said he’s grown as a coach, specifically when it comes to communicating with today’s players. Working with teenagers in Brandon, Just don’t expect any "Dad, you’re embarrassing me" moments with this and as a coach in 2015 and 2016 with Canada’s world junior new arrangement. championship teams, has given him a new perspective. "That obviously comes into play. It was something that we had to have "I think the biggest thing is it’s all about building relationships and Adam’s blessing on and I totally understand if he wasn’t comfortable with connecting with players. For me the big thing is to be there when they me coming in and being part of the staff, this is something I wouldn’t need you and to really learn and identify how and what makes each have continued to pursue," Lowry said Monday afternoon during a Zoom player tick and how do they learn. With an established coaching staff, I’ll call with media. be able to pick their brain to be able to figure out how to work and how to He takes the place of Todd Woodcroft, who left to become the head teach these individual players," said Lowry, who was coy about giving coach of the hockey team. details on what his specific focus will be with the Jets.

This will mark the first time father and son have had a player-coach "Paul and I have talked about what my responsibilities are gonna be and relationship since Adam was playing peewee hockey in Calgary more that’s something that I’m not really interested in divulging right now. The than 15 years ago. big thing is that Woody did leave and as an assistant coach you’re always out working with the young guys and the healthy scratches and "The biggest thing is that I’ve recognized a long time ago where Adam that. That’s something that I really enjoy and that’s something I look was. With the leadership and the coaching he was getting, he didn’t need forward to doing," he said. to hear from me as a coach. That’s something that when we would come in for games, we would talk about how he is doing, not how did he play or what happened here or what happened there," said Lowry. Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 11.24.2020 "The coaching he has received up to this point has been second to none and I’m excited to be on the bench and watch him continue to grow as a player."

The 55-year-old Lowry is well-travelled in hockey circles. He played 19 seasons in the NHL, split between Vancouver, St. Louis, Florida, San Jose and Calgary.

He’s also been an NHL assistant coach with the Flames and Los Angeles Kings, and led the Wheat Kings to a 35-22-6 record last season before COVID-19 shut the season down in March.

“I felt and Paul felt that Adam wasn’t an established player in the NHL and he was still finding his way. We left it at that. Four years later, he’s a solid NHL player, he’s established himself in the NHL and that’s what allowed this opportunity to come to fruition.” — Dave Lowry

He joins Jamie Kompon, Charlie Huddy and Wade Flaherty as Maurice’s trusted lieutenants, while former assistant Pascal Vincent remains at the helm of the .

"It’s funny. Through a conversation that Paul and I were having, that’s one of the things he did mention, out of a lot of candidates, this would be a team that I knew a lot about and was extremely familiar with," said Lowry.

"One thing that I like to do, when I do watch and when I did watch Winnipeg play, I like to sit back and enjoy the game. But as a coach, you’re always watching what the tendencies are, what the systems are and you just try to pick up as much information as you can. Hopefully, you find somewhere along the line that you can implement it into your game."

Lowry doesn’t have to travel far to get to his new hockey home. He was in Brandon preparing for the delayed Western Hockey League season when this opportunity came up "right out of the blue."

Lowry said Maurice first approached him about joining the organization four years ago but the timing wasn’t right. He wasn’t about to pass up a second chance this time around.

"Paul and I had talked, I think it was four years ago, when the NHL draft was in Buffalo and he had approached me and asked if I would have any interest. We mutually agreed at that point in time that this wasn’t the right fit," said Lowry. 1196210 Winnipeg Jets solid NHL player, he’s established himself in the NHL and that’s what allowed this opportunity to come to fruition.”

Adam Lowry, 27, has one year left on his contract with the Jets and can 'I look at it that we're both professionals:' New Jets' assistant Dave Lowry become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2021 season, which ready to coach his own son in NHL is tentatively scheduled to start on Jan. 1.

The fact that his dad now works for the organization could make things Ted Wyman interesting with regard to negotiations on a new contract, although the senior Lowry doesn’t believe that will happen. Publishing date:Nov 23, 2020 “I don’t think me being on the bench, or his contract status … I don’t think I have anything to do with it,” Dave Lowry said. “Adam’s gotta go out and be the best player that he can be. Our expectation is you need him to be Dave Lowry is a veteran coach who was a long-time NHL player and just good to win, and that is a challenge that will present to him on a daily happens to be the father of a Winnipeg Jets centre. basis.” All that combined to make the 55-year-old a good fit to join the Jets as an The Jets are clearly getting a coach with a great deal of experience and assistant coach. that fits well with Maurice, who has coached in 1,600 games, the fifth “No. 1, it’s a great opportunity,” Lowry said Monday afternoon on a call most of anyone in NHL history. Huddy has been an NHL assistant coach with media. “I look at the staff that’s in place and an opportunity to come for 22 years, including nine with the Jets, Kompon has been an assistant in and work with (head coach) Paul Maurice — I look at his resume, his for 12 seasons, including four with the Jets and Flaherty has been the pedigree, along with Jamie Kompon, Charlie Huddy and Wade Flaherty Jets’ goalie coach for eight of the last nine years. — and this is a great opportunity. “The biggest thing (I’ve learned) is it’s all about building relationships and “I think I’m no different than any other coaches. When you get an connecting with players,” Dave Lowry said. “For me the big thing is to be opportunity to come in and be a part of a staff where you can continue to there when they need you and to really learn and identify how and what learn, that’s something that is really exciting and that drew me closer to makes each player tick and how do they learn. With an established this opportunity.” coaching staff, I’ll be able to pick their brain to be able to figure out how to work and how to teach these individual players.” The Jets announced the hiring of Lowry on Monday, filling a hole that was left when Todd Woodcroft took a job as head hockey coach at the University of Vermont. Winnipeg Sun LOADED 11.24.2020 Lowry, who is the father of Jets centre Adam Lowry, spent last season as head coach of the Western Hockey League’s . He led the Wheaties to a 35-22-6 record in a season that was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He hasn’t coached his son since Adam’s minor hockey days — even then it was just for a short time during an NHL lockout in 2004-2005 — but he doesn’t think there will be any issues when they’re working for the same team in the NHL.

“I look at it that we’re both professionals,” Lowry said. “I’m a coach, he’s a player and that’s the way this works. I know that early on there might some different looks he might give me and whatever but this is something we’ve talked about and are both comfortable doing. It’s something we’re gonna enjoy.”

Lowry has spent seven seasons as a head coach in the WHL, with the , Victoria Royals and Wheat Kings. He also has five seasons of experience as an NHL assistant coach, with the Calgary Flames and Los Angeles Kings. He also has worked as an assistant coach with Canada’s national junior team.

“Dave brings a tremendous amount of experience to our coaching staff in a variety of different areas,” Maurice said. “First of all, his success working with young players in their development can’t be denied as he had an excellent season last year in Brandon and has coached the country’s top junior players.

“He has worked in all aspects of special teams during his time as an NHL assistant coach, and in fact was part of a Los Angeles Kings team that saw a dramatic improvement of 25 goals at 5-on-5 in his first year there. We’re very excited to bring Dave on board and join our staff.”

Lowry played 19 seasons in the NHL, with Vancouver, St. Louis, Florida, San Jose and Calgary. A defensive specialist, the left-winger scored 164 goals and had 351 points in 1,084 NHL games.

He was planning to return to Brandon for the 2021 WHL season, which is now scheduled to begin in January, but he said the Jets’ offer was too good to pass up.

“This came right out of the blue,” Lowry said. “I got a phone call from Paul wondering if I would have interest in coming in and talking to him and seeing if this would be a fit.

“Paul and I had talked I think it was four years ago when the NHL Draft was in Buffalo and he had approached me and asked if I would have any interest. We mutually agreed at that point in time that this wasn’t the right fit. I felt and Paul felt that Adam wasn’t an established player in the NHL and he was still finding his way. We left it at that. Four years later, he’s a 1196211 Vancouver Canucks you can be based in one area and you don’t have to keep moving your family.

“Two days later, he called me and offered my the scouting job. Marcel Ben Kuzma: Benning knows former teammate Lowry good fit as Jets called half an hour later and offered me the assistant job. We had two assistant coach young kids at the time and knew with coaching that every three or four years you’re on the move. With scouting and getting into the business management side, I could be based out of one place. Ben Kuzma “I worked one year for Anaheim and then joined Buffalo, where I learned Publishing date:Nov 23, 2020 a lot from John Muckler, who was the GM and Don Luce, who was the director of player personnel, and also Scotty Bowman’s brother, Jack,

who was the head scout. always thought former Vancouver Canucks teammate Dave “Muckler was great to learn team-building and what winning teams look Lowry could transition from tough-as-nails winger to firm-but-fair NHL like. I enjoyed every step of the process and we had pretty good success coach. drafting in Buffalo and went to the Stanley Cup Final in 1999. And when I Lowry was named a Winnipeg Jets’ assistant on Monday to replace Todd moved on to Boston, we had to rebuild the team and wound up winning Woodcroft, who accepted an offer in April to become bench boss at the the Cup in 2011. University of Vermont. It’s Lowry’s third league stop as an NHL head- “Everything has been a learning experience, just like Dave, who has coach-in-waiting. He was offered a Jets’ position four years ago but his worked his way up in coaching and could be a head coach in the NHL.” son Adam was just getting adjusted to the NHL, and is now an established player.

Lowry could have operated in some capacity with the Canucks. When Vancouver Province: LOADED: 11.24.2020 was fired along with assistants Perry Pearn and on April 10, 2017, general manager Benning did reach out to Lowry, who was then bench boss of the WHL Victoria Royals. Before that, he was a Calgary Flames’ assistant for three seasons.

However, with Travis Green favoured for promotion after four successful seasons as head coach of the AHL-affiliate Utica Comets, Lowry would have played a long waiting game here to run the bench. He accepted a Los Angeles Kings’ offer to become an assistant on May 30, 2017, and after two seasons, returned to the WHL with the Brandon Wheat Kings as head coach before the Jets came calling.

“His goal was at some point to be a head coach in the NHL,” Benning said Monday. “We had talked to him, but we had Travis in our sights.”

Benning, who could have also travelled the coaching road instead of opting for scouting when his playing career ended, knew there was something in Lowry that set him apart. Coaching seemed like a natural transition after his 19 years with five NHL teams.

The Jets will have Lowry work with special teams because of his vast experience, especially on the penalty kill.

“He was a relentless worker and that’s why he had such a good career,” Benning said of the 55-year-old Lowry, who had 18 points (8-10) and 176 penalty minutes in the 1986-87 season as the Canucks finished last in the with a 29-43-8-0 record. “He had good size, good work habits, accepted his role and could move up and down the lineup.

“He showed up every day with a great attitude. He was a leader of our third and fourth lines and really rallied those guys. And sometimes it was with high draft picks. I remember Jim Sandlak (fourth overall selection, 1985). He told him that even though he was a high-scoring junior, he had to accept a role and he took that into his coaching.

“He was a student of the game and a little bit like Travis in that way. He was like of a third assistant coach when he played. He really understood systems and if the coach wasn’t teaching it to the players, he would do it.”

The admiration level in how prepared Lowry was to stay in the game after retirement — he had a 60-goal season in the OHL and never more than 19 in the NHL, but hit double digits nine times — nearly saw Benning travel the same road.

When Benning’s 10-year career ended, experiences with the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Canucks, plus an IHL season with the Milwaukee Admirals followed by another with HC Varese in the Italian League, could have set the defenceman on a coaching track.

“When I finished playing, I moved back to Portland and enrolled at Portland State University to finish off classes for my business degree,” recalled Benning. “But what ended up happening, is that Marcel Comeau was coaching in the WHL at Tacoma and he was looking for an assistant.

“I drove to Tacoma and interviewed for the job, but a couple of days later, David McNab called and asked me if I would be the western scout for Anaheim. I called David back and said the one thing about scouting, is 1196212 Websites Option 2: Conference playoffs

The only way to have conference playoffs is if there are in fact two conferences this season with these four temporary divisions (the three The Athletic / LeBrun: What could the NHL playoffs look like this season? proposed U.S. divisions are still not fully determined; sources said Monday there are still a few versions of them the league is working with).

By Pierre LeBrun Because of the all-Canadian division spanning four time zones, they can’t just go East and West. Nov 23, 2020 It basically comes down to figuring out which of the three U.S. divisions to pair with the Canadian division.

As we await the NHL and NHL Players’ Association figuring out a path As one team executive opined to me Monday, it probably makes the toward a resolution for a 2020-21 season, let’s look a step or two beyond. most sense to take the Pacific-esque U.S. division and match it with the Canadian division in that sense for conference playoff purposes. Four of The playoffs. the seven Canadian teams are outside the Eastern time zone. What would the playoffs look like in this shortened season which could So let’s say, for example, the U.S. division in question ends up being Los begin in January and end in July? Angeles, Anaheim, San Jose, Arizona, Vegas, Colorado, Dallas and For starters, sources said Monday that the playoff format remains either St. Louis or Minnesota. undetermined, although obviously it has been discussed. There are That group would match up conference-wise, for the purpose of the bigger issues to iron out, as I wrote about last week. postseason, with Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Calgary, But at some point, if there is going to be a shortened season, the NHL Edmonton and Vancouver. Which means the remaining 16 U.S.-based and NHLPA will have to agree on a playoff format. teams make up the other two divisions and the other conference.

Based on the near certainty of an all-Canadian division because of the And then it’s 1 vs. 8 and 2 vs. 7 in each conference, etc. You can toy with border issue, which will mean the NHL’s temporary realignment into four whether each division winner is guaranteed a top-two seed on each side new divisions, and based on the understanding that commissioner Gary or not. Bettman is not in favour of expanded playoffs — 16 teams only this time I don’t see this option getting traction for this season. The all-Canadian around — let’s look at the three most obvious playoff formats. division makes it too complicated to worry about lining up conferences. Option 1: Divisional playoffs And nobody I spoke with Monday had any interest in it as a solution for this season. Bring back the Adams, Patrick, Smythe and Norris division playoffs, you say? That’s essentially what it would feel like. Beyond this year? That’s a different story. The return to true conference playoffs is something a lot of teams would like to see when the world is The idea some have floated is that the top four teams in each division back to normal. would make the playoffs, then it’s 1 vs. 4 and 2 vs. 3 in each division and a divisional final in the second round. The four division playoff winners I too miss conference playoffs. It’s what we had in the NHL in one form or would then meet in the league semifinals. another from 1993-94 through 2012-13.

It’s what we had in the NHL from 1981-82 through 1992-93. There was some real fairness to 1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7, 3 vs. 6 and 4 vs. 5 in the first round. I don’t remember anyone complaining about that format, The majority of NHL team executives I spoke with Monday believe this is either. But along with the NHL’s realignment came the latest playoff the likely path this year for a number of reasons: format in 2013-14, which I’ve never liked, a hybrid of division playoffs with wild cards. Anyway, that’s a debate for another day. Let’s get • It would reduce travel costs in the three geographically aligned U.S. through this season first. divisions. Option 3: Let’s get crazy • If regular-season games are to be played exclusively within a division, then it makes sense to continue that in the opening two rounds of the I was chatting with an Eastern Conference team executive last week and playoffs. he insisted that this is the fairest playoff option for this year.

• Perhaps most importantly, it pushes the Canada-U.S. border issue That is, No. 1 in the NHL standings vs. No. 16 in the opening round of the further down the road. The NHL would be down to the four league playoffs, No. 2 vs. No. 15, No. 3 vs. No. 14, etc. semifinalists in June by the time it was time for teams to cross the border. It’s what we had for two seasons, 1979-80 and 1980-81, after the The Canadian teams, it could be argued, catch a break here because addition of the WHA franchises expanded the playoff field. there are only seven teams in their proposed division whereas the three U.S. divisions will have eight teams apiece. But while 4 out of 7 is better In the first round of the 1980 playoffs, No. 1 Philadelphia played No. 16 odds to make the postseason than 4 out of 8, the counter-argument here Edmonton (the Flyers swept the best-of-five series) and No. 2 Buffalo is that six of the seven Canadian teams have legit playoff aspirations so played No. 15 Vancouver (the Sabres won 3-1). It was crazy the this group is no cakewalk. following year when No. 2 St. Louis needed to go the distance to beat No. 15 Pittsburgh in five games while No. 14 Edmonton shocked No. 3 What’s not ideal is that teams and their fan bases may end up getting Montreal in three straight and the No. 13 Rangers beat the No. 4 Kings in sick and tired of playing the same teams throughout the regular season four games. and opening two rounds of the playoffs. That’s a lot of hockey within a tight circle of teams. But for the reasons laid out before, it still makes the The playoff format was changed to divisional playoffs for the 1981-82 most sense for this year. season.

If this is the format that wins the day, there are a few other decisions that So why would the No. 1 vs. No. 16 format suddenly work now, I asked need to be taken, including how to rank the four divisional winners across this team exec. One, he says, because the all-Canadian division already the league to figure out the semifinal matchups (it would make sense to will have made a mess of the geographical concerns, which normally go top record vs. No. 4 and second-best record vs. No. 3). would map out a playoff format. And two because it would help even out the playing field from a competitive balance point of view given that The league and NHLPA would also have to decide whether the league invariably some of the four divisions will be weaker than others. semifinals are to be played in all four markets, as most desire, or whether the pandemic and border situation require a bubble/neutral site situation The 1 vs. 16 playoffs, in his mind, for this year only, help mitigate against for the third round. Keep an eye on that discussion. There’s no guarantee weaker or stronger divisions. It’s the fairest way to crown a champion, he that by May or June teams will be able to freely cross the border back argued. and forth without needing to quarantine. A neutral site might be the The knock against it is the same it’s always been since the league did solution. away with that playoff format after only two seasons: travel costs and player fatigue. Even with the potential change to a 2-3-2 best-of-seven series, that’s still a lot of travel if you end up with Tampa Bay and Calgary in the opening round of the playoffs, for example.

And there’s the border issue.

So while I have time for the competitive balance/fairness angle in it, and that for just one year it would be mighty fun, I think at a time when everyone in the game will be looking to cut costs as much as possible, limiting travel as much as they can come playoff time will likely rule the day.

Except in the all-Canadian division, of course. No way around it there if you end up with Vancouver and Montreal in the first round.

In the end, my money is on divisional playoffs. It will make the most sense economically for the three U.S. groups anyway, and it allows the most runway with the border issue right through to the start of the third round.

The Athletic LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196213 Websites Though it took him some time to score consistently in his rookie season, and he grew frustrated when his chances weren’t falling, Frontenacs staff say Wright’s underage season in the OHL was seamless, especially after The Athletic / What makes Shane Wright special? Everyone who knows he returned from Canada’s under-17 camp and the points began to come him can explain just before the Christmas break a year ago.

“He really early on took on a leadership role. Not just because of his ability. That was part of it but he had a voice in the room. He did things By Scott Wheeler the right away. He worked hard. Every shift. Every practice. Every rep. It wasn’t ‘hey, this young kid thinks he’s above it,’” Long said. “And his Nov 23, 2020 maturity really carried over to the rest of the team.”

Associate coach Luca Caputi, whose role with the team is, among others, He calls himself a perfectionist. His skills coach calls him a hockey nerd. to get to know the players on a personal level, noticed that maturity right His coaches call him the future face of a franchise or talk about him as away. studious and serious. His teammates and opponents use different words, On the ice, Wright was in a constant search to get better. describing him with terms of awe like “unbelievable” and “the real deal.” His strength coach has to pull him back, worried he works too hard. “The thing with him was that he progressively got better, he tried to master the details, and that’s what a perfectionist does as you try to get He’s Shane Wright, the youngest player — by over a year — invited to better at your craft. It’s an endless amount of reps to make sure it Team Canada’s world juniors selection camp. becomes a part of you,” Caputi said. He was born in 2004 but everyone who knows him can explain why he’s Off the ice, Wright didn’t let his habits slip. right where he belongs. “It was his first time away from home and he still spent all of his time From a hotel room in Russia, where he’s working as a strength and away from the rink focusing on school and making sure that his marks conditioning coach with the Kunlun Red Star, Paul Ferri marvels at his were maintained at a high level. He didn’t want his marks to take a dip client of the last three summers. while he was away from home and coming into his own as a teenager,” The things you hear about Shane Wright, the lavish praise that can feel Caputi said. like a little too much or like it’s a little too soon for a 16-year-old? It’s all At the midway point of the season, the Frontenacs made the league’s warranted. youngest player an alternate captain. By year’s end, he’d posted 39 Ferri, who trains Wright out of his Limitless Training Systems gym in goals and 66 points in 58 games (leading OHL rookies in both), he was Oakville, Ont., has seen it all firsthand. the team’s leading scorer and he was named the CHL’s rookie of the year. There are the genetic gifts. The boxy, square shoulders. The raw athleticism. He saw those when Wright was playing up a year with the Still, unsatisfied with one good year, Wright set his sights on becoming under-16 Don Mills Flyers as he pursued — and was granted — the fourth 16-year-old (alongside Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby and exceptional status by the OHL. Connor McDavid) to play for Team Canada at the world juniors.

But it’s the work Wright puts in to build off it that really takes on a life of “If I’m lucky enough to make the team, it would be really special for me its own. and truly an honour for me to be in the same category as those guys,” Wright said. “(The world juniors have) always been special for me “He just doesn’t stop. He is legitimately a dream athlete,” Ferri said. “He’s because the finals has always been on my birthday, January 5. So it’s a just got the whole package. There’s nothing missing.” nice birthday tradition and celebration for me to watch Canada in the gold medal game.” Ferri’s only complaint with the best young hockey player he has ever trained? That Wright needs to be scaled back, rather than the other way When he wasn’t working out with Ferri, he was skating with skills coach around. Josh Wrobel, hoping to play in that game on his 17th birthday.

“He actually gets frustrated with me because I won’t let him do everything “I kind of call him a hockey-playing robot. This kid was built to be a that he wants to do. It’s a unique situation training someone of this hockey player. He has taken it as a full-time job for years now. It’s a calibre. He’d work out three times a day if he was allowed to,” Ferri said. constant thing. Ten minutes after a game, he’s on the bus sending me a “We’ve been pretty strict on not to overload his system too early. But if text saying ‘can you send me a clip, I think I messed something up in the you see him with his shirt off right now, he looks like his body is built to second period,’” Wrobel said. play in the NHL already. It is insanely impressive.” Like Ferri, Wrobel’s only challenge working with Wright is getting him to According to Ferri, when Wright spent a week this summer participating relax, to worry a little less about some of those mistakes. in ’s virtual world juniors orientation camp, he went to the gym at 7:30 a.m. every day before spending the rest of the day sitting at “There’s no stopping with him. There’s times where I have to kind of say a laptop. like ‘hey, go watch a movie, go take a break,'” Wrobel said.

“He will not miss a workout and if he has to he’ll make up for it. He’s just Even after he finished tied for 10th in the OHL in goals, Wright asked dialled in. Without tooting his horn more than it already has been around Wrobel if his stick or blade needed tweaking. the hockey world, he is impeccable,” Ferri said. “From a strength “He wasn’t happy with his year and going through video he felt like he left perspective, it’s very simple: Whatever you tell him to do, he does. He’s a lot of goals out there, even though he was fantastic. And he still did probably one of the only athletes I’ve seen where his body adapts to the what he did against top pairings every night without a lot of help. He process as quickly as his mind does. He’s 110 percent every single day. knows he has to be the guy to drive the bus,” Wrobel said. “The There’s never a day where he fucks it up for a lack of a better term.” competitiveness in this kid, I’ve never seen anything like it before. He’ll A little more than a year ago, when Wright arrived in Kingston to join the do anything he can.” OHL’s Frontenacs for his first of three seasons before the 2022 NHL Throughout the summer, Wright also worked with new Frontenacs head Draft, he was already bigger, stronger and more ready than they even coach and general manager Paul McFarland, who’d coached in Kingston expected. from 2014-2017 before spending three seasons in the NHL with the “He wasn’t your typical 15-year-old that was going through growing Panthers and Maple Leafs. pains. He was built, he was strong, he was ripped. He looked like an Before McFarland was hired, he’d only seen Wright’s highlights. Since, athlete. He didn’t look like a 15-year-old boy. He was able to hold players the pair have worked to get to know each other over Zoom calls, going off because of that strength,” said Frontenacs assistant coach Chris over everything from systems to habits. Though McFarland had some Longo. “I’ve got a son myself who is just turning 15 and he’s still a young catching up to do, he used the prolonged offseason to watch Wright’s boy. Shane was a young man at that age.” final 30 games of the season. “Shane’s been very impressive from all aspects. Just his overall he got a lot bigger and stronger and he’s just a really tough player to play approach to wanting to get better and consistently learn new things. He’s against. He’s pretty unreal,” McMichael said. never satisfied with where he’s at. It has been a lot of fun,” McFarland said. “What an incredible kid he is. You don’t get the sense you’re talking For Wright, who is now at the age where he would ordinarily be entering to a 16-year-old when you’re speaking to him.” his first season in the OHL, being at camp feels normal. After his summer in the gym, where he said his focus was on working to be able to push By the time Wright arrived at Team Canada’s selection camp in mid- older players off pucks, he was listed at 5-foot-11 and 187 pounds, which November, he felt like he belonged despite the age gap between him and made him heavier than 21 of the camp’s other players. his peers. Everything he has done to this point has helped him get here, ahead of “I definitely feel like my play from last year gave me a chance to be the curve and at the front of the line for first overall in a draft that is still invited to this camp,” Wright said. “I’m used to being the youngest guy on two years away. the team. I know I’m here for a reason. I know I’m good enough to make this team. So I wasn’t too nervous walking in. Mostly excitement “I would consider myself a perfectionist. I’m never comfortable with where actually.” my skills are at. I’m never complacent with where my game’s at. I’m always trying to find little things to make myself better, little things to help After seeing him on the ice in Kingston a couple of weeks before he left improve on and give me the edge over my opponents. That’s just been for the camp, Longo felt like Wright had as good a chance at the team as my mindset since minor hockey,” Wright said. any other player. That approach will propel him forward, closer to NHL stardom. “Shane has the ability. There’s no question about that. He’s got the maturity. But there are parts that he’s still learning too. Physically, he’s in “I don’t think we’ve seen anything anywhere close to what Shane’s great shape,” Longo said. “It would be a great learning tool for him if he potential is,” Longo said. does make it. And if he doesn’t, it’s not the end of the world, he’s going to “It’s his obsession. All he wants to do is dominate,” Wrobel said. “It’s have more kicks of the can in the future and be a big part of it. going to be scary what he does.” Sometimes you have to have those little bumps in your travels to get better. If he does get sent back, he’ll just be that much more determined to prove them wrong. The Athletic LOADED: 11.24.2020 At that same skate, Caputi was struck by the progress Wright had made this summer.

“The maturity between the ears goes without saying but his physical maturity really caught my eye recently,” Caputi said. “The most important thing for him was to go there and be himself, try not to be something that he’s not. If that’s not enough to make the team, then you come back and put your best foot forward. He’s the type of kid that if it doesn’t go the way that we all want it to go for him, he’ll elevate his game even further than we expect him to.”

At the hotel, Team Canada staff placed him with returnee Bowen Byram. At the team’s first skate, it was Byram who encouraged Wright to jump into the centre ice circle and lead the team’s stretch.

“He’s an exceptional player. The first thing I noticed was just how mature he is and how strong he is. He doesn’t stand out in a negative way on the ice at all,” Byram said. “The biggest thing I’ve told him so far is just to enjoy himself and not put too much pressure on himself. He’s here for a good time. If he works his hardest and shows his confidence on the ice, I’m sure he’ll put himself in a good position.”

Team Canada’s head coach, Andre Tourigny, who coached against Wright with the Ottawa 67’s in the East Division, saw why he should invite Wright to the selection camp. In fact, Tourigny joked that he’d seen him a little too much in the OHL.

“We played him in the training camp last year and after the game, I said, ‘You know what, this guy will be really good.’ And then we played him early in the season and I said ‘He’s even better than I thought.’ And then we saw him at Christmas and I said ‘Gosh, he is so good.’ And then we played him after Christmas and he was the best player on the ice. So every time I saw Shane Wright play, every game he got better,” Tourigny said.

Some of his opponents who became teammates in camp, like Stars prospect Thomas Harley of the Steelheads, felt the same way.

“He’s the real deal. I mean, he put up (39 goals) as (a) 15-year-old, which is incredible. I put up 18 as (an) 18-year-old, which is not even in the same ballpark,” Harley said. “He’s super smart out there, he can skate with the best of them, he’s got great hands. The thing that stood out to me the most was just how smart he was. Like he’s ahead of the game, he’s two steps ahead of the game each time he’s on the ice. He knows where the puck is going to be and he gets there and then he always makes good plays.”

Team Canada returnee Connor McMichael of the considered himself lucky to get to play against Wright last season.

“He’s just an unbelievable player. Playing the first game against him in October to the last time we played them in February, he developed a lot, 1196214 Websites McDavid on Matthews: “When you watch his game, his shot is the first thing you notice. But, spending more time together, I’ve noticed just how smooth he is on the ice. It’s very impressive.”

Sportsnet.ca / Auston Matthews, Connor McDavid sharing ice to prepare If they could take one thing from the other’s game, what would it be? for 2020-21 season McDavid: “Wish I had his shot, of course."

In separate phone conversations, Budaj (17 professional seasons) and Elliotte Friedman@FriedgeHNIC Doan (1,540 career NHL games) marvelled at what they saw from both November 23, 2020, 9:36 AM players, cornerstones of their teams and the league. How they competed, how they practised, how they carried themselves.

“They’re hockey nerds and I love it,” Doan said. “You want the guys that Almost two years to the day since his final NHL appearance, Peter Budaj are the best to love the game as much as those two do.” strapped on the pads and unleashed a brilliant performance. He asks Matthews and McDavid what they want to work on, tailoring Stopping everything sent at him, Budaj looked up to see a goalie- drills from their answers. deflating challenge headed his way: Connor McDavid carrying the puck, Auston Matthews on the opposite wing. Two of the NHL’s most lethal “The other day we did a bunch of stuff on backhands. Catching passes talents — a combined 81 goals and 177 points during the 2019-20 on your backhand; catching passes and making a move to your season. backhand; four or five drills in regards to your backhand. It’s something you don’t always work on, but it’s so important. You watch those guys “People say you should anticipate this and that,” Budaj said. “You can’t catch and receive passes on their backhand, and you realize how anticipate with these guys, because they’ll burn you if you cheat. They valuable that is. As fast as they are, the ability to catch and receive that will pick you apart. I was just trying to get good position, force them to pass buys you a quarter-of-a-second every single time you catch it clean. beat me with a great shot.” And if you give Auston or Connor a quarter-of-a-second, they cover about six feet of ice. If you give them six feet of ice, you’re in trouble. So McDavid passed to Matthews. It was perfect, as you would expect. Right their ability to catch those passes becomes such a big part of their game. in Matthews’ wheelhouse. Connor, he catches passes and makes a move quick. He catches it and “He was going bar-down,” Budaj said. “That’s his shot.” he wants to go through a stick, or under a stick, or around a pylon.”

“Auston shot from about 20-25 feet away and he shoots the puck about “I can’t get over how fast their hands are.” as hard as anyone I’ve ever seen,” said Shane Doan, a witness to this I did ask both Matthews and McDavid about things they were determined performance. “His attitude was, ‘Sorry Petey, but I’ve got to score. You to work on this offseason. Neither specifically mentioned the backhand; haven’t let me score.’ I don’t think I could ever shoot the puck like that on I’m not sure that’s much of a surprise. But it fits with Matthews’ response, my goalie, especially in practice. It’s cold, but I loved it.” in particular. The blast hit Budaj right in the facemask. “I am always trying to add layers to my game and remain as versatile as “He felt pretty bad about it,” Budaj says, laughing. “He came over right possible,” he wrote. “So not sure any one thing. Just trying to improve in away, ‘Man I’m sorry.’ I told him, ‘No big deal.’ I was fine. He was trying all aspects.” to score.” McDavid provided a bigger picture. “That’s what (Matthews) said to me right after,” Doan adds. “It was hitting “Continued to try and add upper body strength. Using ELDOA practice to the net, it was going to go in. That’s what his job is. It is so cool to see increase flexibility, posture and muscle tone for injury prevention. that desire to score.” (ELDOA is a French acronym. It’s not Yoga, but similar.) Also worked on Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman talk to a lot of people around the hockey faceoffs as well as defensive-zone stuff.” world, and then they tell listeners all about what they’ve heard and what Doan mentioned that some college players are in these skates, and the they think about it. biggest difference between them and the likes of Matthews/McDavid is Budaj and Doan have a front-row seat to what’s quietly become hockey’s how fast the latter two are with the puck. hottest show the past two weeks. McDavid, awaiting the NHL’s return “They do everything at 99 per cent. I don’t know if there’s any difference and in search of something to get his competitive juices flowing, joined when (Matthews/McDavid) have the puck or don’t have the puck. Other Matthews in Arizona earlier this month. They were teammates on Team players aren’t as fast when carrying it. At the beginning of my career, it North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey; both are Wasserman was, ‘You pass to me, I one-time it.’ Then it moved to, ‘I’ll pass to you, Hockey clients. you pass back to me, and I’ll one-time it.’ And now it’s, ‘Okay, I’m going They’ve been skating together four times a week. Word got out, much to to be skating as fast as I can, you’re going to pass it to me, I’m going to the intrigue of their peers. Jonathan Toews arrived last weekend. Others quickly handle the puck, make a move and shoot the puck.’ It’s just the participating include Jake Bean, Anthony Duclair, Matt Dumba, Alex way they do everything at top speed, so impressive.” Galchenyuk and several Coyotes. Doan runs the practices. Needing Budaj, who would like to go into coaching, said he considered pulling his NHL-calibre netminding, he called Budaj, who lives in the area. Prior to 10-year-old son (also named Peter) from school to see these practices. this, Budaj put on his goalie equipment just once in the last 15 months — to play beer league. “I wanted him to see how hard (Matthews and McDavid) work. They do the drills really, really hard. There’s some college kids who skate with us McDavid’s also shown his determination to win these scrimmages. too, and Connor’s backchecking. The work ethic of the superstars “He knows the score of each game,” Doan said, remembering one where resonates with me. They are on top of the food chain in hockey, they’re someone said it was 3-2. “‘No, no, no, no,’ Connor said, ‘It’s not 3-2, it’s trying to improve their game. They take it seriously. 3-3.’ He doesn’t want to lose to anybody. All of a sudden, he just goes “They’re incredible skaters. The way they utilize their edges and work on faster than anyone else on the ice.” their skating. Skating ability is very, very important for young While Matthews and McDavid agreed to answer some questions via players…Both guys, different type of players, but both skate really, really email, they politely declined to share video of their work. (Great well. Auston is a big guy and he moves so effortlessly, and obviously, so performers prefer an air of mystery.) What have they noticed about each does Connor. To be able to skate as well as they do, and do everything other in this opportunity to spend time together? as well with your stick while skating…They never had their feet stationary, they were always moving, that’s why they can make those Matthews on McDavid: “The respect goes back for so long. Connor’s plays. Constant edge-work, crossovers, stops and starts, everything. The hockey IQ, speed and edges are so impressive — to say the least — and speed that they are doing the drills, the speed they do their moves…you his vision at the speed he moves obviously stands out, yet it really is the can see the difference between a good player and a great whole package with him.” player…everything is just 100 m.p.h., there’s no slacking, no slowing down. “Also, they see the ice really, really well. They see the play happen before it happens. It seems that they are making a blind pass, but they’re not. They know that the play is going to happen that way, because they can read the play at full speed, their feet and hands are working together perfectly.”

*I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time.

If there are any complaints about these skates, it’s that Matthews and McDavid are too often on the same team for the scrimmages. That’s pretty funny, but they want it that way — a chance to play together, for a change.

It’s been good for the defencemen, including Dumba, Bean and Jordan Schmaltz — currently unsigned after splitting 2019-20 between AHL Toronto and Bridgeport.

“Those guys are battling hard,” Doan said. “They don’t want to get beat.”

McDavid’s temporary move to Arizona also gives both men the opportunity to spend some downtime together, although they prefer to keep that out of the spotlight. Asked if they discuss their NHL organizations — what Edmonton and Toronto are like — both said, “Some things are private.”

Matthews and McDavid have that in common. They do their talking on the ice. Over the past two weeks, they’ve been doing plenty of it. Whenever we start the 2020-21 season, they’ll be ready for more.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196215 Websites Since snipers extraordinaire Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine went one-two in the ’16 draft, one of the small tragedies of the NHL’s schedule is that their respective squads only meet but twice per year.

Sportsnet.ca / What each all-Canadian division matchup would mean for Recent Jets-Leafs tilts have, for the large part, been doozies. And 2020- the Maple Leafs 21 should be no exception. For our money, Winnipeg — thanks to the return of Paul Stastny — and Toronto will bring the two most complete top-six forwards groups in the nation. Luke Fox@lukefoxjukebox Remaining Time -1:49 November 23, 2020, 10:08 AM Why leaving the Central for an all-Canadian division would really help Jets

Certainty is an illusion at the best of times but especially these days. Although the Jets were Canada’s stingiest team last season (2.83 goals against per night), they accomplished that feat largely on the back of And yet, if you’re aware of border policies and COVID-19 spike rates, the Vezina champ Connor Hellebuyck, who’s capable of frustrating scorers NHL’s all-Canadian division feels like a safe bet if and when the world’s like Matthews and John Tavares when dialled in. premier hockey circuit gets back up and running. Both and made a point to bolster their Pitting the seven teams north of the 49th against each other in 2020-21 blue line depth via UFA signings. And both GMs believe their roster is makes sense, and it should make dollars. Fierce fan bases from B.C. to much superior than their qualifying-round exits displayed. Quebec will have no issue diving into nightly debates about who rules hockey country. Best of all: Game-breaker Mark Schiefele expects to be fully recovered by opening night. Who the North? Calgary Flames Such a realignment should also give the Toronto Maple Leafs a steeper regular-season test on the whole and make for more must-see matches Leafs 2019-20 record vs. Calgary: 0-1-1 midseason. Here are the juicy divisional storylines that will follow the Leafs, from east to west, if this 2020-21 proposal becomes reality. Flame-turned-Leaf T.J. Brodie describes 2019-20, his 10th and final run in Calgary, as “a weird season.” The top-four defenceman was dangled Montreal Canadiens to Toronto as trade bait back in the ’19 off-season, suffered a frightening on-ice collapse last November, navigated a sudden coaching change and Leafs 2019-20 record vs. Montreal: 0-1-2 a pandemic and then watched his team blow a 2-1 playoff series lead to To the surprise of most folks outside of the Columbus Blue Jackets’ the eventual Cup-finalist Dallas Stars. dressing room, the 12-seed Canadiens outlasted the Maple Leafs in “I thought our team was good enough to go farther,” Brodie says. 2020 and became the last Canadian club standing in the Eastern Conference bubble — and, ironically, the first Canadian NHL team to win Brodie anticipates “an adjustment” moving back to Ontario, where he’ll a post-season series at Scotiabank Arena in 16 years. likely slot in next to Morgan Rielly. And Dubas is banking $20 million that adjustment will go much smoother than the last notable right-side While the Habs and Leafs haven’t faced each other in a playoff series defenceman he recruited. since Meatballs was in theatres, and the two storied franchises seldom seem to be relevant at the same time, their rivalry has been Brodie’s former partner, Mark Giordano, joins Sean Monahan and Sam kept alive through some highly entertaining regular-season Saturday Bennett as Flames stars who always get juiced up for matches against nights. the hometown team. And now Calgary can add new guys Josh Leivo and Chris Tanev to that list. Remaining Time -2:03 Toss in Matthew Tkachuk’s friendly rivalry with Matthews and Mitch How do Canadiens and Leafs stack up in an all-Canadian division? Marner, and the storylines keep giving. Like Toronto, Montreal addressed its goalie depth in preparation for a Oh, and with the signing of 2020’s Most Valuable Goalie Available, Jacob compact schedule (hello, Jake Allen), has some young forwards eager to Markstrom, scoring on the Flames should get that much more take a step (Nick Suzuki, Jesperi Kotkaniemi) and propped up its core by challenging. adding a number of complementary pieces (Tyler Toffoli, Josh Anderson, Joel Edmundson). Edmonton Oilers

Regardless if Wayne Simmonds flourishes or flounders for his hometown Leafs 2019-20 record vs. Edmonton: 1-1-0 team, fans on both sides won’t forget that he spurned more dough from Montreal in free agency to take a run with T.O. If there is one thing the world needs more of, it’s off-season training partners Matthews and Connor McDavid sharing the same sheet of ice. Ottawa Senators One can stickhandle in a phonebooth. The other can stickhandle in a Leafs 2019-20 record vs. Ottawa: 4-0-0 phonebooth travelling at the speed of sound.

The only Canadian team to surrender more goals than the Leafs in 2019- Remaining Time -1:13 20, Ottawa has brightened both its future (Tim Stutzle) and its present (Evgenii Dadonov, Matt Murray) this fall. Fans have the most to gain from an all-Canadian NHL division

Although it says here the Alex Trebek–approved Senators are still two The star-studded Leafs and Oilers have both underachieved in a team years away from being two years away, the greatest Canadian underdog sport, and thus made tweaks around their young cores to elevate them to tends to get amped up for a good ol’ Battle of Ontario. the next level.

Coach D.J. Smith, the newly extended Connor Brown and Nikita Zaitsev Last time McDavid rolled through Toronto, he did this. So, yeah. I think all have reason to throw money on the board. Leafs-Oilers games might be appointment viewing.

Alex Galchenyuk finds himself in yet another prove-it situation. And Toss in the returns of Tyler Ennis and Tyson Barrie, both of whom should newbies Erik Gudbranson and Austin Watson will match Simmonds and be slotted in roles that make the most of their gifts, and giddy-yap. Zach Bogosian’s sandpaper check for check. P.S. We didn’t even mention league MVP Leon Draisaitl. He’s not too Winnipeg Jets shabby either.

Leafs 2019-20 record vs. Winnipeg: 1-0-1 Vancouver Canucks Leafs 2019-20 record vs. Vancouver: 2-0-0

The Manny Bowl! Beloved Canucks player and coach left his eye-in-the- sky position on Travis Green’s staff after the bubble burst on the Canucks’ inspiring playoff run to advance his career in Leafland, where he’ll join ’s bench and take over the power play.

“You recognize the talent of the group and the potential of the group,” Malhotra told us upon signing with Toronto. “It was a great opportunity to advance my coaching career with a really good organization, with a really good staff, and a team that’s been trending in the right direction.”

Among Canadian clubs, Vancouver ranked second to the Leafs in offence last season — but the losses of Toffoli, Markstrom, Tanev and Leivo could sting.

Fresh faces Braden Holtby (a fine tandem mate and mentor for Thatcher Demko) and Nate Schmidt (2,000 ounces of Monster Energy poured into a set of hockey equipment) will help mitigate the setback.

And Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson are guaranteed must-see TV… even if the puck on this matchup always drops at 4 p.m. Pacific.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196216 Websites “I don’t think me being on the bench, or his contract status… I don’t think I have anything to do with it. Adam’s got to go out and be the best player that he can be,” said Lowry. “Our expectation is you need him to be good Sportsnet.ca / Dave Lowry, with son Adam's blessing, excited for role on to win, and that is a challenge that will be presented to him on a daily Jets staff basis.

“I look at it that we’re both professionals. I’m a coach, he’s a player and that’s the way this works. I know that early on there might be some Ken Wiebe@WiebesWorld different looks he might give me and whatever, but this is something we’ve talked about and are both comfortable doing going forward. It’s November 23, 2020, 5:23 PM something we’re going to enjoy.”

Lowry has watched the Jets plenty since Adam was chosen in the third WINNIPEG -- This opportunity would have been appealing to Dave round of the 2011 NHL Draft and made his big-league debut during the Lowry even if his son wasn’t on the team. 2014-15 season.

Joining the Winnipeg Jets as an assistant coach on Paul Maurice's staff That familiarity should also ease the transition to a new coaching staff. became a reality on Monday morning, just over four years since Lowry “One thing that I like to do, when I do watch and when I did watch had first spoken to the bench boss about the prospect of joining his staff. Winnipeg play, I like to sit back and enjoy the game,” said Lowry “But as When he joined reporters for a Zoom call, Lowry expressed his gratitude a coach, you’re always watching what the tendencies are, what the about returning to the NHL and made it clear he wouldn’t have even systems are and you just try to pick up as much information as you can.” considered the job if his son Adam hadn’t provided his blessing. There was a vacancy on the Jets staff when Todd Woodcroft accepted a “This came right out of the blue,” said Lowry. “Paul and I had talked, I job as the head coach of the University of Vermont Catamounts back in think it was four years ago when the NHL Draft was in Buffalo and he had April. approached me and asked if I would have any interest. We mutually Lowry didn’t want to get into what his responsibilities are going to be at agreed at that point in time that this wasn’t the right fit. Adam wasn’t an this time, but he’s eager to contribute to the staff that also includes Jamie established player in the NHL and he was still finding his way. We left it Kompon, Charlie Huddy, goalie coach Wade Flaherty and video coach at that. Four years later, he’s a solid NHL player, he’s established himself Matt Prefontaine. in the NHL and that’s what allowed this opportunity to come to fruition. “I look at the job Paul has done, I’m here to complement and to help any “It should be an easy transition. I’m no different than any other coaches. way I can. And whatever I’m asked to do, I look forward to the challenge,” When you get an opportunity to come in and be a part of a staff where said Lowry. “As an assistant coach you’re always out working with the you can continue to learn, that’s something that is really exciting and that young guys and the healthy scratches and that. That’s something that I drew me closer to this opportunity.” really enjoy and that’s something I look forward to doing.” Lowry hasn’t coached Adam since the lockout season of 2004-05 when During the summer, Maurice discussed the prospect of some of the roles he was in minor hockey, but he has been part of multiple situations changing and there being some overlap in how Woodcroft’s where a Sutter brother was coaching his sibling. responsibilities would be divided up. “I haven’t been part of the father-son coaching scenario but I’ve been One would expect Lowry to have a voice in trying to help the penalty kill part of brother coaching the brother. And not just on one team,” said improve and to share ideas about the power play as well. Lowry. “I was there in St. Louis, I was there in San Jose and in Calgary where brothers were being coached by their brothers and usually the “Dave brings a tremendous amount of experience to our coaching staff in tendency is that the one that’s coaching is a lot harder on the one playing a variety of different areas,” Maurice said in a press release. “First of all, than he is on the rest of the guys.” his success working with young players in their development can't be denied as he had an excellent season last year in Brandon and has *I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time. coached the country's top junior players. He has worked in all aspects of Although Dave has proven to be a resource for Adam on his road to special teams during his time as an NHL assistant coach, and in fact was becoming an NHLer, the two learned about the importance of prioritizing part of a Los Angeles Kings team that saw a dramatic improvement of 25 the father-son relationship a long time ago. goals at 5-on-5 in his first year there. We're very excited to bring Dave on-board and join our staff.” Sure, there would be times when Adam or one of his siblings would ask for advice or feedback. But the focus was on the personal side and Dave Remaining Time -1:36 wasn’t constantly telling his son what to do or suggesting how he should Where would the Winnipeg Jets rank in an all-Canadian division? be playing. Lowry was most recently the head coach of the Brandon Wheat Kings of “The biggest thing is that I’ve recognized a long time ago where Adam the Western Hockey League, guiding the club to a record of 35-22-4-2, was. With the leadership and the coaching he was getting, he didn’t need which was good for third place in the East Division at the time the season to hear from me as a coach,” said Lowry. “When we would come in for was paused. games, we would talk about how he is doing, not how did he play or what happened here or what happened there. We had the typical father-son The Wheat Kings had two players chosen in the first round of the 2020 relationship. NHL Draft, defenceman Braden Schneider (19th overall, ) and centre Ridly Greig (28th overall, Ottawa Senators) and “Obviously, with me being a coach, if there were times when he wasn’t Lowry is known for his ability to foster the growth of prospects. happy with his game -- sometimes he or his brother would reach out and they do ask questions and they do ask, what did I see? The coaching he “He’s the first to the rink and one of the last to leave,” Wheat Kings has received up to this point has been second to none and I’m excited to general manager Darren Ritchie said in a telephone interview. “He has a be on a bench and watch him continue to grow as a player.” great rapport with his players. He connects with his players and seeing how he gets his message to his players was something I always Lowry is a valued member of the Jets leadership core, he anchors the appreciated and enjoyed. He makes everybody feel a part of the team checking line and is a key part of the penalty-killing unit. and that everybody has a role on the team. Guys love playing for the Those things were already well established before Dave joined the man. The advice he was giving them was making them better players coaching staff. and better people.

But what about the business side? “Anybody who plays pro hockey for 19 years has high-end character and he’s just a great guy. You always enjoyed being around him. He’s very Adam Lowry has one year left on his contract before potentially competitive. He loves pushing his players to get better and he pushes becoming an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career, but himself to get better. He made our whole staff better.” that’s not even on the radar for Dave as he begins his new job. Lowry was a hard-nosed left-winger in the NHL for 19 seasons, suiting up in 1,084 games with the Vancouver Canucks, St. Louis Blues, Florida Panthers, San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames, plus another 111 games during the Stanley Cup playoffs (reaching the final in 1996 and 2004).

Lowry’s first NHL head coach was former Jets 1.0 bench boss Tom Watt and he’s seen a wide array of different styles over the years.

The 55-year-old has spent parts of three decades in the NHL as a player and a coach, including five seasons as an assistant under Brent Sutter with the Calgary Flames (three) and both John Stevens and Willie Desjardins with the Los Angeles Kings (two).

He also spent a decade in the WHL, including seven seasons as a head coach with the Victoria Royals (five), Calgary Hitmen (one) and Wheat Kings (one).

Adapting with the game has been a critical element to enjoying longevity.

“The biggest thing is it’s all about building relationships and connecting with players,” said Lowry. “For me the big thing is to be there when they need you and to really learn and identify how and what makes each player tick and how do they learn. With an established coaching staff, I’ll be able to pick their brain to be able to figure out how to work and how to teach these individual players.”

Leaving the Wheat Kings after one season brought some bittersweet feelings.

“I know there’s unfinished business,” said Lowry, “I really like the way the team has grown and how this team together and really understood what took to be a competitive group. I really like the lessons that we learned. I know this team is in a better place today and I know moving forward this team has an opportunity to win. I’ll sit back and I’ll enjoy watching the success.”

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196217 Websites contact with your witnesses, get the case ready and go try it.” And that’s basically what it was. I mean, I tried these cases by the seat of my pants with my hair on fire.

Sportsnet.ca / THE INTERVIEW: ALLAN WALSH I was running around with detectives the night before trial looking for and subpoenaing witnesses. Literally, you started every case with a slate of names. We had to get them into court, arrange what order to call the Sonny Sachdeva witnesses, do my own opening statements, prepare for direct examination, cross-examination and closing arguments. And many times

while a jury was deliberating on a murder case, I was already starting jury He’s earned a reputation as one of hockey’s most outspoken voices. And selection on the next case. with that penchant for speaking truth to power forged in the crucible of It was a lot of responsibility. I did it for five and a half years. I loved that the courtroom, don’t count on Allan Walsh being intimidated into silence work, but I also remember very well the advice of a judge who was any time soon. legendary in the Criminal Courts Building in L.A. — he was the judge that Allan Walsh has never been one to go quietly. I tried my first case in front of. He said to me once, “Hey kid, a trial lawyer has only so many trials in them. And at the pace you’re going, you’re It’s in fact his inclination to do the opposite that’s made his name in the going to be burnt out at a very young age.” game. While others boast client lists with brighter stars and higher dollars, Walsh has risen to become one of hockey’s best-known agents According to Puckpedia.com, Walsh has 26 active NHL contracts on the through his unabashed loyalty to his players — and his willingness to books — including Jonathan Drouin's — with a combined value of more wear that loyalty on his sleeve publicly when he feels injustice is afoot, at than $187 million. times becoming a newsmaker in his own right. How do you think those experiences influenced what you’re doing now? But back before he first went to the negotiating table for NHLers, back When I was trying cases, I identified greatly with the victims of crime. In before he was making waves on Twitter as the sport’s loudest voice on many ways, victims of crime don’t have a voice in the judicial system. I’m labour issues, Walsh was a young prosecutor in L.A., thrown into the fire not in any way equating [them] to professional athletes, but victims are navigating murder cases and wondering how his dream of working in very much underdogs within the system, and when I started working as hockey had taken such a sharp left turn. an agent representing players, you know, players were very much This is how the most outspoken player agent in the game found his way underdogs within the system in the sense that they didn’t have a lot of back to the sport he’s long worshipped, in his own words. power.

Let’s go back to the beginning, before you became an agent — what was I started in 1995, just coming out of the ’94–95 lockout, and player your relationship with hockey growing up? salaries were really just beginning to take hold. I think my first year in the business, the average NHL salary was approximately $400,000 a year. It I was born and raised in Montreal and started playing hockey when I was was a time where players still never dreamed they would make enough five [or] six years old. I was a goalie. I played throughout minor hockey, money as a player to not have to work after their career was over if they played for Dawson College, and played for a little while when I went to didn’t want to. It was a time where there certainly were the makings of a McGill University. After McGill, I went to law school in Los Angeles, so I power shift going on within the system. But it was just beginning. moved from Montreal to L.A. And I very much identified with players. At the time, there were limited I went to law school with the idea that I would work somehow in hockey. rights to second opinions [on medical issues] — lots of players were When I was a kid, I didn’t just play hockey — I wasn’t just a goalie — I playing through injuries, some serious. Many players played through was hockey-obsessed. At eight, nine, 10 years old, I was a hockey head injuries. There was always the threat of getting sent to the minors. encyclopedia. My dad had a great influence on me growing up. He would There were very few irreplaceable players. The general managers and go on business trips, and on every trip he would go into a bookstore and owners had a lot of power, and the Players’ Association — coming out of buy a hockey book, and every time he came back, he’d always have one the ’95 lockout — had just withstood an attack to implement a salary-cap for me. I would literally race to the door, grab the book, go into my room system, and were able to come out of that lockout in January ’95 without and I wouldn’t come out until I had read the entire thing. So, I was a cap. Free agency in ’95 — unrestricted free agency was age 32, and reading about the Montreal Canadiens teams in the 1950s, and about the didn’t go down to age 31 until 1999. So, players were very much still tied evolution of the game in the ’60s. Jacques Plante wrote a book on to their teams, and the teams had a lot of control over them, really goaltending back in the ’70s that was a bible for a lot of goalies. Ken through the prime of players’ careers. Dryden wrote a book about the ’72 Summit Series. To this day, I still have every one of those books that he bought me as a kid. I was just I always saw myself as a players’ advocate. I always saw myself as absolutely hockey-obsessed, and I went through my entire life like that. being somebody wanting to stand up for the little guy. And many people may not understand what I’m saying when I say that because they look at But I get to law school — and I’m going to law school to somehow work players right now and some of their salaries, some of their profiles within in the hockey world — and then I took this left turn and worked as a the business — we’ve come a long, long way since 1995. But really that prosecutor. was my outlook when I started.

So, you start out in this completely different world from the one you’d What do you remember about your earliest days as an agent, and the imagined for yourself. Tell me about the work you were doing back then difficulty of that transition? and how it shaped you as a person and an agent. I really didn’t find the transition difficult. From the first day, I absolutely You know, you’ve got to put the timing into perspective: I graduated from loved it. What happened was I was back in Montreal — I was still a D.A., law school in 1990 and started working for the D.A.’s office, and at the and trying cases back to back. I had so much overtime built up and they time there was an out-of-control gang problem in southern California. The actually mandated that when you get to a certain number of hours of LAPD and Sheriff’s Department were very focused on dealing with gang overtime, you have to take it. So, for about the last six months I was a crime. The L.A. D.A.’s office had created the Hardcore Gang Division to D.A., in between trying cases, I was basically ordered not to come into specifically have a unit of prosecutors expert at prosecuting gang-murder the office, to take two weeks off. So, I would try a case, get a verdict, and cases. I was 25 years old. The D.A.’s office was understaffed, I’d fly back to Montreal and spend the time with my dad. It was on one of undermanned, and it gave an opportunity for someone like me — with those trips that I met a journalist who was very involved in sports. He one year’s experience as a lawyer — to go into court and prosecute said, “What are you going to do for the rest of your life? Are you going to murder cases. stay a D.A. forever?” I said, “No, actually, I’ve just been having these conversations with my dad — I would love to represent players.” He said, At the time, I was the youngest prosecutor in the history of the state of “If you’re interested in doing that, you should contact my pal, David California to prosecute a murder case. And you’ve got to also take this Schatia.” I didn’t know the name, but in the 1970s, David was one of the into account — there was nobody helping me. It’s not like a civil litigation, original agents in hockey — there were only [a handful]. There was Bob where there are six lawyers that go in on each side and sit down. They Woolf, Alan Eagleson, Norm Caplan, Art Kaminsky and David Schatia. basically handed me a file and said, “This case is going to be tried. The Those were all the agents in hockey. There was no one else. jury selection is next week. Make contact with the detectives, make David started representing NHL players in ’71 and throughout the ’70s And I think it gives players motivation. I honestly believe players have had the NHL Rookie of the Year five years in a row. One year at the more meaningful careers knowing there’s someone out there who draft, he represented all the players drafted from one to 10. He believes in them, who’s thinking about them, who cares about them and represented guys like Denis Potvin and Bryan Trottier — his client list is willing to fight for them if it ever came to that. And to me, that’s the was second to none. And in 1981, his first marriage dissolved and he had essence of what it’s all about to represent a player. a couple of young kids that he got custody of, so [he] got completely out of the business. Your willingness to defend your players online, and your Twitter presence in general, seems to be a key reason you’ve become such a well-known I cold-called David in 1995 and left a message at his office. He called me figure in the sport. back and he said, “This is David Schatia. You left me a message. How can I help you?” I was like, “Hi, Mr. Schatia, thanks for calling me back. You know, back in 2008, being part of a large agency, there was a My name’s Allan Walsh. I’m from Montreal. I’m a lawyer. I’ve been in L.A. representative from Twitter who came to Octagon to speak to a group of for the last several years. I’m working as a prosecutor in the L.A. D.A.’s agents about the platform. At the time, there were no smartphones, there office. I’m very interested in the agent business and this journalist mutual was no Twitter app — it was going onto a desktop and typing friend suggested I give you a call.” David said, “Be in my office tomorrow. “Twitter.com” and tweeting from the desktop. 12:30. You’ve got 20 minutes.” Okay. I never in my wildest dreams thought that Twitter and social media would I go to David’s office, I get let in. It’s the biggest office I’ve ever seen in become what it has. But it really was at its nascent state when I started my life — you could land an airplane in there. I sit down on the other side tweeting. I think I had 125 followers. of David’s massive desk, and we start talking. He starts telling stories As Twitter grew, I started sharing my thoughts more. I always saw social about his time in the business, and it was just an amazing conversation media as a way to advocate for clients directly to the media and to the that ended up lasting about three hours. And at the end, David said, “You fans. That was my outlook when it started, and as it developed over the know something, kid? One of my biggest regrets ever was getting out of years, it became a way to express yourself. That’s really how I see it the agent business — never should’ve done it. If you’re interested, now. It’s a way to promote, it’s a way to express, and it’s a way to share. maybe you and I could do something together.” He says, “I’ve got a lot of former clients who are now general managers, coaches, scouts.” He You mentioned the hesitancy of others in the hockey world to speak out. says, “I’m not going to travel. But if you’re willing to hit the road, I think I Have you ever felt any pushback from the NHL for anything you’ve said? can open a lot of doors for you.” And on that basis, we shook hands that The only people I care about are my clients. Everything I do will be in day on a 50/50 partnership. furtherance of my clients’ interest, and I really don’t care what other We started from scratch with no players, and through a lot of hard work people think. I mean, I’ve been probably called over the years every and a lot of kilometres in cars [and] in the air, we built an agency name in the book — on social media, off social media. I really don’t care. together. We began hiring people to work with us. And from ’95 to about I don’t work for them. It’s not my job to please them. The only people I 2004, we built an agency with approximately 35 to 40 players in the NHL. care about are my clients. Period. At that time, there was a lot of consolidation going on in the agent business, and there were a lot of bigger agencies looking to acquire mid- How would you characterize your relationship with GMs around the sized agencies, which is what we were. Octagon approached us and was league? interested in acquiring our business. At the same time, it allowed David, who was looking to slow down and ultimately retire, an exit strategy. You create a level of trust in your daily interactions. I mean, I will never get off the phone with a GM and tweet anything about a private We ended up selling our agency to Octagon. I came on board with David conversation. I think that’s out of bounds. I think you have an obligation — all of our clients came on board — and we merged into the existing to conduct yourself in a professional way, and I think that’s very hockey division, which was , Mike Liut and Larry Kelly. important. There are many GMs who follow me on Twitter, and I’m well David, over the course of the next two years, transitioned into retirement. aware of it. And very often I’ll tweet something — not about them, not Brian left to become the GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Larry Kelly about their club, but just something, whether it’s a CBA issue or retired. And Mike Liut and I became the co-managing directors of the something to do with player safety or junior hockey. And within 10 hockey division. seconds, a GM will be texting me, engaging in a discussion about the tweet. ALL SMILES GMs don’t tweet, but they have accounts. They follow various people Walsh takes pride in how close he is with his clients. Here he celebrates around the hockey world, and I’m one of the people they follow. And with Stanley Cup champions Marc-Andre Fleury, left, and David Perron. many times there’s a discussion or a dialogue or a back-and-forth about You’ve since become one of the most prominent agents in the game. something that I tweet — in a good way. But there are ground rules that I When did you first start to feel things shift in that direction? follow. I’m not going to tweet trade rumours. I’m never going to tweet something that a GM said to me in confidence. There’s a level of trust I honestly think why I started getting a profile in the game is that I was that exists, that, “I can say this on the phone to Allan, and I’m not going willing to stand up and speak for players and willing to do it publicly, if to worry about him tweeting about this 10 minutes later.” necessary. I never look for a fight, but you look to do what’s best for the players. It may happen once, it may never happen, but there comes a I don’t think most people understand the full scope of what an agent does time where a player’s career is on the line. And they need to know, aside from contract negotiations. Take us through a typical day in the life through their darkest days, that their agent is only concerned about their of an NHL agent. well-being, their success and the viability of the rest of their career. And You wear a bunch of different hats. Contract negotiation is probably the will do anything. Will take any bullet. most important role you have, but in many ways you’re also an advisor — I think there are a lot of agents out there in the past who were unwilling to business advisor, psychologist. Players call you when they’re down. do that because they didn’t want to rock the boat. If things got to a certain Players call you when they’re scratched. Players call you when they’re point, they were afraid that maybe teams wouldn’t want to work with them not happy with their play. And it’s not like they’re looking for advice on anymore — “How would that impact the rest of my business?” how to play better — that’s not an agent’s role. I can’t tell a player to pass instead of shoot or shoot instead of pass. But you can deal with the I went about it and looked at every situation like, “This player, this client, psychological impact of maximizing their performance. has placed a sacred trust in me.” And if there’s nothing else left to do except fight for this player’s career — if you’ve exhausted every other I’ll give you an example. I had a player call me who was just really down. option, and you have no other options left, and the player is asking you to Just was not in a good situation with his team, was not being used the fight for him, I’m willing to do that. And I think that over the course of way he’d been used previously, was just feeling down. And I said to the years, whether it was Marc-Andre Fleury, who I started representing player, “Remember when you were 16? Remember how much you loved when he was 15, Martin Havlat, who I started representing at 17, Patrik playing the game? Remember when you were telling me about that time Elias, who I represented for 15 years, Pascal Dupuis, who I represented you were 13, 14, playing on an outdoor rink? Remember the joy of for his entire career, you become family. And the level of trust they have playing with the puck? Remember the joy of being out there, the in you, and the level of love you have for them, it’s powerful. It’s powerful freedom? Why don’t you bring that joy back?” And he said to me, “How to have that bond. do I do that?” And I said, “How about stand there at the pre-game warmup, grab a puck, stickhandle a little bit on your own and just think about being that little boy on the outdoor rink, think about the joy you had. Look around you — you’re in the NHL. There’s going to be a full building tomorrow night. You’re making a living doing this. Think about all that you’ve done and all you’ve accomplished to get to where you are.” He ended up having a string of really good games, and he called me and said, “It was amazing — I did that, and I felt it again.”

That’s the kind of connection you can have with players. You get them sometimes into the right mindset where they can go off and be their best — give them the tools, give them the support, so they can go out and be their best.

When you see one of your players face criticism or scrutiny, what is that experience like for you?

I think you have to look at each situation and assess it. I think you have to have a lot of communication with the player during those times. And I think you have to come up with different options and an actual strategy on how to deal with things that are coming at you. You have to go forward and implement that strategy. I think if you don’t come up with a plan, it’s easy for players to get lost in the weeds.

And I think when a player feels that he has some level of control, and is working with people who believe in him, when they go through their darkest days that’s what helps players make it through to the other side.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 11.24.2020 1196218 Websites But that’s not the case either. In fact, if we look at expected goal rates for all four of the first power-play unit forwards over the past three seasons, we see that the loss of Laine’s production hasn’t really been picked up With or without Laine, Jets have work to do on power play elsewhere (outside of a small increase for that of Connor):

Relatively speaking, Winnipeg’s power play is not the primary reason why this team struggled at times last year. That distinction belongs to a By Travis Yost battered and young defensive corps that conceded more high-danger shots than any team in the league not named the Chicago Blackhawks.

But it is concerning that Winnipeg’s power play has devolved from Perhaps the most interesting name mentioned in trade rumours this off- legitimate competitive advantage to a league-average unit season has been Winnipeg Jets winger Patrik Laine. indistinguishable from the Calgary Flames.

It’s not often a player manages four consecutive (pro-rated) 30-goal That shouldn’t be the case – not with playmakers like Scheifele and seasons, and it’s even rarer when it happens before a player’s 23rd Connor, not with a shooter like Laine, not with a high-end distributor of birthday. To that end, Laine is a unicorn of sorts – and a valuable one at the puck like Wheeler. The talent is clearly there to make Winnipeg’s that. power-play unit one of the deadliest in the league again.

The situation between Laine and the Jets can seem a bit awkward at Whether or not Laine will be a piece of this unit going forward remains to times. Laine has never been fully satisfied with his usage – the mere fact be seen. But at least for the approaching regular season, it does seem that such a prolific scorer can’t seem to crack the first line on a talent- like head coach Paul Maurice and assistance coach Jamie Kompon have average hockey team is puzzling – but the trust from head coach Paul some work to do. Maurice hasn’t been there. That lack of trust stems largely from Laine’s It’s easy to push Laine to drop deeper into the offensive zone. But it’s off-puck play and Winnipeg’s woeful defensive performance numbers harder to figure out how the opponents will react in their defensive with Laine on the ice. structure and what that might mean for shooters from the right circle and The argument in defence of Laine is quite simple: whatever defensive the distributor out of the bumper position. concerns the team may have, he is still on the right side of goal Find a solution to this problem, and the Jets power play could be differentials since entering the league (183 goals for, 178 goals against at dangerous again in short order. even strength since 2016-17).

The counterargument is that there should be much more daylight in those goal differentials when you are dressing a player who can seemingly TSN.CA LOADED: 11.24.2020 score at will. Add an expiring contract into the mix, and you have all the ingredients for rampant trade speculation.

Most of the recent focus has been spent on improving Laine’s defensive game, but there has been an interesting shift in his offensive game, too – one that has a similarly adverse impact on Winnipeg’s overall production. Curiously, it’s happened on the power play, where Laine is one of the league’s most dangerous weapons.

Recall back to the 2017-18 regular season – Laine’s sophomore year – where the Jets finished fifth in the NHL in power-play conversion rate. That year, the Finnish sniper handed the Jets 20 goals on the man advantage, two ahead of Washington’s Alexander Ovechkin. He scored 15 power-play goals in 2018-19 (ninth), and just eight in 2019-20 (38th). His slower production last season was a large reason why Winnipeg’s power play slumped to 15th in the NHL.

It is fascinating to map out Laine’s shot profile and compare that to the video when Winnipeg’s set up in the offensive zone. Laine, much like other elite shooters on the wing (think Ilya Kovalchuk and Ovechkin), has long made the left circle his personal office. But over time, Winnipeg has had increasing difficulty at finding and timing those Laine power-play opportunities in the heart of the circle.

It is a subtle shift over time, but what’s clear is that Winnipeg has had increasing levels of difficulty at finding Laine for those lethal shots from the left circle.

Last year, in particular, you could see opposing defences pushing Laine to the deepest parts of the left circle (and, in plenty of cases, beyond the circle), a 13 per cent increase in distance year-over-year. On top of that, Laine’s shooting angles are much more difficult. A material portion of Laine’s power-play shots came awkwardly close to the half wall – angles that requires a substantially higher degree of accuracy to beat opposing goaltenders.

What’s causing this shift? A sampling of video from shots generated by Laine turn up a few different explanations.

First, defences have been a shade more aggressive in closing off the passing lanes into the heart of that circle. That sort of shading comes with the territory for most elite shooters. Whether it’s the cause or the effect, Laine became accepting of that degree of shading, floating out a few feet further to create another shooting lane.

This type of shading defence, of course, can benefit other Winnipeg attackers. And if Winnipeg were doing this by design, you would hope to see other forwards – like Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and Blake Wheeler – generating more dangerous offence from other areas of the ice. 1196219 Websites allegedly refused the offer of AIG and National Union Fire to reimburse the NHL for its defence costs at the rate Nixon Peabody had charged.

“Despite repeated requests, the NHL refused for three years to provide NHL in legal battle with insurers refusing to pay concussion lawsuit costs any of its defence cost invoices to the AIG insurers,” AIG and National Union Fire wrote. “Not until March 2017 that the NHL finally provided AIG with the first tranche of defence invoices that it expected the AIG insurers By Rick Westhead to cover.”

The NHL’s legal invoices to AIG allegedly revealed significant unreasonable expenditures, including excessive and unnecessary time The National Hockey League is embroiled in a legal fight with insurance billed, the insurers’ countersuit says. companies that refuse to pay most of the costs related to the league’s years-long concussion lawsuit and the settlement the league reached “Three NHL firms duplicated significant efforts with no explanations,” with retired players. AIG’s lawsuit says. “Rates charged were excessive. Vague entries, unreasonable charges for overhead and other expenses.” The NHL filed a lawsuit in New York State Supreme Court on July 31 against eight insurance companies: TIG Insurance Co., Federal Insurance Co., Chubb Insurance Co. of Canada, National Union Fire Insurance Co. of Pittsburgh, Vigilant Insurance Co., American Home TSN.CA LOADED: 11.24.2020 Assurance Co., Aviva Insurance Co. of Canada, and Zurich Insurance Co.

The NHL in November of 2018 announced an $18.9 million (U.S.) settlement with 318 former players who joined a lawsuit accusing the league of downplaying the long-term dangers of repeated brain trauma. The settlement included plaintiff lawyers’ fees and costs, free neuropsychological tests for players, up to $75,000 for medical treatments, cash payouts of roughly $20,000 per player and the establishment of a Common Good Fund to help retired players in need.

The NHL alleges in its lawsuit that it paid for insurance coverage dating back to 1974 and that it has made five demands since settling the concussion litigation to the insurance companies to pay its legal costs related to the case but that the insurance firms have reimbursed the league only for about a quarter of what the NHL says it is owed.

The league said it is seeking “tens of millions of dollars in damages, plus 9 per cent interest, for breach of policies.”

“For approximately five years, the NHL vigorously defended the concussion litigation while keeping the insurers fully apprised,” the league wrote in its 19-page lawsuit. “Over the course of extremely complex litigation, the NHL paid substantial fees and expenses; reviewed and produced millions of pages of documents; deposed and defended depositions of dozens of fact and expert witnesses; and engaged in significant contested motion practice.”

The NHL says it has paid $16,981,600 of the settlement amount and that the insurers have not reimbursed them for that payout.

In a counterclaim lawsuit against the NHL on Oct. 9, Federal Insurance, Chubb and Vigilant wrote that they want the NHL to repay them the funds they already have forwarded to the league. The companies did not specify the amount.

Because the retired players accused the NHL of fraud, not only negligence, for deliberately hiding the dangers of concussions from them, Federal Insurance, Chubb and Vigilant argued that they did not have to cover the league’s legal costs or the payments from the settlement.

The insurers also allege that the NHL’s settlement covers players who first played in the league in 1951. The league was uninsured for all periods prior to 1974, they allege.

American Home Assurance (AIG) and National Union Fire Insurance allege in their own countersuit, also filed Oct. 9, that they were working with the NHL on a legal defence to the concussion lawsuit before the working relationship collapsed.

“In order to obtain the contractual defence under the AIG policies, the NHL must comply with all conditions of coverage, including the NHL must provide notice of any potentially covered claim, indicate that it wishes for the AIG insurers to provide a defence, and tender control of the defence to the AIG insurers,” AIG and National Union Fire wrote.

The NHL advised AIG in December of 2013 that a concussion lawsuit had been filed against the league, but it did not indicate if it wanted AIG to organize its legal defence, AIG and National Union Fire wrote in their countersuit.

The insurers allege that AIG hired the law firm Nixon Peabody in March of 2014 to provide a legal defence. The NHL rejected that move and instead hired the firms Skadden and Proskauer Rose. The NHL later