sign in sign up
<<
Home , Alexander Svitov, Andreas Englund, Andy Rogers, Bobby Orr, Chuck Arnason, Cleveland Crusaders

SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 7/1/2020 Coyotes 1176044 A year of Phil: How has Kessel trade worked out for 1176072 Panthers Have 3 Questions Heading Into Isles Series ? 1176045 Coyotes F : 2019-20 was a tough year for injuries 1176073 Who could the Kings lose to Seattle in the 2021 expansion 1176046 Arizona Coyotes sign defenseman Dysin Mayo to 1-year, draft? 2-way deal 1176074 WITH THE SECOND SELECTION IN THE 2020 NHL 1176047 Coyotes CEO Xavier Gutierrez hopes to open doors for DRAFT…. Latinos in sports business 1176075 Wild defenseman Carson Soucy: 'You definitely don't plan 1176048 Joakim Nordstrom happy to be back in Boston, hoping to to get it' return to action 1176076 Wild defenseman Carson Soucy has endured a longer 1176049 Bruins’ Joakim Nordstrom back from Sweden, where virus shutdown than most approach is very different 1176077 Wild notes: Carson Soucy is ready to go, latest Kirill 1176050 TBD Draft Lottery result was chaotic fun - and just what Kaprizov drama and more the NHL needed 1176051 There and back: Joakim Nordstrom’s life in quarantine Canadiens after return from Sweden 1176078 Stu on Sports: Chiefs' Laurent Duvernay-Tardif is a real role model 1176079 Why Phillip Danault deserves to be a Selke finalist for the 1176052 On his last day on the Sabres' payroll, memories of GM first time Tim Murray 1176053 Ex-Sabres player, coach Rick Dudley leaving Carolina Hurricanes 1176080 NHL rumors: Will big Devils’ decisions include signing Evgenii Dadonov? 1176081 NHL makeover would be problematic 1176054 Forslund, Hurricanes continue to negotiate as 1176082 Devils’ lucky No. 7? Tracing the history of the draft pick broadcaster’s contract expires over 50 years 1176055 The Carolina Hurricanes are finally practicing again at PNC Arena, await NHL’s restart 1176056 says sports leagues ‘in this together’ as 1176083 Wait goes on for NHL hub cities, and other issues Hurricanes return home Blackhawks 1176084 Wait goes on for NHL hub cities, and other issues 1176057 Chicago is reportedly 1 of 4 finalists to be an NHL hub city when play returns next month Senators 1176058 Hall of Famer reveals Blackhawks legend 1176085 Which Senators could Seattle swipe in the expansion ate raw steaks draft? 1176059 How Marian Hossa's Hall of Fame election is another big win for Blackhawks dynasty 1176060 NBC Sports Chicago to replay all 32 wins from 1176086 Mark Friedman wasn’t in the lineup for a long stretch, but Blackhawks' 2019-20 regular he saw what the Flyers can do when NHL season resum 1176061 Report: Chicago one of four finalists to be NHL Hub City 1176087 NHL says 26 players test positive for COVID-19 | On the when hockey returns Fly 1176062 Why Brian Burke doesn't believe Blackhawks would tank 1176088 Flyers’ stat of the day: Inside the numbers of Sean for No. 1 overall pick Couturier’s face-off winning percentage 1176063 How Selection Committee chooses who gets into Hockey 1176089 If Flyers lose to Penguins in 5OT classic, would Sidney Hall of Fame Crosby still be No. 1 Philly Sports Villain? 1176090 2019-20 Flyers season grades: Robert Hagg 1176064 Chambers: No defending former Avs center Pierre Penguins ’s Hall of Fame snub 1176091 Double Team: As with the Penguins, Ian Cole has been 1176065 Avalanche’s top prospect Bo Byram will train with team sturdy on Avalanche blue line during , report says 1176092 Is one of the best hockey players of all time? says yes Red Wings 1176093 ‘I saved your city’: The oral history of ‘Sudden Death’ 1176066 encouraged by prospect . Here's why 1176067 add Detroit Red Wings prospect in CHL 1176094 Are the Sharks better off taking a planned step backwards Import Draft next season? 1176068 NHL should alter draft lottery odds more in favor of worst 1176095 Coyotes CEO Xavier Gutierrez hopes to open doors for teams Latinos in sports business 1176069 Red Wings relocate training camp to Detroit, cancel Prospect Tournament St Louis Blues 1176070 The Red Wings’ No. 4 draft pick: Making the case for 1176096 NHL gets weird, gives playoff teams at No. 1 draft pick 1176097 The Blues' "Bear" calls it a career 1176098 As uncertainty swirls, Blues' O'Reilly ramps up for return to 1176071 Lowetide: Everything you forgot (but need to know) about play Oilers’ 2019-20 season 1176099 Jeff and Penny Vinik put divorce proceedings on hold Maple Leafs 1176100 Maple Leafs’ Freddie Andersen eager for some summer hockey 1176101 With Olympic participation and Canadian hub cities on the radar, NHL’s next phase might be its wisest 1176102 NHL hubs, contracts down to wire 1176103 Leafs' Andersen seeks more info, but says "I want to play" this summer 1176104 Five years later: Revisiting the Maple Leafs’ blockbuster Phil Kessel trade Canucks 1176107 Ben Kuzma: Canucks’ three key UFA decisions will determine rest of roster’s fate 1176108 Canucks notebook: calls Black Lives Matter protests 'important' 1176109 How the Canucks should approach negotiations with their 4 key RFAs 1176105 Golden Knights sign goalie prospect Jiri Patera 1176106 Will any Caps players opt-out of the playoffs? It's something no one should criticize Websites 1176110 The Athletic / Q&A: on making whisky, learning to like IPAs and loving cheap wine 1176111 The Athletic / Ranking the most valuable No. 1 picks of the salary cap era 1176112 The Athletic / Wheeler: Every NHL team’s worst draft class of the last 20 years 1176113 .ca / NHL Power Rankings: Ordering the top 24 contenders 1176114 Sportsnet.ca / Reaction Rankings: Looking at 16 teams in Second Phase lottery spotlight 1176115 Sportsnet.ca / NHL, NHLPA finalizing plan to resume season amid new COVID-19 cases 1176116 Sportsnet.ca / Maple Leafs' Andersen not '100 per cent confident' about return 1176117 Sportsnet.ca / If certified, CHL class action likely years away from resolution – Sportsnet 1176118 TSN.CA / G Frederik Andersen admits lingering concerns over potential NHL return 1176119 TSN.CA / Raising questions about the NHL’s ongoing CBA negotiation 1176120 TSN.CA / NHL wants to turn over materials from Steve Montador book World Leagues News 1176121 Leicester games may be postponed or moved due to coronavirus lockdown, says Premier League chief 1176122 Still stuck in South Carolina after becoming golf’s first COVID-19 case, Nick Watney is ready to go home 1176123 Coronavirus: Parry dismisses talk of EFL club bankruptcies 1176124 Africa Cup of Nations postponed until 2022 because of coronavirus 1176125 Mike Amesbury calls for coronavirus grassroots sport support 1176126 Basketball is back in N.J. parks. Will sports feel normal again with coronavirus? 1176127 NHL: 26 players have tested positive for COVID-19 since Phase 2 began (June 8) 1176128 Rugby's world sevens series cancelled over coronavirus 1176129 MLB rosters shuffle due to COVID-19 1176130 When are major sports leagues restarting? SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1176044 Arizona Coyotes Kessel's lack of finish and visible lack of consistency across the board quickly made fans impatient. As the Coyotes tried to rise in the Pacific Division standings, their lack of offense forced them to make a A year of Phil: How has Kessel trade worked out for Arizona Coyotes? blockbuster trade for in which they parted ways with talented prospects and picks.

After all that, the Coyotes were still on the outside of a playoff spot when Richard Morin the NHL paused play on March 11. Fortunately for them, the league expanded the postseason to include 24 teams upon a return to play, Arizona Republic which would give the Coyotes a chance at competing for the Stanley Cup.

Arizona Coyotes center Phil Kessel (81) awaits a face-off against the Kessel, who has always played his best hockey in big games and playoff on Oct. 19, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz. series, said Tuesday he feels the best he has felt all season. That's good news for Coyotes fans, who desperately want to see that Kessel over the When he does speak to the media, Phil Kessel doesn't shy away from his one they got in the regular season. career-low output and disappointing results this season. "I feel good right now," Kessel said, adding that he is looking forward to Kessel knows that the mere five even-strength goals he scored this training camps opening July 10. "I feel better than I did all year so I'm season for the Arizona Coyotes is just half as many as his previous low excited. My body feels good, I feel rester, and I'm going to be ready to set during his age-19 season. Kessel knows that he took fewer shots on go." this season than any year prior. And he knows that, despite those numbers, he finished with a shooting percentage that wasn't too far off from his career average. Arizona Republic LOADED: 07.01.2020 "Obviously I had a tough year," Kessel said via conference call with reporters on Tuesday. "... It's one of those years and obviously I look at it like I'm never going to have that again. So, you know, I'm looking to bounce back and this is a good time to get it started again."

And for the Coyotes — who are slated to participate in the 24-team postseason tournament if the NHL successfully returns to play — it was a season filled with ups, downs and a whole lot of Phil.

Specifically for Kessel, who on Wednesday will celebrate the one-year anniversary of his trade to the Coyotes from the , it was several months of mixed results, nagging injuries, and tough questions.

Kessel said Tuesday that the 2019-20 season was perhaps the most injury-laden campaign he had ever experienced, although Kessel declined to call it the biggest factor in his struggles to produce this season.

We know Kessel dealt with a groin injury early on. Although it's unclear just how much it affected him, Kessel's patented explosive skating was noticeably absent on many occasions.

Kessel seemed to suggest there were even more injuries, or that the groin injury stuck around for longer than we had initially assumed. Kessel — in his typical fashion — did not miss any of the Coyotes' 70 regular- season games, extending his consecutive games played streak to 844 games.

His performance certainly suggested that Kessel might have benefited from a break or two during the season. Expected to bolster scoring on a team starved for offense, Kessel scored just two even-strength goals before the holiday break in December and failed to find much consistency on the Coyotes' power play.

Kessel, who is still under contract through 2022, didn't put nearly as many pucks on net in 2019-20 as he had historically throughout his career. However, his ability to finish seemed fine and not too much of a departure from his career average. The more alarming statistics were Kessel's low shot volume and inability to produce timely goals — especially at even strength.

A popular defense for Kessel has been that he was without any elite center next to him, an obvious reference to his teammates Sidney Crosby and in Pittsburgh. And while there is some truth to that — Kessel's top options with the Coyotes were often Derek Stepan or Nick Schmaltz — Kessel didn't exactly have prolific centers during his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he produced around 65 to 85 points per season.

But offense wasn't the only part of Kessel's game that rubbed viewers the wrong way. Kessel has always received criticism for his defense and game away from the puck, and that carried into his first season with the Coyotes. Historically for Kessel, all can be forgiven in the shadow of an all-star-caliber offensive season, but Kessel managed only 14 goals and 38 points in 2019-20, marking what was undoubtedly his worst altogether season since he was a teenager. 1176045 Arizona Coyotes

Coyotes F Phil Kessel: 2019-20 was a tough year for injuries

BY MATT LAYMAN

JUNE 30, 2020 AT 4:30 PM

The Arizona Coyotes’ long pause in the season before the planned return to play has this silver lining: Everyone could, in theory, get healthy.

That included Phil Kessel, who dealt with a groin injury early on in the season. The extent to which that affected his play can’t be certain to anyone, but it is clear that 2019-20 wasn’t Kessel’s best year. The former Penguins, Leafs and Bruins star had only 14 goals in 70 games in his debut year with Arizona, well below the 25+ he consistently put up previously.

“Obviously I had a tough year,” Kessel told media in a Zoom call on Tuesday. “I think it’s probably my most injuries I’ve had is this year, but that’s no excuse, right? It’s one of those years, and obviously I’m not going to look to never have that again. I’ve never had a year like that. So I’m looking to bounce back.”

Kessel wouldn’t say that the injuries were the reason for his slip in goal production. It’s worth noting that he didn’t miss any games, and Kessel currently maintains one of the longest active ironman streaks in the NHL. He hasn’t missed a game since the 2009-10 season.

Arizona is slated to play the in a best-of-five play-in series in late July or early August. When that gets going, the Coyotes’ performance as a whole will determine the sample size for which we see Kessel after the hiatus.

Kessel is one of several Coyotes who have extensive playoff experience, and one of a few who have won a Stanley Cup. Kessel is a two-time champion, both coming with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

“I think it matters,” Kessel said of having playoff experience. “I think guys that have been there in those spots, they know what to expect and what to do. And I think to be honest, it’s a different level of hockey, and it’s a faster, more crisp game. It’s a fun time of year.

“We’re going to have to get into it right away. I think it’s going to be a different playoff than ever before, obviously. I think without fans and everything, it’s going to be strange. But I think guys know what they’re playing for. And we all want the chance to win.”

Arizona Sports LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176046 Arizona Coyotes

Arizona Coyotes sign defenseman Dysin Mayo to 1-year, 2-way deal

Staff Report

BY ARIZONA SPORTS

JUNE 30, 2020 AT 12:54 PM

The Arizona Coyotes announced Tuesday the signing of defenseman Dysin Mayo to a two-way contract for one year in length.

The move retains a member of the organization who has been in the system for several years.

Drafted in 2014 in the fifth round, the 23-year-old Mayo was with the AHL before they were purchased and relocated to Tucson to become the Roadrunners in 2016.

Most recently, Mayo played 58 games in the 2019-20 season and had a career-high plus-24 rating to go along with four goals and eight assists.

Mayo is among the Coyotes’ defensive depth that is not waivers-exempt, meaning if he were called up to the NHL squad, he couldn’t be sent back down without first clearing waivers. Kyle Capobianco, Jordan Gross and first-round pick Victor Soderstrom are among the other blueliners that are also in Arizona’s system.

At the NHL level, only one defenseman — Ilya Lyubushkin — is on an expiring deal. He becomes a restricted free agent at the conclusion of the 2019-20 season. All of the others are signed through at least next season, with Jakob Chychrun and Oliver Ekman-Larsson signed beyond that.

Arizona Sports LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176047 Arizona Coyotes Latino artist. Among new Sharks season ticket holders in 2019-20, 20 percent identified as Hispanic, up from 17 percent the year prior.

For Gutierrez, reaching out to the diverse community in the Phoenix area Coyotes CEO Xavier Gutierrez hopes to open doors for Latinos in sports is part of what makes the job so enticing. Approximately 40 percent of the business Phoenix population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, according to the U.S. census website.

By Kevin Kurz Xavier Gutierrez knows the Coyotes need to get their arena issue resolved. Jun 30, 2020 The Coyotes are notorious for attendance issues in their recent history, finishing among the bottom four in league attendance every year since 2007-08. Cultivating new fans could be a make-or-break situation when it Xavier Gutierrez, named as the team president and CEO of the Arizona comes to the team’s longterm sustainability, and Gutierrez is embracing Coyotes on June 8, is beginning his NHL experience at a compelling that challenge. moment for sport and society. “I do think that there’s incredible opportunity here,” Gutierrez said. “I look He’s certainly aware of the NHL’s newly formed diversity alliance, a at things through a business prism, and I look at what’s here right now. group committed to stamping out racism in hockey while concurrently You have the fifth-largest city in America. You have an incredibly rabid making it more inclusive for kids and teens of every ethnic background. fan base that has been just passionate about this team. You have an Gutierrez, the first Latino to hold such a high office at the league level, incredible demand at the youth level. Now, it’s how do you create a has been paying close attention to the recent league developments business strategy that takes advantage of that? The youth, the female spurred mainly by the protests around the world over the killing of and the multicultural with Latino (fans) are a big part of that. Those are George Floyd, as well as hockey’s Akim Aliu detailing some ugly areas for growth. So that business opportunity itself, I find to just be incidents he endured while trying to advance his career. incredibly compelling.” Gutierrez has been in touch already with Kim Davis, the NHL’s executive Gutierrez has a about the youth and female hockey markets in vice president of social impact and growth initiatives, and the two formed Phoenix, too. In figures provided by the team, the Phoenix area has seen an instant bond. 181 percent growth in youth hockey players under the age of 8 in the “We did not know each other, but the first conversation it was like we’ve past six years. Overall, growth in the female youth market (18 and under) known each other for decades,” Gutierrez, 46, said in a phone is 217 percent. conversation last week. “I’m very, very much supportive of what they are The overall growth in the youth market over the past six years is up 81 doing at the league and what the players are doing. I’m very proud of my percent, from about 4,900 participants in 2014 to more than 8,800 today. background, I’m very proud of my personal history. I’m also very proud of being an executive (with) 20 years in investment management and as a The fairly remote location of the arena in Glendale has long been a business professional. hurdle when it comes to the Coyotes’ attendance and their ability to grow the fanbase. Gila River Arena is about a 30-minute drive from downtown “It’s (about) bringing these new voices to the table. It makes for better Phoenix, and closer to 40-45 minutes from Scottsdale and Tempe. The business decisions first and foremost, but it’s also the right thing to do to Coyotes continue to operate on a yearly lease with the arena, and it be including voices and individuals from these diverse communities.” renews automatically every Dec. 31. Gutierrez knows it’s something that Prior to becoming the voice of the Coyotes’ business-side matters, needs addressing sooner than later. Gutierrez was most recently the managing director at Clearlake Capital “I thought it was priority one through five, and (Meruelo) quickly corrected Group in Santa Monica, California, where he “focused on investments, me — it’s priority one through 10,” Gutierrez said. “It’s clearly top of mind operations, strategic development, and investor client servicing and for us, for me, to figure out what’s the best for our team, our players, our outreach,” according to a team statement. Clearlake has managed more staff, our community partners and our business partners. There’s a lot of than $17 billion of institutional capital since its inception in 2006. options that have been presented.” Gutierrez has known and worked with Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo (a Cuban-American, and the first Latino NHL owner) for more than a Does there ultimately have to be an arena closer to downtown Phoenix? decade, and prior to joining Clearlake, he was investment officer of the Meruelo Group. “That’s not the first time I’ve heard that, it’s probably not the hundredth time I’ve heard that,” he said. “Clearly it is part of the analysis — where is His journey, though, began as a child of Mexican immigrant parents the best location to maximize where the corporate growth is, where the growing up in East San Jose, California. He attended Bellarmine College population growth is, where the fanbase is, and could be, and where the Prep, thanks to some financial assistance, and serves today on the growth could be? And, where it makes sense. Clearly, it’s an area that is school’s Board of Regents. very much one that we have been thinking about. So, nothing to report, but we’re working hard. I’m working very hard. I have a number of folks “I grew up in East San Jose, a very sort of lower-income working class that are working with me to make that decision, and I get it.” family, and Bellarmine was really my first exposure to folks from very different socio-economic backgrounds,” Gutierrez said. “The Jesuits were While there are important decisions on the horizon, Gutierrez considers incredible to me and to my family. And really it was the platform and the himself to be the physical manifestation of something that has long been foundation that led me to the academic opportunities that I have been questioned regarding the franchise — its overall stability in the Phoenix able to enjoy, and professional opportunities that I’ve been blessed to area. He moved his family, including wife Jerrica and 12-year-old son, have.” Xavi, from Southern California to Paradise Valley, Arizona, and plans on staying. Gutierrez continued his education at Harvard in 1991, just as the local San Jose Sharks were set to begin their first season in the NHL. He still “I moved my family here, we bought a home, planted the flag and burnt has family in the Bay Area, including both of his parents, a sister in the ship,” he said. “This is where we’re going to be, this is what’s the best Alameda, another sister in downtown San Jose, and a brother in Morgan location — and not just for today, for tomorrow, but my goal, my task, my Hill. responsibility is to create a financially viable and prosperous organization for the long term.” “Everyone’s incredibly excited now, although we’re trying to figure out how we’re going get them all into a suite (at SAP Center) because I have He continued: “There is stability here. You have an owner who’s large family,” he said. committed, who’s shown his commitment, who is committed to this community. But it’s more than that. We want to be able to share the But there’s work to be done before then. message that we’re going to be innovative, we’re going to be at the From a business standpoint, Gutierrez has already made note of how forefront. We want to be at the vanguard of a number of things — the teams like the Sharks, Los Angeles Kings and have confluence of sports and technology. We want to be at the forefront of reached out to their local Latino communities. One of the more popular catering to the fanbase, but also expanding it to the hockey fan in theme nights in San Jose, for example, is “Los Tiburones Night,” in which waiting, as I’ve said a number of times. So it’s stability, innovation, but it’s the Sharks wear special jerseys during warmups designed by a local also growth.” Meanwhile, Gutierrez’s appointment to such a prestigious position shows there has been growth in the NHL as a whole, too.

“What I’m hoping is that just like there were a number of doors that were open to me, I hope to open doors for that next generation,” he said. “There’s probably a young Latino out there, maybe in San Jose, who can now say, ‘I’d like to run a sports franchise.’”

The Athletic LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176048 Boston Bruins In Sweden, Nordstrom stayed almost exclusively at his home some 30 minutes outside of Stockholm. Sweden took a significantly different, more laissez-faire approach toward the coronavirus, opting to try for herd Joakim Nordstrom happy to be back in Boston, hoping to return to action immunity rather than the harsher lockdown protocols imposed here in Boston, New York, and other cities throughout the US.

Nordstrom said he preferred the approach here in the Hub of Hockey. By Kevin Paul Dupont Globe Staff “It’s been different, for sure,” said Nordstrom. “I went into [Stockholm] Updated June 30, 2020, 1:24 p.m. once and it was like a different world coming from Boston. Like here, you walk the sidewalk, and you meet someone, and you’re like really keeping

the distance — you’re almost walking out in the street to keep 6 feet If times were normal, Joakim Nordstrom would be an unrestricted free apart. agent as of noon Wednesday, what would be the traditional July 1 start of “Back home, I could be a little bit frustrated that people didn’t really care the NHL’s summer swap meet. about social distancing downtown. So we tried to stay away from the city Instead, Nordstrom, 28, spoke to the media via Zoom Tuesday as he as much as possible.” finishes a two-week COVID-19 quarantine period after returning here Nordstrom and his girlfriend felt much better, and safer, at home in the from Sweden, and he hopes to join a few of his Bruins teammates suburbs. Monday at a voluntary practice in Brighton. “We could see my girlfriend’s grandparents, but unfortunately at a Normal is not coming back for quite some time, if it does come back at distance,” he said. “There was no coming up and hugging them, even all. Meanwhile, the speedy Bruins winger is hopeful that the season will though I haven’t seen them in, like, nine months. Obviously, that is the resume soon, with his eye on the chance to win a Stanley Cup and also tough part. land a new contract, albeit amid the anxiety related to working in a coronavirus environment. “I don’t know what is the right approach, but for me personally, I don’t want to test positive. I don’t want the virus. “Of course I worry a little bit,” said Nordstrom, his play limited during the season by injury and illness. “I mean, this pandemic and this virus is new. “So for me, I think here in the States, or in Boston, the precaution and I don’t think anyone knows for sure how it’s going to affect you, whether how seriously people are taking it, if you ask me, I like it more the way it’s you get really sick right away or what the long-term consequence is going been here, at least with the respect the people have shown to the to be. pandemic and to everyone else. That’s been better.”

“But what I can do is trust that our team, the Boston Bruins, the NHLPA, and the league and all the doctors are taking the precautions in and making sure that we are going to be as safe as possible. Boston Globe LOADED: 07.01.2020

“Of course I worry, but you can worry all you want — you don’t know what the future’s going to be — but I just put my faith into the doctors.”

Nordstrom, originally a Blackhawks draft pick, signed here July 1, 2018, as an unrestricted free agent, a two-year deal worth a total $2 million.

That deal now expired, he is free to negotiate an extension with the Bruins, or wait until later in the year, likely the end of October, for the league to open its free agency period. Free agency could trigger sooner, but only if the league’s current return-to-play plan were to collapse, be it because of failed negotiations between owners or players, or if the sides agree the ongoing pandemic makes playing too risky.

If he does get to play in the coming weeks, Nordstrom, perhaps more than ever, will be playing for his next contract.

“That’s definitely something that’s crossed my mind,” said the reliable winger, who has been a valuable bottom-six contributor and a superb killer since arriving here. “With the season that I had, too, with injuries and sickness, if we get to play now, that’s a positive for me in terms of putting myself in better position for free agency or what happens for next year.

“A little bit different than years past, but this is probably the new normal.”

Nordstrom and his girlfriend bolted back to Sweden within a couple of weeks after the NHL went on lockdown March 12. He was there until returning a couple of weeks ago to his downtown high-rise apartment.

“The decision happened and we left the next day,” recounted Nordstrom. “We got on the first possible flight, because flights were getting canceled. We weren’t even sure we were going to be able to leave, so I brought only carry-on luggage and the dog.”

In his eagerness to get out of Dodge, Nordstrom left all of his hockey equipment here, though he spent much of the last two-plus months working out outdoors with his personal trainer. By the time his gear was shipped to Sweden, he was about ready to get back on a plane.

On Friday, said Nordstrom, he’ll undergo his fourth COVID-19 test since returning. If it is negative, like the others, he plans to hit the ice Monday at , where a smattering of teammates have been skating voluntarily the last couple of weeks. Provided the league and players finalize a deal in the next few days, formal training camp will begin July 10 and games approximately Aug. 1. 1176049 Boston Bruins “Of course I worry a little bit,” said Nordstrom. “This pandemic, this virus is new. I don’t think anyone knows for sure, whether you get really sick right away or what the long-term consequences are going to be. But what Bruins’ Joakim Nordstrom back from Sweden, where virus approach is I can do is … I trust our team, the Boston Bruins and the NHLPA and the very different league and all the doctors are taking all the precautions and making sure that we’re going to be as safe as possible. Of course I worry, but you can worry all you want. You don’t know what your future’s going to be, but I just put my faith into the doctors.” By STEVE CONROY | [email protected] | Boston Herald Returning to play isn’t necessarily guaranteed to produce the best June 30, 2020 at 2:49 p.m. possible outcome for free agents, either.

“For me as a free agent this summer, what’s going to happen with free Joakim Nordstrom returned to Boston from his native Sweden about a agency? What’s going to happen if someone gets hurt and the week ago, but in some ways it’s like he’s come back from a different turnaround for next season is only a month and a half or two months and planet. you don’t have a contract? What’s going to happen with your job. Are you going to get signed next year or not? Those are some concerns that I’m The Bruins’ forward had remained in Boston for two weeks following the sure have been raised with the PA and I’m sure they’re going to have an March 12 coronavirus before making a quick decision — as airlines were answer,” said Nordstrom. starting to cancel international flights — to return home to the Stockholm area, as he and his girlfriend left behind everything but their dog and And like all players, Nordstrom still wants to know what life in a hub city carry-ons. He went from a place where strict lockdown measures were will be like. put into effect here in Boston to his home country, which took a much “How long are we going to be away from our families? That’s a concern I more hands-off approach that led to relatively high infection rates. have. Is it going to be three months, four months that you’re in the bubble While conceding there are debates to be had between the two with no family? I don’t have kids, so I can’t even think how parents, the approaches, Nordstrom, in a Zoom call with reporters in which he guys with kids what they’re concerned about,” said Nordstrom. “But I’m expressed his hopes and concerns for the NHL’s Return To Play plan, sure our representatives, the NHLPA and the league have a plan for that, prefers the cautious one. too. But when you go into a bubble like that, a hub city, it’s going to be tough to bring someone in without quarantining. I’m sure if this happens “I went into the city (Stockholm) once for lunch and it was like a different and they’re allowed to come, they’ll have to go through the same process world coming from Boston,” said Nordstrom. “Here, you walk on the that I am right now with the quarantine and the testing.” sidewalk and you’re meeting someone else and you’re really keeping the distance. You’re almost walking out into the street to be at least six feet The scheduled start of training camp is less than two weeks away, and apart. Back home, I could be a little frustrated that people didn’t really serious questions still remain. care about the social distancing downtown. We tried to stay away from the city as much as possible.” Boston Herald LOADED: 07.01.2020 Nordstrom isn’t claiming to have all the answers.

“That’s the tough part. I don’t know what the right approach is,” said Nordstrom. “For me personally, I don’t want to test positive, I don’t want the virus, so I think here in the states, or in Boston, precaution and how serious people are taking is (best). But I don’t know. It’s hard to say, how businesses are doing here compared to Sweden and the whole financial part of it, too. But here the respect that people have shown to everyone else and to the pandemic has been better.”

Nordstrom is in the midst of the quarantine he must wait out to enter the league’s Phase 2 (voluntary informal workouts). He’s been tested three times – all results negative. He’ll be tested again on Friday and if it’s negative, he expects to be on the ice with some of his teammates at Warrior Ice Arena on Monday.

While he’s got natural reservations about returning to play, Nordstrom knows a good showing in the planned 24-team tournament could help his future earning power after a season filled with injury, infection and illness that hampered his performance. Had contracts run their regular course, his deal with the Bruins would be up at midnight on June 30.

Nordstrom said that the wait and uncertainty surrounding the return has been difficult mentally.

“It’s been tough because there hasn’t really been a date set since this whole time since the season was put on pause,” said Nordstrom. “You haven’t really been able to tell when we’re going to be back playing. Is it next week, is it going to be two weeks? (Training camps are tentatively scheduled to open July 10). So you’ve always been dialed in, at least I have. It’s also mentally draining. I wouldn’t say I’ve given up on playing. Not even two months ago. It’s been in the back of my mind that next week I could be back playing so you always have to be dialed in mentally. I think last month, or the last couple of weeks, we’ve been getting closer and closer. It’s been easier to visualize and put yourself in that position that we might be playing Stanley Cup hockey a few weeks from now, so I think it’s been a little easier the last couple of weeks. But then again, we don’t know. Is it going to happen? It is what it is.”

While there have been reports of mostly unidentified players saying they don’t want to return for this tournament, Nordstrom isn’t there.

But he does have his concerns. 1176050 Boston Bruins somehow captured the No. 1 overall pick after being in a legit Stanley Cup playoff hunt for most of this season.

There are a lot of fascinating permutations to this TBD No. 1 overall pick TBD Draft Lottery result was chaotic fun - and just what the NHL needed that never would have happened if the draft lottery had gone according to chalk on Friday night. Instead, the fact that a No. 1 overall pick is hanging in the balance is going to inject considerably more drama and intrigue to By Joe Haggerty this qualifying round of NHL playoff games expected to begin at the end of July. June 30, 2020 4:30 PM There will be a ton of eyeballs watching the upcoming second NHL draft

lottery just to see what’s going to happen and that’s a nod to this being Why are old school hockey people so angry about last weekend’s NHL something that nobody has ever seen before. Draft Lottery result? All of this befits the strange times we’re living in where we’re going to see Granted, it’s extremely unconventional that the draft lottery ended with a playoff hockey in August and September played in empty arenas at hub TBD (to be determined) NHL team. cities. Things are very, very different right now, so it’s the exact right time for the NHL to get creative and do things way outside the box even if it The No. 1 overall pick could conceivably go to a strong playoff team like rubs the old hockey fogies the wrong way. the Pittsburgh Penguins, Edmonton Oilers or the Toronto Maple Leafs depending on the qualifying round playoff results and that would certainly This is the right level of chaos and fun that’s going to give hockey fans get the tin-foil hat crews lathered up and chirping that the NHL Draft is something else to chew on until the games actually start again. rigged for any of those teams. The simple fact is that last weekend’s NHL Draft Lottery was the first That whole thing set off people like Brian Burke, who is not one to hide league event in three months and it got people talking afterward. It got his opinions or relax his disdain when new NHL innovations cross the people interested to see how things are going to go in the play-in round boundaries of hockey traditionalism. and it got people wondering about the kind of impact that a player like Lafreniere could have on the ice. "This result is nothing short of a disgrace," Burke said on Friday's draft lottery show on SportsNet. "This makes no sense. It should've been just In other words, it got us all thinking about hockey instead of COVID-19 the seven teams that weren't in the play-in round in the lottery. Give the for a change last weekend. How can that ever be a bad thing? teams who need the most help the best players."

Certainly, the Detroit Red Wings have a valid argument after they Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.01.2020 finished with the No. 4 pick in the 2020 draft after clearly being the worst team in the NHL this season. Where once the Red Wings had visions of Alexis Lafreniere teaming up with to lift Detroit out of the Atlantic Division basement, now Detroit is going to have to settle for a fourth overall selection that most agree will be a drop down in talent from the top three players in the draft class.

Haggerty: Scouting top talent in 2020 NHL Mock Draft 2.0

But that’s not the first time the NHL’s worst team has been screwed in the draft lottery and it won’t be the last.

Who can forget when both the Buffalo Sabres and Arizona Coyotes tanked for Connor McDavid while finishing below 60 points in 2014-15, but they both lost out to an Oilers team for the No. 1 overall choice despite Edmonton holding the third-worst record in the league?

Any Celtics fan will tell you all about the unfairness of the NBA draft lottery that gave them Chauncey Billups and Ron Mercer instead of back in 1997.

The draft lotteries for the NBA and the NHL have never really been about strictly rewarding the team that needs the most help, but that’s all really beside the point.

These are unconventional times with COVID-19 forcing the NHL to put the season on pause for close to four months and introducing summer hockey to the equation with the NHL return to play expected to happen a month from now.

Now there’s going to be a second NHL draft lottery in the first few weeks of August, and there will be eight qualifying round losers that have an equal chance of landing that coveted No. 1 overall pick. It could be the finally landing the Francophone superstar they’ve lusted after for years but were never able to make happen when first round picks like Guillaume Latendresse and Louis LeBlanc never panned out.

There’s already even frenzied talk in Montreal about whether the Habs should just throw their playoff series against the Penguins given their decent chances of landing the -born Lafreniere. Or what about a stud young player getting added to Sid the Kid’s group in Pittsburgh or getting uploaded to an Oilers roster that’s already star-studded with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl?

Haggerty: Training camp plans coming into focus for Bruins

Lafreniere could be looked at as the next star player to take the baton in Chicago from and if the Blackhawks 1176051 Boston Bruins But Nordstrom’s misfortune was one reason the fourth line struggled to get above water this season. In the 250:25 of 5-on-5 time that Nordstrom shared with Sean Kuraly and Chris Wagner, the trio was outscored by a There and back: Joakim Nordstrom’s life in quarantine after return from 13-4 margin, according to Natural Stat Trick. Such performance Sweden discouraged Cassidy from regularly deploying the fourth line as a matchup unit.

It was bad timing for Nordstrom. While Wagner scored a three-year, By Fluto Shinzawa $4.05 million extension on Nov. 27, no such security aligned for Nordstrom. Fellow Swede Anton Blidh, three years younger and Jun 30, 2020 $300,000 cheaper, has raised his hand for the fourth-line job. Nordstrom finds himself in the same segment as Torey Krug, Zdeno Chara and Kevan Miller: an unrestricted free agent whenever this upside-down Joakim Nordstrom was anxious. season officially closes its books.

In Boston, the left wing lives with his girlfriend in an apartment with no In that way, the shutdown may have done Nordstrom a favor. Back balcony. During the first two weeks of the shutdown, whenever their dog home, time away from the rink provided Nordstrom with peace he had required relief, they’d have to push the elevator button and cross their trouble securing. fingers for an exclusive ride. On their jaunts, Nordstrom sometimes tiptoed into the street to steer clear of fellow pedestrians on the sidewalk. “I would never want this to happen, this pandemic or anything,” Nordstrom said of the virus and its fallout. “If I could pick, 100 percent I Nordstrom had another option. would just keep going and play the season. But it was kind of nice to go home, regroup and recharge. Mentally, I’m in a way better state than In the offseason, he lives in a house in Sweden, about 30 minutes what I was in February.” outside of Stockholm. Nordstrom’s dog could roam the yard. Sweden had not shut down as completely as Massachusetts, instead opting for more Rinks were always open in Sweden. With his gear back in Boston, targeted measures. Nordstrom stayed off the ice at first. In May, Nordstrom arranged to have his equipment shipped. But because of logistical issues, his gear did not But he needed to act swiftly. Airlines were canceling flights. So one night arrive until mid-June. in late March, Nordstrom and his girlfriend decided to go home. The next morning, they were in the air with carry-ons, their dog and no hockey By then, it was time for Nordstrom to go back to work. gear. Nordstrom can run outside during his quarantine. He has a stationary Nordstrom was happy to be home. He trained outdoors under the bike in his apartment. He has free weights in his car. Nordstrom is not guidance of his offseason trainer. He cleared his mind of an injury- and worried about losing the fitness he socked away in Sweden. illness-marred season that limited him to four goals and three assists in 48 games. But Nordstrom has concerns about playing. Once the Bruins travel to a hub city, it may be months before Nordstrom can see his girlfriend. Even But Nordstrom didn’t care for the breeziness with which his country’s before then, Nordstrom and his teammates are at risk of infection. As of politicians and health officials considered the pandemic. On one visit to Monday, the NHL reported 26 positive COVID-19 tests: 15 from the 250- Stockholm for lunch, he was frustrated by the density of congregation plus players who have reported to voluntary workouts, 11 from those (The epidemologist behind Sweden’s lax measures in the pandemic’s outside Phase 2 protocol. early days has since said he regrets that strategy). In one way, it made him miss Boston. “Of course I worry a little bit,” Nordstrom said. “This pandemic and this virus are new. I don’t think anyone knows for sure how it will affect you. “I like it more the way it’s been here, at least, with the respect people Will you get really sick right away? What are the long-term consequences showed to the pandemic and everyone else,” Nordstrom said on a going to be? What I can do is trust our team. The Boston Bruins, NHLPA, Tuesday video call. “That’s been better.” the league and all the doctors are taking all the precautions. We’re going to be as safe as possible. Of course I worry. You can worry all you want. Nordstrom was speaking from Boston, where he’s under quarantine. He You don’t know what the future is going to be. But I have faith in the has taken three saliva tests for COVID-19 since returning from Sweden. doctors.” They have all been negative. If he tests negative on Friday, Nordstrom will be cleared to join his teammates at Warrior Ice Arena on Monday for Nordstrom’s worries extend beyond the season. What if he gets hurt the informal skates and workouts of Phase 2 of the NHL’s return. during the playoffs? If next season begins in short order, would he have enough time to recover and secure a contract? What kind of term and Nordstrom has a lot to play for. He fell one win short of the Stanley Cup salary could he expect without next year’s salary cap in place? last year. The 28-year-old’s contract is expiring. For now, Nordstrom’s immediate priority is to test negative on Friday. He Black-and-Gold renewal is not guaranteed. can then see his teammates and skate on Monday. By the end of next ‘Couldn’t really see the horizon’ week, Nordstrom and the Bruins can officially start camp and resume their Cup pursuit. In Game 7 last June, Nordstrom’s point-blank third-period chance withered in Jordan Binnington’s right pad. After the loss, a red-faced Nordstrom would like that. Nordstrom could not stifle his sobs.

His busted foot was not easing his heartache. The Athletic LOADED: 07.01.2020 The cast that was his summertime companion disrupted his offseason training program. He hurt his back early in the fall. An injured elbow became infected. In February, the player who had rapidly gained ’s trust as a first-year Bruin because of his skating, hockey sense, versatility and attention to detail was a healthy scratch for four straight games.

“I just felt like I couldn’t really see the horizon,” Nordstrom said. “It was always something else. Once I got my foot out of the cast, I hurt my back. Then the infection. There was something else. I’m not going to lie. It was tough mentally.”

Nordstrom, who signed a two-year, $2 million deal on July 1, 2018, delivered full value on his contract in 2018-19. He found a home on the fourth line. Nordstrom moved up when necessary. Cassidy even mused that Nordstrom could play defense because of his courage, skating and retrieval skill. 1176052 Buffalo Sabres Murray had been a rink rat for 21 years, scouting for three teams, serving as Anaheim's director of player personnel for a three-year run that included the 2003 trip to the Stanley Cup final, and coming to Buffalo off On his last day on the Sabres' payroll, memories of GM Tim Murray a seven-year stint as assistant GM in Ottawa to his uncle, Bryan Murray. He loved piling into his pickup truck and heading to Rochester or across the border to watch players.

Jun 30, 2020 Updated 5 hrs ago He just wanted to watch hockey and wasn't big on pomp and circumstance. GMs who go to the podium for their first pick at the NHL Mike Harrington draft each year often thank the host city, maybe their fans watching back home and will offer congratulations to the Stanley Cup champions.

On social media, he became known simply as GMTM. Murray didn't yield to such formalities.

For a little more than three crazy years, he was the general of In 2014 in Philadelphia, he said only, "The Buffalo Sabres select Sam the Buffalo Sabres. And much like Jason Botterill, Tim Murray was shown Reinhart" while making his No. 2 choice. the door by Terry and when he never expected it. The next year in Sunrise, Fla., he promised to be even more thrifty and Murray and coach Dan Bylsma were let go April 20, 2017, when the intoned only four words: "Buffalo selects ." coach's status seemed tenuous but the GM seemed safe. Turns out he Told that there was a rumor that some year, he might just point at a guy wasn't. And it took until Tuesday – June 30, 2020 – for Murray to finally in the stands and say, "You," Murray smiled and said, "Sounds like a leave the Sabres' payroll. good idea." Murray was the of the Tank but, of course, denied he Now 56, Murray left hockey reportedly to go to Florida and tend to race was tanking and said he was "losing properly." But who could forget how horses. His last good idea in Buffalo became an Internet classic in 2017: the steam came out of his ears on lottery night in 2015 in Toronto when A few days after they were both fired, Murray and deposed Bills GM the dream of Connor McDavid died? Murray hoped to hire , Doug Whaley were spotted at the bar in Osteria 166 on Franklin Street. who was expected to have come to Buffalo had the Sabres won the Oh, to be a fly on the wall for that conversation. He hasn't been spotted in lottery, but had to settle for Bylsma when Babcock did an about-face and the city since. headed to Toronto.

Murray drafted Jack Eichel and his wild trading spree to fast-forward a rebuild included the acquisitions of Evander Kane, Zach Bogosian, Ryan Buffalo News LOADED: 07.01.2020 O'Reilly and Robin Lehner. He traded Ryan Miller, Tyler Myers, Brayden McNabb, Nikita Zadorov, Drew Stafford and Steve Ott. He burned through prospects and drafted haphazardly (Alex Nylander at No. 8?) because he said five-year rebuilds weren't part of his plan.

And he also filled reporters' notebooks and tape recorders with some of the most outlandish quotes in franchise history.

Ottawa media members quickly flooded the phones and emails of their counterparts in Buffalo when Murray was hired in 2014, promising a wild time with the new GM. They weren't kidding.

He reminded you that life was not going to be all "unicorns, rainbows and jujubes." When asked if scouts were disappointed to lose the No. 31 pick to get O'Reilly, Murray shot back, "These guys aren't in diapers."

And when asked what he would say to anybody who told him he could get O'Reilly and Lehner on the same day he drafted Eichel, Murray said someone would wonder if he was "on mushrooms."

During one game in his last season, I tweeted that goalie Linus Ullmark was lucky that a shot that beat him had hit the goalpost. I saw those big- rimmed glasses coming at me from a good distance as a smiling Murray walked past me during the intermission and said, while never stopping, "It didn't bleeping beat him. It hit the post. He had the bleeping angle right."

Secret revealed: Murray had a burner Twitter account to monitor the media.

SUNRISE, Fla. – Tim Murray’s unique vocabulary has media in other cities wide-eyed with envy over some of the pearls filling Western New York’s notebooks and microphones. Let’s go through a roll call of some of the gems we’ve heard in the last year from the bespectacled brewmaster of this Sabres’ rebuild: Unicorns. Rainbows. Jujubes. Don’t forget “getting my

The chain-smoking Murray was wildly profane, hilariously so at times and not so funny at others. It's well-known that was among the reasons he fell out of favor with Kim Pegula. Of course, he never made the playoffs, either.

NHL officiating supervisors were not fans of him, nor were several other GMs. Murray often said he wanted to do sign-and-trades at the draft as is routinely done in the NBA. No one in the buttoned-down world of the NHL would oblige him.

Murray had never been a general manager when President of Hockey Operations Pat LaFontaine told ownership that Murray was his choice to replace Darcy Regier in January 2014. But he was hardly an NHL front- office neophyte. 1176053 Buffalo Sabres

Ex-Sabres player, coach Rick Dudley leaving Carolina Hurricanes

Lance Lysowski

Jun 30, 2020 Updated 5 hrs ago

Rick Dudley will be working elsewhere in the next season.

Multiple sources told The Buffalo News that Dudley, a Lewiston resident who played and coached for the Sabres, will not return to the Carolina Hurricanes after spending the past two seasons as the organization’s senior vice president of hockey operations.

During his time running the Hurricanes' pro scouting efforts, Dudley implemented a system that used in-person evaluations, video scouting and analytics to determine if the team should acquire a player through free agency or trade. The efforts of his staff helped Carolina reach the in each of the past two seasons and led to the acquisition of talented players such as defenseman Dougie Hamilton.

Dudley, 71, previously worked as assistant general manager and senior vice president of hockey operations with the Montreal Canadiens, where he worked closely with General Manager . He’s also been director of player personnel with the and Toronto Maple Leafs. Dudley has worked as a general manager with the Ottawa Senators, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers and .

Dudley was beloved in Buffalo during his two stints playing with the Sabres in 1972-75 and 1978-81. He returned to coach the team in 1989- 92 and moved back to Western New York about 15 years ago.

"If I had luck, good fortune and success in my life, it always involved Buffalo," Dudley said earlier this month. "I've had an attachment to the Sabres and I'm not going to deny that. This area has been my home for a long time."

Buffalo News LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176054 Carolina Hurricanes franchise not only through his work for FS Carolinas but national broadcasts on NBC.

Forslund would potentially have options if he isn’t re-signed, whether in Forslund, Hurricanes continue to negotiate as broadcaster’s contract an expanded role with NBC or with the Tampa Bay Lightning — where expires play-by-play broadcaster retired and was just named this year’s Foster Hewitt Award winner by the — or Francis’ expansion Seattle team. BY LUKE DECOCK

JUNE 30, 2020 03:49 PM News Observer LOADED: 07.01.2020

When the Carolina Hurricanes let Chuck Kaiton leave over a contract dispute two summers ago, life went on pretty much as normal because the Hurricanes were able to replace the Hall of Fame radio broadcaster with a simulcast version of ’s television play-by-play call.

There’s no one standing ready to replace Forslund, whose contract was set to expire Tuesday and could end up leaving the Hurricanes.

While NHL players will have their contracts extended beyond their normal June 30 expiration to complete the 2019-20 season, that remained the deadline for many non-player contracts, including Forslund, assistant coach Dean Chynoweth and hockey operations vice presidents Rick Dudley and Paul Krepelka.

Hurricanes general manager said Dudley will depart and one other contract was not renewed: massage therapist Tristan Simmons, who spent three seasons with the team after coming over from the Ottawa Senators. Waddell said negotiations will continue with Forslund, Chynoweth and Krepelka.

“We’re not cutting anybody off,” Waddell said. “It’s one thing if you’re going to let someone go. Some of these, we’re just trying to find if there’s common ground for both of us.”

While some last-minute brinkmanship isn’t uncommon — Forslund’s broadcast partner Tripp Tracy only agreed to his new deal Monday — these negotiations have been unusual because the Hurricanes and owner Tom Dundon have offered substantially altered and reduced deals to the two broadcasters, who appear on Fox Sports Carolinas and are simulcast on WCMC-FM but are both employed by the team.

Forslund and Dundon spoke Monday but did not move any closer to resolution. Forslund referred comment Tuesday to his agent, Peter Cooney, who spoke Tuesday with Waddell.

“Regardless of the ending date of his current contract, we certainly have time to negotiate an extension or a new one beyond June 30,” Cooney said. “It is correct that his current one does conclude today and like a hockey player he’d be an unrestricted free agent starting tomorrow. … Business is business and we have to see if we can negotiate this to a fair market price for John and continue to do business as we have in the past with Carolina.”

Dudley, the veteran scout and peripatetic front-office sage, exits after two seasons, which is not out of character. He typically shows up, makes a team better and moves along a few years later. He and Krepelka both arrived in the summer of 2018 after ’ departure as general manager. Krepelka was an agent representing the , among others, before moving into management and has been the Hurricanes’ primary contract negotiator.

As for the broadcasters, their new deals would make them independent contractors paid almost entirely on a per-game basis, and scaled to the amount of revenue the team has coming in — they would make substantially less, for example, if games are played without fans. Given the pandemic and the unlikelihood of full attendance in the 2020-21 season, this could result in considerable pay decreases for the broadcasters, both of whom have been with the team since its first season in Raleigh 21 years ago. Forslund moved with the team from Hartford; Tracy’s first season was the last in Greensboro, 1998-99.

“These are difficult times and we’re all making sacrifices,” Tracy said. “As everybody knows, I’ve always loved the Hurricanes and always will.”

In addition to looking to cut expenses overall, given the lack of revenue coming in with the NHL “paused” by COVID-19, Dundon has said in the past that he prefers to spend money improving the on-ice product and look for savings elsewhere, which is how Kaiton ended up leaving in 2018. But this is a different situation: there is no ready-made replacement for Forslund, who in many ways has become the public face of the 1176055 Carolina Hurricanes A number of professional athletes have tested positive for COVID-19 as leagues attempt to resume play. The Orlando Pride was forced to withdraw from the NWSL Challenge Cup after multiple players and staff The Carolina Hurricanes are finally practicing again at PNC Arena, await members tested positive. NBA players from the New Orleans Pelicans, NHL’s restart Sacramento Kings and Brooklyn Nets have decided not to participate in the league’s return due to positive test results.

BY EMILY LEIKER News Observer LOADED: 07.01.2020 JUNE 30, 2020 03:05 PM

Hockey returned to PNC Arena on Tuesday as the Carolina Hurricanes started voluntary training sessions with a group of 16 players in accordance with NHL and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services protocols.

The NHL transitioned to Phase 2 of its return-to-play plan June 8, allowing players to participate in voluntary, small-group training sessions at their club’s home training facilities. Workouts are limited to six players per group both on- and off-ice, and are closed to the public and media.

At the time of the transition, Hurricanes team officials and players agreed to continue training individually. Friday, the team announced its intention to reopen PNC and begin group training.

“It was a lot of fun to see faces again, some of the fellas,” Canes Jordan Staal said in a Zoom call Tuesday. “Still different, but exciting that we’re moving forward and taking steps to get back on the ice.”

Prior to Tuesday’s session, players were asked to fill out a form to assess if they had any COVID-19 symptoms. Upon arrival, players and staff underwent temperature checks and wore masks as well as practiced social distancing. Staal noted that while the latter can be tricky in hockey, most of the team’s drills focused on getting players moving again and taking shots on the goalies.

The Canes last played March 10 on the road against the Detroit Red Wings. On March 12, the NHL suspended play, eventually canceling all regular-season games.

Players used to having their summers off and starting a new season in September are adjusting to the different schedule. Staal said for most players, the priority has been keeping their bodies in as best shape as possible during quarantine. When play returns, team’s rosters will be deeper with players who had extra time to recover from injuries and new trade acquisitions.

“There’s lots of options,” Staal said. “That’s gonna put even more pressure on the players to perform. If guys aren’t going, I’m sure they’ll move to other guys because we have that depth. That’s what good teams have and to make a good playoff run you gotta have that.

“We’re gonna have some fresh legs and healthy bodies. The hockey could be really exciting, who knows, because it could be a lot of mistakes and stuff like that — hopefully that’s not gonna be our team.”

The league’s tentative start date for Phase 3 is July 10, marking the beginning of formal training camp for the 24 teams participating in the return to play plan. Teams will be divided between two “hub” cities where they will play best-of-five qualifying rounds. A 16-team Stanley Cup Playoff will follow with best-of-seven series and a 2020 champion will be crowned.

Hub cities have not yet been announced, but the league has reportedly narrowed its options to four locations.

There is no official start date for Phase 4, the return to play, as it will depend on how smoothly Phases 2 and 3 go and negotiations between the NHL and NHLPA. However, matchups for the qualifying round have been released, with the Hurricanes set to face the New York Rangers.

“If this kind of pushes through and we can pull this off, it’s gonna be different, it’s gonna be weird, but there’s a lot of other people in the world that are feeling the same thing in different scenarios,” Staal said. “We’re hoping to get this thing going and play some hockey and get some normalcy back.”

Staal also said that if another league, such as the NBA, “doesn’t go” it will be harder for the NHL to return as well.

“We’ve seen some crazy things with this virus and how quickly it can spread, and anything could happen,” Staal said. 1176056 Carolina Hurricanes The Athletic LOADED: 07.01.2020

Jordan Staal says sports leagues ‘in this together’ as Hurricanes return home

By Sara Civian

Jun 30, 2020

An estimated 16 players returned to PNC Arena Tuesday as the Hurricanes entered Phase 2 of the NHL’s return to play plan, meaning voluntary, small group on- and off-ice workouts. This comes 10 days before the agreed upon July 10 training camp start date, should the NHL resume play.

As players trickle back into Raleigh, it’s important to remember that there’s still no guarantee the season actually resumes. Captain Jordan Staal reminded us on a video chat Tuesday that the players have yet to vote on returning to play.

“I’m not sure exactly when (these talks will happen), I heard it was going to be over the weekend and obviously that didn’t happen,” he said. “There is a lot of stuff to push through in a short period of time from now until future CBA stuff. But there are a lot of guys on calls for hours every day trying to figure this out and get some hockey back for the fans. I know there will be a point here, soon, where we will have a little vote, see what’s on the table and decide as a group what’s best for everyone.”

There are obviously a slew of concerns leading up to this vote, including players recently testing positive for COVID-19, protecting the health of older coaches and staff, weighing the individual risk-to-financial-gain ratio and not yet knowing hub city details.

In that sense, most professional sports leagues attempting to return to play are dealing with similar obstacles.

“If the NBA doesn’t go or something like that it will be hard for us to get going, too — we’re kinda all in this together, I think,” Staal said. “Every player has his own opinion on safety, including myself. Those are things we have to talk about and we have to discuss. It’s not like we’ve done this before. It has to be out there, we have to talk about it and find out the safest route to get back. At some point we’re going to have to do it, for the most part feeling it out and seeing how it goes. It could blow up. It could not. It could be great. No one really knows. But for the most part from what I’ve seen (the league) has done a pretty good job at keeping people safe so far.”

Staal thought Day 1 of Phase 2 went well in terms of safety at PNC Arena.

“They have you to fill out a form before you even get there, asking you if you feel any (COVID-19) symptoms,” he began to walk us through the new safety protocols. “(Then there’s a temperature check at the door). Obviously (we are) wearing masks and keeping distance throughout the room. Everyone’s got their own spot in the gym and in the room getting dressed. Obviously it’s a little more difficult for the guys sometimes including myself, hopefully we can get through Phases 2 and 3 unscathed, then get to the hub city … It’s different, pretty much my whole life I’ve had the same routine, but at the same time I’m excited to have a chance at winning a Cup. It’s gonna be weird but there’s a lot of other people in the world feeling the same thing.”

The Canes spent their first day of Phase 2 on the ice with assistant coach Jeff Daniels. It was all about getting the legs moving, doing a few drills, getting the goalies warmed up and “ripping shots past Reims (James Reimer).” Though it was nice to get the band back together in a sense, the new normal will take some getting used to on multiple fronts.

“There is going to be some freshness and there could be more mistakes, too,” Staal said. “We’re taking two, three months of hockey and going into a playoff game, it’s going to be interesting hockey. No one really knows how it’s going to look. The hockey could be really exciting, who knows? There’s a lot more work to get this thing just right and everything’s gotta fall in line pretty quickly, but you gotta try. If the NHL just sat there and all the other leagues were playing and moving forward it would be hard to watch. I think we gotta give it a shot and we’ll see how it goes.”

1176057 Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago is reportedly 1 of 4 finalists to be an NHL hub city when play returns next month

By PHIL THOMPSON

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

JUN 30, 2020 AT 10:38 AM

The NHL has yet to announce the two hub cities that will host the playoffs this summer, but Chicago is reportedly a finalist.

Toronto, Las Vegas and Edmonton are the other candidates still in the running from a list of 10 candidates, according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie.

If Chicago is selected as a hub city, the McCormick Place convention center and campus could be converted into a players village, Crain’s Chicago reported.

In May, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot endorsed her city landing the nod, saying “I’m really enthusiastic about the possibility of getting hockey playoffs here in Chicago. As you know, we are a hockey city. We’re one of the original franchises in the league. Hockey is deeply ingrained into the sports fabric of our city, and I’m going to do everything I can to support the efforts of the Blackhawks and others to bring hockey playoffs to Chicago.”

The original candidates were Pittsburgh, Las Vegas, Columbus, Dallas, Minneapolis and Tampa from the United States, while ’s hopes rested with Vancouver, Toronto and Edmonton.

However, The Athletic’s Arthur Staple tweeted Monday that “it’s looking like Vegas and Toronto for the NHL hub cities,” adding teams likely would stay in their home regions instead of switching between Eastern and Western Conference venues to avoid home-ice advantage.

Multiple reports have said the NHL will make announce the hub cities within a day or two, the latest step in its return-to-play plan since the season was paused in mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this month, Blackhawks star Patrick Kane said players want to hear more details from the league about its planned safety protocols to protect players before they agree to come back.

Barring any setbacks, the 12th-seeded Blackhawks would meet the No. 5 Oilers in a five-game play-in series in the 24-team tournament.

Chicago Tribune LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176058 Chicago Blackhawks

Hall of Famer Doug Wilson reveals Blackhawks legend Stan Mikita ate raw steaks

By Scott King

June 30, 2020 5:24 PM

Former Blackhawks defenseman Doug Wilson, elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame after a 24-year wait on Wednesday, joined NHL Network hosts Jackie Redmond and E.J. Hradek on "NHL Now" Tuesday.

Among the topics discussed, Wilson spoke on rooming with Blackhawks legend Stan Mikita as a young player, which led to quite the revelation.

"He became like my second father also for various reasons later in my life, but to go to Chicago as a 19 or 20-year-old kid, to check into the Bismarck hotel and you look over and your roommate is Stan Mikita... I hope he didn't think I was creepy, but I was just staring at him the whole time, 'This can't be real,'" Wilson said on the show.

"I was fortunate my older brother is probably the best big brother you could ever have. He won four Cups in Montreal and he shared a lot of experiences with me, but the fact that I'm going to room with Stan Mikita all year, still to this day I look back and I go, 'That's incredible.'"

Related: Former Blackhawks defenseman Doug Wilson elected to Hockey Hall of Fame

Then Redmond asked Wilson if Mikita ever cooked for him while the two were roommates.

"This is on the road (when they were roommates), but Stan Mikita never cooked his steaks. He ate his steak raw right out of the bag. So, no, he never cooked for me," Wilson said.

Maybe that was Stan's secret in recording the most points in Blackhawks history (1,467).

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176059 Chicago Blackhawks

How Marian Hossa's Hall of Fame election is another big win for Blackhawks dynasty

By Scott King

June 30, 2020 1:22 PM

He was everything they needed and more. When Marian Hossa became the greatest free-agent signing in Chicago sports history on July 1, 2009, all bets were off and the sky was the limit for the Blackhawks.

When the Hawks were eliminated in the Conference Finals by the Red Wings in 2009, they knew they were close but were lacking something.

"I know he really appreciated coming to the Hawks at a crucial time because we needed something to get over that hump and I think he was a huge part of it," former Hawk forward Bryan Bickell, who played a role on all three recent Chicago Cup teams (2010, 2013, 2015) with Hossa said over the phone after Hossa's big news was announced. "For him, I'm sure he wasn't thinking about the Hall of Fame, he was thinking about (the) team first, winning and now he's in this stage of his life and getting the opportunity so short after, which is pretty cool for him."

Former Hawk and two-time Stanley Cup champ Dave Bolland thinks Hossa getting into the Hall is a mark of how special the Blackhawks golden age squad that earned three Cups was.

"One-hundred percent." Bolland said. "I'm pretty sure there's going to be a lot more Hall of Famers from that team. It's just great to see guys you played with and a guy like Hoss that is just an all-around great person, and he did a lot for us, to see him get that and be a Hall of Famer is unbelievable."

Related: Which Chicago Blackhawk is next up for the Hockey Hall of Fame?

One of the Blackhawks dynasty's most valuable players becoming a Hall of Famer on his first ballot no doubt illustrates how special that team was. His accomplishments flew under the radar at times.

The majority of the attention was always on Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, and Hossa's defensive prowess — that saw him end his playing career with an unbelievable +/- rating of +245 — often went unnoticed as well. The main thing is the Selection Committee recognized Hossa's immense value and there should be more of his Blackhawks teammates joining him in the Hall in the near future.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176060 Chicago Blackhawks 21) Tue, July 21 3-2 OT win -- @ Ottawa (from 1/14/20)

22) Wed, July 22 4-1 win -- @ Montreal (from 1/15/20)

NBC Sports Chicago to replay all 32 wins from Blackhawks' 2019-20 23) Thu, July 23 6-2 win -- @ Toronto (from 1/18/20) regular season 24) Fri, July 24 5-2 win -- vs. (from 1/19/20)

25) Sat, July 25 3-2 SO win -- @ Arizona (from 2/1/20) Staff Report 26) Sun, July 26 8-4 win -- @ Calgary (from 2/15/20) By NBC Sports Chicago 27) Mon, July 27 2-1 SO win -- vs. Nashville (from 2/21/20) June 30, 2020 11:00 AM 28) Tue, July 28 5-2 win -- @ Tampa Bay (from 2/27/20) – 4:30 PM start time

Chicago, IL (June 30, 2020) – NBC Sports Chicago has announced 29) Tue, July 28 3-2 SO win -- @ Florida (from 2/29/20) – 7:00 PM additional live pro game replacement programming as the network will be start time re-airing all 32 regular season wins from the current 2019-2020 Chicago Blackhawks season, leading up to the team’s return-to-play in the 30) Wed, July 29 6-2 win -- vs. Anaheim (from 3/3/20) – 4:30 PM start Stanley Cup Qualifiers set to take place in the coming weeks. NBC time Sports Chicago is scheduled to air 2019-2020 Blackhawks “Rewind” 31) Wed, July 29 4-3 win -- vs. Edmonton (from 3/5/20) – 7:00 PM telecasts beginning TOMORROW NIGHT, Wednesday, July 1, through start time Thursday, July 30 (schedule subject to change). From July 1 through July 27, Blackhawks “Rewind” telecasts will air nightly at 7:00 PM CT. On 32) Thu, July 30 6-2 win -- vs. San Jose (from 3/11/20) – 4:30 PM July 28 & 29, the network will air two games each day at 4:30 PM & 7:00 start time PM, concluding with win #32 on July 30 at 4:30 PM. (NOTES: All games from July 1-27 are 7:00 PM CT start times; July 28-30 start Authenticated NBC Sports Chicago subscribers can also stream select times noted above “Rewind” match-ups online via NBCSportsChicago.com/WatchLive; game replays will only be made available to viewers within NBC Sports Schedule Subject to Change Chicago’s designated viewing territory.)

Prior to the NHL suspending play on March 12, the Blackhawks held a 32-30-8 record, earning victories in five of their final seven regular Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.01.2020 season appearances. Nine-time NHL All-Star/2016 recipient for league MVP Patrick Kane led the Blackhawks in scoring with 33 goals, 51 assists and 84 points. Team captain/2010 winner for Stanley Cup Playoff MVP Jonathan Toews followed Kane in overall team scoring with 60 points (18 goals, 42 assists). Rookie standout/ candidate Dominik Kubalik was third on the Blackhawks with 46 points (30 goals, 16 assists), followed by consistent scoring threat, third-year RW Alex DeBrincat with 45 points (18 goals, 27 assists).

Please note NBC Sports Chicago’s 2019-2020 Blackhawks “Rewind” game schedule beginning tomorrow night, Wednesday, July 1 at 7:00 PM CT

1) Wed, July 1 3-1 win -- vs. Edmonton (from 10/14/19)

2) Thu, July 2 3-2 OT win -- vs. Columbus (from 10/18/19)

3) Fri, July 3 5-1 win -- vs. Los Angeles (from 10/27/19)

4) Sat, July 4 3-2 OT win -- @ Anaheim (from 11/3/19)

5) Sun, July 5 5-2 win -- vs. Vancouver (from 11/7/19)

6) Mon, July 6 5-4 win -- vs. Toronto (from 11/10/19)

7) Tue, July 7 5-3 win -- @ Vegas (from 11/13/19)

8) Wed, July 8 7-2 win -- @ Nashville (from 11/16/19)

9) Thu, July 9 4-1 win -- vs. Buffalo (from 11/17/19)

10) Fri, July 10 3-0 win -- vs. Dallas (from 11/26/19)

11) Sat, July 11 4-3 OT win -- @ Boston (from 12/5/19)

12) Sun, July 12 2-1 SO win -- @ New Jersey (from 12/6/19)

13) Mon, July 13 5-3 win -- vs. Minnesota (from 12/15/19)

14) Tue, July 14 4-1 win -- @ Winnipeg (from 12/19/19)

15) Wed, July 15 5-3 win -- @ Colorado (from 12/21/19)

16) Thu, July 16 5-2 win -- vs. NY Islanders (from 12/27/19)

17) Fri, July 17 3-2 SO win -- @ Columbus (from 12/29/19)

18) Sat, July 18 5-3 win -- @ Calgary (from 12/31/19)

19) Sun, July 19 4-2 win -- vs. Detroit (from 1/5/20)

20) Mon, July 20 4-2 win -- vs. Anaheim (from 1/11/20) 1176061 Chicago Blackhawks

Report: Chicago one of four finalists to be NHL Hub City when hockey returns

By Scott King

June 30, 2020 9:08 AM

And then there were four. As the hockey world awaits the announcement of the two cities that will serve as hubs for the NHL's 24-team playoff format, the list seems to have been narrowed down again.

On Tuesday morning, TSN's Bob McKenzie reported that Chicago is among the four final cities under consideration for hosting duties. They join Edmonton, Toronto and Las Vegas.

Los Angeles would be the most recent city cut. Vancouver, Columbus, Dallas, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Pittsburgh were out of the running earlier.

The NHL is targeting a July 10 start of formal training camps for teams leading up to the 24-team playoff format that has the Blackhawks taking on the Oilers in a best-of-5 play-in round.

If Chicago were to become a Hub City for the postseason, it's unlikely the Hawks would play near their home base, depending on which other city is chosen. The league wanted to do away with any potential home-ice advantage.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176062 Chicago Blackhawks

Why Brian Burke doesn't believe Blackhawks would tank for No. 1 overall pick

By Charlie Roumeliotis

June 30, 2020 9:00 AM

The 2020 NHL Draft Lottery caused chaos on Friday when it was revealed a placeholder team — one of the eight eliminated clubs from the qualifying round of the Return to Play format — will land the No. 1 overall pick.

Former GM and current Sportsnet analyst Brian Burke, who’s never been shy about speaking his mind, sounded off on the lottery process after the results were announced. He called the Detroit Red Wings falling to No. 4 overall "nothing short of a disgrace,” and it’s a stance on the lottery he’s taken for years.

Burke doubled down on that in the latest episode of the Blackhawks Talk Podcast.

"This is a familiar rant for me because I think the draft lottery is essential," Burke said. "But I think the lottery should be as small as it needs to be to discourage you from tanking, so that if you tank and there's only five teams in the lottery, the best you can do is a 25 percent chance. And I think this year it should've been seven teams. The teams that are not doing the play-in round, they should've all been eligible and no one else. Right now, you have a distinct possibility that a 100-point team is going to get the best player in the draft, which is wrong, wrong, wrong.”

The fact one of the eight eliminated teams will have an equal chance at securing the No. 1 overall pick and inevitably take star winger Alexis Lafrenière certainly makes the qualifying round more interesting. But will that affect the integrity of it?

"No, for two reasons," Burke said. "One, you can't tank in the dressing room level. You've got to tank at a much higher level than that. If the coach ever went in and said to a player ... if Jeremy Colliton went in and told Jonathan Toews, 'By the way, we're going to tank and see if we can get this Lafrenière kid,' Jonathan Toews would punch him. The tanking comes at a much higher level. You've got to tank at the GM level, you can't tank at the coach level."

So if a team in the play-in round falls behind 2-0 in the five-game series, might that impact roster decisions for the next game?

"That could happen, but I don't think that's ... for a 12.5 percent chance, I don't know," Burke said. "I know one thing: It's really hard to tell your players that it's important to win if you tell them it's OK to lose. [If you say], 'I know I told you years ago that it was OK to lose but now it's important to win,' good luck."

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176063 Chicago Blackhawks

How Selection Committee chooses who gets into Hockey Hall of Fame

By Scott King

June 30, 2020 8:30 AM

Sportsnet analyst and former NHL GM Brian Burke, a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame's selection committee, held back the curtain on the selection process without holding back the curtain on the selection process. Understand? You will.

With former Blackhawks Marian Hossa and Doug Wilson getting elected to the Hall this year, NBC Sports Chicago's Pat Boyle and Charlie Roumeliotis had a vested interest in asking Burke about the process on the latest episode of the Blackhawks Talk podcast.

Burke, the show's guest, used Hossa to paint the picture of what goes on with the committee's decision-making behind closed doors and how one gets into the Hall of Fame.

"We're not allowed to talk about what we actually talked about, but I will tell you, there's different boxes you gotta check off," Burke said. "The one term that's used constantly is you have to be 'elite'. So individual awards are important, team success is important, international... I think (Hossa) represented 17 times. His international resume was fantastic.

"So lots of different things, but plus/minus: great defensive player, one of the few guys who's up in that pile of players with that many points and yet was a great defensive player."

Hossa is still under contract with the Arizona Coyotes for one more year, but his playing days are over. He ended up with 1,134 points (525 goals, 609 assists) in 1,309 career NHL games. The eight-year Blackhawk also finished his playing career with a +/- rating of +245.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176064 Colorado Avalanche 10. * (1963-81), 1,590

11. * (1979-01), 1,579

Chambers: No defending former Avs center Pierre Turgeon’s Hall of 12. Mark Recchi* (1988-11), 1,533 Fame snub 13. * (1980-01), 1,531

14. # (1997-19), 1,509 By MIKE CHAMBERS | [email protected] | The Post 15. Stan Mikita* (1958-80), 1,467 June 30, 2020 at 5:22 p.m. 16. Teemu Selanne* (1992-14), 1,457

17. * (1975-94), 1,425 Congratulations, Jarome Iginla. You’re a first-ballot Hockey Hall of Famer. 18. Adam Oates* (1985-04), 1,420

Apologies, Pierre Turgeon. You were denied — again. 19. Doug Gilmour* (1983-03), 1,414

The Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto is missing a key figure — a former 20. Dale Hawerchuk* (1981-97), 1,409 player deemed legendary on and off the ice, with plenty of points to prove 21. * (1980-98), 1,398 it. 22. * (1986-06), 1,394 But somehow, Turgeon’s name wasn’t called last week, while Iginla’s was in announcing the 2020 class. Somehow, Turgeon’s name hasn’t 23. * (1986-06), 1,391 been called every year since 2010 when he became eligible. Somehow, 24. * (1989-11), 1,374 the Colorado resident since 2005, when he began a two-year stint with the Avalanche, continues to be the only eligible player with 1,325 career 25. John Bucyk* (1955-78), 1,369 points not inducted. 26. * (1987-09), 1,354 Despite having 27 more points in 260 fewer games than Iginla (another former Avs star), Turgeon has been bypassed by the HHOF selection 27. * (1971-91), 1,353 committee 11 years in a row. Now he’ll watch Iginla get in on his first 28. Mats Sundin* (1990-09), 1,349 ballot. 29. * (1980-97), 1,338 “Pierre was the best player on his team for 12 to 14 straight years,” Hall of Famer Michel Goulet told me in August, when I wrote about this very 29. Dave Andreychuk* (1982-06), 1,338 subject after playing hockey with the two French . “That’s elite.” 31. * (1979-98), 1,335

Turgeon was an 18-year-old rookie for Buffalo in 1987-88 and reached 32. Pierre Turgeon (1987-07), 1,327 30 goals nine times, finishing with 515 in 19 seasons. Iginla had more 33. * (1970-87), 1,326 international success and scored more goals (625), but he had 137 fewer NHL assists. 34. Jarome Iginla (1996-17), 1,300

Overall, Turgeon (1,327 points) and Iginla (1,300) are ranked 32nd and 35. * (1950-74), 1,281 34th in all-time NHL scoring. Goulet, the former legend, is a distant 55th with 1,153 points. 36. Al MacInnis* (1981-04), 1,274

Turgeon, Iginla and Goulet never won the Stanley Cup as players; Goulet 37. * (1960-81), 1,267 won it with as the Avs’ assistant general manager in 1996 and 2001. He 38. Peter Stastny* (1980-95), 1,239 was inducted into the HHOF in 1998. Iginla’s HHOF candidacy was strengthened by serving as the right winger for and Sidney 39. Phil Housley* (1982-03), 1,232 Crosby for two Team Canada Olympic gold medals. 40. * (1955-75), 1,229 “You always play that game — ‘Well if he’s in, he should be in’ — but I’ve always felt Pierre was a Hall of Fame hockey player,” Altitude * Hockey Hall of Fame inductees broadcaster Peter McNab said. “People always forget that when he was # Ineligible due to three-year post-retirement wait period an 18-year-old rookie he played in the Adams Division playing in that little Buffalo building, that little Boston building, and he was great. At his age playing in those series in those building, my God those were hard places to play. He had to grow up in a hurry.” Denver Post: LOADED: 07.01.2020

Turgeon, 50, did not return a request for comment Monday, but he doesn’t need to say anything to make his case.

His play did all the talking for him.

TOP 40 NHL ALL-TIME LEADING SCORERS

1 Wayne Gretzky* (1979-99), 2,857

2. Jaromir Jagr# (1990-18), 1,921

3. * (1979-04), 1,887

4. * (1946-80), 1,850

5. Ron Francis* (1981-04), 1,798

6. Marcel Dionne* (1971-89), 1,771

7. Steve Yzerman* (1983-06), 1,755

8. * (1984-06), 1,723

9. Joe Sakic* (1988-09), 1,641 1176065 Colorado Avalanche

Avalanche’s top prospect Bo Byram will train with team during playoffs, report says

By MIKE CHAMBERS | [email protected] | The Denver Post

PUBLISHED: June 30, 2020 at 2:51 p.m. | UPDATED: June 30, 2020 at 5:23 p.m.

Avalanche-signed defenseman Bo Byram, ’ top-ranked NHL prospect, will travel to Colorado this weekend and begin training with the club, according to a report from the Vancouver Province/Sun.

Byram, 19, can practice with the Avs as the ninth, 10th or 11th defenseman and play in no more than nine games without burning the first year of his three-year, entry-level contract. He is not expected to play in a game when the 24-team playoffs begin in late July or early August because of the club’s depth at the position. The team is expected to have each of its eight regular defensemen healthy when training camp begins July 10.

Teams are expected to be able to carry as many as 28 skaters and unlimited goalies during the playoffs. The maximum regular-season roster size is 23.

Byram is a two-year star for major-junior’s Vancouver Giants. He signed his three-year entry-level contract with the Avs last summer after being selected by Colorado with the fourth overall pick. He was returned to Vancouver during the preseason.

The Avs’ other top prospects/reserves who practice with the team during the playoffs could also include forwards Martin Kaut, Logan O’Connor, and T.J. Tynan; defensemen Connor Timmins and Jacob McDonald; and goalies Michael Hutchinson, Adam Werner and Hunter Miska.

Denver Post: LOADED: 07.01.2020

1176066 Detroit Red Wings

Steve Yzerman encouraged by Detroit Red Wings prospect Moritz Seider. Here's why

Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press

Published 12:24 p.m. ET June 30, 2020 | Updated 5:45 p.m. ET June 30, 2020

Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman on a Zoom call following the news he'll pick fourth in the 2020 draft. Detroit Free Press

Whenever the Detroit Red Wings play again, it sounds as if Moritz Seider will be in their lineup.

Seider was the sixth pick in 2019, the first selection made by Steve Yzerman after being named general manager of the Wings. Seider spent 2019-20 with the , posting two goals and 20 assists in 49 games. The 6-foot-4, 207-pound defenseman was used in key situations and handled himself well, showing a mature and well-rounded game.

The team had planned to call him up and give him a handful of games in a Wings uniform, but that plan was waylaid when hockey shut down March 12 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Now Seider’s shot will have to come at camp.

“Moritz had a real good year in Grand Rapids,” Yzerman said in his Zoom call following the June 26 draft lottery. “He will get an opportunity, whenever our season kicks off. He will get an opportunity to show he is ready to play. If he is ready to go, he will play. If not, he will spend a little more time in the . But he had a very good year and it’s encouraging to see the things that he did in his development.”

Seider, who will turn 20 in April, projects as a key cog in the rebuild. He’s a good puck mover who shoots right, someone who can run a power-play unit. His 22 points and .45 points-per-game average ranked second among Griffins defensemen, trailing veteran Joe Hickett’s 27 points and .54 PPG.

Seider averaged about 23 minutes per game, and he showed improvement in puck handling, getting shots through to the net, and overall assertiveness.

It was his second year playing in a men’s league; he spent his draft year (2018-19) with in Germany’s top league. He reacted well to the physicality of the AHL, powering through checks and showing some bite.

There’s a chance Seider could be playing in Germany this year. The AHL is unlikely to play without fans because of the devastating economic impact, and European leagues might be able to start up in the fall.

That would give Seider an advantage whenever the NHL deems it feasible to embark in 2020-21. Commissioner Gary Bettman said it could be as late as January, depending on what happens with the league’s “return to play” plan to hold the 2020 playoffs.

Seider would add skill and size to the Wings’ defense corps, potentially fitting into the top four next season with Filip Hronek (a second-round pick from 2016) and veterans Danny DeKeyser and Patrik Nemeth. That would enable pairings of offensive defensemen who shoot right (Hronek and Seider) with defensive defensemen who shoot left.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176067 Detroit Red Wings

Saginaw Spirit add Detroit Red Wings prospect in CHL Import Draft

Updated Jun 30, 2020; Posted Jun 30, 2020

By Hugh Bernreuter | [email protected]

The Saginaw Spirit added two players, including a Detroit Red Wings draft pick, from Tuesday’s Import Draft.

The Spirit picked Albin Grewe in the second round of the draft, taking the 6-foot forward from Sweden with the 112th overall pick. The Red Wings drafted Grewe in the third round, 66th overall, in the 2019 NHL Draft.

Last season, Grewe played in both the SuperElit and SHL leagues in Sweden, scoring seven goals with 13 assists in 42 games.

“To be able to add an impact player like Albin to our strong core of forwards for next season is very exciting,” Saginaw Spirit general manager Dave Drinkill stated in a press release. “Grewe is a very competitive and tenacious player that works extremely hard and pushes the pace when on the ice. His mix of skill and high compete will fit in well with our team here in Saginaw, and I know our coaches can’t wait to see him in our uniform next season.”

Grewe has also played for Sweden in the U17 and U18 World Championships.

With their first pick, the Spirit took 6-1 defenseman Pavel Mintyukov, who played last season with Dynamo Mokva and for Russia at the U17 World Challenge.

Mintyukov was the 52nd pick overall.

“Pavel is a player that really jumped out to us at the U17 tournament this past season,” Drinkill said. “He is a mobile defenseman with a lot of skill, and one that has really grown his game as the season went on in the MHL. We believe there is tremendous upside with him.”

The Spirit have featured two international players who were Red Wings picks – Jan Mursak and Filip Hronek.

Michigan Live LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176068 Detroit Red Wings The NHL isn’t averse to altering the lottery format. From 1995-2012, teams could move up a maximum of four spots. In 2015, the league spread out the odds and gave all 14 non-playoff teams an opportunity at the top pick. In 2017, it introduced draws for the top three spots, so NHL should alter draft lottery odds more in favor of worst teams teams could drop three places in the order.

Over the years, the chances for the worst team procuring the No. 1 pick when from 25 percent to 20 percent to 18.5 percent. Updated Jun 30, 2020; Posted Jun 30, 2020 What is a fair system? By Ansar Khan | [email protected] Maybe bumping up the odds for the worst team to 25 percent, or even 33

percent. Maybe hold two draws instead of three, assuring that clubs can’t The seventh-best team during the regular season could land the No. 1 drop more than two spots in the order from where they finished the pick in the NHL entry draft. season.

The Pittsburgh Penguins accumulated 86 points in 69 games for a .623 The worst team has landed the No. 1 pick only twice in the past nine points percentage before the NHL season paused on March 12 due to years. the coronavirus pandemic. They were on pace for 102 points. The league needs to adjust. The Penguins were fifth in the Eastern Conference, missing out on a bye into the first round of the playoffs. They will play 12th seeded Montreal in the qualifying round. If Pittsburgh loses that best-of-five series, it will join Michigan Live LOADED: 07.01.2020 the other seven qualifying round losers in the second phase of the draft lottery.

Each of the eight teams has a 12.5 percent chance of securing the top pick, certain to be left wing Alexis Lafreniere.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings, who finished 23 points below the next-worst team – with 47 fewer points than the Penguins -- and posted the worst points percentage (.275) for a non-expansion team since 1997- 98, will select fourth, as determined by Friday’s first lottery phase.

Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman had to have been upset. He didn’t criticize the format when speaking to media, saying, “Anything I say is going to be self-serving, so (the league) has to do what they got to do.”

He can’t say “we got screwed.” It would be a slap in the face to whoever he selects with the fourth pick.

But they got shafted.

It might have been more palatable for the Red Wings and their fans if the second- or third-worst team landed the first pick. That’s not happening. The NHL is faced with the embarrassing possibility of a good team like Pittsburgh, Edmonton, Toronto or Nashville winding up with the No. 1 selection – if they lose in the qualifying round.

This season is an anomaly due to the Covid-19 pause. Ordinarily there is no qualifying round and the top eight teams in each conference would not participate in the lottery.

Under normal circumstances, there is no second lottery phase, which materialized Friday after Placeholder Team E won phase one despite having only a 2.5 percent chance.

But the odds for winning the lottery remain the same for the worst team – 18.5 percent. That club has a 50.6 percent chance of dropping three spots to fourth, which is highly punitive.

This isn’t sour grapes because the Red Wings have dropped in each of the past four lotteries – two, one, two and three spots. This is about doing right for bad teams that have earned the right to select high.

The NHL instituted the draft lottery in 1995 to prevent teams (management, not players) from tanking, like Pittsburgh did to get Mario Lemieux in 1984 and Ottawa did to land Alexandre Daigle in 1993.

The NFL and Major League Baseball don’t have draft lotteries. Some would argue the NHL should eliminate its lottery and award the top pick to the worst regular season team.

That’s not a good idea. Teams that make player moves and lineup decisions motivated by landing the No. 1 pick shouldn’t automatically receive it.

The Red Wings weren’t tanking. They were legitimately this bad. Yzerman even made several relatively minor trades in an effort to improve the roster, acquiring recent first-round picks Robby Fabbri and Brendan Perlini. When hopelessly out of playoff contention at the trade deadline, he dealt Andreas Athanasiou and Mike Green for draft picks.

The Red Wings tried to win; they just didn’t have the talent. 1176069 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings relocate training camp to Detroit, cancel Prospect Tournament

Staff Report

By The Associated Press

Jun 29, 2020 Updated 17 hrs ago Comments

TRAVERSE CITY — Detroit Red Wings training camp won't happen in Traverse City this year, ending a streak of 21 straight years in northern Michigan.

The team will conduct its 2020 training camp at in Detroit.

The team also canceled the 2020 NHL Prospect Tournament and Training Camp Golf Classic, but said all the events should return to Traverse City for 2021.

"The health and safety of our fans, players and staff is our top concern," Red Wings executive vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman said in a press release. "Based on discussions with local health experts, we have decided to hold our 2020-21 training camp at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. We look forward to returning to Traverse City next year. The Traverse City community is extremely hospitable to our organization, and Ice Arena is an ideal location for us to hold our events each September."

Traverse City has hosted Detroit's annual training camp and the NHL Prospect Tournament each of the last 21 years.

Last year's Prospects Tournament participants were the Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, , , Minnesota Wild, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues and Toronto Maple Leafs.

"We support the Red Wings' decision to hold their 2020-21 training camp in Detroit," said Tom Rodes, Centre Ice Director of Detroit Red Wings Events in Traverse City. "We're able to hold these events thanks to the tireless efforts of hundreds of volunteers who prepare for months to create a memorable experience for thousands of fans across Traverse City and northern Michigan, players and staff from the Red Wings, and personnel from organizations throughout the NHL. Changes to our training camp events were made with their health in mind, and we eagerly await the return of these events to Traverse City in 2021."

Macomb Daily LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176070 Detroit Red Wings Last spring, against Russia in the U18 World Championship gold-medal game, Raymond famously scored a hat trick, consisting of the game’s first goal, a late game-tying goal and the winner. The dominant showing came against Russia and top prospect Yaroslav The Red Wings’ No. 4 draft pick: Making the case for Lucas Raymond Askarov, who had shut down a heralded Team USA group one game prior in the semifinals.

That highly touted group of Americans, which included 2019 first-round By Max Bultman picks Jack Hughes, Trevor Zegras, Cole Caufield, Alex Turcotte, Matt Jun 30, 2020 Boldy and John Beecher, managed two goals on Askarov on 42 shots. Raymond scored three, and in big moments.

“He’s a guy who wants to be on the ice when the game is on the line,” Now that the immediate disappointment of the NHL Draft lottery has said Frölunda’s J20 coach, Tobias Johansson, “and can back it up with passed and reality has set in, the Red Wings have no choice but to get his performance.” right back to work. Officially, now, they hold the fourth overall pick, and a massive decision on what to do with it awaits them. “I think he’s got like a natural swagger to his persona,” Sjöström added. “… Whether it’s junior, whether it’s under-18 — big games, he can rise to It’s the highest draft pick the franchise has had in 30 years. the occasion, and he kind of likes to be the guy. He likes to have pressure on him to perform.” “There’s going to be great options for us,” general manager Steve Yzerman said, “and we’re going to be very excited about the prospect That is the star power that makes Raymond so enticing. On the Red that we get and he’ll have tremendous potential to be a good NHL Wings, he would be a perfect fit for the left half-wall on the top power player.” play, where he could dish passes across to Anthony Mantha or Filip Zadina or score the goals himself, and would have the potential to be a This is the first in a series covering those potential options for the Red top-line player down the line. Wings to draft at fourth overall, and it begins with Swedish winger Lucas Raymond, one of the top playmakers in the draft. “His hockey sense is through the roof,” Johansson said. “And for me it’s also how involved he is watching video, team meetings, line meetings — Raymond is a 5-foot-10, 170-pound, right-handed winger for Frölunda in I only ask questions, and he has all the answers.” the SHL. He was already on the radar as a top prospect prior to the season thanks to a strong international track record and a highly As with any young player, and especially at a smaller stature, the team productive 2018-19 campaign in Sweden’s SuperElit junior league. His that drafts Raymond will want to be sure his talent will translate fully to 48 points that season were the most ever for a U17 player in that league, the highest level. He’s not a ready-made player right this moment. according to eliteprospects.com, and ranked fifth all-time on a per-game basis (minimum 20 games), trailing only , Henrik and That’s where Raymond’s minutes this season come back into play. He Daniel Sedin and Robert Nilsson. often played fewer than 10 minutes per night, down the lineup. In theory, he could have gone back to the SuperElit to dominate even further, but His role and minutes were limited through his first season in the SHL, but the organization thought it was best for his development to spend time in his hands and hockey sense, especially, are viewed as potentially the pro locker room, be part of their practices and learn from those new dynamic traits as he continues to develop. challenges.

The Athletic’s Corey Pronman did a full breakdown of Raymond’s game, “Of course we would (have) liked him to play bigger minutes,” Johansson with video, earlier this month, in which he gave Raymond’s puck skills an said. “But all the other things around were so much more important for elite grade of 70 (on the 20-80 scouting scale), his vision a 65, and his him long term.” skating and competitiveness both 55 grades, which translate to above average. Pronman has Raymond ranked fourth on his 2020 draft board. Sjöström said he felt like Raymond learned a lot this year about being a pro and competing against the very best in Sweden. Johansson, too, The Red Wings need a game-changer, and Raymond certainly offers a acknowledged that while Raymond wanted to play more minutes during chance to be that from the wing. His ability to make plays (and score the season, “now he gets why we did it like that.” goals) would give him the potential to become one of Detroit’s top offensive players, as well as help get the most out of Anthony Mantha But the key is what will come next. Sjöström said they want Raymond to and Filip Zadina, two of the Red Wings’ top scoring threats. get stronger, but they also want to be smart about it, not adding weight too quickly, either. They want to give his body time to add muscle, adapt “His creativity, his elite hands, hockey sense, I mean those tools that he to it, and go from there. But the extended offseason due to the pandemic has … they’re, ‘wow,'” Frölunda GM Fredrik Sjöström told me last week. has certainly allowed Raymond more time to work on that.

On top of that, Sjöström said Raymond’s compete level “is high, and has On the ice, Johansson pointed out that it’s important for offensive been at every level,” which is thought to be an important trait for the Red forwards to round out their toolkits away from the puck, though certainly Wings under Yzerman. the reviews of Raymond’s compete level are positive indicators in that department. This season, though, Raymond saw limited minutes for much of the season in Sweden’s top league. It certainly wasn’t for lack of talent, but The general manager, meanwhile, mentioned that Raymond is still the 17-year-old had to learn and adjust to the demands of professional learning some of the things that will inevitably be crucial at Raymond’s 5- hockey. foot-10 size, no matter how strong he gets: handling bigger defenders.

Frölunda has long been one of the top organizations in the SHL, and so “You’ve gotta be smart, you’ve gotta find ways to beat those (players) for Raymond, carving out a consistent role high in the lineup was never with both speed and skill,” Sjöström said. “And I think that’s what he’s going to be easy, even for a player who piled up 14 points in nine junior learning right now.” games this season. The jump from junior hockey to the SHL, one of the top pro leagues in the world, is a big step for anyone. One of the most interesting aspects of this draft cycle for Raymond, as well as his countryman Alexander Holtz, is that the scouting process is “He had to fight all the way to earn his place amongst men the whole not yet over for them. With the draft pushed back and the SHL set to start season,” Sjöström said. “He had some really, really good moments and in September, there’s a good chance Raymond will have multiple then some challenging times. I think he learned a lot from this season.” chances, after a long summer of work, to put what he learned as a rookie on display, combining those pro lessons with his dynamic abilities. In 33 games, Raymond finished with 4 goals and 6 assists, which does not jump off the page, but speaks more to the developmental focus of his It won’t be a full new season to judge, and may still be a relatively small season than it does his ability. sample, which could end up complicating the decision even more. But Raymond’s skill set is already known. The delayed draft will simply give “He’s both a set-up man and he’s a scorer,” Sjöström said. him a chance to highlight all the ways he’s grown over the last year. He may take a bit more time to reach the NHL, and his ceiling, than some more physically developed options the Red Wings could consider at No. 4, but what Raymond offers is star power. “He has a pretty good foundation to start with,” Sjöström said. “And if he can be a pro in the way he carries himself and trains and he’s determined, he has every opportunity to be a star in the NHL.”

The Athletic LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176071 Edmonton Oilers McDavid gets hurt in the final game of the 2018-19 regular season. It’s a bad injury. Career crossroads. Surgery likely. The young man has a torn- in-half PCL, torn knee joint and cracked front tibia. Surgery scheduled, and then cancelled. A summer of relaxation replaced by 179 days and Lowetide: Everything you forgot (but need to know) about Oilers’ 2019-20 1,000 hours of rehab and career risk that boggles the mind, wrapping up season in time to make training camp and be ready for opening night 2019-20.

The only downside? A media throng upset with deception and unlikely to be as trusting next time. By Allan Mitchell There were times during the year, once or twice, when McDavid looked Jun 30, 2020 less than other-worldly and he did spend some time injured late in the year.

In an ordinary three-month period, even people with good memories will Considering the circumstances of his injury and the work required to get forget most of what occurred 90-100 days ago. I used to attend several back, it was nothing short of stunning. In the first 28 games of the seminars a year, and was once told to identify one thing, the most season, he scored 19 goals and 49 points. important gem in the presentation, and make that my takeaway from the The rest before the upcoming playoffs, especially considering he didn’t event. Adult learning is tough, adult remembering even tougher, have an offseason in 2019, could be devastating for the Chicago especially during the strange days of Covid-19. Blackhawks. So it’s fair and normal for all of us to take a refresher on important things What you need, when you need it the world was talking about back in March. Ladies and gentlemen, your Edmonton Oilers. Ethan Bear was in the mix for NHL work in 2019-20, but there was plenty of competition. He made the opening-night roster and played a solid The team numbers game. I tracked him shift by shift and noted his improved mobility and the Record: 37-25-9, 83 points (9th in the NHL, 2nd in the Pacific) impact of Bear’s pinpoint passing. The truly impressive thing? He did it all year, and against elite competition. Even-strength goal share: 48.05 percent (25th in the NHL) Bear and Darnell Nurse formed a duo coach Dave Tippett came to rely Even-strength expected-goal share: 48.75 percent (22nd) on, with Bear playing more minutes (five on five) as a percentage against elite opponents than any other Oilers , via Puck IQ. Bear Overall goal share: 50.9 percent (15th in the NHL) performed at solid levels compared to his fellow Edmonton defencemen Power play: 10.64 goals per hour (1st) and the Oilers outscored opponents 25-19 while he was on the ice against elites. Penalty kill: 5.15 goals against per hour (2nd) It’s rare for an NHL team to see the arrival of a bona fide top-four The Oilers were dominant on special teams, the power play and penalty defenceman on the exact evening he would be needed, but the injury to kill numbers are rare individually and extremely unusual on a single team veteran Adam Larsson in the same game (he missed 22 games), added in a single season. The even-strength goal share (48 percent) is the to Bear’s season-long excellence, represents one of those rare team’s weakness but up handsomely from 46 percent in 2018-19. There occasions. are additions to the roster that will be required but Dave Tippett’s men got results this past season. ’s impact weekend

The player of the year As with many important turns in a franchise’s fortunes, it didn’t look like much at the start. The Oilers, who began the 2019-20 season by winning Leon Draisaitl scored 50 goals in 2018-19, and narrowly missed winning seven of eight, but posted a losing record (13-16-4) to end December 20- (or sharing in) the Rocket Richard Trophy. At the time, I thought it was an 17-4, needed to hit the refresh button. opportunity missed for a fine young player, unlikely to win a major award in his peak season. Draisaitl’s 2019-20 season shattered the previous On Saturday, Dec. 28, general manager Ken Holland waived veterans one, obscured only by a shortened (just 71 games) schedule. What’s Markus Grandlund and Brandon Manning. more, he recovered from a poor December to post a strong overall The next day, the Oilers recalled Kailer Yamamoto and William campaign. Consider his first and second half: Lagesson. Draisaitl December five-on-five: 14 games 1-1-2 (0.56 points-60); Coach Tippett quickly inserted Yamamoto onto a line with Leon Draisaitl (215:22) 3-23 goal differential (-20) at centre and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on left wing. The trio were the Draisaitl remainder of season five-on-five: 57 games 21-33-54 (3.42 hottest line in the league from January to the end of the season, points-60); 66-39 (+27) outscoring opponents 28-8 in about 327 minutes together five-on-five. It was a major moment in a season that saw more plot twists than an The December numbers were devastating, a combination of running bad Agatha Christie novel. luck (reflected partly in save percentage and shooting percentage) and ineffective play. Dave Tippett is a helluva coach

Thousands of words have been written about Draisaitl’s season, with For observers of the Oilers over many years, it’s one of the humdrum many suggesting his numbers don’t reach the level of being worthy of the horrors of the offseason. Break down the ghastly penalty killing numbers, Hart Trophy. and then assign blame. I would usually choose the players, mostly because there are numbers available and it feels vague and unfair to I believe the December dive is key to the story of the player of the year, blame the entire coaching staff. Leon Draisaitl. His recovery from a month where nothing rhymed was truly exceptional, and he helped lift the Oilers to one of the team’s finest Dave Tippett and his staff had a stunning year with the penalty killers and seasons in the last 15 years. The story of Draisaitl in 2019-20 isn’t what with the men assigned to power-play duty. The man advantage numbers happened in December — it’s what he did about it. He had a supreme are not surprising; it was always a mystery to most when the McDavid- run that earned him the Hart Trophy edge in a postseason survey from Draisaitl-Nuge power play wasn’t kicking out the jams. The Athletic’s 41 voters. The penalty kill often relies on men who live on the outskirts of the roster. If you missed the story, you would never know it happened based on Those men have to buy in and understand that the PK is the biggest Connor McDavid’s on-ice performance in 2019-20. He finished second in contribution they can make. It’s a thankless but important job. league scoring to Draisaitl (64 games, 34-63-97) and thrilled hockey fans Edmonton’s special teams were beyond brilliant, and many of the players the world over with blazing speed and dynamic goals. used had performed in the role under previous coach Todd McLellan, with lesser results. The back story on McDavid’s season was revealed in a television special called “Connor McDavid: Whatever It Takes” that broke news and filled in The biggest contribution, in my opinion, was the coach finding a role for the blanks at the same time. The thumbnail sketch goes like this: young players to have an impact. If we make a list of the most important roster jobs — top two lines, top two pairings, starting goalie and third-line centre — then Tippett trusted Bear and Yamamoto to play in the most vital parts of the game, in two of the 12 most important spots on the roster. Neither man is a lottery pick and both men performed admirably.

Tippett also handled the expertly. Veteran Mike Smith had some exceptional runs and also had poor stretches, with Mikko Koskinen providing the consistency a team needs when the No. 1 goalie needs to find his game during a long season.

Some coaches have that gear, that ability to take prospects and turn them into NHL players.

I have no evidence, but it’s possible Holland reviewed the 2017 trade deadline (Peter Chiarelli dealt Brandon Davidson to the Montreal Canadiens for David Desharnais) and found it to be an opportunity missed.

Under Holland, Edmonton got busy at the deadline and acquired Andreas Athanasiou, Tyler Ennis and Mike Green for the stretch run that never happened and the playoffs that may come. It makes sense, when your roster features the best player in the game, to load up like a championship is close.

Holland may have reinforced his own roster by simply showing the established group the belief was there from management and ownership.

The Oilers 2019-20

It was a strong season for the Oilers — great showings from management, coaching and players. The key elements of this team, who I count as McDavid, Draisaitl, Nugent-Hopkins, Oscar Klefbom, Larsson and Nurse, finally have support from both sides. Veterans acquired who can fill specific, complementary roles and youngsters like Bear and Yamamoto pushing up from the minors and offering support in any area that needs fixing.

It’s just one year, but this team looks more balanced, roles appear to be clear and there are no youngsters on the roster who aren’t part of the solution.

If there’s one thing you take away from this article, let it be this: The Oilers are a team to be reckoned with and can compete in any game state. The playoffs are in sight.

The Athletic LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176072 Florida Panthers goals (on pace for 92 points and 28 goals). Both players were Nos. 1 and 2 on the team in scoring.

The playoffs are a different ballpark, though, and both players need to Panthers Have 3 Questions Heading Into Isles Series step up their games. Both were around for the six-game loss to the Islanders in 2016. They both got six points in the series.

The Panthers are going to need their A-games this time around. Barkov BY JOSHUA REY is a great all-round centre with excellent playmaking and poise. Huberdeau is a very creative winger that has a great shot. If both of JUNE 30TH, 2020 these players start producing and scoring right out of the gate, the Panthers could be in control of the series.

For the first time since 2016, the Florida Panthers will be in the playoffs. Technically, not in the traditional way, though, given how 2020 has The Hockey Writer LOADED: 07.01.2020 played out, but the Panthers are among the 24 teams competing for the Stanley Cup and one of 16 teams playing in the qualifying round. Just like in 2016, their opponent is the New York Islanders, only this time there is no on the Islanders and Vincent Trocheck won’t be there to be tripped. Here are three questions the Panthers face heading into the play-in series.

Can Bobrovsky Return to Form?

This is probably the biggest one. Last July, Florida signed Sergei Bobrovsky to a seven-year, $70 million contract with an AAV of $10 million per season. The contract meant expectations were high for the new starting goaltender. Unfortunately, Bobrovsky did not live up to expectations.

Sergei Bobrovsky Florida Panthers

He struggled in his first regular season with the Panthers, posting a 3.23 goals-against average (GAA) and a .900 save percentage (SV%). The fact that he was in a new city, new state and new surroundings might have been a contributing factor, as he mentioned to NHL.com on May 28.

The two-time Vezina Trophy winner is poised to get back to his proper form during the play-in series against the Islanders. Last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, he played well in the playoffs, especially in that surprise sweep over the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Tampa Bay Lightning. Bobrovsky posted a 2.41 GAA and a .925 SV% in last year’s postseason against the Lightning and the Boston Bruins.

Bobrovsky’s form could make or break the Panthers. If he returns to his old form, he could be the key to the Panthers beating the Islanders, and a hot goalie can mean further success. If he continues to struggle, then advancing would be unlikely.

Can Ekblad and the Defence Contain the Islanders?

Aaron Ekblad has taken a step forward under new head coach Joel Quenneville He had a new career-high under the new bench boss with 5 goals and 36 assists for 41 points in 67 games. That was a 50-point pace in a full 82-game season.

Aaron Ekblad Florida Panthers

Ekblad has contributed well offensively but he also is heavily relied upon defensively. He logs big minutes on the top pairing and can shut down the top players on the opposition.

However, the Panthers need more than just Ekblad on the blue line. Just like goaltending, the defense was a problem in the regular season. Florida ranked 28th in even-strength goals against per 60 minutes.

Can the success continue with the Ekblad and MacKenzie Weegar pairing? They have been probably the only bright spot on the Panthers defence. The others need to step up their game in the playoffs. Keith Yandle needs to use his shot, instincts, and skating. Guys like Anton Stralman, Mike Matheson, and Josh Brown need to step it up if the Panthers want to beat the Islanders.

Florida’s defence could be their kryptonite in the play-in series unless they improve in the regular season.

Can Barkov and Huberdeau Lead the Offence?

The Panthers offence has been led by and Jonathan Huberdeau, two players who were drafted in 2011 and 2013, respectively. Many argue that they are two of the most underrated players in the league.

Barkov had 62 points including 20 goals in the regular season (on pace for 77 points and 24 goals) while Huberdeau had 78 points including 23 1176073 Los Angeles Kings Brown will turn 37 during the 2021-22 season and if you’ll remember he was available in the expansion draft in 2017. Carter has made it clear he wants to finish his playing career in Los Angeles and he is coming off surgery during the offseason to correct issues in his hip region. Quick’s Who could the Kings lose to Seattle in the 2021 expansion draft? game rebounded this past season but he will turn 35 on Jan. 21 and his contract, featuring a cap hit of $5.8 million, runs through the 2022-23

season. By Lisa Dillman The protected Jun 30, 2020 As noted, a lot can change by the time Seattle makes its selections. Fortunes can rise and fall dramatically in a matter of months. For instance, who would have predicted the rapid progression of undrafted There will be plenty of topics for Kings fans to debate and fret about in free agent Blake Lizotte a year ago at this time? the next year. For starters, there is the Quinton Byfield or Tim Stutzle debate at No. 2 in the 2020 draft, the back-and-forth which began in Or that the Kings would decide to move on from homegrown talent earnest on Friday after the lottery. But we are here to pull one topic off Toffoli? the table – the 2021 Seattle expansion draft. In version 1.0, which came out in December of 2018 and coincided with For many franchises, it is going to mean tough calls and hours upon the Kings’ free-fall, colleague Josh Cooper’s consisted of Kopitar, Toffoli, hours of deliberation. It may even cause a few sleepless nights or two. Adrian Kempe, Alex Iafallo, Nikita Scherbak, Drew Doughty, Kale That won’t be the case for the Kings hockey operations department. Clague, , Matt Luff, Sean Walker and Cal Petersen.

History lesson Let’s take a look at version 2.0, which is eight skaters and one goaltender. In 2017, the Vegas Golden Knights capitalized on chaos and fear as some NHL general managers simply overthought the expansion draft and Forwards made expanded deals to keep particular players. Colleague Eric Anze Kopitar: There are some difficult decisions and even some semi- Stephens did a fine job recapping the lesson that the Ducks presumably problematic ones. This isn’t one of them. Kopitar was a Hart Trophy learned three years ago. Florida, Minnesota and Columbus all provide finalist two years ago and is perfectly positioned to mentor the next cautionary tales in differing ways. generation with his professionalism and work ethic. He has led the Kings You would see the Kings hopping in line if do-over were possible, too. It in points for in 12 of the past 13 seasons. The long pause could end up didn’t get as much attention at the time, but the Golden Knights got a benefitting Kopitar, who has a lot of games and mileage on his odometer. valuable piece on the back-end when the Kings opted to protect Derek Alex Iafallo: Think about it: Iafallo hasn’t spent a minute in the American Forbort, enabling Vegas to take Brayden McNabb in the expansion draft. Hockey League. He has been the centerpiece of the Kings’ success in McNabb greatly benefitted from the change of scenery and has been on the college free agent market, which has served as a decent bridge while the Golden Knights top pair nearly every game in team history, played they wait for their prospects to arrive and/or mature. So far, he’s big minutes (averaged 20:01 last season) and is durable. In other words, managed to stay on the Kopitar line even though pundits keep taking him he is exactly what the Kings could use in their search to shore up the left- off it. Iafallo promotes possession for the line and nicely complements side D. Kopitar in that regard.

Hindsight … what a wonderful thing. Adrian Kempe: Expectations have always been high for Kempe and he looked like a different player once he was moved to the wing and forged In 2017, the Kings protected four forwards: Anze Kopitar, , decent chemistry with Lizotte. Now that he is finally tracking in the right Tyler Toffoli and Tanner Pearson. Four defensemen: Drew Doughty, direction, it’s not a tough call to keep him on the protected list. , Alec Martinez and Forbort. One goaltender: Jonathan Quick. Blake Lizotte: Assistant coach Trent Yawney had the best and most colorful assessment of the relentless Lizotte, saying the center was like a This serves as a vivid illustration of roster turnover. Gone are Pearson, “mosquito in a dark tent.” Lizotte far exceeded expectations in his rookie Toffoli, Muzzin, Martinez and Forbort, all via trades. Of note, Muzzin is year. Barring a major drop-off or an affliction of the sophomore jinx, he is the only one not playing the Pacific Division. worth retaining for reasons beyond his rookie contract.

The rules Defense

They remain the same as they were for Vegas in 2017. Teams have the Drew Doughty: This one is also straightforward. Players with a no- two options when it comes to protection — eight skaters and a goalie or movement clause are required to be protected. Doughty will have full no- seven forwards, three defensemen and a goalie. movement clause when the expansion draft takes place.

Herein lies what makes life for the Kings much easier: Exempt from Sean Walker: One of the many things the Kings appreciate about Walker selection are players with two or fewer years of experience. is his versatility, a right-shot D who has the ability to play both sides. The combination of youth (25) and potential make it another easy call to The exempted protect him. Along with Roy, he will be a restricted free agent, one of the The Kings have hit the sweet spot when it comes to expansion. Their items on the Kings’ to-do list before the upcoming regular season. exempt list is a tantalizing glimpse of the future, which is why colleague Matt Roy: When the assistant coach (Yawney) in charge of defense says Scott Wheeler ranked the Kings’ prospect pool No. 1 in February even that Roy was “probably” the best defenseman this past season, well, that before they traded for Tyler Madden and landed the No. 2 pick in the statement alone telegraphs this decision. The ascendancy of Roy is a lottery. testament to his work ethic, steady improvement and the ability of the Let’s start with the top-end, home-grown talent. There are four first-round scouting staff to unearth a find deep in the draft at No. 194 overall in draft selections — Gabe Vilardi (2017), Rasmus Kupari (2018), Alex 2015. Turcotte (2019) and Tobias Bjornfot (2019). Additionally, there are four Kale Clague: The glimpses of Clague has been limited at the NHL level, second-round draft picks — Jaret Anderson-Dolan (2017), a mere four game this past season. Internally, the Kings are high on him (2018), Arthur Kaliyev (2019) and Samuel Fagemo (2019). and he’ll be given every chance to be in the mix this upcoming season. The old guard It’s hard to imagine the Kings would leave a young defensive prospect unprotected. Clague only turned 22 on June 5. Maybe this should be called the changing of the guard. Barring something out of the ordinary, these three core members of the Kings’ Goaltender two Stanley Cup championships team will be exposed in the expansion Cal Petersen: With the February trade of Jack Campbell to the Toronto draft — Dustin Brown, Carter and Quick. Maple Leafs, the deck was cleared for Petersen. He is 11 years younger than the incumbent Quick. Petersen’s cap hit is $858,333 to Quick’s $5.8 million. Will this be the season that the goalie of the future becomes the goalie of the present?

The Athletic LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176074 Los Angeles Kings In a Zoom interview following the Draft Lottery, LA Kings Vice President and General Manager was asked if this draft pick will accelerate ‘The Plan’ that the Kings have laid out for their rebuild.

WITH THE SECOND SELECTION IN THE 2020 NHL DRAFT…. “Accelerate ‘The Plan’, maybe at the level of player, yes,” he said. “In the fact that when you are talking picks one and two in the draft you are talking very high-profile players. Now, the situation we were in, I think we knew would be in this type of situation where we would be in that lottery, BY EDDIE FISCHERMANN FOR LAKINGSINSIDER.COM so that has been factored into ‘The Plan’. Hopefully this does speed it up JUNE 30, 2020 because of the caliber and the adjustment to that player in the NHL.”

The full interview with Blake can be seen below –

As we are all well aware, the NHL held Phase 1 of the draft lottery last Now, time to talk about this draft and who will be available for the Kings. Friday and the Kings were awarded the second overall pick, moving up It is largely expected that Alexis Lafreniere, a forward out of the QMJHL, two spots from their initial slot in the standings. The question is, what will be the first overall pick for whichever team ends up with that does that mean? selection. So, the question is, who is left? Here are the final Central Scouting Rankings for the 2020 NHL Draft Prospects. This will be the fourth time in franchise history that the Kings will be picking second in the draft, the most recent being in 2008 when they There will be plenty of “expert” opinions, but most pundits lean toward a selected Drew Doughty after the Tampa Bay Lightning picked Steven handful of elite prospects and the two names that have been talked about Stamkos. The other instances were in 1986 when they selected Jimmy the most by scouts as going second overall are forward Quinton Byfield Carson and 1981 when they picked Doug Smith. out of Sudbury in the OHL and forward Tim Stutzle who played for Mannheim of the DEL in Germany last season. Of these three, Doughty has had the most decorated career, winning two Stanley Cups, a Norris Trophy as the league’s best defenseman and two Corey Pronman of The Athletic recently talked about both of these Olympic Gold medals to list just some of his many awards. Jimmy players. His scouting reports of Byfield and Stutzle can be found here. Carson played his first two seasons with the Kings (he would later return While it appeared that Pronman is leaning toward the big centerman out for a second stint with the team), before being a piece of the trade that of Sudbury, Stutzle’s scoring prowess and speed has definitely peaked brought Wayne Gretzky to Los Angeles. some scouts radar. Or could the Kings end up going with a defenseman Here is a look at the last five players who were selected second overall: like Jamie Drysdale, who helped Team Canada win gold at the most recent World Junior Championships? There are additional candidates in 2019 – Kaapo Kakko (NY Rangers) a deep draft, but we’ll focus on those for now.

Played in 66 games during his rookie season with the Rangers, In a mock draft immediately following the lottery, TSN analyst Craig amassing 23 points (10-13=23). Button had the Kings taking Byfield, but when discussing Stutzle he noted “I really think he’s the second-best player in the draft.” 2018 – Andrei Svechnikov (Carolina Hurricanes) In his profile on Byfield, Button compares his potential to our Anze Svechnikov has played in 150 regular-season games in his first two Kopitar and Stutzle to Patrick Kane. seasons in Carolina and during that time he has the third most points on the team with 98. He has played in every game since the start of his Those are lofty aspirations and the Kings have a long time to decide on career last season and before this season was cut short, he was on pace who they are going to go with as the date for the 2020 NHL Draft has yet for 28.9 goals and 73.6 points this year. to be set. One thing is for sure, there will be debate until we hear those fateful words “The Los Angeles Kings select…” 2017 – Nolan Patrick (Philadelphia Flyers)

In his first two seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, Patrick posted 61 points (26-35=61) in 145 games. A highly touted player out of Brandon of LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 07.01.2020 the WHL, he has unfortunately struggled with a migraine disorder and missed the entire 2019-20 season.

2016 – Patrick Laine ()

Laine came into the NHL on fire. The 2019-20 season is the only one where he didn’t reach 30 goals, though he was on pace for more than 30 goals but could only play in 68 games due to the shortened season. In total, he has 247 points (138-109=247) in 305 NHL regular-season games. He was the runner up in the Calder Trophy voting his rookie year, behind only .

2015 – Jack Eichel (Buffalo Sabres)

A native of North Chelmsford, Mass., Eichel was pretty much the unanimous second-best player in the draft after Connor McDavid. He has appeared in 354 games with Buffalo over his five NHL seasons, totaling 337 points (137-200=337). Since he started his career, he has nearly 100 more points than anyone else on the Sabres during that time.

Does anyone see a trend here? The thing all of these players have in common is they not only played in the same year they were drafted, but to some extent they all made a pretty significant impact on their team. Now, that doesn’t mean that the player the Kings potentially select at number two will immediately play for the Kings or have the same initial impact, but history is on their side.

And if you continue to look at the remainder of list for this century, it’s a fairly impressive group of All-Star players who have been selected second overall. It includes Sam Reinhart – 2014, Alexander Barkov – 2013, Ryan Murray – 2012, – 2011, – 2010, Victor Hedman – 2009, Drew Doughty – 2008, James Van Riemsdyk – 2007, Jordan Staal – 2006, Bobby Ryan – 2005, Evgeni Malkin – 2004, – 2003, Kari Lehtonen – 2002, – 2001, and – 2000. 1176075 Minnesota Wild to get as many reps as I can before training camp and feel comfortable going into it.”

What’s next for Soucy, though, after a potential conclusion to the season Wild defenseman Carson Soucy: 'You definitely don't plan to get it' is unclear.

Despite his rookie status, Soucy could become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason if his NHL service time is less than 80 games after the By Sarah McLellan Star Tribune season ends. He’s at 62 games.

JUNE 30, 2020 — 11:57PM Figuring out how to count the remaining games this season was an issue Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said the league would have to resolve.

During the lockout-shortened season in 2013, the NHL prorated games, The Wild hasn’t played a game in almost four months, but the break in but it’s unclear if the league would take a similar approach with this action has been much longer for Carson Soucy. season. If Soucy does eclipse 80 games, he’ll become a restricted free agent. Injured in February, the rookie defenseman missed the team’s last nine games and was on the brink of returning to the ice before the coronavirus “I love it here in Minnesota,” Soucy said. “Obviously, this is where I want pandemic paused the season. to play. So, I could definitely see myself coming back here.”

“I was cleared to skate the day after we all got shut down,” Soucy Contracts would have expired Wednesday under normal circumstances, recalled. “So I was just gearing up to get back on the ice and then this since the NHL calendar usually resets on July 1 when free agency whole thing happens and I’m not allowed to skate for another three begins. A revised timeline is one of many crucial details that need to be months.” finalized before a return, one that Soucy expects to feel urgent with the Wild having to prevail in a best-of-five to reach the traditional playoff Now, not only has Soucy healed up but he’s also finally skating again — format. working out at Tria Rink in St. Paul ahead of a qualifying matchup between the Wild and Canucks if the NHL and players agree to resume “It’s going to be really intense playoff hockey,” he said. “That’s all you can the season this summer. hope for, that it’s intense, and hopefully we’re ready to bring our best at that time.” “Just to be skating back in Minnesota with a couple of guys, it made it feel more real,” Soucy said Tuesday during a video conference call. “It made it feel like playoffs are coming and we’re going to start getting Star Tribune LOADED: 07.01.2020 ready here. So, it was definitely exciting.”

Soucy was among the first wave of players to voluntarily skate at Tria Rink after the Wild opened its practice rink last month as part of the second phase of the NHL’s return-to-play plan.

Training camp, set to begin July 10, and a 24-team tournament for the Stanley Cup are the third and fourth phases, respectively, but the protocols for each still haven’t been announced. Both the NHL and NHL Players’ Association have to sign off on them.

Six players, including Soucy, goalie Devan Dubnyk and forward Ryan Hartman, trained last week at Tria Rink, but Soucy anticipates more players to join this week since quite a few are getting tested for COVID- 19 — a precursor to participation.

As of Monday, 15 players out of more than 250 who reported for workouts at team facilities tested positive; the league is also aware of another 11 who have tested positive since June 8.

“You definitely don’t plan to get it,” Soucy said. “I’m still hoping we steer clear of it with our team. You’ve seen it go through other teams. I’m definitely a little nervous about getting it. We want to take all the precaution we can, and we are doing a great job at the rink testing almost every day and stuff. The hope is it doesn’t go through our team and none of us get it around here.”

Before he was sidelined, Soucy was in the midst of a terrific season as one of the most reliable players on the Wild’s blue line.

A long shot to even make the team out of training camp, Soucy impressed enough to land a spot and then parlayed the opportunity into a regular role. Through 55 games, the 25-year-old chipped in seven goals and seven assists and was a plus-16.

“That extra year down in Iowa helped with confidence and helped with more playing time,” said Soucy, who spent last season in the minors after making his NHL debut during the 2017-18 season. “Just the shot the coaches gave me at the start of the season, they let me play the way I needed to play to gain confidence and they put their trust in me early.”

His upper-body injury came Feb. 21 in front of family and friends in Edmonton. A few weeks after the season stopped, Soucy was fully cleared to return to Minnesota to prepare for the restart.

“I figured that [would] kind of be the best access for me, to have access to trainers and stuff to get me back ready for training camp coming up,” said Soucy, who was drafted in the fifth round in 2013 but played four seasons at Minnesota Duluth. “… When you’re off skates for a while, it kind of feels a little different. Your hands feel a little shaky. So, I just want 1176076 Minnesota Wild “That’s kind of the main goal right now,” he said. “Just to play at whatever cost and try to finish the season.”

Wild defenseman Carson Soucy has endured a longer shutdown than Pioneer Press LOADED: 07.01.2020 most

By DANE MIZUTANI | [email protected] | Pioneer Press

PUBLISHED: June 30, 2020 at 2:18 p.m. | UPDATED: June 30, 2020 at 2:18 p.m.

St. Paul police say someone shot, wounded suspect in robbery. Newspaper carrier and daughters safe after getting caught in crossfire.

African-American leader: St. Paul board members who voted to remove SROs will have ‘blood’ on hands if there’s school violence

Carson Soucy was among the handful of Wild players who returned to TRIA Rink last week. It marked the first time in what felt like forever that the 25-year-old defenseman from Canada was back on the ice with his teammates.

When the NHL halted the 2019-20 season on March 12 amid the coronavirus pandemic, Soucy already had spent nearly a month away from the team as he recovered from a wrist injury.

Needless to say the timing of everything couldn’t have been much worse.

“I think I was cleared to skate the day after we all got shut down,” Soucy said. “I was just gearing up to get back on the ice and then this whole thing happens and I’m not allowed to skate for another few months.”

That made his return to TRIA Rink that much sweeter last week. He spent most of the self-quarantine period in his hometown of Irma, Alberta, and returned to the Twin Cities about a week ago as the NHL has started to allow small group workouts.

“Just to be skating back in Minnesota with a couple of guys, it made it feel more real,” Soucy said. “It made it feel like playoffs are coming.”

That’s his main focus as he preps for training camp — which is supposed to open on July 10 — and what he hopes is the resumption of games sometime next month. If play does in fact resume, the Wild will take on the in the preliminary round.

In the meantime, Soucy is trying his best to remain cognizant of the coronavirus pandemic, especially considering some NHL teams already have experienced outbreaks since returning to their respective training facilities.

“You’ve seen it go through other teams,” Soucy said. “I’m definitely a little nervous about getting it. We want to take all the precaution we can and we are doing a great job at the rink testing almost every day and stuff like that. The hope is it doesn’t go through our team and none of us get it around here.”

As for day-to-day life inside TRIA Rink these days, Soucy mentioned how it’s “definitely different” than before. He noted how everyone gets tested in the morning and is expected to wear a mask when they aren’t on the ice.

“I think we are going to have a bigger group coming (later this week),” he said. “It will definitely bump up the intensity a little.”

It’s still unclear when exactly the 2019-20 season will resume. No start date has been set as of Tuesday afternoon, and the NHL still hasn’t selected the pair of hub cities in which games will be played.

There have been reports that Edmonton is a frontrunner, which would be ideal for Soucy considering it’s only a couple of hours away from his hometown. Not that his family would be able to attend games.

“I’ve been thinking about it quite a bit,” he said. “It kind of makes sense, too, because they’re pretty sheltered from a lot of the cases. It’d be interesting. It’d kind of be weird, though, being that close and not really being able to see any family or anything.”

If anything is clear, simply by talking to Soucy, it’s that he’s committed to playing if everything goes according to plan. 1176077 Minnesota Wild every day and stuff. The hope is it doesn’t go through our team and none of us get it around here.”

With the number of coronavirus cases rising in hub city frontrunner Las Wild notes: Carson Soucy is ready to go, latest Kirill Kaprizov drama and Vegas, there’s suddenly a bona fide chance of the NHL choosing more Edmonton and Toronto as the two hub cities that would house the 24 teams still remaining.

Soucy would obviously endorse Edmonton even though fans wouldn’t be By Michael Russo allowed in the stands and he’d be prohibited from leaving the hotel other than for league-endorsed outings and meals. Jun 30, 2020 “I’ve been thinking about it quite a bit,” Soucy said. “With the (small)

number of cases up there, it kind of makes sense, too, because they’re The last time we saw or heard from Irma, Alberta, native Carson Soucy, pretty sheltered from a lot of the cases. It’d be interesting, though. It’d the Wild defenseman scored a big goal during the father-son trip against kind of be weird being that close and kind of not really being able to see his “hometown” Edmonton Oilers, then abruptly jammed his wrist in an any family or anything.” awkward collision and was sidelined for what was supposed to be four- Kirill Kaprizov to-six weeks. Latest Kirill Kaprizov drama So there’s a reason why every piece of video we’ve seen of Soucy on Wild social media the past two weeks has had him smiling on the ice at It wouldn’t be a Wild notebook without a Kirill Kaprizov update to get your TRIA Rink. hopes up, then dash your dreams.

While the NHL paused March 12, Soucy has been champing at the bit Well-regarded RDS analyst Francois Gagnon tweeted in French on since his injury Feb. 21. Tuesday afternoon that the Montreal Canadiens are still likely to see Alex Romanov in uniform this summer because the NHL has an agreement in Soucy is getting a head start on training camp by being one of about a principle with the NHLPA that would allow players in Romanov’s situation half-dozen Wild players who have so far officially entered the NHL’s to be able to debut as long as NHL players ratify the eventual return-to- Phase 2 protocol (off- and on-ice activities of up to 12 players). play protocols. “It’s felt like a long time,” Soucy said on a Zoom with reporters Tuesday. Like Romanov with Montreal, Kaprizov is an unsigned player on “I mean, especially when you’re not even able to skate. I think I was Minnesota’s reserve list. cleared to skate the day after we all got shut down. So, I was just gearing up to get back on the ice. And then this whole thing happens and I’m not However, an NHL executive quickly denied the report to The Athletic, an allowed to skate for another three months.” NHLPA source also denied the report in an email and a Wild source texted that they had been given no such information by the NHL. But Soucy, 25, who’s still considered a rookie even though he debuted during the 2017-18 season with three regular-season and four playoff Gagnon’s report could very well end up being true, but he later deleted games, is looking forward to returning later this summer with the Wild in a the tweet and clarified that the case was not settled. So, as of now, the best-of-five qualifying round series against the Vancouver Canucks. If the NHL, which over the weekend said its stance on the matter hadn’t Wild advance, it would be their seventh playoff appearance in the past changed, says the initial report was “not correct.” eight years. The NHL has maintained that rosters for the 2019-20 season have long “I think we matched up with them pretty well during the season,” Soucy been set and it would be unfair to allow players to sign and debut this said. “We’re going to definitely be looking at a lot of film coming up here summer. on those guys and what we need to do to shut them down.” The NHLPA’s stance has been that the NHL can’t change a collectively Soucy was one of the biggest surprises this season. He went from being bargained rule without amending the CBA. In a normal situation, one of training camp’s first cuts in 2018-19 to the most improved player in unsigned players on a team’s reserve list at the trade deadline could be last fall’s camp. He essentially took Nick Seeler’s job and, in 55 games, signed and debut immediately (like Cale Makar and Chris Kreider in Soucy ranked fourth among NHL rookie defensemen with seven goals, previous seasons). tied for ninth with 14 points, tied for fourth with a plus-16 and was first with a .115 shooting percentage. Regardless, time is of the essence for the NHL and NHLPA to make a final determination. If Kaprizov is allowed to debut this summer, he will “I think just coming back with a little more confidence this year,” Soucy need to quickly sign his two-year contract, get an expedited work visa, fly said when asked what changed this season. “That extra year down in to Minnesota, likely satisfy an 8-to-14-day quarantine that would (almost Iowa helped with confidence and helped with more playing time. Just the fittingly five years after being drafted) delay the start of his training camp shot the coaches gave me at the start of the season. They let me play and also undergo fitness and medical testing. the way I needed to play to gain confidence and they put their trust in me early.” Tentatively, training camps are supposed to open across the NHL on July 10 … if the players approve the upcoming return-to-play protocols and a As of now, Soucy’s status with the Wild past this season is up in the air new collective bargaining agreement . because it’s not yet known if he’ll become a restricted or unrestricted free agent. Wild quarantine update

Soucy has played 62 NHL games (55 this season), including the playoffs. While it’s strictly voluntary whether Wild players want to officially enter In the NHL, if you’re 25 or older with at least three professional seasons Phase 2 (small group activities, frequent COVID-19 testing), all Wild and have yet to play 80 NHL games, your status automatically changes players will at least be allowed to enter Phase 2 immediately without a to a Group 6 unrestricted free agent. quarantine except for Kevin Fiala, Jonas Brodin, Joel Eriksson Ek and . As of now, Soucy is 18 games short, in part because of that injury he suffered at the Oilers. The Wild have confirmed with the NHL that Canadians , Matt Dumba, Marcus Foligno and Brad Hunt, Finns Mikko Koivu and “I love it here in Minnesota,” Soucy said Tuesday. “Obviously, this is Kaapo Kahkonen and Norwegian Mats Zuccarello will be allowed to where I want to play, so I could definitely see myself coming back here.” avoid a quarantine as long as they test negative for COVID-19 because they flew to Minnesota via private aircraft. In the meantime, Soucy’s only goal is to help the Wild win in the postseason and to stay COVID-19-free. In the case of Koivu, Kahkonen and Zuccarello, they took a charter from Helsinki to New York’s JFK, then connected on a private plane. “I’m still hoping we steer clear of it with our team,” Soucy said. “You’ve seen it go through other teams (with 26 positive tests league-wide). I’m However, because Fiala, Brodin, Eriksson Ek and Rask flew to definitely a little nervous about getting it. We want to take all the Minnesota commercially from Sweden, the state of Minnesota calls for a precaution we can and we are doing a great job at the rink testing almost mandatory 14-day quarantine. If the state didn’t have that rule for commercial air travel from an international location, those players would have been under the NHL’s test-based quarantine which would have allowed them on the ice after an eight-day quarantine if they tested negative four times 48 hours apart.

Most Wild players have returned or are in the midst of returning to the Twin Cities. More and more Wild players plan to enter Phase 2 this week, while others like Zach Parise and Ryan Suter will continue skating with groups of other players outside of Phase 2 until the NHL’s return to play is officially approved by the players and we get closer to training camp.

Alex Khovanov KHL update

A report out of Russia on Tuesday that prospect Alex Khovanov may sign a two-year contract with Ak Bars (Kazan) is false, a Wild source and Khovanov’s agent said Tuesday.

If Khovanov signs — and the Wild have not agreed to allow him yet — it would be a one-year deal with the hope of the young center returning to North America once training camp begins next season for the Wild. However, because Khovanov would likely spend next season in the American Hockey League and the start to the next AHL season could be significantly delayed, the Wild are discussing whether to let Khovanov stay one full season in the KHL as long as he returns to the Wild for the 2021-22 season.

If Khovanov signs in the KHL, that would likely count as the first year of his three-year contract with Minnesota.

Khovanov, 20, a third-round pick in the 2018 draft, scored 32 goals and 99 points in 51 games last season for Moncton in the Quebec League.

The Athletic LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176078 Montreal Canadiens kids to show them that it’s possible to combine two passions at the highest level, to promote the fact that balance is essential. So yes, eventually I want to be able to have a legacy and to inspire a young generation of kids. But I feel like right now there’s still so much to be Stu on Sports: Chiefs' Laurent Duvernay-Tardif is a real role model done, there’s still so many more projects. So, no, I don’t consider myself a role model right now.”

I certainly do consider him one. Stu Cowan • Montreal Gazette Former Expo Lee fell in love with Montreal Publishing date:Jul 01, 2020 Bill (The Spaceman) Lee was presented with the Expos Legend Award

during Sunday’s virtual Sports Celebrity Breakfast. Kansas City Chiefs offensive-lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif was Lee spent four seasons with the Expos and fell in love with Montreal. But named the Sports Personality of the Year at the Cummings Centre it wasn’t love at first sight for the left-handed pitcher after the Boston Red Virtual Sports Celebrity Breakfast, which was posted on YouTube Sox traded him to Montreal on Dec. 7, 1978 in exchange for infielder Sunday morning. Stan Papi. I can’t think of a better person to win the award after helping his team win “I cried for two days,” Lee told Mitch Melnick of TSN 690 Radio about his the Super Bowl last season and for what he has done off the gridiron. reaction to the trade during the Celebrity Breakfast. “I was a Red Sox. I Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this off-season hasn’t gone the way was beloved by the town … not so much by the management. I had a lot Duvernay-Tardif had planned. of people that really realized that (Red Sox manager Don) Zimmer had done a bad job in ’78, threw the season away by benching me with a 14- “A lot of things happened after the Super Bowl that are really game lead. inconceivable right now,” Duvernay-Tardif said during an interview with the Montreal Gazette’s Herb Zurkowsky during the virtual breakfast. “The “But then I got to Montreal and they bring me into the (Olympic) Stadium parade in Kansas City, a million people plus are showing up in the streets … it’s all snow-covered and they didn’t have a roof on it at the time. It cheering you on. It’s an incredible moment. You’ve been working for that looked like a giant bidet .. I looked up and I thought someone was going for the past six years and then it happened. The ultimate accomplishment to squat on it. as a team, winning the biggest game of your life. And then you’re flying “They took me to Les Halles (restaurant) over off of Crescent and I had back home and it just keeps going. You go to the , you go to the best meal I ever had in my life and I realized that I was going to a the Assemblée Nationale in Quebec City. So many things are happening really civilized town that stayed open until 4 in the morning.” to a point where at some point I was like: I got to leave. I got to go somewhere and just digest everything that happened. I felt like I was Lee posted a 16-10 record with the Expos in 1979 when they finished going manic for a second, just so many things going on. second in the National League East with a 95-65 record, two games behind the . “And then you’re reflecting on that on a sailboat in the Caribbean with your girlfriend and you don’t really watch the news,” the 6-foot-5, 321- “’79 was a magical year,” said Lee, who lived in a rented house on pounder added. “And then you’re flying back home because your prime Lansdowne Ave., across from Westmount Park. “I just fell in love with this minister is asking you to go home. I came back the day that they started city. I threw well and I ran to the park, I was healthy. Everything was self-isolation for returning travellers and then it just hit me: OK, we’re perfect except we blew the lead at the end and we coughed it up like a going through like a pandemic. This is serious. At the beginning it was all cat coughs up a fur ball. You know, you can’t swing the bat with one about me. I was frustrated that all my events were cancelled. I was hand around your throat … that’s what I found out in baseball … and we frustrated that I left and that I was not able to capitalize on the Super definitely gagged a lot at the plate. I thought the pitchers did a really good Bowl win. And at some point I was like: This is way bigger than just me, job, but there was a lot of gagging at the plate.” it’s way bigger than football, for sure. How can I help?” Lee’s career came to an end on May 8, 1982 when he walked out on the Duvernay-Tardif has a medical degree from McGill University, but doesn’t Expos before a game against the at Olympic have a specialty yet and hasn’t done the residency portion of the Stadium after the club released his good friend Rodney Scott. Lee program. So he decided to volunteer to work at a CHSLD in the headed to the old Brasserie 77 on Hochelaga St. to down a few cold Montérégie region, doing whatever he could to help care for the elderly ones and blow off some steam. After returning to the Big O before the residents. end of the game, Lee had a confrontation with manager Jim Fanning, then was released by the Expos the next day and never played in the “I feel like one more time everything that I’ve learned about transitioning, majors again. switching mindset, switching gears, really paid off and it allowed me to contribute and feel like I was part of the solution,” Duvernay-Tardif said. Lee’s life story was turned into a movie, Spaceman, with actor Josh “It was not about treating, it was about caring. It was about spending time Duhamel playing the pitcher. Here’s link to a column I wrote about the with the patient and when you do that, when you’re trying to connect with movie after it was released in 2016. them, it just takes a whole other level and it just takes a toll emotionally. It was really a rich experience, even though it was sometimes a really sad Als’ Maciocia expects CFL to play this season and challenging one. But I’m really glad I did it.” New Alouettes general manager Danny Maciocia was also interviewed Duvernay-Tardif didn’t have to do it. Financially, he’s set for life after by Zurkowsky during the Sports Celebrity Breakfast and was asked if he signing a five-year, US$42.36-million contract in February 2017. expects there to be games this season in the CFL.

“At some point, money is money,” Duvernay-Tardif told me during an “Clearly, I do believe that we will play,” said Maciocia, who was hired by interview last year at Boulangerie Le Pain dans les Voiles on de the Alouettes in January. “I get up early in the morning, we’re still hard at Castelnau St. East in Montreal — one of three bakeries his family owns, work. Is it taxing? Yeah, it’s taxing. It’s got its moments, it’s got its days with the other two on the South Shore. “Past a certain level of wealth, I where there’s some days that you feel pretty good about playing, there’s think it’s just a number. I do football because I enjoy it and I’m going to some days when you’re reading what’s out there and what’s circulating it do medicine because I enjoy it and I know I’m really, really privileged to can put a little bit of a downer. do what I do for a living and be able to live really, really well. But at the “But It also gives us an opportunity throughout this pandemic, this ordeal, same time, I don’t want to let the number or the money kind of dictate my to try to reinvent yourself,” he added. “As I sit here and I talk to people in decision. Like I said, after a certain level of wealth, I don’t think it matters the scouting department, or even the coaches, we’re constantly looking any more.” for a way to reinvent ourselves to make sure that we’re getting better Zurkowsky asked Duvernay-Tardif during the virtual breakfast if he because we know it’s just a question of time before we take the field and considers himself a role model. it would be great when we do take it that we’re ready not only to compete but also project moving forward what we want to look like as far as an “I’m not even 30, so it’s hard to have that kind of vision of your curriculum identity, as far as our organization is concerned. So do I believe we’re and everything,” the 29-year-old said. “I for sure wish to be one in the going to play? Yes. But, like I said, at the same time I’m also looking to future. I think that the work I’m doing for my foundation is trying to inspire find ways to get better and I believe in reinventing yourself every single year and that’s where we’re at as an organization as we speak.”

B.C. Lions owner David Braley told TSN 1040 radio in Vancouver recently that the CFL could fold if there are no games this year.

“I really believe that if we don’t play this year, there’s a very good chance that we won’t survive,” Braley said. “There’s no money. How can you afford to lose $5 and 10 million a team? I think we still have time to play from September 5 or 6 on, say an eight or nine game schedule.”

Remember Johnny Football?

Remember when Johnny Manziel was supposed to be the Alouettes’ quarterback of the future?

After playing one season with the Alouettes, the CFL terminated the former winner’s contract with the team in February 2019 and informed the eight other clubs that it wouldn’t register a contract for Manziel if they tried to sign him. The league said Manziel had contravened an agreement that made him eligible to play in the CFL.

Manziel, 27, played with the Memphis Express in the Alliance of in 2019, before the league folded.

Now it looks like Johnny Football’s career is over.

“I’ve finally got to a point where I’m trying to achieve happiness in life, not happiness on the football field,” Manziel told the Lubbock Avalanche- Journal in a story that was published on Saturday. “I know a lot of people probably want me to come back and play and give it another chance, but I don’t know, as far as being a person and figuring out life as a young adult — trying to make it and figure it out — if I’ve ever been in a better place than I’m in right now. I can honestly say I’m happy and I’m doing the right things to try and put a smile on my face every day, and that means more to me than going out and grinding on a football field.”

After winning the Heisman Trophy with Texas A&M, Manziel was selected by the Browns in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft.

“During that time when I got drafted, I didn’t put in the time that I needed to be a great player and I don’t think my heart was in it,” Manziel told the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. “And I think when I went back to Canada, it was the same way. I truly believed and truly thought it was what I wanted to do, and my heart wasn’t in it, and it worked out the way it did.”

Phase 2 continues for Canadiens

Only three players skated at the Canadiens’ practice rink in Brossard on Tuesday as Phase 2 of the NHL’s Return to Play Plan continues.

Paul Byron and Laurent Dauphin were joined by goalie Michael McNiven and assistant coach Dominique Ducharme.

Meanwhile, Luke DeCock of the Charlotte News & Observer reported on Tuesday that former Canadiens assistant general manager Rick Dudley is leaving his position as senior vice-president of hockey operations with the Carolina Hurricanes. Dudley, who was also senior vice-president of hockey operations with the Canadiens, left Montreal and took the job in Carolina in May 2018.

The 71-year-old former NHL player has several decades of experience as an NHL executive, including stints with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Atlanta Thrashers, Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Ottawa Senators.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176079 Montreal Canadiens 56.3 57.4

Sean Couturier Why Phillip Danault deserves to be a Selke finalist for the first time 56.25

55.54 By Marc Antoine Godin Ryan O'Reilly Jun 30, 2020 52.79

51.77 Phillip Danault has a good chance of being named a finalist for the Selke Trophy, given to the best defensive forward in the NHL. Last season, the Anze Kopitar Canadiens’ top centre began attracting the attention of voters from the Professional Hockey Writers Association. But this season, his numbers 52.18 have given enormous weight to his candidacy, which is the main reason 50.34 why at The Athletic Montreal, both Arpon Basu and I put him in the top- three on our ballots. Anthony Cirelli

The Selke Trophy is a difficult decision for any voter who decides to put 52.17 some time into it. The days of simply writing the name of at the top of the ballot year after year are over. Today, the competition is 55.06 fierce and the fact there are so many qualified candidates, especially as Nick Foligno scoring begins to rise across the league, is a good indication of the health of the game. 51.38

You only need to look at the list of winners to see how the criteria have 54.09 changed. Back when Bob Gainey was an annual Selke subscriber, there was no doubt voters simply looked at the defensive side of the game. But Nick Bonino this began to change gradually in the with Doug Gilmour, Sergei 49.75 Fedorov and Steve Yzerman before a new norm was established coming out of the 2004-05 lockout. Over the last 15 years, the Selke Trophy has 52.67 gone to the players with the best “200-foot game,” those who play well on Radek Faksa both sides of the ice. They still need to be able to counter the opposition’s best players – that remains a vital quality – but the notion 48.26 that having the puck is often the best defence has also become influential. 50.81

This is why Danault, who has been a possession beast for the last two Jean-Gabriel Pageau seasons, now deserves to be in the conversation as the best defensive 47.71 forward in the league. He consistently faces top opponents and still manages to be among the league’s best in controlling shot attempts. 50.6

But how does he compare to the best in his craft? We have written volumes on the dominance of the Canadiens’ top line, but it’s still worth pointing out that Tomas Tatar, Brendan Gallagher and Buckle up, because an avalanche of numbers is about to come crashing Danault came 1-2-3 in shot share among all eligible forwards. Gallagher down on you, but they are all relevant to demonstrate Danault’s impact is the driving force offensively, but the defensive conscience of the line is on his team. Danault. Let’s begin with what we just mentioned, shot attempt share (CF%). We As for expected goals, I am assuming most of you are up to speed on visited Natural Stat Trick and filtered for all forwards who have played at what that means, but just in case, it is basically a shot quality model (to least 700 minutes at 5-on-5 this season. Here’s what we got: read more, Click here). Here, Danault is nipping on ’s heels Corsi and expected goals atop the NHL.

Tomas Tatar But not all Corsi and expected goal ratios have the same value. Players who have to skate the length of the ice to reach the opposing net deserve 60.14 a bit more credit for these numbers than those who start most of their shifts in the offensive zone. While players begin most of their shifts on 60.27 the fly and on neutral zone faceoffs, defensive and offensive zone Brendan Gallagher deployment still matters to some extent. When you look at the defensive zone start percentage for some of the primary Selke candidates, you can 59.94 see who was a bit sheltered and who wasn’t.

60.84 Defensive zone deployment

Phillip Danault Radek Faksa

59.37 72.53%

59.94 Nick Bonino

Mark Stone 66.23%

57.74 Jean-Gabriel Pageau

61.47 60.09%

Teuvo Teravainen Anthony Cirelli

57.65 54.13%

54.32 Phillip Danault 54.12% 2.26

Anze Kopitar Nick Bonino

53.33% 2.29

Ryan O’Reilly Jean-Gabriel Pageau

53.06% 2.35

Nick Foligno Bergeron is dominant here, while Danault is one of four players on the list who stayed below two expected goals against per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 52.36% ice time.

Sean Couturier When he wrote his case for Couturier back in March, our Flyers writer 51.34% Charlie O’Connor put us on the trail of Regularized Adjusted Plus-Minus, or RAPM, a model created by the Evolving Hockey twins, Josh and Luke Mark Stone Younggren. The statistic seeks to isolate the positive or negative impact of an individual player on his team’s Corsi or expected goal differential by 48.18% removing the factors that are out of that player’s control, such as Teuvo Teravainen teammate or opponent quality, for instance. It’s basically like the old plus- minus on steroids. 41.98% Offensive RAPM Patrice Bergeron

37.23% Sean Couturier Danault doesn’t have as strict a defensive mandate as someone like Radek Faksa of the Dallas Stars, but he is still among those who start in 9.29 the defensive zone most often, a number helped by the fact he is often 0.259 sent out for a defensive zone draw while Tatar and Gallagher stay on the bench. Phillip Danault

Other serious Selke candidates, like Anthony Cirelli, Ryan O’Reilly, Nick 7.23 Foligno and Sean Couturier, have very similar deployment patterns to Danault. 0.385

What needs to be underlined here is the frequency with which Patrice Teuvo Teravainen Bergeron starts his shifts in the offensive zone. The Boston Bruins centre 5.19 took the baton from Datsyuk as the NHL’s prototypical complete player. He is a point of reference for the two-way game and inspires as many 0.131 kids as Sidney Crosby. But he doesn’t get to win the Selke by acclamation, knowing his head coach, Bruce Cassidy, has given many of Ryan O’Reilly his old defensive assignments to Sean Kuraly to save him for offensive 5.03 situations. 0.279 But that doesn’t overly diminish Bergeron’s performance in the expected goals against category when compared to the other primary candidates. Mark Stone

Expected goals against 4.35

Patrice Bergeron 0.38

1.86 Nick Foligno

Anthony Cirelli 4.27

1.94 0.129

Nick Foligno Patrice Bergeron

1.95 4.25

Phillip Danault 0.23

1.99 Anze Kopitar

Ryan O’Reilly 4.18

2.01 0.009

Mark Stone Anthony Cirelli

2.04 4.01

Sean Couturier 0.233

2.08 Radek Faksa

Radek Faksa 0.6

2.15 0.11

Anze Kopitar Nick Bonino

2.26 0.47

Teuvo Teravainen 0.183 Jean-Gabriel Pageau years), but he’s not at the level of the seven players mentioned. The other names you saw were included because of the defensive missions 0.38 they are given and/or their reputation as solid defensive players, but we’ll 0.105 drop them now.

Couturier is the best here in terms of his individual impact on shot share, For the next phase of our study, we will use Micah Blake McCurdy’s heat but Danault is right there while also topping the list for his contribution to maps from HockeyViz which, on top of eliminating blocked shots from the expected goal numbers. calculation, uses McCurdy’s own expected goals model as a reference.

On the other side of the puck, O’Reilly’s candidacy gets a good boost Let me draw your attention to the box in each heat map indicating the here. His defensive dominance is clear. Couturier continues to perform number of expected goals either scored or allowed when a player is on well while Danault remains firmly in place among the pack at the top. the ice per 60 minutes at 5-on-5. In brackets, you see the percentage difference of that number with the league average. Defensive RAPM One heat map shows a player’s offensive impact (where you want to see lots of red and a plus-percentage) and defensive impact (where you want to see lots of blue and a minus-percentage). Ryan O’Reilly Danault’s dominance in the offensive zone is impressive among the -5.81 group; only Mark Stone, whose line in Vegas is an offensive steamroller, -0.185 has a better number than Danault among these seven players. On the defensive side, Cirelli, Bergeron and Foligno have a slight edge on the Sean Couturier others, but overall, we are talking about the defensive elite of the league here. -4.54 To finish up, we will look at each candidate’s work on the penalty kill. -0.069 Cirelli was second among NHL forwards in penalty-killing ice time per Phillip Danault game. Danault was fourth. Among the group, O’Reilly and Couturier were the two next most used, and each of these four forwards led their team in -3.72 this category.

-0.146 According to Natural Stat Trick, Couturier, Bergeron and Foligno separate themselves in terms of suppressing shots at 4-on-5. Just look at Nick Foligno the difference between Couturier and O’Reilly. -3.26 Penalty killing 4-on-5 -0.149 Sean Couturier Anthony Cirelli 73.46 -2.65 Patrice Bergeron -0.157 79.96 Teuvo Teravainen Nick Foligno -2.59 89.97 -0.072 Phillip Danault Anze Kopitar 101.01 -2.1 Mark Stone -0.074 109.49 Patrice Bergeron Anthony Cirelli -1.45 109.68 -0.118 Ryan O’Reilly Radek Faksa 111.68 -0.04 The penalty kill was one of the factors that should have led me to -0.038 penalize O’Reilly on my ballot. When you look at expected goals allowed in all penalty kill situations, you can see O’Reilly lagging behind. Nick Bonino Expected goals against on the PK 0.24 Nick Foligno -0.046 5.21 Mark Stone Patrice Bergeron 0.45 6.04 -0.044 Sean Couturier Jean-Gabriel Pageau 6.6 1.79 Phillip Danault -0.034 6.95 If we look at all the tables from the start, there are seven players who separate themselves from the pack in my eyes: Couturier, O’Reilly, Anthony Cirelli Danault, Bergeron, Stone, Cirelli and Foligno. Winger Teuvo Teravainen 7.13 is looking good as well (we’ll need to keep an eye on him in the coming Mark Stone It is not difficult to see Danault asking for $6 million a year on his next contract, which he would need to sign before the 2021-22 season. And 7.62 he would deserve it. Centres who can neutralize top opponents while Ryan O’Reilly also producing 50-odd points are rare. Except Danault is likely to be pushed down the Canadiens’ lineup by young centres who have greater 8.09 offensive potential and, if the Canadiens successfully pull off this youth movement, he is unlikely to be a top-6 centre forever. Phillip Danault probably won’t win the Selke Trophy, but he has a solid case to be among the finalists. That’s not a Montreal bias talking; it’s right The Canadiens have not had a centre like this since Tomas Plekanec there in the cold, hard numbers. was in his prime, but some of Danault’s success offensively has to be attributed to the quality of his wingers. If he is destined to one day fill a He is enough of an offensive threat to meet the modern criteria for the purely defensive role with less offensive wingers, a $6 million contract award, which recognizes two-way forwards more than defensive ones, might ultimately hurt the Canadiens. But for now, because of the but Danault also has difficult defensive responsibilities, his expected goal importance of his role and the quality of his linemates, Danault is in his share is among the best and he does a good job on the penalty kill. He prime. holds his own in every category we looked at. Contract concerns are better left for tomorrow. For today, Danault At a salary a little over $3 million for one more season, Danault is a true deserves to be recognized as a Selke finalist. bargain for the Canadiens. When we look at the contracts of the six other players we considered as Selke candidates, it is obvious Danault will not be a bargain for long. The Athletic LOADED: 07.01.2020 How much will Danault cost?

Nick Foligno

32

5,500,000

1

2.51

Patrice Bergeron

34

6,875,000

2

2.94

Sean Couturier

27

4,333,333

2

2.59

Phillip Danault

27

3,083,333

1

2.11

Anthony Cirelli

22

RFA

2.1

Mark Stone

28

9,500,000

7

3

Ryan O’Reilly

29

7,500,000

3

2.51 1176080 New Jersey Devils

NHL rumors: Will big Devils’ decisions include signing Evgenii Dadonov?

Posted Jun 30, 2020

By Randy Miller

The Devils have their longest offseason ever to sort through crucial decisions that they need to get right to turnaround a franchise that has missed the playoffs two years in a row and seven of the last eight.

First, ownership needs to make a final decision on whether Tom Fitzgerald will lose the interim in his GM title or be replaced. Then whomever has the GM job – the guess here is that Fitzgerald stays - will make the call on interim head coach Alain Nasreddine’s future.

And eventually - probably in November – there will be a better-late-than- never free agent frenzy that the Devils figure to dive into seeking immediate help.

Some Devils fans may be hoping the 2018 league MVP that was traded away last December returns on a mega-deal to play left wing on a top line that probably will be centered by one of the young-gun franchise cornerstones, or Jack Hughes.

Devils veteran TV voice Steve Cangialosi threw out the name of a different free agent winger on Monday night.

“Taylor Hall gets a lot of buzz, but think more of the lines like an Evgenii Dadonov, who scored 25 goals this season,” Cangialosi said on MSG Network’s “NJ Devils: Inside the Jersey.”

That’s an interesting name. Broadcasters sometimes get tipped off on free agent that organizations covet, so Dadonov indeed may be on the Devils’ radar to sign as a top-six right wing.

If the Devils add Dadonov, he’d be reunited with former KHL teammate Nikita Gusev, a left wing who put up impressive rookie numbers this season scoring 13 goals and 44 points in 66 games.

Dadonov is not on Hall’s level, but he’s also a proven offensive producer who scored 25 goals and 47 points in 69 games with Florida Panthers last season. He’s averaged 27 goals and 61 points for Florida over the last three.

Hall would be more expensive – he’ll probably around $70 million for seven years – but Dadonov won’t be cheap. A good comparable could be Flyers center Kevin Hayes, who signed a seven-year, $50-million deal last June.

“Who do the Devils chase in the free agent market?” Cangialosi said. “We see the names that are out there.

“There are options out there to make this team better.”

The same goes for the Devils’ coaching dilemma, as big names reportedly are among the finalists. , who has taken three franchises to the Stanley Cup Final and won with the Carolina Hurricanes, is in the running, as is , who coached the expansion Vegas Golden Knights to a conference title in 2018.

Also an option is sticking with Nasreddine, who led the Devils to second- half improvement this season as a first-time head coach after being elevated from assistant in December when John Hynes was let go.

Meanwhile, the Devils need to decide on Fitzgerald, who jumped from assistant GM to interim GM in January when was fired.

With the NHL’s 24-team playoff tournament still probably at least a month from beginning – training camps have yet to begin – there’s no need for the Devils to hurry deciding.

“The benefit (of the long offseason) is more time to make these important decisions that are going to shape this franchise for many years to come,” Cangialosi said. “And the dominoes soon are going to fall.”

Star Ledger LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176081 New Jersey Devils pool their revenues nor payrolls/expenses. There is no room for 50-50 if it stunts growth, as it will. The NHL will be consigned to stagnation. A luxury tax would serve as a stimulus.

NHL salary cap makeover would be problematic 5. The NHL has approached this as if it had all the time in the world, and it did, but not anymore. Deadline time is approaching if training camps are indeed going to open July 19. Players will have 48-72 hours to chew on a voluminous package and vote. Both parties hope the vote can be By Larry Brooks concluded by the weekend. June 30, 2020 | 8:21PM 6. The resurgence of the virus across most of this country (Who’d have ever guessed?) has the NHL backing away from Vegas as a hub city. Chicago is believed still in the running, but it is quite possible the Regarding Return to Play: tournament — if played — will be staged in Toronto and Edmonton.

1. There will be two subsections of groups that will benefit if the NHLPA If both hub cities are in Canada, it will create a significant saving for the ratifies the renegotiated and extended collective bargaining agreement, NHL of about 28 cents on the dollar. The league is picking up all on-site which will be presented to the union for ratification as part of a team expenses. comprehensive return-to-play package that will include hub-city locations and health/safety coronavirus-related protocols for training camp and the 7. If an agreement is reached, then it is onto concerns about keeping Stanley Cup tournament. players and attendant personnel safe and healthy. If the membership — which seems less divided than uncertain — votes down the proposal, the And they are: 1) Owners who don’t particularly care if their respective tournament will be in quite serous jeopardy. teams win; and, 2) Players on long-term contracts who don’t particularly care if their respective teams win. What’s more, there is the prospect of a chill between the sides that leads to depression the next two seasons before a lockout. In other words, 2. Because a flat cap at the current $81.5 million for the next two or three even more good times. years (there is talk of increasing the cap by $1 million in Year 3) will strangle contenders that historically spend to the upper ceiling, and will have to contend with arbitration and pending unrestricted free agents New York Post LOADED: 07.01.2020 without the luxury of steady, even if modest, increased spending room. To wit: the cap increased from $73 million in 2016-17 to $81.5 million over the next three seasons, a jump of 11.64 percent.

Less cap space not only translates into less room to add players, but also less with which to keep them. Teams will be forced to exercise buyouts. (Sources have told The Post that amnesty buyouts have barely, if at all, been part of the conversation). More players will be dumped onto the free-agent market. Teams will grant fewer long-term deals. As such, there will be more arbitration hearings and more players on the market.

Adopting a flat cap will lower escrow, but the players could have done that any time by narrowing the band and setting the ceiling at, say 5 percent over the midpoint than the current 15 percent. Deferring 10 percent of their salary next season will also ease escrow, with that money to be paid following the NHL’s new media-rights deal(s) also mitigates the burden.

And though a flat cap will benefit guys on long-term deals, players coming up on free agency over the next three seasons constitute a huge majority of the union membership. Indeed, 572 players are currently eligible to hit free agency over the next three offseasons, 335 unrestricted and 144 eligible for arbitration. (I did a count using Capfriendly.com data. If there is a mistake, it is mine and not the website’s.)

Thirteen teams spent to the cap (or beyond, using long-term injury exemptions) for 2019-20, with six more coming within $2 million of the limit. With a flat cap, where are all the free agents going to go?

Or are we simply going to see an acceleration into a caste system where rosters will consist of hockey’s one-percenters, entry-level players and minimum-wage laborers?

3. No one has a clue about 2020-21 revenue. So the NHL recognized it would have to violate its principle of linking the cap to revenue, because if that held, next season’s cap could be as low as $63 million with the 2021-22 cap at what, $30 million? Then what? Teams could not construct full-game rosters.

So they have arrived at this split-the-baby choice of maintaining the current cap while capping escrow in order to give the players more time to pay what they owe from this season and to keep them from facing an indescribably onerous situation in two years per the current CBA.

4. But what both sides should have done is negotiate an end to the hard- cap system and move to a soft cap. The soft cap would have been $63 million (or whatever the computation) with teams allowed to spend, say, up to $83 million on a one-plus-one luxury tax. Escrow would stop at the soft cap. For every dollar spent above that, the team would contribute a second dollar to revenue sharing.

That would end 50-50, yes, but as I have been saying for almost two decades, percentage of the gross is a bogus concept. Teams neither 1176082 New Jersey Devils Voracek, who’s played 915 games up to this point of his career, won’t get to play in his 1,000th game next season because of the pandemic. He was named a first-team All-Star after the 2014-15 season and has been one of the league’s best right wings for a decade. Devils’ lucky No. 7? Tracing the history of the draft pick over 50 years 6. 2011: Mark Scheifele, C, Jets

Scheifele was part of a five-year run of fruitful picks at this draft slot, By Corey Masisak including (2009), (2010), Mathew Dumba (2012) and Darnell Nurse (2013). It’s the only five-year stretch where Jun 30, 2020 every No. 7 pick finished in the top 10 of his first-round draft class in Point Shares. Scheifele is one of the best centers in the NHL who didn’t go No. 1 in the draft. The Devils’ run of good fortune on lottery night did not continue this year. Based on last Friday night’s draw, they are scheduled to pick seventh for 5. 1995: Shane Doan, W, Jets the first time in franchise history at the 2020 NHL Draft. Doan has the most games played (1,540) of any No. 7 pick in the past 50 We don’t know when that will be, but the best guess at how the schedule years. He’s third in goals (402) and second in points (972). He’s also fifth will shake out pegs the draft at some point in mid-to-late October, all-time in games played for one franchise, behind Gordie Howe, Nicklas assuming the NHL’s plan to complete the 2019-20 season does not Lidstrom, and Alex Delvecchio. encounter any serious delays from the coronavirus pandemic. We also 4. 1993: Jason Arnott, C, Oilers won’t know whether New Jersey will have one, two or three first-round picks in this draft likely until some point in August. Arnott has provided the most value to the Devils from this draft position. He played 364 of his 1,244 career games with New Jersey. If the 2020 We do know the Devils have the No. 7 selection, a spot where some pick becomes a top-line forward on a Stanley Cup winner, like Arnott, the intriguing options could be available. Will the Devils find another Devils will consider the pick a success. franchise player to pair with Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes? Here’s what the No. 7 pick has produced over the past 50 years, dating back to the 3. 1976: , C, Blues 1970 draft: Federko had 1,130 points in 1,000 NHL games. He’s the Blues’ career Two Hockey Hall of Fame members leader in games, assists and points, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2002. The team unveiled a statue of him outside of their Three postseason NHL All-Stars home arena in 2003. 19 players with at least one All-Star game, including nine who played in 2. 2003: Ryan Suter, D, Predators two or more Suter lost out on the Norris Trophy in 2013 in a very tight vote; P.K. Eight players with 1,000-plus career games Subban had one more first-place vote, two more seconds, one more third Three players with 400-plus goals and four more fourths, while Suter had five more fifth-place votes. He was a first-team postseason All-Star that year, and he’s been in the top Five players with 800-plus points 10 for the Norris six times. Missing out on that Norris trophy might factor into whether he makes the Hockey Hall of Fame. He has more Point Only one goaltender has been selected with the seventh pick, Jamie Shares right now than classmates Patrice Bergeron, Joe Pavelski, Ryan Storr by Los Angeles in 1994. Hockey-Reference has a cumulative Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Zach Parise. statistic called Point Shares that can be used to compare players across positions and eras. It’s also a way to compare the careers of players from 1. 1972: Bill Barber, LW, Flyers the same draft class. Barber had the fourth-most goals (420) in the NHL from 1972-84 and Nineteen of the past 50 selections at No. 7 are ranked seventh or higher played in six All-Star games. He scored 40 goals five times, including 50 among the first-round picks in their class. Two are the best player in their in 1975-76. That was the second of two straight championships with class by this measure, one is second and five more are third. Given the Philadelphia. Barber finished in the top five of the postseason All-Star hype surrounding the top 8-9 players in the 2020 class, the Devils have a voting at left wing seven times in an eight-year span. He was inducted chance to land a future impact player. into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1990.

Below are the best and worst picks at No. 7 over the past 50 years, the The worst picks times when the selection was traded before it was made and a group of “what ifs” that would have changed the course of hockey history. 10. 1996: Erik Rasmussen, W, Sabres

The best picks The 1996 draft is one of the worst in NHL history. None of the first 20 players taken played in an All-Star game. Rasmussen played 545 games 10. 1978: Ken Linseman, C, Flyers in the NHL and had one season with more than 20 points.

The pick used on Linseman was traded for a coach (more on that later), 9. 1982: Ken Yaremchuk, C, Blackhawks but Linseman had seven seasons with 70-plus points between 1979-89. He finished eighth in the postseason All-Star voting one year, but that Yaremchuk played for more teams in the Swiss League than the NHL, was it. He had 92 points in his best year, 1981-82, which was still 18th in but he was on Canada’s 1988 Olympic team that finished fourth and the league. spent one season playing for Asiago in the Italian league. He had 106 points in 235 NHL games and 124 points in 40 Italian league contests. 9. 2018: Quinn Hughes, D, Canucks 8. 2005: Jack Skille, W, Blackhawks Hughes should have gone in the top five, but two surprise center picks — Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Barrett Hayton — pushed him back. The Skille was a highly regarded prospect from the USA Hockey National Canucks were happy he fell to them. He’ll finish first or second in the Team Development Program, but he never reached double digits in goals Calder Trophy voting this season. in a single NHL season. He played for five teams before continuing his career in Europe. 8. 1990: , D, Kings 7. 2004: Rostislav Olesz, W, Panthers Sydor is a good bet for the most underrated player from this list of 50 games. Devils fans saw a lot of him in the 2000 Cup Final and he won Olesz played in only 70 or more games twice across eight NHL seasons. championships with Dallas in 1999 and Tampa Bay in 2004. He played His last stop was 10 games with the Devils in 2013-14, and he’s spent nearly 1,300 games and finished in the top 15 of the Norris Trophy voting the past six seasons in Switzerland and his native Czech Republic. three times. 6. 1999: Kris Beech, C, Capitals 7. 2007: Jakub Voracek, W, Blue Jackets Beech is best remembered for being one of the three young players the Penguins acquired in a trade in 2001. It’s a trade people remember because it saw Jaromir Jagr go to Washington. Beech, meanwhile, did 1967: The North Stars traded a 1971 first-round pick to the Canadiens in not live up to his draft position. June for Andre Boudrias, Bob Charlebois and Bernard Cote. Montreal selected at No. 7. 5. 2000: Lars Jonsson, D, Bruins 1974: The Blues traded No. 7 to the Canadiens two weeks before the Jonsson never signed with Boston, though he did eventually spend two draft for Dave Gardner. Montreal selected . seasons in the Flyers organization. Eight games in 2006-07 with Philadelphia was the extent of his NHL career. 1978: The Penguins traded a 1981 first-round pick to the Canadiens in October for Rod Schutt. Montreal selected at No. 7. 4. 1986: Dan Woodley, W, Canucks No person mastered the maneuvering of draft picks quite like Montreal Woodley is the only first-round pick in league history who was born in GM Sam Pollock did in the ’60s and ’70s. Guy Lafleur, , Oklahoma. He played just five games in the NHL. Fun fact: The NHL’s Steve Shutt, Bob Gainey and Guy Carbonnieau all ended up in Montreal two leading scorers born in Oklahoma are , the son of a as draft picks for whom Pollock had traded. No. 7 pick (Chuck, in 1981), and Jon Merrill, who was drafted by the Devils in 2010. Pollock orchestrated three of the seven trades involving the No. 7 pick, and twice he traded for it at least three years in advance. Fun fact about 3. 1975: Greg Vaydik, C, Blackhawks the first one: Chuck Arnason was traded for , who was then Dylan Cozens is the most recent No. 7 pick in an NHL draft. He’s also traded for the draft choice that became Claude Lemieux. Chartraw and from Yellowknife in Canada’s . Guess which Risebrough were members of the four-time Cup champs from 1976-79. Yellowknife native has played the most games in NHL history? Vaydik, The what-ifs with five. Cozens will claim that distinction soon, possibly next season. 2014: Haydn Fleury, D, Hurricanes 2. 1992: Ryan Sittler, W, Flyers Carolina has become one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference Sittler and his father, Darryl, became the first father and son to be over the past two seasons in large part because of a deep defense selected within the first 10 picks of an NHL draft. He dealt with a series of corps. Fleury has been unable to find a regular role with the club, but the serious injuries and never made it to the NHL. The Athletic’s Tim Graham player taken after him in 2014, William Nylander, would be a fixture in detailed for The Buffalo News the younger Sittler’s journey to overcoming their top six. With him, the Hurricanes might be the most dangerous team an addiction to painkillers he used to combat those injuries. He then in the . became a local youth coach in Florida. 2005: Jack Skille, RW, Blackhawks 1. 1991: Alek Stojanov, W, Canucks Chicago laid the foundation for three championships with Duncan Keith At -2.7 point shares, Stojanov had the least valuable career of any No. 7 (2002), Brent Seabrook (2003), Jonathan Toews (2006) and Patrick pick in the past 50 years, and he was the least valuable player in the Kane (2007). How many more could the Blackhawks have won had they 1991 draft class. The pick still worked out for Vancouver. The Canucks taken Anze Kopitar, the No. 1-ranked European skater by NHL Central traded him to Pittsburgh in 1996 for Markus Naslund, considered one of Scouting? They would have had to give up someone else, probably the most lopsided deals in league history. , but the thought of Kopitar and Toews running games The trades together in the middle is scary.

The No. 7 pick has been traded seven times, but only five of the 1989: Doug Zmolek, D, Minnesota transactions happened once the club knew which selection in the draft The North Stars made a surprising run to the 1991 Stanley Cup Final, but order it was giving up. Oddly, the No. 8 pick has been traded away far Mario Lemieux had 12 points in five games against them. Could a 20- more often. year-old Bobby Holik have helped slow him down? The 2000 Cup Final Teams traded top-10 picks like crazy in the and ’80s. In some might have played out differently if Holik had been on the other side. years, half of the top 10 belonged to a different club by the end of draft 1988: Martin Gelinas, LW, Kings night, but the No. 7 selection mostly stayed out of the action. It’s unfair to call a forward who played more than 1,200 games like 2017: The Coyotes traded No. 7 and Tony DeAngelo to the Rangers on Gelinas a disappointment, but the next three picks were , draft day for Derek Stepan and Antti Raanta. New York selected Lias Rod Brind’Amour and Teemu Selanne. Andersson. 1986: Dan Woodley, RW, Canucks Raanta has been excellent for Arizona when healthy, but remaining so has been the main problem. The Rangers faced some criticism for the The 1994 Stanley Cup Final would have looked a lot different with Brian way they handled Andersson’s development; he eventually left the team Leetch, who went two picks after Woodley, in a Vancouver uniform. to return home to Sweden and focus on his mental heath. DeAngelo had a very productive 2019-20 season but remains a divisive figure, even 1981: Mark Hunter, RW, Canadiens among Rangers fans. Everything about the 1980s (and 1990s) could have looked different if 2008: The Maple Leafs traded No. 7 and conditional second- and third- Montreal had taken the player who went next, goaltender . By round picks to the Islanders on draft day for No. 5. New York then traded 1984, he had finished in the top six in the Vezina Trophy voting twice. No. 7 to the Predators for No. 9 and No. 40. Nashville selected Colin How quickly would he have taken control of the net in Montreal? And Wilson. The Islanders selected Josh Bailey and Aaron Ness. would the Canadiens have passed on in the draft?

No one traded the seventh pick for 30 years, and then it was traded twice 1979: Keith Brown, D, Blackhawks in about 15 minutes. The Islanders traded back twice, moving back two Brown played more than 800 games for Chicago and had two seasons spots and collecting extra picks. None of the extra picks amounted to with more than 40 points. He was not Ray Bourque, who was the eighth much value for the Islanders, but Bailey has been the best player of selection in the 1979 draft. anyone picked between Nos. 5 and 12 in the 2008 class.

1978: The Rangers traded No. 7 to the Flyers two weeks before the draft for the right to sign as head coach. Philadelphia selected Ken The Athletic LOADED: 07.01.2020 Linesman.

Ray’s dad delivered the only two championships in Flyers franchise history, but he resigned as coach in 1978 and signed a deal with the Rangers. To avoid tampering charges from Philadelphia, the Flyers gave New York their first-round pick. Shero did lead the Rangers to one of their three Stanley Cup Final appearances between 1940 and 1994, but Linesman became one of the best players from the ’78 draft. 1176083 New York Islanders The full NHLPA membership will vote to ratify both a return-to-play agreement as well as a CBA extension, with only a majority needed for either to pass.

Wait goes on for NHL hub cities, and other issues The current CBA expires on Sept. 15, 2022.

By Andrew Gross Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 07.01.2020 [email protected] @AGrossNewsday

Updated June 30, 2020 8:23 PM

The NHL drew closer on Tuesday to selecting two cities to serve as quarantined hubs for its return-to-play plan.

But the wait continued as that decision is also tied into other crucial elements.

The league and the NHL Players’ Association still must finalize and ratify a return-to-play agreement and, with COVID-19 cases rising across most of the U.S., there is seemingly growing doubt among the players regarding the feasibility of resuming games.

The two sides also needed to work out a work-around to the fact that standard player contracts expire on June 30. Extensions are needed for the impending unrestricted and restricted free agents in order for them to participate in any resumption of play, or even the formal training camps that are scheduled to open on July 10.

And the NHL and the NHLPA are also trying to negotiate a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Reconciling the massive loss of revenue caused by the COVID-19 pandemic — the season was paused on March 12 with 189 regular-season games remaining — within a salary-cap framework and a 50-50 split of hockey-related revenue between the owners and players is, not shockingly, intricate work.

At one point, the NHL’s hub cities decision seemed to be Las Vegas and either of the remaining Canadian candidates, Toronto or Edmonton. But coronavirus cases are rising in Nevada and it now appears Edmonton and Toronto may both host games. Chicago also remains a candidate to host games. TSN reported on Tuesday that Los Angeles had been eliminated as a hub city candidate.

The return-to-play format includes sending 12 teams from each conference to a hub city. The top four teams would play a round-robin series for seeding in the 16-team playoffs while the remaining teams would participate in a best-of-five qualifying series to earn a postseason berth.

The Islanders, seeded seventh in the Eastern Conference, would face the 10th-seeded Panthers while the No. 11 Rangers would meet the sixth-seeded Hurricanes.

All four rounds of the playoffs would be best-of-seven series with the teams reseeded for the conference semifinals and finals.

But while the parameters of the plan have already been agreed upon, numerous details on health and safety protocols as well as player escrow toward the 50-50 hockey-related revenue split still must be finalized.

“I’m not quite 100% confident yet,” Maple Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen said Tuesday on a conference call with reporters. “I think the league is very adamant about working towards [a return]. I think once we get to the hub cities, everyone has to be confident [there] and that the league will have a good setup. So, once we get there, we’ll be good. But I think it’s a matter of getting there first. It looks like there’s some more things that need to be ironed out first.”

On Thursday, the Rangers’ Artemi Panarin released a statement arguing the players should not report for training camp until the NHL revamps its escrow system.

“For nearly two decades, the players have protected the owners’ income with escrow, including during this pandemic crisis, even as the owners’ equity continues to grow exponentially,’’ Panarin said. “It is time to fix the escrow. We as players cannot report to camp to resume play without already having an agreement in place.”

Under the current CBA and current escrow system, the players owe the owners hundreds of millions of dollars to satisfy the 50-50 agreement. 1176084 New York Rangers The full NHLPA membership will vote to ratify both a return-to-play agreement as well as a CBA extension, with only a majority needed for either to pass.

Wait goes on for NHL hub cities, and other issues The current CBA expires on Sept. 15, 2022.

By Andrew Gross Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 07.01.2020 [email protected] @AGrossNewsday

Updated June 30, 2020 8:23 PM

The NHL drew closer on Tuesday to selecting two cities to serve as quarantined hubs for its return-to-play plan.

But the wait continued as that decision is also tied into other crucial elements.

The league and the NHL Players’ Association still must finalize and ratify a return-to-play agreement and, with COVID-19 cases rising across most of the U.S., there is seemingly growing doubt among the players regarding the feasibility of resuming games.

The two sides also needed to work out a work-around to the fact that standard player contracts expire on June 30. Extensions are needed for the impending unrestricted and restricted free agents in order for them to participate in any resumption of play, or even the formal training camps that are scheduled to open on July 10.

And the NHL and the NHLPA are also trying to negotiate a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Reconciling the massive loss of revenue caused by the COVID-19 pandemic — the season was paused on March 12 with 189 regular-season games remaining — within a salary-cap framework and a 50-50 split of hockey-related revenue between the owners and players is, not shockingly, intricate work.

At one point, the NHL’s hub cities decision seemed to be Las Vegas and either of the remaining Canadian candidates, Toronto or Edmonton. But coronavirus cases are rising in Nevada and it now appears Edmonton and Toronto may both host games. Chicago also remains a candidate to host games. TSN reported on Tuesday that Los Angeles had been eliminated as a hub city candidate.

The return-to-play format includes sending 12 teams from each conference to a hub city. The top four teams would play a round-robin series for seeding in the 16-team playoffs while the remaining teams would participate in a best-of-five qualifying series to earn a postseason berth.

The Islanders, seeded seventh in the Eastern Conference, would face the 10th-seeded Panthers while the No. 11 Rangers would meet the sixth-seeded Hurricanes.

All four rounds of the playoffs would be best-of-seven series with the teams reseeded for the conference semifinals and finals.

But while the parameters of the plan have already been agreed upon, numerous details on health and safety protocols as well as player escrow toward the 50-50 hockey-related revenue split still must be finalized.

“I’m not quite 100% confident yet,” Maple Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen said Tuesday on a conference call with reporters. “I think the league is very adamant about working towards [a return]. I think once we get to the hub cities, everyone has to be confident [there] and that the league will have a good setup. So, once we get there, we’ll be good. But I think it’s a matter of getting there first. It looks like there’s some more things that need to be ironed out first.”

On Thursday, the Rangers’ Artemi Panarin released a statement arguing the players should not report for training camp until the NHL revamps its escrow system.

“For nearly two decades, the players have protected the owners’ income with escrow, including during this pandemic crisis, even as the owners’ equity continues to grow exponentially,’’ Panarin said. “It is time to fix the escrow. We as players cannot report to camp to resume play without already having an agreement in place.”

Under the current CBA and current escrow system, the players owe the owners hundreds of millions of dollars to satisfy the 50-50 agreement. 1176085 Ottawa Senators plays top-pairing minutes and leads the first power-play unit. He’s a key piece to the puzzle for the Senators and one of the faces of the franchise for years to come. And his eight-year, $64 million contract extension kicks in next year, which will make him the highest-paid player on the Which Senators could Seattle swipe in the expansion draft? team.

Had Wolanin been healthy this season, he likely would have been one of the Senators’ most leaned-upon blueliners. A torn labrum before training By Hailey Salvian Jun 30, 2020 camp set him back, but he returned for three games before the season paused and got some praise from Smith. The flip side is we don’t really know what Wolanin brings to the table, and the Senators are bound to A look at the names the Ottawa Senators protected three years ago in add defensemen with top-four potential in Lassi Thomson and Jacob- the Vegas expansion draft shows just how much things have changed. Bernard Docker soon, but that will take some time. Wolanin’s age (25), offensive skill set and potential make him valuable to protect. In 2017, the list included Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Mike Hoffman, Derick Brassard, , , , Cody Ceci, Mark On the bubble Stone, Ryan Dzingel, Zach Smith and Craig Anderson. Forwards: Chris Tierney, Nick Paul and Vitaly Abramov — for one spot. Only Anderson is still on the Senators roster, and even he is an unrestricted free agent this summer and not expected to return. Tierney and Paul are RFAs this summer and still need new deals. Both have established themselves as solid two-way depth players. I’d give the Naturally, there are more pressing near-term draft decisions facing the edge to Paul over Tierney considering the organization never gave up on Senators. But the Seattle expansion draft is creeping closer, too. Paul when even he thought he wouldn’t make it as a full-time NHLer.

This time around, the expansion draft calculus will be much different for Abramov adds an interesting wrinkle here. Acquired from Columbus in the Senators than it was three years ago. For one, most of the players the deal at the 2019 trade deadline, Abramov is one of the exempted or expected to be protected came to the organization as a Senators’ more intriguing top prospects. result of moving out all the players the team once thought were important enough to protect. He’s only 22 and brimming with skill, and his creativity with the puck is impressive. Belleville coach Troy Mann has raved about Abramov’s work While it’s tough to project for certain who will be protected a year from ethic, drive and grit. Abramov is a small player — listed as 5-foot-10 — now — a lot can change for the Senators between now and next summer but he’s not afraid to go to the dirty areas of the ice and get on the — we took our best shot at generating a protected list. forecheck.

Franchises have the option to protect seven forwards, three defensemen He still has a long way to go before he is truly NHL-ready, but his skill set and one goalie or eight skaters of any position and one goalie. Players and potential upside should be enough for the Senators to protect him with active no-movement clauses must be protected, and first- and over older depth players. second-year pro players are exempt. That means Josh Norris, Alex Formenton and Erik Brannstrom, for example, are all safe. The Senators Defensemen: Nikita Zaitsev and Mark Borowiecki — for one spot. are most likely to opt for the 7-3-1 scenario. The final spot for protected defensemen is going to be an interesting Teams must also expose at least two forwards and one defenseman who debate. are under contract for 2021-22 and played either at least 40 NHL games Zaitsev joined the Senators via trade with the Maple Leafs last July 1 and in the previous season or at least 70 NHL games in the prior two carried over a $4.5 million cap hit, which now has four years remaining. seasons, as well as a goalie who is under contract for 2021-22 or is a restricted free agent. This season was Zaitsev’s worst since he joined the league in 2016-17, with one goal and 12 points. But he also lived on the Senators’ penalty Here’s a look at where the Sens stand a year before the NHL’s 32nd kill and often matched up against the other team’s best forwards. And he franchise enters the fold. was one of Smith’s favourite defenders. On the protected list Meanwhile, Borowiecki had a career year with seven goals, 11 assists Forwards: Brady Tkachuk, Drake Batherson, Anthony Duclair, Connor and 18 points. He does a lot more for the Senators than can be Brown, Logan Brown and Colin White. calculated by statistics. He’s a leader, a mentor to rookies and prospects and generally a good person. Those things are important when you’re There shouldn’t be any surprises here, especially not with the first four trying to build a positive culture. names. His contract complicates things. Borowiecki is a UFA this summer, but Tkachuk, Duclair and Connor Brown were the Senators’ best forwards has said he wants to make Borowiecki a Senator for life. this season, while Batherson projects to be in the top six as early as next season. They are all 26 and under and will be part of the core of the As an aside, it’s certainly possible that prospects such as Max Lajoie, rebuild. Duclair and Connor Brown have contracts to work out this Andreas Englund and Christian Jaros will have strong 2020-21 seasons summer as restricted free agents, but deals should get done with both. and earn a spot on the protection list. But I sense that the trio will peak as top AHL defenders, at least in Ottawa’s system. White, meanwhile, didn’t have a great season, especially in relation to his six-year, $28.5 million contract extension. But he did show improvement Assuming Borowiecki signs a contract extension, the Senators could by the end of the year, particularly with his two-way game. The realistically protect him and not lose Zaitsev, either, considering the organization certainly has faith in his ability to turn it around and be an latter’s contract. important part of the rebuild. He might not project to be a top-six centre The goalies on a contender, but he can add value to the Senators as a depth player. The expansion draft rules state that one goalie who is under contract in Somewhat similarly, Logan Brown seems to have slipped off the radar a the 2021-22 season or a restricted free agent at the end of the 2020-21 bit after bouncing between the AHL and NHL and suffering a few injuries. season must be left unprotected. The organization is adamant, though, that it doesn’t have a more skilled centre prospect than Logan Brown, so he should be a lock on the The Senators don’t have a single NHL goalie under contract for the 2021- protected list, especially considering his 1.12 points per game in the AHL 22 season. But Anders Nilsson, Marcus Hogberg and Filip Gustavsson even in limited games. Logan Brown’s playmaking ability makes him a are all RFAs in 2021, which would satisfy the requirements, while power-play weapon, and his size makes him an intriguing middle-six prospects such as Kevin Mandolese and Mads Sogaard are exempt. centre. That’s all valuable and worth protecting. The expectation is that Hogberg will be the protected goalie, given he is Defensemen: Thomas Chabot and Christian Wolanin. younger than Nilsson and was being groomed for the starter’s crease all season. Chabot is the one true lock here. As a 23-year-old, he led the league in time on ice, averaging 26 minutes a game, including one game in which That would expose Nilsson, Gustavsson and Daccord (if he is re-signed he clocked over 37 minutes. He’s the Senators’ No. 1 defenceman. He this summer) to the expansion draft. Here’s The Athletic’s one-year-out projection for the list of protected Senators:

Forwards (7)

Brady Tkachuk

Drake Batherson

Anthony Duclair

Connor Brown

Logan Brown

Colin White

Vitaly Abramov

Defensemen (3)

Thomas Chabot

Christian Wolanin

Mark Borowiecki

Goalie (1)

Marcus Hogberg

Who would that expose?

A lot can change in the next 12 months, obviously. Players can get brought in this summer during free agency, and others could get dealt at the trade deadline.

Some players could play their way into a protected spot or play their way out of one. Such are the difficulties in doing this exercise one year out.

The best players the Senators are likely to expose are goalies Nilsson and Gustavsson; depth players such as Tierney or Paul; veterans Bobby Ryan and Artem Anisimov; and AHL tweeners such as Lajoie, Jaros and Englund.

No team would take on Ryan’s contract, and Anisimov could be traded at the deadline. Tierney could be enticing for Seattle, as he’s a solid two- way centre, but with the Senators’ deep centre prospect pool, they would survive that loss. The young goalies or defenders could be options, too.

Regardless of any changes, in no way are the Senators poised to lose a significant player. Most of their future top-six options are already exempt from the expansion draft. There is more than enough room to protect the organization’s most important core pieces.

Other possibilities for Seattle

Rudolfs Balcers

Matthew Peca*

Jayce Hawryluk

Scott Sabourin*

Filip Chlapik

JC Beaudin

Jonathan Davidsson

Jordan Szwarz*

Hubert Labrie

Morgan Klimchuk*

Michael Carcone

* — Indicates player is a UFA this summer.

The Athletic LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176086 Philadelphia Flyers

Mark Friedman wasn’t in the lineup for a long stretch, but he saw what the Flyers can do when NHL season resumes

by Ed Barkowitz,

Mark Friedman wasn’t in the lineup for a long stretch, but he saw what the Flyers can do when NHL season resumes

Mark Friedman didn’t play in many games this season, but he was in the lineup for four of the most important ones.

The Flyers were coming off a hellacious road swing where they had dropped five of six, including four on the West Coast right after Christmas. joined Justin Braun on the after injuring his knee in the final game of the trip. A killer stretch of games waiting for them, the Flyers dipped into their farm system and call up Friedman, who had played in one NHL game in his career.

Coach Alain Vigneault admitted Friedman was maybe ninth or 10th on the organizational depth chart at the beginning of the year.

“That first game, against Washington [Jan.8], looking across the ice in pregame warmups, seeing Ovechkin, Backstrom, Kuznetsov,” Friedman said, “was pretty surreal. The list goes on and on with Boston, Tampa, St. Louis.”

Friedman wasn’t perfect, but he was steady.

“I’ve liked him,” Vigneault said when Friedman returned to the minors following Braun’s recovery. “In every game he’s played against real tough competition, he’s looked very comfortable.”

Barring something unfortunate, Friedman is going to be among the reserves when camp opens July 10. It would take a string of injuries or illnesses for him to get back in the lineup.

The Flyers don’t know when they’re playing, but they do know they’re in a four-team round-robin for Eastern Conference seeding with Boston, Tampa Bay and Washington. Friedman, a restricted free agent at the end of this season, thinks the heavy competition will benefit the Flyers.

“It can only help us,” said the 24-year-old defenseman. “Playing the best teams right off the bat will only help. You play the best teams and then you get to the 5-8 seeds and they’re not going to be as good as the 1-4.”

Ice chips

Connor Bunnaman joined the crew skating at the Flyers practice facility in Voorhees on Tuesday. Bunnaman, a rookie who lost his spot when the Flyers traded for veteran centers Derek Grant and Nate Thompson at the trade deadline, had a goal and an assist in 21 games for the big club this season. ... Among the regulars skating on Tuesday were Sean Couturier, Joel Farabee, , Phil Myers and Ivan Provorov. ... TSN’s Bob McKenzie reported on Tuesday that the four leading cities to host the two hub sites are (alphabetically) Chicago, Edmonton, Las Vegas and Toronto.

He said it

Asked about the awkwardness of playing such crucial games with no fans in the stands, Friedman replied, “It’s the Stanley Cup playoffs. If you need fans to get you hyped up, you’re in the wrong sport.”

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176087 Philadelphia Flyers Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 07.01.2020

NHL says 26 players test positive for COVID-19 | On the Fly

by Ed Barkowitz,

The NHL on Monday said that more than 250 players have shown up to various facilities since June 8 and that 15 have tested positive for COVID-19. That’s less than 6% of positive tests. For the general public, according to the CDC, the positive-test rate is around 9%.

The league does not release specifics, so it’s not known whether any of those 15 -- or the 11 others who tested positive outside the league’s official second phase toward resumption of play -- were Flyers players.

Understandable, given the sensitive nature of health privacy laws. It does, however, bring up a thorny question.

You’re signed up to get this newsletter in your inbox twice a week during the Flyers season, and once a week while the season is paused. It’s free to sign up here, so pass the word. We want to know what you think, what we should add, and what you want to read, so send feedback by email ([email protected]) or on Twitter (@EdBarkowitz). Thank you for reading.

— Ed Barkowitz ([email protected])

As the NHL and other sports leagues continue to dive headfirst and happily into sports betting partnerships, a slippery creature lurks at the bottom of the pool. Call it the piranha of unintended consequences.

MGM, which was the NHL’s first sports betting partner, had the Flyers at 11-1 to win the Stanley Cup. William Hill had them at 12-1, while FanDuel, was around 9-1.

When the NHL joined with William Hill last spring, commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement that “this new partnership is yet another example of the innovative yet practical approach our league is taking with the emerging sports gaming industry.”

For years, American pro leagues spent millions of dollars and thousands of billable hours to fend off what it perceived as the stench of sports betting. When they realized resistance was futile, they welcomed the industry into the fold as if it was the prodigal son. What’s the over/under on the weight of the fatted calf?

The subject of injuries, or in the case of COVID-19, illness, in these alliances continues to be a dicey subject. The desire for player privacy is understandable; it just feels a little greasy for the league’s partners to continue to offer lines under such a cloud of uncertainty.

So, for now, hold all bets.

Things to know

Robert Hagg: ‘I’m sure we’ll find a way’ to regain success

Sure gonna ‘Misha’ Vorobyev

The only Cup-clinching goal on the road was also worth five bucks

Birthday book

Upcoming birthdays in Flyersland:

June 30: Bob Froese (turns 62)

July 1: Dan McGillis (48)

July 4: Mike Knuble (48)

July 5: John LeClair (51), Chris Gratton (45)

July 6: Joe Watson (77)

And finally ...

Per ESPN on NHL resuming: One player this week said he believed it was "50-50 on wanting to come back to play, because of the safety precautions, travel and logistics. Especially now with these cases rising, it seems more guys with families are skeptical."

— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) June 28, 2020 1176088 Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers’ stat of the day: Inside the numbers of Sean Couturier’s face-off winning percentage

by Ed Barkowitz,

Sean Couturier became just the second Flyer (joining ) to lead the NHL in faceoff winning percentage since the league began maintaining the statistic in 1997-98. Even if this was a truncated season, it’s a laudable accomplishment for a guy who four seasons ago was 65th of the 88 qualifiers.

Couturier’s rise up the ranks in the quirky statistic has coincided with his elevation as one of the primary leaders in the Flyers’ locker room. In 2012-13, his second season, Couturier lost 56.1 percent of his draws. This year, he won a career-high 59.6, and is a finalist for the Selke Award for the second time in his career.

He was runner-up to Los Angeles’ Anze Kopitar in 2017-18.

Lastly

Couturier won 59.3 percent of his draws on the road, second in the league only to Vancouver’s Miller (59.8%).

Couturier’s 59.9% at home was fifth in the league.

Couturier FO win percentage by situation: Even strength (59.9%), power- play (62.8%), shorthanded (53.5%).

.⁦@NHLFlyers⁩’ Alain Vigneault, ‘Dr. Coots,’ among those who deserve ⁦@NHL⁩ awards | Sam Carchidi https://t.co/kWu27PnOJd via @PhillyInquirer

— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) June 12, 2020

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176089 Philadelphia Flyers

If Flyers lose to Penguins in 5OT classic, would Sidney Crosby still be No. 1 Philly Sports Villain?

By Jordan Hall June 30, 2020 8:05 PM

Sidney Crosby was voted by fans as the No. 1 Philly Sports Villain in NBC Sports Philadelphia's recent series debating the city's most all-time disliked figures among the four major teams.

That shouldn't come as a massive surprise.

Crosby has tortured Flyers fans in a heated rivalry stemming back to 2005. There’s something about the way in which he plays (and wins) that has never jived with this city. After all, the Penguins' star has kicked the Flyers out of the playoffs three times and has won three Stanley Cup titles in Pittsburgh while the orange and black continue to look for their first championship since 1975. Crosby has also scored more goals (43) against the Flyers than he has against any other team and owns 105 points in 70 career regular-season dates with his rival.

No. 87's villain résumé checks all the boxes in this town.

When the Flyers duked it out with the Penguins in the five-overtime classic during the 2000 Eastern Conference semifinals, Crosby was only 12 years old. But the outcome of the Marathon on Ice, a 2-1 victory for the Flyers completed in just under seven hours at 2:35 a.m. ET, could have played a role in Crosby's eventual arrival to Pittsburgh, which we detailed in the Sports Uncovered: Marathon on Ice podcast.

The Flyers' historic Game 4 win was a series-swinging result. If the Penguins had won, they would have taken a commanding 3-1 series lead. Instead, the Flyers evened the series, seized the momentum and went on to win the next two games to finish off Pittsburgh.

How would history have changed if the Penguins won Game 4? It's highly possible they would have won the series, pushing them one step closer to the Stanley Cup Final. If Pittsburgh made a run to the Cup, how different would the 2000-01 season had been? Would the Penguins had still traded the back-to-back-to-back-to-back winner Jaromir Jagr in the summer of 2001?

It makes you wonder, from a Flyers perspective, too. Because after losing to the Flyers in 2000, then falling short in the 2001 Eastern Conference Final (despite the return of Mario Lemieux) and trading Jagr that summer, Pittsburgh was one of the worst teams in hockey over the next three seasons.

As a result, it landed Marc-Andre Fleury first overall in the 2003 draft, Evgeni Malkin second overall in 2004 and Crosby first overall in 2005. The trio helped lead the Penguins to championships in 2009, 2016 and 2017.

However, Pittsburgh's path very well could have stayed the same if the Penguins had beaten the Flyers in the 2000 five-overtime game and series. There's a good possibility Pittsburgh still would have lost to the Devils in the 2000 Eastern Conference Final. Martin Brodeur and New Jersey won the Cup that season and also rolled through the Penguins in the 2001 Eastern Conference Final, which gave way to the inevitable, franchise-shifting Jagr trade.

The Flyers' five-overtime win will go down in the history books. If the Penguins came out on the right side of history, good chance Crosby still finds his way to Pittsburgh and becomes the No. 1 Philly Sports Villain. The Flyers outlasted the Penguins that night of May 4, 2000, so we'll never know.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176090 Philadelphia Flyers What’s lacking with Hagg is the offensive threat, which may be why he was in and out of the lineup. When Gostisbehere is at his best, he puts pressure on the opposition's defense with his offensive skill. That kind of threat doesn’t really exist when it comes to Hagg. The decision between 2019-20 Flyers season grades: Robert Hagg Ghost and Hagg will surely be one to watch as the NHL returns to play. To Hagg’s credit, in the 49 games he played this season he was a plus-

14, which was good for third among defensemen on the Flyers behind By Brooke Destra, Katie Emmer, Taryn Hatcher, Joe Fordyce, Jordan only Myers and Matt Niskanen. Hall June 30, 2020 2:25 PM Overall, I give Hagg a B.

Hall The 2019-20 NHL regular season has concluded and the next time the Hagg was considered by many (including this reporter himself) to be the puck drops will officially kick off the race to the Stanley Cup. The Flyers Flyers' obvious extra defenseman entering training camp and the are hungry and ready to battle it out, but that is thanks to the hard work preseason. from back in October. He ended up playing 49 of the Flyers' 69 games, finished as a plus-14 In an End to End series, NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Brooke Destra, Katie and was first on the team in blocked shots per 60 minutes with 6.20. Emmer, Taryn Hatcher, Joe Fordyce and Jordan Hall will be grading players based on individual performances. “He brings a lot to this team, plays the right way defensively and he’s there to block every shot he can," Kevin Hayes said in March. "We have Today we will be looking at Robert Hagg. a couple guys like that on our back end. It’s a stat that no one really Destra cares about, but it goes a long way within this group. We know how important he is to this team. I mean, he’s a great guy, too, so it makes it Hagg is the type of player you always want to see succeed — mostly in that much better." part to how much his teammates respect him. In previous years, he was often the scapegoat when it came to putting blame on effort at the blue Post-Christmas, Hagg was one of the Flyers' better blueliners. Since line. In the modern league, the NHL is fast paced and always looking for Dec. 28, the team's first game after the holiday break, the 25-year-old ways to be flashy offensively. Hagg doesn’t necessarily fit that bill, but Hagg notched 10 points (three goals, seven assists), led Flyers that doesn’t mean he’s a poor player; just different. defensemen with a plus-17 mark and recorded more even strength points (nine) than Ivan Provorov (eight) and Myers (five). A good game is when Hagg is nearly invisible — aside from a few hard hits — because he’s doing what he does best, holding down the fort. No. Making his way into the lineup and then facing the pressure of sticking in 8 led the Flyers in hits (136) and registered 13 points (three goals, 10 it, Hagg deserves a strong B+ for his regular season and welcoming his assists) in only 49 games. More so, he’ll defend any one of his role. teammates by dropping the gloves if he has to, with a smile on his face, Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.01.2020 of course.

For stepping up and doing exactly what he needed to do this season, Hagg gets a B.

Emmer

Hagg impressed a lot of fans this season — he impressed me too.

Considering how much the defensive group as a whole improved, Hagg had a lot to do with it. He was in the mix of the bottom pair all season, always trying to hold his spot in the lineup. That healthy competition brought out the best in him.

From the third tilt of the season when he recorded five blocks alone in a single game, to his highest-ever plus-14 in 49 games, Hagg’s skill, physical play and competitive style helped him take control of the sixth defenseman role.

This past regular season was one of the 25-year-old’s best in his four years in Philadelphia.

Hagg = A.

Hatcher

Hagg was another sneaky important player for the Flyers this season. When injuries on the blue line could’ve had a real negative impact on the Flyers, Hagg was one of the guys who picked up some of the slack. He was often in a three-way competition with Philippe Myers and Shayne Gostisbehere for ice time, and he handled it like a pro.

He was able to jump right in and contribute 13 points in 49 games played, while registering an impressive plus-14 rating. Not to mention the guy eats shots. He led the team in shots blocked per 60 minutes. In limited games and limited ice time this season, he’s registered 70 blocked shots.

He’s steady. He’s what they needed.

I give him a nice, solid B.

Fordyce

Hagg’s season has been a little mysterious. He played just 49 of the 69 games the Flyers played and has been in and out of the lineup, much of that based on Gostisbehere’s play and/or availability. It’s hard to figure out why that is. From my perspective, Hagg plays a nice stay-at-home game, is a great hitter and smart defenseman. 1176091 Pittsburgh Penguins signed a five-year, $1.3 million contract in 1974 with the Vancouver Blades of the WHA, the largest contract ever given to a rookie in professional hockey at that time.

Double Team: As with the Penguins, Ian Cole has been sturdy on As a 19-year-old, Price wasn’t mature enough to maintain a professional Avalanche blue line lifestyle with that much spending money and the Blades released him after only one season. From there, he joined the New York Islanders, the team that made him a first-round pick in 1975.

SETH RORABAUGH | Tuesday, June 30, 2020 6:33 p.m. Following a handful of unremarkable seasons with the Islanders and Edmonton Oilers, Price was traded late in the 1980-81 season to the

Penguins, the franchise with which he enjoyed his greatest success. While the NHL is on hold because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, After helping them reach the 1981 postseason, Price’s 1981-82 the Tribune-Review will offer the Double Team project, an examination of campaign saw him establish career-highs in games (77) and points (38). the five best players who have contributed substantially to the Penguins and another franchise. For consideration, a player must have played at He also put up an astounding 322 penalty minutes that season, the third- least the equivalent of a full season for each franchise. (Sorry, Jarome highest single-season total in franchise history. Iginla fans.) Price’s success in Pittsburgh was fleeting as he was waived in December Today, a look at the Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche franchise. A of 1982 and claimed by the Nordiques. In Quebec, Price found his most charter member of the (WHA), the Nordiques regular work as he was a regular component of the Nordiques’ lineup for (which translates to “Northerners”) were founded in 1972 and based in parts of five seasons. With the Nordiques, Price appeared in 255 career Quebec City. After joining the NHL in 1979 as part of the WHA merger, games and put up 80 points as well as 487 penalty minutes. the Nordiques lasted 16 NHL seasons before moving out west to Denver, becoming the Colorado Avalanche in 1995. In 90 all-time games against His presence helped that team reach the postseason four times, the Nordiques/Avalanche, the Penguins have a 41-40-9 record. including a surprising run to the 1984 Prince of Wales Conference final.

1. Ian Cole, defenseman 3. , center

At his first trade deadline as the Penguins’ general manager in 2015, Jim As an eighth-round pick in 2002, Talbot was a long-shot to make the Rutherford wanted to reconfigure his blue line and make it a little more NHL, let alone last and become a “superstar” of sorts. Yet, he was a vital dynamic. Part of that involved trading for Ian Cole, a former first-round component of the Penguins’ ascension in the mid-2000s and helped pick with the St. Louis Blues. them reach two , winning one.

The Penguins didn’t go very far in the 2015 postseason. In fact, they had After debuting in 2005-06, Talbot established himself as an NHL player in to claim a playoff berth on the last day of the regular season in order to 2007-08 as a bottom-six forward by appearing in 75 games, scoring 24 get beat by the New York Rangers in five games during the first round. points and helping the Penguins reach the postseason for the first time in But the addition of Cole would have a lasting impact on the franchise. six years.

After an ill-fated experiment of using Cole with on the top In 2007-08, Talbot was limited to 63 regular season games but still pairing under former head coach Mike Johnston early in the 2015-16 managed to put up 26 points. During that spring’s postseason, Talbot campaign, Cole found a role as a reliable and physical third-pairing showed he had a flair for being a playoff performer. In 17 playoff games, blueliner with new head coach Mike Sullivan. Primarily teamed with Talbot scored nine points, including a game-tying goal with 35 seconds , Cole was part of a duo that offered a safe, reliable left in regulation in what proved to be a 3-2 three-overtime road win presence for the Penguins as they claimed the franchise’s fourth Stanley against the Detroit Red Wings in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup final. Cup that spring. During a 3-1 road win against the San Jose Sharks in The next season, Talbot emerged as a winger on franchise center Evgeni Game 4 of the Final, Cole scored the contest’s opening goal. Malkin’s line and secured his place in Pittsburgh sports lore by scoring Cole himself became one of the team’s top penalty killers that season each of the Penguins’ goals in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, a 2-1 and led the squad with 122 blocked shots despite playing only 70 games. road win against the Red Wings.

In 2016-17, the Penguins’ depth was tested as a wide array of health Shoulder surgery during the ensuing offseason brought Talbot’s career woes devastated the blue line. While the likes of Letang, Schultz and with the Penguins to an anti-climatic ending as he was limited to 45 Trevor Daley each missed significant time due to various ailments, Cole games and seven points in 2009-10 before joining the Flyers as a free was in the lineup for 81 of 82 games in the regular season despite the agent by 2010. rough-and-tumble nature of his role which saw him once again lead the Early in the 2013-14 season, the Flyers dealt Talbot to the Avalanche team in blocked shots (194). He also established career-highs of five and he put up a career-high 27 points in 81 games that regular season goals and 26 points. and helped that franchise reach the playoffs for the first time in three That postseason, he played in all 25 games for a fatigued team that won years. the Stanley Cup once again more through will than ability. He also aided in the development of franchise player Nathan MacKinnon, Cole’s love-hate relationship with Sullivan came to a head throughout the serving as a landlord of sorts to the then 19-year-old star. 2017-18 campaign as Cole was a healthy scratch throughout the regular With the Avalanche bound to miss the postseason in 2014-15, Talbot, season, and before the trade deadline, he was sent to the Ottawa who had 15 points in 63 games that season, was moved at the trade Senators as part of a three-team, six-player, four-draft pick trade that deadline to the Boston Bruins. also involved the Vegas Golden Knights. 4. Ville Nieminen, left winger After a brief cup of coffee with the Columbus Blue Jackets at the end of that season, Cole signed with the Avalanche during the ensuing A third-round pick in 1997, the Finnish-born Nieminen was an abrasive offseason. antagonistic winger in the mold of an or Jarkko Ruutu.

Offering a veteran presence on a mostly younger roster, Cole has been a As a rookie in 2000-01, Nieminen emerged as a pretty big part of the staple on Colorado’s blue line and has helped that team reach the lineup, working on Colorado’s second line with stars and playoffs the past two seasons. . That postseason, Nieminen contributed 10 points in 23 games as the Avalanche won the Stanley Cup for the second time in In 2018-19, he led the Avalanche with 178 blocked shots. This season, franchise history. Cole had already matched his career high in points with 26 in only 65 games before the regular season was halted by mid-March. At the 2002 trade deadline, the Avalanche dealt Nieminen to the Penguins for defenseman . As they began a rebuilding 2. Pat Price, defenseman project, the Penguins hoped the 24-year-old Nieminen and his When looking at the full context of his professional career, it’s probably experience as a Stanley Cup champion could be a significant part of the fair to say Pat Price was a bust. A prolific scorer at the junior level, Price franchise’s future. Following the trade, he offered three points in 13 games.

Ultimately, Nieminen made minimal impact on a franchise that was struggling badly on and off the ice. After he fell through a glass door of a sauna in his home country during the 2002 offseason — an incident that required 62 stitches on various body parts — Nieminen slogged through an unremarkable 2002-03 season in which he appeared in 75 games and posted 21 points. By the 2003 offseason, Penguins management opted to allow Nieminen to walk and he joined the Chicago Blackhawks as a free agent.

5. , defenseman

(Note: While this series has opted to exclude players’ WHA service for other franchises, there are relatively few connections of note between the Penguins and Avalanche/Nordiques. As a result, Baxter’s time in the WHA was considered for this list.)

A year before the Penguins made Baxter a third-round draft pick in 1975, he was drafted by the of the WHA in 1974 and spent the first five years of his professional career in primarily that league, mostly with Quebec. Baxter established himself as one of the WHA’s most rambunctious players, putting up more than 200 penalty minutes in all four of his complete seasons in the league. His 962 career penalty minutes were the most all-time in the league’s seven-year history.

Baxter joined the NHL as a member of the Nordiques during the 1979 merger and in 61 games during 1979-80, he had 20 points as well as a team-leading 145 penalty minutes. In the 1980 offseason, he finally joined the Penguins as a free agent and wasted little time in showing what type of player he was. Playing in only 51 games during 1981-82, he posted a team-leading 204 penalty minutes as well as 19 points. Those totals might have been higher had linesman Bob Hodges not accidentally skated over Baxter’s hand, severing several tendons. The ailment sidelined Baxter for about two months due to the injury.

Baxter’s 1981-82 campaign remains his “legacy” to the organization. With the benefit of 16 fights, Baxter racked up a ridiculous 409 penalty minutes, a total which remains the franchise’s single-season record and the second-most in NHL history.

Despite spending so much time in the penalty box, Baxter still managed to contribute a solid 43 points in 76 games for a Penguins team that nearly upset the Islanders during the preliminary round of that spring’s postseason.

Baxter once again led the team with 238 penalty minutes in 75 games during the 1982-83 campaign before joining the as a free agent the following offseason.

Honorable mention: None. There were so few players who spent the equivalent of a full season with each team, no players are worthy of this designation.

Tribune Review LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176092 Pittsburgh Penguins ambassador he’s always been for the game. There is something almost saintly about Orr, as many who interact with him comment that there is something different about him in terms of how down to earth he is for a hockey god. Is Sidney Crosby one of the best hockey players of all time? Bobby Orr says yes Similar things are often said about Crosby.

“They’re almost like the same person,” said , who is the former Penguins’ general manager and coach, along with having the By Josh Yohe Jun 30, 2020 designation as Orr’s best friend. “They both go to hospitals all the time, do all kinds of stuff for charity, and they don’t want anyone to know about

it. Sid’s just like Bobby in so many ways, and they’ve gotten to know In the minutes following the Penguins’ Stanley Cup victory in Nashville each other over the years. I’m a lucky guy because I’m so close with both three years ago, Jim Rutherford called Sidney Crosby “one of the best of them.” four players in history, now.” Orr references another in the pantheon of all-time greats when speaking Rutherford might not be wrong and, as a Hall of Fame team builder, he of Crosby. has every right to make such a claim. Still, he might be a little biased. “I’ve gotten to know Sid over the years and I’ve made it clear how I feel When another member of that group says the same thing — and we about him,” Orr said. “And the truth is, I feel the same way about Mario. aren’t talking about his owner, friend and former landlord, Mario Lemieux Those are two special human beings. Take away hockey and just look at — it carries some additional meaning. the human beings they are. It’s really clear to me that Mario has rubbed off a lot on Sid over the years. I think Sid was always a naturally good Bobby Orr, in an interview with The Athletic, spoke glowingly of Crosby person, and I think being around Mario all the time has made him even the player and the person. Orr, who is unanimously considered the better. Off the ice, he’s just like Mario. And that’s a good thing.” greatest defenseman who ever lived, said one shouldn’t hesitate to put Crosby in a class with himself, Mario Lemieux, Wayne Gretzky and Crosby isn’t yet finished writing his legacy. He turns 33 in August and Gordie Howe. those who know him best believe he’d like to play until he’s around 40.

“Please, please,” Orr said. “I want you to be very comfortable putting Lemieux’s career was interrupted by injuries, a leave of absence and a Sidney Crosby’s name with the rest of us. Just trust me on that one. He’s retirement. Orr played his last NHL game at 30 because of his health. so, so special.” Crosby is nearly a decade removed from the concussion problems that Ranking the greatest players in history isn’t an easy task and, typically, once threatened his career and Orr can’t wait to see what happens next. the very players in the discussion are most uncomfortable when the topic The Penguins will be shooting for their fourth championship of the Crosby arises. Gretzky always defers to Howe, his boyhood hero, as hockey’s era, which would give their captain as many Stanley Cup titles as greatest player. At the NHL All-Star Game in Los Angeles in 2017, Gretzky. Lemieux and Orr followed Gretzky’s lead by politely deferring to Howe as No matter where you want to rank Crosby, Orr said, just make sure he’s the greatest player in history during a news conference. Neither Lemieux somewhere on the shortlist. nor Orr looked overly comfortable with the question. Crosby, for his part, frequently seems almost immune to looking introspectively at his “There are a lot of great players in the league right now and there have accomplishments. It may be his least favorite topic. been a lot of all-time greats,” Orr said. “I think Connor McDavid can be up there with them someday. But Sid is there. This is an incredible person Many consider Gretzky the greatest player in history because of his and an incredible hockey player. I have so, so much respect for him. I incomparable numbers and the fact he shares or owns 61 NHL records. really love Sid.” Others favor Lemieux or Orr, both of whom were more physically awesome than Gretzky, only to have their careers affected by major The Athletic LOADED: 07.01.2020 injuries.

Others, typically older generations, still consider Howe to be the greatest who ever played.

In general, most consider those four to be the greatest of all time, in no particular order.

Orr insists a fifth player belongs in the discussion.

“First of all, if you ask those other guys on the list, I know that they’ll tell you the same thing I’m about to tell you,” Orr said. “Sid belongs on that list. Sure, there’s the talent that he has and the drive. But look at what he’s been through. That tells me something. Look at the injuries he’s dealt with, especially earlier in his career. He’s been beat up, hurt, been through so, so much. And through it all, look at what he’s accomplished. He’s won all of those Cups. He’s won the Olympics. Scored the goal to win it, in fact. The World Cups he’s won. The numbers he’s put up. Everything he’s done. He’s one of the greatest hockey players of all time.”

Crosby has missed the equivalent of 2 1/2 seasons of his career because of injuries. Even so, he’s produced 462 goals and 1263 points in only 984 NHL games, his 1.28 point per game average good for sixth all time. Four of the players ahead of him on that list — Gretzky, Lemieux, and Marcel Dionne — produced a large chunk of their numbers in the high-scoring ’80s. Orr, the other, was just Orr.

But Orr gushes when he speaks of Crosby.

“I can’t say enough good things about Sidney Crosby,” Orr said. “He’s so much fun to watch and plays the game in a way that you can’t help but respect. I just love how hard he plays, how smart he plays. He’s just in a different kind of class.”

Orr is beloved in Boston and, really, everywhere that appreciates hockey, not just because of his remarkable talent but also because of the 1176093 Pittsburgh Penguins Peter Hyams (director, to The Hockey News in 2015): He had shoulders the size of .

Baldwin: And Van Damme was pissed. ‘I saved your city’: The oral history of ‘Sudden Death’ Rizzo: Van Damme went up to Peter Hyams and got in his ear and said, “Tell him to put his fuckin’ shirt on.”

Sean Gentille Jun 30, 2020 Baldwin: He said, “Get that guy out of my scene.” He was serious because Caufield could’ve picked him up and dropped him.

Rizzo: Maybe Hyams said, “The shirt stays off,” or something. “Die Hard” at a hockey game. That’s not a criticism of “Sudden Death.” It’s the point. When Robitaille showed up, it was time to roll. Robitaille was fine with that; he had dinner plans. It was also, in fact, an idea of Karen Baldwin’s that became a movie. The story was hers. The hockey team was Howard Baldwin’s, then the leader Robitaille: By the time I got there, the scene was ready. It was like, bang, of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ ownership group and, relevantly, Karen’s bang, bang. husband. The star was Jean-Claude Van Damme. Van Damme’s character was from Quebec. The plan was for Malinger to And the stories? Hoo man, the stories belong to three special greet Robitaille, then have the two French speakers share a couple of demographics — ’90s action fans, hockey fans, Pittsburghers, please lines. Van Damme asked Robitaille how they’d do in the game. stand together. This is the oral history of “Sudden Death,” a movie that Robitaille’s response: “’’On va les enculer.” That translates, on screen, to captivated a city, showcased a sport, bombed colossally and, 25 years “We’re going to fuck them up.” later, manages to endure. Robitaille: Actually, it was not a real Quebecer line. He is French and ‘The shirt stays off’ from Belgium, right? And he was like, “You should say that!” And I was like, “I dunno, I dunno.” Everybody kind of agreed. And I said, “OK, well, The film revolves around Van Damme, a divorced and disgraced fire I’ll say it. It’s not the way I would say it in Quebec.” But he didn’t really inspector, taking his two children to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, understand that. And I wanted to stay within my time frame, so I just said where terrorists, led by Powers Boothe, had rigged the arena with bombs it. and taken the vice president hostage … in a luxury box. But he was really nice. He was super nice. He was great. I didn’t think I In the first act, Van Damme’s character, Darren McCord, takes his son was coming in with a Robert DeNiro pedigree, so I wasn’t gonna start Tyler (Ross Malinger) to the Penguins locker room, where they’d meet arguing the script with the star of the movie. Jay Caufield (“Brad Tolliver”) and Luc Robitaille, who was about to start his only season with the actual Penguins. He was, on the ice and the When Malinger asks Van Damme what Robitaille said, Van Damme lies. screen, a replacement for Mario Lemieux, who was taking a season off to “He says … they’re gonna win.” Months later, after a practice, Robitaille recover from back problems and treatment for . would film the breakaway goal he scored at the end of the third period to tie the game and force — naturally — sudden death overtime. Robitaille: Mario, when the scene was supposed to happen, he was in Florida. He had a bad back if you recall. So Howard Baldwin called me to ‘Badass with no teeth’ see if I wanted to do it because they needed someone who could speak Casting the film — forget the crowd scenes, which at times meant French. thousands of extras — was a feat unto itself. Finding actors to fill 58 I said, “I don’t know, Howard.” Honestly, my first comeback to him was, “I speaking roles and two full rosters fell on Nancy Mosser, the Pittsburgh- don’t think I should do it. I mean, I haven’t played for the Penguins yet.” based casting director, and Rizzo, a local hockey fixture, CAA And he says, “Don’t worry, by the time it comes out, you’ll have played agent/scout and consultant for the film. The biggest hockey player role, in for the Penguins.” terms of importance and actual size, was that of Penguins goalie “Brad Tolliver,” who’d have two key scenes with Van Damme. And I wasn’t really sure I wanted to do it. I know in Hollywood, sometimes everything is, “Hurry up and wait.” So finally, when Mario really couldn’t Rizzo: They were looking for a guy with a scowl. I had to find a guy that do it, I said, “OK, I’ll do it. I don’t mind doing it. But I don’t want to be was really tall and menacing, who had teeth missing, who could play there all day for nothing.” I had to train. So I said, “If it’s OK with you, I’d hockey, all these different criteria. And I was like, “Oh my gosh, really?” like to be there for two hours.” It’s just one line, you know? Mosser: There was one idea someone had — Dee, I think, had it, Baldwin: Luc is a friend who goes way back. because we’re looking for somebody missing teeth. It was Jack Lambert, if you can believe that. He played celebrity hockey. So I went to a Robitaille: “I don’t want to be this Hollywood superstar. I don’t need celebrity hockey practice, and I talked to him and he was … crazy. He special treatment. The only thing I’m asking you is that I don’t want to be was crazy. there and spend eight hours shooting a 30-second scene.” Rizzo: I wanted to get Jack because I knew the scowl and the teeth. He Baldwin: When he was a rookie with the Kings, he was taking some was on the celebrity team. I was playing more for the charity part. I said, acting and commercial classes, and my wife took a couple classes with “Let’s get Jack. I think he has the look.” But Jack was obviously getting a him. little bit older at the time, and so he didn’t fit the part.

Robitaille: So he calls me back and goes, “OK, be there at 4:30 Mosser: I was just trying to explain to (Lambert), but he’s like, “No, I’m tomorrow, at (). I promise you, you’ll be out of there not doing that.” He just started goofing around. And I think I got him to do by 7.” So I showed up at 4:30 and they were all running around, and a couple lines or something. But it was obvious he wasn’t interested. And someone goes to me, “Are you Luc?” I go, “Yeah.” He goes, then later (Hyams) was like, “That wouldn’t make any sense because “Everybody’s wondering who the hell you are. We had to drop everything everybody would say ‘That’s Jack Lambert.’” for you.” Rizzo: So I suggested to Nancy, “I got another guy, he’s a big fuckin’ And I had heard through the grapevine that even Jean-Claude Van badass with no teeth, but better than that he’s a great person, and his Damme was like, “Who the hell … Why are we stopping for this guy?” name’s Jay Caufield.”

Van Damme had already had an eventful shoot in the stadium locker This was Caufield, recently retired player — not Caufield, staple of room. That location was director Peter Hyams’ choice; it was much, Penguins TV broadcasts. He was slow to accept the role, which called for much bigger than the rooms at the arena. And Caufield was much, much some early scowling, then a late — and crucial — trip to the locker room. bigger than Van Damme. The scene called for Van Damme and Malinger During the game, Tolliver is (presumably) concussed. Van Damme’s to visit “Brad Tolliver’s” locker, where the kid told Caufield that his dad character, while on the run from terrorists and attempting to defuse “said you should be sitting on a rocking chair instead of on the ice.” bombs planted throughout the arena, steals his gear, winds up on the ice Caufield? Shirtless. and makes a crucial save. Hard to imagine why anyone would say no to that, but Caufield came close. Dee Rizzo (consultant): Jay was jacked. Caufield (to The Hockey News in 2015): I think I just wanted to stay away success. He was very famous, very successful and generally known for from hockey in general. My wife wanted me to look into it. behaving, for better or worse, like a movie star. There are, indeed, stories. Mosser: (Rizzo) talked him into it. Parys: Many. A lot of them that I can’t repeat. JCVD was going through Caufield: Nancy called me again, and I said I’d try it. some issues then.

Mosser: I was talking to him, and he was really very, extremely hesitant Jack Erdie (actor, “Scratch” the hitman):: I didn’t meet him at all, because about it. And I said, “Let’s just go upstairs to the office, and I’ll run you I heard he was a jerk. A lot of the crew told me he was an a-hole. Later I through it. And we’ll tape, and if you don’t like it, then that’ll be it.” saw him on Leno and he was talking about it and he said, “Yeah, I’d And he ran through the lines a little bit without taping, and the first time broken up with my wife and got back on cocaine.” Well, that explains it. he did it, I thought to myself, “Oh my gosh, he can do this.” And I said, Parys: He admitted later that he was in the grips of a drug problem and “Jay, you really are a natural.” And he’s like, “Really?” I’m like, “Oh, you having marital troubles. He had some troubles speaking English clearly can.” And the rest is history. and worked hard with a dialect coach on that.

And then he had to switch places with Jean-Claude, and everyone was Erdie: I was asking Hyams about dealing with Van Damme’s behavior. It supposed to not notice. (He’s a foot taller) at least. At least! The magic of had gotten a little unruly. And he said, “I’ll tell you a story.” When he first movies. started, he was directing Steve McQueen in something. McQueen fired After making the save, Van Damme starts a brawl to deliberately get another director and (Hyams) came in and finished it. And McQueen ejected from the game, and his fight against terrorism resumes. would hang out in his trailer. Anytime that he was dissatisfied with something, anytime Hyams argued with him, he’d waste half a day and ‘They decimated the liquor cabinet’ whatever percent of a million dollars just to get his way.

The original plan was to use actual game footage — but the start of the So I said, “What did you do?” He said, “Well, I went to Walter Hill. Walter 1994-95 lockout caused problems. The backup plan was to shoot an Hill was a director who had dealt with everybody and wore these Panama exhibition between the Penguins and AHL Cleveland Lumberjacks, but shorts every day of his life. I asked him what to do about it. And he took the pace of that game wasn’t fast enough. So Mosser and Rizzo had to his pipe, put it out in his hand and said, ‘Kid, the business of working with build two full rosters of beer-leaguers good enough to pass for the real movie stars is the business of eating shit.’” And Peter said, “Is it worth it?” thing. And Hill said, “Without a doubt.”

Mosser: I didn’t know much about hockey at all. He probably read somewhere, “Actors are fragile, ego’d people. Be sure to tell them some bullshit story and make them feel important, and then Rizzo: When Nancy called me, she had had some skaters … and they they’ll ease into it. They’ll follow you around like sheep and do anything really weren’t good skaters. They were nice guys, but they were guys you want.” And it worked. that’d show up at Schenley (Park) and put their fuckin’ skates on Friday nights, and now they’re gonna put a uniform on and go down and pretend Parys: But, I do have to say, he was a total professional and a pretty they’re Ronnie Francis, you what I mean? damn nice guy, actually. This was probably the peak of his movie stardom and, unlike some other actors I’ve worked within the same Mosser: (Rizzo) pretty much built both the hockey teams. He found me situation, JCVD was a funny, pleasant guy. My favorite quote was when people for the Blackhawks and the Penguins. He knew every player, he was doing an action scene and mumbled “I kick, I fly!” I made hats for what their hair looked like, how they skated, what positions they played. some of the crew with that phrase embroidered on them. He was amazing. Baldwin: He was great. That was a time in his career when he was doing Rizzo: I just tried to make it look a little more realistic because they didn’t really well. He could get dodgy at times. understand the hockey stuff. And even now, if you look at some of the scenes, they don’t look right. But it was better than it was, let’s put it that Todd Senofonte, a Scranton native who’d been told for years how much way. he looked like Van Damme, was on set as Van Damme’s stand-in. It was his first job — and he’d gotten it after mailing headshots to Van Damme’s Steve Parys (first assistant director, second unit): They were a great, fun, management and driving across the state. The resemblance was — and crazy bunch of guys. They loved wearing the uniforms and skated like is — striking. Senofonte has since worked for years in Hollywood, as Van madmen on the ice. They worked really hard and partied even harder. Damme’s stuntman and in other roles, and “Sudden Death” was his first, Rizzo: I remember we did an all-night shoot, and they kept us there the biggest and luckiest break. whole night. What we ended up doing was about 3-4 in the morning, the Senofonte: There was a scene where Jean-Claude looks down at the boys ended up going upstairs and getting into a couple of the suites. crowd, looking for the terrorists. I was setting up the shot with the Parys: They found the keys to the owner’s box and decimated the liquor cameras behind me, looking down, and then somebody comes up behind cabinet. me and goes, “Hey, what girl you like?” And it’s him.

Rizzo: When you have a bunch of kids from Greenfield and Point Breeze And I go, “Well, the girl in the green is pretty hot.” And he says, “Yeah, and Bloomfield — whether the fridges were open or they were locked, I but these days, you gotta be careful.” And then I explained to him, I was don’t know. I do know that by the end of the night, they were empty. in this long-term relationship that kind of ended right before I got that job. He goes, “Really? Hang on one second. Stay here.” So he does his Parys: We couldn’t find them when we needed them, so we spread out scene. And then he comes back and he says, “Come with me.” So we go and searched all over. We found them in the basement hallways playing up to the top of the . And we’re just sitting, side by side, and chicken with two forklifts. he was like, “OK, so tell me what happened with your girl.”

Mosser: They would work all night on the movie, and then go work at a Baldwin: There was one time when we finally got a crowd in a building, bank or whatever they did. And they’d have barely slept. But oh my gosh, and he was gonna have a little snit-fit and not come out of his trailer, but they just loved it. They had a great time too, I know that. he came out eventually he was fine. He had a lot of fun in the community, with his various escapades. Rizzo: They’re great guys. They weren’t great skaters. Senofonte: We had some fun. I’d meet up with him and his trainer, and Mosser: I had this preconceived notion of what hockey players were like, we’d go to (legendary Pittsburgh night spots) Donzi’s and Chauncey’s. and I was completely wrong. Because I imagined people beating each We met Jaromir Jagr one time, and we were pretending I was his other up and fighting all the time and being really rough, and they were brother. And Jagr fell for it. I didn’t have to speak French. I was just the just such gentlemen. That really, really surprised me and they were just quiet brother. so nice and so helpful. I learned a lot about what hockey players were really like. Most of them, anyway. Van Damme’s Pittsburgh experience wasn’t limited to Strip District bars, either. He went to Kennywood, as he recounted to the Pittsburgh Post- ‘Hey, what girl you like?’ Gazette during the shoot. Van Damme was coming off the highest-grossing film of his career. Van Damme: I jumped from that thing (the Skycoaster). When we started 1994’s “Timecop,” and was toward the end of a decade-long run of to go, I panicked. It’s very high to me. You go 200 feet high and you do a free fall. My god, you think you’re dying. I just go. I put a hat on, watch. I made a ton of friends on that job, many that I still work with sunglasses. A lot of people recognize me. I’m nice to them. I sign today. autographs. Without those people, I would not be what I am today. Parys, a South Side resident, has worked as the 1st assistant director on ‘We almost blew it’ more than two dozen films and directed several other projects, including a feature to be released in 2020. Late in the movie, after killing a henchman dressed as the Penguins mascot in an industrial dishwasher — there’s nothing to add to that bit Baldwin: I love the movie. How could I not? It’s hockey, it’s my wife, it’s that isn’t on screen — Van Damme is on the partially opened roof of the the city of Pittsburgh. Everyone was terrific to us. I look back and hope arena. The game is still in overtime, and he’s battling another henchman. people see it as a contribution to the city because they deserve it. This one falls from a light fixture into the JumboTron. Baldwin’s ownership group declared bankruptcy in 1998, paving the way Parys: The cameraman started on the ice and was lifted up to the roof for Lemieux to buy the franchise. He and Karen Baldwin have produced with a series of cables. As you can imagine, it took a lot of perfect several films, including the Oscar-nominated 2004 biopic “Ray.” coordination of many elements. Mosser: Pittsburgh’s such a hockey town and, really, what I think was (actor, Penguins broadcaster): They said, “Here’s neat about it too, is that it was sort of a tribute or an homage to the arena what’s gonna happen: The scoreboard is gonna explode.” So they tried it itself. I do think it’ll always be cherished that way. And you know what? I once and I said, “Holy shit!” And Peter Hyams goes, “‘Holy shit’ works.” think it was a really good movie. So I did it again. And I became known as “Holy Shit” Steigerwald. Mosser’s agency has cast several locally shot films and TV shows, Baldwin: You can see how thin all the people in the crowd are — they including “The Dark Knight Rises,” “Jack Reacher” and “Out of the were cardboard cutouts. We got the ones they used in the movie “The Furnace.” Natural.” If you look closely, you can see every person is set just right. White man, woman, African American man. White man, woman, African Robitaille: I still get asked to sign the cover of the DVD box. People come American man. to me all the time. And I always tell them, I say, “I saved your city!” When a kid asks me about it, I’ll go, “Well you know, it’s a true story.” Within minutes, Van Damme — don’t ask — was back on the roof of the (now-empty) arena. Boothe’s lead villain — a corrupt secret service Robitaille was traded to the Rangers in 1995 (with Ulf Samuelsson) for agent who didn’t chew scenery so much as eat, digest and pass it — was Petr Nedved and Sergei Zubov. He retired a decade later as the highest- attempting to escape via helicopter. Naturally, from the roof, Van Damme scoring left winger in NHL history and in 2017, by then an executive with shot the pilot, who pulled back on the helicopter controls and very, very the Kings, was named one of the league’s 100 greatest players. His slowly caused it to crash, vertically, through the roof opening. prediction for the game in “Sudden Death” did not come true.

Baldwin: The ending scene, we almost blew it. We had to get one of the The Athletic LOADED: 07.01.2020 largest cranes in the United States. We had to bring it in from Michigan. You had four or five camera points of view because you’ve only got one shot of it, and you can’t run and go get another helicopter. And they put plexiglass on the ice to protect it.

Parys: We had a rig where the camera was on a sled in a small runway that hugged the dome roof of the arena. The whole contraption was pulled by a thick rope that led from the floor to the roof and all the way back down the other side, to a team of grips on the floor that would just use all the strength to pull the whole rig. Insane.

Baldwin: Powers Boothe, who was a really good guy, the one shot that was silly was him looking out the window as (the helicopter) drops, it was a little bit like a United Airlines ad, where a passenger is waving to someone on the ground.

The helicopter pilot? Erdie.

Erdie: Yeah, that was because I didn’t die earlier in the movie. I was the only one that didn’t die. They had just forgotten to kill me and I thought, “Wow, that’s great. Maybe there’ll be a sequel.” And then Hyams tells me on the day, “Yeah, we changed the end. You’re gonna die in the helicopter. No villain gets to live in a Van Damme movie.”

‘Well, you know it’s a true story’

Erdie: At the time, people who would mostly recognize me from that would be kids who played street hockey. And they would stop me and say, “Why did you kill that old woman?” I’d say, “Because it was in the script. She’s still alive. However, if you keep asking me these questions …”

Erdie, also a singer-songwriter and podcaster, has acted in, among other things, Netflix’s “Mindhunter” and the 2012 Braddock-set film “Out of the Furnace” starring Christian Bale. He lives in Brookline.

Steigerwald: I don’t know how much we got paid, but it wasn’t much. Not for me but him. I mean, (on-screen broadcast partner) should have gotten a full actor’s salary. He should’ve been considered one of the stars. Instead, we signed something, and now I get residual checks in the mail for $1.75 whenever it airs on cable. Every year I get a 10-99 from Universal Studios saying I made $11.

Steigerwald called Penguins games until 2017 and now works for the team as a communications specialist.

Parys: It is what it is, unapologetically. A ’90s action film. It’s fun, fast, funny, shows off Pittsburgh in the best way possible and is a blast to 1176094 San Jose Sharks Brent Burns, though, is still pretty darn effective, coming off of 45 points in 70 games just one year removed from his being a Norris Trophy finalist. There would surely be interest in his services from a handful of contending teams looking for more offense from the blue line. Although Are the Sharks better off taking a planned step backwards next season? he has a three-team no-trade clause, Burns is now 35 years old. He might not want to be a part of a team that doesn’t plan on contending

next season. The Sharks could probably get either a first-round pick, or a By Kevin Kurz Jun 30, 2020 pick and a prospect in return for Burns, if they found the right partner. Further, top prospect Ryan Merkley — like Burns, an offensive, right- handed defenseman — should be NHL ready by 2021.

By now, Sharks fans who have been paying attention know that there are Up front, the Sharks have four high-paid forwards. , the no traditional rebuild plans in the works despite the team’s last-place captain, has never wanted to go anywhere, and I doubt that the club finish in 2019-20. Heck, next season, whenever it begins, won’t even be would want to move him anyway. Timo Meier and Tomas Hertl should a “reset/refresh” — to borrow a commonly used phrase from general also still have many good seasons ahead of them, provided Hertl isn’t too manager Doug Wilson that he utilized several years ago when the hampered by his latest knee injury. Sharks weren’t quite built to challenge for a Stanley Cup. The plan is to quickly contend again. But what about Evander Kane? The winger was on pace to record his second straight 30-goal season before the pandemic ended play, and at Retooling the roster during the 2020 offseason was already going to be 28 years old, Kane is older than Hertl and Meier but is still in his prime. A difficult with a salary cap that was expected to rise. So many of the 30-goal scorer making $7 million is a pretty good value these days, too. Sharks’ key players have some sort of no-trade protection built into their Kane also has a three-team no-trade clause, so he might have to respective contracts. Further, many of those players are getting older and approve of the destination, but the Sharks could be able to procure a are already in decline, so it’s not like there would be teams lining up to high draft pick and/or a prospect for him, too. acquire someone like, say, a Marc-Edouard Vlasic or a Martin Jones in the first place. According to CapFriendly.com, the Sharks have $66.6 Then there’s the matter of this year’s draft. The Sharks own three picks in million tied up in just 13 players for 2020-21. Six of those players have the first two rounds, including Tampa Bay’s late first-rounder from the full or very limited no-trade clauses. Barclay Goodrow trade.

Let’s not kid ourselves here, either — changes do have to be made A few hours after the trade deadline on Feb. 24, Wilson suggested that amongst a group of players that not only underperformed as individuals, the picks the Sharks acquired from dealing away Goodrow, Patrick but that never really seemed to be committed enough on or off the ice. Marleau and Brenden Dillon could be utilized in order to get a player or Returning the exact same core while hoping for suddenly different results players that could help immediately. just isn’t how this thing works. Frankly, if the Sharks only make a few “You’ve got to realize when you acquire a first-round pick, that can be changes on the periphery, they’ll probably be a pretty popular pick to currency either to draft a player, or you can it use to acquire other once again finish in the cellar of the Pacific Division, if not the players,” Wilson said. “We added four picks, a first, a couple of seconds conference. and a third. These are picks of great value, not just for the drafting side of As recently as early March, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly was it.” projecting a salary cap for 2020-21 to be somewhere in the range of $84 Those kinds of deals would make sense if the Sharks planned to contend to $88.2 million. That would have been a decent-to-significant increase next season. But if plans change, then it would be a no-brainer to keep from the current cap of $81.5 million. Sharks owner Hasso Plattner has that first-round pick they got from the Lightning, and the two 2021 second no problem opening his sizable wallet, so you can be sure that the rounders they have, and use them. The Sharks’ own second-round organization would have utilized that extra space in some way, shape or selection will essentially be like a late first-round pick, considering they form. finished in 29th place in the league standings. But times have changed. NHL revenues have taken a hit, for obvious In 2021, the Sharks still have their own first-round pick. They own a pair reasons, and now reports are that the cap will remain flat for not just next of third-round picks, including Pittsburgh’s, from the Marleau trade in season, but 2021-22, too — and perhaps beyond. That’s not good news February (their second-rounder belongs to Ottawa as part of the Karlsson for the free-spending Sharks and their uber-rich owner, and could make it trade). A playoff-less season in 2020-21 and a little lottery luck could get nearly impossible for them to make any significant changes before they them a significant young prospect at next year’s draft. (That would play their next game. certainly make watching the draft lottery a little more enjoyable for Sharks AS HAS BEEN WIDELY REPORTED, CURRENT SALARY CAP OF fans than it was last week, when Ottawa ended up with the third overall $81.5M LIKELY TO REMAIN “FLAT” FOR EACH OF NEXT TWO pick that originally belonged to the Sharks, while the rival Kings were SEASONS (20-21 AND 21-22). MARGINAL BUMPS UP POSSIBLE FOR awarded the second overall choice.) EACH OF ENSUING 3 OR 4 SEASONS DEPENDING ON REVENUES, If the Sharks keep all of the picks they currently own, and acquire a few BUT IT COULD BE AWHILE BEFORE REAL “LINKAGE” RETURNS. more picks and players from potential trades, they could drastically — BOB MCKENZIE (@TSNBOBMCKENZIE) JUNE 29, 2020 improve what seems to be, at best, a so-so current crop of prospects.

So, it’s worth asking — should the Sharks alter the way they approach From a business perspective, a poor team would naturally lead to a hit 2020-21? Does it make more sense to take a planned step backwards when it comes to gate receipts. The crowds this season were, next season, with the hope that it leads to something better in the years unsurprisingly, getting smaller as the losses mounted, but there were to come? dwindling numbers of butts in the seats even in the seasons leading up to last, when the team was still strong. Yeah, maybe. Let’s say the NHL season starts in December, and there is still not a Rebuilds can take many forms, but you all know the basics — get rid of coronavirus vaccine. In that situation, there’s probably no chance that high-paid, aging yet still effective players, while building through the draft arenas will be permitted to be filled to capacity, if any paying fans are and, when the time is right, free agency. allowed in at all. There’s also the distinct possibility that the season won’t be a full 82 games, either. It might be inevitable that the Sharks lose How might it look if the Sharks decided to defer their Stanley Cup dreams money next season regardless of what kind of product they put on the for a year? ice. Let’s start with the big-money guys. Erik Karlsson and his contract are The shutdown of the league in March, and the state of society in general, unmovable, particularly after he never looked right this season following has changed so much for so many. Perhaps it should change the overall groin surgery. Ditto Jones, who has now had back-to-back poor regular strategy of the Sharks organization, too. seasons. Vlasic has a full no-movement clause, and it’s tough to predict if he would be willing to relocate. But like we said, Vlasic’s play has been The Athletic LOADED: 07.01.2020 wildly inconsistent over the last two seasons. 1176095 San Jose Sharks Latino artist. Among new Sharks season ticket holders in 2019-20, 20 percent identified as Hispanic, up from 17 percent the year prior.

For Gutierrez, reaching out to the diverse community in the Phoenix area Coyotes CEO Xavier Gutierrez hopes to open doors for Latinos in sports is part of what makes the job so enticing. Approximately 40 percent of the business Phoenix population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, according to the U.S. census website.

Xavier Gutierrez knows the Coyotes need to get their arena issue By Kevin Kurz Jun 30, 2020 resolved.

The Coyotes are notorious for attendance issues in their recent history, finishing among the bottom four in league attendance every year since Xavier Gutierrez, named as the team president and CEO of the Arizona 2007-08. Cultivating new fans could be a make-or-break situation when it Coyotes on June 8, is beginning his NHL experience at a compelling comes to the team’s longterm sustainability, and Gutierrez is embracing moment for sport and society. that challenge. He’s certainly aware of the NHL’s newly formed diversity alliance, a “I do think that there’s incredible opportunity here,” Gutierrez said. “I look group committed to stamping out racism in hockey while concurrently at things through a business prism, and I look at what’s here right now. making it more inclusive for kids and teens of every ethnic background. You have the fifth-largest city in America. You have an incredibly rabid Gutierrez, the first Latino to hold such a high office at the league level, fan base that has been just passionate about this team. You have an has been paying close attention to the recent league developments incredible demand at the youth level. Now, it’s how do you create a spurred mainly by the protests around the world over the killing of business strategy that takes advantage of that? The youth, the female George Floyd, as well as hockey’s Akim Aliu detailing some ugly and the multicultural with Latino (fans) are a big part of that. Those are incidents he endured while trying to advance his career. areas for growth. So that business opportunity itself, I find to just be Gutierrez has been in touch already with Kim Davis, the NHL’s executive incredibly compelling.” vice president of social impact and growth initiatives, and the two formed Gutierrez has a point about the youth and female hockey markets in an instant bond. Phoenix, too. In figures provided by the team, the Phoenix area has seen “We did not know each other, but the first conversation it was like we’ve 181 percent growth in youth hockey players under the age of 8 in the known each other for decades,” Gutierrez, 46, said in a phone past six years. Overall, growth in the female youth market (18 and under) conversation last week. “I’m very, very much supportive of what they are is 217 percent. doing at the league and what the players are doing. I’m very proud of my The overall growth in the youth market over the past six years is up 81 background, I’m very proud of my personal history. I’m also very proud of percent, from about 4,900 participants in 2014 to more than 8,800 today. being an executive (with) 20 years in investment management and as a business professional. The fairly remote location of the arena in Glendale has long been a hurdle when it comes to the Coyotes’ attendance and their ability to grow “It’s (about) bringing these new voices to the table. It makes for better the fanbase. Gila River Arena is about a 30-minute drive from downtown business decisions first and foremost, but it’s also the right thing to do to Phoenix, and closer to 40-45 minutes from Scottsdale and Tempe. The be including voices and individuals from these diverse communities.” Coyotes continue to operate on a yearly lease with the arena, and it Prior to becoming the voice of the Coyotes’ business-side matters, renews automatically every Dec. 31. Gutierrez knows it’s something that Gutierrez was most recently the managing director at Clearlake Capital needs addressing sooner than later. Group in Santa Monica, California, where he “focused on investments, “I thought it was priority one through five, and (Meruelo) quickly corrected operations, strategic development, and investor client servicing and me — it’s priority one through 10,” Gutierrez said. “It’s clearly top of mind outreach,” according to a team statement. Clearlake has managed more for us, for me, to figure out what’s the best for our team, our players, our than $17 billion of institutional capital since its inception in 2006. staff, our community partners and our business partners. There’s a lot of Gutierrez has known and worked with Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo (a options that have been presented.” Cuban-American, and the first Latino NHL owner) for more than a decade, and prior to joining Clearlake, he was the chief investment officer Does there ultimately have to be an arena closer to downtown Phoenix? of the Meruelo Group. “That’s not the first time I’ve heard that, it’s probably not the hundredth His journey, though, began as a child of Mexican immigrant parents time I’ve heard that,” he said. “Clearly it is part of the analysis — where is growing up in East San Jose, California. He attended Bellarmine College the best location to maximize where the corporate growth is, where the Prep, thanks to some financial assistance, and serves today on the population growth is, where the fanbase is, and could be, and where the school’s Board of Regents. growth could be? And, where it makes sense. Clearly, it’s an area that is very much one that we have been thinking about. So, nothing to report, “I grew up in East San Jose, a very sort of lower-income working class but we’re working hard. I’m working very hard. I have a number of folks family, and Bellarmine was really my first exposure to folks from very that are working with me to make that decision, and I get it.” different socio-economic backgrounds,” Gutierrez said. “The Jesuits were incredible to me and to my family. And really it was the platform and the While there are important decisions on the horizon, Gutierrez considers foundation that led me to the academic opportunities that I have been himself to be the physical manifestation of something that has long been able to enjoy, and professional opportunities that I’ve been blessed to questioned regarding the franchise — its overall stability in the Phoenix have.” area. He moved his family, including wife Jerrica and 12-year-old son, Xavi, from Southern California to Paradise Valley, Arizona, and plans on Gutierrez continued his education at Harvard in 1991, just as the local staying. San Jose Sharks were set to begin their first season in the NHL. He still has family in the Bay Area, including both of his parents, a sister in “I moved my family here, we bought a home, planted the flag and burnt Alameda, another sister in downtown San Jose, and a brother in Morgan the ship,” he said. “This is where we’re going to be, this is what’s the best Hill. location — and not just for today, for tomorrow, but my goal, my task, my responsibility is to create a financially viable and prosperous organization “Everyone’s incredibly excited now, although we’re trying to figure out for the long term.” how we’re going get them all into a suite (at SAP Center) because I have large family,” he said. He continued: “There is stability here. You have an owner who’s committed, who’s shown his commitment, who is committed to this But there’s work to be done before then. community. But it’s more than that. We want to be able to share the From a business standpoint, Gutierrez has already made note of how message that we’re going to be innovative, we’re going to be at the teams like the Sharks, Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks have forefront. We want to be at the vanguard of a number of things — the reached out to their local Latino communities. One of the more popular confluence of sports and technology. We want to be at the forefront of theme nights in San Jose, for example, is “Los Tiburones Night,” in which catering to the fanbase, but also expanding it to the hockey fan in the Sharks wear special jerseys during warmups designed by a local waiting, as I’ve said a number of times. So it’s stability, innovation, but it’s also growth.” Meanwhile, Gutierrez’s appointment to such a prestigious position shows there has been growth in the NHL as a whole, too.

“What I’m hoping is that just like there were a number of doors that were open to me, I hope to open doors for that next generation,” he said. “There’s probably a young Latino out there, maybe in San Jose, who can now say, ‘I’d like to run a sports franchise.’”

The Athletic LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176096 St Louis Blues The seven teams that don’t get the No. 1 pick in Phase 2 will fall to picks No. 9 through 15 in the draft.

All of that sounds confusing because it is confusing. Leave it to the NHL NHL gets weird, gives playoff teams shot at No. 1 draft pick to come up with something truly twisted.

“It definitely has been a different 2020 compared to every other year that I’ve been on the face of this earth,” Senators general manager Pierre Jeff Gordon Dorion said. “We’re living through something totally different. But at the same time, there was a process to this draft. We all knew this could

happen.” The NHL has done many curious things in its history, but it pulled an epic If the Montreal Canadiens end up with Lafreniere, there will be less head-scratcher while facing the global pandemic. squawking. The Habs finished 31-40-9 this season and were virtually The league expanded its postseason to give 24 teams a chance to win certain to miss the playoffs had the season kept going. the Stanley Cup. As luck would have it, 16 of them also will have a shot That is the sort of also-ran you expect to see hoping for the first pick, not at landing high-scoring center Alexis Lafreniere with the No. 1 draft pick. a Cup contender like the Penguins. If Lafreniere ends up playing with That’s insane. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in Pittsburgh, that could become an historic stroke of franchise fortune. Only the top eight playoff seeds, including the Blues, were kept out of the latter equation. We’ll walk you through the full explanation in a moment. The Penguins, who finished 40-29-6 this season, could avoid a painful rebuilding job once Sid the Kid finally turns gray. But first, ponder the possibility of the talent-laden Pittsburgh Penguins or Toronto Maple Leafs adding a potential superstar to their mix. Scouts Meanwhile, Red Wings fans are wallowing in their pit of misery. The love Lafreniere. Winged Wheel rolled into the last four NHL lotteries — and each outcome was bad. He can’t miss at No. 1, as defenseman did for the Blues or poor Nail Yakupov did for the Edmonton Oilers. “We can sit here and feel sorry for ourselves, that doesn’t matter,” stoical Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman told reporters. “And you Imagine the explosive Oilers getting another mulligan to add Lafreniere to know what, maybe we will get lucky. Colorado lost the lottery a couple their front lines featuring Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Ryan years ago and ended up at the fourth spot and got Cale Makar, a player Nugent-Hopkins. that definitely moves the needle. We’ll get our lucky breaks along the way and maybe this will be one of them in an odd-looking way.” The Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets and Calgary Flames have strong rosters. Normally they would have no shot at a generational talent. Blues fans don’t feel bad for the Red Wings — given all the misfortune their own franchise suffered over the years — but they certainly can If one of those teams luck into Lafreniere, the hyper-competitive Western relate. Conference would get even tougher. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the NHL topped itself. With Lafreniere in play, many fans will feel conflicted ahead of the best- of-five playoff qualifying round. Would a rebuilding team such as the St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 07.01.2020 Minnesota Wild or Chicago Blackhawks prefer to advance in the playoffs or expedite their overhaul?

Would the up-and-coming Vancouver Canucks and Arizona Coyotes rather win some playoff games with zero home-arena financial reward or add to their impressive young talent corps?

The players will try to win, of course, but we wouldn’t blame fans for taking a “Lose for Lafreniere” mindset while hoping for the worst.

The pandemic made all of this possible.

When the coronavirus cut short the season with several teams just outside of the usual 16-team playoff bracket, the NHL gave eight additional squads an opportunity out of fairness.

This charity forced a qualifying round, which in turn created a problem for the NHL draft lottery.

Normally the weighted lottery features the 15 nonplayoff teams. Rather than limit this year’s event to the seven nonplayoff teams, the NHL opted to include the eight play-in round losers as well.

Again, the league was just trying to be fair.

But rather than wait until after the qualifying round to hold the lottery, the NHL split it in two and held Phase 1 last Friday.

Because the play-in losers are unknown, the league put eight placeholders in Phase 1. That invited chaos . . . and sure enough, chaos ensued.

Each placeholder team had a meager 2.5% chance of winning, compared with the 18.5% chance the Detroit Red Wings enjoyed after their miserable 17-54-5 finish.

And yet placeholder “Team E” beat the odds to win the No. 1 pick. So after the play-in round the eight losers will enter the Phase 2 lottery with equal 12.5% chances of getting Lafreniere.

The Los Angeles Kings moved up to the No. 2 spot in Phase 1 and the star-crossed Red Wings fell to No. 4. The Ottawa Senators will pick third and fifth (thanks to a draft pick acquired from San Jose), then the Anaheim Ducks, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres will follow. 1176097 St Louis Blues After college, Farnsworth used his degree in mechanical engineering for a while, then returned to Vermont for more hockey. For several years during this time, the New York Rangers held training camp in Burlington, Vermont, and Farnsworth helped the Rangers’ equipment staff. The Blues' "Bear" calls it a career In 2001, the Rangers hired him to work for their minor-league affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack.

Jim Thomas “They decided to host training camp at that year,” Farnsworth said. “It was the first time they had been at the Garden

in like 50 years for training camp.” Joel Farnsworth’s first day on the job in pro hockey came in Madison So on Farnsworth’s first official day with the Rangers’ organization, he Square Garden — on Sept. 11, 2001. Yes, 9/11. He was preparing for was working in the Garden when terrorist attacks destroyed the twin the start of training camp as part of the equipment staff in the New York towers of the World Trade Center about 3 ½ miles away. Rangers organization. “A rural kid from northern Vermont, who had just left home to work in pro His last day on the job came Tuesday, in the middle of a coronavirus sports,” Farnsworth said. “That was my welcome to pro sports. pandemic, after several Blues went through Phase 2 workouts at Centene Community Ice Center. “We spent the night in the city, and we actually had a police escort out of the city the next morning and went out to the practice rink.” Now, those are two bookends. But what happened in between was pretty good. And started working on the resumption of camp a couple of days later.

“I’ve had an unbelievable run,” Farnsworth said. “Every single second, “It was something you’ll never, ever forget, that’s for sure,” he said. “It’s everything I’ve done has been enjoyable with the Blues. And now it’s been a crazy roller-coaster from there. A couple different cities.” time to enjoy some time with my wife and kids. Farnsworth joined the Blues’ organization the next season, spending “Regular work schedule, holidays and weekends off, evening offs. I don’t three season in Worcester and then four seasons in Peoria before joining want to miss everything of my kids growing up. I don’t want to look back the big club in St. Louis in 2009. He met his wife, Angie, in Peoria — she when they’re 20 and go: ‘I don’t remember anything from when they’re 12 worked in merchandising and game operations for the Rivermen. years old.’” For anyone thinking about breaking into the business, Farnsworth offered So the timing was good for Farnsworth. He’s coming off a Stanley Cup this advice: season as the Blues’ head equipment manager. His daughter Abby is 10; son Joel is 7. And at age 44, he’s got plenty of time for a second career. “There’s so many hours of work, if you don’t enjoy every single hour, you won’t enjoy the job,” he said. “Appreciate every single thing that happens, Farnsworth is leaving the Blues for “civilian” life — a job in mechanical good or bad. There’s a reason and a lesson to be learned from each and engineering for a St. Louis firm. The Blues made the announcement every one of ‘em.” Tuesday that Farnsworth is departing after 18 years in the organization — a period encompassing 1,497 pro games with the Blues and their Farnsworth closed with a request. Peoria Rivermen and Worcester (Mass.) IceCats minor-league affiliates. “I assume you’re gonna put something out tomorrow about this (his Some players knew in advance this was coming — it’s been in the works departure), and I greatly appreciate that,” he said. “Just keep it minimal.” for about a month. Some didn’t. Farnsworth heard from those that didn’t After all, another key to the equipment game is being seen but not heard. Tuesday because his phone started buzzing. To put his mind at ease, Farnsworth was assured there would probably “A little bit,” he said. “And that’s OK. That’s the sign of a good run.” be a couple of Cardinals stories in the paper Wednesday that might There were also tributes on social media, including David Perron’s garner some attention. Twitter salute: “love u big bear!” St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 07.01.2020 Not many Blues refer to Farnsworth, who’s a big man, as Joel. His nickname is “Bear.”

“Larry Pleau gave me that, probably my first year with the organization,” Farnsworth said, referring to the longtime Blues general manager and executive. “He saw me scratching my back on a wall. Like a bear scratching his back on a tree. It stuck ever since.”

Farnsworth was one bear who had little time to hibernate. Long hours are the way of the world for equipment mangers. They’re usually among the first to arrive at the rink and the last to leave.

“You kind of deal with whatever issues arise,” Farnsworth said. “Managing equipment is only a part of what we do.”

They do a little bit of everything, and spend a lot of time around the players along the way.

“We had really great players here,” Farnsworth said. “I can’t say a bad thing about a single guy I ever worked with. They fully appreciate the hours we put in to take care of stuff for ‘em. Not a single bad memory of any of my years working in pro hockey to be honest with you.”

But there were some, uh, goofy players over the years. Farnsworth didn’t want to name names, because apparently it’s a long list.

“Yeah, everyone’s got their peculiarities and idiosyncrasies, but that’s what makes the world go round,” he said. “Life would be pretty boring without that.”

If that’s the case, life got less boring for Farnsworth while attending the University of Vermont. He got to know some hockey players living in his dorm, and the next thing you know, he’s the team’s student manager. 1176098 St Louis Blues “It’s just kind of stay on top of it, being smart and really practicing social distancing. Sanitizer everywhere, washing your hands the right way and go from there.”

As uncertainty swirls, Blues' O'Reilly ramps up for return to play Eventually, it could lead to hockey and a chance for the Blues to defend their Stanley Cup.

Tuesday marks 110 days since the last NHL games were played on Jim Thomas March 11. It will be more than 140 days between games if the season resumes as scheduled in early August.

“It’s gonna be unique, for sure,” O’Reilly said. “Last year, with our Blues forward Ryan O’Reilly took part in Phase 2 workouts Monday at success, we know what a good game for us looks like. We know we have Centene Community Ice Center. It’s time to ramp up for the resumption to play our style, be physical, and be hard to play against. That’s got to — and conclusion — of the 2019-20 NHL season. be the staple of our game going through this.” Whether the NHL actually gets to Phase 4, its 24-team postseason It has been so long between games, however, that neither the Blues nor format. ... Well, O’Reilly thinks it will happen but he’s not entirely sure. anyone else enters the postseason with any kind of momentum. Or in “You know how important this stretch is,” O’Reilly said. “Still, it’s not 100 most cases, few if any injuries. percent we’re gonna play. There’s a lot of things that have to be worked “Every team is starting from scratch,” O’Reilly said. “Every team that’s out yet. But we want to be as prepared as possible, getting back over involved in this right now is looking at this (like) they have an opportunity here and skating together. All the guys trying to come in and be on the to win a Stanley Cup. So it’s gonna be one of the toughest stretches of ice together and be ready. ... We want to be here.” hockey any of us will ever be in. O’Reilly’s comments came on a Blues’ Zoom call with radio play-by-play “It’ll be the toughest tournament — it’s like nothing else. So it’s gonna be announcer Chris Kerber asking questions. They came on a day when the extremely difficult. I think as a group we know that. We know it’s gonna NHL announced that 26 of the league’s players had tested positive for be completely different from last year.” COVID-19 since the start of Phase 2 workouts June 8. Assuming, of course, that hockey is indeed played in August. Fifteen of those positive tests have come among the more than 250 players who have taken part in Phase 2 workouts (which are voluntary). Prospect tourney canceled Eleven additional players have tested positive since June 8 among players who have not been taking part in Phase 2. The host Detroit Red Wings announced Monday that the NHL Prospect tournament held in Traverse City, Mich., has been canceled this season In addition, with the start of Phase 3 (training camp) just 11 days away due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Blues annually are among the and the expected start of the postseason just a month away, the NHL organizations that sends a team of prospects to the tournament in early has yet to announce a decision on its two hub cities. There already is talk September. that the start of camp might be pushed pack, at least a few days. St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 07.01.2020 In baseball, a pair of — Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Ross — along with Arizona's Mike Leake and Colorado's Ian Desmond have decided not to play during the coronavirus pandemic when that sport resumes play for personal health and safety reasons. Will some NHL players, even Blues players, feel the same way when the time comes?

So there remains a lot to think about as hockey moves ever so cautiously toward a return to play, including a rising coronavirus case count throughout the United States — including in Las Vegas, which is still considered a frontrunner for one of the hub city slots.

“I think there’s times where we’re positive and think we can do it,” O’Reilly said. “But then there’s times when it’s a little bit more difficult and there’s so many extra questions. If everything gets under control and things go well and everyone is smart and it’s taken care of, there’s a good possibility that we will play. It will happen.

“We know it’s gonna be difficult. We’ll be away from our families. Being confined in these small spaces. But I think it’s important for our game, the growth of it, to be able to salvage this season, and have a winner, not let the whole thing go to waste.

“But again, the priority is the safety, and the safety of families. Those guys that have young kids or have kids ... that’s definitely the priority. But I think the NHL’s doing a good job, putting in good (health and safety) practices to help us make sure nothing happens.

“Again, there’s still a lot of uncertainty.”

For O’Reilly and other Blues participating in Phase 2, return to play already has led to changes. Such as taking your temperature when you get up in the morning and asking yourself a series of health-related questions related to COVID-19 symptoms.

There’s regular testing for COVID-19 — nothing like a long swab up the nose to get your day into high gear. Those are all just some of the Phase 2 protocols.

“You don’t want to be spreading this, or get it at all,” O’Reilly said. “You want to protect your family and the team. So it’s been good. The tests are obviously a little much, a little annoying, but they’re over quick. It’s five seconds of your entire day that you feel uncomfortable and then it’s done. So it’s not that bad. 1176099 Tampa Bay Lightning

Jeff and Penny Vinik put divorce proceedings on hold

Diana C. Nearhos - Lightning Reporter

One of Tampa Bay's leading philanthropic couples takes time to work on reconciling.

Penny and Jeff Vinik, a Tampa Bay power couple, have put their divorce proceedings on hold for now, filing for a 90-day pause.

“Penny and Jeff have filed an abatement to the divorce proceedings as they work on reconciling their marriage,” Bill Wickett, a spokesman for Jeff Vinik, told the Tampa Bay Times in an email.

Jeffrey Fisher, the divorce attorney representing Penny Vinik, did not respond to a request for comment.

Penny Vinik, 57, filed a petition June 8 in Hillsborough Circuit Court to dissolve her marriage with Jeff Vinik, 61. That filing referred to the marriage as irretrievably broken. If she has not withdrawn the petition by Sept. 24, the divorce litigation will resume.

Jeff Vinik owns the Tampa Bay Lightning and is the leading developer behind the Water Street Tampa project. He is also a member of FBN Partners, a group of local investors who have loaned $15 million to Times Publishing Co., which owns the Tampa Bay Times.

Penny Vinik has been a strong advocate for and patron of the arts within Tampa Bay. Together, they have been one of the area’s leading philanthropic families.

They pledged $20 million to the community since Jeff bought the Lightning in 2010 and have surpassed that amount through the team’s Community Hero program alone.

In the three month since the outbreak of COVID-19, the couple has donated nearly $2 million in relief efforts, including $1 million to Metropolitan Ministries for food and rent assistance.

UP NEXT:Lightning broadcaster Rick Peckham to receive Foster Hewitt Memorial Award

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176100 Toronto Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs’ Freddie Andersen eager for some summer hockey

By Mark Zwolinsk iSports Reporter

Maple Leafs goalie Freddie Andersen is confident the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association will be able to work out a deal on COVID-19 protocols and collective bargaining issues in time for the opening of the league’s summer camps on July 10.

Andersen, back in Toronto after spending part of the NHL’s coronavirus pause in Arizona with Auston Matthews, cautioned though that the “whole thing” has to make sense before he would lend his personal vote of support to any agreement.

“Safety, the future CBA stuff, the whole thing, and if we can agree on it with the league, I’m confident we can have a vote. I want to play, I don’t want to sit and waste the summer,” Andersen said on the Leafs conference call Tuesday afternoon.

The NHL remains in Phase 2 of its four-phase return-to-play protocols. Andersen and the Leafs have been able to work out in smaller groups since early June, with Phase 3 — a shift to larger groups and full team practices — scheduled for July 10.

The NHL is expected to resume its season in early August after a league- ordered pause March 12. The Leafs are scheduled to face the Columbus Blue Jackets in a five-game play-in round when the schedule does resume with a 24-team playoff based out of two yet-to-be-announced hub cities.

The NHL and NHLPA are still ironing out some of the details on a return to play, including the identities of the two hub cities, as well as CBA details like the timing of signing bonuses, free agency, cap ceilings, and other issues.

“There’s a few things that need to be figured out,” Andersen said. “Once the hubs are figured out, and everything is a closed event, we should be alright.”

Toronto and Edmonton remain in the race to be named as one of the two hub cities; Las Vegas, Chicago and Los Angeles are the others.

Toronto has seen reductions in the number of coronavirus cases and deaths, while Edmonton has also been praised for its handling of the pandemic. Reports suggested Tuesday that Edmonton’s relevance as a hub city has risen in the past several days within discussions between the NHL and NHLPA.

Andersen, meanwhile, is looking forward to facing Columbus when the time comes and feels he’s been able to retain his fitness levels despite not having played a game in more than three months.

He spent part of the pause with Matthews at his home in Arizona — the two were shown having fun in a pool, with Andersen setting up Matthews with an alley-oop for a dunk — and said both he and Matthews were able to skate during his stay in there.

Andersen refrained from commenting on the report Matthews had tested positive for COVID-19, but did say he was not in Arizona during a recent spike in coronavirus cases in the state.

“I was in California to see my trainer, I wasn’t around for any of that,” Andersen said. “With Auston, we tried to share the fun we had down there. We get along great and we tried to make the best of it (pause). His mom has a great place there, and I’m lucky to be able to visit a place like that.”

Andersen added he’s been back in Toronto “for quite a bit,” and is preparing for the return of the NHL season.

“We can get work in now and I feel I have been able to keep my shape, but my timing, that’s the one thing that makes a difference. When we get the guys back to a normal pace, that will be the biggest thing for me,” Andersen said.

Toronto Star LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176101 Toronto Maple Leafs salaries, the league is staring down a revenue shortfall of something in the range of $1.1 billion (U.S.) on account of the coronavirus shutting down the bulk of revenue-generating operations on March 12.

With Olympic participation and Canadian hub cities on the radar, NHL’s So buying into the proposed 24-team return-to-play model, while it won’t next phase might be its wisest get the players back to square with the owners, offers the possibility of knocking a chunk off the collective debt — something in the range of $225 million, depending on whose math you’re considering gospel.

By Dave Feschuk Sports Columnist Tue., June 30, 2020 Still, to Panarin’s point, even if late-summer hockey recoups those would- be losses, the players are staring down years of flat salary caps and

punitive escrow payments to make up the balance of their debt to owners In a year destined to be remembered for grim news, for a moment on — a balance that could potentially grow if the 2020-21 season begins Tuesday, the National Hockey League offered a sliver of promise that, without fans in the stands, or with less-than-full-capacity arenas in even in our chaotic world, sanity might still occasionally prevail — at least service to social distancing. If players were previously fed up with pre- when it comes to some key decisions by the world’s best hockey league. coronavirus escrow payments — which are essentially a mechanism to ensure players and owners arrive at their rightful 50-50 split of hockey- As the league and its players union continued talks on the next phases of related revenues — they’re going to be apoplectic in the face of the its return-to-play protocol — which will essentially require an extension to pandemic-era math. Talks have slotted the prospective estimate of next the existing collective bargaining agreement that doesn’t figure to be season’s escrow payment running at a whopping 20 per cent. To put that simple stuff — a couple of storylines emerged, at least for a moment in in perspective, players paid a net 10 per cent escrow in 2018-19. an ever-fluid and interconnected negotiation. “I don’t think we have enough information yet,” Andersen said Tuesday. “I For one: Multiple reports indicated the players’ association appeared to think the PA and the league are still ironing that out, and then we’ll see. I be making progress on the CBA including Olympic participation think it seems like it’s the 11th hour here. So hopefully things will beginning with the 2022 Beijing Games — which, if it comes to fruition, progress a little bit in the next week, because the July 10 goal (of would give the world its first best-on-best men’s hockey tournament since opening training camps) is coming up soon.” the 2014 Sochi Olympics. At a moment when sports fans have spent months deprived of their favourite fodder, this was the ultimate in a Amid those grim financial forecasts, in other words, it was nice to see a delayed-gratification newsflash. Still, going to the Olympics has always smidgen of heartening news mixed in. Not that anything can be been a good-of-the-game no-brainer. considered final in the midst of a global crisis that changes moment to moment. But for all the questions that still need answers, Andersen was The idea that the NHL would return there after missing the 2018 definitive on at least one topic: He said he’s looking forward to Toronto’s Pyeongchang Games would be, to put it simply, a win for what’s right. best-of-five play-in series against the Columbus Blue Jackets, start date The prospect of players of the stature of Connor McDavid and Auston and location still to be announced. Matthews playing through their primes without representing their countries in a significant best-on-best showdown — at the 2016 World “I want to play,” Andersen said. “I don’t just want to sit and waste the Cup of Hockey, of course, McDavid and Matthews starred for Team summer and season. Hopefully we’ll see soon.” North America — would have been beyond ridiculous. Fans can only LOADED: 07.01.2020 hope Olympic participation, as negotiations wear on, remains on the table.

For another: An alarming spike in coronavirus cases in Clark County, Nev., which contains Las Vegas, has the latest glance at the return-to- play weather vane pointing to the wisdom of two Canadian hub cities. Those would be Toronto and Edmonton. For reasons that have been enumerated in this space and others, those cities are the only remaining options that prioritize both player health and, thanks to Canada’s 74-cent dollar, overall profit. And how often, in these times, have we seen the logical conclusion win popular favour?

Not that anything can be considered a done deal until a majority of players vote to approve an agreement. And not that there aren’t players looking for answers to more than a few essential questions as the planned July 10 start to mandatory training camp drew closer.

“I don’t think I have just one (question),” Frederik Andersen, the Maple Leafs goaltender, was saying on Tuesday afternoon, speaking to reporters on a team-arranged Zoom call. “But the whole thing in general has got to make sense, just future CBA stuff. Obviously, safety is very important and probably the most important. But just the whole context of that (financial) stuff and what we can agree on with the league. I’m confident that we’ll have something to vote on.”

There are NHL players who aren’t thrilled with the idea of resuming the 2019-20 season in a pair of hub cities in the weeks ahead. And you can understand why.

As New York Rangers all-star Artemi Panarin vented on social media a few days back, offering a rare behind-the-curtain look at the discontent of come players: “I have concerns not only about the health of players but also about the long-term prosperity of the NHL. For nearly two decades, the players have protected the owners’ income with escrow, including throughout this pandemic process, even as owners’ equity continues to grow. It is time to fix the escrow. We as players cannot report to camp without already having an agreement in place.”

But here’s the reason it’s expected that NHLers will ultimately cast a majority vote in favour of a return to play, whenever the league and its players’ union reach a suitable point in ongoing negotiations: the players owe the owners money — hundreds of millions’ worth. In a season in which they’ve been paid something in the range of 90 per cent of their 1176102 Toronto Maple Leafs With no one sure when ‘20-21 will start, the Red Wings have shelved their annual prospects tournament in Traverse City, Mich. The Leafs, who had just begun involvement in Traverse, might stick to a small Eastern Canadian event with the Senators and Canadiens if a rookie NHL hubs, contracts down to wire event is attempted before next season … TSN’s Rick Westhead reports the NHL has requested author Ken Dryden turn over interviews, notes

and records related to his book on the late Steve Montador. After his Lance Hornby 2015 death, researchers with the Canadian Sports Concussion Project said the former defenceman had suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Paul Montador, his father, sued the league alleging it promoted violence and profited off of it while not making Canada Day will dawn with two of its cities favoured as the NHL’s playoff players fully aware of the effects of repeated long-term brain injuries. In tournament hubs – in a league clouded by contract and CBA uncertainty. its request for a Canadian court to obtain the material from Dryden, the July 1, the traditional start of free agent shopping and the league’s new league said there was information, including aspects of Montador’s life fiscal year, arrives with the cloud of COVID-19 over an unfinished 2019- away from the rink, important to its defence. 20. Toronto Sun LOADED: 07.01.2020 Late Tuesday, TSN’s Bob McKenzie reported the expectation that signing bonuses due Wednesday would be paid by teams as scheduled, costing more than $300 million US. That still leaves unsettled the handling of players with expiring contracts and a slew of other collective bargaining matters were still being negotiated in an unprecedented long season the league still hopes to end with a 24-team tournament sometime this summer. Participating clubs were to report for July 10 training camps, despite 26 positive tests reported since June 8.

Speaking of the tourney, the prevailing belief Tuesday night was that Las Vegas was losing steam to be a hub. With COVID-19 cases on the rise in Clark County, despite its handy hotel situation, and Chicago the only other city even mentioned as a U.S. locale, the league might have no choice but make its Canadian contenders, Toronto and Edmonton, the hosts. And even if the NHL wanted at least one American stop, the health-conscious players have a say in this, too.

“Canada has been an outstanding model,” hockey analyst said Tuesday night on TSN 1050 radio. “When you’re trying to create a bubble environment that minimizes risk to the greatest extent possible, the players want to be in those spots.

“I love the fact the NHL waited and didn’t lock into a city. They said they’d continue to evaluate. Alberta has done a really good job, has just opened up and you hope they stay on the same lines.”

Button conceded that plans to telecast games via NBC would be strained by current travel restrictions between the countries.

“But the virus doesn’t operate under ideal circumstances, it has a mind of its own.”

Fans won’t be allowed into the rinks anyway and the two cities being two hours apart would allow for multiple games to be broadcast through the day and night.

SBA A BRUINS DEN?

With his team’s record of 5-4 in playoff games at Arena since 2013, Boston coach Bruce Cassidy figures Toronto would nb okay as a hub and wonders if the teams might even meet in later rounds.

“We’ve played well in that rink in the playoffs for the most part, so that’s a positive,” Cassidy told the Boston media this week. “There’s 12 teams from the East so the chances you bump into them? Who knows, right? That would be speculation.

“But I think (SBA) is an advantage (for the Leafs). If someone told me we could play at the Garden, I’d happily do it first and foremost than travel somewhere else. There is not a home crowd advantage, but there is some advantage to being in your own city, your own building, your own locker room. That’s the part I’d disagree with the league, but I don’t think it’s an easy decision to find the right spot.”

ICE CHIPS

Les Jackson is retiring after 33 years with the Stars. Their last link to the and holder of seven different hockey office positions in 33 years, including general manager, Tuesday was his last day in Dallas … It was also Dave Andrews final day as American Hockey League president after 26 years. He’s also retiring, with ex-Columbus Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson taking over … Fans in Buffalo have perked up with news that Rick Dudley is leaving the Carolina Hurricanes after two years as VP of hockey operations. Though many front office positions were eliminated when was brought in as Buffalo GM, ex-Sabre player/coach Dudley would be a popular fit somewhere … 1176103 Toronto Maple Leafs “I feel like I have been able to keep my good shape and work on things I could off the ice, but the on-ice timing is going to be key.”

And then, if the NHL has been able to properly move to Phase 4, a Leafs Leafs' Andersen seeks more info, but says "I want to play" this summer date with the Blue Jackets.

“They’re a deep team, a team we have to be ready for,” Andersen said. “It will be a tough task, but something we have to work on and getting Terry Koshan confident we can win.”

Toronto Sun LOADED: 07.01.2020 Frederik Andersen wants to be back in his crease this summer.

The Maple Leafs goaltender would love nothing more than to try to help Toronto eliminate the Columbus Blue Jackets in the qualifying round of Phase 4 of the National Hockey League’s Return to Play plan.

Before that potentially happens, however, Andersen is willing to wait.

“I don’t think we have enough information yet,” Andersen said on Tuesday during a Zoom call with media, referring to which way he might vote on a return to play given the health issues regarding the COVID-19 pandemic that must be taken into account.

“The PA (NHL Players’ Association) and the league are still ironing that out and then we will see. It seems like it’s the 11th hour here, so hopefully things will progress in the next week or so because the July 10th goal (to open training camp) is coming up soon. I’ll make that decision once I get more info.

“The whole thing in general has to make sense. Safety is very important and probably the most important.

“I want to play. I don’t want to just sit and waste a summer and a season.”

The NHL announced on Monday that 26 players in total have tested positive for COVID-19 since June 8, including 15 who have reported to training facilities for optional workouts as part of Phase 2.

Andersen, who has been back in Toronto “for quite a bit now,” was asked what gives him confidence that it will be safe for the NHL to return to play games this summer.

“I’m not quite 100% confident yet,” Andersen said. “The league is very adamant in working toward that.

“I think once we get to the hub cities, everyone will have to be confident and the league will have a good setup. It’s a matter of getting there first.”

The announcement of the NHL’s two hub cities is expected relatively soon. Las Vegas, Toronto, Edmonton, Chicago and Los Angeles were the last cities to be in the running.

“If it is a bubble and it’s done the right way, I don’t think it really should matter (which cities are chosen),” Andersen said. “It could be anywhere. Whatever is the best setup, once we figure that out, I hope we should be good to go.”

And if the Leafs play in Toronto? Andersen doesn’t see that as an advantage.

“Once everyone is there, I think people will be familiar with the hotel, the rink, all that stuff,” Andersen said. “There won’t be fans, obviously, so I think all that stuff will be a pretty even playing field for everyone.”

Andersen had been staying with Leafs centre Auston Matthews initially during the NHL pause at Matthews’ home in Scottsdale, Ariz., but said he was in California working out with his personal trainer when the state of Arizona recently saw a spike in coronavirus cases. Andersen wouldn’t comment on Matthews’ positive COVID-19 test result, reported by the Toronto Sun’s Steve Simmons on June 19.

“Regarding everyone else and other people’s medical, I don’t want to comment on that,” Andersen said. “I don’t think it’s the right thing for me to do that.”

Andersen has been taking part in on-ice sessions at the in the voluntary workouts, but otherwise must quarantine in his downtown condo until his two-week period is done. It will conclude before July 10, Andersen said.

“The Leafs have done an amazing job of cleaning the facility out there and I think they have done a really good job of setting us up for a safe environment,” Andersen said. 1176104 Toronto Maple Leafs He was moody. He didn’t talk to the media. He was one-dimensional. He wasn’t a leader.

Couple that with a contract that still had seven more years and an $8 Five years later: Revisiting the Maple Leafs’ blockbuster Phil Kessel million cap hit and, yeah, his value had diminished. trade Now, would playing for Babcock on the worst team in the league really have changed that?

By Jonas Siegel and James Mirtle Jun 30, 2020 Maybe a little. The Leafs started the 2015-16 season with a first line of James van Riemsdyk, Nazem Kadri and Brad Boyes. Scratch out Boyes and slot in Kessel and that’s a strong line. Kessel probably scores 30 goals and maybe even hits 70 points. Phil Kessel played his last game with the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 11, 2015. It was the season finale following another turbulent year for I’m just not sure that changes the minds of execs like the one I heard, or Kessel and the franchise. the ones who passed him on at the draft, or even the people in the Boston front office who dealt him to the Leafs in the first place when he Kessel played almost 22 minutes that night, scored his 25th goal of the was coming off a 36-goal season at age 21. year and added an assist in a shootout loss to Montreal. Less than three months later, he was gone, shipped to Pittsburgh on Canada Day in a Mirtle: I just think perhaps they could have increased what they got from blockbuster trade that changed the course of the Maple Leafs franchise. a team like Pittsburgh if it was more clear (a) he wasn’t on the decline and (b) he could produce when sufficiently motivated. Over his six seasons in Toronto, Kessel led the Leafs in just about every offensive category. He scored 86 more goals than his next-closest But Brendan Shanahan looked at that sideshow of 2014-15 and teammate. He registered 76 more assists and 162 more points. (Tyler determined he had to significantly change the culture, not just the roster, Bozak was second in all three categories.) And yet because of the and there was a huge clear-cutting in the front office. Kessel was one of controversial deal that brought him to the Leafs in the first place, his the pieces he felt had to go. sometimes prickly personality and the struggles of the teams he played for, Kessel doesn’t occupy the fondest place in franchise history. At the time, I thought the return was underwhelming. Kapanen has been better than expected, but the other players weren’t anything and the $1.2 The trade that sent him to Pittsburgh, where he would go on to win two million they retained has been money they desperately could have used Stanley Cups, added a final element of drama to the saga. these past couple of years.

Five years later, we look back at the legacy of one of the more significant Meanwhile, Kessel was a star for several more seasons, proving he had trades in recent Leafs history, including whether Toronto was wise to considerable value on the ice. Good trade by Pittsburgh, that’s for sure. deal its best player when it did, or even at all, and whether it ultimately got enough back from Pittsburgh. Siegel: I want to highlight a quote from Shanahan that day: “I think really on a trade like this, this is really about what we do with some of the Siegel: James, it’s hard to believe five years have passed since the Leafs assets that we’ve obtained, whether it’s a first-round pick from (2014) like traded Kessel. What do you remember about that day and your initial Kapanen or what we do with the pick when we have it in 2016 or 2017. reaction to the deal? The picks we’ve obtained, that’s really the challenge for us.”

Mirtle: I remember thinking, “Oh, shit, I have to write a front-page story So let’s look at how they did there. for the paper!” The deal happened on July 1, which is normally a busy day for us. The Leafs signed a whole bunch of players in addition to For starters, the first-rounder became the key piece (along with a making the trade, so it was big. second-rounder, which we’ll get to in a second) in landing Frederik Andersen, the team’s above-average No. 1 goaltender for the past four You add it up and it was a huge overhaul, with Kasperi Kapanen, Nick seasons. Kapanen, meanwhile, has become, at worst, a top-nine winger Spaling, Scott Harrington, Matt Hunwick, Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau, with incredible speed and 20-goal capability. I still don’t think we’ve seen Mark Arcobello and Dan Winnik all joining the organization. They then the best of him. signed Shawn Matthias a few days later. Harrington didn’t amount to anything, but Spaling, along with Roman My initial reaction was that it wasn’t a surprise. Remember how brutal Polak, netted two second-rounders from San Jose, including the one who things were by the end for Kessel? The only thing I wondered was went to Anaheim for Andersen. They used the other one on Sean Durzi, whether they were selling low on him. What if Mike Babcock could have who helped get them Jake Muzzin from the Kings. gotten more out of him early that next season and then they traded him? To be fair, the Leafs also gave Pittsburgh back the second-round pick In the end, it worked out because they were awful and got Auston they previously netted in the Daniel Winnik swap — 31 picks after the Matthews in the 2016 draft. But we didn’t know on July 1, 2015, that a first-round selection. full-on nosedive was coming. Still, judging by Shanahan’s standards, I’d argue they put those assets to Siegel: I think the question of selling low is interesting on a couple of pretty good work. different fronts, the first of which I’ll dive into here. The other thing we often forget is when you’re giving up the best player in Kessel’s value definitely dropped after the 2014-15 season. Yes, there any deal, you’re almost always going to come out on the losing end. was a dip in production, which saw him put up only 25 goals and a team- Rarely do you get back a player of equal value. for P.K. leading 61 points. But it almost felt like the dip in value was more image- Subban or Ryan Johansen for Seth Jones are exceptions. Usually, it’s related than anything else. The Leafs really became a circus that season. just a package of stuff that could be useful one day. There was salute-gate, ’s firing and another collapse. As the team’s best player, Kessel became the frontman for all of it (and Kessel was an especially unique case, too, what with that sometimes maybe the ringleader of that snubbing of the fans). prickly personality and his long, pricey contract.

And it’s not like Kessel had the spiffiest reputation anyway. I vividly I tried to find some comparable players who were dealt in recent years remember reading an ESPN The Magazine feature about the 2006 NHL (stars on longer-term deals) and realized the Leafs didn’t do all that bad. Draft, and there was something in there about how Kessel’s stock had Remember, this was when they were GM-less ( would slipped, how — if I’m remembering right — he didn’t make a great come aboard a few weeks later), with and Mark Hunter impression during team interviews. operating as co-interim GMs. I’ll never forget, during some of the wobblier points with Kessel, watching OK, so consider these returns: from the press box one night when an executive from another team shouted, “You can’t win with this guy!” Now, obviously that was far from • 2018: Buffalo deals Ryan O’Reilly — five years left on his contract, $7.5 the truth — as two Cups in Pittsburgh would tell you. And Kessel million cap hit — for Patrik Berglund, Vladimir Sobotka, Tage Thompson received far too much blame for what went down during his Leafs years, and first- and second-round picks. but the negative perceptions were out there. He wasn’t in great shape. • 2017: Chicago deals Artemi Panarin — two years left, $6 million cap hit But they didn’t worry about Phaneuf’s intangibles and their effect on the — for Brandon Saad, Anton Forsberg and a fifth-round pick. team the way they did with Kessel. Phaneuf did things the “right way.”

• 2016: Edmonton trades Taylor Hall — four more years, $6 million cap I’d imagine they’d argue that overhauling the environment around the hit — for Adam Larsson. team — culture! — made it necessary to remove Kessel, the face of a culture that needed fixing in the first place. As the team’s best player, he • 2013: Boston deals Tyler Seguin — six more years, $5.75 million cap dictated the way things were done in a way that Phaneuf couldn’t. hit — for Loui Eriksson, Joe Morrow, Reilly Smith and Matt Fraser. (Nevermind that talent in the organization, or lack thereof, was the real Did anyone above really do better than the Leafs did with Kessel, problem.) especially in light of those circumstances? I’d argue most did worse. Could Babcock have torn it down to the studs if Kessel were still around? Finally, to your point about culture: The Leafs did hang on to van I don’t see why not, though maybe Kessel wouldn’t have bought into Riemsdyk and Bozak, guys they could’ve dealt to add to the pool of Babcock’s program. Maybe they would have clashed. Maybe Kessel assets. Clearly they saw value in having those guys around — and not would have sulked. Maybe his value would have plummeted even further. Kessel — for the rebuild. Culture wasn’t nothing in this whole thing. Or maybe if they kept him, he would have scored a bunch of goals, Mirtle: Other GMs made bad trades they didn’t have to make, so this one Nylander and Marner would have hopped on board alongside whatever was fine? I don’t know about that. top pick the Leafs got in 2016 — Matthews or another, lesser gem in the top 10 — and the team would have eventually turned things around. Or Look, I still think the deal was underwhelming. People always argue they maybe Kessel would have been traded anyway around the same time as received a first-round pick but gave up a second. So they upgraded 30 Phaneuf. draft slots — they didn’t have a first-rounder for free. Neither scenario matches what the Leafs ultimately got, though they Kessel had outscored all but four players in the NHL in his time with the didn’t know they were winning the lottery when they made the Kessel Leafs. He was almost a point-per-game guy, playing on bad teams again trade. Clearly, they set out to be bad and get a top pick. and again. How could there not be interest? Was it because of the brutal year he and the team had, in large part because they brought back the What’s that old saying, James? “You gotta be good to be lucky and lucky wrong coach and a crappy roster for 2014-15? to be good”?

Where I agree moving Kessel made sense was as part of a teardown Mirtle: Do you have any enduring memories of covering Kessel in and regime change. It likely had to happen at some point. If you know Toronto? You and I wrote a ton of stories about him given he was their you’re on a path to pick high in the draft, then, yeah, move him. I wonder best player for so long. if they could have reworked the deal to include fewer assets but not had He was sometimes a challenge to cover given how little he talked, to retain nearly as much salary? especially at the end when he wasn’t coming out of the dressing room. Part of what I found frustrating about Kessel’s whole tenure in Toronto is But the vast majority of what we wrote was positive. they kept expecting him to be something he wasn’t. He took so much of I think probably this profile I did of him in 2011 was the piece that stands the blame despite delivering exactly what we should have expected he out the most for me. I also recall this odd story on his Stanley Cup party would deliver when they acquired him from Boston. in Toronto after he won in Pittsburgh, which for the first time highlighted The Leafs devalued him in some ways for years, never finding him a just how much the city had meant to him. proper centre and never building a good defensive team around him. Siegel: I was probably there in person covering most, if not all, of his 446 (Nevermind their choice of coach.) The organization was culpable in what regular-season games with the Leafs, plus the seven postseason games happened. Then it sold him for 80 cents on the dollar. in 2013 and all the preseason action, too. So I had a pretty good handle Siegel: Hold up! I’m not slamming Kessel the player one bit. I’ve always on Kessel, player and person. The ease with which he could score believed he was unduly blamed for what went down during his time in booming down the wing is what stands out most as far as the on-ice stuff Toronto. He performed about as well as you could have expected after is concerned. He was going to snap that shot off every time. Goalies Brian Burke paid big to acquire him. knew it and couldn’t stop it.

But I don’t think you’re being practical to think they were ever going to get He was a challenge to cover, obviously. back equal value for someone like him coming off a season like that. I remember one day, post-practice in Florida, when he was angry at the What those other trades demonstrate is how difficult it is to retrieve value media over a story written the day before, I think, and stormed off when I when you’re the team giving up the best player. asked to talk to him. I ran him down and he explained how he believed An interesting question I’ll toss back your way is: Should the Leafs have his words were often twisted in the media. And that wasn’t untrue traded Kessel in the first place? William Nylander was already in the sometimes. pipeline, and Mitch Marner had been drafted just a few days earlier. Keep I respected that he didn’t want the spotlight — ever — if he could avoid it. Kessel and you probably win at least a couple more games the next Playing well, playing poorly, it was all the same to him. season, though maybe you don’t get Matthews. But as the best and highest-paid player on the team, he had a And obviously if that’s the case, it’s a no-brainer: You trade Kessel 100 responsibility to do more that way. Before the 2013 playoffs, I’m sure times out of 100. But then again, the Leafs don’t know that at the time, you’ll recall, GM had to force him to come out and talk. That just that they’re going to be bad. Pain was coming! kind of stuff put more onus on guys like Phaneuf and Bozak, and after a Mirtle: “If you can’t get good value for a star, you don’t trade the star” has while, I think that got old for them, especially Bozak. always been my thinking. But yeah, the whole Matthews thing obviously That said, dealing with the media is a small part of the job. On the ice, complicates it. But there was no guarantee they’d win that lottery. They’re without the benefit of anyone in his neighbourhood of talent, he very fortunate it worked out the way it did. performed and was a popular teammate.

My take at the time was hold on to Kessel until you can make a better With better-run Leafs teams, his legacy in Toronto is a lot different than trade, and I don’t think that looks that bad at this point. They did that with what it became: strong individual production on squads that were Dion Phaneuf, and that deal was a heist given how rotten his contract clouded by controversy. was. Mirtle: One last thought on the trade before I wrap up: It’s probably worth And no retained salary, for a worse player, on a worse contract! a note on the later years of the contract. He signed for eight years at For all the mistakes Lou made, he sure dumped contracts well. Maybe he huge money on a deal that started when he was 27; he’s now 32 and could have pulled off a better Kessel trade than the Dubas-Hunter- clearly on the decline, with just 14 goals in 70 games. Franken GM they had in place? There was always fear as to how he would age as a player, and I think Siegel: Maybe? Phaneuf is the contract dump who really stands out on that’s playing out. So in that respect, the Leafs moving on when they did Lamoriello’s Leafs CV, and yes, that got done by hanging on to the guy made some sense. who was still their captain a little while longer. Like the David Clarkson contract, Kessel’s deal is completely buyout- protected, so kudos to his agent, Wade Arnott, for that. He’s going to collect all $64 million, regardless of how he plays.

I wonder if he has a strong last act in him with a contender? Arizona’s cap situation is a bit tight. It could retain a big chunk of his deal, and at $4 million or less he might make sense as a power-play specialist somewhere.

Siegel: Two more years left on his deal after this one. What a fascinating career this man has had. Maybe even, dare I say, a Hall of Famer? But that’s a conversation for another day, James.

The Athletic LOADED: 07.01.2020

1176105 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights sign goalie prospect Jiri Patera

By Ben Gotz Las Vegas Review-Journal June 30, 2020 - 2:47 PM

The Golden Knights signed goaltender prospect Jiri Patera to a three- year, entry level contract Tuesday. The 21-year-old Patera was drafted by the Knights in the sixth round in 2017. He was named the ’s Eastern Conference goaltender of the year in April. Patera was 24-12-2-2 this season for the Brandon Wheat Kings. He set a franchise record for the lowest goals-against average at 2.55. He also led the conference in wins and save percentage (.921). The 6-foot-2-inch, 205-pound product of Prague, Czech Republic, allowed one goal or fewer in 12 of his 41 appearances and posted an eight-game winning streak from Dec. 30 to Jan. 24. Patera is one of four Knights goaltenders under contract next season, along with Marc-Andre Fleury, Oscar Dansk and Dylan Ferguson. LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176106 Washington Capitals you're uncomfortable. No one should be looked down on for feeling that way. Yes, losing any player off the roster will be a tough loss for the Caps, but if a player has concerns about his family's health, that should be the priority. Will any Caps players opt-out of the playoffs? It's something no one should criticize The needs of a player's family should be more important to him than his teammates' chances of winning the Cup.

Capitals players are not faceless robots. They are not just avatars in a By J.J. Regan June 30, 2020 6:00 AM video game who only exist on the ice. They have lives and families outside of hockey. Many of the players have kids including several who were born just in the last few months. That should always be their top Because of the coronavirus, even when sports return not every player is focus and for anyone who feels that playing hockey is not worth the risk going to return with it. As various leagues prepare to return to play, we to their family, that's their right. are starting to hear of some players who have decided not to play such But wait, isn't part of the appeal of hockey seeing players put their health as Washington Nationals players Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Ross who on the line to push for that extra inch in the playoffs? Don't we celebrate have opted to sit out the 2020 MLB season. Seeing a pair of high-profile when players battle through injuries? Isn't the broken nose game part of Washington players opt-out begs the question of whether any Capitals Alex Ovechkin's legacy? Don't we hear after the playoffs every year how players could be considering making a similar choice. many injuries players were dealing with throughout the postseason? NHL training camps are expected to begin on July 10. Health and safety Yes, it's true. Every NHL player, and really every professional athlete, protocols for the return of play still have to be agreed upon by the NHL pushes through injuries at some point in their career. Whether or not this and NHLPA, but it is expected that part of the agreement will allow should be encouraged or glorified is a question for another day. In terms players to opt-out of the playoffs if they have concerns over safety. Any of debating what the difference is between that and the situation we find players who do will have their decisions debated across all platforms as ourselves in this year is simple: You can't catch a broken leg. we try to figure out whether they owe it to the team to play or if deciding not to play means they are not a "team player." No player is going to suffer a concussion and bring it home to his wife. No player is going to dislocate their shoulder and spread it to their For as much debate as we are likely to see if someone decides not to newborn baby. No player is going to break their foot and spread it to their play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, in truth, there should be no debate. Any immunodeficient parents. That is the risk in 2020 that is different from all player who wants to sit out of the playoffs over health concerns should be the other years before. free to do so without anyone judging them for their decision. As of Monday,15 players tested by the league have tested positive for "I think to a certain extent, players are uncertain how they feel about it the coronavirus and an additional 11 have also tested positive away from and how they can protect themselves, how they can protect their Phase 2 protocol. Thankfully, there are no reports yet of any of these families," Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said in May. players suffering severe or life-threatening symptoms. As young, First off, this is not likely to happen. While there are players who have professional athletes, hockey players would certainly qualify as low risk. voiced their concerns over the safety of returning to play, the hockey Having said that, it's not just about the players. That's been the tricky part culture that is ingrained in these players is going to be tough to of coronavirus. It's not just about the people who have it, it's about the overcome. This is the belief that almost all of them have on the people they can spread it to. importance of showing toughness and commitment through actions like I am not advocating for the remainder of the season to be canceled. I playing through injuries and never being a distraction. Plus, the NHL believe if the NHL can put together a bubble that can adequately isolate playoffs are a different circumstance than leagues like the MLB and NBA. the players and if the players adhere to all the safety protocols, I think MLB has not even begun its regular season yet. No one is stepping away there is a way to safely finish the season. Any players who don't feel that from their team on the eve of the playoffs in baseball. In the NBA, the way, however, have every right to put their health and the health of his league does not have nearly the same amount of parity as in the NHL. It wife, kids, parents or other loved ones ahead of the sport. may be nice to say that every team in the playoffs has a shot to win, no Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.01.2020 one following the NBA actually believes it. There are only a handful of true contenders and everyone knows it. Players on those non-contending teams may not want to risk coming back to play just to be cannon fodder for LeBron James or Giannis Antetokounmpo. It's different in hockey. While it is practically unfathomable to think the Washington Wizards or Phoenix Suns could make a run and win the NBA championship this year, is it really that much of a stretch to believe the 24th-ranked Montreal Canadiens could go deep if gets hot? Not really. Improbable? Sure. Impossible? Not even close. Let's not forget, an expansion team made it to the Stanley Cup Final in 2018 and the St. Louis Blues won in 2019 despite being in last place in January. In hockey, the culture and the legitimate chance for a championship is going to mean most if not all of the players on remaining teams are going to play, including the Caps. "I have not heard from any of our players in my discussions and texts or emails or whatever that any of them are going to not be returning to our team," head coach Todd Reirden said on June 15. He also added, "I would say that throughout the league there is a potential that some may not return." OK, so what about those who don't? What if the safety protocols are released and a player decides that it's just not worth it? There are going to be plenty of people who criticize him. There are going to be people who decide he's not a team player. If Washington loses in the playoffs, there will be those who blame that player for stepping aside when the team needed him. It's a team sport, after all. "Team sport" is the key phrase here, but while some of you may be focused on the "team" part of that phrase, I'm focused on the "sport." Hockey is a sport. Look, I love sports. It's why I do what I do. I eat, sleep and breathe sports, especially hockey. But at the end of the day, it's a game and it's not worth risking your health, or more importantly, your family's health if 1176107 Vancouver Canucks Jacob Markstrom (UFA) Resolve. Resilience. Performance. Leadership.

Markstrom checked those key boxes during a remarkable season that Ben Kuzma: Canucks’ three key UFA decisions will determine rest of garnered his second consecutive Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy roster’s fate nomination for perseverance and dedication. On the ice, it included an 11-2-0 run from mid-December to February, Ben Kuzma followed by setting a career-high and franchise-record 49 saves on Feb. 12 in a 3-0 win over the Chicago Blackhawks to help cement his status as club MVP. And in eight games where Markstrom faced 40 or more shots, he sported a 7-0-1 record. Veterans Jacob Markstrom and Chris Tanev are two of the Vancouver Canucks’ three key pending unrestricted free agents. Off the ice, Markstrom took a leave of absence in October to be with his cancer-stricken father, Anders, in Sweden. He returned with a GM has a lot on his plate. Roster wise, it starts with signing remarkable 38-save performance in a 3-2 win at Madison Square Jacob Markstrom and Tyler Toffoli while seeing if he can rationalize a Garden, and would leave again to attend a celebration of life in commitment to Chris Tanev December after his father had died. Canada Day is cause for celebration and reflection. “To show consistency and a high standard was something,” said In the National Hockey League, it’s an annual engaging mix of Benning. “We’re trying to establish a culture here and Jacob is a big part anticipation and angst as free-agent frenzy commences and franchises of that with how hard he competes and how well liked he is in the room.” either make prudent or preposterous purchases. Under normal circumstances, Markstrom’s expiring $3.6-million cap hit For the Vancouver Canucks, the onus isn’t on adding to their mix. It’s would get a big boost here or in free agency, but today’s NHL is far from fitting their key unrestricted free agents under restrictions of a projected normal. He has recovered from a February knee injury and was better flat US $81.5-million salary cap ceiling that could last years. statistically than fellow UFA stoppers in Robin Lehner, ($5M cap hit) and Braden Holtby ($6M), but there won’t be a burgeoning free-agent market The loss of hockey-related revenue is reflective of the crippling for cash-strapped teams. coronavirus pandemic that paused this season on March 12. If it’s not resumed, it’s a $1-billion loss in revenue and even resumption of play in The Canucks have leverage because Markstrom wants to stay, but how August will only recoup one-third of the financial blow. long do they commit to their 30-year-old starter? It’s either more money at less term or less money with more security. It’s a lot to wrap your head around in attempting to come to terms with UFAs in Jacob Markstrom, Tyler Toffoli and Chris Tanev. Two days “You want to play for somebody who wants you,” stressed Markstrom. “I before the season was paused, the league said the cap was projected to think (goalie coach) Ian Clark is one of the best in the world. To work with rise to between $84 and $88 million. him every day is a privilege. He expects a lot from you, but I really like that. That’s when I push myself to become better. I’m very comfortable in Run this by Canucks general manager Jim Benning and you get a better Vancouver for sure. read of all the uncertainty he’s dealing with in the new normal. “In my mind I want to stay — that’s my goal. I’m still a Canuck and proud Expiring contracts are expected to be pushed back to Oct. 30 with free of that.” agency to follow. That might help better assess the value of restricted free agents in the demanding post-season, and aside from regular Tyler Toffoli (UFA) communication with player agents about salary-versus-term dynamics, The winger has a long friendship with Tanner Pearson and a new there are other, more pressing hurdles to clear. admirer in J.T. Miller. “To be quite honest, I’ve been swamped with the logistics of trying to Pearson can help sell Toffoli on the team and city and Miller can sell figure out how to get players back to town and all the protocols we have management on Toffoli’s worth that goes far beyond 10 points (6-4) in 10 to follow,” said Benning. “So my energy has been used on that. We’ll see games after being acquired from the Los Angeles Kings on Feb. 11. where the cap is, make adjustments and sign players. But I’m not thinking about that now.” Today’s game is about winning board battles and getting inside. If you have the determination to get in the slot and stay there — and can dig a Benning wasn’t dodging the question. He was referring to a constantly puck out of your skates to unleash a quick and accurate wrist shot — it’s changing landscape amid COVID-19 safety concerns. And there are also not going to go unnoticed. pressing league issues to finalize a collective bargaining agreement extension and address financial losses for owners and players. “He’s super-predictable,” Miller said of his 28-year-old linemate. “It’s when you start playing the other way that you start hoping a lot and that’s Of course, Benning must sign Markstrom and Toffoli and see if he can not good. You know the puck is getting in deep and he (Toffoli) is going rationalize a commitment to Tanev. He has made that much clear. What to be in the right spot. isn’t clear is the addition by subtraction that would have to take place. “That’s easy to play with. And he’s bigger than people realize. He’s a As for restricted free agents in Troy Stecher, Jake Virtanen, Adam solid dude and good around the net.” Gaudette, Tyler Motte and Zack MacEwen, the fact that Stecher, Virtanen, Motte and MacEwen have arbitration rights and varying levels What’s that worth? of leverage, could force management into a corner. Toffoli’s expiring cap hit is $4.6 million and Miller’s deal is a good Justin Bailey is also an RFA with arbitration rights and the organization reference point. The club’s leading scorer is 27. He has three more has depth contracts expiring in Guillaume Brisebois (RFA), Jalen seasons at an annual $5.25-million cap hit that’s the best NHL bargain. Chatfield (RFA), Ashton Sautner (UFA), Louis Domingue (UFA) and No trade acquisition in the last year has matched his career-high 72 Richard Bachman (UFA). points (27-45) in 69 games. With Brogan Rafferty and possibly Olli Juolevi pushing for roster spots Toffoli has had three 20-goal seasons and a 30-goal campaign, so the next season — and the ongoing quest to sign Nikita Tryamkin — bump on his expiring deal is about banking on long-term consistency and something has to give on the back end. Jordie Benn has a year left on game-breaking potential. That’s Miller territory, so why not trade security his deal at $2 million and maybe the Montreal Canadiens bring him back for salary and offer Toffoli what Miller has in place? into their fold for depth purposes. Chris Tanev (UFA) Letting UFA Oscar Fantenberg go is easier if you’re going to promote from within or add depth. And what about the versatile Stecher? Is he a The long-serving defenceman sounds like a realtor. long-term fit? It’s about location for Tanev, but it’s also about not being blinded by the If that’s not enough to clog the brain, next year Benning is staring down comfort factor after earning UFA status. Tanev was fourth among all NHL the barrel as Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes pulling the trigger on players in blocked shots this season and suffered an MCL (medial rich, franchise-defining extensions. collateral ligament sprain) March 10. In the interim, here’s a capsule looking at signing priorities for the At age 30 and on an expiring $4.6-million cap hit, Tanev could have Canucks: options in the marketplace to push for cash and security. What works for him here is a complimentary mentorship fit in a pairing with Hughes and being regarded as one who leads by example. “I want to stay in Vancouver — I love it here and it’s sort of my new home,” said the Toronto native. “Of course, I’d like to sign a long-term deal because I’ve played quite a while (10 years) and you’ve earned that right, but who knows? “I would like to sign here for a few years.” Keeping Tanev would mean moving more than a depth piece. And with Alex Edler’s contract expiring after next season, the Canucks have to cast an eye to getting younger and not older. Still, it’s the intangibles that Tanev brings that are hard to measure in salary comparable. “He’s a guy you can win with and I’m going to try and do what I can to keep him around,” said Benning. Question marks • The Canucks like the versatility of UFA winger Josh Leivo, 27, but he was limited to 19 points (7-12) in 36 games because of a fractured knee cap in December. The arrival of Miller and Toffoli, improvement in Virtanen and hope that Micheal Ferland is over concussion concerns has clogged the wings. But Leivo’s expiring cap hit is just $1.5 million. • Virtanen, 23, had a career 36-point season (18-18), but will the Canucks pay for potential, or think he’s just a third-line winger not worth much of a bump from his expiring $1.25-million cap hit? If that’s the case, arbitration might be his route. Vancouver Province: LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176108 Vancouver Canucks finishing until sometime this fall, this year it’s just like any other summer day for hockey.

As in, not much happening. Canucks notebook: Quinn Hughes calls Black Lives Matter protests Not much in public, anyway. 'important' Contracts normally expire June 30. The Canucks have a bunch of players who normally would be out of contract this week. There are Patrick Johnston normally bonuses to be paid on July 1, like to Loui Eriksson. No-trade or no-move clauses kick in, or become modified, or disappear.

In all these cases, amendments are going to be made. Players won’t be The Canucks' players are slowly returning to Vancouver and a handful paid any extra, since they’ve already received their final paycheques for skated at Rogers Arena on Tuesday. the season, though those remain uncashed, given escrow is going to claw back plenty from player salaries. Talking politics isn’t something that many athletes want to engage in, so it felt notable Tuesday when Quinn Hughes didn’t shy away from a The Canucks don’t have cash-flow problems, but there are teams that question about the state of affairs in his country. surely will as the reality of empty arenas continues. The Vancouver Canucks’ super-rookie has been back in Canada for two A few more since we're at it… days and is living, like most of his mates from out of town, at the J.W. Marriott Parq Vancouver, following the self-isolation guidelines spelled Eichel/Skinner, $7.5M out for players arriving from abroad. Muzzin, $7.3M (Hughes and a handful of mates were still allowed to skate at Rogers Draisaitl/Stone, $7M Arena on Tuesday, while respecting social distancing rules.) Backstrom/Bobrovsky/Subban, $6M He’s kept to himself since the NHL season went on pause March 12. He’s been living much of the last three and a half months with his family Malkin/Couture/Toews/Kane/Kessel/ROR/Kucherov/Vlasic/Duchene, in suburban Canton, Mich., between Ann Arbor, home of the University of $5M Michigan, and Detroit. Edler/Voracek/Ekblad/Pavelski/OEL/Spurgeon/Andersen/DeBrincat/Seab Being at home meant the news was front and centre many days. rook, $4M— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) July 1, 2020 CNN was on TV a lot of the time, he told a collection of reporters on a Fiscal armageddon? team-organized Zoom video call. He saw plenty of reports about the Black Lives Matter protests, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. To stay On that note, TSN’s Frank Seravalli has put numbers down on paper healthy and to avoid infection, the family stayed home much of the time. about just how tough the next few years are going to be for the NHL even if life returns close to the old normal in a year or so. “It was disgraceful what the officers did in Minnesota,” he said of the death of George Floyd. “I think it was important that people did that The salary cap is tied to hockey revenues, with escrow being used to (protested) and expressed their feelings.” claw back a percentage of every player salary in order to keep the league’s owner hold 50 per cent of overall revenues. A few Canucks players including Quinn Hughes (centre), with Elias Pettersson and during a December practice, have arrived in But in a world with massively diminished revenues, all of a suddenly the Vancouver and are skating. Jason Payne / PNG formulas look broken. Without modifications, the players could find themselves essentially paying back the totality of their salaries. Keeping fit and mentally strong Vancouver Province: LOADED: 07.01.2020 Living with his younger brothers Jack and Luke meant that Hughes was able to do plenty of roller-blading, he said, as well as other sports. There’s the standard familiy basketball hoop, a ping-pong table, a pool. “We’d play basketball for two or three hours a day and then we’d work out,” he said. “We did a lot of swimming. It was pretty rowdy at the house and we had a lot of fun.” As June rolled around, he and his brothers were also able to get skating at a local rink. Now that he’s back in Vancouver, he’s going to have to find a new routine. He’s not living in his Yaletown condo; he’s staying in swanky hotel digs and will be following the mandated physical distancing protocols, while being regularly tested for COVID-19. The time off, he said, gave him plenty of opportunity to reflect on what he’d learned through the first full season of his NHL career. More than anything, he knew he needed to get stronger. “I feel really strong now. I think I can perform better in the playoffs now than I would have three and a half months ago,” he said of the time he’s put in in his family’s home gym, coupled with the simple reality of being able to properly rest. He admitted that being mostly holed up in the hotel for days and soon to be weeks on end will be a challenge, but there’s not much he can do about it. “I think maybe by Day 20, it might feel like a really long road trip, but at the end of the day it is what it is,” he said. “I just want to play hockey and finish out the season. This is what it’s going to look like and things aren’t going to be perfect … Just got to wrap my head around that.” NHL/NHLPA obligated to reach interim agreement today regarding 6/30 contract expiration, 7/1 free agency and 7/1 signing bonuses. Today is 6/30. Tomorrow is 7/1.— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) June 30, 2020 NHLPA and NHL need to deal with deadlines In a normal year, Canada Day is the day the NHL’s free agency market officially opens. But with play still on pause and the 2019-20 season not 1176109 Vancouver Canucks On the other hand, that’s a 10-goal pace over 82 games, which would be excellent production from a fourth line winger, particularly when one considers the extreme, defensive orientation in Motte’s deployment. How the Canucks should approach negotiations with their 4 key RFAs Additionally, there’s all kinds of data — including just watching the games — that suggests strongly that Motte was easily the club’s most effective penalty killing forward. Location-based data is the sort of thing one would never present at an arbitration hearing, but nonetheless, this By Thomas Drance Jun 30, 2020 Hockeyviz.com shorthanded shot location chart tells you just about everything about Motte’s effectiveness in shorthanded situations: Restricted free agency can be tricky for all sides. If you’re really only surrendering an above-average rate of shots shorthanded from the flanks with a particular penalty killer on the ice, RFA status means different things for different players. There are the that’s the good stuff. pure second contract guys, who aren’t eligible for arbitration. Then there’s your arbitration-eligible restricted free agents, who have the Ultimately Motte’s should be a relatively straightforward negotiation. He’s leverage to force teams to make more favourable deals but are also at a smart, useful player who clearly has the trust of Canucks coaches. greater risk of going unqualified — particularly this offseason, as teams Coming off of an injury-plagued season, Motte and his representatives contend with the economic uncertainty introduced by the novel will know this isn’t the offseason to really take that big swing. coronavirus. Finally you have your black hole players, the players with Considering how fine the margins can be for NHL-level depth players, it’s 10.2(c) status. These players are restricted free agents but have no right hard to imagine a player like Motte wanting to play hardball two years out to free agency at all. from unrestricted free agency. There’s significant risk for players like The lines have been blurring between restricted and unrestricted free Motte, particularly in such an uncertain offseason. With two years agents for years now, and the market has a tendency of resetting itself remaining until unrestricted free agency, players are typically loath to every couple of years. That is, unless you’re a star defenceman looking depart an organization where they can feel pretty confident they’re going for a second contract. to read their number on the whiteboard every game day morning. Whatever your status, restricted free agency can be a complicated Based on Motte’s underlying profile and Dom’s projections, anyway, process for team and player alike. Teams may have more leverage in Motte is roughly a replacement-level contributor (listed as a centre in the these circumstances, but there are still a ton of complicated factors to graphic below because of his NHL.com listing): weigh. Also, the nature of restricted free agency is that it’s the domain of I’d qualify the image above by suggesting strongly that Motte’s usage the younger player, so teams are necessarily making bets on guys with was so extreme this past season that it’s tough for a model to really relatively light track records of NHL performance. account for it. We went through this exercise for the Canucks’ four key unrestricted free For a variety of reasons — particularly the impact of his speed on the agents last week, and now we’ll do so for four of the key restricted free bottom end of a Canucks lineup that isn’t otherwise very fast, and his agents the Canucks are facing negotiations with this offseason, penalty killing utility — Motte strikes me as likely to outperform those whenever it begins. projections in the next year or two, particularly if he can stay healthy and We’re relying on our The Athletic colleague Dom Luszczyszyn’s model, if Vancouver begins to play straight up more often. which projects a player’s aging curve and future performance using his The Canucks will need to pinch every penny they can on depth players GSVA (Game Score Value Added) metrics. As we noted last time out, this summer, and players like Motte may feel the squeeze to some there’s no team in the NHL that makes multi-million dollar player extent. Considering the incentives at play, the leverage created by personnel decisions based on a single output and we should be careful arbitration eligibility and the frequency with which the workmanlike not to do so either. Canucks winger was injured in his platform year, one would expect a Let’s also note that we’ve left out Zack MacEwen and several American contract outcome for Motte modestly above the value of his qualifying League–level players because their track record of NHL performance offer — with a 20 percent premium (or a $1.2 million AAV) likely doesn’t neatly lend itself to analysis utilizing Dom’s model. representing the high water mark. Finally, a crucial qualifier: these projections provide us with an interesting Whether Motte is full value for that level of cap expenditure or not, the baseline worth being aware of. The analysis is based on trends, data and margin is relatively small and he’ll work like crazy every shift to make historical precedents, it’s useful but it’s just a tool and not an all- sure he is. Which is really the whole point. encompassing, flawless guide. Think of the model as being like your Troy Stecher coffee maker. It’s useful and necessary — your day will be an absolute mess if you’re don’t get caffeinated at the start of it — but it’s not enough Position: Right defenceman on its own to make the cheap beans you bought taste artisanal. You’re still going to want to add some stevia and some half and half. Age: 26 What’s apparent in this analysis is that the Canucks have a lot of tough 2019-20 statistics: 69 GP, 5-12-17 decisions to make this offseason and they’ll need to be very deliberate Expiring contract: Two years, $2.325 million AAV about how they proceed, particularly in consideration of not clogging up the books for the 2021-22 season, when Elias Pettersson and Quinn We’ve dug in at length on Troy Stecher’s unique contract status and Hughes will become significantly more expensive. situation throughout the year. Tyler Motte The stalwart right-handed defender is a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights. The organization seems to prefer him on the third Position: Winger pair, although his durability and penchant for reliable in-zone play often Age: 25 results in him soaking up top-four minutes at some point — often for an extended stretch — during any given season. 2019-20 statistics: 34 GP, 4-4-8 Dom’s projections are pretty bearish on what Stecher’s market value Expiring contract: One year, $975,000 should be, and considering Vancouver’s all-around salary cap situation, it could be a tricky one for the club to navigate: Let’s begin with Tyler Motte, an arbitration-eligible restricted free agent due a $1 million qualifying offer from the Canucks if the team is to In my view, Stecher is very likely to outperform this projection, in large maintain their right of first refusal. part because of his sneaky defensive value. He’s a player the club needs, particularly when you consider the lack of Over the past two seasons, for example, no regular Canucks defender speed elsewhere among their bottom-six forward group. has been on the ice for as low a rate of goals against as Stecher. Stecher also tends to successfully help his defensive partners drive both shot Motte doesn’t have a great arbitration case all things considered, which attempt differential and expected goal differential. That’s exceedingly somewhat mitigates the risk of qualifying him. In particular, his case is useful, particularly on a team that has too often bled scoring chances weakened because his counting stats are meagre and he wasn’t against. particularly durable this past season: he only produced four goals and eight total points in the 34 games he played. While the projections suggest that Stecher is only likely to provide a couple of additional seasons of bottom-pair quality work — based on his output, age and history — and that should probably be weighted in how the Canucks proceed, I personally wouldn’t hesitate to value Stecher as types of super efficient contracts that can change the entire complexion an ideal 4/5 defender, likely to be effective into his early 30s. of a club in the salary cap era. For the Canucks there’s also a situational consideration to make with Whether the Canucks have the cap flexibility to execute such a Stecher, a local kid who takes enormous pride in being part of the maneuver, however, or instead prefer to go with a short-term deal that organization. Considering his Richmond roots, Stecher profiles like a permits them to more conservatively track Gaudette’s development is a player who might be more motivated to secure additional term and very different question. security on his third contract as opposed to simply maximizing the raw dollar value. Jake Virtanen There is opportunity here for the Canucks, depending on how they opt to Position: Winger proceed. Without question they will have to proceed cautiously because Age: 23 of Stecher’s arbitration rights, but if the Canucks can retain Stecher on a two- or three-year deal that maintains a cap hit of a similar size to what 2019-20 statistics: 69 GP, 18-18-36 Stecher earned this season — Stecher’s cap hit was the 124th highest among NHL defenders in 2019-20, implying he was compensated like a Expiring contract: Two years, $1.25 million AAV high-end third pair defender, which sounds about right — that would be a Of the pending restricted free agents on the Canucks roster, by far the tidy bit of business. trickiest and highest-stakes negotiation will be the one with Jake A durable, defensively sound, hard-working right-handed defender with Virtanen. good skating ability is a tremendous luxury if the deal is reasonable and In his fifth season with the organization and his fourth year as a full-time he’s slotted onto the third pair. It’s a luxury well worth maintaining, if the NHL player, Virtanen exploded for a career offensive season. Questions club can make the puzzle pieces fit. still linger about his overall two-way game, for good reason, but Virtanen Adam Gaudette is adaptable enough to play in the bottom-six or anywhere else in the lineup — so long as he’s not being used in matchup minutes. It helps that Position: Centre Virtanen has plus speed and size and has developed into a pretty good goal scorer. Age: 23 To wit, over the past two seasons, Virtanen has manufactured goals at a 2019-20 statistics: 59 GP, 12-21-33 credible second-line rate at even-strength among all NHL forwards who Expiring contract: Three-year, entry-level contract with full Schedule A have played at least 1,000 5-on-5 minutes. There’s a lot of value in that, bonuses obviously. Now before we get too far into the GSVA data, it should be noted that Where things become interesting for Virtanen is that he’s arbitration- Dom’s model has been harsh in its rating of Gaudette over the years. eligible and his case is going to be absolutely fascinating. I’ve built a list of roughly comparable forwards who have signed third contracts since Dom’s model weights play-driving ability significantly and Gaudette’s two- 2017 on a similar track as Virtanen (i.e., this list only includes forwards way results in his first two NHL seasons haven’t been auspicious. Still, he who signed third contracts following their fifth season, with two took a significant jump in his second NHL season. The gap from arbitration-eligible seasons remaining prior to hitting unrestricted free defensive “liability” — Dom’s model rated Gaudette as one of “the lowest agency). These are the recent comparables with the statistics reflecting rated players in the league” heading into this season — to “clearly NHL their career output at the time they signed their third contract: level” is significant, particularly for a centreman who scored at a 40-point pace over 82 games. Jake Virtanen comparables Making that type of developmental leap in one year between your age 22 Vladislav Namestnikov and age 23 seasons is impressive. It might be an indication that further 282 improvement is to come. 0.45 Of course, one has to be careful about expecting linear development from young players. Gaudette has an offensive tool kit that includes a 14:45 pretty lethal shot from his off wing and solid on-ice awareness, but arguably Gaudette’s greatest asset is his insanely high work rate. There’s never a moment that Gaudette isn’t outworking his opponents, and 340 typically speaking, one expects a player with that kind of motor to improve more rapidly than a player without it. 0.38 Of course, even that viewpoint is subject to its own biases. Whether 15:14 Gaudette takes that next step and becomes an assertive middle-six centreman capable of holding his own defensively, or an offensive Sam Bennett specialist with an admirable work rate remains to be seen. 312 In the meantime, Gaudette’s improvement has caused Dom’s model to soften somewhat in how it rates his probable development curve in the 0.37 years ahead. Gaudette hasn’t convinced Dom’s model of his overall utility 14:29 as more than a fourth-line contributor with good offensive value, however — not yet at least: Jake Virtanen Coming off of an entry-level contract that saw him accrue just two 279 seasons of professional experience, Gaudette is a black hole player with 10.2(c) status. He can’t sign an offer sheet and will have negligible 0.34 leverage this offseason. 12:49 The Canucks will have a variety of balls in the air whenever the Joel Armia offseason begins — from key UFAs like Jacob Markstrom and Tyler Toffoli, to Pettersson and Hughes becoming eligible to sign their second 237 contract extensions — and a 10.2(c) player like Gaudette might ultimately be the piece that the club has to hold a firm line on in contract 0.34 negotiations. 13:54 There’s an opportunity cost associated with that approach though, Excluding Virtanen from the group, the average cap hit on the deals particularly in the event that Gaudette continues to improve significantly these forwards signed is over $3 million. Three million dollars represents in a similar fashion to what he managed as a 23-year-old. a relatively significant commitment, particularly for a Canucks team that If the Canucks can find the requisite space to go a bit longer on has a lot to accomplish this offseason and minimal cap flexibility to work Gaudette’s second contract, they’d be covered in the event that Gaudette with, particularly in a hockey business climate ravaged by the pandemic takes another step and establishes himself as a credible, middle-six where the salary cap seems likely to stay flat. option down the middle capable of pitching in 40 points. Those are the On the other hand, if you look at those numbers in a vacuum, it looks like the Canucks might have a good chance of scoring a below-market deal for Virtanen — since he’s played fewer minutes and has been Because Virtanen is eligible for player-elected arbitration, where he’ll outproduced by the likes of Sam Bennett and Joel Armia, a pair of have a reasonable case for earning nearly $3 million per (and maybe players whose third contracts came in with cap hits at $2.6 and $2.55 more), there’s an element of uncertainty that will have to be accounted million respectively. for. Depending on how things unfold in talks with pending unrestricted free agents like Tyler Toffoli, Chris Tanev and Jacob Markstrom, a $3 Where Virtanen’s situation gets complicated, though, is that this past million cap hit could prove an inconvenient price tag for the Canucks to year he went absolutely off as an offensive player. look to fit under the salary cap. The last year of a restricted player’s contract is often referred to as their When you put together these factors — Virtanen’s likely value, the strong “platform year,” and it tends to be weighted a bit in negotiations and in season he authored and the potentially inefficient cap hit he’s likely to arbitration hearings. Not that a player’s priors are ignored, just that the carry beginning next season — and view the problem as a whole, the most recent dataset is especially pertinent, particularly when you’re arrows point toward this being a situation where a team may at least talking about a 23-year-old player. gauge a player’s value on the trade market prior to the qualifying offer If we run these comps again and look at Virtanen’s performance in his deadline. platform season when compared with this cohort, well, you can begin to That said, Virtanen is a useful player and a relatively unique piece who see why this negotiation has the potential to be tricky from Vancouver’s can unquestionably contribute offence in a bottom-six role while adding perspective: some much needed speed to the Canucks lineup. He could be even Virtanen platform year comparables more valuable than that if he can round out his two-way game in his mid- 20s. That is significantly rarer than the “power forwards develop late” Vladislav Namestnikov crowd insists, though. 81 So while Virtanen’s upside is potentially still significant, the cost of seeing if he can get there is also relatively prohibitive. Whether the Canucks 0.59 have the stomach to cover that bet will determine the future of the shotgun movement in Vancouver. 17:05 The Athletic LOADED: 07.01.2020 $4M/2 years Jake Virtanen 69 0.52 13:05 ? Ryan Strome 82 0.41 15:13 $3.1M/2 years Joel Armia 57 0.4 15:48 $2.6M/2 years Sam Bennett 71 0.38 13:17 $2.55M/2 years The extent to which Virtanen outproduced a $3.1 million comparable in Ryan Strome in his platform year is, potentially, a serious feather in Virtanen’s cap in these negotiations. And the discordance between Virtanen’s career numbers and his stellar production in his platform year add further uncertainty. Perhaps Virtanen doesn’t quite get into that $3 million per season range — agents The Athletic has spoken with who handicap these things expertly suspect he doesn’t quite have a $3 million case — but that comparable alone gives him a shot. So the key question facing the Canucks, then, is: Is it a wise investment to commit $3 million in cap space spent to a 23-year-old player who has yet to really log top-six ice time consistently to this point in his career? This is where the baseline offered by Dom’s model can, again, be constructive in shaping a suggested approach: According to Dom’s data, Virtanen does a lot of things at a very high level, particularly in the realm of shot creation and goal scoring. The overall takeaway here is that the Canucks should probably proceed cautiously in Virtanen’s case. 1176110 Websites was coming from. I wanted to build something extremely reputable. By no means are we trying to tell people our wines and whiskies are the best in the world. We wanted to produce an affordable product — and that’s how it came to be. The Athletic / Q&A: Wayne Gretzky on making whisky, learning to like IPAs and loving cheap wine How did you get from wine to whisky? I didn’t realize, when we first started this thing, how big it would become and how exciting and how great my partners are. Through the years, they By Eric Duhatschek Jun 30, 2020 decided, “Listen, we really think we can do something unique in the whisky business. We’d like to try and make a whisky in red-wine barrels. It’ll give it a little bit of a different taste. It won’t be as hardcore.” They Like a lot of former athletes, Wayne Gretzky got into the wine business said, “We have a recipe here that we think could do very well.” once he retired from his playing career. Unlike a lot of former athletes, So, we decided to give it a shot and see where we could go with this. Gretzky – along with his partners – has made a financial go of it, and in From Day 1, we’ve been very fortunate. It’s very reasonably priced. the past few years has expanded the operation to include whisky and People do seem to like it. That’s how we got from Point A to Point Z. craft beer as well. Like everyone else during this pandemic, we’d had to think outside the In 2017, Wayne Gretzky Estates – situated in the Niagara-On-The-Lake box in terms of distribution. The delivery service has been a far more region, became the first combined winery and distillery in Ontario. In important part of the winery in Niagara than ever before. That’s just the conjunction with Food and Drink week here at The Athletic, I reached out way life is right now. You’ve just got to learn to deal with things. Basically, to the Great One and we ended up having a spirited discussion about we’ve signed a lifetime partnership. John has a younger family like I do. spirits – and his interest in wine, liquor and beer, as a producer, a Hopefully, years from now, when he and I are gone, his kids and my kids consumer and a collector. The conversation spun off in different can carry it on. directions. Here’s a lightly edited version of how it unfolded. I wanted to ask you if you’re a wine collector. Because whenever people Tell me if I’m remembering this correctly. In 2016, Pierre LeBrun and I speak about Mario Lemieux these days they almost always reference his were having a drink in the bar at the Toronto Hyatt hotel after a World fabulous wine cellar. Cup of Hockey game and you were there with one of your sons and a number of people from the agency that represents you. In the midst of all You know what’s funny? I’m not a collector. I don’t go out and buy wines this, someone delivered a case of whisky to your table. Our inquiring to store. That’s never been my thing. But over the years, from going to minds wanted to know what was going on and you showed us – it was different charity events, or meeting different people, my wife and I have brand-new whisky that you were producing in Niagara and this was, collected lots and lots of wine that have been given to us as gifts. So, what, the first case? Or one of the first cases ever made? Am I from that point of view, yeah, we do have quite a collection. But it’s not remembering that correctly – or is my mind playing tricks on me? from looking up something about this 1965 bottle of red and saying, “OK, we’ve got to have it.” No, no, you’re right. That’s exactly what happened. We hadn’t even gotten it on the shelves yet because there is a regulatory process that But it’s nothing like what Mario has. He knows what he’s doing. I don’t. you have to go through – and it takes days, months, years actually to get (Laughs) it up and ready to go. They had made a preliminary batch just to get the taste down right and so we actually had a few cases about a year before One of your former teammates with the Kings, Jim Fox, is heavily we officially got it on the market. So, you’re right, that was the first batch. involved in the wine industry and his winemaker, Mike Smith, is also the winemaker for Carter Cellars which, a couple of years back, produced a So, before we get into a discussion of the whisky business, can we talk cabernet sauvignon that got a 100 rating from the Wine Spectator. I had about wine, because that’s how you first started in the industry? I know a chance to taste a bottle once and I would say it’s probably the best your grandfather made his own wine and that resonates with me because wine I’ve ever tasted. I can’t afford wines at that price point, but my father, uncles and everyone in our inner circle who immigrated from afterward, I was trying to decide why I liked it so much. Was I influenced Austria in the early 1950s also made their own wine. There was a wine by the fact that it received such a high rating? And I thought, no, it just press shared by the family, and each family bought grapes off the really was spectacular. Is there a particular wine, or winery, that you boxcars at Union station and had their own barrels. Truthfully, it wasn’t favour? A First Growth Bordeaux? A Chateau Petrus? Something along great wine, but it sounds as if something similar happened with your those line? family. First of all, I’m not a connoisseur. I know some people really study wine. I When the first immigrants came to Canada from Poland, Russia and don’t. When I sit down and someone pours a glass of red I’ll say, “Yeah, I Ukraine in the 1920s, they all migrated to each other because of shared really like the taste of that.” And it’s a $20 bottle. My favourite wine that language and culture. Our family settled in Paris, Ontario — or a small our winery makes is a Cabernet-Merlot blend that’s reasonably priced town outside of Paris called Ayr. There were three different families of and has a full-bodied taste. I give it away to friends as a gift at Christmas. Russian descent who decided to farm — and on those farms, they grew It’s a really nice red wine. grapes and made wine. My grandfather, back in the 1930s, started pruning trees and vines and doing everything necessary to make his own Anything higher end? wine. He would put it in barrels. I remember how proud he used to be. He Just because it’s a small world and I happened to have my offices over had three big barrels that he’d fill and that lasted him a long time. there, I used to share an office with a man named Tom Jones, who My dad and his family didn’t drink — my dad never drank — and so when owned the building. When he passed away, Rupert Murdoch bought his my grandfather passed away in 1972, there were two wine barrels that place. But Tom Jones (former chief executive of the Northrop were still full. I remember, one day, we were out there on a Sunday Corporation) had 14 acres in Bel Air and had an orchard there and afternoon, about 1980, Kevin Lowe and I, Eddie Mio and my dad, and I produced a label called Moraga (Estate) Wines. It’s a really, really nice said, “Maybe I’ll go downstairs and get a glass of wine for the guys.” wine. For years, as a Christmas gift, Mr. Jones was kind enough to give (Laughs) I’ll never forget. My dad said to me: “You better be careful with us some bottles, so I have a bunch of those in my wine cellar. I think it’s that wine. It’s been sitting there for eight years. It’s going to be pure as good a wine as you’re ever going to drink. And he kind of did it just for alcohol.” He was right. It really didn’t taste like wine. It tasted more like fun. It’s hard to get 14 acres of land in Bel Air that you can have a winery moonshine — but it was still pretty good. But it was just the history of it — on. Like I say, when he passed, Rupert Murdoch bought the estate and that my grandfather had made it — that made it exciting. Kevin and I and bought the winery. Eddie obviously had a nice time. (Laughs) Have you ever had Val Bure’s wine? I talked to Val once for a story about From there, over the years, you develop so many connections in life and athletes and wine and he produces a really high-end cab for collectors. so many doors that open, people were forever asking me if I wanted to At the time, he told me he had a two-year waiting list for his product, and be involved in this or that. I always said, “While you’re a hockey player, it’s just impossible to get your hands on any of it. just play hockey.” Your concern and focus have to be on what you’re I have had a few glasses of his because Val’s close with a close friend of doing, so you can be the best you can be. mine, who always has some of Val’s wine at his house. He’s done really But when you finish your hockey, you have all these people you know — well with it. He makes a really good wine. To me, wine is about taste. It and these contacts — and then you can sit down and make decisions for doesn’t matter how expensive it is. If you like the taste, you think, “OK, yourself and your family. For me, I was really lucky to meet John Peller this is really good. I like it.” You can get a $1,000 bottle of wine and go, and the Peller family. They came up with this plan. His father had started “Geez, I don’t really like the taste of that. It’s too sweet. Or it’s too dry.” his winery back in 1952 or 1953 — and it just seemed to be the right sort I’ve had $20 bottles and said, “This is as good a wine as I’ve ever had.” of connection and the right sort of partnership. He understood where I Do you know what I mean? I know exactly what you mean. In the 1980s, through a friend that I Hero that honoured Matt Duchene. I think some of the proceeds from the worked with at my newspaper — and back when the prices for Bordeaux sales went to a local charity. All the young people in our family love the were somewhat reasonable — I ordered some Bordeaux futures – once craft beer – and buy it in these big Growlers. I’m like you – and favour the for the 1986 vintage and once for the 1990. I had them cellaring in my more traditional beers. place. Then my kids came along and the goal changed — just what you were saying, to find the best quality at a price point that I could My kids love craft beers too. Those craft beer restaurants they have? reasonably afford. They’re not for me. If I’m going to have a cold beer, I want a cold beer. That’s just how I grew up. But you’ll appreciate this story. Remember that training camp you had in Calgary in September 2001, ahead of the Olympics — the It is interesting, the diversification you’re speaking of here and all the one at Father David Bauer arena, where you added Jarome Iginla at the different things wineries are trying. I saw in my local liquor store a while last minute because somebody was injured? back that there’s a winery in California making wine aged in barrels that used to hold bourbon. Who dreams these things up? I’m not sure if I’m We had all the out-of-town hockey writers over to our house for a going to like it, but I might be willing to go back and give it a try. barbecue and I opened what I had left of those 1990 Bordeauxs because they were drinking well at that time and I thought, “What the hell, let’s It’s a different era. I’ll give you an example. When I grew up, my mom blow them out.” And we did. We went through them pretty quickly. used to drink rye. Her drink was CC and coke. That’s what your parents or people who were friends with your parents used to drink on a Friday The next day, at practice, Pierre LeBrun came up to me and said, “I felt night – and if you didn’t drink that, you’d have a beer or a glass of wine. kind of bad for you last night.” I said, “Why?” And he said, “Well, I knew what you were doing there, opening those bottles, but I don’t think Things have changed so much since then. My kids will say, “I’m having a everyone actually appreciated the gesture.” Some were just swilling it White Claw.” And I’ll say, “Well, what’s a White Claw?” And they’re like, down. I laughed and I told him it didn’t bother me at all because that’s “Well, it’s basically, a vodka-beer-spritzer.” But when you taste it, you why you cellar wine, right? To celebrate a special occasion or an event? I think, “Hey that’s pretty good.” Everything changes in life and so do have wine in my cellar that I bought to celebrate my children’s birth people’s tastes and that’s why the alcohol market has changed too. years. Wine’s about family. Wine’s about friendship. And I will always People are adventurous now. They want to try something different. associate that party in 2001 with that part of my collection. And some of They’re not pigeon-holed into what their parents drank. Also, people those guys doing the swilling were guys you knew pretty well. worry about calories now. They’re conscious of the fact that if they drink too much beer, they might become overweight. So, they’ll say, “Maybe I’ll I’m dying laughing here because I do know those guys and I can see that have a White Claw – because it’s not as many calories.” (Laughs) happening. So, I’ve got a friend who’s a member of a wine club and they meet once a month and everybody brings a bottle of wine or two. Honestly, the first time I ever heard about White Claw was on social Usually, there are between six and eight guys who go to it. My buddy had media. Several of our younger writers at The Athletic tweet about it all the been telling me, “You gotta go to this, you gotta go,” and finally, one day, time. I didn’t even know what it was. I said, “OK, I’ll try it.” Neither did I! Not until last August when I was standing there with a So, we’re all having dinner and they’re trying all these different wines. It buddy, I think it was Jon Cooper. We were in Idaho. I said, “Coop, what is was about a glass of wine out of every bottle for everyone there. For that?” And he said, “It’s a White Claw. Try it. They’re really good.” And I each bottle, they would say, “Oh, we’re going to try this one now. It’s a did and I said, “Wow, that’s really good.” I think it was two young guys $1,200 bottle. Then we’re going to try this one, it’s $3,000 a bottle.” By from Vancouver who dreamed it up. It’s like the guy who invented Tito’s the time we got to the fifth or sixth bottle, I said, “Can I ask you guys Vodka (Bert Beveridge). He was 28, living in a car with his dog, no something?” They said, “What?” I said, “It doesn’t matter what you’re money and he invented it, and the company’s now worth $3 billion. Are drinking now. After you’ve had four or five glasses, it doesn’t matter. Why you kidding? But I’m sure what happens is there’s a ton of new products didn’t you pour the best stuff first?” (Laughs) By the fourth glass, you’re that you think are going to be huge — and they don’t make it. Then you not getting to appreciate how great the wine is that you’re trying to tell get something that hits and you never know why. everybody about. But everybody’s taste is so different and the world is so small and That was the last time I got invited to that dinner. diverse. It’s crazy how it goes. (Laughs) That’s a good story. Well, something similar happened to us The Athletic LOADED: 07.01.2020 this past January, during the NHL bye week. We went to a wine tasting in Palm Springs that Jim Fox was hosting at the restaurant for his label, Patine. That night, we met a winemaker from the interior of , Peter Henricsson, fascinating guy, who had a place in Palm Springs and a cellar there. After the dinner, we were invited back to his place. Peter had a vertical of all of the best Harlan wines and told us that he and Bill Harlan had made a wine together years before. Then he opened a bottle for us. Just as you were saying, we’d had all this great Pinot Noir that Jimmy Fox had been pouring – and now this really fabulous, rare, unique Cab. Intellectually, I’m conscious of the fact that this is probably one of the top five wines I’ve ever tasted, but to tell you the truth, I couldn’t really appreciate it. Briefly I wondered if I could ask for a ‘to-go’ cup, so I could taste it later when I could more fully appreciate it. Because it was wasted on me that night. I know what you mean. It’s funny you should mention the interior of BC, because we’re just opening a new winery there. It’s a little delayed now because of the pandemic. Just shifting back to the whisky business for a moment, it’s interesting how consumer tastes have shifted over the years. There was a long time there when you didn’t see a lot of people order hard liquor – it was mostly a beer and wine universe, with only a few holdouts. A couple of those holdouts were hockey writers that you know really well – and were committed rum and Coke drinkers. My best friend, since I was 10 years old, is a CC (Canadian Club) and Coke guy. Sometimes, you like what you like and you drink what you grew up drinking. But at our winery, we’re trying to get people different options. And now we even have beer, an IPA. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t a big IPA guy. If I was going to have a beer, it was going to be a Molson Canadian or a Labatt Blue. That’s what I liked. But this IPA market is a whole new market and I’m not saying this just because my name is on it, but they actually taste pretty good. Craft brewing is interesting. Where we cottage in Ontario, there’s a microbrewery named after our lake – about a two-minute drive once you hit the highway. They had a product last summer called Home Town 1176111 Websites in the gaps (McDavid, for example, drafted in 2015, will have two projected seasons included).

We’ve come up with a GSVA premium score, which is really a number The Athletic / Ranking the most valuable No. 1 picks of the salary cap era that represents the difference between how each first overall pick of the salary cap era has performed relative to the average level of performance of the players drafted with the second-through-fifth overall pick in their draft class, as measured by GSVA. By Thomas Drance Jun 30, 2020 Essentially the GSVA premium score is our proxy for the premium value each team netted by winning the draft lottery in the salary cap era. “First overall” is an electrifying combination of words. It’s really quite like Without further ado, here are the first overall picks of the salary cap era magic. that have provided the most premium value to their teams relative to the Players considered with the “first overall” pick in the NHL Draft often strength of the absolute apex of their own draft class: become famous in their mid-teens. The NHL teams angling to make the Largest Premium for Selecting First selection occasionally orient entire seasons, trade stars, and even retain salaries in pursuit of this manna from heaven. Sidney Crosby If a franchise is fortunate enough to see their combination of numbers 2005 drawn from the NHL’s rather antiquated gravity pick, those franchises will immediately begin to move season tickets and launch marketing 19.67 campaigns on the strength of that player. They might even put the Patrick Kane player’s face up on the building before he’s ever set foot on the ice. 2007 Owning the No. 1 overall pick immediately lends that aura of hope and excitement to an entire organization. 17.52 Hilariously, chaotically and remarkably, for the moment, the first overall Connor McDavid pick in the 2020 NHL Draft is still up for grabs. Any one of 16 teams are still potentially in the running pending the outcome of the NHL’s five- 2015 game qualifying round and the results of Phase 2 of the lottery. 16.93 Not all first-round picks are created equal, however. Sometimes you get a phenom like Connor McDavid or Sidney Crosby and sometimes you select a credible NHL-level player like Erik Johnson or Ryan Nugent- 2008 Hopkins. Sometimes you might draft Nail Yakupov. 15.47 Obviously the premium value that a fortunate lottery winning team will net by selecting first-overall varies year-to-year, but that variance isn’t solely Nathan MacKinnon driven by the impact of the player selected — even if that’s often how we think of it. The value of picking first overall is also, subtly, driven by the 2013 relative strength of the top of the overall draft class in any given year. 10.79 By means of illustration, it’s really the 2007 NHL draft class that serves John Tavares as the impetus for this concept. 2009 Arguably no team has benefitted as much in recent memory from winning the draft lottery as the Chicago Blackhawks did in April 2007. The gulf 9.44 between selecting Patrick Kane at the top of the 2007 draft, or selecting James van Riemsdyk or Kyle Turris, who went with the second- and Taylor Hall third-overall picks, respectively, is massive. Van Riemsdyk and Turris 2010 have had creditable NHL careers, but Kane is a superstar. 7.73 The drop off from the No. 1 to the No. 3 overall pick in the 2007 NHL draft was probably sufficient to alter the course of NHL history. You have Aaron Ekblad to be careful with “What ifs?” but it’s not difficult to imagine that the 2007 lottery made a decisive difference between the Blackhawks building a 2014 perennial playoff team, or constructing the closest thing hockey has seen 0.81 to a dynasty in the salary cap era. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins In contrast, the great tank battle for McDavid was historic. The Buffalo Sabres literally debased themselves in the pursuit. 2011 Yet as the dust settled, once McDavid was selected in 2015, there were -0.89 still two first-overall quality forwards remaining on the board: Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner. Nail Yakupov Viewed through this lens, should we consider Kane to be a more 2012 valuable first overall pick than McDavid? -3.78 This is an effort to quantify which teams in the salary cap era have netted the most premium value as a result of lady luck favouring their particular Erik Johnson combination of bingo balls in the draft lottery. To work this out, I’ve turned 2006 to some of Dom Luszczyszyn’s game score data, which you can read more about here and here. Regular readers of The Athletic will be -13.86 familiar with Dom’s “Game Score Value Added” (GSVA) metric, which is essentially a hockey version of a “wins above replacement” metric. As I suspected, Kane is one of the most valuable first overall picks of the last 15 years. Only Sidney Crosby, obviously the best player of the past I’ve taken the GSVA for every top-five pick in every NHL entry draft from two decades, has provided a greater degree of surplus-value for a first 2005 through to 2015. To allow for an apples-to-apples comparison, overall pick. we’re using only the first seven seasons of each players NHL career, with the idea that this represents the seven cost controlled seasons that the For fun, let’s go class by class and analyze the precise breakdown: drafting team will net after making the selection prior to the player 2005 becoming eligible for unrestricted free agency. Sidney Crosby For players in our data set that were drafted more recently and have yet to play in seven NHL seasons, we’re leaning on Dom’s projections to fill 2005 1 28.81 Patrick Kane Bobby Ryan 2007 2005 1 2 21.91 13.97 James van Riemsdyk Jack Johnson 2007 2005 2 3 7.88 -0.88 Kyle Turris Benoit Pouliot 2007 2005 3 4 5.7 3.26 Thomas Hickey Carey Price 2007 2005 4 5 2.2 20.22 Karl Alzner Crosby is outrageous. 2007 The Penguins captain comes out on top as the most valuable first overall 5 pick in the cap era, which is unsurprising on its face, but rather remarkable when you consider that the fifth overall pick in his own draft 1.79 class provided an elite level of contribution in his first seven seasons. The Blackhawks had only 8.1 percent odds of winning the lottery in 2007. That Crosby shows so well in this analysis is a testament to his If the lottery balls hadn’t bounced their way, the drop off in the quality of consistent, generational level of performance and also to the fact that player they’d have selected would have been absolutely massive. Jack Johnson and Benoit Pouliot significantly underperformed their draft It’s not difficult to imagine that the Blackhawks would’ve won fewer cups. slots in their first seven seasons. And been part of roughly 8,000 fewer outdoor games. 2006 2008 Erik Johnson Steve Stamkos 2006 2008 1 1 4.04 21.69 Jordan Staal Drew Doughty 2006 2008 2 2 12.31 13.96 Jonathan Toews Zach Bogosian 2006 2008 3 3 25.58 -0.43 Nicklas Backstrom Alex Pietrangelo 2006 2008 4 4 20.12 11.94 Phil Kessel Luke Schenn 2006 2008 5 5 13.57 -0.56 The top of the 2006 draft was absolutely loaded. Unfortunately, the team The 2008 class is a fascinating group, in part because of how unusually with the first overall pick mined the least impactful player. heavy it was on defencemen. Oddly enough though, the best defender in Johnson is still an enormously effective top-four NHL defender, but when the class – by GSVA – ended up being selected at No. 15 (Erik you factor in the opportunity cost the Blues incurred in 2006 by selecting Karlsson). Johnson ahead of the likes of Nicklas Backstrom or Jonathan Toews, he Stamkos is the standout player from the class, but Alex Pietrangelo and ranks as the least valuable first overall pick of the salary cap era by a Drew Doughty are superstars who’ve taken over Stanley Cup Final wide margin. Behind even Yakupov. games. Aside from those three though, the two other defenders selected 2007 provided their teams with negative value by the Game Score Value 5 Added metric. 8.81 2009 The draft discussions in the lead up to the 2010 NHL Draft may as well John Tavares have been clipped right from a Tiger Beat cover: “Taylor?! or Tyler?!” 2009 Now, 10 years on, Hall has won a Hart Trophy but Seguin has outperformed Hall by GSVA. They’re both absolute stars. 1 The top of the 2010 NHL Draft class was absolutely loaded, and the run 19.67 on quality forwards continued beyond the top five with Jeff Skinner being Victor Hedman selected seventh overall and Mikael Granlund going ninth overall. Erik Gudbranson, however, shows the worst of any top-five pick of the salary 2009 cap era by GSVA and by a wide margin. 2 2011 12.8 Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Matt Duchene 2011 2009 1 3 8.38 14.17 Gabriel Landeskog Evander Kane 2011 2009 2 4 14.46 8.33 Jonathan Huberdeau Brayden Schenn 2011 2009 3 5 13.58 5.64 Adam Larsson The top of the 2009 draft class is an illustrative example of what makes 2011 this snapshot interesting. The Tavares pick transformed the Islanders franchise, so there’s no debating the business value of his selection in 4 altering the trajectory of an organization. 3.96 From a pure hockey perspective though, it’s interesting that while there Ryan Strome isn’t much daylight between John Tavares’ performance by GSVA and Kane’s and Stamkos’, the surplus hockey value of the Tavares pick lags 2011 behind the value to the Lightning and the Blackhawks of winning the draft lottery the two years prior. 5 The top of the 2009 draft class was stronger and deeper overall, so 5.06 unlike in 2007 and 2008, every team with a top-five pick was able to We’re in the middle of an odd three-year run in which the Oilers won the select a future star-level player. draft lottery in three consecutive seasons. 2010 Almost like the Oilers franchise made a wish on a monkey’s paw though, Taylor Hall in each of the three seasons in which they won the draft lottery between 2010 and 2012, the Oilers failed to mine the best player from the draft 2010 class. 1 2012 16.31 Nail Yakupov Tyler Seguin 2012 2010 1 2 0.32 19.86 Ryan Murray Erik Gudbranson 2012 2010 2 3 3.04 -5.03 Ryan Johansen 2012 2010 3 4 7.62 10.69 Griffin Reinhart 2012 2010 4 -0.78 Sam Bennett 2014 2012 4 5 1.11 6.51 Michael Dal Colle The Yakupov example is fascinating. Clearly of the first overall picks of 2014 the salary cap era, Yakupov has accomplished the least – and by a wide margin – of any of his fellow No. 1 draft picks. 5 What this analysis suggests, however, is that because the top of the -0.96 2012 draft was such a crapshoot, the opportunity cost of whiffing on Aaron Ekblad is a very good matchup-quality defender but GSVA would Yakupov is somewhat restrained. The Oilers would’ve been better off suggest six forwards drafted in the first half of the first-round from his with Morgan Rielly by some margin, of course, but arguably the Yakupov own draft year have outperformed him. Draft defenceman early in the whiff was roughly equally harmful as selecting Nugent-Hopkins over NHL draft at your own risk! Gabriel Landeskog, even if Nugent-Hopkins has emerged as a very good NHL player while Yakupov spent this past season as a depth scorer in Leon Draisaitl has performed at the level of a top-five pick, but after him the KHL. the best players in the 2014 draft came closer to the mid-way point of the first round, including forwards like Nikolaj Ehlers, William Nylander and 2013 Dylan Larkin. Nathan MacKinnon 2015 2013 Connor McDavid 1 2015 19.82 1 Aleksander Barkov 28.78 2013 Jack Eichel 2 2015 16.22 2 17.41 2013 Dylan Strome 3 2015 4.2 3 Seth Jones 5.82 2013 Mitch Marner 4 2015 8.04 4 Elias Lindholm 21.1 2013 Noah Hanifin 5 2015 7.67 5 The 2013 draft class was excellent. Even outside of the top-five, players 3.08 like Max Domi, Bo Horvat and Sean Monahan have provided value commensurate with a good top-five pick. We might not talk enough about how good the 2015 NHL draft class is. Nathan MacKinnon stands alone at the top, but there’s a reason Even beyond the starry top five, you get into players like Zach Werenski, Aleksander Barkov has become the league’s official “Mr. Underrated.” Mikko Rantanen, Timo Meier, Jake DeBrusk and Ivan Provorov, all of whom have performed at the level of a very good top-five draft pick in 2014 their young NHL careers to this point. Aaron Ekblad Even in this heady company, McDavid is the standout. A man who bends 2014 space and time on the ice, and is clearly the best hockey player on the planet. 1 And yet, as hotly contested as the No. 1 pick in the 2015 NHL Draft was, 8.22 with teams jockeying to lose games to such an extent that the NHL overhauled the draft lottery to discourage such behaviour, the overall Sam Reinhart strength of the class suggests that 2015 probably perhaps wasn’t the 2014 season to go full-blown M4 Sherman. 2 The 2020 NHL Draft lottery is in the books, well, sort of anyway, and it’ll be years before we have a sense of how consensus first overall pick 11.11 Alexis Lafreniere stacks up against the rest of his class. Leon Draisaitl Lafreniere could be a transformative player for any of the 16 bubble teams that could still own that pick, depending on the outcome of the 2014 qualifying round and an additional stage of the draft lottery, but bear in mind that not all first overall picks are created equal. 3 The premium value netted by a team with the first overall pick is dictated 18.36 largely by the value of the star player they’re likely to draft. The premium value of selecting first is also tied to the strength of the balance of the class though, so while selecting first overall is like magic, sometimes there’s magic too in selecting fifth. The Athletic LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176112 Websites But taking Zach Hamill eighth overall in 2007, one pick ahead of Logan Couture, should sting more than taking Lars Jonsson seventh overall, ahead of five players who never amounted to anything more than he did. The Athletic / Wheeler: Every NHL team’s worst draft class of the last 20 Buffalo Sabres years Worst draft: 2000 I don’t love that Mark Pysyk and Joel Armia (both taken in the first round) By Scott Wheeler Jun 30, 2020 are the only NHLers to emerge from the Sabres’ 15 picks in 2010 and 2011. The Sabres’ 2016 draft, led by the Alex Nylander pick, will definitely go down as a missed opportunity as well. The only thing sports fans love more than their team’s success stories is Still, any time your first-round pick is the only one of 30 first-round picks complaining about all of their team’s failures. And there’s no better way to to never play an NHL game, it’s not a good look. And that was the re-live those highs and lows than through the draft, where the missed Sabres’ outcome in 2000 when they selected forward Artem Kryukov, opportunities are right there for the world to harshly criticize. whose career-high in points playing professionally in Russia was 17. Not even picking Paul Gaustad in the seventh round (a veritably good pick) This week, I’m looking back at 20 years of draft history at The Athletic. changes that. That began Monday, with an analysis of every team’s best showings at Calgary Flames the draft. It continues today with a revisionist history every fan base would probably rather forget — but never will. Worst draft: 2006 Anaheim Ducks Though the Flames’ class of 2014 is probably the freshest in our minds, considering the player Sam Bennett has become vis-a-vis the ones that Worst draft: 2006 William Nylander and Nikolaj Ehlers now are and the zero NHL games Deciding on the Ducks’ worst performance at the draft proved a more produced by the other five picks, it’s probably fourth on my list of the challenging task than their best because there’s a reasonable case to be Flames’ worst drafts of the last two decades. Because the Flames also made for two of the draft classes in Brian Burke’s three-year tenure with really botched both the 2005 and 2009 drafts, from their first-round picks the team. of Tim Erixon and Matt Pelech and all the way through. In 2006, the Ducks did well to nab Matt Beleskey, who has now played Then there’s 2006, where they did the often-inadvisable thing and took a nearly 500 NHL games. But none of their picks in rounds 1-3 ever played goalie, Leland Irving, in the first round. Irving, despite a strong junior an NHL game. , one of many big, strong, physical players track record, played just 13 NHL games. They were also the only NHL targeted by Burke and his staff in that era, was the highest-selected games played by the Flames’ eight picks that year. player in the class to never appear in an NHL game. Mitera was drafted Carolina Hurricanes 19th overall, three picks ahead of . In the second round, the Ducks selected Bryce Swan, who posted more than 100 PIMS in his Worst draft: 2001 final year in the QMJHL and never played a game of pro hockey at any level. Carolina’s 2009 draft class is ugly, with as the only player who became anything close to an everyday NHLer, and Philippe Paradis In 2007, armed with eight picks in the draft’s first five rounds, the Ducks as a notable first-round whiff. And yet, 2001 was worse. Their first-round didn’t land a single player of consequence. Their first-round pick that pick, defenceman Igor Knyazev, was the highest player selected who year, bruising QMJHLer Logan MacMillan, never even became a good never played an NHL game — 15th overall! There was no redemption arc AHLer and was just one of five first-round picks in his draft class to never for the rest of that class either. Mike Zigomanis became a tweener play an NHL game. Max Pacioretty, David Perron and Mikael Backlund faceoff guy who spent almost all of his career in the AHL but they rattled were all selected after MacMillan in the first round. In the second round, through eight picks without ever really coming close to finding an NHLer. with the 42nd overall pick, the Ducks selected (he of 16 NHL points) one pick before some guy named P.K. Subban. I lean Chicago Blackhawks towards 2006 as being worse, but it’s close. Worst draft: 2000 Arizona Coyotes The Blackhawks fell flat in 2008 and 2015 but the sheer magnitude of Worst draft: 2010 their misses in 2000 has to take the cake. Fifteen picks (!), including six in the first four rounds and the 10th and 11th overall picks. Not a single The Coyotes haven’t had a great track record at the draft over the last 20 full-time NHL player to show for it. I don’t need to tell Blackhawks fans years, so this decision was a little harder. Their 2017 class isn’t going to that they missed the playoffs in nine out of 10 seasons (losing in five look good five years from now. Despite having five picks in the first three games in the first round in the other) from 1997 to 2008. The 2000 draft rounds in 2002, the then Phoenix Coyotes couldn’t produce a single was an opportunity to begin to change course and they blew it. player of significance. A year earlier, they selected Fredrik Sjostrom (who went on to have a successful career as a role player), before Dan Colorado Avalanche Hamhuis and Ales Hemsky — and then missed on everyone else. A year Worst draft: 2014 before that, it was the same story in the first draft of the new century. Despite the Avalanche’s dominance at the turn of the century and more And yet, it comes down to 2003 and 2010. The former might seem an recent success, their track record at the draft for the better part of the last easy choice because they didn’t produce a single NHL game out of their two decades is actually kind of in line with their mediocre results over eight picks (a rare feat). But I still think 2010 is worse due to the lost most of the last 20 years. At the end of the day, they haven’t been out of opportunity. At least in 2003, they didn’t have a pick in the first two the second round since 2002. There were also five drafts I debated for rounds. In 2010, they’d armed themselves with four selections in the first their ‘worst’: 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014. two rounds. Oscar Lindberg, the last of those four picks, had a brief stint in the NHL before departing for Europe a couple of years ago. The Louis I settled on the latter because I think it was more of a missed opportunity Domingue pick in the fifth round is a fine outcome. But the decisions to than the others. The Avalanche didn’t have a first-round pick in 2008 and select Brandon Gormley 13th, Mark Visentin 27th and Phil Lane at 52nd 2012, so their outcomes in those drafts were never going to be great. really did start the 2010s on the wrong foot for an organization that Colorado’s 2014 draft failed to produce talent out of rounds 2-7 but it also needed an influx of young talent at the time. swung and missed in a big way on 23rd overall. And there were holes in his game at the time that were evident to many. Boston Bruins Forget that David Pastrnak was taken two picks later. Players like Jared Worst draft: 2007 McCann and Ivan Barbashev were better picks at the time, projecting as future third-line players. As high as the Bruins’ highs at the draft have been, there have been some lows too. As early as it may be, there’s a non-insignificant chance Columbus Blue Jackets that they don’t produce an NHLer out one or both of their classes of 2018 Worst draft: 2004 and 2019. Despite the success the Bruins have had with Brandon Carlo and Jake DeBrusk, we all know the opportunity they wasted with their The easy choice here would be to say 2019, with its complete lack of back-to-back-to-back picks in the first round of a historically great 2015 picks. But Dmitry Voronkov may yet become an NHL option and both the class. The Bruins’ haul (or lack thereof) from six picks in the first three Eric Hjorth and Tyler Angle selections look fine in hindsight, even if they rounds in 2000 is an all-timer. don’t pan out, with each offering at least a couple of intriguing NHL qualities. This is about value relative to the selections they had, not about included taking Lokomotiv ’s Denis Grebeshkov 18th overall, decisions that were made to trade picks beforehand. In that context, the fourth-ranked European skater by NHL Central Scouting. And though 2004 stands out as the Blue Jackets’ weakest class yet. Armed with five Grebeshkov didn’t have the kind of career you’d hope for out of a top picks in the first three rounds and 12 selections total, the Blue Jackets’ pick, he did briefly have a resurgence in Edmonton which included a 39- final pick of the draft, Grant Clitsome, was their most successful, playing point season on the Oilers back end. All told, though, it wasn’t the just 205 NHL games. They missed virtually everywhere else, including at Grebeshkov pick that undid the Kings’ 2002 class. The players who eighth overall on Alexandre Picard, while also passing on names like followed, with the exception of Alex Steen and , didn’t go on to Ladislav Smid, Drew Stafford, Devan Dubnyk and Alex Radulov in the spectacular NHL careers, either. Grebeshkov spent just a couple of process. After having finished near the bottom of the Western seasons in the Kings organization before being dealt to the Islanders in Conference in each of their first four seasons, the 2004 draft was a 2006. The Kings missed elsewhere too, including on second-round pick chance for Doug MacLean’s Blue Jackets – then general manager and Sergei Anshakov, who never came to North American and was picked a coach – to begin changing course. Instead, it set them back as they handful of spots above Duncan Keith, Matt Stajan and Jiri Hudler. headed into the lockout and beyond. Minnesota Wild Dallas Stars Worst draft: 2017 Worst draft: 2002 Wild fans probably came here expected the answer to be 2018 but we’ve As I began to narrow down Dallas’ list of disappointing drafts, there written about the failure of the Filip Johansson pick ad nauseam and I emerged three contenders: 2002, 2008 and 2014 (though 2016 could actually really liked (and like) what they did with some of their other picks, look ugly in hindsight too). The latter was the year of Julius Honka at 14th including the swing they took on Jack McBain, the recognition that overall (we don’t need to re-tread that pick again) and … nobody else, Alexander Khovanov’s draft year didn’t tell the full story and the despite having nine selections. In 2008, after dealing their first-round pick impressive late-round run they had with Damien Giroux, Shawn Boudrias (a pick that became Viktor Tikhonov after changing hands a couple of and Sam Hentges in rounds 5-6-7, even if those three never make it. And more times), the Stars showed up to the draft shorthanded and missed though it’s hard to criticize a team for coming out a draft where they on their mid-to-late round picks. But I settled on 2002 for the sheer lacked picks in rounds 1 and 2 with nothing, the Wild’s 2017 class is volume of the missed opportunities. The Stars held four second-round unlikely to produce a single NHL game at this point and I’m not picks through a series of trades, including one that meant moving down comfortable saying that about the rounds 3-7 picks of 2018. I supposed from 13th overall to 26th overall with the Washington Capitals. Armed Ivan Lodnia and Nick Swaney pose a small threat to carve out a niche at with 12 selections, they walked away only with Trevor Daley to show for the pro level but we’re a long way from them realizing that. They’ll both it, using their new first-round pick on defencemen Martin Vagner, who have to prove themselves in the AHL first, and I wouldn’t bet on that they never signed, who never played an NHL game and who eventually happening. re-entered the draft two years later, where he was selected in the ninth round. The Capitals selected Alex Semin, who went on to rack up more Montreal Canadiens than 500 NHL points and was a point per game player for the better of Worst draft: 2009 half a dozen years. I considered a trio of draft classes for Montreal here. The most recent of Detroit Red Wings those was 2013, which actually produced a trio of full-time NHLers but Worst draft: 2001 featured notable misses on Michael McCarron and Zachary Fucale at the top of the draft. The oldest of those was 2006, which gave the Canadiens It’s ironic that the Red Wings’ worst draft preceded its best. A year before a few seasons out of Ryan White as a depth forward and virtually nothing the Red Wings found four pieces of its future core, they produced just 77 else. The Canadiens selected one of only three players in the first round NHL games out of their seven picks in 2001. Along the way, they missed who never went on to play an NHL game in David Fischer, picked two on players like Tomas Plekanec, Craig Anderson, Kevin Bieksa, Dennis spots ahead of Claude Giroux. Wedged in between, though, was the Seidenberg, Marek Zidlicky and Jussi Jokinen in the draft’s mid-to-late Canadiens’ class of 2009, which failed to produce a single full-time NHL rounds. All told though, the Red Wings were without their first-round pick player, including just 50 games out of 18th overall pick Louis Leblanc, in eight different drafts from 2000-2012 and drafted exceedingly well selected directly in front of Chris Kreider. before slowly tapering off into the middle of the 2010s, at the beginning of their current rebuild. Nashville Predators Edmonton Oilers Worst draft: 2006 Worst draft: 2016 The way I see it, the Predators have a pair of draft classes in contention here. There’s 2011, which has produced 179 games out of its seven When you think about Oilers mistakes at the draft in recent memory, you picks and is unlikely to improve on its results at this point. All but 12 of probably think about Nail Yakupov and Jesse Puljujarvi. The former’s those games belong to Miikka Salomaki, who hasn’t become more than a draft class wasn’t all bad though — and produced Jujhar Khaira in the very good AHL player and a replacement-level NHL option. And then third round and Erik Gustafsson, one season removed from 60 points as there’s 2006, which drew just 56 NHL games (all but one of those was a defenceman, in the fourth round. Therefore, it has to be 2016. And played by second-round pick Blake Geoffrion) out of five picks. On the though the story hasn’t been told yet on that class and while I’m a big fan one hand, it’s tempting to label 2011 as worse because they were more of Tyler Benson’s game, Puljujarvi remains a major failure of execution missed opportunities. On the other, though, I’m a huge fan of goaltender and development, even if he was the consensus pick at the time. The Magnus Hellberg, now one of the top goalies in the KHL — and I would rest of their picks haven’t shown a ton of promise either, beginning with argue that his failure to stick in the NHL had more to do with Markus Niemelainen and Matthew Cairns, who should no longer be circumstance than his talent level. considered prospects, in Round 3. New Jersey Devils Florida Panthers Worst draft: 2006 Worst draft: 2005 The Devils haven’t drafted well in a long time. If you’re a Devils fan, that’s The Panthers’ draft classes of 2000 and 2005 had similar outcomes (hint: probably not news to you. So it shouldn’t come as a major surprise that virtually nothing came of them) but the 2005 draft wins out as the “worst” there were four draft classes that I considered for this distinction (if you if only because they had a first-round pick (something they lacked in can call it that). They got nothing out of their class of 2014 and their first- 2000) but they squandered it, taking winger Kenndal McArdle 2oth round pick from that year, John Quenneville, is now a tweener with the overall, ahead of , T.J. Oshie, Andrew Cogliano and Matt Blackhawks organization at the age of 24. Their class of 2007 produced Niskanen. McArdle went on to briefly bounce between the AHL and the Nick Palmieri and Matt Halischuk, a pair of fringe depth players who NHL before playing a year in Sweden in 2013-2014. None of the eventually left for Europe and have since retired. I nearly went with their Panthers’ seven other picks played in an NHL game. class of 2002, with its two second-round picks, three third-round picks and 11 picks total, and Cam Jansen to show for it. But I always came Los Angeles Kings back to 2006. The Devils had four picks in the first three rounds and eight Worst draft: 2002 in total and they didn’t produce a single NHL player of consequence. With the final pick of the first round, the Devils selected defenceman Matt The Kings’ draft class of 2016 stands out for its complete lack of picks Corrente, who had two brief stints in the NHL before fizzling out in the (four in total), which set them up for failure, but it’s hard to knock their AHL and eventually the ECHL. scouting group for coming up a bit short, especially when Kale Clague could still become an everyday NHLer. Their class of 2002 is a different New York Islanders story. None of the Kings’ 11 picks played more than 250 games. That Worst draft: 2012 I didn’t like the Islanders’ draft class of 2019 and it wasn’t even in their first round. But their 2008 class ought to live in infamy for its single NHL bottom three during this exercise. Instead, I considered 2005 and 2007 game produced. before settling on 2012. In 2005, after back-to-back-to-back first-round exits from 2002-2004, the Islanders were coming out of the lockout in The day was Jan. 16, 2010. The player was WHL goalie Alexander need of another wave of talent and flopped on all of their picks, beginning Pechursky. The circumstances were injuries to Marc-Andre Fleury and with Ryan O’Mara 15th overall (one of the worst picks of the first round Brent Johnson, an emergency call-up on a tryout contract and backup that year relative to where he was selected). The Islanders got even less duty to third-string Penguins goalie John Curry. When Curry gave up his out of their draft class of two years later, but it’s harder to fault their fifth goal of the night early in the second period, a 19-year-old Pechursky performance given their lack of first- and second-rounders due to the came in, made 12 of 13 saves in a little over 35 minutes, was named the Ryan Smyth and Richard Zednik trades. In their own ways, the Islanders third star. He never played a game in the NHL again. Neither did anyone drafts of 2005 and 2007 hindered their ability to take steps forward and else from that Penguins draft, after they’d traded their first-round pick to contributed to their playoff drought from 2007-2012. All told, their class of the Thrashers to acquire Marian Hossa and Pascal Dupuis and their 2012 produced a better player than either of the 2005 and 2007 classes second-round pick to the Maple Leafs for Hal Gill. in Adam Pelech. But it’s the sheer magnitude of the failure at fourth St. Louis Blues overall with the Griffin Reinhart pick that still pushes 2012 over the top. The 2012 draft is one of the worst in recent memory but any number of Worst draft: 2009 the players that followed Reinhart would have made a significant difference for the organizations, from defencemen like Morgan Rielly, What’s worse? Whiffing on David Rundblad in the first round and failing Hampus Lindholm, Matt Dumba and Jacob Trouba to a forward like Filip to get a single NHL game out of their other five picks in 2009? Or pulling Forsberg. D.J. King and his 11 NHL points out of nine picks in 2002, while recognizing that they didn’t have a first-rounder but did have two New York Rangers seconds? I leaned to 2009 because of the quality of picks, rather than the quantity, and the missed opportunity with a 17th overall pick. Rundblad Worst draft: 2015 showed real flashes in Sweden before he came over to North America The Rangers’ performance in back-to-back drafts in 2015 and 2016 was, but he just didn’t prove talented enough — and his brief pitstops in to put it mildly, not great. The Rangers aren’t likely going to produce Ottawa, Arizona and Chicago reinforced that. more than a depth NHLer out of their combined 13 picks across the two San Jose Sharks drafts. That’s an extremely disappointing outcome even when you consider that they didn’t have a first-round pick in either draft. I leaned Worst draft: 2000 towards 2015 as being worse for three reasons: The Sharks have had some doozies over the years. I’m not confident It was a stronger draft in rounds 2-7 than 2016. their 2019 class will produce a full-time NHLer. Their class of 2013 didn’t give them anything other Mirco Mueller, who has still yet to play a full The Rangers had better picks in 2015, representing an even larger NHL season and is basically a replacement level third-pairing guy. Not missed opportunity, with six picks in rounds 2-4. great value for the 18th-overall pick considering the back half of that first I have more belief in 2016’s Tarmo Reunanen, Tim Gettinger and Tyler round produced Anthony Mantha, Andre Burakovsky and Shea Wall to “make it” than I do in for anyone in the 2015 class save maybe Theodore. After trading their first-round pick in 2009, they walked away Aleksi Saarela (who isn’t even in the Rangers organization anymore). from their other five picks with Phil Varone, who was briefly a tweener but spent all of the 2019-2020 season in the AHL. But just look at their class Ottawa Senators of 2000: Worst draft: 2002 41. LHD Tero Maatta (played his entire career in Finland) Here’s the list of NHL players produced from the three draft classes I 104. Jon DiSalvatore (played six NHL games and spent most of his considered for the Senators’ worst: career as a dominant AHLer) 2014 (five picks): Andreas Englund (33 NHL GP) 142. Michal Pinc (never played an AHL or NHL game and spent most of his career bouncing around low-level pro leagues in Europe) 2007 (four picks): Jim O’Brien (77 NHL GP) 166. Nolan Schaefer (posted a .920 save percentage in seven NHL 2002 (eight picks): Jakub Klepis and Alexei Kaigorodov (combined 72 games but was largely a sub-.900 goalie in other pro leagues) NHL GP) 183. Michal Macho (bounced around Slovakia’s top pro league) There were some other big misses along the way, namely Brian Lee at ninth overall in 2005, two picks ahead of Anze Kopitar, but that draft also 246. Chad Wiseman (played nine NHL games and spent most of his produced Colin Greening with a seventh-round pick. Ultimately, 2002 has career as a dominant AHLer) the weakest case, especially when you consider that Klepis was selected 16th overall. Klepis was a bit of an off the board selection at the time, too. 256. Pasi Saarinen (played his entire career in Finland) He ranked 16th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting Seven picks, 22 combined NHL games. after putting up 64 points in 70 games alongside 111 penalty minutes with the . Fun fact, though: Klepis has actually put Tampa Bay Lighting together a really nice career in Europe and just finished second on his Czech Exrtaliga team in points per game (30 in 46) as a 36-year-old. Worst draft: 2000-2006? Philadelphia Flyers The Lightning’s draft class of 2018 had some head-scratchers (I really like Gabriel Fortier as a potential third-line option in the NHL but if he Worst draft: 2004 doesn’t pan out they could end up empty-handed, which is never good) but their record in the early 2000s was abysmal, which is striking This was a no-brainer. The Flyers entered the 2004 draft in a bit of a considering the largely-impressive job they did in the 2010s. predicament. They’d traded their first- and second-round picks for Mike Comrie. But they’d also stockpiled an impressive 11 picks in the seven I didn’t settle on a single class, because there were at least four in a six- rounds that followed. And they missed … on all 11 of them. And I mean year span that had similar results. Here were their first-round picks from missed. Along the way, they passed on Johan Franzen, , 2000-2006 (they traded their first-round picks in 2002 and 2003): , Mikhail Grabovski, , Matt Hunwick, Mark Streit, Daniel Winnik and Jannik Hansen to name a few. Armed with 2000: (eighth overall!): 37 NHL points more late-round lottery tickets than any other team, they failed to make 2001: (third overall!): 37 NHL points contact with a single player. All told, their 11 picks played a combined 23 NHL games. 2004: (30th overall): 0 NHL games Pittsburgh Penguins 2005: Vladimir Mihalik (30th overall): 3 NHL points Worst draft: 2008 2006: (15th overall): 1 NHL game The Penguins 2017 draft and its six picks may not produce a single NHL They also got virtually nothing out of their second-, third- and fourth- game (Will Reilly is their best hope and he’s got lukewarm odds at best). round picks during that era, so it’s a good thing they mixed a Stanley Cup Their 2009 class was highlighted by Simon Despres, a brief depth NHLer in there. who was taken a couple of picks had of Ryan O’Reilly at the end of the Toronto Maple Leafs Worst draft: 2011 I’m sure there was curiosity from many of the fan bases about where things were going to go in this piece. I’d be surprised if that were the case for Leafs fans, though. Toronto entered the 2011 draft with 10 picks but walked away having taken nine players after trading picks 30 and 39 to move up and grab Tyler Biggs 22nd overall. Biggs became the highest player selected in the 2011 draft to never play an NHL game, the other two picks gave the Anaheim Ducks one of the better forwards of the draft (Rickard Rakell) and their starting goalie (John Gibson). “This is exactly the type of player we’re looking for. We like hostile hockey players and this is a hostile player. But he’s got skill too. We think Tyler is a guy who can play and contribute physically,” Brian Burke told TSN’s James Duthie after the pick. The Leafs then used their other first-round pick on defenceman Stuart Percy, who became an AHLer. Josh Leivo was the draft’s only consolation prize and it wasn’t enough to mask their failure everywhere else, just a year after a weak performance at the 2010 draft. Vancouver Canucks Worst draft: 2007 (!)/2002/2000 The Canucks’ track record at the draft has been a bit of a roller coaster. If Olli Juolevi doesn’t become a top-four defenceman, their 2016 class won’t be looked upon favourably. They didn’t come out of back-to-back drafts in 2010 and 2011 with a full-time NHL player. Their drafts in 2000 and 2002 were terrible. Several of those drafts are worse than many of those that have appeared on this list for other teams. But they accomplished a rare feat in 2007 when they got zero NHL games out of their six picks, which included two of the six highest-picked players in the entire draft who never made it in No. 25 pick Patrick White, who briefly bounced around Europe after his college career and No. 33 pick Taylor Ellington, who struggled to climb out of the ECHL and into the AHL. Vegas Golden Knights Worst draft: 2018 I’m not going to pretend that the Golden Knights have had a bad draft yet because I don’t believe they have. Even in 2018, where their outcomes aren’t likely to be high-end NHLers, I didn’t mind their first two picks at the time and they may well get NHL games out of late rounders like Connor Corcoran and Peter Diliberatore. Washington Capitals Worst draft: 2016 You might think, given the Capitals’ lacklustre results from 2000-2007, that that period would also align with their struggles at the draft. Or that their dominance in the 2010s meant that they were consistently hitting at the draft and supporting their core, acquired with all of those earlier low picks, with late-round talent. Really, the exact opposite is true. The Capitals didn’t draft well in 2005 or 2007 but their draft classes of 2011, 2016 and 2017 are probably each worse. I tried to give 2011 and 2017 a pass because in both years, the Capitals’ scouting staff only had their picks in rounds 4-7 to work with, having traded the others in an effort to continue to contend. But 2016 was bad by any standard. If first-round pick Lucas Johansen is going to make it (to date, he’s one of four 2016 first rounders yet to play an NHL game), it will probably be with another team. Meanwhile, Chase Priskie, probably their best value pick of the draft, has since been dealt. Winnipeg Jets Worst draft: Any number of drafts since 2016 After drafting extremely well from 2011 too 2015 (they have one of the stronger records in the league at the draft during that five-year span), the Jets have gone in the other direction in the five years since. Which isn’t to say that they’ve drafted terribly. Mikhail Berdin was a good pick in the sixth round in 2016, Dylan Samberg has progressed well as a second- rounder since 2017, the same is true for 2018’s fifth-round pick Declan Chisholm, and Ville Heinola was picked in the right range last year. But they’ve been a lot more inconsistent, there have been some big swings that haven’t yet paid dividends (Logan Stanley and Kristian Vesalainen chief among them) and outside of Patrik Laine, who was always going to be a slam dunk, they aren’t likely to get more than middle-of-the-lineup players out of their last four drafts. The Athletic LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176113 Websites meaningful games in a best-of-five against Montreal before the official Stanley Cup Playoffs begin.

6. Dallas Stars Sportsnet.ca / NHL Power Rankings: Ordering the top 24 Stanley Cup If defence still wins championships then the Stars have to be considered contenders among the top contenders. Heck, they came less than an inch from knocking St. Louis out of last year’s playoffs. Dallas has big-name players you think could put up a lot of points, but the team’s structure is Rory Boylen June 30, 2020, 3:03 PM all about defence and goaltending. They’re a hard team to play against, can grind you down, and added a few key veterans last summer who should help in these unique times. As the MLB and NBA finalize their plans to play, we’re still waiting on the 7. Vegas Golden Knights last steps from the NHL two weeks from the hopeful opening of training camps. They acquired Robin Lehner at the deadline, presumably to allow Marc- Andre Fleury some rest prior to the playoffs, and now have a 1A/1B Once we get there, we could be looking at the play-in round beginning in situation that will be advantageous should one netminder go down. Even early August. before the deadline, though, Vegas was looking like a contender. A good As with anything else these days, this year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs stand mix of offensive pop with players who are more defensively inclined, the to be much different than any we’ve seen. Not just because there are 24 Golden Knights were in great position to go on another deep playoff run teams involved this time, but also because we have no idea what effect last season until an unfortunate end to their series against San Jose. A having nearly four months between games will have on teams and mid-season coaching change to Peter DeBoer has altered the chemistry individuals. here somewhat from the expansion season, but every move that’s been made from Day 1 has been designed to make this roster a top-tier unit. Who would benefit most from the layoff? Would it be young teams that rely on their skill, who hypothetically could have more to give? Or would it 8. Philadelphia Flyers be veteran-laden teams who know generally what to expect from the It’s hard to get a read on the Flyers, who have been alternating playoff post-season grind, and now should be (mostly) healed from any bumps seasons with lottery seasons for nearly a decade now. Expectations were and bruises picked up in the regular season? tempered for this group, but the Flyers were on a solid streak before the Does momentum count for anything? pause and had won nine of their last 10. They may have preferred to ride that wave right into the playoffs, but it likely gave the group a confidence While we can look at the regular season standings as a guide, all these that should be able to carry over to the summer. While there are some factors make picking one Stanley Cup favourite a difficult task in 2020. quality veteran players, parts of this lineup are still rather youthful, With that in mind, this week’s power rankings are an attempt to rank all including in net, where Carter Hart is itching for his first Stanley Cup 24 of the returning teams from the top contender to those teams just Playoffs experience. When he’s on, he has the potential to steal games. happy to be playing again. 9. Washington Capitals Sign up for NHL newsletters It feels a bit weird having the 2019 champs so far down here, but their Get the best of our NHL coverage and exclusives delivered directly to goaltending has been such a sore spot all season that we don’t know your inbox! what to expect. UFA-to-be Braden Holtby was struggling through his worst statistical season, but would the team hand the reins to rookie Ilya 1. Boston Bruins Samsonov right now? That may be determined by the three games Had the best points percentage at the pause, loaded with veteran Washington will play before the playoffs. There are just so many well-put- experience, two-way play, strong goaltending, and they’ve proven to be a together teams that could challenge this season, so the Capitals’ team that steps up in crucial moments plenty of times. If the Bruins don’t concerns in net bumped them down some. top your list of contenders, they should be near it. 10. Winnipeg Jets 2. St. Louis Blues It’s true that the Jets’ blue line was a major weakness this season and We often hear about a Stanley Cup hangover the season after a team that no help will be on the way yet. But at the pause, they also had a wins the championship. They usually pile up injuries through the playoffs plus-13 goals differential that trailed only seven of the eight bye teams, (which are often played through), have less time to recover and prepare Carolina and Pittsburgh. The Jets can score and few teams can for a new season, not to mention the summer-long celebrations. The effectively handle the size and skill lines can put on the ice. Blues were 8-2-0 in their last 10 before the pause so they didn’t look like And for all the warts on defence, goalie Connor Hellebuyck played like a a team that would struggle to meet last season’s heights again, and now Vezina winner this season and if he continues that this summer, the Jets they will have had nearly four months of downtime before the playoffs to could be something of a sleeper. further recover with. 11. Toronto Maple Leafs 3. Colorado Avalanche If you believe that the younger, faster teams will be better equipped to Nathan MacKinnon, Nazem Kadri, Mikko Rantanen, Philipp Grubauer, handle an unorthodox return to play in the middle of summer then the Andrei Burakovsky — these are some of the names that were on Maple Leafs have to rank highly among the contenders for you. This Colorado’s injured list at the time of the pause. It’s believed all will be team had concerns of its own: Frederik Andersen wasn’t quite as good or ready when the puck drops to resume the 2020 season, plus the Avs get consistent this season; a lack of depth in the blue line became an issue; a bye through the play-in round to give them even more time. The team overall team defence was a little lacking; and the fishbowl existence of was a powerhouse anyway and should be in great shape to go on a long the Toronto market was even moreso in a season where the head coach run. was fired, and the team sat outside the playoff picture for a time, among other developments. But if they come back fresh, a youthful team like 4. Tampa Bay Lightning Toronto could look much different than when we left them. Winners of just three of their last 10 games before the pause, the 12. Edmonton Oilers Lightning didn’t run away with the East this season as they did last, but maybe that’s a good thing. With a high-level of scoring skill in the lineup, They have arguably the best player in the world, plus this year’s Art Ross excellent goaltending, and a solid blue line, there’s not a lot of winner, on different lines. Kailer Yamamoto and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins weaknesses to this Lightning team. And if it’s true you have to lose were showing well before the pause. Maybe James Neal can catch before you can win, well, Tampa Bay should be through that challenge as lightning for another few weeks, as he did at the start of the season? well after last year’s defeat to Columbus. Could a veteran coach in Dave Tippett be just what a team needs right now as they prepare to start up again? Edmonton’s goalies played above 5. Pittsburgh Penguins expectations this season as well and that will need to continue for a run to be at all possible. Though the Penguins are the first team to show up on our list that didn’t get a bye through the play-ins, they had the seventh-best points 13. Carolina Hurricanes percentage in the league. A proven winner with loads of experience, the Penguins strike us as one of those teams that will hit the ground running Will there be a Storm Surge when there are no home games, or fans in upon a return, and it may even be favourable to play some truly attendance? The Hurricanes had the best average shot differential this season, which led to a strong goal differential as well. Sebastian Aho continues to show as a rising star, while Andrei Svechnikov took a major removed from a Stanley Cup Final appearance. This is a team the break step in his production, giving the Canes a level of offence they didn’t may have been good for to charge batteries and clear heads. But, boy, have before. If the goaltending holds up, Carolina has good enough where before you knew Nashville would be a tough out, nowadays a underlying numbers to make you consider them as a dark horse. shakeup seems almost necessary. 14. Calgary Flames 20. Arizona Coyotes They meet the Jets in the play-in round, and while Winnipeg has already The Coyotes didn’t get the boost they hoped after acquiring Taylor Hall, appeared on this list, the fact is whichever team wins that best-of-five but if you don’t think the pending UFA will be highly motivated to perform could be a good pick to win a few more rounds. Before the pause, David in what would be his second playoff appearance ever, think again. The Rittich was seemingly losing his hold on the starter’s job as Cam Talbot Coyotes remain really hard to score against and, in Nashville, they may was outperforming him, though we’d wager Rittich will get the first call have come through with a favourable draw. We’ll see. against Winnipeg. If either of them finds a groove, remember that the Flames are just one year removed from being the top seed in the 21. Florida Panthers Western Conference. They have skill and a deep blue line. They came After spending a $10 million AAV on goalie Sergei Bobrovsky last free together as a team through some tumultuous times earlier in the season. agency, the Panthers hoped for more than a .900 save percentage and The Flames underperformed overall this regular season, but don’t sleep 3.23 goals-against average. And who knows, perhaps Bobrovsky will on them. return with a clearer head and a return to form. But defence remained a Senior Writer Ryan Dixon and NHL Editor Rory Boylen always give it concern all year as well for the Panthers, and trading away Vincent 110%, but never rely on clichés when it comes to podcasting. Instead, Trocheck at the deadline was at best a sideways move in the present, they use a mix of facts, fun and a varied group of hockey voices to cover and at worst a downgrade all around. They are capable enough of Canada’s most beloved game. beating the Islanders, but does anyone feel great about this year’s biggest underperforming team suddenly finding “it” and having all prior 15. Minnesota Wild concerns wash away? Not I. If having momentum is key to playoff success then the Wild are one of 22. New York Rangers the biggest losers from the pause. Stuck in the NHL’s “mushy middle,” not good enough to win it all but not bad enough to finish at the bottom of I’ll say this: the Rangers are going to be an interesting team to watch one the standings, the Wild changed coaches and then found some life. Over way or another. How good, really, is Igor Shesterkin? He was incredible the last two months of games, the Wild had the seventh-best record in in the short 12-game window we saw before the pause and injury the league. They’re a weird team. While they are caught in the middle, interrupted his debut. Can he steal series for the Rangers? Will No. 2- they undoubtedly have a collection of individual players who would gain overall pick Kaapo Kakko come back with a fresh outlook and new more acclaim by being on a contender. Think Jared Spurgeon, Jonas confidence to give the Rangers more than he had been? Can Brodin, Kevin Fiala or Ryan Suter. No one will be picking the Wild to win continue his great play on the blue line in high pressure games? Can the Cup, but more than a few are favouring them over the Canucks. And Artemi Panarin carry the team any length? There may be no bigger wild if any of their momentum is somehow carried over, Minnesota could be card than the Rangers, who seem to have the pieces for a potential sneaky good. Cinderella run, but are early enough in their build-up as an organization that a first round sweep could also be in the cards. 16. Vancouver Canucks 23. Chicago Blackhawks The biggest positive development for the Canucks is that Jacob Markstrom appears ready to go after a mid-season injury. He’s arguably They can’t defend very well, and they traded away their better goalie at been the team’s MVP this season and is playing for a contract, either the deadline because at the time playoff games were not going to with Vancouver or elsewhere, ahead of free agency in what should be a happen for them. But, the Hawks also meet Edmonton in the play-in different kind of off-season. The Canucks are certainly interesting, in that round, a team green enough that perhaps a declining veteran unit can they have youth, vets, skill, grit, and goaltending. This is still a team find a way through. Because of that upset potential the Blackhawks won’t building towards brighter days, but that window of opportunity is sit last in our rankings, though if they do get through the Oilers we beginning to open. It’s not often these teams bust right through in their wouldn’t expect a run to carry on longer than that. first playoff attempt, so it’s hard to say the Canucks would fail if they lose 24. Montreal Canadiens out in the play-in round. But there is a path for this team — if everything goes right and key players stay healthy — to pull off at least a couple of They can’t complain because in mid-March the Canadiens had a series wins. negligible chance at reaching the post-season, but getting Pittsburgh in the play-in round is a tough draw for a young team. At least they’ll learn 17. New York Islanders something here. The Habs do have Carey Price in their corner, however, Never underestimate a team coached by . This year’s who players still vote as the best netminder in hockey today. It’s not Islanders were not performing like the 2018-19 version — they had a inconceivable that he could find his game for a couple weeks and lead minus-1 goal differential and were struggling in the lead-up to the pause the Canadiens on a wild run. Absent that minor miracle, though, this will — but since momentum (good or bad) is likely out the window, just be a short learning experience for the team. And the silver lining, of preparation is what’s most important. Trotz’s system has proven effective course, is that a loss would lead directly into a 12.5 per cent chance at with this team before and, after a couple weeks of training camp to get up drafting Quebec-born Alexis Lafreniere. to speed again, the Islanders could possibly find last season’s magic Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 07.01.2020 again. 18. Columbus Blue Jackets Wade through Maple Leafs Twitter and you’ll hear whispers of worry that Columbus is a bad draw for Toronto. This was supposed to be a throw- away year for the Blue Jackets after going all-in on last year’s roster, but they’ve rallied around each other and coach for one of the most impressive seasons this year. Seth Jones is back healthy after a mid-season injury, and the team found goalie Elvis Merzlikins (who is flying way under the Calder radar) to go with Joonas Korpisalo in making up a good tandem. This team is defined by the sum of its parts rather than any individual and there’s still a sense they’re playing with house money. This season is all gravy. A year after upsetting Tampa Bay, what a story it’d be if they did the same to Toronto, and put the Leafs in the running for the first-overall pick. 19. Nashville Predators The Predators were 11-6-1 in their last stretch of games, but overall this season was a little uninspiring for them. They were inconsistent, some of their top players (Arvidsson, Duchene to name two) just didn’t score as much as planned, and it looked as though the transition from Pekka Rinne to Juuse Saros was happening in net. In fact, don’t be surprised if we see the latter in more post-season games. But they also have a Norris candidate in , a stellar blue line, and are three years 1176114 Websites — Sid Seixeiro (@Sid_Seixeiro) June 27, 2020 NOT EXACTLY FAIR… BUT DEFINITELY FUN

Calgary Flames, Nashville Predators Sportsnet.ca / Reaction Rankings: Looking at 16 teams in Second Phase lottery spotlight After strings of success, both Calgary and Nashville find themselves in the mushy middle of the league’s standings in 2019-20 and in need of a shakeup. While neither should be in a position to claim the top pick, it Emily Sadler June 30, 2020, 8:32 AM feels like a lottery victory for either club wouldn’t register the amount of outrage as, say, the Penguins or Oilers or Maple Leafs.

Dropping a young playmaker into either of these rosters would be just the Depending on your rooting interests, Friday’s NHL Draft Lottery yielded ticket to jump-start one of these win-now clubs to, well, win now. either the best-case scenario or the worst outcome imaginable. THE HOCKEY GODS HAVE SPOKEN Fans of the Detroit Red Wings and Ottawa Senators are understandably unhappy, while suddenly those rooting for one of the 16 qualifying-round Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers teams in the NHL’s return-to-play plan just got a whole lot more Those who dug a little deeper into the lottery results on Friday learned interested in the odds as we shift our focus to the play-in round followed that it was, officially, Team E that won the No. 1 overall selection. by the Second Phase of the Draft Lottery. Team E hit on its only possible number at that point. The winning If you were rooting for chaos, you were Friday’s biggest winner. combination was 9-10-2-11. There are so many possible outcomes now, as we look ahead to the — Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 27, 2020 Second Phase, which will following the qualifying round once the NHL resumes play. If you were to (very unofficially) line up the March 12 standings to the lottery odds, Team E would technically be the Winnipeg Jets. A loss and We’ve got sixteen teams, eight of which will be officially headed to the an ensuing Second Phase win for Winnipeg would mean the Hockey playoffs while the losing clubs could ultimately change their franchise Gods aren’t messing around. fortunes with a 12.5 per cent chance at landing the first-overall draft pick this year. Swap “hockey gods” for “league marketing gods” and you’ve got a New York Rangers victory. To see a soon-to-be NHL star help bring an Each possibility comes with a mixed bag of reaction. So, we ranked them franchise back to contention would be a best-case scenario — in order of outrage. for the NHL – and it would be a great fit for Lafreniere, too, as another “YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME.” piece that can drastically speed up New York’s rebuild. Pittsburgh Penguins, Edmonton Oilers A SNEAKY-FUN OUTCOME First, a disclaimer: No hockey fan in their right mind isn’t at least a little Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes curious to witness the wide world of puck possibilities that would open up From the league’s standpoint, the Panthers aren’t exactly a dream by putting Alexis Lafreniere on the wing of one of two all-time great destination for the NHL’s top prospect considering Florida’s status as a centremen. Seeing the likely first-overall pick suit up beside Sidney smaller-market club. But in strictly hockey terms, this might actually be a Crosby or Connor McDavid would be a constant highlight reel… But it strong fit. The Panthers look a little like they’re caught between would also be a constant reminder of the biggest flaw of this year’s lottery contending and rebuilding, and landing Lafrieniere would suddenly give system, gift-wrapping the sport’s best prospect to a team that needs him them permission to go all-in on their young prospects coming down the the least. pipeline, like Grigory Denisenko, Owen Tippett, and Aleksi Heponiemi – Three losses to Chicago this summer would give the Oilers an even especially at a time when two of the team’s top goal-scorers (Mike better shot at Lafreniere than they had at getting McDavid. Hoffman and Evgenii Dadonov) are approaching free agency. GM hasn’t been afraid to make bold moves, bringing in goalie Sergei Hockey Twitter might actually burn to the ground. Bobrovsky last year, and would suddenly have a cap-friendly star he could work around. The Penguins, meanwhile, are still living off the riches of the ultimate lottery prize from 2005, when they landed Crosby. Three Stanley Cups Though Carolina is in much better shape to win now than Florida is, later, Crosby & Co. sit fifth in the Eastern Conference and seventh seeing Lafreniere suit up and storm surge with the Hurricanes would be league-wide. incredibly fun to watch. The young, fast-paced team won over the hockey world last season and one of the the game’s smallest markets would We knew this lottery system couldn’t be perfect. But this outcome would continue to grow with the top young prospect joining its ranks. just make the rich much richer. SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK SORRY, SENS FANS. Arizona Coyotes, Chicago Blackhawks Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Islanders After acquiring Taylor Hall from the Devils in search of a Stanley Cup run, The 2020 NHL Draft was supposed to belong to the Senators. it’s quite possible the Coyotes get the No. 1 overall pick instead. Between their second-last place finish in the standings and the San Jose After being a first-overall pick himself for Edmonton in 2010, Hall watched Sharks’ third-best lottery odds (via the Erik Karlsson trade), the club went his Oilers land back-to-back top picks (Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in 2011 and into Friday night’s draft lottery with a combined 25 per cent chance of Nail Yakupov in 2012) and was still there in 2015 for the McDavid landing the No. 1-overall pick. It was looking entirely likely that they could sweepstakes. His luck accompanied him to New Jersey, where his Devils emerge from the draws with two top-three picks. As we all know now, won big at the lottery in 2017 and 2019. they instead wound up with picks Nos. 3 and 5. Honestly though, very excited to welcome our future #1 overall pick to In a wild twist of fate, the Senators’ first-round pick that could still actually Jersey! Great start to the summer for the Devils. win the lottery wouldn’t end up being theirs after all. — Taylor Hall (@hallsy09) April 10, 2019 As part of their deadline deal with the Islanders that sent Jean-Gabriel Pageau to New York, the Senators received a 2020 first-round pick – a The Chicago Blackhawks, meanwhile, can double up on their lottery luck lottery-protected first-round pick. Should the Islanders – who, at the time and get a streak of their own going if they wind up winning the top spot. of the season hiatus in March, were just one point out of a wild card spot They jumped into the third overall spot last year with the 12th-best odds – – lose their play-in series against the Panthers and go on to win the the same odds “Team E” had this year. Second Phase of the lottery with that very pick… that might just be too much for one fanbase to handle. OK, THEY ACTUALLY KINDA DESERVE IT And in a wild twist of the knife… the Senators’ provincial archrival in Vancouver Canucks, Columbus Blue Jackets Toronto now has better odds of landing the No. 1 overall pick than they The Canucks haven’t exactly been known for their lottery luck these past do. few years. In 2017, they went from having the second-best odds to God hates the Ottawa Senators. picking fifth, and fell back a spot in each of the past two draft lotteries, too. It would be a pretty bold reversal to see the Canucks, should they lose their qualifying round series, finally see the balls bounce in their favour. Plus, put Lafreniere on a team with Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser and Quinn Hughes and we’re counting down the days ’til 2020-21. While the Blue Jackets haven’t been burned in the lottery, they’ve experienced some big losses on the free agency front. Columbus could’ve folded last year, with pending UFAs Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky heading out the door, but instead they loaded up at the deadline and gave us one of the wildest first rounds we’ve ever seen. They could’ve folded this year, too, after watching their three biggest stars walk away for nothing, yet even despite a string of injuries the blue- collar club was fighting for a playoff spot down the stretch. The No. 1 pick would be the ultimate reward for not giving up. LOGIC WINS OUT Montreal Canadiens, Minnesota Wild Imagine if, after all this, an actual lottery team wins the top pick? Suddenly, all would feel a little more normal, right? The NHL’s 24-team return-to-play format and two-phased draft lottery wreaked havoc on Montreal’s lottery luck, would-be owners of the eighth- best odds at the time of the season stoppage. It might work out after all. You’ve got to admit, it would also be a great story – local kid lands with the home team, in a draft that was supposed to be hosted in Montreal. It just kind of feels right… right? Another deserving Second Phase scenario would be Minnesota – though, the Wild actually had a pretty hot streak going down the stretch before the season shut down, it wasn’t enough to catch up to their Central Division peers in the wild card race. A boost of youth for the aging club would go a long way in this hockey market. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176115 Websites The NHL says that all players who have tested positive have been in self- isolation and are following protocols set out by Health Canada and the Centers for Disease Control. Sportsnet.ca / NHL, NHLPA finalizing plan to resume season amid new Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 07.01.2020 COVID-19 cases

Chris Johnston June 29, 2020, 5:53 PM

As the NHL and NHL Players’ Association continue putting the finishing touches on a plan to resume the season, the league says 26 players have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last three weeks. We won’t be able to gain a full picture about the rate of infection in the NHL population until training camps open next month. Fifteen of the positive tests announced Monday came from those participating in voluntary small-group workouts at NHL facilities — a group that includes 250-plus participants, or roughly a third of the total needed for the planned 24-team restart. The other 11 positives came from players not yet subject to regular testing under the league’s return-to-play protocol. Exhaustive testing procedures are expected to be part of the overall package being finalized by the NHL and NHLPA now. They are believed to be close to settling on a plan that includes the location of two hub cities for games, the protocols governing training camp and the competition phase, and the framework for an extension of the collective bargaining agreement — all of which would be subject to approval. The hope has been to get something to the NHLPA membership for a vote by the end of this week. It’s an enormous undertaking, especially with how fluid the situation is. Consider that at this point last week there was progression towards choosing Vancouver and Las Vegas as the two hub cities — only to see Vancouver dropped as an option when discussions hit a snag with the B.C. government on how positive tests would be handled inside the bubble. Meanwhile, with coronavirus caseloads spiking in various parts of the United States, talks between the NHL and NHLPA continued into Monday night on the location of hub cities. There were sources who believed that two Canadian hubs could still be an option for the league with Toronto and Edmonton remaining in the bidding. Chicago and Los Angeles are also among the finalists. Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman talk to a lot of people around the hockey world, and then they tell listeners all about what they’ve heard and what they think about it. The opening of training camps remains scheduled for July 10, but there’s some thought among teams that it might get pushed back to July 13. Players are expected to spend about two weeks in their home markets before travelling to hub cities, where games could start on or around Aug. 1. The NHL’s goal has been to return in as safe a manner as possible and will require it to keep players in a tightly controlled bubble with a myriad of built-in safeguards once games start. That’s expected to include daily testing. Frequent testing, physical distancing and the wearing of masks inside team facilities will likely be part of the protocols governing training camps — although players are expected to be allowed to stay at their own homes during Phase 3. Given that more than 400 NHLers aren’t currently being tested at all, there’s bound to be more positive results if the league keeps moving towards a restart. The 250-plus participants in Phase 2 have taken more than 1,450 combined tests since June 8, and produced 15 positive results. Preventing an outbreak among the playing population is vital to handing out the Stanley Cup this October. “I’ve been involved in a lot of the [return-to-play] talks and I’m pretty confident that once we get into hub cities we’ll be able to do a good job of keeping it out,” veteran Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jason Spezza said recently. “I think getting there is going to be the challenge and that’s where it takes a little bit of discipline on our part as players to make sure we don’t kind of derail the plans.” 1176116 Websites During his Maple Leafs career, Andersen has a 20-13-5 combined record during the first month of regular-season play with a .900 save percentage, 3.14 GAA and just one shutout. Compare that to a 116-53- 28 record, .919 save percentage, 2.70 GAA and 12 shutouts in all other Sportsnet.ca / Maple Leafs' Andersen not '100 per cent confident' about months combined. return So, it’ll be interesting to see what he’ll look like after a near five-month layoff. Andersen said he feels his on-ice timing will be his biggest personal challenge in reclaiming his form between the pipes. Mike Johnston | June 30, 2020, 3:57 PM The Maple Leafs finished the shortened regular season as the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference, based on points percentage, and are Frederik Andersen hopes to get back to playing meaningful games in the set to play the No. 9-ranked Columbus Blue Jackets in a best-of-five near future, however he admitted he is “not quite 100 per cent confident play-in series. yet” about the resumption of the 2019-20 NHL season. Andersen described the Blue Jackets as “a deep team, a team we have The Toronto Maple Leafs starting goalie told reporters on a conference to be ready for.” call Tuesday that while he knows the NHL is adamantly working towards The loser of that series won’t reach the conference quarterfinals but they finalizing the two hub cities and ensuring proper health and safety will have a 12.5 per cent chance at landing the No. 1 overall pick in the protocols are implemented, there is still much to figure out. 2020 NHL Draft after the unusual results of last week’s draft lottery. “We don’t have enough information yet,” Andersen said. “The league and Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 07.01.2020 (NHLPA) are still ironing things out.” The NHL and NHLPA announced earlier in June that Phase 3 of the league’s return-to-play plan – the formal opening of training camps – would happen on July 10. It seems now, though, that a return-to-play is linked with players voting to ratify the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Andersen specifically mentioned “future CBA stuff” as one reason he wasn’t fully certain of a return. “I’m confident we’ll have something to vote on,” he said. “I want to play. I don’t want to just sit and waste the summer and the season. Hopefully we’ll see soon.” When asked which way he’s leaning towards voting, he responded: “I’ll make that decision when I get more info.” Andersen certainly isn’t the only player around the league expressing some sense of trepidation regarding the ongoing negotiations. Over the last 2 days, I’ve been speaking with players from around the NHL who are quite concerned about a return to play. I’m going to paraphrase some of those sentiments over a few tweets here. I want to stress every player I spoke with requested anonymity for obv reasons 1/ — Eric Engels (@EricEngels) June 30, 2020 Another player said that calls with the NHLPA have been “a joke” and that they have only revolved around the financial situation. 3/ — Eric Engels (@EricEngels) June 30, 2020 All players I spoke with are frustrated about being kept largely in the dark about how they’ll safely be able to resume play. 5/5 — Eric Engels (@EricEngels) June 30, 2020 Andersen recently returned to Toronto after spending the majority of the lockdown in Arizona with teammate Auston Matthews. “It was a fun experience,” Andersen said. “We get along great and we tried to make the best of it. He has a great house there. … We were skating a little bit (but) not as much as we’d hoped. We tried to make the best of a tough situation.” The Danish netminder said he left Arizona before the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in that state. He travelled to California to put in some work with his trainer there before flying back to Toronto where he is currently quarantining. Andersen added that his quarantine time will be completed and he would be good to go by July 10 if training camps do in fact open then. Toronto is one of the remaining potential hub city locations but Andersen said he wouldn’t view that as any type of home-ice advantage. “Personally, I don’t think it’ll make much of a difference,” he said before adding that since there won’t be fans in attendance and players will be holed up in hotels it’ll be “neither an advantage or disadvantage.” Andersen ranked fourth in the NHL in wins after posting a 29-13-7 record with a .909 save percentage, 2.85 goals-against average and three shutouts in the regular season. The 30-year-old, who has one year remaining on his contract before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2021, has been a notoriously slow starter since being acquired from the Anaheim Ducks in 2016. 1176117 Websites While the plaintiffs will push toward certification as quickly as possible, it could take upwards of a year to determine that outcome — especially given all the parties involved on the defence side. “If you only had one plaintiff and one defendant in a class action, you could do it in six Sportsnet.ca / If certified, CHL class action likely years away from months,” Blom said. resolution – Sportsnet COVID-19 may add some further delay. Though these cases can be settled between the parties at any time, do not expect that here. Ryan Dixon | June 30, 2020, 10:57 AM • No individual defendants are listed in the statement of claim. Though it says “coaches and team officials were aware of the Abuse (sic) and participated in it,” it’s worth noting that no individual is being directly On June 18, a statement of claim was issued against the three leagues sued. The plaintiffs’ accusations are aimed at the larger institutions of the that comprise the Canadian Hockey League, the CHL itself and the 60 teams and leagues — the broader major junior hockey culture, if you will teams that compete under the CHL banner. — not individuals. The statement of claim was filed on behalf of the representative plaintiffs, Reach Deep Dan Carcillo and Garrett Taylor. Carcillo was a member of the Ontario Ken Campbell: On class-action lawsuit against multiple junior hockey Hockey League’s Sarnia Sting in 2002-03 and Taylor played for the leagues Alberta-based Lethbridge Hurricanes in the Western Hockey League in 2008-09. The statement of claim alleges disturbing acts related to hazing June 19 2020 and bullying, including sexual, physical and mental abuse. • There’s a tendency to look at accusations levelled in actions arising None of the allegations have been proven in court. from events that took place 18 years ago in the case of Carcillo and 12 years ago in the case of Taylor and be dismissive of them because of In the aftermath of the filing, three people who were also members of the some sense that societal norms were different then. Blom explained the 2002-03 Sting with Carcillo have spoken publicly to corroborate the argument, for lack of a better way of putting it, that “things were different claims. Dan Fritsche, Ryan Munce and David Pszenyczny have all told then” does not persuade, especially in jury trials. What is seen as abuse their stories of alleged abuse to Ken Campbell of The Hockey News or now, was likely seen as abuse then. The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline. A fourth person, Brad Hammett, has come forward and detailed a similar story of purported abuse to Rick Westhead The trial is likely to be heard by a judge alone, and not a jury, because of of TSN. Hammett played for the Montana-based Billings Bighorns of the the size of the case, the number of parties and the complexities involved. WHL in 1981-82. • If a judge ultimately finds liability on the part of the teams or leagues, On Friday, the CHL released a statement indicating it would be forming the next issue will be monetary damages. “The big fight might be over an independent review panel to “thoroughly review the current policies things like, [Player X] was going to get to the NHL but he didn’t because and practices in our leagues that relate to hazing, abuse, harassment he was abused,” says Blom. “That’s a big difference from a claim that and bullying and the allegation that players do not feel comfortable says he would have been a teacher. Judges look upon it as the loss of a reporting behaviours that contravene these policies.” chance [and] there’s a whole series of cases that lay out how you look upon it as a loss of a chance.” We are at the start of a civil action that figures to play out over the course of the coming months and years, especially given there are four leagues That fight, if it happens at all, is likely years away, and is just one of the and 60 teams listed on the statement of claim. “You’ve got so many many issues that will come into play over the long arc of this dispute. defendants in this lawsuit, it’s going to be like herding cats,” said Chris Blom, a civil litigation lawyer and partner with the Toronto-based firm Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 07.01.2020 Miller Thomson LLP (which is not involved in the case). Blom helped address a handful of things people should know or gain a greater understanding of related to this case. • The various defendants will deliver what is known as a ‘notice of intent to defend’ to identify the lawyers acting for each of them. A case management judge will likely be appointed to deal with the procedural issues throughout the action. Once that happens, the next big step will be a motion for the certification of the action under a law known as the Class Proceedings Act of Ontario. The plaintiffs must convince the judge hearing the motion that they have what is known as a ‘cause of action’ or a right to make the claims they have made in the statement of claim. They must also convince the judge that the claims of the class members or the defences raise common issues, and that a class proceeding would be the preferable procedure for the resolution of those common issues. Writers Bloc Brock McGillis: There are systemic issues throughout hockey culture at every level June 19 2020 • If the action is certified as a class action, each person who falls within the class — identified in the claim as “all former and current players who play or played in any of the Leagues (sic) while under the age of 18” — will automatically become part of the class. That’s important to establish because, as other players not listed as plaintiffs on the statement have come forward to tell their stories in recent days — either publicly or to the plaintiffs’ lawyers — people often ask if they will be joining the class. If they were under 18 and played in the CHL, they’re automatically included once it’s certified. Once a class action certification order is issued, it has to be published in the media so that all persons who fit the definition of the class are aware of the action. “Everybody who falls within the class defined in the order will be embraced by the claim,” Blom explained. “But those who wish to opt out can opt out. They can bring their own claim or just not be part of it.” 1176118 Websites craft in the gym, knowing it will be difficult to get timing back without shooters.

“I feel like I've been able to keep my good shape and work on things that TSN.CA / Toronto Maple Leafs G Frederik Andersen admits lingering I could off the ice,” Andersen said. “But the on-ice timing is going to be concerns over potential NHL return the key, so hopefully once we can expand our groups [in training camp] to a more normal pace and all that, I think that's going to be the biggest key for me.” Kristen Shilton At this point though, Andersen needs to see more facts from the NHL about what a return to play will entail before he can become fully invested in a next chapter. Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Frederik Andersen said Tuesday that he “I don't think we have enough information yet,” he said. “I think the PA still has concerns about the viability of the National Hockey League’s and the league are still ironing that out and then we'll see. It seems like planned conclusion to its shuttered 2019-20 season. it's the 11th hour here, so hopefully things will progress a little bit in the “I’m not quite 100 per cent confident yet,” Andersen told reporters on a next week, because the July 10 goal is coming up soon. I think we'll see conference call Tuesday. “I think the league is very adamant about [what they say], and make a decision once [we] have more info.” working towards that [return]. I think once we get to the hub cities, TSN.CA LOADED: 07.01.2020 everyone has to be confident [in those] and that the league will have a good setup. So once we get there we'll be good, but I think it's a matter of getting there first. It looks like there’s some more things that need to be ironed out first.” The NHL is reportedly on the verge of announcing where those two hub cities will be for a prospective return to the ice amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The league is currently in Phase 2 of its Return to Play protocol, allowing small groups of players to participate in voluntary workouts. Andersen arrived in Toronto from his off-season home in California last week to begin taking part. He is only permitted to travel between his condo and the Leafs’ practice facility until he’s fulfilled the government- mandated 14-day quarantine period for cross-border travellers. Despite the need to isolate, Andersen felt it was important to be back in town and ready to go by July 10. As of now, that’s the league’s intended start date of Phase 3 training camps for the 24 teams headed towards a playoff tournament in Phase 4, where Toronto would face Columbus in a best-of-five qualifying-round series. But all that can only come to fruition if the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association agree on the parameters of a comeback. “I don't think I have just one [concern],” Andersen said. “There's a few things that need to be figured out, and players have to vote on it, and I think we still have a little bit of a ways to go. The whole thing in general has got to make sense. Just with future CBA stuff [the league’s current collective bargaining agreement expires in 2022], and obviously safety is very important. I'm confident that we'll have something to vote on. I want to play; I don't want to just sit and waste the summer or a season.” To Andersen’s mind, deciding on hub cities may be the easiest part of the process. TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie reported Tuesday that the NHL’s final four considerations for those slots are Toronto, Las Vegas, Chicago and Edmonton, meaning the Leafs could end up on either side of the border. Given the uptick in COVID-19 cases throughout the United States – including in Nevada, which has seen a surge in its numbers this week – it might be more prudent for the NHL to keep both its hubs in Canada. But Andersen doesn’t see much need for that. “Once we have the hub cities set up and the hubs are secure enough, I don't think there should be any real doubt [about safety] because if it's a closed environment, then we should be fine, right? That's how I see it,” Andersen said. “I don't think it really makes a big difference if it is a bubble and it's done the right way; it really shouldn't matter.” It also wouldn’t irk Andersen to see a club playing in its own city, since health and safety measures put in place for everyone would negate any home-ice advantage. “The flight there, I think that's the only difference. Once everyone is in the hub city I think everyone will be at the same level,” he said. “People will be familiar with the hotel, the rink, all that stuff. There won't be fans obviously, so I think all that [other] stuff will be a pretty even playing field for everyone.” In preparation for what’s potentially to come, Andersen has been back on the ice every day at the practice rink, working his way into game shape. Since the NHL hit pause in March, Andersen had previously skated only sporadically while he was quarantining in Scottsdale, Ariz., with teammate Auston Matthews. Andersen departed for California earlier this month, prior to Arizona becoming one of the hot spots for the coronavirus in North America. He spent the intervening time before returning to Toronto trying to hone his 1176119 Websites If this season is able to be completed, the potential maximum amount of revenue to be recouped is believed to be $450 million. Getting half of that would allow the players to repay, at most, $225 million to owners, which would leave the total amount owing by the players at $325 million TSN.CA / Raising questions about the NHL’s ongoing CBA negotiation heading into next season. A reconfiguration, or extension, of the CBA is required because the current contract states that the total amount owing must be taken off of Frank Seravalli the following year’s salary cap. Given that there is no way to know whether arenas next season will be Two separate but inextricably linked negotiations have bogged down the empty, half-full, full, or somewhere in between, one 2020-21 revenue National Hockey League’s announcement on hub cities and fixed dates projection is $2.5 billion. as hockey marches toward a return to the ice. That amount is roughly half of last season’s normal projected revenue, The first involves the details on the hub cities, the multi-layered safety which was around $5 billion. If that $2.5 billion projection is accurate, that protocol, testing, and bubble/lifestyle restrictions, as well as training means the NHL and/or NHLPA are roughly calculating that arenas will be camp procedures. one-third full, based on a typical season’s gate receipts. The second revolves around an extension to the Collective Bargaining So, if revenue next season is $2.5 billion and the salary cap remains Agreement – a near financial and economic prerequisite to return to play frozen, how will the NHL’s players repay the owners? given the lost revenue as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The That is the $325 million-dollar question. players owe the owners hundreds of millions of dollars because they are responsible for a 50-50 revenue split and have already been paid 90 per The truth is that it will take a number of years with significant growth in cent of their compensation for the season. league revenue, while the salary cap remains frozen with no room for player salary growth or cap space to sign new contracts, in order to pay It is unclear whether one negotiation can be completed without the other. off the debt. Time is of the essence. Players are due more than $446 million in signing In fact, if the salary cap is frozen at $81.5 million next season and bonuses as scheduled for Wednesday as part of the 2020-21 calendar. revenue is indeed $2.5 billion, then the NHL’s players would actually add Both the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association have kept details closely to the amount owed to owners because their total compensation ($2.4 guarded. billion) would nearly equal the league’s total revenue, when the players' allowable compensation share is only $1.25 billion. But New York Rangers star and Hart Trophy candidate Artemi Panarin raised eyebrows last Thursday when he posted a statement on social Somewhere between $600 to $700 million would be added to the players’ media voicing his concern about the “long-term prosperity of the NHL.” balance owing, ballooning the amount due to owners to north of $1 billion. “I have concerns not only about the health of players but also about the long-term prosperity of the NHL,” Panarin wrote. “For nearly two It would then take the following years of the agreement with a flat cap – decades, the Players have protected the owners [sic] income with and most importantly, revenue to return to normal and continue to grow escrow, including throughout this pandemic process, even as owners’ starting in 2021-22 – for the players to pay off that $1 billion loan through equity continues to grow. It is time to fix the escrow. escrow deductions some time during the 2023-24 season. “We as players cannot report to camp without already having an The exact amount of time required to pay the loan off is dependent on agreement in place.” revenue. These numbers have been offered to illustrate the long road ahead for players. Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Brayden McNabb was the latest to echo that concern in a Zoom call with reporters on Monday night, saying With that information, it leaves a series of questions to be answered: escrow is a "big issue" and there is "still a lot to iron out." - Why are players being asked to repay their 50-50 share of lost revenue A simple majority vote is required by the NHLPA’s full membership to when using the escrow system was clearly not the intention of the parties ratify any proposal, but the vote will reportedly include both the CBA to the CBA to handle an unexpected pandemic? The escrow system was extension and the return-to-play specifics lumped together. created in 2005 as an adjustment tool to ensure a 50-50 split by a couple percentage points in either direction based on normal course of business Neither side in the negotiation was willing to confirm or deny any projections, not as a vehicle of self-insurance against business loss for specifics, but here are the details believed to be on the table: owners. - The new CBA extension could be three years with an option for a fourth - Why are players still being asked to repay that debt when owners have year. The current CBA has two more full seasons to play, which would received (or will receive) a total of $1.1 billion in expansion fees between guarantee hockey labour peace through 2024-25. Vegas and Seattle? That NHL says that money is exclusive of the players, but half of that would easily help cover the amount owing after - The latest proposal involves a frozen salary cap upper limit for each of this season. the next two full seasons at $81.5 million, followed by a one million per year increase in each of the subsequent two seasons. - What if league revenues don’t bounce back? The mantra from owners in previous CBA negotiations was that they assume all of the risk as - With the salary cap remaining frozen, it would be de-linked from business owners. That is not the case here. The players assume all of revenue projections for the first time in the cap era. the risk because if revenues do not recover, then it only extends the term - Escrow would likely be capped at 20 per cent for the 2020-21 season, of the loan that they have to repay owners. Yes, the incoming Seattle followed by a sliding scale which would reduce the escrow percentage franchise will add revenue, but it also adds another team of salary to pay withheld annually from 18 to 14 per cent. out. Plus, the next American national TV rights contract should help, but half of that revenue automatically goes to owners. - Players would also agree to defer 10 per cent of their salary in 2020-21, to aid owners in liquidity, which could be returned potentially over a - With the players assuming that risk now, would owners be willing to number of years. guarantee specific revenue projections? In other words: Deem that hockey-related revenue will not be less than $X dollars when calculating - The NHL’s owners would be repaid in full for the players’ share of lost escrow. revenue as a result of the pause during the pandemic. - Why are players, who have a huge debt owing, willing to loan the In order to illustrate what those terms might mean for both sides, a few owners money in short order next season with a salary deferment to assumptions must be made. The disclaimer is that these numbers, which increase their liquidity? Yes, player compensation next season may have changed frequently throughout the negotiating process, may not be match total league revenue, putting a strain on owner chequebooks, but fully accurate but are for illustration purposes. owners have enjoyed record revenues year after year, have access to extraordinary league-organized credit facilities, plus franchises are The total revenue lost if the 2019-20 season is not completed is valued at record high levels and borrowing rates are at all-time lows. reportedly $1.1 billion. That number helps explain the NHL’s motivation to Plus, it seems odd that a group owing so much money would be making return. Players are on the hook for half of that number, or upwards of a loan in the first year. $550 million, to repay to owners. - Where is the upside for players? Yes, labour peace is important, and players may earn a much-requested cap on escrow to make the pain more palatable. They may also ‘win’ a defined international hockey calendar, including a guaranteed return to the 2022 Winter Olympics. But the salary cap will remain frozen for a number of seasons, the full escrow cap withheld has no prospect of being returned since there is a debt to pay, and both unrestricted and restricted free agents will be squeezed in their next contracts, including young players coming off entry-level deals. Teams will have no cap space because, by the nature of escrow, GMs will know that they are really spending 80-cent dollars with 20 per cent escrow coming back to the owners/teams. - But perhaps the most important question is this: Is Panarin’s vocal angst a one-off among players, or is it the tip of the iceberg? TSN.CA LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176120 Websites TSN.CA LOADED: 07.01.2020

TSN.CA / NHL wants Ken Dryden to turn over materials from Steve Montador book

Rick Westhead

The National Hockey League wants Hockey Hall of Fame goalie and author Ken Dryden to be directed to turn over all of his interview notes and records produced in connection with publishing Game Change: The Life and Death of Steve Montador and the Future of Hockey, Dryden's 2017 biography of the late NHL player. In a document filed June 29 in U.S. district court in Minneapolis, the NHL asked a judge to issue a request for a Canadian court to direct Dryden to turn over his records. Montador was 35 when he died on Feb. 15, 2015. Three months after his death, researchers with the Canadian Sports Concussion Project at Toronto’s Krembil Neuroscience Centre disclosed the former NHL defenceman had suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Montador’s father, Paul, sued the NHL in December 2015, alleging the league has promoted violence and profited off of it while not adequately advising players of the risks of repeated long-term brain injuries. The Montador family’s lawsuit against the NHL was put on hold for four years while the NHL fought a proposed class-action lawsuit filed by more than 100 former NHL players. Now that there is a settlement in that case – which bars nearly 300 former players and their families of pursuing legal action in the future in exchange for a $22,000 (U.S.) per player settlement – Montador’s case is moving forward. “Dryden’s book includes numerous details about Montador that are relevant to plaintiff’s allegations in this case,” the NHL wrote. “Dryden details physical injuries such as concussions and other hits Montador sustained, including prior to his NHL career, as well as resulting symptoms, fights involving Montador both before his NHL career and outside of playing hockey, drug and alcohol use, including before his NHL career, depression, anxiety and other sources of personal stress, including complicated personal relationships, Montador’s research or knowledge regarding concussions or their effects, including conversations about his brain health, financial losses, large expenditures and potential investments, alleged memory loss or forgetfulness.” The NHL wrote that Dryden conducted research and interviewed a number of named and unidentified sources, including family, friends, coaches, teammates and others who provided unique information regarding Montador. The NHL wrote that Montador’s lawyer does not oppose the NHL’s request and that Dryden’s attorney takes no position. The league said Dryden’s records – including written notes as well as any video and audio recordings – would be crucial to its defence and unavailable elsewhere. “There is no easily obtainable alternative source for these documents, which are unique to Dryden because they were provided to or created by him under circumstances that cannot be replicated,” the NHL wrote. The NHL has insisted it isn’t to blame for Montador’s death. Any legal claims related to Montador’s injury “may be barred, in whole or in part, from recovery due to his contributory and/or comparative negligence,” the NHL alleged. “Any injury or damage sustained by [Montador] was caused, in whole or in part, by [Montador's] own lack of due care and fault, and/or by pre- existing conditions; and/or the lack of due care of others for whom the NHL has no responsibility or control,” the league wrote in its answer to Paul Montador’s lawsuit. The family’s lawsuit alleges that Montador suffered at least 11 documented concussions in the NHL, including four in 12 weeks in 2012. Montador played 571 NHL games during a 14-year pro career that included stints with the Flames, Panthers, Ducks, Bruins, Sabres and Blackhawks. Toronto neurosurgeon Dr. Charles Tator told a government hearing in Ottawa last year that he examined Montador's records and discovered that he had actually suffered 19 documented concussions. In an interview with TSN, Dr. Tator said that total included brain injuries Montador suffered in junior hockey, the NHL and in his final season as a professional in Zagreb, where he played 11 games for a Croatian-based team in the KHL. 1176121 World Leagues News

Leicester games may be postponed or moved due to coronavirus lockdown, says Premier League chief

Leicester games may be postponed or moved due to coronavirus lockdown, says Premier League chiefLeicester games may be postponed or moved due to coronavirus lockdown, says Premier League chief Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has warned that Leicester matches may have to be postponed or moved to a neutral stadium after the city went into full lockdown. While many places in England are preparing to ease restrictions on pubs and restaurants, a rise in coronavirus cases has forced Leicester to impose stricter restrictions this week, with schools closing on Thursday and non-essential shops to be shut for the next two weeks. Health secretary Matt Hancock said that around "10 percent of all positive cases in the country over the past week" have come from Leicester and told the House of Commons on Monday that residents should stay at home as much as possible and only travel when essential. The restrictions could affect the Foxes as they look to play their last seven Premier League matches of the season and Masters says the English top-flight and officials at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport are discussing the situation. "Just about every eventualilty between our officials and DCMS officials has been discussed at some point," he told Sky Sports. "So, we've had a huge dialogue with the authorities about the concept of neutral venues and if what is happening in Leicester, which we're waiting to hear, does affect the club's ability to host home games, either the match on Saturday against Crystal Palace at 3pm, or subsequent matches. "Then we have the opportunity to play those matches elsewhere or postpone them until a date when it is safe to do so." The league's CEO would not rule out the rest of the campaign being cancelled if other areas are forced to follow Leicester's example and introduce new measures to contain the spread of the virus. "If that were to happen in multiple areas or the virus creates other risks then obviously there is that risk that we might not be able to complete the season," he added. "We've got to get to the end of July, complete our 380 games and as I said look cautiously optimistic to the season of 2020- 21." Leicester are currently third in the Premier League, one point ahead of Chelsea. LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176122 World Leagues News Whenever he does decide that it’s time, however, Watney knows it’s going to be a real test through the end of the year. He’s fallen from No. 35 in the FedExCup standings down to No. 123 this year already, and Still stuck in South Carolina after becoming golf’s first COVID-19 case, doesn’t have a ton of time to make up that ground with the modified Nick Watney is ready to go home season that’s in place. “It’s going to be a bit of a sprint to the finish,” Watney told Yahoo Sports. “I haven’t played that great so I’m going to be outside of the FedExCup Ryan YoungWriter number when I do come back. Golf-wise, it’s a bizarre time … It’s a weird time for pro golf, and all sports for that matter.”

First, though, Watney wants to go home — a journey he hopes to start It’s been nearly two weeks since Nick Watney had to withdraw from the making on Wednesday. RBC Heritage. “I really want to see my family. I’ve been gone for a few weeks now,” The 39-year-old, however, is still sitting stuck in Hilton Head, South Watney told Yahoo Sports. “I feel like all this would be a waste if I was to Carolina. go home and then get my family sick. I’m going to wait just a couple of extra days and then drive home.” As the first PGA Tour golfer to have tested positive for COVID-19, Watney has had to self-isolate ever since his diagnosis — the first of now yahoo.com/LOADED: 07.01.2020 five golfers. Though he’s tried to keep himself busy, often FaceTiming friends and family and playing his new Xbox inside a rental condo, Watney is more than ready to hit the road for a more than 1,000 mile trek back home to Austin, Texas to see his wife and kids. “I never thought I’d be so excited to have a 17-hour drive, but I’m just excited to get going again,” Watney told Yahoo Sports. “It’s been a very weird time of life, but I’m excited to see people and then get to play golf again.” Golf’s first coronavirus case The coronavirus pandemic was always going to find a way into the “bubble” that the PGA Tour has created around the sport. Five golfers have now tested positive, following Harris English’s positive case on Monday, as well as several caddies. Other Tour members have withdrawn from events as a precaution, too, due to their caddies, families or friends testing positive. But when Watney’s test came back, he was stunned. He didn’t wake up with any symptoms that morning. He had just tested negative two days prior, too. It was just his WHOOP strap that convinced him to get tested in the first place, as his respiratory data suddenly spiked overnight. Those bracelets have since been given out to every golfer and caddie competing on Tour. After getting the call, Watney left Harbour Town instantly. Immediately, he was worried about being the reason the virus spread on Tour. “It sucks to be the first person on the PGA Tour to get it,” Watney told Yahoo Sports. “And then, I just felt if I was to spread it — obviously it would be without knowing, unintentional to the most that it could have been, but I just didn’t want that at all. I felt like I respect those guys out there a lot. I’m friends with a lot of them, most of them. “If I was saying hi to somebody and gotten them sick or whatever just in a normal course of a day … I would feel awful. I would feel terrible.” He’s spent plenty of time since racking his brain, trying to figure out where he could have picked up the coronavirus. But tracking it down, he said, is impossible. [ Coronavirus: How the sports world is responding to the pandemic ] Watney said he and his caddie took plenty of precautions on the island that week, but noticed something strange. They thought the island would be dead, due to the global pandemic and sharp rise in cases in the area. He found it to be just the opposite — more evidence that he could’ve picked up the virus anywhere. “The island was packed,” Watney told Yahoo Sports. “I don’t know if it’s like people have been cooped up and they want to get out, or whatever the case is. I’m definitely not trying to judge people being out and about, it’s their prerogative I guess, but the island was very busy that week.” Returning to golf Watney isn’t sure when he’ll jump back on Tour. He hasn’t spent any time working on his game while in isolation, and only got three tournament rounds in since play resumed after a three-month hiatus due to the pandemic. Getting his golf game back in time for the Workday Charity Open next week isn’t likely either, which leaves The Memorial Tournament as his next viable option for a possible return. 1176123 World Leagues News

Coronavirus: Parry dismisses talk of EFL club bankruptcies

English Football League chairman Rick Parry has dismissed predictions of mass bankruptcies due to the coronavirus pandemic and said he is determined to emerge from the crisis with the league’s membership fully intact. But Parry has warned against complacency and reiterated his belief that the current situation offers an opportunity for a re-set including changes to salary caps and parachute payments. Parry told The Times: “Our aim is to get through this crisis, not just in terms of the next few months, but the next year, the next two years, with 72 clubs intact. “I’m not subscribing to that ‘maybe 50 clubs will go to the wall’ song by any stretch of the imagination. “We absolutely must not get complacent. I don’t think for one minute the virus is permanently vanished but compared with where we were even six weeks ago there are definitely grounds for cautious optimism.” Top of Parry’s targets are the current salary cap structure, which he views as “not sustainable”, and the ‘inequitable’ system of parachute payments to clubs relegated from the Premier League. Parry added: “Salary caps are being discussed at every level. We already have a salary cap in Leagues One and Two but it is a different form of salary cap that is now being debated. “The lottery that is the Championship, with total wages at 107 per cent of turnover and losses in the hundreds of millions, wasn’t sustainable at any time, and it’s definitely not sustainable now. “Parachute payments are divisive – it is not an equitable split. It encourages irrational behaviour from clubs who are not in receipt of parachute payments. I definitely think they should go.” Meanwhile, Parry appeared to dismiss suggestions that the league’s lower divisions could be regionalised in order to help reduce travel costs, saying the idea is “definitely not on my horizon at the moment”. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters was asked time and again by MPs at a Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee hearing on Tuesday about any additional financial support his competition would offer the EFL. He said there had been “no specific approach” from the EFL regarding support in any form at this stage, and that his competition had made good on solidarity payments for the 2019-20 season. He also defended parachute payments, saying they enable clubs to come into the Premier League and be competitive. Brent & Kilburn Times LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176124 World Leagues News

Africa Cup of Nations postponed until 2022 because of coronavirus

By Press Association Published: 30 June 2020 - 3.17PM

The Africa Cup of Nations has been postponed until January 2022. The competition has been moved back 12 months, the Confederation of African Football has confirmed. The date for the tournament and the final matches of the qualifiers are yet to be decided. The tournament was due to start in Cameroon in January 2021 but is delayed until 2022 because of the coronavirus pandemic. The decision comes after Euro 2020 and the Copa America were both put back until 2021 earlier this year. Algeria are the reigning champions after beating Senegal 1-0 in Cairo in 2019. LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176125 World Leagues News

Mike Amesbury calls for coronavirus grassroots sport support

By Nathan Okell

MIKE Amesbury has called on the Government to provide grassroots sport in the area with the ‘support it needs’ to get through the coronavirus pandemic. The Weaver Vale MP made the statement in a recent online meeting to discuss the impact of Covid-19 and what measures could be taken to give sporting clubs the help they need. The virtual meeting was hosted by Alison McGovern MP, Labour’s shadow minister for sport, and also included Cheshire West and Chester Council leader Louise Gittins. Representatives from Northwich Centurions, Halton table tennis, Chester Rugby Club and Halton and Frodsham Harriers were among those from more than 20 sporting organisations taking part. In the meeting, it was explained that many Cheshire sports clubs and teams are now in a precarious position because of financial strains coupled with the impact of lockdown on their sport. “Our local sports clubs are absolutely vital, not just for helping to unearth the stars of the future, promote health and social interaction, but they're also crucial for helping our communities get through this difficult time,” Mr Amesbury said. “Sport provides a welcome distraction and brings fun and enjoyment to a lot of people's lives. “Many of our local sports organisations have been around for a very long time, but once they're gone, they're gone. “The Government must provide them with the support they need to get through this difficult period.” Mrs McGovern added: “No community deserves to lose important local institutions – football clubs, athletics club, rugby teams – because of the financial damage done by coronavirus. “It was inspiring to hear from local sports clubs about their experiences and what support they need to survive and thrive in the future.” northwichguardian.co.uk/LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176126 World Leagues News Are things back to normal? Not even close. Murphy pulled the plug on his plans to reopen indoor dining this week, citing scenes of bars and restaurants crowded with people not wearing masks. It’s possible, if the Basketball is back in N.J. parks. Will sports feel normal again with reopened basketball courts are overcrowded in the coming days and coronavirus? weeks, that a similar response will follow. For now, though, the bright orange rims are back where the belong on backboards in Newark. Pickup games and H-O-R-S-E will soon follow. By Steve Politi Kids in the neighborhoods around the park will have a place to go again, to watch or to play.

The backboards in Newark have a purpose again. That doesn’t mean Few things are more purposeless than a hoops backboard without a things are back to normal in New Jersey, but for now, it’s nice to hear the hoop. From afar, it looks like an optical illusion in a kid’s magazine -- sound of rubber against blacktop again. circle what’s wrong with this picture! -- while up close, it feels like the embodiment of civic neglect. nj.com/LOADED: 07.01.2020 For the past three months, all of the basketball courts in the Essex County parks system were stripped of their rims after the statewide lockdown. No pickup games, no H-O-R-S-E, no reassuring sound of rubber smacking the pavement. We can measure the impact of the coronavirus on life in New Jersey in a countless number of ways. In Newark, where playground courts are both a proving ground for generations of young athletes and a gathering spot for people who just like to be near the action, silencing a vibrant hoops subculture is as good place to start. “Even if they’re not playing basketball, you get a lot of kids hanging out at the courts just to have something to do, someplace to go,” said Shawn McCray, the head coach at Newark Central High and a lifetime hoops advocate in the city. “Without that, where are they?” Maybe, soon, they’ll be courtside again. Looking for hope that New Jersey is lurching toward something resembling normal? It happened at 8:57 a.m. on Monday, when Greg Peterson backed a white pickup truck into the paint on the Branch Brook Park basketball courts. “GOOD!” his partner, Adam Petsko, shouted when the truck reached the right spot. Peterson climbed into the truck’s bed and positioned red step ladder under the backboard. Using a socket wrench and a drill, he carefully unfastened the bolts securing a rimless placeholder and tossed it into the truck. Then, Petsko handed him a bright orange hoop with a never-before- swished nylon net. It just took five minutes before the rim was back on the backboard, ready for jumpers and, depending on the strength of the player, slam dunks. “Thirty-seven to go,” Peterson said. This was their job on Monday: To reinstall all the rims on Essex County’s courts, a workday that started at 6 am and included 13 stops in parks big and small. The return of the rims wouldn’t need an official announcement. The news would spread quickly. Within minutes of the rims getting reinstalled at Branch Brook, a pair of Newark teenagers arrived at the empty courts. They eyed the open rims with skepticism -- after all, they said, they’ve had to climb fences at nearby schoolyards to find a place to play during the pandemic. “Can we ball?” Reimo Bolerio asked. Bolerio is a rising senior at nearby Newark Tech. He and Joelle Diaz, an incoming freshman at Rutgers-Newark, immediately started a game of one-on-one as Joe DiVincenzo, the Essex County Executive, watched from behind the 3-point line. DiVincenzo, 68, grew up a few blocks from the Branch Brook courts. He knows why they had to temporarily close -- he suffered his own five-week battle with COVID-19 just weeks after triple-bypass surgery -- but also understands their importance in the community. “This is the place where we’ve got great players who are coming back, and this is the place where we’ve got talented kids who are coming up,” DiVincenzo said. “You have to play on these courts to be somebody.” DiVincenzo, in another lifetime, set the record for free-throw shooting percentage as a player at Barringer High. He challenged the two teenagers to a shooting contest from the charity stripe, and quickly, the concerns about the coronavirus melted away as Newark natives from different generations teased each other about their strokes. That’s the power of basketball. It allows the competitors to forget about the outside world and focus on the simplicity of this wonderful sport. That’s what Newark, and the rest of the state, has been missing over the past three months. 1176127 World Leagues News

NHL: 26 players have tested positive for COVID-19 since Phase 2 began (June 8)

By James O'BrienJun 29, 2020, 3:28 PM EDT

The NHL announced that 26 players have tested positive for COVID-19 since the Phase 2 process began on June 8. To be more specific, the NHL split up the positive COVID-19 test results this way: 15 players involved in Phase 2 (skating in small groups at team facilities) tested positive for COVID-19. The NHL notes that at least 250 players reported to team facilities during Phase 2. During that process, the league administered at least 1,450 COVID-19 tests on those players. Of course, there are also players who haven’t reported to team facilities. The NHL revealed that it is aware of 11 additional players who’ve tested positive for COVID-19 since June 8, the beginning of Phase 2. Note that players outside of Phase 2 aren’t subjected to the same level of oversight as those voluntarily reporting to teams. The NHL added that all players who tested positive have self-isolated and are following CDC/Health Canada protocols. Here’s the full NHL release on 26 players testing positive for COVID-19: NHL statement on COVID-19 testing results: pic.twitter.com/HalBsLro77 — NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) June 29, 2020 On June 19, the Lightning shut down their team facilities after three players and multiple staff members tested positive for COVID-19. That only represented a brief pause, though, as the Lightning jumped back into Phase 2 on June 24. Around that time, Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun also reported that Auston Matthews tested positive for COVID-19. The Toronto Maple Leafs didn’t confirm or deny that report. Pondering what’s next after 26 NHL players test positive for COVID-19 during Phase 2 The Athletic’s Joe Smith recently took a look at the Lightning resuming Phase 2 (sub required). That article conveys the self-quarantine process. Yet, at the same time, Smith also captures the lack of certainty amid this pandemic. In other NHL return-to-play news, TSN’s Bob McKenzie reports that the league is unlikely to make hub city announcements on Monday: Update: There is not expected to be any official announcement today from NHL/NHLPA regarding locations of NHL Hub cities for 2019-20 RTP. https://t.co/47MHgoBwXw — Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 29, 2020 Various reports indicate that the NHL hopes to transition from Phase 2 to Phase 3 (formal training camps) in mid-July. Earlier, it was indicated that the target date was July 10. That might change thanks to recent events, however. In the latest edition of “31 Thoughts,” Elliotte Friedman reported that the date could be moved by “three to five days, max.” To get even more hopeful, the aim is for a full NHL return (Phase 4) in late July or early August. Obviously, that’s a work in progress. The NHL would need to clear hurdles to get there, especially if more players test positive for COVID-19. nbcsports.com/LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176128 World Leagues News

Rugby's world sevens series cancelled over coronavirus

AFP AFPJune 30, 2020

Hong Kong (AFP) - The remainder of this year's World Rugby Sevens Series has been cancelled over the coronavirus, the sport's governing body said on Tuesday, with the flagship Hong Kong tournament among five events called off. Tournaments in Langford in Canada, London, Paris, Singapore and Hong Kong will not be played this year, with the men's and women's titles both awarded to pacesetters New Zealand. "The decision follows detailed and constructive dialogue with the host and participating unions, and has been taken with the health and wellbeing of the rugby community and the wider public as top priority," a World Rugby statement said. Hong Kong had been due to be the final stop of the rejigged sevens calendar after it was moved from its traditional April slot because of the pandemic. The Hong Kong Sevens, which had been held every year since 1976, is an important source of revenue and prestige for the city which has endured severe political upheaval over the past year, as well as the coronavirus pandemic. "While it is very disappointing for players, fans, organisers and everyone involved to have to cancel these events due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the health and wellbeing of the rugby community and wider society remains the number one priority," said World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont. "These difficult decisions have been taken following detailed consultation with our union partners and in line with advice from the various government and public health agencies around the world." - 'Extraordinary circumstances' - Hong Kong rugby officials expressed disappointment at the demise of their tournament, which has been scheduled to return in early April. The colourful, three-day tournament is the signature event of the World Sevens Series and was a driving force behind rugby's return to the Olympics in 2016. "We are of course disappointed not to be hosting the world-famous Hong Kong Sevens for the first time in 45 years," Hong Kong Rugby Union chief executive Robbie McRobbie said in a statement. "But we understand the extraordinary circumstances surrounding today's cancellation of the remainder of the series." Like other sports, COVID-19 has played havoc with international rugby, with all July Tests cancelled. The southern hemisphere-based Super Rugby competition has also been suspended and temporarily replaced with domestic tournaments in New Zealand and Australia. The premature end of the sevens season hands the All Blacks their 13th title after they won three of the six tournaments possible before play was halted. New Zealand lost only three games along the way and led the standings with 115 points, 11 ahead of second-placed South Africa. The Black Ferns, New Zealand's women's team, seal back-to-back titles after winning four tournaments in a row in Dubai, Cape Town, Hamilton and Sydney to top the table by 16 points. "While this probably isn't the way the teams would have liked to claim the series titles, it is a reflection of the impressive form they were in," New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said. LOADED: 07.01.2020 1176129 World Leagues News manager Ron Roenicke, 63, said his organization is doing as much as it can to keep everyone — especially older staff members — as safe as possible. Cleveland’s 61-year-old manager Terry MLB rosters shuffle due to COVID-19 Francona said he’s not nervous, even though he’s had previous health issues.

“I know I’m probably one of the higher-risk guys because of my age and PHOENIX (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have shuffled their on-field staff some of the things that have gone on,” he said. “But the trainers and the to protect the health of some of their older coaches. A trio of players, doctors have been terrific. I would rather manage and be around the including Diamondbacks pitcher Mike Leake and Nationals slugger Ryan guys and be around the game than not. Zimmerman, have announced they won’t be playing in the upcoming 60- game season. “I’d be miserable if I didn’t do it.” As Major League Baseball lurches toward a late July start during the Angels manager Joe Maddon, who is 66, said it’s up to individual players coronavirus crises, it’s clear that roster flexibility and organizational depth and coaches to accept and embrace the safety protocols. There’s little will be key. doubt the upcoming season will be unlike any other — if it can be played. The Twins confirmed Monday that bullpen coach Bob McClure and major “If you want to come in expecting the norms that we’re normally league coach Bill Evers won’t be in the clubhouse at the start of this accustomed to, then you’re going to be frustrated constantly, and you season because of health concerns. Both coaches are in their 60s and can’t permit that to happen,” Maddon said. will stay with the organization to help in altered roles. LOADED: 07.01.2020 Twins manager Rocco Baldelli, who was sitting in a Target Field dugout during a Zoom call, said he’s known both coaches for a long time and that the decisions were difficult. He added that both coaches were disappointed. “I think we all know that we’re making the right decision, but that doesn’t mean it feels good,” Baldelli said. “It’s very, very challenging to even think about these sorts of things and have these conversations.” But they’re exactly the conversations that are being had at both the organizational and personal level across the MLB landscape. The defending champion Nationals will begin their title defense without Zimmerman and pitcher Joe Ross, who both declined to play because of health concerns. “We are one hundred percent supportive of their decision to not play this year,” Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said in a statement. “We will miss their presence in the clubhouse and their contributions on the field.” Zimmerman, who told The Associated Press last week he was still deciding whether to play this year, ultimately said having three young children, including a newborn, and a mother at higher risk because of multiple sclerosis factored into his decision. “Given the unusual nature of the season, this is the best decision for me and my family,” Zimmerman said. The 35-year-old — who has been with the Nationals since 2005 — said this does not mean he’s retiring. He’s still deciding on his future beyond this season. Ross, 27, has five seasons of MLB experience. He appeared in 27 games last season. Zimmerman was due $740,741 and Ross $555,556 as prorated portions of their salaries, originally $2 million for the first baseman and $1.5 million for the pitcher. If they are deemed high risk by team physicians, they would still get paid and receive service time. Arizona’s pitching depth took a hit even before the sport’s second training period begins later this week. The 32-year-old Leake was expected to be a part of the team’s starting rotation after starting 10 games last season and finishing with a 3-3 record and 4.35 ERA following a midseason trade with the Seattle Mariners. D-backs general manager Mike Hazen didn’t elaborate on Leake’s decision but the pitcher’s agent issued a statement saying he made a personal decision not to play during the pandemic. Arizona still has substantial pitching depth with , Robbie Ray, Luke Weaver and Zac Gallen expected to be in the starting rotation. The fragility of baseball’s current health situation has been apparent for the past few weeks. The had a coronavirus outbreak at their spring training facility in Clearwater, Florida, earlier this month. Seven players and five staff members tested positive in the organization. Phillies GM Matt Klentak said the team was “fortunate that none of the cases, player or staff, have been especially serious.” He said no one has been hospitalized. But the outbreak is another example of how difficult it is to limit exposure. “What is eyeopening to a lot of us is how quickly it spread even in an environment where we were on the extreme end of caution,” Klentak said. “The facility in Clearwater was pretty airtight in terms of staggering times of players reporting to work out, cleaning the facilities in between. Truthfully, it was frustrating to some players how strict it was and yet the outbreak still happened.” 1176130 World Leagues News purposes. The league will also furnish a $1 million prize pool to support charities in clubs' home markets.

NASCAR has already returned with a packed schedule and limited When are major sports leagues restarting? spectators. This past weekend drivers raced in the Pocono 325 and 350 and are planning to next race the Big Machine 400 on July 5 in Indianapolis. A full list of upcoming races can be found here. Author: TEGNA RELATED: Wallace, NASCAR's agent of change, doing 'what feels right'

The PGA Tour has also restarted; however, without spectators. In its Teams and fans are eagerly awaiting sports to return as many events third event this past weekend, golfers were in Cromwell, Conn., for the were suspended due to the coronavirus. Travelers Championship. A full list of the tour's upcoming U.S. events can be found here. Even as the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise across the country, many sports leagues are looking to slowly and safely restart The European Tour plans to resume July 22 for the four-day Betfred operations. British Masters event in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England. No matter where a sport is played, arenas, fields and courses will largely LOADED: 07.01.2020 be empty as leagues work to prohibit the spread of the virus between spectators and athletes. However, fewer spectators also mean less income, which is being reflected in some athletes' salaries. Below is the current status of all major sports leagues. Major League Baseball will have a 60-game season beginning on July 24 without spectators. "Spring training" will begin on July 1. New safety protocols will be in place to protect players and managers including multiple testings per week with frequent temperature checks. Players and managers will also be required to wear masks while in the dugout. Without spectators buying tickets to watch games, players will receive 37% of their full-season salary. The NBA is planning to begin training camp on June 30 in Orlando, Fla., but this is now in question as the number of coronavirus cases in the state continues to rise. The league is also planning on having 22 teams compete in Orlando on July 31 with both regular-season games and a play-in tournament to decide postseason berths. Fans will not be allowed to attend. As for the 2020-21 season, it is currently planned to start Dec. 1, but that is subject to change. The NFL is planning to start training camps on July 28 with the season starting Sept. 10 with the Houston Texans against the Kansas City Chiefs. Currently, the league is considering just two preseason games per team with the Hall of Fame Game and induction ceremony already canceled. While allowing fans into the stadium is still being determined, the NFL is planning on creating a new seating plan blocking the first six to eight rows for logos and local sponsor signage. The Miami Dolphins have already unveiled plans to limit crowds to as much as 15,000 people in a 65,000-seat facility. The National Hockey League said it is going to abandon the current regular season and move straight to a 24-team playoff. Training camps will first begin July 10 before the playoffs. Games will be held in empty arenas in two hub cities that would house players and staff during the season restart. The hubs would have secure arenas, hotels and practice cities with aggressive coronavirus testing and protocols at each site. Division I is planning a six-week preseason practice, which has been approved by the NCAA D-1 Council. Practices are set to begin Aug. 7, but many schools have already halted summer training as cases begin to increase. Some leagues, including the Patriot League consisting of schools like American University, Boston University and the U.S. Naval Academy, have already announced a shortened season with longer travel for away games halted. The women's basketball league is preparing a 22-game season beginning July 24 at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. The playoffs will likely happen at the same facility in late October. Even though its schedule is reduced by 14 games, players will receive 100% of their salaries. Teams began arriving in Florida on June 24 for the MLS is Back Tournament, which is set to begin July 8. The teams will participate in a total of 54 matches until Aug. 11. All games will prohibit spectators and begin at 9 a.m, 8 p.m. or 10 p.m. for weather and television broadcast