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SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 6/11/2020 1175542 ‘The boys are back’ as Patrice Bergeron and Brad 1175566 WFAN’s Mike Francesa: Wilpons would be ‘crazy’ to sell Marchand return to the ice for a morning skate Mets now to Devils’ Josh Harris or Yankees’ Alex Rodrig 1175543 'The boys are back!' as Bruins' Brad Marchand, Patrice 1175567 Devils’ Alain Nasreddine talks future, prospects … and Bergeron practice together wants in on Mets’ deal! 3 takeaways 1175544 Which Boston team will go deeper in playoffs: Celtics or 1175568 How Devils’ Alain Nasreddine was affected by racial Bruins? injustice during talks with staff 1175545 Former Bruins winger Brandon Bochenski wins mayoral 1175569 NJ Devils' Cory Schneider and Travis Zajac plan to join race in Grand Forks voluntary team workouts 1175546 Who are the NHL comparables for the Bruins’ best 1175570 Looking for help in net: the Devils could prospects? target in free agency 1175547 Dominik Hasek lashes out at Trump's tweet on Buffalo 1175571 Islanders' Johnny Boychuk says he's nearly fully protester Martin Gugino recovered from left eye injury 1175548 How much will a long-term contract for cost 1175572 Islanders’ Christopher Gibson opens up on his dad, race the Sabres? and life in hockey Flames 1175549 Calgarian, Wild defender Matt Dumba joins Hockey 1175573 John Tortorella changes controversial national anthem Diversity Alliance take 1175550 Patrick Kane, several other Blackhawks return to practice 1175574 CRACKS OF DON: Bochenski wasn't exactly a NHL star, facility but he did wind up with a nice office 1175551 Blackhawks inch closer to NHL play as ice returns at practice facility Philadelphia Flyers 1175552 Former goalie prospect Alexis Gravel out to prove 1175575 Oskar Lindblom, Flyers’ Masterton nominee: ‘I look Blackhawks wrong forward to the day I’m back on the ice' Colorado Avalanche 1175553 Life just started for Kyle Quincey’s son – and now he’s 1175576 Penguins winger Jake Guentzel, a Minnesota native, fighting for it ‘ashamed that racism still exists’ 1175577 Penguins forward Jake Guentzel gets a second chance to Columbus Blue Jackets finish his season 1175554 Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella has changed his tune 1175578 Penguins A to Z: Brandon Tanev is exactly what the on anthem protests Penguins needed 1175579 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins defenseman John Detroit Red Wings Nyberg signs with Swedish team 1175555 Detroit Red Wings, the 1998 Stanley Cup and Vladdie: 1175580 First Call: Great Pittsburgh draft picks — not as obvious as 'Wasn't a dry eye on the team' Mario Lemieux 1175556 Detainments at Little Caesars Arena add to venue’s 1175581 Jake Guentzel back on the ice as Penguins begin Phase 2 complicated symbolism 1175582 Jake Guentzel urges caution, but potential return makes the Penguins dangerous Edmonton Oilers 1175583 The Gifted: How Penguins prospect Samuel Poulin blends 1175557 Edmonton Oilers contemplate holding U.S.-based training power with finesse camp 1175558 Deadline deal for Andreas Athanasiou looms large in Oilers’ offseason picture 1175584 Evander Kane, new hockey alliance turn to Colin Kaepernick to fight racism 1175585 Why Evander Kane, Hockey Diversity Alliance value 1175559 Florida Panthers reopen practice facility as part of ‘Phase independence of NHL 2’ in NHL restart plan 1175560 Panthers back on ice; GM says, ‘We’re prepared for St Louis Blues anything’ 1175586 St. Marseille made beautiful music with original Blues 1175587 Imagine if sports fans cared about political voting as much Los Angeles Kings as MVP or Heisman voting? 1175561 THANK YOU 1175588 Lightning strength coach details players’ schedule as they 1175562 Wild’s Matt Dumba is taking a leading role in the fight get back on the ice against racism in hockey Toronto Maple Leafs 1175589 Ontario Hockey Federation moves to second phase of 1175563 Stu on Sports: Canadiens' and Molson's records speak for return, allows small group workouts themselves 1175590 Oceanic’s Lafreniere named CHL player of the year for 1175564 Molson to stay at Canadiens' helm, won't hire president of second straight season hockey ops 1175591 Mirtle: Hurrah, the Maple Leafs are back on the ice … but 1175565 How much perseverance does Karl Alzner have left? We does it really matter? will soon find out. 1175602 Revised quarantine plan could bolster Canucks in hub-city bid race 1175603 COVID-19: Horgan gives OK to NHL teams coming to Vancouver for group quarantine 1175592 AT&T SportsNet to reair more 2017-18 Golden Knights games 1175593 Pacioretty, Stone skate Wednesday during Golden Knights workout 1175594 Projecting Golden Knights’ expanded postseason roster 1175595 Renderings released of Henderson Event Center, future home of Silver Knights 1175596 Finding an NHL comparable for 10 of the Golden Knights’ best prospects 1175597 Henderson Growing Into Sports Hub As Raiders Prepare To Open $158 Million Training Center And Headquarters 1175598 Capitals to begin small-group workouts Thursday 1175599 Capitals set date for team's transition to Phase 2 1175600 Alex Ovechkin, TJ Oshie campaign for John Carlson to win the Norris Trophy 1175601 For the D.C. Sports Hall of Fame, who’s got next: Arenas? Werth? Rypien? Websites 1175604 The Athletic / Life just started for Kyle Quincey’s son – and now he’s fighting for it 1175605 The Athletic / Delayed NHL Draft could prevent some prospects from signing in NHL immediately 1175606 The Athletic / Pronman’s scouting report: Why goalie Iaroslav Askarov is a top NHL prospect 1175607 The Athletic / Pronman’s scouting report: Why Jamie Drysdale is a top NHL prospect 1175608 The Athletic / What a flat salary cap is going to mean for the NHL’s free agent market 1175609 The Athletic / ‘Will my kids play this fall?’ A minor hockey Q&A with ’s Tom Renney 1175610 Sportsnet.ca / Why Maple Leafs believe 'the sky’s the limit' for Joseph Woll 1175611 Sportsnet.ca / Emily Cave, Cooper Marody pay tribute to Colby Cave with song in his honour 1175612 Sportsnet.ca / Geoff Molson remains confident in Marc Bergevin's plan for Canadiens 1175613 Sportsnet.ca / Erik Gudbranson: Fear kept me from speaking up. It won't anymore. 1175614 Sportsnet.ca / NHL goalie Truth or Fiction: Should teams still fear Carey Price? 1175615 Sportsnet.ca / Golden Knights' Shea Theodore on impact of surprise coaching change 1175616 TSN.CA / GTHL hires investigator to probe racism as city examines league World Leagues News 1175617 Fans welcome as Djokovic event helps emerge from coronavirus 1175618 COVID-19: B.C. protects amateur sports groups from virus liability 1175619 SATURDAY AT 1 PM: Mark Cuban to discuss economic recovery, sports in ‘Coronavirus House Calls’ digital show 1175620 Americans miss watching baseball more than other sports, survey says 1175621 Sports are starting to return, but how much coronavirus risk is involved in playing? A sport-by-sport look 1175622 PGA Tour golf returns on June 11 for first time since coronavirus hiatus 1175623 Sports Industry Innovators Leading the Charge Against COVID-19 1175624 Coronavirus: NFL, NFLPA near roadmap to return - report SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1175542 Boston Bruins

‘The boys are back’ as Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand return to the ice for a morning skate

By Matt Porter Globe Staff

Updated June 10, 2020, 8:22 p.m.

Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron are leading the Bruins back on the ice.

The team released footage of the two stars skating Wednesday morning at Warrior Ice Arena, the team’s training home in Brighton.

The workout, which, according to a clock seen in the Images, appears to have begun around 7:30 a.m. and lasted more than 90 minutes, was the first known practice session for any individual Bruins under “Phase 2” of the NHL’s restart plan.

It is likely the first time on the ice since March 11 for both, who were known to be in the Boston area.

These informal workouts, which are ordered to be conducted under social distancing rules, are voluntary until training camp formally begins, likely in early July. The NHL and NHLPA have not agreed on when camps will begin, when and where the 24-team playoff format will be carried out in a pair of yet-to-be-selected “hub” cities, and what life inside those two 12-team “bubbles” will look like with regard to player activities and the presence of families and other guests.

Clubs were given the go-ahead to host players for workouts in groups of no more than six beginning Monday, if local regulations allowed. Coaches and management are not permitted to watch the workouts, which are player-led. Besides Bergeron and Marchand, the only other person shown in the set of photos the Bruins released was equipment manager Matt Falconer.

Late last month, the NHL told its teams how training facilities should reopen to maximize player health and safety. All players and staff are required to have a laboratory-based reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test administered 48 hours before they can show up to the rink. They are required to be tested at least twice weekly afterward, in addition to daily temperature and symptom checks. They must wear masks to and from the rink, but they are not required to do so while training.

A video released by the team shows Bergeron and Marchand, wearing their usual white practice jerseys and black pants and socks, performing a variety of individual skating, stickhandling and shooting drills, with pucks and sticks set up on the ice as obstacles.

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'The boys are back!' as Bruins' Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron practice together

By Joe Haggerty

June 10, 2020 1:00 PM

A number of Bruins players finally took the ice on Wednesday morning at Warrior Ice Arena after the NHL, at the beginning of this week, officially moved into Phase 2 of Return to Play.

Phase 2 allows small groups of six or fewer players to skate on the ice at NHL facilities on a voluntary basis and also allows them to begin off-ice workouts with a limited amount of NHL support staff.

Brad Marchand posted a picture on Instagram of himself with longtime line partner Patrice Bergeron as the duo returned to start skating together this morning. Marchand punctuated the post with “The boys are back!!” as the Bruins players begin the long process of working back into shape with NHL training camps not expected to ramp up until the middle of July at the earliest.

It’s the first time that No. 63 and No. 37 have been together in person since the NHL went on pause in mid-March due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and came to be after Marchand announced on his clothing company’s March & Mill Co Instagram account that he planned on hitting the ice for the first time today.

Bruins Zdeno Chara was also back in Boston over the last few weeks and took part in a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Brookline over the weekend, so the 43-year-old may have returned as well. But there was no indication whether or not Chara was there with Bergeron and Marchand on Wednesday as the B's leaders kicked off workouts.

More Bruins players are expected to filter in over the next couple of weeks while getting back on the ice and preparing for a return to play that still doesn’t have an official date or a location while the NHL and NHLPA still hammer out the details.

Still, for this day at least it’s permissible to simply be excited at the sight of Marchand and Bergeron smiling, skating and beginning the road back to a return that everybody hopes will happen safely and successfully.

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Which Boston team will go deeper in playoffs: Celtics or Bruins?

By DJ Bean

June 10, 2020 11:35 AM

Not many cities have been able to have both winter sports teams considered championship contenders the last few seasons.

Actually, none have except for Boston. (Shout out to any Toronto fans asking "what about us?" I said both winter sports teams.)

With that said, "who goes further between the Bruins and Celtics?" is relatively low-hanging fruit among discussion topics, but this year it's probably the closest it's ever been since the Bruins starting making the playoffs again in 2016-17.

For as nonexistent a frontcourt as the Celtics have, they also might have the best roster in the East. They don't have a Giannis, but if Jayson Tatum is at the height of his powers, they might have the second-best player in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Plus, they have at least two other stars, and unlike in Philly, they work together. Also unlike Philly (and as Michael Holley will tell you, Milwaukee), they have a really good coach.

The Celtics have a better chance of winning the conference than the Bruins do. They don't match up well against the Sixers, but it's Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid against the Celtics in the postseason. Home- court advantage won't exist for the Bucks, who were 28-3 at home before the stoppage. If you're a betting person, +700 odds for the C's to win the East is delicious.

If and when they do win the East, the Celtics will probably lose to either the Lakers or the Clippers. I don't think they'll win the NBA Finals, but they'll get there, which is more than you can usually say with confidence about an NHL team.

One question that we're not really asking enough, though: How is Kemba Walker? He was a bit touch and go with that knee injury as the season wore on, scoring 20 points (his season average is 21.2) in just two of the last 10 games he played, and he missed nine games over that span.

Nobody considers the Celtics the best team in the NBA. The Bruins are a toss-up with Tampa for the best team in the NHL.

If the Bruins reach the Cup Final, they should win it, just like they should have last year. The problem will be getting there.

A Tampa series would be a pick 'em. Washington could also give them trouble, as could Philly, who really found themselves over the course of the season. Plus, because it's the NHL, some random-ass team will emerge that never does in the NBA.

There's certainly no need to worry about any sort of fatigue after playing into June last season. They've had plenty of rest and they're a top team in the league any way you slice it. Their biggest obstacle is having to grind their way through the East, which they didn't have to do last season.

Bean: So what if NBA, NHL seasons have asterisks?

So which team goes deeper?

The safe answer is the Celtics because it's easy to see them having a path to the finals, but if the question is which team has a better shot at winning a title, it's Bruins all the way.

It’ll change a hundred times over the next couple of months, but right now I’ll lean Celtics.

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Former Bruins winger Brandon Bochenski wins mayoral race in Grand Forks

By Joe Haggerty

June 10, 2020 10:18 AM

Former Bruins forward Brandon Bochenski was long known as a promising young forward who never quite worked out for the Black and Gold.

But the 38-year-old former University of North Dakota star has a different claim to fame now that he’s been elected the new mayor of Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Bochenski, now a real estate developer in addition to a neophyte politician, ousted 20-year incumbent Mike Brown in Tuesday’s election in North Dakota while wrangling roughly half the votes in a three-way election between Bochenski, Brown and Robin David.

Bochenski ran on a conservative platform of cutting taxes and creating jobs that won him the recommendation of many within the Republican Party in North Dakota.

“We’re going to get this city going again,” said Bochenski. “We’re going to get business going again, get the economy going again. And we’ll build that tax roll through that so the burden’s shared by everybody.”

Haggerty: Winners & losers from NHL's plan to return

Bochenski will long be remembered as a flash in the pan for the Bruins after Boston traded away to the Chicago Blackhawks for him during a rough 2006-07 transition year. Bochenski put up 11 goals and 22 points in 31 games during the '06-'07 season after being traded to Boston in one of Peter Chiarelli’s first major moves remaking the B’s roster after he was named general manager.

The next season, Bochenski tried to put on size and muscle that slowed him down considerably and he went the first 20 games without a in 2007-08 before he was traded away to the in exchange for defenseman . Versteeg went on to score 149 goals and 358 points in 643 games during his NHL career while winning a pair of Cups during his multiple stints with the Blackhawks.

Needless to say, that was a trade that the Bruins ended up losing pretty badly with the power of 20/20 hindsight.

Bochenski ended up playing 156 NHL games for the Senators, Blackhawks, Bruins, Ducks, Predators and Lightning before ending his pro hockey career with a 10-year stint playing in Russia for Astana Barys of the KHL.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175546 Boston Bruins checking role as a player who can contribute but won’t drive a line. He’s also just mean, and has continued to make himself even more of a pain in the ass on the ice.

Who are the NHL comparables for the Bruins’ best prospects? He’s the only player on this list that I settled on just one comparable for – and that’s because Goodrow is just such a perfect stylistic fit. They’ve both got size. They’ll both make the odd play. They can both keep up By Fluto Shinzawa and Scott Wheeler with the NHL pace. But they’re physical, high-energy pests first and foremost, and they had to lean into that to carve out a niche in the NHL. Jun 10, 2020 Shinzawa: The Bruins would be satisfied if Frederic develops into a long-

term No. 3 center. They’d expect him to check, protect the puck, occupy The win-now Bruins are not designed for on-site development. Zdeno space, provide some offense and make life unpleasant for opponents. Chara, Jaroslav Halak, Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, Tuukka Rask and Whether he’d extend his AHL fighting chops to the NHL is unknown, but Brad Marchand are all 30 or older. With Stanley Cups within the Frederic has shown he’s always willing to throw down. organization’s immediate expectations, the varsity does not Leach has gone so far as to mention Tom Wilson when describing accommodate clusters of youngsters. Frederic’s physicality, skating and touch. Wilson is a legitimate first-liner There are select openings, however, for specific skill sets. Jeremy and arguably the most unique commodity in the league. Frederic does Lauzon, 23, displaced Steve Kampfer because the Bruins needed a not project to approach Wilson’s ceiling. But snarl is always welcome in sturdy left-shot defenseman. The up-and-down play of Joakim Nordstrom Boston. gave 25-year-old Anton Blidh a seven-game audition. Because of Kevan “He has so many different attributes that not many have,” Leach said. Miller’s wretched injury luck, Connor Clifton, 25, projects to be the long- “He’s obviously a bigger guy that has a heck of a shot. Can get up and term right-side defenseman on the No. 3 pairing. It may be, then, that down the ice. You add the physical component he has with confrontation, more youngsters will find NHL employment in Boston if they can more than anything, being part of his game. I found he was really able to contribute to championship efforts. gain some huge strides, especially with his consistency. Night in and Beyond that, prospect incorporation may quicken down the line as the night out of being that guy to play against — when you can get to that Bruins’ core players age out of the NHL. When these things happen, , you’re relentless. He certainly showed that. He’s going to continue some of the following 10 players may be part of the next Black-and-Gold to improve on that.” generation. Urho Vaakanainen, D, Providence (AHL) The Athletic’s prospects writer, Scott Wheeler, has provided notes and High-end comparables: Jordan Oesterle, Mario Ferraro NHL comparables for each player. Goalies were not included because of the difficulty of projecting performance. Wheeler: Vaakanainen has always been a little challenging to evaluate because he doesn’t have a ton of small-area puck skill. He’s not going to Jack Studnicka, C, Providence (AHL) hit seams and create through traffic like most first-round defensemen. High-end comparables: Nick Bonino, Chris Tierney He’s not a great escape artist. But there are some really impressive qualities to his game, including admirable simplicity, a defensive game Wheeler: Studnicka is one of those players who has always been more that has always been a little beyond his years and plus-level skating. than his raw production. The kind of kid who isn’t who doesn’t have an A- level quality, but has B-plus skills across the board. Even when he’s not At this point, he projects as a complementary partner for a more talented producing (which the 21-year-old has begun to do at a high level relative player in the bottom-four. There’s a smoothness and ease to his game to his age in the last couple of years, frankly), he still has tools to fall that should help him play a low-risk, possession-driving game at 5-on-5. back on in all three zones. His versatility has become a real asset and Shinzawa: So far, Vaakanainen has left the Bruins expecting more. He should help him play up and down an NHL lineup with a variety of can skate, see the ice, keep his heart rate low and make simple plays. linemate types. But the Bruins have not always been satisfied with his strength on the I suspect he has a nice career for himself as a middle-six forward, puck or intensity in the battle. Vaakanainen, the team’s first-round pick in posting high-30s point totals if he’s playing in more of a checking role, 2017, will be in the mix if Torey Krug and/or Zdeno Chara do not return and challenging for 50 points if he’s surrounded by a little more talent. next season. That’s probably not what you’d hope for out of a top prospect, but Bonino “Always a competitor, but started to really show signs of some offense,” and Tierney have made careers out of it. It might be a bit of a slower Leach said of the left-shot defenseman (5-9—14 in 54 games). “I think he burn, but I suspect Studnicka has real value on a good team by Year 3 or had five this year, all on the rush. He’s starting to get a little more 4 of his NHL career. I decided not to give him a low-end comparable comfortable there.” because I think he projects fairly safely into that role now. Jakub Zboril, D, Providence (AHL) Shinzawa: The Bruins hope Studnicka can develop into a top-two NHL center to complement Charlie Coyle when Bergeron and Krejci are no High-end comparable: Michael Kempny longer around. If they could acquire another center, Studnicka could be the No. 3 pivot. If needed, Studnicka could also play right wing. Low-end comparable: Oscar Fantenberg

Studnicka had a good first pro season in Providence: 23 goals (including Wheeler: Zboril has become more of a two-way type at the AHL level seven shorthanded strikes) and 26 assists in 60 games. He was named than a driver of offense. But that game probably always suited him when to the AHL All-Rookie Team. He will be with the Bruins if the season his puck skills didn’t take the steps anyone hoped for after an excellent resumes, most likely as a spare part in case of injury or illness. rookie season in the QMJHL. These days he’s a heads-up, physically Studnicka’s AHL days may be over. strong defenseman who defends the rush well, engages hard in man-on- man battles and probably has just enough skill to contribute semi- “For a young, 21-old center who we feel is going to really be something regularly in the NHL. that will play a big part for the Bruins in years to come, we want to make sure when he’s in there full-time, he’s making that impact,” Providence I’m actually a little surprised he hasn’t been given more of an opportunity. coach Jay Leach said of Studnicka’s development on The Athletic’s Some players just take a little longer to get there though, and he has the Perfection Pod. “I think he can certainly play now. There’s no question he tools to figure it out. Kempny and Fantenberg didn’t make the NHL until can play now.” they were in their mid-20s. But the former is now a useful No. 4 or No. 5 — and a Stanley Cup champion. Trent Frederic, C, Providence (AHL) Shinzawa: It’s been a slow development process for Zboril, especially High-end comparable: Barclay Goodrow compared to former junior teammate Thomas Chabot. But the Bruins were pleased with Zboril’s Year 3 progression to the degree where the Wheeler: Frederic is never going to be an offensive player at the next left-shot defenseman was among Providence’s best when the AHL shut level. I think he has slowly come to terms with that over the last couple of down. Leach partly credited Zboril’s progress to Josiah Didier, his right- years after a college career that indicated there may have been something more there. At this point, he’s angling for a bottom-six side stay-at-home partner. Didier was one of Providence’s most the puck for his age. Things that Calvert and Karlsson have used to competitive defenders. The quality was contagious for Zboril. make themselves useful in bottom-six roles.

Zboril will need waivers to report to Providence next season. Given his I don’t think he has what it takes to drive a line or play on an NHL power pedigree and skill set, it’s possible he’d be claimed. As such, Zboril’s play, and he’s not the biggest or strongest player in the world. So he’s make-or-break time is approaching. going to have to make himself useful in other ways by playing hard and smart on the inside of the ice. “In the last 12 games, 15 games, he probably became our best defenseman overall,” said Leach. “His ability to move the puck cleanly, Shinzawa: Lauko is fortunate, in one regard. The Bruins should be set at there’s not many that can do it at our level.” No. 1 and No. 2 left wing for at least the next three seasons with Brad Marchand and Jake DeBrusk. So if Lauko can work at his craft in Oskar Steen, C, Providence (AHL) Providence, the Bruins could find space for him at No. 3 left wing, High-end comparable: Jesper Bratt perhaps by the 2021-22 season.

Low-end comparable: Denis Malgin Lauko has breakaway speed. He has agitating qualities. He competes. Those are good qualities for a solid third-line left wing. If Lauko can add a Wheeler: Steen didn’t have the immediate offensive impact I expected he degree of offense, he would be a very good No. 3 left wing. would in his first year in the AHL. But he was still a good player on one of the AHL’s best teams. There was always going to be an adjustment to Curtis Hall, C, Yale (ECAC) the smaller ice surface, especially given the game he plays and the time High-end comparables: Adrian Kempe, Warren Foegele and space he was able to utilize in Sweden that disappeared in North America. He didn’t have size to fall back on in the corners, either. Wheeler: Hall is one of those players whose game is easy to assess and project. He just is what he is and he plays such a straightforward, I still think he has the problem-solving skills to figure it out and find his predictable game. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. He’s got length, he way into a middle-six role. Steen’s one of those players who could offer a can fly and he always goes to the net. There are really good players in line with two net-driven players a little more finesse and touch, which is the NHL who just do those three things really well. where Bratt and Malgin come in. Even as the game trends toward skill in traffic and on-puck creativity, you Bratt has found a way of doing that in the NHL as a 40-something-point don’t have to have those things to find your way to the next level. Kempe player over the course of an 82-game season. Malgin, who has become and Foegele don’t. But if you are a player with some creativity, you can a bit of a tweener, is what happens when the talent and effort is there. play with those guys because you know where they’re going when you But he just never quite puts it all together. have the puck (to the net) and when you don’t (to the boards to get it Shinzawa: Steen scored seven goals and 16 assists in 60 games as an back). AHL rookie this season. It’s not exactly a ripping output. Steen notched Shinzawa: Hall, the Bruins’ fourth-round pick in 2018, is developing well 17 goals and 20 assists in 2018-19, 10th-most in the Swedish Elite at Yale. The right-shot Hall scored 17 goals and had 10 assists in 27 League. games this season as a sophomore. He scored one goal in five But Steen’s relatively quiet AHL production signaled how challenging it appearances at the World Junior Championship. can be for Europeans to acclimate to rinks that are 15 feet narrower. The 20-year-old projects to make a bigger step forward as a junior. If so, Steen also spent part of his first AHL season at right wing instead of the Bruins would most likely want Hall to turn pro. center, his natural position. Jack Ahcan, D, St. Cloud State (NCHC) Steen’s high motor, release, hockey sense and competitiveness are strengths that make his second AHL season worth monitoring. If he High-end comparable: An even smaller Sami Vatanen continues to develop, No. 3 center in Boston is not out of reach. Low-end comparable: Brad Hunt John Beecher, C, Michigan (Big Ten) Wheeler: Hunt is the perfect low-end comparable for Ahcan. Hunt was High-end comparables: Charlie Coyle, Tyler Bertuzzi always good enough, but he was never so talented that his NHL progression was a given. So he was always asked to prove it at every Wheeler: Coyle and Bertuzzi are the two players I’ve always thought level before progressing to the next. Hunt didn’t really establish himself about as it relates to Beecher. If Beecher hits his ceiling, he’ll be pretty as a full-time NHL player until he was 29 as a result. close to their carbon copy as a big, strong, physical presence who plays a hard, up-tempo north-south game. It’s not hard to imagine Ahcan, who has NHL skill, spending a few years bouncing between the AHL and the NHL before sticking either. Finding a The big question is whether Beecher will be able to develop his small- high-end comparable is a little tougher, because there just aren’t very area skill enough to get to Coyle and Bertuzzi’s level offensively as the many players Ahcan’s size who’ve made it as more than a Hunt-level kind of player who puts up 40-45 points a year while offering all of those player over the years. I do think, stylistically, that there’s a lot in the 5- other qualities on the forecheck. foot-8 Ahcan that also exists in the 5-foot-10 Vatanen, though, in terms of The frame and athleticism are already there. Time will tell if the rest can the heads-up, outlet-passing nature of their game. His odds of reaching catch up. that ceiling are really small, though. That’s just the reality defensemen his size face, even as the game gets smaller. Shinzawa: Beecher can fly. As he grows, the 19-year-old, who is already 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, is not going to lose any of his high-end speed. Shinzawa: The Bruins, always aggressive in the college free agent Such wheels, combined with how he should top out physically, are market, did well to land Ahcan. The left-shot defenseman and St. Cloud enough to make any pro coach anxious to get his hands on Beecher. captain scored seven goals and 18 assists in 33 games in 2019-20.

The Bruins drafted the left-shot center partly because of the approaching It’s far too early to declare Ahcan as Krug’s successor if the latter does expiration dates of Bergeron and Krejci. Beecher scored nine goals and not re-sign. But Ahcan adds to the Bruins’ future options. The Bruins had seven assists in 31 games as a Michigan freshman. It’s too early to have seemingly cornered the market on undersized, offensive-minded tell whether he can score at a top-two pace. But his physical tools give left-shot defensemen, from Krug to Matt Grzelcyk to Cooper Zech. him a good foundation to build on the skill stuff. Nick Wolff, D, Minnesota-Duluth (NCHC)

Jakub Lauko, LW, Providence (AHL) High-end comparable: Brendan Dillon

High-end comparables: Matt Calvert, Melker Karlsson Low-end comparable: Derek Forbort

Wheeler: I’ve never been particularly fond of Lauko’s skill level. He can Wheeler: I have serious doubts as to whether Wolff makes it at all. If he get to the net and finish off plays in tight. He can skate. But he doesn’t does, it will be as a towering, overpowering physical presence on the see the ice particularly well and he’s not a high-end carrier, which forces third pairing and kill. He can make that first pass out of his own him into more of a give-and-go game offensively – and limits his upside. zone and the simple play at the offensive zone blue line, but that’s where There’s a lot to like about the detail in his game and his play away from his game with the puck starts and ends. It’s also where Dillon and Forbort start and end. His length helps mitigate against his skating off the rush and then he can push people around in the defensive zone to win battles.

Is that enough? It is for a handful of NHL defensemen each season. I wouldn’t bet on it though.

Shinzawa: The Bruins are familiar with the 6-foot-5, 230-pound mammoth. The former teammate of Karson Kuhlman attended the team’s last two development camps as an undrafted invitee. Wolff’s offensive game is limited (0-10—10 in 33 games as a senior), but the Bruins like his physicality, competitiveness and leadership qualities.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175547 Buffalo Sabres

Dominik Hasek lashes out at Trump's tweet on Buffalo protester Martin Gugino

By Mike Harrington

Published Wed, Jun 10, 2020|Updated Wed, Jun 10, 2020

Hall of Fame goalie Dominik Hasek, one of seven Buffalo Sabres to have his uniform number retired, took to Twitter on Wednesday to criticize President Trump's viral tweet about injured Buffalo protester Martin Gugino.

"The President of the United States is acting like a pig," Hasek tweeted, in words translated from Czech by Google. "Talking-tweeting about an injured 75-year-old like a police fault (sic) is disgusting like this! And Republicans are hiding like rats (except Mitt Romney). Where is their pride? Sad."

The tweet ended with a thumbs-down emoji. It was written as a comment on a CNN story about Capitol Hill Republicans showing concern over Trump's eroding standing because of the coronavirus pandemic and the unrest stemming from the death of George Floyd.

Romney, the Republican senator from Utah who lost the presidential election to Barack Obama in 2012, said Tuesday, "I saw the tweet. It was a shocking thing to say. I won’t dignify it with any further comment.” As Hasek noted, most other Republicans declined comment on it.

Hasek's Twitter account, which is almost entirely in Czech, had only about 3,600 followers as of Wednesday night and was not verified by the social media site. The Sabres, however, confirmed the account was Hasek's.

Trump tweeted Tuesday that Gugino was an "ANTIFA provocateur." The Amherst man remains in the Erie County Medical Center with a head injury suffered when he was pushed to the ground in Niagara Square by Buffalo police following a protest last week. Video of the incident has been seen worldwide.

Hasek, 55, told a Czech Republic website last summer that he would consider running for president of his homeland. He has no political experience and currently owns and operates an energy drink company. Hasek visits Buffalo a couple of times a year to do charitable work with the Sabres Foundation and Hasek's Heroes, the longtime Buffalo charity he's run to attract underprivileged children to hockey.

Hasek played for the Sabres from 1992-2001 after being acquired in a trade with Chicago. He retired from the NHL in 2008 at age 43 after serving as a backup role for Detroit while winning his second Stanley Cup with the Red Wings.

Hasek is 14th on the all-time NHL list with 389 victories for the Sabres, Chicago, Detroit and Ottawa. He's two ahead of Anaheim's Ryan Miller, who passed Hasek in 2012 to become the Sabres' franchise leader. Miller won 284 games in Buffalo from 2002-2014 while Hasek won 234 for the Sabres.

Hasek was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2014. The Sabres retired Hasek's No. 39 in 2015 and he was named one of the NHL's 100 greatest players during ceremonies at the 2017 All-Star Game in Los Angeles.

Former Sabres defenseman Lawrence Pilut took to Instagram on Wednesday to salute the Sabres and Rochester Americans after signing a two-year deal with of the KHL.

Wrote Pilut: "Thank you Buffalo and Rochester for these 2 years! Now it's time for a new adventure."

"I was a little surprised because we had been in regular dialogue with Lawrence and things seemed to be on track," Sabres assistant general manager Randy Sexton said Wednesday on MSG's "The Instigators." "But obviously he made a decision that he felt was in his best interest. So wish him all the very best there in Chelyabinsk."

Buffalo News LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175548 Buffalo Sabres Negations are more complex than goals and points, though. Agencies now use analytics when making a case for a client, and Reinhart's gradual improvement in a number of areas across six seasons illustrates How much will a long-term contract for Sam Reinhart cost the Sabres? that his production should only improve as he reaches his prime.

Rather than negotiating based entirely on average annual value, the Sabres and Reinhart's agent will focus on cap-hit percentage, which By Lance Lysowski accounts for inflation, or in this unusual case, deflation of the salary-cap ceiling. The eight-year, $72 million contract signed by Jeff Skinner last Published Wed, Jun 10, 2020 June accounted for 11.82% of the Sabres' cap this season.

Arbitration eligibility and point-per-game production make Guentzel's The suspension of play in the on March 12 contract a strong comparable, and he accounted for 7.55% percent of the prevented Sam Reinhart from completing a season in which he was a Penguins' salary cap this season. With that in mind, Reinhart should consistent source of offense and showed significant improvement on account for about 8% of the Sabres' cap, which equates to a $6.48 defense for the Buffalo Sabres. million average annual value if the salary cap is $81 million in 2020-21. The contract would give Reinhart a significant raise from the two-year, Reinhart, a 24-year-old right wing, finished the season with 22 goals, $7.3 million deal he signed with Buffalo in September 2018. three short of the career-high 25 he scored in 2017-18, and his 50 points through 69 games were 15 shy of his 65 in 2018-19. He, Jack Eichel and "Until we have more clarity on where the salary cap's going to be, just the Victor Olofsson formed an effective first line that produced 28 goals at 5 process of salary arbitration, what the time frame's going to be," said on 5. Botterill when describing why he can't engage in substantive contract talks. "We've been in communication with most of our free agents, both Reinhart has credited his offseason training regimen with helping him restricted and unrestricted, their agents, just let them know about where miss only six games over the past five years, and he has appeared in we're at. And obviously with the pause, I think a lot of teams are in the every Sabres regular season game since 2016-17. Despite Reinhart's same boat from that standpoint. reliability and durability, he has yet to receive a long-term contract from the franchise that drafted him second overall in 2014. "I thought Sam again had another strong season. He continues to be very dedicated to his off-ice training. He continues to be very dedicated in Uncertainty surrounding the NHL's salary cap could extend the wait, too. communicating with our coaching staff on what he has to do to improve When asked last week about a possible long-term contract for Reinhart, his game." Sabres General Manager Jason Botterill mentioned salary arbitration without referring to a specific player. How much will the Sabres be willing to pay Reinhart, when the bulk of his production has occurred while playing next to Eichel? The past two Reinhart is a pending restricted free agent and could opt for arbitration coaching staffs have not given Reinhart the opportunity to show he can twice before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2022. Although his anchor a line. Last June, Botterill told reporters at the NHL draft that contract status is one of the bigger Sabres' stories this summer, Reinhart Reinhart was capable of driving play on his own line, but the Sabres told reporters last week that he hasn't given the topic much thought. never experimented with the plan.

"It honestly hadn’t been on my mind too much," Reinhart said. "I’m a Yet Reinhart played 993 minutes, 51 seconds with Eichel at 5 on 5 this hockey player, right? So my mind is when my next game is going to be season, compared to 106:55 without him. Over the past three seasons, and how I can be in the best shape for that. It’s a lot tougher when you Reinhart has a negative-13 goal differential at 5 on 5 when he's not on find out it’s going to be an extra couple months. ... There’s so much the ice with Eichel. Sabres coach Ralph Krueger might also need to unknown of when that’s going to happen, just like so much in the world. consider the best way to utilize the two forwards. I’m honestly not too worried about it, whether it’s one year or six years – whatever – who knows? It doesn’t really affect my next couple months. Among forward lines to play at least 300 minutes together this season, So I’m just trying to prepare for the season like I usually would." Reinhart, Eichel and Olofsson allowed the sixth-most shots per 60 minutes and ranked 22nd out of 31 lines in goals scored per 60 minutes. According to CapFriendly.com, the Sabres were projected to have about $36 million in salary-cap space this offseason. However, the cap ceiling It's important to remember they face the most difficult matchups, will drop if the NHL is unable to follow through with its 24-team return-to- particularly on the road, but Reinhart has grown more comfortable play format this summer, and the Sabres will need to allocate money to defending against the league's elite forwards and should be considered either re-sign or replace their 12 unrestricted and restricted free agents. an option to drive play on another line, especially with his higher price They will also have an overage from this season because of bonuses for tag. His significant improvement without the puck allowed him to average players on entry-level contracts, including Olofsson and Rasmus Dahlin. a career-high 20 minutes, 38 seconds of ice time per game, which ranked 14th among all NHL forwards, ahead of Barzal, Artemi Panarin, Botterill told reporters last week that he cannot engage in substantive Ryan O'Reilly and Sidney Crosby. contract talks with players' agents until the NHL provides a clear picture on how the league's revenue shortfall will affect the salary cap. Though there is risk involved in a long-term contract amid financial uncertainty, Reinhart's price tag will likely increase with another season A one-year arbitration reward might benefit Reinhart and Botterill. The of improved play, and he plans to use the long offseason to take another higher the salary cap, the more money Reinhart can make on a long-term step in his development. contract. Theoretically, he could earn more money by waiting for the salary cap to rebound, though there is risk in playing on a one-year pact. "I think this year, the program I’ve been on the last couple (offseasons) Additionally, Botterill might prefer to wait because a one-year deal for really allowed me to feel at my best most nights playing a large numbers Reinhart would give the Sabres financial flexibility this offseason. of minutes," said Reinhart. "Obviously, there were some games we were playing 11 forwards consistently. That only adds up ice time. ... You’re A long-term contract won't be cheap. Since the start of the 2017-18 going to have off nights, but I’m really happy with my preparation off the season, Reinhart's 165 points are 65th among all NHL forwards — more ice and away from the rink that allowed me to feel that well on the ice. than Nashville's Filip Forsberg, Vancouver's Bo Horvat, San Jose's Evander Kane and Winnipeg's Nikolaj Ehlers. "I think with another year, at my age, I can really take advantage of the extra months here." Reinhart's 44 goals at 5 on 5 during that span rank 55th — better than Detroit's Dylan Larkin, Vancouver's Brock Boeser, Colorado's and the New York Islanders' Mathew Barzal. Over the past two Buffalo News LOADED: 06.11.2020 seasons, Reinhart's 115 points rank 57th among NHL forwards.

Contracts recently signed by players with comparable numbers should shed some light on what Reinhart might cost. Larkin signed a five-year, $30.5 million contract; Ehlers received a seven-year deal worth $42 million; Horvat re-upped with the Canucks at six years; $33 million and Jake Guentzel signed a five-year, $30 million contract with Pittsburgh. 1175549 Calgary Flames “I think there are a lot of smart guys in our league that are taking it upon themselves to further themselves in that aspect and to really, really make a change.”

Calgarian, Wild defender Matt Dumba joins Hockey Diversity Alliance Because, he added, the NHL and its’ players can truly make a difference against racism.

Kristen Anderson, Postmedia “Younger players see not only their favourite black or minority players standing up but their favourite white players also committing to this is June 10, 2020 4:48 PM MDT going to go such a long way in bridging that gap and bringing everyone together,” Dumba said. “Everything we do through the HDA, yes, we’re

sitting on the board. But we want to include everyone.” Growing up in the minor hockey system in Calgary and skating in the Members of the HDA also heard from former NFL quarterback Colin for the in rural Alberta, Matt Kaepernick who was one of the first professional athletes to protest Dumba remembers encountering racism at a young age. police brutality, systematic oppression and racial inequality in the U.S., And on a number of different occasions. by taking a knee and sitting during the U.S. national anthem.

“There were so many times as a little kid that I saw my own family and Kaepernick held a meeting with the group over video, expressing his my mom leaving the rink in tears,” said the 25-year-old Minnesota Wild support and offering insight. defenceman, who is of Filipino descent. “You’re sitting in the car and “It was super cool hearing from Kaep,” Dumba said. “Just seeing how talking about what happened. Seeing all the pain it caused and having invested he is. We’ve all seen him throughout the years on the front lines the conversation, ‘Hey, you have to have tougher skin. You have to be of this. But for him to sit down and take the time out of his day to talk to able to take the high road on this, they’re only saying that because you’re us and preach and give his wisdom, from a guy that’s been through it, playing so well.’ was super cool. He was just preaching the unity we need to have as a “When I think back about that, that’s a conversation white parents don’t group and not being small-minded and stay inside that box. have to have with their kids. Nor should parents of colour.” “I think all of us understand that this can be so much bigger than what it In the wake of conversations around racism and racial injustices — is today, in a week, or a month from now, two years. We have an sparked by the death of George Floyd, a Black man, while in police opportunity to change the game right now and to make a stand for what custody and restrained by a white police officer in Minneapolis — Dumba is right … when he was talking, everyone was listening and you’re kind of has joined forces with six other current and former NHL players and starstruck.” formed the Hockey Diversity Alliance which was announced earlier in the Dumba said the reception to the initative, so far, has been impressive. week. So has the courage being shown by all seven players, who have all faced Along with Dumba, the executive committee consists of Detroit Red similar instances of racial discrimination growing up and are sharing their Wings defenceman Trevor Daley, Buffalo Sabres forward Wayne experiences publicly. Simmonds, Philadelphia Flyers forward Chris Stewart and former NHL-er Joel Ward. San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane and former NHL-er “It just brought up so many feelings … it rekindled the memories that Akim Aliu will serve as the co-heads of the organization. weren’t always the greatest,” he said. “When we were coming about, talking and creating this group, just hearing those stories was all anyone Their mission is to eradicate racism and intolerance from hockey — the needed to (get involved) and know we were doing the right thing.” type of experiences that the Regina-born, Calgary-raised Edge School product had to painfully endure while en route to the sport’s highest level. Dumba added that there have been lots of conversations among his family, friends, and teammates which is going to continue to drive their Dumba said on most teams he was on growing up, he was one of few efforts. players of colour, if not the only one. At the time, friends and teammates understood what was happening to him was wrong. “I encourage people to have those conversations, they’re not the easy ones,” he said. “They’re not that comfortable at all times. There can be But it was also hard for them to truly understand what Dumba was going arguments and you can disagree on stuff. But to have that and these through. conversations is what we all need to do.” “As I’ve grown up, I felt like I had a job to protect my parents from that as well because I didn’t want to see my mom cry,” he said. “I bottled that up inside. Yes, it would fuel me to play my hardest, work my hardest. But Calgary Sun: LOADED: 06.11.2020 could you imagine that love for the game, you’d never have to fight with?

“You’d never have to fight with being discriminated against and feeling like you don’t belong? That’s what I want to do any promote for the youth because there are a generation of hockey players that could exceed all expectations.”

Locally in the Twin Cities, Dumba has thrown himself into the charity scene by supporting ACES which aims to reduce the academic achievement gap and improve the likelihood of success for underserved students. During the onset of COVID-19 and the global pandemic, he made a donation to help provide immediate and basic needs for families who were impacted during quarantine.

Speaking on a conference call earlier in the week, Dumba said community outreach is where it begins for the newly formed Hockey Diversity Alliance and promoting diversity starts at the youth level. He believes they need to be hands-on with their involvement in order to truly make hockey a sport for everyone.

However, when asked about if more needed to be done at the NHL level, Dumba said it’s important that the dialogue surrounding racism continues.

“I think guys going through all this, having conversations with your black or minority teammates and kind of getting an understanding, I think a lot of guys are trying to do that right now,” Dumba said. “Learning and listening, I think those are huge steps towards making a difference. 1175550 Chicago Blackhawks

Patrick Kane, several other Blackhawks return to practice facility

By Scott King

June 10, 2020 1:43 PM

Several Blackhawks players returned to the team's practice facility, Fifth Third Arena, in Chicago on Wednesday for voluntary workouts in conjunction with Phase 2 of the NHL's Return To Play plan.

It was the first time any player has set foot in the arena since the NHL paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic on March 12.

Photos of forwards Patrick Kane, Alex DeBrincat and Alex Nylander, plus goalie Malcolm Subban all making their way into the rink wearing masks and carrying gear were posted by the Blackhawks' Instagram account along with the announcement.

Teams were allowed to open up their practice facilities beginning Monday for a maximum of six players, with limited staff, to hold small group workouts on a voluntary basis. The players are required to adhere to social-distancing guidelines and to wear masks when entering and leaving the facility and at times when social distancing isn't possible.

It was recently reported that team training camps to lead up to the 24- team postseason format wouldn't begin ahead of July 10. Under the format, the Blackhawks are set to take on the Edmonton Oilers in a best- of-5 play-in round.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175551 Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks inch closer to NHL play as ice returns at practice facility

By Alex Shapiro

June 10, 2020 11:04 AM

The Blackhawks are one step closer to getting ready for the NHL’s return to play postseason tournament.

The team tweeted out this video of the ice returning to Fifth Third Arena, the Blackhawks practice facility, Indian Head and all.

The NHL started “Phase 2” of their return to play plan on Monday, which allowed teams to organize individualized training for small groups of players, maxing out at six players per group.

Teams can hold formal training camps in “Phase 3,” which cannot begin “earlier than first half of July” according to the NHL’s original return to play announcement.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175552 Chicago Blackhawks Until then, he’s trying to stay focused and continue training.

“It’s hard mentally, but I know if I want to be a pro, I need to train like a pro,” said Gravel, who turned 20 in March. “That’s what I’m doing. I want Former goalie prospect Alexis Gravel out to prove Blackhawks wrong to make sure if I get a pro opportunity or if I have to go play junior, I’ll dominate the league to prove to NHL teams that I deserve a contract.”

By Scott Powers Ultimately, the NHL is where Gravel still plans on ending up. He was motivated before, but the Blackhawks have added some fuel. Jun 10, 2020 “At the draft, I went lower than expected, so my goal was to prove them right,” Gravel said. “Now it’s a situation to prove them wrong and show they made a mistake. … I’m just looking forward to get a fresh Most of the prospects who weren’t offered a contract by the Blackhawks opportunity. My goal has always been to play in the NHL. If it’s not for the at the recent signing deadline probably weren’t surprised. Blackhawks, hopefully it’s for someone else.” The writing had been on the wall for some time.

But for Alexis Gravel, there was uncertainty before the June 1 deadline. The Athletic LOADED: 06.11.2020 He hadn’t been drafted high — sixth round in 2018 — but he thought he had shown enough in two seasons with the in the QMJHL to prove he could be a future NHL goalie. The Blackhawks drafted him on his potential as a 6-foot-3, 220-pound goalie, and he believed he was worthy of a contract to see that potential through.

The Blackhawks had other plans and didn’t offer Gravel a contract.

“I was pretty upset,” Gravel said by phone on Wednesday. “I think I had a pretty good last two years. I wanted to do well and thought I did. I had good camps with them. I struggled at the beginning of this year with the Mooseheads, but after that I played well, I think.

“I was surprised. I was a little bit upset because I thought they were going to sign me, and it sucked because I had to tell my friends who were already in the organization. It’s like, hard, you know, because if I go to another organization I won’t know all the people I know in Chicago. It’ll be different, but I got to move on. It’s my past now.”

Gravel said the Blackhawks told his agent they weren’t offering him a contract because they were going ahead with older goalie prospects in the AHL next season. The Blackhawks already have 25-year-olds Collin Delia, Kevin Lankinen and Matt Tomkins signed as goalies for next season. One of those goalies could end up in the NHL, but the other two are expected to play for the Rockford IceHogs in the AHL.

“What they said was they wanted to give contracts to older goalies and rather bring in a 24-year-old who is closer to the NHL than a 20-year-old who probably needs to go through ECHL, AHL for more years than the guy who comes from Europe who is older,” Gravel said. “That’s the reason I got.”

Gravel understands that to a degree. Because the Blackhawks drafted Gravel out of the CHL, they only had two years to decide whether to sign him. Gravel recognizes how little time that is for an organization to project a young goalie’s future

“I think Chicago is right in a way,” Gravel said. “It’s hard to give a contract to a 20-(year-old), knowing that I could need until 25, 26. It’s still pretty early to give a contract. Honestly, I wish our windows were three years. That’s not more than the NCAA, but they could (give) us the 20 season. Chicago, if they want to wait for me for three years, maybe it would help me, but there’s nothing I can change.”

Alexis Gravel had an .893 save percentage in 40 games this season. (Scott Powers / The Athletic)

Gravel said he was surprised the Blackhawks didn’t watch and work with him more in person this season. He said Blackhawks goalie development coach Peter Aubry spent more time with him the previous season.

“Last year, Peter Aubry, he came four or five times in Halifax and then three or four days he went on the ice with me,” Gravel said. “This year, it was a little bit different. He was only scouting me. He would scout Halifax like three times, I think. He would come for 24 hours, one game and then go back to Rockford. So, it was a little different. I was surprised because I was expecting him to be more with me to see if they were going to sign me or not. He was actually less.”

Gravel said Aubry was the only one in the Blackhawks organization to reach out to him after he was told about the decision.

Gravel is unsure of his future. He will re-enter the NHL draft and is hopeful another team will select him. If not, he will become an unrestricted free agent and will look at his options. With the NHL draft happening later this year, he said he might return to the QMJHL again. 1175553 Colorado Avalanche Quincey, a fourth-round pick by the Detroit Red Wings in 2003, was with the club’s AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, in 2006. Leaving a bar with teammates one night, they stopped at a cart selling hot dogs. Life just started for Kyle Quincey’s son – and now he’s fighting for it Quincey requested every condiment imaginable on his hot dog from the college student serving him, and they struck up a conversation about the Pink Floyd shirt he was wearing. She happened to have the same shirt. They talked about their love of music and how she would photograph By Ryan S. Clark rock bands for fun on the side. Jun 10, 2020 Ten years later they eloped in a Detroit courthouse before saying their vows in the British Virgin Islands. Later that summer, they had an 80s- themed wedding in Vail, Colorado. Players from a number of NHL teams, A white blanket shrouds Axl Quincey’s stroller that sits next to his parents including the Avalanche and Red Wings — two organizations Kyle played on the front porch of their Denver house. for in his career — showed up in 80s costumes. Kyle even got hair extensions so he could have a faux mullet with his powder blue tuxedo Rachel Quincey has her hands on the stroller while her husband and for the ceremony. longtime NHL defenseman, Kyle Quincey, stretches his long legs in the chair next to her. Their oldest son, Stone, 2, climbs on his mom and then Soon, they decided to grow their family. It started with Stone. Then came settles down in a comfortable spot. Laying between Kyle and Rachel is Axl. They came up with the name and spelling because Kyle was set to Zeppelin, the lovably large and loyal dark brown Chesapeake Bay play the 2018-19 season in Finland and wanted to give their second-born Retriever who is as easy going as it gets. Eventually, the blanket is child a Scandinavian name. Kyle and Rachel planned to have Axl in removed and 14-month-old Axl emerges, with his rosy cheeks and big Finland but Stone was born premature and that level of stress was smile the most immediate features on display. something Rachel did not want to experience in another country if it came to that point. So they decided it was best for a pregnant Rachel The hope for the Quinceys is to have more days like this. and Stone to return to the U.S., where Kyle watched Axl’s birth over A few days after this the entire family boarded a cross-country flight to FaceTime. Philadelphia, because Axl is having another surgery on an Ependymoma “I was gone for two months and I met Axl when he was three weeks old,” tumor discovered when he was diagnosed with brain cancer in late Kyle said. “It’s awful. It was awful. You’re in Finland. Not talking to March. anybody. You’re by yourself and it was very lonely for sure. Couple that Axl went through his first surgery on April 2, while recently completing his with my mind being back here. It was tough. It was quarantine to the second round of induction chemotherapy. max.”

“So this is the big one,” Rachel explained of the surgery scheduled for Kyle returned to the U.S. after spending the 2018-19 season with HIFK in June 10. “Your first thought is ‘Who’s the best surgeon to remove this the Liiga, which is the highest division of Finnish hockey. The 34-year-old tumor? I will go to the ends of the earth to find the best surgeon.’ A lot of free agent with nearly 600 NHL games of experience was without a the time I was in the hospital when he was napping, it was research, contract for the 2019-20 season, which meant he was back home with research, research. There are some great surgeons here in Colorado but his family in Denver. Colorado is lacking a piece of equipment we feel is critical for Axl.” Axl was the typical happy child. He did his own thing and was enthralled Kyle and Rachel learned there was not an intraoperative MRI machine with everything around him. Plus, he never cried. But in February 2020, anywhere in Colorado. The machine allows surgeons to perform an MRI they noticed a change in his personality. Rachel said it was like he was during the operation to help determine if all of the tumor was removed sick with something. Axl became more irritable and the crying started. He instead of following up the next day. also began vomiting liquid.

The Quinceys began looking for a surgeon with Ependymoma They took him to urgent care. The staff initially thought he had a virus or experience who also had an intraoperative MRI machine, which is what the flu. Axl’s visit came before COVID-19 became a global pandemic. led them to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Axl will continue with The family was advised to keep an eye on him. To give him plenty of radiation treatments after the surgery. Medical experts advised the fluids while also allowing him to rest. Kyle and Rachel tried that Quinceys that proton radiation therapy would be the best route for Axl to approach, but Axl was still irritable and continued vomiting. aid in killing all of the cancer cells. They then saw a pediatrician who thought Axl might have had a stomach Such an option does not exist in Colorado. But it does exist in Boston bug. The pediatrician was examining Axl from head to toe when it was and Philadelphia, which is where the Quinceys expect to remain for discovered that there was fluid in his ear. At the time, it was plausible he about two-months while Axl finishes his treatment protocol. could have an ear infection, so he was placed on antibiotics as a preventative measure. As he goes through this, Axl will have his parents and his brother with him. There is also extended family. And he will have a whole host of Yet Axl was still vomiting. It became so intense that he was vomiting after people within the hockey community he has never met doing what they every bottle. Rachel thought it was a bad reflex to a new formula they just can to assist. tired.

Ashley Kadri reached out to hockey wives she knows in Philadelphia to March 30 arrived and Rachel was aiding a friend whose father died from see if their houses were empty because they were gone for quarantine. coronavirus when Kyle called. He told her Axl had vomited again. The Three families offered their homes. But Brian Elliott and his wife offered difference being he vomited food instead of liquid. That’s when Rachel their home and the Quinceys are staying with them for as long as they took Axl to the Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children. need while in Philadelphia. “When I got there, they wanted to do an x-ray of his stomach. They did “It’s crazy that it takes something like this to see your support system,” and everything was fine,” Rachel said. “But one of the things we started Kyle said. “But the hockey world is such an amazing community with all noticing was he no longer liked sitting up. I thought it was something the great people and the (Colorado Avalanche) have been awesome. stomach-related. I was giving his information to the emergency doctor at Bernie (the Avs’ mascot) came to see the kids. Just people making the hospital and she passed that on to a neurologist that was on call. He dinner and reaching out and it’s all over Canada and all over Denver. said to do a CT scan because there may be some pressure building in Brian Boyle has helped us out by getting us in touch with experts. Cory the head, which could be causing him to not want to sit up. Schneider, who was our goalie in Jersey when I was there, reached out “We did the CT scan and that’s when they discovered the brain mass, and he has opened up his home to us in Boston. which turned out to be Ependymoma in the posterior fossa, and we were “There’s people I have met maybe once or twice in Philly that we’re admitted.” talking to and mutual friends who have played there. Chris Stewart is That was March 30. April 1 was Axl’s first birthday, which he spent inside there, which will be a huge support for us. The hockey world is coming a hospital room. April 2 was the day of his first surgery. together and even people outside. … I’ve done some stuff for people and now it’s coming full circle. It’s pretty amazing to see.” Ependymoma is defined by the Mayo Clinic as a type of tumor that forms in the brain or spinal cord. It starts in the ependymal cells in the brain and spinal cord that line the passageways where cerebrospinal fluid flows. “With Axl’s diagnosis, as awful as it is to hear that your kid has brain The condition can occur at any age but it is usually found in young cancer, you have to be hopeful because there are treatment options,” children. Posterior fossa is the space near the base of the skull she said. “Because some people and some kids aren’t as lucky as Axl to containing the cerebellum and brain stem, according to St. Jude’s have an option. We’re thankful that it was not something terminal. Now, Children’s Research Hospital. this is definitely a difficult tumor to remove. It’s difficult to get every single cell out to prevent it from growing back. We have a long road ahead of Rachel said doctors told her and Kyle that Ependymoma is a fast- us. growing tumor. That makes it even more difficult to pinpoint when it may have first developed. “But it’s about staying positive and staying hopeful that everything is going to be OK.” “With this type of cancer, it’s not genetic,” Rachel explained. “It did not happen in the womb. It probably developed in that nine-or-10-month A few minutes pass before Debbie gets Axl’s stroller up the steps and range and it grew big enough to start giving him the symptoms. … It’s by places him next to Rachel. His mini-snoring is faintly heard between the chance. We’re very thankful for the emergency doctor that day who sounds of a construction crew hammering boards and nails, while wanted to rule out everything and order that CT scan. Had we not had Mariachi music from the site echoes in the distance. that CT scan, we still would have let him try to get over this on his own. I think the next warning sign would have been a seizure.” Rachel proudly shares how her son has been “a warrior.” She references Axl’s feeding tube being a visible trait but that his behavior has been so This is the point in the conversation when Rachel’s voice starts to normal that nobody would know there was something wrong otherwise. become shaky. Kyle sits to the right of his wife with his 6-foot-2 frame Lately, there has been a playful nature to a 14-month old who is crawling stretching from his chair on to a footstool. He has his hands on the back all over the place with the expectation he could walk any day now. of his head staring off in the direction of a construction crew building a house across the street when it is entirely possible he was re-living what It takes a few minutes but Axl does wake up. He is wearing a black those few days were like. Colorado Rockies’ cap with strands of his blonde hair flowing from the side. There is a tube coming out of his left nostril. Rachel remarks how Such a silence is brought to Kyle’s attention. What has it been like to “we did lose our hair” because of the chemo treatments but that “it’s cope with the fact his child is barely a year old and is fighting brain going to come back.” The C-shaped scar carried over from Axl’s first cancer? surgery remains visible on the back of his head but there appears to be some hair growing over the wound. “I would say from the first day, we’ve talked about taking it one day at a time and I don’t see any other way of doing it,” Kyle said. “There is so He comes out of his stroller with his wide-eyed grin and chubby cheeks much stuff going on with the whole pandemic that it put a wrinkle in giving way to the audible sounds indicating the overall joy he feels in that everything. You’re trying to support your son. But we were only allowed moment. one parent in the room in the hospital at a time. It got the point where it was so hard for Rachel to leave, I was here and that was not any easier. Watching her Axl’s characteristics gives Rachel confidence. She strongly Not being able to be there and support them. believes the surgeon will be able to remove all of the tumor. She has that same faith Axl will recover and build up his immune system to recover “You kind of get the news right away and that was really hard. A week to after his chemo treatments. That time away from his dad and Stone was 10 days later, we got all the tests back. … They sit you down and this is hard for Axl when he was in the hospital for his initial surgery in Denver. exactly what he has and this is the plan going forward with the chemo and this is the type of cancer. You then start talking survival rates and But this time? Everyone will be there waiting for him. that’s when it kinda hits you.” This was exactly a week before Axl’s big surgery.

The five-year survival rate for those with Ependymoma is around 82 Kyle and Rachel would then fly across the nation with two small children percent, according to St. Jude’s. The five-year survival rate for children – a task considered a challenge in and of itself by many parents. But how up to 19 is about 72 percent. does a couple manage doing that while remaining aware there is still The next stage for their family was attempting to accomplish something something more difficult awaiting them? every day. It meant going to check-ups. Helping Axl recover from surgery Rachel begins by calmly stating they have a plan. A plan they have or being there with him while he was being administered his chemo followed since discovering what kind of cancer Axl was facing. treatments. Establishing that plan has made their family more confident with the Debbie Quincey, Kyle’s mom, has been living with her son and his family process. for several weeks to help out. A friendly woman with a giant smile, she “With everything that has happened with COVID and with Axl, it has took Axl and Stone for a walk around the neighborhood when Kyle and really taught me how to live in the present,” Rachel said. “It’s not looking Rachel started speaking with a reporter. at this traveling situation and going to Philly and being away from home The sight of Debbie pushing Axl’s stroller with Stone by her side was as a negative, but as a positive. It’s really hard to do but if you spin enough to make everyone pause as they made their way through the everything positively, it allows you to live in the present and really enjoy front gate before entering the front yard. every moment.”

“Everyone reacts with their emotions very differently,” Kyle said. “I just It is at this point when Rachel is getting choked up with tears welling in tuck them away and never talk about myself and never talk about the her eyes before they eventually start rolling down her cheeks. emotions. With this, it creeps up and they come out in different times “Because we don’t know what the future holds for him,” she tearfully when they are not really expected or planning for it. That was different for explains. “But we know he’s happy now and we’re enjoying every minute me. I told Rachel, I don’t think I have cried maybe ever with the emotions that we have with him now and him being like a happy, normal little boy. coming out the way they have. That has been different for me. … I’ve Knowing we have this demon tumor that we’re going to go in and remove never felt these emotions ever. and think the best outcome possible. I think that has been a powerful “Once you come to grips with it, it is your new normal. There is no, ‘Poor healing energy for him.” me, poor him.’ We’re emotional but how are we going to attack Both Kyle and Rachel stress that their life together has played a part in tomorrow?” preparing them for this moment. Packing up their lives and quickly Rachel said something she has learned is that those dealing with assimilating in a new setting is something they have done before as Kyle hardships often use hope and the idea of a promising future to get them has played for five NHL teams. through it. “We are fortunate to be in a position with my lack of work and her style of Seeing Axl is what Rachel says makes her strong. But she knows she work and our financials that we can deal with this,” Kyle said. “The fact I has to be strong for her baby. There is an honesty that begins flowing did not have a 9-to-5, I was with him all the time. I saw the difference in about how she and her husband have managed. She profusely his mood. We caught it maybe before it got to a point where there was no discusses how thankful she was to Kyle for letting her be the one at the return. We are lucky in a lot of aspects in that we can handle this, we hospital given the restrictions. Constantly camping out with Axl during his caught it at a decent time and we have a plan. hospital visit allowed Rachel to find strength from seeing Axl smile. “We’re very fortunate for the doctors in Colorado who have given us this plan. We just now have to execute it.”

The Athletic LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175554 Columbus Blue Jackets “I think it’s big of somebody, especially Tortorella, who had a hard stance earlier. To say he listened and changed his mind, realized what the protests were actually about — it takes a lot to see you may have been Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella has changed his tune on anthem wrong. protests “I never really had a problem with Tortorella,” Brown continued. “But from my perspective, changing your mind is definitely hard to do. I get in arguments with my wife and it’s hard to change my mind. To say, ‘I may By Aaron Portzline not have got it right the first time,’ that takes a big person to admit that. Maybe it’s not that his stance was wrong the first time, but now he’s Jun 10, 2020 listened and learned from it. More props to anybody that takes the time to look and listen and make decisions based on that and not doubling down and staying with the old stance.” COLUMBUS, Ohio — Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella has dropped his hard-line stance against those who would protest during the playing While some have suggested no longer playing the national anthem of the U.S. national anthem. He also has a suggestion for a way the before games — it has been the norm across the sports world since the sports world could help the country unite. mid-1940s — Tortorella would like to see something new in addition to the anthem. This is a deeply personal topic for Tortorella and his entire family, as his son, Nick Tortorella, 30, is an Army Ranger. As the anthem plays before He wants to add a “moment” before the anthem for fans to reflect on the NHL games, the 62-year-old coach whispers a prayer while standing on country’s history of racial injustice. the bench with his players. “I do believe in our right to peaceful protest,” Tortorella said. “Why do we But Tortorella told The Athletic on Wednesday that his position has have to choose sides during this time? Can we not share a moment of changed through “listening and watching” over the past few years, and unity and reflection prior to the national anthem dedicated to protesting especially in recent weeks as protests have been staged in Columbus the racial injustice in our world? and across the country following the death of George Floyd at the hands “It’s my choice to stand in respect and gratitude to those who have and of police in Minneapolis. still serve to protect our country and constitution and the civil rights of all “When I stand for the flag and the national anthem, my reflection is solely people. This is by no means a show of disrespect. My family and I care on the men and women who have given their lives defending our country deeply about the families who have suffered loss from unfair, unjust and constitution and freedom, along with those who are serving today,” treatment. We support the peaceful protest for change.” Tortorella said. Earlier this week, seven NHL players of color announced the formation of “I have learned over the years, listening and watching, that men and the Hockey Diversity Alliance, headed by former NHLer Akim Aliu and women who choose to kneel during this time mean no disrespect toward current player Evander Kane of the San Jose Sharks. the flag.” Several NHL players, including Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno and That’s a dramatic change for Tortorella from just four years ago. forward Cam Atkinson, have issued statements on social media committing to learning about racial inequality and helping in the push for At the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, Tortorella, Team USA’s coach in change. the tournament, famously told ESPN’s Linda Cohn: “If any of my players sit on the bench for the national anthem, they will sit there the rest of the game.” The Athletic LOADED: 06.11.2020 At that time, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick had ignited a firestorm across the country by sitting during the national anthem before NFL games. (He was later convinced by former NFL player and Green Beret Nate Boyer to kneel during the anthem instead of sit.)

J.T. Brown, then a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning and one of the 25 or so black players in the NHL at the time, responded to Tortorella on Twitter: “Wouldn’t benching a black man for taking a stance only further prove (Kaepernick’s) point of oppression?”

Brown later clarified his comments to reporter Joe Smith, then of the Tampa Bay Times.

“(Tortorella) sees the situation through his reality, and I see it through mine, as a black athlete in the NHL,” Brown said. “I know I’m not on the United States World Cup roster, but I have had a chance to represent my country on other occasions. My tweet was a hypothetical. What if I took a stance to promote awareness for one of the many injustices still occurring in our country and was punished despite there being no rule or law against it? My tweet was a response to that question.”

On Wednesday, though, Tortorella said he would no longer punish a player who wanted to protest.

“The World Cup is a little bit of a different story; that’s playing for your country,” Tortorella said. “But that isn’t now.

“I would hope that if one of my players wanted to protest during the anthem, he would bring it to me and we would talk about it, tell me his thoughts and what he wanted to do. From there, we would bring it to the team to discuss it, much like it’s being discussed in our country right now.

“How can we rectify some of these problems?”

Brown, now 29, who played for Iowa in the AHL this past season, spoke with Smith again today. He saw it as a good sign of the conversation moving forward that people like Tortorella are changing their minds. 1175555 Detroit Red Wings It was the ninth Stanley Cup in franchise history. Yzerman led his team with 24 points. He was the unanimous choice for the Conn Smythe Trophy, the playoff MVP. Bowman tied Toe Blake’s record with his eighth Detroit Red Wings, the 1998 Stanley Cup and Vladdie: 'Wasn't a dry eye Cup behind the bench. Goalie Chris Osgood quieted doubters who on the team' wondered if he could handle the pressure after 1997 playoff MVP Mike Vernon was traded the previous offseason. June 16, 1998, was an emotional night for the Wings, one of tears — and celebration.

Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press

Published 10:35 a.m. ET June 10, 2020 | Updated 4:29 p.m. ET June 10, Detroit Free Press LOADED: 06.11.2020 2020

Steve Yzerman called it the most emotional moment he’d ever be involved in. Moments before, Scotty Bowman had tried to calm a bench that was in tears.

In this edition of "Detroit Red Wings Revisited," the memory is June 16, 1998. The Wings were in Washington, up 3-0 on the Capitals in the Stanley Cup Final. The day of Game 4, a plane left Detroit carrying the families of Wings players — and one very special teammate. Vladimir Konstantinov, the fierce defenseman whose career was cut short in a limousine accident a week after the Wings' 1997 Cup win, was on board with his wife, Irina. When the game began, Konstantinov was watching from his wheelchair in Section 116, next to a homemade sign that read, “Do You Believe?”

If the Wings were going to celebrate another Cup, Konstantinov had to be there.

“Everything we did, we did for this guy," Igor Larionov said. “We never stopped believing.”

Larionov set up Martin Lapointe for a goal that made it 2-0 early in the second period. Larry Murphy scored nine minutes later. Doug Brown scored his second goal of the night at 1:32 of the third period to make it 4-1. During the ensuing break, fans chanted “Vlad-die, Vlad-die.” Konstantinov was helped to his feet. Everyone was standing, cheering — Wings fans, Capitals fans.

“When we saw that, the whole bench became unglued," Brendan Shanahan said. “We were screaming and yelling. Scotty Bowman tried to calm us down because we still had a period of hockey to play. But there was no way. No way we were going to lose then. I looked down the bench and there wasn't a dry eye on the team.”

Konstantinov had nearly died the year before when the limousine carrying him, defenseman Slava Fetisov and team masseur Sergei Mnatsakanov crashed into a tree on Woodward Avenue in Birmingham. Fetisov was released from the hospital within a few days, but Konstantinov and Mnatsakanov suffered life-altering, career-ending injuries.

Halfway through the third period, Konstantinov was wheeled down to ice level. (Mnatsakanov was not able to travel). When the game was over, Konstantinov was wheeled onto the ice. Surrounded by teammates, a championship cap on his head and a cigar in his mouth, he flashed an index finger to show he knew the Wings were no. 1 again.

“I remember a year ago we were sitting in a room at Beaumont Hospital and doctors were telling us maybe Vladdie will live, maybe he'll die,” Yzerman said. “And here were are one year later and he's at the arena with us, getting the Stanley Cup.

"I think it's been … it's the most emotional moment I'll ever be involved in.”

The Captain was the first to hoist the Stanley Cup over his head, just as he had done in 1997. There were no dry eyes, again, when he placed it in Konstantinov’s lap.

“Vladdie’s spirit was in our room all year round,” Fetisov said, kneeling next to Konstantinov.

While the Wings celebrated in Washington, their fans celebrated back home. Thousands watched the game unfold on “Joe Vision” screens at Joe Louis Arena. In Royal Oak, an estimated 20,000 fans blocked Main Street from Third to Fifth, the crowd growing as people spilled out from bars and a theater. In Rochester, about 1,000 people blocked Main between Fourth and University. In Grosse Pointe Park, fans outside Marge’s Bar & Grill sprayed each other with beer and waved Wings flags. 1175556 Detroit Red Wings indicated to us its strong support for the right of people to express their outrage over incidents of hatred, racism and prejudice.” There was “no cost to the city” for use of the venue, an Ilitch Holdings spokesperson Detainments at Little Caesars Arena add to venue’s complicated said via email. symbolism Several of those detained, however, did not feel police took notable precautions in regards to the potential spread of the novel coronavirus.

By Max Bultman and Cody Stavenhagen Bowman said police unloaded buses one at a time and had protesters sit on the floor, close together. Bowman said police ripped off her mask as Jun 10, 2020 she was arrested, so she had no respiratory protection, and she said the same happened with many others. As some groups were processed and

ticketed for curfew violations, others sat packed together on idling buses, It was last Tuesday night, and a group of vans and buses were driving waiting their turns, Bowman said. News accounts of the Tuesday arrests into the heart of The District Detroit. Earlier that evening, demonstrators detailed police use of pepper spray on those protesting, and the Detroit had marched along Gratiot Avenue on Detroit’s east side, protesting Free Press stated police “offered water for the eyes of those struggling police brutality and the death of George Floyd. Police eventually arrested with reactions.” Contact with pepper spray can also cause wheezing and dozens of protesters after the city’s 8 p.m. curfew passed. Protesters’ dry cough. hands were zip tied behind their backs and police loaded them into Two of those detained who spoke to The Athletic indicated protesters vehicles. were in close quarters on the floor of the loading dock. Softky said only Upon arriving at their destination, Claire Bowman, a 31-year-old Detroit “about half” of police were wearing masks “at any one time.” resident who was among those arrested, looked out and recognized the “It didn’t really seem like they were taking that seriously at all,” Softky surroundings as a loading dock at a familiar venue. said. Little Caesars Arena, home to the NHL’s Red Wings and NBA’s Pistons, The Detroit Police Department disputed these accounts Friday. A police was an odd place to end up in the wake of an arrest. spokesperson acknowledged curfew violators could have been in close “I actually didn’t know that that’s where we were until we had been there quarters while in police vehicles, but said officers made efforts to adhere maybe an hour,” said Sofia Softky, a 25-year-old who has lived in Detroit to social distancing guidelines inside the processing area. The for five years and was also detained Tuesday night. “They didn’t tell us spokesperson said officers had masks on and also passed out masks to where we were being taken at first, and they didn’t give us any those detained. Police had access to the building last Sunday through information.” last Wednesday and processed people at the arena both Sunday and Tuesday, the spokesperson added. Detroit police chief James Craig had requested use of the facility “for safety reasons” relating to social distancing when processing those Wednesday evening in Detroit, police chose not to enforce curfew, and violating the city’s curfew, which was instituted in response to protests. protests went on peacefully as tensions between protesters and Ilitch Holdings, the facility’s controlling operator (as well as the owners of authorities deescalated. Craig said no arrests relating to the protests the Red Wings) granted permission for police to use the facility, which have been made since Tuesday, according to Fox 2 Detroit. The protests became a de facto staging area. have remained peaceful since, and the city has not renewed the curfew.

By the time curfew came and went Tuesday, with the march still going Thursday afternoon, members of the Pistons ventured downtown to join into the night, police arrested 127 people, brought them to Little Caesars in the day’s demonstration. The Pistons, who are owned by businessman Arena for processing, and thrust the venue and the Ilitch family again into Tom Gores, returned to the Detroit city limits for the first time since 1978 the backdrop of civic controversy, this time during two tectonic current after completing a lease agreement to play in Little Caesars Arena events: the COVID-19 outbreak and nationwide protests of systemic beginning with the 2017 season. racism and police brutality. A person with knowledge of the situation told The Athletic that the Since its inception, Little Caesars Arena has been the object of criticism Pistons’ ownership group is not consulted on decisions related to the locally and nationally. LCA was built using more than $300 million in arena, but that the organization would not have been expected to taxpayer funding, and as recently as last summer it was the subject of an endorse the decision to permit its use for detention amid police brutality HBO “Real Sports” episode on what some feel are “unfulfilled promises” protests. involving the development of the surrounding area, The District Detroit. Players including Luke Kennard, Svi Mykhailiuk and Brandon Knight The arena was constructed at a total cost of $862.9 million, with private marched along with protesters Thursday. financing accounting for 62 percent of the costs. Public financing amounted to $324 million. Olympia Development has since paid off or When the march ventured down Woodward Avenue and reached the refinanced $200 million in public bonds. arena, the crowd stopped.

The arena opened in 2017 with a series of six Kid Rock concerts, a move “Fuck Little Caesars,” some protesters chanted, per Bowman. that was called “an insult” to the community by the leader of a civil rights organization, specifically referencing the artist’s political views, use of the The optics of the decision to allow police to use Little Caesars Arena Confederate flag and comments on former NFL player Colin Kaepernick. came to the forefront Wednesday. Negative community backlash, Six months ago, Kid Rock’s restaurant at the arena was closed days after though, was only one piece in a more complex public-relations puzzle. the artist went on an explicit rant about Oprah Winfrey in his Nashville Matt Friedman, co-founding partner of the local public relations firm restaurant. Tanner Friedman, spoke in an interview last week about the intricate Now, the arena has been used to process the arrests of those protesting public-relations dynamic Ilitch Holdings faced in this situation. There are police brutality, mere hours after both of Ilitch Holdings’ sports franchises varied components to public relations, Friedman explained, and those — the Red Wings and the Tigers — issued matching statements that components can look different to different audiences. read, “We stand for equality, justice and respect for all. We believe in “It’s not as easy as me saying something like, ‘Oh, this is bad optics, they diversity and inclusion, and condemn hatred, racism, prejudice and shouldn’t have done it,’” Friedman said. “I wouldn’t say that, because it’s violence. Working together we can drive meaningful, lasting, positive much more complicated than that.” change.” Specifically, Friedman contrasted government affairs with community According to a statement from Craig, the Detroit police chief, using the relations. A good relationship with the police department, for example, is arena as a processing point “allowed for safe social distancing and generally seen as being important for a business or building protected by helped mitigate the risk of contracting COVID-19 for violators, officers police. and police staff.” “I think the government, the city of Detroit in this case, would see the The statement thanked the Ilitch organization “for its willingness to allow action as good corporate citizenship on behalf of the organization,” the use of their facility, so these individuals could be treated in a more Friedman said. “And the organization would see it as a favor — compassionate manner,” and also noted, “the Ilitch organization has operationally speaking, it’s a relatively easy favor — for local meaningful solutions. It’s not enough to simply stand here and talk. Now government. So that’s one audience. is the time for us to act. For the African American community, let me say: We see and hear you, we respect you, we stand with you.” “Community relations is a different audience. And it’s no secret that there have been challenges between that organization and vocal members of Thursday afternoon, the juxtaposition was striking. At a demonstration the community in the city of Detroit. And this could either increase those outside Detroit police headquarters, one protester stood on a platform at challenges, or, at least, it’s not going to help the situation. That we have the center of the crowd, spoke into a microphone and declared: “If any of this big taxpayer-funded sports arena, and little or nothing else around it, my friends go to LCA after COVID, I would consider it a disrespectful and now look at this big taxpayer-funded sports arena is being used in action.” this way, which looks negative to people in the community.” Hours later on Thursday night, across the highway from Little Caesars Protest leader Tristan Taylor was among those arrested Tuesday. Taylor Arena, there was something different about the other Ilitch-owned was led away from other protesters and initially charged with inciting a sporting venue. riot, a felony charge Taylor says police have since dropped to a lower misdemeanor. The Tigers lit up Comerica Park purple, in honor of George Floyd. Beginning Friday night, you could see the same at Little Caesars Arena. “I just thought that was absolutely outrageous,” Taylor said of protesters being detained at Little Caesars Arena. “But I guess, since the city basically paid for it with public education funds, they should, I guess, just The Athletic LOADED: 06.11.2020 see it as part of their property.”

For context: Detroit’s Downtown Development Authority used $284.5 million in school property taxes from its district to support construction bonds for the arena, according to the Detroit News. Public funds were directed toward the arena as the city of Detroit neared the largest municipal bankruptcy filing in American history.

For that reason and others, Little Caesars Arena’s community relations also come with layers. The venue is the home of two professional sports teams, created 3,000 jobs and brings numerous entertainment events to the city. In 2018, the arena was named Sports Facility of the Year at the Sports Business Awards Ceremony.

The other side of LCA’s public perception transcends novelty and leisure. Peter Hammer, a law professor and director of the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights at Wayne State University, spoke of how Little Caesars Arena arrived at the intersection of two public crises.

In the state of Michigan, African Americans account for 14 percent of the state’s population but more than 40 percent of the state’s COVID-related deaths, according to data from late May. Detroit — which is 78.6 percent black, according to recent U.S. Census estimates — has been among the nation’s coronavirus hot spots.

Demonstrators protesting racial violence ended up at Little Caesars Arena in part because of a disease that has affected African Americans disproportionately, and in part because of a curfew instituted in response to those protests.

“Little Caesars Arena has very packed symbolic meaning for historic Detroiters,” Hammer said. “The notion that you are going to take the people who are being arrested and process them at Little Caesars Arena, in my mind, represents the merger of the violence associated with police brutality with the violence associated with structural racism, and becomes a very potent and dangerous symbol in our already troubled times.”

Added Softky, who has lived in Detroit for five years: “The arena, to most people in my community, is a symbol of not just gentrification but the privatization and takeover of the city.”

The community impact of stirring up such feelings, during a moment in which Ilitch companies have publicly condemned racism in multiple forums, remains to be seen. But those who were detained now associate Little Caesars Arena with a traumatic night in their lives.

“It was really a frightening experience, in a building with the Little Caesars Pizza man on the roof that you can see from space,” Bowman said. “… That building should never be used for that purpose. Everything about this is unjust.”

Last Wednesday morning, Christopher Ilitch, who heads the Ilitch family’s day-to-day business operations, appeared at a City Hall event featuring prominent Detroit business leaders.

Ilitch — who also oversaw the opening of a facility last week that will produce 60,000 protective masks per day, many of which will likely be donated to local organizations — stood in front of a lectern and delivered a hopeful message.

“We are proud and privileged to call Detroit home,” Ilitch said. “But with that comes responsibility. A responsibility to help lead and uplift the community in times like this. And that’s what today is all about: collectively acknowledging the systemic issues facing the African American community and collectively demanding and helping to deliver 1175557 Edmonton Oilers “Daigle could skate 100 miles an hour but expectations were way out of whack with him. It took him a while to grow up and when he did, he wound up finishing his career in Switzerland and they really liked him,” Edmonton Oilers contemplate holding U.S.-based training camp said Pearn, an assistant coach to Jacques Martin in Ottawa when Daigle was there. “Daigle is probably better than Yakupov, he played more NHL games (613 to 350).”

Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal Yakupov was just traded from SKA St. Petersburg to Vityaz in the KHL.

June 10, 2020 5:47 PM MDT This ‘n’ that: Ex-Oilers defenceman Joel Persson signed a three-year deal with his old team Vaxjo. The Oilers won’t

be getting a seventh-round pick in 2022 from the Anaheim Ducks after With Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving and Vancouver they dealt for Persson in February. He needed to play 25 games for Canucks counterpart Jim Benning already scoping out U.S. spots for Anaheim. He played none … Karpat in Oulu, Finland, hasn’t re-signed Phase 3 training camps next month, because players crossing the ex-Oilers forward Jesse Puljujarvi yet and there may be interest from Canadian border would have to quarantine for two weeks, Oilers Ken KHL teams … The Oilers might be looking at a veteran goalie to pair with Holland is following suit. Stuart Skinner in Bakersfield, Calif., next season. Would they give Scott Darling a holler? He played in Innsbruck in the Austrian top league this Holland has talked with Oilers president Bob Nicholson about the season … Oil Kings winger Dylan Guenther (26 goals) was runner-up for possibility but, for now, is in wait-and-see mode. Obviously, no Canadian CHL rookie of the year to Kingston’s Shane Wright. Wright, 16, had 39 team wants to commit to a U.S.-based camp for two to three weeks in goals in 58 games … Local product Daniel Carr, who played 11 games July, in case NHL commissioner Gary Bettman decides Edmonton, for Nashville this season and 50 in the with Vancouver or Toronto has been chosen as a hub city for 12 teams with a Milwaukee (47 points) will be on the Predators’ expanded playoff roster. possible return to play Aug. 1. Then the entire team would have to Carr has lots of talent and grit but hasn’t been able to find regular NHL quarantine upon returning to Canada. work. He’d probably be perfect in Yekaterinburg but they have their quota of players right now … Sherwood Park Crusaders forward Jacob “We’re going to wait until the hubs are selected before we make any Franczak, who was going to Alabama Huntsville before de-committing, is decisions and we’ll make a quick decision once we know where we are off to Long Island University in Brooklyn, N.Y. going for the hub,” said Holland, who likely doesn’t want his European or U.S. players sitting around here in quarantine for 14 days if they come back early for main camp, while others are skating in Phase 2 situations at Rogers Place. Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 06.11.2020

There’s a lot of variables in play right now, so Holland is biding his time.

The whole hub city decision, which might come in the next two weeks, might be a moot one, anyway. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in late May the hub city’s team might not be the host team because of a perceived home-building advantage, even with no fans in the rink. If Edmonton were to be selected, the Oilers and the other 11 Western Conference teams might have to go to a U.S. hub city.

Oscar Klefbom and his defence partner Adam Larsson, along with winger Joakim Nygard have been in Sweden during the NHL’s pause. Goalie Mikko Koskinen and presumed call-up forward Markus Granlund are in Finland.

Centre Gaetan Haas is in Switzerland, winger Patrick Russell in Denmark.

German centre Leon Draisaitl has been in Ontario, so he wouldn’t be coming back from Europe. Darnell Nurse and a freshly shorn Connor McDavid, who was shown Wednesday on Twitter using a shooter tutor on a net in his garage, are in Ontario.

Perry Pearn, who has signed on to be Bill Peters’s right-hand man in Yekaterinburg, Russia, of the Kontinental Hockey League, won’t be on the ice with Pavel Datsyuk and the rest of the players for the start of training camp next month because he’s having surgery.

“I’m having my left hip replaced June 22,” said the long-time NHL assistant coach. “I’m struggling to get around. I can walk for groceries but I’m done after that. I don’t know if I’ll be running after the surgery, l know I’ll be faster than I am now.

“I’m scheduled to fly over there July 15, when the KHL camp opens but I have to quarantine for 14 days when I get to Russia because of COVID. Long flight, eight hours or so from Calgary to Frankfurt (Germany) and another four to Yekaterinburg, if there is still a direct one. I’ll have to get up and walk around for sure on the planes.”

Datsyuk turns 42 in July but he’s on the same program as the ageless Jaromir Jagr, 48, neither player wanting to put their skates away.

The KHL season is supposed to kick off Sept. 2 as long as COVID-19 is at bay there.

“We’ve been told the league will start with 10 to 20 per cent of fans in the building,” said Pearn.

Pearn sees similarities between first-overall draft picks Nail Yakupov and Alexandre Daigle. 1175558 Edmonton Oilers increasingly reflects his vision we should expect that method of acquisition to slow down.

The addition of Athanasiou, a Detroit drafted and developed forward, is Deadline deal for Andreas Athanasiou looms large in Oilers’ offseason part of that transformational process. picture If we assume that Holland stays true to form, Athanasiou is a given rather than a variable next season, and probably in a top-six role. That gives By Jonathan Willis Edmonton him and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins at left wing, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl at centre and Kailer Yamamoto and Zack Kassian on Jun 10, 2020 the right side. It’s not a perfect group, but it has the advantage of being affordable, being on the roster already and being better than the 2019-20

opening night hexad. The shape of Edmonton’s offseason, at least up front, is likely to be The downside is that Yamamoto has a lot of recent injury history, defined by what the team did at the trade deadline. Kassian was spinning his wheels on the fourth line until Ken Hitchcock A month ago, my colleague Allan Mitchell wrote about Andreas made him McDavid’s right winger, and Athanasiou himself is a bit of a Athanasiou, looking at what the Oilers gave up in trade, the timing of the question mark after an 11-goal season in which he won the NHL’s green deal and the player’s performance both overall and in specific situations. jacket. What would an experienced general manager do with those sorts He covered the ground so well that I didn’t want to dive right back in, but of questions? Hedge his bets. his comments on timing got me thinking about opportunity cost. Edmonton’s bottom-six has been a work in progress for all of 2019-20 Trading for and re-signing Athanasiou limits the Oilers in at least three and to a large degree still is. Dave Tippett hasn’t had any problem finding important ways: players for the line that eats up the defensive zone starts: the duo of Riley Sheahan and Josh Archibald has been solid in the role and there Draft picks: Edmonton spent a pair of second-round selections on are plenty of in-house options to join them. Athanasiou, which they either won’t get to use or will now have to replace by trading other assets. What Edmonton hasn’t had is a third line with any kind of scoring punch. Third line centre has been a bit of a void all year and will presumably get Cap space: Athanasiou probably re-signs at a similar cap hit, eating up some attention in the offseason, and that will help, but it isn’t the whole $3 million out of next year’s budget. problem.

Roster spot: We can reasonably expect that Athanasiou will play a top- The wings have been questionable. James Neal has flashy point totals nine role in Edmonton, meaning the Oilers can’t try someone else in that but only seven even strength goals, and four of those came in the first 18 slot. games. His most recent opposite, Alex Chiasson, has five and has had 21-, 16- and 22-game runs without scoring at even strength. That’s not to That’s not to say Athanasiou won’t provide Edmonton with a solid return knock the strong power play contributions of both players, but neither has on those investments. In at least one major way the trade that brought been able to deliver in a top-six role at 5-on-5. him to the Oilers reflects an appreciation of asset cost: rather than spending draft picks on a short-term rental player, Edmonton invested in Heading into next season with a third line using both players, even with a a 25-year-old who won’t be an unrestricted free agent until 2022. new centre, would leave the Oilers at the risk of having a toothless bottom-six. It would also not provide much of a safety net if the top-six The corollaries of that investment are the other two items on that list. The ran into problems. Oilers deliberately grabbed a player they planned to keep, so his salary for next year has to be included in the budget. Edmonton traded those Combine the lack of depth scoring with the uncertainties in the top-six picks and is willing to pay that money because it believes Athanasiou can and at the moment it only makes sense that Edmonton spend some of its help them win games; that means pencilling him into a top-six or at the free agent money on a middle-six winger, someone in the mix with very least top-nine role next season. Athanasiou and Kassian, who can generate internal competition and provide some depth to the attack. Maybe that’s Tyler Ennis or maybe it’s This is where Mitchell comes in, because he noted that this doesn’t have someone else, but the Oilers had ample reason for loading up on to be the case. If the Oilers can land an impact free agent in a summer forwards at the trade deadline and for the most part those reasons still where free agents are going to have to sign at a discount, they could exist. trade Athanasiou for picks. That would restock the cupboard while freeing both salary and a roster spot for this hypothetical top-six forward. At the deadline, much was made of the way Holland shopped, bringing in Athanasiou as a pricier long-term solution and otherwise adding cheap All of that is true in theory, and we’ve seen teams play the market like depth. What was easy to look past at the time was the way those this before. deadline activities could be a template for Edmonton’s offseason, Carolina’s handling of Calvin de Haan is a good recent example: the especially in an environment where cap space was at a premium. Hurricanes signed de Haan as a free agent, got one really solid year out Barring caprice on the part of the GM, next season Athanasiou will do of him and then traded him to Chicago in a deal that dumped the precisely the same thing it is hoped he’ll do in the playoffs: add some remainder of his contract. Ignoring a fairly flat prospect switch, Carolina scoring punch on the Oilers’ left side. With that job filled, that money got a third-string goalie out of the deal and was able to free up de Haan’s spent, and given Edmonton’s cap and roster constraints, there’s a decent money to sign discounted defenceman Jake Gardiner. chance they don’t add a more significant scoring winger this summer. It was a clever series of moves, and if Gardiner hadn’t had the worst Instead, the Oilers may run from much the same playbook they used at season of his career it might look spectacular in hindsight. That’s how the deadline. Ennis and Mike Green were veteran additions available at a Carolina operates, though; the same summer, they flipped Scott Darling’s discount, acquired to shore up positions of weakness. They’re both from dead cap hit to Florida for James Reimer’s unwelcome deal. Reimer has the same family of players we can expect to see Edmonton turn to as it gone 14-6-2 with a .914 save percentage, while the Panthers were nice looks for some insurance options on the wing. enough to pay for Darling’s buyout.

It’s not how Oilers GM Ken Holland tends to act. If the Hurricanes management group are day traders, wheeling and dealing to take The Athletic LOADED: 06.11.2020 advantage of short-term fluctuations in player value, Holland is more like an old-school value investor.

Holland’s interviews are sprinkled with references to the NHL Guide and Record Book, shorthand for his constant emphasis on the long-term value of players. He acquires players he knows: two of his three deadline additions were Red Wings and the third a 600-game NHL veteran. And although Holland’s first season in Edmonton was remarkably busy from a trade perspective it’s not his usual procedure, and as the roster 1175559 Florida Panthers

Florida Panthers reopen practice facility as part of ‘Phase 2’ in NHL restart plan

BY DAVID WILSON

JUNE 10, 2020 11:16 AM

After going nearly three months without skating, some members of the Florida Panthers could finally return to the ice Wednesday. The Florida Panthers IceDen, Florida’s practice facility in Coral Springs, finally reopened Wednesday for small group workouts as the NHL begins slowly ramping up to resume the season this summer.

It’s part of Phase 2 of the NHL’s return-to-play plan, which began earlier this week. On Monday, the NHL formally began the phase, which allowed teams to reopen practice facilities for small, voluntary group workouts with considerations made to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Several teams — including the New York Islanders, whom the Panthers will face in the qualifying round when the season resumes — reopened Monday. Florida waited until Wednesday, a team spokesperson said, before reopening the rink to to its players.

At least half of the Panthers’ roster is back in South Florida, general manager Dale Tallon said last month, and the team likely has about a month until Phase 3, the start of formal training camps, begins. Phase 3 isn’t expected to begin until early July, and the season isn’t expected to resume until later in the month.

Phase 2 puts a series of restrictions on these workouts. Teams are limited to a maximum of six players in the facility at a time with a limited number of team staff, and no coaches can be on the ice with players. When they’re in the facilities, players must wear facial coverings whenever they’re not on the ice or working out. Players are also required to take a COVID-19 test before returning and they will be tested twice a week. Additionally, players have been told to self-conduct daily temperature checks and symptom checks, which the teams will log.

The Panthers are now the third major professional sports team in the region to return to some sort of workouts. The Miami Heat regained access to its facility in May, while Inter Miami resumed workouts Thursday. The Miami Hurricanes also returned to their football facilities last week.

Miami Herald LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175560 Florida Panthers "We’ve been making the best of it, using the technology available,” he said. "It’s been great as far as staying focused and doing the necessary work.”

Panthers back on ice; GM says, ‘We’re prepared for anything’ Wednesday was a day a long time coming, though. It’s a start. Players are back on the ice.

By DAVE HYDE "Some days I felt we would [continue the season], other days I didn’t based on world events,” he said. "I think now that the guys are on the ice, SOUTH FLORIDA SUN SENTINEL there’s more optimism we’re going to play.”

JUN 10, 2020 | 11:29 AM It’s good to think of a world with games again.

Panthers in five.

Panthers in five.

"It’s exciting to start back,” general manager Dale Tallon said. Sun Sentinel LOADED: 06.11.2020 Panthers in five — it just feels good to type after the past few months.

"We’re prepared for anything,” Tallon says.

Let’s go with the Panthers winning their playoff series in five games against the New York Islanders, whenever it happens, if it even happens, just because it’s good to start thinking about sports as games again.

Panthers players returned to the ice for the first time Wednesday to practice in small groups as the NHL began its Phase 2 return from the coronavirus pandemic. This is a voluntary phase with official training camp not scheduled until July 10.

"Two thirds [of the players] are here, and more are trickling in every day,” Tallon said.

It speaks of these odd times that the Panthers know their playoff opponent but don’t when the series will be played, or where, or really what kind of team they’ll be out of the gates for it. All you know is no South Florida team has more to gain by the resumption of a season right now.

This is their chance again. This remains the team that bought the top goaltender last summer in Sergei Bobrovsky, the top coach in Joel Quenneville and enough accompanying pieces to think it was ready to win. The pieces didn’t mesh immediately. There seemed as many questions as answers.

Even when they found a good gear before the All-Star break in January by winning six straight games, they lost five of six after it.

"I think we learned a valuable lesson after the All-Star break,” he said "We came back on a roll and went to proverbial crap. That’ll be a positive moving forward. We’ll be ready.”

Who knows how any team will end a long layoff in a best-of-five playoff series? The Islanders are the tactical opposite of the Panthers, too, a team that’s a known commodity with a rigid structure. They’re low scoring (23rd in the league) compared to the Panthers (sixth). They’re solid defensively (sixth in goals against), while the Panthers are (26th).

That was reflected in the their three regular-season meetings, all Islander wins, by scores of 2-1, 3-1 and 2-1.

But here we are, moving into mid-June, looking for the time sports can re-start. Finally.

“First and foremost, we’ve got to think safety,” Tallon said. "Everyone’s safety is paramount. It’s nice to get back together, it’s a close-knit group we have, and I’m anxious to start to get some feedback. But our training staff has done a great job making sure it’ll be safe.”

That’s the question for every sport, isn’t it? How to sanitize contact in contact sports? And what to do if someone tests positive?

Players will take their temperature at home before coming to work, per NHL rules. They’ll then have them taken again upon coming to the arena as well as follow rules regarding distancing in the locker room and the cleansing of equipment.

In some form, Tallon’s front office has run as if this season hadn’t been interrupted. He’s had the annual meeting via zoom with assistants and scouts to rate themselves and structure the organizational depth chart heading into free agency and the draft. They’ve interviewed 74 draft prospects, too, for the as-yet-unscheduled draft. 1175561 Los Angeles Kings appreciation for LA Kings Insider and inviting us to a table read. That’s a forever-life moment.

And then the skies came crashing down and sports stopped, leading to THANK YOU one of the few and infrequent reminders that this was, in fact, a job. Before I sign off from it, I wanted to offer a few notes of appreciation to Friends of LAKI and those who helped make this site function. JON ROSEN Thank you to the community that sustains LA Kings Insider. Thank you LA KINGS INSIDERJUNE 10, 2020 for welcoming me into that community and continuing the vivid conversation you had with Rich Hammond – and thank you so much to

those who remain from the Inside SoCal site. I’m also indebted to Rich, This past Monday was one of the most difficult days in the history of the who has been a close friend and colleague whose constitution, discretion LA Kings and AEG organizations as we had to make very hard decisions and reporting quality remained the site’s axis. Thank you for setting such that impact the lives of many of our team members. We had hoped to be a high bar, Rich. able to return to our normal business activities by now, but the COVID-19 Thank you as well to everyone in hockey operations who has received pandemic continues to severely restrict our operations. As a result, we and responded to emails at 2:30 in the morning in hotel lobbies and for had to make some painful choices regarding personnel throughout our processing my regular check-ins. That includes Dean Lombardi for business that we had hoped to avoid. encouraging me and offering compliments outside the St. Louis Westin Unfortunately, we regret that Jon Rosen is no longer a member of our after Game 2 in 2012. It’s amazing what those random gestures of organization. Jon has been a valuable part of our team for the past eight kindness can do for someone’s confidence early in their tenure in this seasons as the LA Kings Insider, and we thank him for his tireless league. Thank you as well to Rob Blake and Jeff Solomon for the regular dedication and wish him much success in future endeavors. We have communication and ease at which they allow LAKI to function, Mike Futa enormous respect and gratitude for the work he put into the LAKI for his friendship and honesty, and all the wonderful coaches, scouts and platform. He continued what Rich Hammond started in 2009, and Jon’s development figures whose word and assistance have helped me passion helped take the site to an even higher level with a singular goal – become informed and have spawned interesting content leads. delivering the most detailed and accurate coverage of the LA Kings. I also owe tremendous thanks to the entire PR staff, including Jeff LA Kings Insider was created to provide a transparent voice to you, our Moeller, who encouraged me to apply for the position and Mike fans, and feature editorial content that highlights the day-to-day activities Kalinowski, who’d served as the day-to-day liaison with players, coaches of the LA Kings. The platform will remain a central source for Kings news, and hockey figures and whose reciprocal trust and understanding informing you about new developments related to our organization, but allowed the site to flourish. Thank you, of course, to Luc Robitaille, Kelly for now, there will be no single individual responsible for developing the Cheeseman and Mike Altieri for affording me ample room to grow as a site. We understand the importance of LA Kings insider to you and we writer and broadcaster, and to my friends and colleagues at FOX Sports remain committed to evolving the platform and providing exciting new West who’ve offered me a voice on their platform, including Patrick content once we resume our operations O’Neal, Carrlyn Bathe, Jack Wilson, Hoover, Mike Hassan, Joel Goodling, Tom Feuer, Nick Davis, Shawn Kopelakis and Micah King. Sometimes you’re just having so much fun that you wedge yourself into a crowded boarding area at the San Jose airport 45 minutes before And, to the players – thank you for allowing me to hitch my wagon to departure and write your favorite story by the time your boarding group is yours in 2012 and for the exhilaration of chronicling your marathon run called. Sometimes you’re prouder of your work on even less sleep, two years later. Specifically, thanks to Anze Kopitar, Colin Fraser, Kyle because the night before there was absolutely no way you were going to Clifford, Willie Mitchell, Dwight King, Jake Muzzin and Matt Greene for miss spending time with Bob, Jim, Nick, Darryl, Patrick, Hoover, Hassan their friendship and candor, and the levity with which they made the and Ed Lewis at an exurban Chicago hotel bar in the aftermath of Game Kings room an easy one to walk into. As much as I could remember, I 7. made sure to remind myself that I was entering a special dressing room, one dotted with Hall of Fame players, reporters/columnists and I mean, I grew up in the San Fernando Valley and know the exact date of broadcasters. the first Kings game I attended (November 26, 1986, a 5-3 loss to Vancouver), dubbed play-by-play over taped telecasts with my sister and Thank you as well to everyone I had so much fun with on the beat – Lisa would wave to Bob Miller and Nick Nickson when we’d pass by the media Dillman, Curtis Zupke, Helene Elliott, Josh Cooper and Jack Harris – and riser at The Forum. They’d always wave back and smile. Aaron LeValley, Courtney Ports, Michal Oleszewski, Rob McPherson, Charles Bourjon, Dieter Ruehle, Jeremy Zager and Tim Smith with the Bob fitted his 2012 championship ring on friends and family at our Kings, as well as everyone else who was a part of the 2014 family. And wedding and couldn’t be happier to take pictures with them. Nick and I The Royal Half, whomever or whatever he/she is. would howl at each other’s recitation of Fred Willard lines from Best in Show. Jim Fox has been an amazing friend and quick to reply when Thank you as always for reading and continuing the conversation. Until asked to recommend a Brunello di Montalcino from eight time zones next time, Insiders, ahead, and Daryl Evans, godblessya, still refers to me as “young man” even though I consider shaving twice a day. I refer to him as “Chumly,” which may or may not be his nickname from the 1977-78 U-18 AAA LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 06.11.2020 Toronto Nationals. And though I haven’t known Alex Faust for nearly as long, he’s a true leader, vastly intelligent and talented, and I’m excited to continue to watch him evolve as an outstanding young broadcaster.

Amazingly, AEG paid me for these interviews: Justin Williams after Game 7 in San Jose; Mario Lemieux at Luc Robitaille’s statue unveiling; Dustin Brown after his 1,112th game; Gabriel Vilardi after his storybook first NHL goal. We were invited to the White House twice by the President of the United States. I interviewed Landon Donovan on the White House lawn. They asked me to call almost 50 games on radio and TV, and the resonance of what it meant to provide play by play from Bob’s chair and vantage point was never lost on me then, or now.

I’m so happy to have lent my voice to Kings fandom even while covertly and incrementally evolving LA Kings Insider from an online hockey community into a database of Simpsons and Spaceballs references. Speaking of which, we were friggin’ invited to visit the Simpsons offices and writers’ room! I’m not sure if there’s anything I’ve taken more pride in than receiving a personalized note in Simpsons letterhead expressing 1175562 Minnesota Wild Last month, Aliu penned a piece for The Players’ Tribune titled “Hockey Is Not for Everyone” in which he addressed racism, misogyny, bullying and homophobia that’s infused in hockey.

Wild’s Matt Dumba is taking a leading role in the fight against racism in The essay restarted a conversation that boiled over into society at large hockey less than a week later, on Memorial Day, when George Floyd died underneath the knee of a now-former Minneapolis police officer who has since been charged with second-degree murder. By Michael Russo The shocking video of the incident, which showed a black man pleading Jun 10, 2020 for his life while the officer refused to relent for nearly nine minutes while three officers looked on or held other parts of his body, has led to

protests and riots globally. Three months ago, Matt Dumba made a sizable donation to Minnesota- There have been countless other well-publicized incidents for decades based ACES, an out-of-school learning program for middle-school-aged that have shined a light on police brutality, social injustice and racial kids, in order to provide immediate and basic needs for low-income inequality. But Dumba hopes that Floyd’s death and the global response families impacted financially by the COVID-19 quarantine. triggers a true, once-and-for-all turning point. The charity has long been near and dear to the Wild defenseman’s heart “This was basically the inevitable boiling point of people actually waking because he sees himself in the faces of many of the children. up and realizing that there are problems in the U.S., in Canada, in our Dumba was born in Calgary to two hard-working parents who didn’t make countries and there is this divide,” Dumba said. “Saying all that, with a lot of money yet were always determined to make sure their two sons people becoming more vocal and using their platforms, I think people are could play hockey. He also learned at a young age to respect people of learning constantly through these times right now. I hope they’re taking any background. After all, his late grandmother, Rose, adopted nine their time to read everything they can, to understand it, if they didn’t know children, each of different nationalities, including Dumba’s mother, anything, completely just dive into it and learn as much as they can. Treena, who is Filipino. His aunts, uncles and cousins are everything “So, there’s a lot of sadness that comes along with it, but I’m also proud from Jamaican and Vietnamese to First Nations and German. of how our community, the people in Minnesota, have reacted to this, So, Dumba was educated to be tolerant, to not discriminate, that all coming together and working together. I’ve seen it just through my people deserve equality. friends and family in Minnesota who have been on the frontlines of it helping give out food, helping clean up Lake Street. So, saying all this, I Dumba’s diverse background and upbringing made him a perfect addition hope we’re going in the right direction. HDA is all about that and moving to the seven-person executive committee of current and former players in this right direction. Yes, it may take some time, but we’re willing to just on the newly formed Hockey Diversity Alliance (HDA). Their mission is commit to this and work to achieve our goals.” lofty and noble: to promote diversity and “eradicate racism and intolerance” through all levels of hockey. In fact, Dumba and Wild forward J.T. Brown, an African American from Burnsville who took part in many of the peaceful protests in the Twin In their statement, the seven players, including Dumba, wrote, “We are Cities with his wife and children, are working together on a fundraising hopeful that anyone who puts on skates or sits in the stands will do so endeavor that will be finalized in the coming days. The mission is to raise without worrying about race, gender or socioeconomic background and money for the Lake Street Council, which has started to rebuild small will be able to express their culture, identity, values and personality businesses and community organizations along the Minneapolis street without fear of retribution.” that was hit hard during the riots following Floyd’s death.

As a young hockey player, Dumba recalls being subjected to racism from It has pained Dumba that many of the kids he has gotten to know through others. He even heard ignorant things uttered by friends who may not ACES live in the communities that saw businesses looted or burned-out. have known any better because, as Dumba has said many times in the past, “they were young and dumb.” “I feel like I’m a part of that community,” Dumba said. “And they’ve welcomed me in with open arms in the seven years that I’ve played in “There were so many times as a little kid that I saw my own family, my Minnesota, so I want to be able to give back. … I’m going to work mom, myself, leave the rink in tears,” Dumba said from his home in towards this tirelessly, and changing stuff in our society and changing Calgary on Tuesday. “You’re sitting in the car talking about what stuff in our sport.” happened and seeing all the pain it caused. Just having the conversation of, ‘Hey, you have to have tougher skin. You have to be able to take the For the first time, white hockey players across the NHL are stepping out high road on this. They are only saying that because you’re playing so of their comfort zone and speaking out about racism and vowing to help well.’ facilitate change inside locker rooms and everyday society. Dumba’s teammate Jared Spurgeon is one of those players, as well as players like “When I think back about that, that’s a conversation that white parents Tyler Seguin and Blake Wheeler. don’t have to have with their kids nor should parents of color. That’s what I want to eliminate. I grew up feeling that I had to protect my parents from “I think what a lot of guys are trying to do right now is learn and listen,” that as well because I didn’t want to see my mom cry. I’d bottle that up Dumba said. “Those are huge steps toward making a difference. I think inside. It would fuel me to maybe play my hardest and work my hardest. there are a lot of smart guys in our league that understand that and are Can you imagine that love for the game if you never had to fight with taking it upon themselves to further themselves in that aspect and really being discriminated against or feeling like you don’t belong? make a change. I think starting with the NHL and then working our way down into those leagues is what’s going to make the biggest difference. “That’s what I want to promote for the youth because I think there’s a generation of hockey players that can exceed all of our expectations and “Just younger players seeing not only their favorite black or minority really change the game.” players standing up but also their favorite white players also committing to this is going to go such a long way in bridging that gap and bringing One of Dumba’s hopes with helping launch the HDA is to make the game everyone together.” more accessible to kids. One person Dumba has long looked up to is former NFL quarterback “The possibilities are really endless,” he said. “We can tap into a group of Colin Kaepernick, who began kneeling during the national anthem in kids that, I hope, could potentially share the same love for the game that I 2016 to protest police brutality. He hasn’t played in the NFL since that do. If we could make it more diverse and include these kids in a way that season, and many feel the protest got him blackballed from the league. they can learn about hockey and feel like they’re not an outcast, I think that’d be so cool.” After Aliu went public with the abuse he underwent, Kaepernick befriended him and offered him support. When the HDA executive Players first discussed creating the group last November after former committee began meeting in advance of the official launch, Kaepernick hockey player Akim Aliu revealed the slurs he endured from Bill Peters joined their call and talked for more than an hour-and-a-half. He offered while playing for the coach in the American Hockey League. Days later, support and advice, and members of the executive committee, including Peters resigned as coach of the Calgary Flames. Evander Kane and former Wild players Chris Stewart and Joel Ward, recounted examples of racism they faced. Dumba said it “rekindled memories” of what he experienced as a youngster.

Dumba was thankful Kaepernick joined the call.

“It’s super cool, hearing from Kaep, just seeing how much he is really invested in this,” Dumba said. “Obviously we’ve all seen him throughout the years on the front lines of this, but for him to sit down and take the time out of his day to talk to us and kind of just preach and give his wisdom, from a guy who’s been through it, was super cool. Him just preaching the unity we need to have as a group and just really not letting us be small-minded or stay inside that box.

“I think all of us understand that this can be so much bigger than what it is today or in a week or in a month, a year from now, two years. We have an opportunity to change the game right now, and to really just make a stand for what is right.”

Long-term, Dumba has a vision for the sport of hockey.

“If I got a chance to dream, I think in 10 years, I think you’ll see at least half of the team is going to be mixed or have some color or be some minorities, or maybe at that time it’s the majority,” Dumba said, smiling. “The game has grown so much over the last 10 to 20 years, with just the skill level alone and the pace of it, if we include more and more people in growing our game, I can only see our game growing to new heights, new levels and hopefully by that time, kids will only hear the stories; the stories of what some of us had to go through to get where we are.”

Star Tribune LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175563 Montreal Canadiens overcome some of those injuries and we need to work on that. I still believe that we have an extremely exciting next few years ahead of us. I believe that we have a great core group of veterans that are going to lead Stu on Sports: Canadiens' and Molson's records speak for themselves us through this. We have some young players already on the team that we know are going to contribute. We’ve got some prospects coming that we are very hopeful on. The plan overall has been well executed despite some performance issues that we had this season. And on top of that we Stu Cowan • Montreal Gazette have 14 draft picks coming up in this year’s draft and who knows what Publishing date:11 hours ago we can do with those. That’s something that Marc’s going to work on.

“I take a step back because it’s very difficult to make a decision based on a short period of time and when we embarked on this plan two years ago If Canadiens fans were hoping Geoff Molson will hire a president of it was a commitment to be successful with it and we haven’t reached that hockey operations, it isn’t going to happen. goal yet, but we sure believe that we have a good plan.”

Réjean Tremblay wrote a column in the Journal de Montréal recently The reality is that good teams don’t go on eight-game losing streaks — speculating the Canadiens would hire former captain Vincent never mind doing it twice in one season. And it’s true the Canadiens Damphousse to fill that role next year. Molson shot that idea down during don’t have the depth needed when injuries hit. a 90-minute media conference call on Wednesday. While Bergevin has made some very good moves during the team’s Molson was asked if he feels like the fact there are media people “reset,” the fact the Canadiens don’t have enough depth after he has (including me) and fans who think he should hire a president of hockey been on the job for eight years is his fault. operations to do the job he’s basically been doing as president/owner was an indictment on the job he has done. Bergevin still has two more seasons remaining on a contract extension he signed in November 2015 and on Wednesday Molson called him one “I look at my peers in the NHL and the fact that I’m pretty sure that the of the “most respected” GMs in the NHL. respect is there as it was my fellow NHL teams that voted me onto the executive committee to the NHL,” Molson said. “I know that we have a Expanding on the reset great culture in this organization, whether its on the hockey side or the Molson was asked later in the conference call if he could expand on the business side. I know that I have a leadership team that is entirely reset plans and what the benchmarks are moving forward to judge dedicated to building this business and doing well in this business. I don’t success as the Canadiens try to eventually win their 25th Stanley Cup. really have to prove myself. I’ve been doing this for 11 years. I now have a lot of experience in it and I feel confident in my abilities. The media can “It’s definitely a better question for Marc to answer that one,” Molson judge however they choose to.” said. “Like I think I’ve said before, every year … but this year we entered the season really believing that we were going to make the playoffs. We The Canadiens’ records both on and off the ice with Molson as owner believed we were going to take a step forward and we had those two speak for themselves. setbacks (losing streaks) that the second one really made it difficult for us This is Molson’s 11th season as team owner and it could be the fifth year and that’s why we’re grateful, we’re a little bit lucky that we’re in the the Canadiens miss the playoffs during that span. The NHL doesn’t playoffs this year and we’re going to see if we can make a difference and consider the first round of this year’s planned 24-team post-season to be prove ourselves that we’re better than our record showed. But there isn’t playoffs, so if the Canadiens lose to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the best- one person in the room who isn’t dedicated to accomplishing this, and it of-five qualifying round they would officially miss the playoffs for the third starts with Marc. straight season and the fourth time in five years. With Molson as “What is the benchmark of success? In my head, first of all we’re going to owner/president, the Canadiens have lost once in the first round of the get through the playoffs here and who knows what’s going to happen. playoffs, once in the second round and have advanced to the conference But after that — and, by the way, the players are extremely excited about final twice. this opportunity — but we’re going to start next season probably with Molson led the group that purchased the Canadiens and the Bell Centre even higher expectations of ourselves because it has been going on from George Gillett Jr. in June 2009 for a reported $550 million. Last longer than we want and we’re heading into Year 3 of it. I truly believe December, Forbes ranked the Canadiens as the third most-valuable we’re on the cusp of having a really nice run for several years with a franchise in the NHL with a value of US$1.34 billion, trailing only the New team that’s playoff ready every year and probably eventually we’ll have a York Rangers ($1.65 billion) and the Toronto Maple Leafs ($1.5 billion). chance to win our 25th Stanley Cup. So that’s why I say I still believe we’re on track. But at the end of the day, if we’re not making the playoffs The Canadiens haven’t won a Stanley Cup in 27 years, but they are a and not challenging for the Stanley Cup then it’s not a successful growing business and are making money. season.”

With that in mind, Molson said there are plans for the Canadiens to A giant step back introduce a third sweater, possibly next season, saying that it’s something fans want. It was pointed out to Molson that even if the Canadiens (31-31-9) had won all 11 of their remaining games in the regular season before the Molson still believes in Bergevin’s ‘reset’ COVID-19 shutdown they still would have finished with fewer points than last season when they had a 44-30-8 record and missed the playoffs by Marc Bergevin is in danger of missing the playoffs for the fourth time two points. during his eight seasons as GM of the Canadiens, but Molson still believes in him. Molson was then asked what he was most disappointed about this season and why the team took a giant step back in Year 2 of the reset. “If I take a step back a couple of years, we made some significant changes to our organization,” Molson said when asked why he still “I think I said I’m not using (injuries) as an excuse,” he said. “I think my believes Bergevin is the man for the job. “Depending on who you were, point was perhaps we didn’t have the depth to overcome some of those everyone had a chosen word for what we were going about. But I’ll call it injuries when we had them and that’s something that Marc continuously a reset for now. And in the first year of our reset last season we had a looks for and that’s where his pro scouts come into play and they’re out really strong year. In fact, I think we probably outperformed that year than there looking at pro players from the AHL and in Europe and even in the probably most of our fans expected. And the hope going into this year NHL to try and find areas where we can plug holes … where we think we was we are going into Year 2 and we were going to build off of that. And I can buy some time as we develop our young players. But there’s no have to say that we had an eight-game losing streak in the fall … in the question that we had two spiralling periods and we were unable to late fall … and we fought back really hard to get back into the playoff overcome them. Two eight-game losing streaks and the second one race just in time to have another eight-game losing streak and it was really hurt badly and changed things. virtually impossible for us to get over that second one. “Like I said, the direction that we’re headed and the leadership of the “But that doesn’t mean that we don’t have a solid plan,” Molson added. “I team and the young players that are coming, I don’t think we’ve taken a think we ran into some road blocks. This is not an excuse, but we had step back in that area. I think we just had a couple of periods where we some injuries and perhaps our team wasn’t deep enough overall to really couldn’t get out of a hole and we lost eight straight. For a team like ours, that’s tricky. Every year we learn something about each other. Am I satisfied because we took a step back? Of course not. I’m not satisfied and Marc knows that. But I do know that we have a good plan and I still believe that we’re going to get through this.”

Slipping standards?

The days when the Stanley Cup parade would take the “usual route” in Montreal are long gone and Tuesday marked the 27th anniversary of the Canadiens’ last championship.

The Canadiens’ goal in recent years has been to simply make the playoffs and then, as Bergevin likes to say, “anything can happen.”

Molson was asked about the team’s standards slipping.

“The blunt answer is our commitment is to winning … it’s never slipped,” Molson said. “The hockey world has changed. There is an enormous amount of parity in the league right now and we saw it last year in the playoffs … we see it every year in the playoffs. Any team can win. With a salary cap where everyone has to spend a maximum amount of money it gives everyone a chance every year to build a team every season. There is nobody in our organization that is lowering their standards and we never will. And so it may be different now and 27 years is a long time for Montreal. I’m one of those old guys — even though I said I was young at the beginning — I’ve been around and it’s hard and I want to get there. But the standards have never changed.”

The fact the Canadiens have been about $8 million below the salary cap in each of the last three seasons is a big reason why they have struggled. They have never been able to spend the money they saved when Andrei Markov and Alexander Radulov left without getting anything in return for them.

Molson said it would be an “amazing accomplishment” if the Canadiens were somehow able to win the Stanley Cup this season as the 12th seeded team in the Eastern Conference.

“Certainly not predicted by many of you and many people in the industry overall,” he said about a possible championship. “But it sure would be fun. Even though they would win the Stanley Cup without any fans there, I’m sure we’d have millions and millions of Montreal Canadiens fans around the world watching. So I never give up hope. Do I think that this is the team that’s built to win the Stanley Cup? I don’t think so. But I do think that anything can happen in the playoffs and we’ve seen it before. We’ve got a group of players that can make a difference. They’re three months rested, but so are the other teams. Anything can happen. But for me, I look to the future and I see a core of veterans and young players that are going to bring us to that point where we think we can win it shortly.”

So, you’re saying there’s a chance

The Canadiens would need to win five series and 19 games to win the Stanley Cup if the NHL is able to complete the playoffs this year, so don’t bet on it.

When asked about the league’s decision to allow 24 teams into the post- season (remember, the NHL doesn’t consider the first round to be playoffs) Molson said: “The decision comes down to the NHL and the players’ association. For the past two and a half months they are on the phone discussing how to do this and voting on things. So, really, it comes from there. And so if your question is: ‘Did I call Gary Bettman and say, ‘Hey, can you find a way to get us into the playoffs?’ the answer is no. This is the NHL and the players’ association trying to determine what to do when everything has been turned over upside down. There’s no certainty … everything is new and they’re exploring a new concept and we’re going to learn from it. But three months ago, I don’t think anybody was thinking that this would — in fact, I know nobody was thinking that this would come our way and I think the NHL’s done a great job.

“The NHL has included as many teams as they thought possible and so I feel privileged that we’re playing in the playoffs and I can’t wait to watch ourselves in the playoffs and I know that our players can’t wait to get on the ice and prove themselves. So it’s going to be really exciting and I’m looking forward to it.”

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175564 Montreal Canadiens

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 06.11.2020

Molson to stay at Canadiens' helm, won't hire president of hockey ops

Pat Hickey • Montreal Gazette

Publishing date:10 hours ago

It’s business as usual for the Canadiens and that means owner, president and chief executive officer Geoff Molson has no plans to surrender any of his titles.

It also means that Marc Bergevin retains his title as general manager.

In a wide-ranging conference call with the media Wednesday, Molson began by dismissing reports that he was looking for a president of hockey operations and he also gave Bergevin a vote of confidence, describing him as one of the most experienced and respected general managers in the NHL.

Molson said the organization had faith in what it has described as a reset even though the team was en route to missing the playoffs for a third consecutive season before its hopes were miraculously revived with the NHL’s plans to conclude the 2019-20 season with a tournament to decide a Stanley Cup champion.

“If we can go back a couple of years, we made significant changes to our organization,” said Molson. “In the first year of our reset, we had a strong season and we probably outperformed what most of our fans expected. Going into this year, we were hoping to build on that. But we had an eight-game losing streak in the late fall. We fought really hard to get back into the playoff race just in time to have another eight-game losing streak and it was virtually impossible to recover from that.

“But that doesn’t mean we didn’t have a solid plan,” added Molson. “We ran into some roadblocks. It’s not an excuse, but we had some injuries. Perhaps our team wasn’t deep enough overall to overcome those injuries and we need to work at that. I still believe we have an extremely exciting next few years ahead of us. I believe we have a real core of players who can lead us through this. We have some young players who are already on that team. We have some prospects coming up. The plan has been well executed despite some performance issues. On top of that, we have 14 prospects coming up in this year’s draft and who knows that we can do with those.”

The Canadiens and their parent company, CH Group, are dealing with a lot of uncertainty.

The coronavirus pandemic has wiped out almost all of the company’s revenue stream from hockey and an entertainment division that has its hands in concerts and major events such as the jazz festival, Just for Laughs and Osheaga. In addition to the hockey reset, there has been a corporate restructuring leading to what Molson described as a leaner operation better suited to deal with a major downturn like the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Canadiens will enter Phase 2 of the NHL return to play protocol next week, but only three players will participate in individual workouts in Brossard. The rest will remain in their off-season homes until Phase 3, which is a training camp. There is a 14-day self-quarantine period for players coming from outside the province, but Molson is hoping the government will waive that if players are being tested regularly.

The Canadiens are also waiting on word from the Quebec government on whether fans will be allowed to attend games next season and whether there will be restrictions on crowd size. On Wednesday, the amount of people permitted for indoor gatherings rose to 50, which won’t pay the bills on a building with more than 21,000 seats.

Molson said the Canadiens are working to address the concerns of season-ticket holders who might be uncomfortable returning to the Bell Centre. He said measures were being taken to reduce the number of surfaces fans would be exposed to, but the big concern will be social distancing.

There will be no fans at the NHL tournament at two yet-to-be-determined venues. As for the chances of the Canadians winning that tournament, Molson conceded that it was unlikely, but you never know once they starting playing. 1175565 Montreal Canadiens that kind of defeats the purpose of playing the sport. So that’s kind of where I’m at. But I’m hopeful for something better.”

Something better would be a buyout, or some way for Alzner to cut ties How much perseverance does Karl Alzner have left? We will soon find with the Canadiens and find an NHL opportunity elsewhere. out. “Oh yeah absolutely, that’s definitely on the list of things that could happen,” Alzner said. “Nobody really wants to get bought out, but for me I By Arpon Basu think that’s one of the best possible situations. If I could get traded, then that would be great to have a contract and have an opportunity to get a Jun 10, 2020 fresh start. That would be great. But the next best thing would be that buyout option, because then I can look around. Now that I’ve been

through a free agency, I know probably the right questions to ask and Karl Alzner woke up to some unexpected news Tuesday morning, news have a better way to look at things, so that would be helpful in a situation that shouldn’t have been all that surprising if his mind was in a different like that. So that would probably be option 1B, the buyout, with 1A being place. having a chance to have a fresh start somewhere (through a trade).”

When Shea Weber was announced as the Canadiens’ nominee for the If the Canadiens were to decide to buy out Alzner’s contract this Bill Masterton Trophy, as voted by the Montreal chapter of the offseason, whenever that is, it would be costly. Alzner would count for Professional Hockey Writers Association, it was also revealed that Alzner nearly $4 million on the Canadiens salary cap next season, nearly $2 finished second in the voting despite playing just four games in a million the season after and then just over $800,000 for the two following Canadiens uniform this season. seasons, according to CapFriendly. If they didn’t, the Canadiens could again bury Alzner’s contract in the AHL next season at a cap hit of That’s because when you think of the criteria for the award, it is difficult roughly $3.5 million and then buy out the final year of the deal at a far not to think of Alzner. Officially, the trophy is meant to recognize “the less onerous cost. But Alzner seems to believe he won’t have to wait that National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of long. perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.” Alzner has persevered and remained dedicated to hockey the past two years as the “We’ve had discussions,” he said. “I think we know where they stand and Canadiens have had zero interest in having him play for them. He has they know where we stand already. I think we’re on the same page. It’s remained in Laval, played hard, been a leader and not complained. In just depending on how the rest of this season happens and then the many ways, it could be argued Alzner is a more deserving Masterton offseason, that’s just kind of the uncertainty right now. I think neither us nominee than Weber. But Alzner would disagree. nor them know exactly what to expect, but I think we’re both on the same page. We just have to wait a little bit to see how to play it out.” “Personally, I don’t think I’ve really had to endure anything too crazy,” Alzner said in a phone interview from Kelowna, B.C., on Tuesday. “It’s Spending two seasons in the AHL for his age 30 and 31 seasons, it something that happens all the time, for me and for 99 percent of the would be reasonable to think it’s too late for Alzner, that the game has guys. I mean, there’s no other alternative; guys get sent down and play passed him by in much the same way former Canadiens defenceman and go through some ups and downs. There’s tons of guys in the Josh Gorges had to grapple with two years ago. Alzner has thought American league who were in similar situations. The alternative to about it and refuses to believe that’s the case, even if he sees the way it playing and enjoying would be to quit, and that’s not something that’s in is trending. my DNA or the majority of athletes’ DNA. “There’s definitely less guys like me and Josh around,” he said. “There’s “It’s very cool, don’t get me wrong, but I think anybody would be doing definitely some, and there’s some on winning teams; the last few teams the same thing.” that have won have had guys like that. There’s just maybe a little less emphasis on that. So instead of having one player like that for every That response is very Alzner, but it is also very accurate. Anyone with a offensive-minded defenceman you have, there might just be one on the contract worth $4.625 million a year like his, anyone who loves the game D corps. Maybe two. That’s what it seems like, at least. But a lot of the D- like he does would be doing the same thing Alzner has done. But Alzner men now, they can do a bit of both. They have a higher-end offensive also sees himself as an NHL player, and many NHL players would have side and a medium-end defensive side versus just having polar difficulty accepting a two-year AHL assignment as well as Alzner has. opposites. But seeing a team like St. Louis win with the way their team was made up, that looks good. That gives me some hope … Some Which raises the question: How much perseverance does he have left in teams will want it, but some teams won’t and it’s clear to me where I the tank? stand in that role.” “Yeah, that’s a good question,” Alzner admits. “This year was fairly Alzner, however, has not been wasting his time in Laval. He has seen difficult I’d say, just because I came in with different expectations. I had growth in his game, and that growth bodes well for the Canadiens put in a really hard summer, so it was definitely disappointing just the prospects who are learning the same lessons under coach Joël way it even got going. But, I don’t know, we’ll see what happens. I have Bouchard. high hopes for this summer; I guess however this is going to play out, whether it’s summer or fall. I have high hopes for the offseason and what “I worked on a lot of things, and one of the things was some defence could happen for me. Hopefully getting an opportunity, whether it’s in stuff. That’s kind of my bread and butter, but I still learned a lot from Montreal or somewhere else. But if that doesn’t happen, then yeah, the Joël,” Alzner said. “There were times I’d think, ‘There’s no way this is tank will be running pretty low. So I’m hoping it doesn’t get to that.” going to work, you just can’t do that.’ Then I’d go out and do it in a game and it did work. So I was just like, ‘OK, I’ve got to pay more attention, I Alzner, however, has remained hopeful throughout that something could definitely don’t know everything and I’ve got to continue to learn some of be resolved, that a solution could be found that would allow him to these details of the game.’ I think Joël was a great, detail-oriented coach resume his NHL career. There was a glimmer of hope last summer when and he made sure you understand exactly what he’s trying to do and I Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin dropped an offer sheet on learned a ton.” centre Sebastian Aho, an offer sheet the Hurricanes matched. Had they not, it’s entirely possible Alzner would have had his Here is just one example Alzner immediately provided when asked. contract bought out. “We do this drill at practice, I can’t remember what the specific name Once this season is completed, Alzner will have two years remaining on was, but if the puck got dumped into the corner and you’re following up that five-year, $23.125 million contract he signed on July 1, 2017, the player, (Bouchard) essentially wanted you to get right up against him perhaps the biggest mistake of Bergevin’s tenure as general manager, and pin him into the boards,” he said. “He would always want you to cut and perhaps the biggest mistake of Alzner’s career as well. Yes, he’s his route, so if he was going up the boards, he wanted you to step in front been paid handsomely since signing it, but it’s the single biggest reason of him, cut off his route, separate the puck and kind of spin off with the why Alzner is an AHL player now. puck.

“I still want to play the game and I want to have fun playing the game, “We would laugh sometimes because there was no way there was time that’s the main thing,” Alzner said. “If it’s not going to be fun for me, then to do that. Guys are too quick and shifty, and it’s just not going to work. We would do it sometimes in practice and guys would just be spinning off you and driving to the net, so we were just like, ‘Yeah, see? It’s not going say, ‘Don’t worry about it, keep going.’ Then his game would just go to to work.’ But then you would get into the game, and because the other another level. So that’s the type of guy he is. He needs to be given some players don’t know exactly what you’re trying to do all the time, we would opportunity and really figure out what he can do out there and he’s going go and do exactly what he would tell us to do in practice and it would to be in good shape.” work. Then we’d see the numbers after the game of how many times we would cut a guy’s path off and take the puck away, or stop any Cale Fleury momentum that they had, and the proof was right there in the numbers.” “I think he’s the type of guy that’s been able to use the NHL experience Those numbers have come up often with guys who have made it to that he’s had and he kind of thrives off of that. He knows he can be there Montreal from Laval. They are situation-specific numbers that the Rocket and he plays with a bit of swagger, which is nice to see. I think that can track and that Bouchard freely shares with his players. But no player has really help a guy, especially a defenceman, to get to the next level. It’s spoken about them as openly as Alzner did. similar to Brooksie; I think he’s looking for that reassurance. He wants guys to like him and to be on his side, whereas Flower, I think he already “It was the grit package, he called it,” he said. “So these are all just things kind of knows it. He knows, he’s got the taste now, so he knows he’s you don’t need to have a ton of skill to be able to accomplish, you just there and he can make that step. And he uses that to his advantage. You need to have good habits and work. When we won the grit package, it can tell that he’s a guy who’s ready for the next level, and he’s got that was four things, and if we got three of the four above the percent that he strut to him now.” wanted, we got the win. It was just something that we wanted to try and focus on. I liked those stats because they fit into my game and I had Otto Leskinen some good results in those stats that he kept. I like that stuff, I think it’s “I thought he did really good. There were times where he could almost do nice to have those kind of stats. There are some advanced stats that I no wrong. Like, his game was so solid. He’s got good hands for a don’t think are a great example of how the game is being played, but defenceman, good shot, can skate well. I think he could be a guy that there’s definitely some that do.” either fills in at points and then eventually … it’s all about opportunity. If While Alzner hopes his time with the Canadiens is in the past, he is they want to give him the opportunity the he’ll be able to play, and play uniquely placed to comment on the Canadiens’ future. We asked him for good. I think whichever way the organization wants him to go, I think he’s rapid-fire takes on some of the organization’s top prospects who played the type of guy that can do it. That’ll be interesting to see. But I like him with him in Laval. Alzner graciously agreed to answer. as a person. He’s a really, really good person, so you kind of want to see those guys have success.” On Jesperi Kotkaniemi Cayden Primeau “I think he had, at the beginning, a tough realization. Whenever you start your career like that, I can’t imagine what that would be like. It would be “He reminds me a lot of (Carey Price). It’s pretty crazy. He is so calm, I pretty difficult. But I think that he understood, by the last little bit of time don’t know what exactly is going on in his head, actually. He’s so calm all that I played with him he started to understand what was wanted of him the time, goes about his business. He’s a big body in net, hard to really and the road is not always easy and that he was going to have to re-learn find space to shoot at. I think he’s probably the future. I don’t want to to get back to where he wanted to be. I think his first little bit of time there discount Chuck (Charlie Lindgren) or anything, but he looks really, really was hard for him. But Joël, his habits, his mindset straightened him out good. He battled some stuff when our team wasn’t doing so good, and pretty quick and he understands exactly now what he needs to do and he’d still go out and play hard and always gave us a chance. That’s his game went to a different level from what I saw.” something you want from a goalie; he makes you feel like you can win every game.” Ryan Poehling

“Oh man, I love Poehls, I love his game. This guy, I’m impressed by his, I guess you’d call mental toughness. He had to go through some serious The Athletic LOADED: 06.11.2020 ups and downs this year. The fact that he worked as hard as he did and was able to get some callups and was just a guy that everybody really, really likes, I think he’s going to be a player that’s just going to be a solid guy. A reliable guy on the team. One of those guys everybody likes and wants to have around.”

Jake Evans

“He’s got lots of skill. He’s maybe not going to wow you at any one thing in particular, but he’s just got that all-around talent. He’s a good guy to be around. We noticed a big difference when we didn’t have Jake in our lineup. He played some really, really hard minutes for us. He was reliable for us, and that’s a nice thing to have.”

Lukas Vejdemo

“I like him. It’s weird, he has a young face but he looks like a man. He can fly out there. I’m trying to think of a good comparison. You know that guy in Toronto? (Pierre) Engvall? He kind of broke out a little this year. I feel like he’s similar in that sense. He can skate like the wind, he’s a big body, he’s got good hands, but not like flashy good, and I think he’s benefited a lot from Joël’s tutoring. Just another one of those good, all around Swedes. He plays well on both sides of the puck and I think that’s something that’s going to serve him pretty well.”

Josh Brook

“I think he made some pretty big strides, I got to know him pretty good, see a little bit more of what makes him tick. He’s a guy that’s very aware, he always seems to know what’s happening around him and always taking note of that. He’s a guy that needs to be given some confidence; when he’s feeling good and he’s allowed to make mistakes, you’re going to get way more good than bad out of him. You can just see it, there were times when he was just absolutely feeling it and he would just skate through everybody on the ice. Not like dangling around guys, but just skating past guys. We would be like, ‘How is no one able to check him?’ And he keeps doing this and keeps doing this, and then he would make a mistake and there would be times (assistant coach Daniel Jacob) would 1175566 New Jersey Devils

WFAN’s Mike Francesa: Wilpons would be ‘crazy’ to sell Mets now to Devils’ Josh Harris or Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez

Updated Jun 10, 2020; Posted Jun 10, 2020

By Mike Rosenstein

Hold everything.

WFAN’s Mike Francesa is pumping the brakes on rumors that New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia 76ers managing partner Josh Harris has joined ex-New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez as potential suitors for the New York Mets.

Francesa’s reasoning is simple: why should the Wilpon family sell the Mets now, when their value is at its lowest because of the coronavirus pandemic? Per WFAN:

“The Mets are in such a spot right now where they could give the team away for 20 cents on the dollar — what are you, crazy? One years’ revenue in baseball do not impact the asset that a major league franchise, a big-sport franchise in New York is worth. You can’t get your hands on these franchises. They come available once every 20 years if you’re lucky. I don’t understand this. What you do year-to-year with these franchises is the secondary phase of these things. ... You shut sports down for three straight months. Down to zero. You shut anything down for three months you’re going to hurt it. They’re not going to have fans in their buildings this year. Yes, they’re going to take a short-term hit. Everybody is. But in two years it will be forgotten. Will they sell the team in that time period? Yes, I think they will.”

Francesa has a point. In April, Forbes released its list of the most valuable MLB franchises. The Mets were 6th at $2.4 billion. However cash flow is a problem for the Mets with baseball struggling to salvage the 2020 season amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Mets had a deal in place to sell the club to hedge fund manager Steve Cohen in December. But that agreement fell apart in February when Cohen pushed for immediate control of the team while the Wilpon family wanted to remain with the club for five more years.

Harris and partner David Blitzer joined the Mets rumor mill on Monday, with Variety reporting talks are in “the early stages.”

Rodriguez and fiancee Jennifer Lopez first were linked to the Mets in February when the the New York Post reported the couple was “kicking the tires” on buying the team.

In early May, the Post reported Rodriguez and Lopez were passing on the Mets.

However, Rodriguez and Lopez jumped back into the bidding a little more than a week ago, according to a report from the New York Post’s Thornton McEnery.

Fred Wilpon bought a minority share of the Mets in 1980. In 1986, Wilpon became an equal partner in the club with Nelson Doubleday, Jr. The Wilpon family bought out Doubleday and became the sole owner of the Mets in 2002.

Star Ledger LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175567 New Jersey Devils along with two other touted defenseman prospects, Nikita Okhotyuk (2019, 2nd round) and Reilly Walsh (2017, 3rd round).

“If you look at the talent pool we have, right away Smith comes to mind,” Devils’ Alain Nasreddine talks future, prospects … and wants in on Mets’ Nasreddine said. “And Bahl … he’s a big man (at 6-7, 240 pounds). I saw deal! 3 takeaways him play the World Junior. He’s definitely a really good prospect for us.

“As far as when are they going to play, training camp is going to dictate Updated Jun 10, 2020; Posted Jun 10, 2020 that. Is it going to be next year? Is it going to be in two years? We’ll see what happens. I don’t care if he’s 19 or 35, if the player can help us win By Randy Miller games, that’s a player I want on our team. So I think it’s a big summer for a lot of those young guys, and we’ll see how they produce in training

camp.” The Devils still haven’t told Alain Nasreddine if he’ll be back next season, 3. BASEBALL, ANYONE? so he’s continuing to work with a job title that has a vulgar extra word attached to the beginning: The final question in this Zoom media event was meant to be joke, and Nasreddine took the bait to sprinkle in a little comedy when he was asked Interim head coach. if the Devils owners want him chipping in to help purchase the Mets from “Right now it's status quo,” Nasreddine said Tuesday in a Zoom call with the Wilpon family, who reportedly are asking $2 billion. Devils media. “I haven't heard anything.” “I was going to buy in on 0.00001 (percent) in that franchise, and I'm still The longer that no change is made, presumably the better for waiting for their answer,” Nasreddine said with a laugh. “But I’d chip in!” Nasreddine, who had the Devils playing well late into their latest lost By the way, Nasreddine can afford 0.00001 percent of $2 billion, which is season, this one a coronavirus-shortened campaign that included $200. midseason coaching and GM changes.

During his 26-minute Zoom interview, Nasreddine detailed the 28-29-12 Devils not qualifying for the NHL’s 24-team return-to-play postseason Star Ledger LOADED: 06.11.2020 tourney, looked ahead to 2020-21 and provided an update on what to expect from the organization’s recently bolstered group of top prospects in the coming season. Oh, and the coach also offered a humorous comment on the recent report that Devils (and Philadelphia 76ers) co- owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer are in the process of making a run to buy the Mets.

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Here are 3 takeaways from the media session:

1. PLAYOFFS NEXT YEAR?

Although the Devils have missed the postseason two seasons in a row and seven of the last eight, Nasreddine is confident that they’d have a good shot at securing a spot next season even if there are no significant offseason additions.

Why the optimism?

He’s convinced the Devils have solid building blocks that improved as the 2019-20 season went on. Although finishing with a losing record, the Devils were 10-5-2 in their last 17 games and 19-16-8 under Nasreddine after starting the year 9-13-4 with coaching.

“I think they’re close to be battling for a playoff spot I’d say next year, for sure,” Nasreddine said. “You look at the progress of some of these young guys have made in the last two months of the season is very promising. You look at Nico Hischier, who’s still very young. Jack Hughes has a year under his belt. Jester Bratt took a step. Pavel Zacha took a step. Those are all guys under 24 years old. And let’s not forget about (McKenzie) Blackwood in net. We have (Damon) Severson, who is still a young defenseman. We’ve got really good young prospects coming up.

"So I think there’s a lot to be excited about. Regardless of what we do this summer, and I’m sure we’ll make some moves, I think the foundation is there to be successful as soon as next year.”

2. GAUGING THE FUTURE

The Devils’ farm system got a lot deeper from December to February when an organizational fire sale brought in four promising youngsters who were picked in the first or second rounds in recent drafts.

Although defenseman Ty Smith, the Devils’ top pick in 2018, still is regarded as their No. 1 prospect, the newcomers all are intriguing trade returns - defenseman Kevin Bahl and right wing Nick Merkley from the Arizona Coyotes for Taylor Hall; left wing Nolan Foote from the Tampa Bay Lightning for Blake Coleman; and left wing Janne Kuokkanen from the Carolina Hurricanes for Sami Vatanen.

Merkley and Kuokkanen debuted with the Devils last season and could be part of their regular lineup next year. As for Smith, Bahl and Foote, they’ll get a chance to show if they’re NHL ready come training camp 1175568 New Jersey Devils Nasreddine has been following the news again of late. Seeing the ongoing protests and hearing so many people from different races and walks of life vowing change, he’s optimistic.

How Devils’ Alain Nasreddine was affected by racial injustice during talks “It's the death of one man, but hopefully something real positive comes with staff out of this,” he said. “Like you've heard from millions of people, I think this time is for real. I think there'll be some serious change moving forward, and I'm included in that.” Updated Jun 09, 9:46 PM; Posted Jun 09, 5:49 PM

By Randy Miller Star Ledger LOADED: 06.11.2020

Growing up in Montreal, Devils interim coach Alain Nasreddine was taught by his parents to treat everyone with respect, and being the target of some slurs didn’t change his views. He was insulted at times for being a French Canadian, other times for having a Lebanese father.

None of that prepared Nasreddine for seeing the video from May 25 of George Floyd, a 46-year old black man, dying of suffocation while laying on a Minneapolis street handcuffed with a white policeman’s knee ramming into his neck.

“I wouldn't say I was a victim of injustice,” Nasreddine said Tuesday in a media Zoom call. “I can't compare my situation to what's going on now. Were there a few jabs at me being a French Canadian? Were there a few jabs of me being for Lebanese descent? Yeah, here and there sometime. Is that going a little too far? If you heard that today, probably. Back in the day, it wasn't all that big a deal, so I can't say that I really struggled with that.

“With everything that's going on today … I'll speak from the heart. I'll tell you how I dealt with it. When I first saw the video, it sickened me. I never lived through anything close to that. When I saw it, I didn’t understand. I never understood racism. I don't understand what the motive is for people to act this way.

“This one was outrageous, and I decided not to watch the news because it brought so much negativity in my life and just watching the news that was everywhere from that terrible incident, the riots and everything … I don’t want to say I buried my head in the sand, but that’s how I reacted and I’m not saying I reacted the right way.”

Nasreddine, who still hasn’t been told if he’ll be keeping his job next season, started thinking he was wrong for shielding himself from the aftermath of the Floyd killing after talking with Mike Grier, the lone black on the Devils coaching staff.

Grier, who had a reputation of being a good guy during his 14-year NHL playing career, developed a close friendship with Nasreddine since joining the Devils’ staff two seasons ago. They’re closer now after Grier detailed how racial injustice has affected and still affects his life.

“Seeing a guy like this that played over 1000 games and has everything going for him … nice family, obviously financially stable,” Nasreddine said. “Being around him for two years never having an inclination that it was an issue for him and his family … Just to see and hear from him as a guy that wasn't attacked directly, you realize it affects some of your close friends and you’re like, “This is serious.’

“When you see someone like Mike Grier, you never expect a guy like that having to go through these hard times. He talked about having to explain to his kids what was going on. Having three kids of my own, you realize he doesn't deserve this. And the kids certainly don't deserve this. I was emotional about it. I reached out to Mike again a couple times and it was just good to talk about it.”

Those conversations made Nasreddine realize, "Whatever I’m doing is not good enough. You got to do more.” He then sat down and talked about the same issues with his wife, his children and some friends. Nasreddine really made it a point to use this as a teaching tool to his children that it’s time for the world to change for the better.

“It has to start somewhere and I'm going to start right here at home,” Nasreddine said. “I set my kids down and we watched some really good videos that were recommended. You’ve got to start at the foundation, and I believe our youth is the foundation. If we're going to have any progress moving forward, it’s going to start with them, so I started right here at home. It is my goal to continue to help the best I can, especially with the platform we have.” 1175569 New Jersey Devils That feeling was echoed by Schneider, who lobbied to bring back Nasreddine either as the head coach or on staff. Schneider commended him for how he handled the situation when John Hynes was let go.

NJ Devils' Cory Schneider and Travis Zajac plan to join voluntary team "Speaking on my behalf and I think for a lot of our guys, we really love workouts Nas," Schneider said. "He's a tremendous worker. He's a smart coach. He commands respect but he does it in his own way, which I think a lot of guys responded well to." Sean Farrell, NorthJersey.com Feb 18, 2020; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; New Jersey Devils center Travis Published 5:35 p.m. ET June 10, 2020 | Updated 5:40 p.m. ET June 10, Zajac (19) handles the puck during the first period against the St. Louis 2020 Blues at Enterprise Center.

Picking a captain

Cory Schneider has two items on his bucket list right now. One is to get The Devils are without a captain after trading Andy Greene to the back on the ice. The other is to get a haircut. Islanders at this year's Trade Deadline. Both Schneider and Zajac said there was little urgency to name a replacement. Like many Americans, Schneider had to cancel a trip to the barbershop back in mid-March. It forced him to adopt a new look. "The thing with the captaincy is that they usually reveal themselves," said Schneider, who mentioned Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, Kyle Palmieri "I haven't had it this long since high school," said Schneider, 34. and Zajac as viable choices. "At some point, everybody just kind of Schneider and his Devils' teammates are about to get some relief on both knows that this guy is the leader. We can follow his lead and do what he fronts. In separate conference calls on Wednesday, Schneider and does." center Travis Zajac confirmed that they plan to participate in voluntary Zajac is now the oldest member of the Devils at 35. He was an assistant team workouts when they begin. captain this past season with Palmieri and Hischier. While the Devils will not be involved in the 24-team playoffs, their players "We're in a good position where we have some good veteran leaders are still allowed to take advantage of the league's "Phase 2". who can definitely fill that role," said Zajac, who's nine games shy of "From what we understand, I think all facilities will be available at some 1,000. "But we also have guys, younger players, who are taking the next point," Schneider said. "Ours isn't currently open yet. I think there's some step and are going to be the future of the team and the building blocks of stricter guidelines here in New Jersey than some other states. But I think the team." they're working to get it open as quickly as possible, hopefully in the next week or so, but we don't know for sure." New York Daily News LOADED: 06.11.2020 Here are three takeaways from the Devils' media calls.

Jan 14, 2020; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New Jersey Devils goaltender Louis Domingue (70) is replaced by New Jersey Devils goaltender Cory Schneider (35) during the second period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena.

The National Hockey League transitioned to its second phase on Monday, allowing teams to reopen training facilities where possible. The workouts are "strictly voluntary" and can have up to six players at a time. No coaches or other team employees are allowed on the ice.

Players are expected to be tested at least twice a week, if local supplies are available.

"To get back to some normalcy and get back to the rink a couple times a week and see some of the trainers and whoever else is in town, it would break things up," Zajac said. "It's going to be a long summer and probably fall for us. I'm looking forward to a few days a week or whatever it is."

The concern for the Devils and the six other teams outside the playoff is how to avoid getting rusty during an unprecedented layoff. With this year's postseason expected to run through the fall, the Devils could go more than nine months between meaningful hockey.

"It's a long wait until November or December potentially if that's what it looks like," Schneider said. "Any chance you get to get on the ice, I think I should take advantage of."

Alain Nasreddine, interim head coach of the New Jersey Devils, speaks with the media following a loss to the Vegas Golden Knights at the Prudential Center on Dec. 3, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey.

Players go to bat for Nasreddine

One of the other variables this offseason is on who will be behind the bench. Head coach Alain Nasreddine is still working on an interim basis and doesn't know what his future holds. TSN insider Pierre LeBrun reported that the Devils spoke with 8-10 candidates and are considering Nasreddine as one of four finalists.

"It was tough getting thrown into the head coaching job like he did," Zajac said. "He did a tremendous job and I think you saw by the end of the year, we were playing better as a team."

While the Devils had mixed results under Nasreddine (19-16-8), Zajac credited him for developing some of the younger players and for running the Devils' penalty kill, which ranked seventh. 1175570 New Jersey Devils Note: Stick taps for Natural Stat Trick and Evolving-Hockey, which informed most of the statistical data in this story.

Significant investment Looking for help in net: Goaltenders the Devils could target in free agency Anton Khudobin

Stars

By Corey Masisak 30

Jun 10, 2020 0.93

0.946

For the past three seasons, few NHL teams have proven how important it 0.731 is to have two capable goaltenders quite like the Devils. 0.62, 16.61, 18.28 New Jersey has not had two goaltenders play well at the same time for much of the past three seasons. Three years ago, Cory Schneider’s 5, 17.2, 14.4 stretch of strong play to start the season and Keith Kinkaid’s to close it Robin Lehner propelled the Devils to their only playoff appearance since 2012. But when Schneider was playing well, Kinkaid wasn’t, and vice versa, which CHI/VGK very nearly sunk them. 36 Goaltending problems have scuttled the Devils’ past two seasons before 0.92 Christmas, reaching a nadir in 2019-20. The Devils played at a 96.9-point pace this season when Mackenzie Blackwood was the goaltender of 0.922 record. When he was not, the Devils went 6-15-4 for a 52.5-point pace, numbers that were improved by Schneider going 3-0-1 in his final four 0.559 starts. -4.71, 25.52, 12.14 Even with all of the other problems the Devils had this season — trouble 3.5, 22.5, 10.6 getting the puck out of their own zone, an inconsistent power play, dreadful possession numbers — they played like a playoff team when Cam Talbot Blackwood was in net and like this year’s historically bad Red Wings team when he didn’t. Blackwood will enter the 2020-21 season Flames entrenched as the starter, but New Jersey must get more consistent 26 goaltending when he isn’t playing. 0.919 Rob Vollman, the author of “Hockey Abstract” who now works for the Kings, created a Quality Starts statistic for goaltenders. A goalie has a 0.925 “quality start,” according to Vollman, when his save percentage in the game is higher than the league’s average that year, or at least .885 when 0.5 facing 20 or fewer shots. -8.93, -17.74, 6.75

Blackwood posted quality starts in 36 of 64 games started the past two 11.8, -4.7, 8 seasons. His .563 quality start percentage is 16th among goalies with at least 40 games played. Schneider, Kinkaid and Louis Domingue have Corey Crawford combined for a .368 QS percentage in 87 starts. No other NHL team is close to having that many starts with a sub-.400 QS percentage over the Blackhawsk past two seasons. 40

Schneider has two more years left on his contract at $6 million per 0.917 season. In 2018-19, Schneider made 26 appearances — 12 bad games early in the year and 14 impressive ones at the end. This year, Schneider 0.913 struggled in nine games and made two trips to the minors. He then had a solid four-game stretch with the Devils before the pandemic shut down 0.641 the season. Through it all, Schneider has remained one of the club’s top 14.6, 7.8, 14.2 leaders and an important influence on Blackwood’s development. 13.53, -0.25, 9.23 The Devils could buy out Schneider’s final two seasons. If they do, adding a capable veteran goaltender this offseason would become a top Thomas Greiss priority. If they do not, they could still look for someone to compete with Islanders Schneider for the second roster spot. 31 Gilles Senn improved dramatically over the course of his first season with Binghamton and might be ready to assume the No. 3 role that Blackwood 0.913 held two years ago. It’s still likely New Jersey will be interested in veteran insurance, whether through free agency or a trade like the ones they 0.92 made for Eddie Lack three years ago and Domingue last year. 0.536 Jacob Markstrom and Braden Holtby top the list of intriguing names set -17.43, 17.83, 2.82 to reach the free-agent market whenever the 2020 offseason occurs and are the most likely to sign expensive contracts. Given Blackwood’s -7.5, 21.5, 4.6 performance last season, the only way New Jersey will pursue either of them is if the market collapses and they can’t get a big-ticket deal. We’re It’s hard to imagine any of these goaltenders signing with the Devils if going to leave them out of this exercise for now. Schneider remains with the team. New Jersey has the cap space to do it, but it’s unlikely any of them would want to compete with a veteran Below are potential UFA targets for the Devils broken down into three beloved by his teammates for a No. 1A role. groups: goalies who could require significant investment, veterans likely to sign short-term deals and low-risk types who might be considered No. Anton Khudobin has been one of the best backups in the NHL for the 3 swing goalies. past three seasons, producing a .922 save percentage and .630 quality start percentage. He’s 34 years old and in the middle of a good situation with the Stars. Dallas has ample cap space and Ben Bishop on a team- friendly contract, so the Stars should be able to give Khudobin a raise 0.902 from the $2.5 million he’s made the past two years. 0.903 Robin Lehner is third in the NHL in goals saved above average over the past two seasons (Khudobin is fourth). He was a breakout star for the 0.459 Islanders in 2018-19, then signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the 5.54, -13.29, -7.78 Blackhawks. They traded him to Vegas just before the deadline. He will be 29 in July, and his performance the past two seasons should merit a 25, -0.9, 4.4 big contract. Brian Elliott Cam Talbot is a good example of the year-to-year swings many Flyers goaltenders experience. He excelled as Henrik Lundqvist’s backup with the Rangers for two seasons and as the starter in Edmonton for two 31 more. Talbot’s play started to decline from there, relegating him to a one- year, prove-it contract this season with Calgary. He might not be able to 0.899 command more than a one- or two-year deal again, but his services 0.907 could cost a team $3.5-4 million per year. 0.519 It seemed odd for the Blackhawks, who won the Cup in 2010 (Antti Niemi) and 2013 (Crawford) with cheap goaltending, to sign Corey -4.27, -1.67, -7.88 Crawford to a six-year, $36 million contract that September. At that point, though, he was second in the NHL in goals saved above average over 7.5, 5.3, -2 the past six seasons. Crawford will be 36 in December, and it would Jimmy Howard make sense for the Blackhawks to sign him as insurance as they transition to someone else in the coming years. If not, he should be Red Wings available for cheap. 27 Thomas Greiss has played at least 25 games and had a save percentage of .913 or better in five of the past seven seasons. That’s about as 0.882 consistent as a team can ask for from goaltenders who make less than 0.894 $5 million per year. Greiss has a been a good complement to Lehner and Semyon Varlamov, but the Islanders could have Russian phenom Ilya 0.259 Sorokin joining the team next season and squeezing Greiss out. -3.87, -2.38, -20.8 Cheaper, short-term veterans 8.7, 18.5, -10.1 Aaron Dell Aaron Dell has spent four years as Martin Jones’ backup in San Jose Sharks and has a .908 save percentage across 107 games. He also has a sub- .500 quality start percentage, though one bad season (2018-19) 33 hampered both of those numbers. He’s been at .907 or better in three of 0.907 the four years. At this point, the Devils would be happy with a backup who gave them a .907 save percentage over 25-30 games. Dell is 31, so 0.909 he’s a bit younger than the other goaltenders in this group.

0.5 Ryan Miller will be 40 in July and admitted he’s unsure if he’ll play next season, partly because of the uncertainties amid the pandemic. He 0.54, -13.41, 0.62 mentioned that California might not open its schools back up when the 4.9, -3.7, 7 new year starts, and needing to be home more could weigh into his decision. If he does play, Miller needs two victories to pass Dominik Ryan Miller Hasek for 14th on the all-time list. Miller has been a solid backup for John Gibson in Anaheim the past two seasons, but moving across the country Ducks could be a non-starter for him. 23 Craig Anderson is one of the last remaining veterans who was a part of 0.907 Ottawa’s 2017 run to within one goal of the Stanley Cup Final. He’s 39, and no one would blame for wanting another chance at the postseason. 0.922 A contender looking for a backup might entice him to leave more than the Devils could, though. 0.579 Mike Smith saved 32 goals above average in 2011-12, finished fourth in 12.05, 1.07, 0 the Vezina Trophy voting and helped the Coyotes to the Western 14.5, 6,4, 4.6 Conference Final. He has not had a season with a GSAA better than 5.54 since, and his cumulative GSAA in the past eight years is fifth-worst. Craig Anderson He’ll be 39 in March.

Senators Brian Elliott is 35 (which is important because teams can offer him a 34 contract with incentives) and has a .907 save percentage over the past four seasons since his monster year with St. Louis in 2015-16. Elliott has 0.902 worked with Carter Hart in Philadelphia the past two years. He made $2 million this season after getting $2.5 and $3 million in the previous two. If 0.913 the Devils keep Schneider, they could guarantee an amount for Elliott 0.452 and add games played incentives into the deal. He’s coming off his worst year since 2010-11 and might not be able to command a definitive -25.11, -9.69, -5.68 backup spot on the market.

-5.2, -3.5, 3.7 Jimmy Howard went 2-23-2 this year. He’s the eighth goalie in NHL history to lose 20 games and not win at least five. Six of the other seven Mike Smith goalies on that list did so while playing for a team in its first or second Oilers year in the NHL. Howard was 12th in the league in goals above replacement last season and had a .912 save percentage across the 39 three seasons before this one. Could he bounce back in 2020-21 as a No. 1A/backup? Low-risk options Ducks if Miller retires or plays elsewhere, while the Coyotes and Penguins could trade a goalie to open up some cap space. Laurent Brossoit

Jets The Athletic LOADED: 06.11.2020 19

0.895

0.905

0.467

-10.32, 10.03, -6.59

-4.6, 14, -0.1

Michael Hutchinson

TOR/COL

16

0.888

0.897

0.333

-.49, -5.76, -8.37

1, -3, -1.7

Louis Domingue

TBL/NJD/VAN

17

0.882

0.886

0.267

1.03, -2.32, -9.35

-0.8, -0.3, -5.9

Put Lauren Brossoit‘s past two seasons together and he has a .912 save percentage and .559 quality start percentage in 40 games. He’ll turn 28 in March, and teams could see him as a late bloomer who can provide more value than his contract will be worth.

Michael Hutchinson has a strong AHL track record despite just 28 average games in the NHL. Louis Domingue also had several strong years as a No. 2/3 goalie on his resume, but the Devils’ trade for him in November did not work out.

A handful of goaltenders who didn’t see much or any playing time in the NHL this season could also be options. The goalies listed below all have proven track records in the AHL and could give the B-Devils a boost at the position.

Zane McIntyre gave up three goals in four starts with Binghamton after the Devils acquired him in a trade at the 2020 deadline, and they could bring him back as Senn’s partner. McIntyre has played in only eight NHL games and none since 2016-17. Alex Lyon, meanwhile, has had four consecutive AHL seasons with at least a .912 save percentage and 16 unremarkable NHL games.

Anton Forsberg excelled in the AHL and played a full year in Chicago (35 games with a .908 save percentage). This season, his first with Carolina/Charlotte, was not as promising. Garrett Sparks is a similar prospect to Hutchinson — above average in the AHL over the past few seasons, but average in the NHL.

Max Lagace has struggled in 17 NHL games over the past two seasons with Vegas and Boston, but he’s played well at the AHL level. Troy Grosenick was inconsistent with San Jose’s AHL team, but has excelled (and been blocked from an NHL shot) in Nashville’s organization since 2018.

The Devils could also be interested in acquiring a No. 3 goalie with upside in a trade. Arizona’s Adin Hill, Pittsburgh’s Casey DeSmith and Anaheim’s Anthony Stolarz are all intriguing goaltenders who could slide into the No. 2 role if there is an opening. One of those will be with the 1175571 New York Islanders

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 06.11.2020

Islanders' Johnny Boychuk says he's nearly fully recovered from left eye injury

By Andrew Gross [email protected] @AGrossNewsday

Updated June 10, 2020 4:32 PM

Johnny Boychuk’s left eye is close to fully recovered and the Islanders defenseman plans to be back on the ice Thursday for the first time since the team practiced in Calgary on March 11.

The NHL paused its season the next day in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Boychuk returned to Edmonton with his family about two weeks later, where he’s continued to train off-ice and recover from needing 90 stitches and plastic surgery after being cut by the skate blade of the Canadiens’ Artturi Lehkonen on March 3.

“All I can do is prepare like we’re going to play and, if it does happen, I’m going to be ready,” Boychuk told Newsday in a telephone interview on Wednesday. “If we don’t play, I already have a leg up for next season.”

Phase 2 of the NHL’s return-to-play format began Monday with team facilities allowed to open for small-group workouts without coaches. The Islanders have had groups of players skating at the Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow since Monday.

But there is no set date for Phase 3, the start of formal training camps, which would not open until July 10, at the earliest, or Phase 4, the resumption of games. Boychuk said he will remain in Edmonton for now and plans to skate five times a week.

“My eye seems to be almost like 100 percent,” Boychuk said. “There’s going to be a little bit of discomfort, but not much. Nothing to have me worried about being on the ice again.”

Boychuk said he will wear his usual face shield on the ice, not a full cage. He said had the season continued, he likely would have missed only another three games.

The NHL’s return-to-play format – which still needs final details to be worked out between the league and the NHL Players’ Association – has the seventh-seeded Islanders facing the 10th-seeded Florida Panthers in a best-of-five qualifying series to earn a berth in the 16-team playoffs.

Twelve teams from each conference will be sequestered at separate, to- be-determined hub cities. Edmonton is one of the candidates.

“Our group handles things pretty good when going through adversity,” Boychuk said. “When we do start up, if we do start up, I think we’ll be in good shape and I think we’ll do really well. We’ll have a long time to prepare for them, that might be helpful as well. We’ll be practicing as if we’re playing against them.”

Boychuk said it would “definitely be different” playing all the games at a neutral hub city while trying to stay safe from coronavirus.

“At the end of the day, this is what we do for a living,” Boychuk said. “To get a chance to win the Stanley Cup, of course you’d want to win it. You want to play but you want to be safe as well.”

The NHL players will be limited to their hotel, the arena or practice rink. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman estimated 25,000-30,000 COVID-19 tests will wind up being administered.

“I hope so,” Boychuk said when asked whether he’d feel safe. “But you never know. I’ve seen that there are other leagues that have opened and there’s been outbreaks because of it. It’s tough to say anything about health issues. You just don’t know. Nobody knows.”

For now, Boychuk is just looking forward to being back on the ice on Thursday.

“It’s going to be really nice,” Boychuk said. “The first couple of skates aren’t going to be really hard, I’ll just get back into moving the legs and getting a feel for it. By the end of next week, I’ll get back into skating shape.” 1175572 New York Islanders about the Islanders and the Sound Tigers and how he’s been treated over his five years.

“I’m really lucky to have the teammates I’ve had in Bridgeport and the Islanders’ Christopher Gibson opens up on his dad, race and life in Islanders. I’ve always felt good going to the rink either in the AHL or the hockey NHL,” he said. “They look at me as a person, not the color of my skin. It’s the same with the organization — I’ve been welcomed and feel at home in every situation.” By Arthur Staple Gibson was one of seven players who attended small workouts at Jun 10, 2020 Northwell Health Ice Center this week, getting back on the ice for the first time since March. “I was nervous the day before. It’s been a long time,”

he said. “I even made a couple saves.” Christopher Gibson’s conversations with his father have taken on a He’s hopeful to see change in society in the wake of the protests. “I different tone of late. The 27-year-old Bridgeport goalie, in his fifth agree with the people who are doing things peacefully,” he said. “I don’t season in the Islanders organization, had been stuck inside his house in agree with any of the other stuff, the violence.” And in hockey, he’s Milford, Conn., for months during the novel coronavirus pandemic when a hopeful to see his fellow players, black and white, change the game for Minneapolis police officer killed George Floyd on May 25 and the video the better. sparked protests around the world. “Right now, I think it’s great there’s some big names out there — I don’t Even before Floyd’s death, the hockey community was starting to have have a big name right now, but when the big names talk about serious its own reckoning on race. Akim Aliu came forward in November to speak stuff, a lot of people will listen and hopefully bring some change,” he said. publicly about Bill Peters, his coach in the AHL, using the N-word toward “People should be united together. There shouldn’t be any bad vibes him in the locker room in 2009; Peters subsequently resigned as head against anyone. The more diverse, the better. Hockey is an amazing coach of the Flames. Over the past few weeks, many NHL players, black game that anybody can fall in love with.” and white, have spoken out about a desire for more racial equality around the globe and within the game.

Gibson, stuck in Connecticut, and his father Peter, over in Finland, have The Athletic LOADED: 06.11.2020 begun sharing more about what it means to be black in today’s world.

“He hasn’t really gone in detail with any type of story — just life in general is tough for him every now and then,” said Christopher. “He’s been there 35 years now, maybe some people don’t want to go to his gym because of the color of his skin. There’s things that are difficult, but he just pushes through. Just the way he and my mother taught us (Christopher and his brother, Jon), you’re going to get some blows, get knocked down, but you take the blows and come back stronger.”

It’s a relevant message for Peter Gibson, who was a black belt martial- arts athlete in his native England when he met Ulla, a Finnish au pair. They moved to Karkkila, an hour north of Helsinki, and Peter opened the first kickboxing gym in Finland in 1985. He still runs the gym.

Growing up in a country with barely any non-white people, Christopher said he never felt singled out on the ice because of the color of his skin. “But walking to school and back home, I got bullied,” he said. “I don’t have any memories hockey-wise of those things happening and I feel happy and lucky that I don’t. I know it’s not the same for everyone. But that was when I learned: Take the blows, come back stronger.”

Gibson’s travels as an amateur goalie took him from Finland to Wilcox, Saskatchewan, at age 15. He then joined Chicoutimi of the Quebec League and later the Maple Leafs’ farm team in Toronto before he was dealt to the Islanders in a six-player deal just before the 2015-16 training camp. He’s had a few stints with the Islanders over the years, getting into 14 NHL games, but for the most part he’s become a very good AHL goalie who hasn’t quite broken through.

The outpouring of voices, from white players like Jonathan Toews and Anders Lee, to the announcement on Monday by seven black current and former black players who have formed the Hockey Diversity Alliance to help “eradicate racism and intolerance in hockey” has buoyed Gibson. “I’ve seen what the other players have said, read a lot of it and I’m happy white players have been speaking out and that’s a big deal,” he said. “Seeing everybody speak out now, it’s a good sign. I agree it’s been way too long, it’s time to step up and it’s great to see other people stepping up.”

There are a small number of people of color currently playing in the Islanders organization. Gibson is one; Josh Ho-Sang is another. Ho- Sang has been vocal about his treatment by the Islanders, though not due to his being black (like Gibson, Ho-Sang is multiracial). Some Islander fans feel Ho-Sang’s treatment by the Islanders, who loaned him to AHL San Antonio two weeks before the March sports shutdown, has to do with his race. But Ho-Sang did not mention the team in the impassioned open letter he posted to his Instagram account last week in the wake of Floyd’s killing and the ensuing protests.

Like Ho-Sang, Gibson feels there is more good than bad in his life, professionally and personally. He has nothing but good things to say 1175573 New York Rangers

John Tortorella changes controversial national anthem take

By Howie Kussoy

June 10, 2020 | 7:32pm | Updated

Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella, who once threatened to bench any player who refused to stand for the national anthem, said that his views regarding such protests against racial injustice have changed following the nationwide protests over Minneapolis police killing George Floyd.

“When I stand for the flag and the national anthem, my reflection is solely on the men and women who have given their lives defending our country and constitution and freedom, along with those who are serving today,” Tortorella told The Athletic. “I have learned over the years, listening and watching, that men and women who choose to kneel during this time mean no disrespect toward the flag.”

When Colin Kaepernick started the movement of athletes kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality in 2016, Tortorella was Team USA coach at the World Cup of Hockey. There, Tortorella, whose son, Nick, is an Army ranger, said he wouldn’t tolerate any actions from players he interpreted as disrespectful to the flag.

“If any of my players sit on the bench for the national anthem, they will sit there the rest of the game,” Tortorella said then.

Now, the 62-year-old former Rangers coach sees the world differently.

“The World Cup is a little bit of a different story. That’s playing for your country. But that isn’t now,” Tortorella said. “I would hope that if one of my players wanted to protest during the anthem, he would bring it to me and we would talk about it, tell me his thoughts and what he wanted to do. From there, we would bring it to the team to discuss it, much like it’s being discussed in our country right now.

“How can we rectify some of these problems?”

New York Post LOADED: 06.11.2020

1175574 Ottawa Senators And now the trivia answer to the question, who did Alfredsson replace to join what would become the best line in the not-so-glorious modern-day history of the LNHLT on the night he scored the league’s first shootout goal ever is the answer to yet another trivia question: CRACKS OF DON: Bochenski wasn't exactly a NHL star, but he did wind up with a nice office Who is the only player in the not-so-glorious-modern-day history of the LNHLT that went on to become a mayor?

STOPS AND STARTS Don Brennan Alfredsson did an interview on TSN 1200 on Wednesday to talk about his new broadcasting career. He’s a few episodes into At Home With The Alfredssons, which can be seen on YouTube but isn’t about him playing The very best line in the no-longer-glorious modern-day history of the with his four kids. Instead, he’s interviewing mental health experts in local NHL team (LNHLT) was born on Oct. 5, 2005, when the very best support of a cause that’s always been near and dear to him. At the end of coach in the no-longer-glorious-modern-day history of the LNHLT made a his segment with Ian Mendes and Lee Versage, Alfredsson asked if he victory producing, late-game decision. could plug Royal Ottawa’s ‘Run for Women’, which was supposed to be Trailing with five minutes to go in the season opener, on the road against Thursday but has been pushed back to Sept. 27. You know how the Toronto Maple Leafs, Bryan Murray figured it was time to put all his sometimes it was tough to tell whether Alfie did something on purpose or eggs in one basket. He ordered to skate with Jason not? Like when he fired the puck at Scott Niedermayer after the buzzer Spezza and , and the move paid off almost immediately. ended a period in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup final? “It’s 40 dollars to register,” said Alfredsson. “And ONE HUNDRED PERCENT of proceeds Alfredsson came through with 62 seconds left to send it into overtime, go to programs for women at the Royal.” … Host Ian Mendes asked then again, after five minutes settled nothing, with the very first shootout Alfredsson if he could name the goalie he scored on most during his goal in NHL history. career. Alfredsson guessed Ryan Miller. The correct answer is Olaf Kolzig, whom he beat 17 times. “Washington had a some rough years, Heatley also scored to secure the victory, and the LNHLT was off and we feasted on them a few times,” Alfredsson said, chuckling. “That running. probably helps.” … Rounding out his top five victims: Tim Thomas, Martin Another trivia question: Who did Alfredsson replace on what would Biron, Martin Brodeur and Miller … 67’s centre Marco Rossi somehow become the CASH or Pizza Line? wasn’t named the player of the year Wednesday. However, he did lose out to a good one in Alexis Lafreniere. Answer: The new mayor of Grand Forks, N.D. CONNECTING THE DOTS Yes, that would be Brandon Bochenski, who on Tuesday night received 49.6 per cent of the vote to unseat Mike Brown, not the former Leaf but Exciting night for Blue Jays fans with their team selecting Vanderbilt’s the 20-year incumbent, who received 31.8 per cent. Austin Martin fifth overall in the MLB draft. Some projected him to go first. Analysts compared him to Mookie Betts. Apparently, he’s got everything, “When you put five months of work in, you’ve got to be excited about this including Bo Bichette-like hair. “A lot of people don’t know this, but I’m a result,” Bochenski, now 38, told a “gaggle” of reporters that included two former teammate of Bo Bichette’s from when we were younger,” Martin from the Grand Forks Herald. “I just think the town was ready for a said on MLB Network … On ESPN, commissioner Rob Manfred said the change … and a change for the better.” league is going to give the MLBA a “responsive proposal” to its latest The newspaper also referred to Bochenski as a former NHL star, which is offer of a 89 game season and full prorated salaries, and while that many a bit of a stretch. He was a NHL star for a very brief period of time. games isn’t doable at this point, he’s “100 per cent” certain there will be a season. Great news, but it is MLB owners and players. Believe it when Selected in the seventh round, 223rd overall in the 2001 entry draft, the you see it … Claudell Washington, a veteran of 17 MLB seasons, passed Blaine, Minn., product finished three years at the University of North away after a lengthy illness at the age of 65 Wednesday. Washington Dakota then started his pro career in the AHL. His timing was perfect; the played with seven teams over his career and hit the 10,000 homer in NHL season was cancelled due to the 2004-05 lockout, and the 21-year Yankees history. old Spezza was dispatched to Binghamton for some more developing. Not only did he win the league scoring title with 117 points, but he made ON THIS DATE (June 11) a 34-goal, 70-point producer out of his rookie right winger. Exactly 82 years ago Johnny Vander Meer of the Cincinnati Reds threw Noticing the chemistry, Murray kept the two together the next fall, and the first of two consecutive no-hitters. But Vander Meer does not hold the Bochenski led the NHL in pre-season goals. record for most hitless innings in a row, if you can imagine. That belongs to Cy Young, who went 24 innings over 17 days (from April 25, 1904 to Sliding down in the lineup, he remained in the NHL for the first month, May 11) without giving up a hit. I had to do some scrambling to hit then bounced back and forth to Bingo before the LNHLT traded him at deadline that day, I’ll tell ya. the deadline, along with a sixth round pick, to the Chicago Blackhawks for centre . It was a bad call by GM John Muckler. Ottawa Sun LOADED: 06.11.2020

In 20 games with the LNHLT, Bochenski had six goals and 13 points. In 19 games with the LNHLT, Arnason had zero goals and four assists.

Bochenski moved from Chicago to Boston to Anaheim to Nashville to Tampa, scoring 28 goals and 68 points in 156 NHL games. In 2010, he went to the KHL, where he had a decent career over eight seasons with Astana Barys, before retiring last year.

During his campaign in February, Bochenski was asked about being being charged with aggravated forgery in 2001. (He says it’s a question he heard in every city he played in, but I don’t remember it coming up in Ottawa.)

Bochenski pleaded guilty to printing 120 sheets of counterfeit U.S. dollars. He served 40 hours of community service, no jail time, and the charges were dismissed in 2003.

“I was 18 years old,” he said. “We got hold of a printer and a scanner and we did like what normal kids do, causing trouble, and we printed out. We tried to spend it. We got caught.

“I served my time. I learned a lot from it and I moved on. Not hiding from it. I certainly did it.” 1175575 Philadelphia Flyers

Oskar Lindblom, Flyers’ Masterton nominee: ‘I look forward to the day I’m back on the ice'

by Sam Carchidi,

Oskar Lindblom, the left winger who has been battling a rare type of bone cancer called Ewing’s sarcoma, is the Philadelphia chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association’s nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded to the player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.

All 31 NHL teams have a nominee.

Lindblom, 23, a soft-spoken and humble sort, was tied for the Flyers’ lead with 11 goals when he was diagnosed in December and missed the rest of the season.

A Sweden native who has been receiving cancer treatments at Penn, Lindblom issued a statement through the team, saying he was “honored to be nominated for this special award. This past season has been a difficult one, for sure, but the positive support I’ve received from my family, my girlfriend, teammates, the Flyers organization, and Flyers fans has been a tremendous help and inspiration through these times.”

“I look forward to the day I’m back on the ice.”

Lindblom said he was “very touched to see how many people, whether they support the Flyers or another team, were wearing #OskarStrong T- shirts. I continue to feel your support.”

Bobby Clarke (1971-72), Tim Kerr (1988-89), and Ian Laperriere (2010- 11) are past Masterton winners from the Flyers.

“From what I’ve heard, things are progressing in the right direction and going well,” goalie Carter Hart said at the time. “He’s a huge part of this team. We all love him and it was great to see him here, smiling and joking around with the boys.”

“He’s an impressive human; he’s handled it much better than I probably would," said center Kevin Hayes, whose parents are both cancer survivors. “It’s inspiring, and he puts a smile to your face and makes you realize your problems aren’t as serious as they seem to be.”

The Flyers have dedicated the season to Lindblom. The regular season, which was suspended March 12 (and later declared finished) because of the coronavirus, is expected to resume with a 24-team tournament in August.

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175576 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins winger Jake Guentzel, a Minnesota native, ‘ashamed that racism still exists’

SETH RORABAUGH | Wednesday, June 10, 2020 5:06 p.m.

Before taking questions about his recovery from shoulder surgery on a conference call with reporters Wednesday, Penguins winger Jake Guentzel, who grew up in Woodbury, Minn, offered thoughts of the civil unrest in his home state.

George Floyd, an African American man, died at the hands of Minneapolis police on May 25.

“These last couple of months have been crazy, especially these last couple of weeks,” Guentzel said. “It’s been pretty tough. Watching the death of George Floyd was pretty disturbing. For me personally, it was even more disheartening knowing it was pretty close to home. I just want to say that my heart aches with that and everyone involved. I’m ashamed that racism still exists to this day. My eyes have definitely been opened. I’m definitely committed to educating myself and making a difference out there.”

NHL players are typically reserved with comments on social or political matters but over the past two weeks, a considerable amount of Guentzel’s peers have expressed their thoughts on this subject either through traditional or social media.

“It’s nice to see that when people have platforms, they’re using it to speak out,” Guentzel said. “Obviously, we know that it needs to end. People are just learning and educating that we need to take action for it now. It’s all been pretty tough times. Hopefully, we can all stand together.”

Tribune Review LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175577 Pittsburgh Penguins “I can take the positive out of this,” Guentzel said. “Not sure what would have happened if the season would have played out. I can take these two to three months and use them to my advantage. If I can get rehabbed and feeling good, that would be nice to get back to playing.” Penguins forward Jake Guentzel gets a second chance to finish his season Beyond the obvious physical concerns of Guentzel’s injury, there lie some possible mental ramifications. As a player who routinely goes to the net to find offense despite his modest dimensions (5-foot-11, 180 pounds), he admits a lack of confidence in the shoulder could be an SETH RORABAUGH | Wednesday, June 10, 2020 4:58 p.m. obstacle.

“Just kind of have to see,” Guentzel said. “Can’t really think about that On the afternoon of Dec. 30, Jake Guentzel was selected to his first All- yet. I haven’t been in a situation like that since the injury. It might be Star Game. there. I don’t know. It’s hard to think about right now. It’s hard to process if that will come to my mind during a game. Hopefully not. But you just Later that same evening, his season came to an immediate halt. never know what’s going to happen until it happens.”

Before the calendar turned to 2020, Guentzel was in the midst of a Few people, including Guentzel figured he would have a chance to career season. Having largely carried the team’s offense despite so complete his season when he initially left the lineup in chilly December. many injuries among its forward ranks, including to franchise centers Now, during the heat of June, he’s preparing to resume play and Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, he appeared sure bet to reach the 40- potentially win another Stanley Cup title. goal mark for the second consecutive season and stood a chance to become the first player other than Malkin or Crosby to lead the team in “You’re working in the weight room. You’re working on the ice,” he said. scoring since defenseman Dick Tarnstrom paced the woebegone 2003- “Guys have every different thing that they want to work on to make sure 04 edition of the Penguins. they’re ready to go. That’s the biggest thing is that we’re all trying to get ready for this training camp and this playoff run.” Then, in the immediate aftermath of scoring his 20th goal of the campaign, everything came crashing down, literally. Tribune Review LOADED: 06.11.2020

During the late stages of a 5-2 home win against the Ottawa Senators, Guentzel cleaned up a loose puck in the crease, sweeping a backhander into a vacant cage. Before he could even consider a celebration, Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot’s left skate collided with Guentzel’s skate, sending Guentzel violently into the end boards with force.

Guentzel’s body contorted in a gruesome fashion with his right shoulder absorbing most of the collision.

A few hours later, he underwent surgery to repair that shoulder and his season was all but over (or so it was assumed).

“Lots of ups and downs that day,” Guentzel said. “First All-Star Game, I mean that’s a pretty cool experience. I still remember calling my parents. They couldn’t believe it to be honest with you. Felt pretty excited during the day. You work hard to get to that moment. You look up to the superstars in the league. Pretty exciting. But definitely a big change in events there.

“I didn’t really know much at the time on what happened or the severity of it. But once you look back on it and kind of see the video, I’m pretty lucky more things didn’t happen. It could have been a lot worse. Just kind of a scary situation, obviously accidental. Kind of a broken play and two guys hit skates. Just happened to be that close to the boards. I’m glad my neck got out of the way and head got out of the way. Not good, but I was pretty lucky that it was just a shoulder.”

Six months later, Guentzel appears set to have a chance to complete his season. With the NHL on hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic since mid-March, the 2019-20 campaign could potentially resume later this summer with a 24-team postseason tournament.

Guentzel took a step towards being a participant in that tournament on Tuesday when he was among a limited group of Penguins who voluntarily skated at the team’s facility in Cranberry as part of Phase 2 in the league’s plan to resume play.

During a video conference call with local reporters on Wednesday, he described himself as “day to day,” a popular idiom for injured hockey players which has become increasingly universal for every walk of life post-coronavirus.

“It’s nice to be back with guys and seeing each other,” Guentzel said. “It’s so long that we’ve seen each other and been on the ice, not knowing what’s going to happen. Just (happy) for us to be back on the rink and be able to skate with some guys. It’s been nice. Obviously, guys want to play hockey. We’re all really excited to get going.”

One of the exceedingly few benefits from the shutdown was that it afforded Guentzel time to fully rehab his damaged shoulder. The time frame initially offered for recovery was four to six months. Had the NHL not been paused, Guentzel could have theoretically been able to return as soon as the first round of the playoffs or as late as a Stanley Cup Final. 1175578 Pittsburgh Penguins lineup, Sullivan was so content with that trio, he rarely broke it up to fill in the top two lines.

Beyond this season, Tanev is here for the long haul given the length of Penguins A to Z: Brandon Tanev is exactly what the Penguins needed his contract. There’s always a possibility he could leave the organization before it expires through a trade or buyout. Given his age and his rough- and-tumble style of play, Tanev’s enthusiasm could very well exhaust the limits of his body as he enters his 30s. SETH RORABAUGH | Wednesday, June 10, 2020 1:06 p.m. But that’s why the Penguins signed this player. He’s given them exactly

what they needed. While the NHL is on hold because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Tribune Review LOADED: 06.11.2020 the Tribune-Review will offer Penguins A to Z, a player-by-player look at all 53 individuals under NHL contract with the organization, from mid- level prospect Niclas Almari to high-profile trade acquisition .

Player: Brandon Tanev

Position: Left winger

Shoots: Left

Age: 28

Height: 6-foot

Weight: 180 pounds

2019-20 NHL statistics: 68 games, 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists)

Contract: First year of a six-year contract with a salary cap hit of $3.5 million. Pending unrestricted free agent in 2025.

Acquired: Unrestricted free agent signing on July 1, 2019

This season: Less than 48 hours after his team was humiliated by the New York Islanders with a four-game sweep in the first round of the 2019 playoffs, Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford, typically reserved, was fuming.

At his season-ending pres conference April 18, 2019, Rutherford chiffonaded his squad.

“I didn’t see a point where our guys came together as a team. And I wonder if it’s because there’s too many guys content with where they are in their careers after winning too many (Stanley Cup championships) and is that a signal where some of that has to be changed where you’ve got that eagerness again? … (The Islanders) were eager to win, they were determined. And the Penguins were not.”

Less than three months later, Brandon Tanev was given the largest unrestricted free agent contract in franchise history.

Labeled as “probably the fastest guy in the NHL” by forward Evgeni Malkin, Tanev has restored the energy Rutherford felt the Penguins were lacking. A sprightly yet abrasive force on the ice, Tanev’s skating and forechecking have allowed the Penguins’ to once again become a group which attacks the opposition with superior speed.

Tanev was initially lined up on right wing of Malkin’s line in the preseason and the early days of the regular season, but an injury to Malkin in October ended that marriage and led to a surprising but successful union for Tanev with Teddy Blueger at center and Zach Aston-Reese on the left wing.

That trio has formed what some consider to be the NHL’s best fourth line, even if rampant injuries forced it to be deployed more as a third line.

Regardless of how the line is labeled, coach Mike Sullivan has rarely hesitated to routinely match it against the opposition’s top line in the pursuit of hassling and vexing All-Star forwards into mistakes and frustration.

Individually, Tanev’s speed and tenacity has made life miserable for opposing defensemen retrieving pucks. Those traits have also ensured him a role as one of the team’s top penalty killers.

And while he was certainly not brought in for his offense, he was in line to establish new career highs for points before the NHL halted play. Additionally, his four-game-winning goals were second-most on the team.

The future: There are few sure bets in the NHL as it enters uncharted territory with a plan to resume the season this summer. Should that happen, it’s safe to assume Tanev will be welded onto his line with Blueger and Aston-Reese. Even as injuries pockmarked the rest of the 1175579 Pittsburgh Penguins

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins defenseman John Nyberg signs with Swedish team

SETH RORABAUGH | Wednesday, June 10, 2020 12:51 p.m.

Former Wilkes-Barre/Scranton defenseman John Nyberg has signed with Byrnas IF of the Swedish Hockey League.

With injuries impacting the blue lines of NHL and AHL rosters, the Penguins acquired Nyberg in a trade with the on Jan. 17 in exchange for forward prospect Oula Palve.

In 16 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, the Swedish-born Nyberg recorded four assists. Before the AHL halted play in mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic, Nyberg had been deployed on the left side of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s second defensive pairing with veteran Zach Trotman.

A sixth-round pick (No. 165 overall) of the Stars in 2014, Nyberg, 23, is a pending restricted free agent as far as his NHL rights are concerned.

His departure will reduce the number of players the Penguins have under NHL contract to 53 (including those signed through the completion of the 2019-20 season or signed to begin next season). Teams are limited to 50 contracts for any one particular season.

Tribune Review LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175580 Pittsburgh Penguins Picking “The Cobra” as the Pirates choice is the easiest of the three teams.

You can’t build an all-time Pirates team without Parker being on it. And First Call: Great Pittsburgh draft picks — not as obvious as Mario most of those who make the roster were in the big leagues before the Lemieux MLB Entry Draft came into existence back in 1965.

Besides Parker, those who may be listed on such a team after the draft either weren’t originally drafted by the Pirates or were first-rounders. TIM BENZ | Wednesday, June 10, 2020 6:08 a.m. Namely Andrew McCutchen and Barry Bonds.

So, we go with Parker here. An MVP, two batting titles and three Gold Wednesday’s “First Call” was inspired by the flashbacks so many were Gloves make a pretty good case. dedicating to Mario Lemieux. The World Series ring doesn’t hurt either. Tuesday was the anniversary of his draft selection by the Pittsburgh Penguins back in 1984. And that got me thinking of how many home runs A little belated birthday present after Parker turned 69 yesterday. the Penguins hit with their high draft choices. World Series Champs! If you are coming up with an all-time Penguins team, you don’t have to Dave Parker helps lead the @Pirates to the 1979 title. #TheCobra stray far from their own top-10 draft choices to build much of the roster. pic.twitter.com/YZNXFRqONX Lemieux, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-Andre Fleury, Jordan — MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 13, 2019 Staal, Jaromir Jagr, Pierre Larouche, Konstatin Kolt… “When the leaves turn brown, I’ll be wearing the batting crown!” Sorry. Got carried away. Penguins: Kris Letang (Defenseman/3rd round/2005) The Steelers certainly have a plethora of great first-rounders that went onto the Hall of Fame. And the Pirates have the likes of Barry Bonds and OK, back to the Penguins. Andrew McCutchen to their credit. Yes, Letang’s critics will hate this pick. Mark Recchi is in the Hall of But what about after the first round? The less obvious picks. The guys Fame. Matt Murray won two Stanley Cups as a goalie, and Michel Briere who were legends that may not have come in with as much acclaim on is — sadly — in the “what could have been” category. draft day. Bash him all you want, Letang is the right call. He’s got three rings. He’s For each of the three pro sports franchises in town, here’s my choice for owns every Penguins record on the books for a defenseman. the best draft choice after the first round. Letang’s 808 games played in a Pittsburgh uniform are plus-105 on Steelers: Mel Blount (CB/3rd round/1970) second place (Brooks Orpik). As a Penguin, he’s got 19 more goals, 78 more assists and 97 more points than the legendary Paul Coffey. The Steelers pick is the hardest one. It gets easier when you disqualify first-round Hall of Famers such as Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Rod For all the heat Letang takes, those numbers are overwhelming. Woodson, Lynn Swann, Troy Polamalu and Mean Joe Greene. Oh, and he did this in the 2016 Stanley Cup clinching game. Not to mention that Roethlisberger fellow. He panned out pretty well, too. Kris Letang’s Cup-winning goal in 2016 in San Jose. You just knew there It gets harder when you consider that the likes of Mike Webster, Antonio was no way they would lose this Game Six. #PensQuarantineTheater Brown, John Stallworth, Hines Ward, Ernie Stautner, Dermontti Dawson, pic.twitter.com/GFm1itIaj0 Jack Lambert and Jack Ham were all picked after Round 1. — Steve Mears (@MearsyNHL) March 27, 2020 Just to name a few. That’s gotta count for something, no? My pick is Blount, though. I often get accused of listing Blount too high on some of these “best of” Steelers lists. Tribune Review LOADED: 06.11.2020

Hall of Fame. The 100th anniversary team. Six All-Pro nominations. Defensive Player of the Year in 1975. Four Super Bowls.

That’s a pretty good resume.

And cornerback is so hard to play. Yes, even back then it was tough. Even when Blount basically got to make up his own rules.

And his game seems to translate over eras so well, I tend to elevate him on my selection process when topics of Steelers legends come up.

Plus, to get him in the third round out of Southern?

I will not throw near Mel Blount.

I will not throw near Mel Blount.

I will not throw near Mel Blount.

I will not throw near Mel Blount.

I will not throw near Mel Blount.

I will not throw near Mel Blount.

I will not throw near Mel Blount.#TDTuesday #SteelersHistory pic.twitter.com/77k0xpnrs8

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) March 14, 2018

Great value. Great find by the great Bill Nunn.

Pirates: Dave Parker (OF/14th round/1970) 1175581 Pittsburgh Penguins While it looks increasingly likely that Guentzel will play this postseason, where he plays remains a question. Chances are, coach Mike Sullivan will reunite Guentzel with Crosby. But there are plenty of options with Jason Zucker now in the fold. Jake Guentzel back on the ice as Penguins begin Phase 2 During the call, Guetnzel was asked about the possibility that the Penguins could add Conor Sheary to the Crosby-Guentzel tandem to recreate a line that helped hoist the Cup not too long ago. Mike DeFabo “Obviously my first year we had a lot of fun playing together,” Guentzel

said. “It was kind of cool that ‘Sid and the Kids’ got a little name going In a word, Dec. 30, 2019, was a “whirlwind” for Penguins forward Jake around. ... It would be an awesome experience again. We really feed off Guentzel. each other. We know each other’s games. If we have that opportunity, we’ll hopefully have some time to get some chemistry back.” The day began on a high note, when the 25-year-old winger learned he had been named to his first All-Star game. It was a well-earned honor. At Post Gazette LOADED: 06.11.2020 the time, Guentzel was leading the club in scoring and was right on pace for a second consecutive 40-goal season.

“I still remember calling my parents,” Guentzel said on Wednesday during a conference call with Pittsburgh-area reporters. “They couldn’t believe it, to be honest with you.”

Who would have believed what would happen next?

During the Penguins’ 5-2 win over the Ottawa Senators, just hours after the All-Star announcement, Guentzel was racing at full speed. As he extended his stick to tip a creative pass from Evgeni Malkin into the net for his 20th goal of the season, Guentzel’s skates got tangled with Thomas Chabot. He flew head-first into the boards.

“It could have been a lot worse,” Guentzel said, speaking publicly about the injury for the first time. “It was kind of a scary situation. Obviously accidental. But it’s kind of a broken play and two guys hit skates. I just happened to be that close to the boards.

“I’m glad my neck got out of the way and head got out of the way. Not good. But I was pretty lucky it was just a shoulder.”

Guentzel underwent significant shoulder surgery soon after the collision. Initially, the Penguins estimated he would be sidelined four-to-six months. At that point, it was fair to wonder if Guentzel’s 2019-20 season might have ended that night at PPG Paints Arena.

However, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the NHL to pause the season, it came with a very slim silver lining. Those nearly three months – and counting – have significantly flipped the odds of Guentzel contributing to a playoff run.

He’s been skating for several weeks now, as the NHL has permitted injured players to return to the ice during their rehab. And on Tuesday, he was part of the group of Penguins who participated in voluntary, player- run skates as the league enters Phase 2 of the return to play plan.

“I’m getting better every day,” Guentzel said. “Just sticking to the protocol and what I’ve got to do. If we start playing, hopefully I’ll be ready by then. We’ll see.”

Media members are not permitted to observe or attend Phase 2. However, in videos and photos supplied by the Penguins, Guentzel appeared to skate in a group with Sidney Crosby, John Marino, Brian Dumoulin and goalie Casey DeSmith. Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust, Jack Johnson and Jared McCann were also among the players photographed at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. Several more players also participated.

The Phase 2 skates are designed to give players a chance to get their hands back into form and their legs into shape. The next step will be Phase 3, a formal training camp period. These camps aren’t scheduled to begin until mid-July, at the earliest, and will last about three weeks.

Guentzel’s participation in these non-contact practices is an encouraging sign for the Penguins. And the timeline for a possible return should continue to bolster Guentzel’s chances of playing in the postseason. Consider that July 1will be six months since the surgery and the NHL likely won’t return until August at the earliest.

“I’m committed to working hard and strengthening the shoulder as much as I can,” Guentzel said. “I’m trying to get back to pre-injury [level] as much as I can. There’s always that doubt. You never know what’s going to happen with an injury, any sort of injury. I’m committed to putting myself in the best possible position that I can.” 1175582 Pittsburgh Penguins That amounted to half as many games as they played with Patrick Marleau and Conor Sheary. And those forwards were acquired on the day of the trade deadline.

Jake Guentzel urges caution, but potential return makes the Penguins The likelihood of Guentzel’s participation in a post-shutdown training dangerous camp should provide coach Mike Sullivan and his staff an opportunity to determine where the Penguins’ top winger fits for that first game against the Canadiens. Sullivan said in March he had given thought to whether Guentzel would be reunited with Crosby, his center for most of the past By Rob Rossi Jun 10, 2020 few seasons, or with Malkin and Rust.

The Guentzel-Malkin-Rust line carried the Penguins from the point of No club is due a favor from the hockey gods more than the Penguins. Crosby’s injury to when Guentzel was hurt. Arguably, those three players formed the league’s most dynamic line during that period, and their team Bryan Rust, who would go on to lead them in goals, was injured in their benefitted beyond anybody’s wildest expectations for the Penguins preseason finale in September. Evgeni Malkin, their top scorer, went without Crosby. down in their second game in October. Injuries to Sidney Crosby, their captain, and Brian Dumoulin, their best defensive defenseman, The Penguins’ 14-5-3 record from Nov. 12-Dec. 31, 2019, marked the bookended November. league’s top points percentage at .705. What the Penguins lacked over that span on offense without Crosby (among other injured players) was Others felt the swarm of misfortune, too. And that includes forwards more than made up for by a commitment to defense that rivaled that of Dominik Simon and Nick Bjustad, who have had surgeries during the any team in Sullivan’s tenure. NHL’s pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. March of Penguins (Guentzel-Malkin-Rust) Still, no hit hurt more than the one that finished off the 2019 calendar year. In their final game of the decade, perhaps the future face of the Nov. 12-Dec. 31 franchise crashed hard into the end-zone boards at PPG Paints Arena — 2.27 (15) a sudden sequence that seemed to signal a Stanley Cup run was not in the cards for 2020. 25.65 (12)

JAKE GUENTZEL PAID THE PRICE FOR HIS 20TH GOAL ON 1.98 (5) BEAUTIFUL PASSING FROM MALKIN AND RUST 5-2 BUT BIGGER STORY IS SEVERITY OF HIS INJURY 22.65 (1) PIC.TWITTER.COM/9AM1WVO7VI Overall — BOB POMPEANI (@KDPOMP) DECEMBER 31, 2019 2.27 (17) So, even though few people were around to see it Wednesday, the sight 25.29 (20) of Jake Guentzel working hockey drills at Lemieux Sports Complex was one for sore eyes. 2.10 (6)

What will really be something to see is the Penguins with Guentzel in 23.61 (2) their lineup for Game 1 of a Stanley Cup playoffs qualifying-round series against the Montreal Canadiens at a date and site to be determined. Perhaps the takeaway from their 22 games without Crosby but with a top line consisting of Guentzel, Malkin and Rust is that the Penguins proved Guentzel spoke with select members of the Pittsburgh hockey media they can string together a stretch of championship-caliber hockey for a Wednesday after his on-ice workout, which was permitted as part of the run similar to the length of a normal postseason. Seemingly, this NHL’s return-to-play plan. Phase 2 allows for up to six players to engage suggests they should be viewed as dangerous if they reach the Cup in on- and off-ice workouts at clubs’ practice facilities. playoffs portion of the NHL’s return.

As has become his trademark during interviews, Guentzel chose Of course, there was a presumption that Crosby’s return from sports carefully his words when answering questions. He is as cautious when hernia/core surgery in mid-January would spark a similar surge. What speaking publicly as he is fearless when the Penguins have the puck in actually happened was a defensive decline that repeatedly drew public the offensive zone. condemnation from Sullivan and Malkin and somewhat shifted general manager Jim Rutherford’s pre-deadline focus from not disrupting team Guentzel said his shoulder is “day-by-day getting better,” that he was chemistry to adding four forwards to a roster that he had already shaken “just hanging in there … sticking to protocol and what I’ve got to do.” up the previous offseason. “If we start playing, hopefully I’ll be ready,” he said. “We’ll see.” However, assessing the Penguins for their performance without Guentzel Don’t believe his lack of hype. could prove foolish. At the time of his injury, Guentzel was a top-20 forward at 5-on-5 per 60 minutes. LOOK WHO’S BACK ON THE ICE! PIC.TWITTER.COM/BRJUD5VCPS Jake Guentzel's rankings before injury

— PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (@PENGUINS) JUNE 10, 2020 G/60

The Penguins fully expect Guentzel to be cleared by doctors for the 1.24 opener of a best-of-5 series against the Canadiens. With that series 20 unlikely to begin before August, Guentzel will be seven full months removed from a surgical procedure that doctors said at the time said P/60 would require between four and six months for a complete recovery. 2.72 In an ironic twist, Guentzel’s injury became an advantage in recent 11 weeks. Injured players were permitted to take the ice as part of continuing rehabilitation while the healthy among NHL brethren were USAT% prohibited from on-ice activities until Monday. 6.7 Again, neither Guentzel nor the Penguins will apologize for having something go their way on the injuries front. He missed their final 30 16 regular-season games before the NHL shutdown, and the Penguins He was coming off a 40-goal season in 2018-19 and turned 25 in played only parts of four games with Guentzel, Malkin and Crosby in the October, so Guentzel’s strong start this past season probably did not lineup at the same time. qualify as a surprise. Thing is, Guentzel was on a 42-goal/90-point pace before he smacked into those boards in Pittsburgh on the penultimate night of last year. And when he did, the Penguins lost the services of, if not their most valuable, certainly their most consistent performer to that point.

Malkin had missed almost all of October. Crosby had been gone since early in November.

Unless something unforeseen happens, those two future Hall-of-Fame centers will be back when the Penguins are back playing games.

The same can be said of Guentzel, probably the best winger to play with either Crosby or Malkin in Pittsburgh.

“I can take the positive out of this,” Guentzel said Wednesday of his thought process when the NHL put the 2019-20 season on pause.

“I’m not really sure what would have happened if the season would have played out. So, if I can take these two or three months and use them to my advantage — if I can get rehabbed and feeling good, hopefully, I can get back playing.”

The Athletic LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175583 Pittsburgh Penguins When the 2019-2020 QMJHL season was officially cancelled, Poulin graded out well across the board, particularly in his age group, as a driver of offence and shots.

The Gifted: How Penguins prospect Samuel Poulin blends power with Here, through a review of his play across that stellar 12-game streak, I’ll finesse break down Poulin’s ability to play a strong, net-driven game, as well as his ability to play off the puck and handle it with a little more care and finesse. In doing so, I hope to outline how the latter skill has helped to elevate the former skill, giving Poulin’s game a new, decidedly more By Scott Wheeler Jun 10, 2020 dangerous element.

Note: Poulin wears No. 29 in all clips. In hockey, as in life, there are archetypes built on hyperbole and The power buzzwords that are designed to fit every player into a predefined box. Scouts and evaluators often fall prey to lazily characterizing young As mentioned, this has always been the hallmark of Poulin’s game. He prospects in this way: the power forward, the two-way center, the one- may be 6-foot-1, but he’s also 216 pounds and it’s extremely hard to take dimensional scorer, the stay-at-home defenseman. But sometimes, just the puck off of him. sometimes, there’s a player who is so different from everyone else in approach or ability that he is able to distinguish himself through his Players just bounce off of him. When he leans on a defender, they uniqueness. These players have turned one skill into the body of their normally don’t have the strength to push back. game and highlight all of the different ways hockey can be played at the Watch the way he leans on his man when he gets the puck on the right highest levels. “The Gifted” is a 10-part series that examines, through wing below, leveraging that strength to push off of his defender and set video, the NHL’s most fascinating prospects and the unique skill sets that up a goal with a nice little lateral pass: define them. By popular demand, “The Gifted” is back for a fourth year at The Athletic. And watch the way he fights for body positioning along the wall before winning possession and scoring into the empty net below. It’s Poulin who The Gifted (2017 series): Part 1: Carl Grundstrom | Part 2: Jordan Kyrou | rubs the Drummondville player out along the wall initially, and then it’s Part 3: Vitaly Abramov | Part 4: Juuso Valimaki | Part 5: Vili Saarijarvi | Poulin who absorbs the same kind of contact to his back: Part 6: Filip Chlapik | Part 7: Travis Sanheim | Part 8: Timo Meier| Part 9: Kirill Kaprizov | Part 10: Elias Pettersson That strength also shows up in his ability to hunt and pursue pucks – as well as win the ensuing 1-on-1 battle. His weight creates a heaviness to The Gifted (2018 series): Part 1: Miro Heiskanen | Part 2: Casey his stride that isn’t ideal and slows his acceleration from a standstill. But Mittelstadt| Part 3: Dylan Strome | Part 4: Oliver Wahlstrom | Part 5: when he gets going, he can push the pace. And he does a good job Gabe Vilardi | Part 6: Adam Boqvist | Part 7: Evan Bouchard | Part 8: leading with his stick and following with his body to out-muscle opposing Kristian Vesalainen |Part 9: Jonathan Dahlen | Part 10: Morgan Frost players. The Gifted (2019 series): Part 1: Cale Makar | Part 2: Nick Robertson | Sometimes that’s as simple as a strong stick lift: Part 3: Jason Robertson | Part 4: Aleksi Heponiemi | Part 5: Adam Fox | Part 6: Dante Fabbro | Part 7: Emil Bemstrom | Part 8: Cody Glass | Part Or like the clip below. You may have to watch this a couple of times to 9: Martin Necas | Part 10: Bode Wilde notice it but take note of how Poulin lifts the opposing defender’s stick while he has control (that stick lift facilitates his pass a split second later, The Gifted (2020 series): Part 1: Jonatan Berggren | Part 2: Philip which sets up the goal): Tomasino| Part 3: Mikhail Abramov | Part 4: Thomas Harley | Part 5: Robin Salo | Part 6: Raphael Lavoie | Part 7: Alex Newhook | Part 8: Sometimes he can be a little too bullish, as he was on this goaltender Bobby Brink | Part 9: Samuel Poulin | Part 10: Patrik Puistola interference penalty:

Though the focus of this series has typically been anchored in one But that’s something you can live with because he’s trying to impose specific skill and how it manifests within a player’s game, I have tried to himself. take a couple of weeks each year to focus on prospects who may not have one dominant skill, but instead blend a couple of tools to create a And more often than not, he’s using that strength to control possession, different kind of package. get to his spots and make something happen.

This year, as I debated the list of players I was going to dissect, the way His strength on the puck helps him make plays even when he’s got top Penguins prospect Samuel Poulin elevated his game in the second opposing players draped all over. It’s not easy to go left-to-right and take half of the season became a real source of intrigue for me. the puck from your forehand to your backhand with an opposing player on your hip (notice, too, that that same opposing player also get his stick Poulin has been a dominant QMJHL player since he entered the league underneath Poulin’s, both of which he shrugs off): in 2017. But I’d been waiting to see him reach new heights, to climb the proverbial junior hockey ladder and establish himself as one of his He can also use that big frame of his to shield pucks and get to the net league’s top shift-to-shift threats offensively. without ever allowing opposing players to reach in on him and engage physically: Then, shortly after the calendar flipped to 2020, he exploded. For a while, he looked more than dominant. He looked unstoppable. All told, his 12- Those skills help make him a dangerous player off of the rush and the game point streak from Jan. 24 to Feb. 21 might have been the best cycle. Even if he’s not blowing away defenders with a quick step, he can stretch of hockey played by any prospect in the CHL this season. During burn them with body position, strength and control. the run, he rattled off 13 goals and an astonishing 32 points. Together, The finesse he and Felix Robert became one of the best duos in junior hockey. This part of his game has taken a little longer to develop. He has always But it didn’t happen because he got bigger and stronger than everyone had the skill. You don’t become a second overall pick in the QMJHL draft, else, or because he became too fast to control, or because his skill as a or a first-round pick in the NHL draft, without some high-end tools. passer, or shooter, or handler grew too dynamic for his teenage peers. He’s got a dangerous wrister, which occasionally beats goalies from Poulin began to take an already-dominant game to the next level by distance: adding layers to two pre-existing strengths: his power and his finesse. And occasionally surprises them with an unsuspecting shot: The former has always been a strength of his game. He’s not 6-foot-3 or 6-foot-4 but he’s got a heaviness to his game that helps him control the He shoots low while most top prospects want to shoot high, creating puck along the wall and drop a shoulder to drive the net. The latter has rebounds in the process: been a constantly developing trait that seemed to hit a steep incline as the season progressed. He’s an impressive catch-and-release shooter – as evidenced here: Furthermore, it’s extremely accurate, even when there’s only a small, short-side pocket available for him to hit: He keeps his one-timers low and hard to make sure they hit the net: All of those things have combined to make Poulin more than just a strong, powerful, talented player. They make him unpredictable and give But those are typical, raw skills that most players of his calibre possess. his game a delicate touch that should help him at the next level. His shot is a weapon but it’s not his only weapon. He doesn’t have to rely on it. And the skill of a shot has a lot to do with the power I talked about. He has adapted. And that’s what hockey is all about.

Finesse skills are different. They’re about touch and nuance. Power, The Athletic LOADED: 06.11.2020 when matched with skills of shooting or passing can be enough to propel a player to the stardom at the junior level, against weaker competition. But finesse helps them navigate the more complicated challenges posed in the NHL.

A quick reception on the forehand before turning that into a quick cross- crease pass off of your backhand at top speed and in tight is a prime example of that finesse:

Finesse is the ability of a 200-plus-pound player to handle the puck on the toe of his blade as well as he does on his heel, or in his feet as well as he does in front of him, or while spinning instead of just while moving forward:

Finesse is about executing soft little bump plays, such as this quick pass to the middle of the ice off of the right-wing wall:

Poulin has honed these details over the course of his career and though they may seem small, a player’s ability to consistently execute those little plays can be the difference between plays dying and plays advancing.

This is particularly evident in a player’s ability to pass. There’s more to passing than putting a hard, flat dart on your teammate’s blade. And there’s a time and place for that kind of play, don’t get me wrong. Poulin actually does an excellent job of putting hard passes through traffic. This is a good example of that:

So is this:

But many of the passes these players send in a game have to be light and perfectly timed to lead a player into a puck. A pass into the feet or one that is bobbled can cost players a split second, which could mean the difference between an executed play and a missed opportunity.

Poulin has learned to make a lot of those softer plays.

He has started to look for the backdoor play more often, even when a shot is available like it was here:

And here:

The seam pass off of the cycle, instead of focusing all of his attention on getting to the net:

He doesn’t have to play the net-front on the power play anymore because he can make plays from the goal line:

And when he’s well-defended and there’s no lane to drive the net off the rush, he now has the wherewithal to consistently pull up and find the trailer:

Poulin is always going to be able to get to the net and finish off plays.

He’s still going to score those wraparound goals.

That part of the game has always been instinctual to him. He just drifts to the front of the net and that’s where most of his goals are scored from.

Off the rush, he prefers to go to the far post before pulling up into the high slot as a trailer and shooter:

It’s true off of the cycle, too:

But it’s the subtle little saucer pass before the net-front goal that’s been missing from his arsenal. But that’s no longer the case. Watch for the saucer pass off of the flank here, before he bangs in a goal:

Those are the kind of plays that a player like him needs to be able to make.

Though he has always been good at some of those things, he’s great at them now. His ability to look through traffic and make a play has improved:

His deceptiveness has improved (notice he’s looking at the net when he makes this pass):

Instead of fighting his way to the net all of the time, Poulin has made a more conscious effort to quietly play off of his opponents and get open: 1175584 San Jose Sharks Sharks owner Hasso Plattner’s support has also stood out among his peers.

“I think he’s the only owner — definitely in hockey — that made a Evander Kane, new hockey alliance turn to Colin Kaepernick to fight personal statement, and I think that speaks volumes. We need more of racism that,” Kane said. “It just speaks to the values of (the Sharks) organization.” Sharks star Evander Kane says George Floyd’s death amplifies need for racial injustice movement in hockey Aliu chose to join Kane as one of the group’s leaders following his own experience with racism. Aliu recently revealed his former Calgary Flames head coach Bill Peters used a racial slur toward him in the locker room on a number of instances because of Aliu’s musical choices when he By JON BECKER | PUBLISHED: June 10, 2020 at 5:00 a.m. | was in the minor leagues. UPDATED: June 10, 2020 at 5:10 a.m. During the call Tuesday, Kane also stressed the need to address racism

make lower levels of hockey. Kane once told the story of how parents of After 11 years, Sharks star Evander Kane finally knew it was time. He’d an opposing team targeted him for insults while he was just a 10-year-old seen and felt the undertones of racism and intolerance in hockey for long player in Canada. He said four or five parents were banging on the glass enough. It was now time to do something about it. behind him and screaming, “We should cut your (expletive) legs off. You monkey. Somebody should kill you.” If George Floyd’s horrific death that was caught on video two weeks ago could create a racial injustice movement around the world, then why More recently, a black teenager from North Carolina revealed he dealt shouldn’t hockey be included? with similar kind of treatment while playing in the Greater Toronto Hockey League. Kane said he was participating in a recent TSN interview with That’s what Kane and six other minority hockey players — including the teen when the young player talked about how his dream to play in recently retired ex-Shark Joel Ward — felt when they created the Hockey Canada was spoiled by racism. Diversity Alliance, a movement designed to bring awareness and change to the sport. “He played in 40 games and he said he encountered racism or racist remarks in 20 of those 40 games,” Kane said. “To me, that’s incredible. “There’s clearly a racism problem in our sport,” Kane told reporters The incredible part is that’s the first time I or anyone had heard that. Tuesday on a Zoom call. “It’s been pushed aside and covered up ever since I’ve been playing hockey. “Those are the types of things we need to weed out of our game.”

“If you don’t get rid of the racism, how are you going to create a more San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 06.11.2020 diverse game? That doesn’t make any sense.”

The coalition, which includes other black NHL players Trevor Daley, Matt Dumba, Wayne Simmonds and Chris Stewart, first began discussing ways to make a difference a few months ago. But Kane said Floyd’s death, along with those of Breonna Taylor in Kentucky and Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia “amplified things,” and fast-tracked the creation of the alliance.

“It really just kind of put a stamp on how big of an issue it still is in our society,” said the 28-year-old Kane, whose patience had worn thin. “We don’t want to wait for something to happen because, to be honest, I’ve been waiting for 11 years. I’m fed up. Because the narrative has always been controlled by the upper echelon.”

With Kane and former NHL player Akim Aliu serving as the co-heads of the alliance, they hope to meet with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and league officials within weeks to discuss ways to make the game more inclusive for minorities while also eradicating racism. The group is also working on ways to make hockey “more accessible and affordable” for would-be youth players.

As the alliance prepares to take its first steps, the group last week turned to the man whose giant leap started another movement for some guidance.

That’s how Colin Kaepernick wound up holding court on a Zoom call.

The former 49ers quarterback, who first took a knee in 2016 during the playing of the national anthem to protest police misconduct toward minorities, was glad to help. He offered the group some advice and perspective during a nearly two hour video call.

“Colin’s been the leader of this whole movement from when he first took a knee. It was great to be able to talk to him and for all of us to really talk to him,” Kane said while choosing not to divulge many details from their meeting. “He shared some of his experiences, ups and downs, that he went through. It was great to get some advice on things maybe we can avoid that he wasn’t able to because he was the first one to do it.

“But then also, he gave us some real positive information on how to go about what we wanted to do. So he’s a real good voice and leader for our group. His advice, especially when it comes to these type of social injustice conversations, is invaluable.”

The alliance and its push have already received widespread support around the NHL, with more than 100 players, including Penguins star Sidney Crosby, posting messages on social media on eliminating racism in the game. 1175585 San Jose Sharks

Why Evander Kane, Hockey Diversity Alliance value independence of NHL

By Marcus White June 10, 2020 5:01 PM

The Sharks were one of two NHL teams to issue statements directly attributed to their owners following George Floyd's death in Minneapolis police custody just over two weeks ago.

Hasso Plattner, the co-founder of German software giant SAP and the Sharks' majority owner for a decade, did not mention Floyd's name in the statement but said the team "[applauded Evander Kane] for his rational and thoughtful response to the recent terrible tragedy" as the forward spoke out against police brutality and systemic racism in the days after Floyd died.

Evander Kane, who is black, was named as the co-head of the newly formed Hockey Diversity Alliance on Monday, and the group seeks to "eradicate racism and intolerance in hockey." The 28-year-old repeatedly stressed Tuesday in a conference call with reporters that culture change in the sport "starts at the top," and that his "really positive" conversations with Plattner and Sharks general manager Doug Wilson were a good sign.

"I think that's important," Kane said of Plattner's support. "That took leadership. [He's one of the only NHL owners] that made a personal statement, and I think that speaks volumes, and we need more of that."

A top-down approach is key to the Hockey Diversity Alliance's mission. Kane said the group, which also features former Sharks winger Joel Ward as one of six current and former NHL players on its executive committee, believes rooting out racism in the NHL can create change at levels below the sport's highest.

The alliance said Monday it will do so working alongside the league, but not for it. The Hockey Diversity Alliance is independent of the NHL, the statement said, but is "hopeful that we will work productively with the league to accomplish these important changes."

"The important part when it comes to us being independent is that we're empowering ourselves to have control over what we have set out to do," Kane explained Tuesday. "We don't want this to be something that just looks good, or is a box that's ticked off. We want to truly establish new policies throughout hockey at all levels. We want to help create a more diverse game, a more diverse fan base, and have everybody feel comfortable in their own skin when it comes to our game. ... I think [independence] is a great way to have another layer of accountability when it comes to different committees getting involved with one another."

Because of that independence, Kane and his peers can go further advocating for change than the league or its teams otherwise might. Kane and many other players have spoken out against police brutality following Floyd's death. None of the NHL's 32 franchises, including the yet-to-be-named expansion team in Seattle, mentioned police violence in their statements. Only 11 mentioned Floyd by name.

The group is focused on confronting racism within the sport, which Kane believes can have a positive effect on society as a whole by "ingraining those values we want to create in our game." Kane and the Hockey Diversity Alliance think that can happen working alongside the NHL, but it will require conversations with decision-makers much like Kane's with Plattner and Wilson.

"We want to work with the league and establish this necessary change in our game, and the culture of our game," Kane said. "It's imperative that we work with the league in order to accomplish some of those goals.

"I think what we seek from the league is really an ear, and somebody that can listen to some of the things that we want to implement and policies that we think can help [enact] change not only in the present time, but going on and moving into the future."

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175586 St Louis Blues Marseille was the only Blues with two playoff hat tricks — one against Pittsburgh in 1970 and one against Minnesota in 1972.

A measure of how far St. Marseille had come as a hockey player was in St. Marseille made beautiful music with original Blues 1970, when he made the NHL’s West All-Star squad.

“It was a great big honor to play in the NHL,” he said. “And I couldn’t have asked for a better team to go to at the time because it worked out Jim Thomas so well for me. I wish I would’ve been able to end my career there, but I wasn’t playing very much in St. Louis (in 1972), and I wanted to play

‘cause I thought I could still play. I asked to be traded and they Dad played the fiddle. Sister played accordion. accommodated me.

As for Frank St. Marseille — he played hockey. “Much to my ‘demise’ I go to Los Angeles and I don’t get to play much anyway. So I should’ve just shut my mouth and stayed in St. Louis.” With that musical background, it was only right that St. Marseille began his career wearing a Blue note on his jersey, right? St. Marseille, now 80 Even so, it was a magical ride for someone who didn’t play organized and living near of Ottawa, Ontario, was one of the original Blues. hockey until he was a teenager, and spent three years working — and occasionally sleeping — 4,000 feet below the surface in the nickel mines He played 5½ seasons for St. Louis and was team captain for three of of Levack, Ontario. The last 1½ years he worked the graveyard shift. them before getting traded to Los Angeles, where in 1977 he finished his 10-year NHL career. None of that might have been possible were it not “I was playing for the town that the mine was in, so it was a good job,” he for his late brother Frederic — an opera singer who performed all over said. “They gave us a cushy job to play hockey. So it wasn’t that bad.” the world — and wrote a letter to Lynn Patrick extolling the hockey Cushy? talents of his kid brother. “It was hard work for a couple hours, but once I was finished I had “He just said that here’s a guy that you should go and take a look at,” St. nothing to do the rest of the shift,” he said. “So we just sat around or Marseille said. “A real good hockey player. And Lynn Patrick and Sid slept. Maybe the next day we’d go out and play hockey somewhere. Salomon came and watched me play, and everything went from there.” They took good care of us.” Patrick, the Blues’ first coach and first general manager, and Salomon, Once his NHL career was over, St. Marseille spent two seasons with the Blues’ first owner, showed up in Toledo, Ohio, to watch St. Marseille Montreal’s AHL affiliate in Halifax, Nova Scotia — as a player and a play for the Port Huron Flags in the old International Hockey League. coach. And one season in Los Angeles, where he was an assistant with Frederic’s “scouting report” was spot on. Kings. But then it was back to Ontario, where he coached junior hockey After the game, Patrick and Salomon spoke to St. Marseille and invited for a while. him to attend training camp. These days, St. Marseille and wife live in a retirement community. He “I’m glad they liked what they saw because it was a good time,” St. plays some golf, and also sings and plays the guitar. Marseille said. “And thank God for expansion, otherwise probably I never “I’m more a country and western type of singer though, not an opera would’ve been in the NHL. And a lot of players wouldn’t have been.” singer,” he said. “I play my guitar almost every day. There’s a fella across The NHL was doubling in size from six to 12 teams when St. Marseille the street from us that plays the fiddle and mandolin. And sometimes he showed up to Blues camp as a 27-year-old rookie in 1967. St. Marseille and I get together. . . . It sounds pretty good.” was surprised when he didn’t make the opening-day roster, sent instead Hardly a day goes by when he doesn’t hear from a Blues fan via email, or to the Blues’ minor-league affiliate in Kansas City. a hockey card arrives in the mail to be signed. He thought his line, which included Gary Sabourin and Terry Crisp, was “All the time,” he said. “Never stopped.” one of the better lines in training camp. Turns out he was right. Called up after 11 games in Kansas City, St. Marseille was reunited with Sabourin St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 06.11.2020 (also called up from KC) and Crisp in St. Louis.

“They’re better than our third line is right now,” said Scotty Bowman at the time.

He had who taken over coaching duties from Patrick, who remained as GM, after the Blues struggled early in the season.

“And we were,” St. Marseille said. “That’s why I thought we should’ve stayed up there (after camp) because the third line wasn’t very good.”

St. Marseille (16), Sabourin (13) and Crisp (nine) combined for 38 goals in that inaugural Blues season. Not bad for a checking line.

“We were a good line, a very good line,” St. Marseille said. “We kept the other guys off the scoreboard as much as we could. I mean, you can’t do it all the time, but we did a pretty good job I thought anyway.

“I had a real good common sense of the ice and where the players should be on the ice,” St. Marseille said. “You gotta be pretty intelligent about that.”

He and his linemates faced the likes of Phil Esposito, Jean Beliveau, Stan Mikita, Gordie Howe and Alex Delvecchio on a regular basis. All are members of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

But St. Marseille was much more than a defensive specialist, averaging 16 goals a season over the five full seasons he logged in St. Louis. He did some of his best work in the playoffs, with the Blues famously reaching the Stanley Cup Final in each of their first three seasons in the league.

A half-century later, St. Marseille still ranks fourth in power play goals (10), tied for eighth in overall goals (19) and 10th in points (43) on the Blues’ career playoff list. Until Jaden Schwartz last postseason, St. 1175587 St Louis Blues the power of the personal touch, not just in building a person’s home, but also giving them a hug. He’s passionate and compassionate.

But, he wasn’t registered to vote. Imagine if sports fans cared about political voting as much as MVP or “So if it wasn’t for coach Walters to come up with this idea,” Manuel said, Heisman voting? “a lot of us, including myself, probably will never even had registered to vote in the first place. …

Benjamin Hochman “I feel like that it’s just a problem in the year 2020 — that our youth isn’t as involved in the politics, our youth isn’t involved in elections. And we can honestly play a big role. It’s really important for the youth to get involved, because we can be ‘keyboard warriors’ and tweet about stuff, On June 2, Ryan Walters had an idea. but if we’re not actually doing the only thing that we can do as citizens to Instead of just protesting for change to be made, how about also make a change, then what are we doing?” preparing to make change? He makes a fascinating point about “keyboard warriors.” So many people And that’s by getting his football players to register to vote. take to Twitter and other social media avenues to express opinions. Yet, given the right to vote, 100 percent of those people aren’t registered. It On June 3, the day 62 Mizzou football players did just that, Walters’ seems like every four years, there’s a new creative push to inspire new grandfather died. generations to vote. But this feels different in 2020.

“I know he’d be proud,” Walters, who is Mizzou’s defensive coordinator, Another element of social media is the arguments about sports voting. posted on Instagram. “Thank you, Paw Paw, for helping me understand How many times have you seen a tweet or a post in reference to the what kind of men and women we’ll need to be in today’s world.” voting for an MVP award? Or Cy Young? Or the Heisman Trophy? So many people virtually voice their opinions about these sports award In this pivotal month in American history, athletes and coaches are elections, even though they don’t have an actual voice in the election. activated by activism. Paying it forward. Paying homage to their elders. Yet how many of those Tweeters vote in actual political elections that And as if it was a Saturday in November, the Mizzou defensive they can affect? coordinator and a Mizzou defensive back strategized for the first Tuesday “We have talked about how we need to follow through with what we did in November. last week,” Walters said, “in terms of looking at legislation and knowing “I called Martez (Manuel), and he thought registering to vote was an when election days are. We’re not telling anybody who to vote for or what awesome idea,” Walters explained via a Zoom conference call to vote for. But we’re saying that you have a voice — you need to follow Wednesday with reporters. “We always talk about – and this comes from through with that and go vote.” coach (Eli) Drinkwitz — that what you say and what you do has to align. St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 06.11.2020 That’s the definition of integrity. If we are saying that there is an issue, and there’s a problem, obviously you need to point it out, you need to address it, you need to bring attention to it. But you also have got to be part of the change.

“The way you have a voice in any matter in terms of what’s going on today is: you got to register and you got to go vote. That’s your voice.”

Martez Manuel is a name only serious Mizzou fans might recognize. For now, anyway. Manuel was a freshman last season, started three games. But now, he’ll be remembered as the Mizzou football player who spearheaded activism in 2020.

“After seeing the George Floyd incident in Minnesota, I just started to see my teammates in anger, myself in anger,” Manuel said via a Zoom conference call. “I was thinking to myself, like, what can I do now that’s different than just re-post something on Instagram?”

First, Manuel encouraged teammates and coaches to go to Jefferson City for a protest.

Then, Manuel then came up with the idea for a protest and march by Mizzou’s football team on Mizzou’s campus.

That led to the phone call with Walters on June 2.

They shared ideas. Walters talked about “actually following through with something — something tangible that you can do that’s not just a demonstration.”

On June 3, Walters brought it up at a meeting with Mizzou’s coaches.

“Coach Drink was like, ‘Shoot, let’s just do it today,’” Walters recalled.

And on a flurry of a day, as Walters got news his grandfather had passed away, Manuel and the players prepared an afternoon march by The Columns. They went downtown near the courthouse. Everyone took a knee for 8 minutes and 46 seconds — the length of time the white cop, Derek Chauvin, knelt on the neck and killed Floyd, a black man.

“When you take a knee for that long,” Walters said, “it kind of brings to reality what took place.”

And then, the football players registered to vote.

Manuel is an impressive young man. Again, just a sophomore-to-be. He grew up in Columbia, Mo. He was active in his church, which gave him numerous community service opportunities, everywhere from visiting retirement homes in town to building homes in Jamaica. Manuel spoke of 1175588 Tampa Bay Lightning can pick and choose what you can do, whatever is important for the player.”

Lambert said other than the medical tests, the staff didn’t have to do Lightning strength coach details players’ schedule as they get back on baseline fitness tests when players arrived this week at the arena. the ice Nobody arrived out of shape, or in concerning levels.

“In this day and age, if you’re lazy, someone is going to steal your job,” Lambert said. “You can’t get away with that.” By Joe Smith Jun 10, 2020 Lambert said the kind of workouts the Lightning are doing off-ice are similar to what they’d be participating in August 15, when they’d be a month away from training camp. Sure, many of the players would have When Mark Lambert welcomed players back to Amalie Arena this week been skating more recently than they had now, but now they’ve got after a three-month absence, he was a bit curious how it’d go. something to build on and towards. For example, Lambert said players The Lightning’s director of high performance/strength coach had been in will be doing Olympic lifts, squats, plyometrics and that kind of workout. touch with the team during the COVID-19 related shutdown, sending Only under the protocols, having to be six feet away, they’re not doing them workouts they could do at home with weights (or anything they reps to “failure” since teammates aren’t going to be spotting them. could find). He knew they would stay in shape. “It’s all about peaking,” Lambert said. “You know you have one month. It But when Lambert saw the stunning amount of players who had stayed in may not be July 10, but we have a date, where three months ago, we town — 18 to be exact — and how they performed in the first few days of didn’t know what to expect or think. You can’t plan ahead if you don’t small-group workouts, it was certainly encouraging for a club with Cup know your end date. Right now we’re taking strength and we’re building it hopes. into power.”

“I’m impressed by the level of commitment these guys have shown,” Lambert noted that veterans like Braydon Coburn — who is typically one Lambert said via phone Wednesday afternoon. “I would have thought of the most well-conditioned players — haven’t really skipped a that during the 12 weeks, a lot of guys would check out. And I’m very, significant beat. Asked about Coburn chopping wood in Killorn’s “Dock very surprised they didn’t. Not only that, but they worked their butts off. Talk” video, Lambert laughed.

“Let’s put it this way: I can’t wait to see them on the ice. I can’t wait to see “Fitting. But I haven’t added that to his program.” Anthony Cirelli, Mitchell Stephens, Brayden Point. It’ll be interesting to There are players who are out of town who have their own individual see come playoff time.” strength coaches, like Blake Coleman’s out in Texas, and Lambert said There’s a long way to go before a return to play for the Stanley Cup they’ve worked pretty well together. Many of those players will likely not Playoffs is approved by the NHL and NHLPA, with the best-case return for Phase 2, waiting for a date for camp to be approved. Lambert scenario being a mid-July start of training camp and early August said the organization has expectations that players follow, but they’d beginning for play-in series for the approved 24-team format. Lambert never “impose” a certain workout or way to do things. said he’s preparing players for camp to start July 10, the only date he’s “There’s many ways of getting to a certain point,” Lambert said. “As long heard, and building up the next few weeks to “peak” for that. Tuesday’s as you get to it, I don’t care how you do it. You don’t want to take away first day on the ice and the gym was a good start, with three groups of six creativity.” splitting between Amalie Arena and the TGH Sports Complex. Lambert believes there is an advantage for teams like the Lightning with Here’s how it works. Players wake up and send a temperature check to a large amount of players in town and working out together during Phase head athletic trainer Tommy Mulligan, reporting if they’re showing any 2. The Maple Leafs have 20, which is one of the highest. It’s not only COVID-19 symptoms. They do another temperature check when they good to have access to the team’s facilities and be on the same page, arrive. but there’s added camaraderie, something a lot of the players said they There’s a morning training session at 9 a.m. at Amalie with one group, missed. another one at 10:15 a.m. in Brandon, and then another one at 1 p.m. at Shattenkirk said after Tuesday’s first workout that a key is not trying to do Amalie. Players do the off-ice workout first in the gym — separated by six too much, too soon, but that getting back to “normal” with their skates feet — and then do an on ice-workout, which includes working on and workouts should pay dividends. And, if all goes well, teams will still skating/edges, stickhandling and shooting and some two-on-two. have about two months to get ready for the play-in series/round-robin One group at Amalie Arena so far has included captain Steven Stamkos games. There’s the added advantage of having the injured players — like with Nikita Kucherov, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Alex Killorn, Mikhail Sergachev Stamkos, Rutta, etc. — all healthy and ready to go, and others who were and Kevin Shattenkirk. The other one at Amalie Arena has Cirelli, Point, nursing some nagging issues no longer having the same problems. Stephens, Mathieu Joseph, Carter Verhaeghe and Yanni Gourde. The “Almost eight weeks of skating is more than enough,” Lambert said. “I one in Brandon has been Ondrej Palat, Jan Rutta, Barclay Goodrow, have guys who don’t even skate before August 1, which is six weeks Cedric Paquette and Erik Cernak. The groups will stay the same before camp. Is it ideal? No. But everybody is in the same boat. I think throughout Phase 2, per protocols, but the workouts are voluntary, so not we’ll be fine, everybody will be fine. I can only say about our guys is that everyone will be there every day. So far, there’s been no other players everybody looks great. They’re hockey players — that comes naturally.” from other NHL teams using the Lightning’s facilities, according to Lambert. The Athletic LOADED: 06.11.2020 HI PIC.TWITTER.COM/UOYPLLPYK8

— TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING (@TBLIGHTNING) JUNE 10, 2020

Lambert has been talking with his counterparts on the other 30 NHL teams, discussing creative ways to keep players progressing during the pause, and to push them to peak during this three-week Phase 2. Many Lightning players stuck with the team program Lambert put together, with others taking pieces of it and combining with what they’ve done in the offseason with other trainers. For example, Tyler Johnson — currently in his offseason Idaho home — is still doing a workout routine Lambert created, just like Killorn had been doing one in his garage.

“We’re lucky to have 18 guys be in Florida here, they can go outside and do whatever,” Lambert said. “Some of these guys have gyms in their homes, and the ones that didn’t, we brought equipment to them. It’s not optimal, but every guy has been different, which is the unique part. You 1175589 Toronto Maple Leafs

Ontario Hockey Federation moves to second phase of return, allows small group workouts

Mark Zwolinski

The Ontario Hockey Federation has released its approach for a return to hockey, stressing a four-phase program that will adhere to Hockey Canada guidelines for hygiene and social distancing and provincial government clearances for the gathering of larger groups.

While those guidelines have yet to permit full team workouts and game- type situations, the OHF informed its seven member organizations they could begin individual training and small group workouts this week.

The OHF is made up of seven partner organizations from across Ontario, including the Greater Toronto Hockey League, the Ontario Hockey League, the Ontario Womens’ Hockey Association, the Ontario Hockey Association, and the Ontario Minor Hockey Association.

Phillip McKee, the OHF’s executive director, said the approach aligns with the provincial government’s guidelines for social distancing and safety, and is welcome after a long wait. All seven groups were shut down March 11 due to COVID-19.

“We see it as an opportunity to engage our programming and facilities, and their need to get the ice back into their arenas, and get players back on the ice,” McKee said.

The small group workouts are part of the second phase, with the final two phases still awaiting approval from the government. The third phase will see an increase of the number of players allowed on the ice from its current limit of six (or five players and a coach or trainer), and allow scrimmages. The final phase will bring a return to traditional five-on-five hockey, and a restoration of provincial, national and international tournaments and events.

McKee said “there will be some kind of hockey in Ontario in the fall, we’re just not sure what form it will be.”

McKee mentioned that Alberta’s provincial hockey organizations opened their arenas, allowing “cohorts” of 50 players. Those cohorts must consist of the same players, with no intersection between other groups, and teams can be formed for games within each cohort.

Part of Ontario’s phased-in approach includes the appointment of a health officer and protocols for parents and players entering arenas. According to the OHF, parents and players must check with individual arenas about entrance and behaviour guidelines. There will be no dressing rooms — players must arrive dressed — and there will restrictions on what parents can bring into the rinks as well as how many parents are allowed in the stands.

The OHF will also restart its skills development certification program and offer a virtual training program beginning June 22.

Toronto Star LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175590 Toronto Maple Leafs

Oceanic’s Lafreniere named CHL player of the year for second straight season

By The Canadian Press

Alexis Lafreniere of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Rimouski Oceanic has been named the Canadian Hockey League player of the year for the 2019-20 season.

Lafreniere had 35 goals and 77 assists in just 52 games for the Oceanic, leading the CHL with a point-per-game rate of 2.15.

The top ranked North American skater for the 2020 NHL draft, Lafreniere is just the second back-to-back recipient in league history following fellow Oceanic captain Sidney Crosby in 2004 and 2005.

Lafreniere, an 18-year-old from Saint-Eustache, Que., had 30 multi-point games, including a seven-point performance with a goal and six assists on February 16 against the Quebec Remparts.

He carried a 14-game point-streak from November 9 to January 11, and in between won gold with Canada’s team at the 2020 world junior championship in Ostrava, Czech Republic, where he was named tournament MVP.

Adam Beckman of the Western Hockey League’s Spokane Chiefs and Marco Rossi of the Ontario Hockey League’s Ottawa 67’s were the other finalists.

Toronto Star LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175591 Toronto Maple Leafs A bigger concern for some teams is whether they’ll be able to hold these training camps in Canada. Because of the quarantine restrictions for players coming from outside the country, multiple Canadian teams are contemplating moving things to the U.S. and having players congregate Mirtle: Hurrah, the Maple Leafs are back on the ice … but does it really there when the time comes. matter? The Leafs would rather avoid doing that, but you can see why teams are concerned. The training timelines get a bit dodgy if there’s a mandatory two-week quarantine for every incoming player and none of them are By James Mirtle Jun 10, 2020 close to their NHL home. If you’re a club like the Canadiens, who have only two or three players in or near the city, that’s almost your entire team on lockdown — including many players who won’t have access to This week has been basically a Maple Leafs newsplosion by pandemic great facilities. standards. Three months in, just look at all that’s going on. Toronto has around 20 members of its projected 32-player roster — The team is back on the ice for the first time since early March. Zach which we broke down in depth here — training together already. Hyman was nominated for the Masterton Trophy. (Confirmed names: Tavares, Hyman, William Nylander, Alexander Kerfoot, Marner, Mikheyev, Travis Dermott, Morgan Rielly, Jake Muzzin, And John Tavares dropped the really big bomb on a conference call Cody Ceci, Jack Campbell, Joseph Woll and Ian Scott.) Tuesday afternoon … That’s apparently the most NHL-wide. By far. Add in the fact that the Dallas Stars waived ECHL defenceman Ondrej Vala, and a lot of us in the media needed to sit down for a while. Tavares said that he believes it’ll be beneficial, just in that it gives players a sense of normalcy to be back around other players. Even if some of Folks were dunking on TSN for posting that headline, but the why behind what’s happening is very much, well … not normal. what Tavares said was actually somewhat notable. The Leafs captain was offering an example of how these weird pandemic skates are “It’s been such a breath of fresh air,” Tavares said, before adding, “Just different, in that their time at the rink is so limited that they have to really seeing everyone’s face and interacting, even if you’re wearing a mask prioritize what they’re doing there. when you’re not training. You are being more cautious of how close you are. Just training together, being on the ice, passing the puck, getting a Stick taping in the dressing room? That’s a luxury in this new world. good workout in. Everyone’s pushing each other. Just that? It’s been a “You have about 45 minutes to an hour to complete your workout,” blast the first two days to be around that again.” Tavares explained of what’s happening at the Leafs’ practice facility. Hyman noted that it was just nice to have something different to do, after “Then you’ve got about 40 minutes on the ice. You get a lot of quality the three-month mundanity of training alone in his condo building. work done. The intensity’s there. There’s a ton of benefit, there’s no doubt … (but) the (training) windows are fairly small.” “That’s the biggest thing,” Hyman said. “For Phase 2, it’s mentally refreshing to get a change of scenery. I was working out in my condo, Leafs players are also getting tested for COVID-19. They’re in small with weights and a bike, and now I get to our facility and work out and groups with teammates they’re likely to play with when games resume — skate with a couple guys … the projected line of Ilya Mikheyev, Tavares and Mitch Marner will be in one pod, for example — and they’re getting nearly individual attention “We don’t really know any timelines, any dates, but I think a lot of guys from the few staffers who are with them. are just happy to be back into Phase 2 and back into the rink. Back seeing some guys, even though we’re not with everybody.” As far as hockey happenings go, this is at least something. Two of the biggest names missing remain Auston Matthews and Frederik What’s interesting right now is that the Leafs are one of the few teams Andersen, who continue to live and train at Matthews’ compound in heavily invested in Phase 2 of the NHL’s return-to-play plan. Many teams Arizona. Their timeline to return rests with when the NHL finally sets a aren’t skating together at all. Some, like Winnipeg and Montreal, which firm date for the start of camp. have rosters filled with out-of-towners, largely aren’t even in their cities. Like many players around the league who haven’t come back to Canada, You can look at that two ways. they’re hopeful that the quarantine restrictions are lessened by the time Maybe the Leafs are fortunate they have so many local players — who they need to be in Toronto — assuming the Leafs don’t move their camp live in the city year-round — because that means they’re all on hand to to the U.S. take part in this early return to the ice. One thing that none of the more than 750 players returning to skate with Or maybe we’re so far from having games that mean anything that it teammates will be able to avoid is the frequent COVID-19 testing. doesn’t really matter at all. Tavares, Hyman and the other Leafs players on the ice this week have already gone through the unpleasant process and aren’t balking at the There are going to be all kinds of narratives around this wacky playoff idea of it becoming a daily routine once the games ramp up. tournament, when (and if) it resumes. There’s the old rest-versus-rust debate, but there’ll also be a lot of talk about whether the teams that win “It seems worse than it is,” Hyman explained. “They put the two swabs up the play-ins and Round-of-16 games were simply better prepared. your nose — like you’ve seen in the videos — and your eyes tear up a little bit. But it’s over pretty quick. If it lets us skate — which it is — then In Toronto’s case, if the Leafs do well, some might argue that all that I’m all for it. I’ve got no issue doing it.” extra skating in tiny groups in June made a difference. Here’s the thing with all of this, though. Not every NHL player is Zach The reality, though, is that actual training camps can’t begin until July 10, Hyman or John Tavares, the two Leafs players who talked to the media at the earliest, which is a full month from today. That’s considered an this week. optimistic timeline at this point, and it might be more like the 20th before the NHL is actually ready to have all 24 teams up and going, given all the They don’t all eat hockey pucks for breakfast and have Leafs-themed hurdles that still need to be cleared. (Travel, quarantines and return-to- bedsheets. play negotiations between the league and NHLPA, etc.) I’ve already been hearing grumbles from players around the league That mid-July camp will run two weeks, close to a regular September about what life in the playoff bubble projects to be like. And many aren’t one, and there’ll be two exhibition games played afterward. By that point, anxious to enter into that type of environment overly early, with these these players, like Tavares, who are skating now will have been in Phase 2 small-group skates, which could be two months ahead of training camp mode for two months before the best-of-five play-in with potential games. Columbus begins. I mean, full credit to the hardcores who are all-in already — and Hyman That seems a bit much. Which is why many NHL teams are pretty definitely earned his Masterton nomination with his level of dedication to relaxed about Phase 2. hockey in the past year, given his remarkable recovery from knee surgery — but not everyone’s built that way. For some, it doesn’t even really exist. We won’t know if that matters until there’s something actually on the line.

“What happens in between the boards is all going to be the same,” Tavares said of the situation the Leafs will be facing in the coming months. “So you’re trying to put yourself in a good place mentally, be in the moment and understand there’s still a lot to play for.”

At some point.

Hopefully.

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AT&T SportsNet to reair more 2017-18 Golden Knights games

By Ben Gotz Las Vegas Review-Journal

Games from the Golden Knights’ inaugural season will continue to air on AT&T SportsNet through July 1.

The network revealed its schedule Wednesday, and it will reair a game from the Knights’ 2017-18 regular season and 2018 playoff run at 7 p.m. each day for the next three weeks.

The full schedule (original air date in parentheses):

Thursday — Knights 1, Los Angeles Kings 0 (April 11, 2018)

Friday — Knights 2, Kings 1 (OT) (April 13, 2018)

Saturday — Knights 3, Kings 2 (April 15, 2018)

Sunday — Knights 1, Kings 0 (April 17, 2018)

Monday — Knights 7, San Jose Sharks 0 (April 26, 2018)

Tuesday — Knights 4, Sharks 3 (OT) (April 30, 2018)

June 17 — Knights 5, Sharks 3 (May 4, 2018)

June 18 — Knights 3, Sharks 0 (May 6, 2018)

June 19 — Knights 3, 1 (May 14, 2018)

June 20 — Knights 4, Jets 2 (May 16, 2018)

June 21 — Knights 3, Jets 2 (May 18, 2018)

June 22 — Knights 2, Jets 1 (May 20, 2018)

June 23 — Knights 6, Washington Capitals 4 (May 28, 2018)

June 24 — Knights 2, Dallas Stars 1 (Oct. 6, 2017)

June 25 — Knights 2, Arizona Coyotes 1 (OT) (Oct. 7, 2017)

June 26 — Knights 5, Coyotes 2 (Oct. 10, 2017)

June 27 — Knights 3, Boston Bruins 1 (Oct. 15, 2017)

June 28 — Knights 5, Buffalo Sabres 4 (OT) (Oct. 17, 2017)

June 29 — Knights 3, St. Louis Blues 2 (OT) (Oct. 21, 2017)

June 30 — Knights 4, Chicago Blackhawks 2 (Oct. 24, 2017)

July 1 — Knights 7, Colorado Avalanche 0 (Oct. 24, 2017)

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Pacioretty, Stone skate Wednesday during Golden Knights workout

By David Schoen Las Vegas Review-Journal

There were more encouraging signs for Golden Knights forwards Max Pacioretty and Mark Stone on Wednesday.

The team’s leading scorers were on the ice at City National Arena as part of voluntary workouts during Phase Two of the NHL’s return-to-play plan.

Pacioretty and Stone each were sidelined with lower-body injuries when the NHL season was paused March 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

They were also among the participants Monday, the first day team facilities were permitted to open for small group skates, and were back at it Wednesday, a positive indication they’re close to or at 100 percent.

They were joined by goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, center Paul Stastny and defensemen Nick Holden and Deryk Engelland, the same group of six that skated Monday.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175594 Vegas Golden Knights when Zach Whitecloud was recalled. Hague scored his first NHL goal Jan. 21 at Boston and had 11 points in 38 games. He had one goal and 10 points in 21 games with the Wolves. A strong showing this summer could springboard the left-handed shot into a larger role with the Knights Projecting Golden Knights’ expanded postseason roster entering the 2020-21 campaign.

Jake Bischoff — The steady 25-year-old made his NHL debut in the Knights’ victory at Pittsburgh on Oct. 19 and averaged 15:36 of ice time By David Schoen Las Vegas Review-Journal in his four appearances before he was sent back to the minors. Bischoff had nine points and a minus-15 rating in 52 games with the Wolves. But he can play either side of defense and remains ahead of Dylan Coghlan, Thanks to a glitch on the Golden Knights’ website, visitors to the team’s who has a booming right-hand shot, or Jimmy Schuldt in the pecking roster page Wednesday were greeted with a couple of old names and order on the blue line. several new ones, too. LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 06.11.2020 Former players Cody Eakin and Malcolm Subban, each of whom was traded by the Knights before the February deadline, appeared along with seven skaters and two goalies from the Knights’ minor league affiliate.

Not coincidentally, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed last month the league envisions expanded rosters for its 24-team postseason tournament. Multiple reports suggest teams would be permitted to carry 28 skaters and an unlimited number of goaltenders.

In an email to the Review-Journal on Wednesday, Daly said the details are still being worked out with the NHL Players’ Association.

But some quick math shows the Knights have 21 skaters (13 forwards and eight defensemen) who are shoo-ins for the roster if healthy, plus the seven latest additions from the American Hockey League. That equals 28 skaters.

Hmmm.

If the leaked information on the website is accurate and the league and NHLPA agree on the proposed roster composition, here are the skaters likely to be added to the Knights’ expanded postseason roster:

Forwards (5)

Brandon Pirri — He has the best track record of success at the NHL level with 72 goals in 275 career appearances and was the top offensive threat for the Chicago Wolves in the AHL at almost a point per game. The 29- year-old’s streakiness is legendary and could be useful in a tournament setting if he finds a hot stick. Pirri had eight goals in 11 games after being recalled in December 2018, but also had one point in 11 games after making the team out of training camp this season.

Keegan Kolesar — The bruising winger is the organization’s closest like- for-like replacement on the fourth line should another physical forward such as William Carrier or Ryan Reaves sustain an injury. Kolesar made his NHL debut Jan. 11 against Columbus, his former club, and registered two hits and one shot on goal in 12:06 of ice time. The 23-year-old had 18 points (three goals, 15 assists) in 33 AHL games after notching 20 goals in 2018-19.

Gage Quinney — The 24-year-old moved up the organization’s depth chart this season and would provide insurance as a bottom-six center since Cody Glass is not expected to be available after undergoing knee surgery in March. Quinney became the first player born in Nevada to appear in an NHL game Feb. 22 and made three appearances for the Knights with one assist. He was third in scoring for the Wolves with 36 points (17 goals, 19 assists) in 46 games.

Patrick Brown — The Knights appear to favor Brown’s experience and versatility over the potential of 20-year-old wing Lucas Elvenes, who led the Wolves with 48 points (12 goals, 36 assists) in 59 games. Brown appeared in eight NHL playoff games for Carolina in 2018-19, and the gritty 28-year-old can play center or wing and kill penalties. He scored in his lone appearance with the Knights on Feb. 23 at Anaheim and has three points in 29 career NHL games.

Valentin Zykov — This would be some kind of reward for a player who served a 20-game suspension after testing positive for a performance- enhancing substance and could be headed back to Russia as an unrestricted free agent after the season. But what if prospect Jack Dugan is eligible to sign a contract for the 2019-20 season? If the NHL gives in to the union’s wishes, the Knights could opt to burn the first year of Dugan’s contract rather than select Zykov.

Defensemen (2)

Nic Hague — The 21-year-old spent the first half of the season shuttling between the NHL and AHL before returning to the minors in January 1175595 Vegas Golden Knights

Renderings released of Henderson Event Center, future home of Silver Knights

By Justin Emerson

The city of Henderson and the Vegas Golden Knights released renderings today of the Henderson Event Center, which will house the team’s minor league affiliate and host other community events.

The center, which will be home to the of the American Hockey League, will seat 6,109 people. It will be built at the site of the Henderson Pavilion at Green Valley and Paseo Verde parkways.

Contracts for builders and architects will be voted on atTuesday’s City Council meeting.

The city approved the project last month, with the $84 million cost split evenly between the city and the Golden Knights.

Besides hockey, the center will also host the Henderson Symphony Orchestra, high school and college graduations and other community events.

The city will retain ownership of the facility, while the Golden Knights will have a 20-year lease for the Silver Knights to play their home games.

The city and the Golden Knights have recommended Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. as the lead designer and builder. The recommended lead architect is Klai Juba Wald Architecture and Interiors

Perkins and Will has been selected to support the project as a specialty architect.

LAS VEGAS SUN LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175596 Vegas Golden Knights Granger’s comparable: Matt Duchene Krebs’ stature reminds me of Duchene almost to a T, and his incredible

skating ability only furthers the similarities. Both play at a blistering pace, Finding an NHL comparable for 10 of the Golden Knights’ best prospects with and without the puck. Duchene may have a better shot than Krebs, he certainly uses it more often. Krebs has always preferred to make plays for his linemates rather than shoot the puck himself, but when he does opt to shoot his wrist shot is deceptively quick. Also similar to By Jesse Granger and Scott Wheeler Jun 10, 2020 Duchene, Krebs has shown the ability to play on the wing at the junior level, showcasing his speed even more, although his primary position is still at center. As we approach the 2020 NHL Draft, it’s a good time to analyze the Golden Knights’ current crop of prospects in order to determine the Nic Hague group’s strengths and weaknesses. Wheeler’s comparable: Tyler Myers Vegas has quickly built up a healthy pipeline of young talent, with only It can be hard to find comparables for players who are as big as Hague is three entry drafts under the organization’s belt. The Golden Knights but there are actually a number of active NHLers with some stylistic ranked 10th in Scott Wheeler’s prospect pool rankings in February, resemblances. The one you’re probably hoping for if you’re reading this despite trading away two first-round prospects and an additional first is Colton Parayko, but I actually think Myers is a more natural fit. All three round pick over the last few seasons. are long. All three are physically engaged. All three are plus-level skaters To examine them closer, we compared each of Vegas’ top-10 prospects for their size, and all three rely on a quick walk and a hard shot to to a current NHL player. To spice this story up a bit, we decided to generate the bulk of their offense (both in terms of goal-scoring and in include rookies Cody Glass and Nic Hague, who both spent some time in shot assists via rebounds. I’m not sold on Hague’s ability to get to where the NHL this season. They headline the list along with first-round pick Parayko did defensively quite yet though, so Myers’ volatility in his own Peyton Krebs. Also, we didn’t include goalies in this exercise, if you’re zone makes a little more sense (though I think Hague may have PP wondering where Dylan Ferguson and Isaiah Saville are. upside that Myers never really developed consistently). Hague’s going to be a top-four defenceman who can contribute at both ends — and in all Cody Glass situations — while probably never getting to that top-pairing status that Parayko has. Wheeler’s comparable: Tomas Hertl Granger’s comparable: Marc Staal Stylistically, Glass and Hertl are a lot alike. Both are gifted playmakers for their size, who can handle the puck at the same level as many of their I think this comparison may surprise some people, because Staal is top peers who are two, or three, or four inches shorter than they are. better known for his work in the defensive end than his offensive Both can play on the cycle, execute in tight around the crease, or slow prowess. Hague has a much higher ceiling offensively. Just look at their the game down to dictate tempo off the rush. But both also excel production in junior, where Staal’s career high was only 49 points and offensively when they don’t have the puck and do a good job getting into Hague registered 78 with Mississauga in 2017-18. But I believe Hague is space as shooters for their linemates. They’re multi-faceted. And I transitioning into more of a defensive-defenseman over the last couple wouldn’t be surprised if Glass followed a similar path to Hertl’s as well. seasons in the AHL and NHL. I get that sense by watching him play, but Hertl was a first-round pick who was a good second-line player basically also because of the conversations I’ve had with Hague, and AHL coach right from the get go in his NHL career, but took five years to reach his Rocky Thompson. Like Staal, Hague uses his extraordinary reach, and current status as a legitimate star and one of the best players on his skillful stick to pokecheck on the rush, and keep good gaps as players team — though knee woes played a role in slowing his progress. In time, enter the zone. Hague still has a lot of work to do defensively, but I think I believe Glass will get there as his game matures and his opportunities he ends up becoming a reliable mid-pair defenseman like Staal, but with expand. power play potential.

Granger’s comparable: Paul Stastny As a rookie, Lucas Elvenes led all Chicago Wolves with 48 points this season. (Ross Dettman / Chicago Wolves) I opted to stay a little closer to home with this choice, and it’s largely because of all the comparisons I’ve heard between these two players in Lucas Elvenes the dressing room. Glass isn’t nearly as far along in his development as Stastny was at this stage (Stastny scored 78 points in his 21-year-old Wheeler’s comparable: Josh Bailey season), but I believe Glass will eventually develop into a player very Offensively, Elvenes and Bailey aren’t far off from one another as carbon similar to Stastny. Glass isn’t physically imposing, and doesn’t have elite- copies. Bailey has always struck me for his ability to avoid pressure, play level skating, but mentally he processes the game at a higher speed than through it when he has to, and break down teams as a passer, without most at his age. You could already see that this season, and that was ever really getting the credit he deserves for those skills. He can carry a during a disappointing rookie year for Glass’ standards. As he adjusts to middle-six line with those tools or complement a top line scorer, he’s a the speed and physicality of the NHL his playmaking ability should useful player off the flank on the power play, and he’s underrated, translate to 5-on-5 play, and not just on the power play. Like Stastny, especially for a 6-foot-1 player. Those are the same things that Elvenes Glass doesn’t have a great shot and prefers to pass in most situations. is. Elvenes may never be a 20 goal scorer (and neither has Bailey been), He’ll score the majority of his goals around the net, just as Wheeler said but he’s got enough ability to rack up assists and consistently make above. things happen when he’s on the ice. Elvenes will need to improve his Peyton Krebs defensive game to get to where Bailey has been over the last four seasons. Wheeler’s comparable: Jordan Eberle Granger’s comparable: Tanner Pearson Krebs and Eberle play different positions, and I don’t think Krebs will score the 34 goals that Eberle did in 2011-2012, but then again neither Physically Elvenes and Pearson are extremely similar. They’re both a will Eberle. Otherwise, they share a lot in common. Both are tenacious left-handed shot, 6-foot-1, and while Pearson has a few pounds on forecheckers who keep their feet moving when they don’t have the puck. Elvenes, he’s also seven years his senior. Elvenes displayed a ton of Both are of similar heights and weights. Though both can create their offensive skill this season in the AHL, leading the Chicago Wolves in share of shots, they’re at their best when they’re retrieving pucks, assists and points. While he’s not the biggest winger, he uses his body to pushing pace, and driving play as passers more than as individual shield the puck well and find the open man. Like Pearson, Elvenes has creators. Eberle, for the bulk of his career, has been a 20-25 goal scorer the defensive reliability and grit to play in a middle-six role, but also has and high-50s to low-60s point guy. That’s probably where Krebs settles in the hockey sense to play up the lineup if needed. as well, though I think he’s a better skater than Eberle so that may help Jack Dugan him have a couple of bigger seasons that challenge the 70-point mark with the right linemates, luck, and usage. You’re also never going to have Wheeler’s comparable: “Budget” Jakub Voracek to worry about Krebs’ effort or leadership qualities, which can be hard to identify from afar but are clear assets of Krebs’. Before people get too excited about this projection, I think it’s important to highlight that Voracek is one of the most effective playmaking power forward types in the world — and that unless you’re a truly elite prospect, will have to play too. I thought he played that game perfectly in the which Dugan isn’t, I don’t feel fully comfortable putting those kinds of second half of this season following a strong showing at the world juniors expectations on a player. With that said, their games mimic each other in — and later in the KHL playoffs. He’s a little taller, and may be able to many ways. Though Voracek is heavier (and plays like it), both are big, score at a higher level than Johansson has, but he’s at his best when strong, mean, physical wingers who excel at controlling the puck and he’s malleable to those around him and that versatility should serve him making plays through traffic as facilitators. Do we need to do a better job well as he eventually jumps to North America. contextualizing Dugan’s NCAA career vis-à-vis the fact that he was a 22- year-old sophomore? Yes. Is Dugan going to be the point per game Granger’s comparable: Jared McCann player Voracek was throughout much of his career? No. But Dugan has a I’ve tried not to choose players under 25 as comparables, because we’re lot of the same qualities and I wouldn’t be surprised if he becomes a not even sure what that player is going to end up being, but I find a lot of consistent 50-60 point player if he can improve his skating (which similarities between McCann and Morozov. They’re both two-way centers Voracek also had to do as he worked his way into the NHL). who are good but not great in all three zones. McCann may have a better Granger’s comparable: Jake Virtanen shot than Morozov, which gives him higher upside offensively, but both are very streaky when it comes to offensive production. At times Morozov Dugan reminds me of Virtanen, with slightly worse skating and slightly has disappeared from the stat sheet in the KHL, sometimes due to lack better hands. Dugan is 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, but played bigger than that of ice time. But against his peers — at the World Junior Championships for Providence this season. As Wheeler pointed out, that’s partially — Morozov serves as Russia’s top center, and showed he can play on a because he’s a 22-year-old sophomore, but he still outmuscled his peers scoring line. That’s something he hasn’t had as much opportunity to do in at the collegiate level with ease. He doesn’t have the footspeed of the KHL, often buried in the lineup behind more experienced players. Virtanen, which is why he isn’t laying as many monster hits. However, McCann saw a jump in production this season after the trade to Dugan’s puck skills are very good for a power forward, allowing him to Pittsburgh, and that’s largely because he got to play with a talented keep possession through contact. He does play with some edge to his winger like Patrick Hornqvist. As Scott explained above, Morozov has an game, but not quite on the level of Virtanen. Dugan has the potential to ability to play with different styles. be a solid, powerful middle-six winger with a good mix of physicality and offense. Peter Diliberatore

Pavel Dorofeyev Wheeler’s comparable: Justin Holl

Wheeler’s comparable: Alex Nylander If Diliberatore were three inches taller and right-handed, this comparison would be uncanny. Both he and Holl have the exact same look to their If you’ve read my work, you’ll know that I have a ton of time for the way game. They’re both lanky. They’re both long through their strides as Pavel Dorofeyev plays hockey and that I’m one of his biggest fans. You’ll skaters. They’re both smooth going north-to-south, which allows them to also know, though, that he’s a little trickier than most to properly evaluate activate as a fourth forward and occasionally as a rover deep into the and project, not only because of the context of his last two seasons offensive zone. And though neither rack up points, or will ever run an (being on a ridiculously-talented line in the MHL and then playing limited NHL power play, their ability to play in transition, keep up with the NHL’s minutes at the pro level) but also in the context of his skill set and size. track meet, and escape pressure as a handler has made Holl a useful And it’s that second part that has always made evaluating the youngest NHLer and could make Diliberatore one eventually too. Nylander brother difficult. Nylander has impressive puck handling ability, an extremely accurate wrist shot, and a knack for making things happen Granger’s comparable: Jordan Oesterle (in spurts) in the offensive zone. But he’s not terribly engaged physically, Diliberatore is a slightly-undersized defenseman who uses his skating to he can cheat up ice a little too much, he doesn’t have the speed of his make up for his lack of physical presence. He reminds me a lot of big brother, and both of those things contributed to a slower-than- Oesterle, who is around the same size, a good skater, and can jump into expected progression into his current NHL role with the Blackhawks. the offensive rush on occasion. Like Oesterle, Diliberatore is developing There’s also still a lot of uncertainty about where Nylander projects on a more of an offensive game at the collegiate level. He tallied 21 points this good NHL roster long term, so this projection is more about style than season for Quinnipiac University, and has developed nicely since the NHL impact. Because Dorofeyev is also a superb handler who has Golden Knights took him in the sixth round in 2018. If he can continue decent size, great touch around the net, an impressive wrister, unique along that path, a bottom-pairing role with small bursts of offense like offensive zone problem solving skill, and a tendency to fade in and out of Oesterle is realistic for Diliberatore. games. His outcomes, as a result, are volatile. Dorofeyev is a high ceiling, low floor prospect. Kaedan Korczak

Granger’s comparison: Filip Forsberg Wheeler’s comparable: Slater Koekkoek

I understand this is high praise for a third-round pick, but I’ve really liked Korczak is one of those players who I’ve been slower to appreciate than what I’ve seen from Dorofeyev, both in his play in Russia and during most. He has good size and athleticism, the physical tools are there, he’s development camp last year in Las Vegas. Dorofeyev is fast and decisive only going to get stronger, he has proven he can play big minutes against with the puck, and has the uncanny ability to create space in the his top peers effectively, and the offensive acumen has started to refine offensive zone out of thin air with the slightest of stickhandling moves. He itself a little more. It’s going to take him some time to find his niche in the loves the toe drag in particular, and uses it to cut to the center of the ice NHL though, like it has for Koekkoek. And he probably tops out as a on rushes. It will be interesting to see how that translates to the smaller depth option, more than as a go-to guy, like Koekkoek has. ice in North America, but during rookie development camp — against his Granger’s comparable: Hampus Lindholm peers — he looked fantastic. Now, he was a third-round pick for a reason, and may not reach the heights of Forsberg, but Dorofeyev has The biggest attribute that stood out to me while watching Korczak during potential to be an extremely creative playmaker in the NHL. He’ll need to last summer’s rookie camp was how incredibly smooth his skating is. He get stronger to hold up to the physicality of the NHL, but so did Forsberg doesn’t have the fastest straight line speed, but his edgework is fantastic, when George McPhee drafted him in 2012. Maybe Dorofeyev can serve especially for a young defender with his size. That allows him to maintain as a do-over for McPhee? good position, control defensive gaps, and evade forecheckers, which all makes him a solid candidate for a future shutdown defender. At the draft Ivan Morozov Korczak told me the NHL player he emulates is Marc-Edouard Vlasic. I’m Wheeler’s comparable: Marcus Johansson not sure if he’ll ever reach the level of being one of the best shutdown defensemen in the league, but another defenseman of that style that he When I think about Johansson, I think about a player who has spent his reminds me of is Hampus Lindholm in Anaheim. Lindholm is bigger at career fitting in wherever and however he could. He has played on first this point, but Korczak has plenty of room to grow, and both are lines without looking out of place. He has played on third lines while exceptional skaters. Another comparison that’s a little closer to home, is looking a little too talented for his linemates. He’s not big but he’s not Vegas’ shutdown defenseman Nate Schmidt. small. He’s strong without being overpowering. He can score 15-20 goals a year but he’s not a great shooter. And he can handle the puck and Connor Corcoran make plays for himself, or he can be the give-and-go guy who is asked to Wheeler’s comparable: Zach Bogosian simplify. The result has been a pretty nice career as a middle-of-the- lineup player. If Morozov’s going to make it, that’s the kind of game he Bogosian’s game has its detractors for good reason (there are some warts that he has never been able to work out), but he has made a career out of it nonetheless by playing a hard, heavy, sturdy, physical game that has helped him overcome some deficiencies of skating and rigidness. Corcoran is going to have to adopt a similar brand if he’s to carve out a niche in the AHL — and then the NHL — over the next few years. He has shown he can dominate and dictate play with that style at the OHL level – and that the offensive tools are getting there. Time will tell if it can translate but he’s always going to have some qualities that coaches love.

Granger’s comparable: David Savard

Last summer the Golden Knights played in the rookie tournament in Irvine, Calif., and it felt like every time someone laid a massive hit I’d look over to see No. 85, Connor Corcoran. He isn’t a great skater, but he is positionally sound and inflicts punishment on the opposition, much like Savard. Also like Savard, Corcoran developed quite the offensive game in his final year in junior hockey. Corcoran racked up 19 goals and 35 assists this season for the Windsor Spitfires, improving his point total from the previous year by more than 20. He’s unlikely to produce like that in the NHL, but Corcoran can be a solid player who averages 25 or so points per season.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175597 Vegas Golden Knights

Henderson Growing Into Sports Hub As Raiders Prepare To Open $158 Million Training Center And Headquarters

By Alan Snel

The Las Vegas Raiders will be playing their NFL home games on Sundays (and an occasional Monday night) at the imposing, black- exterior stadium with the Darth Vader look about a 15-minute walk from the Strip.

But the team will be spending most of its time in suburban Henderson 11 miles away from the 65,000-seat domed stadium at the Raiders’ spanking new training center and headquarters across the street from the Henderson Executive Airport, not too far from St. Rose Parkway.

With the coronavirus pandemic gripping America and the NFL ordering teams’ summer training camps to be held at the clubs’ home bases, the Raiders will be spending more time than ever at the new headquarters and home facility in Henderson.

Here’s the location.

Building designer Leo A Daly worked with Manica Architecture to create the 336,227-foot facility on 30 acres with another 25 acres open for development. The construction cost at the 55-acre site for the training center/HQ was $158 million. Here’s a summary of the Raiders facility and HQ from the Leo A Daly website:

Brandon Doll, Raiders senior vice president for strategy & business development, used LinkedIn to show Raiders headquarters photos and Images that were available from the team’s website.

LVSportsBiz.com covered the training center/HQ groundbreaking event 18 months ago. In much the same way that many Golden Knights players and staffers live in Summerlin near the VGK headquarters in Downtown Summerlin, expect many Raiders players and workers to live in Henderson near the Raiders training center/HQ.

All of a sudden, Henderson, the suburban city that has been the little sibling to Las Vegas, is now a sports hub.

Not only will the Raiders home base be open soon, the city of Henderson has also cut two major deals with the NHL Vegas Golden Knights to build a $25 million two-rink community ice center on 3.2 acres at Water Street and Atlantic Avenue and an $84 million 6,000-seat arena called the Henderson Events Center out of the Henderson Pavilion at 200. S. Green Valley Parkway.

The city of Henderson gave the Golden Knights $10.75 million for the community ice center and earmarked $42 million in public money for the $84 million Henderson Events Center project. It should be noted that the city of Henderson sold the 55 acres to the Raiders for $6 million — which was $6 million less than the $12 million that the land was valued at.

Here are some renderings of the new hockey arena in Henderson from the Henderson City Council meeting agenda for June 16.

Here’s the location of the Henderson Silver Knights arena, which will be used by the city of Henderson for other music and cultural events.

LVSportsBiz.com visited the Raiders stadium site Wednesday morning. The venue remains on schedule to be ready July 31 in less than two months.

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Capitals to begin small-group workouts Thursday

By Adam Zielonka - The Washington Times - Wednesday, June 10, 2020

The Washington Capitals will move into Phase 2 of the NHL’s return-to- play plan by opening MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Virginia, to players for small-group workouts starting Thursday, the team announced.

Under Phase 2, teams can hold workouts with no more than six players on the ice at one time. Players will participate on a voluntary basis.

Speaking in late May, general manager Brian MacLellan estimated that there were only six players quarantining in the Washington area while the rest had gone to their home countries or summer homes.

Phase 2 will continue until the NHL is ready to move into Phase 3, in which teams will hold a training camp for all players to prepare for the resumption of the season later this summer.

“The various measures set out in the Phase 2 Protocol by the National Hockey League are intended to provide players with a safe and controlled environment in which to resume their conditioning,” the Capitals said in a statement. “Phase 2 is not a substitute for training camp.”

MedStar Capitals Iceplex will remain closed to the public, the media and general staff.

The NHL season has been on pause since March 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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Capitals set date for team's transition to Phase 2

By J.J. Regan June 10, 2020 12:20 PM

The Capitals have announced the team will officially transition to Phase 2 of the NHL's return-to-play plan on Thursday. The NHL allowed for the transition to Phase 2 to begin on Monday, but several teams did not open on that day, including Washington.

The NHL has been in Phase 1, self-isolation, since the season was paused on March 12. With Phase 2 now beginning, that means team facilities can open for on and off-ice activities. All of these activities will be voluntary, will be limited to just six players at a time and will be required to adhere to all safety protocols set forth by the league. During this time, MedStar Capitals Iceplex will remain closed to the public and to the media.

There are a handful of players who have remained local during the season pause, and with this being their first access to ice you will probably see most - if not all - there for the first day of Phase 2. Braden Holtby is among the players who have remained in the area and it will be critical for him to get on the ice quickly, considering there is nothing really goalies can do during self-isolation to keep up with their game with no ice and no shooters.

With no date yet set for training camps (Phase 3) or a timetable for the resumption of the season (Phase 4), we may not see the bulk of the team return to the area for some time yet, but this is another step in the right direction towards the eventual 24-team postseason the NHL has laid out.

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Alex Ovechkin, TJ Oshie campaign for John Carlson to win the Norris Trophy

By J.J. Regan June 10, 2020 6:00 AM

Its campaign season! No, not the one you're thinking of. The NHL regular season is officially over meaning it is time to vote on the award winners. The ballots went out to the voting members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association on Monday and it did not take long for the Capitals to begin campaigning on John Carlson's behalf for the Norris Trophy.

The Norris Trophy is awarded "to the defensive player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position." Carlson certainly has a strong case to win and the Caps want to make sure everyone knows that.

Following a career year where he led all NHL defensemen in assists and points, John Carlson is vying to win his first Norris Trophy. Visit https://t.co/HecIC0ECg1 for a full list of Carlson’s 2019-20 accomplishments. pic.twitter.com/BitFZ6sRsd

— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) June 9, 2020

RELATED: SEE THE INTERACTIVE MAP OF THE CAPS' CELEBRATION THROUGH D.C.

THe biggest competition for the award is likely defenseman Roman Josi. Though it is an award for defensemen, Carlson's biggest case is with his offensive numbers. With 75 points, he led all defensemen in points. More importantly, he was on pace for 89 points this season. The last defenseman to record even 85 points in a season was Brian Leetch who did it in 1995-96. The last defenseman to reach 89 points or higher was Ray Bourque who had 91 in 1993-94.

Carlson was on pace to put up numbers that no one has managed in nearly three decades.

Carlson was not among the three finalists for the Norris last season, but it would be stunning if he does not finish in at least the top two this season. And if you don't believe that, just talk to Carlson's teammates who quickly began to campaign for him.

Everybody need vote Johnny Norris!! No debate....!!! https://t.co/eNap8KjzE4

— Alex Ovechkin (@ovi8) June 10, 2020

I get to see first hand how good this guy is but seeing those stats... #Johnny4Norris @JohnCarlson74 https://t.co/uTaMK71r54

— TJ Oshie (@TJOshie77) June 9, 2020

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175601 Washington Capitals Jonathan Ogden, St.Albans/NFL Mark Rypien, Redskins

Haley Skarupa, Olympic hockey For the D.C. Sports Hall of Fame, who’s got next: Arenas? Werth? Rypien? Jayson Werth, Nationals

TEB: Gartner’s No. 11 is one of four numbers retired by the Capitals. He’s seventh on the all-time goals list with 708 (just two goals ahead of By Ben Standig and Tarik El-Bashir Jun 10, 2020 Alex Ovechkin). Sure Garts kicked around a bit after leaving D.C., but he enjoyed most of his goal-scoring success here, scoring 397 times in nine- plus seasons for the Caps. The D.C. Sports Hall of Fame announced a new class Tuesday with players, contributors and teams that helped create lasting memories on BS: Shocker, Mr. Hockey starts with puck. Fortunately, I’m old enough to grass fields and hardwood courts, from Redskins Park to College Park. remember Gartner slipping the biscuit into the basket (did I get that right?) with regularity. Besides, only three Capitals players are in this But, damn, there’s a lengthy list of folks still waiting. HOF (Bondra, Kolzig, Langway). That’s weird. Is Max Kellerman on the selection committee??? NBA and NFL champions. Olympic gold medalists. Big-time scorers, coaching savants and headline makers. We know the good folks with the TEB: Before there was a Peter Bondra (who was inducted in 2018) and Hall of Fame, established in 1980, cannot jam in every worthy candidate long before there was an Alex Ovechkin (an eventual inductee), Gartner at once. There are criteria and rules, including a limit of 10 per class. was the Caps’ goal-scoring wizard. He topped 40 goals five times and 50 goals once in his decade in D.C. No brainer. Today we’re breaking the rules. Mike Gartner, Welcome to the D.C. Sports Hall of Fame! The Athletic’s Ben Standig and Tarik El-Bashir were granted special powers (not really) to help with the backlog. Following the Hall’s BS: Speaking of Wizards, what’s up, Agent Zero? Look, I get it, Gilbert guidelines, they created a special one-off class of worthy candidates Arenas is problematic. That’s a kind way of introducing the fact that he (true) who will immediately join stars like John Riggins, Wes Unseld and brought a gun into the locker room and pooped in a teammate’s shoes. Katie Ledecky in the Hall of Fame (100 percent false). (I’m not making light of his off-court failings.) He was also a charismatic figure and a swashbuckling bucket-getter who from 2004-2007 Rather than just rubber stamp folks into the HOF, Ben and Tarik served dominated the D.C. sports scene. When we think of the Arenas era it’s as the selection committee. After poring over the list of those already mostly about how it ended horribly, but “Hibachi” cooked foes for 25 inducted, they created a list of 15 nominees for an up or down vote. points a game here, sank the Bulls in the 2005 playoffs, battled Kobe and Reminder: At most 10 can enter and by rule, the group must include folks kept reporters’ notebooks full. from outside the main pro sports. REMEMBER THAT DAY 13 YEARS AGO WHEN GILBERT ARENAS Yes, some of these worthy names won’t make the cut. Let’s be clear on AKA GIL-BO AKA AGENT 0 AKA HIBACHI AKA THE BEST SCORER IN this: The fellas aren’t dissing anyone, but where’s the challenge in going THE LEAGUE OTHER THAN KOBE AT THE TIME GAVE KOBE AND full Oprah and declaring, “You get inducted! You get inducted! Everyone THE LAKERS A 60 PIECE AND TOOK A BOW AT THE END OF THE gets inducted!” Besides, the HOF committee is the one with the power – GAME #NBA #BASKETBALL PIC.TWITTER.COM/LU545ACQPV until today. (Again, we cannot stress this enough: Ben and Tarik have zero authority over the D.C. Sports Hall of Fame). — NORMAN DALE (@_COACHHILL) JUNE 9, 2020

Ben Standig: OK, Tarik, let’s make some dreams come true. TEB: Yo, Ben, is there a morals clause in the selection criteria? If not (there isn’t one; I checked) then Arenas should absolutely be enshrined. Tarik El-Bashir: Actually, I’m looking forward to breaking some hearts. I I’m a sucker for guys who can score the basketball, and Arenas enjoyed kid, I kid. some of the best offensive seasons in franchise history in the mid-2000s. BS: Great. Before we start, here’s what the committee included in Done deal. yesterday’s announcement about the process: BS: I can’t believe we’re the morons putting the notorious Gilbert Arenas Individual nominees for inclusion must have gained prominence in the in the D.C. Sports Hall of Fame when I imagine the actual honor may not Washington area through their achievements in sports as an athlete, come for years if ever. This is why people call us the bad boys of D.C. coach, owner, executive, member of the media, or contributor. A media. At least they do in my townhouse. I will absolutely regret this the professional, collegiate, or high school team that has made a significant next time Arenas makes some insane social media post, but damn that and positive impact in the Greater Washington community through guy played some great hoops. outstanding achievement is eligible to be recognized as a Team of Gilbert Arenas, Welcome to the D.C. Sports Hall of Fame! Distinction. Who’s next, Tarik? Now, before we get into debating, let’s reveal our list of nominations. Note that by rule at least one entrant must come from the high school TEB: Haley Skarupa. She’s got so much gold, she ought to be a jeweler. ranks, and outside the traditional four main pro leagues, Major League A gold medal at the 2018 Olympics, three golds at the world Soccer, college football and basketball: championships, gold at world juniors. To accomplish all that while growing up in a “non-traditional” hockey market? Much respect. She Gilbert Arenas, Wizards currently works as a hockey ambassador for the Caps. Rich Chvotkin, Georgetown play-by-play voice BS: Her bio is something else even though as a fellow Montgomery Johan Cryuff, Diplomats County, Maryland kid I often tossed a side-eye toward Wootton High School folks like Haley, but I’ll skate past this minor detail. Boomer Esiason, Maryland Haley Skarupa, Welcome to the D.C. Sports Hall of Fame! David Falk, agent BS: Better at their craft, Haley on skates, Boomer Esiason throwing a Mike Gartner, Capitals football or you with a Taco Bell double-decker taco supreme?

George Mason men’s basketball, 2006 TEB: Fun fact: I’ve been to my local Taco Bell exactly once during this whole coronavirus crisis. During ordinary times, I average 2.5 trips a Livan Hernandez, Nationals week. Seriously, though, I’m going with Haley. Esiason doesn’t do it for Chamique Holdsclaw, Mystics me, not in this context. Sure, he set some records at Maryland but he’s better known for accomplishments in the NFL. Michael Jordan, Wizards BS: What a heel turn from you, a kid raised in the shadows of College Bill McGregor, DeMatha Football Park. Boomer was an absolute rockstar playing for those early 80s teams. The lefty led the Terps to an undefeated conference record in 1983, and the ACC selected Esiason to the 2013 Legends class. Stop TEB: Falk changed the salary (and, by extension) power structure of the the hate, Tarik. NBA with all the lucrative contracts he negotiated on behalf of his clients. When I think of Falk, I think of two things: Kornheiser’s nickname for him TEB: Okay, Boomer. – the Bird of Prey – and the famous two-word fax he sent to the Bulls Boomer Esiason, better luck next year. announcing M.J.’s return to the hardwood – “I’m back.” Slam dunk.

BS: Let’s stay with football even though the D.C. area is known for David Falk, Welcome to the D.C. Sports Hall of Fame! hoops. Riddle me this, Tarik: How is Ogden not already in the D.C. HOF? BS: As part of Falk’s induction, did we have to include his most famous Consider the following: client on this list? Ha, no. Michael Jordan is here because 1) he’s Ogden and Grant Hill, a 2018 inductee, both grew up in the area. Michael Jordan 2) He spent 2001-03 with the Wizards as GM/player 3) I excitedly watched every second of “The Last Dance” 4) Folks incorrectly Ogden starred at Washington’s St. Albans, Hill at Reston’s South Lakes. discount his playing career in Washington though the front office work wasn’t so great 5) Our list, our rules. Both were college All-Americans. TEB: That’s cool, but there’s no way he gets in. On the NFL level, Ogden, a powerful offensive lineman for the Ravens, received 11 Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro selections. Hill was a seven- BS: Sure, and some will be annoyed for mentioning him or keeping his time NBA All-Star with one first-team All-NBA selection. Airness out regardless. To those folks I say:

Both are in their respective sports’ Halls of Fame – but only Hill is part of TEB: Look, I’m as big of an M.J. fan as everyone else. But he’s a the D.C. version. Chicago legend. His time in D.C. was as forgettable as his stint in minor league baseball. A footnote, nothing more. Grant Hill absolutely belongs in, as does Danny Ferry and the other HOF hoopsters whose primary connection is they’re local, just like Ogden, Michael Jordan, better luck next year. Vernon Davis, Navarro Bowman and other football standouts. It’s time to right this wrong and it starts with putting Ogden in. BS: What’s the opposite of a footnote?

TEB: Were you a lawyer in a previous life? That’s a pretty strong case TEB: A headline stripped across A1. Think “DEWEY DEFEATS you made there. Ogden was a high school All-American in football and TRUMAN.” track at St. Albans before going on to incredible success as a pro with BS: Well then that’s Rich Chvotkin, because he’s been the radio voice of the Baltimore Ravens. Ignoring that last part, Ogden absolutely belongs the Georgetown men’s basketball team since 1974. Most years there’s a in D.C.’s Hall. media member in the class and plenty of strong candidates exist. Part of BS: My seventh-grade social studies teacher predicted I would become a me wants to go with the Post’s Dan Steinberg because I know such lawyer. I fooled him. More importantly, you’re on the right side of history attention would give him the heebee-jeebees. As for Chvotkin, he’s called here, Tarik. Congrats to you and Jonathan. more than 1,400 Georgetown games including the 1984 national championship, with the only absences coming in 1991 – when he served Jonathan Ogden, Welcome to the D.C. Sports Hall of Fame! during Operation Desert Shield. That meant he was there for both Patrick Ewing the player and the coach, and the indefatigable 74-year-old TEB: I covered Bill McGregor for three seasons early in my career as a Chvotkin remains on the mic. Tarik, thoughts? sportswriter, and every Christmas, without fail, I’d receive a holiday card from DeMatha football, signed by Bill. A small gesture, to be sure, but it’s TEB: HOYAS WIN! HOYAS WIN! HOYAS WIN! HOYAS WIN! HOYAS a story I always bring up when people ask me what it was like to cover WIN! HOYAS WIN! HOYAS WIN! HOYAS WIN! HOYAS WIN! the powerhouse Stags’ teams of the early-to-mid 2000s. Media relations, HOYYYAAAS WIIINNN! however, is not the reason McGregor deserves to be in the Hall. It’s the nearly 300 wins and 17 titles he’s racked up in the always tough Rich Chvotkin, Welcome to the D.C. Sports Hall of Fame! Washington Catholic Athletic Conference, not to mention the countless BS: Here’s someone who didn’t win on the field in 2019, Jayson Werth. players he’s sent to the NCAA and pro ranks. As a lifelong And guess what – the Nationals finishing the fight as World Series Washingtonian, McGregor is the quintessential D.C. high school football champions after the organization moved on from the scruffy outfielder is coach. not a coincidence in my opinion. Yes, I know about the walk-off homer in BS: You had me at the man sent you Christmas cards. That you’ve never Game 4 of the 2012 NLDS, the .318 batting average the following sent me one likely means you won’t get my vote should I ever land on the season, and his role in turning Washington into a contender. I’m also actual selection committee (fingers crossed). aware the injuries piled up and he didn’t ultimately live up to that seven- year, $126 million contract. I covered the team countless times during Bill McGregor, Welcome to the D.C. Sports Hall of Fame! Werth’s era and I always noted the gloomy vibe in the clubhouse even before those painful playoff losses. What was the trademark of the 2019 BS: Tarik, let’s go to the pitch. I never watched the North American champion Nationals? Fun. You know who outlawed fun when on the Soccer League version of Pele play in person, but I remember Johan team? Jayson Werth. Is he worthy of a D.C. Sports HOF nomination? Cruyff on the Washington Diplomats. The thrilling Dutch playmaker Absolutely. Is he getting in? For now and with this group, that’s a no for helped shape my soccer sensibilities in the early 80s and perhaps ruined me, dawg. Whew, I’ve been holding this one in the chamber waiting for all those that followed because he remains the best I’ve ever seen with my turn at-bat. Felt good. my own eyes. TEB: Did that guy owe you money or something? Seems to me, $126 TEB: The late Cruyff was an amazing footballer who was a bonafide star million shoulda bought the Nats at least one All-Star game appearance. for Ajax and F.C. Barcelona. He spent just two seasons with the Dips. Look, I know the Nats, at that point in their trajectory, had to overspend in Imma have to pass. order to secure Werth’s services. And, yes, he brought some intangibles BS: That’s a red card offense. Maybe before next year’s vote, you’ll read to the table. But it’s always going to be difficult for me to reconcile his The Athletic’s feature on Cruyff playing at RFK Stadium with the price tag with his production. Diplomats to avoid such disrespect, though the limited time in town is fair. Jayson Werth, better luck next year. Fortunately for you, we’ve got more names to consider and not everyone can enter this season. Sorry, Johan. BS: Just so the Nats fans don’t throw brushback pitches our way, let’s talk Livan Hernandez. Johan Cruyff, better luck next year. TEB: Like many Washingtonians, on April 14, 2005, I watched the Nats BS: Let’s go off the grid. How about David Falk? Was he the first official host the Diamondbacks in a game that marked the return of major league sports super agent? Not sure, but I do know Falk played a massive role baseball to the Nation’s Capital following a 34-year drought. The guy on in the larger-than-life career of Michael Jordan and repped basically the mound at RFK Stadium? Livan Hernandez. He was strong in leading every Georgetown men’s basketball star ever among countless other the Nats to a 5-3 victory. Just like that, my interest in baseball was NBA legends. Falk made big moves and made enemies along the way, rekindled. I know I wasn’t alone. all out of his Friendship Heights office in Washington. No doubt Tony Kornheiser disapproves, but I’m dancing with Falk here. BS: I know “Livo” finished with a 70-72 record over seven seasons, but the 2005 All-Star’s impact with baseball’s return to Washington was critical during those early years. Besides, the analytics crowd says a pitcher’s wins are meaningless. Or something.

Livan Hernandez, Welcome to the D.C. Sports Hall of Fame!

BS: One cool recent change with the D.C. Hall of Fame involves teams of distinction. Our Britt Ghiroli wrote about the latest two. Unlike the first three entrants, this one didn’t win it all, but the 2006 George Mason men’s basketball team made history as one of the most shocking Final Four participants of all-time. The 11th-seeded Patriots pulled off three consecutive upsets and then stunned the NCAA Tournament’s overall top seed, Connecticut, before a raucous crowd at Capital One Arena. I was in the building to cheer on Jim Larranaga, Jai Lewis and crew that day. Were you?

TEB: Regrettably, I was not. I was on the Caps beat back then so it would have been an off day between games in Raleigh, N.C. (Yes, I looked it up.) I actually don’t have a distinct memory of that specific game, but I do fondly recall Mason’s run. In fact, I had covered Lamar Butler in high school. Anyway, it was a great story and that team is deserving of being immortalized.

2006 George Mason men’s basketball team, welcome to the D.C. Sports Hall of Fame!

BS: Let’s stay with hoops and talk about the Mystics. No, not Elena Delle Donne, Kristi Toliver or Emma Meesseman, though all are now in the HOF as part of the distinct championship team. As individuals, they are not eligible until retirement. We could break the rules with justification for Delle Donne, the reigning WNBA regular-season MVP. Or, we just take a long look at Chamique Holdsclaw as the first Mystic in the Hall. The ‘Stics lack a deep bench when it comes to HOF-worthy folks, but the number one selection in the 1999 draft counts.

TEB: Wait, the Mystics don’t have ANYONE in the Hall? Sure, Holdsclaw will be forever known for her time at Tennessee, where she won three NCAA titles and back-to-back player of the year awards. And yeah, her time in D.C. wasn’t as noteworthy in terms of team success. But her individual accolades can’t be overlooked. She won rookie of the year honors and appeared in five all-star games. She was also the 2002 scoring champion and a two-time rebound champ, earning nods in 2002 and 2003. Isn’t that good enough? It is in my book.

BS: Part of the Holdsclaw conversation is she didn’t live up to the Jordan- esque hype coming out of college. That doesn’t mean she isn’t HOF worthy.

Chamique Holdsclaw, welcome to the D.C. Sports Hall of Fame!

One more to go and it’s a biggie. Representing the hopes and dreams of the Washington Redskins, Mark Rypien. Blessed with a cannon for an arm, Rypien went from a sixth-round selection in 1986 to being named MVP of Super Bowl XXVI. Though history overlooks aspects of that Joe Gibbs 1.0 era, that 1991 Redskins team with Rypien under center is considered among the best ever. Sounds like we have another “yes” vote… except I’m saying no. Oy. Why? Again, all mentioned are worthy, but only 10 get in and we’ve reached capacity. The Redskins have someone in most years including Rypien target Gary Clark in 2020, and Rypien isn’t the only Burgundy and Gold dude waiting in the wings. Tough call. Tarik, feel free to talk me out of this.

TEB: It’s the Washington D.C. Hall of Fame, Ben, not the Washington D.C. Hall of Very Good. In all seriousness, though, this was an incredibly tough call. It’s also a decision we’ve got to punt to next year, when, along with Rypien, we’ll consider Clinton Portis, Dale Hunter, Bobby Dandridge, Helen Maroulis, Reggie Williams and a handful of others who are on our radar but just missed the cut.

BS: Suggestion to those waiting for that Hall of Fame call: Send Christmas cards.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175602 Vancouver Canucks And that’s why we thought we should go at it alone, rather than joining up with Edmonton.”

Rogers Place in Edmonton has a number of advantages for playoff Revised quarantine plan could bolster Canucks in hub-city bid race hockey in the COVID-19 era as it’s close to hotels, provides plenty of space and the weather isn’t as hot and humid in the summer as places like Las Vegas.

Ben Kuzma Alberta has been as proactive as B.C. to stop the spread of COVID-19, especially Edmonton. On Tuesday, health officials reported just 112

active cases of the 623 confirmed in the Alberta capital and 498 have "When I mentioned it (Vancouver as host), she lit up. Of course, she recovered. Ontario has struggled with a high rate of daily infections, but immediately went to: ‘I’ve got to see a plan.’ But her initial excitement is making some progress. Health officials reported 251 new positive said to me that this was worth pursuing. She has been very diligent and cases Wednesday to push the provincial total to 31,341. successful." — Premier John Horgan on B.C. health officer Dr. Bonnie What may also work for Vancouver is selling the league on the Lower Henry. Mainland being the place to be in this summer — not just a place to be. There’s selling the NHL and selling the NHL Players’ Association. As opposed to soaring heat and humidity in Las Vegas or other cities that And then there’s selling provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry. have seen COVID-19 positive-test case spikes during widespread support for the Black Lives Matter marches and protest movements, When B.C. Premier John Horgan announced an amendment Wednesday Vancouver has not gone unnoticed. It has set the health awareness bar to the additional 14-day self-isolation period required when re-entering and hosting standard for international sporting events such as the 2010 the country — a plan that still adheres to strict novel coronavirus Winter Olympics and World Junior Hockey Championship. protocols — he provided a platform for Vancouver to be considered more than one of 10 finalists for the two-city hub concept for post-season play. Meanwhile, thousands of tourists have been crowding 23 casinos during the recent reopening of the Las Vegas economy. And because those The plan would allow teams to travel to B.C. from abroad and adhere to casinos are located in proximity to T-Mobile Arena — home of the the additional isolation period in what has often been called a “cohort Golden Knights — they can pose a COVID-19 transmission threat. Few quarantine.” It’s one that was pitched by Alberta health officials in the patrons are wearing masks and dealers aren’t donning gloves. And Edmonton hub proposal. they’re all walking the famous downtown strip with a risk of virus transmission. In theory, the Canucks could gather at the outset of training camp, remain in a local hotel for the first two weeks of their three-week camp Then again, Nevada can point to being only 38th in the number of and then transition into post-season play. confirmed cases in the country — 8,935 compared to Ohio, which has the 15th most with 38,883 cases — but the state is trending in wrong The Canucks’ proposal has not only been approved by Dr. Henry and the direction. provincial government, it has also captured the imagination of the NHLPA. A provision to include families in the 14-day quarantine “bubble” On Tuesday, Nevada health officials revealed 244 new cases, an above- concept will ease the considerable concerns players have of being average daily increase. It was the largest increase since May 22 and separated from family during two, 12-team conference playdowns and among the largest in Nevada during the pandemic. Some of the increase the 16-team Stanley Cup playoffs. is justified by more testing, but the reality is thousands of tourists are not abiding by COVID-19 physical distancing measures and could be Families would stay in the same hotel as the team and board private spreading or contracting the virus. buses to practices, meals and other events organized by the club. And they would also receive regular COVID-19 testing at the expense of the That has to get the NHL’s attention. team, so in the big picture the proposal checks a lot of boxes. “How many rinks are in Vegas?” asked Horgan. “How do you bring 12 “We’re promoting the family element of what B.C. provides and how that teams to Vegas in August? It’s not really desirable for a family. Here, fits in the quarantine will be up to the teams to figure out,” Horgan told there’s just so much to offer and we have so much access to ice. Postmedia News. “A family coming here could be in a family unit where the team takes up to or three floors of a hotel and there’s no co-mingling “Quite frankly, my biggest concern is that British Columbians get overly with residents. enthusiastic about this. And I made that clear to (NHL commissioner) Gary Bettman. He wasn’t oblivious to how passionate hockey fans are in “It’s the impact on you and me that the quarantine is there for.” B.C. We don’t want fans hanging around the hotel.”

Still, you’d think convincing Dr. Henry would have been difficult. She B.C. has done such a remarkable job of flattening the COVID-19 curve knows health has to come before hockey. that suddenly the lack of a downtown practice facility to keep post- season play and accommodations in a controlled area might not be as “Not at all,” stressed Horgan. “When I mentioned it, she lit up. Of course, big a hurdle as first feared in Vancouver. she immediately went to: ‘I’ve got to see a plan.’ But her initial excitement said to me that this was worth pursuing. She has been very diligent and It’s why working at multiple levels have given the local bid more bite. successful because we’ve been in this together. “Our recent conversations with Dr. Henry and (tourism) Minister Lisa “Among all of us, she does not want to put this (COVID-19 awareness) at Beare and members of the provincial government have been very risk. She has bought into it. And the Canucks didn’t negotiate. It wasn’t collaborative and encouraging,” said Canucks chief operating officer about trying to squeeze a little bit more. It was how can we make this Trent Carroll. “With their input and guidance from the NHL, we’re grateful work? So I think we’ve got a solid proposal and one that the NHL will to receive approval from the premier and Dr. Henry.” have to take a good, hard look at.” If Vancouver becomes a hub city, teams arriving from the United States Las Vegas has long been considered the favourite to host the western could abide by the amended 14-day additional self-isolation period by segment of post-season play while no favourite has emerged from the holding their camps in the Lower Mainland and remaining in a cohort east. Toronto, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Chicago, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Los quarantine in a downtown hotel. That would get them to the playdown Angeles are the other finalists. The league is expected to make a stage and there’s certainly the infrastructure here to satisfy arena and decision on the two hubs in the next two weeks. hotel requirements.

“I haven’t even heard a peep out of Toronto,” said Horgan. “On the Vancouver has at least a dozen five-star hotels in the downtown core that Canadian side, it’s Vancouver and Edmonton. I talked to (Alberta house from 377 to 733 rooms and convincing the NHL that Rogers Premier) Jason Kenney about this and he approached me about a joint Arena, Pacific Coliseum, UBC, Abbotsford and Langley would also meet (quarantine) effort, but I preferred to work with Dr. Henry and our public the criteria shouldn’t be that difficult. health officials, who are behind us 100 per cent. Rogers Arena would host three games a day and three ice sheets at “That will be the difference between success and failure. We wanted to UBC and Burnaby 8-Rinks could serve as practice venues. And those make sure the health component was front and centre in our proposal. other Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley rinks could accommodate teams for training camp here to abide by the additional 14-day quarantine period.

Edmonton has the cavernous Rogers Place. It sports several locker- rooms, a practice facility attached to the building and a new 346-room JW Marriott hotel across the street accessed by an overhead tunnel.

Vancouver can counter with its 517-room JW Marriott a block away from Rogers Arena and proximity to world-class restaurants for reduced service and seaside strolls with family to stay sane.

“We’re as good as we can be,” said Horgan. “Dr. Henry took this on personally and that’s how we got to this place.”

Now, it’s up to the NHL to grade her work.

Vancouver Province: LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175603 Vancouver Canucks

COVID-19: Horgan gives OK to NHL teams coming to Vancouver for group quarantine

PATRICK JOHNSTON

The NHL has been asking for an exemption to the 14-day quarantine rule in place for people arriving in Canada from abroad.

B.C. Premier John Horgan has endorsed a plan supplied by the Vancouver Canucks which would allow for the NHL to make Vancouver one of its two proposed 12-team hub cities.

In his weekly Wednesday press conference, the premier said he and provincial medical officer Dr. Bonnie Henry had signed off on a proposal from the NHL team, which would allow for rival clubs to travel to B.C. and then spend the 14-day quarantine required of people arriving in Canada from abroad together.

Horgan said that teams would be allowed to stay in local hotels, as long as the large group of people, which the NHL has said would be no more than 50 players and team officials per team, remain isolated from the broader population. He also indicated that the government would be alright with players bringing family with them, as long as they also remained within the “bubble.”

People within the bubble would travel on private buses to practice rinks and any other events or facilities that were approved for use by players and families. All people inside the bubble would be subject to regular testing for COVID-19 infection, paid for at the teams’ expense.

“The Canucks have been instrumental in this,” he said of how they’ve collaborated with a slew of officials in coming up with a plan he and Dr. Henry are OK with. “The NHL has to make the call now.”

Horgan said he has written to the Prime Minister informing him of the province’s support for the NHL coming to Vancouver.

Other cities that have been identified by the NHL as candidates for their two-city plan, which likely won’t be made final for another week or so, are Edmonton, Toronto, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, St. Paul, Minn. and Columbus, Ohio.

Vancouver Province: LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175604 Websites Quincey, a fourth-round pick by the Detroit Red Wings in 2003, was with the club’s AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, in 2006. Leaving a bar with teammates one night, they stopped at a cart selling hot dogs. Quincey requested every condiment imaginable on his hot dog from the The Athletic / Life just started for Kyle Quincey’s son – and now he’s college student serving him, and they struck up a conversation about the fighting for it Pink Floyd shirt he was wearing. She happened to have the same shirt. They talked about their love of music and how she would photograph

rock bands for fun on the side. By Ryan S. Clark Jun 10, 2020 Ten years later they eloped in a Detroit courthouse before saying their vows in the British Virgin Islands. Later that summer, they had an 80s- themed wedding in Vail, Colorado. Players from a number of NHL teams, A white blanket shrouds Axl Quincey’s stroller that sits next to his parents including the Avalanche and Red Wings — two organizations Kyle played on the front porch of their Denver house. for in his career — showed up in 80s costumes. Kyle even got hair extensions so he could have a faux mullet with his powder blue tuxedo Rachel Quincey has her hands on the stroller while her husband and for the ceremony. longtime NHL defenseman, Kyle Quincey, stretches his long legs in the chair next to her. Their oldest son, Stone, 2, climbs on his mom and then Soon, they decided to grow their family. It started with Stone. Then came settles down in a comfortable spot. Laying between Kyle and Rachel is Axl. They came up with the name and spelling because Kyle was set to Zeppelin, the lovably large and loyal dark brown Chesapeake Bay play the 2018-19 season in Finland and wanted to give their second-born Retriever who is as easy going as it gets. Eventually, the blanket is child a Scandinavian name. Kyle and Rachel planned to have Axl in removed and 14-month-old Axl emerges, with his rosy cheeks and big Finland but Stone was born premature and that level of stress was smile the most immediate features on display. something Rachel did not want to experience in another country if it came to that point. So they decided it was best for a pregnant Rachel The hope for the Quinceys is to have more days like this. and Stone to return to the U.S., where Kyle watched Axl’s birth over A few days after this the entire family boarded a cross-country flight to FaceTime. Philadelphia, because Axl is having another surgery on an Ependymoma “I was gone for two months and I met Axl when he was three weeks old,” tumor discovered when he was diagnosed with brain cancer in late Kyle said. “It’s awful. It was awful. You’re in Finland. Not talking to March. anybody. You’re by yourself and it was very lonely for sure. Couple that Axl went through his first surgery on April 2, while recently completing his with my mind being back here. It was tough. It was quarantine to the second round of induction chemotherapy. max.”

“So this is the big one,” Rachel explained of the surgery scheduled for Kyle returned to the U.S. after spending the 2018-19 season with HIFK in June 10. “Your first thought is ‘Who’s the best surgeon to remove this the Liiga, which is the highest division of Finnish hockey. The 34-year-old tumor? I will go to the ends of the earth to find the best surgeon.’ A lot of free agent with nearly 600 NHL games of experience was without a the time I was in the hospital when he was napping, it was research, contract for the 2019-20 season, which meant he was back home with research, research. There are some great surgeons here in Colorado but his family in Denver. Colorado is lacking a piece of equipment we feel is critical for Axl.” Axl was the typical happy child. He did his own thing and was enthralled Kyle and Rachel learned there was not an intraoperative MRI machine with everything around him. Plus, he never cried. But in February 2020, anywhere in Colorado. The machine allows surgeons to perform an MRI they noticed a change in his personality. Rachel said it was like he was during the operation to help determine if all of the tumor was removed sick with something. Axl became more irritable and the crying started. He instead of following up the next day. also began vomiting liquid.

The Quinceys began looking for a surgeon with Ependymoma They took him to urgent care. The staff initially thought he had a virus or experience who also had an intraoperative MRI machine, which is what the flu. Axl’s visit came before COVID-19 became a global pandemic. led them to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Axl will continue with The family was advised to keep an eye on him. To give him plenty of radiation treatments after the surgery. Medical experts advised the fluids while also allowing him to rest. Kyle and Rachel tried that Quinceys that proton radiation therapy would be the best route for Axl to approach, but Axl was still irritable and continued vomiting. aid in killing all of the cancer cells. They then saw a pediatrician who thought Axl might have had a stomach Such an option does not exist in Colorado. But it does exist in Boston bug. The pediatrician was examining Axl from head to toe when it was and Philadelphia, which is where the Quinceys expect to remain for discovered that there was fluid in his ear. At the time, it was plausible he about two-months while Axl finishes his treatment protocol. could have an ear infection, so he was placed on antibiotics as a preventative measure. As he goes through this, Axl will have his parents and his brother with him. There is also extended family. And he will have a whole host of Yet Axl was still vomiting. It became so intense that he was vomiting after people within the hockey community he has never met doing what they every bottle. Rachel thought it was a bad reflex to a new formula they just can to assist. tired.

Ashley Kadri reached out to hockey wives she knows in Philadelphia to March 30 arrived and Rachel was aiding a friend whose father died from see if their houses were empty because they were gone for quarantine. coronavirus when Kyle called. He told her Axl had vomited again. The Three families offered their homes. But Brian Elliott and his wife offered difference being he vomited food instead of liquid. That’s when Rachel their home and the Quinceys are staying with them for as long as they took Axl to the Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children. need while in Philadelphia. “When I got there, they wanted to do an x-ray of his stomach. They did “It’s crazy that it takes something like this to see your support system,” and everything was fine,” Rachel said. “But one of the things we started Kyle said. “But the hockey world is such an amazing community with all noticing was he no longer liked sitting up. I thought it was something the great people and the (Colorado Avalanche) have been awesome. stomach-related. I was giving his information to the emergency doctor at Bernie (the Avs’ mascot) came to see the kids. Just people making the hospital and she passed that on to a neurologist that was on call. He dinner and reaching out and it’s all over Canada and all over Denver. said to do a CT scan because there may be some pressure building in Brian Boyle has helped us out by getting us in touch with experts. Cory the head, which could be causing him to not want to sit up. Schneider, who was our goalie in Jersey when I was there, reached out “We did the CT scan and that’s when they discovered the brain mass, and he has opened up his home to us in Boston. which turned out to be Ependymoma in the posterior fossa, and we were “There’s people I have met maybe once or twice in Philly that we’re admitted.” talking to and mutual friends who have played there. Chris Stewart is That was March 30. April 1 was Axl’s first birthday, which he spent inside there, which will be a huge support for us. The hockey world is coming a hospital room. April 2 was the day of his first surgery. together and even people outside. … I’ve done some stuff for people and now it’s coming full circle. It’s pretty amazing to see.” Ependymoma is defined by the Mayo Clinic as a type of tumor that forms in the brain or spinal cord. It starts in the ependymal cells in the brain and spinal cord that line the passageways where cerebrospinal fluid flows. “With Axl’s diagnosis, as awful as it is to hear that your kid has brain The condition can occur at any age but it is usually found in young cancer, you have to be hopeful because there are treatment options,” children. Posterior fossa is the space near the base of the skull she said. “Because some people and some kids aren’t as lucky as Axl to containing the cerebellum and brain stem, according to St. Jude’s have an option. We’re thankful that it was not something terminal. Now, Children’s Research Hospital. this is definitely a difficult tumor to remove. It’s difficult to get every single cell out to prevent it from growing back. We have a long road ahead of Rachel said doctors told her and Kyle that Ependymoma is a fast- us. growing tumor. That makes it even more difficult to pinpoint when it may have first developed. “But it’s about staying positive and staying hopeful that everything is going to be OK.” “With this type of cancer, it’s not genetic,” Rachel explained. “It did not happen in the womb. It probably developed in that nine-or-10-month A few minutes pass before Debbie gets Axl’s stroller up the steps and range and it grew big enough to start giving him the symptoms. … It’s by places him next to Rachel. His mini-snoring is faintly heard between the chance. We’re very thankful for the emergency doctor that day who sounds of a construction crew hammering boards and nails, while wanted to rule out everything and order that CT scan. Had we not had Mariachi music from the site echoes in the distance. that CT scan, we still would have let him try to get over this on his own. I think the next warning sign would have been a seizure.” Rachel proudly shares how her son has been “a warrior.” She references Axl’s feeding tube being a visible trait but that his behavior has been so This is the point in the conversation when Rachel’s voice starts to normal that nobody would know there was something wrong otherwise. become shaky. Kyle sits to the right of his wife with his 6-foot-2 frame Lately, there has been a playful nature to a 14-month old who is crawling stretching from his chair on to a footstool. He has his hands on the back all over the place with the expectation he could walk any day now. of his head staring off in the direction of a construction crew building a house across the street when it is entirely possible he was re-living what It takes a few minutes but Axl does wake up. He is wearing a black those few days were like. Colorado Rockies’ cap with strands of his blonde hair flowing from the side. There is a tube coming out of his left nostril. Rachel remarks how Such a silence is brought to Kyle’s attention. What has it been like to “we did lose our hair” because of the chemo treatments but that “it’s cope with the fact his child is barely a year old and is fighting brain going to come back.” The C-shaped scar carried over from Axl’s first cancer? surgery remains visible on the back of his head but there appears to be some hair growing over the wound. “I would say from the first day, we’ve talked about taking it one day at a time and I don’t see any other way of doing it,” Kyle said. “There is so He comes out of his stroller with his wide-eyed grin and chubby cheeks much stuff going on with the whole pandemic that it put a wrinkle in giving way to the audible sounds indicating the overall joy he feels in that everything. You’re trying to support your son. But we were only allowed moment. one parent in the room in the hospital at a time. It got the point where it was so hard for Rachel to leave, I was here and that was not any easier. Watching her Axl’s characteristics gives Rachel confidence. She strongly Not being able to be there and support them. believes the surgeon will be able to remove all of the tumor. She has that same faith Axl will recover and build up his immune system to recover “You kind of get the news right away and that was really hard. A week to after his chemo treatments. That time away from his dad and Stone was 10 days later, we got all the tests back. … They sit you down and this is hard for Axl when he was in the hospital for his initial surgery in Denver. exactly what he has and this is the plan going forward with the chemo and this is the type of cancer. You then start talking survival rates and But this time? Everyone will be there waiting for him. that’s when it kinda hits you.” This was exactly a week before Axl’s big surgery.

The five-year survival rate for those with Ependymoma is around 82 Kyle and Rachel would then fly across the nation with two small children percent, according to St. Jude’s. The five-year survival rate for children – a task considered a challenge in and of itself by many parents. But how up to 19 is about 72 percent. does a couple manage doing that while remaining aware there is still The next stage for their family was attempting to accomplish something something more difficult awaiting them? every day. It meant going to check-ups. Helping Axl recover from surgery Rachel begins by calmly stating they have a plan. A plan they have or being there with him while he was being administered his chemo followed since discovering what kind of cancer Axl was facing. treatments. Establishing that plan has made their family more confident with the Debbie Quincey, Kyle’s mom, has been living with her son and his family process. for several weeks to help out. A friendly woman with a giant smile, she “With everything that has happened with COVID and with Axl, it has took Axl and Stone for a walk around the neighborhood when Kyle and really taught me how to live in the present,” Rachel said. “It’s not looking Rachel started speaking with a reporter. at this traveling situation and going to Philly and being away from home The sight of Debbie pushing Axl’s stroller with Stone by her side was as a negative, but as a positive. It’s really hard to do but if you spin enough to make everyone pause as they made their way through the everything positively, it allows you to live in the present and really enjoy front gate before entering the front yard. every moment.”

“Everyone reacts with their emotions very differently,” Kyle said. “I just It is at this point when Rachel is getting choked up with tears welling in tuck them away and never talk about myself and never talk about the her eyes before they eventually start rolling down her cheeks. emotions. With this, it creeps up and they come out in different times “Because we don’t know what the future holds for him,” she tearfully when they are not really expected or planning for it. That was different for explains. “But we know he’s happy now and we’re enjoying every minute me. I told Rachel, I don’t think I have cried maybe ever with the emotions that we have with him now and him being like a happy, normal little boy. coming out the way they have. That has been different for me. … I’ve Knowing we have this demon tumor that we’re going to go in and remove never felt these emotions ever. and think the best outcome possible. I think that has been a powerful “Once you come to grips with it, it is your new normal. There is no, ‘Poor healing energy for him.” me, poor him.’ We’re emotional but how are we going to attack Both Kyle and Rachel stress that their life together has played a part in tomorrow?” preparing them for this moment. Packing up their lives and quickly Rachel said something she has learned is that those dealing with assimilating in a new setting is something they have done before as Kyle hardships often use hope and the idea of a promising future to get them has played for five NHL teams. through it. “We are fortunate to be in a position with my lack of work and her style of Seeing Axl is what Rachel says makes her strong. But she knows she work and our financials that we can deal with this,” Kyle said. “The fact I has to be strong for her baby. There is an honesty that begins flowing did not have a 9-to-5, I was with him all the time. I saw the difference in about how she and her husband have managed. She profusely his mood. We caught it maybe before it got to a point where there was no discusses how thankful she was to Kyle for letting her be the one at the return. We are lucky in a lot of aspects in that we can handle this, we hospital given the restrictions. Constantly camping out with Axl during his caught it at a decent time and we have a plan. hospital visit allowed Rachel to find strength from seeing Axl smile. “We’re very fortunate for the doctors in Colorado who have given us this plan. We just now have to execute it.”

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The Athletic / Delayed NHL Draft could prevent some prospects from signing in NHL immediately

By Corey Pronman Jun 10, 2020

As part of the NHL’s Return to Play plan the 2020 NHL Draft is not expected to be held until after the completion of the 2019-20 season, so draft-eligible prospects are not likely to know their NHL destination until September at the earliest and more likely in October – significantly later than usual.

Aside from potentially leaking into the start of the 2020-21 season for other leagues around the world and testing the patience of the fans of lottery teams, one fall out from a later draft date is that certain top European prospects would be unable to sign with the NHL team that drafted them until the conclusion of the 2020-21 season.

The rule is that a player with a valid European contract for the 2020-21 season cannot be signed to an NHL contract after Aug. 15, and NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed to The Athletic that this would remain true for this year. The signing window would re-open whenever the player’s respective international federation released the player, be it at the conclusion of the player’s team’s season or, if they are invited to the IIHF World Championship, at the conclusion of that tournament.

The most prominent example of who this would impact is Tim Stutzle, who plays for Mannheim in the top German league. He is signed through 2022 and is a projected top-three selection in this year’s NHL Draft. NHL scouts do not think he is a lock to play in the NHL next season, but that he would have a strong case and at the least deserves a long look in training camp.

While this provides a minor complication to the team that drafts Stutzle, it is not a lock that he wouldn’t be able to play in the NHL in the 2020-21 season. It is not clear what the NHL schedule will look like, but it seems likely next season will start – and end – months later than the normal schedule, leaving open the possibility Stutzle could join a delayed NHL season in spring 2021 following the conclusion of Mannheim’s season and the world championships.

This issue was a point of contention among the parties in the league who were advocating for a summer draft, but ultimately it was not persuasive enough since it would only affect a couple of teams at the very most. Some scouts think the league may find a way to create exceptions to this situation given the unique circumstances.

However, if leagues in Europe start on time, that would in all likelihood eliminate any kind of exception. Sweden, for example, seems determined to start the SHL in September, which would ensure that top prospects Alexander Holtz and Lucas Raymond could not be signed until the end of their 2020-21 seasons. NHL scouts do not think either player is NHL ready, although given the season Holtz just had, some think he deserved a look at the very least. There are also intangible benefits as well to bringing top Europeans to NHL camps, such as exposing them to the environment and providing interactions/evaluations with the coaches and development staff. Also, this would remove the AHL as an option at least until the European seasons have concluded.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175606 Websites Askarov is not a quiet goalie. He makes himself noticeable in a game with his quickness and aggressiveness. He’s active with his poke checks in net, killing a lot of in-close plays.

The Athletic / Pronman’s scouting report: Why goalie Iaroslav Askarov is He makes the odd save very high in his crease. a top NHL prospect When I asked Askarov about the aggressive qualities in his game and when he decides to make plays like that ,he smiled and jokingly said, “I can’t tell you everything, some things have to stay secret.” By Corey Pronman Jun 10, 2020 He’s an active communicator. When I’ve been in quiet rinks where he’s playing, you hear him yelling to his teammates often and helping them spot attackers. Iaroslav Askarov is projected as the top goaltender in the 2020 NHL Draft and a likely pick in the upper half of the first round. Given how rare it is Some may not like these things in a goalie, but I do. He makes himself a that I rank a goalie this high, let’s dive into why I put him in my top 10. part of the game through his intelligence, he’s not just waiting for pucks to hit him. References to the 20-80 scouting scale are made in this column when discussing his various tools. In this scale, 50 projects as pro average, 55 Production as above-average, 60 as top third, 70 as elite and 80 as among the very best; on the opposite end, 45 is below-average and 40 is fringe pro Trying to find comparables for Askarov isn’t exactly easy. The Russian quality. leagues have changed a lot in the last 10-15 years, with expansion and changing from the Russian Superleague to the KHL. Askarov played all Athleticism season in Russia’s second division pro, lining up versus men all season. He got more starts, 18 of them, as a U18 goalie in the VHL last season, Athleticism Grade: 60 than all other U18 goalies have gotten combined in the league’s history. If a goalie is projected to go in the top half of the first round, it is expected So how about playing European pro in general? Here is the list of goalies they have some dynamic athletic qualities that allow them to get to tough who were picked in the first round, were a U18 and played pro their entire saves consistently. Askarov checks those boxes. draft season like Askarov did: (BLANK) He has powerful legs, allowing him to get across the crease very quickly So finding statistical comparables is a bit of a challenge. Kari Lehtonen and get set for the lateral play. was nearly a full year older in his draft year as a late birth date. Marek His powerful lower body helps him get to tough second chances. Schwarz bounced between junior and pro. Yevgeni Ryabchikov was a 19-year-old. The challenge can be frustrating and create uncertainty on I wouldn’t describe him as the type of goalie who is flailing around the the player’s projection, but it also speaks to the uniqueness of the player ice. He’s not often beat and out of position, but he won’t be perfect and and what he was able to do. it’s good to know on the times he is beat that he has the quickness and reflexes needed to get to a puck far away from him quickly. He wasn’t a top goalie in the VHL. He had a .920 save percentage but that was 42nd among goalies who had at least 15 appearances. The Like a lot of the high-end athletes who are top goalies, he will credit to Askarov is being able to hold his own versus men in a good occasionally make the glove save that will get people talking. league as a June 2002 birth date, as opposed to being able to dominate the level. Hockey Sense Some will remember the terrible world juniors he had, where he had a Hockey Sense Grade: 65 disastrous .877 save percentage, let in a lot of long-distance goals and Askarov’s quickness in net is a big strength, and it ties into how smart he was pulled several times after entering the tournament as Russia’s No. 1. plays, which allows him to be a force. He is in opponents’ faces That ignores a season full of success, though. His KHL start versus constantly, while rarely being out of position. He tracks pucks Sochi, where he stopped 23 of 25. His gold medal game performance exceptionally well and is creative in how he makes stops. versus Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky where he stopped 42 of 44, capping He’s a thoughtful goalie who puts in a lot of work off the ice. off a tournament MVP type effort with a .960 save percentage. His 40- save shutout in the VHL versus Dynamo St. Petersburg. Stopping 29 of “Before every game I try to watch a lot of video on my opponent to know 30 versus Finland’s U20 team. who are the most dangerous players, how they play during a power play to know how they pass, when they shoot and what’s going to be the Going further back there was his 35-of-37 performance as an underage setup,” Askarov said. goalie at the U18 worlds, knocking out a stacked Team USA featuring Jack Hughes and seven top-15 picks. Askarov was the only underage The scenario of this save: Askarov is the first 17-year-old goalie to start goalie other than Lehtonen and Tobias Stephan to be named top goalie for SKA. The team is up one goal with one minute left to play in the third at the U18 worlds. Askarov was the best goalie at the World Junior A period. Challenge and a U19 tournament, and he did so as a 16-year-old.

He has to respect that shot to come in from the slot but stays with the He has a rich young career full of ups, even though there are some quick passing play and sees No. 88 drifting off to the net. Especially downs, such as the world juniors or even the most recent U18 Five given the circumstances, that was a very impressive display of poise of Nations where he has a .908 save percentage. Those two events to end sense. his season may leave some with a bitter taste, but the track record He tracks lateral passes very well and is often square to them. overall is too strong.

He isn’t tricked often by creative passes, and he stays with the play. KHL contract

Askarov is not shy about challenging shooters high up in the crease. Askarov confirmed to The Athletic that his KHL contract with SKA runs through the 2021-22 season. In the same interview in January, he said This sequence shows how quickly he picks up a very tough bounce off he wants to play in the NHL at some point and has had discussions with the boards, knows where it’s going, and knows the right play is to come about 10-15 NHL teams this the season. He chose not to comment on up high and cut off the angles. details of when he would cross the pond.

Askarov is aggressive but very smart in how aggressive he is. He plays SKA is the richest club in the KHL, and teams understand that could high in the crease – not recklessly, but to eliminate second chances and present complications going. Top NHL prospect Kirill Marchenko for eliminate options. example, drafted by Columbus, just signed a two-year extension with SKA, but plenty of top young players have left them for the NHL in recent This next sequence is a perfect example of great tracking and aggressive years. positioning to eliminate a dangerous scoring opportunity. What the hockey world is saying Daniel Bochner, development coach for SKA St. Petersburg: “He has size, he’s extremely athletic, he has great situational awareness and he’s very technically sound. He reads the game very well and reacts very well to second-chance opportunities. He’s very mature for his age and mentally strong.”

NHL scout: “He’s a rare talent in net who can steal games. He’s a long, flexible and fast athlete. He has quick-twitch reflexes in net. He has great anticipatory hockey sense and elite movement skills. He’s the closest thing I’ve seen to Marc-Andre Fleury.”

NHL scout: “He’s a tremendous competitor who combined excellent size, speed, skill, length and flexibility. He’s a proven winner with the mental edge of a true No. 1 goaltender.”

NHL scout: “He’s a stud. He looks close to NHL ready.”

Valeri Bragin, Russia’s U20 coach: “He has great potential to have a future in the sport.”

Projection

Anytime you start talking about a goalie being a top-10 pick, a lot of people’s defenses get up. Hard questions are asked of the player and of your valuation system, as they should be given how nonlinear goalie draft slot has been with NHL performance historically. A top-10 pick is a major asset, you need to get a very good player with that pick.

I wouldn’t be foolish enough to give assurances, but Askarov passes a lot of the tests I’m looking for in a goalie. He’s 6-foot-3, has tremendous quickness, an elite brain, and a great mentality in net where he combines efficiency and aggressiveness that distinguishes him from other very quick netminders.

Yes, he had a terrible world juniors. And even his last tournament versus his age group didn’t go well. But there were U20 international games over the season where he was one of the best players on the ice as a very young 17-year-old. He almost single-handedly delivered a gold medal to Russia’s U18 team at the Hlinka Gretzky and at the U17 world challenge, and he came within inches of doing so as an underage goalie at the U18 world championships.

His ability to play up versus men at 17, he turns 18 on June 16, to hold his own and even earn some time in the KHL, where he looked the part in a one-game appearance, was unique.

The toolkit, the brain and the performance over a long period of time point to a unique goalie prospect. I may be wrong on him. Goalies are very hard to project, and even when they get to the league, even the best goaltenders’ performances fluctuate wildly, making them at times unreliable. But I think there’s something different about Askarov. I think he’s going to be one of the top goaltenders in the NHL.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175607 Websites “(My skating) lets me step up because I know that I can get back if I miss,” Drysdale said.

His skating allows him to be aggressive but still able to get back and The Athletic / Pronman’s scouting report: Why Jamie Drysdale is a top cover his defensive responsibilities. NHL prospect That won’t be the case in the NHL where the play moves much quicker, but his rink-length quickness will certainly allow him to compensate for the odd bad pinch. By Corey Pronman Jun 10, 2020 Puck retrievals are not a flashy part of defending, but they are important, and Drysdale excels in that area because of his feet and the quick plays he can make. Jamie Drysdale is my top-ranked defenseman for the 2020 NHL Draft. Let’s dive into what you can expect if your team drafts him. For an average defender that play could result in a battle in the corner,or a broken up play, but instead Drysdale’s team has a clean possession References to the 20-80 scouting scale are made in this column when and it’s up the ice and on an attack. discussing his various tools. In this scale, 50 projects as pro average, 55 as above-average, 60 as top third, 70 as elite and 80 as among the very He’s a very clever defender. Drysdale is often knocking sticks out of the best; on the opposite end, 45 is below-average and 40 is fringe pro way, angling players well and never seeming out of place or the primary quality. I only grade the shot if it is notably good. cause for a chance against.

Skating Production

Skating Grade: 65 Drysdale played a ton of minutes for Erie in 2019-20. In that big role he produced a lot of offense with nine goals, 47 points and 136 shots in 49 Drysdale is one of the best skaters in the draft and projects to be a top- games. It’s fair to say he didn’t blow you away with his production, but it tier skater in the NHL. His stride generates a ton of power and, combined was still very good relative to his peers at the same age in that league. with his quick-twitch feet, allows him to be an explosive skater. His points per game was 0.96. To put that in perspective, the group of When I asked Drysdale how he creates offense, he primarily credited his U18 OHL defensemen since 2000 between .86 and 1.06 includes Ryan skating. “I’m able to get up in the play, create odd-man rushes while Merkley, Zach Bogosian, Ryan Ellis, Michael Del Zotto, Bobby being confident that I can get back,” Drysdale said. Sanguinetti, Tony DeAngelo, Calvin de Haan, Aaron Ekblad, Alex His overall top speed is very good, but not special. It’s the overall stride Pietrangelo, Ramus Sandin, Cam Dineen and Dougie Hamilton. It’s a and edge work that distinguish him. Drysdale shows incredible ability to mixed group, but clearly that production tracks with a lot of high picks and evade pressure and walk the line because ofto how good his edges are. some very good NHL players.

“My blue line movements are something I work a lot on, be it fakes or His underage season, 40 points in 63 games, while still very good, leaves getting across the line very quick, it helps me open up options,” Drysdale him in a relative peer group with very few NHLers. said. Internationally Drysdale was very good. At the world juniors for Canada His great edge work allows him to create chances and get looks other he played a limited role, but when he was asked to step up, such as in players can’t. He often dances around the offensive zone looking for the semifinals when Canada had injury issues, he played 21 effective passing lanes. minutes. Drysdale is the 18th defenseman to play for Canada’s U20 team as a 17-year-old, and he is fourth in scoring in that peer group behind Hockey Sense Ryan Ellis, Wade Redden and Kevin McCarthy; Drysdale is one of just four players to accomplish that since the year 2000, joining Jay Hockey Sense Grade: 65 Boumeester, Aaron Ekblad and Ellis. His elite skating in combination with his brain allows Drysdale to be a real Drysdale was a top player for Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky. He logged threat offensively. He can lead a rush with speed and pressure teams huge minutes particularly in the medal round where it seemed like he that way, but his ability to skate around, avoid checkers and find was on every second shift. teammates is something that will help him create offense in the NHL. He is one of 17 defensemen to play for Canada’s U18 team as a 16-year- Drysdale isn’t a very flashy offensive player, not something you ideally old where he held his own and was a second power play guy for that want to hear about a 5-foot-11 player. His skill isn’t going to pop. He is a team. He is tied for fifth in scoring in that peer group. He was very good great passer, though, who makes a ton of high-level feeds in both ends at the U17 challenge but I wouldn’t say he was one of the best players. of the ice. What the hockey world is saying In the defensive zone he’s a heads-up passer who makes great exits up the ice. Chris Hartsburg, coach of Erie Otters: “He’s great at making plays, he thinks the game very well. His feet are dynamic. I lose track of how many He makes exits with pace, showing the ability to skate and move pucks times he leads the attack and is the first man back because of his skating at an NHL pace. ability. He is just as good defensively as he is offensively.” While Drysdale’s hands won’t dazzle, his exits and passes can be Dave Brown, GM of Erie Otters: “He’s a defenseman with modern day creative, and he often looks for ways to stretch the ice or get his skills. His hockey IQ is elite. He can exit the zone quickly and efficiently. teammates the puck in unorthodox ways. The amount of controlled exits he generates are unbelievable. His Inside the offensive zone he finds seams and hits players on the skating is as good as I’ve seen in a young prospect. He floats across the backdoor feed. ice with his mobility, agility and edges. His first couple of steps are explosive. He makes it look easy.” His shot isn’t that heavy, but he finds teammate’s sticks often for deflections. Alan Millar, GM of Canada’s U18 team: “He’s a high character kid. He’s a solid all-around player. He can help your power play or penalty kill. He If you’re expecting Quinn Hughes, that isn’t how Drysdale is going to plays against opponents’ best players. He has a competitive edge. He create his offense. He can be a very efficient player with his passes, and has some dynamic elements in his offense as well.” make creative plays by using his brain and skating. NHL scout: “Drysdale is an elite skater with a broad skill set. Outside of Defending the skating, he’s not spectacular at anything, but he is very versatile and Defending Grade: 60 has the IQ to adapt. He has shown the ability to adjust to new situations and rise to the occasion, such as at the world juniors.” While Drysdale’s 5-foot-11, 175-pound frame isn’t ideal for what you would want in a defender, his smarts and particularly his skating give him NHL scout: “With his combination of elite skating and an elite brain, I the ablity to break up a lot of plays. think he has as much potential as anyone in this draft outside (Alexis) Lafreniere and (Quinton) Byfield.” NHL scout: “He’s a tremendous skater with good skill. I think when you are picking a 5-11 defenseman as high as he’ll go, you’d like a little more offense. I’m not sure if he’s going to run your first power play.”

Drysdale on himself: “The main strengths of my game are my skating and my hockey IQ. I think in those two areas I excel. I’m good at escaping forecheckers, creating time and space with my skating, and finding teammates.”

Projection

When you initially see the way Drysdale skates, it’s easy to get excited. He’s played up age groups internationally with success, showing how his brain and skating will allow him to advance, a trait that correlates highly with NHL success.

He’s been a very good, albeit not dominant player at the junior level. It’s fair to look at a 5-foot-11 defenseman without high-end skill or eye- popping numbers and wonder if the offense is going to transition to the top level of the NHL.

Drysdale may not be a top power play guy, but I do think it’s possible on the lower end of the spectrum. Even if he’s not a 40-plus point defenseman, because of how mobile he is, how smart he is and how well he moves pucks from his own end, I could see him become a top-pairing defenseman who plays a ton of minutes.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175608 Websites A year ago, assuming perfectly efficient use of cap space, NHL teams had $2.9 million to spend per vacant roster spot. That’s in line with what we’ve seen every summer since the league added the Golden Knights; the average is just under $3 million per roster spot. The Athletic / What a flat salary cap is going to mean for the NHL’s free agent market This summer it’s $1.9 million, a 36 percent drop from the past three years.

Even that $1.9-million figure is optimistic, because teams don’t spend all By Jonathan Willis Jun 10, 2020 of their cap space. There are signs, however, that the league is getting better at using every available penny. We’re now three seasons into a

31-team league, and 2019-20 looked a little different than the previous Over the 15 years of the NHL’s salary cap era, the league has become two. Just compare how much of their available money teams actually comfortable with the assumption that revenues – and thus money for used: player salaries – would increase every year. For the first time since the Money spent in the NHL offseason 2013 lockout, that isn’t going to happen. 2017 In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, league revenues have declined sharply. The NHL is expected to address the deficiency through a 191 combination of measures, one of which will be maintaining the current upper limit of $81.5-million. $545,806,238

The problem for teams is that compared to last season they’re spending $424,926,179 more money on fewer players. In the 31-team NHL, this coming 78% offseason will mark a low for existing contracts and a high for committed dollars. 2018

Money available, NHL offseason 188

2017 $604,228,254

515 $444,986,263

$1,779,193,762 74%

$2,325,000,000 2019

$545,806,238 166

2018 $547,772,133

525 $491,060,471

$1,860,271,746 90%

$2,464,500,000 2020

$604,228,254 ---

2019 $465,910,580

525 ---

$1,978,727,867 ---

$2,526,500,000 We saw two changes this year, both of which had the object of squeezing every penny possible out of the system. $547,772,133 Notice that teams started with 525 contracts in the summer of both 2018 2020 and 2019. Yet when the next season began, they’d added 188 contracts 462 in 2018 and 166 in 2019. How is that possible, when the number of roster spaces didn’t change? $2,060,589,420 The answer is that some teams began the year with rosters below the $2,526,500,000 league’s 23-man limit. Philadelphia, for example, submitted a 20-man opening night list to the NHL. It’s a move which means different things to $465,910,580 different teams. These aren’t perfect measures. Some players currently on the books will In a lot of cases, there’s some deliberate fudging so that teams can make find their way to buyouts or long-term injured reserve. Not every team will the best use of long-term injured reserve. It can be helpful to start an spend to the cap, either; in 2019-20 teams used 90 percent of their injured player on the opening night roster and then bump him to LTIR the available cap space, as opposed to 74 and 78 percent the two previous next day in favour of others who didn’t make the cut on paper. years. Finally, late May/early June 2019 doesn’t compare precisely with the same stretch of the calendar in 2020. There’s also a little bit of fat in a 23-man list. Teams only dress 20 players on any given night, and since most clubs don’t carry three goalies Yet the broad trend is obvious. Every year at the start of June, NHL it’s possible to have a spare forward and defenceman and still save the teams have committed between $80-120 million more than they had the money on that last roster spot. For clubs like Toronto with a farm team in previous season. the same city or within an easy commute, it’s possible to cut closer to the Current 2020-21 commitments reflect this pattern, with two notable bone. Why carry a spare forward on the roster when his cap hit can be exceptions. First, teams have more roster spaces to fill, suggesting this stashed in the minors but he’s still in town if you need him? would be a tougher year than usual for free agents even with regular cap The other change is efficiency. In the first two seasons of the 31-team growth. That’s the other problem: there isn’t expected to be any cap NHL, the league’s clubs as a whole used roughly 75 percent of the growth. money they started with in the summer, leaving some room for low- The combination is going to lead to hard choices for teams and spending teams and a safety margin. That was gone this season: not disappointing paydays for players. only are cap-floor teams becoming rarer but the margin for error has decreased for upper-limit clubs. This year, 90 percent of cap space across the league was in use on opening night. With no increase to the upper limit this year, we just may see how close the NHL can get to 100 percent.

That assumes that owners bow to pressure from their hockey operations departments. The NHL is in its own weird little bubble but it isn’t impervious to outside forces. The economic damage inflicted by the pandemic will include varying hits to the businesses of NHL owners, and already there have been quiet rumours of franchise instability. It would be surprising if at least some owners weren’t screaming at their managers to reduce costs.

That’s easier said than done, though. Lots of teams are facing hard choices thanks to the combination of real-dollar and salary cap pressures, leaving relatively few teams in a position to trade for money. It hasn’t been all that easy to dump contracts the last couple of summers, and the 2020 offseason will be more difficult still. Teams may find themselves forced to honour commitments they would otherwise have shifted elsewhere.

That inflexibility in the trade market is matched in other areas. There just isn’t much room to squeeze at the bottom end of rosters. Entry-level contracts and the NHL minimum wage mean that teams aren’t able to extract savings from these classes of players.

Buyouts will certainly be part of the answer. A compliance mechanism (i.e. where the cap hit gets completely erased, as after the last two lockouts) would make life a lot easier for some teams with especially poor contracts. If the NHL doesn’t go down that road we’re bound to see an uptick in standard buyouts.

Much of the answer, however, will have to come in the form of discretionary spending. The league might have 36 percent less money to spend than it normally does, but the discount on free agent contracts could range even higher than that.

It’s not possible to squeeze the guys on the bottom of the depth chart. It’s dangerous to be too aggressive with key restricted free agents, though doubtless they’ll feel some of the pinch, perhaps with more teams/players opting for bridge deals over long-term pacts. Trading away money will be difficult and in some cases impossible, while buyouts leave long and ugly blocks of dead money years into the future.

The most squishable class of player is the unrestricted free agent, and this offseason it’s going to be squished.

The 36 percent drop in available money is going to be disproportionately directed at the UFA class. The exact amount remains to be seen, but it wouldn’t surprise me at all if a 50 percent discount relative to previous market rates is the standard.

We’ll see the UFA market hit in other ways, too. For a lot of players, especially those on the younger side of the UFA ledger, one- or even two-year contracts might be a way to get around the current difficulties without giving up the possibility of a big multiyear deal down the line. The closer a player gets to 30, the more risk there is in that kind of approach.

It’s also extremely interesting to wonder how long it takes for players and teams to find equilibrium this offseason. We don’t know what the official offseason is going to look like, but it might be of a surprisingly normal length because the NHL will want to delay the start of 2020-21 in the hopes of being able to sell tickets to its games. If that’s the case, expect a slow opening to free agency as players and agents try to minimize the financial hit they take.

Once the players who can get jobs sign, there’s also the certainty of clawbacks and lower paycheques. A flat cap doesn’t come close to addressing the amount of revenue the league has lost.

NHL paycheques have long been worth less than their face values, with players frequently complaining about escrow numbers in the mid-teens. Over the next couple of years, they’re likely to look back at those times as the good old days.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175609 Websites I am a coach who needs to get a new level of Hockey Canada certification this summer: What should I do?

Through your minor hockey association. Do the research and find out if The Athletic / ‘Will my kids play this fall?’ A minor hockey Q&A with there’s anything happening locally that meets your requirements. And, if Hockey Canada’s Tom Renney not, on a provincial level. Most of that, I believe, can be done virtually, online. So it’s not a real burden. It might even be the way of the future, outside of what we need to be able to do, practically, on the ice with our coaches. By Sean Fitz-Gerald Jun 10, 2020 Our team needs a trainer: Will those courses be available?

Trainer, officiating. Same thing. Tom Renney is the chief executive of Hockey Canada, which announced last week that it was lifting its national ban on sanctioned on-ice activity. Will parents be allowed to watch inside the rink? That does not mean minor hockey is guaranteed to return as usual this fall, but it does provide regional governing bodies clearance to plan a I hate to say it, but the North Star in all of this is the relevant health path back to the arena, based in part on how their local public health authority, whether it’s municipal, provincial, federal or whatever the case authorities feel about the spread of COVID-19. There are still plenty of may be. That has to be the guiding light. If they are saying ‘X’ number of questions for hockey families, and Renney took the time to answer a few people in this space, then that’s what it is. I’d like to think, with social of them from The Athletic. distancing in mind, that there’s an opportunity for family to watch little people play. Will my child get to play hockey this season? Between the pandemic and the related economic downturn, how much of Yes, I believe so. I’m not sure if you can call it playing hockey, in the a drop is Hockey Canada expecting in registration this season? truest sense of the word, but I think your child will get on the ice. I think they’ll be able to have fun. I think that they’ll develop their skill and We’ve planned for about a 25-to-30 percent drop in registration. We hope acquire even more of a love for the game. I don’t know what it will look we’re wrong. We hope that, all things being equal, and everyone’s health like. I don’t know that we’ll play bona fide games. That remains to be is where it needs to be — with as little threat as humanly possible — that seen. But I’m very optimistic that your child will get on the ice this year. the numbers actually increase. Because people realize the value of activity. And I’m not just talking about hockey. This is kids just needing to If the focus is on practice, are we looking at potentially segmented be outside. Or get inside and get playing. Get busy and get active. practices, where some kids from the team are on the ice at one time, or where they’re kept in different parts of the ice? What kind of support might be available to families facing hard financial times? It really and truly depends as much on the relevant health authority, moreso than us at the end of the day. We can provide guidelines and We do have programs like the “Learn to Play” program in the Toronto give information on what alternative hockey can look like, and how to area. We’ve got the Bauer “First Shift.” We’ve got “Dreams Come True,” segment the ice to a ratio that’s suitable and conducive to what the public which is available to families through the Hockey Canada Foundation. health authority tells us. At the end of the day, it will be determined by the And then, locally, there are a lot of groups in a lot of communities that do public health authority — in terms of proximity, number of people, and equipment swaps, and lots of programs that help the local population get what the ratio looks like, from a coach to players. involved in sport.

Will I have to dress my child in their equipment at home? Without registration fees and other income, would some minor hockey associations across Canada be in financial peril right now? Is that a There’s a chance of that. And it’s not such a bad idea. I know, even concern? coaching NHL teams, when we went from our home rink to a venue that was maybe six or eight miles away, we would dress and drive. So if For sure it’s a concern. Everything’s a concern. The minor hockey player NHLers can do it, my guess is a five-, and nine-year-old can. I’m not — the little girl or boy who’s going to start for the first time — who just telling you that’s going to be protocol, but it’s not the wrong thing to do. can’t quite pull it off. Up to junior hockey. There’s a huge risk here. Who’s to say where this could end up? It’s also very speculative. A hypothetical. My child misses and loves the game, but they also have asthma: What So it’s a tough one to answer. should I do? Can anything be normal until there is a vaccine? Really, really good question. That’s an inquiry that a family should make with the public health authorities. They need to understand what the I think so. I think there will be some twists to it. I’m obviously very hopeful protocols are for risk, health and safety of the athletes going to, entering that we’ll be able to play the game again. I do think there’s a likelihood of and participating in the venue … I would talk to a doctor. that. But I can certainly understand why the health authority would say, “here’s your restrictions, here’s the guidelines and here’s the protocols” Hockey Canada has asked to outlaw spitting: Is that even possible in because we don’t have a vaccine. I’m probably more hopeful than I am hockey? educated on it, quite honestly, as I think most of the population would be.

(Renney laughs) I could tell you that one of the adult rec organizations in You have spoken about how Hockey Canada has used this period for a Canada has banned spitting. Even if you just take a swish of water — bit of introspection: How much time has been spent exploring ways to swish it around in your mouth and spit it out — no, you can’t do that. make the game more inclusive?

This was mentioned during a conference call in Ontario recently: What A lot. We’ve spoken about that a great deal, as a matter of fact. I’m not happens if the fears are correct and a second wave of COVID-19 hits in sure that we’ve had the opportunity to activate on it the way we would the fall? like. But what this time off has done is given us a chance to reflect on that. Inclusivity. Gender expression, gender identity. Making sure that no We back up to Ground Zero. That’s not Hockey Canada’s jurisdiction, or one is discriminated against, that we are absolutely open arms for the member branch, or the minor hockey association. What they have to anyone to participate. And not just that, but to be friendly about it and to do is respond appropriately to whatever the relevant health authority tells reach out to those folks. To actually learn and listen and understand best us. And we’ve got to be nimble enough to do that quickly. how to improve the opportunity for any demographic … There’s no A local hockey school has sent out an email advertising small-group skills question that the last couple of weeks has broadened our awareness to sessions (four kids and a coach on the ice): Have those been sanctioned an even higher peak, if you will. To recognize inclusivity, and that there’s by Hockey Canada? no place — absolutely no place — for discrimination or bullying or harassment or anything like that in our game. Period. That’s a provincial jurisdiction, too … As of June 1, it was up to the member branch to make the decision on what was happening within their Could you walk me through the changes Hockey Canada is planning for jurisdiction. Right across the country, from B.C. to Newfoundland and its board? Labrador, it’s under their jurisdiction. Non-sanctioned hockey would be We’ve had women on our board in the past, but not nearly enough. And at-risk if they were under-insured, for example. since I’ve been here, outside of Year One — so, five years — we’ve had only men on our board. And the board passed — because the membership endorsed and ratified — that we would have a minimum of two males and two females on our board. It’s about time. Let’s hope that when our November elections roll out that we’re very symbolic of that good intention.

TSN has reported extensively on this in Toronto: Does Hockey Canada maintain data on penalties called for discriminatory slurs in games?

A really good question. I can’t tell you that they maintain data that specifically across the country. What we are, probably, is inconsistent with that. A match penalty or a gross (misconduct) penalty is written up as that. And I don’t believe in all cases that it’s written up as racist, for example. It was really good to kind of understand that and learn that, honestly, from our point of view, so that we can actually develop policy and make sure that happens moving forward. Out of some bad can come some good. In no way, shape or form have we perfected this issue at all. And we’re not going to pretend to. But we’re not going to sit back and suggest that we let everything come to us. We need to step up and answer the bell ourselves. And certainly this is an example of that.

Is there a possibility Hockey Canada would contact or seek to partner with an organization such as the Hockey Diversity Alliance?

You bet, yeah. When you look at the players who are involved and the players who play in the National Hockey League — from all countries, honestly — most of them have made their way through a certain system and a high-performance program not unlike what we have in Canada. So a lot of these players have been through what we offer up, anyway, for opportunity. Circling back to those very same players, who kind of cut their teeth on your ideals as an organization in the first place: Why wouldn’t we tap into that? Why wouldn’t we identify with the people who have formed this group to help us? … I think we’ve got to make sure that we can move over enough that we hear from those who are suffering through this as much as anybody right now, and include that voice, as well.

The Athletic LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175610 Websites “He really managed his first year as a professional as well as I’ve seen a rookie handle it,” Agostino says. “I think the sky’s the limit for him as a goaltender.”

Sportsnet.ca / Why Maple Leafs believe 'the sky’s the limit' for goaltender High praise considering, by Woll’s own assessment, his performance Joseph Woll was up and down.

So, why is Agostino so bullish on the kid?

Luke Fox “‘Roller coaster season’ is probably fair for a rookie, especially a rookie goaltender on a team that was very volatile in terms of consistency with our play,” Agostino says.

If a professional hockey player can find light shining into a pandemic “But the longer you play, you sort of have a gauge of raw abilities and cave, it’s family time in spring. talent, and I think he’s such a talented goaltender. One of my favourite things was the shootouts and breakaways against him in practice, “It’s the first time I’ve been home in St. Louis in March since I was 15 or because I could never figure him out,” Agostino enthuses. so,” Toronto Maple Leafs goaltending prospect Joseph Woll says over the phone. “We have a pretty good yard, so we’ve been playing a lot of “You could just see his raw talent, and he’s only gonna get better. I think family games in our backyard. We’re pretty big into Wiffleball and he’s a goalie you could see a huge jump between first and second year volleyball and stuff in our backyard, so it’s been fun like being able to in terms of consistency. Again, I think just his mentality: he’s a very stay competitive a little bit.” mature kid, a very smart kid, and that goes a long way, especially in your first and second year pro.” Deboarding the roller coaster that was a rickety Toronto Marlies campaign and a challenging first year as a pro has granted Woll precious For Woll, the trick now is wrapping his head around when his second time to unwind, to read, to golf, to tinker on the family piano (he’s self- year will even begin. The world isn’t safe for full arenas, and the taught) and bump beats from his favourite DJ/producers, Kygo and Avicii. American League can’t survive off broadcast dollars alone.

The 21-year-old Boston College alum had been warned of the grueling “Yeah, it’s a difficult thing,” Woll says. “A lot of unknown. I think you just 76-game pro grind. His body was ready for the game to race at him have to approach it with the mindset of just getting better. faster, for the attackers to make smarter decisions with the puck, and all those in-game refinements when you move up a level. “More time off is just more time to prepare. So I can really take a step back and look at things I need to focus on. “The biggest change for me was just mentally, how quick turnarounds are,” Woll explains. In the NCAA, he’d play Friday and Saturday, then “I trust the league and everything to make the best decision on how their have the week to study and practice. Pro life jerked Woll out of his players will advance and continue to develop. So, I’m just going to do my routine. job and make sure that I’m prepared.”

“That was eye-opening to me in the beginning, just the randomness of Zach Hyman says he's skating with Morgan Rielly, Alex Kerfoot, Travis the schedule and obviously you’re playing a lot more games, so it’s a Dermott and William Nylander in Phase 2. Goalies Joseph Woll and Ian little bit different mindset. Scott will join them.

“Just how quickly things can change and dealing with adversity,” Woll — luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) June 9, 2020 elaborates. “That’s the first time in my career I’ve dealt with something in The prospect was asked by Kyle Dubas to travel back up north and serve that regard, I would say. So just a lot of learning how to bounce back as a black ace for the Maple Leafs’ return-to-play efforts this summer, as from bad games and then also not let your good games affect you too the NHL is permitting teams to carry an unlimited number of goalies on much, to where you stay even-keeled.” expanded rosters. Like the Marlies in front of him, Woll wrestled with consistency over the Post-quarantine, Woll will be there, standing in for William Nylander’s winter, going 11-16-3 with an .880 save percentage. He leaned on target practice, soaking up pucks and experience, as he was in 2019 tandem mates Kasimir Kaskisuo and, especially, Michael Hutchinson for during the Bruins series. The learning opportunity is too great to pass up mentorship. He worked closely with Marlies goalie guru Jon Elkin on for a talent the organization believes in. technique, a training that has persevered regularly through quarantine. “It’s something I’d love to have the opportunity to do, so I’ve just been “Me and my little brother have been working out in our basement for the working out and preparing like I would,” Woll says. past however long. We found a lot of stuff around the house that can be used as exercise equipment, so it’s been kind of fun,” Woll says. “Just the experience is the biggest thing, being around a winning culture and a playoff culture and seeing how the guys go about their daily Mimicking their parent club, the 2019-20 Marlies underwent a sea of routines in one of the biggest high-pressure situations in sports. It was an roster turnover and a jarring coaching change. Injuries to the Leafs’ unbelievable experience last year, and hopefully this year, just being blueline meant recalls of AHL studs Rasmus Sandin, Timothy Liljegren around some of the best players in the world and seeing how an and Martin Marincin, which is turn made it harder on the guys in pads. organization as amazing as Toronto approaches something I’ve always “As the season unfolded, I think it’s fair to say that our goaltending was dreamed about participating in.” up and down,” Marlies GM Laurence Gilman says. “We think we have a Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 06.11.2020 very good young, up-and-coming goaltender in Joe Woll.”

During Woll’s exit interview, Gilman reminded the 2016 third-round pick that goalies need longer to develop than position players, but once they break through, they often sick around longer.

Seventy-eight per cent of the 87 goalies who played an NHL game this season are 25 or older. Carter Hart and Ilya Samsonov are exceptions, not the norm.

“By and large, I think we’re happy with what we have in the pipeline, but like any franchise, you can never have enough goaltending,” Gilman says. “Like pitching in baseball.”

Marlies leading scorer Kenny Agostino roomed with Woll on the road, and the two bonded over dinners. Woll arrived to the organization unassuming, appreciative, and respectful. Yet a confidence lives in the quiet.

Agostino loves Woll’s sense of humour and is impressed by his smarts. 1175611 Websites thought about a song. Cooper came to mind. I don’t know him well, although I’d met him at a Halloween party. He seemed awesome, and Colby talked about him very highly.

Sportsnet.ca / Emily Cave, Cooper Marody pay tribute to Colby Cave “When I heard about that story in Colorado, that really meant a lot to me. with song in his honour Colby didn’t go to church growing up. I did, and to hear that he did was pretty special. I thought (Cooper) would understand what I was looking for in a song.”

Elliotte Friedman | June 10, 2020, 2:18 PM “Emily texted, ‘Cooper, no pressure on you, but could you write a song, including certain things they did together, in their relationship?’” Marody

said. “When she heard it, she said, ‘I can picture Colby saying every one It was five years ago — the summer of 2015 — when Cooper Marody’s of those words.’ I was so happy to hear that from her.” father, Patrick, came home with a guitar. “When I heard it for the first time,” Emily adds, “I felt Colby was saying, “He was playing simple chords,” Marody said by phone Wednesday. “The ‘Emily, stay there and do great things with the foundation. Be strong and next day, I went to a small shop in Sheboygan, Wisc., and picked up a he will see me soon. cheap guitar of my own. It went from there.” “(Cooper) did an incredible job. Full-grown men have just been crying He laughs. listening to it. I’m so grateful. I have old texts (of Colby’s), voicemail, but the song is really special.” “When I was younger, my mom (Lisa) would say I have such a great voice, I should sing. I’d be like, ‘Whatever, maybe.’ I didn’t have the One of the themes is Colby and Emily squeezing each others’ hands courage to pursue it. Now, it’s a big part of my life.” three times. It was a way to wordlessly communicate their love.

Marody, a 23-year-old centre finishing his second pro season, played six “That started years ago,” Emily explains. “In the car, in the grocery store, games for the Edmonton Oilers in 2018-19. He’s developed into a we did that multiple times a day. When we’d fall asleep, we’d hold each talented musician, adding piano to his repertoire of guitar and vocals. others’ hands and squeeze three times.”

While playing at the University of Michigan, a mutual friend introduced When Colby went to the hospital in April, COVID-19 rules prevented him to producers/writers Gavin and Gary Garris. It’s one of those funny Emily from being with him. coincidences where two families grew up 10 minutes apart but had no “That was the hardest thing to go through. After his surgery, I was knowledge of the other. Marody meets with the Garrises, now based in allowed to stand behind glass, and talk through a walkie-talkie. But for Nashville, every summer. two of those days, the critical care nurse would FaceTime me from an Last year, their partnership produced Marody’s first two singles: Behind iPad in his room so he could hear my voice. I would ask the nurse to Me and I Don’t Deserve Her Yet. They are available on Apple Music, squeeze his hand while talking to him. I didn’t want him to feel alone, so if Spotify, YouTube — wherever you get your tunes. (Spoiler alert: He’s I wasn’t there physically, I was doing everything in my power to make him good.) feel I was there.

“When I was in college, NCAA rules said you can’t release music or “When he was passing away, the critical care nurse told me she make money from it, so I used the time to practice, get better. I’m squeezed his hands three times.” thankful, because my first stuff was not as good. But it’s also made me a Emily will share two Instagram posts on Friday, when Agape drops. She better hockey player. When you mess up a little bit, it can really get to hopes that Marody will sing the song at Colby’s funeral, which will be you. You think, ‘I suck,’ watch your bad plays over and over, drive held at some point in the future. Asked if there’s any other message she yourself crazy and the next day you are squeezing the stick too tight. You wishes to share, Emily reflects on a recent trip to a jewelry store. go down this hole, it’s tough for some people to get out of it, they lose their worth. “There was a guy in there buying an engagement ring, he was so giddy. It made me think of Colby. Don’t take for granted your relationships or “I still watch hockey just as much as the next guy, but playing music your marriage. Appreciate the little things.” brings me peace. I can escape for a little while.” Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 06.11.2020 Marody’s first full season was very promising. In addition to his NHL debut, he finished second in scoring at AHL Bakersfield with 64 points in 58 games. After 17 points in 30 games this year, he suffered an injury that knocked him out for the season.

It was frustrating. One morning, during a road trip in Colorado, he had a long talk with teammate Colby Cave.

“Colby always had the biggest smile on his face,” Marody said. “He was upbeat and positive. He saw me down and out, he’d say, ‘Hang in there, you’ve got this, you’ll be back better than ever. We are both spiritual guys. That morning, before the rest of the guys got there for the skate, Colby played a Christian song. We bonded. We had a deep conversation about life.”

Cave, 25, died of a brain bleed on April 11. His wife, Emily, knew about that conversation.

At 12 a.m. this Friday, June 12, Marody will release the song Agape (pronounced A-gah-pay) at Emily’s request and in Colby’s honour. All proceeds go to the Colby Cave Memorial Fund.

“Twelve was Colby’s number, so I’m happy that’s the day,” Marody says.

Both Emily Cave and Cooper Marody explained the meaning of “Agape,” but it’s better if we include an image Marody sent.

Colby and Emily Cave said that word to each other daily. Agape was the final thing said in Colby’s wedding vows. Those vows are contained (in Colby’s voice) in the lyrics.

“I really wanted to share our story, because I believed it was special,” Emily Cave said Wednesday. “We were always listening to music, and I 1175612 Websites after 27 years of not winning the trophy that has been in their possession a record 24 times, Molson wouldn’t have had to have spent any time justifying them on Wednesday.

Sportsnet.ca / Geoff Molson remains confident in Marc Bergevin's plan Furthermore, if the team hadn’t proven itself to be structurally flawed in for Canadiens trending towards an 82-point season after earning 96 points the year prior, he’d not appear myopic in betting on himself as president, securing Bergevin and the entire coaching staff and refusing to take a different direction to advance the Canadiens in their reset. Eric Engels | June 10, 2020, 9:18 PM Molson’s faith in himself and in his people — and in the plan they’ve sold

to him — is unwavering. And it’s clear he felt it was essential to confirm MONTREAL — It spoke volumes to me that Geoff Molson dedicated half that. his opening remarks on Wednesday to dismissing a rumour started by a "If we look at the history of Marc’s time as GM, in the first few years, with semi-retired reporter who is largely disconnected to the current Montreal the core of players we had, we had a lot of success but we didn’t win," he Canadiens. said. "But we had a lot of success. It was decided two years ago that with This was Molson’s first media availability in months — outside of an the core of players we had, we weren’t going to win and we had to make exclusive April interview with RDS which featured answers to pre- changes. We readjusted. It’s not an excuse, but we readjusted. And submitted questions that barely scratched the surface of how his we’re trying to realize the plan of those readjustments. And I have a lot of organization has handled the fallout of a global pandemic that’s confidence in that plan, and that’s the only way I can explain it." devastated revenues and forced a restructuring of several operations. Lead Off with Ziggy and Scotty Mac Molson, as the owner and CEO of Groupe CH and the Canadiens, Vincent Damphousse on the anniversary of the last Canadian team to lift temporarily laid off upwards of 60 per cent of the company’s employees the Stanley Cup in March, and is just a week removed from having permanently dismissed several others (including the Canadiens’ VP of June 09 2020 communications Dominick Saillant, who was less than two years away from his 25th anniversary with the club when he received the news his Not that Molson is satisfied with the results of late. services were no longer required). He said that he expected the team would take a step forward this year, It was a given that, over his 90-minute conference call, Molson would be but felt that progress was arrested by two eight-game losing streaks and asked to address those realities and decisions; to share his thoughts on injuries that exposed certain depth issues Bergevin and his associates the Black Lives Matter protests and his organization’s role in being a were attempting to fix. And he added that, "At the end of the day, if we’re community leader on this and on other important issues; to elaborate on not making the playoffs and not challenging for the Stanley Cup, it’s not a his team’s season and its current standing, the agreed upon return-to- successful season." play scenario the NHL and NHLPA are hoping comes to fruition later this Meanwhile, Molson is confident that the NHL will be able to resume play summer, and on the various technical issues standing in the way of in August, and he’s excited for his team’s opportunity to be included in a bringing all Canadiens players and personnel back together under one 24-team tournament for the Cup. Even if it didn’t earn that opportunity. roof. "It sure would be fun (to win)," Molson said. "Even though they would win But that Molson first saw it as essential to respond to Journal de Quebec the Stanley Cup without any fans there, I’m sure we’d have millions and reporter Rejean Tremblay’s (unqualified) speculation that former millions of Montreal Canadiens fans around the world watching. I never Canadiens captain Vincent Damphousse would be appointed president give up hope. of hockey operations within a year was particularly interesting. It was interesting because, after months of digesting what was guaranteed to be "Do I think that this is the team that’s built to win the Stanley Cup? I don’t another lost season (a third in a row and a fourth in five years), he was think so. But I do think that anything can happen in the playoffs and most concerned with justifying not making any significant change to the we’ve seen that before, and we’ve got a group of players that can make a structure of the Canadiens’ hierarchy. difference. They’re three months rested, but so are the other teams. Anything can happen. But, for me, I look to the future and I see a core of Writers Bloc veterans and young players that are going to bring us to that point where Geoff Molson still has confidence in GM Marc Bergevin we think we can win it."

June 10 2020 When that will be remains the unanswered question.

That meant affirming his place at the top of the chain and expressing his Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 06.11.2020 loyalty to general manager Marc Bergevin, whom he referred to as one of the most respected and experienced GMs in the game.

"I’m still young and healthy, and I’m knocking on wood when I say that," Molson started. "I adore what I do and I’m very proud to be the CEO of this incredible company of sports and entertainment."

"I have a leadership team that is dedicated, motivated and very competent," he continued.

"And even if we accomplished a lot of things in the 11 years since my arrival, I have a tonne of ambition to do more in the long-term as CEO of the company. The biggest dream for me and the most important one is to bring a 25th Stanley Cup to Montreal one day."

"I have no intentions of hiring another president of hockey operations," Molson concluded. "There are very few teams that do it around the NHL and there are many reasons for that."

When asked specifically if he thought the mere suggestion of appointing a president of hockey operations was a direct indictment of his work in the role, Molson said he didn’t feel he had to prove himself to anyone and that his merits as an executive were evident enough to his peers to have them elect him to the league’s board of governors.

But if those merits were as obvious to the millions of Canadiens fans who are desperate to see their team back in contention for the Stanley Cup 1175613 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / Erik Gudbranson: Fear kept me from speaking up. It won't anymore.

by Donnovan Bennett

As a Canadian who’s lived in the United States for seven years, I have come to love America as a second home. However, this current situation is not something to be proud of, by any stretch of the imagination.

George Floyd, 46, bought a pack of cigarettes at his local corner store and allegedly paid for it with a counterfeit $20 bill. He was handcuffed and placed in a cop car. He was then forcibly removed from the car and pinned to the ground by a police officer who kept a knee on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes. In my eyes, and the eyes of much of the world, Floyd was killed over 20 bucks.

Ahmaud Arbery, 26, was going for a jog on a nice day, when he ran past Gregory and Travis McMichael. Allegedly believing Arbery to be responsible for recent break-ins in the area, the McMichaels decided to take the law into their own hands. They ultimately shot him to death.

Trayvon Martin, 17, was visiting his father’s fiancée when a sweet tooth led him to the local store for a snack. On his way back, he was intercepted by George Zimmerman, who claimed to believe Martin was responsible for local robberies. Zimmerman shot and killed Martin, and was acquitted of the crime. Martin had a pack of Skittles in his pocket.

In 2015 at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, nine African Americans were killed at the hands of a 21-year-old white supremacist who attacked during a bible study.

Breonna Taylor, Botham Jean, Atatiana Jefferson, Jonathan Ferrell, Renisha McBride, Jordan Davis, Stephon Clark, Jordan Edwards, Aiyana Jones — the list goes on and on. These are just a few examples of the most recent tragic incidents involving Black people in America, and it doesn’t even touch on the injustice and inequality that Black people face on a daily basis.

Living in the U.S. for most of my adult life, it’s been easy for me to miss Canadian tragedies like the deaths of Andrew Loku and Jermaine Carby or the debate around the police practice of carding. And with the two countries so deeply intertwined and American news so prominent, maybe it’s been easy for some Canadians in Canada to miss things, too. Our country has been built in many ways through immigration and we pride ourselves on our multiculturalism. But do not be fooled — racism is still very present.

Many reading this might better remember the national headlines made when a banana was thrown at Wayne Simmonds during a 2012 Flyers- Red Wings exhibition game in London, Ontario. To most it was a blatant display of racism, but a lawyer for the man who did it said his client was “oblivious to the racial connotations.” (A whole other aspect of the systemic problem in our country.)

Which brings me to hockey, the sport I love. It isn’t immune either. Not at any level.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175614 Websites drastically easier situation than other goaltenders, and if that’s boosted his numbers.

It’s pretty rare to see a goaltender struggle to establish themselves in the Sportsnet.ca / NHL goalie Truth or Fiction: Should teams still fear Carey league throughout their 20s and then become brilliant at the end of their Price? 20s and into their 30s, but the idea that Kuemper is simply a product of a stingy Arizona defence appears to be fiction.

Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman talk to a lot of people around the hockey Andrew Berkshire | June 10, 2020, 3:58 PM world, and then they tell listeners all about what they’ve heard and what they think about it.

Is Carey Price still feared around the league? One of the most common frustrations you hear in the hockey analytics community is that “goalies are voodoo.” That frustration comes from the When the NHLPA released its player poll and cited Price as the NHL’s general lack of predictive power we have over future goaltender best goaltender with a whopping 41.55 per cent of the vote, some performance compared to the relatively robust analysis that can be done eyebrows were raised. Price had a very underrated, elite level 2018-19 on skaters. season by numerous metrics that aren’t publicly available, but was seen as being just okay based on public stats. He was the top voted The issues with predicting the position have been put on the goalies goaltender by the NHLPA last season as well, but only took home 29.9 themselves more often than not, but the truth is that the data available to per cent of the vote. judge goalies with is far more limited than what we have for skaters. It’s a little strange to see Price’s vote share grow despite both public and For skaters we can look at shot differentials, zone entries and exits, loose private metrics show he had a down season, but memories are long and puck recoveries, possession changes, possession time, and so much reputations stick with players. more. For goalies we are mostly limited to shots. Save percentage is based on shots, expected save percentage is mostly based on shots, I’ve touched on Price’s trends recently, as well as how much blame he with more detail. should get for the Canadiens’ underwhelming season, but players actually shooting on the goalies should get some benefit of the doubt, Of course, we can break down how often a goaltender makes passes right? Shouldn’t they know who is the toughest to score on? Is there and look at completion rates, zone exits, turnover rates, and more, but something we’re missing that puts Price back in contention among the most of what people care about with goaltenders is save performance, best? which means the job of goaltenders is seen more simply. That should make it easier, but so far it seems to make analysis far less reliable. When this question was asked last season, Paul Campbell wrote for InGoal Magazine about the deeper numbers that supported Price as Limited as they may be, goaltending metrics are expanding their scope among the league’s best, but Price’s numbers were much better a year and veracity all the time, so let’s play some fact or fiction on a few goalie ago. questions pertaining to the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs. As I mentioned in the Analytics Mailbag after the season was put on hold, Is Darcy Kuemper really this good, or a product of his team? the Canadiens are a far better defensive squad this season compared to After six seasons of being about a league average or slightly better last, so what are we missing? Let’s look at the same difficulty metrics for backup goaltender, Darcy Kuemper has given the Arizona Coyotes two Price that we looked at for Kuemper. seasons of absolute brilliance playing starter minutes while healthy. In Like Kuemper, Price is facing slightly higher difficulty on his shots than an over 84 games and facing 2,580 shots, Kuemper has stopped a baffling average goaltender, but unlike Kuemper it isn’t really one area that’s 92.6 per cent of the rubber he’s faced, keeping a relatively mediocre sticking out — it’s a bunch of them. Price faces eight per cent more shots team in the playoff hunt two years running. from the inner slot, four per cent more from the high slot, 11 per cent Kuemper has posted those gaudy numbers in two seasons where the more screened shots, 14 per cent more rush chances, 10 per cent more average save percentage has dropped to a hair above .910, and over cycle chances, 14 per cent more forecheck chances and 10 per cent that time only Ben Bishop in the Dallas Stars’ smothering defensive more slot passes than an average goalie. There’s nothing too egregious system has posted a superior raw save percentage — 92.7 per cent. on its own, but overall it’s very chaotic in the Habs’ end.

Kuemper spent his career before Arizona split between the Minnesota Price does face fewer rebound shots than the average goaltender, but Wild and Los Angeles Kings, two teams that are notoriously strong this is probably more to do with him still having the best rebound control defensively, so it would appear that it shouldn’t just be Arizona’s system in the league, even while struggling. propping him up, but what does the data say? Overall, while Kuemper faced a 5.2 per cent higher difficulty than an At 5-vs-5 Kuemper places 15th in inner slot save percentage and 10th in average goalie this season, Price’s was 6.5 per cent more, so it wasn’t slot save percentage this season, but we already know he’s strong in that big of a gap between the two. save percentage, so what kinds of shots is he facing? The numbers for this season don’t support Price being the big difference Let’s look at Kuemper’s per-game difficulty of shots faced compared to maker that players believe he is, but he was that as recently as last the league average goaltender this season. season. It may be fiction on paper, but in a five-game series I understand why teams are on edge. It’s important to note here that in reality, these metrics are not additive in this way. All cycle chances, rush chances, and forecheck chances as Should Juuse Saros start the playoffs for Nashville? recorded take place within the slot, so they’re all either high slot or inner With Pekka Rinne posting a .895 save percentage this season to Saros’ slot shots. Many one-timers are in the slot as well, as are rebound .914, it seems like an easy pick to say the goaltender with the superior chances. What putting this all together in a stacked bar chart numbers in a couple hundred more minutes played should take the accomplishes is to put together all these factors that make shots a starter’s net when the games come back. goaltender faces more difficult, and see how many of those factors a goaltender is encountering in one average game. But it’s never that easy.

Though many assume the Coyotes are a good defensive team, when you Earlier this season I broke down Rinne’s numbers to see how bad his add everything up together, Kuemper has actually faced slightly tougher decline was, and as it turned out there was just one specific struggle that shots than an average goaltender. The biggest areas where he has had was keeping him down: extremely poor play on slot shots while to step up are in facing shots off the rush, where the Coyotes give up shorthanded. 22.1 per cent more than an average team, and in accounting for slot passes, where the Coyotes give up 14.2 per cent more than the average At 5-vs-5 Rinne has been declining for a little over the past two seasons, team. but his numbers remain extremely respectable and way above league average. However, he’s been getting killed while shorthanded all season Everywhere else the shot difficulty Kuemper faces is about average, but long, posting among the worst inner slot save percentages in the league the important thing here is that we’re looking to see if he’s been put in a at barely above half. Whether you think that’s random noise on relatively few shots or a harbinger of things to come is up to you, but overall Rinne looked much stronger than it appeared on the surface. At 5-vs-5, Rinne outperformed Saros from the inner slot, high slot, and perimeter while boasting superior rebound control.

In all game modes combined, though, Saros has the edge from each area, and the rebound control comes up even. So, is there anything else that could swing things back to Rinne? Let’s look at the difficulty each goalie faced.

Both goaltenders have faced slightly less than league average shot difficulty, with Rinne having to worry about more slot passes and forecheck chances, while Saros dealt with more cycle chances and more inner slot shots than Rinne did.

Overall, there’s not much worth differentiating them in terms of difficulty, and even if Rinne’s struggles were all in one area, Saros simply hasn’t had those struggles this season. One of the reasons Saros has been so consistent might be how sound he is positionally, and because of that consistency, this one is a fact: Saros should start.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175615 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / Golden Knights' Shea Theodore on impact of surprise coaching change

Mike Johnston | June 10, 2020, 6:14 PM

The Vegas Golden Knights shocked the hockey world in mid-January when the team fired head coach Gerard Gallant despite being just three points out of first place in the Pacific Division at the time.

“It was definitely a shock with that coaching change early but it’s something that we took upon ourselves that it was a message from management that we had to play better,” defenceman Shea Theodore told Hockey Central on Wednesday.

Just as surprising as the team parting ways with Gallant was the choice to replace him with Peter DeBoer, who had previously served as bench boss of the San Jose Sharks with whom the Golden Knights had developed a heated rivalry.

“That was the first shock having him come in but once they said his name that he was the guy coming in they back it up with all the facts, the stats from the teams he has coached, he’s been to the Stanley Cup Final, things like that, and sometimes I think you need that change of voice in the room and it ended up being great for us,” Theodore said.

Hockey Central

Shea Theodore on Masterton nomination, coaching change, Seattle joining NHL

June 10 2020

After DeBoer took over, the team went 15-5-2 and became a dominant puck possession group.

“I think that’s just something that can happen with a change,” Theodore explained. “I think guys know that we weren’t playing up to par. Having a new voice come in and implement some different systems, and I think when you get a change in the practices and what you’re doing every day you’re definitely thinking the game a little bit more. We had the same drills over the first 2 1/2 years (under Gallant) but when you have a new voice come in in practice and you’re really thinking about things, we’re really working on our breakouts and our systems and stuff like that.”

Theodore, who overcame testicular cancer, was named a finalist for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy this week, given annually to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

The 24-year-old blueliner believes, despite the lengthy layoff, his team can build on the momentum they had generated in February and March.

“Down the stretch (before the hiatus due to COVID-19) we were playing a lot of our own Pacific Division teams and we were having good results, so I think coming out of this break having everyone healthy it’s going to be a lot of fun and it’s going to be interesting to see where these playoffs take us.”

When hockey resumes, the Golden Knights will compete in a round robin with the St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars to determine Western Conference seeding for the first round of the playoffs.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175616 Websites Jane Arbour, a spokeswoman for Toronto’s Parks, Forestry and Recreation department, confirmed the city is examining the complaint.

“Racist and derogatory slurs are not acceptable in public spaces or TSN.CA / GTHL hires investigator to probe racism as city examines anywhere else,” Arbour wrote in an email to TSN. “Permit holders are league required to sign a declaration stating they will comply with anti- discrimination and harassment policies. The city is aware of this request and staff are looking into it.”

Rick Westhead Oakman wrote he hasn’t seen Patel’s complaint. He added the GTHL would comply if Toronto bylaws demanded the league be transparent

about penalties and sanctions for racism. The Greater Toronto Hockey League confirmed Wednesday it is hiring an “The GTHL currently makes whatever submissions are required by each independent investigator to probe claims by one of its players that he municipality,” Oakman wrote. “If this becomes a requirement, we would was routinely targeted this season with racist slurs, the same day the City support that change.” of Toronto said it is examining whether the league is in breach of the city’s rules by refusing to disclose statistics on player penalties for racist The GTHL also confirmed it has contacted former NHL players in recent slurs. days to ask whether they would consider working in an advisory capacity with the league on race issues. In an emailed statement, GTHL executive director Scott Oakman wrote that the league is retaining an independent investigator after Myles “We have had many discussions with individuals currently involved with Douglas, a 16-year-old player with the Triple- A midget North York our league, individuals with no involvement with our league and former Rangers, told TSN in an interview that he was the victim of racial insults players with our league and who have played in other leagues, including in at least half of the 45 games he played this season. the NHL,” Oakman wrote. “It is important for us to listen to what they have to say and get their support in assisting us to address issues of Douglas said that he didn’t bother to tell his coaches or referees about racism and discrimination.” most of the cases because referees typically say they are powerless to call penalties if they don’t hear the slur. Oakman wrote that the GTHL TSN.CA LOADED: 06.11.2020 has yet to confirm the scope of its planned investigation.

The GTHL is the largest minor hockey league in the world with more than 40,000 registered players. The league refuses to disclose the number of racism-related incidents that occur during its games, despite a call from several current and former NHL players to do so.

Oakman has said publishing that data on penalties related to racism, even with non-identifying information, may damage the reputation of the vast majority of the GTHL's players "whose good sportsmanship is beyond question."

“For a number of years, GTHL policy has specified that any sensitive information about minors who are participants in the league will not be released to the public,” Oakman wrote in an email on Wednesday. “This approach is consistent with the polices of school boards and other organizations that work with children and youth.”

But the GTHL’s policy is inconsistent with those of other Canadian sports organizations. Minor hockey associations in Saskatoon, Calgary and Winnipeg all provided TSN with data on such penalties.

The GTHL has publicly navigated the issue of racism on the ice for more than a decade.

In December 2009, The Toronto Star documented a sharp rise in the number of penalties for racist slurs in the GTHL. According to a consulting firm hired by the GTHL, the number of penalty calls for racist slurs increased from nine during the 2006-07 season to 98 in 2008-09.

“Socially this is unacceptable,” Oakman, who was the GTHL’s executive director, said at the time. “With the nature of our demographics, we have an obligation to address it.”

The GTHL has since stopped disclosing data on racism-related penalties. On Tuesday, Toronto resident Hiten Patel, whose son played in the league, wrote a complaint letter to City of Toronto staff on the issue.

“Based on 2019-20 ice allocation publicly posted at the city's website, the GTHL received 270 hours per week of ice time for competitive youth games, which is by far the most of any other user group,” Patel wrote in his email. “These allegations [of racial slurs in GTHL games] have been happening for decades but if the GTHL does not disclose any statistics such as frequency or locations of incidents then how can they put a plan in place in a transparent way to work with the wider community and society to genuinely address and improve such discrimination and harassment?

“Does the secrecy not breach the fact that all City of Toronto municipal ice users are expected to have policies in place and appropriate processes in place that ‘prevent, address and remedy that address discrimination, racism, harassment, hate...." (as fully described [in the] "Declaration of Compliance with Anti-Harassment/Discrimination Legislation and City Policy" which is a document all permit users including the GTHL must sign and adhere to)?” 1175617 World Leagues News

Fans welcome as Djokovic event helps tennis emerge from coronavirus

Jovan MATIC

Belgrade (AFP) - After being suspended for three months due to the coronavirus pandemic, top-level international tennis returns this weekend in with a charity tournament hosted by world number one and where fans will be welcome. The Adria Tour will be held until July 5 in , Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia. On the tournament's first stop, on Saturday and Sunday, the Serbian star will be joined by world number three Dominic Thiem. Germany's Alexander Zverev and Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, ranked seventh and 19th in the world respectively, are also set to take part. The ATP and WTA Tours have been suspended since March due to the pandemic and will not resume at least until the end of July. The French Open was postponed until September and Wimbledon was cancelled for the first time since World War II. The four tennis stars will play under regulations allowing up to 1,000 people to attend open-air sports events, which were introduced in Serbia on Monday. The matches will be played at Novak Tennis Centre, financed by Djokovic's family, with a view of the Danube river. Tickets sold out in seven minutes after they were put on sale online last Wednesday. The event will be broadcast live in more than 100 countries, its director Djordje Djokovic, Novak's younger brother, said. "Every spectator will get a mask at the entrance, disinfectants will be placed throughout the complex," Djordje Djokovic said. Also, the entire centre will be disinfected after every match. "We are professionals in this sport and we want to play," said the 33- year-old Djokovic. However, two tennis giants -- Roger Federer, out for the rest of the year following knee surgery, and Rafael Nadal, who recently resumed training -- will be absent. "Taking the situation into account, I didn't have the nerve to call and invite them," said Djokovic. Both Djokovic and Thiem were training during the lockdown. "I had a tennis court so I could train every day," said Djokovic referring to his period of confinement in Spain, where he was staying with his family at a home in Marbella. Thiem said he was the best prepared player in Belgrade since he has played matches in Austria behind closed doors. After the Serbian capital, the tournament will move to Zadar, on Croatia's Adriatic coast, where Djokovic and his peers will be joined by two Croatian tennis stars -- former US Open champion Marin Cilic and Borna Coric. After Montenegro, the event will end on July 5 with an exhibition match between Bosnian number one Damir Dzumhur and Djokovic. "In Sarajevo and Bosnia, people really love Djokovic... it will be an exceptional event for them, an ideal opportunity to see Novak up close," world number 107 Dzumhur said. All the matches will be played on clay. The money raised will be donated to various regional charities. Balkan countries coped with the coronavirus pandemic with relative success. The region of some 22 million people registered fewer than 24,000 infections and around 700 deaths. LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175618 World Leagues News

COVID-19: B.C. protects amateur sports groups from virus liability

Tom FletcherJun. 10, 2020 1:40 p.m.News

The B.C. government has passed a cabinet order protecting amateur sports organizations from COVID-19-related liability as they resume activities, and endorsed the Vancouver Canucks bid to be a hub city for NHL games this summer. Premier John Horgan told reporters June 10 that some B.C. amateur sports organizations have been refused insurance, and the provincial order protects the estimated 800,000 youth and adult volunteers from lawsuits arising from COVID-19 exposure. Horgan also announced that provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has modified her public health order to approve the Vancouver Canucks plan to host teams for a modified playoff series this summer. The 14-day quarantine for U.S. visitors will not change, but Henry has allowed teams to be treated as a family-like “bubble” to allow them to travel from specified hotels to Rogers Arena. Edmonton and other cities are vying for the chance to be the western and eastern hub teams for an expanded playoff round. “I’m going to be on my couch watching the games regardless, whether they’re in Vegas or Vancouver,” Horgan said. Horgan said softball, soccer and other groups have been hard at work getting ready. The cabinet order applies to 72 provincial sport organizations and more than 4,100 local sport groups. “Of course all of these organizations have to follow public health directions, and I know they will. They’re very anxious to do so,” Horgan said. “Various sectors have already approved their back-to-play plans, and I know that minor soccer for example should be up and running as of June 12.” The B.C. cabinet has extended its state of emergency for another two weeks, as required by legislation to make emergency powers over transportation and other key functions. The state of emergency was declared March 18 to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, becoming the longest-ever emergency period in late May, surpassing the 2017 forest fire season. A public health emergency was declared the same day by provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, ordering pubs and personal services business closed. Victoria News and Black Press LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175619 World Leagues News He’s not yet sure how to define the new normal, but he feels good about the future.

“I’m a big believer in American exceptionalism and science. I’m actually SATURDAY AT 1 PM: Mark Cuban to discuss economic recovery, sports confident that we’re going to get a vaccine sooner rather than later, and in ‘Coronavirus House Calls’ digital show once we start to see the vaccine, see its efficacy, see its distribution and find out how many people can actually get it and win, then we’ll have a better understanding of what a new normal will look like across the entire country,” said Cuban. by: NEXSTAR, Jack Royer, Conan Gasque He believes people have learned from the pandemic, and those experiences will influence the sports world. LAS VEGAS (WIAT-TV) — As every state in the county begins to As athletes, businessmen, and everyday Americans have begun to reopen, billionaire businessman Mark Cuban is optimistic about accept the pandemic as a fact of life, the coronavirus narrative has faded, America’s economic recovery. He’s appearing on Coronavirus House and the national discourse has pivoted to economic recovery and racial Calls’ Saturday, June 13 at 1 p.m. The interview will be shared on the 8 inequality, both of which Cuban touches on in this exclusive interview. News Now news broadcast and live-streamed here on the website and our Facebook page. Please tune in Saturday, June 13 for the exclusive interview in our KLAS digital show. WIAT-TV’s Jack Royer reports as Mark Cuban says there are bright spots for business amid the pandemic. LOADED: 06.11.2020 “I’m like everybody else. There’s a lot of stress,” said Mark Cuban. Mark Cuban is remaining optimistic as the coronavirus pandemic continues. The billionaire entrepreneur isn’t concerned about America’s eventual economic rebound. “It is the absolute best time in the history of starting businesses to start a business,” said Mark Cuban, Entrepreneur, Owner of Dallas Mavericks. Cuban, in this KLAS digital original, “Coronavirus House Calls’ this weekend, says despite the recession, new business startups have a good opportunity for success. “If you’re starting from scratch right now you already have a good feel for new rules post-pandemic. You already have a good feel on how to implement social distancing if that’s applicable, work from home if that’s applicable,” added Cuban. This week, the National Bureau of economic research said the United States officially entered a recession in February, ending a record-setting 128 month period of growth. Cuban says now, personal financial responsibility is more important than ever. “As the consumer, really look and make sure you understand your personal financial situation with whatever you need to do. Now is the time to start budgeting,” added Cuban. As each state is now starting to reopen it’s economy, Cuban urges patience. “We have imperfect information as it pertains to the virus and so it’s hard to make the right decision, and we’re not gonna know until after the fact if we’re right or wrong,” said Mark Cuban. He is remaining optimistic in the face of uncertainty. Sports leagues are also just getting to the point of returning to action after cancellations due to the coronavirus pandemic, but it remains unclear what the future holds. Cuban will address questions the sports world will face. Cuban says the NBA is prepared to take many precautions. The league returns to action in Orlando this July. Cuban says all players will be in a single hotel, they won’t be able to come and go as they please, and everyone will be tested regularly. As for families, Cuban says they might not be allowed until late in the season. “When we get towards the end of the playoffs – the conference finals and the finals, that’s probably when they’ll be first allowed because there will be so many people left by then that we will have in net numbers, fewer people and less risk,” said Cuban. When asked if it’s worth taking a risk for players in lower levels of sports who don’t know what their future holds, like in division three college football. Cuban recommends those athletes speak to their athletic director. The Dallas Mavericks owner also offered words of wisdom to young college athletes, suggesting health be prioritized over sport. “Talk to your athletic director. If you don’t feel comfortable, don’t do it…If it were me or my child, I’d say to be very conservative. If you’re not 100% confident, then don’t play,” added Cuban. However things play out, Cuban knows the sports world is different because of the pandemic. 1175620 World Leagues News

Americans miss watching baseball more than other sports, survey says

By CHUCK SCHILKENSTAFF WRITER

The more money someone has, the more they’ve missed baseball. Men have missed basketball more than women have. Young adults aren’t as fanatical as older generations about sports. Many Americans have no idea when football season is. Those are some of the conclusions that might be drawn from a recent survey by Monmouth University that looked into how much Americans have missed watching live sporting events during the coronavirus-related shutdown. The university polled 807 adults over the telephone from May 28-June 1. Fans looks on during batting practice prior to a spring training game between the Nationals and the Yankees. SPORTS MLBPA to MLB owners: How about an 89-game season? Based on the survey results, a majority of Americans identify as sports fans (56% yes, 42% no). Demographics that stood out with high percentages of favorable responses include people of color (63%), folks in the 35-54 age range (66%) and individuals who earn six figures (65%). More people say they’ve missed being able to watch sporting events, at least to some degree (38% a lot, 26% a little, 42% not at all). Liberals (50%) and people ages 18-34 (54%) were more likely than most other demographics to say they did not miss watching sports. Asked which professional sport that typically would be in season they missed most, the majority of those surveyed said baseball (25%), followed by basketball (19%) and football (14% even though it is actually a fall sport). Those were the only three sports in the double digits. MLB opening day logo on field. SPORTS Analysis: Why MLB players likely will prevail on getting full prorated salary Baseball nearly got a clean sweep over all the demographics, with only people of color (32% to 22%) and people who are not registered to vote (24% to 19%) preferring basketball. Of the two sports, women seem to prefer baseball over basketball (26% to 15%), and men are fairly evenly split (25% to 23%). A higher percentage of people who make $100, 000 a year or more (33%) said they miss baseball most, compared to those who make $50,000-100,000 (26%) and less than $50,000 (21%). Los Angeles Times LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175621 World Leagues News Crespo proposed wearing protective masks under helmets, especially for linemen.

WRESTLING Sports are starting to return, but how much coronavirus risk is involved in Risk level: Higher playing? A sport-by-sport look Wresting was regarded as a high-risk sport by the medical professionals for the same reasons as basketball and football. By Matt Cohen | The Oregonian/OregonLive Wrestling requires contact, and the athletes have the potential to touch the other’s face, which has clear high risk. There isn’t much protective equipment to wear in the sport to avoid the spread. The mat would have Slowly, as the nation reopens from quarantine and spring turns to to be to be sanitized carefully after each match. summer, sports are beginning to return to the United States. Athletes are making their return to college campuses amid rigorous COVID-19 safety /FIELD HOCKEY precautions and professional sports leagues are announcing their plans Risk level: Medium to restart. Hockey and field hockey both have some levels of contact naturally There are risks in common with all sports returning, like athletes avoiding involved with the game. touching their faces, avoiding taking packed team buses and finding a new option other than crowded locker rooms. More protective equipment like large gloves are worn in ice hockey, but there is not sufficient face covering. Ice hockey masks don’t cover the But not all sports are equal. Each has varying levels of risks during the mouth at upper levels of the sport, though high school masks can have a coronavirus era. full cage. Field hockey doesn’t have masks at all. If players can find a Dr. Carlos Crespo, a professor in the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health way to have more protective face coverings, the sports would be slightly and Fellow of American College of Sports Medicine, as well as Dr. Ryan safer. Norton, assistant professor of Family and Sports Medicine at OHSU, Crespo suggested that field hockey would be slightly safer than ice spoke to The Oregonian/OregonLive about the risks involved with hockey, since ice hockey is played indoors and in a colder environment, different sports. They rated those sports as lower, medium or higher risk. compared with field hockey being played outside and typically in a The return of any sport requires rigorous testing, which isn’t always warmer environment. possible. High school sports don’t have the same resources or budget as SOCCER college and professional sports. These scenarios rely on athletes that have symptoms not showing up. Crespo referred to Michael Jordan’s Risk level: Medium famous “flu game” in the 1997 NBA Finals, and said if that happened today, Jordan wouldn’t be allowed to enter the arena. Crespo compared soccer to basketball, but argued soccer is far safer because contact happens for a shorter period of time, the field is larger Factors that are considered in the safety of the sport include contact and it is generally played outside. versus non-contact, individual versus team sport and indoor versus outdoor. Generally, non-contact is safer than contact, individual is safer Soccer certainly has some of the heavy breathing near other players that than team sport and outdoor is safer than indoor. worried Crespo and Norton, as respiratory droplets have the chance to spread. The ball could be cleaned during stoppages in the game. The way sports are played might not look exactly the same as they did before being shut down by the pandemic. Norton and Crespo said But soccer has more space during the game, and thus is slightly safer preventative measures should be taken, including changing the rules of than the highest-risk sports, but still involves enough contact to be a some sports to create a safer environment. medium risk. BASKETBALL LACROSSE Risk level: Higher Risk level: Medium Crespo rated basketball as the highest risk sport among those discussed. Like hockey, lacrosse has helmets and at all levels of men’s lacrosse, For him, basketball combines all the possible factors that could lead to those cover the whole face. Women’s lacrosse only has eye coverings. increased risk. Lacrosse falls under medium risk for the same reasons as soccer and hockey, but it is played outside as well, which creates a slightly lower risk In most competitive settings, basketball is an indoor sport. Unless air is than indoor sports, Crespo said. filtered well, the closed environment could lead to a higher risk of the virus spreading compared with outside. Basketball also features close ULTIMATE FRISBEE proximity for a prolonged period of time, and it is nearly impossible to Risk level: Medium to lower eliminate contact from the sport. Social distancing is not possible when playing basketball. Ultimate frisbee comes with some of the risks of soccer or lacrosse, with players close to each other on a large field. Players may make contact in “There is a lot of huffing and puffing,” Crespo said. “There is close the run of play and there is the opportunity for heavy breathing very close contact between two individuals. I think it is high risk. There is very little to other players. The frisbee is touched by many people in a short time you can do for protective gear.” period and would need to be sanitized often. Risk would decrease slightly if the basketball is sanitized during timeouts, Norton suggested an amendment to the rules to keep defenders from and players have to be careful to avoid touching their face and then standing as close to the person with the disc compared to what has touching another player. previously been allowed. FOOTBALL BASEBALL/SOFTBALL Risk level: Higher Risk level: Lower Like basketball, football involves prolonged close contact. Norton said the “It’s a sport where physical distancing is a natural part of the game,” line of scrimmage is what concerns him the most. There, offensive and Norton said. defensive linemen press up against one another and are breathing on one another. Sports like baseball and softball, where there is limited-to-no contact, are lower risk. In baseball and softball, the outfielders are spread out and Although wide receivers and defensive backs do touch each other during would come near each other only on a fly ball. Crespo said outfielders the course of the play, Norton noted that is for a shorter period of time have the lowest risk among players in the field. than linemen, and thus they would be at a lower risk. Infielders have a higher risk than outfielders, Crespo said, as they will be But the amount of contact at any position provides large risks for the closer together on the field, but also interact with baserunners. For that sport. reason, the first baseman is at higher risk than the third baseman, as Norton also suggested teams staying on the field during halftime instead more batters reach first base than third. Holding runners on the base of going into the locker room, preventing the potential spread that could would not work with social distancing until the runner leads off. That is occur in the closed indoor space. more of a risk in fast-pitch softball, where runners cannot lead off before Bowlers can socially distance from one another. The main risk would the pitch. come with sharing bowling balls. Many athletes may have their own bowling balls. But those playing casually, or who don’t own a ball, should Catchers have the highest risk, since they will be close to the batter and try not to share balls while playing or sanitize the ball between uses. umpire. Norton said that the umpire could be moved to further behind the catcher or behind the pitcher to create more spacing, but the catcher will ROWING still be right next to the batter. Risk level: Lower Norton also emphasized the importance of not sharing equipment or sanitizing before doing so. He also suggested the idea of creating a Rowing is a unique case in that there is no contact, but teammates are all second dugout for each team to allow for more space between players near each other. They are all in the same boat and have to carry the than the typical cramped dugout setting. boat. They also are touching oars that — if the boats are used for multiple crews — were touched by another rower. TRACK & FIELD/CROSS COUNTRY There is the heavy breathing of the rowers moving at high speed that is Risk level: Lower similar to track and field, but that breathing is closer to each other than it may be in track and field. Distancing is easier with running. Lanes can be closed between runners to allow more space between them. But Norton and Crespo said that if Rowers could wear masks, and if oars and the boat itself are sanitized, runners are in the airstream of others, there is the chance for respiratory rowing becomes a much lower-risk sport. droplets to spread. oregonlive.com LOADED: 06.11.2020 The more distance between runners, especially in longer races where spacing happens naturally, creates a safer environment. But there is no contact, which lowers the risk. Additionally, outdoor races would have a lower risk than indoor ones. SWIMMING AND DIVING Risk level: Lower The risk with swimming is in the pool deck and the locker room. The pool decks at meets are often cramped with each team in their own marked- off section. If issues of social distancing can be avoided out of the water, it is unlikely the virus will spread in the pool. Norton suggested that once swimmers are off the starting blocks and in the water, there is little risk. Though the starting blocks would have to be sanitized, there are enough chemicals in the pool to kill the virus. VOLLEYBALL Risk level: Lower Largely, volleyball can be played spaced out. During the run of play, athletes don’t typically come close to one another. The starting positions have some space between them. Norton said huddles between points should be eliminated to reduce contact. Like other sports where multiple athletes touch the ball, the ball should be sanitized during stoppages in play. GOLF Risk level: Lower Distance between players is more natural in golf. The tee boxes and greens are the main areas where players are closer together. The risk in golf comes with sharing equipment or being in the same golf cart together. Sanitation and masks lower the risk in these scenarios. Most public golf courses across the county require golfers to wear masks when in close proximity to others. GYMNASTICS Risk level: Lower Gymnastics also has an easier ability to create distance and limit contact. However, the gymnasts do have to touch the varying pieces of equipment to perform their routines. If those are sanitized before and after each athlete competes — like in other sports — the potential risk decreases. “I think the sports where equipment can be wiped down between each person using it and they’re not being in physical contact in the sport, I think that’s a very low risk,” Norton said. TENNIS Risk level: Lower Tennis has a low risk, too, as athletes are not close to their competitor. Tennis balls should be sanitized when possible during matches, as is the case with all sports where the ball is touched by multiple people. Singles tennis has a lower risk than doubles, and outdoor tennis has a lower risk than indoor. BOWLING Risk level: Lower 1175622 World Leagues News

PGA Tour golf returns on June 11 for first time since coronavirus hiatus

Jessica Golden

PGA Tour golf returns on Thursday for the first time since mid-March, when the coronavirus outbreak halted sports around the globe. The top golfers in the world will tee off in Fort Worth, Texas at the Charles Schwab Challenge. Golf's return may be good for the game at a time when most major sports on still on hiatus. With less competition from other sports, it could attract more viewers than it usually does. Just a few weeks ago, The Match II, which is not a PGA Tour event, was the most-watched golf event in cable television history. "We're coming back in the heart of our season and you're gonna see great fields in the weeks that follow," PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan told CNBC's Squawk Box. "It's really a great moment for our sport as we've worked through the pandemic." The commissioner said that the pent up demand for sports has also led to a surge in sports betting. "There's over a $3 million pool from DraftKings," he said. "I believe that's the largest ever at any professional golf event. The PGA Tour returns with a packed schedule as it looks to salvage the season. It will host 14 tournaments over the next 13 weeks. While it's welcome news for sports fans, the game will look a little different in a post-coronavirus world. The biggest change will be the absence of fans in the galleries. The first four tournaments will consist of players, caddies and essential personnel in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. All will be tested on-site through Sanford Health, the PGA Tour said. Testing will be conducted in mobile labs and results will be available within hours. "The vast majority of players are already on site in Fort Worth, they've gone through the testing and it has gone exceedingly well," Monahan said. "We've had 481 people that have been tested, and today we don't have any positive tests." Monahan said the good health of everyone involved in The PGA Tour should give communities confidence as it moves from market to market. Players will miss the fans in the meantime. Phil Mickelson of the United States plays his shot from the 18th tee during a practice round prior to the Charles Schwab Challenge. The PGA Tour is working on "a phased approach in re-introducing a limited number of on-site fans and guests," starting with The Memorial Tournament in Ohio beginning July 13th. The Tour said it's working with with host organizations, state and local governments and medical and safety experts in each market for events with and without spectators. "It will be odd," 2016 Charles Schwab winner, Jordan Spieth, told the media at Tuesday's practice round. "I think it'll be weird because we're used to being able to use the energy of the fans and feed off of them, and we love having the support. In that sense it's a bit of a shame. But I'm really happy to be back playing golf," he added. "This is a great opportunity for golf to grow even more and get to an even better level than it is, and hopefully people can see that maybe don't usually watch golf that we're the best players in the world and the best at our craft, and we can do some pretty unbelievable stuff with the golf ball, so hopefully everybody will enjoy," said Justin Thomas, after his practice round on Tuesday. CNBC LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175623 World Leagues News

Sports Industry Innovators Leading the Charge Against COVID-19

MONTREAL, June 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Sani Sport has developed proprietary technology over the past 20 years that has proven to eliminate a variety of infectious diseases and viruses in protective equipment and enclosed spaces. Sani Sport is used by elite sports organizations to ensure the safety of its players. Currently, 28 NHL and 16 NFL teams, and many military agencies rely on Sani Sport products. Recent testing by Dr. Chris Mason at Cornell University has revealed exciting new uses for Sani Sport products, specifically with regard to COVID-19. Sani Sport products were shown to rapidly degrade the virus, along with a host of other medically relevant bacteria. Sani Sport joins FieldTurf, a world leader in synthetic turf, to help protect sports facilities. FieldTurf now offers Sani Sport as part of its FacilityShield Program – a sanitization and maintenance program for sports facilities, which includes equipment and surface sanitization, and maintenance. "Athlete safety is our foremost concern and we're excited to be joining forces with Sani Sport in our effort to make sports facilities as safe as they can be" said Darren Gill, SVP of Marketing & Innovation at FieldTurf. As Sani Sport continues to work with professional sports leagues on a return to play strategy, Sani Sport has one goal in mind; help protect and prevent bacteria and viruses from spreading. Sani Sport has three different machines, all of which aim to minimize the spread of bacteria and harmful pathogens over the last 20 years. Sani Sport VE – a portable machine that combines accelerated hydrogen peroxide with ozone to sanitize rooms as large as 4,000 sq. ft.Sani Sport Supreme – a large 2 door cabinet that disinfects a wide variety of protective gear.Sani Sport Double – twice the size of the Supreme, same functionality. Steve Silver, President of Sani Sport is looking forward to the new relationship with FieldTurf. "There is a clear synergy between the two companies, and I am very confident that together we can help sports at all levels return to play in the very short term." In the last few months, Sani Sport has been sought out by General Motors, Amazon, Toyota and the U.S Navy to help keep their members safe during these tough times. Sani Sport was also recently featured in a top trending article on ESPN. FOX5 Vegas LOADED: 06.11.2020 1175624 World Leagues News

Coronavirus: NFL, NFLPA near roadmap to return - report

(REUTERS) - A roadmap for players to return to team facilities is being discussed by the National Football League (NFL) and NFL Players Association, NFL Network reported on Monday (June 8). The initial goal is to allow teams to bring in players who need physicals, including rookies and players signed in free agency. That could happen by June 26, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. No mini-camps or formal group training will be permitted. The NFL provided a memo to teams and the NFLPA outlining details of some requirements before players can return, including two metres between all lockers"where possible". Given the order to hold training camp at team facilities, housing all 90 players permitted on a roster during training camp at an acceptable social distance could be a challenge for teams already in tight quarters. In the memo, there are no established regulations for Covid-19 testing or protocol for handling positive tests. However, the league plans to establish such protocol this month, noting "we should expect that these protocols will change as medical and scientific knowledge of the disease continues to grow". Some teams found ways to have independent physicians or previous team physicians provide information about free agents in order to complete contracts in March. But most free agent deals reportedly include provisions for voiding deals should the player eventually fail a physical. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, players were not allowed to visit the headquarters of teams or be seen for physical evaluations. LOADED: 06.11.2020