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The Coyotes operate on a year-to-year lease. Glendale or the team can decide not to renew the agreement by providing written notice each year 25 years of arena drama: Timeline of Arizona Coyotes in Arizona on or before Dec. 31.

Glendale hires AEG Facilities, now known as ASM Global, to operate the Joshua Bowling arena. The Los Angeles-based company owns the Staples Center, where the Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Sharks play, as well as the nearby L.A. Live sports and entertainment district. Glendale appears to have shut the book on its 18-year history with the Arizona Coyotes, announcing Thursday it would not renew the team's 2017 lease at Gila River Arena after the upcoming season. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman in a letter to the Arizona Legislature Two decades ago, the National Hockey League team was still fairly new says the Coyotes “must have a new arena location to succeed.” to Arizona and the city was just developing aspirations to remake itself into more than a bedroom community. The two inked a deal in 2001 and “The Coyotes cannot and will not remain in Glendale,” he writes. the city opened the arena less than two years later. The same month, the team meets with Mesa’s city manager and eyes Here’s a look back. land around the Chicago Cubs Mesa spring training ballpark for a potential new arena. 1996 2019 The Coyotes move to Phoenix from Winnipeg, Canada, where they played as the Winnipeg Jets. The team shares space with the Phoenix Billionaire Alex Meruelo buys a 95% stake in the team. Suns in what was then America West Arena. Tempe officials meet in closed-door sessions to discuss plans for the 2001 land where the Coyotes now are considering a new arena.

Team owner Steve Ellman looks to build an arena and entertainment Oak Flat, a place of prayer for tribes, faces obliteration by a copper mine complex in Scottsdale but can't reach agreement over costs. $21M affordable-housing development coming to a south Phoenix

Ellman looks west and inks a deal with Glendale. The city borrows $183 Arizona's rate of 'breakthrough' COVID-19 infections has increased million to build a hockey and concert arena near Loop 101 and Glendale Avenue, which is then farm fields. Suburban school districts are rethinking mask mandates. Here's why.

2003 2020

The team, still known as the Phoenix Coyotes, plays its first game in The team is at least $500,000 behind in payments to the arena Glendale. management company.

2006 City Manager Kevin Phelps reaches out to the Coyotes and arena manager to express interest in trying to negotiate a longer term lease The Westgate Entertainment District opens two years behind schedule. with the team. Ellman builds the mixed-use project as part of the arena deal. Glendale leaders envision paying off the arena debt with sales tax revenue 2021 generated in and around Westgate. Tempe issues a request for proposals to develop 46 acres of land just Trucking baron Jerry Moyes, who lives in Glendale, becomes the west of Tempe Town Lake with a professional sports stadium or arena, Coyotes majority owner. housing, retail development and a large plaza. The Coyotes confirm it plans to submit a proposal for the land. 2009 Glendale announces it won’t renew the Coyotes deal after the 2021-2022 Moyes files the Coyotes into bankruptcy and the NHL takes over running season. the team as the city and league fight against a proposal to sell to a Canadian billionaire who wants to move the team to Hamilton, Ontario. Arizona Republic LOADED: 08.20.2021

A new home? 3 potential Phoenix-area options for the Arizona Coyotes to play its 2022-23 hockey season

2011

The Glendale City Council votes to pay the NHL $25 million to manage the arena as it continues searching for a long-term Coyotes owner.

2013

IceArizona buys the Coyotes from the NHL and the city enters an arena management and lease agreement with the team.

2014

The team changes its name to the Arizona Coyotes as part of an agreement with Glendale.

Andrew Barroway becomes majority owner of the team.

2015

The Glendale City Council votes 5-2 to end its 15-year agreement for the Coyotes to manage and play at Gila River Arena.

The council eventually approves a two-year deal, which cuts the city's management payments to the team from $15 million annually to $6.5 million annually.

In Tempe:Arizona Coyotes are expected to submit a proposal for a Tempe arena, but city delays bid deadline 1219502 Arizona Coyotes weekdays, and Glendale supposedly is not an attractive spot for sponsors.

For years, various of owners of the Coyotes have sought arena deals Glendale hands Coyotes a road map and a sack lunch. Where do the two elsewhere. The latest possibility, or pipe dream, depending on your point sides go from here? of view, is in Tempe.

Tempe issued requests for proposals to attract a professional sports KENT SOMERS | Arizona Republic franchise to city property near Priest Drive and the Rio Salado Parkway. But the site is a dump, literally, and needs to be cleaned up. Early estimates have pegged that cost at $70 million.

For most of their 18-year relationship, the Coyotes and Glendale have The Coyotes and owner Alex Meruelo are expected to submit a bid to been the couple that made everyone else at the party uncomfortable with develop the land. their bickering. Phelps said the possible development in Tempe didn’t impact Glendale’s But when news came Thursday of their impending split, those who care decision. about either party shared a similar concern: What’s going to happen to them now? What he didn’t say, what he can’t with a straight face, is that dealing with Meruelo didn’t impact Glendale’s decision. Glendale announced Thursday the upcoming season would be the Coyotes last in Gila River Arena, which is owned by the city. The city will In two years as owner, Meruelo alienated city officials and many other not renew the year-to-year operating agreement. business "partners." The Coyotes penchant for being tardy in paying bills, not paying them at all and asking for discounts on existing deals rubbed “We are thankful to the NHL and Arizona Coyotes for being part of the people the wrong way. Glendale community for the past 18 years,” City Manager Kevin Phelps said in the city’s press release. The Coyotes owed $1.46 million to the arena as of mid-July, according to The Athletic, which cited information gathered via a public-records In other words, here’s a road map and a sack lunch. Be safe out there. request.

But a road map to where? If the Coyotes can’t play at Gila River Arena, In the Coyotes, Glendale has an unhappy partner that doesn’t always where do they go? pay its bills. And the city had no faith that was going to change. It’s little wonder Glendale had lost its enthusiasm for trying to make the They’re talking to Tempe about a new arena, but even if that deal goes relationship work. smoothly — and when do arena deals ever go smoothly — the building won’t be ready for several years. The result is a long-term relationship that never worked appears to be ending. In the meantime, they need their version of a two-bedroom space in Alimony Gardens, the name a newly-divorced friend once gave to his The Coyotes and Glendale have been through a lot in the last 18 years. apartment complex. But they didn’t go through it together, at least not like healthy partners do, trusting that your significant other is consoling you with that pat on the But where is that? back and not looking for a soft place to insert a blade. Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix? Suns owner Robert Sarver has If you’re looking for one party to blame, consider this. When is the last not been open to that in the past. time you heard of a city kicking a sports franchise out of the house? Veterans Memorial Coliseum? Maybe. Arizona Republic LOADED: 08.20.2021 The new facility at Arizona State? It’s only 5,000 seats.

In a statement, Coyotes President and CEO Xavier Gutierrez expressed disappointment in the city’s decision to “break off negotiations on a multi- year lease extension,” a decision he said would hurt local businesses and Glendale residents.

The Coyotes, he said, are committed to staying in Arizona. That makes sense especially since the governor and legislature just gifted owners of pro sports franchises in Arizona with licenses to operate sports books and mobile betting apps.

The city is gambling a bit by cutting ties with the Coyotes. The Coyotes were good for at least 43 plus dates a year. Are there enough “impactful events,” as the city labels concerts and such, to make up the difference?

The city thinks so, based on an economic study that found special events, such as concerts, brought about twice the sales and bed tax revenue to the Westgate complex that a Coyotes game did.

Twenty special events = 40 hockey games.

Arena management will have more dates available to do that once the Coyotes are gone. Between Coyotes games, practices, camps, etc., there were about 200 days in which the arena couldn't be used for anything other than hockey, according to a person familiar with the business.

It took Glendale awhile, but it finally got the hint that no matter how much it liked professional hockey, professional hockey wasn't going to reciprocate.

The Coyotes have played on a year-to-year lease since 2016. They’ve made it clear, as has NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, that they don’t think professional hockey was going to work long-term in Glendale.

Most season-ticket holders live far away from the arena, the team has said. They don’t want to drive that far to watch their team, especially on 1219503 Arizona Coyotes Thank you for subscribing. This premium content is made possible because of your continued support of local journalism.

A Tempe-hired consultant put the cost at $70 million and the city’s Arizona Coyotes are expected to submit a proposal for a Tempe arena, request for proposals says it would be the respondents’ financial but city delays bid deadline responsibility to remediate the land.

The city said it was seeking to sell or lease the land and would not own PAULINA PINEDA | Arizona Republic the stadium in response to another question about whether the offer should include building commissioning services or if the city would contract that out.

Sports fans must wait a bit longer to see what the Arizona Coyotes and Tempe also said it wants to see a detailed public safety study included in any other professional sports team propose to build at a planned arena proposals. district in Tempe. “This project will increase public safety requirements exponentially and Proposals to transform the city’s public works and compost yard at Priest we need the firms to demonstrate that they expect this as well as Drive and Rio Salado Parkway into a mixed-use development with a propose what the increase will mean in terms of cost to our city (police professional sports stadium, apartments and retail shops originally were and fire departments),” the city wrote in response to one question due Thursday. regarding such a study.

The city extended the deadline two weeks to give interested developers One of the potential bidders requested more time to conduct a thorough more time to pull together their plans. Bids are now due by 3 p.m. Sept. public safety study. The additional time will allow interested parties to 2. address public safety and other information in their proposals, Ripley said. The Coyotes, owned by billionaire Alex Meruelo since 2019, confirmed in July that the team plans to submit a bid to develop the land. Private What comes next? investors would fund the development, a source previously told The Arizona Republic. Once the bidding process closes, an evaluation committee made up of Tempe staffers will review the proposals, including expected economic The National Hockey League team plays with a year-to-year lease at impacts, public benefits and neighborhood impacts. There is no timeline Glendale's Gila River Arena, which it has called home since 2003. But for when that will be completed, according to the city. the team has made no secret of its interest in an East Valley arena. The committee will make a recommendation to the City Council, which Not long after becoming majority owner, Meruelo committed to keeping can then approve or reject the recommendation or ask staff to halt or the Coyotes in Arizona, but described staying in Glendale as "a difficult start the process again if the proposals don’t meet the council’s situation.” The team loses money there, the fan base is elsewhere in the expectations. Valley and corporate sponsors are harder to come by, he said. Sources close to the deal said Tempe could award a contract by the end Coyotes officials have been in talks with Tempe for at least two years. of the year. The Coyotes said in a statement the team was interested in the land because of its location. If a contract is awarded, city officials would negotiate a development and disposition agreement with the successful bidder that would detail how The stakes in bringing a Tempe deal to fruition got higher for the Coyotes much the land would be sold or leased for, how the development would on Thursday when Glendale announced it wouldn't renew the team's be funded, financial incentives and a construction timeline. lease after the upcoming season. Tempe asked that respondents not require the city to move the It is not clear how many other developers have reached out to the city or operations yard to a new site sooner than June 2024, the request for if any other Valley sports teams are considering a bid. Details about the proposals shows. However, city staff are proposing to use federal number of responses Tempe receives will be available after the deadline COVID-19 dollars to speed up the relocation. for proposals, city spokesperson Nikki Ripley said. Arizona Republic LOADED: 08.20.2021 More time to craft plans

The deadline extension comes as interested bidders sought clarification on some of the city’s demands included in the request for proposals to develop the land.

Tempe put out the call to developers on July 22 seeking proposals for a sports and entertainment district that would be home to a professional sports franchise on 46 acres on the southern banks of the dry Salt River just west of Tempe Town Lake.

The city seeks a developer who would build:

A professional sports stadium or arena and a practice field.

1,000 residential units.

200,000 square feet of retail space, with local retailers prioritized.

A large plaza with amenities.

Questions from bidders shed light on what the city sees as its role in the development, remediation costs and public safety needs that would come with the development.

What to know: 5 things to know as Tempe seeks to develop sports arena and entertainment district

In response to one question, the city said it cost nearly $13.5 million to clean up about 9.9 acres of land at the adjacent IDEA Campus development. Costs to remediate the proposed stadium land, which once housed a sand and gravel mining operation and was used as a dumping ground, are expected to be significantly higher because of the size. 1219504 Arizona Coyotes

3 potential Phoenix-area options for the Arizona Coyotes to play its 2022- 23 hockey season

JOSHUA BOWLING | Arizona Republic

Glendale officials on Thursday announced they won't renew the Arizona Coyotes' lease at Gila River Arena beyond the upcoming season, which leaves open the question of where the team would play.

The National Hockey League team recently expressed interest in moving to Tempe, but a venue there might not be ready until 2024.

Glendale and the Coyotes have committed to playing the upcoming season, which runs from October to April, at the city-owned arena. Beyond that, the team would need to hunt for a place to play as it tries to work out the deal in Tempe.

Are there options in the Valley? Here's what we came up with.

Footprint Center

When the Coyotes moved to Arizona in 1996, the team shared space with the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center — then named America West Arena.

The downtown Phoenix arena is closest in size to Gila River Arena, but its sightlines aren't ideal for hockey games. The inability to use all of the seats because of obstructed views is part of what drove the team to Glendale in the first place.

Still, it might do in a pinch.

25 years of arena drama: Timeline of Arizona Coyotes in Arizona

Veterans Memorial Coliseum

The coliseum has been in the news lately as the place where Arizona Senate contractors recounted Maricopa County ballots. But the Madhouse on McDowell opened in 1965 and served as home for the Phoenix Suns from 1968-1992.

The coliseum seats nearly 15,000.

The Phoenix Mercury planned to play the 2020 WNBA season at the coliseum while Footprint Center, which it shares with the Suns, underwent $230 million in renovations. The COVID-19 pandemic quashed that plan as the 2020 WNBA season was shortened and took place at a single location with no spectators in Florida.

Farewell: Glendale cuts ties with Arizona Coyotes after upcoming season, ending NHL team's run at Gila River Arena

Arizona State University

ASU is building a $115 million arena for the university’s hockey, wrestling and gymnastics teams.

The 5,000-seat multipurpose arena was announced in 2020 due east of Sun Devil Stadium across Packard Drive. Construction was slated to wrap up in late 2022.

While the venue is under construction, ASU’s hockey team plays at Oceanside Ice Arena, which seats nearly 750 people, off McClintock Drive and McKellips Road.

Arizona Republic LOADED: 08.20.2021 1219505 Arizona Coyotes includes the arena, with the Arizona Cardinals’ State Farm Stadium nearby.

New developments increasingly have focused on experiences that can Glendale cuts ties with Arizona Coyotes after upcoming season, ending keep visitors in the area for an entire day. A massive Crystal Lagoons NHL team's run at Gila River Arena Island Resort water park and Mattel theme park recently broke ground. A Tiger Woods mini-golf venue PopStroke is planned. And more dense housing in the area means more residents to support these businesses JOSHUA BOWLING | Arizona Republic on the days when there are no arena events, Phelps said.

“For us at this point in time, with all the momentum Westgate has … not having the Coyotes as a tenant was to our advantage,” he said. Glendale is ending negotiations with the Arizona Coyotes after years of trying to find an arena deal that works for the city and the hockey team. Phelps informed the Coyotes of the city's plans in a phone call on Thursday afternoon. This means the upcoming season likely will be the Coyotes’ final run at Gila River Arena, where the team has played for 18 years. Report: Concerts bring in more than twice as much spending per event than hockey City Manager Kevin Phelps’ announcement on Thursday comes nearly a year after he began actively courting the franchise for a long-term Phelps, and the city-commissioned report, said adding more special commitment — and about a month after learning the team is looking at events should make the arena more lucrative than it has been as a pro land in Tempe for a new venue. sports venue.

Phelps said his decision is not about the team’s interest in Tempe. He The report found that each Coyotes game brought in an average of said he wants to take the arena in a different direction, including millions $12,000 in sales and bed taxes in Westgate, while concerts averaged in renovations to pack the venue year-round with “more impactful” about $25,000 per event in sales and bed taxes in Westgate. events. This is in the best interest of Glendale and the Westgate Entertainment District that developed around the city-owned arena, he But there are a lot of hockey games. The city would need to come up said. with 20 more events attracting crowds of at least 10,000 people to make up for the losses in Coyotes-related spending at Westgate, according to "I don’t think the Coyotes have ever felt at home in Glendale," Phelps the report. said. "The Coyotes team hosts 43 home games per season in a typical year, Coyotes President and CEO Xavier Gutierrez in a statement on Thursday resulting in greater potential for retail and restaurant spending in afternoon said the team is "disappointed" and hopes the city will Glendale on event days," the draft report says. "However, the large reconsider the move. number of (hockey) events also means that fans are likely to spend less per event than concert or other event attendees, for whom the concert or "We are disappointed by today’s unilateral decision by the City of other event represents an infrequent special activity." Glendale to break off negotiations on a multi-year lease extension agreement," he said. "We are hopeful that they will reconsider a move Per capita, concertgoers spend $58 at Westgate, while hockey fans that would primarily damage the small businesses and hard-working spend $28 at Westgate, the report says. citizens of Glendale. We remain open to restarting good-faith negotiations with the City." Where to go after a year of negotiations

Gutierrez added that the team is committed to staying in Arizona. Phelps reached out nearly a year ago to the Coyotes, which has long had a fractured relationship with the city, to try to negotiate a longer lease. "Most importantly, the Coyotes are one hundred percent committed to The team has played on a year-to-year lease since 2016 and made no finding a long-term arena solution here in Arizona, and nothing will shake bones about its desire to move elsewhere. our determination to do what is right for our organization, residents of the entire Valley and, most important, our fans," he said. Phelps in a September letter to the team and ASM Global said the yearly lease was a strain on all of them. He said he was looking for at least a NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman in a Thursday radio interview with 12-year commitment to remaining at the arena. WFAN in New York said the team's "future stays in the greater Phoenix area." The parties have spent this past year negotiating on the lease, but Alex Meruelo, the billionaire who has owned the team since 2019, and "I think the city of Glendale basically said to the Coyotes: 'You have to previous owners have long looked east. sign a 20-year lease or we're not going to renew,'" he said. "I just think they're just negotiating. I'm not worried about the Coyotes." Not long after becoming majority owner, Meruelo committed to keeping the Coyotes in Arizona, but characterized staying in Glendale as "a Phelps said the decision "was not made overnight or in a vacuum." The difficult situation." city manager said he got input from the City Council, the arena management company and others. He pointed to data showing that He ticked off several reasons: The team loses money there. The fan events like concerts would be more lucrative for the entertainment area base is elsewhere in the Valley. Corporate sponsors are harder to come near Loop 101 and Glendale Avenue than professional hockey has been. by in Glendale. And the team doesn't have a long-term lease.

The city hired Applied Economics, a Phoenix-based economic consulting The Coyotes confirmed in July the team would submit a proposal to firm, to analyze tax collections from events at the arena. A draft of the develop land just west of Tempe Town Lake. report reviewed by The Arizona Republic says hockey game-goers "Given our determination to remain in the Valley for many years to come, typically spend more money inside the arena, while concertgoers tend to we are actively working to identify the best long-term home for the spend more on retail and dining at Westgate. Coyotes, our devoted fans and this great community," the team said.

Phelps said he was "somewhat hopeful" for a long-term deal even after Tempe has sought requests for proposals to attract a professional sports the Tempe news broke. But, after seeing the economics report, he said franchise and a developer that will build an arena and entertainment he doesn't think there's anything the team could offer that would change center on 46 acres of city-owned land near Priest Drive and Rio Salado his mind. Parkway.

Phelps told The Republic that ASM Global, the company that manages Tempe pushed the deadline for those proposals, initially slated for the arena, is reviewing candidates to give the venue a multimillion-dollar Thursday, to September. makeover. He wouldn’t comment on specifics, including costs, of those renovations. Glendale’s city manager said his decision isn’t about Tempe.

City leaders and Westgate business owners in the past often talked “None of the Tempe timing has anything to do with where we are today,” about how the NHL games attracted people to the area. Westgate grew Phelps said. out of farm fields to become a sports and entertainment district that Phelps also clarified that his decision would not require City Council Glendale and the NHL fought the move, and for years kept the Coyotes action as elected officials put him in charge of the arena negotiations. financially afloat as a new owner was sought. City leaders at the time said keeping the team was necessary for the Westgate area’s viability. Moving on: 3 potential Phoenix-area options for the Arizona Coyotes to play its 2022-23 hockey season Glendale invested millions — all the while some worried the city was on the brink of bankruptcy — to keep the team and pay the arena debt. By From here, Phelps said he would work with ASM on developing 2015, the City Council broke its long-term lease agreement that provided renovation plans and a vision for the arena's fit with the surrounding area. hefty subsidies with the team.

It’s unclear where the Coyotes would play its 2022-2023 season. Even if The Coyotes, under multiple owners, has operated on the year-to-year the team works out a development agreement with Tempe, the city must lease ever since. relocate its operations yard from the land, which it sought to do no sooner than 2024, the request for proposal shows. Tempe staffers have In a July letter to the arena's managers, Phelps wrote that the Coyotes proposed using federal COVID-19 funding to speed up the relocation. owed the arena $1.46 million, with more than $300,000 of that more than four months overdue. The team was months late in paying $500,000 in In Tempe: Arizona Coyotes are expected to submit a proposal for a rent in 2020, as well. Tempe arena, but city delays bid deadline Glendale has about 12 years left to pay off its arena debt, which amounts Elaine Scruggs: Decision is 10 years overdue to about $13 million annually. How much more Phelps will propose to Former Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs — who led the city through the invest in renovations has yet to play out. first Coyotes agreement, the early stages of Westgate and the Coyotes' Republic reporter Paulina Pineda contributed to this article. bankruptcy filing — said Thursday's announcement was long overdue. Arizona Republic LOADED: 08.20.2021 "It's 10 years too late," she said. "Unfortunately, there have been a series of owners who have not appreciated, really, the location they have, the facility they have and the good arrangements they have. So, I guess it was finally one slap in the face too many and this council decided to get rid of them."

The city and its sports and entertainment district needed the Coyotes to grow, but they have since outgrown the team, she said.

"When we first entered into the agreement … there was nothing there," she said. "It’s been a very sad, troubled road. Did we need them in the beginning? Yes, we needed the arena in the beginning. And the team was 40 nights of people coming in. Although it wasn’t always the biggest crowd."

She said she hopes the city stays its course.

"It needed to be done. It needs to stay done," Scruggs said.

Current Mayor Jerry Weiers and council members were mum on Thursday.

Larry Feiner, a longtime Coyotes fan who moved from Phoenix to Glendale in 2004 to be closer to the team's arena, said Thursday's decision was "shortsighted."

"If they can get 45 (concerts), that looks great in the restaurants, I suppose, but the revenue won’t be nearly as much," he said, adding that high-profile businesses might not be as likely to put advertisements on the building itself if it doesn't host a pro-sports franchise.

Feiner said he doesn't want the Coyotes to leave Arizona, given that the gap between the end of the upcoming season and building a potential Tempe venue could span years.

"I don't know what the options are," he said. "I would drive to Yuma — the drive's not an obstacle for me."

A long and rocky road

Glendale’s announcement marks the latest in a long and rocky relationship with the team.

The Coyotes moved to Phoenix from Canada 25 years ago, but quickly found sharing an arena with the Phoenix Suns wasn’t ideal for hockey. When a deal to build an arena in Scottsdale hit difficulties, then-team owner Steve Ellman struck a deal in Glendale.

Glendale leaders, looking to change the trajectory of development in the then-sleepy suburb, borrowed $183 million to build the arena that opened in 2003. Ellman built the Westgate shopping and entertainment district around it. Glendale planned to pay off the arena debt with the sales tax revenues generated there.

25 years of arena drama: Timeline of Arizona Coyotes in Arizona

But six years later, the team was bleeding money. Jerry Moyes, who was by then the majority owner, was unable to negotiate a more favorable arena lease with Glendale and filed the team into bankruptcy. He proposed selling the team to a Canadian billionaire who would move the team to Hamilton, Ontario. 1219506 Arizona Coyotes

Arizona Coyotes to host 2021 Rookie Faceoff tournament

BY SAM GRAVELINE

The Arizona Coyotes announced on Wednesday the team will host the 2021 Rookie Faceoff tournament on Sept. 17-20 at Gila River Arena and the Ice Den Scottsdale.

The tournament will feature six NHL teams, including the Coyotes.

The Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks and the Vegas Golden Knights of the Pacific Division will all be a part of the tournament. The Coyotes’ new Central Division rival, the Colorado Avalanche, will be there as well.

Playing in the Rookie Faceoff, the Coyotes will be able to give fans a look at exciting prospects. The team expects the No. 9 overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, forward Dylan Guenther, to highlight their tournament squad.

Other Arizona prospects expected to play in the tournament are forward Liam Kirk (No. 189 overall in 2018), as well as defensemen Ty Emberson (No. 73 overall in 2018) and Janis Moser (No. 60 overall in 2021).

This marks the third time the NHL will hold the Rookie Faceoff after being held in Vegas in 2018 and Anaheim in 2019. The Coyotes were scheduled to host the tournament in 2020, but it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Coyotes have three games scheduled for the Rookie Faceoff, all at Gila River Arena.

Tickets and streaming information can be found here.

Below is a complete game schedule for the 2021 Rookie Faceoff Tournament.

Friday, September 17, 2021

3 p.m. – Los Angeles at Colorado (Ice Den)

5 p.m. – San Jose at Anaheim (Ice Den)

7:30 p.m. – Vegas at Arizona (Gila River Arena)

Sunday, September 19, 2021

2 p.m. – Vegas at San Jose (Ice Den)

4 p.m. – Colorado at Anaheim (Ice Den)

6:30 p.m. – Los Angeles at Arizona (Gila River Arena)

Monday, September 20, 2021

9 a.m. – San Jose at Colorado (Ice Den)

11 a.m. – Los Angeles at Vegas (Ice Den)

12 p.m. – Anaheim at Arizona (Gila River Arena)

Arizona Sports LOADED: 08.20.2021 1219507 Arizona Coyotes September, requesting that the parties work toward a binding agreement. Phelps reiterated that stance in a letter sent to Gutierrez on Nov. 16, defining such an agreement as being a minimum of 12 years in length, ‘Point of no return’: Glendale to boot Coyotes from Gila River Arena after but “ideally” 15-18 years in order to provide “sufficient time for both the 2021-22 season city and the Coyotes to amortize their capital investments into the arena.”

Phelps said that the city and ASM explored renovation options with multiple architectural firms because the 18-year-old facility required Katie Strang Aug 19, 2021 revamping and refreshing (an ASM spokesman confirmed that they have received potential concepts by several leading architectural firms for

updating Gila River Arena). In a letter to Gutierrez on May 11, Phelps The City of Glendale has informed the Arizona Coyotes that it will opt out declared the city’s “willingness to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the of its joint lease agreement for Gila River Arena, meaning the Coyotes Coyotes in meeting the required capital contributions to realize this will need to vacate the arena by June 30 of next year, making the 2021- vision.” However, Phelps said the city received indications that the 22 season the club’s final one at the facility. Coyotes were seeking public funding for renovations.

The current lease agreement operates on a year-to-year basis and can In a letter dated July 22, 2021, Pat Murphy, the Coyotes’ president of be terminated by either party via written notice on or before Dec. 31. The business operations, strategy and development, stated: “We have Coyotes also use administrative space within the arena, which the team watched other professional sports teams in our region improve their must also vacate. facilities with the help of local and state lawmakers who relied heavily on taxpayer funding to foot the bill.” The termination notice follows several months of stalled negotiations between the city and the team on the terms of a lease extension and The tempestuous relationship between Glendale and the Coyotes is well potential renovations to the arena, as well as multiple notices about documented. Much of the contention has centered around Glendale’s outstanding and delinquent balances owed by the Coyotes as part of long-term suitability for the hockey franchise and the team’s frequent their lease agreement, public records reveal. efforts to seek out a new locale within the Greater Phoenix area. The NHL has echoed these sentiments. On March 17, NHL commissioner City Manager Kevin Phelps, who oversees the day-to-day operations and Gary Bettman said the city is “not economically capable of supporting an is responsible for the arena management contract between the team and NHL franchise” and stated in a letter to the Arizona Legislature that the ASM Global, the arena management company, said his decision was Coyotes “cannot and will not remain in Glendale.” Bettman sent the letter shared in an executive session with City Council members last week. in support of a bill that would provide public-private funding for a new City Council members, when given an opportunity to provide input, Coyotes arena in Phoenix or the East Valley. showed a “strong consensus” that they supported this course of action, Phelps said. League officials could not be reached for comment on Thursday’s developments. “We’ve reached that point of no return,” Phelps told The Athletic. “There’s no wavering.” Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo Sr., when he assumed ownership in July 2019, said he wanted a new arena for the team. On July 22, AZ Central Phelps notified an official with the Coyotes of the decision on Thursday reported he was eyeing Tempe, with hopes of relocating the team to a afternoon, the city manager’s office confirmed. A high-ranking official with parcel of city-owned land that “currently houses the city’s public works ASM is expected to notify the NHL of the decision. ASM, which collects and compost yard.” The team said in a statement that the club was an annual management fee of $5.6 million and participates in a sliding “highly interested” in the location. Arena and development proposals scale of profit-sharing with the city as part of the arrangement, is were requested by Aug. 19, though that date was recently pushed back expected to also provide formal written notice to the team as part of its to Sept. 2. There have also been reports of steep financial and time duties as the arena management company. commitments required to satisfy the environmental remediation process at the Tempe site, which was estimated to cost $70 million. The Phoenix Coyotes president Xavier Gutierrez said the team was “disappointed by Business Journal reported in August that emails obtained via public today’s unilateral decision by the City of Glendale to break off records request revealed interest in a potential deal with Tempe dates to negotiations on a multi-year lease extension agreement. 2019, finding that “lobbying and groundwork for such a plan has been a “We are hopeful that they will reconsider a move that would primarily solid, consistent effort by the the NHL team for more than two years.” In damage the small businesses and hard-working citizens of Glendale. We that same story, it was also revealed that Glendale City Council member remain open to restarting good-faith negotiations with the City. Most Bart Turner sent a link to The Athletic’s “damning article” about the importantly, the Coyotes are one hundred percent committed to finding a Coyotes to Tempe Council member Lauren Kuby. long-term arena solution here in Arizona, and nothing will shake our “Just want to be sure you’ve seen the latest news about our favorite AZ determination to do what is right for our organization, residents of the sports franchise! Feel free to share,” Turner wrote. entire Valley and, most important, our fans.” “THANKS for all this information. Eegads!” Kuby replied. According to a July 29 letter sent on behalf of Phelps to Chuck Steedman, executive vice president of strategy and development of ASM Kuby then forwarded the email to Ken Jones, the City of Tempe’s CFO, Global, and Dale Adams, the general manager of Gila River Arena, titled: according to the report. “Re: Coyotes past due,” Phelps informed Steedman and Adams that the Coyotes owed $1,462,792 to the arena as of July 17. In the letter, In his July letter, Murphy noted Glendale’s failure to present a “serious obtained via a public-records request filed earlier this month, Phelps said counteroffer” despite the club’s “detailed and objective assessments of that more than $300,000 of that amount is “over four months delinquent,” the much-needed capital improvements to the arena” as a serious The letter also communicated previous late payments and forgiven debts challenge to the club’s commitment to remain in the Valley. Murphy wrote from the prior season. that the Coyotes would respond to Tempe’s request for proposal and “in the event we are selected, we intend to move forward with that arena and “Last year, due to the pandemic, we agreed to forgo a significant amount development project.” The letter also requested renewed “discussions on of the money owed to the arena. In doing so, the Coyotes agreed they an interim three-to-five year lease agreement” in Glendale. would keep current with all future financial obligations under their lease agreement,” Phelps stated in the letter. “That has not occurred.” “While I personally have had frequent positive interactions with Mr. Meruelo, Xavier and Pat, their continual statements that they need to Last September, The Athletic reported a significant outstanding balance move the team out of Glendale have been disparaging and disappointing to ASM that was several months past due. In February, The Athletic to our residents and businesses,” Phelps said. published a lengthy story that detailed widespread problems plaguing the organization, including a “toxic” workplace environment and a wide swath Phelps said the Tempe announcement was not the impetus for the of financial issues, among other concerns. decision to terminate the agreement with the Coyotes. Instead, the city is seeking a long-term strategy that is financially viable and beneficial to A review of communications between Phelps, the Coyotes and ASM/Gila Glendale. Recently, the city requested a study to identify the impact of River Arena officials dating back to the fall of 2020 reveals that the City of monthly sales tax collections for retail, restaurants, bars and hotels within Glendale stated its desire to secure a long-term lease agreement in the Westgate Entertainment District from attendees at Coyotes home games versus other live events. According to that economic-impact study, which was reviewed by The Athletic, “it would take approximately 20 additional concerts or large other events (with attendance of 10,000+) to equal the same amount of sales tax revenues to the city as 43 Coyotes games” in spending at the Westgate Entertainment District (outside the arena).

“What we think is not being tethered to the Coyotes really allows us to take the asset of the arena and do something really special with it,” Phelps said.

Dan Dahl, director of real estate for YAM Properties, which owns and operates multiple properties in the area, including Westgate, said the company supports Glendale’s “decision regarding the arena.”

“With a diverse mix of dining, shopping and entertainment options, Westgate will continue to hold its own as a thriving entertainment hub for the West Valley,” Dahl said.

It is not immediately clear which arenas present the most realistic options for the Coyotes to play in following the 2021-22 season. Quebec City has previously applied for an expansion franchise. Houston has also previously expressed interest in having an NHL team.

Asked what he’d say to those who wonder whether this move is a negotiating ploy, Phelps said: “We’ve made our decision. There’s not a scenario I can envision today that would have us open that door back up.”

The Athletic LOADED: 08.20.2021 1219508 Boston Bruins

Source: ‘Highly Unlikely’ Chara Plays For Boston Bruins Again

By Jimmy Murphy

There’s no way that Zdeno Chara will play for the Boston Bruins again right?

On Wednesday, Andy Strickland of Bally Sports Midwest and The Cam And Strick Podcast tweeted that while the St. Louis Blues had recently expressed interest in the former Boston Bruins captain who mutually parted ways with the Bruins the last offseason and signed a one-year, $750,000 contract with the Washington Capitals on December 30. However, according to Strickland, Chara and his agent Matt Keator indicted to the Blues that if he does return for his 24th NHL season, it will once again be with a team in the Eastern Conference.

Told the #stlblues are not an option for future Hall of Fame Dman Zdeno Chara. His focus, if he plays, will be to stay in the East to remain close to his family.

— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) August 18, 2021

So could that team be the team he captained for 14 seasons and helped lead to their first Stanley Cup in 39 years in 2011 and two more Stanley Cup Finals in 2013 and 2019?

After seeing Strickland’s tweet, we did some digging via phone calls, texts, and emails with multiple NHL sources, one close to the 44-year-old future hall of famer.

“I’m told that while highly unlikely, never say never and that he is exploring multiple options, with one obviously being retirement,” that NHL source told Boston Hockey Now on Wednesday. “I can tell you that nothing except playing in the West, like what ‘Strick’ said, has been ruled out.”

Two other NHL sources doubted a reunion with the Boston Bruins and Chara on the ice was potentially in the works but a return in a coaching or player development role could happen if and when Chara decides to hang them up. That goes in line with what we’ve heard too and based on the Bruins’ youth movement on the blue line, along with signing a big, minutes-eating defenseman in Derek Forbort last month, it does seem ‘highly unlikely.

“I know the Bruins and Chara have discussed that since they parted ways and clearly there’s no love lost there,” one of the sources said.

The other source could not say for sure what other NHL teams have expressed interest in Chara but said to keep an eye on the New York Rangers and New York Islanders. As reported here before Chara signed with the Capitals, both teams, as well as the Montreal Canadiens, looked into signing the former Boston Bruins captain whose No. 33 is destined to hang in the TD Garden rafters after he retires.

“You reported it last December and you were dead on with that,” the source said. “So if you gotta look at those teams again right? They both still could use that rugged, veteran leadership presence and playoff experience. I’ve heard him linked to the Islanders recently but it was more of hearsay and speculation. It makes a ton of sense but then look at the Rangers too; imagine Adam Fox getting even better under a mentor like ‘Zee’?”

Boston Bruins fans had mixed reactions to Chara’s departure last December but as the season went on, after two standing ovations and seeing their team beat Chara and the Capitals in five games in the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they appeared to have moved on. If as expected, Chara and the Bruins don’t reunite and he signs with the Islanders, Rangers, or any other team in the East, he will likely get another standing O. However, seeing Chara come into TD Garden with the Habs on November 14 could cause a riot!

Boston Hockey NowLOADED: 08.20.2021 1219509 Boston Bruins *For something completely different: I still don’t quite know what’s going on here with the Eternals, but this trailer at least has me interested to see the move.

BHN PUCK LINKSBHN Puck Links: Boston Bruins Still Hoping For More The final #Eternals trailer is here!pic.twitter.com/BsTtjqMHrd Moore — Phase Zero – MCU (@PhaseZeroCB) August 19, 2021

Boston Hockey NowLOADED: 08.20.2021 By Joe Haggerty

The Boston Bruins are still holding out hope that defenseman John Moore is going to contribute a bit more during his stint in Boston.

The 30-year-old Moore signed a five-year, $13.75 million contract several years ago in what the Bruins clearly expected to give them a steady veteran presence amongst their middle or bottom pair defensemen over the years. Instead, Moore has averaged 30 games per season over his first three years in Boston, and now has undergone significant shoulder and hip surgeries during his time with the Black and Gold.

The former first round pick only played five games last season before succumbing to surgery, and joined Steve Kampfer, Kevan Miller, Jeremy Lauzon and Brandon Carlo as the blueliners that the Bruins were missing at points during the playoffs. Even when Moore is healthy, the 6-foot-2, 210-pounder hasn’t been able to regularly hold a spot in the lineup and has just six goals and 18 points over his three seasons.

Still, Moore could give the Bruins an experienced hand this season if he’s finally healthy and could at least provide competition for youngsters like Jakob Zboril and Connor Clifton, if they are in the lineup. That’s exactly what the B’s are hoping for along with an uninterrupted run of good health for Moore after two injury-marred seasons.

“John’s doing very well coming out of his hip surgery,” Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said earlier this month when asked specifically about the forgotten defenseman. “[He’s] back on the ice, really has no limitations, and fully expect him to be healthy for camp.

“Depth and experience, I think, is important for us. You saw us lose players as we went through the playoffs last year. John [has] a wealth of experience, over 500 games in the National Hockey League, hopefully [he] remains healthy. From a depth perspective and experience standpoint, I think he adds to our group and can play both sides of the ice. So, for us, it’s important.”

While it would be a boon for the Boston Bruins to get a healthy, productive season out of Moore, it’s clear they are not banking on it after loading up on the left side with Mike Reilly and Derek Forbort over the last sixth months.

Now on to the BHN Puck Links:

*The Boston Bruins are still expecting Tuukka Rask back this season as they view their goaltending depth as “a luxurious problem to have” when/if Rask comes back. (Boston Hockey Now)

*The Red Wings opened up a roster spot by buying out Frans Nielsen as they continue to rebuild the Detroit roster on the fly. (Detroit Hockey Now)

*Dan Kingerski answers all of your burning Pittsburgh Penguins questions in a Q&A that he recently published. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

*Is it a great signal to young hockey players when Auston Matthews is on the cover of the EA Sports video game after the Maple Leafs have been a complete playoff failure over the years? Wouldn’t Brayden Point be a better choice? Or Victor Hedman?

Pumped to be back on the cover for #NHL22 @EASPORTSNHL

Watch the full reveal trailer https://t.co/1WSQJ4vmjz pic.twitter.com/jswGLWsxfu

— Auston Matthews (@AM34) August 19, 2021

*It’s a smart move by Owen Power to opt for a return to Michigan for his sophomore season rather than toil in Buffalo this year. One of the worst things for a hockey player’s development is to spend formative years in a losing environment, and that’s something the No. 1 overall pick won’t be doing with the Wolverines. (Buffalo News)

*Congrats to FOH (Friend of Haggs) Marisa Ingemi, who is writing about the Seattle Kraken these days and has a story about how Colin Blackwell might have been a steal in the expansion draft. (Seattle Times) 1219510 Buffalo Sabres “Number one, can he put on some man strength and be so much more ready to play at that level? I totally think he can. Just because you’re drafted first, or when you turn 18, doesn’t mean you’re necessarily ready Sabres' No. 1 pick Owen Power to return to Michigan for sophomore to play in the National Hockey League. Everybody is ready at different season times. Owen’s a great player. He’s going to play in the league, whether it’s next year or the year after.”

The Sabres were prepared for Power’s return to Michigan, as their NHL Lance Lysowski Aug 19, 2021 roster is projected to include defensemen Rasmus Dahlin, Will Butcher, Robert Hagg, Henri Jokiharju, Colin Miller and Mark Pysyk. Mattias

Samuelsson and Jacob Bryson will also compete for a spot on the blue Owen Power will wait to make his National Hockey League debut with line. Dahlin and Jokiharju are restricted free agents in need of new the Buffalo Sabres. contracts, while Miller, Pysyk, Butcher and Hagg are scheduled to reach unrestricted free agency next summer. Power, the left-shot defenseman drafted first overall by the Sabres last month, will return to the University of Michigan for his sophomore While it’s not common for a No. 1 pick to go back to the NCAA, young season, a source told The Buffalo News on Thursday morning. defensemen have benefited from additional time in college, particularly Cale Makar, Adam Fox, Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski. Since 2000, only one No. 1 draft pick did not make an immediate jump to the NHL: defenseman Erik Johnson spent one season at the University Makar, drafted fourth overall in 2017, became one of the league’s best of Minnesota after his selection by the St. Louis Blues in 2006. Alex after playing two seasons at UMass-Amherst. Hughes, who went to Ovechkin had to wait a year in 2004 because the NHL lockout delayed Vancouver at No. 7 in 2018, went back to Michigan for his sophomore his debut in North America. season and finished second in Calder Trophy voting for 2019-20. Werenski made the same decision in 2015 after his selection eighth The Sabres are expected to sign Power to an entry-level contract at the overall by Columbus. Fox won the Norris Trophy in Year 2 with the end of the 2021-22 season. Neither the Sabres nor Michigan have Rangers after spending three years at Harvard University. announced Power's plan. Young defensemen require patience and support in the form of a reliable "I think Owen was extremely impressive," Sabres General Manager partner on the blue line, and the Sabres saw firsthand with Dahlin that Kevyn Adams said of Power following the draft's first round. "The way he even a No. 1 draft choice can face a steep learning curve when playing in handles himself on the ice in all parts of his game. With the puck, his the NHL at 18 years old. poise. The defensive reads he makes. The great stick. His hockey IQ. I love his length. I love his skating. He's just an all-around good player that Sabres brass is confident that Power will be ready to make a significant we really think is going to continue to get better and better. And he's a impact when he arrives in Buffalo. After all, he quickly earned the trust of really high character kid, who's excited about being in Buffalo. ... We're Team Canada coach Gerard Gallant at the world championships after really excited about him." beginning the tournament in a lesser role, skating under 8 minutes in the team’s opening game. Power, 18, appeared in every game for Michigan as a freshman, totaling three goals and 16 points in 26 appearances. His 0.62 points per game Injuries thrust Power into a prominent role, as he was named player of helped him secure rookie of the year honors from the College Hockey the game after earning 24:07 of ice time against Russia. He skated for News, and he was a Big Ten Freshman of the Year finalist. The more than 27 minutes in a semifinal win over the United States. In the Wolverines' season ended when they had a Covid-19 positive test at the final, Power was on the ice for 24:17 to help Canada earn gold at the start of the NCAA Tournament. annual event for the first time since 2005.

Listed at 6-foot-6, 213 pounds, Power has the physical tools to join the Power finished the tournament with three assists, 17 shots on goal and a Sabres this season. He also proved at the IIHF World Championship this plus-1 rating while averaging 20:07 of ice time in 10 games. spring that he can excel against NHL competition, ascending to a "I think he's better than people think he is, actually,” Brock Sheahan, who prominent role during Canada’s gold-medal run in Latvia. coached Power with the United States Hockey League’s Chicago Steel, However, Power stated before the NHL draft last month that he preferred said last month. “I don't think people understand how great he can be. A to return to Michigan. Another season will afford Power the opportunity to lot of people are saying they don’t know if this is a good draft, but I’ll tell round out his game on a Wolverines team that’s expected to contend for you what, there’s definitely one elite player in this draft and that’s Owen the NCAA Championship. Additionally, Power did not have a normal Power. There are others, but he is very, very special.” college experience last year, as the Covid-19 pandemic prevented him Buffalo News LOADED: 08.20.2021 from skating in front of a sold-out crowd at historic Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor, Mich. This decision will also allow Power to represent Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship.

Power is the Sabres’ presumed selection with the first overall pick, but it’s uncertain where he will play this season.

Power will play heavy minutes in every situation for Michigan, whereas a roster spot in Buffalo would have likely come with a lesser role to ease him into the grind of an 82-game NHL season. While the Sabres expressed confidence that Power would immediately excel on their roster, conversations with Power and his family, as well as Michigan coach Mel Pearson, led to this decision.

The Wolverines’ players report to campus Monday and classes start Aug. 30. Their first game is scheduled for Oct. 8, and the NCAA Frozen Four is set take place in Boston from April 7-9. The Sabres’ regular season isn’t scheduled to end until April 29. The club could sign Power at the conclusion of his season, but he will burn a year of his entry-level contract if he appears in a game with the Sabres in March or April.

“Could he play in the National Hockey League next year? Absolutely,” Pearson said in phone interview with The News last month. “But having said that, I have so much respect for the NHL. It's the greatest league in the world. You have to be ready. It's a man's league and you have to be ready to step in and perform and contribute on a nightly basis. You have to be ready for that physically, emotionally, spiritually. … 1219511 BuffaloSabres “But it comes back to we really enjoy it. I’m 62, Buffalo born and bred, and the Bills and Sabres are in our blood.”

Contributing to Moskal’s decision to renew was the fact money remained Sabres’ season tickets have become a tough sell: ‘It’s just been so sad in his account from canceled games in 2019-20, so it was easy to roll that for so long’ into his first payment. He’s also guessing he can move to even better seats when the Sabres ask season-ticket holders if they want to slide into spots vacated by others. By John Vogl Aug 19, 2021 That’s what might keep Matt Baudo from stepping away. He and a friend let the installment deadline pass without making a payment, so as of now, he’s out. But he’ll likely re-up if he can get to center ice, Row 3 in The Sabres’ message was straight and to the point. the 300 Level. He’s been able to upgrade three times in the past eight “This note is to ensure you are aware that your Season Ticket years because of other fans’ departures. Membership will expire in less than 48 hours,” the team wrote in the “Going to a game, even if they’re bad, I still enjoy it just because I love email, which quickly moved to bold letters. “Renew before August 17 at 5 the sport,” Baudo said. “I get the Center Ice package and I can sit home p.m. to maintain your status as a member and your current seat location and watch two teams I don’t care about play hockey. To be able to go do for the 2021-22 Sabres season.” that at the arena, my season-ticket status is not any support toward the The deadline for the first of five payment installments has come and Sabres.” gone. So have a large number of season-ticket holders. Nowadays, even being a supporter of the Sabres is not enough to But the organization hasn’t closed the book on the fans who chose not to guarantee a ticket renewal. Somewhere between 10 and 20 percent of renew. Despite Tuesday’s expiration date, the team plans to keep seats the season-ticket holders live across the river in Canada. They can’t in the previous occupants’ names through the end of August. It gives the enter the United States. Sabres time for one last sales pitch, which is expected to include partial “I decided not to renew. How can I? We literally cannot cross the border,” season-ticket packages. said a Sabres fan from Canada who wished to remain anonymous It’s clear those will be a tough sell, too. because he’ll be dealing with the ticketing staff again someday. “I can provide vaccine proof, but if I have to supply a negative test, Sabres “There’s just straight-up no value in season tickets whatsoever,” Steve games are not feasible. Public health care in Canada only pays for a test Micciche said. if you are sick. Otherwise, it is about $200.

Micciche is among those who’ve given up their seats. The bassist for “Day trips to Buffalo will not happen unless there are no extra costs and Every Time I Die, a Buffalo-based metalcore band, has always been a hassles are minimal.” Sabres fan. His band welcomed Drew Stafford as a special guest during the 2008 Warped Tour while the forward played for the Sabres. Micciche The border situation will have a major impact on renewals and single- paid to get on the Sabres’ season-ticket waiting list in the early 2010s game sales. Whenever a Canadian team comes to Buffalo, especially the and received his much-anticipated call from the sales department in Maple Leafs, there are plenty of fans wearing visiting jerseys. Those 2016. Southern Ontario natives can buy a ticket at the box office, but they typically acquire one from season-ticket holders. It’s how Buffalo fans cut “We were excited,” said Micciche, who shared two 100 Level seats with down their own costs, which range from $999 to $4,800 per seat. friends. “Jack Eichel was on the team and they had Sam Reinhart. We were excited to get them just for the possibility of playoff tickets.” Knowing they’re now on the hook for the full price might have convinced some season-ticket holders to back out. The lack of Canadian fans will Instead, Reinhart is gone, Eichel is on the way out and the playoffs never also affect the Sabres’ dynamic pricing for single-game tickets. They came. The Sabres have missed 10 straight postseasons, tying the NHL usually charged more for games against the Leafs, but can they afford to record for the longest drought. jack up the price without an influx of Toronto folks?

“They’re going to break the record,” Micciche said. “Let’s face it, they’re The Sabres’ director of ticket operations did not reply to a call or email. not making the playoffs next year. It’s just so sad. It’s like a forgotten The team’s website reads, “Check back for more info on Single Game decade.” Tickets.” Another page reads, “Information on Partial Season Ticket packages including pricing and package offerings will be available after That’s reflected by ticket sales. The season-ticket waitlist, which cost the release of the 2021-22 NHL schedule.” The league released the start $100 to join, boasted more than 5,000 names when Chris Drury and times for games last week. Daniel Briere were leading the team in 2007. As Micciche learned, it took years to get tickets. For fans like Micciche, season tickets simply aren’t worth it anymore. The bassist’s lower-level seat near the blue line costs $4,000 per year, which Those days are long gone. Though the waitlist still exists by virtue of the equals almost $100 per game. As the Sabres’ wins have decreased, the non-refundable deposit, the team has been calling everyone on it for number of tickets on secondary markets has increased. several seasons. The Sabres formerly capped season-ticket sales at 16,000 for their 19,070-seat arena, but they fell well short of that number “The guy next to us is paying $30 on StubHub, and that’s with fees,” in 2019-20, the last year fans were fully welcomed to the building. Micciche said. “It’s just disheartening. There’s just no value in these things other than the Toronto games, and even those, you’re just barely Final sales for the 2020-21 season won’t be known until September, but holding your value. there’s a real fear the Sabres could regress to 2002-03. The bankrupt team averaged 13,776 fans and had nights when actual attendance was “I understand that winning changes a lot of that but, man, it’s just been so fewer than 9,000. sad for so long. We finally were just like, ‘We’re just going to sever ties.’”

“You could just about sit anywhere in the arena whenever you wanted,” As the empty seats will prove this season, he and his friends aren’t said Michael Moskal, who has owned season tickets for 25 years. “I think alone. we’re going to be in those kinds of conditions again.” “I even told my ticket rep, ‘I don’t envy you guys at all. I feel so sorry for The Sabres named Moskal their Fan of the Year for the 2017-18 season. the position you’re in,’” Micciche said. “I’m always going to be a fan, but He renewed his seats but admits to being conflicted. it’s just really, really disheartening over there right now.

“You go through the past 10 years and it’s just been miserable there,” “We’ll let them figure out their identity for a few years, and when the Moskal said. “There’s been a couple of times where my wife and I would time’s right, maybe we’ll come back. I’m sure in three years, we’ll be able sit next to each other – and this goes back mainly during the tank years to get pretty close to exactly the same tickets we had.” (of 2013 to 2015), but even the regression over the last couple of years are similar – it’s like, ‘What the hell are we doing? Why are we wasting The Athletic LOADED: 08.20.2021 our time?’ 1219512 BuffaloSabres 37

Phil Kessel

Sabres UFA future: Auston Matthews, Patrick Kane and other potential 34 targets from 2022-25 Joe Pavelski

38 By John Vogl Aug 19, 2021 Alexander Radulov

36 Dylan Cozens feeding Auston Matthews. Rasmus Dahlin setting up Leon Draisaitl. Casey Mittelstadt and Patrick Kane burying a two-on-one. Filip Forsberg

The Sabres are looking to the future, so it’s time for us to do it, too. 28

General manager Kevyn Adams has made his ultimate goal very clear. Tomas Hertl Once the Sabres’ young core matures, Adams will surround it with 28 established talent. Mika Zibanejad There’s a lot of talent scheduled to be on the market. The next four summers could feature Hall of Famers, franchise players and All-Stars 29 finding new homes. While Buffalo is not on their radar now, it may be Ondrej Palat once their contracts are up. 31 Adams is determined to have the cap space to sign them. Max Domi “It’s about putting ourselves in a position that we help grow these young players and make sure we’re ready when the time is right to move 27 forward,” the GM said. “When we are ready and we are at the point to take that step, we’re going to have the (financial) flexibility and the ability Jeff Carter to do it.” 37 This summer featured a laundry list of one-year, $750,000 contracts. July Reilly Smith 2022 may not be much better if the Sabres are as bad as the oddsmakers predict. BetMGM has their Stanley Cup odds at 200 to 1, 31 worst in the NHL. Buffalo has to win before top free agents consider signing with the team. Nino Niederreiter

But if Cozens, Dahlin, Mittelstadt, Owen Power, Jack Quinn, Isak Rosen 30 and J-J Peterka become top-tier players, the summer of 2023 could Andre Burakovsky feature Kane coming home. Maybe Matthews joins him in 2024. Draisaitl might be the final Stanley Cup piece in 2025. 27

While the present is rough, the future could be pretty. Vincent Trocheck

“We all want this to be right away, but we have to be patient,” Adams 29 said. “We have to be disciplined, and we have to get it right.” Ryan Strome Kane, Matthews and Draisaitl are scheduled to be at the top of their free- agent classes, but they’ll have plenty of company. Each offseason 29 through 2025 is loaded with players who’d complement the Sabres’ core Nazem Kadri and push the organization to contender status. 31 With lots of help from Cap Friendly, let’s take a look. A number of players will re-sign with their teams before becoming unrestricted free agents, but Rickard Rakell others will flood these intriguing markets. The age noted is how old the player will be on Oct. 1 of that season. For instance, Kane is 32 now, 29 becomes a free agent in 2023 and will be 34 when the 2023-24 season Andrew Copp starts. 28 2022 UFAs Defensemen Forwards P.K. Subban Evgeni Malkin 33 36 Mattias Ekholm Sean Couturier 32 29 Kris Letang Aleksander Barkov 35 27 Mark Giordano Johnny Gaudreau 38 29 Hampus Lindholm Claude Giroux 28 34 Morgan Rielly Patrice Bergeron 28 John Klingberg Max Pacioretty

30 34

Nick Leddy Jonathan Huberdeau

31 30

Rasmus Ristolainen James van Riemsdyk

27 34

Ryan Pulock Sean Monahan

27 28

Colton Parayko Jason Zucker

29 31

Olli Maatta Bo Horvat

28 28

Goalies Jonathan Drouin

Marc-Andre Fleury 28

37 J.T. Miller

Calvin Petersen 30

27 Gustav Nyquist

Elvis Merzlikins 34

28 Alex Killorn

Joonas Korpisalo 34

28 Andreas Johnsson

Darcy Kuemper 28

32 Defensemen

Braden Holtby Matt Dumba

33 29

Again, unless the Sabres surprise everyone this season, Buffalo doesn’t Jake Gardiner figure to be a prime destination next summer. The Sabres would have to overpay these UFAs, and that’s not something Adams wants to do. 33

“We can’t cut corners or start making emotional decisions or doing things Dmitry Orlov that maybe in the moment you think, ‘OK, this is good,’ but then you 32 regret it down the road,” Adams said. Oscar Klefbom So while Sean Couturier, Johnny Gaudreau and Aleksander Barkov could look good in blue and gold, the timing may not be right. From 2023 30 through 2025, however… Goalies 2023 UFAs Semyon Varlamov Forwards 35 Patrick Kane Jake Allen 34 33 Nathan MacKinnon Antti Raanta 28 34 Jonathan Toews The idea of Kane finishing his career in Buffalo and bringing the Cup to 35 his hometown has been bandied about for years. When he’s scheduled to hit free agency, Cozens will be a 22-year-old entering his fourth David Pastrnak season. Dahlin will be 23 and entering his sixth season.

27 If they develop as expected, along with a few others, Buffalo could have Ryan O'Reilly an intriguing core to join.

32 Kane might stay in Chicago, but maybe Ryan O’Reilly wants to rewrite his chapter with Buffalo. Nathan MacKinnon, David Pastrnak, Dylan Dylan Larkin Larkin, Bo Horvat and Sean Monahan will still be in their prime. Matt Dumba or Jake Gardiner could complement the youth of Dahlin and 27 Power.

Vladimir Tarasenko Big names will continue to hit the market the following summer.

31 2024 UFAs Forwards Goalies

Auston Matthews Connor Hellebuyck

27 31

William Nylander Petr Mrazek

28 32

Steven Stamkos Chris Driedger

34 30

Sebastian Aho Matt Murray

27 30

Sam Reinhart After facing their closest rival dozens of times, maybe Toronto’s Matthews and William Nylander see a brighter future on the other side of 28 the border. Steven Stamkos made Buffalo a finalist during his 2016 fling Jake Guentzel with free agency, so he could be a veteran touch for 2024. Maybe Sam Reinhart would want to finish what he was supposed to help start. 29 By the time free agency opens in 2024, the Sabres should know if goalie Tyler Toffoli prospects Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Erik Portillo and Devon Levi have what it takes. If they don’t, Vezina Trophy-winning Connor Hellebuyck 32 might be an appealing and necessary piece. Tom Wilson 2025 UFAs 30 Forwards Viktor Arvidsson Leon Draisaitl 31 29 Jakub Voracek John Tavares 35 35 Anze Kopitar Mikko Rantanen 37 28 Mark Scheifele Yanni Gourde 31 33 Anthony Mantha Alex Iafallo 30 31 Teuvo Teravainen Jamie Benn 30 36 Jakub Vrana Evgeny Kuznetsov 28 33 Elias Lindholm Taylor Hall 29 33 Defensemen Nikolaj Ehlers Noah Hanifin 29 27 Cam Atkinson Brady Skjei 36 30 Pavel Buchnevich Devon Toews 30 30 Travis Konecny Brett Pesce 28 29 Christian Dvorak Tyler Myers 29 34 Sam Bennett Jake Muzzin 29 35 Defensemen Tyson Barrie Victor Hedman 33 34 Aaron Ekblad

29

Jaccob Slavin

31

Ivan Provorov

28

Jakub Chychrun

27

Neal Pionk

30

Esa Lindell

31

Shea Theodore

30

Goalies

Igor Shesterkin

29

Juuse Saros

30

Linus Ullmark

32

Robin Lehner

34

Draisaitl, Victor Hedman and Mitchell Marner headline another top-flight class. Maybe Buffalo will be content with its roster by 2025, but improvements are sure to be out there.

And the Sabres could be in a position to strike. The only money committed to the roster for 2024-25 and beyond is Jeff Skinner’s $9 million. While the contracts of the new core will have been extended by the time these free-agent classes reach the market, Adams plans to leave space for key additions.

If his young core blossoms, Buffalo could become a place the UFAs want to be.

“We build around those guys, everybody’s on the same page, and then we move forward,” Adams said. “That to me is how you build a team over time.”

The Athletic LOADED: 08.20.2021 1219513 Colorado Avalanche Bringing in Darren Helm should be viewed as a replacement for the departure of Pierre-Edouard Bellemare on the fourth line. Helm is, decidedly, no longer a top-six forward.

Avs Fan Confidence Index: The lack of a middle-six winger, depth The losses of Donskoi and Saad, and the lack of their replacements, scoring a cause for concern shows that Sakic is going all-in on Alex Newhook and placing trust in him that he can be a middle-six guy at the ripe age of 20 years old. This is surely a gamble, but it’s one I’m excited to see pan out. Avs fans should By Scott MacDonald be too.

But yes, still, forward depth is pretty thin, and no moves were made to shore that up either, as some were quick to point out. It’s been an eventful offseason for the Colorado Avalanche—for better and for worse. The moves—or, perhaps, lack thereof—have been Slight regression but mainly from an offensive standpoint. Lost 2 key polarizing for much of the Avs fanbase. Many took to Twitter to play guys in depth scoring while goaltending and d stayed about the same. armchair GM and air their grievances about the Avs’ offseason. Biggest question mark is the middle 6 and if Jost and Compher can step it up this year and silence their critics So I took to Avs Twitter to get a general pulse on things, posing the question: How confident are you in this season’s Avalanche based on — Andrew Fellhauer (@Giggly_Bits92) August 1, 2021 their off-season moves? Here’s what some had to say, in what is the first installment of the Avs Fan Confidence Index: I’d agree with Adam here that the Avs are one key injury away from being in a bad spot. What I think this means is that guys like Martin Kaut are #Avs 2021 Off-season Confidence Index: going to be given every opportunity to make the team this year, in what I’d say is a make-or-break season for Kaut. We might even see an How confident are you in this season’s Avalanche, based on off-season appearance from Shane Bowers here and there. moves? Mr. Sakic is going all-in on the young guys—likely, in part, because of — Scott MacDonald (@0ffScottFree) August 1, 2021 how affordable they are. He made mention of it during his post-trade If you log on to Avs Twitter, at times, the general off-season consensus is deadline press conference back in April that his team had to push the that this season’s team got much worse. The confidence index ranged chips in last season because of how tight things were going to be with from some slight optimism, to (mostly) sky-is-falling pessimism. the cap this offseason (and the necessity to re-sign his star players). He said back in April that this season’s team was going to be young. He The results of the confidence index poll were about what one might wasn’t kidding. expect. In total, about 59% of those polled voted that the Avs will likely see a dip from last season’s performance, while the other 41% said I’d also agree with Andrew here that this will have to be a big year for J.T. they’re at least on par, if not better, than last season’s Avalanche squad. Compher. He’ll be entrusted with more minutes and he needs to be willing to step up to the plate. Tyson Jost could even see some second- Let’s take a look at some fans’ reasonings: line minutes. I expect those two to be used interchangeably.

Slight regression. In my opinion last year's team was THE team. Should Some are not so sure about those two… have won. Now it's less of a "sure thing" as it was leading into last season. 2nd line needs a sufficient winger. Then I'd feel great again JT Compher is considered in your 2nd line. Id believe jost in top 6 before Compher. Add to that the heavy faith in a roster of AHLers and a bunch — Kyle (@Kchatham88) August 1, 2021 of no names. Not supposed to have roster of AHLers until injuries. Glad Timmins is gone, blue line was too many of same style player. Many in the comments agreed with Kyle here. The most common answer was that there is no clear replacement for the Avs losses in depth — Mr. Bean (@MrBean04381854) August 1, 2021 scoring. Here are a few examples: The lack of a middle-six winger and the theoretical drop-off in depth Replacing secondary and tertiary scoring with loss of Donskoi and Saad scoring that most are expecting is certainly cause for concern.

— Ding Doxy (@DDingSquared) August 1, 2021 But let me remind you, that scoring really has not been an issue for this Colorado Avalanche team. The Avs have been top-10 in goals scored I think losing Donskoi and Saad will hurt the team. Not seeing that any and goals-for per game in each of the last four seasons. Over the last one has replaced them. That’s my biggest concern. Happy with the four seasons combined, they’re also top-five in those two categories. Kuemper deal though. Sure, losing 16% of your goal production from last season may result in a — Karen Cherrett (@KarenCherrett4) August 1, 2021 dip in production. But am I concerned about the offense? I wouldn’t worry I think the loss of Saad and Donskoi hurt depth scoring. Loss of PEB on about it too much. the 4th line and PK hurt, as well as leadership… only a slight question Not yet at least. about Kuemper’s health. IF Kuemper is healthy, Byram takes a step and Newhook puts up numbers we will be fine. Colorado hockeynow LOADED: 08.20.2021 — Brandon Eccles (@BEccles2007) August 1, 2021

Lack of secondary scoring. The loss of Saad and Donskoi are of concern. I’d really like to see Sakic go out and sign Tatar. Our best free agent acquisition so far is… Darren Helm.

— Welby Leger (@WelbyLeger) August 1, 2021

Depth is no longer there n scoring again will be a question with saad and donskoi gone.

— Garrett Pelak (@zlGunitlz) August 1, 2021

There were plenty more similar replies, but you get the point. Yes, the loss of Joonas Donskoi and Brandon Saad are, undoubtedly, net losses. Those two alone accounted for about 16% of the team’s total goals last season, and there really wasn’t a clear replacement-move made by GM Joe Sakic.

Bonus Voucher! 1219514 Colorado Avalanche

Dater’s Daily: What kind of ad will Avs have on jersey?, Jack Eichel cryptic tweet has fans guessing

By Adrian Dater

Good Thursday to you all. Are you bothered by the fact that the NHL will allow advertisements onto jerseys, starting with the 2022-23 season? As long as they don’t start looking like the ridiculous jerseys of European leagues, I’m OK with it. This was always going to happen, with Covid putting more pressure on NHL revenues and the salary cap remaining stuck in the mud, etc. etc.

The question: what sponsor will the Avs have on their sweaters? No doubt there will be something of a bidding war on this. The fact is, it’s MAJOR exposure for an advertiser. It’s going to be worth big bucks to the teams and the league.

I would say that UC Health is an early contender in the clubhouse for the ad patch, which can either be placed on one of the two shoulders or to the upper side of the logo on the front. They already are a very big sponsor of the Avs.

Colorado hockeynow LOADED: 08.20.2021 1219515 Colorado Avalanche

Bo Byram: “I want to play every game this year”

By Adrian Dater

Probably no Avalanche player had a more frustrating 2020-21 season than Bo Byram.

There were Covid issues and quarantines. There were concussion issues. When there were no more health issues, toward the end of the season, there were No-room-at-the-Inn issues. Pardon Byram, then, if he never has anything good to say about his first season with the Avs. But that was then.

Byram, who turned 20 in June, has robust goals for 2021-22. In a story where he talked to the Vancouver Province’s Steve Ewen, the British Columbia native laid out his chief goal:

“I want to play every game this year,” Byram told Ewen. “I just want to establish myself and make sure that I’m going to be a regular in the lineup. I have to go prove to the team that I can do that.”

Bonus Voucher!

Byram played 19 games for the Avs, averaging 17:07 of ice time. He had no goals and two assists. He took a hit to the head from a leaping Keegan Kolesar in a March 25 game with Vegas, and never played again. He was skating every day with the team at practice in the playoffs, but coach Jared Bednar didn’t feel comfortable playing him after such a long layoff, in such a big time of the year.

Byram has been working out daily, and told Ewen he’s working more on his skating: “I think it’s something you have to continually work on. Everyone is getting faster.”

Let’s hope that Bo Byram, 2.0, has a much happier story than the first go- around. I think he’s going to be a big, valuable piece to the team and its fortunes for the season.

Colorado hockeynow LOADED: 08.20.2021 1219516 Columbus Blue Jackets But in order for Roslovic to make sense between wingers such as Patrik Laine and Jake Voracek, he’ll need to make tremendous gains away from the puck.

With contract signed, Cole Sillinger can get to work with Blue Jackets … It’s unclear if the Blue Jackets view Max Domi as a winger or a center, maybe sooner than most expect but he’s recovering from shoulder surgery and will miss the first month or two of the season. So he’s out of the mix in the early going.

By Aaron Portzline Who’s the second-line center, then? Boone Jenner has been the fallback plan in the middle for years now, but a spot in the top six might be a little rich. Jenner on the second line between Gustav Nyquist and Oliver Bjorkstrand seems to be an odd fit. COLUMBUS, Ohio — The best part of Cole Sillinger’s entry-level contract signing on Wednesday, he said, is that it clears all but one The Blue Jackets have paved a path for Alexandre Texier in his first two hurdle between him and the NHL when he arrives for Blue Jackets’ seasons, but he has yet to grab hold of any opportunity. He has the skill training camp next month. set to play in an NHL top six, but the organization is waiting on him to pop. “Every player’s goal, once they get drafted and signed, is to make the team,” said Sillinger, the Jackets’ No. 12 overall selection in last month’s Free-agent signee Sean Kuraly is likely a third- or fourth-line center, NHL Draft. “So now the only barrier will be based on my play. while Justin Danforth and Kevin Stenlund are seen as fourth-line centers or depth players. “I feel like I’m physically mature enough to be there. Mentally, I really like where I’m at right now. It’s just a matter of how I adapt to the pro-level There’s room for Sillinger to get ice time — top six, bottom six, or a game. Obviously, the NHL is the best league in the world, so I’ve got to mixture of both — if he’s ready. At 6-0, 198 pounds, he doesn’t have the make that jump and be effective.” boyish frame of a typical 18-year-old player, either.

The Blue Jackets were thrilled that Sillinger was still on the board when “Physically, Cole is very, very close to being NHL ready, if he’s not there they made the second of their three first-round selections last month. already,” Sillinger’s agent, Craig Oster, said. “It’s just a matter of making They acquired the No. 12 pick in the trade that sent defenseman Seth the transition. Jones to Chicago. “(Blue Jackets general manager) Jarmo (Kekalainen) is not going to force The other two first-round picks — forward Kent Johnson at No. 5 and Cole, or anybody else, to play if they’re not ready. But if they are ready, defenseman Corson Ceulemans at No. 25 — will play college hockey this there’s not going to be anything holding him back, either.” season. Johnson will be a sophomore at Michigan, while Ceulemans will be a freshman at Wisconsin. Sillinger, the son of former NHL and Blue Jackets center Mike Sillinger, already displays the comportment of a young NHL player. But where Sillinger plays in 2021-22 is far from settled, and whether he makes the Blue Jackets’ roster out of training camp is only part of the As ESPN’s John Buccigross said in the moments after Sillinger was equation. picked by the Blue Jackets, “This is a good player, man. He’s just born to do it.” Sillinger was slated to play for Medicine Hat of the Western Hockey League last season, but the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered play While Mike Sillinger said he arrived at the NHL with Detroit in the early throughout the Canadian major-junior leagues and sent top players 1990s needing to learn the subtleties of the game — play away from the looking elsewhere for ice time. puck, faceoffs, penalty-killing, et cetera — Cole Sillinger is already proficient in those aspects. While others headed to Europe, Sillinger found a spot with Sioux Falls in the United States Hockey League. “Cole carries himself like a pro already,” Oster said. “He’s got that mentality. He just works so hard. If you grow up in a certain environment, If Sillinger had been drafted out of Medicine Hat (or any other CHL club), you’re bound to inherit some of the characteristics by assimilation. I have the Blue Jackets would have had only two options this fall: either keep a ton of respect for him as a young man. him on the NHL roster or send him back to junior. “Even through this process, he’s had the perfect perspective. ‘Let’s get Per the CHL’s agreement with the NHL, its players are not allowed to this stuff out of the way — the draft, signing the contract — and now it’s play in the American Hockey League until they’re 20 years old. The up to me. I’ll show them if I’m ready, and if not, that’s fine. It just means USHL has no such age restriction with the AHL, mostly because it’s a I’ve got more work to do.'” feeder program for U.S. colleges. Sillinger was a standout player earlier this month at Team Canada’s Put another way: If the Blue Jackets think Sillinger is not quite ready for offseason training camp for the World Junior Championships. It’ll take a the NHL, but he wouldn’t be challenged enough playing for Medicine Hat, similar performance next month when he’s wearing a Blue Jackets they have the option of sending him to AHL Cleveland. sweater.

Sillinger is in Regina, Saskatchewan, now, and he’s headed to Medicine “I’m really looking forward to seeing how I do with that experience, Hat in a couple of days to train and skate and golf with friends and however it works out,” Sillinger said. teammates. In a couple of weeks, he said, he’ll travel to Columbus to get settled ahead of camp. CBJ have options

The NHL prospects tournament in Traverse City (Sept. 16-20) will be his Sillinger, Johnson, and Ceulemans were all at Team Canada’s camp last first test. Then comes NHL training camp and preseason games. month. Sillinger and Ceulemans had met previously, but Johnson and Sillinger’s job is to present the Blue Jackets with a difficult decision by the Sillinger met for the first time and even skated on a line together. first week of October, when NHL rosters are set. “I played on his wing for a couple of periods,” Sillinger said. “He is so Roster soft spot skilled, so smart. He loves to just control the game with the puck on his stick, and that’s how I like to play, too. It was good to have that Sillinger has played all three forward positions. If there’s a constructive experience, and exciting to know that one day maybe it can happen critique of his game among NHL scouts, it’s that his skating needs again (in Columbus).” improvement. That’s why some believe he could break into the league as a winger. It will likely be a few seasons before all three players are entrenched on the Blue Jackets’ roster, but Sillinger has a shot to arrive first. His first challenge, then, might be to show the Blue Jackets that he has the necessary footspeed to play in the middle. If that’s the case, he would The Blue Jackets have had numerous instances through the years of have greatly enhanced his chances of making the club out of camp. first-round draft picks out of the CHL who landed in that great in-between: not yet ready for the rigors of the NHL, but no longer challenged by the Center is the soft spot on the Blue Jackets’ roster. major-junior level.

About one month from the start of camp, Jack Roslovic would appear to Gilbert Brule in 2005 and 2006. Jakub Voracek in 2007. Ryan Johansen be the Blue Jackets’ default No. 1 center, based on his offensive talent. in 2010 and 2011. Pierre-Luc Dubois in 2016. In each of those instances, the Blue Jackets deemed the player not quite ready for the NHL. They might have preferred to send them to the AHL to play against grown men, but were forced to send them back to their junior clubs for more seasoning.

The Blue Jackets won’t be handcuffed with Sillinger. How they proceed with his development, given all the options, will be fascinating.

The No. 1 objective, of course, is to develop Sillinger the right way. He and Johnson could well be the Blue Jackets’ top two centers for the next 15 seasons if all goes as planned, and they don’t want to mess with either players’ development because of impatience.

But the Blue Jackets could open the season with Sillinger in Columbus and see how he fares. If they think he’s close to being an NHL player but showing some signs of struggle, they could send him to AHL Cleveland to work on his game before recalling him.

It could be something they monitor daily with coach Brad Larsen and his staff.

If Sillinger plays 10 games with the Blue Jackets, the first year of his entry-level contract will be engaged. If he plays 41 games (half of a full NHL season), he’ll begin accruing years toward arbitration and unrestricted free agency.

But any games he would play with AHL Cleveland do not count toward those totals, which is another reason keeping him 2 1/2 hours up the road is an attractive option.

The Blue Jackets could let him experience the NHL and AHL this season, and still allow him to leave in late December to play for Canada in the World Juniors, just as he would if he played in Medicine Hat.

But if the NHL and AHL seem a little rich for Sillinger, or if the NHL club is struggling mightily and the season seems to be a lost cause, the Blue Jackets could send him back to Medicine Hat for another year of stellar play in the junior ranks.

“It’s Columbus’ choice,” Oster said. “They can make a decision that’s in Cole’s best interest.”

Sillinger has said he’ll follow the Blue Jackets’ guidance, wherever they think he should play in 2021-22. He is a big part of the organization’s future. But, in this case, the future might not have to wait.

“I believe I can play center in the NHL, that it’s just a matter of time,” Sillinger said.

The Athletic LOADED: 08.20.2021 1219517 Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings assistant GM Pat Verbeek to run Grand Rapids Griffins' front office

KIRKLAND CRAWFORD

The Little Ball of Hate goes west.

The Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman announced Thursday that one of his assistants, Pat Verbeek, will now also assume the duties of GM of the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Verbeek, 57, has worked on Yzerman's staff since 2010, first with the Tampa Bay Lightning and the last two seasons in Detroit. Verbeek played for the Wings from 1999-2001, near the end of his 20-year playing career in the NHL.

REPORT: Red Wings buy out Frans Nielsen's contract

He will remain an assistant GM with the Wings, but will now add the day- to-day operations of the Wings' AHL affiliate to his responsibilities.

“The Griffins are a first-class organization, and Grand Rapids is a fantastic market for hockey,” Verbeek said in a statement released by the Wings. “Both of those factors are critical in the successful development of prospects in the American Hockey League and the ability to help them get to the next level. I look forward to continuing the winning culture in Grand Rapids and providing our prospects every necessary resource to develop as professionals and become impactful players in the NHL.”

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 08.20.2021 1219518 Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings buy out Frans Nielsen's contract: Report

MARLOWE ALTER

The Frans Nielsen era with the Detroit Red Wings is over.

His contract has been bought out by the team, according to CapFriendly.com. The website reports the move will save the Red Wings $1 million against the salary cap in the 2021-22 season, but adds $500,000 to the cap the following year. Nielsen was due to cost $5.25 million against the salary cap this season, but the Wings will spread that out, charging $4.25 million against the cap this season and $500,000 in 2022-23.

The Wings signed Nielsen as a free agent in 2016 after he spent 10 seasons with the New York Islanders. In five seasons with the Red Wings, he had 48 goals and 76 assists over 319 games.

LOOKING TO 2021-22: Early look at Red Wings' lineup has familiar faces with fresh faces

The 37-year-old had one goal and five assists in 29 games last season (in a 56-game schedule), and four goals with five assists over 60 games in 2019-20 (with the Wings playing just 71 games) — a harsh drop from his first three seasons in Detroit, when he scored 17, 16 and 10 goals, respectively.

Detroit will save $1,000,000 against their salary cap this season as a result of buying out Nielsen.

This tentatively leaves the club with $19,427,777 in projected cap space and a roster of 20 (11F - 7D - 2G). https://t.co/0LBiLrGtU4

— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) August 19, 2021

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 08.20.2021 1219519 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings reportedly buy out Frans Nielsen, tap Pat Verbeek to replace Ryan Martin

NOLAN BIANCHI | The Detroit News

Slowly but surely, the remaining evidence of Ken Holland's final years as Detroit Red Wings general manager is being erased.

Center Frans Nielsen received a buyout on the final year of the six-year, $31.5 million deal he signed with the Red Wings in 2016, CapFriendly.com reported Thursday.

An additional buyout window was triggered by Detroit settling its arbitration case with forward Adam Erne, who on Sunday signed a two- year deal worth $4.2 million.

The buyout of Nielsen, 37, will earn Detroit a total of $500,000 in cap savings.

$4.25 million of the $5.25 million owed to Nielsen for the final year of his contract will be allocated to the books in 2021-22. Detroit is on the hook for half of the $1 million that remains for the following season, meaning $500,0000 will carry over into 2022-23.

Nielsen produced just 15 points over 89 games in his last two seasons, and the roster spot opened up by his departure is indeed a valuable one, despite the cap savings not being all that inspiring. The Wings are currently less than $2 million over the league's salary floor, per CapFriendly, with only defenseman Filip Hronek left to sign.

And with Nielsen's roster spot now available, Red Wings training camp projects to be all that more interesting.

The gauntlet has been thrown for the several young forward prospects looking to make the team on opening night, including Givani Smith and Joe Veleno, plus North American newcomers Lucas Raymond and Jonatan Berggren, the latter of whom put up 45 points in 49 games to finish seventh in Swedish Hockey League scoring last season.

It's the second consecutive offseason that Yzerman has bought out a veteran from the Holland regime to open more spots for younger players on the roster.

Nielsen's buyout holds less lengthy implications than Justin Abdelkader's, who was bought out in the fifth year of his seven-year, $4.25 million deal last summer. The Red Wings will suffer $2.31 million in dead cap from the Abdelkader buyout in 2022-23 and $1.1 million, each, in the three years that follow.

We're offering a great deal on all-access subscriptions. Check it out here.

Verbeek sent to the minors

For the second time in as many weeks, an assistant Red Wings general manager is headed out of Detroit.

Pat Verbeek's new role as general manager of the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit's AHL affiliate, won't take him from the organization, though.

The Red Wings announced Thursday that Verbeek, in his ninth season with the organization and in his third as assistant general manager, would be adding the teams' top minor-league club to his plate of responsibilities. The move follows the departure of Ryan Martin, who left his post for a job in the New York Rangers front office a week ago.

Verbeek, 57, will now be tasked with the Griffins' day-to-day operations, including personnel decisions, player movement and contract negotiation.

"The Griffins are a first-class organization, and Grand Rapids is a fantastic market for hockey," Verbeek said in a statement released by the team. “Both of those factors are critical in the successful development of prospects in the American Hockey League and the ability to help them get to the next level."

Detroit News LOADED: 08.20.2021 1219520 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings to buy out Frans Nielsen’s final season

By Ansar Khan

The Detroit Red Wings are parting ways with Frans Nielsen.

The club on Thursday placed Nielsen on unconditional waivers for the purpose of a buyout. He is certain to clear at noon Friday, at which point he will be bought out of the final year of his contract.

Nielsen, 37, will be on the cap for $4.25 million in 2021-22 and $500,000 in 2022-23, according to capfriendly.com. His previous cap hit was $5.25 million.

The Red Wings, after opting not to make this move during the first buyout period last month, utilized the second buyout window created after Adam Erne filed for arbitration and had his contact settled Sunday (two years at an AAV of $2.1 million) before the case was scheduled to be heard.

Nielsen has struggled the past two seasons. He appeared in 29 games in 2021, picking up a goal and five assists. He was a frequent healthy scratched, waived on multiple occasions and finished the season on the injured list.

The move saves the Red Wings $1 million in cap space and more importantly a roster spot.

Former Red Wings general manager Ken Holland signed Nielsen to a six-year, $31.5 million contract in 2016, needing a center after Pavel Datsyuk returned to Russia.

Nielsen had spent his first 10 NHL seasons with the New York Islanders. He was productive his first two seasons in Detroit (33 goals, 74 points combined), but not the past three years.

The Red Wings have $6.55 million of dead cap space next season due to buyouts of Nielsen and, in 2020, Justin Abdelkader, who will remain on the books through 2025-26.

With Nielsen’s impending buyout and Luke Glendening signing a two- year, $3 million contract with Dallas last month, the Red Wings will need two new alternate captains. Danny DeKeyser, Marc Staal, Tyler Bertuzzi and Nick Leddy could be the leading candidates.

Michigan Live LOADED: 08.20.2021 1219521 Detroit Red Wings

Michigan hockey hires Red Wings consultant, ex-Wolverine Brandon Naurato as assistant coach

By Ryan Zuke

Michigan’s hockey program has filled its vacant assistant coach position with a familiar face.

The university announced Monday the hiring of former Wolverine forward Brandon Naurato, who has spent the past three years as a player development consultant with the Detroit Red Wings.

The 36-year-old fills the role left by Kris Mayotte, who was hired as Colorado College’s head coach in April after spending two seasons in Ann Arbor.

“Brandon will bring a cutting-edge skill development component that is critical to today’s student-athletes as they pursue on-ice excellence,” Michigan head coach Mel Pearson said in a release. “He is a ‘think outside the box’ type coach whose goals are to help each individual reach his potential. His past experience working with the Detroit Red Wings and NHL players will greatly benefit our student-athletes.”

Michigan Names Former Wolverine Naurato Ice Hockey Assistant Coach

— Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) August 16, 2021

In Detroit, Naurato worked with the Red Wings and their American Hockey League affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins’ coaching staffs to implement individual skill development into the team identity, which included devising individualized plans for each player with a focus on current analytics trends.

The Livonia native also owns and manages his own development business, Naurato Consulting, helping more than 170 junior, college and professional players over the past two years with his development programs, including ex-Wolverines Zach Werenski, Quinn Hughes, Dylan Larkin, Jacob Trouba, Kyle Connor, JT Compher and Andrew Copp.

In his four seasons at Michigan from 2006-09, Naurato recorded 32 goals and 32 assists in 130 games.

“It is an honor to have earned the opportunity to come back to Michigan and work with Mel, Billy, and the rest of the hockey staff,” Naurato said in a release. “The life lessons and relationships that were built during my years in Ann Arbor as a player have helped shape who I am as a person today, and I can’t wait to get started. I am grateful to Coach Pearson and Warde Manuel for the new position and opportunity have a positive impact on all of our student-athletes as players and more importantly, people.”

Michigan Live LOADED: 08.20.2021 1219522 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings avoid arbitration with Adam Erne, sign 15th overall pick Sebastian Cossa

By Lauren Williams

The Detroit Red Wings made a couple of moves over the weekend. They agreed to a two-year deal with Adam Erne and signed goaltender Sebastian Cossa to an entry-level contract.

According to Elliotte Friedman, the 26-year-old forward and Detroit settled on a deal worth $4.2 million. The deal allowed the to sides to avoid arbitration, which was set to start on Aug. 21.

Erne had a solid season last year, leading Detroit with 11 goals and had nine assists, for 20 points in 45 games. He tied a career-high set in 2018- 19 with Tampa Bay Lightning over 65 games.

He also had three power-play goals, which tied for the Wings’ team lead.

Detroit acquired Erne from the Lightning, general manager Steve Yzerman’s former team, for a fourth-round pick in August of 2019. He was originally drafted with the 33rd pick overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

In addition to agreeing to terms with Erne, Yzerman signed Cossa to a three-year entry-level contract. Detroit selected the 18-year-old after trading three picks to the Dallas Stars -- No. 23 overall, a second-round pick (48th overall) and a fifth-round pick (138th overall).

Cossa had a .941 save percentage through 19 games played this past season with the Edmonton Oil Kings of Canada’s Western Hockey League (WHL). During the 2019-20 season, Cossa a .921 save percentage with four shutouts.

Michigan Live LOADED: 08.20.2021 1219523 Detroit Red Wings signing and speedster Ryan McLeod could be ready for full-time work this season. Edmonton is the strongest team in the league at centre when McDavid and Draisaitl are leading their own lines.

Lowetide: Why Oilers fans should expect more trades and a deep playoff After a busy summer, I’m convinced left wing should also be a little above run this season NHL average. Adding Zach Hyman and Warren Foegele to Ryan Nugent- Hopkins gives Edmonton the potential for 50-plus goals from its top three left wingers. The moves were a little curious, considering that prospects By Allan Mitchell Aug 19, 2021 Tyler Benson and Dylan Holloway appear NHL-ready, but the organization might be placing a different value on those forwards at this

time. Edmonton Oilers general manager Ken Holland rarely makes trades Tyson Barrie, Zach Hyman and Mike Smith are now teammates after all outside of the offseason and trade deadline. Going back to when he was three signed (or re-signed) as free agents with the Oilers. (Perry Nelson / GM of the Detroit Red Wings, it’s rare to see a move in November, USA Today) December or January. When he has made one, it has tended to be notable and involve an iconic acquisition, such as reacquiring Igor Right wing is a concern, mostly due to an ineffective second half from Larionov from the Florida Panthers in December 2000. skill forward Kailer Yamamoto and an 18-month run of poor play from veteran Zack Kassian. Finn Jesse Puljujarvi stands out in this crowd after The usual pattern is: Holland does his business in the summer, watches his 15-goal season with demon forechecking in 2020-21 solidified his the roster coalesce through the first half of the season, then makes place on the No. 1 line in Edmonton. Utility forward Josh Archibald also tweaks at the deadline. helps, but there’s an “under construction” feel to the position. Hyman This is the year that changes. Looking at the Oilers’ roster, one or two could move over if Benson or Holloway show well, but this is an area more tweaks will be necessary, and I expect Holland to make them Holland might look to address during the season. sooner than later. The result could be a deep playoff run Oilers fans have Left defence has turned into a giant risky bet due to the long-term (and been seeking for 15 seasons. career-threatening) injury to Oscar Klefbom. Darnell Nurse will be Balance counted on in all situations and might exceed 25 minutes per game this season. Duncan Keith will play second pair and should benefit from The last time Edmonton’s roster had balance was 2005-06, and then- playing less than he had to with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2020-21. I general manager Kevin Lowe had just traded for goaltender Dwayne believe Oilers fans will be pleased with his ability to move the puck, while Roloson and several impressive pieces leading up to the trade deadline. speed and coverage issues might prove difficult to overcome. The third The Oilers had Chris Pronger, Jason Smith, Jaroslav Spacek and Steve pair is up in the air, with veteran Kris Russell, journeyman Slater Staios on defence, so adding a strong goaltender made the team difficult Koekkoek and perennial prospect William Lagesson all in the mix for to score against down the stretch and deep into the playoffs. playing time. If Keith can’t handle the second pairing, he should be more than adequate on the third pair, meaning Holland could be shopping for a Up front, the 2005-06 Oilers were strong at centre (Shawn Horcoff, lefty defenceman during the season. Michael Peca, Jarret Stoll) with a rock-solid set of wingers (Ryan Smyth, Ales Hemsky, Fernando Pisani, Radek Dvorak and another deadline Right defence was the wild-card position for Holland this summer, and addition in Sergei Samsonov), most of them capable of effective play things didn’t go well. The club lost shutdown defenceman Adam Larsson across all 200 feet of ice. Coach Craig MacTavish even had a disturber in after one of the strongest seasons of his career. Edmonton quickly Raffi Torres, who played outside the rules early and often while scoring replaced him by bringing back chaos puck-mover Tyson Barrie (who led consistently. NHL defencemen in points in 2020-21) and adding Cody Ceci. To make room for expected phenom Evan Bouchard, whose skill set is a close The current Oilers don’t have that kind of balance but are in the same match to Barrie’s, Holland dealt Ethan Bear to the Carolina Hurricanes. “win now” mode after a summer of extreme activity by Holland. What The result is an out-of-balance trio, with no shutdown man in the group. If does a GM who has made the decision to go all-in in an effort to win the Holland goes shopping at this position, it’ll be to find a close facsimile to Stanley Cup do when flaws appear on the roster? Larsson. He does what Lowe did, and what I believe Holland will do: acts Goaltending is perhaps the most uncomfortable position for the Oilers as decisively to improve the team during the season, sending away future the team prepares to enter training camp. Last season, the team’s talent for significant immediate help. goalies posted strong numbers on the penalty kill and landed in the Here were Lowe’s major trades in 2005-06: middle of the pack overall in the North Division (via Natural Stat Trick):

• Jan. 26: Acquired Spacek from the Chicago Blackhawks for Tony DISCIPLINE GAA DIVISION RANK Salmelainen. Spacek played all 24 playoff games. Even strength

• Jan. 26: Acquired Dick Tarnstrom from the Pittsburgh Penguins for 2.61 Cory Cross and Jani Rita. Tarnstrom played 12 playoff games. 4 • March 8: Acquired Roloson from the Minnesota Wild for first- and third- round picks. Roloson played 18 playoff games. Penalty kill

• March 9: Acquired Samsonov from the Boston Bruins for Marty 6.16 Reasoner, Yan Stastny and a second-round pick. Samsonov played 24 1 playoff games. Overall Lowe planned to move Marc Pouliot up to No. 4 centre, but the youngster contracted mono and Edmonton signed Rem Murray for the role late in 2.74 the regular season. That was the only other transaction down the stretch. 3 That’s a massive amount of movement and major assets being sent out. Teams that win Stanley Cups don’t need a Hall of Fame stopper, but How could Holland take a similar approach? Let’s start with a look at above-average goaltending is necessary. where the team stands. Mike Smith finished No. 10 overall (above average) in all strengths save Where is the team above average? percentage (.923) and signed a two-year deal with Edmonton. His The Oilers are in the window to win a Stanley Cup, but not because of partner, Mikko Koskinen, finished near the bottom of the pack (.899) and roster balance. Quite the contrary. wasn’t moved over the summer. Alex Stalock will also get a look, and youngsters Stuart Skinner and Ilya Konovalov are in the system, pushing The team is above average in several positions, though, beginning at for NHL time. centre. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl won three of the five most- recent Hart Memorial Trophies, Derek Ryan was an astute free-agent The “needs” list Your mileage may vary, but I see possible holes at right wing (which trade, so they can’t be used. The 2023 picks are all in-house so far; that could be solved internally), second pairing left defence, shutdown right could change. defence and in goal. It’s impossible to handicap most to least important, but logic dictates the goalie and shutdown defender are most likely to be Edmonton’s recent first-round selections (Philip Broberg, Holloway, the priorities based on the proximity to Edmonton’s net. Xavier Bourgault) should be safe, but youngsters who are coming up on substantial increases next season and beyond (Yamamoto, Puljujarvi) Holland could have as many as four holes to fill. Lowe filled four issues in might be vulnerable to being dealt. six weeks during the late winter of 2006. It can be done. Oilers fans saw that scenario play out over the summer with Bear. The urgency What does it all mean? It’s important not to overstate the issue, especially considering Holland’s history of savant-like fortune-telling on aged players. In July 2019, I wrote Holland has the roster locked and loaded for the next three or four about the Smith signing: “Ken Holland went to the market looking for a seasons as the McDavid and Draisaitl contracts reach their final seasons. substantial solution in net and acquired the one goalie Tippett is most Starting this fall, the urgency level will go up, and prospects, picks and familiar with. I think that’s a big reason for this bet, which overlooks the young players who are not yet mature will be vulnerable in win-now reality of Smith’s situation. He’s 37, this isn’t 2012 and his most recent moves. season might have been his last one (based on performance) if Smith Oilers history includes plenty of midseason trades for upgrades, including were less famous.” Mark Napier in 1985 and Kent Nilsson in 1987.

Smith is still here, two summers later. He spent the 2020-21 season Holland has to mind the cap, and the top-flight prospects since he arrived making those words look short-sighted and foolish. Yet they remain true, are more than likely to graduate to the Oilers in the next few years. That more true because of the passage of time. aside, all bets are off.

We know for a fact that regression will occur and that age brings erosion The Oilers are going all-in. If Holland addresses the cracks and holes even if we can’t identify the moment it will take place. that appear during the season, Oilers fans can expect a postseason Holland has been an expert on these bets time and again over 25 years, berth and a long playoff run. The bill will come due eventually, but for the and Smith might prove him right again. It’s also possible Koskinen next three seasons, every asset and every effort will be hammered into emerges as the No. 1 goalie on merit — his size alone makes him a the roster with the goal of an air-tight run at the Stanley Cup. difficult goaltender to beat. This is going to be major news, no matter where this team lands.

But there is urgency. Once Holland sent away all the futures over the The Athletic LOADED: 08.20.2021 summer, he moved all-in on winning. If the goaltending falters, if the shutdown defenceman is needed, Holland has to act quickly. This is the world he lives in, starting this fall.

Potential targets

Edmonton is lucky in one way entering the season: Two teams (the Arizona Coyotes and Buffalo Sabres) are already positioning themselves for the Shane Wright draft lottery in April 2022.

Edmonton is unlucky in another way, as neither of those teams is spending much on goalies this season.

But the Dallas Stars could have four goalies if everyone is healthy (or three if Ben Bishop is headed for LTIR) after signing Braden Holtby. That might shake loose 2020 Cup Finals goalie Anton Khudobin, who could give the Oilers a boost down the stretch. If the Vancouver Canucks slide out of the race, Jaroslav Halak might be a strong acquisition, as well.

Shutdown defencemen always have value, and the recent Stanley Cup playoffs highlighted the importance of that player type (partly due to officiating). It’s unlikely a good one will be available until close to the deadline, but one player Holland might pursue if the St. Louis Blues struggle is Colton Parayko. The price would be high, even for a rental, but Parayko’s performances against elites (tracked by Puck IQ) were fantastic prior to an injury-riddled season in 2020-21.

Part of the price on Parayko would need to be a significant salary heading out if Edmonton had any thoughts of re-signing him. Parayko’s current deal, expiring at the end of the 2021-22 season, holds a $5.5 million cap hit.

There are always plenty of left-handed defensive rentals available. Hampus Lindholm of the Anaheim Ducks struggled last season but has a pristine résumé against elites over his career. His cap is a little less than Parayko’s, and obviously, Holland wouldn’t be able to swing the acquisition of both (should they be available).

Up front, Vladimir Tarasenko of the St. Louis Blues is an intriguing winger with a history of elite scoring ability, so Holland would have interest in him if he’s healthy. His cap hit is enormous ($7.5 million), and he has two years left on his deal, so it’s a cumbersome contract to fold into the roster. Phil Kessel of the Arizona Coyotes is also expensive ($6.8 million) but is on an expiring contract.

Vladimir Tarasenko and Colton Parayko celebrate a goal against the Stars. (Jeff Curry / USA Today)

The price

Edmonton’s 2022 first-round pick is in peril and it’s only August. The 2022 second- and third-round picks are tied up in the Duncan Keith 1219524 Florida Panthers

Panthers release development camp and prospect showcase roster

By BRETT SHWEKY

Headlined by three former first-round draft selections, the Florida Panthers revealed Wednesday their development camp and prospect showcase roster.

The Panthers will hold their development camp from Sept. 10-14 at the Panthers IceDen in Coral Springs, as well compete in the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Prospect Showcase Tournament in Wesley Chapel, Fla., from Sept. 18-21.

Consisting of 13 forwards, eight defensemen and three goaltenders, the team’s 24-man roster will be highlighted by former first-round picks forward Anton Lundell (No. 12, 2020), goalie Spencer Knight (No. 13, 2019) and forward Grigori Denisenko (No. 15, 2018).

“After being unable to hold a development camp last summer, we are excited to be able to welcome many of our prospects back to South Florida for these events,” Panthers general manager Bill Zito said in a news release. “As they work toward becoming professional hockey players, camps such as this provide invaluable resources.”

During the development camp, the Panthers prospects will participate in both on-ice and off-ice activities.

Later, the team will match up against the Carolina Hurricanes, Nashville Predators and Tampa Bay Lightning at the Prospect Showcase Tournament. The Panthers will face off against the Hurricanes on Sept. 18, the Predators on Sept. 19 and the Lighting on Sept. 21.

The Panthers roster for the development camp and prospect tournament includes Olivier Adam, goaltender; Eric Alarie, forward; Tye Austin, goaltender; Karch Bachman, forward; Henry Bowlby, forward; Robert Calisti, defenseman; Grigori Denisenko, forward; Max Gildon, defenseman; Braden Haché, defenseman; Logan Hutsko, forward; Matt Kiersted, defenseman; Spencer Knight, goaltender; Jacob LeGuerrier, defenseman; John Ludvig, defenseman; Anton Lundell, forward; Evan Nause, defenseman; Serron Noel, forward; Simon Pinard, forward; Cole Schwindt, forward; Justin Sourdif, forward; Connor Trenholm, forward; and Trevor Wong, forward.

Sun Sentinel LOADED: 08.20.2021 1219525 Florida Panthers

FHN Today: Zdeno Chara reportedly wants to stay on east coast

By George Richards

If Zdeno Chara continues his Hall of Fame career this season, the defenseman apparently wants to stay on the east coast.

According to Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic, the St. Louis Blues have expressed interest in signing Chara but have been told he wants to stay closer to his family who will remain in Boston.

Chara, 44, spent 14 seasons with the Bruins before playing for the Washington Capitals last season.

There have been reports the Panthers could have interest in Chara although that has not been verified.

Follow the Florida Panthers from the offseason to the playoffs with a subscription to Florida Hockey Now!

Last year, Chara played in 55 games for the Capitals scoring two goals with 10 points.

Chara’s season came to an end in the playoffs as Washington was knocked out of the first round by his former Boston teammates.

After the season, he was non-committal about returning for another season and seemingly said goodbye to the Capitals in a thankful Instagram post.

Florida seems to have its top six defensemen spots filled with Aaron Ekblad, MacKenzie Weegar, Gus Forsling, Brandon Montour, Radko Gudas and Markus Nutivaara under contract.

The seventh spot on the opening night roster is up for grabs with the likes of Noah Juulsen, Matt Kiersted, Kevin Connauton, Lucas Carlson and Chase Priskie competing for it.

Panthers fans: Any interest in bringing Chara down south? Yea or nay in the comment section.

FLORIDA PANTHERS LINKS

Speaking of the Florida roster, if you missed my breakdown of who I think makes the team for the Oct. 14 opener against the Penguins, you can check it out here. (FHN)

— The Panthers will indeed have a rookie camp in September and will participate in a tournament hosted by the Lightning up in Wesley Chapel. (FHN)

— When Joe Thornton finally signed his one-year contract with the Panthers on Friday, he said one reason he was joining the Panthers was because he thought he would “be a great fit with this group.” (FHN)

— NHL teams will have advertising on the front of their jerseys for the 2022-23 season. Who would you like to see on the Panthers’ sweater? We have some ideas. (FHN)

AROUND THE NHL

Is Tuukka Rask still in the Boston Bruins’ plans? It certainly looks like it. (BHN)

— The Penguins appeared to take the first step toward negotiations with Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Bryan Rust when they hired a new Director of Hockey Operations on Tuesday. (PHN)

— Anthony Mantha’s sister is a referee who is preparing to work the 2021 IIHF Women’s Hockey Worlds. (WHN)

— The Maple Leafs announcedll fans must show proof of vaccination to get into their building. Is Vancouver next?(VHN)

Florida Hockey Now LOADED: 08.20.2021 1219526 Florida Panthers Carolina Hurricanes vs. Tampa Bay Lightning | 1 p.m.

Monday, September 20

Florida Panthers to hold rookie camp, travel to Tampa Bay tournament Practice day

Tuesday, September 21

By George Richards Nashville Predaotrs vs. Carolina Hurricanes | 10 a.m.

Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning | 1 p.m.

The Florida Panthers will hold a rookie camp in Coral Springs next month ***Game Location TBA as well as participate in a rookie showcase hosted by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Some of the top Florida prospects participating include, from Florida Hockey Now LOADED: 08.20.2021 top left, Anton Lundell, Grigori Denisenko and Spencer Knight.

The Florida Panthers are getting back into the rookie tournament game as they will travel to the Tampa Bay area in September.

The Lightning will play host to a rookie tournament from September 18- 21 at AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel.

The teams involved will be the Lightning, Panthers, Nashville Predators and Carolina Hurricanes.

The Panthers have not participated in a rookie tournament since hosting one in Coral Springs in 2016. The rookie tournament scheduled for 2017 in Estero, Fla., was canceled due to Hurricane Irma.

Follow the Florida Panthers from the offseason to the playoffs with a subscription to Florida Hockey Now!

Florida general manager Bill Zito said the Panthers will hold a rookie camp in Coral Springs starting Sept. 10 and running through the 14th. Then, the rookie team will travel to the Tampa area.

Information on whether or not fans will be admitted to the rookie camp or the rookie tournament has not been disclosed yet.

All four teams will play each other once over the four-day tournament.

Any skater or goaltender in each of the four organizations on an entry- level contract (or less), provided they are 24 or younger and have less than 20 games of NHL experience, are eligible to participate and exceptions may be permitted with prior approval from all teams.

Teams will dress 18 skaters and two goaltenders for each contest.

Games are regulation length with three 20-minute periods. A five-minute, three-on-three overtime period will determine a winner if games are tied after regulation. Games will conclude with a five-player-per-team shootout regardless of the final score.

A number of Florida’s young players will participate in the rookie camp and tournament including rookie goalie Spencer Knight who made his debut with the Panthers last season.

Others who are included in the roster mix include 2020 first-round pick Anton Lundell, 2018 first-round pick Grigori Denisenko as well as the likes of Matt Kiersted, Serron Noel and Max Gildon.

Florida Panthers rookie camp roster

Forwards

Eric Alarie, Karch Bachman, Henry Bowlby, Grigori Denisenko, Logan Hutsko, Anton Lundell, Justin Nachbaur, Serron Noel, Simon Pinard, Cole Schwindt, Justin Sourdif, Connor Trenholm, Trevor Wong.

Defensemen

Frédéric Brunet, Robert Calisti, Max Gildon, Braden Hache, Matt Kiersted, Jacob LeGuerrier, John Ludvig, Evan Nause.

Goaltenders

Olivier Adam, Tye Austin, Spencer Knight

Game Schedule

Saturday, September 18

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Florida Panthers | 10 a.m.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Nashville Predators | 1 p.m.***

Sunday, September 19

Nashville Predators vs. Florida Panthers | 10 a.m. 1219527 Los Angeles Kings like that, that have been around it for so long, hopefully a lot of those guys are back in camp for these Olympics.

On the challenges of working with players you don’t see day-to-day Kings’ Darren Granger honored to represent Team Canada at 2022 during the season, and the unique nature of international tournaments Olympic Winter Games At times – I think even these [coming Olympics], realistically we’re probably going to wind up with more than half that maybe I haven’t By Zach Dooley August 19, 2021 worked with before. We’ll get together with their team, their equipment manager, see what their needs are, what they like. I think the biggest thing is that every guy we get, they’re the top guy on their regular NHL team, and coming in with that is maybe a little bit more time consuming Announced last week was the news that LA Kings Head Equipment because they’re used to a certain level of service and we’re trying to do Manager Darren Granger has been selected to represent Team Canada whatever we can. That’s what probably makes it the most [difficult] is at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in China. Granger is slated to appear trying to know these guys and what they need, make sure they can in his second Olympics, after winning a gold medal in 2014 in Sochi. perform at the level they’re used to.

“I’m very honored again to be asked,” Granger said in an interview On where his gold medal from 2014 is now earlier this week. “I’ve been lucky enough to work with them a few times, now, and every time you get asked it truly is an honor to work with them.” I have it in a safe actually, I don’t really have it anywhere cool [laughs]. I actually pulled it out the other day for the first time in what had to have A Manitoba native, Granger has been the Head Equipment Manager with been a couple of years. It’s pretty special to be able to be a part of those the Kings since 2006, after joining the organization from the Vancouver things, and I’m lucky that I have such a great staff in LA that allows me to Canucks. Granger has represented Team Canada on several occasions do it. There’s going to be times where I’ll have to leave the Kings to do in addition to the 2014 Olympics, including the World Championships these events, or maybe I have to spend some time on the phone, those (1999, 2006, 2008, 2010), World Cup of Hockey (1996, 2016), World types of things to prepare for the Games. Without the guys that work Junior Championships (1992). around me, with both the Kings and the Reign, I could never do this, In March 2019, Granger worked his 2000th career NHL game, working in that’s for sure. the league since 1992. In 2004, he received the Larry Ashley Award from LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 08.20.2021 the British Columbia Hockey Hall of Fame for his dedication and spirit toward the game of hockey.

Now, Granger has been selected to his second Olympic staff, as one of the best in the world at his craft.

“I don’t take it lightly,” he said. “I haven’t counted, but there are 15-20 Canadian [head equipment managers] who do my job in hockey, in the NHL, that could easily be a part of this. All of us that work in the NHL are at the top of our field, so to be considered [now] multiple times, to work these events, I don’t take it lightly. It really is an honor.”

Always a. special honor to be selected to represent your country, I caught up with Granger yesterday on working his second Olympics, his memories from 2014, having a couple of Kings with him at those games and the unique nature of working an international tournament.

Darren Granger on the special nature of the Olympics, and why that event stands above all others internationally

Yeah, I think so. The Olympics as a whole is just such a big event, something that happens every four years, that everyone watches. When you watch the Olympics, it’s not like you’re watching luge every day, but everybody watches luge when the Olympics are on. A sport that’s not that big, everybody gets hyped up for, no matter where you are in the world. For the international events, it’s definitely the top of the field for sure.

On the most memorable moments, aside from the gold medal, from 2014

The Games obviously are pretty special, you get to stay in the village and that’s pretty cool. You get to be around the athletes, especially the other Canadian athletes, and you can interact amongst each other with the other athletes and coaches. I think the biggest thing is the people that I’ll get to work with, and I got to in 2014. I remember we sat down and did a summer meeting for our staff and we did a picture on a golf course, and I remember looking at it after a going “man, this is the who’s who of Canadian hockey at that time.” I remember looking at that picture and thinking this is pretty surreal here.

On having Drew Doughty and Jeff Carter with him in 2014 in Sochi

Those guys that are on our team, that’s who you’re really close to. When you come together for these events, I think the Canadian players and staff become close really quickly and as you go along, you get to know these guys and build good relationships, but when you don’t see them every day, it’s different. When Carts and Drew could be a part of it, or Jake Muzzin in 2016 at the World Cup, especially when you’re winning, it makes it extra special to enjoy it with them. I’ve been so lucky, I think I’ve got to watch Drew in every game he’s played in professionally and internationally. That’s pretty cool, and the other thing is that group from the 2014 games, the core of it, has pretty much stayed together and I think that group is pretty close. You talk about Drew, Crosby, Price, guys 1219528 Nashville Predators

Where do the Predators stand with Forsberg, Ekholm contract extensions?

GM says he's meeting with star defenseman first, Forsberg likely closer to start of camp

MICHAEL GALLAGHER AUG 19, 2021

Nashville Predators General Manager David Poile has checked quite a bit off his offseason to-do list. But there are two pressing matters that still need to be addressed: contract extensions for Filip Forsberg and Mattias Ekholm.

Forsberg is in the final year of a six-year, $36 million deal, and Ekholm is in the final year of his six-year, $22.5 million steal of a contract. Both players are integral pieces of the team’s shaken-up core, and both are due for decent pay raises.

“I actually spoke with [Ekholm’s] agent (Monday) afternoon and we’re going to talk either later this week or next week on that,” Poile told 102.5 the Game on Tuesday. “Then, shortly before training camp, we’ll reach out to Filip Forsberg and his camp and sort of get a lay of the land as for where Filip’s thoughts are right now.”

Nashville has the cap space — even after signing Juuse Saros and Mikael Granlund to matching four-year, $20 million contracts — to keep both around long-term and shell out the kind of money each will likely command.

Forsberg’s representation will likely want compensation somewhere between those of Gabriel Landeskog ($7 million AAV) and Sebastian Aho ($8.45 million AAV), while the Predators are probably looking at Sam Reinhart ($6.5 million AAV) or David Pastrnak ($6.66 million AAV) kind of money.

Ekholm is more than likely looking at a contract extension similar to the eight-year, $50 million deal Ryan Ellis signed in 2018. It wouldn’t be surprising for Ekholm’s agent to ask for more, however, as the case could be made that the Predators got the 30-year-old for a bargain $3.75 million for the last six years and now it’s time for Ekholm to cash in.

Money aside, the other piece to this puzzle is each player’s desire to stay in Nashville beyond 2021. Do Forsberg and Ekholm both want to be a part of a “competitive rebuild,” which could easily turn into a four- or five- year rebuild, or would they rather hit the open market and play for a team that’s more in a win-now situation?

“That’s a very important part of the conversation,” Poile continued. “They have to believe in the organization and what we’re doing and where we’re going. I’ve certainly had talks with both of them at the end of the year on that. But as we get into negotiations, those conversations will be taken up a notch. I certainly need to see how they see themselves fitting in because those types of players need to be our best players and be leaders for us, so they need to be totally 'bought in' or it’s not going to work.”

Whether each player signs an extension could presumably come down to more than just the dollar and cents, however.

The fact that Ellis was traded just two years into his new contract, which he took a team-friendly discount to facilitate, could also be lurking in the back of Ekholm’s mind.

It’s also not known if Forsberg has truly soured on Nashville after close friend and line-mate Viktor Arvidsson was traded to Los Angeles. The 27- year-old stated in June that he has loved every minute of his time in Nashville and “I don’t see why I wouldn't love the future here too.” But that was before Arvidsson was jettisoned to L.A.

While this is all par for the course for NHL general managers, Poile is not in an envious position right now.

Nashville Post LOADED: 08.20.2021 1219529 New York Islanders NYI Hockey Now LOADED: 08.20.2021

NYHN Daily: Islanders Offseason so far & Aatu Raty Revenge Tour

By Christian Arnold

The dogs days of the NHL offseason continued with very little news coming out of the New York Islanders world. So far the Islanders have officially only added some forward depth in the form of Richard Panik and Brock Nelson is on fire in the Da Beauty League. All of that and more in today’s daily links:

The Islanders have been linked to a number of players that may or may not have already signed contracts and then have had those shoved in a drawer somewhere until the time is right to announce them. That means technically the Islanders’ biggest offseason addition has been Panik, who they picked up as part of the Nick Leddy trade. The league website took a look at the Islanders offseason so far. (NHL.com)

While the start of the NHL season is still some time away, hockey has been well underway in Da Beauty League, and a familiar face has been on a roll. Brock Nelson added to his league points lead when he scored again on Wednesday night. (Da Beauty League)

The current DBL points leader adds to his total… BROCK NELSON Walser and Bic are tied up at 8#DaBL // @NYIslanders pic.twitter.com/ufELiXx4LU

— Da Beauty League (@DaBeautyLeague) August 19, 2021

New York Islanders 2021 draft pick Aatu Raty went on a hot streak after he was selected 59th overall in the July draft. Was that a sign of the start of the Raty revenge tour? One hockey writer certainly thinks so. (The Hockey News)

Can Ryan Merkley make good this year? The 2018 first-round pick had a rough go of it during his first full pro campaign, registering just 11 points in 31 AHL contests. That’s a far cry from his point-per-game OHL pace. But it’s not just about offensive production. The San Jose Sharks were also less than thrilled with Merkley’s conditioning coming into last year’s training camp. Not upset, mind you — they just hoped for more. (SJ Hockey Now)

Whatever it takes. Whatever they need. That’s Pasquale Zito’s hockey mantra to his teams and his coaches. The skill set he brings to the ice isn’t the same as say Filip Zadina, or Moritz Seider but it is still unique and can prove valuable to the Detroit Red Wings. (Detroit Hockey Now)

When Chuck Fletcher took over as General Manager of the Philadelphia Flyers, the team was in disarray. Ron Hextall‘s patient plan failed –– or was cut short, depending who you ask –– and Fletcher was tasked with getting the Flyers to that next level. It wasn’t an easy task, however, as Fletcher had to tear down a bit before building back up. (Philly Hockey Now)

When you think about top Colorado Avalanche defensive prospects, it’s easy to forget the name Drew Helleson. After all, Bo Byram and Justin Barron – both first-round picks who played on World Junior Canadian teams – are already in the pipeline. But make no mistake: Helleson is very much a part of the Avs’ future. (Colorado Hockey Now)

When the Boston Bruins signed goalie Linus Ullmark to a five-year, $20 million contract on July 28, many NHL pundits and fans alike felt that meant there would be no way that longtime Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask would play for the Bruins again. In fact, probably half of the Bruins fan base and a good portion of the Boston media celebrated the very real chance that after 12 seasons, 10 as a starter, Rask’s career with the Bruins and likely in the NHL, was seemingly coming to an end. As far as the Boston Bruins are concerned though, not so fast. (Boston Hockey Now)

Where does Vancouver Canucks General Manager Jim Benning rank among his fellow Canadian-based executives for their efforts this summer? If his trades and signings work out, is he a favorite to be nominated for NHL General Manager of the Year? Few were busier. I reckon it’ll come down to his batting average and how many of his deals are home runs. (Vancouver Hockey Now) 1219530 Philadelphia Flyers Zamula, also among the Flyers' top prospects, saw a two-game audition near the end of last season. The 21-year-old defenseman boasts a smooth game predicated on his length, vision and composure.

5 players to keep tabs on during Flyers development camp The undrafted product is slated for Lehigh Valley, where he played 25 games last season, but it wouldn't be surprising if he gets a call-up to the Flyers at some point in 2021-22.

BY JORDAN HALL "I remember telling Provy how I thought this kid's going to be a player," Claude Giroux said in April about when he first saw Zamula. "He's got a

lot of poise with the puck, he's very smart, good stick — he just does For the first time since the summer of 2019, the Flyers are able to hold a everything right." development camp. Tyson Foerster The club's 2021 gathering of prospects will be held Saturday, Aug. 28, Foerster, the Flyers' 2020 first-round pick, opened eyes last season as a through Wednesday, Sept. 1, at Virtua Center Flyers Skate Zone in teenager at the pro level. Voorhees, New Jersey. With the 2020-21 OHL season canceled because of COVID-19, the shot- The camp schedule will be released at a later date and fan attendance seeking winger played with the Phantoms. He scored 17 points and for any sessions is to be determined. finished second on Lehigh Valley with 10 goals over 24 games as a 19- While this year's edition is much closer to training camp compared to year-old. past summers, development camp does not revolve around evaluation. "He’s got a lethal one-timer, sets up on the left side there, the big right The five-day session will be about providing younger players with NHL shot and he hammers it," Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher said training habits and the opportunity to get better ahead of the 2021-22 last October. "He gets a lot on it, he overpowers goaltenders. He also season. has quick hands, he can make plays in around the net, I think he sees The Flyers have a good majority of their top prospects in this year's the ice really well. He’s a pretty complete offensive player." development camp, players with NHL experience who will be knocking Zack Hill, Philadelphia Flyers/Brian Born, Philadelphia Flyers on the door this season. Wade Allison is a guy who has an inside track to grab a spot in the Flyers' season-opening lineup on Oct. 15. There will Morgan Frost, Cam York and Egor Zamula. also be four prospects in camp from the club's 2021 draft class, which you can read about here. The camp is too late for the college prospects. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 08.20.2021

Below is the Flyers' full 2021 development camp roster.

Now let's get into five players to keep tabs on during camp.

Morgan Frost

Frost is always a must-watch player in development camp because of his immense skill and offensive ability. The 22-year-old playmaking center will be raring to go after enduring a shoulder injury that required season- ending surgery in February.

Frost opened last season as the Flyers' 13th forward but suffered the injury in his second game. This season, he'll try to show in training camp that he can help the big club down the middle in their bottom six.

"Tons of potential," Flyers head coach Alain Vigneault said last September. "If he can put it together and figure it out, he’ll be a real good player for us."

Cam York

Like Frost, York is one of the Flyers' top prospects in their system. The 2019 first-round pick is a slick-skating, point-producing defenseman with endless skill and advanced smarts.

The 20-year-old got a three-game taste of the NHL at the end of last season. In 2021-22, he's set for further development at AHL affiliate Lehigh Valley, but he'll be pushing for the Flyers' roster from the get-go.

"He's a smart player, skates extremely well, has the vision, moves the puck well," Ivan Provorov said in May. "This is where the game's going — you have to be able to skate, you have to be able to move the puck, and he's got all the tools."

Samu Tuomaala

Tuomaala will be one of the most interesting players to follow in camp given it's the first glimpse of the 18-year-old Finnish winger.

The second-round pick is the headliner of the Flyers' 2021 draft class. With time, he'll need to develop into a more well-rounded player, but his big-time speed will be fun to see.

"We kind of thought he would probably go at the end of the first or somewhere in the 20s and he fell," Flyers assistant general manager Brent Flahr said in July after the draft. "A real talented winger, great speed, real dynamic speed, he loves to shoot the puck and score goals. Talented kid. He's going to take a little time to get stronger and put on a little weight, but a talented kid that has real good offensive upside."

Egor Zamula 1219531 Pittsburgh Penguins days except Sunday and with the Eastside Bond parking garage for at least 120 spaces.

They estimate they will have a surplus of parking for visitors even on the Penguins pitch proposal to zoning board for temporary ice rink at Hunt Sundays when the church lot isn’t available. Armory in Shadyside The team also plans to operate a shuttle bus to and from those sites if visitors don’t want to make the short walk, estimated at three minutes from the church and seven minutes from the garage. MARK BELKO It also will be posting “no parking on the street” signs around the armory and directing patrons to either the church or the garage. For practices and games, there will be a drop-off area outside of the armory for The Pittsburgh Penguins’ plan to install a temporary rink at Hunt Armory players. in Shadyside took center ice Thursday, with the team outlining measures to address neighborhood concerns, mostly about parking. “This is a charitable exercise that we’re doing, so we don’t need to pack people in here and charge admission for ice. We’re paying for During a 90-minute hearing before the city’s Zoning Board of Adjustment, everything,” Mr. Acklin said. the team touted the seasonal ice rink as a way to become more invested in the community, particularly in connecting “to potential players of color “The idea is if you compare it to suburban rinks that have people showing and neighborhoods.” up and parking all over the place, we’re going to be very much in control of everything that happens inside of this building and everything that’s Kevin Acklin, the Penguins chief operating officer, noted there are done here for the purpose of advancing the program that we talked currently no publicly accessible ice rinks within city limits. about.” “If you’re a kid in the city and you want to learn the game, you’ve got to The mitigation measures didn’t appease everyone. find a way to get up to Cranberry or 10 or 15 miles away from the city. So this is all about our charitable efforts to become more connected to Caroline West, a representative of Franklin West, which owns more than residents in the city of Pittsburgh,” he said. 25 apartment properties in the armory area, testified she doesn’t believe the parking concerns are being adequately addressed. The Pittsburgh Penguins logo at center ice is lit by a spotlight before the start of the first period of an NHL preseason hockey game against the She expressed skepticism that visitors would opt to pay for parking at the Columbus Blue Jackets in this 2018 file image. garage instead of trying to find a place to park for free on a street closer to the armory. Zoe Stratos “Eastside Bond, it’s inconvenient, not appropriate, too far away, and Penguins hold virtual meeting to discuss specifics of temporary Hunt there’s nothing that’s preventing people from parking right on the streets Armory rink closer,” she said. “This armory is uniquely situated in the East End, very close to public While Grant Friday, a Walnut Street resident, liked the Penguins’ plan, he transportation, where we can reach kids in Homewood, Lincoln- also had concerns about parking. He urged the team to require visitors to Lemington, Larimer, and Garfield and bring them into the program.” sign in and state where they parked as a means of forcing them to use The proposed use would require approval of a special exception from the the garage or church lot. zoning board because the rink would be a change from one The plan won the support of the Shadyside Action Coalition, with a nonconforming use to another. representative stating the Penguins had addressed concerns about If the Penguins get the go-ahead, the 200-foot-by-85-foot rink would be parking, pedestrian safety, after-session noise and the public skates. open for public skating, practices, games and programs from Nov. 26 “We’re excited as a neighborhood to learn from this temporary use of until March 1. how this could then impact future uses, what works, what doesn’t work The team plans to use the rink to support its own equitable and inclusive and what can then be adjusted to make this facility really a neighborhood hockey programs for city youths, such as the Learn to Play program and and citywide asset,” Kevin Kunak said. the Willie O’Ree Academy. The Penguins expect to spend more than $1 million on the temporary Beyond that, the facility would be used for practices, games, community rink and associated investments. The team is receiving financial support programming and public skating, which would be limited to Friday for the National Hockey League and the NHL Players Association. evenings and weekends. “We’ve really designed this to be minimally impactful,” Mr. Acklin said. After two public meetings and discussions with stakeholders near the “We’ve programmed this in a way that we’d like to test this out for this historic Armory on Emerson Street, the Penguins plan to shut down the season, and if it works, then we can talk about the future. But this is a rink no later than 10 p.m. each day rather than 11 p.m., as originally temporary installation, which is all about us becoming a better partner to planned. advance social equity in the city of Pittsburgh.” New hours would range from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to The zoning board will have up to 45 days to make its ruling. 9 p.m. on weekends, though Sundays could be limited due to church services. Post Gazette LOADED: 08.20.2021 The Pittsburgh Penguins logo at center ice is lit by a spotlight before the start of the first period of an NHL preseason hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Pittsburgh.

Aidan Joly

Penguins' diversity program gives kids opportunities to play hockey

The Penguins estimate practices and programs will draw only 25 to 50 people at a time to the armory, while games would jump the number to 125.

They believe the biggest impact would be the four public skating sessions available each week to the public, which could generate as many as 200 people at a time to the facility.

To mitigate parking concerns, the Penguins have secured agreements with the Calvary Episcopal Church near the Armory for 50 spaces on all 1219532 San Jose Sharks being more of a stay-at-home defender. The mobility and reach are huge assets there.

“His decision-making with the puck leaves something to be desired and I Sharks Dev Camp: Is There a Knyzhov in the Tryouts? believe it has held him back from being a more confident player with the puck. But the potential is there for him to be a two-way guy.

“Gill-Shane was also at the PBHH Erie showcase, which definitely leads By Sheng Peng me to believe that the Sharks were represented there — I know about half the NHL teams had people there. He was one of the better players in

his own end at the event.” Is there a Nikolai Knyzhov in this year’s San Jose Sharks development Otten, however, was not as enthusiastic about Carson. The center camp group? completed his OHL career in 2020 and was supposed to play USports In June 2019, Knyzhov was an unknown, a gangly defender on a hockey last year, before the Canadian college sports season was development camp tryout contract. After camp, the San Jose Sharks cancelled. signed the Russian to an entry-level contract. Within two years, he was “Carson is a big, physical, two-way power center. Good on faceoffs. playing top-four minutes in the NHL. Good on the PK. Battles hard along the wall and near the crease,” Otten We’ll get a sense if there’s a Knyzhov to be had tonight, when dev camp said. “However, I don’t think he’s an NHL player…or even an AHL player. culminates in a prospects scrimmage. Watch it tonight at 7 PM online: “He’s just not skilled enough or quick enough to be a pro in North IT'S TOMORROW! AND IT'S FREE! America.”

The only way to watch our future #SJSharks is by registering for our Like Gill-Shane, White also didn’t have any OHL tape but impressed at livestream: https://t.co/M4acv28Sg9 pic.twitter.com/R8I96Xfh1G the PBHH Invitational.

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) August 18, 2021 “Honestly, the last time the OHL played…he was not an OHL-caliber player. However, he played at the Erie Showcase and he was one of the MacAuley Carson and Tyr Thompson are the development camp invitees best defenders at the event,” Otten said. “His best quality is without up front; Jeremie Biakabutuka, Nick Cicek, Ranvir Gill-Shane, David question his skating. Really strong mover in all directions. Really Gucciardi, Cole Moberg, Montana Onyebuchi, Keaton Pehrson, and confident on his edges in the offensive zone and it helps him to evade Gavin White are the invitees on the back-end; Pierce Charleson is the pressure at the point and open up those lanes — think Ryan Merkley. He lone invitee between the pipes. also looked good defensively at the event. Really curious to see how he does this OHL season given what we saw at that event.” For more of a sense of what the San Jose Sharks have here, we got insight from an NHL scout, Brock Otten of McKeen’s Hockey, and Justin All said, however, Otten doesn’t expect any of these OHL’ers to get a Froese, formerly of FC Hockey. contract from the San Jose Sharks. White and Gill-Shane will also still be Draft-eligible in 2022. But before we get to their thoughts, here’s interesting biographical details about some of these invites: Moving on to the WHL, Justin Froese noted of Onyebuchi, Moberg, and Cicek: “Some good names listed there but more so depth players.” Tyr Thompson is the son of San Jose Sharks associate coach Rocky Thompson Froese added about Onyebuchi: “Has built a reputation as one of the toughest players in the WHL the last few seasons and never hesitated to Jérémie Biakabutuka is the nephew of NFL’er Tim Biakabutuka take body over puck or set the tone by taking the role of fun police and Keaton Pehrson played with Thomas Bordeleau at Michigan beating the tar out of an opponent. Nonetheless, despite not being on my draft list he developed into a reliable defender who played with range and Cole Moberg was a 2019 Chicago Blackhawks’ seventh-round pick — the composure to be trusted with tougher defensive assignments and the Blackhawks let him walk this past June provide a second layer of offense. The tools he has aren’t outstanding Montana Onyebuchi and Nick Cicek are basically San Jose organization but he is versed at playing a safe and efficient game. To me, this looks property — the Barracuda signed both to amateur tryouts in May with the like a depth add for the farm for a team looking to add size and snarl on intention of inking them to AHL contracts this season the right side.”

Gavin White and Ranvir Gill-Shane continue the San Jose Sharks’ theme On Cicek: “Sizeable LHD who came from under the radar to be a really of taking extra-long looks at OHL prospects who didn’t get any games solid two-way player and captained Portland this past season. Like last year Onyebuchi, he has that physical bite to his game and likes to step up on his man if he takes the right angle — but I find him to be far more David Gucciardi was ranked 69th among NHL Central Scouting’s North diplomatic. Cicek shows cognizant defensive awareness but developed American Skaters — that’s the highest 2021 CS ranking for any San the sense of when and where to move pucks effectively and could Jose Sharks tryout at this year’s development camp present himself as an option by sneaking into space, using his big shot off the weak side. Solid player who is effective and under the radar. Will Speaking of Gucciardi, why wasn’t he drafted? need to see if he can build off and make high IQ choices with more “He had top-three round physical talent,” an NHL scout told San Jose regularity.” Hockey Now. “He can fly and has skill. He’s a grab-and-go, end-to-end On Moberg: “Former PG Cougar was an impact offensive player in junior offensive d-man. Just not a smart player at all though and there are but as an older player he seemed to hit a ceiling and went unsigned in character issues.” Chicago. He’s definitely the most curious and versed offensively out of This scout also added: “Carson and Gill-Shane are highly regarded by the three WHL alumni [here in dev camp] but also the one who may need some.” to alter his junior identity to transfer his game play. He’s got enticing tools, is a passable skater and isn’t afraid to get off the line or take ice, Our kind of summer camp #SharksDevCamp but the processing speed and signature skills still hold him back to a pic.twitter.com/f2DmTFFjkq degree. A year of AHL under his belt already will no doubt have helped but I think he projects as more of a steady pass-first, secondary — San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) August 19, 2021 contributor rather than the offensive driver he was as a junior.” Count Brock Otten as one of them — at least in regards to Gill-Shane. In short, it seems like it would be a surprise if the San Jose Sharks The 6-foot-3 defenseman is a bit of a mystery: He didn’t play any OHL signed any of these WHL’ers. games last year and just nine in 2019-20. As for the other San Jose Sharks’ development camp tryouts, here are “Gill-Shane was drafted [in the OHL] as more of an offensively oriented some thoughts from other sources. puck mover — his explosiveness and power in his stride are very impressive. He can carve up the neutral zone when he wants to,” Otten “Biakabutuka loves to join the rush and it’s something he could continue told SJHN. “However, thus far at the higher levels, he has settled into doing with the pros due to his superior skating,” Elite Prospects said about the QMJHL blueliner in 2020. “He’s athletic, but his hands hold him back. Unless his defensive game largely develops to make him one of the better shutdown defenseman in the world, I don’t see him making the NHL.”

Meanwhile, there aren’t a lot of recent reports about Charleson, Pehrson, or Thompson.

Charleson emerged late in the Michigan State season and supplanted starter Drew DeRidder. The freshman played in five of MSU’s last six contests, and while he didn’t win any of them, he posted a .938 Save % for the season.

Defenseman Pehrson is more defensively-oriented, as a zero goals and five assists in 26 games campaign would suggest. “Pehrson has never been pegged as an offensive-minded defenseman. He’s stout defensively and plays fundamentally,” the Michigan Daily noted in 2020.

Anyway, check out the prospects scrimmage tonight at 7 PM! It’s going to be a showcase for the organization’s forwards — 25 of the 27 forwards at development camp are officially part of the San Jose Sharks or Barracuda systems — and a good test for the eight aforementioned blueline tryouts.

San Jose Hockey Now LOADED: 08.20.2021 1219533 Seattle Kraken Blackwell’s 46.6 expected goals for percentage was ninth among Rangers forwards. Among forwards who are now with the Kraken, that number ranks eighth. He also worked evenly in the offensive and defensive zone, taking 83 offensive-zone starts and 81 in the defensive Here’s why Colin Blackwell could be an expansion-draft steal for the end, so he adds some versatility, something the Kraken may seek in their Kraken top six.

“Last year was awesome for me, finally getting the opportunity to play,” Blackwell said. “With Nashville in previous years there just was a logjam By Marisa Ingemi of players, and I don’t think I really got that chance. … I got some confidence (in New York). To go from playing seven to 10 minutes a night, gaining that trust, that goes a long way.” Once the Rangers left him available, it was near certain Colin Blackwell would become an inaugural member of the Kraken. According to Evolving-Hockey.com, Blackwell had a 7.2 offensive goals above replacement, good for eighth on the Rangers. That’s compared Blackwell, who broke out in 2020-21, was a surprise snub from the New with a -2.6 defensive goals above replacement, something to keep in York Rangers’ protected roster. Once general manager Chris Drury mind if the Kraken sticks him in a defensive-traditional role like on the settled on keeping Kevin Rooney off the board, there was a choice fourth line. between Blackwell and Julien Gauthier. The Rangers chose Blackwell to be unprotected. The question for Blackwell will be if he can expand upon his 2021 totals potentially without skating in a top-six role, and if he can take what might Kraken GM Ron Francis then had an opening to take one of the more be a needed leap in more complicated circumstances. under-the-radar steals available during the NHL expansion draft. Blackwell, even though a prorated, 56-game schedule projected him to “Their loss is Seattle’s gain,” Blackwell said during his introductory news be a 20-goal scorer with a full slate, likely won’t be one of the top goal- conference late last month. “It’s not only a great opportunity on the ice, getters for the Kraken. If its forwards play to their ceiling, it won’t need but a great opportunity off to be a part of something special. … It’s a him to be. once-in-a-lifetime chance to be a part of history, a team’s first game ever.” Early on, though, with Gourde out and the players getting their skates under them, he could make a big first impression. All he has to do is The right-handed forward notched career highs with 12 goals and 22 continue the pace he began last season, in a undeniably more points in 47 games last season. In the Rangers’ carousel of forwards, he challenging role. seized a consistent spot in the lineup. Seattle Times LOADED: 08.20.2021 In May, Blackwell represented Team USA at the IIHF Men’s World Championships in Latvia, where he scored four goals in 10 games. There, he played alongside Matty Beniers, who later became the Kraken’s top selection in the NHL entry draft.

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More relevant in that tournament, though, was Blackwell’s ability to switch back to center after playing an entire NHL season on the wing. With the Kraken, Blackwell will likely stay at left wing, but that versatility is a reason he became a valuable option.

“We haven’t quite talked about it yet, but I’m up for everything,” Blackwell said. “I’ve taken faceoffs, I’ve always taken pride in that. … Whatever the coaching staff sees for me, I’ve been lucky enough to have an opportunity to play up and down the lineup in many different situations.

“I’ll take whatever role is given to me.”

Though he was a pleasant surprise for the Rangers a year ago, the Kraken might be relying on the 2011 seventh-rounder. Without Yanni Gourde to begin the season because of shoulder surgery and a lack of forward depth, the Kraken will have a need for forwards with NHL experience.

Blackwell is one of those guys who might need to rise to the occasion.

Before signing with the Rangers, Blackwell had a career three goals and seven assists in 33 contests with Nashville. So it was fair he flew under the radar.

It would also be fair to be skeptical of his career highs translating to Seattle after he spent the bulk of last season playing with Ryan Strome and Artemi Panarin. Thus far, the Kraken doesn’t have the same type of forward depth, and certainly no one like Panarin.

Colin Blackwell, reportedly selected by SEA (for now), is a good two-way middle six forward who shot a very sustainable 18.8% this season. #SeaKraken pic.twitter.com/lztAP2Lluf

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 21, 2021

Instead, Blackwell could end up in an energy-line type of role alongside veteran wing Marcus Johansson and possibly young center Nathan Bastian. Or, perhaps while Gourde is out, Blackwell could project to play in the top six because he has experience there. That would depend if the Kraken goes for it with Mason Appleton at center or the more experienced Jared McCann, and if Joonas Donskoi projects better with one of them as his centerman instead of Calle Jarnkrok. 1219534 Vegas Golden Knights

Chicago Blackhawks post photo with Fleury misspelled on jersey

Las Vegas Review-Journal

The Twitterverse was abuzz on Thursday after the Chicago Blackhawks tweeted a photo welcoming their newest members featuring a jersey misspelling Marc-Andre Fleury’s name. (@NHLBlackhawks/Twitter)

The Twitterverse was abuzz on Thursday after the Chicago Blackhawks tweeted a photo welcoming their newest members, featuring a jersey misspelling Marc-Andre Fleury’s name.

Fleury, who was traded from the Golden Knights to the Blackhawks last month, was spelled “Fluery” in the photo.

The tweet was soon deleted and later reposted with a jersey featuring the correct spelling.

New friends New threads pic.twitter.com/1GTgKVFKbg

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) August 19, 2021

I guess that’s one way to welcome your new Vezina Trophy-winning, future Hall of Fame goalie.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 08.20.2021 1219535 Vegas Golden Knights

Ryan Reaves home on the market for $1.2M

By Buck Wargo Real Estate Millions

Former Vegas Golden Knights right wing Ryan Reaves has his Summerlin home under contract to close in September.

Reaves was traded to the New York Rangers in July.

Real estate web sites list the price tag at $1.2 million. Reaves paid $775,900 for it in May 2018, according to country property records.

Former Golden Knight goaltender Marc André-Fleury, who was traded to Chicago in July, has sold his Summerlin home in The Ridges for $8 million.

The two-story home built in 2016 sits on 0.24 acres with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. It measures 3,013 square feet. Donald Romero with with Listing Haven is reported as the listing agent.

The MLS describes it as “bold, architectural elegance, sophisticated designs and spectacular views coupled with exclusivity and convenience underscores the beauty.”

The listing said the home near Downtown Summerlin has a private courtyard entry featuring a fireplace lounge with lush landscaping. Three panel sliders showcase the contemporary interior designs and oversized pool yard beyond.

“Whether enjoying dinner from the rooftop deck surrounded by 360 degrees of city and mountain views, or entertaining guests by the heated pool, it is clear why it is a home of distinction,” the listing said.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 08.20.2021 1219536 Vegas Golden Knights

Marc-André Fleury sells Summerlin home for $8M

By Buck Wargo Real Estate Millions

Former Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc André-Fleury, who was traded to Chicago in July, has sold his Summerlin home in The Ridges for $8 million.

The Fleury deal closed late Wednesday, according to Clark County property records. The buyer’s name wasn’t immediately available in the recorded transaction as part of an all-cash deal. The deal was not listed on the Multiple Listing Service of the Las Vegas Realtors association.

The $8 million Fleury received is $2.5 million more than the $5.5 million he paid for the home in August 2019.

County records show that in April, Fleury switched the home from the Marc André-Fleury Revocable Trust to a limited liability company.

Realtors who’ve been to the home before the Fleury acquisition said when it was on the market a year or so prior it wasn’t completed and had been that way for years. They did not know if Fleury completed it. It was listed in county records as built in 2015.

Whether Fleury moves his family to Chicago or buys another home in Las Vegas isn’t known.

Fleury was represented by luxury Realtor Rhonda Allen with Simply Vegas. Ivan Sher with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Nevada Properties represented the unnamed buyer. Both Realtors declined to comment on the matter, citing a non-disclosure agreement.

Realtors said several months ago that Fleury had been talking about buying a lot to build a home in the exclusive Summit Club resort community in Summerlin. They did not know if he has done so.

Fleury had lived in Southern Highlands before he sold his one-story home for $2.3 million in 2019, according to county property records.

The home in The Ridges measures 9,311 square feet with five bedrooms, five full bathrooms and two half bathrooms. The property sits on 0.38 acres with a pool and a spa.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 08.20.2021 1219537 Vancouver Canucks — Vintage Canucks (@VintageCanucks) October 10, 2020 At that time, the NHL was a much smaller place and so for whatever

reason, the league didn’t have the same reaction they did in 1994, Way back when, Canucks were one of the first NHL team to have ads on Griffiths recalled. sweaters Funny how you’d get confused by Steamer & @SNJohnGarrett when It's a forgotten bit of NHL history, but the Vancouver Canucks sold thinking of Super Socco... pic.twitter.com/fKb3C35Buw sweater space to sponsors decades ago. — Joey Kenward (@kenwardskorner) August 19, 2021

The Canucks also had Molson on their practice sweaters for a time Patrick Johnston before that as well. So did the Calgary Flames.

Vancouver Province: LOADED: 08.20.2021

During the 1994 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Vancouver Canucks added Gatorade to their practice sweaters. PNG files

NHL teams wearing ads on sweaters isn’t exactly a new thing, despite the framing of this week’s announcement that the NHL will permit teams to put ads on their game sweaters for the 2022-23 season.

Long-time Vancouver Canucks fans wouldn’t be wrong if they found themselves thinking, “Hey, didn’t the Canucks used to do that?”

They did. Twice.

In the late 1980s and again for about a year in the mid-90s, the Canucks wore sponsor patches on their practice sweaters.

“We asked for forgiveness, but eventually they stopped us,” former team owner Arthur Griffiths told Postmedia Thursday, about their second effort to raise sponsorship funds in 1994.

Things did not go well with the NHL when they told the league’s bosses — during the 1994 Stanley Cup playoffs — that they were trying out a new revenue stream by signing a deal with Gatorade to have the sports drink’s logo on their practice sweater.

“We were trying to find new revenue streams because of the Canadian dollar. We said it was either this or we try revenue sharing,” he recalled.

Either way, they got shut down after teams around the league expressed disdain for the move. There was worry that the Canucks were opening the door to team uniforms becoming something like the skating billboards that are hockey uniforms in most European leagues.

That wasn’t where the Canucks were going, Griffiths said, but the league’s bosses wouldn’t budge.

“Let’s just say that was an ancient way of doing things,” he said. “I was advocating for revenue sharing.”

“Gary (Bettman) fortunately came down and said (to owners), ‘If we don’t do this (revenue sharing) we’ll just have a few teams with all the money,'” Griffiths said.

The fall of ’94 saw the NHL’s owners lockout the players for the first time. When peace was agreed upon in early 1995, the Canucks continued on with the practice sweater sponsorship, but by the end of the season, the NHL had nixed the deal.

It wasn’t until 2010 that teams were authorized to start putting small ads on their practice sweaters again.

The past 25 years have been about more than revenue sharing, he argued.

Bettman told owners he would create new opportunities to generate revenue, he said.

“The best example of this is the outdoor games. That’s a league-wide promotion, where the revenues are divided up equally between all the teams.”

Back in the late 1980s the Canucks inked a sponsorship deal with Super Socco, a somewhat-forgotten sports drink produced by Dairyland. Part of the deal was to have the Super Socco logo appear on Canucks practice sweaters.

Griffiths couldn’t recall how long the agreement lasted but it would have been a season or two.

"The official thirst quencher of the Vancouver Canucks" pic.twitter.com/neLAeT4fDM 1219538 Vancouver Canucks It’s tough to precisely peg the Minnesota native’s valuation because there aren’t many market comparables. You can find wingers that have produced at a similar clip, but the vast majority of those players inked long-term deals coming off their ELCs — it’s hard to find many statistical Can the Canucks build a contender? Roster and cap projections all the comparables who signed their third contracts following a three-year way to 2024 bridge. For that reason, we’ll just use the $7.5 million qualifying offer figure as a placeholder.

Rathbone’s likely to play a prescribed third pair role if he does make the By Harman Dayal Aug 19, 2021 team, so barring a huge breakout performance he should be inexpensive to retain on a bridge. Let’s assume he follows Bruins defenceman Matt Grzelyck’s rookie season template. Grzelyck’s a slick, undersized puck By this point of the offseason, we’ve meticulously mapped out what the mover who excelled in bottom pair duties for one season before signing a Canucks could look like next season. What we haven’t diligently two-year bridge in 2018 at $1.4 million annually. That’s equivalent to analyzed yet is the club’s medium-term outlook. around $1.55 million under the slightly higher $82.5 million cap ceiling we’re projecting so we’ll plug that in for Rathbone’s placeholder. Will the Canucks have enough cap space next offseason to re-sign Brock Boeser and make meaningful upgrades? When looking at NHL talent, DiPietro will almost certainly spend most of this season in Abbotsford so available cap space and prospects, how well-positioned are the Canucks he too should be cheap to re-sign on a short-term deal. We’ll plug him in to become an elite team? What could Vancouver look like in two years at a flat $1 million to backup Thatcher Demko. when Bo Horvat and J.T. Miller are pending UFAs? These RFA scenarios would leave the Canucks with just shy of $2.8 These are some of the burning questions that will define the construction million in wiggle room with 19 players on the roster. and ultimate success of Vancouver’s rebuild. The dog days of the offseason give us an opportunity to unpack some of these crucial bigger- Image courtesy CapFriendly picture questions by modelling the potential year-by-year evolution of the The bottom line: There’s ample cap space to re-sign Boeser and the club’s roster and cap situation. remaining RFAs but there isn’t a ton of flexibility to add big names to the It goes without saying that this exercise is hypothetical. We can’t predict roster beyond that. The Canucks will have to get creative and efficient trades and there are major RFAs for whom we have to use projected cap with upgrades next offseason and bank on big performances from Vasili hits. The purpose of this article isn’t to predict what the exact roster will Podkolzin and Jack Rathbone if they want to emerge as true Cup look like down the line but rather to set the scene for key decisions that contenders in 2022-23. await club management, along with the talent and cap resources they’ll The 2023-24 Canucks likely have at their disposal. Estimated NHL salary cap: $82.5 million Let’s dive into it. Key UFAs in summer 2023: Bo Horvat, J.T. Miller, Travis Hamonic The 2022-23 Canucks Key RFAs in summer 2023: Nils Höglander Estimated NHL salary cap: $82.5 million Projected remaining roster without pending free agents: Key UFAs in summer 2022: Tyler Motte, Brandon Sutter, Brad Hunt 2023-24 Canucks w/o pending FAs Key RFAs in summer 2022: Brock Boeser, Jack Rathbone, Olli Juolevi, Michael DiPietro Elias Pettersson ($7.53M)

Projected remaining roster without pending free agents: Brock Boeser ($7.5M)

Projected cap space: $12.8 million Conor Garland ($4.95M)

For this scenario, we took the average prediction from our NHL agents Tanner Pearson ($3.75M) poll as a placeholder for Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes’ contracts. We also assumed that the tab for Jaroslav Halak’s $1.5 million potential Jason Dickinson ($2.65M) bonuses will roll over to this year. Vasili Podkolzin ($925K) Right off the bat, it’s clear that the landscape for the summer of 2022 has Quinn Hughes ($5.98M) changed based on the decisions made this offseason. Initially, it looked like the 2022 offseason would be a chance for the club to take an Thatcher Demko ($5M) aggressive all-in shot at Cup contention during Horvat and Miller’s final year before UFA because of the abundance of cap space that would OEL ($7.26M) have been available. That isn’t quite the case anymore, as the club opted Tucker Poolman ($2.5M) to be aggressive a year earlier by reallocating inefficient capital into long- term commitments for Conor Garland and Oliver Ekman-Larsson as Michael DiPietro ($1M) opposed to waiting for the expensive bottom-six contracts to expire. Jack Rathbone ($1.55M) There have been a lot of questions about whether this offseason’s acceleration could impede the Canucks’ ability to re-sign Boeser. Fans Tyler Myers ($6M) shouldn’t be concerned about that for now as the club will have nearly Projected cap space: $26.4 million $13 million left over to extend Boeser, Rathbone and DiPietro, and then build a fourth line. That sounds tight but with Rathbone expected to be The summer of 2023 is year one of a two-year window in which cheap as a 10.2 (c) RFA with no more than one full season of NHL Vancouver’s core is going to become significantly more expensive. This experience, there shouldn’t be problems affording Boeser. If Vancouver offseason it would be Horvat, Miller and Höglander. If Pettersson and ever chose to shop him next summer, it’d be their own choice not Hughes sign three-year bridge deals, then both would be up for renewal because they lacked the requisite cap space. again next summer in 2024. Podkolzin’s ELC would be up in 2024 as well and one would expect Rathbone to become more expensive if he We can take this a step further by analyzing how much space the club becomes an impact NHLer too. would have to improve the rest of the roster after estimating the costs of the RFAs. For now, let’s just focus on the summer of 2023. In this scenario, they’d have $26.4 million in cap space with Horvat, Miller and Höglander to re- Let’s start with Boeser. He’s a fascinating case because his last contract sign. was structured for a player-friendly minimum qualifying offer of $7.5 million. That’s a steep price considering there are only 16 wingers in the How much space would the Canucks have to make upgrades, league who make at least $7.5 million, though it’s a number that Boeser’s particularly on the blue line, once these three are presumably extended? good enough to live up to. It’s a very tough question to answer because we’re two seasons away where so much could change in terms of individual performances, market Finally, we have Höglander. He’s by far the toughest contract to estimate comparables/value and of course whether Horvat and Miller want to stay because he’s so young and we’ve only seen him for one season. That in the first place. said, I’m not sure how likely we are to see the young Swede explode in terms of his counting stats because he’s unlikely to be a first unit power- But for hypothetical purposes, let’s walk through the exercise. It will be play contributor. Gaudy special teams production is the key to huge point far from precise but it should suffice in at least giving us a general idea of totals because at five-on-five, Höglander was already tied for 48th among what the Canucks’ circumstance could look like. all NHL forwards for points — there isn’t much room to grow even- In Horvat’s case, we can use comparables to establish a ballpark range strength scoring aside from simply earning more ice time. for buying out the UFA years of a second-line centre. Throwing an estimate for Höglander almost feels foolish given all the Potential 2C Contract Comps for Horvat uncertainty, but let’s just hypothetically tag him at $4 million just so we can move forward with the exercise (feel free to substitute whatever LAYER CONTRACT SIGNED PLATFORM YEAR number you prefer). PRODUCTION Horvat, Miller and Höglander would combine for $17.32 million in this Logan Couture scenario, which would leave the Canucks with just over $9 million in remaining space with seven roster spots to fill, including four everyday $8M x 8 years players. You’d hope that some of the club’s other prospects like Jett 78GP, 34G-27A-61P Woo, Aidan McDonagh or perhaps even Danila Klimovich would be able to contribute at the NHL level on inexpensive deals by this point. Matt Duchene Vancouver would have some wiggle room to invest on the backend but they’ll almost certainly need two top-four quality right-handed $8M x 7 years defencemen, at which point they’d need to carve out additional flexibility. 73GP, 31G-39A-70P 2023-24 Canucks with projected contracts Kevin Hayes J.T. Miller ($6.32M) $7.14M x 7 years Elias Pettersson ($7.53M) 71GP, 19G-35-54P Brock Boeser ($7.5M) Brayden Schenn Nils Höglander ($4M) $6.5M x 8 years Bo Horvat ($7M) 72GP, 17G-37A-54P Conor Garland ($4.95M) Brock Nelson Tanner Pearson ($3.75M) $6M x 6 years Jason Dickinson ($2.65M) 82GP, 25G-28A-53P Vasili Podkolzin ($925K) Philip Danault Quinn Hughes ($5.98M) $5.5M x 6 years Thatcher Demko ($5M) 53GP, 5G-19A-24P OEL ($7.26M) Horvat should be in line for a handsome raise if he can maintain his Tucker Poolman ($2.5M) current production level. Centres are valued at a premium and it’s clearly reflected in these contracts. Philip Danault’s an elite two-way play driver Michael DiPietro ($1M) but the fact that he netted $5.5 million annually for six years this offseason really says something considering that he scored just six goals Jack Rathbone ($1.55M) and 28 points in 75 games last season between the regular season and Tyler Myers ($6M) playoffs. If Höglander and Podkolzin really hit as impact top-six forwards, I wonder Brock Nelson appeared to clock in at a reasonable rate relative to the if the Canucks would consider reallocating some money from their top-six crop but it’s worth noting that he wasn’t nearly as established as Horvat to the right side of the blue line around this time. As it currently stands prior to his platform year breakout — his previous career-high was just 45 this 2023-24 blue line would only have one surefire top-four defenceman points. in Hughes. Ekman-Larsson at 32 would be an unknown and while Based on production, Brayden Schenn and Kevin Hayes are pretty prospects like Rathbone and Woo have potential, it’s premature to accurate statistical comparables. Both scored at a 63-points-per 82 sharpie either in as a guaranteed top-four defender. games clip in their platform year while Horvat’s averaged 61 points over Maybe that would mean letting Miller walk and spending that money on a 82 games over his last three seasons. If this were to hold up, something right-handed defenceman. Maybe that would mean the Canucks try to in the $6.5 million to $7.5 million range would be around fair market value trade a valuable top-six winger for a right-handed defenceman during the for Horvat. After adjusting Schenn and Hayes’ contracts for an $82.5 2022 offseason. million cap ceiling (their deals were signed when the cap was slightly lower) and averaging their cap hits, we wind up at a flat $7 million which The bottom line: Vancouver’s core will continue becoming more we’ll use as Horvat’s projected number for his next deal. expensive. If the Canucks want to keep all three of Miller, Horvat and Höglander for 2023-24 there doesn’t project to be a lot of cap space left Miller’s going to be a tough decision for the Canucks. He’s two years over to spend on a blue line that’s likely going to need a lot of work to older than Horvat, so he’ll already be 30 by the time his current deal is up become contender calibre. That leads me to wonder if the organization and while you can stomach the risk of a long-term Horvat deal (he’s will look at their strong top-nine and consider moving a piece out to younger, plays the premium centre position and is captain), Miller may be provide help on the backend at some point in the medium term, a different story depending on how much money he wants. especially if Podkolzin successfully develops into a top-six forward. Without going too deep, T.J. Oshie is a potentially interesting The Athletic LOADED: 08.20.2021 comparable. Oshie is the same age that Miller will be as a UFA and signed an eight-year deal at $5.75 million (the equivalent of $6.32 million under an $82.5 million cap ceiling) after scoring 33 goals and 56 points in 68 games during his platform season. We can plug that $6.32 million in as Miller’s figure for our purposes. 1219539 Websites Abby Roque Lacey Eden

There have been some changes since the 2020 worlds roster was The Athletic / The U.S. at the World Championship: Roster turnover, the announced. Two-way player Kacey Bellamy announced her retirement quest for another title and everything you need to know on May 18. Since the 2019 worlds, former captains Meghan Duggan, Jocelyne Lamoureux-Morando and Monique Lamoureux-Davidson also retired. By Erica Ayala Aug 19, 2021 Defender Michelle Picard retired immediately following the 2019 win in Finland. Emily Matheson (née Pfalzer) will miss the worlds as she and her husband welcomed their first child on June 5. The team will also be The United States enters the 2021 IIHF Women’s World Championship without goaltender Maddie Rooney, who suffered a lower-body injury in as the reigning champions and favorites to win gold in Calgary. Finland training camp. will be hungry to avenge the gold that almost was in 2019 women’s worlds. Finland was forced to abandon its celebration after Petra Kendall Coyne Schofield and Hilary Knight return as leaders and Nieminen’s overtime goal was waived off. Instead, the United States captains for the team. Center Brianna Decker and defender Lee celebrated an overtime shootout and a fifth consecutive world title. Stecklein round out the captains. Canada is looking to bounce back after winning bronze in 2019, the first time they hadn’t won at least silver at a major tournament. Coaching staff

Before we all but give the U.S gold before the puck drops on Friday, let’s Joel Johnson will lead the team at the worlds and through the end of the review the latest roster and top storylines ahead of the first international Beijing Olympics. Johnson was named interim head coach in April and women’s hockey tournament since April 2019. has been with the senior women’s team since 2018. Johnson has won four straight gold medals with the U-18 women’s national team and six The road to worlds was long and winding national titles as part of the Minnesota Golden Gophers coaching staff.

The 2020 worlds, slated for Halifax, got canceled due to the pandemic. He steps in after Bob Corkum stepped down due to discomfort with the The IIHF announced Canada would be permitted to host the 2021 IIHF COVID-19 protocols ahead of the tournament originally scheduled worlds, but eventually, that tournament was also postponed. for May. USA Hockey named Johnson the women’s senior team head coach on July 28. Organizers opted to push back the 2021 worlds to August and relocate to Calgary. Since the spring, USA Hockey has named a new head coach, Projected lines refined its roster and Olympic residency pool, and signed a new one-year contract with the women’s senior team. Team USA routed Russia 6-0 in their last tune-up before the official start of the tournament, rolling two sets of lines. The top forward lines and With just over six months before the official start of the Olympic Games in defensive pairs are the same for both roster sheets. Beijing, there is a lot more than a sixth consecutive gold medal on the line for the U.S. Let’s start with the player pool. The top line on the attack is the all-captains line of Coyne Schofield, Decker and Knight. Defenders and former Boston College teammates The roster Megan Keller and Cayla Barnes comprise the top defensive pair. Johnson also kept Alex Carpenter and Amanda Kessel together on the FORWARDS DEFENDERS GOALIES second line. Hayley Scamura and Jesse Compher remained together on Brianna Decker the fourth line.

Lee Stecklein On Wednesday against Russia, the captains’ line scored two of the six U.S. goals (both by Decker) and contributed six total points. Youngster Alex Cavallini Caroline Harvey tallied her first with the national team in the second period, assisted by Carpenter and Knight. Hannah Brandt Data analysts Mikael Nahabedian, John Bouchard, and Holly Morrison Cayla Barnes have developed a new assessment tool called WHKYe, a tool that ranks Nicole Hensley the offensive performance of players across all women’s hockey leagues. Nahabedian came up with a slightly different set of pairings based on the Hayley Scamurra value of each player.

Megan Keller According to the WHKYe database, Keller and Megan Bozek are the top Aerin Frankel two offensive performing defenders for the United States. There is no good measure for best defensive performance at this time, but that player Hilary Knight is likely Barnes. Stecklein or Harmon make a good compliment to Bozek’s heavy shot, sometimes referred to as the Bozek blast. Jincy Dunne LEFT WING CENTER RIGHT WING Kelly Pannek Kendall Coyne-Schofield Megan Bozek Brianna Decker Dani Cameranesi Dani Cameranesi Natalie Buchbinder Alex Carpenter Kendall Coyne-Schofield Kelly Pannek Savannah Harmon Hilary Knight Amanda Kessel Hayley Scamurra Caroline Harvey Abby Roque Jesse Compher Amanda Kessel Alex Carpenter Britta Curl Abbey Murphy Jesse Compher Grace Zumwinkle Grace Zumwinkle Sydney Brodt The Athletic LOADED: 08.20.2021

D D G

Megan Keller

Cayla Barnes

Alex Cavallini

Lee Stecklein

Megan Bozek

Maddie Rooney

Savannah Harmon

Caroline Harvey

Aerin Frankel

Jincy Dunne

Natalie Buchbinder

Top storylines

The biggest news ahead of the tournament is the proximity of the worlds and the Olympic Games. Due to the pandemic, women’s hockey has gone without games. Players in North America are at a disadvantage compared to teams like Switzerland and Russia that have been able to resume a professional season. Carpenter and Bozek are among the U.S. players coming from overseas. College players like Barnes and Compher come into the worlds with the most consistent practice and game schedule since the 2019 worlds in Finland.

Another storyline to watch is how much the worlds will be used as a tune- up or even an evaluation ahead of the Olympics. The United States would usually be deep into their residency and selection process by now. Instead, they are playing their first tournament in over 800 days and are less than six months from announcing their Olympic roster.

“There’s no doubt that they’ll be a piece of the worlds will be evaluatory in nature,” head coach Johnson said during his introductory press conference on July 28. “At the same time, our goal at the World Championships is to win a world championship.”

The desire to win and added to the gold medal streak must also be balanced with adequate recovery and elite competition.

“With the World Championships being so late, we’re going to try and make sure our players get some time to rest and recover before we come back in October,” Johnson said.

Finally, the new USA Hockey contract is an off-ice storyline with future implications. According to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan, the players and the federation agreed to a one-year deal that offers a $25,500 training stipend and $8,250 housing stipend from USA Hockey. The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) will issue a $28,000 stipend. Kaplan also reported players surrendered 15 percent of their earnings for three months during the pandemic as a “good faith measure.” The new deal also added medical and support staff to the women’s program.

The deal was agreed upon privately, especially in comparison to the #BeBoldForChange movement of 2017 that threatened to stall the Worlds in Michigan. Bankrolled in part by the NHL, USA Hockey avoided the embarrassment of having no team to compete on home soil. The women’s national team won the 2017 world championship and Olympic gold in 2018 – the first gold medal for the United States since women’s hockey debuted at the 1998 Olympics.

Schedule

The stakes are always high for the United States and the 2021 World Championships are no different. What is different is the post-COVID world we all hope is on the horizon for good. Players endured a five-day quarantine before returning to the ice to practice.

The U.S. will now maneuver through the rest of Group A, which also features Finland, Switzerland, and Canada. The quest for six straight titles begins Friday against Switzerland, followed by Finland on Sunday. The United States will wrap group play on Aug. 26 against Canada.

All games will be aired on the NHL Network. The full tournament schedule can be found here. 1219540 Websites +8000 +6500

-1500 The Athletic / Which NHL teams improved or hurt their Stanley Cup odds the most this offseason? The only team to match Chicago in terms of the odds shifting in their favor this offseason was New Jersey. Unlike the Blackhawks, the Devils

made their biggest moves in free agency. By Jesse Granger Aug 19, 2021 The Devils landed free agency’s biggest prize in Dougie Hamilton, signing the elite No. 1 defenseman to a seven-year, $63 million contract. Hamilton finished fourth in voting for the Norris Trophy last season, and This summer has supplied an entertaining offseason in the NHL, filled has consistently averaged 43 points per season over the last seven with surprising trades and lavish free agency signings. It may not be quite years. He is in the prime of his career and gives New Jersey the true No. over in that regard, with a disgruntled Jack Eichel still waiting for a 1 defenseman it has lacked. potential move from Buffalo. But, for the most part, the dust has settled on the offseason, leaving us with a much better picture of what each The Devils also added veteran goalie Jonathan Bernier, who will likely team will look like for the 2021-22 season. challenge Mackenzie Blackwood for starts, and former Avalanche defenseman Ryan Graves. According to Luszczyszyn’s model, New The Stanley Cup obviously isn’t won in July, but it’s still interesting to see Jersey added 4.3 wins to its roster this offseason, the most of any team which teams had the best (and worst) offseasons. At The Athletic we’ve in the league. already ranked each team’s offseason in terms of value gained or lost based on Dom Luszczyszyn’s GSVA model. Despite the solid additions the Devils still aren’t expected to come close to competing for a title. And while their odds improved quite a bit, they I’d like to look at it through a different lens — through the eyes of the only went from the 27th best odds on July 19 (80-to-1) to the 25th best oddsmakers. To do that I compared each teams’ future odds to win the odds today (65-to-1). There’s still a lot of work to be done in New Jersey, Stanley Cup from July 19 (a couple weeks after Tampa Bay lifted the but things certainly appear to be heading in the right direction. trophy) to their current odds (after most offseason moves have been completed) at Bet MGM (Note: there’s a subscription extension offer in 3. Florida Panthers that link). TEAM 7/19 ODDS CURRENT ODDS DIFFERENCE During that span, five teams saw their odds to win the Cup improve, Florida Panthers while 12 teams saw their odds worsen; the odds for the other 15 teams remained unchanged. +2500

Here are the three teams whose odds improved the most over the +2000 summer: -500 1. Chicago Blackhawks While much of the focus has been on Eichel’s situation in Buffalo, the TEAM 7/19 ODDS CURRENT ODDS DIFFERENCE Panthers quietly snagged another highly-talented center by trading for the Sabres’ Sam Reinhart. He adds to an already impressive forward Chicago Blackhawks group in Florida and could play alongside Aleksander Barkov on the top +6500 line, or center down the lineup.

+5000 Reinhart has topped 20 goals in four consecutive seasons, and five of his last six. The 25-year-old Vancouver native can play both center and on -1500 the wing, but has looked particularly impressive in the middle of the ice. The Panthers are hoping his addition will make up for the team’s It should come as no surprise that the Blackhawks top this list. Not only departures – of which there were plenty. are they one of the more publicly bet teams across North America, they’ve also had the most active offseason in terms of adding big-name Florida lost both center Alex Wennberg and goaltender Chris Driedger to players. the Seattle Kraken, and veteran defenseman Keith Yandle to Philadelphia. It’s hard to blame Florida for letting Wennberg go after Many believed Chicago’s championship window had closed, six years seeing the contract he got in Seattle, and first-round pick Spencer Knight removed from their last title with this core group of players, but general is ready to take over for Driedger as Sergei Bobrovsky’s backup in net. manager Stan Bowman has other plans. The Blackhawks’ first splash Despite losing one win according to Luszczyszyn’s model, the betting was trading young defenseman Adam Boqvist, two first-round draft picks, market believes Florida’s offseason moves are a net positive. and a second-round draft pick to Columbus for star blue liner Seth Jones, a first-round draft pick, and a sixth-round draft pick next season. The The Panthers jumped Minnesota, improving from the 10th-best odds to trade gives Chicago a true No. 1 defenseman and Jones is only 26 years win the Cup in mid-July (25-to-1) into a tie with the Islanders for the old. He’s coming off a bit of a down year in Columbus, but has played at eighth-best current odds (20-to-1). an elite level for years as a Blue Jacket and immediately upgrades Chicago’s defense. And now, for the three teams whose odds have worsened the most this offseason. The Blackhawks’ most savvy move of the offseason came later, acquiring reigning Vezina Trophy winner Marc-Andre Fleury from the Golden 1. Arizona Coyotes Knights for absolutely nothing. Chicago preyed on Vegas’ cap troubles, TEAM 7/19 ODDS CURRENT ODDS DIFFERENCE taking on the final year of Fleury’s contract and immediately upgrading their goalie position. Fleury is 36 but he’s coming off his best season as a Arizona Coyotes pro, with career-highs in save percentage (.928), goals against average (1.98) and an impressive 20.1 goals saved above average in 2020-21. +6500

Chicago still has quite the mountain to climb in what expects to be a +15000 competitive Central Division. The Blackhawks are staring up at the Cup +8500 favorites, Colorado, and likely Minnesota, Dallas and St. Louis. But there’s no denying Chicago’s chances have improved dramatically over The NHL futures market is certainly feeling the after-effects of the the summer, and the odds reflect that. summer purge in Arizona. Call it what you’d like – purge, liquidation, rebuild – but the Coyotes shipped out a ton of talent in July. 2. New Jersey Devils After trading away No. 1 goaltender Darcy Kuemper, their best forward in TEAM 7/19 ODDS CURRENT ODDS DIFFERENCE Conor Garland, and franchise defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, New Jersey Devils Arizona is left without much hope for the 2021-22 season. If that wasn’t enough, the Coyotes also lost backup goalies Adin Hill and Antti Raanta, +2,000 depth center Michael Bunting, and several other pieces in Alex Goligoski, Dryden Hunt, Niklas Hjalmarsson and Jordan Oesterle. -500

It’s not as if the Coyotes dismantled a contender. In mid-July Arizona Toronto Maple Leafs ranked 26th in the league in terms of odds to win the Cup. Not great, but +1,400 still respectable odds at 65-to-1. One month later Arizona is a 150-to-1 longshot, tied with Anaheim for the third-worst odds in the NHL. The only +1,200 teams with worse odds are Buffalo and Detroit (both 200-to-1). -200 2. Anaheim Ducks Tampa Bay Lightning TEAM 7/19 ODDS CURRENT ODDS DIFFERENCE +750 Anaheim Ducks +700 +10000 -50 +15000 Colorado Avalanche +5000 +600 To be honest it’s a little surprising to see Anaheim here. The Ducks didn’t +600 add anyone of note this offseason, but they also only lost a couple of minor depth pieces in Danton Heinen, Haydn Fleury and Andy Welinski. 0 Considering where Anaheim is in its rebuild, and the young players emerging from its pipeline, this is probably the right way to handle an Boston Bruins offseason like this. +1,200 Yes, the Ducks have struggled immensely to score and did nothing this +1,200 summer to fix that. But a young team in the midst of a rebuild should be expected to add via free agency. 0

The only real transaction of importance was bringing back long-time Carolina Hurricanes captain Ryan Getzlaf. Anaheim should see an infusion of young talent this season but is miles away from competing. Not that many are looking +1,400 to bet on the Ducks, but their odds have now dropped from 100-to-1 in +1,400 July to 150-to-1 currently. 0 3. Columbus Blue Jackets Pittsburgh Penguins TEAM 7/19 ODDS CURRENT ODDS DIFFERENCE +1,800 Columbus Blue Jackets +1,800 +8000 0 +10000 Minnesota Wild +2000 +2,200 While the Blackhawks gained a potentially elite defenseman in Jones, the Blue Jackets obviously lost one. There were plenty of other notable deals +2,200 this summer by Columbus, including trading longtime forward Cam Atkinson to Philadelphia for Jakub Voracek. 0

The Blue Jackets aren’t in a complete rebuild, and could still be New York Rangers competitive, but they certainly got younger this offseason. They added +2,500 Bovquist from Chicago in the Jones deal, and also got 23-year-old defenseman Jake Bean from Carolina. +2,500

It’s unlikely they contend, but if you were brave enough to consider 0 betting Columbus at 80-to-1, then the current price of 100-to-1 is certainly tempting. Washington Capitals

Here’s how every team’s odds shifted based on the last month of +2,500 offseason moves: +2,500

TEAM 7/19 ODDS CURRENT ODDS DIFFERENCE 0

Chicago Blackhawks Edmonton Oilers

+6,500 +2,800

+5,000 +2,800

-1,500 0

New Jersey Devils Philadelphia Flyers

+8,000 +3,000

+6,500 +3,000

-1,500 0

Florida Panthers Calgary Flames

+2,500 +4,000 +4,000 +5,000

0 +1,500

Seattle Kraken Los Angeles Kings

+5,000 +5,000

+5,000 +6,500

0 +1,500

Vancouver Canucks San Jose Sharks

+5,000 +6,500

+5,000 +8,000

0 +1,500

Ottawa Senators Columbus Blue Jackets

+10,000 +8,000

+10,000 +10,000

0 +2,000

Buffalo Sabres Anaheim Ducks

+20,000 +10,000

+20,000 +15,000

0 +5,000

Detroit Red Wings Arizona Coyotes

+20,000 +6,500

+20,000 +15,000

0 +8,500

Vegas Golden Knights The Athletic LOADED: 08.20.2021

+700

+850

+150

New York Islanders

+1,800

+2,000

+200

Dallas Stars

+3,000

+3,500

+500

St. Louis Blues

+3,000

+3,500

+500

Winnipeg Jets

+3,500

+4,000

+500

Montreal Canadiens

+5,700

+6,300

+600

Nashville Predators

+3,500 1219541 Websites Sarah Nurse Claire Thompson

Mélodie Daoust The Athletic / Canada at the World Championship: A healthy Marie-Philip Poulin, the U.S. rivalry and everything you need to know Emily Clark

Emma Maltais

By Hailey Salvian Aug 19, 2021 Blayre Turnbull

Victoria Bach

When the puck drops between Canada and Finland on Friday afternoon Jamie Lee Rattray in Calgary in the IIHF Women’s World Championship, it will have been 859 days since there was an international women’s hockey event. Kristin O'Neill

On that date, April 14, 2019, Finland nearly upset the United States in the Laura Stacey gold-medal game of the worlds. Canada won bronze, the first time the This group strikes a healthy balance between returning veterans and new senior women’s national team hadn’t won at least silver at a major faces. Eight players will make their world championships debuts. Anne- tournament. Rennée Desbiens will return to the fold after playing in the 2018 Since then, however, the majority of the women’s hockey calendar has Olympics but not attending the 2019 worlds. The total turnover from 2019 been wiped out, with the 2020 world championships cancelled due to to now is nine players. COVID-19, the absence of a 4 Nations Cup and multiple delays for the Not returning from 2019 are Loren Gabel, Ann-Sophie Bettez, Brigette 2021 world championships. Lacquette, Laura Fortino, Micah Zandee-Hart, Shannon Szabados and Friday’s opening slate of games will mark a long-awaited return to Genevieve Lacasse. competition for the best women’s hockey players in the world, most of “It’s definitely going to be a different team from 2019,” Larocque said. whom have not played a meaningful game in over two years. The “We have a lot of new faces that may be rookies and they may not have tournament technically kicked off on Wednesday night with three a lot of international experience, but they definitely aren’t playing like exhibition games to shake off the rust, including Canada’s 4-1 victory rookies.” over Finland. “The line combinations look great, our goaltenders look really good. … I “We haven’t played in a real tournament for a very long time, but these really think it’s a good mix that complements each other well.” past two years we’ve been training really hard,” assistant captain Jocelyn Larocque told The Athletic. “Has it not been ideal? Yes, but I know that As players and team staff discussed the roster over the last week, a we’re ready, and I’m sure the other teams are ready, too. … I really think common theme emerged: If they play to their potential, expect Canada to it’s going to be amazing hockey and we’re definitely all going to be be quick and a pain to play against. excited to play, that’s for sure.” “We all identify our team as being fast, and we take pride in being To kick off our coverage of the tournament, here’s a comprehensive physical,” Sarah Fillier said. “Those two things have been something preview of Team Canada, looking at who is on the roster and what we’ve put a lot of emphasis on in these last two camps.” games should be circled on your calendar, as well as the top players and storylines to watch. Added Rebecca Johnston: “I’m very impressed with our team. We’re a very young, talented, and fast (group).” The roster For all the talk of being “young,” this is actually the fourth-oldest group Canada’s roster was selected this month from the 29 players chosen to Canada has ever brought to women’s worlds, according to Hockey centralize ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics. After this tournament is Canada’s media guide, with an average age of 26 years, 8 months. done, the group will remain in Calgary to prepare for the games in Larocque is the oldest player (33) while Fillier is the youngest (21). Beijing. For now, 25 players — 15 forwards, seven defence and three goalies — are on Canada’s official roster, an expanded list to allow extra However, there is a clear level of inexperience. As mentioned, eight bodies into the IIHF bubble. players have never played at the world championships, and seven players – Fillier, O’Neill, Thompson, Shelton, Maltais, and Bell – have Here’s the list, with returning players from the 2019 worlds highlighted in fewer than 10 games of senior national team experience. green. “Does experience help you? Of course it does,” Larocque said, “but it’s FORWARD DEFENCE GOAL way more important to pick the right team that’s best right now for the tournament, and I truly believe that Canada has that. I’m sure a lot of Marie-Philip Poulin these players would have more games under their belt if we had been Jocelyne Larocque playing hockey in the last few years. And maybe their international team experience isn’t high, but I’ve been training with a lot of them for the last Ann-Renée Desbiens two years and I know they’re ready.”

Rebecca Johnston And of course, Canada still features Marie-Philip Poulin, set to become arguably the greatest player ever in the women’s game, mainstays like Renata Fast Natalie Spooner and Brianne Jenner, a duo who were 1-2 in scoring for Emerance Maschmeyer Canada in 2019, plus Mélodie Daoust, Larocque, Renata Fast and a total of 13 returning 2018 Olympians. Natalie Spooner As Daoust said on Wednesday, when Canada hits the ice, they plan to Ella Shelton “give it a show.”

Kristen Campbell The schedule

Sarah Fillier The 10-team tournament features Canada in Group A with Finland, the Russia Olympic Committee (ROC), Switzerland and the United States. Ashton Bell Group B is comprised of the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Jill Saulnier Hungary and Japan. Canada will play four round-robin matches within their pool before the knockout stages begin Aug. 28. Each Canada game Erin Ambrose will begin at 6 p.m. Eastern.

Brianne Jenner Team Canada Schedule Jaime Bourbonnais DATE OPPONENT In 129 games for Canada at the senior level, Poulin has scored 67 goals and 140 points, which rank first on the current roster and in the top 10 all- Aug. 20 time for the program.

Finland Rebecca Johnston’s comeback

Aug. 22 It’s been a challenging 18 months for Johnston.

ROC “A lot of stuff happened in the last year and a half that I never would have Aug. 24 really expected,” she said.

Switzerland First, she was a surprise omission from the roster at the 2020 worlds, the first time she’d been cut in over 10 years with Team Canada. A few Aug. 26 months after the roster was released, she ruptured her Achilles in what Kingsbury called a “pretty gruesome” injury. USA “It was a lot, but I really think it was something that I almost needed,” Every game is important in Canada’s quest to get back to a Johnston said. “I kind of took a step back and grew as a person, and championship, but two of the biggest of the prelims are against Finland knew what I wanted and what I didn’t, and what I really wanted to fight and the United States. for.” As many will recall, Finland upset Canada in the 2019 semifinals en route What she wanted was to return to form, and a return to the national team, to its first-ever silver medal at the worlds. It was only Finland’s second on which she had been a figure since her debut in 2007-08. And she’s victory over Canada in any competition. done exactly that. “That first game on Friday is circled 300 times on our calendar because Johnston had surgery to repair her Achilles on Aug 14, 2020. She it’s the start of our journey to a gold medal,” Erin Ambrose said last week. rehabbed and trained in Calgary and returned to Team Canada’s camp in “And it’s not only a first game of the World Championship, but to add that February, six months post-operation. it’s against Finland, it makes it huge.” “She responded fantastically,” Kingsbury said in February. “She really, Johnston agreed that the team still has a “bitter taste” about losing to the really came with a sheer determination to make this team and not only to Fins, but said players are leaving that game in the past and moving make this team but really to be the best that she can be. Rebecca is forward with their new-look roster. extremely talented. … And she’s raised her game to a whole other level “You want to learn from those losses, but you also need to just move on,” and we’re really happy with where she is right now.” she said. “And we’re not going to play any different in the game than we Johnston is now the longest-tenured member of Team Canada with 151 would if we had beat them two years ago.” career games, including three Olympics and nine world championships. The second highlight is, of course, the latest edition of the beautiful (and She is second only to Poulin in scoring on the active roster with 57 goals sometimes ugly) Canada-U.S. rivalry. and 121 points across all competitions. This should be a nice (re)addition for Canada. Since the first women’s world championships in 1990, the Canadians and Americans have battled for supremacy, and their rivalry is among the Rebecca Johnston. (Stan Szeto / USA Today) best in international sport. The countries haven’t faced off since last Canada vs. the United States year’s Rivalry Series, which the U.S. won. Next Thursday’s game will be a must-watch event. The U.S beat Canada for Olympic gold in 2018 (not that anyone has forgotten), and have won eight of the last nine world championships, All five teams from Group A will automatically advance to the including five straight titles. quarterfinals, seeded No. 1 to No. 5, while only the top three teams from Group B will move on. The quarterfinals will be Aug. 28, with the The two sides have each won 19 world championship medals. Canada semifinals on Aug. 30 and the gold-medal game (and bronze-medal still has the edge in gold medals at the worlds (10-9) and the Olympics game) on Aug. 31. (4-2), but recent history suggests that the odds dip in Team USA’s favour here. Five storylines to watch “It’s no secret that we’ve lost a lot of close games against them when it A healthy Marie-Philip Poulin mattered,” said Larocque. Since the 2019 CWHL Clarkson Cup, the absence of Marie-Philip Poulin Can Canada get back to the No. 1 spot in the world? Especially if it’s by has been felt on the ice for both her (now defunct) club and country. way of the Americans? Poulin sustained a knee injury in the last game of the CWHL regular It’s difficult to answer, given that we’ve barely seen these teams play season in February 2019. She did not play in the CWHL playoffs, and over the last two years. Canada seems confident in the changes they’ve suited up for one game at the 2019 worlds, logging less than five minutes made to their group. They have the top-end skill, but so does Team USA. before leaving due to injury. In their pre-tournament game, the U.S. beat ROC 6-0 and looked to have She returned for the PWHPA showcase in May and had an empty-net loaded up their top line with Hilary Knight, Kendall Coyne Schofield and goal in Wednesday’s exhibition. Brianna Decker. They also have Abby Roque, who is due to break out as “She looks great,” said Gina Kingsbury, the director of the women’s soon as the tournament starts, among other talented players. national team. “The last 20 days together (at training camp), we’ve been “For us, it’s not looking behind, it’s not looking at what history has said or able to see what it looks like when you have a healthy Marie Philip Poulin what has happened last year or two years ago or three years ago,” in the lineup. Kingsbury said of facing the U.S. “It’s all about where we are now and “I think (fans) are going to see a very, very great athlete here competing where we’re heading. Our focus, our approach as a team, everything is with a C on her jersey this week.” exactly where we need to be right now.”

It cannot be overstated how positive Poulin’s return is for Canada and for Sarah Fillier’s debut the women’s game. With the Ivy League season on hiatus due to the pandemic, Fillier took a She is Canada’s captain, a quiet one who leads by the examples of her year off from her studies at Princeton to focus on making Canada’s world play and work ethic. Poulin has won at every level since she entered the championships and centralization rosters. After making both rosters, international stage more than a decade ago. She scored the goals that Fillier knows she made the right choice. won two Olympic golds medal for Canada. She is a world champion and “It’s been huge,” she said about training in Toronto with national team a two-time Clarkson Cup winner and MVP. players like Spooner and Jenner. “Normally the question is always about how you adapt to the jump from college to senior level. And being home for a year and consistently playing and training at that level, I think, the gap has been minimized.”

Fillier, 21, made her debut with the senior team as an 18-year-old at the 2018 4 Nations Cup, was among the final cuts for the 2019 worlds and was set to play in the (cancelled) 2020 worlds. It’s a debut over two years in the making for one of Canada’s brightest up-and-coming players.

She was nominated for the Patty Kazmaier Award in her freshman year at Princeton in 2018-19 after she put up nearly two points per game (1.97) to lead NCAA women’s hockey. She also led her team in scoring (22 goals, 57 points in 29 games) and was named the national Rookie of the Year.

Her coach at Princeton, Cara Morey, said Fillier is one of the best 200- foot players in North America, and her Canadian teammates and coaches agree.

“She’s pretty dynamic,” Kingsbury said. “She certainly brings a 200-foot game, she can score goals, she can play physical, she can get in your face, she brings a lot of energy, she’s fast, she really does have a lot of great tools here.”

In Wednesday’s pre-tournament game, Fillier centred a second line with Daoust and Natalie Spooner. Expect her to make her official debut on Friday.

The battle in the crease

For decades, the Canada crease has never been a position with a ton of question marks.

First, there was Manon Rhéaume, a two-time world champion and Olympic silver medallist in 1998. Then came Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Kim St. Pierre, who helped Canada to two gold medals as a starter, and won a third playing the backup, while adding five world championships. Shannon Szabados won gold as the starter in 2010 and 2014, and silver in 2018.

Now the decorated trio all have moved on and Canada’s starting spot is open for the first time in what feels like the history of the women’s world championships.

Kristen Campbell, 23, is the youngest of Canada’s goalies and has yet to play a game for the senior national team. Anything can happen over the next two weeks, but we’re likely looking at a healthy battle between Ann- Renée Desbiens and Emerance Maschmeyer for the No. 1 job.

Desbiens, 27, had a decorated college career at Wisconsin, winning the Patty Kazmeier Trophy in 2017 and setting the NCAA record for most career shutouts regardless of gender with 55. She also holds the NCAA single-season and career records for goals-against average and save percentage. She was one of three goalies in PyeongChang and played one game.

Maschmeyer, 26, was left off the last Olympic roster but has the most experience with Team Canada, including five worlds rosters, and 21 career games. And, at the 2016 worlds, her first as a starter, Maschmeyer was named goalie of the tournament.

The Athletic LOADED: 08.20.2021 1219542 Websites Some of these visual improvements that the team at EA Vancouver seem particularly proud of include “micro-details” on player uniforms to the point that you can see every stitch made on the sweater as well as the HDR lighting that more realistically plays off the ice surface and the Sportsnet.ca / Auston Matthews revealed as cover star as NHL 22 enters players themselves. next generation Differences between versions of the game

As mentioned before, NHL 22 will be releasing for the PlayStation 5 and Steven Loung August 19, 2021, 11:00 AM Xbox Series X|S as well as for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Given the raw power differences between the next-gen and last-gen consoles there will, of course, be differences between the two. Toronto Maple Leafs superstar centre Auston Matthews has been revealed as the cover athlete for EA Sports’ NHL 22. The most obvious one is, obviously, the visual look between the version of the game on the next-gen devices will be enhanced. While the game is This is the second time Matthews has been given the honour to grace the running off Frostbite in both versions of the game, things such as HDR cover of the venerable video game franchise as he was also the cover lighting and true 4K visuals will simply come across better in machines star of NHL 20. with more powerful graphics cards in them and far more enhanced Slated for an Oct. 15 release date, NHL 22 will release on the computer processing power. PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. If you do happen to get a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One version of the game, Here’s a little more info on the forthcoming game. however, it’s important to know that you will be able to upgrade to the next generation version of it if you then happen to get a PlayStation 5 or Superstar X-Factors come to CHEL Xbox Series X|S after you get the game.

First revealed in Madden 20, Superstar X-Factors is a new mechanic This upgrade will allow you to transfer some progress over from your coming to NHL 22 that adds specific skills and abilities that only the save file on the last-gen version of the game, but not everything – game’s very best players can execute. particularly in HUT – so be warned if you do decide to do this.

For example, in the case of cover boy Matthews, he has an ability called As well, it doesn’t look like cross-play between platforms will be “Shock and Awe” which taps into his signature, quick release wrister that supported. So if you want to play together with your buddies it’ll have to he uses to find the back of the net in real life. be on the couch or you’ll all have to get the same version of the game to play online. “This year, Superstar X-Factors bring a whole new level of elite competition and strategy to the game, and you’ll be able to unleash my It’s worth noting that, if you have a PS5 you can play the PS4 version of ‘Shock and Awe’ ability for exciting shots at the net,” said Matthews in a the game because of the backwards compatibility of the console, so you statement. can, theoretically play the PS4 version of the game on your PS5 with other PS4 users, it just probably won’t look as good as the actual PS5 Additionally, Edmonton Oilers star forward Leon Draisaitl has an ability version of the game. called “Tape to Tape,” which reflects his elite passing skills and will actually modify some of his passing animations and will occasionally Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 08.20.2021 automatically saucer passes for players if there’s a stick in the way.

As well, Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy has an X-Factor ability called “Contortionist,” which speaks to his athletic goaltending style and, in-game, will boost his ability to make highlight-reel body-twisting saves.

These Superstar X-Factor abilities will come in two different flavours: Zone Abilities and Superstar Abilities. The difference between the two is that a Zone Ability is described as a “game-breaking enhancement” that only the best players get – such as Matthews’ “Shock and Awe” skill – while Superstar Abilities are skills that more than one player can get and, while powerful, don’t reflect a player’s signature style in real life.

Like in the Madden series, Superstar X-Factors will be interspersed throughout all modes of play in NHL 22, including in cards that players pull in Hockey Ultimate Team, the characters you can create in World of CHEL and the Be A Pro mode, as well as franchise mode, where you’ll actually be able to scout for potential X-Factors in prospects.

NHL 22 gets a Frostbite upgrade

In addition to the addition of Superstar X-Factors, the EA Sports NHL franchise is getting another major upgrade in NHL 22 with, at long last, the game being built on EA’s vaunted Frostbite engine.

Now in its third generation, put simply, Frostbite is a game engine that focuses on greater visual fidelity, with Frostbite 3 putting a particular emphasis on higher frame rates, 4K visuals and high dynamic range (HDR) lighting.

It’s a fairly big deal for NHL 22 to be on Frostbite as it reflects the first time the series has been on EA’s flagship game engine, despite the fact other franchises like FIFA, Madden and Need for Speed having been on it for years now.

“Developing NHL 22 with the Frostbite engine is letting us truly bring the series into the next generation,” said Clement Kwong, Producer at EA Vancouver in a statement. “The visual upgrade is impressive on its own, but the Frostbite engine is also giving us the power to create a lot of realism that you’ll really notice once you play.” 1219543 Websites

USA TODAY / Reports: Owen Power, No. 1 overall pick in NHL draft, to return to Michigan for sophomore season

Alyssa Hertel

Owen Power, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2021 NHL draft, will return to the University of Michigan next season.

The 18-year-old defenseman will delay his professional debut in favor of a sophomore season with the Wolverines, according to the Buffalo News and the Associated Press.

Power was picked first by the Buffalo Sabres in this year’s draft, one spot ahead of Michigan teammate Matthew Beniers. He was the first Wolverine to go first overall. In late July, Power became the 16th defenseman to be taken first overall since the inception of the amateur draft in 1963.

In returning to Michigan, Power is the first No. 1 pick since 2006 to opt for at least one extra year of collegiate hockey before turning pro. The St. Louis Blues picked defenseman Erik Johnson first overall in the 2006 draft, and Johnson spent a season at the University of Minnesota before making his debut with the Blues a year later.

Before the draft, Power was the clear No. 1 pick in many experts’ eyes, thanks in part to his performance at the 2021 IIHF World Championship. He averaged more than 24 minutes in all three elimination-round games before winning gold with Canada.

Power posted 16 points (three goals, 13 assists) in 26 games during his first season at Michigan. He also recorded a plus-minus of +18 and had six penalty minutes. Power led all Michigan players in blocked shots with 40.

At the end of his first season, Power was named to the Big Ten All- Freshman Team and was a finalist for Big Ten Freshman of the Year. College Hockey News named him Rookie of the Year.

The Wolverines are a strong favorite to win the NCAA championship with Power back in the lineup, and with Beniers possibly returning as well.

USA TODAY LOADED: 08.20.2021