NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 13, 2020
Teams begin to announce their training-camp rosters, at least three Montreal Canadiens test positive for COVID-19, plus updates on Max Domi, Auston Matthews, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.
NHL.COM: Multiple clubs revealed their training-camp rosters for Phase 3 of the return-to-play plan. They include the Arizona Coyotes, Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Vegas Golden Knights, Washington Capitals, and Winnipeg Jets.
The Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, and St. Louis Blues have yet to announce their training-camp rosters.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: You can find the full rosters by following the link above. The other clubs will likely reveal their rosters later today.
TSN: Cites a report from The Athletic’s Arpon Basu stating at least three Montreal Canadiens players have tested positive for COVID-19. The team and the NHL declined to comment, citing the league’s COVID-19 disclosure policy.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Those three positives occurred during the league’s Phase 2 voluntary workout phase. We have no idea which players were involved and when those positive tests took place. We’ll likely get a better idea about the identity of those players when the Habs take to the ice today for mandatory training camp.
With over 700 players on 24 teams spread out in their respective home cities starting today for Phase 3, we could see an increase in positive tests over the next two weeks. How high that number rises could determine the fate of the playoff tournament under Phase 4.
MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens forward Max Domi will wait seven-to-10 days before deciding if he’ll join his teammates for training camp. As a type-1 diabetic with celiac disease, Domi is a greater risk for COVID-19.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t blame Domi for his caution, especially in the light of the news of three teammates testing positive. It’ll be understandable if he opts-out of participating in the return-to-play plan.
TVA SPORTS: Speaking of the Canadiens, young defenseman Alexander Romanov is expected to sign an entry-level contract with the club. He could practice and travel with the Habs, but cannot participate in the Phase 4 playoff tournament. It will also burn off the first year of his entry-level deal.
STARTRIBUNE.COM/NEW YORK POST: The Minnesota Wild are expected to sign winger Kirill Kaprisov and the New York Islanders to sign goaltender Ilya Sorokin to entry-level contracts. Like Romanov, they’ll be allowed to train and travel with their respective NHL clubs but cannot take part in the playoff tournament. They’ll also burn off the first year of their ELCs.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The teams want those Russian players locked up to NHL contracts as soon as possible, even if it means they’re ineligible to skate in the upcoming playoffs and burns off the first year of their contracts. It avoids the risk of those three opting to stay in the KHL for next season and allows them the opportunity to ease into their new NHL rosters.
THE SCORE: Good news for the Toronto Maple Leafs, as center Auston Matthews is fit to play and will join his teammates in training camp today. Matthews reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 in May and self-isolated at his off-season home in Arizona.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matthews is the only player to be named in the media as testing positive, though the league and the Leafs declined to comment. It’ll be interesting to see if Matthews addresses the report with the press. I doubt he will give the league’s policy on players’ medical information.
TRIBLIVE.COM: Pittsburgh Penguins reserve defenseman Zach Trotman isn’t expected to participate in the return-to-play plan.
THE DETROIT NEWS: Because Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mike Green is opting out of participating in the return-to-play plan, the Detroit Red Wings will receive the Oilers’ fourth-round pick. It’s part of the deal that saw the Wings trade Green to the Oilers at the trade deadline in February.
NHL.COM: The Carolina Hurricanes hired former NHL player Peter Harrold as a skills coach.
As was indicated in the NHL/NHLPA media avail yesterday, teams are being directed to use specific terminology in describing players absence. Beginning tomorrow, the NHL wants clubs to use the terms “not fit to play” or “unable to practice” to explain any player’s absence.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 12, 2020
Hi Lyle,
Re
“ Pittsburgh Penguins reserve defenseman Zach Trotman isn’t expected to participate in the return-to-play plan.”
I had seen in places that he was injured and others where it included him as one of the players opting out…. do you know which?
Thanks
The report indicated he was dealing with some sort of injury or ailment but Rutherford was vague about it.
Thanks Lyle
Hi Lyle
Sorry, another question …. this one re training camp rosters…. looks like all so far have more than 31 in camp; most have 4 Gs , some 5. Most have 30 skaters… many with 18 F , 12 D ( looks like Wash has 20-10 )
From above obviously the numbers for the next phase will be crimped; however , can teams add a player(s) later (but before the next phase starts) if need be (injuries, Covid) or are the list of players for the training camp, the only players that can actually proceed to next round?
Thanks in advance for your response
Rosters are limited to 31 players, including goaltenders.
Thanks Lyle
Can they add a name or two (to be in final 31) that is not currently on the training camp roster; but named prior to the start of next phase ?
Reason I was asking …Some teams had 35 on TC roster… what if there is several injuries and/or Covid knocking the current TC roster below 30?
It’s my understanding they cannot.
Matthews made it that’s great news for Leafs fans last I heard he was drinking plenty of fluids under the blankets with a thermometer in his mouth.
Obe, don’t know if you’re trying to be funny or just an idiot. I sat with my wife and kids while they said goodbye to her father on a speakerphone while he died of this nothing virus. He couldn’t say goodbye because he couldn’t talk, you have to be able to breathe to talk. But keep making stupid comments, makes you look super smart.
One bright ray of hope about Covid-19 … it can’t possibly last much longer simply because … well … it was made in China wasn’t it?
fcl, please accept my condolences. Too many forget there is personal tragedy permeating this whole pandemic by getting lost in the cold. hard statistics.
Kinda like another idiot named Josef Stalin who once coldly observed, in justification of his murderous policies “‘If only one man dies of hunger, that is a tragedy. If millions die, that’s only statistics’
Fcl sorry about your father in-law not sure how he caught Covid my mother is 86 and father is 88 on Friday and we’re making sure they stay safe. Matthews is much younger I’m pretty sure he will be fine. Try not to take it personal this Pandemic to me is crazy obviously locking down the countries didn’t work the supposedly smart scientists didn’t know squat. Can’t go to hockey games or church or have a wedding but ok to riot burn down churches topple monuments it’s time to let be what will be.