NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 24, 2021
The preseason schedule is released plus the latest on Jaden Schwartz, David Krejci, Henrik Lundqvist and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.
NHL.COM: The 2021-22 preseason schedule was released on Monday. It begins on Saturday, Sept. 25 as the Montreal Canadiens travel to Toronto to meet the Maple Leafs for an afternoon contest. The Minnesota Wild will face off against the St. Louis Blues in an evening contest.
Seattle Kraken winger Jaden Schwartz (NHL Images).
The following day features the Seattle Kraken hosting the Vancouver Canucks at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. The schedule concludes with 11 games on Saturday, Oct. 9.
THE ATHLETIC: Jaden Schwartz revealed he almost didn’t play with the St. Louis Blues last season following the sudden death of his father. It was the relationships within the organization and the memory of his dad that convinced him to play. Now signed with the Seattle Kraken, he’s looking forward to a new chapter in his life and career.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schwartz was hampered by an oblique injury last season but the loss of his father also affected his performance. He’ll be expected to play a leadership role with the Kraken in their upcoming inaugural campaign.
BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Former Bruins center David Krejci was formally introduced yesterday as the latest member of the Czech Republic club HC Olomouc. While the Bruins have left the door open for Krejci to return later this season, the 35-year-old center appears intent on playing back home.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Krejci plays one game in the Czech Republic he’d have to clear waivers to return to the Bruins or any other NHL club this season.
NEW YORK POST: Henrik Lundqvist is looking forward to having his No. 30 raised to the rafters of Madison Square Garden by the New York Rangers at some point in the coming season. He played 15 seasons with the Blueshirts, winning a franchise-record 459 games.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This report came out before Sunday’s news of the passing of Rangers legend Rob Gilbert. Lundqvist tweeted out his condolences on Monday.
TSN: Former NHL forward Jimmy Hayes died Monday at age 31. The older brother of Philadelphia Flyers forward Kevin Hayes, Jimmy spent seven seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils from 2011-12 to 2017-18, totaling 54 goals and 109 points in 334 games.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Hayes’ family, friends and former teammates.
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins and his wife Aleksandra recently welcomed son Knox Matiss Merzlikins into their family. His middle name honors the memory of Merzlkins’ friend and teammate Matiss Kivlenieks, who died last month during a fireworks incident.
sad to hear of such a young family losing their father and Husband. Condolences to the Hayes family. Rest in peace Jimmy.
Well Sweeney now you misjudged again as usual you’ve blown it. Krecji ain’t coming back. None of those outcasts you have now could suck the filling out of the centre of a Linger cookie. The bruins need a centre A GOOD ONE. Man I hope they fire this guy.
Rick, you don’t seriously believe Sweeney didn’t know Krecji was going home prior to UFA signings do you?
I would bet you any amount of $ you would like that he was in regular communication with him. He didn’t misjudge anything. Krecji made a choice to go home and talked about at the end of last season.
So UFA option was Danault that you could argue is better than Coyle, but they play a similar game and role. He chose LA, likely because they have a great prospect base and quality vets, so future looks good over next few years.
Other than that, you trade for one, so let me know which of McAvoy, Marchand, Bergeron or Pasta you would have traded for a proven 2C and which one you could get.
B’s have been contender for more than a decade, so drafting late and trading picks to try and win. Got as close as you can in 2019.
The window is closing if not already closed, that’s how this works in a cap world.
You gonna be OK?
Stick tap for that Ray.
A tutorial session for you free there Rick
Couldn’t agree more. NO GM operates in a vacuum
Right and look at the ( I have to be careful what I say cause a lot of my stuff never makes it on here ) disastrous free agent picks he signed that and the 2015 draft should have been enough to get Sweeney out ! When are they gonna axe this guy?!?!