NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 30, 2021
Check out the latest on Jonathan Toews, Mark Giordano, Jack Campbell and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.
NBC SPORTS CHICAGO: Jonathan Toews looked like his old self in his first NHL game since being sidelined with chronic immune response syndrome 407 days ago. Despite a 4-3 preseason shootout loss to the Detroit Red Wings, the Blackhawks captain logged 22:48 of ice time, collected an assist, three shots on goal, two takeaways and won 15 of 21 faceoffs.
Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: A promising start for Toews. The Blackhawks need their captain healthy if they hope to contend for a playoff spot this season.
CALGARY SUN: Former Flames captain Mark Giordano returned to Calgary for his first game since being selected by the Seattle Kraken in July’s expansion draft. He received a warm welcome from Flames fans, scoring a goal in a 4-3 preseason shootout win by the Kraken.
THE SCORE: Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jack Campbell believes there can be no excuses for the club this season. He and his teammates intend to use last spring’s disappointing postseason as motivation to win in the 2022 playoffs.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs will face tremendous pressure this season following three straight first-round playoff exits.. Their last Stanley Cup title was in 1967 and they haven’t won a postseason series since 2004. Some teams can use previous playoff disappointment to grow and change into a championship team. Whether the Leafs can channel that this season remains to be seen.
NBC SPORTS BAY AREA: Promising prospect William Eklund has a legitimate shot at cracking the San Jose Sharks roster this season. The seventh overall pick in the 2021 NHL draft, Eklund leads the Sharks with three points in two preseason games.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s still very early in preseason play and Eklund hasn’t yet tasted regular-season NHL action. Nevertheless, the 18-year-old winger could have an opportunity to at least start the season with the Sharks.
TSN: Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson reportedly offered a contract extension to general manager Marc Bergevin in July, but they haven’t reached an agreement yet. Both sides continue to talk.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Pierre LeBrun believes the Canadiens don’t want uncertainty over Bergevin’s contract status hanging over the club this season. The Canadiens GM garnered leverage with his club’s surprising march to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, but that could evaporate if they struggle this season.
THE DENVER POST: Former NHL forward and current Colorado Avalanche color analyst Peter McNab has been diagnosed with cancer and is receiving treatment. The 69-year-old McNab will continue his role with Altitude Sports.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Best wishes to McNab for a speedy and full recovery.
NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: Flyers center Tanner Laczynski will require surgery on his left hip and could be sidelined for the season.
Per Coyotes, D Kyle Capobianco has a knee injury. He is considered day to day.
— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) September 29, 2021
Seattle #Kraken have signed UFA Max McCormick 1 year / 2-way deal NHL: $750,000 Minor: $150,000 ($200,000 guaranteed) McCormick played 12 games with Carolina last season, scoring 2 goals and adding 1 assist.https://t.co/QC2ZYYl95N — CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) September 29, 2021
Great news about Jonathan Toews. Hope he stays healthy and has a great year.
And plays in the Olympics.
Toews looked good last night….better than expected after the long layoff.
Toews is a great player. I believe he was MVP for Canada at the last Olymipcs when they won gold.
Best all around forward on 3 Stanley Cup winners. I dare say best player on each of those teams, and no, points isn’t what it is all about not even close.
He is a guy you can throw over the boards against the other teams best every chance you get. And more often than not his line wins the battle. Which is how you win games, scoring more than the other team. Need to stop them too if I recall.
Toews is a great hockey player.
Toews looked like his former self? Overrated?
Ask Sidney about him, Chris.
Sidney wouldn’t bad mouth evander Kane let alone toews.
If you mean overpaid, Chrisms, I have to agree. 10.5 million a year starting in 2015 for him – and the more productive Kane – did the Hawks in. And his points total has been elite only in 2018.
But he has had 12 – 20+ goal seasons in his career and is amongst the best two way centers in the league. I hesitate to call him over rated on performance. And the Hawks have not had great players for him to work with …
LJ so your saying he needs great players to be effective. That isn’t great.
I’d like the Leafs to get “done in” like the Hawks.
Captain Serious does all the little things and plays the game the “right way”
A classic leader who isn’t the best at anything yet carries the team on his back and makes everybody around him better.
Great for the league to have him back in form.