NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – January 28, 2022
Drew Doughty, Quinton Byfield and Aleksander Barkov celebrate milestones, Oilers sign Evander Kane, an update on the Coyotes search for a temporary home, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.
GAME RECAPS
NHL.COM: Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty collected an assist in his 1,000th game while teammate Quinton Byfield tallied his first NHL goal in a 3-2 victory over the New York Islanders. Adrian Kempe tallied the winner as the Kings held off the Isles late in the third period. The Kings sit in third place in the Pacific Division with 50 points.
Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Doughty, 32, has spent his entire 14-season NHL career with the Kings, winning two Stanley Cups and the Norris Trophy as the top defenseman in 2015-16. He has 22 points in 25 games this season. Byfield, meanwhile, was the second-overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. The 19-year-old center appeared in six games last season and four this season.
Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov scored his 200th career goal and 500th career point to lead his club over the Vegas Golden Knights 4-1. Sam Bennett scored twice and Spencer Knight made 24 saves for the win as the Panthers regained first place in the overall standings with 65 points. The Golden Knights sit on top of the Pacific Division with 53 points.
Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras scored twice, including a lacrosse-style goal as his club held off the Montreal Canadiens 5-4. Troy Terry had a goal and two assists as the Ducks moved to within one point of the Golden Knights in the Pacific.
J.T. Miller had a hat trick and collected an assist to lead the Vancouver Canucks to a 5-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets. Brock Boeser had a goal and two assists while goalie Spencer Martin made 33 saves for his first NHL win. With 43 points, the Canucks moved two points ahead of the slumping Jets and sit three points behind the Calgary Flames for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
The Tampa Bay Lightning downed the New Jersey Devils 3-2 to remain two points behind the Panthers in the overall standings. Anthony Cirelli snapped a 2-2 tie and Andrei Vasilevskiy turned aside 31 shots for the Lightning. Jesper Bratt collected assists on both Devils’ goals.
A shootout goal by Andrei Svechnikov lifted the Carolina Hurricanes over the Ottawa Senators 3-2. Nino Niederreiter tied the game for the Hurricanes in the third period. They’re tied with the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins with 60 points but sit first in the Metropolitan Division. Senators center Josh Norris left the game in the first period with an upper-body injury.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators are already without leading scorer Drake Batherson for perhaps the remainder of the season with a high-ankle sprain. They also signed defenseman Nick Holden yesterday to a one-year, $1.3 million contract extension.
The Seattle Kraken picked up their first overtime win in franchise history by nipping the Pittsburgh Penguins 2-1. Jared McCann tied the game in the third period for the Kraken, setting the stage for Adam Larsson’s winning goal. Evgeni Malkin scored for the Penguins.
Columbus Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner scored twice and picked up an assist to lead his club to a 5-3 upset of the New York Rangers. Sean Kuraly also scored twice for the Jackets while Joonas Korpisalo stopped 33 shots for the win. Artemi Panarin scored and picked up two assists for the Rangers while teammate Adam Fox is listed as day-to-day after leaving the game in the third period with an upper-body injury.
St. Louis Blues goaltender Ville Husso made 28 saves backstopping his club over the Calgary Flames 5-1. Husso is 6-0-0 in January while Brandon Saad scored two goals and picked up an assist. The Blues (57 points) sit one point behind the second-place Nashville Predators in the Central Division.
Connor McDavid scored in a shootout to give the Edmonton Oilers a 3-2 win over the Nashville Predators. McDavid also scored in regulation while Predators winger Filip Forsberg had a goal and an assist. With 44 points, the Oilers are two back of the Flames.
HEADLINES
SPORTSNET: The Oilers signed Evander Kane to a one-year contract after the NHL said its investigation into whether the winger breached COVID-19 protocols produced insufficient evidence to conclude he knowingly violated those protocols. Terms were not revealed but Elliotte Friedman reported it was worth $750K in base salary with a $625K signing bonus plus a no-movement clause.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oilers general manager Ken Holland seems to believe adding a goal scorer carrying tons of personal baggage will help this struggling club overcome its shaky goaltending. It smacks of desperation by a GM who failed to suitably address his issues in the crease last summer and is now grasping at straws to save his season.
THE SCORE: Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon was diagnosed with a broken nose following his collision with Boston Bruins winger Taylor Hall on Wednesday. A clearer timeline for his recovery remains to be determined.
TRIBLIVE.COM: cites a report by Daily Faceoff indicating Pittsburgh Penguins forward Drew O’Connor is dealing with a collapsed lung suffered during the club’s recent road trip. Neither the Penguins or O’Connor’s agent is confirming the report.
CBJ PUBLIC RELATIONS: Columbus Blue Jackets forward Alexandre Texier is expected to miss four weeks after fracturing a finger during Wednesday’s game against the Flames.
GOPHNX.COM: The Arizona Coyotes are reportedly in advanced discussions with Arizona State University to use the school’s new multi-purpose arena as their temporary home for the next three seasons while they await approval and construction of a new arena in Tempe. The facility seats just 5,000 people. The Coyotes lease at the Gila River Arena has been terminated at the end of this season by the city of Glendale.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is being done with the NHL’s blessing. The league is determined to maintain a franchise in the lucrative Arizona market.
NEW YORK POST: The Rangers will be retiring Henrik Lundqvist’s No. 30 in a ceremony before tonight’s game against the Minnesota Wild.
THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars will retire Sergei Zubov’s No 56 before tonight’s game against the Washington Capitals.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to both players for their upcoming honours. Lundqvist was one of the greatest players in the Rangers’ long history while Zubov was a key player in the Stars rise to NHL dominance in the late-90s and early-2000s.
THE PROVINCE: Former Vancouver Canucks winger Jake Virtanen has been charged with sexual assault by Vancouver police stemming from a 2017 allegation. He’s currently playing in the KHL but is expected to make his first provincial court appearance on Feb. 10.
First White, then Pinto, then Batherson and now Norris. I know injuries are part of the game … but holy crap!
Cry me a river …
Dude … Why ?
Because he thinks he’s a hard-ass and likes to portray himself that way.
Ehh. I’d have been less abrasive but as a pens fan I have no sympathy.
I wasn’t looking for any. But I guess I still haven’t learned – after years in here and some real schmucks along the way – that there are those who continue to think that any posting needs to be cleared through them.
And by the way, did you and other Pittsburgh fans not make some mention about the injury bug along the way? It was an observation I made. Period. I could not possibly care less whether someone else has any “sympathy.” I sure as Hell don’t care if half the Penguins go down.
Well….
Ok then.
J t is raising his trade value exponentially !!!
agree JZ
But he is also raising his value to ‘Nucks (and thus rationalizing keeping him)
Big decision for Alvin
George grow up . Wow Wow Wow all he said is yes the Sens have had more than there fair share of injuries .
I posted the other day I enjoy your insight.
BUT somedays you show you are just a cranky old man
Swany, I was initially responding to
“Ed VanImpe on January 28, 2022 at 11:08 am
Cry me a river …”
As Joe asked “:why?”
What do those kind of snarky schoolyard juvenile observations add to the discussion? Or, for that matter, Chrisms “Ehh. I’d have been less abrasive but as a pens fan I have no sympathy.”
Where, exactly, did I imply I was seeking “sympathy?” I know injuries are always going to happen. I simply made an observation.
The only ones in here who commented on their injuries in the manner you describe have been Pengy, Shoreorrpark and Ray Bark, and I did not respond as a “cranky old man” to any of them – although God knows I could fall on that crutch legitimately 🙂
Swan have some respect for your elders and it’s time to post on a subject you understand and hockey isn’t it.
I think the next domino to fall in Winnipeg will be Chevaldayoff and that will occur after the season.
The Jets will be sellers. Hopefully they can recoup some draft picks and create some cap room. They need to make some changes to their core but I think it will take a new GM to do so.
Getting rid of Schmidt at the trade deadline will be the priority. Both Lowry’s should be gone. Coach Dave is doing the right things but until core changes it doesn’t resonate. Dubois should become part of leadership group. Need to create a third line that can contribute some offence. The fourth line is your checkers and can’t pay Adam $3M to play there.
In a tailspin.
A surprising tailspin Tripper. Did not see that coming. Still time to turn it around, but best get at it.
I watched that game last night and I agree that something has to change on the Jets. They look totally dis-functional. Dubois and Kyle Connor looked like the only players who had some passion in their game. Everyone else just looked dis-interested.
The owner’s loyalty to coaches etc. is coming back to haunt him.
How has Schmidt played this year? Just curious as the Canucks moved on from him quickly and I never heard much about the reasons why (some writers talked about the fit, but were a little vague).
I missed last night’s game but was at the Jets’ December visit to Vancouver. Kyle Connor was their best player in that game, I was impressed by his skill and effort level.
Actions certainly do speak louder than words. Notwithstanding Bettman’s recent “cordial” talks with Quebec government officials, the league’s willingness to allow one of its teams to play at least 3 seasons in a facility that wouldn’t even be suitable as a CHL venue, while awaiting the construction of a new stadium which may never happen, sends a clear message to Quebec City. “We don’t want you”. The faster QC comes to terms with that, the less painful it’ll be.
Hi Howard
I agree in principle but it’s not the “League’s” decision… this is completely Bettman
When I read that Arz was going to be allowed to use a 5,000 seat arena for 3 years (minimum BTW) …. I cringed
From a business perspective…. awful awful awful decision
League revs (which directly affect the escrow and the “ make good” portion by players part ofCBA) already suffering; Arz contributions were going to be low anyway …. Now max 5,000 at gate for at least 3 years!! Can you imagine the broadcast camera angles with such a small arena (compare broadcasts camera angles of AHL or CHA games to NHL games)
Bettman just won’t admit his experiment was wrong
He refuses to have another Canadian team . I believe that QC/PQ would be a great franchise…. But I do cede there are detractors. I’m confident in a successful franchise there and love the arena. That’s me.
Setting that aside…. Yotes could be relocated to at least 5 other US cities (Houston #1 on list) ; maybe as high as 8 other cities; where the 31 owners would share a handsome relo fee; and League revs would soar relative to keeping them in Arz….
logic , economics; prgagmatics…. heck , let’s just call it plain common sense …. By anybody (not even hockey fans)…. says that this franchise just canNOT stay in Arz
…. But Bettman’s ego stands in the way
There is no other potential Commissioner that would even think twice about a relo from Arz
There is no business leader in any industry that would not think twice about relocating them
Does the order clerk (at the McD’s in Phoenix) ask after you’ve ordered your Big Mac…. “would you like a relo with that?”
I’m confident that the high end players (whose contracts are heavy on Sal with no [or little] SB) are peeved at this…. Lower expected HRR…..escrow escrow escrow
It is just Sad Sad Sad
Why admit you were wrong when you arnt?
It seems like Arizona is torpedoing the franchise to force Bettman to allow them to relocate.
On top of the arena shenanigans, if you’re talking about trading away your 23-year-old defenseman, you’re not rebuilding. You’re a farm club.
fikshun
You just may be on to something there
There has to be a point at which Bettman says… “Fuddle Duddle “”…”move them then”…. But we’re talking Bettman here… so I’m not holding my breath
Not sure if you are from the US or Canada; and if Canadian, how old you are… just in case … re “fuddle duddle”…
https://www.cbc.ca/archives/entry/1971-trudeaus-fuddle-duddle-incident
I think I was 9 or 10… I thought it was hilarious then
LOL Pengy. I heard him say a LOT worse than that among my many briefing sessions on the Hill over the years when I worked at Immigration. And some select others.
Ah Chrisms…. But he izzz!
He was shown the eco models and ignored them at the beginning
When things went off the rails and the updated models showed even massively worse forecasts; and he had a chance to move (and sell) the franchise…nyet
Things got worse…nyet
Covid and even (unbelievably) massively worse forecasts still… nyet
He was shown forecasts of $100 + M annual swing in HRR (from draw to contributor) with an estimated $400 M (at the time ) relo fee; for a second GTA franchise….nyet
He was shown forecasts of tremendous upshifts in HRR and excellent relo fees with a projected Yotes move to QC…Nyet
He was shown forecasts for KC, Houston, Portland…. Nyet Nyet Nyet
One simple call by Yotes…. Ummmm Gair, you oh so handsome guy….we’ve got no arena but may be able to get to 80% capacity if you let us play in a 5,000 seat arena , not near downtown, for at least 3 years, maybe 4; no more than 5…. Oh and well, there is not enough room for the usual NHL broadcast set up; and no luxury suites per se; and merch sales and concession revs are going to be about 10% of our already league low; and of course the “make right” clause will have players paying the league back extended another 2-3 years; and this will affect overall cap ( so 31 of my colleagues have told me)…. But whatya think old Gary Boy my Old Savings and Loan pal (aside…. Had to add a quote from “It’s a Wonderful Life”)… can we do it??
Gary…” I’ve told you before; I don’t listen to logic ; and I don’t care about lost revenues; while I remain commish all I care about is 2 things; and I guarantee I won’t budge on this …. No matter how much it would benefit all of the owners and all of the players…. There will be no more Canadian franchises; and Arizona will always have an NHL Franchise… Na Zdorovie !!! “
Still only looking for instant gratification pengy. Miss pengy must be thrilled 😁
I think you meant Mrs. Pengy and not my daughter…LOL
On rare occasions she (Mrs. P) is Chrisms
Rare…
But she is (like I am)… big picture, long term, cup half full, dynamic, and able to steer the course straight if side-tracked
Unfortunately, those attributes , re GB and the Yotes canNOT coexist
I know we jest back and forth re Bettman … but if you could hear just a small fraction of what we hear from our clients (divestiture and relocation makes up about a fifth of what we do) … they often cite Bettman and what he has done to the NHL re the Arz franchise as the most insane and ludicrous management decisions they have ever heard…. business people just don’t repeatedly throw good money after bad and stand by their decision with arrogance
Our clients are predominantly Canadian so somewhat skewed in opinion; but we have several in the states and 2 large clients in the US SW that concur wholeheartedly with those assertions
We agree to disagree re Yotes and stay or relo
All good
This is all what this forum is about
Hoping for good showing by Pens tonight
I think bettmans plan of expansion and growth has shown it is working. The game is bigger than ever. The talent pool frowns all the time. Gb has far more wins than loses. Arizona might end up being a loss that moves to another southern market like Houston. But I blame the inept owners (and not a little bad luck) on why Arizona is stumbling. I don’t blame bettman for holding out to see if the team can get its act together to succeed in what should be a viable market. I do believe the current purge and rebuild might be the last chance.
But bettmans good work to this point has earned him some leeway
Thank you for the history lesson, Pengy! That’s the first I’ve heard of fuddle duddle. I was only 3 months old at the time he said it. I’m in the U.S. I caught the hockey bug as a kid, watching Lanny McDonald, Chico Resch, and the hapless Rockies.
I’ve only been to Phoenix a couple of times, but I’ve never seen any sign that the team has captured the town’s heart. Here in Denver, there are a ton of Pee Wee hockey teams now. The area has produced talent like Seth and Caleb Jones, Jacob Slavin, etc. Is there anything like that in Phoenix to warrant Bettman’s belief that he’s growing the game there?
There are concerns that the Yotes’ proposed arena would run afoul of the FAA, being too close to the airport. Even if that’s not an issue, who’s paying for it? If you’re a bank, would you loan money to a team that just got done paying fines for unpaid back taxes?
does the NHL investigation clearing Kane now invalidate the Sharks’ terminating Kane’s contract?
didn’t they terminate his contract for this screw up by Kane?
Hi, mikeP. That’s to be determined by an independent arbiter in the coming weeks.
Hi Lyle
I would think that the outcome of the investigation and it’s findings can only go in Kane’s favour
Had they found something ; and then suspended him again… that would seriously favour Sharks case re termination
This investigation , IMHO, must have Wilson et al worried
Richards is still on Kings’ books for another decade yet to come
I think this is a separate issue than what caused the termination mikeP. As this situation arose after that was already announced.
At least that is what I remember.
Hi Ray
Sharks were told they could not terminate his contract over the “fake” Covid ID incident .
They were wanting to terminate his contract … and IMHO were chomping at the bit for any opportunity to do so
They did terminate regarding the “new” incident re Covid and cited crossing the border “illegally” on 29/12 ( note he had tested positive on 21/12)
They terminated him first week in Jan
He enacted his grievance petition (via NHLPA) the following week
NHL had a 3rd party do a full independent investigation that could not find conclusive evidence that supported the claim (by Sharks) that he crossed illegally
I’m no lawyer… but reading between the lines… this finding (non finding) by an independent third party will certainly be used (and favourably so) in his arbitration hearing
This report, IMVHO, is absolutely very very bad news for Sharks
Remember…Kings are still paying out (and still hit on the cap) for Richards, for another full decade
Kane signing good for Oil👍 . Oil Still need to keep serious eye on ‘tending
Inconclusive findings should seriously help Kane’s cause re his Arbitration hearing on his dismissal dispute with Sharks
Congrats to Hank and Zub re having jersies retired
Wow… didn’t know re O’Connor and collapsed lung. Hope for full/speedy recovery
Quandary re ‘Nucks and Miller… seriously helping team…. But trade value keeps rising
Zegras goalie was nice !
Sens getting the Pens “bug” of injuries… know what your feeling Sens’ fans
Re Pens/Krakken…. Krakken we’re hungry and wanted it more. McCann played fantastic and burned Pens on a tip goal. This game certainly not on Jarry …. Tip/ change direction goal and a screened (Pen) goal in OT only ones to get by him… could have been 4-1 Krakken. Pens were first in Metro….. for about 5 mins , until Svechnikov’s shootout goal. 😭.
McDavid’s shootout goal was pretty incredible.
Zegras is a budding star.
If it wasn’t for bad luck, Ottawa wouldn’t have any.
True that SOP, short term anyway.
This should help get them in the lotto mix as they were in danger of moving up the standings with their games in hand and playing better!
I am sure OTT fans don’t want to be part of another lottery, but if the ball bounces the Wright way…
LOL Ray. I suppose that’s one potential beam of sunlight in this current mess. Early indications are that Norris MIGHT not be badly hurt – should know within a day or two.
Sokolov gets a good look, meanwhile, up from Belleville and I guess Stutzle – always more or less looked at as a C – is a fixture there now for at least the rest of this season. Pinto and White have been out since the start with shoulder injuries, but both are due back early March.
The tough loss is Batherson – those damn high-ankle sprains are season-killers. And the fact it came courtesy of a meathead play by O’Dell doesn’t make it any easier to take.
I wonder now if Tierny – a C – will be on the move as rumoured. The buzz around here is that Dorion and Maguire were at the recent Montreal-Minnesota game and that the Wild are interested in Tierney as C depth heading into the playoffs. The name coming back most frequently heard is that of Jordan Greenway – the 6’6″ 225 lb LW. Not having a great year so far – 4g 9a 13 pts in 31gp – but someone that size who can skate like he does is worth a long look. Likely will take more than just Tierney, however, to get him.
Ya, another big guy who can skate is never a bad idea, even if he plays down the line up.
Those big guys seem to take longer to get everything in sync too.
Can’t say I watch the Sens unless they play the B’s, but I kind of root for them. They’ve taken enough heat.
Calling BS to all this negative crap folks on SM laying at the Oilers and Evander Kane feet.
Folks want to burn people at the stake if they don’t meet there standards.
Glad you have no faults of your own. YOUR AWESOME!
For whatever selfish reason other then a superior complex; They feel Kane doesn’t deserve to play in the NHL.
Why? Because some teammates don’t like him
Because he doesn’t believe in Covid the way you do?
Yes I’m double vaccinated and follow all local health regulations.
He was suspended and paid the price. No different then any other suspension.
Edmonton Oilers and Connor McDavid want to win now! They believe Evander Kane will help them achieve that.
Last point interesting to see the once highly praised Holland has turned into a terrible GM since the news of offering Kane a deal.
Cancel culture
Man. Stop trying to cancel cancel culture. Your so dang judgmental.
Get off Twitter Caper.
Seriously, you seem like a good guy, it is making you angry. Intentionally.
Go have a beer and a laugh after work with some buds. SM isn’t the real world.
Ray it isn’t just Twitter. It’s right here on this page, it’s Facebook, it’s news media.
In case your not paying attention, how many jobs have you seen lost because of SM.
To say it’s not the real world is like having your head in the sand.
It like the movie “don’t look up.”
I’m tired of watching people trying to destroy someone lively hood because they don’t like them or their opinions.
As far as having a beer.
I once posted on my fb
I don’t answer the door so please call before you come over and by the way I don’t answer my phone.
This is a hockey site; hoping Rask gets a shutout tonight.
It ain’t my real world Caper. Maybe I’m just old.
As far as Kane, if he breached his contract I wouldn’t pay him either. It was his choice to fake his vaxx card and not the fault of any one opining about it. So not cancel culture, but personal responsibility. No offence but that is a problem too these days, as too many folks ignore that IMO. If I did that I would get fired, and deserve it, as my employer has a vaccine mandate.
I’m a fan of his game, not of his actions off the ice and I would never sign the guy to a long term deal as it isn’t worth the risk. For the rest of this year, go for it as low risk.
That ain’t cancel culture that’s a business decision. And obviously the Oilers don’t give a crap what what the “media” says, or the twitter mob. So he wasn’t cancelled. Just sayin.
He put himself in this position, nobody else. Will he get his money from SJ, I have no idea as I haven’t read his contract and I’m not a lawyer.
It’s fascinating where some people define something as cancel culture and others define it as consequences of your actions. Well said post ray.
Ray and Chrism, simple question did he get suspended?
Did he serve his suspension?
Your belief he doesn’t belong in the NHL because you don’t like him.
If you lost your job for lying. Would you not be seeking new employment in the same industry? Or would you try find a job outside your trade.
Edmonton is well within their right as any other NHL team to offer him a contract.
Just because you don’t like him or his actions doesn’t mean no team should hire him.
Don’t speak of his actions that he has already paid the price for as a reason he should be banned from the NHL.
Yes Chrism cancel culture; Don’t look up.
I personally don’t care if he plays or not. The team took a risk in several ways. One that he doesn’t pull any more bologna off the ice and two that they don’t alienate enough fans that is a costly financial decision. But people have a right to their opinion. Just like you pointed out. Your doing the same thing as they are by trying to invalidate their opinions by calling it cancel culture. If people feel that a person or action devalues the image of something they care for, in this case the oilers franchise or the integrity of the league they can voice that concern.
Hey I just enjoyed watching the end of a career here in Pittsburgh and have enjoyed celebrating that career. Despite the likelihood this man assaulted women in his younger days. I respect those that don’t.
Yes he did get suspended and yes he did serve it. We don’t know why his contract was terminated yet, maybe just the vaxx card, maybe not. So maybe just a liar that was fine risking his teams playoff chances, and not worse. Again his choice, but that is what he did.
I don’t care if he plays in the NHL or not, I just hope one of the teams I cheer for doesn’t sign him to a long term deal.
The reason for that seems obvious.
You may think it is fine to sign a guy to term who teams try to get rid of after signing him to term. I would prefer to spend my valuable cap space elsewhere.
Again, rest of this year fine, low risk.
I have been very consistent with that on here.
Kane can do whatever he wants, and he does, so can all the NHL teams, they do, so can his past team mates and new ones, so can the fans.
FREEDOM!
See Ray that response is exactly what I reference;
All his ex teammates; what complaints did u here out of Buffalo?
Winnipeg and San Jose yes.
Yet not once did Kane complain in the media, can you say that about the teams?
You have your strong beliefs and that’s fine.
That’s not my arguement.
I don’t agree with Kane actions but I’m not trying to destroy a person because I don’t agree with their actions.
Yes you have been consistent with your statement as have I.
Enjoy your weekend
If Kane succeeds in taking away some of the checking focus on McDavid and Draisaitl while providing his own offense as he’s capable AND provide them with the mean streak he’s shown before – then Edmonton can only benefit. And for hardly any cost off their tight cap.
Where the big decisions will come is, if he does all that and presents no distractions and Edmonton claws their way back into the playoffs, what the heck do they do with him then, because his cost will rise dramatically in any new contract?
This is a passionate issue for you Caper, all good. And in reality we aren’t that far apart.
Just a few points and I will shut up.
1 – I didn’t say all his team mates.
2 – I’m not trying to destroy a person, I said I wouldn’t sign him to term, because look how it turned out for SJ. That is a simple fact, not opinion.
3 – Cancel Culture bad. Seems obvious IMO. This is not cancel culture, also obvious IMO because he will play for Edmonton, #91.
4 – I don’t care what people on SM think, they are just folks who think their opinions matter more than they do.
Arizona is the perfect tonic for Rask. Go B’s!
My thoughts too George. To make it even more interesting, what if McDavid develops on ice chemistry with him, and he tells Holland that he would like him back?
Now how tough does that decision get if he wants $$ and term?
Hoo boy, Ray, that’d be something to watch. As matters now stand Holland is committed to 14 next season at $75,285,462, leaving him with $6,214,538 to sign 9 if the cap stays the same. Even if it goes up, it doesn’t figure to be by much – but let’s be liberal and say $2 mil. That gives him just over 8 mil.
He has 6 RFAs to re-up whose current cap hit totals just under $5 mil, including Puljujarvi, Yamamoto, McLeod, Perlini, Benson and Lagesson. Even with minimal increases for each you’re looking at at least $6 mil there.
And while none of his other UFAs figure to be back (Sceviour, Russell, Koskinen, Archibald and Turris) they still need to be replaced with live bodies – especially in goal.
So, to re-up Kane IF everything clicks like you say, there’s going to have to be major movement somewhere.
Could wind up being one of the most interesting teams to watch in the off season.
Caper don’t state your opinion unless it’s the same as everyone else’s it doesn’t fit the narrative in today’s world. I said anyone who signs Kane this year can’t lose the guy is a stud big strong not scared tuff and can score goals wish my Bruins signed him. If he goes sideways just send him packing but people need a second and sometimes a third and fourth chance. Look at Brad Bruins are garbage without him if they didn’t stand by him with all his antics they would be horrible. Nash the Coyote announcer said he has Brad Marchand as number 2 after McDavid in NHL. Canadians support our truckers fight for freedom before it’s gone take care and God bless.
Good luck y’all in the east n coasts.
Just weighing in re Kane
I support the low risk, potential high reward move by Oil
I had mistakenly been throwing out the $1.5 Cap hit ($1.08 M can be buried )… I had forgot the crazy cap formula for players (with SBs) who sign through the year. The later in the year… the higher the SB counts in Cap
I still support $2.1 M in cap hit… risk (if buried ) now just a hair over $1M…. Why do I support this…
Low risk… no assets given up in trade… never had any issue with his on ice performance ; Oil struggling; adding a 30G scorer, with size and grit; that MUST be on pristine behaviour for balance of year … as he is looking for a good contract ($’s and term) come summer…. To me is a prudent and logical move
Now addressing past behaviour
Gambling… an addiction (sickness)… have not seen anywhere that he’s been gambling on anything in the past year (at least)
Gambling on Sharks games… proven false
Child and spouse abuse… horrific if true… investigation cleared him; andI just read yesterday that Kane has custody of their daughter and not his EX… if there had been even a smatter of truth about him abusing, hitting, harming either his daughter or spouse, I find it incomprehensible that he would then be granted custody
Flamboyance with showing off hoards of money (hotel room picture while brandishing tons o cash)…. Arrogant… I’m not a fan… but I certainly would not hold that as a decision point for not signing him
Not a team player… I disagree re on the ice
Not a team player… dressing room etc…. I wasn’t there… but it seems there are former teammates that have said so….I fully support those teams and players not wanting to sign him
Re that attitude… I posted many times that my wish was for HexBurkie or Dubas to have a “private “ meeting with Sid/Gino/Tanger or JT/AM/MM to see if they would accept him. If they were to accept him… then make an offer; if not… case closed… meeting(s) never happened
Oil for sure reached out to McD for his opinion…. not sure if they talked also to Dreis ? RNH? Nurse?
Now…. Covid faking (of document)….I’m pissed. I am triple vaxxed ; I am paranoid of getting it; I am very angry that anyone would fake their proof. I am pro vax; but respect if you personally choose not to; but wear a mask in public
Not getting it; then faking you have gotten the vaxx… pure d%$#k move
He got penalized heavy for that d%$#k move… rightfully so
Paid his dues,served his time; now vaxxed… I may not like it… in fact I’m still peeved….but he served his time. So time to move on
That move was arrogant…. But we have players in the NHL that constantly attempt to not only end a career but possibly a life with purposeful full speed full inertia hits to the head
In summary… served his time… GM vetted move with the world’s best player; low risk 1/2 year contract move that has a strong possibility of improved grit and production for team… wise move IMHO
I truly believe that he’ll remain under high scrutiny for the next 6 months but expect him to be on extremely good behaviour for that same period
Now…. Next contract and with which team come summer… TBD
I’ve been wrong in the past many times before; perhaps I’ll be proved wrong on this
But right here, right now, I support… in fact I applaud this low risk, potentially high reward move
Last point…Oil still need to be wary of their goalie situation… a move is very likely needed