NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 28, 2023
Concussions force Joonas Donskoi into retirement, Senators goalie Anton Forsberg hopes to rebound from his knee injuries, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.
DAILY FACEOFF: Joonas Donskoi announced his retirement on Sunday. The 31-year-old forward made the announcement via his Instagram account, citing multiple concussions during his career, including one during the 2022 preseason that forced him to miss last season.
Former Seattle Kraken forward Joonas Donskoi (NHL Images).
Donskoi played seven seasons in the NHL with the San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche and Seattle Kraken from 2015-16 to 2021-22. In 474 regular-season games, he had 80 goals and 128 assists for 208 points along with 15 goals and 32 points in 69 playoff games.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Donskoi made the right decision for his health and future. Best wishes to him and his family in their future endeavors.
THE ATHLETIC: Ottawa Senators goaltender Anton Forsberg said he’s fully recovered from the season-ending knee injuries he suffered during a game on Feb. 11. He had MCL injuries to both knees which meant he would undergo an aggressive rehab rather than surgery.
“I’ve been back to 100 percent for a long time,” Forsberg told Ian Mendes. “I would have been back last year if we made the playoffs.”
Forsberg will be sharing the Senators’ goalie duties with Joonas Korpisalo, who inked a five-year deal last month. The duo backstopped the Columbus Blue Jackets’ AHL affiliate to the Calder Cup in 2016.
DAILY FACEOFF: Speaking of the Senators, they hired their first full-time analytics guru in Sean Tierney. He’s a well-respected member of the analytics community who previously worked for incoming Senators owner Michael Andlauer with the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The report indicates the Senators didn’t have a full-time analytics person on their staff during Eugene Melnyk’s time as the club’s owner. That may have been a contributing factor to the Senators’ struggles in recent years. Over the last decade, analytics has become an invaluable tool for NHL teams in evaluating player and team performance.
NEW YORK POST: The Rangers recently added former NHL defenseman Paul Mara to their staff as a player development assistant. They also promoted Ryane Clowe to co-senior advisor to president and general manager Chris Drury. Kayla McAvoy (sister of Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy) was promoted to assistant sports scientist.
THE PROVINCE: The Vancouver Canucks confirmed they have replaced their 16-year-old scoreboard at Rogers Arena. It is four times larger than the older one. They’re also building a new VIP lounge under the stands.
How much significance could there be adding a full time analytic guy over a part time one or multiple part timers?
Perhaps I don’t quite understand the job but the data is readily available. Crunching it can’t be that difficult with todays software. Understanding it is key along with utilizing it at the point where player decisions will be made. It almost seems like a consultant job.
I’m curious what an analytics guy does all year at a full time position? Rehash the wheel by compiling data the league and other teams already have? .
Having exposed my ignorance I’ve long said that the senators need to spend more off the ice along with on the ice. Dorion has been forced to wear to many hats and does a fine job with out the tools or aids many other GM’s have. Not to mention Eugene always having his hand in the cookie jar.
This should
Be beneficial but I’ve never been a fan of leaning heavy on analytics. It has its place so hopefully the Sens find the right balance.
Jeff Sean is one of the best you can get, imo. I dont know how much of an impact he will make because all he’s really there for is to give the management another view, one that Sean can back up and I think is very good at showing why his view is different or similar to what is generally being seen.
It’s a plus even if it’s not colossal benefit, he’s a nice asset to have.
In my unbiased opinion, I found it encouaging and refreshing to see a positive comment today from You, Ron (Moore). I get tired of the cheap shots back and forward with a couple of the other contributors. On that note, I agree that Ottawa is going un the right direction. Is the 2018 World Junior investigation results going to affect their mojo?
Canuk fans in all parts of the arena will now be able to see the highlights of their brutal hockey team much better.
Sorry to see Donskoi retire due to concussions but he is probably doing the right thing for himself and family. Good hockey player and contributed a great deal to Avalanche line-up and great on the Sharks for many years!!!
Yep, I enjoyed watching Donskoi when he was on the Sharks. Best wishes to a healthy life from here on out.