NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 13, 2020

by | Jun 13, 2020

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 13, 2020

​A Bruins player tests positive for COVID-19, Las Vegas will reportedly be confirmed as a hub city for the playoff tournament, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

NHL.COM: In a statement yesterday, the Boston Bruins announced one of their players had tested positive for COVID-19 prior to using the club’s practice facilities as part of Phase 2 of the NHL’s return-to-play plan. The player subsequently underwent two more tests, which came back negative. The player remains asymptomatic and all other Bruins players have returned negative tests.

T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (Photo via NHL.com).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: NBC Sports Boston’s Joe Haggerty points out this serves as a reminder of the challenges facing the league in its quest to complete this season. The Bruins also indicated they’ll continue adhering to CDC guidelines and the league’s Phase 2 protocols. I suspect the player will be under self-quarantine for the next two weeks. 

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: Las Vegas is expected to be among the two hub cities to host the 24-team playoff tournament when the NHL announces its selections on June 22. MGM Resorts International is reportedly keeping its Las Vegas hotels available for the league.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston expects that announcement could come before June 22. While some fans will wonder why the NHL favors a Sun Belt location like Vegas, that city has a suitable arena, training facilities, accommodation, and transportation within a closely-contained area that meets the league’s requirements for a host city. 

Johnston also reports the league prefers placing the other hub city in Canada, with Toronto considered the front-runner. That will depend, however, on whether the Canadian government relaxes its strict border protocols to allow NHL clubs to travel to that hub city.

TAMPA BAY TIMES: Tampa Bay received some buzz as a potential destination when there was talk of four NHL host cities. Once the league opted for two, however, Tampa slid down the list. The city and Amalie Arena lack the space the league needs to bring 12 teams together.

CALGARY SUN: Mark Giordano, Michael Stone, Dillon Dube, Matthew Phillips, and Mark Jankowski were the first Flames to hit the ice in Calgary for small-group training.

NBC SPORTS WASHINGTON: Former Capitals forward Brendan Leipsic is reportedly working on a two-year contract with KHL club CSKA Moscow. The Capitals terminated the remainder of Leipsic’s one-year contract last month after his offensive remarks on social media about several current and former teammates were made public.

TSN: The Ottawa Sun recently issued a correction and an apology for errors in two recent columns regarding the Ottawa Senators Foundation’s decision to cut ties with the club’s ownership.

 










NHL Return-to-Play Plan: Expect Different Hockey in the Round Robin and Qualifying Round

by | Jun 12, 2020

NHL Return-to-Play Plan: Expect Different Hockey in the Round Robin and Qualifying Round

 










NHL Rumor Mill – June 12, 2020

by | Jun 12, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – June 12, 2020

​Check out recent speculation on the Blackhawks, Ducks, and Sharks in today’s NHL rumor mill.

LATEST ON THE BLACKHAWKS

THE ATHLETIC (subscription required): Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus report Chicago Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman has stayed in touch with his pending free agents. However, he hasn’t spoken much about their pending free agency.

Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford (Photo via NHL Images).

​Re-signing Corey Crawford, Dominik Kubalik, and Dylan Strome are on Bowman’s to-do list but he can’t get into negotiations until he knows what next season’s salary cap will be.

In a mailbag segment, Lazerus was asked who he felt would be the Blackhawks’ starting goalie next season. He still believes it will be Crawford, who badly wants to remain in Chicago and is coming off a strong season.

Making the money work will be difficult, especially with Kubalik and Strome to re-sign. Nevertheless, Crawford would be a better option than most of this year’s pending UFA goalies and not as expensive as Braden Holtby or Robin Lehner.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks don’t have much choice but to re-sign Crawford. They don’t have anyone in their system ready to step in as their full-time starter. Finding a suitable replacement will be expensive. Perhaps Bowman inks the 35-year-old Crawford to a one-year, bonus-laden deal with a base salary of $4 million.

Asked if the Blackhawks should trade Strome, Lazerus believes it would be a mistake to move the 23-year-old center. He envisions Strome becoming the Hawks No. 2 center behind Kirby Dach in four or five years while Jonathan Toews moves into the third-line center role.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Strome’s production dropped this season (38 points in 58 games) after tallying 51 points in the same number of games with the Hawks last season. Lazerus suggests he’s still scarred by his experience with the Arizona Coyotes and could take a little less to stay where he’s happy and getting lots of playing time.

Strome is a restricted free agent completing his entry-level contract and lacks arbitration rights. Bowman will likely use that to leverage an affordable short-term bridge deal.

UPDATES ON THE DUCKS AND SHARKS

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Matt Larkin recently did his postmortems of the 2019-20 Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks.

Larkin doesn’t expect the rebuilding Ducks will be adding any expensive veterans, especially with their limited salary-cap space for 2020-21. He anticipates they’ll keep trying to shed salary and make room for younger players.

The Sharks, meanwhile, could see around one-third of their roughly $15 million in salary-cap space go toward re-signing Kevin Labanc to a make-good contract after he took a one-year bargain-basement deal last summer. They’ll also have to decide if they’ll bring back Joe Thornton for one more year. If they re-sign the 41-year-old center, it won’t leave much room to chase higher-end UFAs, especially a No. 2 goaltender. Larkin also wondered if they might consider buying out starting goalie Martin Jones.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Labanc has arbitration rights this time around, so GM Doug Wilson must either pay him a suitable raise or trade him. Labanc’s stats declined this season but that could be tied to the Sharks’ overall poor performance.

The cap hit for buying out Jones is $2.875 million for 2020-21, $1.875 million for 2021-22, $2.375 million in 2022-23, and $2.875 million for 2023-24 before dropping to $1.625 million annually through 2027-28. While it’s not expensive, it’s still a long time to be carrying that much dead cap space.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 12, 2020

by | Jun 12, 2020

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 12, 2020

​Training camps slated to open on July 10, CBA updates, and the latest on Patrick Kane, David Pastrnak, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

NHL TRAINING CAMP TO OPEN JULY 10

NHL.COM: The NHL and NHL Players’ Association announced yesterday Phase 3 of the return-to-play plan will see training camps open on July 10. Both parties agree this will take place provided medical and safety conditions allow, and the two sides reach an agreement on resuming play (Phase 4).

NHL training camps could begin on July 1 (Photo via NHL.com).

Earlier this week, the league and PA implemented Phase 2, allowing small-group workouts at team facilities voluntarily.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks listed the outstanding issues that must be addressed before Phase 4 (24-team playoff tournament) begins. They include travel and quarantine restrictions when crossing the Canada-United States border, determining the location of two hub cities to stage the tournament, various health and safety issues, as well as escrow and salary cap issues.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun cautions the start date for Phase 3 could change if negotiations drag between the league and the PA. They’re also hoping for the Phase 4 start date to be around August 1.

Darren Dreger reports Las Vegas is considered a front-runner as one of the two hub cities. Toronto could have the inside track among the three Canadian cities because of its experience hosting the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. Vancouver and Edmonton also made pitches to be a host city.

SPORTSNET: Mark Spector reports those three Canadian cities could learn by today if the Canadian government’s quarantine restrictions will be loosened for NHL teams.

If those restrictions aren’t lifted entirely, they could consider extending the quarantine area to include the team employee’s home and arena, thus allowing them to practice while serving out their 14-day quarantine period.

If a Canadian city is chosen as a hub, teams from the United States participating in the tournament could quarantine inside an “NHL bubble” created between the team hotel, practice arena, and the NHL arena.

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Blackhawks star Patrick Kane wants the league to take a cautious approach toward resuming play.

“The NHL is putting out these dates and whatnot, and as players, we’re taking a step back and saying, ‘Why are these dates being put out when we haven’t really agreed to anything yet?’ ” Kane said. “We just want to be cautious.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The PA also agreed to those dates, but as the joint statement yesterday indicated, it’s based on whether medical and safety conditions are met and both sides have reached an agreement on resuming play.

This can still be derailed at any time by the pandemic. The players could also vote against it if they feel their health and safety cannot be assured.

Yesterday’s announcement of training camps opening on July 10 is a positive step, but significant hurdles remain between now and then.

NHL CBA UPDATES

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the two sides are believed discussing a four- or five-year CBA extension. A four-year one would push the CBA to the end of the 2025-26 season. Whatever news rules are agreed upon would be implemented right away.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports escrow and the salary cap are the key issues before a CBA extension can be reached before the playoff tournament begins in August.

NHL players could potentially face escrow deductions of 40 percent or more next season. The league and the PA are attempting to negotiate an escrow cap that would allow the players to make their payments over a longer period.

The two sides are also discussing keeping next season’s salary cap at a flat rate ($81.5 million). Without it, Brooks speculates the cap could drop by $10 million. That would produce chaos and instability around the league as teams shed salary, flooding the free-agent market and depressing salaries.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A CBA extension would ensure labor peace for the next six years. It would be the silver lining to the dark cloud of COVID-19 hanging over the league right now.

IN OTHER NEWS…

THE SCORE: Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak won the Golden Hockey Stick as the Czech Player of the Year for the fourth straight season, tying the record set by future Hall-of-Famer Jaromir Jagr.

TSN: Darren Dreger reports Peter Laviolette could be the front-runner for the role of New Jersey Devils head coach. Laviolette is among four candidates, including Devils interim bench boss Alain Nasreddine.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports sources claim NBC Sports broadcaster Ed Olczyk was among those interviewed for the Devils GM position. When asked, Olczyk said he speaks to a lot of people in the NHL. Interim GM Tom Fitzgerald remains a candidate.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils are leaving Nasreddine and Fitzgerald twisting in the wind. Those two should be commended for how well they’re handling this situation.

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Blackhawks defenseman Calvin de Haan is expected to be fully recovered from shoulder surgery to participate in the playoff tournament in August.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: The Vegas Golden Knights re-signed goaltender Oscar Dansk to a one-year, two-way contract extension worth $700K at the NHL level.

TSN: Kim Pegula will be staying on as president of the Buffalo Sabres.

NBC SPORTS BAY AREA: Former San Jose Sharks forward Tommy Wingels announced his retirement. Wingels spent 337 of his 448 career NHL games with the Sharks from 2010-11 to 2016-17, as well as stops with the Ottawa Senators, Chicago Blackhawks, and Boston Bruins from 2016-17 to 2017-18. He had 62 goals and 143 points.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Best wishes to Wingels in his future endeavors.










NHL Rumor Mill – June 11, 2020

by | Jun 11, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – June 11, 2020

​Updates on Jack Eichel and Braden Holtby in today’s NHL rumor mill.

EICHEL, SABRES MANAGEMENT SHARE FRUSTRATION

THE SCORE: Matt Teague cited Jack Eichel’s recent interview with TSN’s Darren Dreger affirming he and Buffalo Sabres management are on the same page over the club’s lack of progress. The Sabres captain spoke with general manager Jason Botterill and head coach Ralph Krueger, saying they understand and share his frustration. Eichel also said he wasn’t the only one expressing that opinion, only he was a little blunter.

Buffalo Sabres captain Jack Eichel (Photo via NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Eichel’s remarks last month over the club’s constant losing prompted some observers to suggest he could end up on the trade block or Botterill could listen to offers. I believe that’s just wishful thinking…for now.

The Sabres have no intention of trading their franchise player. He’s the foundation piece upon whatever future success rests.

Eichel won’t be traded unless he asks for it and there’s no indication he wants out. That could change in two or three years, however, if the Sabres remain mired in mediocrity.

HOLTBY FACING UNCERTAIN FUTURE

NBC SPORTS WASHINGTON: J.J. Regan recently reported on the uncertainty facing Braden Holtby and his fellow unrestricted free agents in the off-season caused by the coronavirus. The 30-year-old goaltender seemed destined to hit the open market, but Regan wondered if there’s an opportunity now for the two sides to work out a deal. “To be honest I have no clue,” Holtby said when asked about his future status as a UFA.

Regan doubts Holtby will sign a one-year contract in hopes of getting a better deal following next season. The Capitals’ future starter, Ilya Samsonov, is already on the roster. Regan doubts the Caps would bring back Holtby as their starter.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: There been a sense this season that Holtby and the Capitals would party company. This is his first time eligible for UFA status and he reportedly intends to make the most of it.

Holtby’s completing a five-year deal with an annual average value of $6.1 million. As a former Vezina Trophy winner and Stanley Cup champion, Holtby feels he’s in line for significant pay raise.

The Caps, meanwhile, have over $71 million already invested in 16 players for 2020-21. Even if they re-signed Holtby to a hometown discount on a one-year deal, it would leave them with little to fill out the rest of the roster.










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 11, 2020

by | Jun 11, 2020

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 11, 2020

​More players taking part in Phase 2 of the return-to-play plan and British Columbia’s premier approving teams coming to Vancouver are among today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

LATEST RETURN-TO-PLAY NEWS

TRIBLIVE.COM: Jake Guentzel was among a group of Pittsburgh Penguins to hit the ice on Tuesday. It’s a significant step forward for the 25-year-old winger after being sidelined since January by shoulder surgery. Guentzel hopes to be ready to participate in this summer’s proposed 24-team NHL playoff tournament.

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jake Guentzel (Photo via NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Guentzel was on pace for a career-best performance before the shoulder injury. His return will provide the Penguins with a welcome boost to their offensive game.

NORTHJERSEY.COM: While the New Jersey Devils won’t be part of the 24-team tournament, goalie Cory Schneider and center Travis Zajac still intend to participate in voluntary small-group training. Schneider and Zajac also went to bat for interim coach Alain Nasreddine, who’s reportedly among several candidates for the full-time position.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The seven NHL teams that didn’t qualify for the tournament can make their training facilities available upon request for their own players and those from other clubs who reside in their cities.

NEWSDAY: Johnny Boychuk said his injured left eye has almost fully recovered and he will be on the ice today for small-group training. The New York Islanders defenseman needed 90 stitches and plastic surgery after being struck by a skate blade during a March 3 game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

NBC SPORTS BOSTON: Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron are among the Bruins participating in voluntary small-group training under Phase 2 of the NHL’s return-to-play plan.

SUN-SENTINEL.COM: Florida Panthers general manager Dale Tallon said two-thirds of his players are already in the South Florida area and more are trickling in every day. The Panthers began their Phase 2 training yesterday.

VANCOUVER SUN: British Columbia Premier John Horgan endorsed a plan supplied by the Vancouver Canucks which would allow Vancouver to be one of the two host cities for the playoff tournament. He has written Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau informing him of the province’s support.

The plan would allow teams to stay in local Vancouver hotels isolated from the general public. It would also allow players’ families to join them provided they remain within that isolation bubble.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Canada and the United States have reportedly agreed to extend their border ban on non-essential travel to late July. While the US has deemed NHL players and staff as essential workers, Canada has yet to follow suit. If it doesn’t, the two host cities will be in the United States.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: The Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, and Vancouver Canucks are considering holding their Phase 3 training camps in the United States if the two host cities for Phase 4 are located south of the Canadian border.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, and Winnipeg Jets could do the same. No sense having their players go through two weeks of self-quarantine in Canada before training camp if they’re to travel to the United States afterward for the tournament.

IN OTHER NEWS…

MONTREAL GAZETTE: Canadiens owner Geoff Molson denied speculation he would hire a president of hockey operations. He also voiced support for general manager Marc Bergevin.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some Canadiens fans will despair about this news, pointing to the Habs’ woeful record over the past four years. Others will commend Molson for his patience in the club’s “retooling” program.

THE SCORE: Columbus Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella has changed his view about those who choose to kneel during the playing of the national anthem. He once threatened to bench any player who took a knee or remained seated. “I have learned over the years, listening and watching, that men and women who choose to kneel during this time mean no disrespect to the flag,” said Tortorella.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Perhaps it’s time to stop playing the national anthems before NHL games and instead reserve them solely for international tournaments. Thoughts?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Arizona Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo doesn’t expect his club will face a substantial penalty for its alleged player recruitment violations. The Coyotes are under investigation for holding illegal pre-draft fitness tests of several players in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL).

Speaking of the CHL, Rimouski Oceanic winger Alexis Lafreniere was named the league’s Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. Pittsburgh Penguins center (and Oceanic alumni) Sidney Crosby is the only other CHL player to win that honor back-to-back. Lafreniere is considered the top prospect in the 2020 NHL Draft.

THE ATHLETIC: Former NHL player Kyle Quincey’s 14-month-old son Axl underwent surgery yesterday in Philadelphia on an Ependymoma tumor discovered in late March when he was diagnosed with brain cancer. They will be in Philadelphia for two months as Axl finishes his treatment protocols.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Best wishes to the Quincey family. Here’s hoping Axl makes a full recovery.