A guide for the NHL season by Lapsed fans

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When the Colorado Avalanche hoisted the Stanley Cup It was the first time that this happened since 2001.

After a shortening of the 2020-21 season, the NHL’s 32 teams including the debuting — have resumed intra-divisional play. Seattle Kraken — The team returned in the traditional four divisions as well as two conferences for an 82 game campaign.

The omicron variant of the virus hit the league very hard at the end of 2021, with many game postponements and player absences due positive tests.

Gary Bettman announced that 50 games were postponed until Dec. 23. NHL players would not participate in the 2022 Winter Olympics Beijing was affected by “the regular-season schedule being materially disrupted because of increasing COVID instances and a rising number postponed events.” Instead, the Olympic break was used to replace some of those games.

COVID had a significant impact on NHL rosters. A record 1,004 skaters and an unprecedented 119 goaltenders saw NHL action during the regular-season. NHL executives and players agree that lineup shifting is one of the many reasons why they were able to win. the 2021-22 season saw a goal-scoring boom: 6.3 goals a game, the highest average in an NHL season, since 1995-96. This is a big leap after a steady rise in goal scoring over the past several seasons.

Will this trend continue in 2022-23? Can the Avalanche do it again? Tampa Bay LightningDid you do the same in the two previous seasons?

Don’t worry if you haven’t been keeping up with the NHL over the past few months. We have you covered. This is your chance to catch up with everything that’s happened, including the firings, signings, and even a major trade. All the details are in our guide for 2022-23 season, which is available to lapsed fans. Before the puck drops, read up!

Johnny Hockey’s fallout

Calgary Flames Forward Johnny Gaudreau This was the largest prize in NHL free-agency, since the winger was coming off an impressive 115-point season as well as a fourth-place finish at MVP voting. The Flames were shocked when the 29-year old told them he was not returning for another contract. Many believed that the South Jersey native was meant for the NHL. Philadelphia Flyers Or New Jersey Devils. The Flyers didn’t have enough money to sign him so Gaudreau turned to a surprise suitor: The Columbus Blue JacketsGaudreau signed by a seven-year deal with a $9.75 million average annual value.

This decision set off a chain reaction back in Calgary. Forward Matthew TkachukHe had one year left on the contract. He informed the Flames that he wouldn’t sign a contract with the team again. Brad Treliving, GM, was determined to keep Calgary in Stanley Cup contention and not rebuild. traded the 24-year-old Tkachuk The Florida Panthers Star left wing Jonathan Huberdeau In a rare NHL blockbuster, Mackenzie Weegar was traded for defenseman Mackenzie Weegar. Tkachuk signed an eight-year extension worth $76 million. Huberdeau was persuaded by the Flames to extend his contract for eight years ($10.5million AAV). They are now working on a new agreement with Weegar.

The Flames have signed Colorado center to replace Tkachuk’s scoring and edgy play. Nazem Kadri You can also visit our website at seven-year, $49 million free-agent deal. All because Johnny Hockey packed his bags to go to the U.S.

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Matthew Tkachuk talks to Emily Kaplan about his trade to the Florida Panthers, and how he is now a division rival of Brady and the Ottawa Senators.

Goalie musical chairs

As the NHL saw a lot of changes in goaltending, keep an eye on the puck.

Bands were kept close together

The Pittsburgh PenguinsThe fourth consecutive season in which they have failed to progress past the first round, the Stanley Cup Playoffs, was Game 7. Their future together was in jeopardy as a few of their most prominent players headed for free agency: center Evgeni Malkin, defenseman Kris Letang Forward Bryan Rust.

Ron Hextall managed to keep the “band” together, however. Rust (30) signed a six year contract in May. Letang, who is 35, received a six year contract extension. Malkin was next, with a six-year contract extension. His negotiations with the team were so difficult that he pledged to give up agency. Malkin was soon signed to a four year extension.

“[I was] Captain relieved Sidney Crosby ESPN reported that he said, “And then immediately thinking, “OK, we have a chance. These guys are staying. And now we’ve gotta do something with it.'”

Boston is also central. Patrice Bergeron Decided to run it again for another season. one-year deal. He’ll be reunited at the center David KrejciAfter playing in Czechia last season, he’s back with Boston.

Veteran blueliners say goodbye

Some NHL star defensemen called it a career. Zdenochara, the 6-foot-9 defenseman that won a Stanley Cup with the team and a Norris Trophy. Boston Bruins, retired After 24 NHL seasons. The 45-yearold was a player for the New York Islanders Last season. P.K. Subban, 33, retired After 13 seasons of the Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators New Jersey Devils. (Keep an eye on “P.K.This season, ESPN+ will have “P.K.

Keith Yandle, Philadelphia Flyers defenseman, broke Doug Jarvis’s NHL record last season by playing in his 965th consecutive match. retired After 16 seasons. Duncan Keith, Edmonton Oilers defenseman, has been released. called it quits Before entering his final season of his 13 year contract. Keith was the Stanley Cup winner, two Norris trophy winners and Conn Smythe playoff MVP. Chicago Blackhawks.

Teams making big moves

Some teams have seen their rosters change for the offseason, such as:

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As we prepare for next season, take a look at the five most important goals from last year.

MacKinnon, and other bank robbers

Star Avalanche Nathan MacKinnon His first Stanley Cup was won and he went on to make history. MacKinnon signed on Tuesday the richest contract during the NHL salary cap era. eight-year contract extension worth $100.8 million. This is a $12.6 million annual average value for the center at 27 years old, which is higher than the Edmonton Oilers star. Connor McDavid Or anyone else in NHL — at least until Auston Matthews signs his next deal.

Canucks forward is another important contract that will be available in 2023-24. J.T. Miller (seven years, $56 million), Islanders star Mathew Barzal (eight years, $73.2 million), Blues winger Jordan Kyrou (eight years, $65 million), Buffalo center Tage Thompson (seven years, $50 millionSenators center and ) Tim Stützle (eight years, $66.8 million). Agents with restricted access Jason RobertsonIn the meantime, they agreed to four-year, $31-million extension With the Dallas Stars That season starts while Patrik Laine Opted for a four-year, $34.8 million extension With the Blue Jackets

Canadiens shock draft

The NHL draft lottery was won and the Canadiens were eligible to draft Canadian center. Shane Wright Montreal’s Bell Centre hosted the July event. Wright was the most-rated prospect during the entire season… the Habs shocked the hockey world By choosing a Slovakian winger Juraj Slafkovsky An 18-year-old instead who had helped his country win Olympic Bronze in Beijing.

New Jersey came in second and selected Slafkovsky as its national teammate Simon NemecThese players were among the most highly drafted Slovakian-born ever. Wright was drafted No. 4.

Watch out for rookies

Wright, Nemec and Slafkovsky may have an impact on the season. However, a number rookies will also be expected to improve their teams. These include three former Michigan Wolverines defenseman Owen Power Buffalo is the 2021 first overall selection; center Matty Beniers Seattle: Power was chosen right behind Power and their Wolverine teammate Kent JohnsonThe Columbus Blue Jackets are represented in the center.

Center Mason McTavishThe Ducks will have a strong force in the forwards, including a stick save against Finland that saved Canada’s chances of winning world junior gold. Forward Cole Perfetti (Jets), Jack Quinn (Sabres), Marco Rossi (Wild), Alexander Holtz (Devils), William Eklund (Sharks and defenseman) Jake Sanderson (Senators), will also be part of the Calder Trophy mix.

Logan Thompson is the Edmonton netminder and Vegas netminder. Stuart Skinner These are rookies, too.

Again, coaching carousel spins

11 teams made offseason coaching moves, some with domino effects.

Bruce Cassidy, the Boston Bruins coach, was fired and Jim Montgomery, the Dallas Stars’ former head coach, was hired by them. The Vegas Golden Knights hired Cassidy to replace Pete DeBoer who had taken over the Dallas Stars from Rick Bowness. The Winnipeg Jets Bowness was hired as their head coach. Paul Maurice, who was a Jets finalist during last season and interim coach Andrew Brunette who is now associate coach with New Jersey, took over from the Florida Panthers.

Did you get that?

Luke Richardson (Chicago), Derek Lalonde(Detroit), Lane Lambert, (New York Islanders), replacing Barry Trotz, and Martin St. Louis, (Montreal), were given their first official head coaching gigs. David Quinn, former Rangers coach signed on with the club San Jose Sharks.

Finally, John Tortorella, the man everyone expected, left ESPN to move back behind his bench and bring his own brand of humor to the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Ovechkin chase

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin To tie an NHL record for 50 goals, Ovechkin scored them all nine times. However, he still has Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career record of 894 goal. Ovechkin currently sits in third place with 780 goals. This season, he has a chance to surpass the legendary GordieHowe (801).

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Auston Matthews meets with John Buccigross regarding how to get past last season’s Game 7 playoff loss against the Lightning.

Next steps for Kane and Toews

The Chicago Blackhawks have begun a major rebuild while franchise stars remain. Patrick Kane And Jonathan Toews Both are moving into the final years before unrestricted freedom agency. Both have trade protection but neither has made any plans for the future. Kane can expect a strong trade market with the New York Rangers, and possibly a reunion with Artemi Panarin The focus of much preseason speculation.

Arizona to ASU

Sometimes you will have to downsize your next home after being kicked out. The result is the Arizona Coyotes After their 19-year history in Glendale, Arizona State University decided to not renew their arena lease and they are now scheduled to play the next three seasons at the most. Mullett Arena, which is appropriately named, will house the school’s Division I men’s hockey team. The arena has been upgraded with NHL-level locker rooms, training areas and other amenities.

The Coyotes are currently waiting to receive approval for a new Tempe arena. This decision is expected in the fall. Mullett Arena, which will host fewer than 5K fans at Coyotes home games, will be one of the most intimate venues ever built in NHL history. The Coyotes anticipate that every home game will be sold out, even though Arizona is expected to take a significant revenue hit. say their season-ticket revenue has surpassed They were producing in their Glendale former home.

The Kraken get a mascot

It’s not easy to make a mascot in a post Gritty world. The Seattle Kraken tackled the challenge with their first plushie friend: Buoy, a 6-foot-tall, furry, blue troll An anchor hoop earring hangs on his left side, and a blue tentacle hangs from his right. His origin story is that his uncle is Fremont Troll (the iconic Seattle sculpture that inspired it).

A NHL mascot who doesn’t just troll his opponents but is a true troll. Gritty would be proud.

Getting into advertising

The NHL has made two major changes to its advertising display during games in an effort to maximize revenue.

Fans found the following to be the most controversial. first advertisement logos placed on NHL player game jerseys In the history of the league. They will fit in a space of 3 inches by 3.5 inches on the sweaters. This can be either the front or the shoulders. Sponsors cannot advertise on players. This includes geographic restrictions for sports betting companies. Fans can purchase replica and official jerseys without ads, but many teams only sold official jerseys with ads at their stores. Although the NHL doesn’t expect most of its teams to start the season without ads on jerseys for the majority, they expect that this trend will change by the 2023-24 season.

The NHL is changing the way it broadcasts ads. The NHL is debuting digitally enhanced dasherboards (DED) will be used for all games in this season. This system will “erase, replace and replace” advertising that was found on arena boards with virtual ads on broadcasts. DED allows digital replacement of arena dasherboards visible to the camera within broadcasts of NHL games. Although the primary purpose of the DED system is to overlay other advertisements onto the boards, broadcasters will eventually be able to use them for everything from goal celebrations to in-game stats.

“When you’re at the arena, you won’t see any difference.” Keith Wachtel, chief business officer of the NHL and executive vice president for global partnerships, said that you won’t be able to tell the difference if you are watching from home.

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Andrei Vasilevskiy, Lightning goalie, talks to John Buccigross regarding being denied a triple-peat by the Avalanche as well as Russia’s incredible NHL goalies.

Only one rule can be changed

Except for one change, the NHL didn’t make any changes to its rules in the offseason. Video review will allow referees to cancel major penalties.

Before, a referee could only confirm or lower the original major penalty. Now, they can confirm or reduce the penalty to a minor or “rescind” the original major penalty entirely.

“Tank hard to Bedard”

The 2023 NHL draft will reward the prized Connor Bedard (17), of the Regina Pats, Western Hockey League. In anticipation of increasing their odds of winning the draft lottery, some NHL teams have rosters that are less competitive than others.

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