Three weeks remain until Thanksgiving, which is a crucial marker in the NHL.
The salary cap era has meant that if your team is in the playoffs by the holiday, the odds of you making it to the postseason are higher than 75%. This indicator is a sworn by indicator and will guide how teams conduct business throughout the season, including player additions and subtractions as well as coaching and management changes. These decisions could be delayed because the season started a week later than normal. While it is still early in the season, these are the most important stories that have been swirling around the NHL’s 2022-23 season.
World Cup of Hockey on the ice
There was optimism that the World Cup of Hockey would return in February 2024. Multiple sources have indicated that this date is in doubt and that the tournament could be delayed. The answer should be available by the end the month. This weekend is crucial, as representatives from the NHLPA, IIHF and NHL will all be in Toronto to celebrate Hall of Fame. They are expected continue discussions and hopefully find answers.
If solutions aren’t found quickly, February 2024 would be unrealistically impossible. It’s not easy to organize the tournament. The tournament will take place midseason for NHL. It is expected that there will be early round games in Europe. The final rounds will take place in North America. The NHL wants to help stage a tournament.
As the war in Ukraine rages on, one of the most pressing issues is Russian participation. While Russia was banned by the IIHF from international events in 2017, the NHLPA and NHLPA hoped to find a solution. This could include allowing Russian athletes to compete under neutral names or flags. Some countries participating in the tournament have expressed concern that this is not acceptable and advocated that Russian players should not participate. Other issues: Top business partners of the IIHF expressed concern about the tournament being held in the middle NHL season. The NHL remains in negotiations to obtain North American broadcast rights.
Devils are competing now and building later
Somebooed Lindy Rudolph, Devils coach, when he was introduced before the crowd at last month’s home opener. The Devils lost 5-2, their second consecutive game.
“It was horrible, it was horrible to hear that. The first Sunday in the season was not enjoyable for me,” GM Tom Fitzgerald said. “But that is by no means going to persuade you on any decisions. It’s a challenging market. Aaron Judge was booed by Yankees fans in the playoffs, after he had hit 62 homers. New Jersey has booed coaches before Lindy. Winnin’ is the only thing that helps.
This is exactly what the Devils did. New Jersey, which is ranked 9-3 in the Metropolitan Division, is one of the NHL’s most surprising teams. Fitzgerald credits the team defense commitment as the main reason. The offseason moves paid off.
“John Marino Fitzgerald stated that Fitzgerald was more impressed than he anticipated. And Vitek Vanecek A key 1B goalie in the past, particularly as Mackenzie Blackwood Another injury has forced Blackwood to be put on hold. Blackwood will be evaluated further by doctors Tuesday. Early word is that he suffered a low- to mid-grade MCL strain, which could keep him sidelined for three to six more weeks.
• The Devils were dealt a blow when their biggest offseason signing — two-time Stanley Cup champion Ondrej Palat After only six games, Palat had to undergo groin surgery. Fitzgerald said Palat’s influence is still felt off-ice, setting an example for younger players. However, it doesn’t seem like the Devils will use LTIR space to provide short-term assistance. Even if they continue to be successful, it doesn’t seem like the Devils will rent late-season rental units.
Fitzgerald stated that he had been using the phones to make “hockey trades” like the John Marino Ty Smith deal) but it’s against his policy to bring in a player to help out for a few weeks, especially when his team is at their evolution.
Fitzgerald stated, “I believe that you build a team during the summer rather than over the trade deadline.” “I was twice a trade deadline acquisition. One time I left two young boys behind [at home]The other day, I had to leave three young boys behind. It is really difficult for the player. It was also my experience. [in management] James Neal was a midseason acquisition in Pittsburgh. He tried but it was too much to ask. He couldn’t do the job he needed. He was able to stay for the summer and work with guys like Evgeni MalkinHe was a much improved version the year after.
Fitzgerald stated that while the Devils may have needs, including the desire to grow larger, he isn’t “picking up anything just to add to them.”
Fitzgerald stated, “We have been discussing player development for some time. Now we owe this to these kids to see the potential we have.” “They are assets, whether or not they help us get players here.”
Although the Devils have not given a time frame, I was told that it could take Palat anywhere between two and three months. Fitzgerald stated that Ondrej’s return is a “luxury”.
Rebuilding status of Blackhawks
People kept asking Chicago GM Kyle Davidson if he was happy after the Blackhawks had a four-game win streak in October. This isn’t what you expected. The Blackhawks don’t have to be successful this season. They have been open about it. They are in the midst of a rebuild.
Davidson states, “It is funny because it goes contrary to what some people thought was going to happen.” Everyone is focused on the draft right? However, we are trying to do what is best for the team and the organization every night. This means putting in hard work on the ice. Every night, we are determined to win. We don’t want to put a team on the ice if we think they will lose. No matter where we are in the standings, it is our job and that of our scouting personnel to find talent.
One thing that I hear consistently from Chicago players and agent is that the vibes in the locker room are positive this year. This is because winning helps. It’s helped to get buy-in for the blue-collar style Luke Richardson has implemented with his staff. The organization has made sure that everyone feels valued throughout the entire process, despite the long-term goals. The team stayed an additional night in California on their California trip, for example. The staff had a day in Napa while the players played golf at Pebble Beach. It’s not a small expense. It can make a big difference.
• Davidson is not putting a timeline on Patrick Kane to make a decision as to where, if ever, he’d like him to be traded. When asked if he’d had any conversations on Kane with other teams, Davidson responded emphatically that he hadn’t. Zero conversations.” Davidson indicated that he did not anticipate anything in the near future, as it is expected to be a complicated deal. Here’s where the situation is with Jonathan ToewsDavidson stated that he was just happy to be back, feeling well and producing. Toews is being considered by some teams, given his start (seven goals in 12 matches). Toews is able to use his NMC like Kane. It’s up to him to decide where he wants to go.
Some people in the league have expressed concern about Seth Jones’ availability. Jones’ contract ($9.5million cap hit through 2029-30), is even more intriguing, with the salary cap possibly rising by $4 million this Summer. Davidson poured cold water on the matter. Jones has been a part of every conversation his front desk has had about future plans. He said, “Seth is an important part of what I’m doing here moving forward.” “We are extremely fortunate to have Seth on the team and with us long-term. The Blackhawks are open to any offer for Jones from any team, but they won’t be going out looking for him. This is exactly where Davidson anticipates being by the March 3 trade deadline. “Given our current situation, we’re going be a team who certainly listens,” Davidson stated. “They must be things that are beneficial to us. But we’ll watch how it goes. Building the right way is what we will be focusing on.
Senators will pay high prices
The Ottawa Senators They are up for sale and the process could take several months. After the Senators have identified their preferred buyer, they will need to get approval from Gary Bettman, the NHL’s commissioner. A background check is required before the sale.
Florida’s next BOG meeting is set for December. It’s unlikely that a sale will be approved because of all the layers.
The good news is that Sportico has valued the Senators at $650million. However, one NHL owner told ESPN that he believes the Senators can be sold for much more. Multiple bidders are expected, including Ryan Reynolds, actor who has expressed an interest. This will increase the price. Perhaps more important, the sale can be tied to real estate opportunities, since the new owner will have the opportunity to secure a deal for the long-coveted downtown arena.
“When Fenway [Sports Group] The owner stated that they came in and took over the Penguins. They were just as interested in the land surrounding the arena, I believe.”
A winning trade
Could the Jack Eichel Could trade be the NHL’s rarest deal that works for both sides? Eichel (14 points in 13 matches) and the Vegas Golden Knights (best West record at 11-2-0) Flying. They are also flying. Buffalo SabresThe locker room culture changed in the middle last season for, Buffalo (7-5) continues to be competitive in the Atlantic Division, and is well positioned to break its 11-year-old playoff drought. Eicher will be back in Buffalo on Thursday night (ESPN+/Hulu 7 ET).
The Sabres are the league’s youngest team and they have the largest cap space. Kevyn Adams, GM, would love to reward his fans and see his team play playoff hockey. But he isn’t going to forget the bigger picture, which involves sustained success.
Adams laughed when Adams was asked about his plans for using the cap space. “That’s a good query,” Adams replied. “We will always talk about how we can improve but long term, there are larger goals. We are still building as a franchise. We know that we want to reward our players, and we are now looking to sign them to large contracts.
Dylan Cozens This summer, is an RFA while No. Overall picks Owen Power Rasmus Dahlin You are eligible for a long-term extension starting in the summer. Sabres view all three players as crucial to the larger plan.
Adams and Don Granato have made it a priority to help their young players. It’s important to let them know they don’t have to be perfect. Adams said, “We encourage our players to play fearlessly and make mistakes.”
Dahlin is now playing at a higher level than any time since he first entered the NHL.
The latest in Boston
Mitchell Miller’s signing by the Bruins was summarized in a text from a rival executive. “One of my biggest unforced mistakes in my twenty-years of working in this sport.” Boston cut ties with the 20-year-old defenseman On Sunday, it was a stain on Cam Neely’s judgment and the processes of Don Sweeney and the Bruins president Cam Neely. It is embarrassing to note that “new info” was provided after the signing had been considered for one year. In 2016, Mitchell was convicted of bullying and racially abusing Isaiah Meyer-Crothers (a Black classmate). The parents of the victim were not contacted by the Bruins management, who maintained that Miller never truly apologized to them.
Kudos to the Bruins players, specifically the captain Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand Nick Foligno Who all publicly? voiced their discomfort with the signing. That locker room has a lot of strong leadership.
• Jim Montgomery and Bruins management addressed the team ahead of training camp, a typical practice in the NHL. After Montgomery’s speech was over, Bergeron gave his own speech. And that was it. Charlie McAvoyThe A-wearing member of the leadership group stood up and spoke. The rest of leadership followed. Montgomery didn’t know what was about to happen. Montgomery was just stunned. Montgomery stated, “I have never seen that in all my years of playing the game.” Montgomery stated, “It’s something they’ve done since the beginning.” [Zdeno] Chara. Chara.
Montgomery has a theory as to why his team has been so quick in adapting to his system. They were already able to play good defense and have centers who are proud of playing a responsible sport. He stated that the team knew how to move away from the puck. “I didn’t have to make any changes there, that eliminated a lot more teaching.”
The majority of drills feature how the Bruins want to play with the puck. “And that was fun, right?” Montgomery stated that it was exciting. “More practice was slanted towards offense, playing with puck and the guys really enjoyed that.”
• One bright spot on the Bruins is the resurgence of Foligno. Many fans were counting down the 35-year old former Blue Jackets captain who is now worth $5.5million but only scored two goals last year. He was released to begin the season.
Foligno, who has three goals and four assists in Boston’s first 12 games, has been a revelation. It is more like the Foligno we know in Columbus.
“He was recovering from a major surgery. He couldn’t find the time to train. Montgomery explained that when you live comfortably for a decade and have three young children, you move and your wife doesn’t know anyone, and don’t know where to go. “When you return home, it is a mess.” Montgomery stated that he had told him before the season that although he hates to make excuses, all of these things were no problem. He has been so much better for me.”
Early draft rumblings
Before the season, a director in amateur scouting suggested to my a story idea: Will Connor Bedard really be No. 1?” He then watched Bedard’s game with the Regina Pats and reported back. He said, “Never mind.” “Clear-cut No. 1.”
Bedard has enjoyed a fantastic start to his WHL season which should help cement his status in June. Only problem is that he has elite players in his back who may have been able to take the No. Other years, it was No. 1. Both Leo Carlsson of Sweden and Adam Fantilli of the University of Michigan received high praise. Matvei Michkov from Russia is still expected to finish in the top five, despite the risk that he won’t be able come to North America until 2025-26, as the winger in Russia is currently under contract.