The Hockey Writers Daily - August 15, 2023
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Welcome to The Hockey Writers Daily
In today’s edition, we have the latest from Toronto, a Metropolitan rivalry brewing, unexpected MVP candidates in Boston, and much more.
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Here’s the good stuff:.
Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Domi, Jarnkrok, Marner & Jumbo
August 14, 2023 by The Old Prof
In this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs News & Rumors, I’ll take a look at Max Domi’s return to his hometown team. His father, Tie Domi, played for the Maple Leafs for 11 seasons from 1994-2006. I’ll also look at the possibility of Domi being partnered with Calle Jarnkrok, which could increase both players’ offensive output. Second, I’ll look at the possibility of Jarnkrok having another breakout season in 2023-24. He’s been a pleasant surprise since last season.
Third, I’ll share what I think are Mitch Marner’s chances at winning the Selke Trophy. Now that the Boston Bruins’ Patrice Bergeron has retired, Marner’s well-rounded game and defensive capabilities should make him a prime candidate for another Selke nomination. Fourth, I’ll look at Joe Thornton’s retirement. Although it’s still unofficial, there is news that he’ll have his No. 19 jersey retired by the Soo Greyhounds in November. Erik Karlsson notwithstanding, Thornton is San Jose’s greatest-ever player and a certain future Hockey Hall of Fame inductee.
Avalanche’s Captain Options With Landeskog Sidelined
August 14, 2023 by Kerry Collins
There was hope that Gabriel Landeskog would play for the Colorado Avalanche last season, but surgeries kept him out for the entire campaign. There is no such hope this season, as the Avalanche veteran will be sidelined for all of 2023-24. Landeskog has been the captain in Colorado for more than a decade. The team rolled with four alternate captains last season, but it will be interesting to see if the team opts to give another player the coveted “C” for the upcoming season. Here are some of the options for Colorado’s captaincy going forward…
Wild’s Competitive Window Opens Earlier Than Most Think
August 14, 2023 by Tyson McKay
For two years, people have been talking about the repercussions of the Zach Parise and Ryan Suter buyouts that have limited the Minnesota Wild’s cap space significantly. Those penalties will reach their maximum this season and next season to the tune of roughly $14.7 million, followed by another four years of $1.7 million in unusable space.
This season, the Wild will be more restricted than they have ever been, but their window may be opening sooner than most expected with a couple of key elements that will create a decent amount of cap space as early as next season.
Hurricanes and Devils Have A Rivalry Brewing
August 14, 2023 by Tommy Bennett
There is nothing more significant than rivalry when it comes to sports. The excitement and anticipation that comes when they face off against one another are special for the players and also the fans. Hockey has historic rivalries that hold a special place in the history books, but some of those do not exist in today’s game.
Those are buried beneath the surface, and new ones can be born. A rivalry in the making is between the New Jersey Devils and the Carolina Hurricanes. These two teams are currently among the best in the Eastern Conference but have a rich history that brings them together.
3 Unexpected Bruins’ MVP Candidates for 2023-24
August 14, 2023 by Scott Roche
Entering the 2022-23 season, there was not much expected of the Boston Bruins. They entered the season with a new coach, a new system, and a roster full of questions with an aging core. What happened was a shock.
They set an NHL regular season record for wins and points, but their postseason run came to an abrupt end when the Florida Panthers rallied from a 3-1 series deficit to stun the Presidents Trophy winners in seven games. There have been some significant changes with the Black and Gold entering 2023-24. Gone are Taylor Hall, who was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks with Nick Foligno, Connor Clifton left in free agency for the Buffalo Sabres and former captain Patrice Bergeron announced his retirement on July 25.
Trade deadline additions Dmitry Orlov (Carolina Hurricanes), Tyler Bertuzzi (Toronto Maple Leafs), and Garnet Hathway (Washington Capitals) also left in free agency. General manager (GM) Don Sweeney went bargain shopping in free agency bringing in four forwards and a defenseman to add around his returning players. If they are, they will need some MVP-caliber-type seasons from some players, and here are three that could be unexpected MVPs in 2023-24.
Canadiens Milestone Watch: Habs Set to Hit It Big in 2023-34
August 14, 2023 by Ryan Szporer
It’s a reflection of how young the 2023-24 edition of the Montreal Canadiens is. They have eight players within reach of 100 games played, without any guarantees that they each stay up with the big club next season to get there of course: Justin Barron (46), Kaiden Guhle (44), Jordan Harris (75), Rafael Harvey-Pinard (38), Johnathan Kovacevic (81), Juraj Slafkovsky (39), Jesse Ylonen (52) and Arber Xhekaj (51).
While 100 games is a personal milestone worth celebrating, it’s not necessarily in line with “hitting it big,” as the headline suggests. Perhaps defenseman Mike Matheson’s 465 games, 35 shy of the 500-game mark is, but in truth there are even bigger milestones that several Habs are on the verge of hitting… Matheson himself even, which is where this list of the top projected Canadiens milestones of 2023-24 starts…
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Edmonton Oilers - Where Does Holloway Slot Into The Oilers’ 2023-24 Lineup?
Columbus Blue Jackets - Prospects Summer Update: David Jiricek
NHL News & Rumors - Rangers, Flyers, Penguins, Bruins
From TSN - Report: Andlauer to complete purchase of Senators in coming weeks
From Sportsnet - Former Maple Leafs first-round pick Rodion Amirov passes away at 21
From the NHL - Krejci retires from NHL after 16 seasons with Bruins
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