The Hockey Writers Daily - August 25, 2023
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Welcome to The Hockey Writers Daily
In today’s edition, we have a Pacific Division preview, thoughts on the Bouchard extension with the Oilers, the latest from New York, the Devils’ power play, and much more.
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Here’s the good stuff:.
Pacific Division Will Be Ultra-Competitive in 2023-24
August 24, 2023 by Alex Chauvancy
Last but not least in our offseason division roundup is the Pacific. It was a relatively quiet summer for Pacific teams, though there were a couple of big moves. But while most clubs didn’t swing for the fences, there’s plenty of talent in the division, which should make it ultra-competitive and the best Western division in 2023-24.
Oilers Setting Up For Failure With Bouchard Extension
August 24, 2023 by Jesse Courville-Lynch
The Edmonton Oilers recently re-signed pending restricted free agent (RFA) defenseman Evan Bouchard to a two-year extension worth $3.9 million a season. He is coming off a strong campaign in which he took over as the power play quarterback on the team’s first unit after Tyson Barrie was traded to the Nashville Predators near the deadline. While he’s likely to grow into a solid defenseman who will be an offensive threat for many years to come, there are issues with signing him to a short-term bridge contract that the Oilers will have to deal with at the end of the 2024-25 season.
Auston Matthews New Deal: Win-Win, Lose-Lose, or No Big Deal?
August 24, 2023 by Jim Parsons
Initial reactions to the Auston Matthews extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs are mixed. Many fans and insiders are thrilled with the deal, calling it a win based on the salary and the percentage of the cap it eats up. Others are worried that the shorter term is problematic. Then, there are some who don’t see this as a huge deal either way around and wish that every little nook and cranny of the deal stop being dissected and analyzed. An argument can be made that all three points of view are accurate.
Rangers News & Rumors: Lafrenière, Chytil, Prospects & Kane
August 24, 2023 by Michael DeRosa
In this latest edition of New York Rangers News & Rumors, Alexis Lafrenière and the Rangers have agreed on a new contract. Meanwhile, one analyst believes that Filip Chytil could have a big year in 2023-24. In other news, the Rangers’ prospect pool has been ranked. Lastly, a list of potential suitors for Patrick Kane was recently discussed, and the Rangers were not among them. Let’s discuss all of this in today’s (Aug. 24) Rangers News & Rumors column.
Top 10 Uniform Matchups In The NHL
August 24, 2023 by Mike Fink
There’s something satisfying about a great uniform matchup in sports. When two teams in iconic or stylist uniforms collide, it provides an aesthetic that fans can enjoy along with the game itself. Additionally, a great matchup can often be tied to the memories of historic moments or great memories, especially in NHL history.
Uniforms and uniform matchups have become such a phenomenon in recent years that Uni-Watch has committed itself to ranking them in a variety of ways. So, which NHL matchups are the best? Which ones not only have a pleasing look to them but provide nostalgia as well?
Devils’ Ideal Power Play Units for 2023-24
August 24, 2023 by Josh Reinitz
One of the major keys to maintaining the New Jersey Devils’ status among the elite teams in the NHL is gaining improvement and consistency with the man advantage. Last season, the team rose from 18th place to 13th in the NHL, scoring goals at a rate of 21.9%. An incremental gain of as little as 3% would vault them into a virtual tie for fifth overall. With the losses of experienced defenders in Damon Severson and Ryan Graves, it may take the team time to come together defensively, and the easiest way to offset that deficiency would be to increase power play scoring and efficiency.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Anaheim Ducks - Ducks to Give Defense Prospects Plenty of Time to Develop
Boston Bruins - Boston Bruins Must-Watch Games in 2023-24
NHL News & Rumors - Maple Leafs, Rangers, Oilers, Capitals
From TSN - NHL eyeing 2025 best-on-best tournament, set international play schedule
From Sportsnet - Cap Comparables: Oilers push Bouchard payday down the line with bridge deal
From the NHL - Nylander hopes to work out long-term contract, stay with Maple Leafs
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