The Hockey Writers Daily - August 29, 2023
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In today’s edition, we have burning questions in Vancouver, expectations for Connor Bedard’s rookie season, more on the Auston Matthews extension in Toronto, and much more.
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Here’s the good stuff…
Canucks’ 5 Burning Questions Heading Into 2023-24 Season
August 28, 2023 by Matthew Zator
A new NHL season brings new hope and of course, burning questions about what the campaign might bring. During the offseason, Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin didn’t make any big splashes in free agency or the trade market. Instead, he shopped in the mid-tier and bargain bin department adding Carson Soucy, Ian Cole, and Matt Irwin on the back end and Teddy Blueger and Pius Suter up front. None of those players will move the needle offensively, but they might be the difference between a playoff spot and sitting at home watching the draft lottery.
How those new additions will fit into the lineup is one of many questions that will be answered during the season. So with that said, here are five more that will be on the minds of fans and the media as the Canucks prepare for what they hope is the start of a long stint as a playoff team.
Blackhawks Fans Should Temper Expectations for Connor Bedard
August 28, 2023 by Jim Bay
It started on the evening of May 8, 2023, when NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly announced that the Chicago Blackhawks had won the draft lottery and the right to select the consensus first pick, Connor Bedard. Even before the Blackhawks made it official at the NHL Entry Draft on June 28, “Bedard Mania” started sweeping through Chicago.
With all of this will come some mighty expectations for Bedard and the Blackhawks. Our THW colleague Connor Smith offered a bold prediction that Bedard would join an elite group of other 21 first-overall picks and score 80 points for the season. However, there are many factors involved that will determine if Bedard and the Blackhawks can achieve any level of success in the coming seasons.
Blues Need Big Season from Rookie Hofer
August 28, 2023 by Stephen Ground
When Jordan Binnington signed a six-year, $36 million contract in 2021, it looked like those longevity problems were a thing of the past. But while Binnington likely will capture many of those records before his time is done, he has struggled to play at a top level in recent seasons. He had Ville Husso bail him out in 2021-22, but last year, Thomas Greiss came up short. Now, the Blues have signed rookie Joel Hofer to become the full-time NHL backup for Binnington.
Hofer has seen big moments and performed under pressure before. But the NHL is the elite league in the world for a reason. Normally, a goaltender will be eased into the action. But with Binnington’s recent run of play, the Blues might not have that luxury. Whether it’s 20 starts or 40+, the Blues will need a big season out of Hofer. Fortunately, history suggests he will be up to the challenge.
Hurricanes Shouldn’t Wait to Extend Rod Brind’Amour
August 28, 2023 by Tommy Bennett
September is approaching, so preseason games are right around the corner. The main focus is on the players and their development to finalize roster spots. For the Carolina Hurricanes, that is the case, but there is a looming shadow lurking in the corner. As great as this roster is, head coach Rod Brind’Amour is a crucial factor to this team’s success. Entering the 2023-24 season, it is the final year of his current contract. Like cornerstone center Sebastian Aho, locking him up long-term is a wise decision.
Matthews Deal With the Maple Leafs Can’t Be Just About Money
August 28, 2023 by The Old Prof
While most Toronto Maple Leafs’ fans are ecstatic about Auston Matthews re-upping with the Maple Leafs (and rightfully so), some insist the four-year $53 million deal that makes him the highest-paid player in the NHL at $13.25 million per season is an overpayment. [Currently, Nathan MacKinnon is on top at $12.6 million.] These people see Matthews as “selfish” and “greedy” for demanding that much money.
3 Coyotes Prospects to Keep an Eye on in 2023-24
August 28, 2023 by Cooper Krigbaum
Throughout the past couple of drafts, Arizona Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong has added plenty of talent across all positions. With Dylan Guenther and Logan Cooley looking like they’ll play in the NHL this season, the Coyotes are pivoting to a new group of prospects. It’s been easy for Armstrong to add skilled players due to the sheer amount of draft picks they’ve piled up, but that doesn’t mean every player will be a hit. With that said, here are three prospects to keep an eye on in 2023-24.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Montreal Canadiens - Canadiens & Canucks Can Help Fill Each Other’s Needs
Calgary Flames - 3 Potential Options for a PTO
NHL News & Rumors - Canucks, Oilers, Penguins, Sabres
From TSN - Pegula appoints himself Sabres president, dissolves parent company
From Sportsnet - Oilers' Ken Holland confident in finding right mix for Stanley Cup run
From the NHL - Mangiapane '100 percent' healthy for Flames after shoulder surgery
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