The Hockey Writers Daily - July 13, 2023
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In today’s edition we have the Red Wings and more free agency moves, three Habs that are facing their last chance, a look back at the Toews & Kane era in Chicago, the Oilers options with Broberg, Comcast and the Flyers’ salary cap, and much more.
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Are the Red Wings Not Done Yet With Offseason Moves?
No doubt, Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings had a busy offseason.
In addition to the Alex DeBrincat and Klim Kostin acquisitions, the organization also signed six free agents to play NHL roles. That’s a lot of new faces in
So is that it for Yzerman and the Red Wings? Or could they add even more players to the organization?
3 Canadiens Facing Their Last Chances in 2023-24
The Montreal Canadiens have a log jam of young players trying to force their way onto the NHL roster. This has only gotten more pronounced as the players from the last few drafts begin to sign their entry-level contracts. General manager (GM) Kent Hughes will need to move contracts out to clear the
There are several players who have had more than enough time to find their niche with the organization but have failed to do so. Many will immediately say “Mike Hoffman” when asked who needs to step it up, but he has had his chances with the organization, and it is obvious that there is no future for him in Montreal. If anyone is to get sacrificed via trade, buyout or waiver wire, it will be him, but there are others that are on the verge of being added to the expendables list.
Bruins: 7 Cool Things About Milan Lucic
In the 2006 Entry Draft, the Boston Bruins selected Milan Lucic as the 50th overall pick. Within five seasons, he was a 30-goal scorer and hoisting the Stanley Cup in his hometown of Vancouver, British Columbia, when the Bruins beat the Vancouver Canucks in Game 7.
After 566 games over eight seasons, the Bruins sent Lucic to the Los Angeles Kings in a trade (June 2015) for a first-round pick in 2015 (Jakub Zboril), Martin Jones, and Colin Miller. Interestingly, now that Lucic is back in Boston on a one-year deal worth $1 million, only Zboril remains with the franchise and has 76 games of NHL experience. Ultimately, watching these two share the ice sometime this year should be fun since they will always be linked together.
Now with “Looch” back in black and gold, here’s a refresher of cool and interesting things to learn about one of the most memorable players to don No. 17 in Boston.
Blackhawks Got What They Paid for with Toews & Kane Contracts
Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane were two different cornerstones in the Chicago Blackhawks dynasty. Each player possessed an entirely unique skillset.
Toews was the calm, cool, collected and savvy captain who dominated play by shutting down the opposition. Furthermore, he did this without completely sacrificing his offensive game.
Kane, on the other hand, possessed the craftiness and offensive instincts of a video game cheat code. With the puck on his stick, defenders retreated back into their own end because if they didn’t, he would make them look silly.
It was only fitting that both players inked identical contract extensions worth $84 million over eight seasons in the summer of 2014. With these two mega extensions now finally off the books, even though they weren’t without criticism, both contracts were worth it.
Oilers Starting Broberg in Top 4 Brings Potential Drawbacks
Edmonton Oilers colour commentator Bob Stauffer posed a question to Oilers’ fans on Twitter recently, asking about the Oilers’ potential defence pairings for next season. He asked them what they thought about Darnell Nurse and Evan Bouchard on the top pair as he dropped Cody Ceci down to form an expensive $6 million third pairing with Brett Kulak and promoted Philip Broberg to the second pairing alongside Mattias Ekholm.
It’s a question worth exploring as the Oilers’ blue line requires attention; however, if Broberg, who has failed to become a regular in the lineup so far in his career, is slated to start next season in the top four, it comes with potential risks and drawbacks.
Comcast’s Deep Pockets Fixing Flyers’ Salary Cap
The ownership of the Philadelphia Flyers has endured heavy criticism after a disastrous fall from grace over the past three seasons. However, Comcast Spectacor, led by CEO and franchise governor Dan Hilferty, provides an incredible advantage to the newly-constructed front office led by President of Hockey Operations Keith Jones and general manager (GM) Danny Briere. Corporate revenue translates to deep pockets, and financial advantages have already helped the Flyers kickstart their rebuild and take the first steps toward fixing a salary cap situation in ugly shape.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Toronto Maple Leafs - Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Domi, Elliott, Bertuzzi & Reaves
New Jersey Devils - Devils’ Final Offseason Move Should Be for a Goalie
Vancouver Canucks - Canucks’ Willander Has Skills & Maturity to Be a Fan Favourite
From TSN - Lalji details Vancouver's blueline moves, how Canucks might handle cap situation
From Sportsnet - Ranking the 5 most intriguing potential landing spots for Erik Karlsson
From the NHL - Blackhawks counting on Bedard to speed up rebuild
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