THW Daily - Blue Jackets' Jenner Not Going Anywhere & Why Lightning Star Kucherov Is the Ultimate Competitor
Also, why Pavel Buchnevich is an intriguing trade asset for the Blues & more
Welcome to The Hockey Writers Daily
In today’s edition, we have why Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner isn’t going anywhere, why Lightning star Nikita Kucherov is misunderstood, and much more.
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Check Out Some THW Premium Substack Content:
Washington Capitals: Capitals Bi-Weekly Audio Report: Trade Deadline Talk & Ovechkin Heating Up by Jesse Courville-Lynch
Prospects & Draft: A Tale of Two Prospects: Cole Eiserman vs. Carter Yakemchuk by Dayton Reimer
Detroit Red Wings: Red Wings Prospect Check-In: McIsaac Heads to Swiss League & Finnie's on Fire by Jordan Orth
Calgary Flames: Calgary Flames Dichotomy: Fast Road Starts Offset by Sluggish Saddledome Beginnings by Gary Pearson
Hockey History: NHL's Most Traveled Journeymen: Mike Sillinger by Matthew Zator
Carolina Hurricanes: Hurricanes Player Spotlight: Seth Jarvis by Zach Martin
Check Out THW’s Professional Women’s Hockey League Coverage
PWHL Minnesota Power Play Steps Up & 3 PWHL Minnesota Plays Fans Love
($$) Hilary Knight Earns "Player of the Rivalry Series" by Mariah E Stark
Yesterday’s Scores…
Flames’ Coleman Takes Scathing Shot at Lindholm and Zadorov
February 16, 2024 by Rupert McDonald
The Calgary Flames have been playing much better hockey as of late, and a big part of that may have been dealing away two individuals that no longer wanted to be around. The first player dealt by the Flames was Nikita Zadorov, who was sent to the Vancouver Canucks in early December. Zadorov’s exit wasn’t a pretty one, as his agent announced during a Flames game versus the Toronto Maple Leafs that his client wanted to be dealt. It turned out to be quite the distraction, and was one that Zadorov gave his agent the go-ahead on.
Elias Lindholm’s situation didn’t cause as much of a scene, though it was obvious he no longer wanted to be with the Flames, either. His play was uninspiring this season, and despite being offered an eight-year deal with a salary hovering around the $9 million mark, he elected not to sign an extension. Now, both are gone, and at least one member of the Flames seems to be happy about.
Possible Deadline Deal Out Columbus Now Unavailable for Oilers
February 16, 2024 by Jim Parsons
If the Edmonton Oilers were thinking about trying to trade for Boone Jenner out of Columbus, they’ll need to make other plans. The forward — who may or may not have been available according to rumors from certain insiders — was officially taken off the market by the Blue Jackets on Friday. That’s assuming he was ever really on it.
With some major organizational changes in Columbus on Thursday, Jenner’s status with the Blue Jackets was made crystal clear. GM Jarmo Kekalainen was relieved of his duties and John Davidson has taken over the day-to-day operations of the club, thus trade talks that may have happened will start fresh. And, it was made evident by Davidson on Friday that Jenner is not available. Meaning, that if the Oilers were looking in that direction, they would have to look elsewhere.
Pavel Buchnevich Becoming Intriguing Trade Asset for Blues
February 16, 2024 by Mike Meyer
The St. Louis Blues and Pavel Buchnevich could be destined for an unfortunate breakup and the separation could be sooner than expected. With the March 8 trade deadline quickly approaching, there could be plenty of opportunities for the Blues to cash in on a golden opportunity to continue their retooling efforts and build toward the future. Though it may be an unpopular opinion among the fan base and one that would certainly sting, the return for the dynamic forward could be great.
Here’s a look at the case for and against moving Buchnevich at this year’s trade deadline.
Jets’ Offensive Slump Has Many Contributing Factors
February 16, 2024 by Connor Hrabchak
Nine goals in their previous eight games with a five-game losing streak sandwiched in the middle. The Winnipeg Jets are having an incredibly difficult time putting pucks in the net, which wasn’t the case early on in the season.
Weirdly enough, this is the healthiest they’ve been all season, so that begs the question: Why the offensive slump for such a talented group? Bad puck luck or an inability to generate chances? This article is going to take a look at the key contributing factors to this slump.
Misunderstood Nikita Kucherov Is the Ultimate Competitor
February 16, 2024 by Nick Haydon
Nikita Kucherov may be one of the quietest superstars in the NHL. He does not like to talk to media. He does not go on podcasts or do long-form interviews. In fact, his most viral moment came after the Tampa Bay Lightning won the Stanley Cup, and he showed up to the postgame interview shirtless with a beer in hand. Many realized at that point that Kucherov has a personality, but he just keeps it to himself.
Despite Kucherov’s best efforts, the media spotlight has shone on him this year. His stellar performance (90 points in 53 games) has him in contention for the Hart Memorial Trophy. His lackluster, indifferent, blasé (insert another adjective here) approach during All-Star Weekend drew ire from fans. His comments about Russia and the Olympics sparked debate. Needless to say, people are watching Kucherov—for one reason or another.
3 Predictions for Rangers vs. Islanders Stadium Series Game
February 16, 2024 by Michael Ostrower
The 2024 NHL Stadium Series matchup on Feb. 18 between the New York Rangers and New York Islanders is bound to be a fun one.
The two teams will face off the day after the New Jersey Devils take on the Philadelphia Flyers on the same rink, marking an exciting weekend for hockey fans. Since the Islanders and Rangers have yet to face off this season, predicting this matchup is difficult, but not impossible.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Columbus Blue Jackets - Blue Jackets: 5 Takeaways From John Davidson’s Availability
Boston Bruins - Bruins to Play in NHL’s Big City Greens Classic
Minnesota Wild - Minnesota Wild Roundtable: 2024 Trade Deadline
NHL News & Rumors - Flames, Flyers, Maple Leafs, Devils, Avalanche
From TSN - Countdown to Tradecentre: Leafs 'trying to go with volume' for defenceman
From Sportsnet - As he adjusts to trade, Canucks' Lindholm offers preview of what's to come
From ESPN - Reports: Rangers' Blake Wheeler to miss rest of regular season
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