THW Daily - J.T. Miller's Leadership for Canucks & Top NHL Forward Duos
Also, Oilers young forward talent, latest from Toronto, Flyers waiving Wade Allison & more
Welcome to The Hockey Writers Daily
In today’s edition, we have the Oilers talent at forward, J.T. Miller’s leadership for the Canucks, the latest news & rumors from Toronto, and much more.
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Here’s the good stuff…
Oilers Have the Makings Of Another Successful “Kid Line”
October 6, 2023 by Jim Parsons
The Edmonton Oilers might have the makings of another “Kid Line” this season. As the 2023-24 NHL campaign is mere days away and the Oilers are sorting out their roster heading into Friday’s matchup against the Seattle Kraken, there are a few younger forwards standing out in camp. Some discussion has emerged about whether a combination of young talents could make a formidable line, and head coach Jay Woodcroft might be ready to give one a look early.
Canucks’ J.T. Miller Brings the Gritty Leadership
October 6, 2023 by The Old Prof
When fans think of the Vancouver Canucks, they usually land on three key players: defenseman Quinn Hughes, forward Elias Pettersson, and goalie Thatcher Demko. These three are excellent players and the kind of individuals a team can build around. However, amidst this group of talent, another player holds a unique role. In fact, he might just be the X-factor for the Canucks’ fortunes this season – that’s J.T. Miller.
Miller isn’t a flashy superstar; he’s gritty, edgy, and relentless. In my mind, he’s the vocal heart of this Canucks team. In the upcoming season, if the team is going to make the postseason, he’ll be one player who will play a key role in ensuring crucial wins with his gritty leadership.
Flyers Made Correct Choice in Waiving Wade Allison
October 6, 2023 by Justin Giampietro
On Oct. 6, the Philadelphia Flyers announced that they had waived 25-year-old forward Wade Allison, meaning that he could be picked up by another team before he makes his way down to the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the team, being the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
Regardless of if another team claims him or not, the Flyers absolutely made the correct decision. After the team did not play a few of their youngsters in their final preseason match, they will likely remain on the 23-man roster anyways. This is a pleasant surprise, and perhaps a suggestion that the team really is entering a new era like they have said.
Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Top-Six Units, Samsonov & Minten
October 6, 2023 by The Old Prof
In this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs News & Rumors, I’ll take a look at today’s article from The Hockey News that named the Maple Leafs’ top-six forward group as the best top-six unit in the NHL for the 2023-2024 season. Second, I’ll report that Ilya Samsonov’s most recent preseason performance was not anything to write home about. He seemed to have trouble with his composure, positioning, and stick-handling during games. Now what?
Third, I’ll share that both Fraser Minton and Matthew Knies continue to make an impression during the preseason. Both are relentless forecheckers, who play with intelligence and tenacity. While Knies seems a shoo-in for a roster spot, Minten’s place is more up in the air. Finally, I’ll offer kudos to the Maple Leafs radio broadcast team of Joe Bowen and Jim Ralph. I enjoy listening to their broadcasts.
Top 5 Forward Duos in the NHL
October 6, 2023 by Sylvie McCarthy
Finding the right line combinations is key to any hockey team’s success, and it can often take several seasons to find the perfect trio. Once the right one is in place, two players will usually develop stronger chemistry because of their complementary playing styles. There have been some stand-out duos in the NHL so far this season, but these five are at the top of the list.
Jets: 5 Takeaways From the 2023-24 Preseason
October 6, 2023 by Connor Hrabchak
The Winnipeg Jets had a rollercoaster of a preseason from the beginning. Even with the highly-anticipated Mark Scheifele and Connor Hellebuyck media availabilities behind them, plenty of storylines emerged.
Roster spots were fought for and won, and they will finalize their roster before they hit the ice for their first regular-season game on Oct. 11 against the Calgary Flames. From the six preseason games and the practices in between, here are five things to take away.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
New Jersey Devils - Devils Roster Taking Shape as Final Cuts Loom
Calgary Flames - Flames’ New Arena Will Help Them Improve as a Team
NHL News & Rumors - Maple Leafs, Flames, Wild
From TSN - King Connor continues his reign atop TSN Top 50 Players poll
From Sportsnet - Structural things to watch with the Maple Leafs this season
From the NHL - Stanley Cup predictions for 2023-24 NHL season
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