THW Daily - Maple Leafs’ John Klingberg Injured & Why Jonathan Huberdeau to Florida Is a Pipe Dream
Also, chatting with Jets defenseman Brenden Dillon, GM candidates in Columbus if Kekalainen is fired & more
Welcome to The Hockey Writers Daily
In today’s edition, we have more on the injury for John Klingberg in Toronto, why Jonathan Huberdeau is unlikely going to be dealt back to Florida, a Q&A with Jets’ Brenden Dillon, and much more.
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Here’s the good stuff…
Yesterday’s NHL Scores…
Q&A with Jets’ Brenden Dillon: Improving the Penalty Kill
November 16, 2023 by Connor Hrabchak
I had the opportunity to sit down for a chat with Winnipeg Jets defenceman Brenden Dillon on Wednesday afternoon, fresh off of a 6-3 win over the New Jersey Devils.
Our conversation covered his offensive outburst to begin the season, some talk about the Jets’ strong defensive analytics at even-strength, and how much being a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) has altered his approach to this season.
Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Klingberg, Nylander & Timmins
November 16, 2023 by The Old Prof
In this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs News & Rumors, I’ll share news about the team as it prepares to play its first game of the Global Series in Sweden. Most of the news seems to be about the team’s defensive corps. What’s the deal with John Klingberg? Will Conor Timmins return? Can Simon Benoit and William Lagesson be able to keep the ship afloat? Are they the answers to the bottom-pairing question?
Reviewing Bruins’ Free Agent Signings After 15 Games
November 16, 2023 by Ryan Gagne
After securing an NHL record of 65 wins and 135 points in 2022-23, the Boston Bruins came up short on their quest for immortality by failing to win the Stanley Cup last year. Interestingly, general manager Don Sweeney was busy at the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline, loading up for a lengthy playoff run and acquiring a handful of impact players like Dmitry Orlov, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Garnet Hathaway.
Ultimately, the team lost all three skaters in free agency while watching franchise icon Patrice Bergeron and his longtime teammate David Krejci retire in the summer. Even though the Bruins didn’t have a lot of cap space, especially after re-signing restricted free agents Jeremy Swayman and Trent Frederic to extensions, Sweeney managed to acquire a handful of veterans on bargain contracts in July 2023.
Blue Jackets GM Candidates if Jarmo Kekalainen Is Let Go
November 16, 2023 by Don Helbig
The Columbus Blue Jackets’ 2023-24 season has been nothing short of disappointing, with a 4-8-4 start, winless in their last six games (0-4-2), and a last-place standing in both the Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference. This has put general manager Jarmo Kekalainen squarely on the hot seat. As the first European to hold the position of an NHL general manager (GM), he has led the Blue Jackets since February 2013, overseeing five playoff appearances but falling short in the last three seasons.
Despite Blue Jackets ownership demonstrating patience with Kekäläinen, especially amid the ongoing roster rebuild, recent events have cast a shadow over his tenure. The hiring of Mike Babcock as head coach in July, known for his controversial coaching methods, ended abruptly on Sept. 18, following allegations of privacy violation. The ownership’s subsequent statement, indicating no further changes “at this time,” suggests that Kekäläinen’s position is far from secure, particularly if on-ice performance doesn’t improve.
Huberdeau Trade Back to Panthers is a Pipe Dream
November 16, 2023 by Joey Ganzi
The Florida Panthers have a 10-4-1 record in November and sit second in the Atlantic Division behind the Boston Bruins. On Tuesday, Nov. 14, Calgary Flames forward Jonathan Huberdeau did not play a single minute in the third period against the Nashville Predators after he was benched.
Two summers ago, he and defenseman MacKenzie Weegar were traded to the Flames in a blockbuster trade that gave the Cats Matthew Tkachuk. This season, he only has two goals and seven assists through 15 games and a minus-13 rating. Two seasons ago, he scored the most points in a single season in Panthers history and by a left winger in NHL history with 115 (30 goals, 85 assists).
Red Wings’ Lyon Deserves Starts Amid Team’s Goalie Issues
November 16, 2023 by Evan Sabourin
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results,” according to Albert Einstein. While Detroit Red Wings’ goaltender Ville Husso has struggled mightily this season, the team continues to put him between the pipes on a consistent basis, and the numbers don’t lie. He’s not performing up to expectations. Backup goaltender James Reimer has shown flashes, but his overtime meltdown in the 3-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Nov. 9 reaffirms exactly what he was brought to Detroit to do — be the backup.
That leaves newly acquired netminder Alex Lyon on the outside looking in. The Red Wings signed the career journeyman to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $900,000 during the offseason and continue to carry him on the roster despite that he has yet to play this season. So, what gives?
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Boston Bruins - Bruins News & Rumors: Swayman, Lucic, Zadorov & Grzelcyk
Minnesota Wild - Wild Have Chance to Turn Season Around With Sweden Trip
Chicago Blackhawks - 3 Blackhawks Prospects Having Great Starts to 2023-24
NHL News & Rumors - Maple Leafs, Rangers, Canucks
From TSN - Canadiens D Xhekaj (upper-body) leaves Thursday vs. Golden Knights
From Sportsnet - NHL Power Rankings: Checking in on goalie crunch for all 32 teams
From ESPN - Brett Peterson named USA Hockey GM for 2024 worlds
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