THW Daily - Artemi Panarin's Early Hart Trophy Candidacy & Head Coaching Change in Edmonton
Also, trade destinations for Flames' Zadorov, the latest from Toronto & more
Welcome to The Hockey Writers Daily
In today’s edition, we have Artemi Panarin’s early Hart trophy candidacy, a head coaching change in Edmonton, trade destinations for Flames’ Nikita Zadorov, and much more.
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Here’s the good stuff…
Yesterday’s NHL Scores…
Oilers Make Coaching Changes, Woodcroft Out, Knoblauch In
November 12, 2023 by Jim Parsons
The Edmonton Oilers have opted for a coaching shake-up, relieving Jay Woodcroft of his duties as Head Coach. Dave Manson is also out as an assistant. In a subsequent set of moves, the organization swiftly announced Kris Knoblauch as the new head coach, while also introducing Hockey Hall of Famer Paul Coffey as an assistant coach. This move comes in the wake of the team’s recent victory in Seattle, a win that many had hoped would buy Woodcroft more time but ultimately proved insufficient to secure his position.
The official statement from the Oilers on Sunday morning confirmed the departure of both Woodcroft and Manson, along with the news of the new hires. While there was plenty of chatter Woodcroft’s job wasn’t secure after a terrible start to the season, Saturday’s win might have been a good step towards turning things around. But, the Oilers had likely made up their mind prior to the game considering it was the last game of the current road trip and the replacements had already been found.
Rangers’ Panarin Is An Early Hart Trophy Favorite
November 11, 2023 by Lucas Standel
After coming off a very disappointing playoff performance last season, all eyes were going to be on Artemi Panarin to see if he would have a bounce-back season or if those struggles would continue. After seeing him play in 13 games so far this season, it is safe to say that he is having a bounce-back season and is arguably on the best run of his career so far. He is playing like the Panarin of the past, but his overall game has seen an improvement.
It’s not just the offense, but his willingness to back-check has made him a better all-around player. With his high point totals and overall improved game, there is no reason as to why Panarin shouldn’t be considered a Hart Trophy favorite early on this season.
Calgary Flames: 3 Potential Landing Spots For Nikita Zadorov
November 12, 2023 by Derek Olsen
It is mid-November, and the Calgary Flames season is still leaving more to be desired. After a back-to-back in Ontario over the weekend, the team’s record sits at 4-8-2 and they currently find themselves five points out of a playoff spot.
Since the offseason, there has been an abundance of speculation surrounding the organization’s five prominent unrestricted free agents (UFAs); forwards Mikael Backlund and Elias Lindholm, as well as defensemen Chris Tanev, Noah Hanifin, and Nikita Zadorov. Rookie general manager Craig Conroy has since re-signed Backlund and he was named team captain, but the other four still have contract and trade rumours circling over them.
Canadiens Still Have a Lot to Prove as Legit 2024 Playoff Contenders
November 12, 2023 by Ryan Szporer
The Montreal Canadiens have been here before. Exactly a month into the 2023-24 NHL season, the Habs find themselves in a tie for the second Eastern Conference wild-card spot (Tampa Bay Lightning), just like in 2022-23.
Last season, it was for all intents and purposes a mirror image. The Canadiens, Florida Panthers and Detroit Red Wings each had 17 points in 15 games played in a bid to lay claim to the third Atlantic Division spot. Then the Habs started to fade. So, Habs fans should know full well, as impressive as the Canadiens have been, especially in their latest victory, a 3-2 overtime win over the Boston Bruins on Nov. 11 at home, nothing is guaranteed.
Did Holland Slip Up?: Admits Error While Explaining Coaching Hire
November 12, 2023 by Jim Parsons
The Edmonton Oilers introduced Kris Knoblauch as the team’s new head coach on Sunday afternoon, succeeding Jay Woodcroft. The decision, disclosed by General Manager Ken Holland during a press conference, shed light on the dynamics behind the coaching change. Specifically, it sounds like this move was less about Woodcroft and more about timing.
Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Samsonov, Gregor, Nylander & Bertuzzi
November 12, 2023 by The Old Prof
In a dominant performance, the Toronto Maple Leafs won by a score of 5-2 against the Vancouver Canucks. In doing so, the team showcased impressive offensive production and defensive resilience. The Maple Leafs displayed a more assertive physical presence, with Mark Giordano and Max Domi engaging in fights. It looked to be a team-wide commitment to responding to physical challenges that teams had been throwing at them.
In this edition of Maple Leafs News & Rumors, I’ll take quick looks at some of the players who made key contributions to this crucial win for the Blue & White.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Buffalo Sabres - Sabres Need To Give Matthew Savoie A Real Chance
Toronto Maple Leafs - Maple Leafs Have Franchise Altering Trade Chip in Nylander
Columbus Blue Jackets - Blue Jackets Handled Johnson Correctly After Sillinger Mishandling
NHL News & Rumors - Oilers, Flames, Canucks
From TSN - Avalanche sign F Kiviranta to one-year deal
From Sportsnet - Former Philadelphia Flyers goalie Roman Cechmanek has passed away
From ESPN - Brayden Schenn, Pavel Buchnevich score 3 goals each to boost Blues
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