THW Daily - Week 10 NHL Power Rankings & an Intriguing Trade Target for Hurricanes
Also, Evan Bouchard is silencing critics in Edmonton, a few Canucks' blue line trade targets & more
Welcome to The Hockey Writers Daily
In today’s edition, we have power rankings for Week 10 in the NHL, an intriguing trade target for the Hurricanes, defenseman Evan Bouchard silencing critics in Edmonton, and much more.
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Now, here’s the good stuff…
Yesterday’s NHL Scores…
Oilers’ Bouchard Silencing Early-Season Critics With Recent Play
December 11, 2023 by Sean Panganiban
When the Edmonton Oilers faced early-season struggles, it was as if Murphy’s Law was in full effect — anything that could go wrong, did. Connor McDavid looked just “normal” and not like his usual dominant self, some questioned if Leon Draisaitl lost his one-timer in the summer and every mistake led to a goal against and it seemed like the fan base wanted a complete roster overhaul.
But now the Oilers have won seven straight games, fully confident and looking like the Cup contenders that many pegged them to be at the start of the season. Because the team is winning, Bouchard’s mistakes aren’t attracting as much attention and what now catches everyone’s eye is the hot streak he’s on, tallying 16 points in the last 11 games and sitting in third place in the NHL for points scored by defencemen.
NHL 2023-24 Power Rankings: Week 10
December 11, 2023 by Eugene Helfrick
Consistent readers of THW’s Power Rankings articles know that I like to play with the format week to week. While I could put together a normal list of the NHL’s teams ranked from 1 to 32, I think Power Rankings are a place to have some fun with tier lists, creating a group of teams all in 23rd place, and discussing the NHL in terms of the wider world of sports (and economics). This week, however, I’m going to keep it simple, and just do an old-fashioned Power Rankings. No tricks, no new formatting, just teams listed 1 to 32.
All this to say, the preamble is going to be short this week. If this were an MLB Rankings, I would have to dedicate this article to discuss how Shohei Ohtani signed a record deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but we don’t have any news this monumental in the NHL. So, let’s just get right to Week 10 of THW’s Power Rankings.
Potential Devils’ Defense Targets to Replace Dougie Hamilton
December 11, 2023 by JP Gambatese
Recently, it was revealed that Devils’ star defenseman Dougie Hamilton will be out indefinitely after successful surgery to repair a torn left pectoral muscle. There have been several players who have undergone similar surgeries, including now-retired ex-Devil Travis Zajac — most of whom took between four and six months to return to game action. With that timeline, the Devils will be without Hamilton until at least April.
In Hamilton, the Devils are losing a truly elite, puck-moving, right-handed defenseman with top-of-the-league offensive metrics. In the 20 games he’s played, Hamilton boasts an expected goals share (xG%) of 57.78%, good for 12th in the NHL among defensemen with at least 300 minutes at 5-on-5. Under the same restrictions, Hamilton sits second in the league in expected goals for per-60 minutes (xGF/60). It certainly won’t be easy to replace the star blueliner, but there are some potential fits that the Devils could look at.
3 Defensive Trade Targets for the Canucks Not Named Ethan Bear
December 11, 2023 by Matthew Zator
Even after acquiring Nikita Zadorov from the Calgary Flames, the Vancouver Canucks are still in the market for another defenceman to shore up their blue line. Ethan Bear was the leading candidate to fill that role, but a recent bidding war between the Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, and New Jersey Devils has the Canucks reportedly out of the running for his services.
So, where do they go from here? While I don’t necessarily think they need to add anyone to the defence corps right now (especially with Carson Soucy returning in the next month or so), here are a few players they could target.
Hurricanes Should Have Their Sights Set on Canucks’ Kuzmenko
December 11, 2023 by Tommy Bennett
Things have not gone well for the Carolina Hurricanes. The road trip out to Western Canada did not provide the results that everyone wanted. During the four-game stretch, the Hurricanes went 0-4 and got outscored 15-7. Frustration has set in and adversity is evident with this current group.
Head coach Rod Brind’Amour did not hold back when speaking up about their play, as evidenced by his mid-game interview against the Edmonton Oilers. Also, the players held a players-only meeting after their game against the Vancouver Canucks. It is a long 82-game season and it is good that the kinks in the hose are happening now rather than later. However, the players and the coaches know this team can be better and should be better. If the players-only meeting doesn’t spurn instant results, general manager Don Waddell needs to make a move. One player that is being called about is Canucks’ Andrei Kuzmenko. He is an intriguing player and could bring upside to the Hurricanes.
Maple Leafs’ Naughty and Nice List for 2023-24 Season
December 11, 2023 by Peter Baracchini
It’s the holiday season and with Christmas quickly approaching, Santa Claus is coming to town! Santa has been hard at work throughout the year, making a list and is in the process of checking it twice. Everyone is hoping that they made the nice list, because you know what happens when you’re on the naughty list.
The same can be said for the players on the Toronto Maple Leafs. There’s plenty to be happy about this season. Auston Matthews is giving the gift of scoring goals as he’s already at 18, Mitch Marner is being unselfish with his playmaking and John Tavares continues to be humble and generous on and off the ice. While they’re probably on Santa’s nice list, here are the top three players that stand out on both the naughty and nice list for the Maple Leafs this season.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Ottawa Senators - Ottawa Senators’ 12 Days of Christmas Wishes
Philadelphia Flyers - Flyers’ Penalty Kill Among the Best in NHL History
Montreal Canadiens - Dear Santa: Montreal Canadiens’ 2023-24 Wish List
NHL News & Rumors - Oilers, Canadiens Capitals, Wild, Bruins
From TSN - Penguins GM Dubas says coaching isn't a reason for team's slow start
From Sportsnet - Korpisalo's return to form key as Senators try to get on winning trend
From ESPN - Detroit Red Wings place Dylan Larkin on injured reserve
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