The first reactions are in from the NHL’s announcement to not participate in the 2018 Olympic Winter Games, and among them is New York Rangers’ goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. Monday evening he tweeted out his thoughts:
Disappointing news, @NHL won’t be part of the Olympics 2018. A huge opportunity to market the game at the biggest stage is wasted…but most of all, disappointing for all the players that can’t be part of the most special adventure in sports.
Lundqvist has been part of the Olympic experience three times, winning gold in 2006 and silver in 2014 for Sweden. A hall of fame goaltender in the NHL, his thoughts will likely be echoed by stars around the league for the next year as players speak out against the decision. This likely was Lundqvist’s last chance at the Games as he will be just shy of 40 for the 2022 Beijing tournament.
- The Dallas Stars have sent Justin Dowling back to the AHL after just a two game stint. The 26-year old centerman has suited up for seven games this season, registering two points. Dowling has proven to be an excellent AHL scoring threat, but wasn’t given a chance at the NHL level until this season. If he can continue to win faceoffs and provide some secondary scoring, perhaps he could find a role on an NHL team next season. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
- The Tucson Roadrunners have signed Jalen Smereck to an amateur tryout now that his Flint Firebirds have been eliminated from the OHL playoffs. The defenseman signed a three-year entry-level deal in October, and will likely join the Roadrunners to start next season. The undrafted 20-year old is a late-bloomer, turning 19 in his first OHL season. He has proved to be quite the offensive player though, with 45 points in 60 games this year.
- As rumored last week, Ron Hextall has been officially named the GM of the Canadian World Championship team. The Flyers’ GM will take over the duties once the NHL season is over, and will be joined by former NHL goaltender Sean Burke as an assistant general manager. With the NHL not heading to the Olympics, perhaps the World Championships will become a more important tournament to league players. It is usually overlooked by many fans, as it is held during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
- The Tampa Bay Lightning have recalled Joel Vermin from the AHL, in what amounted to about a seven hour assignment. The forward was sent down earlier this morning, but never left the team. He’ll stay as insurance for the Lightning as they try and get healthy and squeak into the playoffs.