While it was a lighter week on the NHL schedule with the All-Star break beginning, there were still several headlines around the hockey world. Here are the top stories from the past week.
Olympic Rosters: Both Finland and Russia (officially participating as ‘Olympic Athletes from Russia’) named their rosters for next month’s tournament. Notable players on the Finnish squad include long-time goaltender Karri Ramo plus a pair of first-round picks from last summer’s draft in Miro Heiskanen (Dallas) and Eeli Tolvanen (Nashville). Meanwhile, the Russian squad features players from only three KHL teams and features several long-time NHL veterans including Pavel Datsyuk, Ilya Kovalchuk, and Slava Voynov as well as Vadim Shipachyov who retired from the Golden Knights earlier this season.
Senators Have Preliminary Arena Agreement: While things haven’t been going well on the ice for Ottawa, they got some good news off of it with the announcement that they have reached a preliminary agreement on a redevelopment project for a new arena. Although their current one isn’t outdated by any stretch, it’s on the outskirts of the city so owner Eugene Melnyk is hopeful that one closer to downtown as this one will be will help improve attendance. Although this is an important first step, it will still take several years to finalize everything with an early projection of being ready for 2022-23.
Johansson Concussed, Marchand Suspended: A late-game hit between New Jersey and Boston has resulted in a pair of players missing considerable time as Bruins winger Brad Marchand received a five-game suspension for his elbow on Devils winger Marcus Johansson. Meanwhile, Johansson is out indefinitely after being diagnosed with his second concussion of the season. Despite being suspended, Marchand was allowed to participate in the All-Star festivities after being named to the game for the second season in a row.
More Knee Troubles For Thornton: For the second straight season, Sharks center Joe Thornton is dealing with knee trouble. He is out indefinitely after undergoing an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee upon being diagnosed with an MCL injury. While this is the opposite knee that he had problems with last season, it could very well hurt his cause come free agency as an aging veteran with recent issues in both knees. Meanwhile, the Sharks will be down an important piece for the foreseeable future as they look to maintain a playoff spot in the very-tight Pacific Division.
Detroit Ready To Sell: As their playoff hopes continue to fade, the Red Wings have told teams that they are open for business and ready to sell. While that includes pending unrestricted free agent defenseman Mike Green, they also appear to be open to moving players that are signed beyond this season. One of those appears to be goaltender Jimmy Howard who is believed to be available although a soft trade market for goaltenders may make that somewhat of a challenge. Looking ahead, with GM Ken Holland’s contract up at the end of the season, what he does (or doesn’t do) over the next month may play a role in whether or not he is brought back for a 22nd season.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.