There’s no better news than the kind Minnesota Wild prospect Pavel Novak shared today, announcing that he is now cancer-free. The 20-year-old forward was diagnosed in June and after undergoing treatment, released the following on his Instagram page today:
After a few months of troubles, I’m happy to share with you that I beat the cancer. There is no better feeling than to be healthy again. I would like to say thank you to all the doctors who helped me get over this. You’re my heroes. The biggest thank you to my parents and sister who always supported me and went through treatment with me. It wouldn’t work without you. Also thank you to everyone who was praying for me!
I’m really excited about what the future brings.
Novak, 20, was the 146th pick of the 2020 draft and dominated with the Kelowna Rockets last season, scoring 29 goals and 72 points in 62 games. It is not clear yet when he will return to competitive hockey but the news is certainly encouraging.
- While Kevin Weekes of ESPN tweeted this morning to keep an eye on the Dallas Stars, Darren Dreger of TSN suggests that a “major shift” might be needed in order to have Jason Robertson signed in time for the start of the regular season. There is still more than a week before Dallas kicks things off against the Nashville Predators on October 13 but there is no indication at this point that a deal is imminent. Robertson remains unsigned and will have to ink a contract by December 1 to play at all this season.
- That wasn’t the only contract situation that Weekes tweeted about. The NHL insider also suggested that the Ottawa Senators are “actively working” to try and reach an extension with Alex DeBrincat, after acquiring him this summer. The situation is “fluid” according to Weekes, which suggests nothing is imminent on that front either. It does make sense that the Senators would be trying to sign the two-time 40-goal man but it will take a big number to lock up DeBrincat. The 24-year-old is owed a $9MM qualifying offer for next season, his last before reaching unrestricted free agency in 2024.
While I was going to throw another grenade at Jim Nill’s handling of the Jason Robertson situation, I’d rather just add a “Great News!” for Pavel Novak.
(Dear Jim – If this is still dragging out into November, a whole mess of us here WILL be slamming you on the forum. Just sayin’…)
It looks like Jim Nill will be having to clear out a few dollars of cap space if Jason Robertson wants $9mil per to sign long term.
9million out of your EL contract?
These GMs, Agents, and players are so freaking greedy.
If I was a 27 year old who took a bridge deal and now I can’t get signed or I have to settle for far less I’d be going to my NHLPA and complaining that this is ridiculous.
See you at the bargaining table Garry.
And your chronic complaining on this issue can now end and free you up to whine about other guys getting paid. One of your issues is that you seem to fall for every contract number that gets tossed about in cyberspace. That said, your issue is our entertainment. Rant on.
Jason jumping the line on all the players trying to take advantage of increased money being given in several seasons of Salary Cap Payroll coming soon, will have to move a contract #`1 -Goalie -Anton Khudobin , after that multiple choices everyone can name to move out some money at expense of adding to roster
You seem new to the business of contracts. Hint: when you have leverage, you use it. Simple concept.
You like to troll everyone huh?