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2018 Hockey Hall Of Fame Inductees Announced

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The Hockey Hall of Fame have announced their inductees for 2018, and among them are Martin Brodeur and Martin St. Louis. The hall has also inducted Gary Bettman, Willie O’Ree, Jayna Hefford and Alexander Yakushev. Players like Sergei Zubov, Theoren Fleury, Daniel Alfredsson and Alexander Mogilny will have to wait at least another season to see if they are accepted into the honored group.

Brodeur sticks out among all the player candidates as the easiest decision after a career that set the all-time record for goaltenders in wins, shutouts, games played and points. Brodeur led the New Jersey Devils to three Stanley Cup championships, while also winning a Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie and four Vezina’s as the league’s top goaltender. His 691 career wins are 140 more than second place Patrick Roy, while he has a 23-shutout lead on Terry Sawchuk with 125. Roberto Luongo is the closest active goaltender in both categories, trailing in wins by 120 and shutouts by 49. Basically, his records are unlikely to be matched for a long time, if ever.

St. Louis is the poster boy for small players who were overlooked because of their size. Undrafted, St. Louis had to prove himself in college and then the IHL before being given an NHL opportunity. After some early struggles with the Calgary Flames, St. Louis turned into one of the most dynamic offensive players of a generation in Tampa Bay, twice winning the Art Ross Trophy as the league’s top scorer. He also took home a Stanley Cup, a Hart Trophy, three Lady Byng’s and a handful of All-Star appearances during his 1,134-game career. St. Louis finished up with the New York Rangers in 2015 with 1,033 career points in the regular season. Add in 90 more playoff points in 107 games, and you have the career of a sure-fire Hall of Famer.

Bettman and O’Ree are heading in as builders, one a commissioner that has led the league since 1993 and the other the first black player to suit up for an NHL game. Bettman’s accomplishments in the league speak for themselves, as the NHL is in a strong financial position and is expected to expand to 32 teams in the near future. It’s O’Ree though who will go in with much fanfare, after years of watching from the sidelines. Making his debut for the Boston Bruins on January 18, 1958, O’Ree would break the color barrier for the NHL and change how the game was seen for many around the world. His impact wasn’t as simple as that game though, as O’Ree has worked tirelessly with the league and hockey community for the six decades that have followed to introduce the game to players who might not normally be given the opportunity to play. Even now, at the age of 82 he continues his work to ensure that no one should be denied the chance to play hockey because of the color of their skin.

Hefford, a legend in women’s hockey goes into the Hall of Fame just four years after winning her fourth Olympic gold medal. She also took home 12 World Championship medals, the first of which she earned back in 1997 as a teenager. A prolific scoring threat for her whole career, she routinely recorded crucial goals in the dying minutes of important international games, and dominated the NWHL and CWHL during season play.

Yakushev may be less well-known to younger NHL fans, but anyone who watched the 1972 Summit Series will be familiar of his work. The legendary Russian player was a mixture of skill and brute force, and collected 10 World Championship medals over his long career. In ’72 against Canada, one of the most famous international series of all-time, Yakushev actually led the Russian squad and trailed only Phil Esposito—a player he was compared to during his time—in total scoring.

Alex Ovechkin Awarded Conn Smythe Trophy

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The Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to the MVP of the postseason, could have gone to several players on the Washington Capitals based on performance alone. Yet it really could not have gone to anyone but captain Alex Ovechkin. Yes, he led the postseason in goals and set a franchise record in playoff goals as well, but really this is indicative of the role that Ovechkin played as the locker room leader for the Capitals and the best player in franchise history.

En route to the team’s first ever Stanley Cup championship, Ovechkin scored 15 goals and totaled 26 points, the second most on the team to Evgeny Kuznetsov. He logged major ice time, played a physical game, and overloaded opposing goaltenders with shots. Ovechkin did everything right, on and off the ice, to finally get the Caps over the hump and to the Cup.

This Conn Smythe is also very much a career achievement award. Ovechkin is a career-Capital, the first overall pick in 2004 and the long-time captain. He is not only the face of the franchise, but one of the best players in the NHL since the turn of the century. He is a surefire Hall of Famer eventually, but undoubtedly has already earned the title of the best player in Washington history. Ovechkin is the franchise leader in goals and points, single season and career, and games played. He is a three-time Hart Trophy winner, a seven-time Maurice Richard Trophy winner, an Art Ross Trophy winner, Calder Trophy winner, and seven-time All-Star; but he now has the ultimate prize, a Stanley Cup, and that is what he needed to go down as one of the best. A well-deserved Conn Smythe win for Ovechkin.

Off-Season Retirement Watch List

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Although the Stanley Cup playoffs are in full swing with four excellent match-ups in the second round, as teams have been eliminated – and continue to be eliminated – from contention, players begin to make decisions about their futures. Knowing that they were not playoff-bound, Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin announced their departure from the Vancouver Canucks and pro hockey before the end of the season. Former teammate Radim Vrbata made the same decision days later. The Blackhawks’ Patrick Sharp announced that he was moving on, after a return to Chicago didn’t go as planned. Then, Anaheim Ducks defenseman Francois Beauchemin then got the off-season retirement party started last week, officially calling it a career. Meanwhile, for the third straight summer, Matt Cullen will be contemplating his hockey mortality. Who could be next?

Jaromir Jagr and Jarome Iginla: Let’s start with the easy ones – a Calgary Flames legend and a legend whose career likely ended with the Calgary Flames. Jagr and Iginla were both pushing hard for a final chance at the NHL last summer and both players continued their searches into the regular season. Jagr finally landed a deal with the Flames in October, but health issues and a lack of productions made for a poor tenure in Calgary. Jagr recorded just seven points in 22 games before heading back to his native Czech Republic in January. Iginla opted to undergo surgery in the fall, but was back skating in February and hoping to sign on with a team for the stretch run and postseason. However, no such offer came. These two have been a couple of the biggest names in hockey since the 1990’s and are surefire Hall of Famers, but there is little doubt that their NHL playing days are behind them. Expect official announcements this summer.

Brian Gionta: Gionta is in a similar spot. Unable to find a contract last off-season, Gionta worked out and skated with the AHL’s Rochester Americans ahead of his appearance with Team USA at Winter Olympics. It was a less-than-spectacular showing by the veteran, but he still managed to turn it into a late-season contract with the Boston Bruins. Gionta posted seven points in 20 games with the Bruins in the final months of the regular season, but has yet to see any playoff action, despite ample opportunity given injuries to multiple Boston players heading into and during Round One. Gionta’s play with the Bruins has not exactly harked back to his prime, but nevertheless has shown effort and intelligence. He may have earned another look next season, but it’s more likely than not that this current run with Boston will be the curtain call for Gionta.

Chris Kelly: Kelly also played at the Winter Games and signed on late like Gionta. However, both he and his team have not had similar success. Kelly saw just 12 games with the Anaheim Ducks after signing in February and only contributed two points to show for it. The Ducks were then swept out of the playoffs without Kelly having any say in the matter as a healthy scratch all season. Kelly surprised a lot of people when he played in all 82 games with the Ottawa Senators last season, but this short campaign has shown that the years of dependable play have caught up with him.

Mike Fisher: Will Fisher re-retire? Almost surely. No one can blame Fisher for not wanting to miss out on a possible Cup run by the Nashville Predators one season after coming so close, but Fisher’s presence on the team thus far has been more about leadership and morale than on-ice impact. Fisher had just four points in 16 games down the stretch while averaging just over twelve minutes of ice time and thus far in the postseason has been held scoreless in seven games while seeing barely eleven minutes of time. Fisher’s days as a legitimate player seem to clearly be over, but he could still make a difference for Nashville in these playoffs with the right opportunity.

Dominic Moore: There may be no other player in the game today who has thrived by being a hired gun like Moore. Throughout his career, the veteran center has been able to join a new team, adjust, and play a critical support role. So, when that pattern fell apart this year with the Toronto Maple Leafs, it signaled the coming end to Moore’s career. Moore was common scratch for the Leafs and averaged only about ten minutes of ice time per night, but with twelve points in 50 games, he also didn’t make the most of his opportunities. If any player in the league can adapt to being 38-years-old and coming off a down season by finding the perfect fit for another go-round, it’s Moore, but don’t be surprised if he calls it quits instead.

Joel Ward: There’s no doubt that Ward would like to keep playing. A hard-nosed player and a consummate pro, Ward has been a reliable piece to every team he has been on. However, there is no looking past what by all accounts was the worst season of his career in 2017-18. Just twelve points in 52 games and less than twelve minutes of ice time per game shows just how small a role he played for the San Jose Sharks this year and that’s not even including the fact that the Sharks tried to trade him at the deadline and have yet to play him in the postseason. Ward’s time in San Jose is undeniably over, but that doesn’t mean another team can’t take a one-year flier on him. At this point, it seems unlikely though.

Dennis Seidenberg and Johnny Oduya: What else do these two 36-year-old, left-shot, physical defenders have in common? Their time has come. Seidenberg’s resurgence with the New York Islander was a great story last season, but he came back to earth in this campaign and was limited by injuries and inability to just 28 games and five points. Oduya has had back-to-back disappointing seasons like that, recording only 17 points in 104 games with four different teams across the past two seasons. Dealt to the Philadelphia Flyers at the deadline, Oduya did nothing, skating in just one regular season game and zero postseason games. Both of these men have been admirable NHLers, but it’s hard to see either continuing to play.

On the bubble: Jason Chimera, Antoine Vermette, and Kevin Bieksa, Anaheim Ducks; Josh Gorges, Buffalo Sabres; Matt Stajan, Calgary Flames; Lee Stempniak, Carolina Hurricanes; Ales Hemsky, Montreal Canadiens; Scottie Upshall, St. Louis Blues; Jussi Jokinen, Vancouver Canucks.

Joe Thornton Could Return During Playoffs

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Don’t count out Joe Thornton just yet. One of the league’s most well-respected veterans, “Jumbo Joe” has largely been counted out this season. The 38-year-old suffered a major knee injury, a torn MCL, back in January and few expected a return to the San Jose Sharks lineup in 2017-18. Thornton tried to put those thoughts to rest today, as NHL.com reports that he hopes to return to action as soon as possible, even if it’s late in the playoffs. Thornton’s full statement when asked about his progress and a potential return:

“Who knows? If I’m better mid-April or mid-May, I’m not sure yet, I can’t say. I’d like to contribute and to play if I can… I’ve been just kind of fooling around on the ice for I’d say about 10 days now. Probably full equipment for four or five sessions just by myself. … It’s feeling really strong, but I’m sure as every week goes on it will get more intense, but so far so good.”

Thornton’s words don’t exactly inspire great confidence, but it at least instills a glimmer of hope that one of the game’s most visible players could return and make an impact in the playoffs. Considering the fact that Thornton has 20 years of wear and tear on his body, it’s amazing that the 1997 first overall pick hasn’t simply been shut down for the season.

Of course, both sides have a reason to fight for a return to the lineup. Before his injury, Thornton was somehow outpacing his last season’s scoring, with 36 points in 47 games. At his age, the big center has shown little sign of slowing down. However, he may not have the same luck in free agency again this off-season, after earning a one-year, $8MM extension from the Sharks. This extensive injury coupled with a stronger free agent market (and San Jose’s rumored heavy interest in spending) could mean that Thornton won’t be able to cash in again. However, fighting his way back into the lineup would show both the Sharks and other potential suitors that Thornton still has what it takes to play in the NHL. For the Sharks, it would of course be nice to add another familiar body – and one of the top play-makers of his generation, to the lineup even it it’s not until later in the playoffs. San Jose is chasing the Vegas Golden Knights for top spot in the Pacific Division, but seem more likely to square off with either the Anaheim Ducks or Los Angeles Kings in the 2-3 match-up, which could honestly be a more difficult draw. If they are able to move on, Thornton’s return would help to combat the upstart Knights (or a wildcard winner) and would certainly be a necessary boost to take on one of the many strong teams who could come out of the Central Division.

Thornton’s potential return would also simply be a great boost for fans of the game. A fun player to watch, a great personality, and a Hall of Fame caliber career that simply lacks a Stanley Cup makes Thornton an easy player to root for. Hopefully his optimism that this injury won’t be season-ending comes to fruition.

Western Notes: Jagr, Domi, Blues, Golden Knights

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It’s a shame that the Hockey Hall of Fame voted long ago to abolish the selection committee’s ability to waive the three-year post-retirement waiting period for candidates that are exceptional. Because if there is someone that shouldn’t have to wait three years to gain entry into the Hockey Hall of Fame, Jaromir Jagr would seem to be a good bet that person, according to Larry Brooks of the New York Post.

While Jagr is not retired yet, as he remains on loan from the Calgary Flames to Kladno in the Czech League, his career has been exceptional and would deserve that immediate honor of getting his wait time waived that only 10 players have ever earned such as Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe and Mario Lemieux. However, that rule was removed back in 1999. Regardless, Jagr has played in 1,733 career NHL games, with 766 goals and 1,921 points.

  • In the same article, Brooks also writes that he’s heard the Arizona Coyotes are offering young center Max Domi to teams for the right price. The 22-year-old former first-round pick in 2013 has been struggling in his third season in the NHL. After a solid rookie year in which he put up 18 goals and 34 assists, his numbers have declined as he put up just 38 points in 59 games last year and currently has just three goals in 52 games. The team already moved on from winger Anthony Duclair a month ago as the Coyotes are trying to find the right balance of youth and veterans to start winning some games.
  • The Athletic’s Jeremy Rutherford (subscription required) responds to mailbag questions and suggests that if New York Islanders center John Tavares reaches free agency this summer, he believes the St. Louis Blues will be aggressive suitors for the 27-year-old center. The scribe writes that the team is expecting to have about $13MM available and it should cost between $10 and $12MM to sign Tavares. That will likely make for a tight cap, especially since the team still has to sign several of their own free agents including restricted free agent defenseman Joel Edmundson. However, with the salary cap likely going up and the ability to move out a contract or two, it is very possible the team can afford Tavares. Add in that Tavares is friends with defenseman Alex Pietrangelo and the team is already a playoff team with young winger Vladimir Tarasenko needing a star center to take that next step, there is a good chance he will strongly consider St. Louis. It’s still a long shot, but not unrealistic.
  • NHL.com’s Gary Lawless tweets part of an interview with Vegas Golden Knights general manager George McPhee about the trade deadline. The veteran GM says that its still too early to know whether the team will be buyers, sellers or plan to stand pat. “We still don’t know what we’re going to do at the deadline,” said McPhee. “We’re still three weeks away. We’ll know more when we get there. Every team in the league has needs… We’ll see. I like our group. I don’t know if we’re going to do a lot, if anything.”

Edmonton Officially Hires Paul Coffey As Skills Development Coach

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Sunday: Sportsnet’s John Shannon tweets that the Edmonton Oilers have officially hired Coffey as their Skills Development Coach. TSN’s Ryan Rishaug adds that the hiring of Coffey is not meant to be a quick fix to save the Oilers season or fix their special teams play. Rather the hiring is more about the long-term development of young talent, particularly on defense.

Saturday: It looks like the Edmonton Oilers are looking into digging into the 1980’s well as TSN’s Bob McKenzie reports that the Oilers are talking to Hall of Fame defenseman Paul Coffey to return to the organization. While the details of the role that Coffey might play within the Oilers franchise is sketchy, McKenzie suggests the team could be looking to add him to head coach Todd McLellan’s staff.

McKenzie adds that once an agreement is in place, issues like what role he will play and the degree of Coffey’s involvement will be “a work in progress.” The 56-year-old Coffey finished his career having played in 1,409 games with 396 goals and 1,531 points. A three-time Norris Trophy winner, Coffey played seven years in Edmonton before moving on to play with several other teams, including the Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, Hartford Whalers, Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, Carolina Hurricanes and the Boston Bruins before retiring after the 2000-01 season.

He has little coaching experience as he only coached one year in the Ontario Junior Hockey League for the Pickering Panthers, a team he co-owns. However, many have suggested he might be valuable working with defensemen and could be a good fit in Edmonton with their defensive struggles.

Could Calgary Flames Make Pitch For Karlsson?

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The Calgary Flames seem to be producing in all facets of the game despite a shootout loss today as they still haven’t had a regulation loss in eight straight games. Their top lines are producing, their defense seems to be beginning to develop the chemistry that everyone had hoped and goaltender Mike Smith has been a great acquisition. With everything going right for Calgary, it seems like the team isn’t likely to be too active at the trade deadline this year.

Yet, Sportsnet’s Eric Francis writes that despite all that, he wonders if the Flames should consider looking for an even bigger prize. With the recent rumblings about the possible availability of Ottawa Senators star defenseman Erik Karlsson, Francis wonders if Calgary should go for it all and trade for him now. While on the surface, a deal might seem unlikely as the Flames are already loaded with a group of solid defenders and have few draft picks to trade (just two picks in the first three rounds over the next two years).

The scribe writes that finding a spot for Karlsson would be the least of the team’s problems. He would be a welcome addition no matter how good their defense of Mark Giordano, T.J. Brodie, Dougie Hamilton, Travis Hamonic and Michael Stone is. He would immediately help an average power play and could offer the team a multi-dimensional player. With some cap room to play with, Calgary could afford most of Karlsson’s contract ($6.5MM AAV) already, although that could end the team’s bid to re-sign Mikael Backlund during the offseason this year.

What could they offer? Quite a bit. While the team might lack draft picks after going out and acquiring Hamonic in the offseason, the team has a number of quality prospects, including Harvard University defenseman Adam Fox, considered to be one of the top college blueliners. They have two quality goaltending prospects in Jon Gillies and Tyler Parsons as well as defensive prospects like Rasmus Andersson and Oliver Kylington as pieces they can offer Ottawa.

Fox, who many believe may choose to stay at Harvard for four years and take the unrestricted free agency route to avoid Calgary’s already crowded blueline, might be the perfect trade chip while he still has value. Add in Andersson, Kylington and last year’s 2016 first-rounder in Juuso Valamaki and the team has quite a bit of defensive depth — perhaps too much.

Francis believes that the team might want to consider making a big move like acquiring a future Hall of Famer, who could take the Flames to another level as they start climbing up the Pacific Division and get ready for the playoffs. General manager Brad Treliving already once this year went out and acquired Hamonic as a big defensive addition. Why not one more?

Johnny Bower Passes Away At Age 93

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In some heart-breaking news to hear around the holidays, Toronto Maple Leafs legend and NHL Hall of Fame goaltender Johnny Bower has passed away at the age of 93. A short statement was released by the Bower family, that outlined some of his past greatness:

Bower is renowned for his generosity, having raised money for such causes as the Candian Kidney Foundation, Canadian Arthritis Society as well as advocating for Canadian military veterans and their families. He has been a long-time spokesperson for the Peel Children’s Safety Village and Honorary Chief of Police in Peel Region since 2003.

Johnny BowerThe fact that a statement of Bower’s legacy includes so much mention of his post-hockey work is no mistake. Though he was a titan of goaltending between 1953 and 1969, playing in 552 contests and winning four Stanley Cups and two Vezina trophies, his impact off the ice was even greater. Bower had been a long standing ambassador for hockey in the Ontario region for decades, with an impact of some sort on thousands of players.

While the goaltender was a familiar face at Maple Leafs games and Hockey Hall of Fame events, his daughter Cindy is as well-known in minor hockey rinks across the province as a power skating coach. There are few young Ontario-born players who’ve reached any heights without some interaction with the Bower family.

A statue of Bower was erected outside the Air Canada Center in Toronto in 2014 as part of “Legends Row” and he was named the 7th-greatest Maple Leafs player of all-time in recent years. He is survived by Nancy, his wife of 69 years, children John Jr., Cindy and Barbara, eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

To Mike Zeisberger of NHL.com, perhaps Brendan Shanahan put it best.

There may not be a more loved Toronto Maple Leaf, nor a former player who loved them as much back.

What Your Team Is Thankful For: Minnesota Wild

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As the holiday season approaches, PHR will look at what teams are thankful for as the season nears the quarter point of completion. There also might be a few things your team would like down the road. We take a look at what’s gone well in the first month and what could improve as the season rolls on. So far we’ve covered the following teams: ANA, ARZ, BOS, BUF, CGY, CAR, CBJ, COL, DET, EDM, FLA, LAK, NSH, NJD, NYI, NYR, PHI, PIT, SJS, STL, TOR, VAN, VGK and WSH.

Jordan GreenwayWhat are the Minnesota Wild most thankful for?

A deep prospect pool.

When the Wild approached the expansion draft last year, they were in trouble. They had too many assets that needed protection, and were destined to lose an excellent player. In order to sway the Vegas Golden Knights’ decision in a certain direction, they gave up prized prospect Alex Tuch. Though the team had drafted Tuch in the first round just a few years prior, his upside and potential impact wasn’t seen to be as high as some of their other prospects.

Well, six months later and Tuch is starring alongside Erik Haula (the other player lost in the expansion process) in Vegas, and the Wild are struggling to stay relevant in the playoff picture. Surely they’d like to have Tuch back, but luckily those other high-end prospects still remain.

Though the relationship with Kirill Kaprizov—or lack thereof—makes the Russian a complete wildcard, there are others who should have Minnesota fans excited for the next few years. Joel Eriksson Ek and Luke Kunin have both played roles in the NHL this season, while Jordan Greenway continues to dominate players even older than him in the college ranks. Ivan Lodnia was just signed after a blistering start in Erie, and the team has four picks in the top three rounds this upcoming draft.

Who are the Wild most thankful for?

Eric Staal.

General managers around the league must be hitting themselves over not pursuing Staal in the summer of 2016. Coming off a horrible season, in which he was traded from the team he’d been drafted by and captained for seven years, Minnesota happily scooped him up on July 1st. Much was said about how Staal might be on the way out of the game, until he immediately found success in Minnesota to the tune of 28 goals and 65 points.

The three-year, $10.5MM contract that he signed was just $1MM more in total than he’d earned in 2015-16 alone. Minnesota got a legitimate number one center, and borderline Hall of Fame candidate for the price of a third or fourth-line player. You can still hear Chuck Fletcher laughing to himself somewhere in St. Paul.

Staal has been everything for the club this year, leading the team in points with 26 through their first 30 games and coming through with one of the best possession seasons of his career. Playing nearly 19 minutes a night and hitting the ice in all circumstances, Staal’s contract is one of the best in the entire league. While now 33 years old, he’ll still be exceptionally valuable in the final year of his deal next season.

Mikko KoivuWhat would the Wild be even more thankful for?

Some “puck luck” for Mikko Koivu.

Despite still being an excellent possession player, used in all situations, Koivu can’t seem to get much going offensively this season. Coming off another one of his patented solid-if-not-spectacular seasons with 58 points, he only has 15 in his first 30 games and eight of those are on the powerplay. He’s now been held pointless in his last eight games despite being on the ice for more than 147 minutes, and hasn’t found the back of the net himself since October.

Amazingly, a lot of that has to do with pure bad luck. Koivu is carrying a pathetic 5.1% shooting percentage this season, far below his career average. Though he’s never been a sniper that carries a high percentage, he’s due for some luck going his way at some point. During his 21-game goalless streak he’s fired 58 shots on net without a single one trickling through.

He’s not only used for his offense, but a bounce here or there would be a big help for the Wild as they try to claw their way back into the playoff picture.

What should be on the Wild’s Holiday Wish List?

Another center.

When the Wild lost Haula and let Martin Hanzal walk in free agency, their center depth was tested. Though they brought in Matt Cullen, who has done a fine job for them so far, their unyielding ability to throw an effective center over the boards every single shift has left them. Charlie Coyle can play the position but the team likes him better on the wing, and Kunin isn’t quite ready for a full-time role.

There is the possibility that when Zach Parise eventually returns from injury they’ll move Coyle back to the middle, but an addition would be the best option. It’ll be tough, as the Wild are pressed right up against the cap thanks the the hefty cap hits of Tyler Ennis and Marcus Foligno, both who’ve been healthy scratches at times this year. That fact may force them to go with what they have right now, but it will be interesting to see if they find a way to get involved as the deadline approaches.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images

Snapshots: IIHF HOF, Players Of The Month, Devils

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The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) named their 2018 Hall of Fame class today, with several notable NHL names among them. Former stars Daniel Alfredsson, Rob Blake, Chris Chelios, and Jere Lehtinen will all be immortalized for their impressive international careers. Between them, the Swede, Canadian, American, and Finn have 16 Olympic Games and 8 Olympic medals, to of course go along with outstanding professional careers. Builders Philippe Lacarriere, a former European player and IIHF Councilman, and Bob Nadin, a long-time referee, will also be inducted.

  • In terms of current recognition, the NHL announced the top players of the month of November today. The Three Stars of the Month were Colorado Avalanche star center Nathan MacKinnon at #1, Toronto Maple Leafs keeper Frederik Andersen at #2, and new St. Louis Blue Brayden Schenn at #3. MacKinnon was a point per game player last month, notching five goals and fifteen assists in 12 games for the Avs. Andersen kept the Leafs going with nine wins, a 2.14 GAA, and .938 save percentage. Schenn was arguably better than either despite coming in third, with seven goals and twelve assists in just 12 games, bringing his season total to 30 points in 25 contests. Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser was named the Rookie of the Month behind his 16 points in 15 games, as the young scorer has kept the Canucks afloat early on and leads all first-year players in scoring.
  • If there was an award for Team of the Month, it could have easily gone to the New Jersey Devils. The Devils have somehow survived another month at or near the top of the toughest division in hockey, the Metropolitan, despite little expectation that they would even be a playoff contender in 2017-18. To cap off the month, they swung a deal to acquire a much-needed elite defenseman yesterday as well. The Devils are just getting started though – the team announced that Sami Vatanen caught a cross-country flight, took part in morning skate, and will make his debut tonight and joining him will be Marcus Johansson, the big off-season acquisition, who is returning from a long injury absence. November was a great month for the Devils, but December is starting off even stronger.

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