How about that dwelling opener, eh? It’s been an attention-grabbing begin to the season already. Accidents, upsets and jobs on the road and we’re barely every week in! Let’s take a fast tour across the league to catch the most recent and biggest updates.
The Tampa Bay Lightning will not must sacrifice one in all its star gamers to LTIR in an effort to circumvent the cap for the playoffs. Gary Bettman introduced this week that the wage cap may improve by $4 million within the 2023/2024 season if the escrow debt is paid in full which he believes will probably be. If not, then this huge improve will occur the next season. The final improve was $1 million so the extra $3 million will probably be a a lot wanted increase for a lot of groups attempting to lock up their star gamers (Artem Zub) or appeal to high-end expertise.
The NHL is attempting very had to enhance its picture of being an unique and never essentially probably the most welcoming sport round. Whereas the progress is slowly taking place, it’s going to take some time earlier than the cultural shift is admittedly making the impression it wants. The NHL determined to begin releasing an annual Range and Inclusion report to spotlight the areas of strengths and weaknesses across the league. It’s meant to set a benchmark on how the league is bettering and what efforts are being made. The findings of the primary report are attention-grabbing however for those who ever had the urge to suppose the NHL isn’t a largely white atmosphere; this stat is for you: 84% of the NHL workforce is recognized as white; and that is contemplating just a few years value of labor to be a extra various group. I hope these studies proceed to be launched and in a clear method, extra importantly I hope we see a big enchancment in among the launched stats.
The Toronto Maple Leafs often wait till their annual first spherical playoff exit earlier than having an entire meltdown. This season, they’ve determined to beat the frenzy and simply start the season with the meltdown. The Leafs presently sit fifth within the division with a 2-2 file. Not the worst efficiency up to now however contemplating the 2 losses had been towards the Habs and Coyotes, it appears followers are getting nervous. Add within the drama of coach Sheldon Keefe calling out his “elite” gamers and also you simply get a recipe for a catastrophe. Now, they should take care of one other key participant being injured as Jake Muzzin goes on injured reserve with a neck harm. If I needed to place any bets, the Leafs is perhaps the primary workforce this season with a knee jerk firing or commerce.
Some extra key accidents: The Detroit Crimson Wings will probably be with out Tyler Bertuzzi for 4-6 weeks after sustaining an higher physique harm from blocking a shot. Aaron Ekblad of the Florida Panthers has been positioned on LTIR with a decrease physique harm however is anticipated to return in just a few weeks. The Stanley Cup Champions will probably be with out their captain for the following 12 weeks as Gabriel Landeskog recovers from an arthroscopic knee surgical procedure.
The Detroit Crimson Wings can even be with out Jakub Vrana for an indefinite time period because the NHL and NHLPA have introduced that he was positioned within the Participant’s Help Program.
The revelation of the a number of funds Hockey Canada maintained to cowl up sexual misconduct and different scandals was disturbing and regarding. Nevertheless, it additionally revealed one other situation throughout the group as Olympic Gold Medalist, Katie Weatherston, is now coming ahead along with her story. Weatherston sustained a mind harm whereas enjoying for Staff Canada and as an alternative of discovering assist from the group that’s meant to guard her, she was advised they may solely spare $4,000 for her ongoing medical wants. It is rather comprehensible why Weatherston would now really feel angrier contemplating Hockey Canada prioritized defending gamers’ misconduct over offering assist for gamers who wanted medical help.
Lastly, the thrill from the house opener was astounding. The followers, the sport, the vibes, it was all so magical. CBC’s Alan Neal invited Shaila Anwar (@Fffeisty), Govindh Jayaraman (@govindh) and myself for just a little overview of the expertise and we ended up simply gushing over Alfie for many of it. You’ll be able to take heed to your complete section right here!
