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Articles by Ryan Guenter
Where Do Thornton and Robertson Fit on Red Hot Maple Leafs Roster?
There’s good news for Toronto Maple Leafs fans as both Joe Thornton and Nick Robertson were skating with the team this week and could be back sometime next week. Robertson could return as early as next Wednesday, while Thornton could be back as early as this weekend. Related: Is Auston Matthews the Greatest Maple Leafs Player of All Time? A positive sign for the Leafs after the injury to Wayne Simmonds: Joe Thornton and Nick Robertson are both taking part in today’s morning skate.
Penguins Tried to Re-Acquire Marc-Andre Fleury While Hiring a New GM
According to a recent report by Bob McKenzie (TSN), the Pittsburgh Penguins tried to acquire goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury during the search for a new GM and before Ron Hextall and Brian Burke were brought on board. As per Rob Rossi of the Athletic, McKenzie said he heard the team made inquiries, even though it sounds like the talks didn’t lead to anything of substance.
Jesse Puljujarvi Possibly Out for Edmonton Oilers vs. Canadiens Game
Edmonton Oilers’ forward Jesse Puljujarvi was not on the ice this morning for the team skate. As per a few reports from insiders like TSN’s Ryan Rishaug and as confirmed by the head coach after practice, the Oilers held him off the ice for precautionary reasons. Related: Goalie Mike Smith Will Be the Difference for the Edmonton Oilers’ Season Tippett confirms Puljujarvi held out of skate for precautionary reasons.
Hextall Turned Down Job With Kraken to be Penguins New GM
As per a report by NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Ron Hextall had a pretty significant job offer on the table before he took the role as general manager with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Seattle Kraken were interested in working with Hextall, but the man now at the helm of the Penguins had other plans. Related: Future For the Penguins Veteran Stars Under Hextall and Burke… What do these hires mean for Crosby, Malkin and Letang?
Oilers vs. Canadiens Game Start Time Postponed
Some not-so wonderful news came down the pipe on Thursday afternoon as one of the Edmonton Oilers players has entered the COVID-19 Protocol list earlier today and the game versus the Montreal Canadiens has been postponed by an hour as a result. This is not to say a player has tested positive, but that the league needs to do more investigation as to how far potential contact might have spread. Related: Puljujarvi Possibly Out for Oilers vs.
Rask Makes Hilarious Empty Net Mistake, Also Makes Save of the Year
Tuukka Rask was both a hero and the butt end of a hilarious set of circumstances on Wednesday night game as the Boston Bruins pulled out a 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers. He made what might be the save of the year, yet in the same game, almost pulled what could have been the craziest gaffe of the season.
The Future For the Penguins Veteran Stars Under Hextall and Burke...
With Ron Hextall now at the helm of the Pittsburgh Penguins, one of the questions Pens fans will be asking is ‘What does this mean for the future of veteran players like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang?’ The simple answer seems to be that there’s no hint any of these players will be traded this season. The long-term answer might be, we’ll see where this all goes and there are no guarantees.
Patrik Laine Says, "We've Moved On", Talks Future With Blue Jackets
The issues may not have disappeared completely, but as far as the one that includes winger Patrik Laine being benched on Monday in the second and third period, “We’ve moved on,” Laine said. Adding “We’ve talked about it. It’s going to stay in the room, but it’s all good now,” everyone involved in the incident is putting what got said behind them and trying to move forward as a group.
Is Auston Matthews the Greatest Maple Leafs Player of All Time?
There was an interesting conversation taking place on TSN 690 today as the hosts and their guest Pierre McGuire began chatting about the impact of Auston Matthews and how the Montreal Canadiens might try to shut him down during their North Division matchup Wednesday night. The words, ‘greatest Leaf ever already’ were thrown out there. Related: Is Auston Matthews or Connor McDavid the Best NHL Player?
Goalie Mike Smith Will Be the Difference for the Edmonton Oilers’ Season
Does Edmonton Oilers goalie Mike Smith improve the Oilers’ chances of making the postseason? Oilers’ head coach Dave Tippett believes he does. And, at least Smith proved in his first game of the season that he was up to the task. Related: Oilers’ Zack Kassian Placed on LTIR, Will Miss at Least 10 Games Smith Does Well in His First Game of the 2020-21 Season Smith got his first start of the season against the Ottawa Senators and came away with a 3-1 victory.
Laine Benched For 'Verbally Disrespecting' Coach [Report]
As fans, media and practically everyone else watches what’s unfolding between Columbus Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella and forward Patrik Laine, more information is coming to light about the reason the player was benched just four games into his tenure with the organization.
Are Canucks Struggling Because They Think Coach Green Is Leaving?
Rightfully so, there is a lot of concern in Vancouver. The Canucks look disjointed and out of sync and with the losses piling up, the season is quickly slipping away from them. But, it might be more than just a lack of talent or the exodus of key players during the offseason that is causing all of their issues.
Predators Interested in Canucks' Forward Adam Gaudette
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet writes in his latest 31 Thoughts column that the Nashville Predators are one of the teams interested in Adam Gaudette. While it was earlier reported that the Vancouver Canucks were shopping the forward, it was believed no teams had really responded favorably to his availability. Related: Are Canucks Struggling Because They Think Coach Green Is Leaving?
Flames Game-Day News: Frose, Markstrom, Ritchie, Mackey & Rinaldo
In this edition of Calgary Flames Game-Day News, I’ll try to help Flames’ fans stay in touch with the news from the team. Related: Proposed Trade Between Flames and Maple Leafs Stirs Up Debate Item One: Byron Froese Will Likely Play in Tonight’s Game Byron Froese was called up from AHL Stockton (a paper more) and skated with the fourth line during this’s morning skate. As a result, there’s speculation that the 29-year-old center from Manitoba will play his second game of the season.
Delicate Situation Forming Between Laine and Tortorella in Columbus
It has been two weeks to the day since the biggest trade of the season took place: Pierre-Luc Dubois (and a 3rd round 2022 selection) was acquired by the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for Jack Roslovic and Patrik Laine to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Heck, it was only a week ago that Laine was activated from the injured reserve. Yet today, there is plenty of chatter about Laine’s inactivity during the 3rd period of Monday evening’s game versus the Carolina Hurricanes.
Brian Burke Will Join Ron Hextall and Penguins Management Team
As if reports the Pittsburgh Penguins were offering Ron Hextall the job as the team’s next general manager wasn’t already big news, that former GM and now television personality Brian Burke will be joining Hextall and the Penguins is somewhat shocking. Related: Ron Hextall Negotiating With Penguins to Become Team’s Next GM The Penguins have named Ron Hextall as general manager and Brian Burke as president of hockey operations.
Ron Hextall Negotiating With Penguins to Become Team's Next GM
Ron Hextall is apparently negotiating with the Pittsburgh Penguins to become the next general manager of the organization. As per Elliotte Friedman, it sounds like Hextall is past the stage of interviews and is now working out the details to take the job. Related: Top Option Out of Penguins GM Race, Pens Will Talk to Ron Hextall Ron Hextall is negotiating with PIT to be GM.
Columbus Blue Jackets Announce Mikko Koivu is Retiring
As per a report by a number of sources on Tuesday, followed up by an official announcement from the team, veteran center Mikko Koivu has decided to retire part way into the 2020-21 NHL season. A completely unexpected development, Koivu has is hanging up is skates following a 16-year playing career. Related: Bettman Says NHL Will Look At More Permanent Canadian Realignment #CBJ C Mikko Koivu has announced his retirement.
Troubling Details Behind Bell Media Layoffs and TSN Station Shut Downs
TSN 1040, TSN 1290 and TSN 1150 are all no more. Each station has been taken off the air as part of a series of shutdowns and massive layoffs by Bell Media and TSN. The news comes out of nowhere and just days after a Bell Let’s Talk initiative that is now getting a ton of negative press. Related: Hextall Named Penguins’ GM, Brian Burke Now President of Hockey Ops Bell Media on Jan. 28: "Mental health is important." Bell Media on Feb.
Scribe Suggests Tortorella Trying to Get Fired as Blue Jackets Head Coach
As Aaron Portzline said on TSN 690 today, “It’s been a long season in Columbus and it’s only 14 games in.” He noted, “You add all of this stuff up and it’s just daily drama.” That seems to be the feeling with the Blue Jackets organization these days as the latest story revolves around head coach John Tortorella benching newly-acquired forward Patrik Laine.
Edmonton Oilers' Zack Kassian Placed on LTIR, Will Miss 10 Games
The Edmonton Oilers will go into the second game of a back-to-back with the Ottawa Senators without the services of forward Zack Kassian. The winger was listed as week-to-week and then was placed on LTIR by the team. He is out at least 10 games. It appears Alex Chiasson will be coming into the lineup as a replacement and the organization has called up Devin Shore from the taxi squad. Related: Could Oilers Catch a Break From the NHL on Oscar Klefbom?
What the Vancouver Canucks Improved in Game 3 vs Maple Leafs
The song “You Make My Dreams Come True” by Daryl Hall & John Oates has been stuck in the heads of Vancouver Canucks fans this week. That happens to be the goal song of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who’ve outscored the Canucks 15-5 over these past three games, meaning they heard that song a lot.
Boston Bruins Sniffing Around on Canucks' Jake Virtanen in Trade
A couple of trusted hockey sources are reporting that there might be interest from the Boston Bruins on Vancouver Canucks’ forward Jake Virtanen. Apparently, that interest goes back a ways and it’s never quite dissipated, with talks potentially heating up as the Canucks look to make a change.
Bettman Says NHL Will Look At More Permanent Canadian Realignment
Most hockey fans are loving the new North Division and the Canadian rivalries that are coming out of the NHL’s new realignment for the 2020-21 season. Most hockey fans also know this is just a temporary solution until travel can resume as normal and fans come return to the building in all cities.
Golden Knights' Fleury Steadily Climbing All-Time NHL Win List
Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-André Fleury has had plenty of ebbs and flows during his illustrious career. At 36, he is on the ‘back nine’, but there are still several factors keeping him motivated. The first is his $7 million contract that extends through the 2021-21 season. He has always been known as a true professional, but the biggest motivator at this stage of his career might come from his placing on the all-time wins list.
Don Cherry Wonders If Canucks Players are Trying to Get Coach Fired
Never one to shy away from a controversial comment or two, hockey legend and Canadian icon Don Cherry has made it clear he thinks the Vancouver Canucks are playing some of the worst hockey he’s ever seen. And, he’s not sure if it’s intentional or not. Related: Canucks May Move on from GM Jim Benning Thanks to Toffoli Debacle We talk about what is wrong with Vancouver, some fishing stories, bad luck when I bragged about my dock, some other NHL news.
Jets, Oilers, Avalanche, Flames, More
Another busy week of NHL action and plenty of injuries and returns to report accordingly. While injuries are affecting practically every team in the NHL now, this update focuses on the Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Calgary Flames, along with a few other franchises.
6 Reasons the Rumors of Sam Bennett to the Maple Leafs Are Crazy
I have to admit that, although I’ve heard tons of rumors that the Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in the Calgary Flames’ center Sam Bennett, I simply cannot believe that the Maple Leafs would make that deal. Related: Proposed Trade Between Flames and Maple Leafs Stirs Up Debate Even this morning I read a rumor that the Maple Leafs have been interested in Sam Bennett for a while. Maybe a couple of years ago, but not now. I can’t even see it for defenseman Travis Dermott, who’s currently injured.
Proposed Trade Between Flames and Maple Leafs Stirs Up Debate
More than a few inside sources have confirmed now that the Toronto Maple Leafs might have interest in acquiring Sam Bennett from the Calgary Flames. Chris Johnston of Sportsnet was one of the first to bring it up, but since then, names like Luke Fox and Steve Simmons have reported something similar, that last of which actually proposed a trade he felt could work between the two sides.
Maple Leafs’ Zach Hyman’s Moving Back to First-Line Role
It’s been an up-and-down season (in the lineup) for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Zach Hyman. However, no matter where Hyman is placed in the lineup, he always produces. Related: Maple Leafs’ Wayne Simmonds Could Miss Six Weeks With Injury Joe Thornton’s Arrival Means Hyman Moved Down When Joe Thornton arrived in Toronto and head coach Sheldon Keefe decided that Thornton’s place in the lineup was with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner on the team’s top line, that moved Hyman down to a third-line role.
Toronto Maple Leafs Have Signed Scott Sabourin
As per a report by Chris Johnston of Sportsnet, the Toronto Maple Leafs have added a bit of sandpaper to their lineup. With the absence of Wayne Simmonds — who it was learned would be out up to six weeks with a hand injury — the Leafs have signed Scott Sabourin to a one-year, two-way contract. Related: Maple Leafs’ Zach Hyman’s Moving Back to First-Line Role The #leafs have signed Scott Sabourin to a one-year, two-way contract: $700,000/$250,000.
Canucks Looking to Trade Jake Virtanen, Calgary Flames an Option?
It appears the Vancouver Canucks are ready to move on from forward Jake Virtanen. Two separate reports this weekend have mentioned the player’s name in trade talks and discussion centers around the idea that the Canucks need to do something to shake things up. Virtanen would be the piece that’s moved to do so.
Canucks Turned Down Matt Dumba Trade When Ask Was Thatcher Demko
It’s pretty clear the Vancouver Canucks need to do something. Rumors of a trade are out there, as is speculation the GM’s job is on the hot seat. There’s been talk the Canucks are shopping both Jake Virtanen and Adam Gaudette but no one is biting. Something bigger needs to happen to shake up this roster or this 2020-21 NHL season is going to slip away from the team, if it hasn’t already.
Maple Leafs' Wayne Simmonds Could Miss Six Weeks With Injury
After working his way up from the fourth line and with the Toronto Maple Leafs rolling, the team got bad news as they learned Wayne Simmonds could be out for quite some time. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports the 32-year-old power forward is expected to miss up to six weeks after leaving during the third period of Saturday’s game after being hit in the hand with a shot. Related: Maple Leafs Have Interest in Trading For Flames’ F Sam Bennett Not liking what I’m hearing on Wayne Simmonds.
Montreal Has Early Advantage in the Anderson for Domi Exchange
One of the bigger trades this past offseason was a deal between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Montreal Canadiens. Specifically, the Canadiens traded forward Max Domi and a 2020 third-round pick (78th overall) to the Blue Jackets in exchange for forward Josh Anderson, just hours before the start of the NHL Draft. On the surface, the trade seemed to be a win/win for both teams.
Bear, McDavid, Grosenick, RNH, More
There’s plenty of news surrounding the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday. As the team gets set for a road trip that will start with the Battle of Alberta and the Calgary Flames, there is injury news on Ethan Bear, waiver wire news on goaltender Troy Grosenick, and questions surrounding Connor McDavid and other players on hot streaks. Plus, will there be rough stuff since these two teams don’t like each other all that much?
Maple Leafs Game-Day News: Spezza, Hutchinson, Dermott & Lehtonen
The Vancouver Canucks take on the Toronto Maple Leafs for their second of three games in a row. On Thursday night, the road-weary Canucks lost to a well-rested Maple Leafs’ team – no surprise there. Related: Maple Leafs Have Interest in Trading For Flames’ F Sam Bennett It wasn’t as if the Canucks played poorly; it’s just that they didn’t have the puck very often – as one can see by the shot count between the two teams.
Blackhawks New Starter Lankinen Getting Calder Mentions
Candidly, I was convinced the Chicago Blackhawks were going to have a rough if not disastrous 2020-21 season. Before the shortened season even started, the team was dealt some heavy blows. 3rd-overall 2019 selection, Kirby Dach, was injured during the World Junior Championships. Then they learned long-time captain Jonathan Toews would also be sidelined indefinitely. Most importantly, in my own opinion, was Chicago’s situation in goal.
This Season Canucks' Coach Travis Green Praises Short-Term Memories
The Vancouver Canucks lost to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night by a 7-3 score. It was the team’s third loss in a row – they had been beaten by the Monteal Canadiens 6-2 on Monday and 5-3 on Tuesday. Related: What’s Up With J.T. Miller?: Forward Blasts Canucks For Loss When things are going wrong, it’s tough to get back into a positive space. That’s true for anyone, but perhaps more true if you’re a professional sports team. Now, if you’re an NHL hockey coach, things might be more difficult.
Stars Scratch Anton Khudobin for Disciplinary Reasons
The Dallas Stars have made a statement and confirmed that goaltender Anton Khudobin will be scratched by the team on Sunday due to team discipline. The netminder did not take part in Saturday’s practice but skated afterward on his own. Whatever he did, the coach was not a fan. Related: Maple Leafs Game-Day News: Spezza, Hutchinson, Dermott & Lehtonen Anton Khudobin will be scratched by the Stars for their game against the Blackhawks on Sunday due to team discipline.
Kings Claim Troy Grosenick Off Waivers
Fans of the Edmonton Oilers who were concerned placing Troy Grosenick on waivers could lead to him being claimed again won’t love news on that popped up on Saturday that the goaltender has been claimed by the Los Angeles Kings. For the Kings, they get their goaltender back and for the Oilers, it’s time to hope Mike Smith is injury free.
Conflicting Reports About Flames Interest in Trading for Tony DeAngelo
While the hockey world waits to see what becomes of a potential trade that would see Tony DeAngelo leave the New York Rangers, there’s debate brewing between hockey analysts and insiders as they try to formulate which teams are in the mix on the defenseman and which teams aren’t. Related: Maple Leafs Have Interest in Trading For Flames’ F Sam Bennett I can dispel any rumours linking Tony DeAngelo and Sam Bennett via trade. No interest on the Flames part in the $4.8 million defenceman.
Toronto Maple Leafs
If Sam Bennett is truly on the trade market, expect the Toronto Maple Leafs to be a part of any rumors that speculate where the forward will land. On Friday, during the Hockey Central show, NHL insider Chris Johnston came on and said he believes a trade is certainly possible and that Toronto could be in the mix. Related: Lehtonen In, Keefe Says Sandin’s Time With Maple Leafs Will Come Rumors of a pending trade with Sam Bennett being made a healthy scratch by #Flames.
Edmonton Oilers Place Troy Grosenick on Waivers
According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, the Edmonton Oilers have placed goaltender Troy Grosenick on waivers. The move comes after Mike Smith was seen at practice working with the main group on Thursday. There is talk Smith will be reactivated off of LTIR on Sunday and could be suiting up for the Oilers in either Monday or Tuesday’s game against the Ottawa Senators. Related: Mike Smith Rejoins Oilers, Could Be Back Monday Against Senators The #Oilers have placed Troy Grosenick (G) on waivers.
Struggling Forward Blasts Canucks For Loss
Following an ugly 7-3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, J.T. Miller didn’t shy away from being critical of the team’s performance. The crazy thing is, Miller hasn’t been performing at a high level and outside of a goal in the third period, pundits suggest he’s as much to blame as anyone on the Canucks’ roster for their recent struggles.
Could the Edmonton Oilers Catch a Break From the NHL on Oscar Klefbom?
TSN 1260’s Jason Gregor posted an interesting update when it comes to the status of Edmonton Oilers’ defenseman Oscar Klefbom. There was talk some time ago about the severity of Klefbom’s injuries and what that might mean for the Oilers plans headed into the NHL Expansion Draft. Would they have to protect him? Would they not? There’s been more news on that situation. Related: Edmonton Oilers Place Troy Grosenick on Waivers Should clarify.
Canadiens News & Rumors: Danault, Weber, Romanov, Price & More
Led by their young rookie Tim Stutzle, who scored his first NHL goal and added two assists, the lowly Ottawa Senators stopped a nine-game losing streak at the expense of the Montreal Canadiens, the North Division’s top team. The final score was 3-2. For the Senators, who now have a record of 2-8-1 and who had not won since their season opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the victory was a long time coming.
David Pastrňák Returns to Boston Bruins Lineup on an Absolute Tear
Boston Bruins winger David Pastrňák continues to amaze. Despite offseason hip surgery that equated to him missing the team’s first seven games, he’s back and has officially caught fire. In his first three games since returning he has tallied five goals and added two assists.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes have hired one of the most respected men in hockey to act as a special advisor for the team. The club is bringing aboard former NHL forward Justin Williams and has hired him to work alongside general manager Don Waddell. Related: Pastrňák Returns to Bruins Lineup on an Absolute Tear Forever a Hurricane.
Mikko Lehtonen In, Keefe Says Sandin's Time With Maple Leafs Will Come
The Toronto Maple Leafs are changing up their lineup a bit with the news that defenseman Travis Dermott will be out with a bit of an injury. Blueliner Mikko Lehtonen will slot in, and potentially expecting a bit of criticism for the swap, head coach Sheldon Keefe commented on the status of prospect Rasmus Sandin. Related: Spezza Scores Hat Trick in Lopsided Maple Leafs’ Win Over Canucks Keefe on Sandin: “We haven’t forgotten who Rasmus is.
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