Welcome back hockey fans! Welcome to Week 5 of our news from around the world of hockey and around the league. We have lots to get to, so let’s jump right in.
- It looks like there is still one RFA left Jeremy Swayman, and it seems he and his agent (Lewis Gross) are at an impasse for a new contract and it has gotten ugly and gotten into the public view, after fiery comments from President of Hockey Operations Cam Neely stating “I have 64 million reasons why I’d be playing right now” leading to speculation that an 8 year, $8 million dollar contract was offered, which was then shut down by the agent saying there was never anything like that offered and now leading to speculation that he may request a trade after Gross noted that he will take some time with his client to think. Right now Korpisalo is planned to being the starter.
- In other hockey news the NHL and NHLPA have given the Columbus Blue Jackets cap relief in wake of Gaudreau’s death and they will not not need to meet it on October 7, 2024 (which is the deadline). This is a special exception and it is understandable as Don Waddell tries to figure out what is happening. We wonder if there are any specific UFA’s out there that will be signed to bolter their forward group.
- We also hear that both Patrik Laine and David Reinbacher will both be out for a while after the injuries they sustained in the preseason game versus Toronto Reinbacher is expected to miss five to six months after undergoing knee surgery. He was selected fifth overall in the 2023 draft and had 2 goals and 3 assists points in 11 games with the Laval Rocket after coming over from Switzerland. On the other side Laine is expected to be out from 2-3 months with a knee sprain, after appearing at a Montreal Canadiens practice, which head coach Martin St. Louis praised. This is a big loss for the team Laine came over to make an impact.
- The NHL Board of Governors have approved the sale of the Tampa Bay Lightning organization to Doug Ostrover and his ownership group. Elliotte Friedman did mention that the valuation of the club is about $1.8 billion, which is great for the NHL as some didn’t believe this franchise would last in the 90s and there are now still a competitive team.
- Speaking of other hockey business, the Canadian hockey equipment maker CCM to be bought by a Swedish private equity firm and will own a majority stake in Canada’s iconic 125-year-old brand. Their goal is growing their products and will continue to be involved in both the NHL, PWHL and other levels of hockey.
- The Buffalo Sabres have announced that they have named Rasmus Dahlin their new captain. Dahlin, who was selected number 1 overall in the 2018 NHL Draft, set a career-high of 20 goals and 39 assists for 59 points in 81 games. He is an excellent leader on and off the ice and could be nominated for a Norris trophy in the future. Alex Tuch, Dylan Cozens, Mattias Samuelsson, and Tage Thompson will serve as alternative captains.
- The Los Angeles Kings have announced that Drew Doughty will be out month to month after fracturing his ankle in the game against Vegas Golden Knights. This is a big loss for the Kings who are trying to stay competitive in the Pacific Division. We hope to see him back but again the question of the length of the pre-season is in question. Should it be shortened, changed or updated in any way? Let us know your thoughts.
- As always, there is a lot more news so make sure to tune in tonight for Season 6, Episode 5 of Two Guys & Hockey Talk. See you all tonight.
Thoughts? Questions? Suggestions? Then remember to tune in each week to get all the latest news in the world of hockey. For more hockey news, different takes or if you want to chat about anything hockey give me a follow @hockey_two on TWITTER and give us a follow on YouTube, or at https://twoguysandhockeytalk.com/.
- Pawel ‘The Cat’
