NHL Daily: Nikita Kucherov, Olympic Participation, Rookie Class
NHL Daily: Nikita Kucherov Will Not Report to Lightning Training Camp, Understanding the Business Side of Olympic Participation, Top 20 Rookies to Watch in Training Camp, and More (Morning Coffee Headlines)
Grab your morning cup of coffee and join us here at Puck Prose for a compilation of NHL daily links that will help keep you updated with everything going on in the hockey world.
In today’s edition: Tampa Bay Lightning restricted free agent Nikita Kucherov will not report to training camp until a contract is signed, a better understanding of the business side of international hockey and why it’s important for both the NHL and IOC to do their part, top 20 rookies to watch in training camps, and much more!
NHL Daily: Morning Coffee Headlines
NHL, IOC Must Work Together to Grow Sport
Sep 29, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Team Canada center Sidney Crosby (87) passes the championship trophy to his teammates after game two of the World Cup of Hockey final against Team Europe at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
Deidra Dionne at CBC delves into the business side of the hot topic debate regarding NHLers and Olympic Participation. She explains why it’s important for both the NHL and IOC to work together to help grow the game globally. [CBC]
Kucherov Will Not Report to Training Camp
Not surprising, news broke on Thursday that Tampa Bay Lightning F Nikita Kucherov will not attend training camp until he has a new contract. The only RFA without a contract currently in camp is Sabres D Rasmus Ristolainen, only after receiving special permission from GM Tim Murray. [Bolts by the Bay]
Top 20 Rookies to Watch in Training Camps
Sep 21, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Team North America center Auston Matthews (34) sets for a face-off against Team Sweden during preliminary round play in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
CBS Sports released their top 20 list for rookies to watch in NHL training camps. Toronto Maple Leafs youngsters Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner occupy three of the top four slots. [CBS Sports]
Solid First Impressions for Zibanejad, Buchnevich
John Williams at Blue Line Station discusses how it took only one preseason game for fans to fall in love with two new incoming players. In fact, Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad, and Pavel Buchnevich looks so good for the Rangers, they might have a chance to be New York’s second line once the season gets underway. [Blue Line Station]
Top 10 Defensive Pairings
December 5, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (8) celebrates with defenseman Jake Muzzin (6) his goal scored against Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at Staples Center. Muzzin recored an assist on the goal. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Allan Mitchell over at Bleacher Report breaks down his predictions for the top 10 defensive pairings for the upcoming 2016-17 season. Two Predators blue line duos manage to crack the countdown. [Bleacher Report]
Predators Sign Samuel Girard
On Thursday, the Nashville Predators announced they have signed 2016 second round pick Samuel Girard to a three-year entry-level contract. Girard is coming off an impressive 2015-16 in which he was named QMJHL Defenseman of the Year. [Predlines]
Human Hockey Puck
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The Moncton Wildcats are getting creative with their entertainment during intermissions. James Upham is in charge of programming and he’s hoping his new “human hockey puck hovercraft” will catch on with fans. [Yahoo Sports]
Konecny Too Good for OHL
After nearly cracking the roster as an 18-year-old, it seems Travis Konecny is at it again in his second training camp. Marc Naples over at Broad Street Buzz discusses why Konecny is simply too good to return to the Ontario Hockey League. [Broad Street Buzz]
NHL Daily Morning Rant
NHL Preseason Rookie Top Performers (Thursday Night’s Action)
F Paul Bittner (CLB) – 1 goal
D Zach Werenski (CLB) – 1 assist
F Michael McCarron (MTL) – 1 goal
F Artturi Lehkonen (MTL) – 1 assist
D Mikhail Sergachev (MTL) – 1 assist
F Miles Wood (NJ) – 1 goal
F Pavel Buchnevich (NYR) – 1 assist
D John Gilmour (NYR) – 1 goal, 1 assist
F Brayden Point (TB) – 1 goal
G Kasimir Kaskisuo (TOR) – shutout (so loss)
F Kyle Connor (WPG) – 1 goal
F Chase De Leo (WPG) – 1 goal, 1 assist
D Josh Morrissey (WPG) – 2 assists
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