32 Thoughts Monday morning news, information and playoff reaction pod. Lots to talk about.
Next pod will be Friday, and then after each Stanley Cup Final game.
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There is word the NHL, NHLPA and NHL Player Inclusion Coalition have agreed that players will have the option to represent social causes with stick tape throughout the season. This includes games and practices
Edmonton is making a coaching change. Jay Woodcroft being relieved of his duties. Thought last nights win would buy some time, but that’s not the case.
We’ve all been laughing about this tonight…we’ll see how things evolve tomorrow, but the NHL still has to weigh in. I don’t think it found the refusal to leave the bench as humorous as social media did
Per
@AZCoyotesPR
and NHL Stats, the Coyotes (who were on the man-advantage while this happened) became the first team to score a PPG without recording a powerplay shot in a game. Just crazy stuff
Apparently, Philadelphia had a lot of trouble trying to meet with Gauthier at World Juniors. Belief was he preferred not to play there, so Flyers made this deal
TRADE ALERT: We have acquired defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a second-round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for forward Cutter Gauthier.
Passover is one of my favourite times on the Jewish calendar.
This is a painful era for a ton of people, most of whom live in situations much, much more challenging than mine. I pray for the hostages and their families (
#bringthemhome
). I despise the hate that has exploded in
Craziest possible scenario tonight: Flyers must win in regulation to have a chance. Any kind of win by Capitals puts them in playoffs. What happens if game is tied late in third period? Flyers have to pull goalie, don’t they? Risking Capitals clinching on empty-netter.
Vegas trades the final pick of the draft to Columbus. The Blue Jackets select Tyler Peddle — who was in attendance. Nice moment. Gets taken after a long wait
Paul Maurice revealed post-game that Matthew Tkachuk fractured his sternum in Game 3. Also: Aaron Ekblad played through a broken foot, popping his shoulder twice and tearing his oblique. He said some players may not be ready for the start of next season
Let’s confirm this: Lindy Ruff will be the next head coach of the Buffalo Sabres, returning to the team he led from 1997-2103.
@AdamBenigni
was on it too
There is a legit attempt to get an Erik Karlsson trade done today. Would involve Pittsburgh, San Jose and at least one other team to facilitate the cap gyrations. We will see how it plays out…but everyone grinding in that direction.
On Kane/NYR: last 24 hours or so has been about lining up everything from cap situation to third-party trade partners to roster machinations to Kane’s approval. Making sure everything in place; no detail is missed. We’re grinding towards a conclusion, no one wants a misstep.
Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon announces:
Alex Pietrangelo had an appendectomy and will practice today
Mark Stone is cleared for contact and will practice today.
William Carrier will also practice today
From NHL Board of Governors: teams will not wear specialty jerseys in warmups next season. Also: Cap, Ottawa, Arizona and other topics. With Commissioner Gary Bettman here —
NHL & NHLPA announced Colorado's Valeri Nichushkin is now in Stage 3 of the Player Assistance Program.
As a result, Nichushkin will be suspended without pay for a minimum of six months, then can apply for reinstatement.
Reached out to Patrick today, he politely declined to talk...but did text to say he has not officially retired. It's clear he prefers to stay under the radar.