Healthy Kessel expected to give Coyotes a boost in return
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The start of Phil Kessel’s desert tenure did not go according to plan, for him or the Arizona Coyotes. Expected to give the Coyotes a scoring jolt, Kessel instead labored, in large part due to a string of injuries. The NHL’s pandemic-caused pause has give the 32-year-old right wing a chance […]
NHL not planning to quarantine players for training camps
Jason Spezza’s confidence in the NHL returning has not been shaken by word of 11 fellow players testing positive for the coronavirus. Given his involvement in NHL Players’ Association talks, the veteran Toronto forward knew from doctors’ input there would be positive test results in hockey just as there have been in other sports as […]
Red Wings have shot to win NHL lottery to draft Lafreniere
The once-proud Detroit Red Wings hope to win the NHL draft lottery, giving them a shot to select Canadian Alexis Lafreniere. Detroit desperately needs a boost after easily being the worst team in the league during the pandemic-shortened season that was put on ice in March. Lafreniere, an 18-year-old winger, is the consensus top prospect […]
With Climate Pledge Arena, Amazon puts promise in lights
NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon is bringing its climate change message to a new arena. Literally. The company, eager to prove that it’s working to combat climate change, is paying to name a Seattle hockey stadium Climate Pledge Arena. The new moniker is meant to recall The Climate Pledge, an initiative Amazon launched last year […]
Iginla headlines 2020 Hall class as 4th Black player elected
Jarome Iginla headlines the Hockey Hall of Fame’s six-person class of 2020 after being elected Wednesday in his first year of eligibility. Iginla will be the fourth Black player inducted after Grant Fuhr, women’s hockey pioneer Angela James and Willie O’Ree. Iginla and Fuhr are the only Black NHL players enshrined for their on-ice accomplishments, […]
NHL’s focus shifts to Canadian cities as possible hubs
Canada has approved the NHL’s return-to-play proposal that could lead to one or more cities north of the border serving as host sites for the league’s 24-team playoff format. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland announced Friday that the nation’s top public health officer, and health officials in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario had signed off […]
Oilers have Hart? McDavid, Draisaitl are NHL MVP candidates
The Edmonton Oilers’ resurgence placed Connor McDavid back in the NHL MVP conversation, along with teammate Leon Draisaitl. Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon and Boston’s David Pastrnak made their case, too, during a pandemic-shortened season. And don’t forget Artemi Panarin, a late entry in the discussion after the New York Rangers finished 11th in the Eastern Conference, […]
Puck woes: NHL’s bottom line facing short-term blow
With so much uncertainty, Larry Quinn can’t predict just how severe the NHL’s financial losses might be due to the coronavirus pandemic. That doesn’t stop the former Buffalo Sabres managing partner from providing a bleak assessment, at least for the short term. “They’ve got big challenges ahead,” Quinn said. “And the problem is that you […]