NHL Daily: KHL, Jaden Schwartz, Christian Ehrhoff, Dan Girardi
By Ryan Ritchie
NHL Daily: Ceremonial Puck Drop Fail in the KHL, Blues F Jaden Schwartz Expected to Miss 4 Weeks, Boston Signs D Christian Ehrhoff to Professional Tryout Offer, Rangers D Dan Girardi Looking to Rebound in 2016-17 (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: Epic ceremonial puck drop fail in the KHL with Kunlun Red Star, St.Louis Blues forward Jaden Schwartz is expected to miss the next four weeks, Boston Bruins sign veteran defenseman Christian Ehrhoff to professional tryout offer (PTO), New York Rangers D Dan Girardi looking to rebound and prove doubters wrong in 2016-17, and much more!
NHL Daily: Morning Coffee Headlines
Epic Ceremonial Puck Drop Fail
There are bound to be hiccups as we continue to grow our game in new corners of the world. Check out this video of the ceremonial puck drop at a KHL game in China featuring the league’s newest team Kunlun Red Star, based out of Beijing. [Sportsnet]
Schwartz Injured, Out 4 Weeks
St.Louis Blues received some bad news on Friday as they learned forward Jaden Schwartz is expected to miss the next four weeks. Todd Panula over at Bleedin’ Blue addresses the following meltdown from the fan base on social media. [Bleedin’ Blue]
Andrew Shaw: Suspension Doesn't Send Right Message
Heartfelt Story from World Cup of Hockey
ESPN’s Chris Jones had three extra gold seat tickets to Toronto’s World Cup Final. After wandering the rafters of the Air Canada Centre, he found Madeline Flynn and her two grandchildren. They were thrilled when Mr.Jones offered to upgrade their seats to sit with him. This is a must read story that warms the heart. [ESPN]
Bruins Sign Ehrhoff to PTO
Announced Friday from TSN’s Bob McKenzie, the Boston Bruins have signed veteran defenseman Christian Ehrhoff to a professional tryout offer (PTO). Ehrhoff recently appeared for Team Europe at the World Cup and played well enough to virtually ensure that he plays in the NHL this year (whether BOS signs him or someone afterwards). [Causeway Crowd]
Season Preview: Fantasy Hockey Primer: Projections, 30-Team Analysis
MacArthur Encouraged by Body’s Reaction Following Concussion
Ottawa Senators forward Clarke MacArthur is encouraged by the way his body is reacting following yet another concussion suffered on a hit by Patrick Sieloff in training camp. The Sens veteran has missed the last calendar year due to post-concussion syndrome, leaving fears that the next hit will be the one that ends his career. [The Hockey News]
Girardi Motivated, Looking to Rebound
32-year-old New York Rangers D Dan Girardi is coming off a rough season in which some fans were calling for a buyout. The veteran blue liner is hoping to rebound in 2016-17 and is motivated to do – which is good news considering he has four years remaining at $5.5 million dollars/year. [Blue Line Station]
Trade Rumors: 5 Hypothetical Trades That Could Make Sense
College Hockey Storylines in 2016-17
College Hockey Inc. released their preseason list of the biggest storylines to watch in NCAA hockey in 2016-17. They speculate on national champions, Hobey Baker award winner, and rookies to keep an eye on, plus more. [College Hockey Inc.]
Lightning Should Retire Dave Andreychuk’s Number
The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to honor Vincent Lecavalier on October 18th. Fans initially believed his number would be retired, but that’s not the case. Tasha St.Pierre over at Bolts by the Bay discusses how Hall of Famer Dave Andreychuk deserves to have his jersey lifted to the rafters before anyone else. [Bolts by the Bay]
NHL Daily Morning Rant
Whether Christian Ehrhoff earns a contract with the Bruins or not, this isn’t what fans or experts envisioned for GM Don Sweeney addressing the blue line. It feels eerily reminiscent of a year ago at this time when management seemingly tried to convince fans (and themselves) the team was good enough to compete.
If this is, in fact, Don Sweeney’s solution to the back end after it sounded like they’d look to the trade market early in the summer, Bruins fans could be in for a serious case of deja vu in 2016-17. The new season may not end the same way (with an epic collapse down the final stretch), but this is a team that could be fighting for a Wild-Card spot – with a possibility of missing out narrowly once again.
Perhaps it sounds a little strange, but the best thing for the Boston Bruins would be a slow start out of the gates. Something which forces GM Don Sweeney to make a move to acquire a higher quality defender.
Next: Winnipeg Jets Need to Solve Their Goaltending Conundrum
Potential Trade Targets That Could Fit:
Cam Fowler (Anaheim Ducks), Justin Faulk (Carolina Hurricanes), Jack Johnson (Columbus Blue Jackets), Jonas Brodin (Minnesota Wild), Calvin de Haan (New York Islanders), Kevin Shattenkirk (St.Louis Blues), Braydon Coburn (Tampa Bay), Nate Schmidt (Washington Capitals), Jacob Trouba (Winnipeg Jets)
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