NHL Daily: David Clarkson, Carolina Hurricanes, USA Hockey
By Ryan Ritchie
NHL Daily: David Clarkson Fails Physical, Carolina Hurricanes Prospects Win Matthew Wuest Memorial Cup, USA Hockey Needs to Regroup, 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: It sounds as though Columbus Blue Jackets forward David Clarkson’s career could be over after failing a physical, Carolina Hurricanes prospects defeated the Detroit Red Wings to win the annual Matthew Wuest Memorial Cup for the first time since 2009, USA Hockey needs to regroup after a disappointing showing at the World Cup, and much more!
NHL Daily: Morning Coffee Headlines
Clarkson Faces Career-Threatening Back Issue
The Hockey News reports that Blue Jackets F David Clarkson failed a recent physical and could begin the year on the long-term IR. He’s facing a recurring back issue that threatens to end his career. Luckily, his contract is insured (a big factor when Toronto took Nathan Horton‘s uninsurable contract off Columbus’ hands). [The Hockey News]
Canes Prospects Win Matthew Wuest Memorial Cup
Carolina Hurricanes rookies defeated the Detroit Red Wings to capture its first Matthew Wuest Memorial Cup since 2009. An impressive feat considering they were without Haydn Fleury (missed final few games), Sebastian Aho (World Cup of Hockey), and Aleksi Saarela (injured for tournament). [Cardiac Cane]
Expansion Draft: Malcolm Subban Might Be Las Vegas' Goalie Of The Future
Former NHL Defenseman Richie Dunn Passes Away
In sad news Wednesday, the hockey world learned that former NHLer Richie Dunn passed away at the age of 59. The former NHL defenseman played 483 games with Buffalo, Calgary, and Hartford in the 1970s and 1980s. [NHL.com]
Wild Prospects Tuch, Bertschy Eyeing Opening Night Roster Spot
Minnesota wrapped up their prospect tournament recently in Traverse City with a disappointing 1-3 record. Danny Lambert over at Gone Puck Wild discusses how two players – Alex Tuch and Cristoph Bertschy – stood out above the rest and could make strong cases to be on Minnesota’s opening night roster. [Gone Puck Wild]
Free Agency: Top 5 Remaining Free Agents
What’s the Next Step for USA Hockey?
ESPN senior writer Scott Burnside says “USA Hockey must do some soul-searching after Americans’ disastrous World Cup showing”. Scott believes there are numerous questions ranging from organizational to philosophical and beyond. It’s an interesting read worth checking out. [ESPN]
Nicholas Baptiste Impresses at Sabres Prospect Tournament
Sabres rookies had a disappointing overall showing at their prospects tournament. Richard Spalding over at Sabre Noise talks about how one player stood out above all the rest – 2013 3rd rounder Nick Baptiste. The 21-year-old finished his first full year of pro in 2015-16 racking up 13 goals, 15 assists (28 points) in 62 games for AHL Rochester. [Sabre Noise]
Group Roundtable: Surprise Teams and Catalyst Players
Former NHLer Ethan Moreau Joins Niagara University Coaching Staff
15-year NHL vet Ethan Moreau has decided to start his coaching career. Since last appearing in the NHL with Los Angeles in 2011-12, Moreau since served as a scout for the Montreal Canadiens. On Wednesday, it was announced that Niagara University hired Ethan as their new assistant coach. [USCHO]
Gostisbehere a Key Factor in USA Hockey’s Future?
Marc Naples of Broad Street Buz discusses how the “Ghost” Shayne Gostisbehere might be a key factor for USA Hockey moving forward. The Americans have a ton of up-and-coming offensive stars (i.e. Jack Eichel/Brandon Saad/Dylan Larkin) but the blue line has some question marks. Marc discusses how Justin Faulk, Noah Hanifin, Seth Jones, and the Ghost are integral parts of getting this program back on track. [Broad Street Buzz]
NHL Daily Morning Rant
Scott Burnside of ESPN is correct when he says USA Hockey needs to do some soul-searching. A few things, in particular, stood out to me that could be deemed a red flag.
The first mistake was essentially designing a roster to beat a single team (Canada). Second was their style of play straying away from traditional talent playing a more physical, gritty type of game from years past. Lastly, T.J. Oshie‘s comments heading into Tuesday’s tilt were somewhat disturbing to insinuate “if it comes to 100 percent skill, they win, 100 percent grit, we win”. That epitomizes everything that is wrong with USA Hockey’s attitude.
Next: 5 Hypothetical Trades That Could Make Sense
Here’s a program facing a serious case of missing identity. It’s time for USA Hockey to figure out exactly what makes them uniquely American on the ice.
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