NHL Daily: “Johnny Hockey” name officially trademarked, Darnell Nurse had successful surgery and will miss the next 12 weeks, New York Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock could be on the trade block, 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.
Only two games were on the schedule Monday. Pittsburgh dominated Arizona 7-0 at home as Matt Murray collected the shutout. Boston edged the Canadiens with an important 2-1 road win as Tuukka Rask outdueled Carey Price.
Here is your highlight of the night:
Two pad stack alert! #BOSvsMTL pic.twitter.com/jfQSk98FSn
— NHL (@NHL) December 13, 2016
NHL Daily: Morning Coffee Headlines
“Johnny Hockey” Trademarked
Roughly a year after applying to trademark the “Johnny Hockey” name, Gaudreau’s application was approved. The move allows Johnny to monetize the name through clothing and other types of merchandise. [The Score]
Nurse Has Successful Surgery
All NHL
21-year-old Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse underwent successful surgery on Monday to repair ligament/bone damage in his right ankle. He’s expected to miss the next 12 weeks, keeping him out until at least March. [Oil on Whyte]
Makar Catching Scouts Attention
18-year-old offensive defenseman Cale Makar is drawing interest from NHL scouts at the World Junior A Challenge in Bonnyville, Alberta. A couple of experts have gone as far as saying he deserves to be in Blainville at the Team Canada’s World Junior camp. [TSN]
Pulock on the Trade Block?
The New York Islanders are destined to leave a few notable defenders exposed in the expansion next June. Thomas Hickey and Calvin de Haan headline the list, but top prospect Ryan Pulock may be just as tempting based on his potential. Christopher Lizza over at Eyes on Isles thinks there’s a chance GM Garth Snow might trade the young blueliner. [Eyes on Isles]
Vrana Getting His Shot
After dominating the AHL in 2015-16, Caps prospect Jakub Vrana proved he was ready to contribute at the NHL level. Unfortunately, too much depth has forced the talented winger to marinate a little longer in the minors. Don’t be surprised if the Czech forward sticks around for an extended period of time now that he’s with the big club. [The Washington Post]
Dallas Stars Have Two Identities
Allison Scott over at Blackout Dallas discusses the Stars recent woes. She describes it as a team suffering from multiple personality disorder, or a tale of two teams in a sort. One night they’re red-hot against a tough opponent, the next, they disappear for long stretches. [Blackout Dallas]
Next: Vegas Golden Knights Mock Expansion Draft Roundtable
NHL Daily Morning Rant
Every now and then, I like to produce a list of AHL players worthy of a call-up to the big club. Some of those past individuals included Pittsburgh’s Jake Guentzel and New Jersey’s John Quenneville – both of whom made an appearance, with Guentzal piling up a whack of points in his short stint.
So, who are the next ones to watch for? Here’s my top 10 worthy of a call-up:
1. F Brendan Leipsic, Toronto (Toronto Maple Leafs)
2016-17: 22gp 8g 19a 27pts
2. G David Rittich, Stockton (Calgary Flames)
2016-17: 5-3-0 1.38GAA .950 save percentage
3. F Matt Lorito, Albany (New Jersey Devils)
2016-17: 24gp 10g 16a 26pts
4. F Taylor Leier, Lehigh Valley (Philadelphia Flyers)
2016-17: 22gp 6g 14a 20pts
5. F Ivan Barbashev, Chicago (St. Louis Blues)
2016-17: 25gp 7g 12a 19pts
6. F Wayne Simpson, Providence (Boston Bruins)
2016-17: 25gp 8g 13a 21pts
7. F Vladislav Kamenev, Milwaukee (Nashville Predators)
2016-17: 23gp 7g 12a 19pts
8. F Jack Roslovic, Manitoba (Winnipeg Jets)
2016-17: 23gp 8g 10a 18pts
9. F Andrew Mangiapane, Stockton (Calgary Flames)
2016-17: 20gp 6g 12a 18pts
10. D Kyle Wood, Tucson (Arizona Coyotes)
2016-17: 18gp 5g 13a 18pts
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