3 PM ET
NOON PT
The Trading Post Archive
With the clock ticking past the 3 PM deadline in the Eastern Time zone, a few deals that were still in motion became finalized transactions, still not enough to make the events of the previous six hours as the thing of a Blockbuster Day, with the shift in personnel more a bit of fine tuning and positioning perhaps for Draft Day in July.
Found among the listings of last minute maneuvering were:
NHL Trade Alert
Boston - Carolina -- The Bruins picked up defenceman John Michael-Liles from the Hurricanes, with Anthony Camara heading for Carolina, along with a third round pick in the 2016 Draft and a 5th Round pick in the 2017 Draft.
NHL Trade Alert
Ottawa -- New York Islanders -- The Senators pick up a third round pick in the 2016 draft after they send Shane Prince and a 7th Round pick in the 2016 draft to the New York Islanders
NHL Trade Alert
Minnesota - Ottawa -- The Wild and Senators make an exchange, with Conor Allen heading to Minnesota and Michael Keranen making his way to Ottawa
NHL Trade Alert
Montreal - New Jersey Devils -- Devante Smith-Pelly packs his suitcase once again, this time on his way to New Jersey in exchange the Habs picked up Stefan Matteau.
NHL Trade Alert
Boston -- New Jersey Devils -- The Bruins add to their depth at forward taking Lee Stempniak from New Jersey with a second round pick in the 2017 draft and a 4th round pick in the 2016 draft going to the Devils.
NHL Trade Alert
Anaheim -- Buffalo -- Jamie McGinn is on his way to Southern California, as the Ducks swing a deal with the Sabres, surrendering a conditional 3rd Round pick in the draft.
NHL Trade Alert
New York Islanders -- Colorado -- The Islanders pick up Marc Andre-Cliche from the Avalanche in exchange for Taylor Beck
(NHL Trade Alert)
NHL Trade Alert
Minnesota -- Los Angeles -- The Kings hold a family reunion with Brett Sutter shifting over from the Minnesota Wild with defenceman Scott Sabourin heading to the Wild, Sutter is the son of Kings head coach Daryl Sutter.
(NHL Trade Alert)
NHL Trade Alert
Arizona -- Nashville -- Corey Potter heads for Nashville after the Coyote and Predators finish off a deal, the Coyotes received future considerations for their side of the arrangement.
NHL Trade Alert
Anaheim -- Chicago -- The Ducks give up Tim Jackman and a 7th round pick in the 2017 draft to Chicago in exchange for Corey Tropp.
NHL Trade Alert
Anaheim -- Edmonton -- The Ducks keep busy sending Patrick Maroon to the Edmonton Oilers receive Defenceman Martin Gernat and a 4th round pick in 2016 as part of the deal
(NHL Trade Alert)
NHL Trade Alert
Minnesota -- Calgary -- Goaltender Niklas Backstrom is Alberta bound along with a 6th round draft pick in the 2016 draft, with Minnesota receiving David Jones in return
(NHL Trade Alert)
NHL Trade Alert
Arizona -- Pittsburgh -- A three for one deal sees Dustin Jeffrey, Dan O'Donoghue and James Melindy off to Pittsburgh, with the Coyotes receiving Matia Marantuoni in return
Monday, February 29, 2016
Trade Deadline Day -- Segment Five
2 PM to 3 PM ET
11 AM to NOON PT
The Trading Post Archive
Into the final hour of the Trading Deadline we go, with the instant messages flashing across panelists phones, though few it seem are delivering final announcements on the blockbuster like trade that will make all the filler material of the day so far worth the wait ...
Sportsnet notes that they're going to need a late game rally to try and match previous years results, then turns to a look at the situation in Ottawa, with a focus on the announcement that the Sens are shutting down Kyle Turris to recover from his leg injury.
TSN reviews the growing trend of no trade contracts and how it shifts the nature of trade deadline day.
TRADE ALERT
11:20 AM / 2:20 PM PT
The Anaheim Ducks pick up Brandon Pirri from the Florida Panthers, sending a 6th Round pick to Florida in exchange.
(NHL Trade Alert)
Sportsnet continues to learn the ways of Mess, as Mark Messier recounts how he would welcome players that were traded to his teams during his career. TSN is reviewing the Pirri deal between the Ducks and Panthers.
The final half hour provides for a recap of the trading information on the day so far, which doesn't take for time out of the programming planning.
TSN does check in with Jennifer Hedger to make sure that she a) recovered from the horrid T shirt gun ambush and b) does not have a lawyer on hand to counsel on workplace threat concerns ...
Sportsnet has tracked down Eric Gelinas to see what he thinks of his new destination of Colorado. Then in a quick pivot, tries their best to get Pierre Parenteau traded away by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
With the clock winding its way to the finish line, TSN and Sportsnet put their finishing thoughts together on one of the slowest days in recent Trade Deadline experiences.
Though we are cautioned that some trades may still be in the pipeline and would be released as the post deadline hour plays out.
11 AM to NOON PT
The Trading Post Archive
Into the final hour of the Trading Deadline we go, with the instant messages flashing across panelists phones, though few it seem are delivering final announcements on the blockbuster like trade that will make all the filler material of the day so far worth the wait ...
Sportsnet notes that they're going to need a late game rally to try and match previous years results, then turns to a look at the situation in Ottawa, with a focus on the announcement that the Sens are shutting down Kyle Turris to recover from his leg injury.
TSN reviews the growing trend of no trade contracts and how it shifts the nature of trade deadline day.
TRADE ALERT
11:20 AM / 2:20 PM PT
The Anaheim Ducks pick up Brandon Pirri from the Florida Panthers, sending a 6th Round pick to Florida in exchange.
(NHL Trade Alert)
Sportsnet continues to learn the ways of Mess, as Mark Messier recounts how he would welcome players that were traded to his teams during his career. TSN is reviewing the Pirri deal between the Ducks and Panthers.
The final half hour provides for a recap of the trading information on the day so far, which doesn't take for time out of the programming planning.
TSN does check in with Jennifer Hedger to make sure that she a) recovered from the horrid T shirt gun ambush and b) does not have a lawyer on hand to counsel on workplace threat concerns ...
Sportsnet has tracked down Eric Gelinas to see what he thinks of his new destination of Colorado. Then in a quick pivot, tries their best to get Pierre Parenteau traded away by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
With the clock winding its way to the finish line, TSN and Sportsnet put their finishing thoughts together on one of the slowest days in recent Trade Deadline experiences.
Though we are cautioned that some trades may still be in the pipeline and would be released as the post deadline hour plays out.
Trade Deadline Day -- Segment Four
1PM to 2 PM ET
10 AM to 11 AM PT
The Trading Post Archive
How slow is deadline day? James Duthie has taken to reinforcing his belief that there will be another trade before the deadline arrives in two hours time ... Betting sides stand ready to take some of that action ...
Sportsnet has turned its attention to the trade earlier this year between Nashville and Columbus and which team won the Jones / Johansen trade, a theme previously explored by TSN in the previous hour.
A Minor league deal sees the Blackhawks and Hurricanes swapping two players.
TRADE ALERT
10:12 AM PT / 1:12 PM ET
The Colorado Avalanche and Arizona Coyotes provide the reinforcements for Trade Deadline discussion, with the Avs picking up Left Winger Mikkel Boedker from Arizona, heading to Arizona is Alex Tanguay and two prospects Connor Bleackley and Kyle Wood
(NHL Trade Alert)
The shift of Tanguay for Boedker captures the attention of the two Deadline show options, though it doesn't make for a lengthy review, with a return to the forecasting and prognostications of what could come yet.
TSN turns its attention to another tour of the Canadian teams to shake the trees and see if anything is under discussion, Sportsnet grabs an interview with Boedker to learn how he heard of the trade and what he sees ahead in Colorado.
TRADE ALERT
10:38 AM PT / 1:38 PM ET
Colorado keeps its trading plan in motion picking up Eric Gelinas from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a 3rd Round pick.
(NHL Trade Alert)
TRADE ALERT
10:38 AM / 1:38 PM ET
Dallas and Calgary strike a deal with the Stars picking up some strength on the blue line acquiring Kris Russell from Calgary. Calgary receives Jyrki Jokipakka, Brett Pollock and a conditional 2nd Round Draft pick
(NHL Trade Alert)
TSN is the first to get an interview with Alex Tanguay, how notes that the trade was not a surprise as he had known that the Avalanche had no plans to resign him for next season.
Sportsnet features a discussion with Mark Messier and the impact of his trade to the Rangers after a lengthy run with the Edmonton Oilers.
10 AM to 11 AM PT
The Trading Post Archive
How slow is deadline day? James Duthie has taken to reinforcing his belief that there will be another trade before the deadline arrives in two hours time ... Betting sides stand ready to take some of that action ...
Sportsnet has turned its attention to the trade earlier this year between Nashville and Columbus and which team won the Jones / Johansen trade, a theme previously explored by TSN in the previous hour.
A Minor league deal sees the Blackhawks and Hurricanes swapping two players.
TRADE ALERT
10:12 AM PT / 1:12 PM ET
The Colorado Avalanche and Arizona Coyotes provide the reinforcements for Trade Deadline discussion, with the Avs picking up Left Winger Mikkel Boedker from Arizona, heading to Arizona is Alex Tanguay and two prospects Connor Bleackley and Kyle Wood
(NHL Trade Alert)
The shift of Tanguay for Boedker captures the attention of the two Deadline show options, though it doesn't make for a lengthy review, with a return to the forecasting and prognostications of what could come yet.
TSN turns its attention to another tour of the Canadian teams to shake the trees and see if anything is under discussion, Sportsnet grabs an interview with Boedker to learn how he heard of the trade and what he sees ahead in Colorado.
TRADE ALERT
10:38 AM PT / 1:38 PM ET
Colorado keeps its trading plan in motion picking up Eric Gelinas from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a 3rd Round pick.
(NHL Trade Alert)
TRADE ALERT
10:38 AM / 1:38 PM ET
Dallas and Calgary strike a deal with the Stars picking up some strength on the blue line acquiring Kris Russell from Calgary. Calgary receives Jyrki Jokipakka, Brett Pollock and a conditional 2nd Round Draft pick
(NHL Trade Alert)
TSN is the first to get an interview with Alex Tanguay, how notes that the trade was not a surprise as he had known that the Avalanche had no plans to resign him for next season.
Sportsnet features a discussion with Mark Messier and the impact of his trade to the Rangers after a lengthy run with the Edmonton Oilers.
Trade Deadline Day -- Segment Three
Noon to 1 PM ET
9 AM to 10 AM PT
The Trading Post Archive
Well into the deadlines shows and we are going very deep into the file footage of potential trade bait and camera shots of game day skates across the NHL, as Deadline Day delivers but one transaction to this point for discussion.
This of course leaves the loquacious hosts and corespondents of the Deadline shows with lots of time to fill, with much of the programming to this point resembling the theory of the old Jerry Seinfeld show, once referenced as a show about nothing ... review your options and insert your favourite TSN or Sportsnet host into the appropriate Seinfeld roles now to help fill some time ...
Sportsnet turns its attention to the Montreal Canadiens and a look at their prospects, probably not something that Habs fans are particularly familiar with and most likely a topic that most aren't very happy at having to discuss these days.
From Montreal the Sportsnet team heads across the nation stopping off in Vancouver for a review of the Canucks and whether Dan Hamhius will waive his no trade clause.
TSN's hosts and panel participants point to past years when things have gone slow, with what appears to be some wishing upon a star or two to deliver some movement before the deadline clock runs down.
Sportsnet turns to style icon Brian Burke (his work with ties could become a fashion trend) to offer some thoughts on where the Flames might be directing their attention through these final hours. Burke notes that some of their larger concerns may be addressed in the off season and not today, something which should it become the theme of the other GM lodge members, will no doubt send the deadline show researchers digging deep into file footage looking to find something, anything to fill up the next two and half hours.
TSN turns to the mechanics of a trade, what moving parts GMs might consider to put a deal together.
Over on Sportsnet, it's the greatest trades that never happened, which seems but one step removed from the panel just picking names out of a hat and reassigning them to other cities.
As we walk down memory lane at Sportsnet, Glen Healey shares some memories of his time in the backwoods of Ireland and how he learned of his trade to the Islanders, while Doug MacLean reviews some of the near misses and could have beens from his GM days.
TSN's Reporters Panel looks at a few of the more recent transactions prior to Deadline Day and which one may have the best impact for the teams involved.
Things take a dark turn at TSN, as the panel begin to fire off a T shirt cannon at staff members off camera, Jennifer Hedger redefines the concept of "taking one for the team" ... and to commercial ...
Sportsnet choses not to risk the possibility of labour code violations or assault charges, though the visual of a giant Nick Kypreos on the Big, Big Screen is a visual that is hard to banish from the memory circuits.
9 AM to 10 AM PT
The Trading Post Archive
Well into the deadlines shows and we are going very deep into the file footage of potential trade bait and camera shots of game day skates across the NHL, as Deadline Day delivers but one transaction to this point for discussion.
This of course leaves the loquacious hosts and corespondents of the Deadline shows with lots of time to fill, with much of the programming to this point resembling the theory of the old Jerry Seinfeld show, once referenced as a show about nothing ... review your options and insert your favourite TSN or Sportsnet host into the appropriate Seinfeld roles now to help fill some time ...
Sportsnet turns its attention to the Montreal Canadiens and a look at their prospects, probably not something that Habs fans are particularly familiar with and most likely a topic that most aren't very happy at having to discuss these days.
From Montreal the Sportsnet team heads across the nation stopping off in Vancouver for a review of the Canucks and whether Dan Hamhius will waive his no trade clause.
TSN's hosts and panel participants point to past years when things have gone slow, with what appears to be some wishing upon a star or two to deliver some movement before the deadline clock runs down.
Sportsnet turns to style icon Brian Burke (his work with ties could become a fashion trend) to offer some thoughts on where the Flames might be directing their attention through these final hours. Burke notes that some of their larger concerns may be addressed in the off season and not today, something which should it become the theme of the other GM lodge members, will no doubt send the deadline show researchers digging deep into file footage looking to find something, anything to fill up the next two and half hours.
TSN turns to the mechanics of a trade, what moving parts GMs might consider to put a deal together.
Over on Sportsnet, it's the greatest trades that never happened, which seems but one step removed from the panel just picking names out of a hat and reassigning them to other cities.
As we walk down memory lane at Sportsnet, Glen Healey shares some memories of his time in the backwoods of Ireland and how he learned of his trade to the Islanders, while Doug MacLean reviews some of the near misses and could have beens from his GM days.
TSN's Reporters Panel looks at a few of the more recent transactions prior to Deadline Day and which one may have the best impact for the teams involved.
Things take a dark turn at TSN, as the panel begin to fire off a T shirt cannon at staff members off camera, Jennifer Hedger redefines the concept of "taking one for the team" ... and to commercial ...
Sportsnet choses not to risk the possibility of labour code violations or assault charges, though the visual of a giant Nick Kypreos on the Big, Big Screen is a visual that is hard to banish from the memory circuits.
Trade Deadline Day 2016 -- Segment Two:
10 AM - Noon ET
7 AM - 9 AM PT
The Trading Post Archive
Slow is the progress of the trading partners, so TSN turns to Mascot races to hold our attention, as a lead in towards the review of what the Ottawa Senators might have in mind on Deadline Day, we get a race of Prime Ministerial Mascots ... visualize that if you will, those who had their money on a Laurier/MacDonald photo finish had a good pay day to start Monday morning off.
TSN grabs a few minutes with GM Bryan Murray, who provides a short review of what the Sens might be looking for or what they approach they'll be taking as the deadline approaches.
The main takeaway from Ottawa in these early hours is that Kyle Turris is going to be put on the shelf to recover from injury, leaving the Sens to look to try to fill that hole as the day moves forward.
TSN fills their minutes with a discussion of what teams should be looking to address as the deadline clock continues to tick forward, while Sportsnet is hosting a panel discussion with some agents on the atmosphere around teams and with their clients.
The TSN Panel returns for a discussion on what the Carolina Hurricanes have been doing and whether they still have ambitions for a wild card spot. That's followed by a feature on the Winnipeg Jets and their frustrations heading towards the playoffs and how the past continues to chart the path of the team.
Sportsnet calls on George Stroumboulopoulos to learn of the players point of view on deadline day, gaining some insight from Corey Hirsch, from there they shift their focus to the story of Joanathan Drouin, currently sitting out the season away from Tampa Bay and if he will be moved by Steve Yzerman as the day progresses.
TSN shifts the attention from the trade rumour mongering for the moment, providing some snapshots of NHL Players(as well as a few TSN staffers) and which Hollywood stars they best resemble.
Sportsnet takes a few moments to review the strategies of Stan Bowman in Chicago as the Blackhawks GM remakes his roster while keeping his core in place.
From the overview of the Hawks plans, Sportsnet shifts focus to a review of the trade deadline travels of Antoine Vermette, a player who perhaps more than anyone in the NHL understands the need to have a packed suitcase ready to go at Deadline day.
TSN takes in a press conference with Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock who outlines why the Leafs have decided to bring up a number of Marlies to the big club this week.
Sportsnet is quick to catch on to the Babcock presser, running their own video on the event a bit later in the hour.
7 AM - 9 AM PT
The Trading Post Archive
Slow is the progress of the trading partners, so TSN turns to Mascot races to hold our attention, as a lead in towards the review of what the Ottawa Senators might have in mind on Deadline Day, we get a race of Prime Ministerial Mascots ... visualize that if you will, those who had their money on a Laurier/MacDonald photo finish had a good pay day to start Monday morning off.
TSN grabs a few minutes with GM Bryan Murray, who provides a short review of what the Sens might be looking for or what they approach they'll be taking as the deadline approaches.
The main takeaway from Ottawa in these early hours is that Kyle Turris is going to be put on the shelf to recover from injury, leaving the Sens to look to try to fill that hole as the day moves forward.
TSN fills their minutes with a discussion of what teams should be looking to address as the deadline clock continues to tick forward, while Sportsnet is hosting a panel discussion with some agents on the atmosphere around teams and with their clients.
The TSN Panel returns for a discussion on what the Carolina Hurricanes have been doing and whether they still have ambitions for a wild card spot. That's followed by a feature on the Winnipeg Jets and their frustrations heading towards the playoffs and how the past continues to chart the path of the team.
Sportsnet calls on George Stroumboulopoulos to learn of the players point of view on deadline day, gaining some insight from Corey Hirsch, from there they shift their focus to the story of Joanathan Drouin, currently sitting out the season away from Tampa Bay and if he will be moved by Steve Yzerman as the day progresses.
TSN shifts the attention from the trade rumour mongering for the moment, providing some snapshots of NHL Players(as well as a few TSN staffers) and which Hollywood stars they best resemble.
Sportsnet takes a few moments to review the strategies of Stan Bowman in Chicago as the Blackhawks GM remakes his roster while keeping his core in place.
From the overview of the Hawks plans, Sportsnet shifts focus to a review of the trade deadline travels of Antoine Vermette, a player who perhaps more than anyone in the NHL understands the need to have a packed suitcase ready to go at Deadline day.
TSN takes in a press conference with Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock who outlines why the Leafs have decided to bring up a number of Marlies to the big club this week.
Sportsnet is quick to catch on to the Babcock presser, running their own video on the event a bit later in the hour.
Trade Deadline Day 2016 -- Segment One -- The Early Hours
8 AM - 10 AM ET
5 AM - 7 AM PT
The Trading Post Archive
Gather round children and ye shall soon hear, if you're favourite player is waiting with fear.
The phone it may ring and soon shall be dispatched, a player or two that some say is a catch.
Playoff dreams will live on, or maybe they'll die ...
With six hours of trade mayhem to be your post season guide
Once again this year, NHL GM's did their best to make sure that the hosts of your favourite Trade Deadline Show would have to dig deep into their research notes for filler material, with a flurry of trades on Saturday and Sunday.
You can review all of the trade developments of the last forty eight hours and those of the past months from our Trading Post feature here.
For the most part, the first two hours were consumed by discussion of the shifts in rosters from the Weekend, with some attention provided to the question of whether the Canadian teams, with the playoffs a fading prospect at this point,
TRADE ALERT
6:31 AM PT / 9:31 AM ET
The two networks were quick to jump on the move between Phoenix and Pittsburgh, in an all P trade, with the Coyotes picking up Sergei Plotnikov from Pittsburgh, in exchange for Matthias Plachta and a Seventh Round pick.
( NHL Trade Alert)
TSN's reporters panel reviews the work of the Chicago Blackhawks prior to today, the consensus being that the Hawks have made some solid shifts heading towards the playoffs, the dissenting opinion comes from Bruce Arthur who suggests there is work to be done still on the blue line.
The best that TSN can do to bring the first few hours to an end is to announce the internal roster manoeuvres from the Toronto Maple Leafs, who shifted the locker stall nameplates between the Marlies dressing room at the Ricoh Centre and the Air Canada Centre.
The minor deal was the only transaction of the early hours of Deadline day.
5 AM - 7 AM PT
The Trading Post Archive
Gather round children and ye shall soon hear, if you're favourite player is waiting with fear.
The phone it may ring and soon shall be dispatched, a player or two that some say is a catch.
Playoff dreams will live on, or maybe they'll die ...
With six hours of trade mayhem to be your post season guide
Once again this year, NHL GM's did their best to make sure that the hosts of your favourite Trade Deadline Show would have to dig deep into their research notes for filler material, with a flurry of trades on Saturday and Sunday.
You can review all of the trade developments of the last forty eight hours and those of the past months from our Trading Post feature here.
For the most part, the first two hours were consumed by discussion of the shifts in rosters from the Weekend, with some attention provided to the question of whether the Canadian teams, with the playoffs a fading prospect at this point,
TRADE ALERT
6:31 AM PT / 9:31 AM ET
The two networks were quick to jump on the move between Phoenix and Pittsburgh, in an all P trade, with the Coyotes picking up Sergei Plotnikov from Pittsburgh, in exchange for Matthias Plachta and a Seventh Round pick.
( NHL Trade Alert)
TSN's reporters panel reviews the work of the Chicago Blackhawks prior to today, the consensus being that the Hawks have made some solid shifts heading towards the playoffs, the dissenting opinion comes from Bruce Arthur who suggests there is work to be done still on the blue line.
The best that TSN can do to bring the first few hours to an end is to announce the internal roster manoeuvres from the Toronto Maple Leafs, who shifted the locker stall nameplates between the Marlies dressing room at the Ricoh Centre and the Air Canada Centre.
The minor deal was the only transaction of the early hours of Deadline day.
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Trade Deadline Resources
Short of a wall of Television sets and access to a stream of video options to follow some of the developments, hockey fans will be turning to their personal favourites to focus on the work of hockey's General Managers today.
Below some links to the various options to seek out further background on the day's events.
TSN
Sportsnet
NBC Sports Network
Tracking the Trades
Hockey Nation Trading Post
NHL Trade Tracker
Below some links to the various options to seek out further background on the day's events.
TSN
Sportsnet
NBC Sports Network
Tracking the Trades
Hockey Nation Trading Post
NHL Trade Tracker
Monday, February 01, 2016
Hockey Headlines for February 2016
Our Archive for the month of February.
February 29 -- Canucks misplayed their best asset, Dan Hamhius, in NHL trade deadline's biggest blunder
February 28 -- Once again, Rangers show grabbing elusive Cup is all that matters
February 27 -- Leafs trade Reimer to San Jose
February 26 -- What moves Canadian teams could make at the NHL trade deadline
February 25 -- Defenceman Hamhuis could be next Canuck to go
February 24 -- Montreal Canadiens apologize after racial slur ends up on Twitter feed
February 23 -- Edmonton Oilers GM says he's open to trading Hall, Eberle, Nugent-Hopkins
February 22 -- Western Canada road trip could shift Senators' trade-deadline plans
February 21 -- Ryan Kesler motivated by villain's reception
February 20 -- Senators save the day for their captain, pull out win over Detroit in shootout
February 19 -- Fifty years ago, the NHL expanded - and pro hockey changed forever
February 18 -- Wideman victim Don Henderson experiencing concussion symptoms
February 17 -- Unhappy fans speaking with their wallets
February 16 -- Jets not getting Maurice's message
February 15 -- Too early to determine where Stamkos will wind up
February 14 -- Jets captain Andrew Ladd ignoring rumours as trade deadline looms
February 13 -- Mike Yeo fired as Wild head coach after 8th straight loss
February 12 -- Carey Price's injury opens questions about World Cup
February 11 -- Ottawa Senators' Erik Karlsson owns the Norris Trophy this season if you ask Paul Coffey
February 10 -- Humbled Calgary Flames players apologize for breaking team rules and getting benched
February 9 -- Senators got the better of blockbuster deal - at least, in the short term
February 8 -- Crosby's 2 goals, 2 assists lead Penguins past Ducks
February 7 -- Boston Bruins prospect Malcolm Subban suffers fractured larynx in warmup incident
February 6 -- Rangers' Ryan McDonagh hurt after sucker-punch from Flyers' Wayne Simonds; Blueshirts rally, win in shootout
February 5 -- Canucks blow another third-period lead and fall 2-1 in shootout to Blue Jackets
February 4 -- John Scott's improbably all-star run ends with birth of twin girls
February 3 -- Calgary Flames defence man Dennis Wideman suspended for 20 games
February 2 -- McDavid ignites giant fire under Oilers in first game back from shoulder injury
February 1 -- Canada's struggling NHL teams on pace for historically awful season
February 29 -- Canucks misplayed their best asset, Dan Hamhius, in NHL trade deadline's biggest blunder
February 28 -- Once again, Rangers show grabbing elusive Cup is all that matters
February 27 -- Leafs trade Reimer to San Jose
February 26 -- What moves Canadian teams could make at the NHL trade deadline
February 25 -- Defenceman Hamhuis could be next Canuck to go
February 24 -- Montreal Canadiens apologize after racial slur ends up on Twitter feed
February 23 -- Edmonton Oilers GM says he's open to trading Hall, Eberle, Nugent-Hopkins
February 22 -- Western Canada road trip could shift Senators' trade-deadline plans
February 21 -- Ryan Kesler motivated by villain's reception
February 20 -- Senators save the day for their captain, pull out win over Detroit in shootout
February 19 -- Fifty years ago, the NHL expanded - and pro hockey changed forever
February 18 -- Wideman victim Don Henderson experiencing concussion symptoms
February 17 -- Unhappy fans speaking with their wallets
February 16 -- Jets not getting Maurice's message
February 15 -- Too early to determine where Stamkos will wind up
February 14 -- Jets captain Andrew Ladd ignoring rumours as trade deadline looms
February 13 -- Mike Yeo fired as Wild head coach after 8th straight loss
February 12 -- Carey Price's injury opens questions about World Cup
February 11 -- Ottawa Senators' Erik Karlsson owns the Norris Trophy this season if you ask Paul Coffey
February 10 -- Humbled Calgary Flames players apologize for breaking team rules and getting benched
February 9 -- Senators got the better of blockbuster deal - at least, in the short term
February 8 -- Crosby's 2 goals, 2 assists lead Penguins past Ducks
February 7 -- Boston Bruins prospect Malcolm Subban suffers fractured larynx in warmup incident
February 6 -- Rangers' Ryan McDonagh hurt after sucker-punch from Flyers' Wayne Simonds; Blueshirts rally, win in shootout
February 5 -- Canucks blow another third-period lead and fall 2-1 in shootout to Blue Jackets
February 4 -- John Scott's improbably all-star run ends with birth of twin girls
February 3 -- Calgary Flames defence man Dennis Wideman suspended for 20 games
February 2 -- McDavid ignites giant fire under Oilers in first game back from shoulder injury
February 1 -- Canada's struggling NHL teams on pace for historically awful season
In John Scott, the fans and the players sent Gary Bettman and the NHL brass a message
 |
| The fans spoke and John Scott was on the bench in Nashville for the All Star Game |
A three tournament format of three on three that provided for any number of plot lines and twists, and may have finally delivered a format for the league to make its mid-season client schmooze fest something the fans want.
Few hockey purists are sold on three on three hockey in the regular season and no one wants to see it ever find its way into the post season, where the game is won and lost on the ice without a gimmick.
However, in a showcase game such as what All Star weekend is all about, the format seemed to fit just right, the NHL somehow stumbled across what appears to be a winning combination, how they managed that many will wonder, but 3 on 3 worked in this instance and the league should be recognized for that.
However, because it's the NHL, they of course found a way to make sure that no one was talking about their genius, instead it was about their petulance prior to the weekend.
By the time the the last guitar lick had reverberated in Music City, the All Star format was the secondary story from Sunday. The real message and one that should be heard loud and clear by the NHL and those in the corner offices that rule the league, is that no one likes bullies and no one likes arrogant jerks.
Hockey fans and those players and coaches selected to the 2016 All Star collectively took off one of their gloves and raised one giant finger of defiance at a league that created a fan voting system and then seemingly tried its best to deny the fans selection his turn in the spotlight.
Sunday, John Scott was the show, clearly not at the skill levels of some the names on sweaters beside him on the ice, but no one had more heart, few were as articulate in the face of a media storm and no one has endured more crap from a league that for whatever reason, insists on finding ways to self inflict wounds that need not be inflicted.
Scott was chosen by the fans, whether Gary Bettman and the league liked that thought is irrelevant, the competition was created by the league and the fans, whatever their motives may have been made their choice.
There never should have been a debate from that moment, instead the NHL the never ending factory of the "what the hell?", found a way to make sure the all star game became a controversy.
The all star game, an event that few are inclined to really think about at the best of times.
For the most part it's a three day corporate shill festival, one that each year seems finds that the players prefer to be left off of the roster, rather than be included. The beaches of Hawaii or other destinations for the players a welcome diversion with family and friends from the long grind of a season.
The controversy over Scott's inclusion in the weekend had many twists and turns in the last month.
First there was the odour of a trade and then demotion to the AHL that leaves him about as close to being put on an ice flow as you can get (and in Newfoundland he's not that far away actually), a move that seemed akin to a hit by the mob more than anything else.
Then this week, his first hand account to the Players Tribune as to the apparent attempt to shame him into turning down the invitation. Combined. the two incidents make the league's handling of the entire episode to reflect the work of nothing but punks.
Though truth be told for many fans of the game it's about what one might expect from a league brass that constantly says they're for the good of the game and all about the fans, but more often than not, shows a complete inability to understand the fans of the sport, or the passion they have for the game and its players.
From the opening introductions on Sunday the theme of the day was set, the fans welcomed Scott like a conquering hero, the players who had already spoken to him prior to the weekend, making sure he felt welcome at the game carried that emphasis onto the ice.
His team mates on the Pacific side kept feeding him pucks, the coaches made sure that his shifts were frequent. His joy in the game clearly visible to anyone watching, the atmosphere incomprehensible as it probably even seemed to Scott, was electric every time he stepped on for a shift, ecstatic with each of his two goals.
The evening wrapped up with the fans once again making sure that Commissioner Bettman and the NHL's other hangers on, perched up in the corporate booths heard one final farewell on the night, as the fans made one more significant vote on the day, selecting Scott as the MVP of the All Star Game.
By games end, as seems the case more and more often the NHL's brass realized far too late that they were on the wrong side of the story once again. Trying to salvage their horrid image by offering up some kind of revisionist history of the entire episode, suggesting that their only concern was to make sure that John Scott felt comfortable this weekend.
How nice of them, what a great bunch of guys, we imagine they were hoping we take away from the weekend.
And in reality, no one believes it, not one word of that came out of the Commissioner's mouth.
The league seems to not know this fact, but Hockey fans are pretty sharp observers of the game, they know skill and they know heart and both of those traits were on the ice.
There were other traits on display from the head office though and hockey fans know those as well and this week and particularly on a Sunday afternoon in Nashville, the hockey fans voted and John Scott won them over.
Gary Bettman and the league, well not so much ...
The tone deaf nature of the league time after time is on display, just ask the Mayor of Calgary who found his city being hectored to by the Commissioner in January over the theme of the need for a new arena for the Flames.
A choice of commentary that Mayor Naheed Nenshi noted to much applause across Canada, might work in other cities, but not in Calgary.
It was a sentiment that those across Canada would nod in agreement with, having heard the Bettman bombast before, Canadians perhaps calling to mind a hit of the past from Nashville favourite and Canadian country music star star Shania Twain.
Ms. Twain, seems to have captured the perfect Canadian reaction to the Commissioner whenever he speaks of late, that don't impress me much.
It was a big week for Mr. Bettman, as it was announced and promptly ignored as things turned out, that the Commissioner had received a contract extension a few months back, a pact which will take his leadership of the league into 2022, the announcement coming as it does close to Groundhog Day.
Some symbolic timing we suggest, particularly for a league where we hear the same things over and over again, indicating that when it comes to listening to the fans, the ears aren't always open and the messages not frequently received.
The Toronto Star -- All-Star MVP John Scott saved hockey, for a day
The Toronto Star -- John Scott hopes all-star MVP spotlight opens doors to new opportunities
Globe and Mail -- John Scott named NHL all-star MVP as Pacific Division wins tournament
Globe and Mail -- Bettman says fans spoke, so John Scott 'welcome' at all-star game
CBC -- John Scott scores 2 goals, wins MVP, proves he belongs in NHL all star game
Sportsnet -- John Scott scores 2 goals in All-Star Game, players happy for him
The Toronto Sun -- John Scott: 'You can't write this ... It's unbelievable'
Ottawa Citizen -- The NHL ditched its soul. John Scott found it for them
Detroit Free Press -- John Scott goes from unwanted to unbelievable
Arizona Republic -- All-Star Game caps Coyotes, John Scott issue
NPR -- John Scott Transcends Jokes, NHL Resistance and is Named MVP of All-Star Game
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)