Every now and then, a must-see player comes along. The sort of player who not only makes All-Star teams and wins individual trophies, but who also puts up numbers and compiles highlights that compare to generational talents from years gone by...
Jack Eichel Trade Rumors: Golden Knights Are 'A Team to Watch' for Sabres Star
Oct 26, 2021
UNIONDALE, NY - MARCH 07: Buffalo Sabres Center Jack Eichel (9) skates with the puck during the third period of the National Hockey League game between the Buffalo Sabres and the New York Islanders on March 7, 2021, at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, NY. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Vegas Golden Knights might be ramping up their pursuit of Jack Eichel.
Vegas is considered a "team to watch" for the disgruntled Buffalo Sabres forward, Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff reported Tuesday (h/t David Schoen of the Las Vegas Review-Journal).
The Golden Knights have been linked to Eichel since the star forward made it clear he wanted out of Buffalo because of the Sabres' unwillingness to allow him to get the artificial disc replacement surgery he desires instead of neck fusion surgery for the herniated disc in his neck.
However, the Golden Knights reportedly aren't willing to meet the Sabres' asking price for Eichel. Buffalo wants 2019 first-round pick Peyton Krebs in any deal, according to NHL insiders Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek (h/t the Las Vegas Review-Journal).
The Golden Knights expect Krebs to be a difference-maker. Head coach Pete DeBoer said after the 20-year-old's NHL debut that he has "a good reputation in the organization."
Buffalo will likely look for a center in return for Eichel, so if Krebs is unavailable, someone like Nolan Patrick or Jake Leschyshyn might head the other way in a trade that will undoubtedly include draft picks.
In September, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman (via The Daily Goal Horn) reported that a number of other Western Conference teams were interested in Eichel, including the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings and Minnesota Wild.
ESPN's Emily Kaplan added earlier this month on The Pointthat five teams remain in on Eichel. All of those teams agreed the former Sabres captain would get the artificial disk replacement surgery he wants.
If Eichel is traded this season, it's unlikely he plays because he needs to undergo neck surgery. However, he could be ready for the 2022-23 campaign, depending on when he is moved and how long his recovery takes.
Eichel, who was drafted second overall by the Sabres in 2015, has tallied 355 points (139 goals, 216 assists) in 375 games. He signed an eight-year, $80 million contract extension with Buffalo before the 2017-18 season.
Wayne Gretzky Talks TNT's NHL Broadcast, League Expansion, More in B/R AMA
Oct 21, 2021
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - JANUARY 24: Wayne Gretzky addresses fans prior to the 2020 NHL All-Star Skills Competition at Enterprise Center on January 24, 2020 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Wayne Gretzky is the greatest hockey player of all time. Now, the Hall of Famer is facing a new challenge in the booth.
Gretzky signed on as a studio analyst for Turner Sports and already made quite the impression when he challenged Charles Barkley to a shootout. He joined B/R for an AMA session to discuss TNT's NHL coverage and to weigh in on a variety of other topics.
The following is the full transcript from the session.
@BR_OpenIce What’s been most surprising about your first two weeks on TNT? Tired of Biz yet?
Love Bis. I think Bis is something really special. I think people can really relate to him. He wasn’t a star. He worked really hard in his role. He’s turned himself into a cult following. He’s very intelligent and knows how hard it is to work in the NHL, so he’s been an absolute joy to work with. It was a really nice fit for him to join me. As time goes on, we’ll get more comfortable. I like the fact we don’t get too in depth because we know how hard it is to make the league. The surprise was how much fun I’ve had.
@Dlanor How did you lose in a fight to a guy with a perm?
I had a perm too - so two guys. The fight was actually really silly. It’s something he and I can laugh about. If you’re gonna rate fights, it was probably rated the worst fight in the history of the NHL.
@CJShoe What was your welcome to the NHL moment?
There’s so many great moments. My first game was in Chicago stadium. My dad was at the game. My dad loved Stan Mikita. One of my first faceoffs was against him and my dad was so happy to see me going against his guy. That was probably one of my favorite moments when I first joined the league.
@Leeds1991 What’s the best advice your dad gave you as a young hockey player?
He gave me this about hockey and about life: failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Not just in hockey, but in life. It was a simple quote but I always remembered it.
@BK1010 How hard was it to convince Edmonton to trade McSorley with you to L.A.?
Glen Sather was one of the smartest GMs ever. He knew the importance of Marty and what he would mean to L.A. Marty fought his way through hard work to make himself a hockey player. People love the finesse stars like Crosby or Ovi, but Marty is a great role model because he wasn’t an 18-year-old destined to make the league. He was always the last guy to leave the ice. He was an incredibly hard worker and he’s proof that with hard work you can make it.
B/R COLLECTIVE QUESTION: Best chirp you’ve ever heard?
You had to check your feelings in the locker room. If you’re not chirping at other guys, they usually don’t chirp your way. I was relatively quiet, but all in all I didn’t receive a lot of chirping because I was a sleeping dog. It’s the guys that do the barking that tend to hear more than other guys.
@LiquidC Would you be genuinely happy to see Ovi break your scoring record? Do you ever get tired of people asking you about it?
These next two years are big because he’s still a little bit younger. He’s off to a phenomenal start. There’s not one player who is bigger than the game itself. It’s only positive. If Alex does break the record. I’ll hopefully be one of the first guys to shake his hand. I think it’s great for our sport. I’m proud of what I accomplished. I did everything I could do. If he breaks the record, good for him.
@Just_in_Time With Vegas and now Seattle in the fold, which city deserves the next NHL expansion team and why?
I haven’t thought about it a whole lot, but just looking at it from a practical point of view, the three that I would say: I think Kansas City because the Chiefs and Royals do so well. I think the city of Houston because the Stars have helped grow hockey down there. The third one that’s most obvious is Quebec City. There is nothing like hockey in the province of Quebec. I have no knowledge of this, but those are the ones I’m interested in.
Rapid Fire:
@LiamHolmes30: Your favorite city?
The city that I loved the most without question when it came to leaving Edmonton or L.A. without question was Toronto. I grew up idolizing the arena, the atmosphere, the fans in Toronto, how the game is respected in that city. I went to high school there for two years, so I would say without question Toronto.
@GrumpyMuffin: You get to build a PP unit consisting of only guys you played with during your career. Who you putting out there?
The obvious ones for me would be Mark Messier, Mario Lemieux, Mike Bossy, Paul Coffey and Larry Robinson. You can probably name another 5 because guys like Luc Robitaille, guys like Jari Kurri, they’re hall of farmers, how could you not include them. I played with all those guys in the NHL or Team Canada. Our powerplay would be pretty solid with those 5 guys on it.
@IcetoMeetYou37 The goalie that gave you the most trouble was ____
Without a question, Eddie Belfour. I think I only scored one goal on him. During pressure moments, he was one of the great pressure goaltenders of all time.
Sharks' Evander Kane Suspended for 21 Games for Violating NHL's COVID-19 Protocols
Oct 18, 2021
SAN JOSE, CA - MAY 12: San Jose Sharks left wing Evander Kane (9) warms up before the San Jose Sharks game versus the Vegas Golden Knights on May 12, 2021, at SAP Center at San Jose in San Jose, CA. (Photo by Matt Cohen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The NHL suspended San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane for 21 games because he violated its COVID-19 protocols.
The league also said it was unable to substantiate domestic abuse allegations levied against Kane by his estranged wife, Deanna.
The NHL Players Association shared a statement from Kane:
I would like to apologize to my teammates, the San Jose Sharks organization, and all Sharks fans for violating the NHL COVID protocols. I made a mistake, one I sincerely regret and take responsibility for. During my suspension, I will continue to participate in counseling to help me make better decisions in the future. When my suspension is over, I plan to return to the ice with great effort, determination, and love for the game of hockey.
Because of his suspension, Kane won't be eligible to play until Nov. 30, when the Sharks play the New Jersey Devils. San Jose opened its account Saturday with a 4-3 victory over the Winnipeg Jets.
Over the summer, NHL conducted an investigation into Kane and cleared him of any wrongdoing after his wife said he had placed bets on Sharks games and intentionally threw games.
However, Front Office Sports' A.J. Perez reported Oct. 5 the 30-year-old was the subject of another inquiry in connection to the NHL's health and safety protocols. According to Perez, the league was looking into whether he submitted a fake vaccination card.
While players aren't required to get the COVID-19 vaccine, those who are unvaccinated are subject to tighter restrictions. Most notably, personnel aren't exempted from Canada's travel and quarantine guidelines.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said last week that only four players haven't been vaccinated.
Kane is in the fourth year of his seven-year, $49 million contract with the franchise. The Associated Press' Josh Dubow noted he'll have to forfeit around $1.7 million because of his unpaid suspension.
Video: Ryan Donato Scores 1st Goal in Seattle Kraken History
Oct 13, 2021
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 12: Ryan Donato #9 of the Seattle Kraken celebrates after scoring the first goal in team history during the second period of a game against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on October 12, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/NHLI via Getty Images)
Welcome to the history books, Ryan Donato.
The center scored the first goal in Seattle Kraken history when he cleaned up a rebound in front of the net and scored during the second period of Tuesday's game against the Vegas Golden Knights:
"He was the first goal scorer in @SeattleKraken history"
Joonas Donskoi and Vince Dunn were credited with assists on the play.
It was a much-needed goal for the visitors, who quickly fell behind 3-0 in their inaugural game. It swung the momentum, and Jared McCann scored the team's second goal less than two minutes later to further cut into Vegas' lead.
Donato has played for the Boston Bruins, Minnesota Wild and San Jose Sharks in his career. He finished the 2020-21 season with 20 points on six goals and 14 assists for the Sharks.
Sharks' Evander Kane Listed as 'Non-Roster Player' for Opener amid NHL Investigation
Oct 11, 2021
SAN JOSE, CA - MAY 12: San Jose Sharks left wing Evander Kane (9) warms up before the San Jose Sharks game versus the Vegas Golden Knights on May 12, 2021, at SAP Center at San Jose in San Jose, CA. (Photo by Matt Cohen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The San Jose Sharks announced Monday that Evander Kane "is considered a non-roster player pending completion of the NHL's investigation."
Kane, 30, is currently being investigated for two separate matters. He allegedly used a fake COVID-19 vaccination card, and his estranged wife accused him of physical and sexual abuse last month, per Curtis Pashelka of The Mercury News.
No criminal charges have been filed against Kane.
"I have no information for you, I really don't," Sharks head coach Bob Boughner told reporters Sunday when asked about Kane's status with the team. "I'd say no comment because I don't know."
The NHL has not put a timetable on the investigations into Kane.
"Nothing I can share today," league deputy commissioner Bill Daly told The Athletic's Sean Gentille and Craig Custance on Monday regarding Kane. "I do expect, obviously, there'll be news vis-a-vis Evander Kane relatively soon. I don't know whether that's [Monday] or whether that's later this week, but that there should be news in the near future, for sure."
Kane was previously cleared by the league on accusations from his wife Anna that he bet on NHL games. The league released the following statement in September:
The investigation uncovered no evidence to corroborate Ms. Kane's accusations that Mr. Kane bet or otherwise participated in gambling on NHL games, and no evidence to corroborate the allegations that Mr. Kane 'threw' games or did not put forward his best effort to help the Sharks win games. To the contrary, the evidence raises doubts about the veracity of the allegations. While Mr. Kane denied the accusations, our findings are not based on these denials, but instead on other evidence uncovered during the investigation.
Evander Kane was granted a temporary restraining order against Anna Kane in August, accusing her of being violent in the past. In September, Anna Kane filed for a restraining order against Kane, saying he initially was verbally abusive before she "eventually became his punching bag" during their relationship and that he sexually assaulted her on more than one occasion.
Paul Bissonnette Talks TNT NHL Broadcast, Locker Room Stories, More in B/R AMA
Oct 11, 2021
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 24: Former NHL player Paul Bissonnette reacts after making his shot on the ice in between periods of the game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Philadelphia Flyers at the United Center on October 24, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images)
With the 2021-22 NHL regular season set to begin, TNT hockey analyst Paul Bissonnette joined Bleacher Report for an AMA session Monday.
Bissonnette will move to the broadcast booth this year after six seasons in the NHL as a player. He discussed his upcoming move and memorable moments in his playing career with fans during the Q&A.
The following is the full transcript from the session.
@BR_OpenIce What are you most excited about bringing to the TNT broadcast panel?
The advice I keep getting, especially from Wayne, is just be yourself. Turner tells us they want us to be ourselves. That was really refreshing. I'm excited to just get in there and let it fly with the guys. Whether it's diving into a serious topic or breaking a video down, it's just gonna be a very good time and a lighthearted feeling to the broadcast. Just having fun and just bringing my silly, goof personality.
@Jibble How do you feel about the Coyotes making the switch back to the Kachina uniforms? As players, do you guys really care when a team decides to release a new uniform or change their current ones?
I personally did. I know the guys loved when they brought back the Kachinas. I would put Kachinas in the top 5 in the league. The younger guys these days love the new swagger, so I'm sure these guys are really excited about getting the new jerseys. Even last year, when they did the reverse retros. I would say Colorado with the Nordiques logo and the newer colors definitely hit a HR with the fans.
@NotMitchTrubisky Who was your biggest inspiration as a player?
As soon as I got to Arizona, Shane Doan almost became my second dad. He wasn't overly judgemental but he took me under his wing. For a superstar, or a star in my eyes, to help me on and off the ice, despite all of his responsibilities, was huge. He was such a big component to me growing as a person and a player. It was recently his birthday, so Happy Birthday. I'm sure his wife was happy when he retired so he could spend time with his family, but I know he had such an effect on myself and many others.
@JTforMVP0 Did you have any pregame rituals?
I wasn't overly superstitious. I had to do the music in the Yotes locker room. Some guys like country, then there are Europeans who like techno. Everybody liked different music, so I was trying to time things so that everybody was able to hear what they liked. My only superstition was keeping everyone happy and light.
@Foxhole23 Favorite moment of your career?
I didn't score many goals in my career. My mother was sick for a few years and was never able to see me play. Finally, she wasn't sick anymore and the game was close enough in Buffalo. Coach gave me the heads up that I wasn't playing in Toronto, but that I would play in Buffalo. I had a family friend who had season tickets to Buffalo, put my grandparents on the glass and my parents had seats not too far in the lower bowl. I ended up scoring the game-winner. I was able to go up to my grandparents on the glass and kind of give them the knuckles. It just so happens the first game my mother and my grandparents were able to see me play live for the first time, I was able to score the game-winner in Buffalo. That one hit home. I get emotional telling that one sometimes.
@SantaClaude28 What's the greatest team prank you've been a witness to?
The best pranks were back in the day even before I was involved. One of the guys took this powder they use that when you steal money the ink turns your hands purple. He put it in all the guys' gear and he even put it in his own. When the guys went out for practice, everyone starts noticing they look like Barney the dinosaur with purple hands. The trainer had to get everyone all new equipment because he overdid it on the powder. Everybody's hands were purple for like 5 days. Another time, someone put everyone's house keys in the middle of the room and no one could tell whose keys belonged to who. One last one, Brad May had gotten a brand new BMW and someone took his keys and filled it to the brim with popcorn. His whole car smelled like popcorn and he had to go get it detailed. Nothing compares to the old stories.
@BJBawkowy Best and worst arenas you've had a chance to play in?
The worst rink as far as the amenities was in Long Island, The Coliseum. The crowd wasn't as popular as it is now because the teams weren't very good in that era.
It's kind of in the middle of nowhere. There's nothing really around the rink, so just a bummer to go to. Then, when you got into the locker room it wasn't very pretty.
@Nahttodaydeath Could you take Whit in a fight?
Ya. Whit isn't a scrapper. I could definitely take him, but I've never seen his wires crossed truly.
@46Mac Is there a specific guy who handed your ass to you in a fight?
Ryan Reaves. Hopefully he plays in the opener. I got put out against Reaves and I asked him and he told me 'Hitchcock said no.' I tried to grab him, I missed my reach and he gave me a couple punches then slammed me to the ice. After that, he was doing the championship belt celebration and I was so bitter in the box.
@Wrage What was your go-to line to chirp to another opponent? Conversely, what's the best chirp that was ever delivered to you?
I was not a great chirper. It was more organic. The most proud I was, I think it was Sergei Gonchar. He whiffed on a breakaway and as he went by I said 'hey, maybe you're a lefty' as I handed out my stick. He was an elite player so he probably was like 'who the hell is this guy.' On my end, people would usually roast my playing time saying I'm usually 'a plug.' Once someone asked if it was my first shift of the game when I was out there, and even the ref started laughing at that.
@MikeSteveRitter What's the craziest gambling story from your playing days?
The craziest one I heard was a guy going to the casino the night before the playoff game and losing half a million dollars while downing a bottle of Johnny Walker Blue. Safe to say, he didn't look like himself out there the next game and they didn't win.
@Just_In_Time You have to bet your life savings on Charles Barkley or Shaq to beat Vasilevskiy on a breakaway. Who are you taking and why?
I have a hard time putting my money on Chuck. I hope he doesn't hear this. I would have to go with Shaq. I don't want to base it off his golf swing, but I've seen him play other sports and I just have to go with Shaq. I think I could stop Chuck on a breakaway in goalie gear. Maybe we could get him in studio, and I could get the pads on. His knees don't look the same so if we're doing it on skates I don't know if he could make it down to the goal line.
@JFranson18 What's your go-to pick up line?
I was never a pick-up line. I would just go up to someone and introduce myself. I couldn't even tell you a pick-up line.
Rapid Fire
@Kardos29 Best goal horn?
If you're a home team, probably Anaheim. And it's annoying. It has that tug-boat feel.
@Garrettelliott02 Favorite restaurant in Scottsdale?
There is a place called Cafe Monarch and I think it's one of the best restaurants I've ever been to. It's a hidden gem. I've lived here since 2009.
@Hrennagade Ovechkin and Marchand fight. Who wins?
Ovi is a bear. I couldn't see any planet where Marchand beats Ovi in a fight. You saw when Svech bit off more than he could chew. I don't even know if I would fight him. He weighs 240 and is built like a beast.
@NotMookieBetts Favorite teammate you played with?
Keith Yandle, easily the most entertaining guy. Especially for a guy who had to log minutes. He was always messing around. He was also one of the most superstitious people I've ever seen. He had a certain way of stretching his socks out. He had special way of stepping on the mats. It was a nuts-o scene.
@foxhole23 Who wins the cup this year?
Colorado and Florida in the Final. It would be good for the league. I like new markets.
After years of Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin dominating the NHL, we can officially pass the mantle of league standard-bearer to Connor McDavid. The 24-year-old Edmonton Oilers captain has lit up the league since he was drafted first overall in 2015...
Report: Sharks' Evander Kane Investigated over Fake Vaccination Card Allegations
Oct 5, 2021
San Jose Sharks left wing Evander Kane (9) against the Vegas Golden Knights during an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Wednesday, May 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
The NHL is looking into whether San Jose Sharks winger Evander Kane submitted a fake COVID-19 vaccination card, according to Front Office Sports' A.J. Perez.
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet originally reported Sept. 28 that Kane was the subject of an inquiry into a potential violation of the league's COVID-19 protocols.
Neither the Sharks nor the NHL provided a statement to Perez about the allegation.
While NHL players aren't required to get the COVID-19 vaccine, they aren't exempt from Canada's travel restrictions. The league's protocols outline how unvaccinated players could be denied entry or subject to quarantine periods when traveling to the country.
Beyond any consequences Kane might face from the NHL, Perez noted purchasing or using a fake COVID-19 vaccination card is punishable by up to five years in prison in the United States. Using one while attempting to enter Canada carries a fine of up to $750,000 and as much as a six-month prison sentence.
Kane had already been the subject of an NHL investigation.
On Sept. 22, league officials cleared the 30-year-old after his estranged wife, Anna, said he had bet on Sharks games and intentionally threw games for gambling purposes.
Per Perez, Anna Kane also filed court documents alleging sexual assault and domestic abuse. Kane's attorney told Perez the winger "denies ever abusing Ms. Kane or their daughter Kensington, whom he cherishes."
Bay Area News Group's Curtis Pashelka noted the league appeared to have amended the wording of its initial statement regarding the results of its gambling investigation.
Did the NHL edit its initial news release about E. Kane when it cleared him of gambling allegations? You tell me. The first photo is of the last 3 paragraphs of the email that was sent out at 3:34 p.m. (PT) on Sept 22. The second is of the news release as it now reads online pic.twitter.com/VPEacizMai
The first alluded to "unrelated allegations ... involving potential wrongdoing by Mr. Kane." The second outlined "serious accusations relating to his past behavior toward Ms. Kane" and "allegations of inappropriate behavior potentially jeopardizing the health and safety of Club members."
In the wake of the allegations of abuse against Kane, the Sharks said on Sept. 22 he wouldn't attend training camp "until further notice."
Robin Lehner Calls for NHL to Make Changes to 'Protect the Younger Players'
Oct 5, 2021
MONTREAL, QC - JUNE 24: Las Vegas Golden Knights goalie Robin Lehner (90) tracks the play during the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Semifinals game 6 between the Las Vegas Golden Knights versus the Montreal Canadiens on June 24, 2021, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner wants to see changes in the NHL that will "protect the younger players," as he said in his press conference Tuesday.
The 30-year-old made headlines in recent days after claiming on Twitter that teams have supplied players with sleeping and anxiety drugs:
He specifically called out Alain Vigneault in the tweets, later clarifying to ESPN's Emily Kaplan that the Philadelphia Flyers coach treats his players in an "unacceptable" way.
Vigneault has since declared the claims to be "completely false."
Lehner met with the NHL and NHLPA to help create positive changes within the league and was encouraged by his meetings.
"They're listening," he said of the organizations, per Kaplan.
"The last 72 hours have been incredibly difficult but also incredibly valuable to me, to my career, my life goals," Lehner said Tuesday.
The Swedish-born goalie is heading into his 12th year in the NHL, spending time with five different organizations. He shared the Jennings Trophy with teammate Marc-Andre Fleury last season, his second time in three years winning the award.
In 2019, Lehner won the Masterton Trophy given to the player who "best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey."
