Official NHL Thread

[JFC]

So I'm at a school right now, it's just before noon and the Jets are in Philadelphia playing the Flyers AS I TYPE THIS POST.

So yeah, live radio stream of the game = a surprisingly co-operative/productive class.

[JFC]

Ah, the simple joys that are had by young fans.

[JFC]

Blackhawks Ice Girl Goal Cam

 

[JFC]

29 Breathtaking Photos From Hockey’s Snowtastic Winter Classic

Old school, played outdoors/in the elements.

[JFC]

When you're in your second 4+ game losing streak within a 6-7 week stretch.....yeah, this didn't exactly come as a surprise.

Winnipeg Jets Relieve Claude Noel of Head Coaching Duties
Sunday, 12.01.2014 / 11:05 AM / News Articles

The Winnipeg Jets announced today they have relieved Claude Noel of his duties as Head Coach of the hockey club. The team also announced they have relieved Assistant Coach Perry Pearn of his duties.

The Winnipeg Jets also announced they have hired Paul Maurice as the second Head Coach in franchise history since their move from Atlanta to Winnipeg in 2011.

Maurice, 46, has earned a career NHL coaching record of 460-457-167 in 14 seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes/Hartford Whalers and the Toronto Maple Leafs. He won his 400th career NHL game when the Hurricanes defeated the Buffalo Sabres in overtime on Feb. 11, 2010, and on Nov. 28, 2010, he became the 19th coach, and the youngest in history, to coach 1,000 NHL games. In his first head coaching stint with the Hurricanes, Maurice guided Carolina to the 2002 Eastern Conference title and two Southeast Division crowns as well as four consecutive winning seasons from 1998-2002. On March 16, 2010, he became just the 10th coach in NHL history to spend more than 800 games behind the bench for one franchise.

Prior to re-joining the Hurricanes, the Sault Ste. Marie, ON native collected a record of 76-66-22 during two full seasons as Head Coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2006-08. Maurice earned a career-high in wins with Toronto during the 2006-07 season, leading the Maple Leafs to 40 victories, and recording his 300th NHL victory on March 6, 2007.

Most recently, Maurice spent the 2012-13 season as Head Coach of Magnitogorsk Metallurg of the KHL. After 52 games, the club earned a 27-13-12 record and 0.635 winning percentage.

Prior to moving to the NHL level during the summer of 1995 as an Assistant Coach with the Whalers, Maurice spent two seasons as Head Coach of the Ontario Hockey League’s Detroit Jr. Red Wings. While in Detroit, he compiled a regular-season record of 86-38-8 and led the team to the 1995 OHL Championship and an appearance in the Memorial Cup in Kamloops, B.C. That season, he finished second in voting to Guelph’s Craig Hartsburg for the Matt Leyden Trophy, which is annually awarded to the OHL’s Coach of the Year.

Maurice played his junior hockey with the OHL’s Windsor Spit fires (1984-1988). He was Philadelphia’s 12th choice, 252nd overall, in the 1985 NHL entry draft. Maurice had his career cut short due to an eye injury, and began coaching as an assistant with the Jr. Red Wings shortly thereafter.

http://jets.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=700304

[JFC]

So for anyone who did not witness (or who has yet to hear of) the gong show that happened during the opening faceoff of the Vancouver VS Calgary game this past weekend, watch this first to bring yourself up to speed.


As if the fight wasn't bad enough, during the first intermission Tortorella actually tried to get into Calgary's locker room to confront their coaching staff about it.

CANUCKS' TORTORELLA HAS IN-PERSON HEARING WITH NHL
TSN.CA STAFF | 01/20/2014 12:51:59 PM

Vancouver Canucks head coach John Tortorella answered to the National Hockey League on Monday for his actions during Saturday's game against the Calgary Flames.

He had an in-person hearing in New York with the league with a substantial fine or suspension as possible outcomes. A decision from the NHL has yet to be announced.

NHL executive vice-president and director of hockey operations Colin Campbell was the point person for the meeting in New York.

TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger also reports that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly were expected to attend the proceedings.

Just two seconds into the Canucks' 3-2 shootout victory over the Flames on Saturday, all five skaters from each team on the ice for the opening faceoff were involved in a line brawl. When order was restored, all 10 players were given misconducts - eight of which forced combatants off the ice for the remainder of the game.

There were 150 penalty minutes assessed to both sides (81 to the visitors, 69 to the hosts) by the time the contest was 4 1/2 minutes old, owing to a second minor scrum a short time later.

In the aftermath of the fight, Tortorella could be seen yelling at the Flames bench and head coach Bob Hartley.

After the first period ended, television cameras caught Tortorella in an altercation just outside of the Flames locker room as he attempted to confront Hartley and the team once more.

"I can't put our players at risk that way. I'm not proud of it. I've apologized to all of the players involved," Tortorella said after the game. "The most important thing tonight is those two points."

FULL ARTICLE LINK - http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=441650


Hate to see this happen to Torts. Sure he's known for his temper, but this (particularly the attempt to get into their dressing room) is just over the line. He's going to be lucky if all the league does is give him a fine. More likely than not they're going to (in order to set an example) elect to suspend him for at least 2 or 3 games.

[JFC]

Welp, rulings have been made and both coaches are getting dinged for what happened.

Canucks coach John Tortorella suspended 15 days
Monday, 01.20.2014 / 7:30 PM / News | NHL.com

NEW YORK -– Vancouver Canucks coach John Tortorella has been suspended for 15 days, without pay, for his actions during the first intermission of NHL Game No. 735 in Vancouver on Saturday, Jan. 18, the National Hockey League announced Monday.

"Mr. Tortorella's actions in attempting to enter the Calgary Flames locker room after the first period were both dangerous and an embarrassment to the League," said NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell. "Coaches in the NHL bear the responsibility of providing leadership, even when emotions run high, and Mr. Tortorella failed in his responsibility to the game."

Mr. Tortorella's suspension is effective retroactive to January 19 and runs through Sunday, Feb. 2. He will miss six games. He is not permitted to have any interaction with his club prior to, during or after games.

LINK - http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=701556

Flames coach Bob Hartley fined $25,000
Monday, 01.20.2014 / 7:30 PM / News | NHL.com

NEW YORK -– Calgary Flames coach Bob Hartley has been fined $25,000 for his responsibility for the incident that took place off of the opening faceoff of NHL Game No. 735 in Vancouver on Saturday, Jan. 18, the National Hockey League announced Monday. The fine was issued in accordance with By-Law 17.3 (a) for conduct prejudicial to or against the welfare of the League.

In issuing the suspension, NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations, Colin Campbell stated: "We are holding Mr. Hartley responsible for the actions of Flames right wing Kevin Westgarth, who took the game's opening faceoff and attempted to instigate a premeditated fight with an unwilling opponent -- the Canucks' Kevin Bieksa."

The fine money goes to the NHL Foundation.

LINK - http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=701557

[JFC]

Can't help but wonder how much of a factor this is as to why so many 'Peggers are buying winter properties in Phoenix.

The Cheapest Things in Sports
By Amber Lee , Featured Columnist Jan 22, 2014

#13

In 2013 Forbes ranked the Phoenix Coyotes as the cheapest game experience in the NHL; the $76.65 average ticket price is $10 less than the second cheapest.


That’s the average price, but thousands of tickets are available for as little as $9 on StubHub.

LINKS
- http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1933327-the-cheapest-things-in-sports/page/13
- http://www.forbes.com/pictures/fjlg45mhf/30-phoenix-coyotes-avg-price-76-65/
- http://www.stubhub.com/phoenix-coyotes-tickets/?gcid=C12289x486&keyword=10372934_c&creative=33169313342


And just in case anyone was wondering, here's the link to the full ranking list done by Forbes:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jesselawrence/2013/10/16/the-most-expensive-nhl-teams-at-the-ticket-booth/

'Peg Sheety TOP THREE!!!

[JFC]

So yeah, Jets' fans kinda felt bad that the Canucks had to come into town here without their head coach (John Tortorella), so a couple of them tried to make the visiting team feel more "at home".



http://beta.thescore.com/nhl/news/421803




EDIT:

Coyotes Announce Team Name Will Change to "Arizona Coyotes" Beginning in 2014-15
Wednesday, January 29, 2014

GLENDALE, ARIZONA --- Phoenix Coyotes Co-Owner, President and CEO Anthony LeBlanc announced today that the Phoenix Coyotes will officially change their franchise name to the Arizona Coyotes beginning at the start of the 2014-15 NHL season.

“We are very excited to announce that our franchise name will change to Arizona Coyotes for the start of the 2014-15 NHL season,” said LeBlanc. “Becoming the Arizona Coyotes makes sense for us since we play our games in Glendale and the city is such a great partner of ours. We also want to be recognized as not just the hockey team for Glendale or Phoenix, but the team for the entire state of Arizona and the Southwest. We hope that the name ‘Arizona’ will encourage more fans from all over the state, not just the valley, to embrace and support our team.”

As part of the name change, the Coyotes will be introducing a new shoulder patch for their home and road jerseys in 2014-15. The patch will be unveiled for the Coyotes first preseason game next season. The rest of the Coyotes uniform will not change.

The franchise has been known as the Phoenix Coyotes since it moved to the Valley from Winnipeg in 1996. The Coyotes played their home games in downtown Phoenix from 1996 until 2003 when they moved to their current home, Jobing.com Arena, in Glendale.

FULL ARTICLE LINK - http://coyotes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=702881

Wait a sec, they actually have a pro wrestling-style championship belt for their "player of the game"?
http://video.coyotes.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=219588

Dat's pimpin. 

[JFC]

Whatdafuck?!?!

Penguins' Letang recovering from stroke
Friday, 02.07.2014 | Wes Crosby - NHL.com Correspondent

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang will miss at least six weeks after suffering a stroke last week, the Penguins announced Friday.

Letang's condition is not believed to be career threatening and is treatable with blood thinners. Testing revealed that Letang, who has missed Pittsburgh's past four games, has had a small hole in the wall of his heart since birth, a defect that occurs in all individuals before birth but seals shut in most people.

~ ~ ~

Medical officials cleared Letang to go on vacation with his family during the Olympic break. After the break Letang is expected to resume skating on his own.

FULL ARTICLE LINK - http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=704165
VIDEO LINK - http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=558574

[JFC]

With the NHL trading deadline less than a week away, we see a blockbuster trade that has been (at least in terms of the involvement of one of the players) anticipated/expected for at least the last year and a half.

Miller, Ott traded to Blues by Sabres
Friday, 02.28.2014 | NHL.com Staff

Goalie Ryan Miller and center Steve Ott have been traded to the St. Louis Blues, the team announced Friday.

The Buffalo Sabres will receive goalie Jaroslav Halak, forward Chris Stewart, prospect William Carrier, a first-round draft pick in 2015 and a third-round draft pick in 2016.

Miller was a late scratch from his start Friday against the San Jose Sharks at First Niagara Center. He was the subject of trade rumors since prior to the season because he can become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

"I'm answering these questions because it seems likely, given my status at the end of the year, they're likely to trade me," Miller said Thursday.

Miller played all 540 of his NHL games for the Sabres, establishing a franchise record for the team that selected him in the fifth round (No. 138) of the 1999 NHL Draft. He made his debut on Nov. 19, 2002.

He is 15-22-3 with a 2.72 goals-against average and .923 save percentage this season. He is 284-186-57, with a 2.60 GAA and .916 save percentage in his career.

He was 25-22 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and reached the Eastern Conference Final in 2006, where the Sabres lost to the Carolina Hurricanes in seven games.

"I'm trying not to be too sentimental," Miller said Thursday. "I think everyone in Buffalo kind of knows how I feel about the city. [I've] always enjoyed the people, I've always enjoyed the city."

Jhonas Enroth is the starting goalie for the Sabres of Friday.

The NHL Trade Deadline is 3 p.m. ET Wednesday.

FULL ARTICLE LINK - http://www.nhl.com/ice/blogpost.htm?id=26664

[kuno_thunder]

[JFC]

Odd that last year, when everyone knew and fully expected them to, they weren't able to get a deal done. This year, with the circumstances different and no one really expecting it to happen, they pulled it off.

Roberto Luongo traded to Panthers by Canucks
Tuesday, 03.04.2014 / 7:26 PM
By Corey Masisak - NHL.com Staff Writer

*VIDEO LINK*

The Vancouver Canucks have finally traded goaltender Roberto Luongo, moving him to the Florida Panthers on Tuesday.

Vancouver traded Luongo and forward Steven Anthony to Florida for goalie Jacob Markstrom and forward Shawn Matthias.

Luongo has been the subject of trade rumors since losing his starting job to Cory Schneider during the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

"Stunned I think. I was not expecting it," Luongo told reporters in Phoenix. "It caught me off guard. [I'm] just happy for myself and my family and obviously a little sad to be leaving Vancouver."

Luongo is 19-16-6 this season with a .917 save percentage and a 2.38 goals-against average. He has 367 NHL victories, which places him 16th on the all-time list. Luongo, who turns 35 years old a month from Tuesday, is second on the active wins list behind New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur (683 before play Tuesday).

FULL ARTICLE LINK - http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=707645

[JFC]

Less than 2 hours left until the trade deadline, and there has been a bit of wheelin' & dealin' today.

OFFICIAL NHL.com trade tracker
- http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=675589


TSN.ca trade tracker (updates a little faster it's reporters can update more quickly based on where/from whom they get their info)
- http://www.tsn.ca/tradecentre/feature/?id=11986


EDIT:

* JFC trying to resist the urge to tease daigong about the goaltending situation in E-town.

Olympic women's goalie helps out Oilers
Updated: March 5, 2014 3:10 PM | By Chris Purdy

EDMONTON - Canadian women's hockey goaltender Shannon Szabados has gone from winning gold in Sochi to helping out the Edmonton Oilers.

The Team Canada goalie filled in at practice for the National Hockey League team Wednesday while the Oilers waited for Viktor Fasth to arrive after a trade with Anaheim.

Szabados, 27, said she got the invite Tuesday night after fans on Twitter tried to persuade the team to put her on the roster as backup goalie for its game against Ottawa.

"She might be the best goalie to play for us all season," said one tweet under the hashtag #SzabadosForBackup.

"Make history!" said another.

Szabados told reporters she was thrilled by the social media campaign, which trended nationally within an hour.

And although a goalie with the University of Alberta men's team was chosen instead, Szabados said she was just as happy when the Oilers invited her onto their home ice for practice.

"The guys were good about it," she said. "They were chirping me and I was giving it right back to them."

Oilers captain Andrew Ference insisted Szabados change in the team's locker room, she said.

"She's pretty good," said right winger Jordan Eberle. "Once you figure that out, you try and score and put in as many as you can.

"It's great that she could step in and help us out."

Szabados, who lives in Edmonton, became the first woman to play in the Western Hockey League and also helped the Canadian women's hockey team win gold in Vancouver in 2010.

Her parents and husband were on hand at the Oilers practice to cheer her on.

"It was pretty cool," said her father, Gary Szabados.

But he said he doubts that he'll ever get to see his sports star daughter mind net in an NHL game.

"Women's hockey has come a long way, but there's still a lot of old-school thinking out there that the women can't do it."

No woman has ever played in an NHL regular-season game. Manon Rheaume became the first to play in an exhibition game with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1992

Shannon Szabados agreed that she may never have the experience.

"If I was the last resort, then maybe," she said with a smile.

She admits she's hit the glass ceiling as far as women's hockey goes. And that's OK.

"As a hockey player, you just want to play the highest level possible and playing in Sochi, winning a gold medal, was fun. And taking part in an NHL practice was pretty cool."

Oilers officials were too busy with Wednesday's trade deadline to talk with her after practice, she said, so she's not sure if she'll be invited back.

"If they ever need me again, I'll be here."

FULL ARTICLE LINK - http://sports.ca.msn.com/top-stories/olympic-womens-goalie-helps-out-oilers-1

[JFC]

Deepest condolences to the Stajan family on their loss.

Matt Stajan on leave from Flames after death of newborn son
By Brian Stubits | Hockey writer
March 9, 2014 5:27 pm ET

Matt Stajan has been out of the lineup for the past four games for the Calgary Flames and no reason was given for his absence until Sunday. The Flames announced the tragic reason why on Sunday; Matt and his wife Katie Stajan have been grieving the loss of their baby boy, Emerson. He passed shortly after his birth on Monday.

Stajan is going to be out indefinitely. The Flames shared the feelings of everybody in their statement.

   Our thoughts and prayers are with Katie and Matt at this difficult time. We appreciate that everyone has and will continue to respect their privacy during this period.

    A private memorial service will take place in the ensuing days.

It's just the worst possible news, unthinkable really. Absolutely heartbreaking. Best wishes to the Stajans.

LINK - http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/24475255/matt-stajan-on-leave-from-flames-after-death-of-newborn-son

[JFC]

This fan found out the hard way that when he bangs the glass is pretty important.

[JFC]

So, Captain Andrew Ladd was not with the Jets yesterday when they lost in Dallas. Why? The answer is simple, he was back here in Winnipeg, with his wife, as she gave birth to their 2nd child (a daughter). Now obviously Ladd's presence would have been nice, as he's the type of player that could be/cause the difference between a win and a loss. But, family is family, and it's only natural for, or at the very least not surprising when people (even if they are pro athletes getting paid millions of dollars to play a sport) step away from their job for a short period of time when a situation like this (the birth of a child) occurs. After all, family should come first, right?

Well, apparently not to everyone. 

Andrew Ladd blasted for choosing birth of child over Winnipeg Jets game
By Greg Wyshynski | PuckDaddy.com/Yahoo.com

Before Monday, Andrew Ladd had never missed a game for the Winnipeg Jets since it relocated from Atlanta. In his single season as a Thrasher, Ladd missed one out of 82 games. So yeah, the guy’s a gamer.

But the captain missed the Jets’ game at the Dallas Stars on Monday, a frustrating 2-1 loss, because his second child was born on Sunday night: The couple's second child and first daughter.

You probably know where this is going.

There’s pressure on any athlete to time their baby-makin’ around their job, to the point where Roberto Luongo and his wife had a plan to induce labor before the 2008 playoffs. And there’s always going to be some critic that questions a player’s decision to put family first, like when Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk criticized NFL players for mismanagement of “nine-month family expansion activities,” language that confirms he may in fact be an android.

And so it was that Troy Westwood of TSN 1290 in Winnipeg questioned Ladd’s decision to witness the miracle of life on a Sunday and then not show up to join the Jets at the Dallas Stars on a Monday:

Troy Westwood's Twitter

Baby born last night, healthy, no complications I assume. You as captain don't make game tonight in Dal with playoffs hanging by a thread?

- https://twitter.com/TroyWestwood/statuses/448227756656963584

And...

Troy Westwood's Twitter

another person's Twitter

@TroyWestwood life us more important than hockey Troy. Family always comes first.

- https://twitter.com/NotArby_18/status/448227977747116032

@NotArby_18 The baby is in this world and healthy. This is pro freakin sports, your team needs you, get to the game.

- https://twitter.com/TroyWestwood/statuses/448233983843659776

Now, Westwood isn’t some jock-sniffer. He played 18 years with the Blue Bombers in the CFL, and he gets an eternal pass from criticism for his 2003 reference to Saskatchewanians as “banjo-pickin' inbreds.” He’s speaking as a former pro.

But he’s also speaking as a former pro football player, a sport in which they play significantly fewer games than in the NHL. Joe Flacco missed the birth of his child to play in Week 1 for the Ravens last season, one of 16 games. Ladd is missing one out of 82; and let’s not forget the real context here, which is that the Jets trailed the wild card by six points before last night with 10 games remaining; now, it’s seven and nine games left.

I have zero issue with Ladd or any parent missing a game for the birth of their child. Ultimately, it’s that family’s decision, and the athlete’s willingness to live with that decision – like when Hunter Mahan left the Canadian Open with a two-stroke lead in the final round to witness the birth of his child.

What about the teammates? What about management?

Depends on the situation. I watched Game 7 of the 2010 Bruins/Flyers series, in which Philly rallied from a 3-0 deficit, while holding my newborn daughter in a hospital room. I remember wondering what call I would have made if I was on either team with a baby due that day, or the night before. I also thought about exactly what Westwood pondered, which is the reaction of their teams if a key player voluntarily skipped what was undoubtedly the most important game of the season for it.

But as Alain Vigneault said when Luongo left, briefly, for the birth of his child: "That's more important than any hockey game and we expect him to be there, and that's where he should be.”

Ladd was there for the Jets 72 times this season. He needed to be somewhere else last night.

FULL ARTICLE LINK - http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/andrew-ladd-blasted-for-choosing-birth-of-child-over-jets-game-143350292.html

[kuro808]

^ he did the right thing, no doubt about it and those who say otherwise don't understand that your family will last longer than your career as an athlete.  Period

In other news, Americans are still ignorant about hockey

[JFC]

So yesterday, after having been eliminated from playoff contention, the Vancouver Canucks took what some believe to be the first step in a changing of the guard:

Canucks fire GM Mike Gillis a day after being eliminated from playoff contention
Tuesday, 04.08.2014 | The Canadian Press

VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Canucks have fired president and general manager Mike Gillis.

The move comes a day after the team was eliminated from playoff contention.

LINK - http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=713267


And then today, they named one of the members of the new guard (and he's one with whom many Canuck fans are familiar):

Canucks name Linden president of hockey operations
Wednesday, 04.09.2014 | Kevin Woodley - NHL.com Correspondent

VANCOUVER -- Trevor Linden is the face of the Vancouver Canucks again.

Their all-time leader in games played and former captain was introduced as president of hockey operations Wednesday.

Picked second by the Canucks at the 1988 NHL Draft, Linden played 16 of his 19 NHL seasons for Vancouver before retiring in 2008 and having his No. 16 retired. He walked away from the game for six years but never left the city and never stopped cheering for the Canucks.

"I came to Vancouver 26 years ago. I've never left," Linden said. "I love this city. It is my home and the Canucks have always been a big part of my family.

"Part of the reason you love the game as a player is because you love the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. It becomes addictive, and part of the reason I am back is the chance to win and do something special here."

Linden returns to the Canucks in a role that makes him responsible for all hockey operations, including coaching and scouting staffs, player procurement and development, and minor league affiliations and operations. He replaces Mike Gillis, who was fired as general manager and president Tuesday, one day after the Canucks were eliminated from Stanley Cup Playoff contention for the first time since Linden retired.

"We believe in Trevor's leadership abilities," Canucks chairman Francesco Aquilini said. "His 20 years of NHL experience, including seven as team captain … offers a very special skill set, one that will positively shape the direction of this club in the future."

Linden faces some difficult decisions, some of which include former teammates.

First is hiring a general manager, who he will then meet with to decide on the future of coach John Tortorella, who was hired last summer and has four years remaining on his contract.

Linden hopes to have that general manager in place before the 2014 NHL Draft, which will be held June 27-28 in Philadelphia, but wouldn't discuss potential candidates or desirable attributes.

"I have a profile of a manager I like and now it's about putting a candidate list together, and that's a critical path," Linden said. "Gaining permission to speak to certain people can be a challenge, so that's what will affect timing."

Linden met Tortorella briefly for the first time Wednesday morning. The coach has been criticized for a system that doesn't fit the Canucks' skilled but aging core group of players, but Linden was non-committal about style of play, stressing that responsible defensive play doesn't have to come at the expense of goals.

Linden said he had ideas why the Canucks struggled this season, especially offensively, but didn't "think the time is right to get into it." He wants to first meet with the coaches and players after the season ends Sunday.

"The timing of this allows me to fully evaluate the coaching staff," Linden said. "I look forward to sitting down with players and understanding the ins and outs of their issues and their seasons. Next week is going to be critical. Any sort of coaching decision will be made in due time after a thorough evaluation."

Considered a Canucks icon long after he retired and turned his attention to private business ventures that include a fitness chain bearing his name, Linden knows how he is seen in Vancouver will change with his new job.

The legacy that came with captaining the Canucks for seven seasons and leading them to Game 7 of the 1994 Stanley Cup Final against the New York Rangers, when he scored both goals in the 3-2 Game 7 loss, is on the line.

Linden no longer will be seen solely as the player who had six 30-goal seasons with the Canucks. His 318 goals, which rank second to Markus Naslund, no longer matter. Nor do his 733 points, which trails Naslund, current captain Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin.

"I've been like the backup quarterback the last few years," Linden said. "Everyone loves the backup quarterback because he hasn't made any mistakes yet. I fully recognize what I am getting into, but I wouldn't want it any other way."

Linden, who also played for the New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals before being reacquired by the Canucks in 2001, knows there are people who will question his readiness because he hasn't worked in hockey since retiring.

"My experience comes from playing, no question," said Linden, who was president of the NHL Players' Association for eight years. He mentioned other former players who made similar moves to the front office in recent years.

"I look at colleagues, whether Joe Sakic [Colorado Avalanche executive vice president of hockey operations] or Steve Yzerman [Tampa Bay Lightning general manager] or Cam Neely [Boston Bruins president], who I have spoken to the last few days," Linden said. "You need to surround yourself with good people. It's about building a good team not only on the ice but off the ice too. There will be changes, but I intend to surround myself with good, thoughtful, independent thinkers. That's how we will make the right decisions."

A number of those changes will involve former teammates and friends. Five players were with the Canucks when Linden played his final season, including the Sedins.

"It's impossible to get into that today but I like this core because there are good people there, and they are character players and they deserve the right to be where they are," Linden said. "Having said that, at this juncture there needs to be a full evaluation of how we get better and what that looks like."

No matter how it ends up looking, there will now be a familiar face in charge.

"You don't play 20 years in the National Hockey League and spend your whole life in hockey and not have it in your DNA," Linden said. "I always kind of thought I would be back. I never wanted to work for another organization."

LINK - http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=713673

 

[JFC]

Another big-name former NHLer takes a high-profile, executive position. Though in this case, it's more like transferring from one high-profile position to another.

Maple Leafs name Brendan Shanahan as new team president
Friday, 04.11.2014 | NHL.com

Brendan Shanahan is the new president and alternate governor of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the team announced Friday morning. He will assume his new duties immediately and will be formally introduced during a press conference Monday in Toronto.

He joins the Maple Leafs to oversee all team operations, according to a release from the club.

FULL ARTICLE CONTINUES WHEN YOU CLICK THE LINK (includes video) - http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=713926


Now, because of the position that he is leaving to take on this new one, the league has had to set up some temporary measures for the Players Safety Department.

NHL announces Player Safety procedures for remainder of season and Stanley Cup Playoffs
Friday, 04.11.2014 | NHL Department of Player Safety - NHL.com

NEW YORK -- At the direction of NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Brendan Shanahan immediately relinquished responsibility for overseeing the League's Department of Player Safety upon accepting the position of President of the Toronto Maple Leafs yesterday afternoon.

Effective with Thursday night's games and for the balance of the regular season and throughout the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs, Stephane Quintal assumes the role of conducting hearings and administering supplementary discipline.

The National Hockey League has a first-rate and fully functional team of professionals staffed in the Player Safety Department that will continue to monitor all plays in all games and to flag plays that warrant review and potential discipline. There will be no change in the approach that has been established by the Department of Player Safety and the League will take all steps necessary to ensure a consistent standard of enforcement and application of discipline for the balance of this season.

FULL ARTICLE LINK - http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=714038


And finally, another great player (one that holds a special place in the heart of one fan of Rikass) is calling it a career.

Oilers' Smyth, 'Captain Canada,' set to retire
Friday, 04.11.2014 | Derek Van Diest

EDMONTON -- Ryan Smyth will play one final game with the Edmonton Oilers before calling it a career.

Smyth announced during a press conference Friday afternoon that the Oilers' game against the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night will be his last.

"This is something that was ongoing for a while," Smyth said. "Six or seven months ago, I wanted to see how things go, and as it got close to the end, I knew in my heart it was the right timing. I'm thrilled to see what the next chapter holds for me."

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