The Hockey Writers

In this post, I am going to make a case that the Toronto Maple Leafs might have a unique opportunity to create the best fourth line in NHL history by keeping Jason Spezza and by signing two restricted free agents (RFAs) – Joe Thronton and Wayne Simmonds. Might it be possible to utilize the experience, desire, and skills of these aging players to create something unique in NHL … [Read more...] about How the Maple Leafs Could Build the Best Fourth Line in NHL History

In today’s NHL rumor rundown, there is news out of Edmonton that the Oilers kicked tires on goaltender Matt Murray but are now out of the running. In Vancouver, the Canucks have left Jake Virtanens’ future with the team very much in doubt. It appears Mark Borowiecki and the Ottawa Senators appear to be headed for a breakup and are the rumors about Kris Letang expecting to be … [Read more...] about NHL Rumors: Oilers, Senators, Canucks, Penguins, More

St. Louis Blues forward Troy Brouwer just cleared waivers, further signaling the inevitable end of a championship-winning career. Blues Deal Oshie for Brouwer Brouwer had signed a one-year deal back in November to rejoin the Blues after a professional try-out. The rugged forward had served as a risk-free addition, but that wasn’t always the case. Back in the summer of 2015, … [Read more...] about Imagine if Blues Had Never Traded Oshie for Brouwer

In this edition of Boston Bruins’ News & Rumors, we look at Bruce Cassidy winning the Jack Adams Awards, Torey Krug’s intriguing Instagram post and more. Bruce Cassidy Named Coach of the Year It should come as no surprise that Bruce Cassidy was named the NHL’s coach of the year for the 2019-20 season. The recipient of the Jack Adams Award for the first time in his career, … [Read more...] about Bruins’ News & Rumors: Cassidy, Krug & More

In this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs News & Rumors, I’ll take a look at a potential draft prospect and consider who else the Maple Leafs might trade if the organization’s goal is to clear salary-cap space. Finally, I’ll look at a new post about an old rumor that Alex Pietrangelo might be coming to the team. Item One: Nick Robertson Is Here, Is Jack Quinn Next? In less … [Read more...] about Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Quinn, Johnsson, Kerfoot & More

On Tuesday, Pierre LeBrun posted an article that cited comments from pending unrestricted free agent forward Wayne Simmonds. During Simmonds interview with the hockey insider, he said he was, “open to everything”. The article was discussing specifically Simmonds comments that he’d looked at the Toronto Maple Leafs and wondered if there might be a fit there for him. After all, … [Read more...] about Should the Oilers Look at Wayne Simmonds?

In this edition of Vancouver Canucks News & Rumors, I’ll look at some of the work that general manager Jim Benning should do during the offseason. Who will he re-sign? Who will he trade? There must be real chemistry on the team, because, almost every player has reported that they want to stay in Vancouver heading into the future. Related: Canucks News & Rumors: Green, … [Read more...] about Canucks News & Rumors: Motte, Virtanen, Markstrom & More

With informal practices about to get underway (around Sept. 21), most NWHL teams are just about set on their rosters for the league’s upcoming sixth season. Both of the signings announced this past week will be looking to make their NWHL debuts when the puck finally drops on a new season in January. Hunter Accursi is joining the NWHL after four years at Brock University. … [Read more...] about NWHL Roundup: Sister Act in Buffalo, Minnesota Signs Mack

Edmonton can be a tough place to live, especially if you’re a professional hockey player. The only surer thing in the City of Champions — Do city monikers lapse if they’re not renewed every couple of years, like unused library cards? — than seven hours of daylight and temperature of minus-20 in early January, is the outrage and demand that a player be driven out of town. … [Read more...] about Developing Oilers Defensemen: A Cautionary Tale