NHL Odds and Ends

While many of the NHL’s big offseason questions have been answered, the past few weeks have brought significant news for the league next season. For the second straight year the NHL will open its season in Europe with a total of four games scheduled on October 4th and 5th. The Pittsburgh Penguins will face off against the Ottawa Senators for two games in Stockholm, while the Tampa Bay Lightning face the New York Rangers in Prague.

The NHL also announced an outdoor New Year’s Day game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks at Wrigley Field.

Other News of Note:

Penguins and Head Coach Michel Therrien agree to a new 3-year contract

Sabers signed Goaltender Ryan Miller to a 5-year extension

Blackhawks 20-year-old center, Jonathan Toews was names captain of the team

Thrashers signed young prospect Angelo Esposito to a multi-year contract

Joffrey Lupul signs 4-year extension with the Flyers

Mats Sundin is still a Free Agent; however, a deal with some NHL team seems eminent.

Thoughts:

Mat Sundin, despite his age can add immense value to a team that is willing to take the risk. It seems that the real holdup in negotiations is Sundin’s desire for a multi-year contract, something not even Edmonton’s GM Kevin Lowe would agree to.

Esposito, Miller, and Lupul were all great decisions as they represent the core players of the ‘new’ NHL.

Jonathan Toews appointment to Captain is a great thing for the Chicago Blackhawks’ organization and the NHL. He joins Sidney Crosby as the two youngest Captains in the NHL and sets the table for a bright future