@frank_seravalli

Tentative agreement between #NHL and #NHLPA (which requires approval) calls for training camps to open on Jan. 3 and regular season on Jan. 13.

The 7 teams who did not make 24-team playoff can open camp on Dec. 30.

All dates subject to change. Scheduling not finalized.

@frank_seravalli

#NHL/#NHLPA Agreement: 23-man roster with $81.5 million salary cap.

This includes creation of 4-6 man taxi squad. All 29 players (max) will travel and practice with NHL team. Taxi squad is paid full AHL salary. CBA has been expanded to include for more flexible emergency recalls
- Theo Fox

Camps start Jan. 3 - what happens to the players in the WJC (Dach)? (Rhetorical at this point - I don’t expect anyone knows the answer).

@TheFourthPeriod

Pending sign-off from the provinces, the 4 NHL divisions this season will be:

Canadian: CGY, EDM, MTL, OTT, OTT, VAN, WPG
Atlantic: BOS, BUF, NJ, NYI, NYR, PHI, PIT, WAS
Central: CAR, CBJ, DET, CHI, DAL, FLA, NAS, TB
Pacific: ANA, AZ, COL, LA, MIN, SJ, STL, VGK

@TheFourthPeriod

If, however, the 7 Canadian teams are forced to play down south, the NHL will re-align again.

I'm told a temporary bubble in a Canadian market for the 7 teams is unlikely; players don't seem to be on board with any bubble scenario
- Theo Fox

The Atlantic -the Division of Death

@TheFourthPeriod

Pending sign-off from the provinces, the 4 NHL divisions this season will be:

Canadian: CGY, EDM, MTL, OTT, OTT, VAN, WPG
Atlantic: BOS, BUF, NJ, NYI, NYR, PHI, PIT, WAS
Central: CAR, CBJ, DET, CHI, DAL, FLA, NAS, TB
Pacific: ANA, AZ, COL, LA, MIN, SJ, STL, VGK

@TheFourthPeriod

If, however, the 7 Canadian teams are forced to play down south, the NHL will re-align again.

I'm told a temporary bubble in a Canadian market for the 7 teams is unlikely; players don't seem to be on board with any bubble scenario
- Theo Fox

Someone help me understand StL in Pacific and DAL in central ...

Dach named captain of Team Canada for the WJC. Cozens and Byram with the A's.



Great job predicting that one, Tyler! Now, can you give me today's lottery numbers?
- Theo Fox

Haha. Glad I can still provide some value on your blogs once and a while.

(Great write up by the way... keep up the excellent work pal!)

@TheFourthPeriod

With the NHL season now set to start on January 13, I'm hearing the regular-season will end in early-May, and the Stanley Cup Playoffs will wrap up in mid-July.

Haha. Glad I can still provide some value on your blogs once and a while.

(Great write up by the way... keep up the excellent work pal!)
- Tyler Cameron

Thanks, Tyler.

I learn from the best!



Not sure what Darth Maul represents. Bad grammar? Run-on sentences? Dangling participles? Over usage of gifs?

@TheFourthPeriod

With the NHL season now set to start on January 13, I'm hearing the regular-season will end in early-May, and the Stanley Cup Playoffs will wrap up in mid-July.
- Theo Fox

That's great to hear, but never any doubt, no new tv contract unless they play this year, no way the owners or players let that happen, for the greater good

Thanks, Tyler.

I learn from the best!



Not sure what Darth Maul represents. Bad grammar? Run-on sentences? Dangling participles? Over usage of gifs?
- Theo Fox

Whatever it is... I love it.

@TheFourthPeriod

Some info on Divisions & Playoffs:

1) Each division will be renamed for this season.

2) Conference Finals matchups will be seeded based on regular-season points.

@TheFourthPeriod

Some info on Divisions & Playoffs:

1) Each division will be renamed for this season.

2) Conference Finals matchups will be seeded based on regular-season points.
- Theo Fox

Getting to hate Detroit with a flaming passion again is a-ok with me!

Thanks, Tyler.

I learn from the best!



Not sure what Darth Maul represents. Bad grammar? Run-on sentences? Dangling participles? Over usage of gifs?
- Theo Fox

Sadly, a great looking villain in the worst movie in that franchise...nothing more.

Agree with Tyler though, you're consistently killing it Theo! Cheers!

Excellent post, sizzle chest (Jerky Boys reference for the Utes in the crowd). Watching Hoss do what you describe was awesome. A man among boys. And I do see Dach hinting at a similar ability in that area.

Like you, I am not saying Dach is Hossa. I recall people making similar comments about Saad reminding them about some aspect of Hossa's game, and then getting roasted by the former blogger (and minions) for saying Saad was the next Hossa. Good times....
- mohel

Paul Rizzo here, Mo...I think we've gotten off on the wrong foot. Love the call to the car dealership where he wants to come in and apply for a sales job.

I also remember Saad being crucified for daring to step on the ice where Q was playing him (with the first line), cause he'd done nothing to earn it. Front office HYPE!

My favorite that year from the former blogger and followers was how the Hawks were nothing more than pirouetting ballerinas and would fold like a cheap tent in the playoffs because they didn't have any road graters or play big boy hockey.

Good times indeed...

edit - wonder if our own "paulr" is Paul Rizzo

Getting to hate Detroit with a flaming passion again is a-ok with me!
- 35Tony0

I never stopped Tony.

Would be great if they could remain in the same division when things eventually hopefully get back to normal.

Unlike the Hawks, the Wings best prospects (Raymond and Seider) are in GR or elsewhere. Larkin's pretty good as are Mantha and Bertuzzi but legendary GM Stevie Y appears to have a steeper hill to climb.

I never stopped Tony.

Would be great if they could remain in the same division when things eventually hopefully get back to normal.

Unlike the Hawks, the Wings best prospects (Raymond and Seider) are in GR or elsewhere. Larkin's pretty good as are Mantha and Bertuzzi but legendary GM Stevie Y appears to have a steeper hill to climb.
- HawkintheD

I would like to see Detroit more than any other team (excluding Chicago) get the first overall choice 2021.
Yzerman could consider trading the top choice and his own #2 if and only if the return is two top ten choices. How bad does a team want the top forward/wing or the top dman in 2021? I would go after a dman and a goaltender with two top ten choices.

Yzerman might also consider bringing in players whom are getting crowded out by youngsters but are still pretty good. Even if their contract is a bit high is not a big concern. Just no long term.

Someone like Daneault could be given a greater offensive role and told that he will be used in the role as long as he is playing well. Of course Dsneault still would be used in a defensive role so how a new role is defined is a tricky.

I am guessing two top ten plus your 2019 & 2020 #1
mixed in with a couple of savvy veterans like Daneault could provide real hope and a much higher level of confidence to play up to the level of competition. I hope also that increased talent on the roster cold produce a very good points and scoring from Larkin and Bertuzzi. Does this sound like a possible plan Hawk in the D?

@TheFourthPeriod

Pending sign-off from the provinces, the 4 NHL divisions this season will be:

Canadian: CGY, EDM, MTL, OTT, OTT, VAN, WPG
Atlantic: BOS, BUF, NJ, NYI, NYR, PHI, PIT, WAS
Central: CAR, CBJ, DET, CHI, DAL, FLA, NAS, TB
Pacific: ANA, AZ, COL, LA, MIN, SJ, STL, VGK

@TheFourthPeriod

If, however, the 7 Canadian teams are forced to play down south, the NHL will re-align again.

I'm told a temporary bubble in a Canadian market for the 7 teams is unlikely; players don't seem to be on board with any bubble scenario
- Theo Fox

So Q would be coaching in the same division as the Hawks? If these are the divisions, I can see the Hawks getting in as the 4th seed after TB, DAL, and CAROLINA.

Theo,

What exactly do you think is Bowman's plan or strategy that he said he wants to see come to fruition. Ths is in regards to the statement made after he was promoted to his new dual position.

Earlier in this blog I described what his strategy might be. I don't want to make this entry too long, but maybe you might reference the earlier blog and decide if it is an accurate portrayal

I would like to see Detroit more than any other team (excluding Chicago) get the first overall choice 2021.
Yzerman could consider trading the top choice and his own #2 if and only if the return is two top ten choices. How bad does a team want the top forward/wing or the top dman in 2021? I would go after a dman and a goaltender with two top ten choices.

Yzerman might also consider bringing in players whom are getting crowded out by youngsters but are still pretty good. Even if their contract is a bit high is not a big concern. Just no long term.

Someone like Daneault could be given a greater offensive role and told that he will be used in the role as long as he is playing well. Of course Dsneault still would be used in a defensive role so how a new role is defined is a tricky.

I am guessing two top ten plus your 2019 & 2020 #1
mixed in with a couple of savvy veterans like Daneault could provide real hope and a much higher level of confidence to play up to the level of competition. I hope also that increased talent on the roster cold produce a very good points and scoring from Larkin and Bertuzzi. Does this sound like a possible plan Hawk in the D?
- jhawk59

Hey J! It's possible, though I don't see Detroit making many trades for guys that probably don't factor into a long term plan.

I think in terms of being relevant again they are maybe a tad behind the Hawks. I hope anyway, but could see the Hawks being a bit further along especially if Dach continues his trajectory.

One thing Detroit now has is Cap Space and enough of it where they could take on contracts like Tyler Johnson's while also taking on some Tamp draft picks and or prospects.

I think they'll go that route more. Yzerman is understandably beloved among the Wang faithful so he was brought in to rebuild the team.

Paul Rizzo here, Mo...I think we've gotten off on the wrong foot. Love the call to the car dealership where he wants to come in and apply for a sales job.

I also remember Saad being crucified for daring to step on the ice where Q was playing him (with the first line), cause he'd done nothing to earn it. Front office HYPE!

My favorite that year from the former blogger and followers was how the Hawks were nothing more than pirouetting ballerinas and would fold like a cheap tent in the playoffs because they didn't have any road graters or play big boy hockey.

Good times indeed...

edit - wonder if our own "paulr" is Paul Rizzo
- HawkintheD

"Look, Jerky, don't make me come down there looking for you, tough guy."

"GET BRETT WEIR I SAID"

Theo,

What exactly do you think is Bowman's plan or strategy that he said he wantscto see come to fruition. Ths is in regards to the statement made after he was promoted to his new dual position.

Earlier in this blog I described what his strategy might be. I don't want to make this entry too long, but maybe you might reference the earlier blog and decide if it is an accurate portrayal
- jhawk59

Dual position? I think it's the same position without constraints from above, free to make the decisions he wants to make for the hockey team a true unpolluted position. It's a double edged sword definitely the buck stops here kind of position. As it should be

Canadian: CGY, EDM, MTL, OTT, TOR VAN, WPG
Atlantic: BOS, BUF, NJ, NYI, NYR, PHI, PIT, WAS
Central: CAR, CBJ, DET, CHI, DAL, FLA, NAS, TB
Pacific: ANA, AZ, COL, LA, MIN, SJ, STL, VGK


I was just about the type a question about The Who & how of the "yellow aces" taxi squad, and how you work it.

This includes creation of 4-6 man taxi squad. All 29 players (max) will travel and practice with NHL team. Taxi squad is paid full AHL salary. CBA has been expanded to include for more flexible emergency recalls

I can understand how you could use the concept (instead of a demetion) to help a youngster or newbie.

Let's say Ian Mitchelll just had two disappointing games and instead of a discouraging demotion, you drop him to that surplus so he can get encourageement and teaching moments by sticking around, and the it a crucial part, keeping your own idea that YOU CAN do this...
BUT....

LET'S TAKE Nicolas Beaudin AND Matej Chalupa and think about if they gain from not playing and just practicing with the parent club.

To me Beaudin has to play (AHL) while Chalupa gets more of a teaching moment from practicing with NHLers...
The taxi squad situation is different than the play-off ready NHL teams gave their newly signed kids bubble squad inclusions,by allowing integration in the team dynamic, making this kids feel familiar and new "family members.".

So do teams try and fit a few new minor pros to sit?

I know it seems like just few more press box seats...but maybe I view this as counter-productive for the younger guys...over AHL playing.

So I think there will some rotiating from Rockford, BUT what if your in a bubble or out of town, so teams WILL need "sitters' at many a position...is this the way we see three goalies on the parent club?

Does this allow Hagel, or Quenneville, or Krys auditions and final judgments on their futures?

All I know is if I had sent encouraging futures via my telecast teams, front office about some of my "future hawks" I think I dont want them getting their feet wet after not playing regularly (AHL) the nights before I call them to play in the bigs....

Theo,

What exactly do you think is Bowman's plan or strategy that he said he wants to see come to fruition. Ths is in regards to the statement made after he was promoted to his new dual position.

Earlier in this blog I described what his strategy might be. I don't want to make this entry too long, but maybe you might reference the earlier blog and decide if it is an accurate portrayal
- jhawk59

The article I read basically said he's looking to develop 2-3 new young impact players every year instead of relying on one group over a long haul. This is a must in the no "bridge deal" hockey world or else you become Toronto and Edmonton.

The article I read basically said he's looking to develop 2-3 new young impact players every year instead of relying on one group over a long haul. This is a must in the no "bridge deal" hockey world or else you become Toronto and Edmonton.
- rpeters01

If it was that easy every team would do this. Lucky to get 1 impact player a year.

Once the team is in a position for deep playoff runs that plan is pretty much out the window

Camps start Jan. 3 - what happens to the players in the WJC (Dach)? (Rhetorical at this point - I don’t expect anyone knows the answer).
- StLBravesFan

You're trending Sage, hahaha

https://twitter.com/NHLdo.../1340280729746325504?s=01

https://twitter.com/NHLdotcom/status/1340280729746325504?s=01
- BetweenTheDots

Camp would have to happen pretty quick then I would think.

Edit - Doh! See Sage's post about Jan 3.