The underlying theme of the NHL’s expansion draft rules, which we should learn officially in the near future, seems to be that the Las Vegas Black Knights will have the chance to be a competitive franchise right out of the gate.
Yes, let’s assume Las Vegas is a given, and that the long-noted ‘Black Knights’ moniker sticks.
“Given the rules, Las Vegas will be able to put a good team on the ice,” Florida Panthers president Dale Tallon said. “It’s been a long time since we expanded, and the way the game is played now and the way it’s coached, there’s a lot of great athletes out there.
“Obviously, you have to put the right pieces together. But certainly the opportunity is going to be there for Vegas to be competitive right away.”
Source: Steve Carp/ Las Vegas Review-Journal
NHL executives say Las Vegas can be competitive in first season
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Former NHLer Clint Malarchuk also spent a number of years with the Las Vegas Thunder of the IHL in the 1990s.
He seems to think the NHL can succeed in that market.
“No doubt at all,” said Malarchuk. “Sure, there’s competition for the dollar. But when I played there, I always thought it would be a no-brainer. I think it’s going to be great.”
The best part of that article, though, was this…
The Thunder signed Malarchuk to a multiyear contract. They paid him in quarter horses instead of cash. True story. He was paid in horseflesh.
Source: Ron Kantowski/ Las Vegas Review-Journal
Las Vegas hockey icon Clint Malarchuk predicts success for new NHL team
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Agent J.P. Barry provides an update on contract negotiations with the Washington Capitals on the Marcus Johansson front here, noting that finding the right term for both sides will be key.
“Whenever you’re talking about players like this, are they prepared to make a longer-term analysis?” Barry said. “That sort of the dialogue we’re having now. How do they project their lineup over the next three to five years? So, we’re just having that open discussion about that and the values.”
Source: Isabelle Khurshudyan/ Washington Post
Where the Capitals stand with their restricted free agents
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Chicago Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman, on a potential contract extension for Calder finalist Artemi Panarin:
“The goal would be to get that contract done at some point. You can’t even start negotiating until July,” noted Bowman. “Part of that is going to be a function of Artemi and his agent and their desire. We’ve had that in the past where certain players have chosen not to want to engage until that season is over, which is their right. We’ll see what their interest level is. Obviously he had a fantastic season and we love what he brings to the table. We want to work out a contract with him. It’s pretty early here. We really can’t even get into it for another couple weeks and then we’ll have a discussion and see how they want to approach it.”
Source: Eric Lear/ Blackhawks’ site
Bowman on trades, signings and new practice facility
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Health update on Bryan Murray:
“Right now I feel pretty good,” said Murray. “There are days that aren’t so sweet, but other than that for the most part I feel strong and feel good. My wife keeps me active now. That’s a good thing. I’ve got lots of household chores to do.”
Source: Don Brennan/ Ottawa Sun
Ex-Senators GM Bryan Murray helps raise money for fight against cancer on special evening
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Will the quickness of the Pittsburgh Penguins lead to teams coming into next weekend’s draft with a dramatically different focus?
“You have to be conscious of speed but players have to be able to read the game – they can compensate for lack of quickness,” said Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving.
“To me compete isn’t just running over guys – it’s, ‘Will you win puck battles.’ What stood out for me with Pittsburgh was speed and obviously skill but their compete level.
“At the end of the day San Jose is not a slow team. You look at the teams they had to play and you have to be able to match up in terms of overall size. I don’t want to take anything away from Pittsburgh but it looked to me like San Jose had no juice left.”
Source: Eric Francis/ Sportsnet
Flames’ Burke places emphasis on size ahead of NHL Draft
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Nichols’ Notes runs weekdays, linking you to stories of interest from around the NHL.
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