In news you could have seen coming a mile away, EA Sports has removed Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane from the cover of NHL 16, which is due for release September 15th, 2015. The only surprise for me is that they didn't simply replace both of them with Duncan Keith, but c'est la vie.
Official statement regarding Patrick Kane. pic.twitter.com/MVurUYOHT8
— EA SPORTS NHL (@EASPORTSNHL) August 12, 2015
The new cover of #NHL16. pic.twitter.com/57iMr9pD9d
— EA SPORTS NHL (@EASPORTSNHL) August 12, 2015
And now the news.
Central Division
With training camp being less than six weeks away, “…a suspension might be best for all involved” when it comes to Patrick Kane, according to Allan Muir of Sports Illustrated. He’s not wrong. (SI)
Did you know that Tyler Seguin has a chocolate lab named Marshall and a black lab named Cash? You're welcome. Here are nine other things you might not know about the Dallas Stars forward. (Dallas Morning News)
Your inevitable reminder that Thomas Vanek can be an on-ice difference maker for the Minnesota Wild. At $6.5 million per for another two seasons, he's already been one off the ice. (Today's Slapshot)
J.J. Regan doesn't sound all too enamored with the Nashville Predators. But hey, at least they added Barret Jackman, right? (CSN Washington)
Corey Pronman's NHL prospect rankings are now out for all ESPN Insider subscribers to see. The Jets apparently rank sixth, behind Edmonton, Toronto, Buffalo, Arizona and the New York Islanders. Make of that what you will. (ProHockeyTalk)
And All The Rest
The Buffalo Sabres will be hosting a three-team prospects tournament this September, one they hope to turn into an annual event. They will be joined by the Boston Bruins and New Jersey's Pavel Zacha. (The Score)
Claude Giroux and Cory Schneider were obvious selections as their respective team’s most important player. But what about pending UFA Eric Staal with the Carolina Hurricanes? Justin Faulk is a still developing force on the blue line, and Cam Ward probably deserves a mention as well. (ESPN)
Travis Yost points out a Metropolitan Division inconvenient truth: the Carolina Hurricanes aren't as bad as people think, and with average goaltending they could be a darkhorse playoff contender. Cam Ward, meet Eddie Läck. (TSN)
Unsigned Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Peter Quenneville is looking at his options, including not only the AHL but potentially Finland's SM-Liiga as well. (The Hockey News)
Jen Scrivens has signed with the New York Riveters of the fledgling National Women's Hockey League. She, like her husband, is a product of the Cornell Big Red system. (Sportsnet)
Now that he's signed, Pavel Zacha can focus on training camp in September. His performance will be one to watch, though I'd expect he'll likely get at least an NHL audition, barring a completely horrific camp. (Fire and Ice)
The New York Islanders reportedly have interest in Marek Zidlicky. This doesn't seem like the worst idea if Scott Mayfield or Ryan Pulock aren't ready yet. (CBS New York)
In a stroke of genius, Craig Custance goes with Martin Jones as the San Jose Sharks' most important player. If he doesn't pan out as a starting goaltender (which I believe he will but remains to be seen), the whole house of cards falls apart. (ESPN)
It's not been a great offseason for Justin Peters, one which now includes surgery on his left knee. At the very least, it's expected he'll be ready for training camp. (Washington Post)
Apparently Kris Versteeg clad in leotard and dancing to Chandelier is good luck. Our old friend Devin Setoguchi is reportedly close to signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs, though it's completely unclear as to whether or not it's an NHL, AHL or PTO contract. Care to share any Gooch-related pearls of wisdom with Leafs Nation? (TLN)
Taking advantage of a 2nd chance. Devon Setoguchi says he’s gone to rehab, been clean and sober for 5 months, close to signing with #leafs
— Glenn Campbell (@CTVGCampbell) August 11, 2015
Motivated by that headline-generating wedding dance, here is a list of the five greatest hockey dances. How have I never before seen Andrew Loewen giving a very good account of himself while wearing goalie gear? Also, Colin Greening is like a more ambitious me on the dance floor. That is not a good thing. (National Post)
And finally, the leotard-inspired lists keep on coming. Any list which includes techno Don Cherry, "Can't Touch A Flame When It’s Red Hot" and that Russian music video featuring Alex Ovechkin sounds like FlightZone material to me. (The Hockey News)
Thanks for reading!
