Programming note: #NHLJets have their turn w the http://t.co/isrTNvM9bt 30-in-30 series this Mon. A very quiet summer, but lots to tackle.
— PATRICK WILLIAMS (@pwilliamsNHL) August 14, 2015
And with that, it's straight into the links today folks.
Central Division
Our friends at Mile High Hockey got an outsider's perspective on life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, chatting with The Globe and Mail's James Mirtle. He gives it to them straight on something we all already knew: the Avs' window isn't next season. (Mile High Hockey)
Mike Heika, Tim Cowlishaw and Rick Gosselin all answer questions on various aspects of the 2015-16 season. Heika goes so far as to give us potential line combinations, and this nice little tidbit into the decision making process over in Dallas: "…Nill is head of the committee and there is no right-hand man the way this is set up." (Dallas Morning News)
The Minnesota Wild took care of their last bit of house cleaning, re-signing RFA Brett Bulmer to a one-year, two-way contract. No, I wasn't aware of his existence either. (StarTribune)
Do you like fan giveaways and are planning a trip to St. Louis? The team down there has released their promo schedule, including one especially to circle on your calendar: Chris Pronger HHoF '15 Bobblehead Night, December 10th vs. Philly. Not sure why it wasn't an Arizona game. (St. Louis Game Time)
Now NHL.com too ponders the Ladd, Byfuglien, Trouba and Scheifele situations. Patrick Williams speaks of possibly accelerating Josh Morrissey's development, which is funny because LD is where we have all the defencemen. This, though, is certainly true: "the Jets might have a limited window to blend core players Byfuglien and Ladd with youngsters such as Burmistrov and top prospects like forward Nikolaj Ehlers and defenseman Josh Morrissey." (NHL)
The questions facing the Jets can be summed up in three words: goaltending, penalties and Ehlers. (NHL)
Patrick Williams' top five Jets prospects article is in, and it starts out with a controversial one-two ranking worthy of our very own Top 25 Under 25 series. (NHL)
Good things come to those who wait, and this holds especially true for those wishing for more AIH Superfans. Let's be honest though, Alan's making us wait because he hates us and is now Torontonian through and through:
For those of you dying for an @AIHSuperfans podcast tomorrow, you’ll have to wait until Tuesday. The taeks were so hot that I need to edit!
— Alan (@sliiiiip) August 17, 2015
And All The Rest
J.J. Regan's Season Preview series continues even after that whole Jets article incident, now setting Buffalo in its sights. The tone is a fair bit cheerier, seeing as how he thinks the Sabres are "the most improved team in the NHL." While I'm really not sold on the Robin Lehner deal, that's still a narrative I can believe. (CSN Washington)
Calgary Flames GM Brad Treliving is of the mentality that "We prefer to look through the windshield and not the rearview mirror." Good philosophy. How's the Jets' rearview mirror looking? (The Score)
For Roberto Luongo, 2015-16 is all about the playoffs, and "nothing beneath that will be acceptable". For the team, actual success is the only way to bring about genuine attendance success, so consistent playoffs would be a great start. (ProHockeyTalk)
Here's a list of the three best offseason signings. The Winnipeg Jets do not make this list, with apologies to Drew Stafford. (The Score)
Mike Ribeiro makes for a very easy selection in PHT's ongoing Under Pressure series. If he takes a major step back, their number one center potentially becomes Mike Fisher. Think about that. (ProHockeyTalk)
The Detroit Red Wings have won the Robbie Russo sweepstakes. (Winging It In Motown)
And finally, David Denson is the first openly gay active player in affiliated professional baseball. It's only a matter of time before an active player in an NHL organization comes out publicly, and the sport will be richer for it. (Journal Sentinel)
Proud of #DavidDenson‘s decision to share his story and of his teammates’ support in helping him do so. Best of luck to the @helenabrewers!
— You Can Play Project (@YouCanPlayTeam) August 16, 2015
Good for David Denson. Good for anyone, anywhere, who is comfortable being who they are, no matter who they are.
— Jesse Spector (@jessespector) August 16, 2015
Thank you #DavidDenson for making life easier for other gay athletes. https://t.co/RNFP2AwZOY
— Cameron Esposito (@cameronesposito) August 16, 2015
Thanks for reading!
