There's a couple other blips to report, but I think we all know the most important news yesterday had to offer: he's back. Yes folks, Claude Noel has returned to the NHL, joining former Montreal Canadiens GM Andre Savard as new additions to the New Jersey Devils pro scouting staff. I think this calls for a trip down memory lane.
Top 10 Claude Noel Soundbytes: https://t.co/3TRmxkYeT7 pic.twitter.com/AllJhKjDvt
— Phil Iver (@PhilipAIver) August 5, 2015
Tactical changes bring results for the #NHLJets http://t.co/ZMritYt23p pic.twitter.com/FFYJ5EpZXW
— Arctic Ice Hockey (@arcticicehockey) March 22, 2015
Claude Noel: Exhibit A of how loyalty can harm a professional organization. #NHLJets
— Ryan Blight (@arby_18) August 4, 2015
And now the news.
Central Division
The Stanley Cup World Tour continues with Kyle Cumiskey bringing it home to Abbotsford, British Columbia. (NHL)
Kyle Cumiskey posing with father Cliff & family friend Cayley Wilson #Stanleycup @NHLBlackhawks @NHL @HockeyHallFame pic.twitter.com/eik6Iyw2cH
— Philip Pritchard (@keeperofthecup) August 4, 2015
Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick heaped praise upon both Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin, going so far as to write that the former is "basically the ultimate hockey player". But do you trust Jamie Benn to babysit your kids? (Dallas Morning News)
The Minnesota Wild find themselves in a tricky spot, with deep playoff aspirations despite playing in what's shaping up to be a brutal Central. Also, it's nice how Nate Bauer thinks that by virtue of our prospects, "the Jets figure to continue on an upward trend for years to come". That kept the nagging doubts at bay for at least a couple of seconds. (The Hockey Writers)
Our Nashvillian frenemies are a bit more confident than I that Kevin Fiala will plug one of the Perds' bottom six holes, but with a couple of forward spots available on the roster the opportunity is there. (Predlines)
Good news for the returning Manitoba Moose, as the team has sold close to four thousand season tickets so far. All those highly-touted kids the Jets have coming should make for an entertaining watch. (Global News)
Kyle Connor, Erik Foley and Jack Roslovic all survived cuts at the 2015 National Junior Evaluation Camp, which means they should be there right to the bitter end. (USA Hockey)
Add D Jack Dougherty to the cut list at USA WJC Camp. Was still on roster this morning on initial release, but no longer.
— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) August 4, 2015
And All The Rest
The National Hockey League and Major League Baseball Advanced Media (MLBAM) announced a rather impressive sounding six-year partnership, which includes a lot about MLBAM receiving exclusive rights when it comes to NHL GameCenter, NHL Center Ice and NHL Network. (NHL)
As part of new deal, MLBAM will operate NHL Network out of MLB Network’s Secaucus, NJ headquarters.
— Seth Rothman (@RothmanHockey) August 4, 2015
If MLBAM makes the NHL Network something worth watching more than 10 times a year it will be a success.
— Corey Pronman (@coreypronman) August 4, 2015
And thankfully, our Chicago friends break down the agreement's ramifications nice and easy for you and I both. (Second City Hockey)
The offer Columbus extended to UFA defenceman Christian Ehrhoff is apparently "way below" $4 million, which probably has something to do with why he isn't yet a Blue Jacket. (CBS Sports)
If Detroit's biggest question is its goaltending, they're pretty set for 2015-16. I'm a bit more curious about if Mike Green will prove worthy of his contract, personally. (ProHockeyTalk)
Our Toronto compatriots make the case for buying out Stephane Robidas, even though his 35+ contract would still be on the books. I honestly don't know how much it matters either way, though buying him out is certainly preferable to losing a Martin Marincin or Petter Granberg on waivers. (Pension Plan Puppets)
And finally, Jim Benning signed foundation piece Brandon Sutter to a five-year contract extension worth $4.375 million per. The stealth rebuild is real, people. (Nucks Misconduct)
#Canucks sign Brandon Sutter. His $4.375M cap hit in 2016-17 is the highest of any NHL forward to have never tallied over 40 PTS in a season
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) August 4, 2015
Thanks for reading! Be sure to say in the Comments section below what you think Claude Noel's pro scout reports of various Jets players would sound like.
