Update (22. May, 8:03 PM): There’s also this firm, which has been tied to the project. - Matt
So says the Sports Business Journal. But the team spokesperson has denied it. HKS’ website has an annoying unskippable autoplay video, but it’ll give you an idea of their aesthetic.
JLA2 is moving forward.
Reports out of Russia are that Sergei Fedorov is set to retire and is slated to take up the GM spot at his old team, CSKA Moscow.
As George puts it, this is the end of an era. He’s been out of the picture in Detroit for so long that it’s hard to believe he was still playing, but even a guy as physically gifted as Fedorov can only play so long. Age 42 appears to be it.
One of the best Red Wings and Russian players ever, Sergei was my first favorite player. This is just another reminder of how much I wish things had turned out differently between him and the team.
Great, great news. Still, it’s hard to read things like “Eaves did skate a couple times with the Black Aces during the playoffs, but was unable to finish a full practice” and “I’m having less and less headaches and able to work out a little harder.”
Concussions suck.
In case you missed Petrella’s excellent breakdown of lineup possibilities yesterday. Be sure to check it out.
It’s a statement and potentially a watershed moment for the NHL, but I can’t help thinking it should have been the duration of the playoffs plus 25 regular season games. The Coyotes aren’t going to miss Torres that much either way, but a punishment that severe might deter other guys like him. Still, this is progress.
I should say, however, that it’s disappointing how much the NHL leans on the injury aspect of the play. That leads me to believe a similar, non-injurious hit would pass without anything approaching this kind of punishment.
It doesn’t mean anything, but Brendan Smith skated with the main squad today. Can’t see him getting in the lineup because as badly as the Wings’ D screwed up Tuesday, none of those guys are getting yanked.
Anyway, there’s also the fact that Babcock doesn’t think they’re having trouble going to the middle. As I pointed out yesterday, the Ice Tracker tells a different story, at least as far as shots are concerned.
Via Ellen Etchingham, on ways forward from outrage against the current state of supplementary discipline in the NHL today. While you’re at it, make sure you read this more depressing background piece by David Shoalts.
This morning, I tossed out the idea of including the removal of a lineup spot for the team of the suspended player for the duration of the suspension. It’s not as concrete as Ellen’s looking for, maybe, but it’s a concept that goes beyond saying “fix it more better!”. It’s been done at lower levels, too.
I also threw together a rough (rough!) draft of a possible discipline worksheet based on the CBA’s existing language. The necessary language is already in place—the problem is interpretation and implementation.
Addition: I’ve also in the past suggested a head contact ban instituted on a scale from simple minor all the way to ban, with steps like double minor, major, 10 minute misconduct, suspension, etc. in between. Treat it like a high stick, where the players are held responsible for the use of their bodies like they are for the use of their sticks. But where minor/incidental contact with the head doesn’t mean the hammer comes down on you.
Anyway, what ideas do you have?