NHL Notebook: Darryl Sutter takes aim at Matthew Tkachuk, mixed feelings from NHL’ers on jersey ads and more
By Zach Laing
1 year agoDarryl Sutter took aim at Matthew Tkachuk Thursday with a quick, but quiet barb directed at the now Florida Panther.
During a media session, Sutter was asked about the skilset comparisons between Tkachuk and Tyler Toffoli.
“One guy has won Stanley Cups. Been a big part of long playoff runs.”
Tell us how you feel, without telling us how you feel, Darryl.
Tkachuk final days in Calgary were spent at the hand of the Edmonton Oilers, who worked the club down the highway in a five game, second round series victory. Tkachuk later asked for a trade and was sent to Florida in a blockbuster that brought back Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar.
Players aren’t fans of ads…
Some players around the league are expressing their displeasure — despite being understanding — of the NHL’s move to have advertisements on jerseys for the first time in the league’s history. The NHL slowly began implementing helmet ads in recent years, but this season marks the first where they’ll be placed on some jerseys.
Here’s some quotes from players compiled by TSN:
“It’s a catch-22, especially when you have a jersey like that. You don’t want to mess with those too much. It’s tough, but we’ve got to make some money back any way we can.” – Max Domi“Just the way things are going in this generation. I know people like the pure jersey. I would like that too. But it’s how it is. It’s where the NHL is going.” – Nick Suzuki“You knew something like that was coming. We saw the helmet ads come in, which I think probably makes it a little bit easier to see.” – John Tavares“It’s growing the brand. But I also love having that clean-cut jersey … the stickers on helmets, too. It still gets a little silly in my opinion, but I get it. Companies want to grow their brand on the best stage in the world, so I go back and forth. But I also like a clean-cut look.” – Cam Atkinson
NHLPA continues search for new boss
The NHLPA continues to look for a new executive director months after Donald Fehr announced he would be stepping aside. A committee was formed involving players to help in the hunt and according to TSN’s Darren Dreger, work continues.
“Well, they’re working hard at it. I can tell you that the head-hunting firm employed by the players’ association continues to aggressively work with the search committee that was formed to find Fehr’s replacement,” Dreger said on Thursday’s Insider Trading. “Now, they’re looking and interviewing candidates both inside and outside of hockey, as you’d expect. It’s a confidential approach, no specific timeline as to when the PA hopes to have Fehr’s replacement in place but optimistically, it could happen before the New Year.”
Kane ‘crushed’ by DeBrincat trade
Patrick Kane is none-too-pleased the Chicago Blackhawks traded linemate Alex DeBrincat this offseason.
A massive deal was made ahead of the July’s draft that saw DeBrincat shipped to the Ottawa Senaors for the seventh and 39th overall pick and a 2023 3rd round pick.
“That’s disappointing and it was kind of crushing at first when you hear the news because, not only did I feel we had some great chemistry on the ice, but he was one of my best friends and closest teammates off the ice,” said Kane. “Yeah, it was tough, but I think he’s a guy who’s going to develop into a great player, better than he already is.”
Much has been made about a potential Kane trade, but the forward poured cool water — at least for now — on that idea.
“To be honest, there hasn’t been much discussion about anything, even with my agent or my parents or my family,” he said. “I mean, I think we all know the situation, what could potentially happen. It’s not really anything I’m thinking about as of yet, so we’ll see how it all plays out and hopefully, we can get off to a good start here and prove some people wrong.
“I know a lot of people are counting this team out, what we can do, but I think we have a lot of motivated players and a motivated coaching staff as well. Hopefully, get off to a good start and it starts here in training camp, getting up to speed and everyone feeling good.”
Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.
#NATIONVACATION TO LAS VEGAS
- When: On Thursday, January 12th, we’re jumping on a flight at the Edmonton International Airport and making our way to Vegas. On Sunday evening, we’ll fly back from Vegas to Edmonton. So the dates that you need to block off for this trip are January 12th to 15th.
- Where we’re staying: After landing in LV, we’ll jump on the free shuttle and make our way to the Park MGM before settling in for a good night’s sleep. 😉
- What you get: Your roundtrip flight, hotel, shuttle, viewing party (Friday night), game entry — we got seats this time (Saturday night), and exclusive entry into our pre-trip ‘get to know everyone’ event.
- How Much: The total cost for the trip, flight, hotel, and entry to the game is $1499 per person (based on double occupancy)
- Tickets: Ready to dive in? Click this link.
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