In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Noah Hanifin personally provided an update on his status with the Calgary Flames and said he’s eager to get something done and stay long-term. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers are trying to move Morgan Frost. Are they having any luck? Are the Pittsburgh Penguins worried about their style of hockey and if they have enough depth? Finally, the NHL has responded to Travis Dermott’s refusal to acknowledge the Pride Tape ban and it’s good news for those who wish to support inclusion.
Hanifin Says He’s Eager to Sign With Flames
Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin has confirmed ongoing discussions between the team and his agent regarding a long-term contract extension. Despite his primary focus being on hockey, Hanifin expressed his eagerness to continue his journey with the organization, emphasizing his love for the city. It’s not clear if this is a pivot from past reluctance, or if insiders misunderstood his previous intentions when he noted he wanted to wait to sign anything.
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Initially, there was hesitation, but Hanifin emphasized the importance of patience in decision-making. He praised the team environment, citing the camaraderie among players, coaches, and management in Calgary. Hanifin seemed genuinely surprised by any suggestion that he might want to leave, underscoring his commitment to finding common ground. He acknowledged the positive influence of players like Mikael Backlund choosing to stay, indicating a desire to build a successful future with the Flames.
Flyers Trying to Trade Morgan Frost
Flyers forward Morgan Frost inked a lucrative two-year, $4.2 million contract before the start of training camp. However, his presence on the ice dwindled as he was benched twice last week as a healthy scratch. If Frost continues to find himself relegated to limited ice time, trade speculations could intensify.
Sources reveal that the Flyers had entertained offers for Frost during the previous offseason, but potential suitors balked at the asking price, deeming it too steep. Among the interested parties were reportedly the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators. Recent rumblings suggest that other teams might also be eyeing Frost as a potential acquisition.
Penguins Keeping an Eye on Waiver Wire
The Peguins are trying to improve their bottom six and Josh Yohe of The Athletic writes, “I don’t think the Penguins are panicking. But I think some serious concern is mounting.” He adds:
Kyle Dubas is living on the waiver wire these days, looking for fresh bottom-six and bottom-pairing blood at every chance. He isn’t happy with the lower end of his NHL roster, clearly. It didn’t take him long to send Jansen Harkins to Wilkes-Barre and to recall Radim Zohorna.
source – ‘Yohe: If the Penguins don’t wake up this week, they could be in serious trouble’ – Josh Yohe – The Athletic – 10/23/2023
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The belief in Pittsburgh is that the Penguins play too loose a style and aren’t going to win games with their free-wheeling brand of hockey. They either need to add pieces that will bring a different element, or protect them when it comes to teams who play that style too and are better at it.
NHL Rescinds Pride Tape Mandate
According to Elliotte Friedman, “There is word the NHL, NHLPA and NHL Player Inclusion Coalition have agreed that players will have the option to represent social causes with stick tape throughout the season. This includes games and practices.” Pierre LeBrun notes, “League source confirms the ban on Pride Tape for NHL players has been rescinded.”
This comes in response from the league after Travis Dermott, a defenseman with a one-year deal slightly above the league minimum, displayed remarkable courage by standing up for his beliefs, despite his expendable status. He risked his career to point out that he didn’t agree with the NHL’s stance.
NHL Frozen Frenzy Tonight
The NHL will feature sixteen games on Tuesday night with sixteen different start times. They are calling it the Frozen Frenzy. It’s going to be a lot of hockey on one night. ESPN is heavily promoting the hockey buffet and we hope you enjoy.
Good luck keeping up!
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