Nothing like near record setting warm temperatures to inspire thoughts of hockey, but here we are.
The long summer is making way for fall in stubborn “I’m not going anywhere yet” fashion as the gauge closes in on 30 C.
At the same time, all 32 National Hockey League clubs get set to hit the ice for camp later this week (Ottawa’s guys head for medicals on Wednesday and take part in the first on-ice session Thursday).
With that in mind, lots is percolating around the league and here in Eastern Ontario.
RINK DEAL A BIG DEAL
This story has become as long as the Blue Ridge Mountains Parkway.
As Bruce Garrioch wrote earlier this week for Postmedia: “The Ottawa Senators and the National Capital Commission are making significant progress on what could be a historic agreement for the future of a downtown arena located at LeBreton Flats.”
The word that sticks out here is ‘could.’
The word that needs to supplant it is ‘should.’
Clearly the Canadian Tire Centre has passed its best-by date. The facility opened its doors in 1996 (as the Palladium), making it reportedly the second oldest rink in the NHL. Calgary currently holds that distinction (Madison Square Garden in New York has undergone several major upgrades) but the Flames are well on the way to constructing a new home.
The idea that it has, and is, taking this long to find the appropriate land mass to plant a new rink on is typical lollygagging, anal-retentive Ottawa.
Nonetheless, Senators’ owner Michael Andlauer remains confident in a deal getting done with the NCC, yet raised concerns when he stated that government financial help – from all three levels – will be required.
Cue the complainants.
“Bad location!!! Transit system is unreliable. It will be harder for fans from the west and south to get to the games” wrote on Ottawa Citizen reader.
Another?
“If the fans want a new arena they should pay for it with their ticket purchases. Not a cent of taxpayer money should go towards this boondoggle.”
Perhaps there’s resolution this week.
Perhaps not.
RAYMOND SIGNS STUTZLE-ESQUE CONTRACT
Steve Yzerman – he of the Nepean Yzerman clan – nailed down one difficult negotiation this week by signing winger Lucas Raymond to an eight-year deal worth an average annual value of $8.075 million US per.
The signing by the Red Wings is somewhat reminiscent of what Ottawa GM Pierre Dorion accomplished (before his exit obviously) with Tim Stutzle.
The German flash is entering Year 2 of his own eight-year contract featuring an AAV of $8.35 million US.
In NHL terms, the differential in payout is pretty minimal.
It will be interesting though to watch these two and how they perform the next seven-to-eight seasons. Both Stutzle and Raymond were part of that very strong 2020 draft. Stutzle went third overall to the Senators while Raymond followed right behind at No. 4 to Detroit.
This was also the draft that featured breakout forward Alex Lafreniere at No. 1 and another breakout performer in Quinton Byfield at No. 2. (Both Lafreniere and Byfield were slow to start but came on with big seasons in 2023-24).
It could end up being a draft of great consequence when all is played out.
Jake Sanderson (No. 5, Ottawa) has already made the leap, as have other first-round picks Seth Jarvis (No. 13, Carolina) and Dawson Mercer (No. 18, New Jersey).
Knocking at the door from that opening round?
Expectations are high for a big, big year from Buffalo forward and former Ottawa 67 Jack Quinn (No. 8 pick). Keep your eyes on Marco Rossi, Cole Perfetti, Braden Schneider, Anton Lundell, Jake Neighbours, Kaiden Guhle and Connor Zary as well.
Meantime in San Jose, hot prospect Yaroslav Askarov (No. 11, Nashville) will get his shot in goal for the win-starved Sharks.
WHO’S YOUR M.I.P. CHOICE?
Glad you asked, and glad we can hang on a little bit longer to the 2020 draft class.
When this corner looks steadily at the Ottawa Senators one name pops up in the most improved player class for 2024-25.
Ridley Greig, who comes in as the 28th skater selected in 2020, is our selection.
This will be Year 2 of full-time employment at the NHL level for Greig. His 13 goal, 13 assist stat pack from last season could easily double this coming campaign.
As importantly though is Greig’s overall game. He’s a nasty, cocky son-of-a-gun with talent (kind of has the Ric Flair potential, eh?).
Look for Greig to make an impact.
A large one.
SID TAKES A HAIRCUT
Sidney Crosby wanted to remain in Pittsburgh and bent over backward and forward to make it happen.
The fact that the 37-year-old, two-time Stanley Cup winner inked a deal for just $8.7 million US won’t sit right with the NHLPA. Crosby – even at his age – is worth considerably more. Loads more.
But Sid lives by Sid standards. He’s put the organization first here, an organization that’s quickly running out of racetrack on the road to winning No. 3 for the Nova Scotia native.
“His actions today show why he is one of hockey’s greatest winners and leaders,” Pittsburgh GM Kyle Dubas said, in stating the obvious. “Sid is making a tremendous personal sacrifice in an effort to help the Penguins win, both now and in the future, as he has done for his entire career.”
Admirable.
thegrossgame@yahoo.com
Photo: Courtesy Andre Ringuette Getty Images
