Fans wondering where the next NHL expansion franchise will be got a candid answer from a connected figure today, when player agent Allan Walsh of Octagon Hockey tweeted out a timeline expectation. “Expect an NHL team in Seattle no later than 2020-21, as soon as arena renovations completed” Walsh wrote, while linking to a piece by Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times outlining the interest of two investment groups to increase parking and transit around the KeyArena. While there is still no guarantee that Seattle or the NHL would be ready to form a partnership before the next collective bargaining agreement is signed and put into effect, but this is a good sign for the hockey fans in the Pacific Northwest.
Seattle has long been considered an option for NHL expansion, because of its experience in the past as a professional sports city and the success of the Seattle Thunderbirds (previously the Breakers), who will play in the WHL final for the second consecutive season this year. While it isn’t a done deal by any means, Seattle does look like the next stomping grounds for NHL expansion.
- NHL.com writers Mike Morreale, Adam Kimelman, and Guillaume Lepage released their first post-lottery mock drafts today, with two of the three expecting the New Jersey Devils to select Nolan Patrick first overall. While the Patrick or Nico Hischier debate for first and second overall rages, it is interesting to note that all three writers had a different player going third overall. Miro Heiskanen, Gabriel Vilardi and Casey Mittelstadt each take a turn in that spot, showing the lack of consensus there is over prospects past the pair of centermen. Some of the most interesting picks may happen from 3-10 this year, with the possibility of more movement than usual on the trade front. Without much of a consensus, it may come down to positional need for some teams, especially because of the depth of centers and defense in this year’s draft.
- The Pittsburgh Penguins say that Brian Dumoulin, Carl Hagelin and Patric Hornqvist are all game-time decisions after missing the morning skate today. Hornqvist had to leave game 2 early after blocking a shot, but has been an extremely effective player once again for the Penguins this playoffs. He already has five points in seven games, but his power-presence makes a big impact on the game even when he doesn’t score. After another 20-goal season that saw him increase his physicality and forechecking dominance, he’ll be a candidate for an early extension this year. At 30, he’ll be entering the final season of his current five-year deal, and will be looking for another long-term contract before he hits free agency.