2017 has been quite a busy year in the hockey world. There have been several big trades, the first expansion team in over 15 years, and much more. Over the coming days, PHR will take a look back at the top stories from around the game on a month-by-month basis. Next up is a look at the incredibly busy month of June.
Penguins Repeat: On June 11th, 2017 the Pittsburgh Penguins once again hoisted the Stanley Cup as NHL Champions, becoming the only team to win back-to-back titles in the salary cap era and first since the Detroit Red Wings of 1997-98. Sidney Crosby took home his second consecutive Conn Smythe trophy as playoff MVP, and solidified his legacy even further as one of the greatest players in the history of the game. Matt Murray took home his second title despite technically being a rookie, starting off his career in incredible fashion.
McDavid MVP: The NHL Awards were handed out, with young Connor McDavid taking home his first Hart Trophy as league MVP. McDavid was also voted the Most Outstanding Player by his peers, and took home the Art Ross as league scoring leader. Sergei Bobrovsky would take home the Vezina as the league’s best goaltender, Brent Burns would win the Norris as the top defenseman, and Auston Matthews was almost unanimously crowned Rookie of the Year.
Expansion Intrigue: The league held the first expansion draft in many years, and the Vegas Golden Knights were brought into existence. Though many of the selections were leaked ahead of the actual ceremony, GM George McPhee kept us guessing with several trades over the coming days. The group that did stay in Sin City has found immediate success, while the future is bright after accumulating so many draft picks.
Change Comes To The Desert: After years of mediocrity or failure, the Arizona Coyotes went through an entire restructuring. Andrew Barroway bought out minority owners and the franchise immediately went about changing their core. Long-time captain Shane Doan was told he would not be re-signed, goaltender Mike Smith was shipped off to Calgary, head coach Dave Tippett was let go, and several trades were made to re-shape the look of the roster. Arizona sacrificed the seventh overall pick in the draft to try and bring some immediate success to the team, and once again have failed to do so. The team sits in last place in the entire NHL with just eight wins.
Nico Or Nolan: The 2017 NHL Entry Draft came about near the end of the month, with many wondering whether the New Jersey Devils would select Nico Hischier or Nolan Patrick. They picked the former, which would start an exciting night of movement all around the league. The draft floor saw several high profile trades, including one that worked out so well for St. Louis it might have earned Doug Armstrong a four-year extension.
Buyout Bonanza: Many teams in the league took the opportunity to rid themselves of burdensome contracts, with buyouts for many players including Mike Cammalleri, Jussi Jokinen, Jimmy Hayes, Antti Niemi, Dan Girardi, Francois Beauchemin, Simon Despres, Scott Hartnell, and Benoit Pouliot among others. While the 2018 buyout season might not be as busy, there are likely several more big names that will hit the waiver wire in late June.
Greatness Enshrined: The Hockey Hall of Fame announced their 2017 inductee list, which included Teemu Selanne, Paul Kariya, Dave Andreychuk, Mark Recchi, Danielle Goyette, Clare Drake and Jeremy Jacobs. Of particular note was Kariya, who had rarely surfaced in the years since he was forced out of the game by concussion issues. The former Mighty Ducks captain would get to go into the Hall with one of his best friends and inexorably linked teammate in Selanne, a duo that will always be remembered together.
Photo of McDavid courtesy of USA Today Sports Images