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 month of September.
Lupul Gets Lippy: After failing his medical early in the month, Joffrey Lupul took to social media to complain about the Toronto Maple Leafs integrity in the process. Lupul claimed the Maple Leafs “cheat” but quickly apologized for his comments and decided not to seek out a secondary medical opinion. The NHL ordered one anyway, which found no wrongdoing on the part of the Maple Leafs. Lupul remains on long-term injured reserve, and isn’t expected to play again in the NHL.
Fabbri Loses The Season: It looked like he might be able to make a comeback after re-injuring his knee in the summer, but in September the St. Louis Blues officially ruled Robby Fabbri out for the year. It was a huge setback for a player who looked ready to breakout, and we’ll have to wait and see what kind of return he can have.
Tallon Continues To Tear Down: When Dale Tallon was given control once again of the Florida Panthers, he seemed driven to undo many of the things that Tom Rowe’s staff had accomplished. First he jettisoned Reilly Smith and Jon Marchessault to the Vegas Golden Knights, and in September traded Jason Demers to the Arizona Coyotes. Demers had signed a five-year deal with the Panthers, but was traded for Jamie McGinn just a few weeks before season two of that contract began. The Panthers are still paying 12.5% of Demers’ salary, while McGinn has 13 points in 35 games.
Seattle Announces Arena Proposal: When Oak View Group announced that they would put forward a deal to put $600MM+ into an arena in order to draw NHL and NBA interest, suddenly Seattle became the darling of expansion enthusiasts everywhere. That deal has subsequently been approved by the city, and the NHL has announced they would accept an application for expansion. With a franchise seeming inevitable at this point, the only question is whether it will be through expansion or relocation.
Calgary Pulls Out Of Arena Talks: In an incredibly public feud with mayor Naheed Nenshi, the Calgary Flames announced they would no longer pursue an arena deal with the city. That suddenly threw the Flames into a relocation conversation, as veiled threats were hurled from both sides that hinted at the team possibly leaving. While that still seems almost impossible, there is no progress towards a new arena for the Flames, and with Nenshi winning re-election talks haven’t even been back on the table.
Boyle’s Diagnosis: Finally, in a shocking announcement, Brian Boyle revealed he had been diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia just before the season began. One of the most well-loved teammates in the league, Boyle and his family received an outpouring of support from the entire hockey world. His diagnosis came early enough that it could be treated with medication, and Boyle returned to game action on November 1st. A week later he scored his first goal of the season, an emotional moment that brought even the 6’6″ behemoth to tears.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Boyle – best story of the season/year.