Snapshots: Gregory, Johansen, Canada-Russia

Legendary NHL executive Jim Gregory passed away today at the age of 83. The former Toronto Maple Leafs general manager joined the league offices in 1979, coming to shape both the Central Scouting Service and the overall hockey operations department. Not only was he instrumental in building the NHL into what it is today, but Gregory was revered by almost everyone who knew him as one of the most gentlemanly people associated with the sport, and in general.

A beloved figure in the hockey community, Gregory was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007. Everyone at PHR gives their best to his wife and family.

• The Washington Capitals don’t have much opportunity for young players thanks to a cap situation that limits movement, and Lucas Johansen knows it. The 2016 first-round pick is stuck in a rotation in the AHL and spoke to J.J. Regan of NBC Sports Washington, explaining that he hopes to find a way to the NHL with the Capitals but knows that chance may come somewhere else. The 21-year old will be a restricted free agent at the end of this season and to this point hasn’t had a sniff of NHL action.
• The Canada-Russia series begins next week, and each of the three CHL leagues have named their captains for the short showcase. Los Angeles Kings’ prospect Aidan Dudas will lead Team OHL, New Jersey Devils prospect Ty Smith dons the “C” for Team WHL, and top 2020 draft prospect Alexis Lafreniere captains the QMJHL contingent. Dudas may not have the sort of name recognition of the other two after falling to the fourth round of the 2018 draft, but the Owen Sound Attack forward is off to a great start and has routinely represented Canada through his junior career.