Could long-time NHL executive Peter Chiarelli be on the move again? Long-time Senators reporter Brent Wallace reported on his podcast recently (video link) that Chiarelli has moved to Ottawa and is likely to join the Sens in some capacity. He actually started his career with Ottawa as their Director of Legal Relations before moving to Boston and later Edmonton as their GM. Chiarelli has spent the last four seasons in St. Louis, the last two of which were as their Vice President of Hockey Operations. Wallace notes that Chiarelli has ties to new owner Michael Andlauer whose purchase was formally approved on Thursday. He has already made one front office hire in bringing back Cyril Leeder and it looks like more could soon be coming.
Elsewhere around the hockey world:
- The NCAA will be re-examining its original denial of Coyotes prospect Artyom Duda’s request to play at the University of Maine this season, relays PHNX Sports’ Craig Morgan. The 19-year-old saw time at the KHL, VHL, and MHL levels last year and with some of those being pro leagues, it stands to reason that this was the reason his initial request was denied. Duda, a 2022 second-round pick by Arizona, could also play with Youngstown of the USHL this season as it’s believed that the Coyotes would rather not see the blueliner return to play in Russia.
- Hurricanes prospect Vasili Ponomarev will be out for a little while, notes Cory Lavalette of the North State Journal (Twitter link). The 21-year-old is coming off a strong first season in North America as he picked up 24 goals and 22 assists in 64 games last season with AHL Chicago. The injury isn’t believed to be overly serious but as someone who might have had a shot at pushing for a spot with Carolina in training camp, missing any time will make that objective harder to accomplish.
- Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim revealed to reporters including Jeff Neiburg of the Philadelphia Inquirer that he suffered a fractured foot while playing for Canada at the Worlds in 2022. While he was able to participate in training camp, he felt that the injury prevented him from a proper summer of training which may have played a role in his struggles last season. It was his desire to have a full proper offseason that led him to decline Canada’s request to take part in the tournament back in the spring.