Vancouver Canucks: Kane Troubles, Battle of NHL GM’s, Hayes

Aside from keeping an eye on the Vancouver Canucks of course, the National Hockey Now folks are getting after it around the continent. Here’s a sample of some news makers and some interesting features during a quiet time … (we’re nearing the end of NHL executive golf season) …

Dan Kingerski does a fascinating little compare and contrast of Jim Rutherford and Ron Hextall in Pittsburgh, keeping in mind the work of the latter in the Steel City is limited up until this point. I’m sure it still takes a bit of getting used to for fans and everyone involved; a Philadelphia Flyers lifer taking over the reins there.

It’s been a horrible few days for the hockey world with the recent deaths of three young hockey players in a car accident here in Surrey, BC, the passing of Hall of Famer Rod Gilbert, and then the death of 31-year-old former NHL’er Jimmy Hayes.

Hayes is mostly connected with the Boston area where he grew up and played hockey at Boston College. Of course later he played for his beloved Bruins, as well as for Florida and New Jersey after starting his NHL career in Chicago. There has been an outpouring of love in the media and social media since his death yesterday (Monday). Here’s writer and friend Joe Haggerty‘s perspective and stories from Boston Hockey Now. It’s a community still in disbelief.

George Richards hits us with the Panthers perspective on Hayes and some testimonial links.

More troubles for Evander Kane. Jeepers creepers. San Jose Hockey Now‘s Sheng Peng has been all over it, but this latest version is from yahoo. Meanwhile, “Penger” could probably write a book re-capping this dude’s issues …

Oh, and just in case you forgot – the KHL is already playing hockey and the Champions Hockey League starts Thursday. So, enjoy the hockey action! The Vancouver Canucks open camp in three weeks.