Simmer’s AM Skate: Canucks Holiday, ex-NHL Player Arrested

Will the Vancouver Canucks surprise us with something in the next few days? I think not. Let’s just say a couple of ‘high ranking officials’ within the organization have not even responded to my latest hello’s, which either means they’re working on something ‘top secret’ and don’t want to talk about it or they’re on some length of holiday. Betting on the latter.

It’s presumed the Vancouver Canucks will make some sort of deal ahead of training camp to clear cap space and address some D-depth. But then again, ‘presuming’ can be almost as dangerous as ‘assuming’. There’s the old saying about making an ‘ass out of u and me‘.

Let’s Skate!

Tough news today regarding former NHLer Bobby Ryan, the 35-year-old right winger, a former 2nd-overall NHL draft pick, ex-Anaheim Duck and Ottawa Senator who finished his career with a season in Detroit. Ryan, who won the 2021 Masterton Trophy after returning from treatment for substance abuse, was arrested Monday at the Nashville airport. Detroit Hockey Now has the story.

In the other not so happy news, Sportsnet reports on what we learned during Day 1 of the Hockey Canada hearings in Parliament.

Pacific Division

Vegas Hockey Now: After missing the playoffs for the first time in their existence and possessing no cap space, the Golden Knights find themselves with some significant needs. Here’s the updated management situation for the Vegas Golden Knights.

According to NHL.com, the LA Kings will retire Dustin Brown’s No. 23 and unveil a statue of the battling forward, former captain, and two-time Stanley Cup champ’. Quite an honour!

A few more deets: ‘Edzo’, aka Eddie Olcyzk, left his longtime Chicago Blackhawks position in the TV booth and is saddling up with John Forslund to broadcast the Seattle Kraken.

From the Commonwealth

Yes, technically it’s not a state, it’s a ‘commonwealth’, but Penguins (west) and Flyers (east) fans have little in common other than the fact they call Pennsylvania home.

Our pals at Pittsburgh Hockey Now have quite the potpourri on the Penguins. Apparently assistant coach Mike Vellucci has just missed out on at least two NHL head coaching jobs, and centre Brian Boyle could be an option for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Philly Hockey Now: Tough break for Flyers top prospect Bobby Brink, who needs hip surgery for a torn labrum. He’ll be out well into next season which means more hard luck for the Philadelphia Flyers.

More Out East

NY Post: New York Rangers restricted free agent (RFA) Kappa Kakko could be had for a second-round pick if someone tenders an offer sheet. Any takers?

Jimmy Murphy writes that Montreal should revisit Jesse Puljujarvi’s situation, even after the forward signed a one-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers. Apparently the former 4th-overall pick’s name is also being bandied about elsewhere. Montreal Canadiens trade talk.

Washington Hockey Now tells us that new Capitals assistant coach Scott Allen is bringing some energy and competition to his end of the bench and to the Washington Capitals penalty kill.

Matthew Tkachuk says he hates the Edmonton Oilers, but now hates the Tampa Bay Lightning even more. Florida Panthers trade afterglow.

Preview

We’ll learn of another Vancouver Canucks prospect later today and there’s some Pat Quinn memories ahead.

Have an excellent Wednesday!