Hockey News 4/17/20

Just like last time, I will be covering the News from today and the days that I missed. Enjoy!

Dustin Byfuglien

The Winnipeg Jets have finally settled things between them and All Star defenseman Dustin Byfuglien... by terminating his contract. The two parties have been on uneven terms, Byfuglien even not playing any games this season after being granted a personal leave. Not much was too clear on the situation, there were reports that it had to do with either his ankle surgery or other personal issue. Byfuglien had a great showing for the Jets (and Thrashers) with his term with the team, putting up 363 points in 528 games.

Colorado Avalanche

As covered before, three Avs players tested positive for Covid-19. Thankfully, all of those players have reported to be feeling much better and have recovered. Coach Jared Bednar says that "All of our guys are doing very well, and some of them were even doing well before they had their test results."

First Female GM

SC Bern of the Swiss League has hired former female hockey goaltender, Florence Schelling, as there General Manager. Schelling, 31 years old, is the first ever female general manager in hockey history and is an extremely tremendous accomplishment for woman playing hockey and working in hockey management. "Its been crazy. Its been a lot," says Schelling, "A lot of interviews. A lot of messages and phone calls that I received. Its almost been a bit overwhelming." This accomplishment shows just how diverse hockey, and sports all around are getting, and I cannot wait to see our future in sports management in the future.

NHL Resume?

NHL commissioner, Gary Bettman is saying that the NHL must be as flexible as possible in starting up play again. "My guess at this point is, were probably going to be playing into the summer, which is something that we can certainly do." The coronavirus has been halting the league for the past couple of weeks, and the NHL quarantine protocol has been extended through April 30th. This has been a problem for every major sports league, and time will tell when sports will be back.

Andrei Markov

Longtime Montreal Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markkov has decided to retire from professional hockey. Markov has spent his entire 16 year NHL career with the Habs and has had 572 points in 990 games. He last played with the team in the 2016-17 season, and has most recently spent his playing days with Ak Bars Kazan of the Kontinental Hockey League.

Goalie Training

It is very hard for hockey players to keep up their training regiments during the Covid-19 pause, especially for goaltenders. However, goalies are still figuring out ways to train. Florida Panthers goaltender, Sergei Bobrovsky, for example, decided to dress up in his equipment, in the scorching sun and catch tennis balls being shot at him from a serving machine. Some goaltenders are learning how to juggle or using online vision tools to help with their hand-eye coordination like Ananheim Ducks goalie Ryan Miller and Pekka Rinne, of the Nashville Predators.

NHL 20 Charity Live Stream

NHL great Wayne Gretzky and current hockey star Alex Ovechkin havedecided to rais money for coronavirus relief by having an NHL 20 matchup. The live stream will take place on their Twitch channels at 8 pm on Wednesday, April 22nd. It will be a best of three contest that will be played on XBOX ONE.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins have signed defenseman prospect Will Reilly to a two year entry level contract. The 2017 seventh round pick is 22 years old and has 22 points in 34 games for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of the NCAA.

Nashville Predators

The Predators have resigned defenseman Alexandre Carrier to a three year contract extension. The defenseman has not had a full roster spot in the NHL yet, but has played 55 games for the Predators AHL team, the Milwaukee Admirals, and came up with 37 points.

St. Louis Blues

The Blues have had multiple signing this week, so here is the rundown.

Samuel Blais

Blais has been signed to a two year contract extension worth an average of $1.5 million per season. Blais plays right wing for the team and has recorded 13 points in 40 games this season.

Marco Scandella

Veteran defenseman, Marco Scandella, has been signed to a four year contract extension worth about an average of $3.2 million per season. Scandella has spent this season being bumped around between three NHL teams. He has recorded 3 points in 20 games with the Montreal Canadiens, 9 points in 31 games with the Buffalo Sabres, and 1 point in 11 games with the St. Louis Blues. In total that is 13 points in 62 points this season.

MacKenzie MacEachern

The Blues sign hybrid winger, MacEachern, to a two year contract extension worth an average of $925 thousand per season. MacEachern is 26 years old and has spent this season playing 51 games for the Blues and recording 10 points.