32 Thoughts: What will be Edmonton's next move?

• Why the Senators will try to be patient
• Benchings becoming a story around the league
• Defence concerns growing in Toronto

Six years ago, the Travelling Jagrs watched Jaromir Jagr play his final NHL game: Dec. 31, 2017, against the Chicago Blackhawks. The legend’s North American career was done, but it didn’t mean this unique fan club was putting its mullets in mothballs. 

“Everybody is talking about lemons and we’re making lemonade,” Trevor Freeman, a ringleader of the group, told Sportsnet’s Eric Francis back then. Freeman, known as "Dallas Jags" because he wore the future Hall of Famer’s Stars jersey, said, “We’re going to regroup. The plan for a Czech tour was always in the works because we knew he would eventually end up finishing his playing days there.”

“People thought five years ago his story was over, but he kept writing new chapters,” added Tylor Keller, or “Rangers Jags.” “The Calgary chapter ended, but we’re not going away.”

The Travelling Jagrs, who began as a genius Halloween costume among a group of hockey-playing buddies from Calgary, stayed true to that word. They didn’t go away, even if membership changed. Chris Richter — “Washington Jagr” — once said the group lost its “Czech Jagr,” so they created a Facebook page to find a replacement. 

“One guy sent a resume, but we put ‘rejected’ on it because he was a Leafs fan,” he told Francis. (No one has chronicled this group more than Eric.)

That was one of the rules: Don’t cheer for the team he plays for, just cheer for Jagr. They watched him in Calgary and Edmonton, before making trips to his U.S.-based addresses, eventually meeting him after a game in Florida.

And, over the last two weeks, finally their trip to the Czech Republic. They met up with Jagr one more time, a moment both emotional and bittersweet. Freeman, unable to travel due to a lengthy battle with cancer, passed away during his friends’ trip. 

“This was meant to be for him,” Keller, who is Freeman’s cousin, said Tuesday night from Prague. “To go to Czech Republic as Jagrs, I was crying the whole trip. He created this, wanted this. He wanted to come and coach, but it couldn’t happen.”

What did happen, for Freeman’s Travelling Jagr compatriots, was a wonderful celebration of his life. They talked to Jagr about him — “He remembered Trevor,” Keller said — and they played. Three games in three days, before two days off and then another.

Twice during the trip, he said goodbye to Freeman. Before one of the games, the team recorded a tremendous video honouring him.

That’s really special. 

“We played guilty,” Keller said, laughing. “No curfew. I like the concept, it’s hard to play (well) when you’re playing guilty.”

Jagr’s longevity kept them going and that’s not going to stop now. There is at least one more reunion to plan — his eventual Hall of Fame induction. 

“We need to be there,” Keller said.

Yes, they definitely do.

32 THOUGHTS

1. If you’re a regular reader of this blog (my condolences), you know I keep a Nov. 1 stat. In 82-game seasons during the salary-cap era, nine of 66 teams who were four points out of the playoffs after games on that date have reached the postseason. The 2023-24 challengers are Calgary, Edmonton, Pittsburgh and San Jose. Last year’s group went 0-4.

2. So let’s start with the Oilers. Now that Jack Campbell cleared waivers, Calvin Pickard is sharing duties with Stuart Skinner. Edmonton has one week per season where a biblical apocalypse envelops the team. This one comes very early and caught them by surprise.

Connor McDavid and Mattias Ekholm look far from 100 per cent, but this is much more than injuries. NHL Edge proclaims them as one of the best teams in the league at spending time in the defensive end (38.2 per cent), but they are leaking high-quality chances, particularly off the rush. Jeremy Swayman, having a monster start for Boston, has a ridiculous .925 save percentage on high-danger chances. That’s 265 points better than Campbell and 217 above Skinner. You don’t have to be a genius to recognize that giving up great looks and not getting saves equals big trouble. 

3. During previous conversations with GM Ken Holland, he has always maintained that, if you are going to make a change in goal, you must be convinced it is an actual upgrade when giving up serious assets. I don’t think anyone would disagree with that philosophy, but there are times you have to grab your poker chips and say, “Screw it, I’m all in." Edmonton’s there, with so much at stake: McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in their primes, nearing the end of their contracts. This is your window, there’s no choice but to go for it, even if the price makes you want to hold your nose.

I do think they are contemplating things, looking at several options. There’ve been reports of Jordan Binnington, but unless the Blues are giving up on the season, they need to replace him and won’t be taking Campbell. Binnington’s also a $6-million cap hit, which would take quite a bit of finagling. Not impossible, but challenging. They’ve talked to Montreal — which doesn’t need a goalie — about the possibility of Jake Allen, but I don’t sense anything imminent. Watching Juuse Saros almost single-handedly beat the Flames on Tuesday reminds that he’s the true prize, but in addition to any return, it might cost the team an 18-wheeler full of Alberta crude and media-meal perogies.

We will see where this goes, including if the Oilers look at one major trade to deal with multiples issues. For example, a goalie and a defenceman. Or, a goalie and a depth forward with some edge. Another thing to remember: Canada is on a lot of no-trade lists.

4. As for Campbell, he met with Holland and was told to prepare/play as if there is a road back to Northern Alberta. 

5. When it comes to the coach, I do think the Oilers recognize Jay Woodcroft’s .683 points percentage before this season. There are some good veterans available, but it’s not lost on the organization that Woodcroft’s winning percentage in Edmonton is among the best in franchise history (although ludicrous to compare to Glen Sather and John Muckler) — including three playoff victories. Every organization owes it to itself to consider all options and the preference is not to make a change, but the longer this continues …

6. The Senators delivered Wednesday night. Whatever you think about Brady Tkachuk’s defence of coach D.J. Smith, one thing is true: after a passionate outburst, you have to walk the walk. They could have fallen apart several times in their 6-3 win over Toronto, but scored three in a row late to win it.

One of the things I heard from an Ottawa player is that they told new ownership/management “there’s been too much chaos” around the Senators, and what they considered most important was a calmer, less-crazy environment. So, when president of hockey operations and interim GM Steve Staios said last week the “first priority is to install stability and confidence in the group,” I believe he’s very serious about it, and that’s where it comes from. 

7. Apparently, Staios met with the players on Monday morning to re-deliver this message. As he’s said, he believes the team is playing hard for Smith, and, based on the “too much chaos” thought, supports Smith rather than rushing anything that causes further instability.

I’d expect that to be the case with the GM search, too. At this point, I don’t sense that they’ve asked permission to talk to anyone, and, for that reason, current assistant GM Ryan Bowness should not be ignored. He will be working closely with Staios over the next few months and will have opportunity to show what he can do. Again, I don’t think Ottawa feels it is critical to have someone new in place by the trade deadline, although it might add experience if necessary. 

8. A couple of other things about the Senators: they’ve looked at depth defensive options while being ravaged by injury, but the tight cap situation makes it difficult.

9. Also, they will bring back Shane Pinto when his suspension ends, and are not trying to trade him.

10. Finally on Staios, a couple things I heard about him while asking around: the two things most important to him when he evaluates players are character and hockey sense. And, when he played, he loved dressing rooms where players could speak honestly to each other about what was good, and what needed to be better. He believes that is critical to success.

11. Sounds like there are about eight teams somewhat seriously looking at Patrick Kane. As he culls the herd, he’s going to ask: Where do I think I can win? 

12. Benchings are a big story in the NHL, led by Columbus — where Pascal Vincent clearly has the backing of management to end what the organization considered a country club. Calgary coach Ryan Huska followed by sitting Jonathan Huberdeau for the final 20 minutes of the Flames’ win over Nashville. The winger knows the onus is on him, admitting, “You’ve got to look in the mirror, I gotta be a better player.” But, as the Flames peruse the trade market (and they’ve begun seeing what’s out there), they will target individuals who they believe are a fit with Huberdeau. 

13. Watch the smiles on the San Jose players at the end of their 2-1 victory over Philadelphia. That victory was a huge relief. I liked their pickup of Calen Addison, young, talented, room to grow in California where it wasn’t a fit in Minnesota. I just don’t think the Wild were that crazy about him. One of the things other teams said about the Sharks is they aren't able to play the way you need to play now in the NHL. You can drop the forecheck, play a passive 1-3-1 or 1-2-2, not allow anyone behind you, but that’s a 3-1 loss instead of a bigger defeat. Addison isn’t a stopper, but he can move the puck and help your power play.

14. Doesn’t Zach Bogosian just scream Minnesota Wild? He fits their identity, and, if they had more cap room, they would have claimed him on waivers. His brother, Aaron, works in the organization, too.

15. Kinda suspect the Sharks called Calgary about Noah Hanifin. Don’t see that as a fit. Another team I wonder about is Arizona. The Coyotes have the second-best goal differential in the Central, and a desire to push for the playoffs. As this situation plays out, I am curious to see if an extension becomes part of the conversation. It benefits Hanifin, and benefits the Flames in any return.

16. Other situations to watch: Columbus has Eric Robinson at AHL Cleveland. He’s an NHL player (22 goals and 51 points the past two seasons) caught in a cap squeeze. Trouble is few teams can fit him in themselves. Scott Perunovich has played just two games for St. Louis. And Nino Niederreiter’s agent, Andre Rufener, arrives in Winnipeg this weekend. We’ll see if the Jets work out something with the pending UFA. He’s a good fit there. 

17. Morgan Frost’s scratch in San Jose renewed the spotlight on his Philadelphia future. Last I’d checked, there wasn’t anything that made the Flyers too eager to move him. And from what I’ve heard, Frost is trying his hardest not to pour gasoline on the fire.

18. When Connor Hellebuyck agreed to his extension, one exec pointed out that when he signed his last one, he put an enormous amount of pressure on himself to prove the Jets were right. (And like many goalies, he’s already taking a ton of responsibility.) Hellebuyck’s save percentage dropped from .924 to .913 back then, which was still right at league average but below his superhuman 2017-18 level. Same thing this year — .920 to .892 — but at least the Jets are winning his starts. He’s 6-3-1. Hopefully, he gets to a good mental place and eases into form.

19. Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe was tense after Wednesday’s loss, giving his answers before questions were finished. For the first time in 47 years, they’ve allowed at least four goals in seven consecutive home games. “We sit in here and celebrate guys who score and (put up) big numbers and all that stuff,” he said. “We don’t talk enough about what we give up. We’ve got to prioritize keeping the puck out of our net.”

Keefe admitted concern about John Klingberg, who was minus-3. I really try not to kick people who are down, and what I see here is a struggling player exposed for the first time to a white-hot hockey market, where your game is really picked apart. Keefe said, “We have to protect him better.” That’s true on the ice, but even more important is off it, where players can go through a rabbit hole of discouragement when you can’t escape the scrutiny. That’s a real challenge for Toronto, here. 

20. When Woodcroft said he used no profanity before being ejected in Monday’s Edmonton-Vancouver game, I didn’t like it. This is a case where officials not being available for interviews really hurts them. Apparently, this was the first time Kevin Pollock, who has officiated more than 1,500 games, ejected a coach, which really says something. But I still feel everyone — including the officials — would be better off if there was clarity in these situations. Pollock’s history indicates he doesn’t lose his temper, but the lack of transparency obfuscates that. 

21. For Canuck fans: only twice in NHL history has a team won the Hart, Norris and Vezina Trophies in the same season. We’re talking the 1976-77 Canadiens (Guy Lafleur, Larry Robinson, Ken Dryden-Michel Larocque) and the 1955-56 Canadiens (Jean Beliveau, Doug Harvey, Jacques Plante). Never mind winning them, it would be an awesome story if Elias Pettersson, Quinn Hughes and Thatcher Demko even made this a legitimate possibility 60 games from now. More importantly, both those teams won the Stanley Cup. (Thank you, Sportsnet Stats.) The Canuck defender Pettersson has played the most with five-on-five is Ian Cole. Vancouver has outscored opponents 8-1 when both are out there. 

22. During his two seasons in Florida, Sam Reinhart’s scored 33 and 31 goals, the best totals of his career. After scoring 15 seconds into overtime Wednesday in Washington, his 2023-24 pace is 49 (and 100-plus points for the first time, too). The Panthers — who were very aggressive on Patrick Kane last summer — have just 10 regulars signed for next year. Reinhart is one of the UFAs. The Panthers are playing very well considering who is out of their lineup. 

23. Fierce rivalry we should be paying more attention to: Anaheim-Arizona. Those games are entertaining and nasty.

24. Boston traded its first-rounders in 2020 and 2022. Its top selections those summers were Mason Lohrei (58th) and Matthew Poitras (54th). Pretty, pretty, pretty good. If you trade your firsts, you better hit big on a later pick. Both look tremendous. 

25. All of this Juraj Slafkovsky discourse forgets one thing: Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis. If he thinks the winger should be in the NHL, I’m inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt. It’s kind of crazy to credit him having the best interests of everyone else on the roster but somehow sabotaging the 2022 No. 1 pick.

26. During Wednesday’s pre-game show, Sportsnet colleague Sam Cosentino asked Auston Matthews if he changed anything with his stick. The NHL’s leading goal scorer dropped a slight clue. “Pretty much the same, maybe a little bit of a construction change.” Jennifer Botterill queried what are the factors contributing to the 13 goals. “Moving my feet, playing give and go with my teammates. ... Honestly, simplifying more than anything.” Matthews smirked when asked if Matthew Knies is becoming the best Arizona-trained player in the NHL. “He’s close, he’s really close,” before adding, “He’s a good player and a great kid.”

27. William Nylander took the subway to Wednesday’s game, which fits his personality and his city. Needs that extension to afford an Uber.

28. Game 7 of the 2018 Calder Cup Final. A dominant performance from playoff MVP Andreas Johnsson: two goals and an assist as the Marlies beat Texas, 6-1. I would never have thought it wouldn’t work for him in the NHL. His contract will be terminated Thursday and he’s reportedly headed to play in Sweden. 

29. I believe in good karma. Winnipeg deserved its wins for making sure several players were able to attend Adam Johnson’s celebration of life. And great on Colorado's Ryan Johansen for organizing the “Moms’ Trip for Lana” T-shirts in honour of Josh Manson’s mother, who died last summer of melanoma. 

30. The NBA reached a one-year agreement with embattled Diamond Sports that, according to Sports Business Journal’s John Ourand, “essentially guarantees” the Bally Sports regional networks will continue to carry games through this season. What the NHL and its teams watched closest is Ourand reported the 15 clubs agreed to a 16 per cent reduction of their 2023-24 rights fees. Each will be able to sell 10 games to an over-the-air broadcaster in their market. That gives an opportunity to make up for money lost, and test local interest. Vegas (NHL) and Utah (NBA) are both experimenting with this on a larger basis. The Golden Knights’ numbers are strong.

31. Also when it comes to television, the first games of the NBA’s new in-season tournament (basically an FA Cup for basketball) did very well. I’m not crazy on the idea — I like expanded playoffs more — but if better ratings mean a better financial rights package, you can’t ignore it.

32. I do believe some teams considering coaching changes would want to ask the NHL about Joel Quenneville’s availability, but the new lawsuit regarding the 2010 Chicago Blackhawks (reported by the Chicago Tribune’s Phillip Thompson) puts things on pause. I re-read the Jenner & Block Report, where this plaintiff was identified as “Black Ace 1,” to remember what was included. What everyone will be watching for is what, if any, new information is unveiled.