2021 ON ICE

What The Puck?!

Written by Chase Howard

The NHL season is in full swing as we are over two weeks in, and most teams are at least 15% of the way through this season's games (crazy, right). Without further ado, let's get into it.

Recently traded NHL Superstars Pierre-Luc Dubois (former Columbus Blue Jackets) and Patrik Laine (former Winnipeg Jets) Source: CBS Sports | Photo from Getty Images

1st Branch

Upon initial inspection, it would appear that the condensed nature of the schedule is taking its toll on more than just the players, as we have seen multiple coach-vs-player disputes thus far (see Totarella, John, et al.). The biggest off-ice surprise comes by way of a sudden retirement from Jim Rutherford. Rutherford, who until days ago was the GM of the most successful team of the previous decade (2 Cup wins, ten playoff appearances and 466 Regular season wins. All of which lead the NHL), Assistant GM Patrik Allvin has been promoted to interim GM. However, there is much speculation regarding the autonomy he carries into his new position. If teams come calling at the deadline, will Allvin have the nod to make any big moves? Or could this be the beginning of the end for the Sid and Geno era in Pittsburgh?

2nd Branch

The intensity of the schedule isn't the only thing that's building to a head. The games have been more chippy and physical, although fighting appears to have curtailed a bit, around half of teams have yet to drop the mitts for a dance, and half of those have only one bout on their ledger (according to hockeyfights.com). Look at Islanders head coach Barry Trotz, He complains his team lacks a playoff attitude, to today's athletes being called softer by John Tortorella. Is it just me or has there been a lot of big hits so far? While some have been clean, a few have been called into question, among them being Joel Armia's headshot by Tyler Myers,(https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/myers-drops-armia-dangerous-headshot-gets-five-minute-major/) or Kevin Fiala's blindside boarding of Matt Roy (https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/fiala-given-game-misconduct-penalty-hit-behind-roy). I love physical play, but you never want to see a guy down on the ice. Hell, even posts are getting into it more this season, whether getting heated with Carter Hart (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5vSFZp10-E) or getting hot and heavy with Vitek Vanecek. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVNHv0yI7-4)

3rd Branch

You didn't think we weren't going to talk about the Dubois-Laine trade, right? Firstly, it seems like a well-structured deal for both parties, with the Jets getting Pierre-Luc Dubois (and a 2022 third rounder) and the Blue Jackets getting Patrick Laine and Jack Roslovic. However, Laine and Dubois, who were drafted second and third respectively in 2016, don't command the same control within an organization. Laine is due for an extension in the coming offseason, while PLD moves into the second year of his 2-year/$10 million contract ($6.65 mm cash/$5 mm cap hit). Both seem like they are in good spots to succeed. Laine joins a team that needs offence and has lacked a game-breaking winger since the breadman floured in New York. Dubois lands with a team expected to contend with many good wingers and a coach that he doesn't fantasize about putting in a pit in his basement (put the lineup in the basket). Paul Maurice carries over 600 wins and a rep for being a player's coach into this season, only one of which Torts can lay claim to with any semblance of truth.

On the other hand, both players are reportedly stuck in their respective cities due to quarantine and visa issues. Given the uncertainty surrounding Covid, we may not see them in new uniforms as quickly as we would like to. Lastly, what on Earth transpired between Dubois and Torts remains a mystery. Tortorella was more than happy to discuss and take soft shots. At the same time, Dubois' agent has publicly addressed Tortorella's unwillingness to keep his clients name out of his mouth, which seems about as likely as Matt Cooke being awarded the Lady Byng. Somewhere Vinny Lecavalier is chuckling in retirement.

Quick hits

• Montreal and Toronto- Canada's oldest hockey rivalry could add a chapter this year. Both teams are red hot out of the gate. The Leafs are first in the division, enjoying the boon of their power play, which has scored at least one goal in seven of their eight games, going 10-for-24. Toronto has also been demonstrating great endurance, scoring 22 of its 30 goals after the first period. Meanwhile, the Canadiens look deadly; they are the only team in the Scotia (that's still weird) North division without a regulation loss, and they have scored in 17 of 18 periods to start the year.

• Alex Texier- oh boy, why did you do them like that? This guy basically watched a Datsyuk goal and went, "Nah guys putting in too much effort. I could score one-handed" Link- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhCP5k4fcEk

• Mikko Rantanen- Thankfully, this great sport is played on ice. Otherwise, Rantanen would be a straight fire hazard scoring in six consecutive games, co-leads the NHL in goals, with six on only 28 shots! After a few seasons of point-per-game production, he may be finding a whole new cylinder in 2021.