Final 2020 NHL Mock Draft

 

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1		-	Alexis Lafrenière
2		-	Tim Stützle
3			Quinton Byfield
4		-	Jamie Drysdale
5		-	Lucas Raymond
6		-	Jake Sanderson
7		-	Alexander Holtz
8		-	Cole Perfetti
9		-	Marco Rossi
10		-	Anton Lundell
11		-	William Wallinder
12		-	Helge Grans
13			Jack Quinn
14		-	Yaroslav Askarov
15			Kaiden Guhle
16		-	Seth Jarvis
17		-	Dylan Holloway
18			Justin Barron
19		-	Braden Schneider
20			Zion Nybeck
21		-	Dawson Mercer
22			Mavrik Bourque
23		-	Connor Zary
24		-	Ryan O'Rourke
25		-	Noel Gunler
26		-	John-Jason Peterka
27			Jan Mysak
28			Tyler Kleven
29		-	Lukas Cormier
30		-	Hendrix Lapierre
31			Tyson Foerster

Best Jersey Advertisement Fits For Each NHL Team

    

 

    If you have watched any NBA basketball game over the past two seasons, you have probably noticed company logos on the jersey of each team. These advertisements have helped the NBA generate more revenue; and, in turn, each company would get huge recognition from a huge NBA fanbase. We all know that the NHL is not one of the top sports league finance-wise, and there have been speculations over the years that the league will follow in the NBA's footsteps and put advertisements on their jerseys as well. As much as I hate that idea, I have to wonder, what company would be the best for each National Hockey League team? So, because I was so curious, I decided to go through every NHL team and give them a company that I think best meshes with each organization.

Anaheim Ducks - Disney

I think this is a pretty obvious choice. First of all, Disney used to own the Ducks when they were first established in 1993. Secondly, Disney Land can be found in Anaheim, so it sort of makes sense location-wise as well.

Arizona Coyotes - Warner Bros.

The Coyotes remind me of Wile E Coyote of The Looney Tunes. I know its not that original, but Warner Bros. created The Looney Tunes so what the heck.

Boston Bruins - Dunkin'

You get it, Brew-Ins? Yeah, yeah, don't make fun; it's been a long day for me okay? Anyways, not only does this fit because of the pun, but Dunkin' has been a substantial part of the New England/Boston lifestyle, so why not let them have this coffee and donut chain on their jersey, just like the Providence Bruins (AHL) did a few years back.

Buffalo Sabres - Buffalo Wild Wings

Come on, how can I not give a Buffalo franchise a chicken wing company; and on top of that BUFFALO is in the name.

Calgary Flames - Frank's Red Hot

Yes, the same Frank's Red Hot where the commercial shows an elderly lady saying that she puts that (Beep) on everything. I think it's kind of funny, and the brand really matches up well with the fire type style of the Calgary Flames.

Carolina Hurricanes - Checkers and Rally's

I know that the Charlotte Checkers are now the affiliate team of the Florida Panthers, but this brand matches up so well with the Hurricanes. They have the same color scheme and the fact that the Checkers were an affiliate with Carolina for the past several years does help the case.

Chicago Blackhawks - Uno Pizzeria

I had a lot of trouble with this one, but I thought that since Chicago is known so well for their deep dish pizza than why not go with the only chain that I know of.

Colorado Avalanche - The North Face

Plain and simple, this is just a winter apparel company. Colorado gets very cold in the winter and if you are going to be in an avalanche, you will probably want the best equipment possible.

Columbus Blue Jackets - Tommy Hilfiger

It's a jacket company... for the Blue JACKETS.

Dallas Stars - Stetson

Stetson is a famous cowboy hat company, so that should fit well with a team based in Texas.

Detroit Red Wings - Little Caesars

Besides for it being the name of their stadium, the Red Wings have had a close relationship with the big pizza chain. The founder of Little Caesars was the founder of the Detroit Red Wings, and they even have a youth development team over their called the Little Caesars. 

Edmonton Oilers - CanOils

They are the Oilers, so a Canadian oil company fits in the best. As much as I am against huge oil and gas corporations, I couldn't really find any other good fit.

Florida Panthers - Fancy Feast

What does a cat love more than cat food?

Los Angeles Kings - Burger King

Not only did I partner up these two brands because of the name, but the Kings have actually used a jersey where its primary logo looks a lot like the Burger King mascot.

Minnesota Wild - Bass Pro Shop

The Wild would fit well with a nature brand, and that is why I picked Bass Pro Shop. They don't just sell fishing equipment, but they also sell all sorts of items that help get you closer to nature.

Montreal Canadiens - Smoke's Poutinerie

I am not too knowledgeable on what Montreal is known for, but I know Canadiens love poutine. So I just gave the Habs the first poutine chain that I could find.

Nashville Predators - Predator Camo

The Predators would pair well with a hunting company, and you use camouflage for hunting. Also predator is in the name, so its an obvious choice.

New Jersey Devils - Drake's

Drake's sells one item that instantly reminds me of this New Jersey based hockey franchise: Devil Dogs.

New York Islanders - Gorton's

This is the obvious choice for the Islanders. The fisherman on the packages looks exactly like the one on the Isles old jerseys.

New York Rangers - Liberty Mutual Insurance

I think this one is pretty obvious. Liberty Mutual has the Statue of Liberty in their logo and the Rangers have used that landmark on their jerseys.

Ottawa Senators - Canadien Tire

Like the Canadiens, I was struggling to find a good match. However, the Canadien Tire logo can probably go well with the Senators new jerseys, so that would be interesting to see.

Philadelphia Flyers - Philadelphia Cream Cheese

There would not be any other company I would pair with this team. Philadelphia is in the name; and just like the cream cheese, the Flyers play is nice and smooth.

Pittsburgh Penguins - Penguin Books

Penguin Books is a book publishing agency. I chose this company because it was basically the first one that came into my mind that had a penguin in the logo.

San Jose Sharks - Shark Vacuum

Besides for the word shark in the name, San Jose likes to swallow up the competition, pun intended.

Seattle Kraken - Kraken Rum

Yes, I am including the Kraken; and they have an obvious choice. Not only does this rum have kraken in the name, but they are also a sponsor of the Seattle team.

St. Louis Blues - House of Blues

I don't think I even have to explain this one.

Tampa Bay Lightning - FPL (Florida Power and Light)

What causes electricity, voltage. What has voltage, Lightning. Extra plus for it being a Florida company.

Toronto Maple Leafs - Escuminac

What brand can be a better pair for the Maple Leafs than a Canadian award-winning maple syrup brand.

Vancouver Canucks - Pacific Life

Pacific Life has a lot of similarities to the Vancouver Canucks. They both have a whale in the logo and Vancouver is a city on the Pacific coast.

Vegas Golden Knights - White Castle

Their colors may be different, but the medieval themes of both brands truly shine through.

Washington Capitals - Capital One

What other company can you find with capital in the name. Also, Capital One is a proud partner of the NHL, so this is a perfect fit.

Winnipeg Jets - Air Canada

If your name is the Jets, you need to be paired with an airline company, and the perfect match is Canada's most notable one.

What Will the 2020-21 NHL Season Look Like?

    

    We are now closing in on the final stages of the 2020 NHL Playoffs. With two heated conference finals, the bubble games in Edmonton are nothing short of entertaining. As fun as it is to live in the moment and bask in the light of playoff hockey, you have to wonder, what is the NHL's plan for next season? Ever since the playoffs have started, it seems as though fans have turned their attention away from the pandemic and onto the ice; but Covid-19 is still around and will certainly have a big impact on the upcoming regular season.

    

    I was reminded of the upcoming dilemma when I read a tweet from Elliotte Friedman saying that the NHL Entry Draft start date would be moved from October 9th to October 6th, with free agency staring on that coming Friday. At first I thought this could mean an earlier initial start date for the NHL, but after further research it does not seem like the case. According to NHL Deputy Commissioner, Bill Daly, "[It is] probably less likely than more likely we would start on December 1st." which is the initial targeted start date for the 2020-21 NHL regular season.

    Another question surrounding the next regular season is how many games each team will actually play. The apparent goal is to have 82 games, but in a more condensed schedule. That would mean a lot more back-to-back games and it would increase the need for each team to acquire good backup goaltending. This scenario is most likely not going to happen. One NHL executive anticipates that there would be 60 to 65 regular season games.

    One other important dilemma is if there will be fans. It is important for any sports league to have fans in the stands, but for the NHL it is even more crucial. The league obtains most of there revenue from ticket sales, as opposed to TV and advertising. There are multiple options on the table for the league to consider. Just like the bubble, the NHL can prohibit fans from coming and only allow necessary personal. However, now that a lot of leagues are starting to let limited amounts of fans into their stadiums, I would not be surprised to see spectators at the games. Some scenarios would be a progression from zero fans, transitioning to fans at 50% capacity, and then allowing fans at a 90% capacity. Another optioned I heard of was starting at zero, then move to 50%, after that progressing to 75%, and finally ending off the season with fans at 90% capacity. One out-of-the box idea that I heard of was from San Jose Sharks president, Jonathan Becker. He says that since the box suits are enclosed by glass, teams can sell them to groups or families for them to use.

    However, if the NHL is using a bubble system now, can there also be one next year? If there is, do not expect the same type as the one in this years playoffs. Rumors have been floating of a four city bubble system. Each of the 31 teams will go around each bubble and play in eight game increments. The details are not specific, but at the end of the day a bubble seams unlikely. The cost of the hotels, restaurants, travel, and entertainment is very high; and if the NHL is trying to regain some profit from last year, they need to be as cost efficient as possible. The only upside I see to this system is travel, and it would also be a great way to push in all 82 games without so much fatigue on the players.

    Hey, and what about the All-Star Game? As a South Floridian, I was so excited at the announcement of the All-Star Game in Sunrise, but how can they ever play something so unnecessary if the NHL has a strict time constraint? So far I have not seen any word on the matter by the NHL, but I would not be surprised if the All-Star Game was canceled. If they do decide to have an All-Star Game I would expect it to be after the 2021 postseason. The reason is because the NHL would not have to deal with finishing the season on time and I feel that the players would be fine with it because there is no playoff pressure and Florida is a great vacation spot.

    The trade deadline is also an interesting piece. Its scheduled date is obviously to be determined but I would not expect them to move it that far from the usual date. It will obviously be a bit harder for teams to scout out other players, assuming scouts are not aloud at the games, and I would expect the NHL would want to limit trades as much as possible if they do not make a bubble system.

    All of these factors are very important, but what is most important is the health and safety of the NHL players and staff. The coronavirus is very serious, and it would be a huge shame if a player, or a players family, gets sick. The NHL would need to take a lot of expensive procedures in order to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Items include: air filtration systems, plexiglass, sanitization, face masks, testing, and much more. 

    There is no doubt that there will be a 2020-21 NHL season, the question is how will it look like. Based on the job Gary Bettman and the NHL did on the Toronto and Edmonton bubbles I have pretty good confidence that the league will make the right decisions. Hopefully the NHL will keep the same level of fan experience, and, when the opportunity arises, will be ready to host fans back in arenas.

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Best Fits For The Top 2020 Free Agents

 This years free agent pool has a ton of talent at every position; definitely a lot more than usual free agencies. It will be interesting to see where each player lands, especially with this years flat cap hit due to the NHL’s loss in revenue from the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Hockey News ranked the top 30 unrestricted free agents of the 2020 offseason. So based on that, which teams do I see being the best fits for each of the top ten players on that list?

10. T.J. Brodie – D – 30 Years Old

Brodie is not putting up a lot of the numbers that he used to, but he is still a very stable and skilled puck moving defenseman. This year, he had nineteen points in 64 games and also putting up a +7 plus/minus. In ten playoff games with the Calgary Flames, he put up four points and was even on the plus/minus. My best fit for T.J. Brodie is with the Detroit Red Wings. They may not be the best team in the NHL, but Brodie would have a top pair role in Detroit. Plus, the Red Wings can really use a good Veteran defenseman to help mentor their younger prospects coming in.

9. Jacob Markstrom – G – 30 Years Old

Markstrom had an amazing breakout season this year and proved that he is a real starting goaltender in the NHL. He came up with a record of 23-16-4, a 2.75 goals against average, and a .918 save percentage. His great performance also traveled with him to the playoffs for the first two series; where he put up a record of 7-3-0, a 2.44 goals against average, and a .929 save percentage. Although it seems as though he, and the Canucks, will get kicked out of the Bubble by the Vegas Golden Knights, Vancouver will still need Markstrom for a bit longer, until Thatcher Demko fully progresses into a full fledged starter. That is why the best fit for the Swedish goaltender is right where he is, Vancouver.

8. Tyler Toffoli – RW – 28 Years Old

Toffoli’s numbers look a lot lower than years past, but that was because he was on the Los Angeles Kings during the beginning of the season. Once he was traded to the Vancouver Canucks, he instantly soared, recording a point per game during his tenure in the regular season with the Canucks. In total, Tyler Toffoli accumulated 44 points in 68 games this season. This season has shown that Toffoli obviously thrives with a competitive team, and that is why the Boston Bruins are his best fit. They already have a high powered offense that just needs one more piece to tie it all together; and if Krug decides to test the Free Agent waters, Boston will have no trouble picking up the talented winger.

7. Tyson Barrie – D – 29 Years Old

It really looked like Tyson Barrie was given too much responsibility in Toronto; and he did not look comfortable at all. However, 39 points in 70 games is not bad for a defenseman, and Barrie still has a lot in him. The best fit for him would be the Florida Panthers, assuming they are willing to spend more than they would like. The Cats are in desperate need for another top four defenseman, and maybe he would help step up Mike Matheson’s play if they were paired up together.

6. Evgenii Dadonov – RW – 31 Years Old

Photo By Getty Images

The Russian winger has done very well in the Panthers organization. This year, he had 47 points in 69 games; 25 of those points were goals. The veteran goal scorer would fit in splendidly with the Minnesota Wild. A line with both him and, future superstar, Kirill Kaprizov, would put up significant point totals.

5. Robin Lehner – G – 29 Years Old

Photo By Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images

After spending some time struggling on an aging Blackhawks team, Robin Lehner finally put up great numbers when he was traded to a competitive Vegas team. Lehner finished off the season with a record of 19-10-5, a 2.89 goals against average, and a .920 save percentage. However, what is most impressive are his playoff stats. So far, Lehner is 6-1-0 in the Bubble. He has a 2.10 goals against average and a .910 save percentage. It seems like the Golden Knights are losing favor in Marc-Andre Fleury; and the feeling may be mutual to both parties, if you have seen the twitter post by Fleury’s agent. If it is certain that Vegas wants Lehner as their permanent starter, than that is the place he deserves to be.

4. Mike Hoffman – LW – 31 Years Old

Photo By Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Hoffman had an elite season with the Panthers this year, with 59 points and 29 goals in only 69 games. Although his team did not fair well in the qualifying round, he still had five points in only four games. Hoffman is a great sniper with a deadly one-timer and the Panthers are extremely unlucky to have to let this man go. However, the Blue Jackets will be ecstatic once free agency comes around, because I think they are Hoffman’s best fit. They have a great young core and I think that will complement well with Hoffman’s experience mixed with his offensive upside.

3. Torey Krug – D – 29 Years Old

Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Krug had a great run with Boston, after they took a chance on the undrafted defenseman in 2011. He had another solid season this year, with 49 points in 61 regular season games and four points in nine playoff games. There still might be a chance that the Bruins keep the American defenseman, but look at Montreal to maybe make a swing at acquiring his talents. Montreal, in my opinion, would be the best fit; they have a young core all around and they have great defenseman to complement Krug’s game. You can also say Detroit is a good fit as well, being that it is Torey Krug’s former stomping grounds; but I do not think Krug will want to join a team that is currently in a deep rebuild.

2. Taylor Hall – LW – 29 Years Old

Photo By Christian Petersen / Getty Images

It is rare for a former Hart Trophy winner under the age of 30 to be a pending free agent; but this is not like any other free agency, especially with the Covid-19 pandemic. No one is exactly sure if Hall wants to resign with Arizona or not, but wherever he goes he will have a big impact. He did not have as great of a season as he usually has, but his performance will surely skyrocket once he is on a team that is a lot more competitive; and that team is the New York Islanders. The Isles already have the shut down defense, and all they need is some firepower on offense to take them to the next level.

1. Alex Pietrangelo – D – 30 Years Old

Photo By Jeff Roberson/AP

The Blues would love to bring back there captain; and after getting knocked out of this years playoffs in round one, he would be a big key to bringing St. Louis back to glory next season. However, Pietrangelo’s asking price will be really high; and chances are the Blues will not have enough room in the cap. Any other fits? Yes! The Winnipeg Jets would love to grab this asset, especially after losing Dustin Byfuglien this season. If the offense holds up, Pietrangelo can get another chance at a Cup with a team on the rise.

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