Sunshine State Hockey: August 2020

Saturday, August 29, 2020

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

See the source image — *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

Arizona Coyotes v Boston Bruins — *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

Coyotes left wing Taylor Hall looks on during a game against the Wild on Dec. 19 at Gila River Arena. — *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

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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The Next NHL Dynasty

When you think of a dynasty in the NHL, your mind might instantly think of Denis Potvin and the New York Islanders, Guy Lafleur and the Montreal Canadiens, Wayne Gretzky and the Edmonton Oilers, and you can possibly stick in the Chicago Blackhawk and Pittsburgh Penguin teams of the 2010’s. However, we have finally reached the 2020’s, and we will soon figure out who will be the team of the decade, and the obvious choice is the New York Rangers.

First of all, the New York Rangers have one of the best prospect pools in the NHL; the second best according to The Hockey News. The Hockey News, in their Top 100 Prospects lists, has four Rangers listed.

At third overall they put, goaltender, Igor Shesterkin. The Russian stud had been an absolute beast in the KHL, and has continued his success in North America. He started out this season playing with the Hartford Wolf Pack, of the AHL, and in 25 games put up a 1.90 goals against average and a .934 save percentage. He was later called up the the New York Rangers, where, in 12 games, he put up a 2.52 goals against average and a .932 save percentage.

Next, at 23rd overall, The Hockey News put in Vitali Kravstov. Although he has not made the greatest first impression on North American ice, he has all the talent and tools to adjust a lot better in the years to come. He spent most of his time with the Hartford Wolf Pack, where he put up fifteen points in 59 games. He was then loaned to his home country of Russia, where he played with both Traktor Chelyabinsk, of the KHL, and Chelmet Chelyabinsk, of the VHL, where he played a total of fourteen games.

Skip to number 52 and you have, Swedish defenseman, Nils Lundkvist. The 20 year old played in the SHL this year and put of a total of 31 points in 45 games for Lulea HF of the Swedish Hockey League. He also played in the World Junior Championship for Team Sweden; and although he only played seven games, he still put up an impressive eight points.

Lastly, on the Top 100 Prospects list, you will find, American defenseman, K’Andre Miller at the 57th spot. The 20 year old played for the University of Wisconsin, and although he had a bit of a down year in points, with 22 in 26 games, he still has a lot of potential and great upside. He also only put up two points in the World Junior Championships, but again, he still has a lot of development to take on, and will be a superstar when all is said and done.

Their prospect pool isnt the only thing to look forward too, dont forget that the Rangers won the first overall pick in this years draft, and are able to select, forward, Alexis Lafreniere.

Lafreniere is one of the best potential 1st overall picks since Connor McDavid, and can instantly be a game changer for any team he joins. This year, for Rimouski Oceanic, he had 112 points in only 52 games, as the captain for his squad. Internationally he was insane as well. Even though he was limited to only five games for Team Canada in the World Junior Championship, after suffering what seemed to be a scary looking injury, he still ended up accumulating ten points and was the MVP of the tournament. This is a guy who is expected to put up over 60 points this year, in the NHL, and the Rangers are lucky their ball was selected in the phase two draft lottery.

With all these young stars to look forward to, it is easy to forget about the talented roster that they already have in place. Their roster is stacked with highly talented forwards. Look at Artemi Panarin, who put up 95 points in just under 70 games. The Russian left winger is also a Hart Trophy finalist; and he is playing at a level way past his twelve million dollar a year pay grade. They also have stars like Mika Zibanejad, Ryan Strome, and recent 2nd overall pick, Kaapo Kakko.

Their defense is looking sharp as well. Tony DeAngelo is having an amazing break out season. He totaled 53 points in just under 70 games. Rookie, Adam Fox, is also playing like a superstar as well. He accumulated 42 points in 70 games; and it is surprising as to why he is not a Calder Trophy finalist.

In my mind, the Rangers could easily win a Cup in at least a year; and once they do, it wont stop their. This team can easily win two, three, or maybe even four Stanley Cups in a row. That is why I think the New York Rangers are the next NHL dynasty.

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Calgary Flames All Time Starting Lineup

The Flames have been a fairly successful team over their 40 years in existence (48 if you count their predecessor, the Atlanta Flames). They only won a lone Stanley Cup, but as of this years playoffs, they have made it to the post-season 24 times. Along their over four decade journey, the Flames have created some phenomenal talent, and they are still doing so today. So let’s look into Calgary’s most valuable treasures in each position.

Center: Joe Nieuwendyk

The Hall of Fame center played in the NHL for just over two decades. During that span, he has accumulated 1,126 points in 1,257 games. Nieuwendyk also acquired a lot of hardware throughout his 20 seasons in the league. He was a Calder winner, a King Clancy winner, and won the Stanley Cup three times with three different franchises.

Honorable Mentions: Kent Nilsson, Doug Gilmour, Sean Monahan

Right Wing: Jarome Iginla

How can I not add one of the most recent Hockey Hall of Fame additions onto this All Time Lineup. Iginla has been a cornerstone for the Flames organization for years. He is the all time leader in points for the team, his jersey number hangs in the Flames rafters, and he was a six time All Star in Calgary. Iginla won multiple awards in his time in the NHL, including; two Maurice Richards, an Art Ross, a Ted Lindsay, a King Clancy, and so much more. And who can forget his international achievements. Everywhere he went he was bound to get a gold medal. He won two Olympic golds, two World Championship golds, and an Under 20 World junior Championship gold medal. Number Twelve definitely goes down as my favorite Flame of All Time.

Honorable Mentions: Theoren Fleury, Lanny McDonald, Joe Mullen

Left Wing: Johnny Gaudreau

Many might argue that Gary Roberts should be here, but I think “Johnny Hockey” is the best Calgary Flames left winger of all time. In only seven NHL seasons, Gaudreau has accumulated 464 points. He is a five time All Star, a Lady Byng winner, and won a World Championship bronze medal for team USA; and all of this as a 26 year old. The young stud still has a lot to accomplish, but the success he has already given his team shows why some fans call this era in Flames history The Gaudreau Era.

Honorable Mentions: Gary Roberts, Eric Vail, Alex Tanguay

Defenseman (1): Al MacInnis

Any time you think of a Calgary Flames defenseman, your mind instantly thinks of this twelve time All Star. With over 23 seasons under his belt and over 1,200 points scored, MacInnis is an easy choice for the best Flames blueliner of all time. The Hockey Hall of Famer helped Calgary capture their only Stanley Cup and was the playoff MVP that same year; and in 1999 he finally won his first, and only, Norris trophy.

Defenseman (2): Mark Giordano

The current captain has made a huge impact on the Flames organization. The 14 year veteran has come up with over 480 points so far in his career, in 893 games. He is a three time All Star, a Norris winner, and a World Championship silver medalist. He also won the the NHL Foundation Award in 2016, showing just how great he is on and off the ice.

Honorable Mentions: Gary Suter, Robyn Regehr, Paul Reinhart

Goaltender: Miikka Kiprusoff

“Kipper” is said to be one of the best goaltenders of the Dead Puck Era. In his 12 NHL seasons, he has recorded a 2.49 goals against average and a .912 save percentage. The Finnish goaltender has won multiple international medals and won a Vezina and Jennings trophy in the same year (2006). His hockey career was so good, that Finland decided to induct him into their hockey hall of fame.

Honorable Mentions: Mike Vernon, Dan Bouchard, Reggie Lemelin

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Buffalo Sabres All Time Starting Lineup

The Buffalo Sabres have had a very bumpy history. Although making the playoffs 29 times, since their establishment in 1970, they have never won the Stanley Cup. Sabres fans have been left disappointed for five decades, and the future seems uncertain as to when they will make the playoffs again or if they will ever get their hands on hockey’s most coveted prize. However, although they have never won the Cup, the Buffalo Sabres have bread some of the most talented hockey players of all time.

Center: Gilbert Perrault

Throughout his seventeen year NHL career, Gilbert Perreault accumulated over 1,300 points in just under 1,200 games. His accolades are not as deep as some of the others coming up on the lineup, but he still won a Calder Trophy and a Lady Byng Trophy. His play was so good, that in the year 1990, Gilbert Perreault was inducted into the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame; and in 1991, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Honorable Mentions: Jack Eichel, Dale Hawerchuk, Don Luce

Right Wing: Alexander Mogilny

Alexander Mogilny, who was completely snubbed from the Hockey Hall of Fame, had an incredible career. Being the first Soviet defector to play in the NHL puts a lot of pressure on oneself, but he did it with poise and excellence. As soon as he made it to North America, he made a big impact. Throughout his 16 NHL seasons, he recorded over 1,000 points and over a point per game average. He made it to the All Star Game five times, won a Stanley Cup in 2000 with the New Jersey Devils, and won multiple international gold medals.

Honorable Mentions: Danny Gare, Rene Robert, Mike Foligno

Left Wing: Rick Martin

The late Rick Martin had a spectacular NHL career. In eleven seasons, he scored 701 points in 685 games. Although he has not played in as lengthy of a career as any of the other players in this lineup, he has sure made the most of it. In his first seven seasons in the NHL, he was selected into the All Star Game every single year. This gave Martin huge recognition throughout the league and ultimately lead to his induction into the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame.

Honorable Mentions: Craig Ramsay, Dave Andreychuk, Thomas Vanek

Defenseman (1): Phil Housley

When you think of the Buffalo Sabres, you have got to think about Phil Housley. Housley made an amazing career for himself from 1982 to 2003. In 1,495 career regular season games, he put up a whopping 1,232 points. The defenseman was a seven time All Star; won multiple international medals; and was inducted into the Buffalo Sabres, IIHF, Hockey, and U.S. Hockey Hall of Fames.

Defenseman (2): Mike Ramsey

Although not as much of an offensive producer as ,fellow defenseman, Phil Housley, Mike Ramsey was still a dominant player nonetheless. Ramsey played in 18 seasons in the NHL, and put up 345 points in 1,070 games. In the year 1980, Ramsey was part of the Miracle U.S. Olympic team that won the gold medal and upset the Soviet Union in gold medal game qualifier. In 2002, Ramsey was inducted into both the Buffalo Sabres and U.S. Hockey Hall of Fames.

Honorable Mentions: Jim Schoenfeld, Bill Hajt, Alexei Zhitnik

Goaltender: Dominic Hasek

The Czech stud is arguably the best goaltender of all time. In his 16 year career, he finished with an outstanding 2.20 goals against average and a .922 save percentage. Hasek won multiple bronze, silver, and gold medals in numerous international feats. He is a six time Vezina Trophy winner; a three time Jennings Trophy winner (Lowest goals against in the league); and won the Hart Trophy, Tedd Lindsay Award, and the Stanley Cup two times each (Both Stanley Cups being won with the Detroit Red Wings). After he retired, Hasek was nominated into both the IIHF and Hockey Hall of Fames in the year 2015.

Honorable Mentions: Ryan Miller, Tom Barrasso, Don Edwards

Meet the NWHL

For over a century, the NHL has dominated the professional male hockey market. Now, having 31 teams, they make billions of dollars every year. We see the huge success that the NHL is having, but where can we find a league where women can play ice hockey professionally. Former collegiate ice hockey player and entrepreneur, Dani Rylan, saw the need for a stable league that women can play for, so she created the National Women’s Hockey League in March of 2015. So far, the NWHL has six hockey teams. Although that is fairly small, this is just the beginning for this small league, and there is no telling how far they can go. Let us now take a look at these six franchises to get a good glimpse into their players and systems.

Buffalo Beauts

The Buffalo Beauts were established in 2015, as one of the original four NWHL franchises. At first, the Beauts were owned by Pegula Sports and Entertainment, the same company that owns the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres and the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, however, they gave up control of the team and it is now owned by the National Women’s Hockey League.

The Beauts entered the Isobel Cup- the NWHL championship- four times, but only won the title once in 2017. Although they have done fairly well in its first four years, the Beauts had a bit of a down season this year, with a record of 8-15-1, totaling only 17 points. Forward, Taylor Accursi lead the team in scoring, with 25 points in 24 games. Their goaltending had some issues this season, with both Kelsey Newman and Mariah Fujimagari only having 3 wins each.

Buffalo is lead by head coach Pete Perram, a former Team Switzerland assistant coach, who most recently coached his second NWHL season. The Beauts are captained by American forward Corinne Buie, who had 13 points in 24 games this season. The 28 year old has played in all five NWHL seasons.

Boston Pride

The Boston Pride are another original four franchise whom, like the Buffalo Beauts, have only one Isobel Cup win. The Pride are one of only two NWHL teams who are owned by an outside owner. They are owned by Miles Arone, a partner at Cannon Capital.

The Pride had a fantastic season, putting up the best record in the league. Leading the charge was captain Jillian Dempsy. The American forward had 40 points in 24 games, in her fifth season in the NWHL. Their goaltending was strong as well. Swedish netminder, Lovisa Selander, had a record of 17-1-0, a .941 save percentage, and a 1.71 goals against average in her first NWHL season. The team is coached by Paul Mara; a former NHLer who has coached in his second year as of this past season.

Metropolitan Riveters

The Monmouth Junction, New Jersey based Riveters are also one of the first four NWHL teams. They have won one Isobel Cup, in 2018, in their first and only appearance. Like most of the franchises, they are also owned by the NWHL.

The team has placed third in the standings this year, putting up a 10-11-3 record, for a total of 23 points. 29 year old American forward, Madison Packer, lead the team in points, with 34 in 24 games. She is also the Riveters team captain. Hamilton College alum, Sam Walther, lead their goaltenders with 8 wins. She also put up a .892 save percentage and a 3.79 goals against average. The head coach of this team is 32 year old first timer, Ivo Mocek. He came over here from the Czech Republic, and will hopefully have a successful coaching career in the near future.

Toronto Six

The Six, like its name, are the sixth NWHL franchise, and the first one from Canada, as the most recent league expansion team. Toronto is owned by Johanna Neilson Boynton; a former collegiate female hockey player and the CEO and co-founder of Boynton Brennan Builders. As of right now, we do not know how well the Six will be in the upcoming season, but they have some players who may do well in their franchise; either right away or in the near future. Some skaters who caught my eye were women like Mikayla Grant-Mentis, who put up 33 points in 33 games for Merrimack College, and Sarah-Eve Coutu-Godbout, who scored 26 points in 36 games for Quinnipiac University. Forward, Brooke Boquist, looks great as well. She played for Leksand IF, over in Sweden this year, putting up 29 points in 24 games. The Six also have a great young goaltender, Samantha Ridgewell. The 23 year old Canadian recorded a .920 save percentage and a 2.03 goals against average for Djurgardens IF of the SDHL, which is Sweden’s premier women’s hockey league.

Connecticut Whale

The last original four team is the Connecticut Whale. The Whale have not won any Isobel Cups, nor have they even appeared in the final. Although they have not had much success, the league is still fairly young, and they can take a huge step forward at any time. However, that time was definitely not this season. Connecticut had a record of 2-20-2 over this past season. They had two team point leaders, Kaycie Anderson and captain Shannon Doyle, but they only managed to put up 11 points each. Brooks Wolejko was the goaltender to put up the Whale’s loan two wins, but came up with 8 regulation losses and an over time loss. Former NHLer, Colton Orr, is the Whale head coach. Although he lead his team to the leagues lowest record this year, it is only his first season coaching in the NWHL, and will surely learn from his mistakes if he comes back next year.

Minnesota Whitecaps

The last team in the NWHL is the Minnesota Whitecaps. They entered the league in 2018, but they originally played, in the now defunct, Western Women’s Hockey League, where they were established in 2004. The Whitecaps had instant success in the National Women’s Hockey League, coming up with their first Isobel Cup title in their first season. Their success is still lasting today. They were second in the league this season, with a record of 17-5-2. They have two point leaders, with 36 points each; the first one being 32 year old Boston College alum, Allie Thunstrom, and the second being American forward, Jonna Curtis. Four year NWHL goaltender, Amanda Leveille, lead the way in between the pipes. She had a record of 16-5-2, a .935 save percentage, and a 2.08 goals against average.

What is most interesting about this team is its leadership. First of all, their captain is 42 year old University of Minnesota alum, Winny Brodt-Brown. She has been with the team since its WWHL days, since 2004, and has come up with 5 points in 20 games this season. To top it all off, the Whitecaps have two co-head coaches. The first one being 76 year old general manager, Jack Brott; however it does look like he will stick to his loan general manager duties next season. The other coach is Ronda Engelhardt, a 34 year old American, who has just finished her second year of coaching in the league.

Was Alex Mogilny Snubbed

With the 2020 Hockey Hall of Fame inductees announced this week, I have to say that I am a bit disappointed. Some of the selections made sense, but there were a few selections that did not sit right with me. This week; Marian Hossa, Jarome Iginla, Kevin Lowe, and Doug Wilson, were the NHL players inducted into the Hall of Fame; and I will explain why Alex Mogilny should replace at least two of them.

First of all there are two players on this list that undoubtable deserve to be inducted, one of which is Marian Hossa. Hossa had a phenomenal career. He spent his time with the Ottawa Senators, Atlanta Thrashers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Chicago Blackhawks. Throughout that span he had 1,134 points in 1,309 games. The Slovakian forward was a five time All Star and one the Stanley Cup three times, all of them with the Blackhawks.

The second well deserved player is Jarome Iginla. Iggy spent his time with four teams in his career; the Los Angeles Kings, Colorado Avalanche, Boston Bruins, and most notably; the Calgary Flames. In total, he recorded 1,300 points in 1,554 regular season games. Although he has not won any Stanley Cups, his other accolades sure make up for it. He one a World Junior Championship gold medal, a World Championship gold medal, a World Cup gold medal, and two Olympic gold medals; and that is only his international achievements. Jarome Iginla also won an NHL Foundation Award, Mark Messier Leadership Award, Art Ross Trophy, King Clancy Trophy, a Tedd Lindsay Award, and two Maurice Richard Trophies.

There are two players, however, that can easily be replaced by Alex Mogilny. The first one is Kevin Lowe. Don’t get me wrong, Kevin Lowe was a great player; Its not easy to win six Stanley Cups, a King Clancy Trophy, a Canada Cup gold medal, a World Championship bronze medal, and be selected into the NHL All Star Game seven times. Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks defenseman, Doug Wilson, was also extremely talented as well. He totaled over 800 points, won a Canada Cup gold medal, and even won a Norris Trophy. However these two guys have nothing on, Russian forward, Alex Mogilny.

First of all, it is important to take notice that Alex Mogilny was the first player to defect from the Soviet Union illegally. He put his life on the line to play in a free country and to play in the greatest league in the world. Mogilny was also a phenomenal point producer. He totaled 1,032 points in 990 games; that is an average of 1.04 points per game. He spent that time with the Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils, and the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was also amazing internationally. He won a World Junior Championship gold medal, a World Championship gold medal, an Olympic gold medal, and a World Junior Championship silver medal. He also won a Lady Byng Trophy, a Maurice Richard Trophy, was a five time All Star, and he won a Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils.

All of theses great accomplishments are the reasons why I think Alex Mogilny was completely snubbed, and should have definitely been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame this year. However, this is just my opinion. If you have any other reason why Mogilny should be inducted, comment down below. If you think another player was left out that deserved higher praise, let me know.

Racism in Hockey

Georges Laraque was seven years old playing pee wee when he first experienced racism in the sport. He would hear constant racial slurs from both the players and the parents. “If you didn’t know me you would think [the N-word] was my actual name.”, says Laraque in a Sportsnet interview. However, even with the adversity that he faced, being the son of Haitian immigrants, he still made it to the NHL and had a dominant career with the Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Phoenix Coyotes, and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Joel Ward scored the series winning goal against the Boston Bruins in 2012, allowing the Washington Capitals to move on in the playoffs. Shortly thereafter, tweets from various Bruins fans spewed out racially insensitive comments at the forward. Even with that, Ward went on to continue his excellent career between the Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, Washington Capitals, and San Jose Sharks.

Akim Aliu was 16 years old when he refused to strip naked for a team hazing ritual done by the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League. His refusal lead to teammate, Steve Downie, hitting Aliu with a hockey stick repeatedly, and knocking out seven teeth. When Aliu was in the American Hockey League, then Rockford Ice Hogs coach, Bill Peters, used a racial slur to refer to the Nigerian immigrant. Although he played most of his games in the minors, Aliu did have a brief stint with the Calgary Flames.

After P.K. Subban recorded a game-winning double overtime goal against the Boston Bruins in 2014, thousands of tweets verbally abused the Montreal Canadiens defenseman. Even with the remarks, Subban humbly tweeted, “What people may say on Twitter or social media is not a reflection by any means of the league or the Boston Bruins. So whoever that is, they’ll get dealt with, but it’s completely separate from this league or the Boston Bruins organization. I know some of those players personally on that team, like I said, the fan base has been awesome, they are a great bunch of fans.” Subban continues to shine in the NHL, and has been an amazing asset to the Canadiens, Nahville Predators, and New Jersey Devils.

These accounts of racism throughout the sport are only the tip of the ice berg; and it is extremely important to realize, especially today, to see the problem, reflect, listen, and to change.

Now, as protesters speak out for change and equality, we must all stand up and raise our voices with them, to not only stop racism throughout the police force and the government, but to stop racism everywhere. Racism is a problem, it always has been; and the fact that people aren’t listening, aren’t speaking, aren’t acknowledging is horrific.

Today, current and former black hockey players have created the Hockey Diversity Alliance. The goal is to get rid of racism throughout the entire sport, and to educate players, parents, and coaches from the minor and major hockey ranks. However, in order to create even more change, not only do black players have to stand up, but even more than that, white players need to stand up; because in order to generate true change and to create a positive atmosphere for the black community, white people need to understand there faults and be more inclusive. They need to talk about what is happening, even if it means getting out of their comfort zones.

This is a tough challenge to beat, but many are here to help. With the world finally watching and listening, people finally realize that black lives truly matter.

Boston Bruins All Time Starting Lineup

The Boston Bruins are one of the most accomplished teams of all time. The original six team had six Stanley Cup victories, over their 96 year span, and reached the playoffs 71 times. They also created some of the best players to ever play the game of hockey, in every possible position. This was one of the hardest rosters to make up, not due to any trouble finding talented players, but because of the over abundance of them.

Center:
Phil Esposito (1963-1981)- 18 NHL Seasons- 1,590 points in 1,282 games

Accolades:
1968-69- Art Ross Trophy (Most Points), Hart Trophy (MVP)
1969-70- Maurice Richard Trophy, Stanley Cup (Boston)
1970-71- Maurice Richard Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award (MVP by NHLPA)
1971-72- Maurice Richard Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, Stanley Cup (Boston)
1972-73- Maurice Richard Trophy, Art Ross Trophy
1973-74- Maurice Richard Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, Hart Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award
1974-75- Maurice Richard Trophy
1975-76- Canada Cup
1977-78- Lester Patrick Trophy (Contribution to US Hockey)
1984-85- Hockey Hall of Fame

Honorable Mentions: Milt Schmidt, Patrice Bergeron, Bill Cowley

Right Wing:
Cam Neely (1983-1996)- 13 NHL Seasons- 694 points in 726 games

Accolades:
1993-94- Bill Masterton Trophy
2005-06- Hockey Hall of Fame
2009-10- Lester Patrick Trophy

Honorable Mentions: Rick Middleton, David Pastrnak, Terry O’Reilly

Left Wing:
John Bucyk (1955-1978)- 23 NHL Seasons- 1,369 points in 1,540 games

Accolades:
1969-70- Stanley Cup (Boston)
1970-71- Lady Byng Trophy
1971-72- Stanley Cup (Boston)
1973-74- Lady Byng Trophy
1976-77- Lester Patrick Trophy
1981-82- Hockey Hall of Fame

Honorable Mentions: Brad Marchand, Woody Dumart, Wayne Cashman

Defenseman (1):
Bobby Orr (1966-1979)- 12 NHL Seasons- 915 points in 657 games

Accolades:
1966-67- Calder Trophy
1967-68- All Star Game, Norris Trophy
1968-69- All Star Game, Norris Trophy
1969-70- All Star Game, Norris Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, Hart Trophy, Stanley Cup (Boston), Conn Smythe Trophy
1970-71- All Star Game, Norris Trophy, Hart Trophy
1971-72- All Star Game, Norris Trophy, Hart Trophy, Stanley Cup (Boston), Conn Smythe Trophy
1972-73- All Star Game, Norris Trophy
1973-74- Norris Trophy
1974-75- All Star Game, Norris Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award
1975-76- Canada Cup
1978-79- Lester Patrick Trophy
1979-80- Hockey Hall of Fame

Defenseman (2):
Eddie Shore (1926-1940)- 14 NHL Seasons- 284 points in 551 games

Accolades:
1928-29- Stanley Cup (Boston)
1932-33- Hart Trophy
1934-35- Hart Trophy
1935-36- Hart Trophy
1937-38- Hart Trophy
1938-39- Stanley Cup (Boston)
1947-48- Hockey Hall of Fame
1969-70- Lester Patrick Trophy

Honorable Mentions: Ray Bourque, Dit Clapper, Zdeno Chara

Goaltender:
Frank Brimsek (1938-1950)- 10 NHL Seasons- 2.70 GAA

Accolades:
1938-39- Vezina Trophy (Best Goaltender), Calder Trophy, Stanley Cup (Boston)
1940-41- Stanley Cup (Boston)
1941-42- Vezina Trophy
1966-67- Hockey Hall of Fame
1973-74- US Hockey Hall of Fame