Another week and more talking points:
Eric Staal eyeing up NHL return
Olympian Eric Staal is looking to make his return to the NHL.
He’s still skating in Minnesota without competitive appearances and is a free agent.
He wants to return to playing again and his agent has confirmed contact has been made with clubs.
The Triple Gold Club player could also feature for Canada again after winning a World Championship and Olympic games with the side.
His career high of 45 goals and 55 assists to help the Carolina Hurricanes to a Stanley Cup completed the treble.
Whichever if any club does pick the Canadian up they’ve a bono fide legend on their side.
Evander Kane termination troubles
Another Canadians name flying about, Kane is looking to be terminated from his contract with the San Jose Sharks.
His Agent, Dan Milstein has stated their intention to file a grievance if he doesn’t clear.
We are aware of the Sharks’ decision to put Evander on waivers for contract termination. If he clears, we will file a grievance. The Sharks do not have sufficient grounds for taking this action. #WeAreGoldStar!
— Dan Milstein (@HockeyAgent1) January 8, 2022
Allegedly Kane had breached Covid protocols and his player contract.
Many clubs are interested in the Winger who last season chipped in with 22 goals and 27 assists in 56 appearances.
If he does clear and puts his grievance in successfully, he could be back playing soon with a different club.
New betting app is born
SaharaBets has been launched by Meruelo Gaming LLC an affiliate of the Sahara Las Vegas and Grand Sierra Resort.
Arizona Coyotes are the official sports betting partner of the platform.
Xavier A Gutierrez, CEO and President of the Coyotes said of the move: “The Coyotes are dedicated to providing innovative and entertaining experiences for our great fans.
“Our partnership with SaharaBets will offer next-level gaming experiences for fans who want to unleash their competitive spirit”.
Matt Boldy scores on return to Boston
Matt Boldy scored his first NHL goal against the Boston Bruins this weekend.
His score seven minutes into the second period proved to be the match-winner for the Minnesota Wild.
Boldy said after the game: “I just caught it and shot it up into the top corner, instincts just taking over a little bit.
“I kind of blacked out a little bit to be honest after I scored”.
Millis-raised Matt Boldy scores in his NHL debut, and it's in his home state, short drives from where he starred @DXSF_Athletics and @BC_MHockey. Can't make it up. https://t.co/3SeIxjHVuy
— Daily News Sports (@MetroWestSports) January 7, 2022
Ducks in hot water
The Anaheim Ducks are asking a judge to overturn a potential lawsuit over an alleged breach of the Disabilities Act.
A claim has been made that the club’s website is not accessible to visually impaired people.
The Ducks have refuted this claim saying the claimant never had any intentions of using the website.
This isn’t the first lawsuit the club have faced with one back in 2011 and another in 2019 for varied reasons.
Covid cancellations
The NHL had already stated it wouldn’t be releasing it’s players to the 2022 Olympic Games due to Covid rules.
There are 11 cancelled games this week, including:
10th of January-Columbus v Montreal, Tampa Bay v New Jersey and Minnesota v Winnipeg.
11th of January-New York Islanders v Calgary.
12th of January-Boston v Montreal and Minnesota v Edmonton.
14th of January-Vegas v Edmonton.
15th of January-New Jersey v Montreal, Ottawa v Winnipeg and Vegas Calgary.
16th of January-Edmonton v Winnipeg.
Transfers and Injuries
Last weeks trade of Sam Lafferty to Chicago Blackhawks and Alex Nylander the opposite way to Pittsburgh Penguins is the only transfer news currently.
In injuries:
- Jaden Schwartz of Seattle is out until mid-February with an upper body injury.
- Barrett Hayton of Arizona is out until late-February with a hand issue.
- Brady Keeper of Vancouver is out until next week with a leg issue.
There are roughly 90 players ruled out through Covid procedures. Montreal are particularly badly affected with 11 players all out with Covid-19.
