With the expansion franchise's regular-season opener set for Oct. 6, it appears as though there will not be a captain in place when the puck drops.
"We may be better off just having a leadership group than naming one guy captain," general manager George McPhee said Thursday, per Lisa Dillman of NHL.com. "We really don't want to put a 'C' on a guy unless this is going to be the person that's going to lead us for a long time. We'd like to get to know these players a lot better than we know them right now."
McPhee has, of course, put together a full roster, but few players are under contract long term. Furthermore, he and head coach Gerard Gallant are in the process of getting to know the players, and there's no pressure to anoint a team leader without proper evaluation.
"Do you know a player well enough after a month - I'm not sure - to put a 'C' on them?" McPhee said. "So we'll see how it goes.
"Again, in this entire process in expansion, there's some uncertainty. We don't have all the answers. We've tried to prepare for everything. But we've embraced the uncertainty. That's what makes this fun."
The gritty veteran winger remains an unrestricted free agent with training camps set to open next week, and while he's been presented with both one-year, one-way contracts and professional tryout offers heading into 2017-18, he's happy to wait it out in hopes of finding the best possible situation for him and his family.
"I've had some opportunities to go to some other teams and play, it just hasn't been the right fit for my family," the 38-year-old told TSN 1200 Radio Ottawa on Friday. "I think I've been very blessed to play as long as I have and so I'm able to sit back, and if there's the right fit for me, great. If there isn't, I'm also looking to spend time with my family."
Neil began playing for the Ottawa Senators in 2001 after being drafted 161st overall in 1998. Thus, not having a hockey home in place is a new experience for him. But again, he won't sign just anywhere.
"This is probably the first September in 20 years I haven't had a place to go and it wasn't from a lack of teams or interest. So I think for me, just being the right fit and obviously we're still talking with some teams and we'll go from there."
Neil racked up 112 goals, 138 assists, and 2,522 penalty minutes in 1,026 regular-season games in Ottawa.
After his unceremonious dismissal from his head coaching position in February, former Montreal Canadiens head coach Michel Therrien will serve as a scout for the team this season, he told TSN 690 Montreal on Friday.
Therrien was fired and replaced by Claude Julien on Valentine's Day amid the Habs' midseason swoon, where the team stumbled to an 18-18-7 record after starting the campaign 13-1-1. He was let go with two years left on his contract, providing him with the opportunity to continue working with the club.
Although several NHL teams hired new head coaches this offseason, Therrien apparently wasn't in the mix for many of the new gigs across the league. He did mention he had a conversation with the Florida Panthers, but the vacancy was eventually filled by first-time boss Bob Boughner.
Therrien spoke candidly about several controversial sagas during his tenure in Montreal, including the infamous 10-0 loss in Columbus, as well as his relationships with P.K. Subban, Max Pacioretty, and Carey Price. It can be listened to in its entirety here.
The winger is the only player on the current roster who skated in the original Winter Classic at Ralph Wilson Stadium (now known as New Era Field) against the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2008.
Almost a decade, eight Classics, and a stint with the Minnesota Wild later, Pominville feels privileged to look forward to the 2018 event between his Sabres and the New York Rangers at Citi Field, home of MLB's New York Mets.
"I was fortunate enough to play in the first one about 10 years ago in Buffalo," Pominville said Friday at a press conference at this season's venue. "Look at what it's become today. It's a privelege to be part of this. It's an honor.
"Our fans are excited about it, we're excited. Hopefully we can put on a good show and everyone will enjoy it."
Pominville, acquired in an offseason trade with the Wild this summer, was Buffalo's second-leading scorer in 2007-08. This time around, it'll likely be Jack Eichel who leads the club offensively, and the young center also has fond memories of the first Classic, but from a different vantage point.
As a restricted free agent, Horvat's $5.5-million annual cap hit will kick in immediately, making him the fourth-highest paid player on Vancouver's roster, trailing only the Sedin twins and Loui Eriksson.
Horvat built a strong case to sign a long-term deal coming off his entry-level contract, as he netted a career-high 52 points in 81 games in 2016-17 - good enough to lead the Canucks.
The Canucks identified Horvat as the centerpiece of their future at the 2013 draft, selecting him ninth overall on a pick acquired in exchange for goaltender Cory Schneider. Now, as one of few bright spots in the rebuilding organization, Horvat will be go-to guy as Vancouver navigates the transition back into relevancy.
Throughout the month of September, James Bisson and a cast of editors from theScore will share their rankings of the greatest players, teams, and moments in the 100-year history of the National Hockey League. This week's list focuses on the best individual seasons (* denotes a league-leading statistic).
The Red Wings superstar showed he was capable of a big season a year earlier, scoring 50 goals and adding 52 assists in 64 games. But few were prepared for the kind of season Yzerman put together. Nobody other than Mario Lemieux and Wayne Gretzky has recorded more points in a single campaign than he did in 1988-89.
19. Mike Bossy, New York Islanders (1981-82)
GP
G
A
P
+/-
80
64
83
147
69
Perhaps the greatest pure goal-scorer in NHL history, Bossy showed off his playmaking side en route to one of the most impressive offensive seasons on record. Showing an incredible all-around game, Bossy placed third in Hart Trophy voting and second in the Lady Byng balloting while scoring 17 goals in 19 games to win the Conn Smythe Trophy.
18. Brett Hull, St. Louis Blues (1990-91)
GP
G
A
P
+/-
78
86*
45
131
23
Other than Lemieux, nobody has come close to reaching Gretzky's incredible single-season goals record - nobody, that is, except for Hull. The Golden Brett (pictured above with dad Bobby) took his shot in 1990-91, ultimately coming up six goals shy but taking home the Hart Trophy in a narrow vote over Gretzky. Hull wound up scoring 70 or more goals in three straight seasons.
17. Bobby Orr, Boston Bruins (1969-70)
GP
G
A
P
+/-
76*
33
87*
120*
54*
This was the season that Orr went from promising defense prospect to the most talented player in the NHL. Orr nearly doubled his point total from a season earlier, shattering defensemen scoring records on the way to becoming the first blue-liner to win a scoring title. His 20 points in 14 playoff games earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Bruins captured the Cup.
16. Dominik Hasek, Buffalo Sabres (1998-99)
W
L
T
GAA
SV%
SO
30
18
14
1.87
.937*
9
Hasek has a pair of Hart Trophies on his mantel, but his best season - at least from a statistical perspective - might be one in which he didn't take home league MVP honors. Hasek's save percentage from the 1998-99 season is the fourth-best in league history, and he also established a career-low goals-against average en route to his fifth Vezina Trophy.
15. Wayne Gretzky, Los Angeles Kings (1990-91)
GP
G
A
P
+/-
78
41
122*
163*
30
Gretzky put to rest any concerns about a potential drop-off in performance, securing his 10th league scoring title with his highest single-season assist total since 1985-86. It was the last time he scored 40 goals or posted 100 assists in a season; it was also the final time The Great One finished in the top two in Hart Trophy voting.
14. Phil Esposito, Boston Bruins (1970-71)
GP
G
A
P
+/-
78
76*
76
152*
71
Before Gretzky and Lemieux took over, Esposito was the league record holder in both goals and points, putting together a season for the ages. He led the NHL in even-strength goals (50), power-play tallies (25) and game-winners (16) while taking an incredible 550 shots on goal. And yet, it still wasn't enough to earn league MVP honors; Esposito finished second in voting.
13. Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers (1980-81)
GP
G
A
P
+/-
80
55
109*
164*
41
After coming oh-so-close to winning the NHL scoring title as a 19-year-old, Gretzky left no doubt the following season. Not only did he cruise to the Art Ross Trophy, he established a new league record for points in a season - a mark that wouldn't last very long, as we'll find out shortly. Gretzky celebrated the end of his teenage years with his second of eight straight Hart Trophies.
12. Bobby Orr, Boston Bruins (1970-71)
GP
G
A
P
+/-
78
37
102*
139
124*
It's tough to decide which of Orr's seasons was the best, but you could easily make the case that this was No. 1, given that he set a record for scoring by a defenseman that still stands. And if that doesn't impress you, consider the plus-minus; Orr was on the ice for 124 more even-strength goals scored than he was for even-strength goals allowed. Mercy.
11. Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins (1995-96)
GP
G
A
P
+/-
70
69*
92*
161*
10
After injuries limited Lemieux to just 22 games in 1993-94 and cost him all of 1994-95, hockey fans were wondering if the best of Super Mario was over. Lemieux responded with emphasis, posting his fourth career 160-point season en route to his third Hart Trophy. It's the last time a player has scored more than 130 points in a season.
10. Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins (1987-88)
GP
G
A
P
+/-
77
70*
98
168*
23
For the first three seasons of his career, Lemieux looked every bit the part of a No. 1 pick. But it was in Season 4 that he first looked like a challenger to Gretzky's reign of dominance. He ended The Great One's streak of scoring championships and was rewarded with the Hart Trophy. This season marks the only time Lemieux led the league in shots on goal (382).
9. Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers (1986-87)
GP
G
A
P
+/-
79
62*
121*
183*
70*
While it doesn't represent Gretzky's greatest season from a points perspective, it was no less dominant than his peak years. The Great One captured the scoring title by an absurd 75 points over teammate Jari Kurri; even if you only counted his assists, Gretzky would have won the Art Ross by 13 points. This marked Gretzky's final 60-goal season.
8. Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers (1982-83)
GP
G
A
P
+/-
80*
71*
125*
196*
60
As amazing as it is that Gretzky has four 200-point seasons to his credit, it's just as unfathomable to think that he came oh-so-close to a fifth. The 1982-83 season was the second of four straight in which Gretzky led the league in both goals and assists, and he went on to win the scoring championship by an incomprehensible 72 points over Peter Stastny.
7. Bobby Orr, Boston Bruins (1974-75)
GP
G
A
P
+/-
80*
46
89*
135*
80*
Orr is the proud owner of the best NHL season not posted by Le Magnifique or No. 99 - and what a season it was. He set new benchmarks for goals by a defenseman, since broken by Paul Coffey. But while Coffey never led the league in scoring, Orr's sensational season earned him his second Art Ross Trophy to go along with his eighth consecutive Norris Trophy.
6. Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers (1984-85)
GP
G
A
P
+/-
80*
73*
135*
208*
98*
The third of Gretzky's four 200-point seasons features the best plus-minus showing of his career. The 135 helpers are the second-most of his career, and his 11 shorthanded goals mark the second straight year in which Gretzky had double-digit tallies while down a man. The result: a sixth consecutive Hart Trophy and a fifth straight scoring title.
5. Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins (1988-89)
GP
G
A
P
+/-
76
85*
114*
199*
41
Fans can only wonder what Lemieux would have done had he dressed for all 80 games. But one thing's for sure: he wouldn't have had to settle for falling agonizingly short of joining Gretzky in the 200-point club. Lemieux's career season includes league highs in power-play goals (31) and shorthanded markers (13), and he also managed to rack up 100 penalty minutes.
4. Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers (1983-84)
GP
G
A
P
+/-
74
87*
118*
205*
76*
Proving his historic 1981-82 season was no fluke, Gretzky posted 200 or more points for the second time two years later. The 23-year-old completed a rare trifecta, leading the NHL in even-strength goals (55), power-play markers (20) and shorthanded tallies (12) while adding 11 game-winning goals on the way to his fifth Hart Trophy in a row.
3. Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers (1985-86)
GP
G
A
P
+/-
80
52
163*
215*
71
The single-season NHL scoring record is also one of the more intriguing seasons in history. Gretzky was always good at spreading the wealth, but his 163-assist performance in 1985-86 would represent the 11th-highest-scoring season by itself. Whatever the motivation for his increased generosity, Gretzky's playmaking helped set a scoring mark that might never be broken.
2. Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins (1992-93)
GP
G
A
P
+/-
60
69
91
160*
55*
It doesn't rank in the top five from a points perspective, but it's difficult to argue with Lemieux's 1992-93 campaign as one of the contenders for best season. Rallying to win the scoring title by 12 points after missing 24 games due to Hodgkin's disease proved to be an unbelievable end to one of the most unbelievable seasons in NHL history.
1. Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers (1981-82)
GP
G
A
P
+/-
80
92*
120*
212*
81*
Between scoring 50 goals in his first 39 games, recording an NHL-record 68 even-strength tallies, and breaking his own league scoring record by 48 points - as a 21-year-old, no less - It's nearly impossible to fathom how dominant Gretzky was. In a career full of incredible accomplishments, his 1981-82 season stands head and shoulders above the rest.
The RedBlacks - winners of the 2016 Grey Cup - average near capacity attendance, while the Senators struggled to fill their building during their run to the Eastern Conference finals this past spring.
Interestingly, the Senators will host the Montreal Canadiens at TD Place on Dec. 16 for the NHL100 Classic.
Here are three goalies who will become elite fantasy netminders this season:
Andrei Vasilevskiy, Lightning
Vasilevskiy is just 23 years old and could start becoming a perennial Vezina Trophy candidate as early as this year. While splitting time with Ben Bishop he performed admirably, but once Bishop was traded and Vasilevskiy was handed the keys to the car, he took off:
Stat
Pre-Bishop trade
Post-Bishop trade
Record
11-13-5
12-4-2
GAA
2.81
2.27
SV%
.909
.930
It appears the title of being the surefire No. 1 goalie drastically increased Vasilevskiy's confidence. A full season of being the starter, behind a Lightning team that can't possibly deal with as many injuries as they did a year ago, will result in his status as an elite fantasy goaltender.
Scott Darling, Hurricanes
One might think that moving from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Carolina Hurricanes would result in a downward trajectory in terms of fantasy value, but not so fast.
The Hurricanes actually boast one of the league's best, young defense corps, featuring three-time 15-goal scorer Justin Faulk, former fifth overall pick Noah Hanifin, and one of the most underrated players in the league, Jaccob Slavin.
Last season the Hurricanes allowed the fifth-fewest shots per game, but were let down by the goaltending of Cam Ward and Eddie Lack. Now, in steps Darling, who was actually the best goalie on the Western Conference's best team in the regular season last year:
Stat
Corey Crawford
Scott Darling
Record
32-18-14
27-18-5
GAA
2.55
2.38
SV%
.918
.924
As you can see, Darling outplayed his teammate Corey Crawford last season. As the undisputed No. 1 on an up-and-coming team, the 6-foot-6 netminder could very well finish as a top-five fantasy goaltender.
Mike Smith, Flames
A change of scenery should do wonders for Mike Smith.
The veteran netminder was in fantasy hockey purgatory during his time with the Arizona Coyotes, but should find new life with the move to the Calgary Flames.
Smith still managed to post a .914 save percentage while playing behind one of the worst defensive teams in the NHL a year ago. Not only did Arizona allow the second-most shots against per game, but its 41.4 HSCF percent (high-danger scoring chances for percentage) was the worst in the NHL, meaning the Coyotes gave up a ton of quality scoring chances.
In Calgary, Smith will have the luxury of playing behind one of the best blue lines in the league. The Flames' back end is anchored by Mark Giordano, Dougie Hamilton, T.J. Brodie, and the newly acquired Travis Hamonic. They will also have Michael Stone, who was acquired at last season's trade deadline, for a full campaign.
