The Emerald City has taken a significant step toward securing potential NHL and NBA franchises in the future.
Seattle City Council approved a memorandum of understanding with Tim Leiweke's Oak View Group for the proposed $600-million, privately financed redevelopment of KeyArena.
Council voted 7-1 on Monday to approve the proposal. The L.A.-based Oak View Group plans to finish the project as soon as October 2020, according to Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times.
The vote authorized Mayor Jenny Durkan to "execute an agreement with Oak View Group to redevelop KeyArena into a world-class multipurpose sports and entertainment arena," Seattle City Council announced on Twitter following the proceedings.
Here are the specifics of OVG's renovation plan:
KeyArena agreement commits Oak View Group to covering project costs, including project overruns, and a bevy of other stuff, including: pic.twitter.com/75eS2vT5qh
There is "widespread belief" at city hall that Leiweke's group will make a serious pitch to the NHL to be an anchor tenant in the new facility, according to KING 5's Chris Daniels.
Monday's vote could also open the door for the NBA's return to Seattle. The SuperSonics played in KeyArena for three separate tenures in their history before the team relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder in 2008.
Leiweke is the former president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, which owns the NBA's Toronto Raptors, NHL's Maple Leafs, and MLS' Toronto FC. He is also the former president and CEO of Anschutz Entertainment Group, which owns the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, part of the NBA's Lakers, and MLS' LA Galaxy.
USA Hockey will unveil its preliminary roster for the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championship on Tuesday at 5 p.m. ET on NHL Network, the governing body for American hockey announced Monday.
Hockey Canada will reveal its preliminary roster for the tournament Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET, TSN's Bob McKenzie reports. About 30 players will be chosen to take part in the Canadian squad's final selection camp in St. Catharines, Ontario, which begins one week from Monday.
The U.S. will play pre-tournament games against Belarus and Sweden in Jamestown, N.Y., and Erie, Penn., on Dec. 20 and 22, respectively.
The 2018 World Junior Hockey Championship will begin on Dec. 26 and run through Jan. 5, 2018, in Buffalo.
Canada and the United States will face off in the first-ever outdoor game at a top-level IIHF world championship when they play a preliminary-round game on Dec. 29 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y., home of the NFL's Buffalo Bills.
The United States defeated Canada for gold at the last tournament, prevailing 5-4 in a shootout in Montreal.
A timely trade saved the Ottawa Senators' season a year ago.
Last November, Senators general manager Pierre Dorion sent a late pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins for fill-in goaltender Mike Condon, a necessary move with starter Craig Anderson away on a leave of absence.
The deal ultimately proved to save the Senators' season, as Condon provided stability between the pipes and an impressive 19-14-6 showing in 40 games.
Three months later, Anderson rejoined the Senators, claiming a shutout in his first game back, and marking the first of many top performances in what became one of his best seasons since coming to Ottawa in 2011.
Together, Anderson and Condon were key pieces in helping the Senators claim second place in the Atlantic Division, and later a trip to the conference finals. It was the Senators' finest season in a decade.
Turn the page to this season and everything has changed.
After owning the NHL's eighth-best save percentage a year ago, the tandem of Condon and Anderson has tumbled down the charts in 2017-18, currently sitting 29th league-wide with an ugly .893 save rate that stands ahead of only the Edmonton Oilers (.891) and Buffalo Sabres (.888).
While the latest criticism on the slumping Senators has been directed toward the team's poor rhythm following the addition of center Matt Duchene from the Colorado Avalanche - the Senators have won just three of 11 games since his acquisition - Ottawa's inability to keep pucks out of its own net has been a bigger issue.
That point was no more evident than in a pair of weekend outings that saw the Senators allow 10 goals in two games, in which both Anderson and Condon received a start but neither finished the night.
The Senators came away with a win in one of the affairs, but the performances were certainly cause for concern. In all, Condon saw 57 minutes of ice time over the weekend, stopping just 37 of the 41 pucks directed toward his cage. Anderson was hardly any better, as five of 45 shots found their way through in just under 62 minutes.
As it stands, Ottawa has dipped five points from a playoff position, a trend that will only continue without shored-up performances from the Senators' formerly great goaltending duo.
Wheeler received first-star honors after he wrapped the week with two goals and eight assists in four appearances. That included three separate three-point nights by the Winnipeg Jets captain. Wheeler sits fourth in NHL scoring with 35 points in 27 games.
As second star of the week, Price has made up for lost time since returning from injury, winning all four games last week. The Montreal Canadiens netminder posted a 1.50 GAA and .950 save percentage over the stretch. Price currently owns a five-game win streak.
Faksa was named third star after he tallied five goals and added two assists in his last four outings. That performance saw the Dallas Stars forward notch his first career hat trick against the Vegas Golden Knights. Faksa has collected 16 points in 26 games this season.
In September, the Islanders submitted a proposal to build an arena at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., and the club remains hopeful that the bid will be approved.
"We think we have something that really will galvanize the community in a very positive way," Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky told Jim Baumbach of Newsday. "It will galvanize the fan base and we think it's a tremendous opportunity for the Long Island area to have a world-class, really state-of-the-art arena."
The Islanders have spent the past three seasons at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, a 2012-built facility that was originally designed for the NBA's Nets, meaning great views for basketball fans but poor sight lines on hockey nights.
The Islanders moved to Brooklyn after playing out of the antiquated Nassau Coliseum since 1972. While issues have occurred at the Barclays Center, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has ruled out a return to Long Island.
The Islanders can end their current lease agreement as soon as this offseason, while the Barclays Center has the same option following the 2018-19 campaign.
As for Belmont Park, the Islanders aren't the only team wanting to build a new stadium at the site. There is also interest from the New York City FC, a Major League Soccer club partially owned by MLB's Yankees.
There is no timeline for when the Belmont Park proposal will be approved, but Islanders ownership remains hopeful. Ledecky also added a "Plan B" isn't in place should the Belmont Park plan be unsuccessful, but noted ownership has no intention of leaving New York.
"We want to be crystal clear that we love New York and we love the metro New York area," Ledecky said. "We want to stay in the New York area and Belmont Park is the place for us."
In February, Connecticut governor Dannel Malloy invited the Islanders to use the XL Center as a temporary, or even permanent, home. The XL Center is owned by the City of Hartford and is the former home of the since-relocated Whalers.
Where the Islanders ultimately play could also be a significant factor in the future plans of captain John Tavares, who can become an unrestricted free agent in July.
Kyle Okposo wasn't mincing words when asked what message was being sent to the Buffalo Sabres' dressing room after veteran winger Matt Moulson was placed on waivers for the purpose of assignment Monday.
The move comes with the Sabres mired in a four-game losing streak, during which they've scored one goal.
"We've got to win some games," Okposo added. "That's what happens in the business. If you don't win games, if you don't have results, good people pay the price for it.
"Myself included, I've got to pick my game up. Everybody's got to pick their games up. We've got to find ways to win."
Moulson is making $5 million per season and had failed to record a point in 14 games this season. Okposo, who carries a $6-million cap hit through 2022-23, has chipped in only three goals and eight assists in 25 appearances.
As a team, the Sabres have dropped to 31st under first-year general manager Jason Botteril and rookie head coach Phil Housley.
It's been another poor season in Buffalo, as the Sabres have scored just one goal in their past four outings and now sit dead last with 16 points in 27 games.
Between the pipes, the performances have not been much better:
Goalie
GP
Record
SV%
GAA
Lehner
20
5-12-2
.903
2.98
Johnson
11
1-5-2
.883
3.64
Lehner, in particular, has had a disappointing season after last year's .920 save rate was a strong point on a bad Buffalo team. Acquired in 2015 by former Sabres GM Tim Murray, Lehner received a one-year extension from Botterill this offseason, seen as his opportunity to earn the starter's role.
As for Johnson, the 31-year-old returned to Buffalo after a one-year stint with with the Calgary Flames. Johnson previously suited up for the Sabres during the 2015-16 campaign, in which he won 22 of 45 games.
Both goaltenders come with high cap hits, with Lehner earning $4 million and Johnson taking home $2.5 million. Johnson is unrestricted at season's end, while Lehner will become a restricted free agent.
There are plenty of reasons why the Winnipeg Jets are flying high these days, but perhaps none more important than their success on the power play.
With a win over Ottawa on Sunday, Winnipeg moved into a tie with Tampa Bay for the most points in the NHL (38), and the two teams are rolling at an almost level clip with the man advantage - the Lightning enjoy a 27.8 percent success rate, while the Jets barely trail at 27.4.
Winnipeg's opening goal Sunday against the Senators came on a power play less than three minutes into the first period, and served as the game-winner. It also demonstrated lethal passing and a finish that's becoming commonplace.
Here's how it went down.
The play began just inside the offensive zone, with Dustin Byfuglien (33) making a short pass to Mark Scheifele (55), who - with Ottawa's Cody Ceci (5) in his face - sent a cross-ice pass to Blake Wheeler (26).
Wheeler and Byfuglien then went to work at the top of the zone, spurred by a short chip pass from the former to the latter with Tom Pyatt (10) aggressively tracking both players.
Byfuglien actually had to take the pass off his skate as Pyatt turned his focus from Wheeler to the blue line.
Able to gather the puck off his skate and maintain possession, Byfuglien held off Pyatt's dogged forecheck, kept the puck in the zone and got it back to Wheeler along the boards. Meanwhile, with all the Senators' defenders tuned in to that back-and-forth, Scheifele was sneaking toward the net.
Wheeler quickly saw added pressure from Johnny Oduya (29), but neither he nor Pyatt could stop the winger from making a quick cross-ice pass to Scheifele, who still had not drawn Ottawa's attention.
Here we note Scheifele was playing on his off wing, and received Wheeler's pass on his backhand rather than attempt a one-timer, giving goalie Mike Condon more time to get across the crease in an attempt to thwart a scoring opportunity.
Still, Scheifele was able to get the puck to his forehand and fire it past Condon short-side.
It should also be noted that Patrik Laine (29) was set up more in the middle of the ice throughout this play, thereby demanding a healthy measure of coverage due to his lethal shot and allowing Scheifele to remain largely unchecked.
The goal was Scheifele's 14th of the season, six of which have come on the power play. Wheeler added another assist later in the game to give him 13 power-play helpers, while eight of Byfuglien's 13 have also come on the man advantage.
Interestingly, Scheifele's previous PPG came on a similar play against Minnesota on Nov. 27, but that time he was able to convert a Wheeler cross-ice pass with a one-timer past Alex Stalock.
Having Scheifele set up in the left circle as a right-hand shot is clearly by design, and head coach Paul Maurice is being rewarded with regular production thanks to this type of deployment.
Buffalo Sabres forward Matt Moulson will be placed on waivers at noon Monday for the purpose of assignment, the club announced. Should he clear waivers, he'll be sent to the AHL's Rochester Americans.
The veteran winger carries a $5-million cap hit and has yet to record a single point through 14 appearances this season. Signed to a five-year contract by previous general manager Tim Murray, Moulson remains under contract through the end of 2018-19.
His deal includes a modified no-trade clause, meaning he can submit a list of 12 teams he'd agree to be sent to if there happened to be any interest.
TSN's Darren Dreger reports there were efforts to make a trade:
Moulson was willing to expand list and Buffalo was willing to eat some of the salary. Unfortunately, no interest at this time. https://t.co/wAoaiDczFS
theScore's NHL Power Rankings are published every other Monday. Our fifth installment is put together by editors Josh Wegman, Josh Gold-Smith, Flip Livingstone, and Cory Wilkins.
1. Winnipeg Jets (17-6-4) ▲
Previously 3rd
With a decisive 5-0 win over the Senators Sunday night, the Jets tied the Lightning for the most points in the league, but became the first team to surpass them in theScore's power rankings. They've received stellar goaltending, the defense has stayed healthy, and the offense is firing on all cylinders. It has all come together for the Jets. - Wegman
2. Tampa Bay Lightning (18-6-2) ▼
Previously 1st
A 3-4 record in their last seven games saw the Lightning fall out of the top spot in the NHL standings, and more importantly, theScore's power rankings. No need to worry, Bolts fans, as the club has seemingly already guaranteed themselves home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs in a weak Atlantic Division. - Wegman
3. Nashville Predators (16-7-3) ▲
Previously 4th
The Predators are 9-2-1 since the Kyle Turris-Matt Duchene three-way trade. Their new center has racked up eight points in the 11 games he's played. - Wegman
4. Los Angeles Kings (17-8-3) ▲
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Previously 10th
The Kings are proving to be one of the league's streakiest teams. After a blazing hot start, they lost seven of eight games, but have since bounced back by winning five in a row, including four straight on their most recent road trip. - Wegman
5. Toronto Maple Leafs (17-10-1) ▼
Previously 2nd
The Maple Leafs's potent offense is usually what drives the team, but Frederik Andersen with his 2.14 goals-against average and .938 save percentage in the month of November has helped the Buds remain in the top five. - Wegman
6. New York Islanders (15-8-2)
Previously 6th
At 3.72 goals per game, the Islanders boast the league's best offense. However, they'll need to find consistency in the crease if they're ever to be considered a true contender. - Wegman
7. Columbus Blue Jackets (17-9-1)
Previously 7th
The Blue Jackets sit atop the Metro Division, but it's worth noting that eight of their 17 wins have come in overtime or shootout. While grabbing the additional point in the extra frame is crucial, they'll have to start closing teams out in regulation to move up. - Wegman
8. St. Louis Blues (17-8-2) ▼
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Previously 5th
The Blues are losers of three straight, moving them slightly down this list. With Jay Bouwmeester and Patrik Berglund both making their season debuts in the last six games, they should be trending upwards in no time. - Wegman
9. San Jose Sharks (14-9-2) ▲
Previously 15th
The Sharks shut out the Jets a couple of Saturdays ago, and lost narrowly to the Ducks and Golden Knights. Throw in an overtime win over the Coyotes on Sunday, and perhaps reports of their demise were premature. - Gold-Smith
10. Washington Capitals (15-11-1) ▲
Previously 18th
Back-to-back victories over the high-flying Lightning and Leafs earned the Capitals some major credit, as did a win over the Blue Jackets Saturday. Washington could be on the verge of hitting its stride. - Gold-Smith
11. Pittsburgh Penguins (15-10-3) ▲
Previously 13th
Tristan Jarry has played well in relief of the injured Matt Murray, but he's only faced the struggling Sabres and the floundering Flyers since the Penguins' unquestioned starter got hurt. Let's see how he does against the Rangers, Islanders, and Leafs this week. - Gold-Smith
12. Dallas Stars (16-10-1) ▲
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Previously 19th
Sweeping a home-and-home with the Blackhawks was a big statement for the Stars, who are beginning to look like the team many thought they'd be after making several significant offseason additions. - Gold-Smith
13. Boston Bruins (12-8-4) ▲
Previously 22nd
Tuukka Rask is back, and not a moment too soon for the Bruins, despite Anton Khudobin's strong play in his absence.
Rask has won two of three contests since returning, including a shutout of the Flyers Saturday afternoon, and while he hasn't been this good all season, he does make Boston better when he's healthy. - Gold-Smith
14. New York Rangers (14-10-2) ▲
Previously 20th
The Blueshirts have reeled off four wins in the five games since our last edition of the rankings, and five victories in their last six contests overall. Are they turning the corner? - Gold-Smith
15. Vegas Golden Knights (16-9-1) ▼
Previously 8th
Three straight losses before Sunday's 3-2 overtime win over Arizona suggest reality might be starting to set in for the Golden Knights. - Gold-Smith
16. New Jersey Devils (15-7-4) ▼
Previously 9th
The Devils are 4-2-1 since our last edition, and six of those seven games were decided by one-goal margins, but New Jersey was dismantled 5-0 by the lowly Coyotes Saturday night, and that just can't be ignored. - Gold-Smith
17. Calgary Flames (14-11-1) ▼
Previously 11th
Just when you thought the Flames were starting to figure it out, they allow the offensively challenged Oilers to hang a seven-spot on them. Calgary needs to win with more consistency to be considered a real Cup threat. - Livingstone
18. Montreal Canadiens (13-12-3) ▲
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Previously 29th
Don't look now, but the Canadiens are racking up Ws. Carey Price is up to his usual tricks, the team is scoring goals in bunches, and general manager Marc Bergevin is temporarily fending off calls for his job. - Livingstone
19. Chicago Blackhawks (12-10-5) ▼
Previously 12th
Corey Crawford going down with injury is the salt in the wound for a Blackhawks team looking like a shell of its former self. Patty Kane and Captain Serious can only carry a team so far on their own. - Livingstone
20. Minnesota Wild (13-10-3) ▼
Previously 17th
Two ugly losses followed by two big wins seems fitting for a Wild club struggling to string victories together. Allowing 26 goals over their last seven contests is also not a good look. - Livingstone
21. Vancouver Canucks (13-10-4) ▲
Previously 26th
We admit it, the Canucks are a lot better than we expected, as young guns Brock Boeser and Bo Horvat are making Vancouver a tough team to play against up front. A big home win Saturday over the Maple Leafs sees the Canucks on the come up. - Livingstone
22. Edmonton Oilers (11-14-2) ▲
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Previously 28th
A lot of Stanley Cup predictions have already been thrown out the window thanks to a shockingly bad start by the Oilers. Victories in three of their last four contests finally have Edmonton trending in the right direction, though. - Livingstone
23. Anaheim Ducks (11-11-5) ▼
Previously 16th
The Ducks have lost six of their last 10 games and continue to be plagued by injuries to key players. Thursday's band-aid acquisition of Adam Henrique should help in the short term, but Anaheim will need to get healthy, and quickly, if they want to hang with the big boys in the West. - Livingstone
24. Colorado Avalanche (12-11-2) ▼
Previously 23rd
Huge props due if you were one of the (very) few who expected the Avalanche to take a step forward this year, as Colorado finds itself a .500 club. But, after last year's dumpster fire of a season, there really was no way but up. - Livingstone
25. Ottawa Senators (9-10-6) ▼
Previously 21st
It's still early, but the Senators don't look like the same team since the big trade to bring in center Matt Duchene from the Avalanche, having won just three of nine games. - Wilkins
26. Arizona Coyotes (7-18-5) ▲
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Previously 30th
The Coyotes continue to find positives after a slow start to the season. The recent stretch saw new netminder Scott Wedgewood post a shutout against his former club, the Devils. - Wilkins
27. Carolina Hurricanes (11-9-5) ▼
Previously 24th
More was expected from the Hurricanes this season, but the team hasn't made much progress in recent weeks, winning just two of their last five. - Wilkins
28. Florida Panthers (10-13-3) ▼
Previously 25th
While goaltender Roberto Luongo has been impressive - he owns a .928 save percentage on the season - the Panthers have been limited by their inability to find offense. - Wilkins
29. Detroit Red Wings (10-12-5) ▼
Previously 14th
The Red Wings were on the wrong side of an ugly 10-1 score against the Canadiens, marking the team's seventh-straight game without a win. - Wilkins
30. Philadelphia Flyers (8-11-7) ▼
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Previously 27th
The temperature continues to be turned up on coach Dave Hakstol, as the Flyers are winless in 10, picking up just five loser points in the process. - Wilkins
31. Buffalo Sabres (6-17-4)
Previously 31st
Shut out three straight times and then mustering just one goal in their fourth outing, the Sabres are a better team on paper than they are on the ice. - Wilkins
