NHL's Pride Tape Ban, Connor Bedard's Arrival, and More

• The NHL has often been perceived as being a league that could do more to really promote the idea that Hockey is for Everyone. While there have been some promising steps, they have started the season with an extremely controversial decision. The NHL announced that it will no longer allow teams to wear special jerseys forthemed nights such as, for example, Pride nights. They have also specified that players who decide to use Pride-themed tape will be reprimanded; assuming this will be a fine. A large group of fans, players, and staff alike have strongly opposed this decision and it really seems like a step backwards. This ban not only takes away assistance to the community, it really sends a negative message about the league's inclusivity and diversity to its fans making many feeling unwelcome.
• Many players and prominent figures in the hockey community spoke against the plan, including Connor McDavid, Brian Burke, the PWHL and Scott Laughton who said he will continue to use the Pride tape regardless of the league's decision.
• It didn't take long for Connor Bedard to put his mark on the league. He didn't waste time getting his first point and win against Sidney Crosby and the Pens on Tuesday. Then, last night, he notched his first NHL goal against the Boston Bruins.
• The Buffalo Sabres have secured their 2021 first overall pick for the next seven years. Owen Powers has agreed to a 7-year extension worth AAV of $8.35M. Not a bad deal for a player who was a Calder Trophy finalist.
• The Golden Knights had their dream Stanley Cup ceremony on opening night and a great win to follow. It seems some players got too excited, namely Brett Howden who was caught for a dangerous hit on Brandon Tanev. After review, the NHL decided the hit was worthy of a 2-game suspension.
• There was a lot of uncertainty surrounding the goalie situation in Winnipeg as Connor Hellebuyck was set to become a free agent next summer and rumours of a gap in negotiations were rampant. The Jets however secured both their goalie and Mark Schiefele to identical 7-year extensions each worth an AAV of $8.5M.
• After some unexpected hype from the Sens official account this morning, the team announced their new partnership with CIBC. It is a multi-year deal with the Sens boasting the CIBC logo on their jerseys for their first-ever jersey sponsorship. The first images of the patch don't seem intrusive to the overall jersey design, especially the home black design.

Presenting @CIBC as the #Sens home jersey patch sponsor!
#AmbitionsMadeReal | #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/BwXrvOhROf

— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) October 12, 2023