Thursday LNN: Pride Tape Ban Reversed, Michael Del Zotto's Heroics and More

• The NHL started off the season with an extremely controversial and unpopular decision. Not only did the league ban themed night, they also informed players that they were not allowed to use Pride tape on their sticks. However, defying the threats of a fine, Travis Dermott decided to be the first player to use Pride tape on his stick this week. Instead of following through with the punishment, the NHL decided to rescinded their decision to ban the use of the Pride tape. It goes to show, you just need one brave action to make a change.
• So many things went wrong in the game against the Buffalo Sabres, one of which was the risk of losing Brady Tkachuk to an automatic 1-game suspension after his fight with Alex Tuch. Luckily, the Sens appealed the decision and Tkachuk will not be suspended after all.
• Speaking of the game against the Buffalo Sabres, Anton Forsberg had a rough two periods but you would think any decent coach would take the opportunity during the intermission to let him know that he would be relived in the third period of the game. Instead, DJ Smith let Forsberg prep in the net then sent Travis Hamonic to let him know he's being replaced. In my books, that's an unforgivable offense and I'm disappointed that he didn't have to answer to it. One former player (who is still under the Sens payroll) did speak up and gave us all the justice we seeked for Forsberg. That someone is no other than everyone's favourite Florida Real Estate Agent, Michael Del Zotto. The tweet has now been deleted but it remains to be legendary and the internet never forgets:

Yup lol pic.twitter.com/PSxgkkxWcA

— Pricer (@nicolasprice24) October 25, 2023

• While there isn't much details yet, but Chris Johnston has stated that the NHL is looking into a decentralized draft system, possibly starting in 2024. The votes were due Tuesday night and it seemed many GMs were in favour of the change.
• As we all wait for the new PWHL season to start, the league is slowly coming together. While we wait for official team names, we now have an official league logo!
• There is no doubt the league has made strides in making the game safer but is it enough? This research article from Simon Fraser University is an interesting read to see the impact of hits on the head and how the league can possibly use some research to further improve the safety of the game.