Sens Arriving, Lindblom in remission, Hammond in Minnesota and more

A quick spin around the hockey world with some of the news and articles that caught our attention during what was a bit of a quiet week:

• Although the NHL and the NHLPA have not yet finalized an agreement that would allow them to start the season, there’s still an expectation from many involved in the process that the league will start its season in mid-January. To that effect, several of the Sens players that were overseas are making their way to the nation’s capital. Vitaly Abramov announced his departure from Finland earlier in the week, and there’s a good feature up on Filip Gustavsson over at the Sens’ official website as he prepares to return.
• Speaking of overseas hockey, did you know that Jaromir Jagr is still playing pro hockey at age 48? The Czech winger kicked off his 33rd pro season (!) with an assist, though based on his quotes it does sound like the might actually be getting close to the end of his career. Maybe he’ll hang on until he’s 50?
• The NHL is again considering starting the season in bubbles. They aren’t going to try to do the full season that way, but as restrictions get dialled up around North America it might be the only way to start in mid-January.
• A LeBreton legal update today. CSMI (the Sens group) has been told to set aside $2.5m in the event that they lose and have to pay legal costs. with the decision on that stating “there are good reasons to believe CSMI has insufficient assets in Ontario to pay (defendants’) costs.” But overall, things are moving slowly and we probably shouldn’t expect a result anytime soon./

At some point, perhaps February, the parties will meet with a judge to see if there are grounds for a settlement or, failing that, to determine the focus for trial. If this action does go to trial, it would likely require at least two months in front of a judge or jury, and would probably not begin for another 12 to 18 months. So, mid-2022-ish.

• Separately, that article also notes that Melnyk has settled with Mohegan Sun at some point earlier this year. The details weren’t made public, but that’s one less legal issue on Euge’s plate.
• In fantastic news, the Flyer’s Oskar Lindblom is cancer-free just over a year after he was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. We love to see it!
• Former Senator Andrew Hammond has signed on with the Minnesota Wild as Alex Stalock is still hurt and could miss the start of training camp. I’ve always felt that Hammond got a bit of a raw deal at the end of his time in Ottawa, so it’s nice to see the 32-year old catch on for what could be his last shot at some NHL games.
• And last, but not least, everyone’s favourite UND centre Shane Pinto continues to rack up the points. Here’s his latest tally from last night:/

Power play opportunities aren’t wasted with @shane_pinto on the ice! 😎pic.twitter.com/fMbaQWyJ3g

— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) December 17, 2020

Once again, we love to see it!