Thursday LNN: Early Season Trades, NHL Value Rises and More
Thursday's Roundup Around The League
- The season has barely started so we're not really expecting big trade talk but it seems our division has been a bit busy this week with some minor trades. The Toronto Maples Leafs traded Timothy Liljegren to the San Jose Sharks for two picks and defenceman Matt Benning.
- The Detroit Red Wings were also active as they traded 30-year-old Olli Maata to the Utah Hockey Club in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick.
- Sportico has released its latest valuations of NHL teams, and the average franchise value has risen by 37%. The Toronto Maple Leafs take the top spot, valued at $3.66 billion USD, with a 38% increase in value year over year. The Ottawa Senators ranked 29th, valued at $1.14 billion USD, seeing a 20% increase in value year over year. We can expect to see that number increase even higher once the LeBreton Flats plans are set in stone.
- The Edmonton Oilers were hoping to get a much stronger start than the one they're having right now. Sitting 7th in their division, things are about to get gloomier as Connor McDavid is expected to miss 2-3 weeks with an ankle injury.
- The PWHL had a fantastic inaugural season which saw a record number of fans flocking to games in all cities. Now the league is looking to build on this success and has announced intentions to expand into two additional markets with Quebec and Calgary emerging as high contenders.
- Does fighting still have a place in the NHL? While it has naturally decreased in importance, it still exists and it seems more than a few players still believe it is needed.
- Greg Wyshynski has a nice piece about Steven Stamkos’ return to Tampa Bay.
- Jessica Campbell has been on a trailblazing path, and Ryan Clark gives her some much-deserved shine here.
