Thursday LNN: Valeri Nichushkin Update, Tyler Ennis Retires and More
Thursday's Edition of the Links, News and Notes
- Valeri Nichushkin's name first came to everyone's attention last season during the playoffs when he took a leave for "personal reasons" after police discovered an intoxicated woman in his hotel room. While no more updates were made on the issue, Nichushkin came back this season and has been having a good season seemingly with all the distractions behind him. However, this week it was announced that he would be joining the NHL Players' Assistance program.
- Tyler Ennis has made a mark on every team he's joined in one way or the other but he'll always be the most loved and appreciated within the Buffalo Sabres community. After sustaining a neck injury in Germany at the start of this season, Ennis has decided to hang up the skates.
- Regardless of your opinion on him, Marc-Andre Fleury has done well for himself wherever he goes. This week he passed the legend Patrick Roy's record for most NHL wins to get himself second on that elusive list right behind Martin Brodeur. The 39-year-old has had an interesting week as he achieved a major milestone and then got added to the rumour mill where it's being reported that the Minnesota Wild might ask him to waive his NMC.
- It seems the post-game handshake in the PWHL is a league tradition but one game seems to have misunderstood the assignment. During a game between Montreal and New York last week, both teams left the ice without handshakes. The PWHL released a statement today clarifying that it was simply a misunderstanding and that handshakes will continue in all other games.
- Things seem to be on edge in Tampa Bay as the team is not meeting expectations this season. The Bolts are just on the cusp loosely holding on to the second wildcard spot after a rough start for the season. It seems people are looking for chance but GM Julien BriseBois confirmed that the change will not be to leadership. Steven Stamkos is slated to become a UFA this summer but it seems that the relationship is going well as the team has no intentions of entertaining trade rumours for this upcoming deadline.
- The NHL has released more information on the NHL All-Star fan attractions planned in Toronto this season. A festival that will last 4 days with many activities and events to keep fans engaged.
