Thursday LNN: Tragic Losses, New Sens Addition and More

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• This week has been a dark one for the hockey community starting with the unfortunate death of former NHL player Konstantin Koltsov who was found dead in his Miami home. Koltsov played three seasons for the Pittsburgh Penguins alongside Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby as well as representing the Belurussian team in the 2002 and 2010 Olympics.
• On the same day, former NHL tough guy and Stanley Cup Champion Chris Simon was also announced to have passed away. Simon had been suffering from what appears to be CTE symptoms, a diagnosis that can only be fully confirmed post mortem. In 15 seasons, Simon had 1,824 penalty minutes and over 100 fights. He played for 8 different teams over his NHL career and won the Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996.
• Amidst the tragic news of this week, Gary Bettman and Bill Daly were asked about their thoughts on potential CTE links to the former NHL players' deaths. Gary Bettman did not want to give a clear response and instead resorted to waiting for the opinion of medical experts and confirming the game has come a long way in becoming as safe as possible. Bill Daly decided to downplay the whole issue with his response of "The science is still lacking". Daly's response garnered much criticism and anger, especially from Daniel Carcillo who didn't shy away from airing his anger.
• Bettman is determined to make the Coyotes work in Arizona, or at least he's hoping he can. As the Yotes start the land bidding process, the NHL Commissioner has once again lent his support to the underperforming market. In a statement, Bettman promised that the NHL will be patient as they try to secure new arena land.
• The Ottawa Senators family leadership group will see a new face next season. The Captain and his wife, Emma, announced yesterday that they are expecting their first bundle of joy in September 2024. Just in time for training camp!
• Ottawa has had a long line of sibling and father-son duo stories but we may have a new type of family affair coming to town soon. Both Mae Batherson and Dara Greig are eligible for this upcoming season's PWHL draft. Their brothers Drake and Ridley will probably love having their sisters around, both playing pro-hockey in the same city. Let's hope Ottawa gets a chance to make this family party happen.