Thursday LNN: Chris Wideman Retires, The Newest Tkachuk
The Leafs also gave us a new reason to dunk on them
- Chris Wideman had a lot of potential as an NHLer; his injuries had another plan for him though. After only 6 seasons in the NHL, the 34-year old has announced his retirement. Wideman played 291 NHL games between the Ottawa Senators, Florida Panthers, Edmonton Oilers and the Montreal Canadiens.
- Another former Senator has also announced his retirement this week. After 13 seasons, Tyler Ennis has decided to hang up the skates. He also represented Canada in the 2015 World Championship where he won Gold.
- I always wanted another Tkachuk on the team and while it may not be Matthew, I am more than content with the addition of Ryder Tkachuk to the fold. In the most Brady moment, he managed to have his son on his birthday to ensure his legacy is cemented in the most perfect way. Congrats to the Captain and his wife Emma on their new bundle of joy.
- The Toronto Maple Leafs had people talking briefly when they removed the Os from their social media logos. It turns out it was a creative ploy to announce their helmet sponsor, Oreo. Coupled with their Milk jersey sponsors, this was an attempt at a smart marketing decision. Of course, it opened the door to a bunch of jokes like the Leafs "are used to getting dunked on...", but that's probably the best part of this new sponsorship.
- Speaking of the Leafs, there will be a change in the ownership group for MLSE as Rogers has bought out Bell's stake for $4.7 billion in a deal that is expected to close in 2025.
- After some talk about his future, Sidney Crosby put all concerns to rest and signed a 2-year extension with his beloved Pittsburgh Penguins. If you're wondering if he wanted to cash out on possibly his final NHL contract, he went the boring route and asked for $8.7M, again. Born on 8/7/87, wears #87, and now will continue to make $8.7M in every season except for his three ELC years.
- The Vancouver Canucks will be without Dakota Joshua as the 28-year-old announced this week that he is recovering from surgery after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.
- Alexander Edler decided to retire where he started his career. The 38-year-old beloved defenseman signed a one-day contract with the Vancouver Canucks with whom he spent 15 seasons to officially retire as a Canuck.
- The Chicago Blackhawks have named a new Captain ushering a new era for a franchise that needs to work very hard to regain the trust and respect of the hockey world. Nick Foligno has officially replaced Jonathan Toews as Captain. The former Senator held the title with the Columbus Blue Jackets and has been a fan favourite wherever he goes.
