Thursday LNN: Drama in Vancouver, Winter Classic in the Sun and More
Thursday's Edition of the Links, News and Notes
- From a standings point of view, the Canucks have the second wildcard spot in the West and are in the thick of the race. But the real issues are happening with their star players. After denying any issues between JT Miller and Elias Pettersson, rumours have swirled about the two players lately. The most recent one is a rejected trade with the New York Rangers that involves Mika Zibanejad.
- As for Pettersson, the demand is very high even though the asking price may be higher. The injured superstar is reportedly unhappy with the progress of the team and has become one of the league's most important trade targets, including heavy interest from the Carolina Hurricanes. We all know he's going to end up in Las Vegas anyway.
- The Winter Classic is losing its charm and moving it to NYE didn't really affect its popularity so the NHL is taking action by moving it to January 2nd and having the game played in Florida! Yes, an outdoor hockey game in Florida. The NHL announced this week that the 2026 Winter Classic will feature the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers and will be played in loanDepot Park.
- The Senators are finally back home after a 4-4-1 road trip that featured injuries, illness, and another level of appreciation for home games. They're currently out of a playoff spot points-wise but with two games in hand on the Columbus Blue Jackets, they're still very much deep in the race. They have constantly made the NHL's Super 16 the last few weeks and deservingly so, but with a string of losses, they have dropped down a few spots and are now down to the 16th spot. Nothing an Ullmark can't fix.
- Could Erik Karlsson play for a fourth team soon? There always seem to be rumours about him and while Karlsson has stated he wants to try and win in Pittsburgh, the Penguins may try to use him as a chip depending on their position at the deadline. My nostalgic side will always think it's time for him to come home.
- While fans are still analyzing Team Canada's performance at the World Juniors, the Women's U-18 team is having themselves a fantastic tournament. After beating Czechia 5-0, they finish off the round robin at the top spot in their group.
- The topic of how parents and coaches teach younger hockey players is always a hot topic with more discussions taking place recently. While much of the attention is directed at players—ranging from those in the World Juniors to younger levels—the treatment of young referees who are just beginning to learn the role is a topic often overlooked. While it's entertaining to shout "refs, you suck" at a NHL-level game, a Saskatchewan hockey referee is shining light on the impact of the verbal abuse some of these young referees are receiving from parents and coaches.
- As expected, the game last night between the LA Kings and Calgary Flames was postponed. Our thoughts are with the LA Kings community and the entire people of California; the images from the wildfires are heartbreaking at this point and we wish the best for all those affected.
