Two Man Forecheck

With Thanksgiving in the books, we all push closer to the end of the year and the hopeful beginning of a new NHL season.  Here are the stories we are working on...We touch briefly on the tradition that is Black Friday matinee hockey, started here in Boston and then "appropriated" by the NHL.  From here we discuss how the Seattle Kraken ownership can help out the NHL by paying part of their expansion fee, which is due before they start playing in the 2020-21 season, now.  Johnny Boychuk has called it a career and all hockey fans are better for him being part of the game.  We wish him nothing but success in his future endeavors.  There are some RFAs still unsigned and we break down a top ten list headlined by Pierre-Luc DuBois.  The NWHL has scheduled their entire season around a two week bubble at the end of January.  They will have multiple games between teams, a playoff and a champion!  With the start of the season on the horizon, we break down a power ranking list of all 31 NHL teams.  The link is below.  Let us know how you feel about this list.  Finally, Tim Horton's, a coffee chain in Canada, could be in trouble with their hockey card promotion.  Someone is claiming that the chain is cheating its customers out of the hard to find cards.  That link is below as well.  Give us a listen, share your thoughts and opinions, and Enjoy the Show

https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/bruins/2020-nhl-power-rankings-where-all-31-teams-stand-new-season-approaches

https://nypost.com/2020/11/28/hockey-fans-cry-foul-over-tim-hortons-nhl-card-promotion-in-canada/

It is the start of Thanksgiving Week here in the states.  Here at the Two Man Forecheck we start the celebration with another episode.  To start with, there have been talks about realignment of the divisions in the NHL and Greg Wyshynski has written a story for ESPN in which he breaks down a four division proposal, which we continue to deconstruct as well as a potential 5 division breakdown.  We also discuss which teams would be playoff teams from each new division.  The talks between the NHL and the NHLPA are turning sour as the NHL asks the players to take a hit on their salaries in the form of how much goes into escrow.  What is the NHL forfeiting in these talks?  Oliver Ekman-Larsson was not traded before free agency, but he could still be in play for the Bruins.  Finally, the Islanders and Red Wings would make good trade partners based on their cap space.  What players would be involved in such a trade?  We discuss multiple options.  All this and more as the crazy holiday season approaches so give us a listen and share your thoughts.  Enjoy the Show!

The Two Man Forecheck is pressing on in this week's episode.  The New York Rangers have a slew of defensemen vying for a spot next to Jacob Trouba.  One is Libor Hajek, a 22 year old currently playing in the Czech league.  Good for him and the team as he gets himself into game shape and put himself into a potential top pair spot.  Ryan Nugent-Hopkins needs a new deal.  His current contract expires at the end of this season and the Oilers need to figure out how to fit him in and give him a raise at the same time.  Tyler Smith survived the Humboldt Broncos crash two years ago.  He is now speaking out, letting men know that it is acceptable to talk about their mental health.  We wish him, the survivors and their families nothing but happiness and success in whatever they do! The deputy commissioner of the NHL has stated that there could be a shortened season this upcoming year, but is it financially viable to do so? Finally, Anthony Duclair has still not been signed by the Senators or any other team for that matter.  Could the Bruins bring him in?  There is a rumor that the B's should trade DeBrusk and Carlo to the Flames for Hanifin and Bennett.  Not a good trade but is there a possible starting point here?  All this and more so listen, comment and Enjoy the Show!

As we wade through the fall off-season of 2020, the flat cap and lack of income are playing a part in player signings and movement.  With that in mind, we present the next installment of the Two Man Forecheck.  Tampa Bay still has some unsigned players and possible moves to make.  One of the bigger names is Tyler Johnson who is still part of the team.  Do they want to move him?  Is he moveable?  Where would he land?  Also, there is a story posited by Conor Power that the Bolts should trade Stamkos to Carolina.  What would he cost?  Can Carolina afford him?  We also have a brief discussion on the GM position in Tampa and who is responsible for the latest Stanley Cup victory.  Dallas will have to start finding a way to extend John Klingberg as his contract ends at the end of next season.  Who would they have to move to afford him?  Mike proposes moving Esa Lindell to the Bruins. What would that cost?  Would Sweeney make that move?  The city of Glendale would like to have more commitment from the Coyotes as their current deal with the 'Yotes is a year to year affair.  Does this have anything to do with ownership changes and GM changes within the organization?  Finally, we talk about the free agents (UFA and RFA) still unsigned.  We focus on Anthony Duclair who still has not received an offer from the Senators.  Lots to discuss and comment on for next week so give us a listen and tell us what you think.  Enjoy the Show!

As the calendar turns to November we continue on with the fall off-season.  The Boston Bruins have not made any moves with their remaining free agents, Zdeno Chara and Jake DeBrusk.  We talk about the lack of movement on both fronts and what could happen if Sweeney were to make a move.  Having only one viable left defenseman is not an answer.  Could help come from the trade market?  Speaking of trades, Vincent Parise in Chicago suggested a hatred inducing idea...trade Patrick Kane. As we discuss, this is something the 'Hawks should consider doing now.  Where would be good places to land?  The Islanders and Blue Jackets are two spots we posit.  Tyler Seguin was scheduled to have surgery on his torn labrum however this has been pushed back due to the current situation in Dallas.  Should he find the answer elsewhere?  Also, with the announcement of a start date for the AHL, what would happen to prospects not on NHL teams...expanded rosters!  Is this a viable option?  Finally, we remember Travis Roy and wish his family our condolences and prayers.  He touched many lives with his motivational speaking and the Travis Roy Foundation.  We wish him rest in peace, but also a much deserved "Thank You" for all that he has done and accomplished.  Let us know what is on your mind during this break and Enjoy the Show!