TORONTO, ONT – Toronto Maple Leafs netminder Jack Campbell is one of the nicest guys in the business. His happy-go-lucky attitude is contagious for the team while his play in the crease has been frustrating opponents. “Soup” has heard his name called plenty of times early on this season and it’s because he’s been absolutely rock solid. His strong performance early on this season is a great sign for Toronto as he’s proving, once again, he’s ready for prime time.
Author: Colin Campbell
Predators Sign Mattias Ekholm to Four-Year, $25 Million Contract
NASHVILLE, TN – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today the team has signed defenseman Mattias Ekholm to a four-year, $25 million contract that will keep him in Nashville through the 2025-26 season. The contract will begin in the 2022-23 season and carries an annual average value of $6.25 million.
“When you think about foundational pieces on our hockey team, Mattias Ekholm is certainly at the top of the list, and we couldn’t be happier to get this deal done with the start of the regular season upon us,” Poile said. “An alternate captain who leads both vocally and by example, Mattias brings stability and size to our defense corps and has embraced serving as a mentor to the younger players on our team. We have a group of young, right-shot defensemen that includes Alexandre Carrier, Philippe Myers, Dante Fabbro and Matt Benning who all have the opportunity to learn from and play with Mattias on the side opposite him, and we’re excited about the stability that will provide us on the blue line.”
Canadiens newcomer Dvorak impresses Ducharme with his hockey smarts
MONTREAL, QC – The new top-six line for Montreal Canadiens this season should be Christian Dvorak, who was brought in after Jesperi Kotkaniemi signed a US$6.1-million offer sheet with Carolina, between a healthy Jonathan Drouin and speedster Josh Anderson. Dvorak scored a goal and added three assists in Monday’s pre-season win over the Maple Leafs, surprising a lot of people, including Ducharme.
“I knew he was a complete, solid hockey player (but) I see little things (that make me realize) he’s even smarter than I thought,” said Ducharme.
Matt Carle, longtime NHL defenseman, Joins Wild Amateur Scouting Staff
ST. PAUL, MN – On the second day of a Minnesota Wildtraining camp that has already seen the return of Russian sensation Krill Kaprizovand the rest of the club, general manager Bill Guerin decided to break some news off the ice before the Wild’s first preseason game on Saturday.
First and foremost, Guerin’s personal contract guru Chris O’Hearn has been promoted to Assistant General Manager. He previously served as the team’s Director of Hockey Operations and had been in that role since the 2019 season.
Viktor Arvidsson on joining LA Kings: “I’m here to win”
LOS ANGELES, CA – Not long after the calendar flipped to July, LA Kings general manager Rob Blake wasted little time to improve the roster, sending two draft picks to Nashville in exchange for Viktor Arvidsson. The Swedish winger is three years removed from a 34-goal season, although the last couple of years have been somewhat disappointing.
However, the 28-year-old is hoping to regain form in Los Angeles and playing alongside one of the game’s best puck facilitators in Anze Kopitar.
Video Tribute to Travis Zajac: All-Time Great New Jersey Devil
Take a look back at the legacy of Travis Zajac as he officially retires as a New Jersey Devil.
Travis Zajac retires — as a Devil
NEWARK, NJ – On Monday, veteran center Travis Zajac signed a one-day contract with the New Jersey Devils so he could retire in the jersey he proudly represented for almost 15 years.
Zajac, 36, was originally the 20th overall selection in the 2004 NHL Draft by New Jersey. He served as an assistant captain in seven of his last eight seasons with New Jersey.
He appeared in his 1,000th career NHL game on February 21, 2021, at Washington, becoming the fourth player in franchise history to reach the milestone.
Travis Zajac Signs One-Day Contract to Retire as a Devil
NEWARK, NJ – Center Travis Zajac, who spent all but 13 games of his 15-year NHL career with New Jersey, today signed a one-day contract with the New Jersey Devils and announced his retirement from the National Hockey League. Zajac will remain with the organization in an on/off-ice player development and consulting role, while also working to grow the club’s youth hockey initiatives.
Ryan Kesler Understands that his Impactful Career is Over
LIVONIA, MI – Ryan Kesler is still recovering from resurfacing surgery on his left hip in February and said he understands he’ll never play in the NHL again.
The 37-year-old also had resurfacing surgery on his right hip May 9, 2019.
“I tried coming back on my first hip and I was working hard rehabbing and skating, and then my other hip went and blocked all my momentum,” Kesler said Monday. “And to be honest, I’m still a far way away to even coming close. I don’t think I’ll ever get to an NHL level again. I’m just hoping to get to a level that I’m happy at.”
Kesler played 15 seasons in the NHL with the Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks but has not played since March 6, 2019, for Anaheim against the St. Louis Blues. He has one season remaining on the six-year contract he signed with the Ducks on July 15, 2015.
