Author: Colin Campbell

Flames Sign Coveted College Free Agent Connor Mackey to One Year Contract

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CALGARY, AB – The Calgary Flames announced today that they have signed college free agent defenceman Connor Mackey to a one-year entry-level contract starting in 2020-21.

Mackey, a native of Barrington, Illinois plays at Minnesota State University – Mankato, where he finished the season with seven goals and 17 assists for 24 points in 36 games. The 23-year-old skated in three seasons for Minnesota State University – Mankato, totaling 18 goals and 43 assists for 61 points in 118 games from 2016-17 to 2019-20. The 6’2.5″ blueliner was named to the WCHA First All-Star team this past season finishing at a league-high +19 and helping the Mavericks to a league-best 31-5-2 record. Mackey was the USHL Defenceman of the Year in 2017 and also made the USHL First All-Star team.

Cole Perfetti Has The Perfect Blend Of Skill And Intellect

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SAGINAW, MI – Cole Perfetti is a very talented center who should go in the top five of the upcoming 2020 NHL Draft. He had an incredible 74 assists in 61 games for the Saginaw Spirit. He might not get back to the postseason, even though his team was good enough, the coronavirus has gotten in the way, for now, but he will soon have his day.

“Going into this year, I never expected to have 111 at this point and be on such a successful team. Have the year that I’ve had so far, and have it click the way that it has. I wanted to come in this year and bring my best and prove to the scouts and everyone watching why to pick me,” Perfetti stated.

It’s hard to say exactly where a player gets his hockey acumen from. Hockey I.Q. is so important in today’s NHL and this prospect has “it”. You can see that every time he steps foot on the ice. He does watch players in games and on YouTube. But after some digging, it seems like his education plays a big part in this part of his game.

“I think some of it has to do with being smart. I take great pride in my schooling. I’ve always achieved good grades. That kind of helps the quick thinking come across,” Perfetti said honestly.

After some digging and trying to figure out if he had a nerdy side, he remembered about a math competition that would make any honor student jealous.

Statement from KO Sports regarding the suspension of NHL games due to COVID-19 Virus

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DENVER, CO – Statement from KO Sports regarding the suspension of NHL games:

“KO Sports supports the temporary suspension of the NHL season surrounding the uncertainty of COVID-19. The health of the players we represent, their families and those that work at KO Sports is always our top priority and we extend our sincere thoughts out to them and to the fans of our great game during this unprecedented and challenging time.”

New dad Pat Nagle making most of AHL chance

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Good things happen to those who wait.

Now in his ninth professional season, Pat Nagleof the Grand Rapids Griffins is savoring both his lengthiest and his most fruitful stay in the American Hockey League.

But, as they say, good things also come in pairs.

On the third day of 2020, Pat and his wife, Monica, welcomed a baby boy, Bryson.

Old adages can become cliched to the point that when something truly is relevant, it’s almost rare. So take Nagle’s recent fortunes as one of those extraordinary cases where the maxims fully apply.

Mike Smith locked in as Oilers’ No. 1: ‘He is a leader and a goalie’

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NASHVILLE, TN – The race is over, the contest closed.

Tonight’s starter, Mike Smith, is the Edmonton Oilers No. 1 goalie. Mikko Koskinen a solid No. 2 — full stop.

No bad start down the stretch or ugly giveaway is going to turn back the clock on a competition that quietly ended over the past few weeks.

Forget about age, or Koskinen’s wage. Not only has Smith been given two-thirds of the starts since Jan. 1, he’s given his team an 11-1-4 record since the calendar turned to 2020, and the kind of attitude that was on display when Leon Draisaitlhad this to say to a sold-out barn on the in-house, post-game interview Saturday:

“You guys are (expletive) phenomenal!”

Of all the one-year contracts that general manager Ken Holland signed last summer, Smith’s has been the most impactful — and not just because he’s stopping pucks. He’s given a head-shy organization a backbone, showing its young superstars how to carry themselves with some swagger.

Rosen returns to Toronto in trade with Avs

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TORONTO, ONT- The Toronto Maple Leafs made their first move on Monday’s trade deadline by acquiring defenceman Calle Rosen from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for goaltender Michael Hutchinson.

The 26-year-old Rosen is a familiar face in the Leafs organization. He signed with Toronto as a free agent out of the Swedish Elite League back in 2017, going on to appear in eight NHL games for the club before he and Nazem Kadri were traded to Colorado last July 1 for Tyson Barrie and Alexander Kerfoot.

Florida Panthers Acquire Defenseman Emil Djuse From Dallas Stars

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SUNRISE, FL – Florida Panthers President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that the Panthers have acquired defenseman Emil Djuse from the Dallas Stars in exchange for a sixth round pick. Djuse is expected to report to Florida’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL).

Djuse, 26, has appeared in 48 games with the Texas Stars this season, recording 29 points (4-25-29).

Predators Sign Rocco Grimaldi to Two-Year Contract

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NASHVILLE, TN – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/GM David Poile announced Monday that the team has signed forward Rocco Grimaldi to a two-year, $4 million contract that will see him earn $2 million in both the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons.

Grimaldi, 27 (2/8/93), is in the midst of the best statistical season of his NHL career, having already established careers highs in goals (10), assists (20), points (30) and games played (58). His 30 points are the seventh-most on the Predators and the fifth-most among team forwards this season, his second with the franchise. He’s posted five multi-point outings in 2019-20, including a career-best three-point (3a) performance on Oct. 29 versus Chicago, as well as two separate three-game point streaks.

Compher Sibling Rivalry Breeds Skill and Mutual Respect

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He’s a forward for the Colorado Avalanche. She’s a forward for Boston University. Together, they share a strong passion for hockey and deep respect for one another.

J.T. Compher has no shortage of praise when it comes to his sister’s hockey skills. The highest compliment? He doesn’t have to play against Jesse.

That said, J.T., now in his third full NHL season, is grateful the days of their one-on-one games at the family home in Illinois are a thing of the past.

“Jesse was young enough where I didn’t stick her in the net too many times,” started the 24-year-old, a 35th overall draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres in 2013, whose rights were traded to Colorado in 2015. “She got serious about hockey when I was at the (U.S.) national program [2011-2013] and at the University of Michigan [2013-16]. When I watch her, I don’t know if I could name just one thing about her game that stands out the most… that’s a good thing. First off, she’s a very competitive player and person. Every time I watch her play, whether she has legs or doesn’t have legs, I know she’s working and she’s competing.

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