Duffer’s Dabbles: Svechnikov Headed To Jets? A Jumbo Panthers Signing; NHLers Out Of Olympic Qualifying?

Evgeny Svechnikov may soon have a new team. Sportsnet is reporting that there is mutual interest between the Winnipeg Jets and the former Detroit Red Wings forward.

Svechnikov became an unrestricted free agent when he wasn’t tendered a qualifying offer by the Red Wings at the conclusion of his entry level deal this summer. The 19th player chosen in the 2015 NHL entry draft, the left shot right winger has put up 5-7-12 totals in 41 NHL games. He collected eight points in 21 NHL games last season.

In Search Of Stanley

Joe Thornton isn’t the first oldtimer to seek to be spending his golden years in Florida. In his case, though, it’s his pursuit of a certain silver mug that’s brought Thornton to to Gulf Coast.

Jumbo Joe continues his search for the Stanley Cup and he thinks he might have found it with the other NHL team residing in the Sunshine State. He signed for the NHL minimum of $750,000 to play for the Florida Panthers next season.

The NHL’s first overall pick in the 1997 entry draft, Thornton has never won a Stanley Cup. He came the closest with the San Jose Sharks in 2015-16, losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Cup final series. The Panthers proved a handful for the eventual champion Tampa Bay Lightning in the opening round of last season’s playoffs.

NHLers Told to Stay Home

Olympics: According to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, the NHL is advising players not to participate in Olympic qualifiers.

Sportsnet: Get the jab. That’s the word from the NHL, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. The NHL is requiring all club personnel who work within 12 feet of hockey operations personnel to be vaccinated. 

Detroit: The Red Wings have extended their working agreement with the ECHL Toledo Walleyes for three more seasons.

The San Jose Sharks wont be following the NHL’s lead. The club won’t require fans to offer proof of vaccination to attend games next season. All that will be necessary is the ability to attest to having been vaccinated, or to provide a negative COVID-19 test.

Vancouver: Ranking all of the Canucks’ offseason moves, from trades to UFA signings.

Vegas: The Golden Knights have Cup dreams but no cap space. They’ll need a couple of their offseason fliers, including former Flyers center Nolan Patrick to come through. 

Detroit: There won’t be any Red Wings Swedes on the Swedish Olympic roster. However, that doesn’t mean Team Sweden won’t be heavily influenced and guided by a Red Wings presence. 

Boston: The Bruins added a pair of players from their 2010-11 Stanley Cup-winning club to their coaching staff.

Boston: The Bruins added a couple of Boston guys to their coaching staff. What a hockey culture up there. Boston added a couple of good humans and good hockey people. 

Seattle: The Kraken signed Carsen Twarynski and Cale Fleury to contracts.