We start this news-filled newsletter with old but new news that Dmitri Ovchinnikov will be loaned to the KHL to play with his club team in Sibir. It was probably decided in April that he would return after the Leafs signed him in an ELC, but yesterday the KHL made it official by signing him to a contract for next season. Expect to see Ovchinnikov on the Marlies in April depending on how his playoffs go.
I really liked this leads pitch article from THN’s Twitter pal Tony Ferrari. He goes through every position, describes the influx of NCAA prospects and reminds us all how young Nick Robertson is.
In U20 Men’s WJC news, Finland beat Sweden 1-0 to qualify for the gold medal where they will face Canada. Puck drop at 8 p.m. tonight. Czechia faced Sweden for bronze in the previous game. Roni Hirvonen was considered by his peers to be one of the top three Finnish players in the tournament.
The tournament’s top three players, as selected by the team (these are selected prior to the medal games):
-D Kasper Puutio (FLA)
-F Roby Jarventie (OTT)
-F Roni Hirvonen (TOR)— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) August 20, 2022
Statistics:
YOU :
Emil Andrae (PHI): 24:22
Simon Edvinsson (DET): 22:43
Topi Niemela (TOR): 21:55
Kasper Puutio (FLA): 21:07
Helge Grans (LAK): 20:58SOG:
Kasper Puutio (FLA): 4— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) August 20, 2022
I’m really starting to get excited about young Roni in his last WJC tournament.
“Which person…”
“Keep calm every time….”
“Every shift, good decisions…”Leafs prospect Roni Hirvonen led team to medal round at World Juniors https://t.co/baPAWP7vM5
– Mark Masters (@markhmasters) August 19, 2022
Although he was overshadowed by Kasper Puutio, Topi Niemelä sometimes looked dominant in his last tournament.
“Getting better with every game”
“He is gaining more and more self-confidence”
“I love his attitude”Leafs prospect Topi Niemela hits his stride at the right time at World Juniors https://t.co/zok2HstOJY
– Mark Masters (@markhmasters) August 19, 2022
After being the third overall pick in 2007, Kyle Turris’ career was almost completely downhill, retiring to serve as a special assistant in the BCHL. Sorry Kyle, that was probably too mean. This year in 2017-18 in Nashville was pretty good, glory.
Speaking of retirements, Lou Lamoriello should probably do it now. Seriously, his team is treading water after a few years of defending Barry Trotz, I’m sure it was cathartic for fans looking for a place to put their John Tavares anger, but that’s over now. And I’m not even considering signing Kadri to Calgary as part of that. He wanted to be north of the border.
Brian Wiseman says while he was announced as the Islands’ assistant last month, no contract has been signed. As discussions progressed, he said, “we decided to go our separate ways, and that’s what happened.” Adds that he never had discussions with @umichhockey to take over there
— Curtis Pashelka (@CurtisPashelka) August 19, 2022
Don’t worry Naz, we all know you love Toronto more
“I am a Canadian boy, I love the country of Canada, the city of Calgary”
— Salim Nadim Valji (@salimvalji) August 19, 2022
Congratulations to Earl Schwartz who was picked up by the Canes.
Well, today is the day.
I am pleased to report that I have been hired by the Carolina Hurricanes as a Compliance Assistant.
I am delighted to start my career with a team on such a great trajectory and with great minds to learn from.
— Earl Schwartz (@EarlSchwartz27) August 19, 2022
