It’s Tuesday, July 23, 2024, and here are the top news items, highlights, and stories surrounding the Boston Bruins and from around the National Hockey League this morning.
Tribute To Mike Loftus
Mike Loftus, as dedicated a reporter as they come in his time covering the Boston Bruins, tragically passed away over the weekend at the age of 59 following a battle with cancer.
In a touching post, Boston Hockey Now columnist Mick Colageo wrote of Loftus’ unwavering work ethic and unmatched sense of humor, which made him the man he was and a role model for all who follow in his footsteps. Read the Loftus tribute here.
Pavelski Officially Announces Retirement
Veteran forward Joe Pavelski officially announced his retirement on Monday following an impressive 18-year career in the NHL.
Pavelski spent the last five seasons playing for the Dallas Stars but will be remembered for his 13-year run with the San Jose Sharks. A seventh-round selection by San Jose in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Pavelski broke into the league in 2006 and was nothing short of consistent, playing a full season’s schedule eight times in his career, including in each of the final three years of his career.
In 1,332 career games, Pavelski scored 1,068 points with 476 and 592 assists.
Blue Jackets Tap Evason As New Head Coach
Last offseason, the Columbus Blue Jackets tried to make a splashy head coach hire by briefly attempting to revive the career of the reviled Mike Babcock. That experiment quickly blew up in their faces, landing the Jackets right back where they started one year later.
After naming Dean Evason as its new bench boss on Monday, Columbus is resetting once again and hoping this time it’s for good.
Evason, 59, joins the Blue Jackets with more than four years of NHL coaching experience, having worked behind the bench of the Minnesota Wild from 2019-24.
More From National Hockey Now:
Buffalo: A full season under a new team, a new coach, and a new mentality can work wonders for a player. For defenseman Bowen Byram, joining the Buffalo Sabres, specifically under head coach Lindy Ruff, could be the turning point the heralded young talent needs.
Colorado: As is the case in Philly, another Russian prospect is receiving plenty of hype, and he could soon be in goal for the Colorado Avalanche.
Detroit: Vladimir Tarasenko isn’t exactly known for his size, but he will be shoulders above the rest as a member of the Detroit Red Wings.
Florida: Two years ago, the NHL news cycle awoke from a sleepy summer offseason with a late-night blockbuster trade that sent Matthew Tkchuk to the Florida Panthers.
Montreal: The Bruins haven’t had much reason to envy the Montreal Canadiens in recent years. But one area where the Habs hold an advantage is in their infinitely deep prospect pool.
Philadelphia: After much anticipation, Matvei Mitchkov will join the Philadelphia Flyers this upcoming season. But even with so much alluring potential, Jonathan Bailey makes a point to temper expectations for the Russian rookie.
Pittsburgh: Despite the lack of any confirmed reports, trade rumors continue to circle around Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry. Dan Kingerski sets the record straight.
