NYHN Daily: Future Captaincy For Barzal, Bellows Assessment & More

The New York Islanders are not in need of choosing a new captain right now. But with the NHL All-Star voting currently open, Mat Barzal being on the ballot for the Metropolitan Division begs the question if he could handle the responsibility whenever Anders Lee decides to call it quits. Kieffer Bellows has not lived up to expectations but it is rather important that the Islanders assess him accordingly prior to the NHL Trade Deadline.

These stories and more in today’s daily links!D

KEEPING IT ON THE ISLAND

It’s time to vote for NHL All-Star captains. While Mat Barzal is one of three New York Islanders up for the Metropolitan Division captaincy, it got me thinking… could Barzal be the future captain of the Islanders following Anders Lee? (NYI Hockey Now)

Islanders forward Kieffer Bellows has not lived up to the hype that comes with being a first-round selection. He has not played to the same level his father Brian Bellows did in the NHL. But the Islanders need to forget about the expectations that have been placed on the young forward in order to assess him before the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline. (Newsday)

AROUND THE BOARDS

With the NHL officially out on the Winter Olympic games in Beijing this February, there’s clearly a lot of disappointment among the elite NHL players, and several Boston Bruins, who were looking forward to taking part in the world’s greatest hockey tournament. Bruins top defenseman Charlie McAvoy and elite forward David Pastrnak were particularly bummed, given that this Olympics would have been their firsts. (Boston Hockey Now)

Will Kris Letang receive a long-term deal from the Pittsburgh Penguins this offseason? When can we expect to see Evgeni Malkin back to full strength? Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now chatted with the fanbase on another edition of PHN Penguins Live. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

It may be the Holiday season and the Florida Panthers are finishing up their extended Christmas break so it felt like a great time for George Richards to complete his December edition of the FHN Mailbag. You won’t want to miss this edition. (Florida Hockey Now)

He can’t put his finger on exactly what it is. All that Vladislav Namestnikov can assess with any semblance of accurate precision is that something was definitely off last season, his debut campaign with the Detroit Red Wings. “Just last year was a weird year for me,” Namestnikov said. “The pandemic, a lot of posts. Sometimes that happens.” (Detroit Hockey Now)

The Golden Knights are coming into their own as we enter the final days of the year. But you can never have it all, and there is always something any team can improve on. So in the spirit of the holiday season let’s go over what the Golden Knights should have on their Christmas wishlist for Santa this year. (Vegas Hockey Now)

Has Bob Boughner’s coaching performance warranted him being put on the hot seat? What’s the latest on the San Jose Sharks in COVID-19 protocol? These questions and more are answered in the latest San Jose Hockey Now podcast. (San Jose Hockey Now)

The Vancouver Canucks have one player heading to the 2022 IIHF Championships. His name is Dmitry Zlodeyev, a center, played two games with Spartak Moscow in the KHL so far this season with no stats other than losing five of six face-off opportunities. (Vancouver Hockey Now)

With all the doom and gloom surrounding the Calgary Flames these days, a nice story surfaced this week about an act of kindness by Curtis Glencross. It’s the kind of pick-me-up you might need if you’re struggling with the negative narratives surrounding the team lately. (Calgary Hockey Now)

LEAGUE BUSINESS

Despite the NHL’s decision to not send their athletes to the 2022 Winter Olympics, the Winter Classic in Minnesota is still a go. On January 1st, the Minnesota Wild will host the St. Louis Blues at Target Field. “Knock on wood … full speed ahead,” Daly said. “We have a full team on the ground there in Minnesota. Everybody is excited. I know the two teams are very excited for it.” (NHL)

As we get set to hit the new year, let’s take a trip down memory lane at the best moments of 2021. From the outdoor game at Lake Tahoe, to the return of Oskar Lindholm after his battle with cancer. Or how about Patrick Marleau becoming the most games played in NHL history. These memories and more! (NHL)

With the 2022 IIHF Tournament getting underway now, former Team USA teammates Trevor Zegras and Spencer Knight discuss their former team’s chances. Both were part of the gold medal-winning Team USA back in 2021. (NHL)

Former Philadelphia Flyers and Vancouver Canucks head coach Bob McCammon sadly passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80. He coached in the NHL for eight seasons, held the general manager position of the Flyers, was a director of player development with the Edmonton Oilers where he won a Stanley Cup in 1987 and lastly a scout with the Detroit Red Wings. (NHL)

In an exhibition matchup at the IIHF World Junior Tournament, Team Canada defeated Team Russia 6-4. Mason McTavish had two goals and an assist, while Ridly Greig, Kent Johnson, and Lucas Cormier scored first-period goals for Canada, as they jumped out to a 4-0 lead after the opening frame. Penalties became an issue, but they were able to overcome that issue and pick up the win in their lone tune-up game. (TSN)

Ottawa Senators prospect Jake Sanderson is the captain for Team USA at the IIHF World Juniors going on right now, as they took the ice against the Team Finald at Toronto Maple Leafs’ prospect Topi Niemela TSN’s Director of Scouting Craig Button shared his thoughts on the two promising young players. (TSN)