The Big Story

Matt Tkachuk Will Begin the Season with the Calgary Flames- By Sonny Sachdeva: Today’s Slapshot

There’s a lot of talk about Philadelphia Flyers defenseman, Radko Gudas once again in trouble, this time for a hit on the Boston Bruins’ Austin Czarnik. But in the interest of promoting good things about hockey, I bring you this story by Sonny Sachdeva, highlighting Matt Tkachuk (yes, son of Keith) being the next in line of young talent in Calgary.

Note in this piece how much public praise and encouragement Tkachuk gets from Flames coach, Glen Gulutzan. Nice seeing an organization endorsong young players, not tearing them down.

In Red Wings Land

Simply No Room For Frk- By Bob Duff: Hockey Buzz

Conversely, we have the Red Wings who waived Martin Frk yesterday and was immediately claimed by the Carolina Hurricanes.

Frk is the first of what will be multiple casualties of the Wings refusal to keep up with the decade. We know the story by now and will be inundated come Tuesday; it’s likely that Andreas Anthasiou and Anthony Mantha will be sent to Grand Rapids.

What’s intriguing to me is how Red Wings’ beat writers continue to excuse away and defend Ken Holland’s roster construction. Duff acknowledges the Holland created log jam at forward, but leans in on the decision to squeeze out another promising player. This write up is one of many in the credentialed media projecting the importance of veterans over Tomas Nosek, Frk, Mantha or even Athanasiou.

Frk, who was seemingly disregarded in the Wings organization, was welcomed to Carolina with open arms by GM Ron Francis, who noted his scoring ability.

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Anything to add or share on these stories or anything else in hockey, please comment!