In Red Wings Land

Red Wings could get closer look at European prospects ahead of NHL draft -The Detroit News

“These kids may play more hockey in September, maybe late August; the European leagues start earlier. If they’re playing, we’re probably going to watch them,” Yzerman said. “It will have some influence on our decisions, good or bad.

“There’s work to be done.”

Interesting concept at play here that the European kids will be playing just before the draft while it’s likely the CHL and other North American kids won’t be. Of course, the top of the draft will create the other consideration that our own Karel Gut has been talking about, but Ted doesn’t – that if they’re already playing in Europe, that could really complicate them coming to the NHL.

Around the NHL

Details emerge on expected new NHL agreement – TSN

The MOU would need to be ratified by both the NHL’s Board of Governors and the NHLPA’s full membership. A player vote could begin electronically as soon as Monday if an agreement is announced on Saturday; players will have 72 hours to vote.

I admit that I’m a bit of a CBA nerd, but there’s too many juicy details in here for me to just highlight one. I think the players might be coming out of this better than they did the last CBA, but that just kinda goes to show how much they gave up in the last two CBAs.

Report: Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook aiming to return for NHL playoffs – NBC Sports Chicago

The three-time Stanley Cup champ Hawks blueliner had surgeries on his right shoulder in December, left hip in January and right hip February.

Seabrook is so committed to helping the Blackhawks and the best way he can do that is to increase their odds at winning the 2nd draft lottery.