Quick Hits: The Times They are A-nnounced Edition

J.J. FromKansas

• 2 min read Front Page

In Red Wings Land

Griffins to Return to Play in February - Team Press Release

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Griffins are among 28 American Hockey League teams that will participate in the 2020-21 season when it gets underway on Feb. 5, as announced by the AHL on Monday. Further details, including schedule formats and playoffs, are still to be determined.

“The Griffins organization is thrilled to have our players return to the ice in February, marking nearly 11 months since our team last played at Van Andel Arena on March 11, 2020,” said Griffins president Tim Gortsema. “Throughout this process, our organization has worked closely with our member teams in the AHL as well as with the Detroit Red Wings to determine how we can best return to playing hockey in a safe manner for our players, staff and fans. The Red Wings organization has been terrific in working with us to help absorb some travel and arena expenses, which helps to make this return a reality.” (Click here for Gortsema video interview.)

There’s more on the Griffins’ site, including the temporary realignment of the divisions. Not every AHL team is coming back (the Preds’ affiliate the Milwaukee Admirals among them).

Around the NHL

Ovechkin in no rush to negotiate new contract with Capitals - NHL

Ovechkin, who is entering the final season of a 13-year, $124 million contract he signed Jan. 10, 2008, can become an unrestricted free agent after this season.

I just want to take a moment to appreciate a guy coming to the end of playing a 13-year contract in today’s NHL.

Getting to Know the New Central

Getting to Know the New Central: Nasvhille Predators - On the Forecheck

There’s so much potential for a great rivalry with the Carolina Hurricanes. They are Nashville’s second opponent in games 3 and 4 of this season, and the geographic proximity could make future games between the teams very, very fun. Although, if the team struggles this season, renewing bad blood with the Detroit Red Wings could be a nice distraction—especially if the team wears the reverse retro sweaters against them. I’m willing to bet they get worn against Chicago and/or Detroit.

The second of our series on getting to know our new division-mates continued on yesterday with the Preds. Head on over and give it a read.

Previously:
Getting to Know the New Central: Detroit Red Wings