Ken Campbell's Column

Rewarding divisional winners hurts NHL

Rewarding divisional winners hurts NHL

by Ken Campbell - March 26, 2012 2:25 PM EDT

It's time to stop guaranteeing a divisional winner a top three spot in order to create a better stretch drive and first round matchups.
So it’s the last day of the regular season and the Chicago Blackhawks are visiting the Detroit Red Wings in an afternoon game. Just for kicks and giggles, let’s say the Blackhawks and Red Wings go into that game either tied in the standings or separated by a single point.


Five Friday thoughts

Five Friday thoughts

by Ken Campbell - March 23, 2012 1:15 PM EDT

How Tortorella should have handled the Devils; NHL propping up more than just Coyotes; and more.
Some random thoughts to end the work week: • If you’re going to have fighting in the NHL, I thought the manner in which the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers handled it Monday night – by staging three fights after only three seconds of play – was perfect.


CWHL Clarkson Cup preview

CWHL Clarkson Cup preview

by Ken Campbell - March 22, 2012 3:15 PM EDT

Meghan Agosta's ascension to becoming the best women's player in the world is nearly complete; plus a preview of the CWHL playoffs.
NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. - When you watch Meghan Agosta play, it’s almost as though you’re looking at a female version of Joe Sakic – sublimely skilled, great skater, terrific shot, big-time difference maker.


Graham James plaque returned to The Hockey News

Graham James plaque returned to The Hockey News

by Ken Campbell - March 20, 2012 12:45 PM EDT

Graham James, sentenced to two years in prison on Tuesday, had his 1989 Man of the Year honor revoked earlier this season and returned the plaque.
When Tom Thompson showed up at our Toronto office a couple of weeks ago declaring he had a present for me, I had no idea what it could possibly be.


Mississauga Rebels defeat Connor McDavid's Toronto Marlboros in OHL Cup final

Mississauga Rebels defeat Connor McDavid's Toronto Marlboros in OHL Cup final

by Ken Campbell - March 19, 2012 8:55 AM EDT

In the midget-aged showcase featuring NHL stars of tomorrow, it was an unlikely champion who took down Goliath.
Teenage phenom Connor McDavid won’t have long to suffer the disappointment of losing the OHL Cup championship. After all, he has a very hectic time ahead of him.


Major junior veterans should get shot at pro hockey

Major junior veterans should get shot at pro hockey

by Ken Campbell - March 16, 2012 11:25 AM EDT

If major junior-aged players are ready for pro hockey and it's the best for their development, the CHL and NHL shouldn't hold them back.
In the debate sparked by Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman concerning whether or not junior-aged players should be eligible to be dispatched to the American League, we haven’t heard much from either side about what would be best for the players involved.


Connor McDavid seeking exceptional player status for OHL draft

Connor McDavid seeking exceptional player status for OHL draft

by Ken Campbell - March 9, 2012 12:41 PM EST

The 15-year-old McDavid is trying to be the second player in as many years to be drafted a year early, while 16-year-old teammate Josh Ho-Sang is also one to watch.
Fifteen-year-old phenom Connor McDavid will almost certainly be playing in the Ontario League next season. The big question now is whether he’ll be plying his trade in Erie or Hamilton.


Thoughts on 30 NHL teams

Thoughts on 30 NHL teams

by Ken Campbell - March 5, 2012 5:45 PM EST

The difference between Stamkos and Ovechkin; another reason why Ken Holland is the best GM; and more.
Now that we’re entering the home stretch, it’s as good a time as any to offer thoughts on each NHL team: Anaheim: The gap between the talent level on paper and the results on the ice, on a year-by-year basis, might be the largest in the NHL.


Maple Leafs, Canadiens in need of major makeover

Maple Leafs, Canadiens in need of major makeover

by Ken Campbell - March 2, 2012 2:35 PM EST

Remember when Leafs-Habs games used to mean something? Now both teams are a mess.
The streets of downtown Montreal will still have that wonderful, vibrant feel. The lobby of the Chateau Champlain will be a zoo. And the game itself might even be something worth watching.


Trade deadline winners and losers

Trade deadline winners and losers

by Ken Campbell - February 28, 2012 12:09 AM EST

The Sabres made a splash with Cody Hodgson, while the Calgary Flames remain stuck in neutral.
There was a time when trade deadline day served one of two purposes. It represented either a repository to dump expensive contracts and pending unrestricted free agents or a flea market where teams could try to find that one or two players to put them over the top.


Jeff Carter trade starts Blue Jackets rebuild, adds scoring to goal-starved Kings

Jeff Carter trade starts Blue Jackets rebuild, adds scoring to goal-starved Kings

by Ken Campbell - February 24, 2012 12:15 AM EST

The Blue Jackets start down a long path, while the Kings add scoring and have a hunger for more.
Well, so much for those long-term, big-money contracts that don’t seem to make any sense being untradeable. After all, Jeff Carter’s deal has been traded twice in eight months.


Is Rick Nash worth a superstar return?

Is Rick Nash worth a superstar return?

by Ken Campbell - February 20, 2012 9:10 AM EST

If the Blue Jackets trade their superstar they'll have to get a lot in return, but is it worth it to any of his suitors?
It’s certainly not Rick Nash’s fault the Columbus Blue Jackets have drafted so poorly over the years or that their free-agent signings have largely been disasters.


Was Raffi Torres' hit on Jarret Stoll worthy of a suspension?




"That hockey game will haunt me until the day I die…"

- Toronto's Joffrey Lupul reacting on Twitter to his team's meltdown loss in Game 7 to the Boston Bruins.

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