Ryan Kennedy discusses the news and events around the NHL and world of hockey

Ryan Kennedy's Column

NHL draft wild card prospects

NHL draft wild card prospects

by Ryan Kennedy - June 19, 2013 12:30 PM EDT

We all know who the high-end, draft eligible prospects are, but what about the guys who may not go until the fourth round, or beyond?
At this point, you’ve probably heard just about all you could hear about the top end of the 2013 draft: Jonathan Drouin had two points a game this year, Darnell Nurse’s uncle is Donovan McNabb, Seth Jones was raised in Colorado and so on.


NHL draft combine all about preparedness

NHL draft combine all about preparedness

by Ryan Kennedy - June 1, 2013 11:55 AM EDT

Different types of players will have different expectations when they go through the physical fitness tests.
The NHL draft combine has become a huge event for the league and the media, but with teams holding their own workout camps and sometimes putting together their lists of favored prospects before the event even begins, how much can still be learned at the annual dog and pony show? According to one scout, it's all about preparation, but with the proviso that some kids should be prepared better than others.


Flames, Blue Jackets have chance to strike gold in deep NHL draft

Flames, Blue Jackets have chance to strike gold in deep NHL draft

by Ryan Kennedy - May 29, 2013 11:31 AM EDT

Both Calgary and Columbus have three first round picks this June, but will use them with entirely different goals in mind.
Calgary ended its season as a burnt-out husk of a team that wasn’t very good to begin with, while Columbus experienced the hollow, debilitating pain of missing the playoffs by less than a point.


Surprising Senators built through patient development

Surprising Senators built through patient development

by Ryan Kennedy - May 22, 2013 2:16 PM EDT

Ottawa didn't need to bottom-out for years to become a dangerous team - they just shrewdly built up through the draft.
It was the most innocuous of encounters. Walking through the bowels of Scotiabank Place during the 2008 draft, I ran into Mr. Senator himself, Daniel Alfredsson.


The curious cases of Memorial Cup hosting

The curious cases of Memorial Cup hosting

by Ryan Kennedy - May 15, 2013 2:28 PM EDT

The London Knights were awarded the 2014 Memorial Cup – their second in 10 years – based in large part on the quality of the team. Why now?
The Memorial Cup, jewel of the major junior season, kicks off this week in Saskatoon. The Ontario League’s London Knights were the last team to qualify, but also the first team locked in for next year’s installation as the franchise was just named host city for the 2014 edition.


How the Minnesota Wild are similar to the 2009 Chicago Blackhawks

How the Minnesota Wild are similar to the 2009 Chicago Blackhawks

by Ryan Kennedy - May 8, 2013 3:00 PM EDT

Are the Wild on track to a Stanley Cup championship in the near future? That remains to be seen, but they're set up like a team that did win in short order.
Based on the current health of Minnesota’s top two goaltenders, the Wild’s first round series against Chicago looks doomed. Which is too bad, because while I don’t think the Wild could have won the series anyway, giving the Hawks all they could handle would have been a great learning experience for a Minnesota squad quickly shaping up to be world-beaters in the future.


Electric rookie Brendan Gallagher pumped for first playoff appearance

Electric rookie Brendan Gallagher pumped for first playoff appearance

by Ryan Kennedy - May 1, 2013 1:16 PM EDT

Alex Galchenyuk was the most noteworthy rookie added to Montreal's roster, but Gallagher is the one getting Calder buzz.
To look at how far Montreal has come in a season, you only have to look at No. 27, Alex Galchenyuk. The former Sarnia superstar went third overall in the 2012 draft and he’s already gearing up for his first NHL playoff game.


Welcoming more outdoor games with open arms

Welcoming more outdoor games with open arms

by Ryan Kennedy - April 17, 2013 1:19 PM EDT

Everyone loves and wants to see an outdoor game, so what is so wrong with the NHL scheduling more of them?
This could be a very short column. Don’t like the new sked of outdoor games the NHL has planned for next season? Shut up, it’s fun.


Potential destinations for NCAA Division I hockey

Potential destinations for NCAA Division I hockey

by Ryan Kennedy - April 10, 2013 1:10 PM EDT

With Penn State entering the top level of college hockey, we look at a few other schools that could launch the sport in US schools.
The Frozen Four kicks off Thursday in Pittsburgh and with the tournament coming back to Pennsylvania in 2014 when Philadelphia hosts, it’s hard not to think about how Penn State’s new program has completely altered the college landscape.


Trade deadline winners and losers

Trade deadline winners and losers

by Ryan Kennedy - April 3, 2013 5:00 PM EDT

Marian Gaborik and Jason Pominville pushed Columbus and Minnesota into the winners category, but not every team fared well.
Not to sound cynical, but the biggest losers of this year’s trade deadline were the viewers, who sat through nothing for five hours before a flurry of deals shook up the landscape of the league.


2013 NHL draft rankings

2013 NHL draft rankings

by Ryan Kennedy - March 27, 2013 11:35 AM EDT

THN's prospect expert ranks the top 30 players eligible to be picked in this June's draft.
Sometimes a name is just too present, the buzz too loud. Seth Jones has separated himself from the pack and that is why he has claimed the No.


Hockey's troubling relationship with women

Hockey's troubling relationship with women

by Ryan Kennedy - March 20, 2013 2:40 PM EDT

While hockey has made great strides towards accepting gay players through You Can Play, there is still much to be done to protect and respect women.
The most divisive story in the news right now centers around a Steubenville, Ohio high school football team and the conviction of two players on rape charges involving an unconscious underage girl.


How many more overtime periods will be played in the Stanley Cup final?






"If we do pick first, we're leaning more toward one of those three forwards."

- Colorado's executive vice president of hockey operations, Joe Sakic, on what the Avalanche plan to do with the first overall pick at the June 30 entry draft. Many were expecting Colorado to take defenseman Seth Jones.
 

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