Brian Costello discusses the news and events around the NHL and world of hockey
by Brian Costello - March 17, 2012 2:55 PM EDT
The 2011 draft would unfold differently if we factored in scouts' current rankings of the first-rounders.
We came up with the idea of Future Watch 25 years ago because we wanted to gauge how draft picks were advancing in their most formative years.
by Brian Costello - January 28, 2012 11:42 PM EST
From Patrick Kane's Superman impression to Carey Price's blue ice antics, the skills competition was a show for the fans.
OTTAWA - There was a loud creaking sound coming from Scotiabank Place in Ottawa Saturday night. The pessimist will tell you it was the sound of hockey purists turning over in their graves seeing their beloved game reduced to a collection of buskers clowning around on the ice.
by Brian Costello - December 30, 2011 11:55 AM EST
While working as a second-year reporter, Brian Costello shares his story about being on the ill-fated bus.
Twenty-five years ago today, the Swift Current Broncos went on the longest road trip in the history of major junior hockey. They were headed a couple of hours down the TransCanada Highway to Regina for a Dec.
by Brian Costello - October 8, 2011 10:25 AM EDT
There are always many disagreements among THN staffers as to how the season will play out, so a little friendly competition is common.
Hockey pools and fantasy league drafts are standard fare this time of year in this corner of the world. But there’s also a bit of inside wagering amongst the crew at The Hockey News for stakes such as ice cream cones, burritos and sometimes even steaks.
by Brian Costello - June 28, 2011 5:15 PM EDT
Usually players have to wait before being inducted, but Ed Belfour made it in on his first try, which may be because of committee turnover.
Good call by the Hockey Hall of Fame’s selection committee this year inducting first-year candidate Ed Belfour and three stars passed over in previous years - Doug Gilmour, Joe Nieuwendyk and Mark Howe.
by Brian Costello - June 27, 2011 2:13 PM EDT
Why did the Flames trade Regehr and also have to include a second round pick? What is GM Jay Feaster's plan?
I’m having a tough time seeing Jay Feaster’s logic in the trade the Calgary Flames made with the Buffalo Sabres over the weekend.
by Brian Costello - June 3, 2011 1:20 PM EDT
THN's Future Watch guru looks back to his trip to Atlanta in 1999 when everything seemed to be working for the Thrashers.
In the beginning, the Atlanta Thrashers had it all. They had a growing and vibrant world-class market that just a few years earlier hosted the Summer Olympics.
by Brian Costello - May 14, 2011 10:02 AM EDT
There are always plenty of story lines to follow at the NHL draft and this year is no different as you'll see in THN's Draft Preview.
Twenty years ago this month the Edmonton Oilers dynasty was officially over – five Cups in seven years – and most hockey fans were talking about an NHL final that featured Mario Lemieux and the Pittsburgh Penguins against the Minnesota North Stars.
by Brian Costello - March 15, 2011 11:45 AM EDT
Readers often wonder where the cut-off point is from prospect to NHL player, so the editor of our Future Watch edition explains the classifications.
One of the many questions we receive in feedback on our annual Future Watch issue, now available on newsstands and in the THN.com store, is what constitutes a prospect.
by Brian Costello - February 12, 2011 10:37 AM EST
Toronto GM Brian Burke is banking on recently acquired prospect Jake Gardiner blossoming into a top-four blueliner, but scouts have their doubts.
In acquiring Jake Gardiner from Anaheim this week, the Toronto Maple Leafs picked up a prospect who was selected in the first round (17th overall) in 2008, but who probably wouldn’t carry first-round pedigree if that year’s draft were to be re-held today.
by Brian Costello - January 8, 2011 9:33 AM EST
We look at the NHLers who make our annual PoP list and explain why they sit where they do and why one doesn't make the No. 1 spot.
A neighbour once asked me why on Earth we always put NHL commissioner Gary Bettman No. 1 on our People of Power and Influence list - he gets booed everywhere he goes, yet fans fork out big cash to watch Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin and they’re further down the list.
by Brian Costello - November 13, 2010 9:31 AM EST
GM Brian Burke chastized Toronto Maple Leafs followers for booing Dion Phaneuf, but they're well within their right.
I must admit I was a little hurt and confused in the aftermath of Toronto Maple Leaf fans booing their new captain Dion Phaneuf barely 10 games into the season.
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"I don't see why he wouldn't want to coach the Oilers."
– Oilers president Kevin Lowe on rumored coaching candidate Brent Sutter
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