NHL Talking Points: Ovi’s Cup, Daniel Alfredsson, Tavares rumors and more

NHL Talking Points is a weekly column highlighting 10 stories that have been circulating around the league. This week, we take a look at the fallout of the Stanley Cup Final, Daniel Alfredsson’s comments, John Tavares speculation and more.

The past week has seen a host of narratives occupy the talk of the hockey world. The Stanley Cup Final came to a conclusion, Daniel Alfredsson made some jaw-dropping comments and speculation concerning John Tavares is in full swing.

Let’s take a look at 10 stories that have been circulating around the National Hockey League.

1. The Washington Capitals are your 2017-18 champions.

Many said that it couldn’t be done, but on Thursday night, Alexander Ovechkin and the Capitals defeated the Vegas Golden Knights by a final score of 4-3, thus putting the series to bed and taking home the Stanley Cup. It was a run for the books, as the team managed to slay dragon after dragon on their road to lifting Lord Stanley’s trophy. And while we all knew that Ovechkin’s time with the Cup would be particularly delightful, he has certainly taken ecstatic to a whole new level.

https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1005961736279805953

2. Is Daniel Alfredsson quietly standing in solidarity with the #MelnykOut campaign? 

In a conversation with former Postmedia columnist and blogger Sue Sherring, the Ottawa Senators’ legend was candid about his feelings toward team owner Eugene Melnyk when he allegedly remarked, “We hope to get a new owner”.

The context surrounding the publication of Alfredsson’s words has been a central subject of rather extensive debate. At some point during his discussion with Sherring, Alfredsson expressed that his comments were to remain “off the record”.  Nevertheless, Sherring opted to publish the content of their interaction on her blog, “On the City, From the Burbs,” arguing that the former Senators’ captain changed the rules of the interview in the midst of their dialogue.

As pundits continue to grapple with the ethics — or lack thereof — concerning Sherring’s post, there’s little doubt that Alfredsson’s words shall have ongoing ramifications in the Senators’ administrative fiasco.

3. Auston Matthews has joined the Orr Hockey Group.

The news was announced in a set of tweets from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

What does this mean for the future face of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ franchise? Michael Traikos of the Toronto Sun summed it up best:

"According to sources close to the player, Matthews decided to switch after Judd Moldaver, who helped to bring Matthews to CAA and has worked closely with him, took a job with The Orr Hockey Group.What this means going forward with negotiations is anyone’s guess. But it’s worth noting that The Orr Hockey Group is the one that got McDavid an eight-year, $100-million contract."

4. The New York Islanders have taken the extraordinary — and long overdue — step of firing their head coach and general manager.

It’s a dynamic decision about the organization that has been in the making for quite some time. Replacing GM Garth Snow shall be the team’s president of hockey operations, Lou Lamoriello. No stranger to situations of this variety, Lamoriello has overseen some of the most accomplished rebuilding endeavors in the history of contemporary hockey — the likes of which have prompted former sleepers to be translated into legitimate contenders in a matter of seasons.

Both the aforementioned Snow and former head coach Doug Weight are expected to remain with the club.

Expressing his thanks to the previous administrators, Lamoriello stated: “The New York Islanders would like to thank both Garth and Doug for their dedication to the franchise…. Both started their tenures with the franchise as players and grew as tremendous leaders to the positions they held.”

5. Critics are divided on the implications that the Islanders’ move will have for John Tavares.

According to some, Lamoriello’s penchant for restructuring is exactly what the 27-year-old captain needs — a form of radical change, that is, after seasons of disappointment. But while the team’s new GM has made re-signing the center his top priority, others maintain that the firing of Weight will not come without its drawbacks. It’s known that the ex-head coach and Tavares were especially close — as such, certain pundits have held that Lamoriello’s decision risks pushing the forward away from the organization.

6. Ilya Kovalchuk has been in talks with the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks, respectively. 

It’s no secret that Kovalchuk is planning a return to the NHL. The latest update in the narrative broke last week, when it was revealed that the 35-year-old had met with representatives from the Kings and was set to visit with the Sharks soon afterward.

Expect Kovalchuk to continue to occupy the talk circuit of hockey news until a decision is made.

7. The Carolina Hurricanes have set their asking price for Jeff Skinner.

His name has been at the focal point of trade talk for the better part of half a year, but we could be getting closer to an update on the future of Carolina’s talented offensive threat. According to Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic, the Hurricanes shall aim to acquire both a prospect and a first-round pick for the established winger, so look for several teams to enter into negotiations with GM Don Waddell in the weeks to come.

8. Henrik Zetterberg shall return as the Detroit Red Wings’ captain next season.

The 37-year-old will play at least one more season in the NHL, during which he shall continue to don the “C”. The news should almost definitely be welcomed by his teammates, who have often been quick to praise the veteran. As per Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press, Dylan Larkin is among Zetterberg’s most noted admirers, having previously stated:

"He understands that a lot of nights, nothing is going to go on, if you play 20 minutes, for 19 minutes and 59 seconds…. It’s that one second you get where he makes it count. He plays the right way, he waits for his opportunity and then when he gets his opportunity, he makes the most of it."

9. The Dallas Stars have reportedly signed Valeri Nichushkin to a two-year deal.

As per Nichushkin’s agent: “Val very much wants to come back…. Dallas wants him back and we are just very hopeful we’ll be able to take care of this very soon.”

The move is just the latest of a set of changes to the Stars’ overarching makeup. The team will aim to turn things around in the 2018-19 campaign, as the previous season was one of far-reaching disappointment. Look for Nichushkin to introduce some much needed depth to the team’s lineup, which frequently strains the edges of being notoriously top-heavy.

10. Devante Smith-Pelly is not hesitating to hide his feelings about U.S. President Donald Trump.

He was a sure staple of the Capitals’ recent Stanley Cup run, scoring seven big goals in seven big games. Prior to the club’s victory, however, the hard working winger made very different news, claiming that the prospect of a White House visit was something that he had already entertained.

Expect Smith-Pelly’s comments — and ensuing actions — to be a feature of discussion in the not-so-distant future.

NEXT: One free agent every NHL team should sign this offseason

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