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It’s a lovely Long Island summer day, folks. The humidity is high, the bodily hydration is low, and my pants feel soaked (from sweat, I promise). But on the cooler and drier side, there are bits! Sweet, salty, gooey, and chocolatey bits!
UPDATE: Be on the lookout for the first installment of the 2018 Top 25 Under-25 Islanders this afternoon. So many treats today.
Islanders News
- It was noted in the previous bits, but 11th overall pick Oliver Wahlstrom will not attend training camp and will go right to school this season; 12th overall pick Noah Dobson will be at camp. [Newsday]
- Dobson has a unique path to his place now.
- Matt Martin talks to Sportsnet about his trade back to the Islanders, his time in Toronto, and John Tavares. [Sportsnet]
- In Dan Rosen’s weekly mailbag, he posits that Mathew Barzal could hit 90 points and the Isles still miss the playoffs. I agree. [NHL]
- The case for moving Jordan Eberle. I agree, if he doesn’t re-sign.
- Thomas Greiss hosted a youth hockey camp at Fort Bragg, which was a special experience for those who were able to attend. [Fayetteville Observer]
- Kyle Schempp, who had been with the Sound Tigers, found a new home in Idaho. No word about Larry, Moe, and Curly. [Soundin’ Off]
Beyond the Isle of Long
- Jarome Iginla officially retired as a Flame this week. He was a Dallas Stars draft pick (11th overall... hmmm) but was traded to the Flames for Joe Nieuwendyk. Nieuwendyk, of course, helped the Stars to their only Stanley Cup; Iginla nearly carried a mediocre team to the same fate. According to Nieuwendyk, the trade worked out well for all involved. [NHL]
- By giving Kevin Hayes a one-year deal, the Rangers have decided to put off making a decision with him about his future. [NY Post]
- Ducks goalie John Gibson looks to build off his strong campaign last season. [PHT]
- Judy Puck broke down zone entries on the power play for Boston University.
- USA Hockey is hosting a coaching symposium and it’s full of stars (and stripes! har har har). Our own Ken Morrow will be there. [USA Hockey]
- Ever wanted Coyotes GM John Chayka’s perspective of the 2018 NHL Draft? Well now you can have it. [Sportsnet]
- Enjoy eight instances of NHL stars getting traded against their wills. [Sportsnet]
- The Coyotes will retire Shane Doan’s number, their first number in the rafters. [Five for Howling]
- The Bruins will retire Rick Middleton’s number this season. [SCOC]
- Alex Faust, the Kings’ play-by-play commentator, was recommended by Alex Trebek himself to take over Jeopardy! if he should retire in 2020 as he has insinuated. [NHL]