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The planning and rumbling for an NHL Return To Play continue, with some sort of drama apparently removing Vancouver from the running as a “hub city.” (This drama has been very feverishly reported in Canada.)
The NHL will also hold its draft lottery, part 1, today.
Islanders Reading
- Ilya Sorokin has been “ready to sign for weeks,” it’s just a question of whether he can and under what terms thanks to the NHL’s hardline stance. But if it doesn’t work out now, a delayed 2020-21 season might not hurt things. [Athletic]
- Arthur Staple held a chat with readers at the Athletic and only every other question was about Mathew Barzal’s next contract or Sorokin’s chance of signing a first one. He seems to think Matt Martin has a decent chance of re-signing and Sorokin could fetch “beyond the entry level year, I’d guess a 2-year deal worth $2-2.5 million per.” [Athletic]
- Andrew Gross’ latest Island Ice podcast welcomed Doc Emrick, and discussed Ilya and summer hockey. [SoundCloud | Newsday]
- The Islanders have almost zero chance of being involved (they traded their pick, and it ending up in the protection zone is highly unlikely), but here is how tonight’s draft lottery will work. [NHL]
- Sorokin’s next tutor, Isles goalie director Mitch Korn, deserves Hall of Fame acclaim. [Sportsnet]
Elsewhere
- Amazon has the naming rights to the Seattle arena and will call it Climate Pledge Arena. [TSN]
- The NHL and NHLPA CBA talks include discussion of escrow (of course), deferred payments. [Sportsnet]
- The Devils have reportedly interviewed Lindy Ruff for their head coaching vacancy. He was last seen as a Rangers assistant. [Post]
- It was a breakdown in talks, you see, that left Vancouver out of the hub city running. Or rather: Vancouver health officials have managed things well, and they’re not going to suddenly change what works just so they can host some NHL mini-tournament. [Sportsnet]