Teams haven't played a game yet in the 2021-22 season, but we already have some winners and losers. Here some folks getting it done and some who can't figure out as we prepare to open the season on Tuesday:
Winner: Seattle Kraken: Exceptional logo, sharp uniform, competitive talent level, fired up fan base.
Loser: Buffalo Sabres. It’s hard not to feel sorry for this strong fan base. This team is going to miss the playoffs for an 11th consecutive season.
Winner: Chicago Blackhawks for going out and trying to make themselves immediately better by acquiring Marc-Andre Fleury, Tyler Johnson and Seth Jones. Who knows whether it will work, but the effort should be appreciated
Loser: The several teams that knew Cole Caufield was a top six draft pick and passed on him because he is 5-foot-7 on a tall day. The Montreal Canadiens took him 15th and they have a player who could score 25-plus goals and win rookie of the year this season.
Winner: Zdeno Chara for saddling up for another season even though he turns 45 in March. He’s not as dominant as he once was, but still effective.
Loser: Jack Eichel: Some will say that Eichel has contributed to his messy situation. But to me, the bottom line is that he prefers one medical treatment over another for treating his injury. He doesn’t like the team doctors’ recommendation. He got a second opinion and wants to go with it. It feels like a player should be able to make that choice, even though the CBA spells out the team makes that decision. Winner: The Lightning aren’t the favorite, but are still deep enough to make a run at being the first team in 39 years to three-peat. The Islanders are the last to do it, winning four Stanley Cups from 1980 to 1983.
Loser: Evander Kane. How many times during his career has Kane pu teammates and his team in an uncomfortable position because of his off-ice behavior? a Winner: Robin Lehner for seeing a problem with some teams allegedly improperly handing out prescription drugs to players and doing something about it.
Loser: Those who believe players should keep their mouths shut. Winner: The Florida Panthers for becoming relevant. They have a reasonable shot at winning the Stanley Cup.
Loser: The San Jose Sharks unable to address their issues because they have too many players on long-term deals.
Winner: Classy Jonathan Toews is healthy again, back on the ice, serving as captain of the Chicago Blackhawks
Loser: Folks on social media speculating on why Carey Price is taking a leave of absence from the Canadiens to enter the player assistance program. That program covers a variety of different areas. Give Price his privacy and applaud him for acknowledging he needs some help.That’s not always easy to do.