#Gophers rookie forward Casey Mittelstadt has been named one of three finalists for the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. pic.twitter.com/3TMmCW4d3t
— Minnesota M Hockey (@GopherHockey) March 7, 2018
Casey's third PPG of the weekend has the #Gophers within one. pic.twitter.com/BxqI6yX9Z9
— Minnesota M Hockey (@GopherHockey) March 4, 2018
Clowns to the left of me. Jokers to the right. Here I am. Stuck in the Mittel with you.
Casey Mittelstadt has made quite a name for himself, hasn't he?
From Minnesota high school hockey legend to USHL star to NCAA freshman phenom and Team USA junior star, Mittelstadt continues to blaze an impressive path across the USA.
Next stop: The National Hockey League.
Mittelstadt has next level skill and speed. He's the total package of power, precision and power. Buffalo Sabres fans are salivating at the prospect of Mittelstadt lighting it up on Jack Eichel's wing next season.
Yes. Next season.
I see the kid playing one season at the University of Minnesota then transitioning to the NHL. There is no doubt that Mittelstadt will provide sunshine on cloudy Buffalo days.
Today, the former "Mr. Hockey" in the State Of Hockey, has been named one of three finalists for the Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
The Big Ten award winners and All-Big Ten teams will be announced next Tuesday.
Mittelstadt ranks second among Gophers this year with 30 points (11 goals, 19 assists) in 34 games with the Gophers, one point shy of the team’s scoring lead. Mittelstadt ranks tied for sixth among all NCAA freshmen with 30 points.
The 2017 first round draft choice (8th overall) of the Buffalo Sabres was the MVP of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships tourney played in Buffalo earlier this year. Mittelstadt was one of the engines that drove Team USA to a bronze medal at the WJCs.
Mittelstadt scored four goals and seven assists in seven games.
The Minnesota Gophers are not assured a berth in the NCAA tournament. The official bracket will be revealed on March 18. In the event that Mittestadt and the Gophers are sent home, playing for the Rochester Americans may be a possibility for Mittelstud. Sabres GM Jason Botterill has said that he intends to meet with Mittestadt and his agent once his freshman season comes to a conclusion. Mittestadt may opt to play another season at Minny. He may opt to turn pro. Either way, Botterill and the Sabres organization will support his decision.
***
It didn't take Evander Kane long to endear himself to his new San Jose Sharks teammates.
In three games played, Kane made contributions in all three zones. The power trio of Kane-Pavelski-Donskoi has been the hottest line in the NHL since the February 26 NHL trade deadline. Kane-Pavelski-Donskoi have combined for 16 points and a combined +15 rating.
Kane has scored five points in three games, including four assists. He's averaging 18:23 TOI per game. He's playing at 5v5, PP, and PK.
Kane scored his first goal as a Shark against Columbus. The team mic'd up Kane for the Blue Jackets game.
Get mic'd up, score a goal.
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) March 8, 2018
The new guy @evanderkane_9 knows how it's done. pic.twitter.com/o606NcOmV6
****
Shocking news out of Raleigh.
With his team fighting tooth and nail to secure an Eastern Conference wild card berth, new Carolina Hurricanes owner, Tom Dundon, has relieved Ron Francis of his duties as general manager. The Canes are four points out of a playoff spot. Do the players and coaches really need to be distracted by a GM "reassignment">
He with the gold makes the rules, eh, Dundon?
The new owner is not a fan of his team's empty building nor the lack of enthusiasm and hockey buzz in The Triangle.
Francis, 55, will remain with the Canes as the president of hockey operations.
Dundon will perform an exhaustive search to find his new GM. The new GM will be reporting directly to Dundon, who is seeking to restore the Canes to their past glory. Dundon is now selling Hartford Whalers gear at his team's souvenir stands.
"Since I took control of the team, I've had a good chance to be around and assess the operations," said Dundon. "There are a lot of good people working in the organization, but I feel that a change in direction is needed when it comes to hockey personnel decisions. Ron is a smart and talented hockey man. I am glad that he will continue to be a part of the team, serving in this new role."
It would not surprise me at all if Dundon is looking to hire former Hartford Whalers star forward and current Tampa Lightning Assistant General Manager/Director of Player Personnel Pat Verbeek to replace Francis as Canes GM. Verbeek's stock has risen dramatically in recent years as he has assisted Steve Yzerman in building the Stanley Cup contending juggernatut that is the Lightning. Verbeek is in his seventh season with the Tampa Bay Lightning, his sixth as assistant general manager. He was hired by the Lightning as director of professional scouting in June 2010 and then named assistant general manager on July 1, 2011. Verbeek oversees all of the team's professional scouting operations, aids in player procurement and reports directly to the general manager.
Francis, 55, is in his 12th season in management with the Hurricanes and has served as executive vice president and general manager for four years. Prior to his appointment as general manager, Francis served as Canes' VP of Hockey Operations. Francis also did stints as Hurricanes' director of player development, assistant general manager and assistant coach.