Good morning, folks. It’s possible some of my amazing fellow writers here at OTF have linked some links about Stephen Johns already, but I wanted to do so again. I was never his biggest fan when he was playing for Dallas, but his efforts to raise mental health awareness in retirement cannot be commended enough.
#MentalMiles
Stephen Johns on why he’s Rollerblading Across America – The Hockey News on Sports Illustrated
I read about Stephen Johns last week in The Athletic. Here’s a non-paywalled article about Johns and his #MentalMiles. It’s a great read (and so is the article in the Athletic-see below).
($) Stephen Johns’ journey: His NHL career over too soon, former Stars defensemen skates for a cause bigger than hockey – The Athletic
Recently retired Dallas Stars defenseman is skating across the country to raise awareness about mental health.
This is a must-read (if you can).
““Maybe I was always meant to be more than a hockey player,” Johns said. “Maybe this is how I can have an impact.””
Nashville Predators News
2021 NHL Entry Draft: June Ranking – On the Forecheck
Here’s Eric’s June Draft rankings.
Around the League
JT Brown hired by Kraken as television analyst for inaugural season
Yes. Sir.
Nieto signs two-year contract to stay with Sharks
In some news from San Jose…
Stamkos puts to rest questions about his play as Lightning seize series lead – Sportsnet.ca
Stamkos has been more injured than well, but he shut down his critics on Monday.
NHL officials losing the plot as missed penalties pile up – Sportsnet.ca
I’m all for “swallowing the whistle,” but these penalties / missed penalties are atrocious.
Canadiens heavy underdogs on Game 5 odds on road in Vegas – Sportsnet.ca
The Canadiens have been the underdogs the whole time, yes?
Montreal Canadiens Corey Perry waivers – TSN.ca
Oh?
New York Islanders Barry Trotz Mathew Barzal ejection – TSN.ca
Barzal Hat Trick Watch is on for Game 6.
Analysis: How Do the Stars Navigate the Known Unknowns in Net? – Defending Big D
Our friends at Defending Big D take a look at the Stars’ goaltending situation.
Player Grades: The Next Forwards – Hockey Wilderness
Our old friend Ryan Hartman just signed another contract with the Wild. Here’s how he grades out on Hockey Wilderness.
Maybe Drafting Goalies in the First Round Isn’t a Bad Idea – The Hockey News on Sports Illustrated
It’s not. See: Yaroslav Askarov.
Wayne Gretzky Among Famous Co-Owners of New Vegas Lacrosse franchise – The Hockey News on Sports Illustrated
There’s a clip on Twitter of Gretzky tossing around a lacrosse ball with a friend…he could probably have won lacrosse awards, too.
Colorado Avalanche and the 2021 NHL Draft – Mile High Hockey
Today I learned the Avalanche have THREE PICKS IN THE 2021 DRAFT. THREE.
Colorado Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic has a lengthy to-do list this offseason – Mile High Hockey
It’s got to be pretty disappointing in Colorado, to be honest.