Here’s an open thread for discussing all matters Buffalo Sabres and NHL related for this week. Of course, you can talk about anything else you like too.
Things have been relatively quiet on the hockey front. The Jack Eichel situation seems to be in a stalemate. The Sabres still have a few RFAs to sign before the season starts. September is right around the corner, and with it – preseason, regular season hockey and more fun.
As we go through this week, let’s take a minute to honor the memory of a few hockey players we’ve lost recently. Former NHLer Jimmy Hayes has passed away at just 31 years old. Originally a 2008 draft pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the former Boston College forward played for Chicago, Florida, Boston and New Jersey. He most recently played with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
Also, a moment of respect for the three junior hockey players killed in a car crash in British Columbia over the week. Rest in peace, Caleb Reimer, Parker Magnuson and Ronin Sharma.
In other hockey news, the Calgary Flames join a shortlist of NHL teams that will require full vaccination for fans & staff of eligible age in order to attend home games. The Olympic qualifiers for select men’s teams are coming up, with Zemgus Girgensons participating for Latvia. The long-awaited Women’s World Championships are also currently being held!
Here at Die by the Blade, we’ll be kicking off our Top 25 Under 25 series this week. The series will take us through the rest of the offseason, so stay tuned to see how everyone voted! We had 487 public responses and six staff members voted, too.
As usual, you’re free to add any links to developing news items as the week goes on in the comments below.