[sureLoss]

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/3...tawa-senators/

Flames related:

3. With Kris Versteeg out a long time, Calgary may look for a power-play specialist and someone who brings edge to their game. They feel a little “too nice,” outside of Travis Hamonic, Micheal Ferland, Mike Smith and Matthew Tkachuk. I could see the Flames part of a growing group eying Buffalo’s Evander Kane.

14. Obviously, Buffalo has rental options with Kane and Benoit Pouliot. Kane will be highly coveted, and potential pursuers say the Sabres are looking at the 2016 Andrew Ladd and 2017 Martin Hanzal trades as comparables. Ladd went from Winnipeg to Chicago for Marco Dano, a first-round selection and a conditional pick. Hanzal’s move from Arizona to Minnesota (with Ryan White) was for a first, a second and a fourth. The Sabres feel Kane is an even better option, so they will aim higher. Buffalo fans are hoping the winger brings back a stud defender, but it’s hard to see that for a rental.

4. Loved Tkachuk’s response to his one-game suspension, coming back as an absolute force against Vancouver. Chris Johnston reported that Ray Whitney from the Department of Player Safety is expected to meet with Tkachuk to explain the problems, and once he figures out whistle-to-whistle, he’s going to be an even bigger force. There’s a lot to like about the way he approaches the game. He watches a lot of hockey, and is often one of the first guys at the rink on both game and non-game days.

He added that its not unusual for him to show up at 3:45 p.m. for a 7 p.m. game. He takes it seriously. Last week’s suspension (one game for poking Matt Martin from the bench) came because the league is still raw from having to suspend Luke Witkowski 10 games when Tkachuk jabbed at him. The NHL didn’t want to do that, but it was black-letter law. Witkowski was forced to pay a heavy financial price.

18. The bigger debate between the NHL and the NHLPA might actually turn out to be sports science. Many teams use some form of tracking for this department. Calgary, Philadelphia and Toronto are among those who use Catapult. I follow that company on Twitter, and its work is very interesting. However, there are a couple of teams that don’t use it because they are concerned about inconsistencies when the radio technology is indoors. (Catapult built its reputation with Australian Rules Football and rugby, which are played outdoors.)

Others use Kinexon. There is a lot of terrific stuff that can be accomplished: including scheduling proper rest days and better understanding of injuries. The NHLPA has long worried that this will be used against players. For example, if player X is up for a contract extension, does his GM look at the data and say, “His knee is down to 75 per cent strength compared to last season. Do we really want to do this?” Over texts with a few players, there is a sense they trust some teams more than others. Pittsburgh scored well. (I know you will ask, but they weren’t comfortable sharing which teams don’t.)

Second, who owns the data? For example, I mentioned above that the NFL uses a company called Zebra. Earlier this year, the NFL Players’ Association cut its own deal, with a wearable-device manufacturer known as WHOOP. The league does not allow them to be worn during games, although it has been reported some sneak them in under wristbands. The NBA banned similar devices during games in 2016. MLB does allow it.

With that agreement, the players can sell their own data — to make video games more realistic, for example. No doubt the league would want this as part of Hockey Related Revenue. Will the players disagree, saying, “Our bodies, our call?”

20. You can remove Carolina from that list. Tom Dundon’s purchase comes with the normal seven-year commitment to keep the team in its current location and commissioner Gary Bettman fights hard for this market.

If Arizona can’t sort out its arena situation, Houston has to be the place — to maintain the east/west balance. There are non-stop rumours about Ottawa, but those are met with firm denials. Calgary owner Murray Edwards isn’t thrilled with his current situation, but said at the board of governors meeting that the team is not for sale.

The Islanders unveiled their vision for Belmont Park at a public meeting on Sunday, and wisely won’t consider any other scenario. (The Oak View Group, which won approval to redevelop Seattle’s Key Arena, is the driving force behind this plan, too.)

Until those organizations finalize their futures, the hopefuls watch with interest. And, there is always worry about Florida. Whatever happens, the NHL has three very legitimate options for expansion/relocation. It’s been a long time since we could say that. There may not be an overwhelming desire to re-draw the map, but, if necessary, there is the ability to do it.