The Stanley Cup has returned to North America, as documented by the Keeper of the Cup, Philip Pritchard, as the Carolina Hurricanes’ championship celebration continues. Meanwhile, Alexander Nikishin spoke in a recent interview about his contract duel with the front office, and the Hartford Whalers are having a moment once again in Connecticut.
Without further ado, let’s get into this edition of the Morning Rumble.
Tracking the Stanley Cup
Completing its tour of Europe, the Stanley Cup arrived in the United States for the next stretch of celebratory days with the Hurricanes. Thursday, Jackson Blake spent his day with it in Eden Prairie, joined by fellow Minnesotans K’Andre Miller and Mike Reilly.
Alexander Nikishin Speaks About Contract Standoff
Thursday, RG Media’s Daria Tuboltseva published an interview she had with the Hurricanes’ 24-year-old defenseman, Alexander Nikishin. In the interview, they discussed Carolina’s Stanley Cup Championship, Nikishin’s relationship with head coach Rod Brind’Amour, and of course, the duel between his camp and the front office.
When asked about the rumor that he wants $8M per year, his response to Tuboltseva was simple: “More.”
You can check out the full story here – highly recommended read.
The Hartford Whalers Are Back…Kinda
Joe Lytle, HUGE Caniac!
To be fair, I cannot make assumptions of Banana Baller Joe Lytle’s NHL allegiance, but I had to slap Tripp Tracy’s classic label on him for this bit.
Last Saturday, the Indianapolis Clowns faced the Party Animals in Hartford, Connecticut, going for a series sweep in their third meeting. When Lytle went up to bat, he did so with a band blasting Brass Bonanza while wearing a Jaccob Slavin Whalers sweater borrowed from Clowns commentator, Cameron Stuart.
In an interesting turn of events, he then proceeded to smack the ball for a home run.
Nonetheless, the sweater only seemed to bring luck for that one moment, as the Clowns fell 8-1.
Interestingly, that wasn’t the only thing Hartford had recently that was Whalers related.
The Whalers Alumni weekend is currently underway, with many of the former players and personnel visiting Saint Francis Hospital Friday. Notably, one of those taking part in it – and interviewed by WTNH – is a familiar face in Carolina, Chuck Kaiton, who had also served as the radio voice of the Hurricanes up until the end of the 2017-18 season.
NHL News, Trade Talk, and National Hockey Now
San Jose Hockey Now: What a week it has been for the San Jose Sharks as they continue their busy offseason with a fresh contract for young winger Colin Graf. …They really waited until Shark Week for these signings. Sheng Peng has the full details of Graf’s new contract at SJHN!
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: In a surprise Friday move, the Pittsburgh Penguins locked down Tommy Novak with a three-year extension. Dan Kingerski put together an analysis of the deal at PHN!
ESPN: At the NHLPA Rookie Showcase, Emily Kaplan had some fun questions for the young guns in attendance – including Hurricanes prospect Charlie Cerrato.
The Athletic: Days after Cal Foote signed with the SHL’s Farjestad BK – which is coached by former Chicago Wolves head coach Cam Abbott – the team announced that they were backing out of their agreement with the defenseman.
NBC Sports: Thursday, the IIHF made the decision to extend Russia’s ban through the 2027 Men’s World Championship.
Rachel Barkley is a beat writer covering the Carolina Hurricanes for Carolina Hockey Now on Sportsnaut. Painting stories with … More about Rachel Barkley