Overnight Hockey Thoughts

from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet,
– Eric Francis with a good scoop on Tuesday, that Calgary called a timeout on all contract negotiations. The Flames enter Wednesday 2-6-1, 15th in the Western Conference, re-considering their approach. They were far along on an extension with Noah Hanifin, likely above Devon Toews’ number ($50.75M) in Colorado, when things broke off. That was Hanifin’s decision, as I’m not sure he’d want to commit if the Flames embark in a radical new direction.
Owner Murray Edwards attended the outdoor game in Edmonton, and you don’t need to be Sherlock Holmes to figure out why Eric’s intel came when it did. Clearly, there were conversations about how to approach the rest of this season.
-Washington’s TJ Oshie told The Associated Press’s Stephen Whyno he’d received around 100 texts from players about the cut-resistant neckwear available through his company, Warroad, which is now sold out and creating a wait-list for when back in-stock. (An executive went out of his way to praise Oshie, saying he’s not about making money on this issue, very serious about safety.) One equipment company indicated it was selling this neckwear online “every 20 seconds” and has “never seen this kind of demand.”
– Most active team behind the scenes: Vancouver. The Canucks like what they’ve seen so far. Their best players look great. They want to add, and don’t want to toss in sweeteners to do it. A hockey move with the hope to create cap room. When others are ready, they’ll be waiting.
– Sounds like the Red Wings have been working on an extension with Michael Rasmussen, who will be a restricted free agent this summer.
– Fifty-two penalty shots all of last season. Thirteen already in October.
– Terrific proposal from a team executive. If an overtime penalty expires — putting both teams back into four-on-four play — the next clear by the team that was on the penalty-kill becomes a whistle. That way, the game gets right back to three-on-three.
more Thoughts including the Ottawa Senators…