The NHL is extending its self-quarantine period for all players and team staff to at least April 15 due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in North America. This is the second time the period has been extended since the league suspended play on March 12 with the Florida Panthers three points out of a playoff spot.
While the league is shutdown on the ice, business continues to get done off it. Let’s take a look at the most recent player signings.
The Los Angeles Kings have signed forward Tyler Madden to an entry-level contract. Madden was selected by the Kings in the third round (68th overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. The 20-year-old put up 37 points in 27 games for Northeastern University this season. (LA Kings Insider)
The Arizona Coyotes have signed center Michael Chaput to a one-year, two-way contract extension. The 27-year-old played two NHL games for the Coyotes and 47 for the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL this season. (Five For Howling)
The San Jose Sharks have signed undrafted defenseman Brinson Pasichnuk to a two-year, entry-level contract. Pasichnuk spent four years with Arizona State and produced 37 points as a senior. (Fear The Fin)
San Jose also signed forward John Leonard to a two-year, entry-level contract. Leonard was selected in the sixth round (182nd overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. He scored 27 goals in 33 games for UMass (Amherst) as a junior. (San Jose Barracuda)
The Anaheim Ducks signed Slovak goaltender Roman Durny to a two-year, entry-level contract. Durny was selected in the fifth round (147th overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. He played in 13 games for the ECHL’s Norfolk Admirals this season. (Last Word On Hockey)
And finally, ESPN published The feel-good stories of the season for all 31 NHL teams. Here’s what they picked for the Panthers.
Retiring No. 1. It’s both understandable and extraordinary that Roberto Luongo was the first member of the Panthers to have his number raised to the rafters. But on March 7, his No. 1 was retired by the team, putting him in an exclusive group of athletes who have played more than 10 seasons in South Florida. “This is definitely not the end,” said Luongo, who remains an adviser for the Panthers. “Maybe it’s the end on the ice but I’m here every day. I’m at every home game. I feel like I’m part of the team still. … I’m fully invested in trying to bring whatever I can to take this team to somewhere it’s never been before.”
Can’t argue with that selection… Stay home, Stay Healthy!