Litter Box Nuggets (five for reading)
- So much for keeping the band together… Barry Trotz has resigned his post as head coach of the Stanley Cup-winning Washington Capitals. As a Panthers fan, I’d like nothing more than to see the capable Trotz head back to the Western Conference. Our friends at Japers’ Rink have more on the somewhat surprising decision./
- Dave Tippett, the former coach of the Arizona Coyotes and Dallas Stars, has signed on as senior adviser for Seattle Hockey Partners LLC. Tippett was already working under President and CEO Tod Leiweke on infrastructure projects two-plus years before a franchise could begin play. It’s his first job since mutually parting ways with the Coyotes a year ago and taking last season off. Seattle is looking to become the NHL’s 32nd team and if all goes well, they could hit the ice for the 2020-21 season. (TSN)/
- As for all going well in Seattle, a public challenge has been made to the Environmental Impact Study that was recently done regarding the renovation of KeyArena that could delay the entire process and potentially push the start date for the potential team back a year. (Sonics Rising)/
- Finnish pivot Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who was No. 19 on the mid-season rankings, strong performance at the World U18 Championships in April has vaulted him up draft boards and provided this year’s Entry Draft with something that it seemed to be missing all season long, a potential No. 1 center. (NBC Sports)/
- Liam Kirk of the Sheffield Steelers is driven to become the NHL’s first UK born and trained player. It would be really cool if the Panthers take a flyer on this kid in the draft. (The Hockey News)/
Transactions
The Pittsburgh Penguins signed LW Tobias Lindberg to a one-year, two-way contact.
The Columbus Blue Jackets signed C Alex Broadhurst to a one-year, two-way contact.
The Tampa Bay Lightning signed G Edward Pasquale to a one-year, two-way contact.