NHL Insider Frank Seravalli: Answering Summers ‘Unresolved’ NHL Storylines

With September here and NHL training camps just weeks away, several major storylines remain unresolved ahead of the league’s first 84-game regular season, which begins when the Carolina Hurricanes raise their Stanley Cup banner. Interview Updates for the Red Wings GM Job The Detroit Red Wings have been without a permanent general manager since franchise icon Steve Yzerman was dismissed in mid-July. Sources say Detroit had hoped to have Yzerman’s successor in place by Labor Day, and while that deadline has already passed, there still remains a possibility that a decision could come soon. Further sources have now claimed that several candidates have reportedly emerged in the search, including Florida Panthers assistant GM Brett Peterson and San Jose Sharks assistant GM Jeff Kealty. Another intriguing name that has been discussed was included current Detroit Tigers GM Jeff Greenberg, who previously worked in hockey as an associate GM with the Chicago Blackhawks. However, despite these accounts, sources now claim that Jeff Kealty has not actually interviewed for the position, even though Detroit received permission from San Jose to speak to him. In the meantime, Yzerman continues to oversee the day-to-day operation as Detroit prepares for training camp. Whoever ultimately takes control could immediately inherit another major issue: the future of Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin. Frederik Andersen 2-Month Injury Setback Frederik Andersen’s injury could become a significantly damaging early-season storyline for the Edmonton Oilers, as they prepare to begin the campaign without their veteran goaltender. After the team already confirmed Andersen would miss their training camp as a result of an offseason training injury, further updates from my sources suggest that he could now miss up to two months of the upcoming season. Sources also indicate that Andersen’s current injury is actually related to the one he suffered during Carolina’s Stanley Cup run, which saw the 37-year-old help the Hurricanes secure 13 of the 16 victories required to win the Stanley Cup before eventually exiting the lineup with the injury. Andersen’s potential absence would leave Edmonton relying heavily instead on Tristan Jarry to rediscover his form and newcomer Devon Levi to make an immediate impact. Hellebuyck Widens List of Potential Trade Destinations Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin’s trade request has not wavered since Yzerman’s dismissal, leaving his future with his hometown team in the hands of Detroit’s next general manager. Resolving the situation will likely be Priority No. 1 for whoever takes control of the franchise. However, another major name remains on the trade market. Unlike Larkin, sources indicate Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has shown greater flexibility over his list of potential destinations, potentially opening additional avenues for Winnipeg to explore a deal. That flexibility has yet to produce a suitable trade partner, however, after Hellebuyck went public with his trade request last week in an attempt to apply additional pressure. No Progress on Quinn Hughes’ Signature Quinn Hughes’ future remains unresolved ahead of the new season, with sources indicating there has been little progress in contract talks. Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin added further intrigue when he suggested Hughes “might be into different things” than Cale Makar. His comments came after Makar signed an NHL-record eight-year, $163.2 million extension with Colorado, worth more than $20 million per season. The deal has established a new benchmark for the NHL’s elite defensemen, but Hughes continues to deliberate his future with little progress made between the two sides. The question now is whether an agreement can be reached before the season begins or whether one of the NHL’s biggest contract stories will continue into the campaign. NHL Expansion: Houston Remains Frontrunner Sources indicate that Houston has cemented itself as the frontrunner over Austin to become home to the NHL’s 33rd franchise. This update comes as the NHL continues to weigh potential expansion options in both Texas markets, after commissioner Gary Bettman announced in June that the league and the Friedkin family would spend the following six months determining where the new franchise should be based. While the NHL hopes to make an announcement in December, it seems Houston is currently in the driver’s seat as the process moves toward a decision. The post NHL Insider Frank Seravalli: Answering Summers ‘Unresolved’ NHL Storylines appeared first on Casino.org.