Five Minute Major

*Photo from DraftKings Network*    One of the big pieces in Tampa is down for a bit. Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy underwent back surgery on Thursday and will miss at least the first two months of the season, according to the Lightning.    Vasilevskiy underwent a microdiscectomy to address a herniated lumbar disc in his back. The timeline given to Vasilevskiy keeps him out for roughly the first 20 games of the regular season. It is not expected to be a long term problem.    Tampa Bay GM Julien BriseBois said that "My understanding is that there's no concern long term. Once the surgery was a success, we expected him to make a full recovery and be back to his old self. The doctor's opinion was based on how powerful an athlete Andrei is and how flexible he is. If anything, those attributes will help him make a full recovery."    Before training camp, Vasilevskiy received an injection in his back to address the issu...

*Photo from the Daily Faceoff*     Debuting with this player's new team will have to wait a bit longer. Washington Capitals defenseman Joel Edmundson underwent surgery on his hand and will be out for multiple weeks, according to the team on Wednesday.    Washington head coach Spencer Carbery said that "It’s not ideal, definitely, team-wise and for him individually, personally. Just the timing of it, new organization and right away just getting injured. But on the bright side, it’s an opportunity for some young guys and it could have been worse."    Edmundson was acquired by the Capitals from the Montreal Canadiens in a trade this summer, with a 3rd and 7th round pick going back to Montreal as the Canadiens retained half of Edmundson's remaining salary.    In a scrimmage on Sunday, Edmundson sustained a fractured hand, and he underwent surgery to stabilize his hand. He's expected to miss 4 to 6 weeks. A 4 week return will put him out of a...

*Photo from NHLPA.com*     Someone is sticking around, and with a new honor. The Calgary Flames have signed center Mikael Backlund to a two year contract extension and have named him the franchise's next captain, according to Darren Dreger of TSN. The Flames have confirmed the signing.    Backlund said of being named captain that "This is a very special day for my family and I. Calgary is our home and to know that we will continue my playing career here is important to us. As well, the possibility to play my 1,000th game and celebrate it with our fans and the community is significant to me. I'm as equally proud to be named the captain of this historic franchise. I’m ready for the responsibility that goes with wearing the 'C' and I'm surrounded by a strong leadership group in our locker room that will help us take the next step toward winning the Stanley Cup."    Entering this season, Backlund will play out the final year of his current contra...

*Photo from CT Insider*     Another veteran is ending his career. Goalie Cory Schneider is retiring from the NHL after a 16 year career, he announced on Tuesday.    Schneider said that "I’m satisfied with kind of pushing it as far as I could and kind of leaving on my own terms. I don’t think many athletes do get to leave on their terms, so I know that’s not very common. But I think for me, seeing that I could still play at a high level and being proud of that and the fact that I felt good about myself is a better way to go out there than maybe leaving after that COVID year."    A former first round draft pick, Schneider was in the NHL for 13 seasons, including one game in 2021-2022. He spent the entire season last year with the AHL Bridgeport Islanders, playing in only one NHL game in the last 3 seasons.    Schneider broke into the league with the Vancouver Canucks, being the goalie partner of Roberto Luongo. In 2010-2011, Schneider and Luongo won...

*Photo from the Globe and Mail*     The transition is officially done. The sale of the Ottawa Senators to Toronto billionaire Michael Andlauer was approved by the NHL Board of Governors, officially completing the purchase of the team.    Andlauer said in a statement that "The Ottawa Senators Hockey Club is an amazing organization, from the players, to the staff, to the most passionate fanbase in the game. My family and I are thrilled to officially be a part of Ottawa’s team and the Ottawa-Gatineau community. Thank you to the NHL and the Melnyk family for the opportunity to make this a reality and entrusting me to steward this remarkable franchise into the future. Thank you also to my equity partners and advisors on the transaction, who like me are aligned and committed to bringing on and off-ice success to the National Capital Region. I cannot wait to get to Ottawa and get things officially started. It is an incredibly exciting time for the franchise, ...

*Photo from NBC Sports*     The transition is happening in Beantown. The Boston Bruins announced on Wednesday that forward Brad Marchand has been appointed as the team's next captain.    Marchand said of becoming captain that "I am extremely proud and honored. It means more to me than I think anyone will ever know to be able to wear a 'C' for this team. When you look at the leaders that have been here before me and the guys that I've been fortunate enough to be under, they take an incredible amount of pride. Everything that they can possibly lead into this team, they do. It's been incredible to see, but I see the work that goes into it, and I really believe that I've witnessed two of the best leaders of all time being in this organization."    Bruins center Patrice Bergeron, who was their captain for the previous 3 seasons, retired over the offseason, leaving the Bruins without a captain. That didn't last long, as Marchand, who was an alternate un...

*Photo from the Tribune-Review*     It's always trade season in hockey. The Vancouver Canucks have acquired goalie Casey DeSmith from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for forward Tanner Pearson and a 2025 3rd round draft pick, according to both teams.    Pearson's 2022-2023 season was marred by injury, only playing in 14 games before suffering a hand injury that led to multiple surgeries and an internal review of the care given to Pearson by the Canucks. He was activated off LTIR by the Canucks prior to the trade.    Montreal GM Kent Hughes said of Pearson's condition that "I can tell you that he’s already passed his physical testing in Vancouver. He’s skating. I think the strength in his injured hand is almost 80 percent. Is it 100 percent? No, but we expect that he’s going to be available to play and take part in camp. I think he’s arriving today so he’ll be on the ice tomorrow."    Last season, Pearson had one goal and 4 assists in the 1...

*Photo from Bleedin Blue*     Another C is being donned in the Midwest. St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn has been named the captain of the franchise, according to an announcement by the Blues on Tuesday.    Schenn said of being named captain that "The St. Louis Blues are a pretty historic franchise with many great leaders. If you look at the list of guys being captain of the St. Louis Blues before with the Plager brothers to Bernie Federko, the kind of era I grew up watching with Gretzky, Hull, Pronger, MacInnis. To be in history with the St. Louis Blues of being a captain with those guys is pretty special and a tremendous honor and I'm excited for that opportunity and challenge."    After Ryan O'Reilly was traded at last year's trade deadline, the Blues had been without a captain. Now, Schenn becomes the 24th captain in the history of the Blues. 7 of the Blues 23 previous captains have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.    Sche...

*Photo from Yahoo Sports*     Just as quickly as the era begun, it is over. Mike Babcock has resigned as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday after being hired by the team on July 1 amid the allegations of Babcock asking players for photos.    Babcock said in a statement that "Upon reflection, it has become clear that continuing as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets was going to be too much of a distraction. While I’m disappointed to not have had the opportunity to continue the work we’ve begun, I know it’s in the best interest of the organization for me to step away at this time. I wish everyone in the organization well in the upcoming season."    On Tuesday, it was reported by the Spittin Chiclets podcast that Babcock asked players to share private photos on their phones during meetings. It was also alleged that Babcock asked for the players' phones and displayed photos on a larger screen.    The NHLPA recently began an in...

*Photo from Sportsnet*     Another new player will be donning the C this season. Forward Adam Lowry has been named as the next captain of the Winnipeg Jets, according to the team on Tuesday.    Jets head coach Rick Bowness said that "Mark, 'Mo' and 'Low' did a great job last year taking over the room, and the communication within the room, which we were trying to achieve, it worked. So there were a couple of really good candidates. And sometimes there's no wrong answer. So this is the right choice for us right now. And was it a difficult decision? Absolutely. It wasn't one where we said at the end of the year, 'OK, Adam's our captain.' That wasn't the case at all. We had a lot of conversations over the summer with the staff, with management and everyone involved. So, ultimately we came to this conclusion."    Last season, the Jets stripped Blake Wheeler of the captaincy and bought him out this summer. Lowry, Josh Morrissey, and Mark Sch...

*Photo from All About the Jersey*    Another player is off the board before training camp. The Colorado Avalanche and LW Tomas Tatar have agreed to a one year, $1.5 million contract, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. The Avalanche have confirmed the deal.    After his 2 year deal with the New Jersey Devils expired at the end of the year, Tatar hit free agency. Over two months later, Tatar finally has a home, signing a contract with the Avalanche. Tatar will begin his age 33 season in the upcoming year.    Colorado GM Chris MacFarland said that "Tomas has been a consistent, productive player throughout his NHL career. He is a veteran winger who brings scoring depth to our middle six and can contribute at both ends of the ice. We are excited to have him under contract for this season."    Last season was Tatar's second season in a Devils uniform, helping them make the playoffs. Tatar scored 20 goals and added 28 assists, averaging 15:...

*Photo from Puck Prose*     A new team leader has been determined. The Vancouver Canucks have named defenseman Quinn Hughes as the team's next captain, according to an announcement by the Canucks on Monday.    Hughes said of becoming captain that "It means a great deal to me, especially being in a Canadian market. When I moved here five years ago and started playing for the Canucks, I knew right away what a hockey market it is and how important hockey is to the city and the market and the people in Vancouver. So to now be the captain, it's an incredible honor, something that I never even dreamed of."    By naming Hughes the captain, he becomes the 15th captain in Canucks history, and the 3rd defenseman to be the captain of the Canucks. Hughes replaces Bo Horvat, who was the captain before being traded in the middle of last season to the New York Islanders.    Last season was another big season for Hughes on the Canucks blue line. He scored 7 ...

*Photo from Howlin Hockey*     Another career has reached its end. Veteran forward Andrew Ladd on Sunday announced his retirement from the league after over a decade and a half at the NHL level.    His last season in the league came in 2021-2022. Prior to the beginning of last season, Ladd failed his physical and spent the entire year on LTIR. Ladd retires a two time Stanley Cup champion, winning in 2006 with the Carolina Hurricanes and 2009-2010 with the Chicago Blackhawks.    Ladd said in a statement on social media that "The time has come for my next chapter. When I was a kid, I never thought I had a chance to make a living playing hockey. There was my love for the game. I loved being a part of a team, I loved competing. I loved the next chance to win. I loved the challenge. I loved the escape of immersing myself in the moment. I loved the feeling of belonging. I loved the confidence it gave me. I loved to prove people wrong."    "As I ref...

*Photo from NBC Sports*     One of the kids is finally under contract just before training camp. Center Morgan Frost and the Philadelphia Flyers have agreed to a two year, $4.2 million contract, according to an announcement by the team on Thursday.    After playing out a one year deal worth $800,000, Frost was an RFA this offseason. He gets a significant pay jump with his new contract, paying him $2.1 million annually for 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. He also gets a $350,000 signing bonus for the 2023-2024 season and will still be an RFA at the expiration of the contract.    Chosen in the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft, Frost had a career year with the rebuilding Flyers. He scored 19 goals and added 27 assists for 46 points, all career highs. He set a career high in average ice time with 16:21 and had a -12 rating in a career high 81 regular season games.    With the Flyers committed to a rebuild, it will be the 24 year old Frost playing a big top 6...

*Photo from Sportsnet*     One of the young kids has his future secured for a while. The Ottawa Senators and defenseman Jake Sanderson have agreed to an 8 year, $64.4 million contract extension, according to an announcement by the team on Wednesday.    Ottawa GM Pierre Dorion said of the extension that "Jake's transition to the pro game has been flawless. He's a very mature young man who demonstrates a routine and skillful ability to play important minutes with poise. An effortless skater who holds himself to a high standard, he has the talent to be one of the best all-around defensemen in the NHL for years to come. We're very pleased to have another significant member of our core group of players under long-term contract."    For the 2023-2024 season, Sanderson will play out the last year of his current contract. That contract has a $925,000 cap hit and includes a $92,500 signing bonus and $1.85 million in performance bonuses. Sanderson was a pen...

*Photo from Yard Barker*     Another player is hanging up the skates. Defenseman Michael Del Zotto has announced his retirement from the NHL after over a decade in the league on Wednesday.    Chosen in the first round of the NHL draft in 2008 by the New York Rangers, Del Zotto made the NHL All Rookie team and finished in 8th place in voting for the Calder Trophy. He followed that up with a 12th place finish in voting for the Norris Trophy the season after.    Del Zotto said on social media that "Today is a bittersweet day. I was fortunate enough to play 14 years of professional hockey. The blood, sweat, tears, broken bones, triumph, heartbreak and sacrifice were worth every second. So were the many amazing relationships I made along the way."    Last season, Del Zotto played with the Charlotte Checkers and San Diego Gulls of the AHL, recording 41 points in 65 games. He last played in the NHL in 2021-2022 with the Ottawa Senators. That season,...

*Photo from NHL.com*     There's finally some news to talk about. The Arizona Coyotes have signed GM Bill Armstrong to a multi year contract extension, according to an announcement by the Coyotes on Wednesday afternoon.    Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo said in a statement that "For the past three years, Bill has done an excellent job restructuring our hockey operations department and rebuilding our hockey team. He has acquired elite talent through the draft, trades, and free agency, and has established a winning culture by adding a great coaching staff and other key hockey operations personnel. I am confident that under his leadership, the Coyotes will soon become a perennial playoff team and we will continue to work towards our goal of bringing a Stanley Cup to the Valley."    Hired in September of 2020 as the GM of the Coyotes, the team has gone 77-116-27 since Armstrong came in, good for the second worst record in the NHL in that time frame. They have ...

*Photo from NoVa Caps*     Another playing career has reached it's end. Veteran forward Carl Hagelin has announced his retirement from the NHL after a lingering injury has kept him sidelined for over a year. Hagelin announced the news on Wednesday.    On March 1, 2022, Hagelin was struck in his left eye by an errant stick during practice. He has not played since the incident and underwent surgery on his eye. He also had surgery on his left hip twice in the past year, and has now decided to call it a career.    Hagelin said in a statement on social media that "It's been an amazing ride but it ends here. Unfortunately, my eye injury is too severe to keep playing the game I love. I'm extremely grateful for all the memories hockey has given me and I've loved every single day of it."    Chosen in the 6th round of the 2007 NHL Draft out of the University of Michigan, Hagelin is a back to back Stanley Cup champion, winning in 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 with...