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In case you missed it, Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Maxim Cajkovic was sent home from Slovakia’s World Juniors selection camp for disciplinary reasons following dirty hits on his potential teammates during scrimmages. Cajkovic apologized on his way out the door, but while this is apparently not the first time, we hope it is the last.
Today, Šimon Čop reported that Cajkovic caused 18-year-old Samuel Krajč a concussion along with another incident during the camp. Krajč had to leave the camp bubble because of his injury and thus won’t be allowed to play in the tournament.
Teams will be getting their final official tests today and flying out early this week for Edmonton.
My sources say Maxim Čajkovič caused Samuel Krajč a concussion in the first scrimmage in Slovak U20 NT preparation camp. He probably did something else, but I cannot confirm it.
— Šimon Čop (@simiinko_97) December 6, 2020
It is a reason why the coaches decided to excluded him from the team (and an open secret, I guess)
It’s a shame that this happened at all, especially since Cajkovic was essentially a lock to make the team on the first line while Krajc seemed to only be in the mix for a bottom-six spot. Cajkovic took that opportunity away from both of them. It sucks.
Also in WJC news, final cuts are going to be made today. Translation, final COVID-19 test results will be conducted and those who test positive will not be making the flights to Edmonton. Team USA had reportedly already lost a few players to positive tests. I have a bad feeling today is going to be really ugly.
Hearing a trio of Boston University players will not be joining @usahockey at the World Junior Championship training camp as expected. F Robert Mastrosimone, D Alex Vlasic, and G Drew Commesso are out. Related to Covid protocols.
— Jeff Cox (@JeffCoxSports) December 6, 2020
Quick distraction! Cupcakes!
Wow, that is quite the dessert tray!#StanleyCup parties are always the best parties. @TBLightning @nhl@HockeyHallFame pic.twitter.com/mP1E8fPMmD
— Philip Pritchard (@keeperofthecup) December 6, 2020
Three more teams have opted out of the ECHL season. Tracey is going to have more at the site later, but the league is down to 15 teams with the Fort Wayne Komets and Toledo Walleye yet to make their in/out decision.
ECHL News - Expect the league to announce that the Cincinnati Cyclones, Idaho Steelheads and Kalamazoo Wings will not play this season.
— Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek) December 6, 2020
Iggy!!!!
Boston TV station appears to unknowingly interview Jarome Iginla during snowstorm coverage https://t.co/gRpSnCTpwT
— RMNB (@russianmachine) December 6, 2020
Finally, in NHL news, neither sides knows what a clock is and why there’s a sharp ticking noise going on in the background. Time is running out and the NHL and NHLPA are still bickering over player contract pay arrangements. There is still a season to plan and nothing has gotten done! January 1st is long out of the question.
Another day of talks between the NHLPA and the NHL and you can expect more in the next few days. Goal is to have a season starting around January 15. For that to happen, a deal needs to be done in the next week.
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) December 7, 2020
NHL teams can’t opt out of a season. It was written in the CBA made over the summer. And yet, Jeremy Jacobs is throwing stuff around the board room.
For weeks I've been hearing about #NHLBruins owner Jeremy Jacobs spearheading a group of owners who are OK with no 2020-21 NHL season. @NYP_Brooksie said he's hearing the same. No comment from B's yet. This is a developing story I'll hopefully have more on at @BOSHockeyNow soon. https://t.co/6kyC6bGtXx
— MurphysLaw74 (@MurphysLaw74) December 6, 2020