Some notes about today. As we mentioned yesterday, we are upgrading the commenting system today. The one downfall is that all comments prior to the switchover will disappear for a bit. They will be eventually restored, but any discussion taking place when the switch is thrown will vanish into the ether.
Due to that little inconvenience we will hold off publishing today’s Top 25 Under 25 until a little later in the day.
Let’s dive right into the links today.
Max Cajkovic checks in at the 16th spot in our Top 25 Under 25 countdown. He has the abilities to be an NHL player, but can he keep his aggression under control and stay out of problems? [Raw Charge]
He’s very dynamic offensively and can punish the opposite side on counter attacks as his ability to quickly accelerate his speed allows him to leave the opponents behind him. He’s a very creative player, but not a passer, preferring to take a shot anytime he has a chance. His defensive abilities however need to be improved, if he seriously thinks about the NHL.
Mari Faiello delves a little deeper into the story of Avery Winslow, the local hockey product currently skating at the Lightning prospect camp. [Tampa Bay Times]
Some videos from Day Two of the prospect training camp:
Jack Finley says that playing for Syracuse last season was “awesome”. He’s looking forward to taking some of the lessons he learned last year back to juniors this season.
Gabriel Fortier is working to be “more confident with the puck” and is more relaxed in his third training camp. He is looking forward to the upcoming games.
Patrick Maroon had his day with Cup and he took it to his hometown of Oakville, just south of St. Louis. [KDSK.com]
“The inspiration part is never give up. Sitting in your classroom, a kid from Oakville High School didn’t know what his dreams were at the time, all I knew is I wanted to play in the NHL and obviously it was a lot of work and dedication and preparation. These kids… just never give up,” Maroon said. “There’s always an opportunity for you. It doesn’t matter how old you are. It could start in the classroom today or in college or after college. Never give up on you dreams because your dreams are always waiting for you, you just never know when you’re going to accomplish it.”
A back-to-back run for the ages. ⚡️
Take a never-before-seen look into the 2021 Playoffs this Saturday night at Tampa Theatre with special guests Jon Cooper, Victor Hedman, & Alex Killorn!
🎟️ https://t.co/6pwgz9iAgk pic.twitter.com/xTYbDGtkAP
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) September 15, 2021
Old friend Tyler Johnson is getting his jersey retired. No, his iconic number 9 isn’t rising to Amalie Arena’s rafters just yet, but on February 4th, 2022, the Spokane Chiefs will retire it [On Tap Sports].
The jersey retirement ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 4, when the NHL is on a break for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China. The timing of the ceremony will allow Johnson to attend the event in person.
Johnson wore No. 9 because his mother, Debbie, wore it. Ryan Whitney’s No. 14 is the only other number retired by the Chiefs.
