The Bolts
Fan Rag Sports profiles 4 sophomore players who could all have highly underrated seasons. Brandon Carlo of the Boston Bruins, Artturi Lehkonen of the Montreal Canadiens, Christian Dvorak of the Arizona Coyotes, and Brayden Point of the Tampa Bay Lightning. “In his first 68 games, Point had 18 goals (fifth most among rookies) and 12 assists, and finished 10th in the Calder Trophy voting. He did all of that with a 52 percent Corsi rating, seventh best among rookies.” [Fan Rag Sports]
What if: the Tampa Bay Lightning had kept their first-overall pick in 1999? “With another bad season under their belt, the Lightning found themselves with their third first-overall pick in franchise history. Instead of using it though, the Lightning traded it to the Vancouver Canucks for the fourth-overall pick and two third-round picks. The Canucks were maneuvering themselves to draft the Sedin twins.” [Raw Charge]
Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy spoke with Lightning reporter Bryan Burns about how he’s preparing to be the guy behind the pipes for the Bolts. “I’ve got to be more consistent this season. With more games, I’ve got to continue working hard and smart.” [NHL dot com]
From that interview we were also able to get a sneak peak at Vasy’s pet calender photo shoot! “I am the lion king”
Behind the scenes w/ Andrei Vasilevskiy at the making of the upcoming #Bolts‘ pet calendar.
Vasy: “I am the lion king.” pic.twitter.com/GfDS4G7Fga
— Bryan Burns (@BBurnsNHL) August 22, 2017
Martin St. Louis has started his own investement firm with some Yale alumni, including the former Arizona Coyotes owner Keith McCullough, and ex-NHLer Jeff Hamilton. Steven Stamkos of the Lightning, as well as ex-NHLers Brad Richards, Teddy Purcell, and Ryan Malone have also joined as partners. [Seven7LLC]
Martin St. Louis Launches Investment Company with Yale Alums https://t.co/GXuE5xiFHG @mstlouis_26 @KeithMcCullough @CJRHockey @HedgeyeDJ
— Seven7 (@Seven7llc) August 22, 2017
The City
The Strategic Property Partners, group lead by billionaire Bill Gates and Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik have revealed their plans for a new “sweeping, 50-plus acre redevelopment project in Tampa’s urban core.” I must say, it looks gorgeous. [Video] [Tampa Bay Times]
The Crunch
Dan D’Uva hosted his last “In The Booth” episode on ESPN Syracuse before he heads off to work for the Vegas Golden Knights. You can find the three August 22nd clips here. Best of luck to Dan in his future endeavors!
Last day I can use this image as @Dan_DUva hosts his last “In The Booth” show on @ESPNSyracuse @BrentAxeMedia pic.twitter.com/zodQRCS30d
— Scott Thomas (@sthomasphotos) August 22, 2017
The Game
Francois Beauchemin signed a one-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks a few days ago in what was one of the most underreported signings of the summer. Beauchemin, who could make up to $1.5 million with performance bonuses produced 18 points in 81 games with the 48-point Colorado Avalanche. After playing 21:31 minutes per game fora whole season at the age of 37, it’s clear Francois still has plenty of gas left in the tank. [CapFriendly]
RFA forward might ditch the Detroit Red Wings for the KHL, according to The Athletics’ Craig Custance. “Athanasiou is a gifted young talent with electric abilities, so perhaps they’re looking for something longterm, as opposed to a bridge term. Of course, all of the specifics in this news is unclear, and according to what Custance had confirmed, what’s being offered in the KHL seems like something Athanasiou wouldn’t get in the NHL at this point in time.” [Winging it in Motown]
Andreas Athanasiou’s agent confirms KHL offer for the Red Wings restricted free agent: https://t.co/rn8cGm29et
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) August 23, 2017
