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Cannon Blasts – April 1, 2016

Just five games remain in this nightmare season. I’ve got nothing else. Let’s go to the links!

  • There are some interesting notes in this story from Mark Spector on just how the Oilers ended up drafting Nail Yakupov. Apparently the scouts voted 9-2 to select Ryan Murray first overall. Now, Yak has reportedly requested for a trade out of Edmonton.
  • The Calder Trophy race is coming down to two names. Does Connor McDavid have enough of a case even with his limited time due to injury?
  • Duncan Keith will likely face a lengthy suspension in the coming days. The reigning Conn Smythe winner delivered a vicious slash to the face of Charlie Coyle. It’s not Keith’s first time displaying disgusting hockey – he was suspended in 2012 and 2013 previously. Word is no date has been set for a hearing yet but one is coming. If I was suspension czar (contact me, Gary), I’d suspend him the rest of the regular season and the first playoff game.
  • Jimmy Vesey has pulled a Mike Reilly and caused a bit of a stir this week. David Poile does not seem to be handling it.
  • Is Kyle Palmieri really in the running for one of the final forward spots on Team USA? Scott Burnside thinks so. Of note here, he lists Cam Atkinson as competition as well. Will the Torts-Cam connection help #13? Atkinson doesn’t quite fit the mold, but his strong penalty kill showing this season has to help his cause. His goal numbers this season certainly qualify him (more than T.J. Socchi). Dubinsky could have an outside shot to be named as the fifth center behind David Backes.
  • Is the NHL heading to Mexico City?
  • Matt Souva from Buckeye State Hockey has a report from the NCAA Midwest Regional.
  • Mike McKenna (former Jacket for a minute) makes history.
  • Clarke McArthur on his concussion battle.
  • There are a bunch of NHL emails now available to the public as part of a lawsuit – the mothership has a report on it here.
  • I wrote last summer about some doors (slowly) opening for an outdoor NHL game in Columbus. Last week, Ohio State announced a friendly to be played at Ohio Stadium this summer between Real Madrid and PSG. Athletic Director Gene Smith answered questions about other events at the stadium – and the signs right now are not pointing to an NHL game there any time soon. Smith noted the unpredictable weather in Columbus (they’ve played outdoor games in California, so…) and then said they would look at a collegiate game first. He also noted how “busy” the stadium staff is (in January? really?). Mike Arace gave his thoughts on all of this for the Columbus Dispatch. To sum it up, the CBJ need to win. Then, OSU would see money from such an operation as worth the “hassle.”
  • Fan Appreciation Night is Monday, April 4th.