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JVR: KESSEL WILL BE ‘HUGE FACTOR’ IN OLYMPICS
The Buffalo News points out Leafs sniper Phil Kessel, who had two points in six games in the 2010 Olympics in a lesser role, is now in his prime and will be an Olympic star.
“I’m sure he’s going to be a huge factor in the tournament,” said linemate James van Riemsdyk, who will also make the U.S. squad. “You have a little bit extra room to operate and make a play and to skate in. That’s the key. If you can’t skate with the 15 feet extra of ice, you’re basically ineffective out there. When you have that game-breaking speed that he has, it’s a huge advantage.”
JVR offered this off-ice observation of Kessel: “He’s not quiet around us. Maybe outwardly to you guys he is, but he’s a fun guy to be around. He’s a character and a piece of work, to say the least.”
REPORT: HOWARD LIKELY JOINING QUICK, MILLER FOR TEAM USA
The Detroit Free Press reports that a person with knowledge of the Team USA selection process told the media outlet on Sunday that it looked good for the inclusion of Red Wings netminder Jimmy Howard among the Olympic team’s three goaltenders.
Howard has been sidelined with a knee sprain, but is expected to be available to play Monday.
FLAMES’ STAJAN IGNORES TRADE TALK
The Calgary Sun notes the NHL’s Christmas trade freeze is over, meaning Flames president of hockey operations Brian Burke – still searching for a new GM – could make a trade any time.
“You can’t think about it,” said Flames centre Matt Stajan. “The sport we play and the business we’re in, things happen that are beyond our control. The only thing we can control is coming to the rink and playing. If something’s going to happen, it’s going to happen no matter when, so as players we come to the rink, be a good teammate and play hard. “My mindset’s never changed and during a roster freeze, it doesn’t change. You have to ignore the stuff going on outside.”
More Stajan: “If the situation plays out and they want to keep me here past this year, for sure my family and I hope for that,” Stajan said. “We love Calgary. But, we also understand it’s a business and it can go the other way. It’s just the way it is.
“But you can’t over-think it, just prepare yourself, play hockey and everything else will take care of itself.
“I think we’ll take it day-by-day and see what direction the team wants to go. We’re the players and we play, and management’s going to make decisions they think are best for the organization. As players, we just have to do our job, be a good player for the organization. I don’t think any changes with who’s GM or who’s running the team changes that. Management’s going to be in the spot to make tough decisions.”
JAGR DOESN’T REGRET YEARS IN KHL
The New York Times takes the position that New Jersey Devils winger Jaromir Jagr’s place on the career scoring lists is impressive, yet he might be standing higher — behind only Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe — if he had not spent 2008-9 through 2010-11 with Avangard in the K.H.L.
“I’m never going to look back and complain about whatever I did,” Jagr said when asked if he had any regrets about the choice to leave. “At that time I thought it was the right way to do it.”
Jagr continued: “Who knows if I’d be playing hockey right now if I didn’t go to Russia? I played less games there. I had a chance to see my parents; they’re getting pretty old, so I figured it’s the right thing to do.”
Jagr, who will turn 42 at the Sochi Olympics, also reiterated something he mentioned earlier this season: he hopes to play in the 2018 Olympics as well.
AVS’ MACKINNON FOLLOWING TOP PICKS’ PATH
Terrific profile of Colorado Avalanche rookie Nathan MacKinnon, the No. 1 pick in the 2013 draft, in The Denver Post.
Avs winger P.A. Parenteau: “He’s got special talent. He’s pretty big, plus he’s so fast and skilled. He can become the total package.”
Also: “Nate is still learning the things that J.T. (Parenteau’s former teammate and also a No. 1 pick, John Tavares) had to go through,” Parenteau said. “It takes some time. This is the toughest league in the world. But he’s going to get there. It’s scary how good he is already, and when you think that he’s barely 18, I mean, he’s going to be something when everything matures a little more.”
MacKinnon said he got a big learning experience Friday night in Chicago, watching Patrick Kane play.
“I know I have the tools. I just have to get some experience and the game will eventually slow down for me. You look at a guy like Kane, and it seems like he’s at that (stage) now,” MacKinnon said. “I guess the one decent part about losing 7-2 is you get to watch some Chicago guys do their thing, and, like with Kane, how he controls the play and how, when he comes into the offensive zone, he’s very patient, doesn’t rush anything. That’s something I think I learned something from.”
WILD TO PURSUE VANEK?
The St. Paul Pioneer Press suggests to readers that Thomas Vanek’s ties to the Minnesota area, combined with more salary cap space opening up, mean the Wild are expected to give serious consideration to signing the pending unrestricted free agent this summer. But for now, Vanek, who was traded to the Islanders earlier this season, said he’s enjoying his time with the Isles.
“I’ve enjoyed this team,” Vanek said. “Obviously, losing sucks. But I feel like we’ve been playing good hockey, just not closing out games. As far as my teammates and the organization, they’ve been great to me. I’ve enjoyed my time on the Islanders.”
CLOWE FIGHTS DESPITE CONCUSSION HISTORY
Fire & Ice illustrates how New Jersey Devils winger Ryane Clowe said the fight Friday against Matt Carkner in Clowe’s return to game action was “just reaction.” He wasn’t thinking about how he was coming off what he classifies as his second concussion in nine months.
“When you’re going through it, I guess I was like, ‘I’d rather not get hit in the face here,’” he said. “So, I don’t think I got hit or anything. I don’t know. Maybe there were a few people holding their breaths, probably.”
Devils coach Pete DeBoer: “You’re concerned for him. You give him a lot of credit. Considering what he’s gone through to jump right into something like that, and he wasn’t picking an easy opponent there either, it says a lot about his character and how bad he wants to contribute.”
RETURN TIMELINE CLOUDY FOR SHARKS’ TORRES
Two quotes of note from Sharks winger Raffi Torres, who continues to rehab from a torn ACL in his right knee.
On any potential timetable, via The Mercury News: “Trying to get that out of my head. Just worry about the next day and tomorrow, and hopefully wake up feeling ready to go and have another good practice. It’s when you wake up and feel a little sore that you can’t do as much.”
Via CSNBayArea.com, on when asked if he could say he’ll return this season: “Today, yeah, I’d say I come back this year, for sure.”
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