Hot Links: Wednesday, July 22

Morning, folks!

The NHL’s leading scorer — Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl — was named among the 3 finalists for the Hart Trophy yesterday. Draisaitl now has an opportunity to join an exceptional list of 10 players to win the Art Ross, Ted Lindsay, and Hart trophies in one season.

His teammates, Connor McDavid (already a member of that 10-player list) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins believe he should win all 3.

Jonathan Toews was marked ‘unfit to participate’ in Tuesday’s practice, leading to rampant speculation as every injury/COVID-19 announcement has so far. The Blackhawks could be without their captain and their starting goaltender heading into the qualification round.

The Oilers power play was arguably the best of all time this season. Can they be stopped come playoffs?

Looking at the Hart (and perhaps Lindsay) cases for all three finalists: Leon Draisaitl, Artemi Panarin, and Nathan MacKinnon.

Updates from Day 8 of Summer Camp, including Evan Bouchard skating before the main group while Philip Broberg — who Spector believes might have passed Bouchard on the depth chart after about a week’s worth of practices — skated with them.

Recent signing D Theodor Lennstrom will be heading back to Sweden after being loaned back to Frolunda, in what some are calling a surefire indication that the AHL isn’t going to be playing again in 2020.

From Us

Jonathan Toews “Unfit To Participate” In Tuesday’s Blackhawks Practice (Copper and Blue)

Leon Draisaitl Named Hart Trophy Finalist (Copper and Blue)

Hot Links: Tuesday, July 21 (Copper and Blue)

From Elsewhere

Lost In The Flood (Lowetide)

McDavid, Nugent-Hopkins Believe Leon Draisaitl Should Win Hart, Ted Lindsay (Oilers Rig)

Might One Of Their High-End Defence Prospects Be Ready To Step In To Edmonton Oilers’ Playoff Line-Up? (Journal)

Draisaitl Gets Support From McDavid And Nugent-Hopkins For Hart Trophy (Sportsnet)

Can Anybody Stop The Oilers’ Devastating Power Play? (Sun)

Have A Hart: Draisaitl Has Chance To Join Past Oilers Greats In Awards Vote (Sun)

Edmonton Oilers Camp Report: Day 8 (Oilers Rig)

McDavid Backs Draisaitl For Hart Trophy: ‘It Should Be Leon’ (Score)

What To Expect From Adam Larsson This Summer (Oilersnation)

Sportsnet Announces Broadcast Schedule For Play-In Rounds (Sportsnet)

NHL MVP Finalists: Draisaitl, MacKinnon, Panarin (ESPN)

Oilers Loan Theodor Lennstrom To Sweden (Oilers Rig)

Play-In Preview: Oilers, Blackhawks Set For High-Octane Battle (Score)

For Money

The Hart Trophy Arguments: Leon Draisaitl, Nathan MacKinnon And Artemi Panarin (Athletic)