Hot Links: Monday, July 27

Morning, folks!

It feels like it’s finally happening, with NHL teams officially entering their hubs yesterday, we’re well and truly on the way to resumption now.

Instagram stories hit the internet from NHL players like Nashville’s Matt Duchene that showed pictures of his family waiting for him in his Edmonton hotel room, which surely was a nice touch by the powers that be. Some of these guys could be away from their loved ones for quite awhile.

Peter Chiarelli’s name was in the press yesterday. No, he was not escorted out of a Wendy’s like you might have thought, but instead is apparently among the candidates to replace John Chayka in Phoenix. Could you imagine? Poor Taylor Hall.

The Athletic’s beat writers for the Oilers and Hawks sat down to discuss the narratives, scouting reports, and “X-Factors” for their qualification series.

Yesterday, the Oilers finalized their Phase 4 roster, featuring 18 forwards, 10 defensemen, and 3 goaltenders.

Lowetide took a look at the Oilers’ prospect pipeline over the past three years and whether it has improved any over that span.

A so far unsubstantiated, but still ‘out there’ rumor involving Jesse Puljujarvi surfaced this weekend: that SC Bern of the Swiss National League are showing interest in signing him.

The Oilers went through the paces one last time on Saturday with the Colby Cave Memorial Scrimmage. All players wore Cave’s #12 on their backs on sweaters that will be auctioned for charity. All proceeds will benefit the Colby Cave Memorial fund, which aims to help communities via mental health initiatives and increasing access to sport for underprivileged kids. CLICK HERE TO DONATE.

We welcomed a new contributor over the weekend, bituman. As his first official post as a contributor, he stepped out on a thin limb by suggesting — via objective analysis — that Mike Smith was better than Mikko Koskinen last season. Where do you stand?

In other news, the Blackhawks welcomed Corey Crawford into training camp, just in the Corey of time, too, with Chicago set to travel to Edmonton shortly after. Looks like Crawford might play after all. What does this mean for Edmonton? Brent Seabrook, however, will not be joining the team for resumption.

That’s a mouthful, alright, but it was a busy weekend. It’ll be a busy week, too, as the qualifying rounds kick off in proper on Saturday, with exhibition games in both Hub Cities before then. Stay alert, it’s happening.

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From Us

SCRIMMAGE THREAD: Edmonton Oilers -vs- Edmonton Oilers (Copper and Blue)

Why Smith is better than Koskinen (Copper and Blue)

Hawks Defenceman Brent Seabrook Will Not Enter The Hub (Copper and Blue)

From Elsewhere

Monday, Monday (Bah-Da, Ba-Da-Da-Da) (Lowetide)

Could Peter Chiarelli Wind Up In Arizona? (Oilersnation)

Oilers Announce Roster For Phase 4 Of NHL’s Return To Play (Sportsnet)

Despite A Very Short Runway, Edmonton Oilers Ready To Take Flight (Sun)

Could Jesse Puljujarvi Be On His Way To Play In Switzerland? (Oilersnation)

Sunday Morning Notes (Lowetide)

Edmonton Oilers Honour Teammate Colby Cave In Memorial Scrimmage (Sportsnet)

Edmonton Oilers Set For Once-In-A-Lifetime Bubble Experience (Sun)

A “Prickly”, Slighted, And Motivated McDavid Is Dangerous (THW)

Blackhawks’ Crawford Rejoins Team For First Practice Ahead Of NHL Restart (Sportsnet)

Oilers Scrimmage July 25, 2020 (Lowetide)

31 Thoughts Podcast: Building The NHL’s Bubbles (Sportsnet)

For Money

Breaking Down Storylines, Scouting Reports And X-Factors For Blackhawks-Oilers (Athletic)

2020 NHL Qualifying Round Preview: Oilers Vs. Blackhawks (Athletic)

Lowetide: Oilers’ Productive Prospect Pipeline A Welcome Change For Playoffs (Athletic)

Oilers Scrimmage: Colby Cave Gets Maurice Richard Treatment In Fitting Tribute (Athletic)