Around The League 55: Toronto Yanks Some Lucky Balls

[Lempo]

receives 2 slices of Jets Pizza and a motivational speech by Dan Campbell, includes chewed kneecaps


receives two free palm trees and one free night at the sleaziest Miami Beach hotel of their choosing

That's my best guess here

That's probably better than what either of those guys can come up with.

 

[Finnish Jerk Train]

Torts is out. Supposedly this was agreed upon ahead of time? I don’t know, but it’s wild to me.

Vegas Golden Knights Provide Update on Team's Coaching Staff | Vegas Golden Knights

GM Kelly McCrimmon announces John Tortorella will not return following the 2025-26 season

www.nhl.com

 

[Blueline Bomber]

Torts is out. Supposedly this was agreed upon ahead of time? I don’t know, but it’s wild to me.

Vegas Golden Knights Provide Update on Team's Coaching Staff | Vegas Golden Knights

GM Kelly McCrimmon announces John Tortorella will not return following the 2025-26 season

www.nhl.com

Apparently, that was always the plan. He was literally just supposed to coach the Knights as far as he could in last year's playoffs. A real mercenary hire.

That also might explain why they didn't allow other teams to talk to Cassidy. They couldn't really hire him again, could they?

 

[Brock Anton]

Yeah, Torts always felt like a "light a fire under their asses" break glass in case of emergency option. It was never thought to be a long-term thing.

He got them within 2 wins of the Cup, so can't say it didn't work. Wouldn't be shocked if another contending team tries it next year if they're struggling going into the playoffs.

 

[Finnish Jerk Train]

Apparently, that was always the plan. He was literally just supposed to coach the Knights as far as he could in last year's playoffs. A real mercenary hire.

That also might explain why they didn't allow other teams to talk to Cassidy. They couldn't really hire him again, could they?

I was under the impression that when a coach gets fired, he’s technically still under contract but just not given any duties to perform. I might be wrong. But if that’s the case, I guess they theoretically could call him up and tell him to come back to work. I can’t imagine any of them wanting to be in the same room after everything that’s happened since the firing, though.

I think they just didn’t want to see him on the opposing bench any time soon. Most teams will give the guy the courtesy of letting him move on with his career, but we’ve learned they aren’t required to and Vegas doesn’t really care what most teams do.

 

[Stanky and Janky]

The rumors out there have been that they want their AHL coach, Ryan Craig, to take over as NHL head coach. I know Friedman mentioned that John Stevens from their current staff has the previous experience, and that Joel Ward was running some of the practices.

 

[MinJaBen]

Torts is out. Supposedly this was agreed upon ahead of time? I don’t know, but it’s wild to me.

Vegas Golden Knights Provide Update on Team's Coaching Staff | Vegas Golden Knights

GM Kelly McCrimmon announces John Tortorella will not return following the 2025-26 season

www.nhl.com

Purportedly there was language in his contract about proper disposition of corporate attire or something.

 

[HisIceness]

 

[chaz4hockey]

TSN’s top 5 offer sheet candidate (suggested $):
1) j Robertson-stars ($11.94M)
cost-two 1st, 2nd, 3rd
2) M bourque-stars ($4.7M)
cost-2nd
3) P dorofeyev-Knights ($9.5M)
cost-1st, 2nd, 3rd
4) B Hayton-Mammoth ($5.3M)
Cost-1st, 3rd
5) M Kesselring-Sabres ($4M)
cost-2nd

vpn needed if not viewing from Canada

https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/2026/06/16/the-talking-point-5-rfas-most-likely-to-be-offer-sheeted/

 

[HisIceness]

Jim Hiller to Leafs.

 

[Stanky and Janky]

Jim Hiller to Leafs.

I don't think Hiller is bad. He's just kinda boring, safe, and uninspired.

 

[TheReelChuckFletcher]

Interesting, so Buffalo uses Kesselring to trade up from 27th to 20th overall. Nice add for San Jose for relatively cheap.

 

[Stanky and Janky]

Interesting, so Buffalo uses Kesselring to trade up from 27th to 20th overall. Nice add for San Jose for relatively cheap.

Yeah, I was just coming to post on this. I guess the tough year for Kesselring didn't do any favors for his value.

But I can see why both sides would do it. SJ needs competent NHL dmen and got to keep a first. And Jarmo has always fancied himself as a high end drafter, so moving up makes some sense.

I like it better for SJ, but I get it for both sides.