Hockey cards, collectibles and culture
I didn’t pick the best week to go on vacation. While I was gone, the Blackhawks scandal developed in full, and Jack Eichel was finally traded. I’ll lead off with both of those topics in this column. As usual, I’ll share my thoughts on a few other notable stories across the NHL.
Happy Monday!
Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: Blackhawks Scandal Continues and Jack Eichel Gets Traded”
We enter week two of NHL games and my fantasy hockey team looks better than ever. My takes this week have some variety. From players with damaged reputations, extensions, and major business deals, these takes have it all.
Happy Monday!
The 2021-22 NHL season has officially begun. It’s been an exciting first week. The Seattle Kraken took the ice for the very first time as an NHL team. NHL GMs decided to get some last-minute work in signing a few massive extensions, too. So many extensions in fact I won’t be able to get to all of them this week. I will provide my two cents on the Kraken, one extension, as well as a few other notable stories around the NHL.
Happy Monday!
Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: The 2021-22 Season is Underway”
The day we’ve been waiting for is almost here. The 2021-22 NHL season starts on Tuesday at 7:30 pm EST when the puck drops in Tampa Bay as the Lightning take on the vising Penguins. In addition to looking at the upcoming season, I’ll also look at a massive contract extension, and a few very notable injuries.
Happy Monday and let’s get this season started.
Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: The 2021-22 Season Starts Tomorrow”
This week’s set of takes is all about extensions. With training camp beginning, many teams did some last-minute negotiating, signing superstar players and coaches to new deals.
Other than the many extensions, I’ll share my thoughts on an injury that makes me sad and a cool new initiative down in the desert.
The Kirill Kaprizov standoff has ended. The Russian-winger will suit up with the Wild this season after signing a massive extension. That will be my first take of the week. I’ll also report on new jersey patches, the league’s outlook on full arenas, and a few other interesting tidbits.
Happy Monday!
Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: Kaprizov Locked Down in St. Paul”
Welcome back to my column. One day late but better late than never. This week, I’ll lead with the Arizona Coyotes on the verge of homelessness after this season. I’ll also share my thoughts on one NHL coaches’ quest for new work as well as a few player milestones.
Happy Tuesday!
Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: Coyotes in Search of a New Home”
It’s been a slower few weeks around the NHL and hockey community. It gives me some time to catch up on a few of the major stories that dominated headlines over the last week or two. This week, I’ll address a few notable extensions, EA Sports’ NHL 22 cover star, and unfortunate death in the hockey community.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: Auston Matthews Named NHL 22 Cover Athlete”
I took a two-week hiatus but I’m back. Hockey news did not stop while I was away. The most notable news was that the NHL will allow the players to return to the Olympics in 2022. That’s incredibly exciting. In this week’s column, I’ll also explore some offer sheet drama, one of my favorite uniforms, and an unfortunate retirement.
Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: NHL Players Return to the Olympics”
As the offseason continues to roll on, it gives the NHL time to get their affairs in order, too. Last week, the NHL released its vaccination requirements for all league and team personnel. I’ll start with my thoughts on those requirements this week. As promised, the remainder of my takes will examine some major offseason transactions over the last week or two.
Happy Monday!
Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: NHL Releases Vaccination Requirements”
