A summary of insights from the hockey week, covering both significant and lighter topics, and exploring various team aspects. Just like Commissioner Bettman`s fondness for the current playoff structure, we delve into the heart of the game.
1. Despite playing only 39 games with the Philadelphia Flyers, seasoned NHL player Erik Johnson formed a strong bond with Scott Laughton, considering him “one of my closest friends I’ve ever made in hockey.”
Their connection was immediate and profound. They consistently shared meals before away games.
Johnson expressed sadness when Laughton was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 7th. Subsequently, Johnson himself was traded to Colorado. Coincidentally, the Maple Leafs and Avalanche were soon scheduled to play each other.
Laughton and Johnson ended up on the same flight to Denver, using the time to discuss and process their recent trades and the changes they brought.
Colorado had a clear understanding of what they were getting in Johnson, given his prior history with the Avalanche.
However, questions arose about what Toronto had acquired by giving up a first-round pick and promising prospect Nikita Grebenkin for Laughton.
“He’s the kind of player you want on your side. A true team player. He’s ready to do whatever it takes for the team to succeed. Versatile in all situations. Effective on both penalty kill and power play. Good at faceoffs. A strong leader,” Johnson stated. “A genuinely great person. I will really miss him. The Maple Leafs definitely gained a valuable asset.”
