NHL famous person roundtable – Should-see groups, summer time highlights, rule adjustments, commerce reactions

HENDERSON, Nev. — It was an eventful offseason for NHL gamers, with high-profile trades and shocking free-agent signings.

To not point out these weddings, bucket listing golf outings and scooter rides alongside the Amalfi Coast.

ESPN reporters Ryan Clark, Kristen Shilton and Greg Wyshynski caught up with over a dozen stars on the NHL Participant Media Tour close to Las Vegas final week to seek out out what offseason strikes shocked them essentially the most; preview which groups and gamers they’re most wanting ahead to watching within the 2022-23 season; uncover what NHL guidelines they’d change or remove; and what their private summer time highlights had been earlier than camps start.

What’s one of the best factor you probably did this summer time?

Trevor Zegras, Anaheim Ducks: “I went to the US Open. Superior. I noticed [Nick] Kyrgios, he is my favourite participant.”

Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks: “We had been in Michigan. We golfed rather a lot. We went to Hawai’i for a bit. We went to New York for a bit. It was enjoyable. … My brother, my dad, Zegras was there. Cole Caufield, [Dylan] Larkin. It was good. I would say Larks is one of the best golfer, then Z, then the remainder of us funnel in after that.”

Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils: “We performed a whole lot of tennis. Numerous golf. Spent a whole lot of time with mates. It was an ideal summer time. And now we’re able to go.”

Mark Stone, Vegas Golden Knights: “I had again surgical procedure, so I used to be doing a whole lot of rehab. I traveled fairly a bit. I used to be in Winnipeg seeing household and that was superior. I bought again to Ottawa the place my spouse’s from to go see her household as properly. It was a pleasant change to get again to Canada.”

Jack Eichel, Vegas Golden Knights: “I went to Hawai’i initially of the summer time. That was actually cool. It has at all times been a bucket listing factor for me. We went snorkeling, bought on the water. We did the highway to Hana. It is like a full-day tour by way of waterfalls, completely different seashores — black sand seaside, purple sand seaside. It is rather a lot much less touristy and extra cultured Hawai’i. I believed that was actually cool.”

Jonathan Huberdeau, Calgary Flames: “Clearly, I moved to a different nation. However, my nation. I moved to Canada the place I’m from. There have been a whole lot of issues emotionally happening, however it was clearly a summer time I’ll keep in mind.”

Nick Suzuki, Montreal Canadiens: “A number of stuff. Components One in Montreal. Festivals in Montreal. Comedy exhibits. It was a busy summer time, however it was enjoyable.”

Clayton Keller, Arizona Coyotes: “I used to be rehabbing [from a knee injury] all summer time, so I did not get to do something. I rented a ship on the Fourth of July. That was about it.”

Jake Oettinger, Dallas Stars: “I performed golf at Pebble Seaside. Me and my dad and a buddy and his dad. I performed with my dad rising up so this was a bucket listing factor for positive.”

Mathew Barzal, New York Islanders: “I used to be in Paris for 5 days. Liked Paris; vogue, meals, life-style. Then the Amalfi Coast for like 9 days. Simply seaside golf equipment and so enjoyable. The Mediterranean Sea is so enjoyable and exquisite. However the coolest factor that I did? I rented a Vespa and went scootering across the facet of the Amalfi Coast. Tremendous cool.”

Cam Atkinson, Philadelphia Flyers: “We at all times return to Connecticut the primary week of August to see household. We had a pleasant shock social gathering for my mother.”

Tomas Hertl, San Jose Sharks: “I took a few journeys. I went to Mykonos in Greece, which was wonderful. I used to be in Austria, too. However yearly, I take my brother and my two cousins on a visit. I shock them, and they do not know the place we’re going. This time, we flew to Manchester to look at Manchester United in opposition to Liverpool. We’re all die-hard Manchester United followers they usually gained 2-1. We had nice seats and Previous Trafford was bought out.”

Robert Thomas, St. Louis Blues: “It was my first huge summer time of weddings. I am attending to the age now the place you go to weddings. Went to a few teammates’ weddings. There may be some strain; I believe they need to ensure that their marriage ceremony is one which will get talked about for some time.”

Phillip Danault, Los Angeles Kings: “I took care of my daughter. That was the good factor. She’s 6 months outdated now. We went from one child to 2. We now have a bit of 3½-year-old, too.”

Jordan Staal, Carolina Hurricanes: “For my 1,000th sport, the fellows bought me a visit to Pebble Seaside with my brothers. I hadn’t been on the market earlier than so this was one thing particular. Actually a whole lot of enjoyable. Eric and Jared could not make it as much as the lake anyway this summer time, so this was our one probability to see them. All of our households went to Eric’s home. In order that’s 11 youngsters beneath his roof. All of the dads went flying away and the mothers someway figured it out with 11 youngsters.

“I did not hit ’em nice. I did not get to play as a lot [before the trip]. I bought there and hoped I used to be going to get fortunate, and I did not.”

What offseason NHL commerce or signing stunned you essentially the most?

Darcy Kuemper, Washington Capitals: “You realize what I might say? My fellow teammate — or former teammate I ought to say — Nazem Kadri ending up signing with Calgary.”

Zegras: “Matthew Tkachuk and Jonathan Huberdeau. That was an enormous one.”

Matthew Tkachuk, Florida Panthers: “I am unable to say the one I want to. So, none. Fairly boring summer time. Wasn’t stunned by something.”

Huberdeau: “Oh, this can be a good query! It was in all probability me, and Tkachuk, and Weegs and all these guys. I believe Calgary won that trade.”

Quinn Hughes: “You gotta go together with [Johnny] Gaudreau going to Columbus. I simply really feel such as you had been listening to Philly, New Jersey or Calgary. Then, he went there. It was type of shocking.”

Oettinger: “John Klingberg to Anaheim. It is exhausting to see him depart, clearly, We’re fairly shut. You knew the state of affairs, however it was exhausting to see him go for positive. Taking his cash at playing cards. I will miss that rather a lot.”

Barzal: “The Nazem Kadri hypothesis was all over, in order that was enjoyable to observe. We had been concerned. If you’re concerned, it makes it extra enjoyable too — ‘Is that this going to occur or not?'”

Jack Hughes: “Oh undoubtedly the Matt Tkachuk one. It was like 11 o’clock on a random day. A loopy deal.”

Atkinson: “Johnny Gaudreau. Johnny Hockey going to Columbus. It is superior. I am unable to say something dangerous concerning the group. It is the place I reside within the offseason. It is the place I will reside once I’m achieved enjoying hockey. It is nice for the group. It is higher for the town. It is unlucky we by no means bought somebody like that [when I was in Columbus].

“I keep in mind my spouse and I had been driving they usually introduced the Blue Jackets had been a darkish horse for him and I am like ‘there is no manner.’ However I’ve talked to him a bunch and I vouch for the town wherever I’m going.”

Hertl: “Gaudreau to Columbus. We’d all hear rumors about how a lot he would possibly signal for and that he may get much more cash from different groups. He bought to Columbus, which I do not suppose anybody anticipated.”

Thomas: “The most important commerce was the Tkachuk and Huberdeau commerce. That was a reasonably large blockbuster. As a hockey fan, it was fairly thrilling to see. I believe [Tkachuk] goes to like it down there, that is for positive [laughs].”

Danault: “I am going to go together with my group: Kevin Fiala. I used to be stunned by that commerce, to be trustworthy, after which we gave him seven years on an enormous contract. It is clear that [GM Rob Blake] needs to win. And Fiala is a kind of items that it is advisable to win.”

Jared McCann, Seattle Kraken: “The commerce was undoubtedly Oliver Bjorkstrand [to Seattle]. That was a steal. That man is so underrated. He is so good. We’re very, very excited to have him.”

Staal: “The Huberdeau one. You simply do not see huge names like that, with the cap and all of that enjoyable stuff, get moved. So it was very distinctive.”

Jacob Trouba, New York Rangers: “The Brent Burns commerce. Carolina made some huge strikes this summer time.”

What group — apart from your individual — are you most excited to look at this season?

Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa Senators: “Although they’re in our division, I am going to say Florida, only for private causes. I am excited to see Matthew’s success to return.”

Quinn Hughes: “I’ve a whole lot of enjoyable watching the Devils as a result of my brother’s there!”

Stone: “In all probability Florida. I am shut with Brady and the Tkachuk household and with Matthew going there, it is a complete new search for that group. I am fascinated to see how they react.”

Huberdeau: “I do not actually prefer to observe any groups.”

Suzuki: “In all probability Calgary, really. Dropping Gaudreau and Tkachuk. I believe they made a bunch of excellent strikes and there are a whole lot of good gamers there.”

Oettinger: “Ottawa. I do know Brady [Tkachuk] from Boston College. I’ve by no means gotten an opportunity to play in opposition to him, so I am excited. They have a whole lot of good younger expertise. It will be enjoyable. Perhaps not run-and-gun, however a high-powered offense.”

Barzal: “Ottawa’s fairly attractive to look at. New guys and a high-powered offense. We’ll see.”

Jack Hughes: “I am excited to look at Vancouver. I believe that they had an excellent offseason. And clearly I at all times observe Quinn. They’re going to be good this 12 months.”

Atkinson: “The Ottawa Senators and Calgary Flames. In Calgary, you eliminate a number of the finest gamers on this planet and you then usher in a few one of the best gamers. So it should be attention-grabbing to see the dynamic in Calgary. After which in Ottawa, bringing in [Claude Giroux] and Alex DeBrincat, it is good for the sport.”

Hertl: “I am excited to play in opposition to Nashville in Prague.”

Thomas: “Ottawa. They added some good items they usually have a ton of excellent younger gamers. They’ll be an thrilling group to look at.”

Danault: “I believe Montreal, my outdated group. Simply due to a number of the strikes that they’ve made. Curious to see what they are going to have and what route they are going in.”

McCann: “I at all times watch Pittsburgh play. Sid and Geno and people guys. I wasn’t stunned the band stayed collectively. They’ve achieved so many wonderful issues for that group that they deserve to remain collectively and end their careers there in the event that they select to.”

Trouba: “The Calgary and Florida commerce was such an enormous one, so it is gotta be Calgary. They had been an excellent group final 12 months and made some fairly huge adjustments.”

Which participant are you most wanting ahead to seeing on the ice this 12 months?

Kuemper: “In all probability Connor McDavid. He is essentially the most thrilling man to look at within the league. At any time when [Edmonton] is on, it is type of must-watch TV.”

Matthew Tkachuk: “I am excited to look at Johnny Gaudreau.”

Jeremy Swayman, Boston Bruins: “McDavid. He is a enjoyable man to look at. He is simply so quick. He sees the sport so properly, and also you simply perceive when he has the puck, there’s a excessive probability of an offensive probability coming. So it is cool to have that mindset understanding each time he is on the ice, you are going to be able to face a shot. That goes for each participant, proper? However particularly with him.”

Eichel: “I at all times like watching [Nikita] Kucherov. I simply love his talent. The best way he thinks concerning the sport. You by no means know what you’ll get out of him, however in a great way. He can accomplish that many issues that simply amaze you. I actually like watching him. Connor might be a reasonably cliché reply, however what he does on a night-to-night foundation is fairly unbelievable. So I actually take pleasure in watching him play as properly.”

Huberdeau: “I might in all probability say Ovechkin. He is attending to 800 objectives. I believe will probably be thrilling to observe him and see how lengthy it takes him.”

Suzuki: “I am going to say my buddy Sean Durzi in L.A. I believe he’s going to have a very good 12 months.”

Oettinger: “Mason Marchment. He is seemed good in our skates up to now, and he is an excellent man. Loves golf. Suits proper in with the boys. I believe he’ll have a very good 12 months.”

Jack Hughes: “In all probability Matty Beniers [of Seattle]. I am good buddies with him. Skate with him on a regular basis this summer time. I watched him have an awesome summer time. He is an awesome man and I believe he’ll have an awesome 12 months.”

Hertl: “It is at all times thrilling to look at the perfect gamers. The final two years, I’ve beloved watching Cale Makar play again on the D. It is not straightforward to play in opposition to him, however it’s at all times enjoyable to see him on the ice.”

Thomas: “Jordan Kyrou. He is such a dynamic participant. He can beat gamers one-on-one. He is so artistic on the market. I anticipate him to maintain getting higher and higher.”

McCann: “I at all times love watching McDavid. He is particular. When he will get the puck you may see how he finds open ice. He is simply a tremendous skater. You possibly can be taught rather a lot from him by watching him on video and the best way he skates. However some issues you may’t train.”

In the event you may take away or change one rule within the NHL, what wouldn’t it be?

Kuemper: “Eliminate the trapezoid, so I can play the puck all over the place.”

Matthew Tkachuk: “I believe 3-on-3 ought to go till anyone scores, no shootout.”

Brady Tkachuk: “The instigator rule.”

Swayman: “Eliminate a rule? I do not know. They’ve a reasonably good rule set to be trustworthy. Yeah, I do not thoughts it. I simply cease the puck! That is all I care about!”

Quinn Hughes: “Line adjustments. Like when there’s a whistle and the house group will get the final decide [to change their lines]. I really feel like a whole lot of instances, it will get sophisticated and it will get blended up. Simply go play and if there is a mismatch, there is a mismatch.”

Stone: “I do know it’s a logistical nightmare, however it will be to maintain enjoying 3-on-3 [until one team scores]. I would eliminate shootouts as properly. The explanation I say that’s we misplaced three shootouts final 12 months and missed the playoffs! I believe we’d have had a greater probability in 3-on-3.”

Eichel: “In all probability getting kicked out of faceoffs as a result of I get kicked out of a whole lot of faceoffs.”

Huberdeau: “In all probability offside. You might be wherever you need within the zone so that you need not backcheck.”

Suzuki: “Perhaps delay of sport for taking pictures the puck over the glass. I simply do not actually prefer it. It is like nobody actually tries to shoot it over the glass throughout a sport to cease the play. Perhaps if the rule wasn’t there, then guys would possibly do it. I simply really feel prefer it’s one thing you do not need to do anyway.”

Keller: “In all probability the offside assessment. Simply let it occur.”

Oettinger: “Extra definitive goalie interference guidelines. Make it extra cut-and-dry. Each play is completely different however you by no means know. They are often robust, controversial calls.”

Barzal: [When asked this question, Barzal took out his phone and began searching for a document.] “You realize what I did? I made an inventory of guidelines that I might change. Right here it’s: ‘Concepts for The Sport.’ Here is what the league must do: The league must discover a strategy to solely have two refs on the ice. The refs are in the best way on a regular basis. There must be a strategy to have the sport managed with out officers being in the best way. It is at all times taking place.”

Jack Hughes: “I hate the coaches’ challenges really. They’ve taken a couple of objectives and factors away from me. However on the identical time, it helps us on the opposite finish. It is considerably annoying, however it helps us win video games.”

Thomas: “Touring costume code. I do know it is depending on groups, however it will be good to simply put on a pleasant pair of denims and a hoodie. That will be wonderful.”

McCann: “Please allow us to change on icings. There have been some instances final 12 months after we had been on a two-minute shift and we iced the puck and it was actually shut however it was an icing. It might simply be good to get off the ice after that.”

Trouba: “Goalie interference. It is a exhausting one. Do not eliminate it, however there’s simply too many instances whenever you see one thing that you understand is a purpose or not a purpose after which it goes the opposite manner, and also you simply do not get it. Which is not good. It may possibly’t be black and white. I get that. However folks ought to come to the identical conclusion.”