History of the National Hockey League (2017–present) explained

The National Hockey League (NHL) began its second century in 2017. Since 2017, the NHL has added three new teams, with the Vegas Golden Knights, Seattle Kraken, and Utah Hockey Club joining the Western Conference. The COVID-19 pandemic was a major disruption to the league during the 2019–20, 2020–21 and 2021–22 seasons. The NHL played games without spectators, in controlled conditions. The Arizona Coyotes indefinitely suspended operations following the 2023–24 season, becoming the first team to do so since the Brooklyn Americans in 1942; the team's hockey assets, including its roster and coaches, were transferred to the newly-founded Utah franchise. This era saw the emergence of Connor McDavid as a superstar, becoming the first player in nearly 30 years to record 150 points in a single season,[1] among other accomplishments.

Background

Prior to 2017, the NHL's last expansion was in 2000, adding the Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild to bring the number of teams to thirty. After the Atlanta Thrashers relocated to Winnipeg in 2011, sixteen of the teams in the league were in the Eastern time zone, and the conferences remained balanced with fifteen teams each until the league realigned in 2013. Following the realignment all sixteen teams in the Eastern time zone were placed into the Eastern Conference and the remaining fourteen teams were placed in the Western Conference, leaving the conferences unbalanced. Beginning in 2013, the NHL started hearing from groups interested in getting an NHL franchise. Interest was shown from groups in Seattle, Kansas City, Las Vegas and Quebec City.[2] Groups in the west were favoured by the NHL so as to even out the team distribution. Seattle did not have an arena, while Las Vegas and Quebec City were building new rinks.[2] In June 2015, the NHL announced that it was officially considering expansion and set an application deadline for July 20, 2015 for teams to begin play in 2017. Prospective teams had to pay to apply, of which $2 million was refundable.[3] Las Vegas and Quebec City progressed to stage two of the process in August 2015.[4] Ultimately, only Las Vegas was approved by the league's Board of Governors on June 22, 2016,[5] to pay an expansion fee of .[6] Las Vegas was not considered to be a hotbed for ice hockey.[5] To ensure the new team's success on the ice and attendance, the NHL made more players available in the expansion draft from the existing teams. This led to a large number of trade deals by Las Vegas, as existing teams sought to protect players strategically. The shorter lists of protected players meant high-profile players such as Marc-Andre Fleury, James Neal, Eric Staal and Sami Vatanen were available for selection in the expansion draft.[7]

The second century

Vegas and Seattle additions

In 2017, the Vegas Golden Knights joined the NHL, increasing league membership to 31 teams.[8] In their first season as a franchise, the Golden Knights became an immediate success, capturing the Pacific Division title en route to an appearance in the 2018 Stanley Cup Finals, a feat never seen before in North American professional sports.[9] However they lost the series 4–1 to the Washington Capitals, losing four straight games after a 6–4 victory in the first game.[10] Vegas returned to the Finals in, defeating the Florida Panthers four games to one to win their first Stanley Cup, and becoming the second-fastest expansion team to win their first Cup.[11]

On December 4, 2018, it was announced that a team in Seattle, later named the Seattle Kraken, would be the 32nd team in the league.[12] Upon debuting in 2021, the Kraken joined the Pacific Division, with the Arizona Coyotes moving to the Central Division.[13] After a dismal inaugural season that saw them finish near the bottom of the league, the Kraken reached the playoffs for the first time in their second season, defeating the defending champion Colorado Avalanche in the first round before falling to the Dallas Stars in seven games in the second round.[14]

Multiple first–time champions, Boston's historic season, and Floridian success

The six–year streak of a Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks, or Los Angeles Kings Stanley Cup win came to an end in . The Washington Capitals, not seen in the Stanley Cup Finals since their loss to the Detroit Red Wings in, won their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, defeating the aforementioned Golden Knights in five games.[10] In, the St. Louis Blues, who had not made the Finals since, won their first Stanley Cup championship, defeating the Boston Bruins in seven games.[15] As previously mentioned, the expansion Golden Knights also won their first Stanley Cup in 2023, becoming the second-fastest expansion team to win the Cup.The season saw the Tampa Bay Lightning record one of the most successful regular seasons in NHL history; in their Presidents' Trophy-winning campaign, the team's 62 wins tied the Detroit Red Wings' then-NHL all-time record,[16] with Nikita Kucherov's 128 points then the most in a single season during the salary cap era.[17] However, the team suffered a humiliating first-round playoff exit, being swept by the wild card Columbus Blue Jackets in one of the largest upsets in NHL history,[18] [19] and becoming the first Presidents' Trophy winners to be swept in the first round.[20] However, the team subsequently rebounded, defeating the Dallas Stars to win the Stanley Cup the following year, after a pandemic-shortened season and modified playoff format.[21] The Lightning then repeated as champions in the similarly-shortened and modified season, defeating the Montreal Canadiens in the Stanley Cup Finals.[22] Tampa Bay additionally reached a third consecutive Stanley Cup Finals in, but lost to the Colorado Avalanche in six games.[23]

The year after the Lightning's second consecutive Stanley Cup victory, the cross-state Florida Panthers won the Presidents' Trophy for the first time,[24] despite head coach Joel Quenneville resigning early in the season as a result of the 2010 Chicago Blackhawks sexual assault scandal.[25] The Panthers would go on to win their first playoff series in 26 years, defeating the Washington Capitals in the first round in six games,[26] before being swept by the Lightning in the second round.[27] The following offseason, the Panthers hired Paul Maurice as head coach,[28] and traded for Calgary Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk.[29] After narrowly making the playoffs as a wild card, the Panthers upset the heavily-favored, record-breaking Boston Bruins in the first round in seven games, despite facing a 3–1 deficit.[30] Florida would reach the 2023 Stanley Cup Finals, their first since 1996,[31] [32] but fell to the Vegas Golden Knights in five games.[33] After defeating the Lightning in the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs, the Panthers returned to the Finals the following year, marking the fifth consecutive Finals featuring a Florida-based team.[34] Despite nearly blowing a 3–0 series lead, the Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers in seven games to win their first Stanley Cup.[35]

In the same season as the Panthers' wild-card run to the Finals, the 2022–23 Boston Bruins recorded statistically the greatest regular season campaign in NHL history. Winning the Presidents' Trophy for the fourth time, Boston's 65 wins and 135 points both set new NHL records,[36] surpassing the 62 wins shared by the aforementioned 1995–96 Detroit Red Wings and 2018–19 Tampa Bay Lightning and 132 points held by the 1976–77 Montreal Canadiens.[37] [38] The team set multiple other records as well, becoming the fastest team to 100 points and 50 wins in NHL history,[39] [40] as well as setting a new record of 14 consecutive home wins to start the season.[41] Despite this, and like the 2018–19 Lightning, the Bruins suffered a first-round elimination to the Panthers, despite holding a 3–1 series lead four games into the series.[42]

Further outdoor games

During the NHL's 100th anniversary celebrations in 2017, two one-off outdoor games were held in Eastern Canada. The NHL Centennial Classic took place at Toronto's BMO Field on January 1, 2017, and it featured a rematch of the 2014 Winter Classic between the Red Wings and Maple Leafs.[43] Then on December 16, 2017, the NHL 100 Classic between the Canadiens and Senators was played at TD Place Stadium in Ottawa, Canada commemorating the first games of the NHL in 1917.[44] A unique series of NHL outdoor games took place on February 20 and 21, 2021 at the Edgewood Tahoe Resort near Lake Tahoe in Nevada.[45] The NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe event saw the Golden Knights play the Avalanche in the first game, and the Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers in the second. Unlike previous NHL outdoor games, it was not held in a stadium or ballpark but in a golf course overlooking the lake, and no fans were in attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[46] This event replaced both the 2021 Winter Classic and Stadium Series due to the shortened season (see below).[45]

The Stadium Series continued to move into southern and non-traditional markets. On March 3, 2018, the Capitals hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland, in a unique partnership between the NHL and the United States Armed Forces.[47] The 2022 edition was contested between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Nashville Predators at Nissan Stadium in Nashville;[48] this was followed by the 2023 edition, which featured the Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes at Carter–Finley Stadium, on the campus of North Carolina State University in Raleigh.[49] The 2024 event returned north to MetLife Stadium just outside New York City, and held multiple games for the first time since 2016; in two of the highest-attended games in hockey history,[50] the Flyers took on the New Jersey Devils in the first game, while the New York Rangers took on the New York Islanders in the second.[51] The Winter Classic additionally saw a move southward, with the 2020 NHL Winter Classic taking place at the Cotton Bowl between the Predators and Stars.[52] The 2024 event, meanwhile, featured a battle of expansion teams, with the Golden Knights and Kraken facing off in Seattle's T-Mobile Park.[53] The Heritage Classic continued to be held irregularly; most notably, the 2022 edition became the first to be officially hosted by an American team, with the Buffalo Sabres playing as the home team against the Maple Leafs at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario.[54]

Olympic participation

In 2017, the NHL elected not to send its players to the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.[55] [56] While the league initially considered sending players to the 2022 Winter Olympics, they ultimately opted not to due to complications with COVID-19 protocols. In 2024, the NHL and International Ice Hockey Federation announced that NHL players would participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics.[57]

COVID-19 concerns

See main article: 2019–20 NHL season, 2020–21 NHL season and 2021–22 NHL season. The NHL halted play in the 2019–20 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, indefinitely postponing the remainder of the regular season and playoffs. In early March 2020, the NHL suspended media access to the locker rooms, saying that only official personnel would be allowed in after the games to limit person-to-person contact. But after the National Basketball Association (NBA) suspended all games when two players tested positive for the disease, the NHL scheduled a meeting to discuss pausing the season. On March 12, the morning practice sessions and media access were cancelled for all teams. Shortly after, they announced the 2019–20 season was paused indefinitely.[58] [59] It was the biggest interruption to an NHL season since the 2012–13 NHL lockout. On March 17, it was announced that a player from the Ottawa Senators tested positive for COVID-19.[60] [61] On March 21, it was announced that a second Senators player tested positive for COVID-19.[62] [63] Two Colorado Avalanche players also tested positive for the virus.[64] On April 4, the originally intended date for the final games of the regular season, Commissioner Gary Bettman participated in a call with President Donald Trump and other sport commissioners on the state of the sport world.[65]

On May 22, the league and the NHLPA agreed on a basic framework to stage a 24-team playoff tournament behind closed doors. The seeds would be based on each club's points percentage when the season paused on March 12 (effectively scrapping the remainder of the regular season). The top four seeds in each conference would get a bye, while the next eight seeds in each conference would play in a best-of-five series. Many of the logistics still have to be negotiated, including COVID-19 testing protocols, visas, and whether these games would be held in one or more "hub" cities as the Canada–United States border remains closed to non-essential travel until June 21.[66] [67] [68] That same day, the U.S. government announced that foreign athletes would be exempted from pandemic-related travel bans still in effect.[69] [70]

On May 25, the NHL announced "phase two" of its "Return to Play Plan", which was to begin at some point in June. Players would be allowed to resume use of team practice facilities in small groups (no more than six), with only players allowed on-ice and no other agents or press admitted. Players were required to self-isolate for 14 days if they used public transport, and would be regularly monitored and tested for COVID-19. If a player tested positive, they were not allowed to attend training until cleared, with teams suggested to use guidelines issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Training camps (phase three) were planned to reopen no later than the first half of July.

On May 26, Bettman formally discussed aspects of the "Return to Play Plan", including the proposed 24-team playoff format (with the top four teams in each conference playing a round robin tournament under regular season overtime rules to determine their seeding), and modifications to the procedures for the Draft Lottery. Whether the first and second round proper would use a best-of-five format as opposed to seven was to be determined, the conference finals and Stanley Cup Finals were each to remain a best-of-seven series. Bettman stated that at least two hub cities would be used for the playoffs, shortlisting hosts such as Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Toronto (the latter two of which would be chosen by the league on July 1). Health, testing, and security protocols would be in place at these sites. As Canadian law requires all travellers entering the country to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival, Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly stated that this may impact the ability to use Canadian host cities unless these issues can be addressed.

On June 4, it was announced that the NHL and NHLPA had approved aspects of the format that had not yet been finalized during the May 26 briefing, with the first and second rounds proper using a best-of-seven format as usual, and all teams being reseeded after each round (to account for the lack of home advantage due to all games being played at a neutral site).[71]

It was reported that the NHL planned to have one American host and one Canadian host.[72] As Canada's Quarantine Act required all travelers entering the country to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival, Deputy Commissioner Daly stated that it could impact the ability to use Canadian host cities unless the issues could be addressed.[73] On June 10, British Columbia Premier John Horgan stated that the province's medical officer Bonnie Henry had endorsed proposed protocols developed by the Vancouver Canucks in collaboration with local officials, and that they were being sent to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for federal approval.[74] These include allowing the NHL to "cohort" players and restrict their access to the general public.[75]

Phase two of the "Return to Play Plan" began on June 8.[76] Amidst an intense growth of new cases in Florida, the Tampa Bay Lightning temporarily closed their training facility on June 19 after several staff members and three players tested positive for COVID-19.[77]

On June 24, Rogers Sportsnet reported that Vancouver's bid had been complicated by disagreements over protocols for positive cases. The next day, Global BC's Richard Zussman reported that the NHL had "moved on [for now]" from Vancouver, and was increasing its focus on Edmonton and Toronto as potential sites.[78] While Las Vegas was initially considered a front-runner, a spike of cases in Nevada and other U.S. states led to reports on July 1 that the NHL had decided on Edmonton and Toronto as the sites.[79]

On July 10, the NHL confirmed that it had ratified agreements with the NHLPA to begin the playoffs on August 1 (concluding no later than early October), with games being hosted by Edmonton (Western Conference early rounds, conference finals, and Stanley Cup Finals) and Toronto (Eastern Conference early rounds). The league also renewed its CBA for four additional seasons, which includes an increase to minimum player salaries and a 10% deference of player salaries for the 2020–21 season (to be paid out over three seasons beginning 2022–23).[80] [81]

The 2020–21 season began on January 13, 2021, over three months after the previous season had concluded. The league unveiled a 56-game regular season, and that the teams would temporarily be realigned into four regional divisions.[82] Due to limitations on travel into and out of Canada,[83] the seven Canadian teams were aligned into a single North division. The seven teams in the North Division played each other nine or ten times during the regular season. The 24 other teams from the United States were realigned into the Central, East and West divisions.[84]

The NHL returned to a full 82-game season in 2021–22, coinciding with the addition of the Seattle Kraken and the return to the previous divisional alignment. However, by late November, despite the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, most teams again endured COVID-19 outbreaks, resulting in many postponed games. In the case of Canadian teams, some postponed games came as a result of attendance restrictions from local governments due to localized outbreaks.[85] [86] [87] The entire season calendar, which originally scheduled an Olympic break in February after the All-Star Game so that players could participate in the 2022 Winter Olympics, was reworked to make up the games lost due to COVID-19 outbreaks. Thus, NHL players were again barred from competing in the Olympics.[88] On June 26, the Colorado Avalanche won their third Cup in, defeating the two-time defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning in six games.

Connor McDavid's emergence

During the late 2010s and early 2020s, Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid emerged as one of the greatest players in the history of the league.[89] [90] [91] [92] After winning his first Art Ross Trophy as the NHL's leading scorer and Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP in 2016–17,[93] McDavid went on to win two more Hart Trophies in 2020–21 and 2022–23,[94] [95] the former of which made him only the second unanimous MVP in NHL history. McDavid likewise won four further Art Ross wins in the aforementioned years,[96] [97] as well as 2017–18 and 2021–22,[98] [99] and added his first Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy in 2022–23 as the NHL's leading goal-scorer.

Despite the 2020–21 season's shortening to 56 games due to the COVID-19 pandemic, McDavid recorded a league-leading 105 points, in the process becoming the first player since Mario Lemieux in 1995–96 to reach 100 points in 53 or fewer games.[100] He followed this historic performance two years later in 2022–23, where he became only the sixth player in league history (and again the first since Lemieux in 1995–96) to record 150 points, ending his season with a league-leading 153 points in 82 games. Though he failed to achieve 150 again in 2023–24, McDavid instead became the fourth player in NHL history, and first since Wayne Gretzky in 1990–91, to reach 100 assists in a single season.[101] The same year, McDavid led the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Finals;[102] although the Oilers ultimately lost in seven games, McDavid led the team back from a 3–0 series deficit to even the series, ultimately becoming the sixth player and second skater ever (after Reggie Leach in 1975) to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP despite losing the Finals.[103] In game four of the Finals, McDavid also broke Gretzky's single-playoff assist record, with his assist on a Dylan Holloway goal marking his 32nd of the playoffs.[104] Additionally, McDavid recorded back to back four-point games in games four and five of the Finals, setting a new NHL record for the most total points in consecutive Finals games.[105]

Deactivation of the Arizona Coyotes and expansion to Utah

After years of instability, the Arizona Coyotes were purchased by Alex Meruelo in 2019.[106] However, in 2021, the city of Glendale and Gila River Arena terminated its operating lease with the Coyotes after the 2021–22 season,[107] forcing the Coyotes to submit proposals for a new arena in Tempe and possibly play at a temporary location during its construction.[108] The team elected to temporarily play at the 4,600-seat Mullett Arena on the campus of Arizona State University beginning in 2022–23,[109] while the Tempe project was pursued; however, the public referendum to approve the arena failed, with voters rejecting the proposed development.[110]

On April 13, 2024, it was reported that, with the NHL's permission, the Coyotes had begun efforts to relocate to Salt Lake City, Utah, following concerns about an indefinite timeframe on a new arena and the effects of continued play at Mullett Arena.[111] The sale, which involved the NHL buying the franchise from Coyotes owner Meruelo, then reselling it to Ryan Smith, owner of the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association (NBA), became official on April 18, after the NHL Board of Governors voted to establish a team in Utah using the Coyotes' hockey assets;[112] under the terms of the agreement, rather than a formal relocation, the Coyotes were initially considered "inactive", with Utah regarded as an expansion team in a similar situation to the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. The Coyotes continued minor business operations, while Meruelo remained on the NHL Board of Governors as an observer, retaining the rights to the Coyotes brand, with a five-year window to build or otherwise locate a new arena for the team. If this effort was successful, the Coyotes would have been "reactivated" through an expansion draft; conversely, if Meruelo had failed to provide a suitable arena by end of that five-year window, he would have been required to cede the franchise back to the NHL. This would result in the franchise ceasing operations permanently, at that time.[113] Two months after the initial sale, the NHL confirmed that Meruelo had opted not to continue his pursuit of an arena, ceding his rights to the Coyotes and ending the possibility of re-activation.[114]

While the deal was reported in the media as a "sale" of the Coyotes,[115] [116] it was in reality two separate transactions in which $1 billion was paid by the NHL to Meruelo for the Coyotes franchise, while Smith is paying a $1.2 billion expansion fee to the NHL's other owners. The $200 million difference is thus in effect a de facto relocation fee to be shared equally by the other 31 NHL clubs.[117]

The Utah Hockey Club will begin play out of the Delta Center in the 2024–25 NHL season, with a temporary name and colors, while a full identity is developed in time for 2025–26.[118] [119]

See also

References

Footnotes

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Oilers' McDavid becomes 6th NHL player to record 150 points in a season, 1st since Lemieux in 1995-96 . April 8, 2023 . April 8, 2023 . . April 8, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230408213540/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/edmonton-oilers-san-jose-sharks-recap-apr-8-1.6805442 . live .
  2. News: Toronto Star . Seattle Hopeful But Trailing in Expansion Race . August 18, 2014 . 33 . Mark . Zwolinski.
  3. News: Record Journal . Canadian media company wants NHL expansion team in Quebec City . July 21, 2015 . B3 . Associated Press.
  4. News: The Spokesman-Review . Vegas, Quebec City Advance To Stage 2 in NHL Expansion Bids . August 6, 2015 . B2.
  5. News: The Tennessean . NHL Expansion Will Hit Preds' Roster . June 23, 2016 . C1 . Adam . Vingan.
  6. News: The Muscatine Journal . Las Vegas awarded new NHL team . June 23, 2016 . A31 . Associated Press.
  7. News: Hamilton Spectator . Fleury, Stall, Neal among players left unprotected . June 19, 2017 . 27 . John . Wawrow . Stephen . Whyno.
  8. Vegas Golden Knights officially join NHL. Coppinger. Mike. USA Today. March 1, 2017. May 7, 2024. May 7, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240507180405/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2017/03/01/vegas-golden-knights-officially-join-nhl/98596746/. live.
  9. News: Golden Knights' successful start historic even beyond hockey . 2020-09-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220714120830/https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/goldenknights/golden-knights-successful-start-historic-even-beyond-hockey-2125098/ . 2022-07-14 . live . Anderson . Mark . . July 14, 2022.
  10. News: The Washington Capitals, After Years of Frustration, Win the Stanley Cup . 2018-06-07 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180608045538/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/07/sports/stanley-cup-washington-capitals-vegas-golden-knights.html . 2018-06-08 . live . Shpigel . Ben . . May 2, 2024.
  11. Web site: What happens in Vegas ... is a Stanley Cup, as the Golden Knights win the NHL title. National Public Radio. June 14, 2023. NPR.com. May 2, 2024. May 2, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240502212138/https://www.npr.org/2023/06/14/1182071288/las-vegas-golden-knights-win-stanley-cup. live.
  12. News: NHL adds Seattle franchise as league’s 32nd team, starting in 2021 . 2018-12-04 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200626233503/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2018/12/04/nhl-adds-seattle-franchise-leagues-nd-team-starting/ . 2020-06-26 . live . Bogage . Jacob . . May 2, 2024.
  13. News: Coyotes embark on renewed journey in NHL's Central Division, 22 years later . 2021-10-18 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240502233322/https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nhl/coyotes/2021/10/18/decades-after-leaving-central-division-pacific-coyotes-make-return/8504454002/ . 2024-05-02 . live . Romero . José M . . May 2, 2024.
  14. Web site: Unprecedented Kraken turnaround comes after rocky inaugural season. Didion. Alex. KING-TV. April 14, 2023. King5.com. May 2, 2024. May 16, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230516062914/https://www.king5.com/article/sports/nhl/kraken/how-kraken-historic-turnaround/281-5ebe00ab-242e-4af6-af15-376fcfcf7212. live.
  15. From Worst to First, Blues Complete the Perfect Comeback With Stanley Cup Win. Niesen. Joan. Sports Illustrated. June 13, 2019. May 2, 2024. April 6, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230406084413/https://www.si.com/nhl/2019/06/13/st-louis-blues-win-stanley-cup-first-worst-comeback. live.
  16. Web site: Lightning ties NHL wins record with No. 62 . . 2019-04-06 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230330150508/https://www.tampabay.com/sports/2019/04/06/lightning-ties-nhl-wins-record-with-no-62/ . 2023-03-30 . live . Nearhos . Diana C. . May 26, 2024.
  17. Web site: Nikita Kucherov notches 126th point vs. Maple Leafs, the most ever in NHL's salary cap era . . 2019-04-05 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190407003048/https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/nikita-kucherov-notches-126th-point-vs-maple-leafs-the-most-ever-in-nhls-salary-cap-era/ . 2019-04-07 . live . 2019-04-07.
  18. Web site: Blue Jackets cap off all-time upset, sweep Lightning . . 2019-04-16 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240526063519/https://www.nbcsports.com/nhl/news/blue-jackets-cap-off-all-time-upset-sweep-lightning . 2024-05-26 . live . Billeck . Scott . May 26, 2024.
  19. Web site: Biggest upset in playoff history? Tampa Bay Lightning swept by Columbus Blue Jackets in first round . . 2019-04-15 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240526063507/https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nhl/2019/04/15/stanley-cup-playoffs-tampa-bay-lightning-blue-jackets/3472214002/ . 2024-05-26 . live . Morin . Richard . May 26, 2024.
  20. News: Merz. Craig. Blue Jackets sweep Lightning in Game 4, which was the first playoff series victory in franchise history. NHL Enterprises, L. P.. NHL.com. April 16, 2019. April 16, 2019. April 17, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190417021235/https://www.nhl.com/news/tampa-bay-lightning-columbus-blue-jackets-game-4-recap/c-306819236. live.
  21. Web site: Tampa Bay Lightning win the NHL’s Stanley Cup. Dotson. Kevin. Cable News Network. September 29, 2020. CNN.com. May 7, 2024. May 7, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240507180405/https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/29/us/tampa-bay-lightning-stanley-cup-win-trnd/index.html. live.
  22. News: Tampa Bay Lightning repeat as Stanley Cup champions with Game 5 win against Montreal Canadiens . 2021-07-08 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240507180405/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2021/07/07/lightning-top-canadiens-game-5-stanley-cup-repeat/7896173002/ . 2024-05-07 . live . Brehm . Mike . . May 7, 2024.
  23. Web site: The Colorado Avalanche wins its first Stanley Cup in 21 years. Archie. Ayana. National Public Radio. June 26, 2022. NPR.org. May 7, 2024. May 7, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240507180405/https://www.npr.org/2022/06/26/1107743154/colorado-avalanche-tampa-bay-lightning-stanley-cup-2022-nhl. live.
  24. Web site: Florida Panthers clinch franchise's first Presidents' Trophy, top seed in playoffs. ESPN.com. May 4, 2022. April 28, 2022. May 4, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220504012652/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/33824337/florida-panthers-clinch-franchise-first-presidents-trophy-top-seed-playoffs. live.
  25. Web site: Florida Panthers Announce Resignation of Joel Quenneville. October 29, 2021 . October 29, 2021. National Hockey League. October 29, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211029015033/https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/florida-panthers-announce-resignation-of-joel-quenneville/c-327334254. live.
  26. Web site: Carter Verhaeghe scores in overtime as Florida Panthers eliminate Washington Capitals in Stanley Cup playoffs. ESPN.com. May 14, 2022. May 13, 2022. May 14, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220514032307/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/33912472/carter-verhaeghe-scores-florida-panthers-eliminate-washington-capitals-stanley-cup-playoffs. live.
  27. Web site: 2022 NHL Eastern Second Round Tampa Bay Lightning defeat Florida Panthers 4–0 . hockey-reference.com . May 6, 2023 . April 24, 2022 . May 6, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230506165503/https://www.hockey-reference.com/playoffs/2022-florida-panthers-vs-tampa-bay-lightning-eastern-second-round.html . live .
  28. Web site: Florida Panthers Name Paul Maurice Head Coach. NHL.com. June 22, 2022. June 22, 2022.
  29. Web site: July 22, 2022. Flames trade Tkachuk to Panthers for monster haul headlined by Huberdeau. July 23, 2022. Sportsnet. July 23, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220723031010/https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/flames-trade-star-matthew-tkachuk-to-the-panthers/. live.
  30. Web site: Bruins vs. Panthers score: Florida stuns Boston in Game 7 behind Carter Verhaeghe's game-winning goal in OT. CBS Sports. Nivison. Austin. April 30, 2023. May 1, 2023. May 1, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230501034258/https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/bruins-vs-panthers-score-florida-stuns-boston-in-game-7-behind-carter-verhaeghes-game-winning-goal-in-ot/live/. live.
  31. Web site: Tkachuk sends Panthers to Stanley Cup Final, after topping Hurricanes 4–3 for sweep . ESPN . May 25, 2023 . May 24, 2023 . May 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230525145047/https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/401548434 . live .
  32. Web site: Panthers sweep Hurricanes with Game 4 win, advance to Stanley Cup Final . . 2023-05-24 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230525031041/https://www.nhl.com/news/carolina-hurricanes-florida-panthers-game-4-recap/c-344415988 . 2023-05-25 . live . Poupart . Alain . May 24, 2023.
  33. Web site: Golden Knights win Stanley Cup with Game 5 victory against Panthers . . 2023-06-13 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231004105039/https://www.nhl.com/news/florida-panthers-vegas-golden-knights-game-5-recap-344649394 . 2023-10-04 . live . Rosen . Dan . June 13, 2023.
  34. Web site: NHL playoffs: Panthers knock off Rangers to reach 2nd straight Stanley Cup Final . Yahoo Sports . June 1, 2024 . June 2, 2024.
  35. Web site: Panthers recover, defeat Oilers in Game 7 of Stanley Cup Final for 1st title. Rosen. Dan. NHL Enterprises, L. P.. June 24, 2024. NHL.com. June 24, 2024.
  36. Web site: Bruins Close Out Historic Regular Season with Win in Montreal . . https://web.archive.org/web/20230606220946/https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/bruins-close-out-historic-regular-season-with-win-in-montreal/c-343527354 . 2023-06-06 . live . Russo . Eric . 2023-06-13 . en-US.
  37. Web site: Pastrnak hat trick helps Bruins top Flyers, set NHL wins record at 63 . . 2023-04-09 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230410012748/https://www.nhl.com/news/boston-bruins-philadelphia-flyers-game-recap/c-343082544 . 2023-04-10 . live . Kimelman . Adam . April 9, 2023.
  38. Web site: Bruins defeat Capitals, set NHL single-season points record . . 2023-04-11 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230412025741/https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-boston-bruins-game-recap/c-343156926 . 2023-04-12 . live . Pohoryles . Joe . April 12, 2023.
  39. Web site: Bruins rout Sabres 7-1, become fastest team to 100 points . 2023-03-02 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230303034349/https://apnews.com/article/sabres-bruins-nhl-hockey-pastrnak-e32b311eed018dd0e2f699daf3467d0e . 2023-03-03 . live . . March 2, 2023.
  40. Web site: Bruins make NHL history with comeback win over Red Wings . . 2023-03-11 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230311220636/https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/bruins/bruins-become-fastest-team-nhl-history-win-50-games . 2023-03-11 . live . Leger . Justin . March 11, 2023.
  41. Web site: Bruins Set NHL Record with 12th Consecutive Home Win . . https://web.archive.org/web/20230613013436/https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/bruins-set-nhl-record-with-12th-consecutive-home-win/c-338055748 . 2023-06-13 . live . 2023-06-13 . en-US.
  42. Web site: Williams . Brianna . Bruins join other regular-season Goliaths with postseason collapse . ESPN.com . May 25, 2023 . April 30, 2023 . May 25, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230525174313/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/36201657/bruins-join-regular-season-goliaths-postseason-collapse . live .
  43. Web site: Centennial Classic lives up to billing as Leafs down Red Wings in OT. Siegel. Jonas. CBC/Radio-Canada. January 1, 2017. CBC.ca. May 3, 2024. March 5, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190305114845/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/leafs-red-wings-centennial-1.3917711. live.
  44. News: Senators shut out Canadiens in outdoor NHL 100 Classic . 2017-12-16 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240503174832/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2017/12/16/anderson-senators-beat-canadiens-3-0-in-nhl-100-classic/108673924/ . 2024-05-03 . live . . May 3, 2024.
  45. News: An Outdoor Hockey Game That for Once Is in the Great Outdoors . 2021-02-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240503174832/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/19/sports/hockey/nhl-outdoor-game-tahoe.html . 2024-05-03 . live . Knoll . Andrew . . May 3, 2024.
  46. Web site: The remarkable sights and sounds from NHL's outdoor games at Lake Tahoe . . 2021-02-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240503174833/https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/remarkable-sights-sounds-nhls-outdoor-games-lake-tahoe/ . 2024-05-03 . live . Rogers Media . May 3, 2024.
  47. News: Capitals flash their finest form in Stadium Series win over Maple Leafs . 2018-03-03 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230126224413/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/capitals-flash-their-finest-form-in-stadium-series-win-over-maple-leafs/2018/03/03/eb834328-1f21-11e8-b2d9-08e748f892c0_story.html . 2023-01-26 . live . Khurshudyan . Isabelle . . May 7, 2024.
  48. Web site: Lightning spoil Predators' long-awaited outdoor debut, extend win streak to 4 games. Walker. Teresa. CBC/Radio-Canada. February 26, 2022. CBC.ca. May 7, 2024. May 7, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240507180359/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/outdoor-game-tampa-bay-lightning-nashville-predators-recap-feb-26-1.6366224. live.
  49. Web site: NHL Stadium Series 2023 final score, results: Hurricanes beat Capitals for franchise's first outdoor win . . 2023-02-18 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240507180359/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nhl/news/nhl-stadium-series-2023-capitals-hurricanes-live-score-updates-highlights-results/eiyzgazpyqzivo1c8wei6nif . 2024-05-07 . live . Murphy . Bryan . May 7, 2024.
  50. Web site: 150K fans pack MetLife for Jersey-flavored NHL Stadium Series. Fazelpoor. Matthew. Bridge Tower Media, LLC. February 20, 2024. NJBiz.com. May 3, 2024. May 3, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240503174833/https://njbiz.com/150k-fans-pack-metlife-for-jersey-flavored-nhl-stadium-series/. live.
  51. Web site: NHL’s Stadium Series games at MetLife Stadium increases total to 41 played outdoors. Cherwood. Vin A.. The Associated Press. February 18, 2024. APNews.com. May 3, 2024. May 3, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240503174832/https://apnews.com/article/stadium-series-rangers-islanders-devils-flyers-374ba5c6b0ec8ce13767a99cdf45266f. live.
  52. News: With a uniquely Dallas atmosphere, the Stars’ Winter Classic victory at the Cotton Bowl had it all . 2020-01-01 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240507181907/https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/stars/2020/01/02/with-a-uniquely-dallas-atmosphere-the-winter-classic-at-the-cotton-bowl-had-it-all-including-a-stars-win/ . 2024-05-07 . live . DeFranks . Matthew . . May 7, 2024.
  53. Web site: Kraken's Dominance in 2024 Winter Classic Win vs. Golden Knights Hailed by NHL Fans . . 2024-01-01 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240507180359/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10103254-krakens-dominance-in-2024-winter-classic-win-vs-golden-knights-hailed-by-nhl-fans . 2024-05-07 . live . Wlash . Erin . May 7, 2024.
  54. News: Sabres down Maple Leafs in Heritage Classic as Toronto’s goaltending issues continue . 2022-03-13 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240503174832/https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/sabres-down-maple-leafs-in-heritage-classic-as-toronto-s-goaltending-issues-continue/article_d88ec7cb-1fd6-53a5-9e32-4936962c67ff.html . 2024-05-03 . live . Clipperton . Joshua . . May 3, 2024.
  55. Web site: NHL will not participate in 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic Games . . https://web.archive.org/web/20170403210551/http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/nhl-will-not-participate-2018-pyeongchang-olympic-games/ . 2017-04-03 . live . Rogers Media . April 3, 2017.
  56. News: Iced out: The lowdown on NHL's Olympic boycott . https://web.archive.org/web/20170809175607/http://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/20283705/where-things-stand-stake . 2017-08-09 . live . . August 9, 2017.
  57. Web site: NHL players to return to Olympics in 2026 and 2030 . 2024-02-02 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240203104836/https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/02/sport/nhl-hockey-2026-olympics/index.html . 2024-02-03 . live . . February 3, 2024.
  58. Web site: NHL pauses regular season because of coronavirus . . 2020-03-12 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200414084925/https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-coronavirus-status/c-316155530 . 2020-04-14 . live . March 12, 2020.
  59. Web site: NHL suspends 2019-20 season over coronavirus outbreak . . 2020-03-12 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200312203753/https://www.foxnews.com/sports/nhl-suspends-season-over-coronavirus-outbreak . 2020-03-12 . live . Gaydos . Ryan . March 12, 2020.
  60. Web site: Senators player tests positive for COVID-19 . . 2020-03-17 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200318163337/https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/senators-player-tests-positive-for-covid-19/c-316208628 . 2020-03-18 . live . March 19, 2020.
  61. Web site: Ottawa Senators player is first NHLer to test positive for COVID-19 . . 2020-03-17 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200318220410/https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/source-ottawa-senators-player-first-nhler-test-positive-covid-19/ . 2020-03-18 . live . March 19, 2020.
  62. Web site: A second Sens player tests positive for COVID-19 . . 2020-03-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200323175250/https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/a-second-sens-player-tests-positive-for-covid-19/c-316244340 . 2020-03-23 . live . March 24, 2020.
  63. Web site: Second Senators player tests positive for coronavirus . . 2020-03-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200324015322/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/28936073/2nd-senators-player-tests-positive-coronavirus . 2020-03-24 . live . Kaplan . Emily . March 24, 2020.
  64. Web site: A second Colorado Avalanche player tests positive for COVID-19 . . 2020-03-28 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200404093025/https://www.latimes.com/sports/hockey/story/2020-03-28/second-colorado-avalanche-player-tests-positive-for-covid-19 . 2020-04-04 . live . Elliott . Helene . April 4, 2020.
  65. News: Bell . Jarrett . Jeff . Zillgitt . Donald Trump to sports commissioners: He's hopeful NFL starts on time . April 6, 2020 . Gannett . USA Today . April 4, 2020 . McLean, Virginia . April 5, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200405153200/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2020/04/04/donald-trump-holds-phone-call-nba-nhl-mlb-nfl-commissioners/2947961001/ . live .
  66. Web site: US-Canada border will remain closed to nonessential travel for at least another month . . 2020-05-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200521034459/https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/us-canada-border-coronavirus/index.html . 2020-05-21 . live . Newton . Paul . May 23, 2020.
  67. News: NHLPA authorizes further negotiations on 24-team return to play format . 2020-05-22 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200531115232/https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/nhlpa-executive-board-approves-nhls-proposed-return-play-format/ . 2020-05-31 . live . . May 23, 2020 . Toronto.
  68. Web site: NHLPA agrees to more talks on League's 24-team Return to Play proposal . . 2020-05-22 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200601141559/https://www.tsn.ca/nhlpa-agrees-to-more-talks-on-league-s-24-team-return-to-play-proposal-1.1478445 . 2020-06-01 . live . Seravalli . Frank . May 23, 2020.
  69. Web site: U.S. to exempt foreign athletes from coronavirus-related entry bans . . 2020-05-22 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200524021100/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/article-us-to-exempt-foreign-athletes-from-coronavirus-related-entry-bans/ . 2020-05-24 . live . Zargham . Mohammad . . May 24, 2020.
  70. Web site: U.S. opens border to foreign pro athletes . . 2020-05-23 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200603012441/https://www.tsn.ca/u-s-opens-border-to-foreign-pro-athletes-1.1478582 . 2020-06-03 . live . May 24, 2020.
  71. Web site: NHL, NHLPA resolve two key Stanley Cup playoff issues . . 2020-06-04 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200609174757/https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/capitals/nhl-nhlpa-resolve-two-key-stanley-cup-playoff-format-issues . 2020-06-09 . live . Regan . J.J. . June 11, 2020.
  72. Web site: NHL eyeing Toronto, Edmonton as hub cities for season restart . . 2020-07-01 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200701185945/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/29392649/nhl-eyeing-toronto-edmonton-hub-cities-season-restart . 2020-07-01 . live . Kaplan . Emily . July 1, 2020 . en.
  73. Web site: Greg. Wyshynski. NHL adopts 24-team playoff if season returns. May 26, 2020. ESPN.com. May 27, 2020. October 11, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201011163433/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/29225074/nhl-adopts-24-team-playoff-season-returns. live.
  74. Web site: Patrick. Johnston. June 10, 2020. Horgan gives 'OK' to NHL teams coming to Vancouver for group quarantine. The Province. June 11, 2020. en-CA. June 11, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200611203143/https://theprovince.com/sports/hockey/nhl/vancouver-canucks/horgan-gives-ok-to-nhl-teams-coming-to-vancouver-for-group-quarantine. live.
  75. News: 'Cohort quarantine' gives NHLers a COVID-19 pass . 2020-06-20 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200702000529/https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/cohort-quarantine-gives-nhlers-a-covid-19-pass-571381572.html . 2020-07-02 . live . . Bell . Jason . en-CA . July 1, 2020.
  76. Web site: NHL to allow teams to reopen training facilities on June 8 . . 2020-06-04 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200610051000/https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/nhl-allow-teams-reopen-training-facilities-june-8/ . 2020-06-10 . live . . June 10, 2020.
  77. Web site: Lightning close facility due to coronavirus outbreak . . 2020-06-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200624024015/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/29334802/source-lightning-close-facility-due-coronavirus-outbreak . 2020-06-24 . live . Kaplan . Emily . June 25, 2020 . en.
  78. Web site: NHL exploring Edmonton, Toronto as Canadian hubs after Vancouver 'snag' . . https://web.archive.org/web/20200627081733/https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/nhl-exploring-edmonton-toronto-canadian-hubs-vancouver-snag/ . 2020-06-27 . live . Rogers Sports & Media . June 25, 2020.
  79. Web site: Emerson. Justin. July 1, 2020. Rising coronavirus cases could preclude Las Vegas from hosting NHL postseason - Las Vegas Sun Newspaper. July 1, 2020. lasvegassun.com. en. July 1, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200701101451/https://lasvegassun.com/news/2020/jul/01/rising-coronavirus-cases-could-preclude-vgk-vegas/. live.
  80. Web site: NHL is back in business with ratification of CBA, return-to-play plan . . 2020-07-10 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201003184000/https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/nhl-nhlpa-vote-accept-cba-return-play-plan-protocols/ . 2020-10-03 . live . Johnston . Chris . Rogers Sports & Media . July 11, 2020.
  81. Web site: NHL, NHLPA ratify CBA extension through 2025-26 season . . 2020-07-10 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230208220325/https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-nhlpa-ratify-cba-extension-through-2025-26-season/c-317377214 . 2023-02-08 . live . Gulitti . Tom . July 11, 2020 . en-US.
  82. Web site: NHL teams in new divisions for 2020-21 season . . 2020-12-20 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201223225019/https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-teams-in-new-divisions-for-2020-21-season/c-319844882 . 2020-12-23 . live . December 20, 2020.
  83. Web site: Shortened 2021 NHL season may feature all-Canadian Division, says Vegas owner Bill Foley . . 2020-10-16 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201019190732/https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/cult-of-hockey/shortened-2021-nhl-season-may-feature-all-canadian-division-says-vegas-golden-knights-owner-bill-foley . 2020-10-19 . live . October 19, 2020.
  84. Web site: NHL, NHLPA formally approve 56-game season. December 20, 2020. December 20, 2020. December 20, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201220204304/https://www.tsn.ca/nhl-nhlpa-formally-approve-56-game-season-1.1566771. live.
  85. Web site: NHL postpones Red-Wings-Islanders game, nine others. December 28, 2021. NHL.com. December 28, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211228235048/https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-postpones-red-wings-islanders-game-nine-others/c-329260118. live.
  86. Web site: NHL postpones three more games, bringing total to 98 . . https://web.archive.org/web/20220107092457/https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-postpones-three-more-games/c-329513144 . 2022-01-07 . live . January 5, 2022.
  87. Web site: NHL postpones nine more games, bringing total to 90 . . 2021-12-31 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211231210033/https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-postpones-nine-more-games-bringing-total-to-90/c-329350856 . 2021-12-31 . live . December 31, 2021.
  88. Web site: NHL announces extensive updates to 2021-22 regular-season schedule. January 19, 2022. NHL.com. January 19, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220119222144/https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-announces-2021-2022-regular-season-schedule-updates/c-329953260. live.
  89. Web site: Lewis-McDougall . Avry . 'One of the Best of All-Time': Connor McDavid's 100-Assist Season Leaves Current and Former Teammates in Awe . The Hockey News . April 16, 2024 . June 26, 2024.
  90. Web site: Korman . Chris . Connor McDavid is one of the greatest athletes of our time and you should watch him . USA Today . May 9, 2021 . June 26, 2024.
  91. Web site: Dryden . Steve . McDavid undoubtedly the best player ever . TSN.ca . May 24, 2022 . June 26, 2024.
  92. Web site: Nugent-Bowman . Daniel . Connor McDavid’s 100-assist season elevates already legendary NHL career . The Athletic . April 16, 2024 . June 26, 2024.
  93. News: Campbell . Tim . Connor McDavid of Oilers has big night at NHL Awards . National Hockey League . June 22, 2017 . February 20, 2022 . February 20, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220220195221/https://www.nhl.com/news/oilers-connor-mcdavid-has-big-night-at-nhl-awards/c-290057714 . live .
  94. News: Talking Points: McDavid discusses NHL Awards, officiating and Olympics . National Hockey League . Edmonton Oilers . June 30, 2021 . February 21, 2022 . February 21, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220221182908/https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/talking-points-mcdavid-discusses-nhl-awards-officiating-and-olympics/c-325529506 . live .
  95. Web site: Oilers' McDavid wins Hart Trophy, 3 other awards to cap superlative 153-point season . Clipperton . Joshua . June 26, 2023 . June 27, 2023 . . June 27, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230627023510/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/nhl-awards-recap-june-26-1.6888630 . live .
  96. News: Satriano . David . McDavid wins Art Ross Trophy as NHL leading scorer . National Hockey League . May 19, 2021 . February 21, 2022 . February 21, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220221182903/https://www.nhl.com/news/connor-mcdavid-art-ross-trophy-winner-for-2020-21/c-324824992 . live .
  97. Web site: April 15, 2023 . McDavid scores two trophies at regular season wrap-up . Ekelund . Brittany . April 15, 2023 . . April 15, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230415074322/https://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/mcdavid-scores-two-trophies-at-regular-season-wrap-up-1.6356921 . live .
  98. News: McCurdy . Bruce . Connor McDavid's remarkable season may have been Hart-less, but it sure wasn't pointless . Edmonton Journal . June 21, 2018 . February 22, 2022 . March 24, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190324222347/https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/cult-of-hockey/connor-mcdavids-remarkable-season-may-have-been-hart-less-but-it-sure-wasnt-pointless . live .
  99. News: McDavid gets Art Ross Trophy again; Matthews gets Rocket Richard . National Hockey League . May 1, 2022 . April 22, 2022 . May 1, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220501220739/https://www.nhl.com/news/mcdavid-wins-art-ross-matthews-wins-rocket-richard/c-333657068 . live .
  100. News: Gazzola . Paul . Feature: McDavid achieves 100 points in historic performance . National Hockey League . Edmonton Oilers . May 9, 2021 . February 21, 2022 . February 21, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220221182911/https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/feature-mcdavid-achieves-100-points-in-historical-performance/c-324523586 . live .
  101. Web site: McDavid becomes 4th player in NHL history to get 100 assists in season . National Hockey League . nhl.com . National Hockey League . April 16, 2024 . April 16, 2024.
  102. Web site: Moddejonge . Gerry . Oilers withstand late Stars rally in Game 6, advance to Stanley Cup Final . NHL.com . June 2, 2024 . June 2, 2024.
  103. News: Consolation prize: Oilers' McDavid wins Conn Smythe Trophy in losing effort. Matheson . Jim . . June 25, 2024 . June 25, 2024 .
  104. Web site: Crowther . Hunter . Oilers’ Connor McDavid breaks NHL record for most assists in a single post-season . June 18, 2024 . June 16, 2024.
  105. News: 'He did what?': Oilers' McDavid wows with spectacular assist, scoring record . . June 20, 2024 . June 18, 2024.
  106. News: Rosen. Dan. Meruelo approved as Coyotes majority owner by NHL Board of Governors. NHL.com. June 19, 2019. August 4, 2020. June 20, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190620220250/https://www.nhl.com/news/entrepreneur-alex-meruelo-approved-as-arizona-coyotes-majority-owner/c-307914920. live.
  107. Web site: City of Glendale terminating Arizona Coyotes' Gila River Arena lease after 2021-22 season. Kaplan. Emily. ESPN. August 19, 2021. August 23, 2021. August 23, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210823142122/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/32051882/city-glendale-terminating-arizona-coyotes-gila-arena-lease-2021-22-season. live.
  108. Web site: Arizona Coyotes submit bid to build new arena in Tempe. arizonasports.com. September 3, 2021. May 28, 2024. February 26, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240226052426/https://arizonasports.com/story/2800082/arizona-coyotes-submit-bid-to-build-new-arena-in-tempe/. live.
  109. Coyotes to Play at ASU's Multi-Purpose Arena Next Season . February 10, 2022 . Arizona Coyotes . May 28, 2024 . April 4, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230404053709/https://www.nhl.com/coyotes/news/arizona-coyotes--arizona-state-university-announce-agreement-that-will-allow-coyotes-to-play-at-asus-new-multi-purpose-arena-next-season/c-330674434 . live .
  110. Web site: Future of Coyotes up in air after Tempe rejects arena deal . . 2023-05-16 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240415030501/https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/coyotes-arena-deal-rejected-by-tempe-residents-future-of-team-up-in-air/ . 2024-04-15 . live . May 28, 2024.
  111. Web site: Coyotes bid Arizona farewell with bittersweet win over Oilers . . 2024-04-17 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240418113538/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39966564/coyotes-bid-arizona-farewell-bittersweet-win-oilers . 2024-04-18 . live . April 18, 2024 . There could be a new arena -- eventually. Meruelo had been pursuing a tract of land in north Phoenix to build it. When delays pushed the land auction until June, the NHL and the players' association got cold feet about continuing to play at Mullett Arena, the loud-but-bandbox-sized venue shared with Arizona State University. Meruelo was adamant about not selling the team despite constant offers since he bought in 2019, but he also didn't want the players stuck playing in a 5,000-seat arena -- by far the NHL's smallest -- that wasn't up to league standards. With no guarantee he would have an arena and with no other options, Meruelo agreed to sell the franchise..
  112. News: Cotsonika. Nicholas. 'Utah's ready for a team,' new owner says. NHL Enterprises, L.P.. NHL.com. April 18, 2024. May 20, 2024. April 22, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240422134107/https://www.nhl.com/news/utah-is-ready-for-an-nhl-hockey-team-jazz-owner-ryan-smith-says. live.
  113. Web site: Everything we know about the Arizona Coyotes moving to Utah – How is the transaction going to work? . . 2024-04-15 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240415161120/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39940303/nhl-arizona-coyotes-move-utah-new-name-schedule-players-coaches . 2024-04-15 . live . Wyshynski . Greg . April 15, 2024 . It's expected that the final transaction will include a clause that allows Meruelo to "reactivate" the franchise as an expansion team – paying what's expected to be a $1 billion expansion fee if that happens – between now and 2029 if his arena project is completed. All of the team's intellectual property – including those iconic Kachina jerseys – would remain with Meruelo. It's an agreement that evokes the deal made with the city of Cleveland when the Browns moved to Baltimore in 1995..
  114. Web site: Bettman confirms Meruelo will not be re-activating Coyotes franchise . Sportsnet.ca . June 25, 2024 . June 25, 2024.
  115. Web site: NHL, Arizona Coyotes preparing for possible relocation to Utah . . 2024-04-10 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240412175252/https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/nhl-arizona-coyotes-preparing-for-possible-relocation-to-utah/ . 2024-04-12 . live . Friedman . Elliotte . April 13, 2024.
  116. Web site: Report: NHL, Coyotes make progress on framework for Utah relocation . . 2024-04-10 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240418213153/https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/report-nhl-preparing-two-scenarios-for-coyotes-future-including-utah-move/ . 2024-04-18 . live . April 13, 2024.
  117. News: Billionaire Ryan Smith Gets His NHL Team, Moving Arizona Coyotes to Utah . 2024-04-18 . . Boudway . Ira . April 19, 2024.
  118. News: Detwiler. Christopher. Utah releases 20 finalists for team name, unveils fan vote. NHL Enterprises, L.P.. NHL.com. May 8, 2024. May 20, 2024. May 20, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240520231224/https://www.nhl.com/news/utah-fan-vote-on-team-name. live.
  119. News: Utah offers 20 team name ideas, including Frost, Hive, Venom. ESPN Internet Ventures, LLC. ESPN.com. May 8, 2024. May 9, 2024. May 9, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240509120846/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/40111549/utah-offers-20-team-name-ideas-including-frost-hive-venom. live.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "History of the National Hockey League (2017–present)".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.