NHL rumors: Latest buzz around trades, coach firings, signings
By Brian Rauf, Chat Sports
We’ve hit the mid-point of the NHL season with the league’s week-long All-Star break starting Thursday. As some players break from the regular season to play in the All-Star game on Jan. 31, the Washington Capitals sit atop the Eastern Conference, while the Chicago Blackhawks lead the West.
Check out the latest NHL news and rumors below.
• Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman has been suspended indefinitely for hitting linesman Don Henderson, the league announced Thursday. Wideman will have a hearing with the NHL after the All-Star break.
• Henderson had to spend the night in the hospital following Wideman's hit, reports Sportsnet’s Eric Francis.
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• Enforcer John Scottwrote on The Players Tribune that the NHL tried to talk him out of playing in the All-Star game. Scott was elected by fans while he was a member of the Arizona Coyotes earlier this season, but was later traded to Montreal and immediately sent to the AHL.
• Fans seem to be supporting Scott through this ordeal as the NHL Shop has already sold out of All-Star shirts bearing his name, reports Yahoo! Sports.
• Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin (injury) and Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews (illness) will be suspended for one game due to NHL policy for missing the All-Star game, reports ESPN.
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• Winnipeg Jets forward Blake Wheeler turned down an invitation to play in the All-Star game as a replacement for Toews, reports the Winnipeg Sun's Paul Friesen.
• Philadelphia Flyers goalie Steve Masontold CSN Philly that he doesn’t believe his lower-body injury is “too serious” and doesn’t expect to miss any time.