Amalie Benjamin from the Boston Globe in an interview with commissioner Gary Bettman discussing the shootout:
Bettman said that the shootout is non-negotiable but that the NHL is willing to try its best to cut down on shootouts. The NHL believes the five minute three-on-three overtime next season will help. Bettman said:
I think to the extent some people wanted to see fewer shootouts, this will get us there, and that’s fine. The shootout isn’t going anywhere. You go to a building during a shootout, everybody’s on their feet, nobody is leaving, which is what it was designed to do. It’s exciting, it’s fun, it’s entertaining, and so if we’re going to try and reduce the number of shootouts, this may do it.
Benjamin speculates that three-on-three play should benefit the Bruins who finished tied for second-most losses in the shootout last year.
With Adam Larsson signed to a new six-year, $25 million, Bob Stauffer of the Edmonton Journal guesses that Oilers defenseman Oscar Klefbom could be inked to a similar deal.
Wouldn’t be surprised to see Oscar Klefbom getting signed to a long-term extension in the Jonas Brodin/Adam Larsson range by training camp
— Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) July 26, 2015
Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen considers the Larsson signing a potential comparable for Cody Ceci at the end of the 2015-16 season. Warren wonders if Ceci’s camp will aim for a similar deal.
Just how excited is the Cody Ceci camp after Adam Larsson signing? Ceci’s entry level contract expires at the end of the 15-16 season. #sens — Ken Warren (@Citizenkwarren) July 25, 2015
Igor Eronko: Former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nik Antropov is considering an NHL comeback.
Nikolai Antropov considers #NHL comeback, has an offer from the #Barys of the #KHL
— Igor Eronko (@IgorEronko) July 26, 2015
Antropov, 35, last played in the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets in 2012-13.
From the Dallas Morning News on Jason Spezza’s linemates in Dallas:
DMN speculates that Patrick Sharp could skate with Spezza next season, which could boost Spezza’s offensive production. Johnny Oduya is mentioned as a key defensive addition who is expected to boost the play of Spezza and the defense pairs in general.