Well friends, the Stanley Cup semifinals have started and just as everyone predicted, the remaining four teams are the Golden Knights, the Lightning, the Islanders, and the Canadiens. Exactly as planned, amirite? ANYWAYS, that’s fun, I guess. Let’s see what else is going on.
Leafs Land
Mirtle: This appears to be the end for Zach Hyman as a Maple Leaf https://t.co/UvQg36QSDg
— The Athletic Toronto (@TheAthleticTO) June 16, 2021
Haha okay never mind we’re done here.
Just kidding. Kind of. SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGH so apparently chatter is picking up about zachhymanleavingtheleafs and I don’t want to talk about it, okay?
Elsewhere, Auston Matthews, Frederik Andersen, and apparently William Nylander checked out a UFC event with Justin Bieber, nbd.
photo of Justin Bieber and hockey player, Auston Matthews, spotted at a UFC event tonight. (June 12) pic.twitter.com/6sVhQGp10s
— Tanya Hilleshiem (@TanyaHilleshiem) June 13, 2021
Fan reactions to the reporting of this were hilarious:
the nhl is so bad at their jobs that not only is auston “a hockey player” and freddie isn’t even mentioned, apparently willy was with them too and is not in ANY photos https://t.co/3Vu9dswFRX
— liv (@happygo_pucky) June 13, 2021
It’s nice to see the boys taking a fan out to a sporting event.
Around the League
Okay listen, this is super cool.
The next chapter starts tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/omwxvb0upL
— Stephen Johns (@stjohns28) June 14, 2021
If you followed Stephen Johns career and post-career at all, you know that he suffered a concussion and then post concussion syndrome which eventually led to his decision to retire at the end of this season. He’s now focused on bringing attention to the mental health issues that impact athletes, and he’s rollerblading cross country to bring awareness. Really awesome, so check it out!
Looks like Jack Eichel and Buffalo might be going through a bad breakup:
Things getting more serious on the Jack Eichel trade front; all signs pointing to Brind'Amour staying put, plus more in my Rumblings notebook:https://t.co/fhfxQBnbVk
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 16, 2021
And the off-season moves have begun in Columbus:
The #CBJ have announced promotions/changes within the club's hockey operations department.
Details → https://t.co/JJj64LNrLb pic.twitter.com/SUGJ7RGH4V
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) June 16, 2021
And of course it’s awards season!
Congratulations to the 2021 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy winner, @oskarlindblom! 👏 #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/QU9yzNB4s2
— NHL (@NHL) June 15, 2021
TEDDY TUCH WINS BEST DOG!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/QVMFBLVyfH
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) June 15, 2021
More NHL awards to come over the next few days, so keep your eyes peeled.
Meanwhile, if you check instagram you’re likely to find the majority of NHL players enjoying their summer, posting pictures of vacations, dogs, babies, and other fun activities that aren’t chasing the Cup. But for the four remaining teams, that’s all they’ve got on their minds.
By this time next week we might be down to two. Who do you think we’ll see in the final matchup?
I’ll likely be taking next week off as I move, but don’t worry, TLN has you covered for all the big Leafs and hockey happenings. Follow us on Twitter to stay in the know.