The playoffs are almost upon us but there was still some notable news around the hockey world which is recapped in our top stories.
Going Independent: It has been nearly 30 years since an AHL team has been completely independent but that will change next season as the Chicago Wolves notified their parent team in Carolina that they will not renew their affiliation agreement and instead will be an unaffiliated squad. GM Wendell Young indicated that it’s time for them to “follow their own philosophy” over following developmental instructions from the Hurricanes. Carolina will now have to work to find a place for their prospects next season, either through a split affiliation or by loaning a handful of players out to multiple organizations. Meanwhile, the Wolves could still look to add some NHL-affiliated players on loan agreements to help fill out their roster but those loans would come with the understanding that Chicago will have full control of their playing time.
Fantilli Wins Hobey Baker: Friday was a good day for Michigan center Adam Fantilli. After taking home NCAA Rookie of the Year earlier in the day, the draft-eligible forward won the Hobey Baker Award, given to the best player in college hockey. The 18-year-old led the NCAA in scoring this season with 30 goals and 35 assists in 36 games to make him the third Wolverine to take home the award. Fantilli is the consensus second-overall pick in the upcoming draft and after a freshman year like that, it’s fair to wonder if he’ll be given the opportunity for an encore performance or if he’ll be playing in the pros in 2023-24.
Not Calling It A Career Yet: Long-time winger Zach Parise has been going year-to-year when it comes to his playing future since being bought out by Minnesota in 2021. However, the veteran knows that he isn’t ready to hang up his skates yet, revealing that he intends to play a 19th NHL season in 2023-24. The 38-year-old has had a decent season with the Islanders, chipping in with 21 goals in 80 games, giving them a decent return on a $1.5MM contract (half base salary, half bonuses). With how he has performed and Parise’s history with GM Lou Lamoriello dating back to their time in New Jersey, it’s hard to imagine that the two sides won’t be able to work out another one-year agreement but if it doesn’t happen, he should be able to generate some interest elsewhere.
Colorado Injuries: This is hardly an ideal time for injuries, especially for…
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