Good morning Toronto Maple Leafs fans!
Camp has begun and now we have actual news for the mornings!
First up the NHL has made some minor rulebook tweaks.
Rule 38.2 (Situations Subject to Coach’s Challenge)
A coach’s challenge now will be permitted to take down a penalty for puck out of play. This only will apply to delay of game penalties when the puck is determined to have deflected off a player, stick, glass or boards, and not on a judgment call on how the puck left the defensive zone (e.g., batted pucks or if the puck was shot out from the defensive zone). In the event of a failed challenge, another two-minute minor penalty will be assessed (in addition to the existing delay of game penalty).
Rule 63.8 (Line Change Following Dislodged Net)
There will be an adjustment to Rule 63.8 so that the defensive team cannot make a line change in the event its goaltender accidentally dislodges the net (old language applied just to skater).
Rule 76.4 (Face-Off Procedure – Centers)
Following an icing, the offensive center also now will receive one warning (same as the defensive player) for a face-off violation.
Rule 75.3 (Unsportsmanlike Conduct – Player Sitting on Boards)
The referee now will provide the offending team (coach and players) with one warning regarding players sitting on the boards (and will so advise the other team). After one warning in a game, the team precipitating the warning will be issued a bench minor penalty for future violations.
Heck yes more coaches challenges!
In Leafs news Rogers bought Bells shares of MLSE for $4.7Billion, making them the majority owner of MLSE.
I had a few thoughts about this.
1) Will the Blue Jays fold into MLSE?.
Probably not. Since Rogers doesn't 100% own MLSE, they would have to get the other owners to agree to buy their percentage of the Jays.
2) Will the Leafs be Sportsnet only now?
No. The deal allows TSN to have access to the Leafs & Raptors for 10 more years.
3) Will Bell use this money to launch a second Toronto team?
Probably not. They have a lot of debt to pay off, and would have to spend more than they just got to pay off MLSE, the NHL, and build an arena.
Hopefully fewer board room battles and more winning. Hopefully.
Down the road the PWHL Toronto Scepters sold out all available season ticket packages.
It was media day at camp. Lots of talking. MLHS has it transcribed for you.
Finally things don't always go easily, such as Jeff O'Niells time in Winnipeg.
Enjoy your day everyone!