After Esa Lindell earned a spot on Finland’s final World Cup of Hockey roster yesterday, Mike Heika wrote about why this opportunity—and Lindell’s previous experience—means the 22-year-old defenseman is perfectly poised for a jump to the NHL next season.
Lindell received his call-up a little earlier, and was good in four games but not spectacular. Dallas was stocked with left-handed shots, so when they needed a righty late in the year, the call went to Johns instead of Lindell, who probably played better in the AHL.
“It’s a great sign,” [assistant GM Les] Jackson said. “Esa has been fantastic in the AHL, and we expect him to be ready for the move up. I think all young defensemen will have a transition period, and Stephen Johns could even have that going forward. But the fact that we have two players who could transition smoothly next season is a great thing.”
You can read the rest of Jackson’s comments—and see what GM Jim Nill has to say about Lindell—at the link. [SportsDayDFW]
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Along with Esa Lindell, Jamie Benn, and Tyler Seguin, Radek Faksa and Ales Hemsky were also named to World Cup of Hockey rosters.
Congratulations to Ales Hemsky and Radek Faksa on being named to the Czech Republic’s World Cup of Hockey roster. pic.twitter.com/a63aNIbfjj
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) May 27, 2016
Over at The Hockey News, Ryan Kennedy had this to say about the Czech Republic’s decision to add Faksa.
Another new add is Dallas’ Radek Faksa, who had himself a very nice post-season with the Stars, proving to be a versatile two-way threat. Faksa also has a great frame.
You can read more about the Czech Republic’s chances in the tournament at the link. [The Hockey News]
The NHL has helpfully compiled a list of rosters for all eight teams. [NHL]
Noticeably absent from Sweden’s roster is John Klingberg.
Last defense spot on Sweden probably came down to Klingberg, Mattias Ekholm (NSH) and Hampus Lindholm (ANA), and Ekholm got the nod.
— Mark Stepneski (@StarsInsideEdge) May 27, 2016
Klingberg also earned a mention on Sportsnet’s list of surprising omissions. [Sportsnet]
You could say that Denis Gurianov had a pretty good Friday.
Denis Gurianov tallied four goals, one assist in game at Black Sea Cup today. https://t.co/44TZx2Si9i
— Mark Stepneski (@StarsInsideEdge) May 27, 2016
From rookie goaltender Matt Murray to the HBK Line, here are 10 story lines to keep an eye on during the Stanley Cup Final. [NHL]
Make sure you’ve got the NBC/NBCSN schedule memorized so you don’t miss a moment of Stanley Cup fun. [The Score]
With the Penguins moving on to the SCF, it’s time to say goodbye to the Lightning. [Puck Daddy]
And speaking of the Bolts, captain Steven Stamkos says he’d like to be back in Tampa next season. [NHL]
TSN’s Frank Seravall is reporting that Dustin Brown won’t be wearing the “C” for the Kings next season. Anze Kopitar is popping up as a potential replacement.
Hearing Dustin Brown has been told he will no longer be captain of the #LAKings. They want to go in a different direction with the ‘C.’ #TSN
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) May 27, 2016
New head coach Bruce Boudreau has his fair share of decisions to make for the Wild this offseason. [TSN]
NPR chatted with Harnarayan Singh, who does play-by-play for Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi Edition. [NPR]
And finally, the Tonight Show brings you a new batch of playoff superlatives.