Zak puckpicks 
Monday July 13th had two significant events happen the NHL. It was the first day of Phase Three, which means training camps have begun for the quest to raise the Stanley cup. As well, 5pm eastern was the latest that players could opt out of playing in the playoffs. A lot of significant notes that could have a drastic outcome on futures bets for these play in series. Here is some of the most important NHL Opt Outs and Phase Three News.
NHL OPT OUTS
A total of six players and one assistant coach have decided not to return to the NHL for the conclusion of the 2019-2020 season. Sven Baertschi (Vancouver Canucks), Steven Kampfer (Boston Bruins) and Karl Alzner (Montreal Canadians) have all decide to opt out, however most of their time this season was spent in the American Hockey League.
Coaches are integral in Hockey, especially during the playoffs. It is unsure what the Florida Panthers will be missing with Assistant Coach Mike Kitchens opting out. He is the only coach to have made the decision to miss the playoffs.
Mike Green (Edmonton Oilers) held a wealth of playoff experience and could have made the NHL’s number one power play even that much better. After being traded to the Oilers from Detriot, Green only played two game with Edmonton before sustaining an injury. As much as Mike Green’s presence will be missed, he never really had a chance to cement a place on the team.
Roman Polak (Dallas Stars) played 41 games this season registering four assists. With Dallas having a younger defensive core, Polak’s experience could have been a value here. Polak is in the last year of his contract and has already signed a deal in the Czech Republic. He has decided not to risk a return to the NHL.
The biggest blow to a team was the first player to opt out of returning to play. Travis Hamonic (Calgary Flames) was a mainstay on the penalty kill and Calgary’s second defensive paring. His strong skating ability and grit will surely be missed. Look for Derek Forbort or Michael Stone to fill this role for the Flames.
Significant Notes from Day one of Phase Three
Max Domi (Montreal Canadians) has decided to wait a week, to see how things play out. He has type one diabetes and is more susceptible to complications with Covid 19. It will not put his mind at ease, as Montreal reported three of Domi’s teammates, tested positive for the virus today. This would be a big blow as Max was a solid second line centre for the Canadians. The Habs are already +163 dogs to defeat the Pittsburgh Penguins according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
Speaking of the Penguins, they held nine players off the ice today. It was confirmed they had come in contact with someone that had Covid 19.
Buddy Robinson and Dillon Dube, were not at the opening day of training camp for the Calgary Flames. This is significant because I believe the depth forwards are a major part of Calgary getting passed their opening round play in series against the Winnipeg Jets.
Chicago Blackhawks goaltender, Corey Crawford was deemed unfit to play today. This will be a big story to watch as Crawford is by far the strongest of the Blackhawks puck stoppers. Chicago is already a +145 underdog in their series against the high scoring Edmonton Oilers. Leaving Malcolm Subban our Collin Delia tending the twine could see a spike in that +145, that DraftKings Sportsbook currently has them at.
In original NHL playoffs futures article, I was high on the New York Rangers to beat the Carolina Hurricanes as a +120 underdog. Today we found out that defensemen Dougie Hamilton and Sami Vatanen will return for the Hurricanes. This in my opinion will make this series significantly tighter, as this pair add defensive depth and a scoring touch from the back end.
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