NHL News: MacKinnon fined for helmet throw; Devils place Gusev on waivers; and Blackhawks Stan Bowman Team USA GM

NHL News: MacKinnon fined $5000

The toss earned MacKinnon an ejection in the game, bit if I am being honest I thought it would end there. After Connor McDavid only received a $5000 fine  for a vicious hit on Jesperi Kotkaniemi I didn’t think this would be looked at since superstars seem to have different rules.

Well the NHL Department of Player Safety deemed otherwise and gave MacKinnon a $5000 slap on the wrist.

NHL News: Devils place Gusev on waivers

Today’s waivers list had a surprising name on it. The New Jersey Devils have placed forward Nikita Gusev waivers and one has to wonder if anyone would put in a claim for him. He has a $4.5 million cap hit and will be a UFA this summer.

Per the Team’s Website:

The New Jersey Devils have placed forward Nikita Gusev on waivers today. The left-wing is in his second NHL season with the club and has contributed five points (2G-3A) through 20 games played.

New Jersey acquired Gusev in July of 2019 in a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights. The Russian winger signed a two-year, $9 million contract that same day.

During his first NHL season, Gusev scored 44 points (13G-31A) in 66 games before play was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He scored his first NHL goal in his NHL debut on October 4, 2019. 

Team USA names Stan Bowman GM

Team USA yesterday named Stan Bowman as GM and Bill Guerin as his assistant.

“I am extremely proud and honored to serve such a prestigious role for USA Hockey,” said Bowman. “It will be exciting to work alongside Bill, John and the rest of our advisory group as we build a group of American hockey players and add to the storied tradition and legacy of Team USA. I look forward carrying the Olympic spirit through the game of hockey as we select a team for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing.”

USA Hockey