NHL Rumors: Return of taxi squads, another Bruin makes trade request, and more
Anthony Scultore
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The NHL is on their Holiday Break as scheduled, although it started a bit earlier than usual as the league was forced to postpone dozens of games and shutdown 9 teams over the last few weeks.
Currently, the league schedule makers are probably pulling the hair our of their heads as they work with teams and buildings to reschedule games. The rash of postponements caused the NHL to back out of the Olympics, so that break in the schedule in February will be used for many of these games.
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NHL Rumors: Taxi Squads
Teams struggled this season with injuries and COVID. This has caused a few to sometimes dress less than an optimal lineup. Some have even gone into games shorthanded without the usual 18 skaters needed to play a game. At least the NHL has done right with the emergency backup goal, but the return of taxis squads is being discussed.
The NHL and NHLPA must create guidelines that might feature reintroduction of taxi squads and the adoption of cap exemptions in response to COVID-related roster issues. Sources have told The Post that talks on these issues began on Wednesday following disposition of the Olympics.
NY POST
Last season, the NHL allowed teams to carry a four man taxi squad with a mandatory goalie and should consider doing that again. Players on the taxi squad have no impact to the team’s salary cap. I would also take it a step further and expand it to five skaters and a goalie.
If the league is hellbent on every team getting 82 games in they need to limit postponements. Taxi squads can help.
Add another Bruins player to ask out
Jake DeBrusk’s trade request went public several weeks ago, and the Bruins are trying to accommodate his request. Now you can add another Bruins forward to the trade demand list.
Zach Senyshyn, a first round selection from 2015 has requested out of the Bruins organization as he’s been unable to crack the lineup.
“I feel like my game has gotten to that level where I’m ready to play and I’m ready to make an impact. With the way the Bruins organization has been going, it just doesn’t seem like I’m in the mix.’’ he told Ringside Rhode Island. “I just feel like I need a fresh start.”
Senyshyn, 24, has played only 14 games for the Bruins since being drafted registering three points.
No Habs home games in January?
Speaking of the poor NHL scheduler, add the Canadiens hoping to have their home game in January moved due to no fans. You likely can expect other Canada-based teams to make similar requests.
