It's summer! Well, technically it's not.

Summer won't start until Wednesday here in the Northern Hemisphere, but the hockey off-season has begun and it started with a bang yesterday when Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini agreed to pay just over $19 million to make Oliver Ekman-Larsson go away and play hockey somewhere that is not Vancouver. Larsson turns 32 years-old exactly one month from today.

Frannie opens his wallet, and OEL gets lots of money on the way out of Vancouver. - NUCKS MISCONDUCT
NUCKS MISCONDUCT

This is apparently the largest cost buyout in NHL history excluding four instances of the one-time "compliance buyouts" offered to teams for changes to the CBA after the 2013 lockout.

An extension for Keefe? It could happen.

Report: All signs point to Sheldon Keefe staying on as Maple Leafs head coach, expected to discuss contract extension this summer
On Friday, we received the most definitive report so far that Sheldon Keefe is staying on as Maple Leafs head coach for the 2023-24 season. Per Darren Dreger, Brad Treliving and Keefe have been working together to interview replacements for the departed Spencer Carbery (now head coach of the Washing…
MLHS StaffMaple Leafs Hotstove

The WHL is going all in on Washington State. The troublesome Winnipeg ICE franchise, on its third location after moving from Kootenay and then Edmonton, has been sold to a businessman who will put the team in Wenatchee WA, which is about half way between Seattle and Spokane, already both home to teams. This will make it six teams located in the US for Western Canada's premier major junior hockey league.

Western Hockey League team abandoning Winnipeg after failing to build new arena | CBC News
Multiple attempts by the Ice ownership to construct an arena facility of acceptable WHL standards in Winnipeg, based on the agreed upon timeframes, were unsuccessful, leading to the relocation.
CBC
Side By Side Once Again: Iginla, Conroy reunion proof of changing Flames culture
Yes, the band is getting back together. The Flames hired Calgary legend Jarome Iginla as special advisor to the GM, reuniting him with longtime friend Craig Conroy. Further proof that a culture shift is rapidly taking place in Cowtown.
| June 15, 2023, 7:20 PMSportsnet

Everyone's getting shoulder surgery!

Bear to miss start of next season for Canucks after shoulder surgery
Ethan Bear will miss the start of next season for the Vancouver Canucks after having shoulder surgery. The expected recovery time is six months, which means the 25-year-old defenseman will be out until December.
NHL.com
Ekblad will miss start of Panthers training camp after shoulder surgery
Aaron Ekblad will not be ready for the start of training camp with the Florida Panthers.
NHL.com

The Vegas Golden Knights' Stanley Cup Parade is tonight, with the City shutting down both sides of Las Vegas Blvd., the Strip will be buzzing. Expect to get some videos of sloppy drunk players partying soon.

From The Branches