Yesterday, the Ottawa Senators lost their first round pick after failing to respect Evgenii Dadonov's not trade clause around the trade deadline in 2021, a punishment that lost GM Pierre Dorion is job.

Pierre Dorion Out as Sens GM
The Ottawa Senators have parted ways with General Manager Pierre Dorion.
Silver SevenSpencer Blake

If you don't know, Michael Andlauer is the new owner of the Senators and he had lots to say in yesterday's press conference.

Friedman even started his 32 Thoughts from last night with "Holy smokes, what a media conference."

32 Thoughts: Senators owner Andlauer pushes back after tough penalties
In this week’s thoughts, Elliotte Friedman writes about Michael Andlauer’s honest press conference, what’s next for the Senators, neck guards, and much more.
Sportsnet| November 1, 2023, 11:50 PM

Additionally, he had this to say about who the next GM will be if it's not interim Steve Staios.

"There’s been a lot of talk about Peter Chiarelli, but another name I’d throw in there is Tampa Bay director of hockey operations Mathieu Darche. Darche interviewed in Montreal while Andlauer still owned part of the Canadiens, so there is familiarity. Another person suggested Jason Spezza."

The Calgary Flames are also closed for business on contract extensions. They could be a seller at the trade deadline (Elias Lindholm at 3C, anyone?)

The WHL has made neck guards mandatory. The Pittsburgh Penguins, Adam Johnson's former organization, are leading the push to make the same change in the AHL and NHL.

Penguins advocate for neck protection mandate
The Penguins are advocating for mandated neck protection for NHL players in the wake of the death of former Pittsburgh forward Adam Johnson.
ESPNRyan S. Clark
Ehlers, Perfetti among four Jets players wearing neck guards in practice
On Wednesday, Vladislav Namestnikov, Rasmus Kupari, Cole Perfetti and Nikolaj Ehlers were all spotted wearing neck guards during Winnipeg Jets practice.
Sportsnet| November 1, 2023, 2:57 PM

Brian has the latest on goalie prospect Artur Akhtyamov.

Maple Leafs Prospect Report: Artur Akhtyamov
Updating the progress Artur Akhtyamov has been making in the KHL, and how the rest of his season may shape up for opportunities to get more starts.
PPP LeafsBrian S

Here's what Keefe had to say after the loss to the Kings, ICYMI.

Sheldon Keefe on his continued faith in Auston Matthews & Mitch Marner amid a slow start at five-on-five: “Lots of trust... They’re going to continue to get better as the season moves along”
After Wednesday’s practice, Sheldon Keefe discussed the latest on Jake McCabe and Conor Timmins’ injury recoveries, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner’s slow start at five-on-five, and the challenge against Boston on Thursday. Auston Matthews has talked about his line being too “one and done.” Mitch M…
Maple Leafs HotstoveMLHS Staff

The NHL has finally figured out what to do with their WCoH Russia problem and the tournament is likely to go ahead in 2025.

The Canucks are winning and don't know what to do with their hands.

Canucks navigating unfamiliar prosperity after successful start to season
The last time the Vancouver Canucks tore through October with the level of success they did to start this season, it was 2005, the autumn after the National Hockey League lockout.
Sportsnet| November 1, 2023, 8:19 PM
From The Branches