Author Archives: Derek

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About Derek

Derek is a creative writer who enjoys taking photographs, working on poetry, and covering hockey. A free spirit who loves the outdoors, a diverse selection of music, and writing, he's a former St. John's University alumni with a degree in Sports Management. Derek covers the Rangers for Battle of Hudson and is a contributor to The Hockey Writers. His appreciation of art and nature are his true passions.

2023-24 Season Focus: Tampa Bay Lightning

ATLANTIC DIVISION Tampa Bay Lightning (3rd) 2022-23 Record: 46-30-6 98 Pts Eliminated in First Round by Maple Leafs Key Subtractions: Alex Killorn (signed with Ducks), Ross Colton (traded to Avalanche), Pat Maroon (traded to Wild), Corey Perry (signed with Blackhawks), … Continue reading

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2023-24 Season Focus: Boston Bruins

ATLANTIC DIVISION Boston Bruins (1st) 2022-23 Record: 65-12-5 135 Pts Eliminated in First Round by Panthers Key Subtractions: Patrice Bergeron (retirement), David Krejci (retirement), Taylor Hall (traded to Blackhawks), Nick Foligno (traded to Blackhawks), Dmitry Orlov (signed with Hurricanes), Garnet … Continue reading

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September marks the return of hockey

It’s finally here. The first day of September means two things. Back to school. The return of hockey. It also means football. There will be plenty of excitement for both the Jets and Giants. Especially if you root for Gang … Continue reading

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Rangers’ playoff hero Hagelin retires

In another time, Carl Hagelin was a fan favorite up in the Blue Seats at Madison Square Garden. The former Rangers’ playoff hero announced his retirement from hockey yesterday. Once a sixth round pick in the 2007 NHL Draft, Hagelin … Continue reading

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Lafreniere re-signs for two years, former top pick and Kakko enter critical part of their careers

Earlier today, Alexis Lafreniere and the Rangers agreed on a new two-year deal worth a reported $2.325 million on average through 2025. Per multiple reports, the Rangers have signed Alexis Lafrenière to a two-year bridge deal worth $2.325 million annually … Continue reading

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Long summer nears completion, hockey on deck

It’s been a long summer. If you’re a hockey fan anyway. The off-season can feel like two parts. The first is like a bolt of lightning before a storm. That describes the beginning of free agency. In one word, chaotic. … Continue reading

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Sabres mourn the loss of legendary broadcaster Rick Jeanneret

On Thursday, longtime Sabres broadcaster Rick Jeanneret passed away at the age of 81. The voice of the Buffalo Sabres for over half a century is being mourned by the organization and by the hockey world. Your voice will echo … Continue reading

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HARD HITS: Retirements of Bergeron, Krejci impact Bruins, The Metro Division continues to improve, Pens’ addition of Karlsson should make it tougher

In the dog days of summer, news isn’t as busy for hockey. However, with the recent retirements of Bruins’ legends Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, there’s a big opportunity for some teams who missed the playoffs last season. Boston subtracted … Continue reading

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Examining the Aho contract extension with the Hurricanes

Last Wednesday, the Hurricanes and Sebastian Aho reached an agreement on a new contract extension that should keep him in Carolina into his mid-30’s. With the Hurricanes captain entering the final year of his current deal that averages out to … Continue reading

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Tarasenko finally signs with the Senators, a look at the Atlantic Division

After a long wait, Vladimir Tarasenko has a new team. He agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal with the Senators yesterday. The contract includes a no-trade clause. Welcome to the Tarasenk-Show! 🤩 The #Sens have signed forward, Vladimir Tarasenko … Continue reading

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