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.

WJC 2022: Othmann and Cuylle connect for Canada in blowout win over Slovakia, Luke Hughes out fast for USA

Posted on August 12, 2022 by Derek

It’s rare that we have hockey in August. However, Covid Omicron forced the postponement of the 2022 U20 World Junior Championships after Christmas. There were only a handful of games played in Edmonton last winter. The only one people remember … Continue reading →

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Trouba named the 28th captain in Rangers history, why they selected him, WJC gets going

Posted on August 10, 2022 by Derek

In a little surprise, the Rangers announced Jacob Trouba as the new captain of the team at a short press conference yesterday at Madison Square Garden. They even aired it on MSG Network and streamed it for fans. A rarity. … Continue reading →

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A disappointment so far, Kakko must prove worth on bridge deal

Posted on July 29, 2022 by Derek

It was three years ago that the Rangers moved up to the top two in the 2019 NHL Draft Lottery. At that point, before the number one pick was revealed to the Devils, fans were ecstatic at the prospect of … Continue reading →

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HARD HITS: Tkachuk blockbuster trade involving Huberdeau a rarity, the uncomfortable direction the NHL is headed

Posted on July 23, 2022 by Derek

Once the first domino fell when Johnny Gaudreau left Calgary for Columbus by taking less money to uproot his family back to the States, it was pretty much a foregone conclusion that Matthew Tkachuk would not remain a Calgary Flame. … Continue reading →

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Devils improve defense by acquiring Marino from Pens for Ty Smith and third round pick

Posted on July 16, 2022 by Derek

The Devils upgraded their defense today by adding a proven veteran in a smart deal. In a move that should improve their blue line, they acquired John Marino from the Pens in exchange for Ty Smith and a 2023 third … Continue reading →

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Day One of the Free Agent Frenzy: As predicted, Trocheck signs with the Rangers, Halak the new backup, Copp heads home and Strome out West, Gaudreau turns down Devils for Blue Jackets, The best contracts of July 13th

Posted on July 14, 2022 by Derek

Day One of free agency didn’t disappoint. The July 13th FA Frenzy featured almost every big name. There were so many signings that it may as well have been a carnival. Even with the late news that Evander Kane stayed … Continue reading →

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Free Agent Predictions

Posted on July 13, 2022 by Derek

For fun, I decided to make some free agent predictions for the July 13th class. The NHL FA Frenzy period officially kicks off at 12 noon. Before I get to guessing where players will land, Evander Kane is staying put … Continue reading →

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The excitement of free agent frenzy begins Wednesday, Avalanche lock up Nichushkin, Malkin stays, Gaudreau leaving, Rangers likely to lose Copp and Strome, qualify Kakko

Posted on July 12, 2022 by Derek

As we draw closer to midnight before July 13th, there will continue to be many discussions on potential available players who could hit the market on Wednesday. The free agent frenzy officially begins tomorrow afternoon. With that in mind, it’s … Continue reading →

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A chaotic first round, Rangers trade Georgiev to Avalanche, add six players at NHL Draft including Adam Sykora, will face Lightning on Opening Night, schedule criticism and a suggestion

Posted on July 8, 2022 by Derek

The last three days have breezed by. It certainly was busy for all 32 teams. The league released the schedule for 2022-23 on Wednesday. Then held the 2022 NHL Draft at Bell Centre in Montreal on Thursday and Friday. As … Continue reading →

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Off-Season underway, Copp and Strome not looking promising for Rangers, Lightning trade McDonagh to Predators, re-sign Paul, NHL Draft this week, latest free agent news and leaks

Posted on July 5, 2022 by Derek

The hockey off-season is underway. Even though free agency isn’t official until July 13. That’s still another nine days away. However, that hasn’t prevented teams from making some moves. The activity hasn’t been too busy. But we’ve already seen a … Continue reading →

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