Hockey trailblazer Willie O'Ree, who became the first black man to play in the NHL in 1958, is troubled by the death of George Floyd and the violent confrontations between police and protestors that have followed in the United States.
"I'm 84 years old and didn't think I'd witness some of the stuff that's going on, but this dates back to the slavery age," O'Ree told The Canadian Press.
"It's very discouraging to see what's going on now."
Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was killed last week in Minneapolis while in police custody. The video of his death circulated on social media, sparking protests across the U.S. that have been met with police force in some cities.
Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, whose knee was on Floyd's neck for over eight minutes, was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The first charge was upgraded to second-degree murder Wednesday, and the three other officers involved in Floyd's death were charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder. All four officers were fired last week.
"It's just a tragedy that every time an unarmed black man is killed there's really nothing done about it at that particular time," O'Ree said.
"It's like you're here today and gone tomorrow. Your life is just snuffed."
Current and former NHL players including Evander Kane and Akim Aliu, who are part of the small minority of black men to have played in the league, have used their platforms to denounce racism and police injustice while calling for further education and discussion on the issue.
"I think it starts with educating yourself," Aliu said. "Find a way. It's 2020, just look at the history, look at what our ancestors have been through to get to where we are now."
O'Ree has been the NHL's diversity ambassador for over two decades. He's also the league's director of youth development under the Hockey Is For Everyone banner.
"RIP George Floyd. So sad to see (what's) happening everywhere and (in) DC," Ovechkin said Monday on Twitter. "It is so important for us to respect and love each other no matter what we look like! We need (to) listen and do change ... please stay safe ... take care (of) each other and family."
Protests against police brutality and racial injustice began across North America following Floyd's death Monday while he was in the custody of Minneapolis police. Derek Chauvin, the now-former police officer who pinned Floyd's neck with his knee for over eight minutes while he was handcuffed on the ground, was fired and has since been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane, who is part of the small minority of black NHL players, challenged high-profile athletes to use their platform to denounce racism.
Since then, several NHL players, including Blake Wheeler, Anze Kopitar, Jonathan Toews, John Tavares, and Kane's teammate Logan Couture have spoken out against racial injustices. Kane said Monday that it's "a small step in the right direction" to see white NHL players taking a stance against racism.
Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is challenging himself and others in a place of privilege to approach the fight against racial injustice with compassion and empathy.
"Compassion to me is at least trying to feel and understand what someone else is going through," Toews said on Instagram. "For just a moment maybe I can try to see the world through their eyes.
"My message isn't for black people and what they should do going forward. My message is to white people to open our eyes and our hearts. That's the only choice we have, otherwise this will continue."
Protests against racism and police brutality began across North America in response to George Floyd's death Monday in Minneapolis. Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died after now-former police officer Derek Chauvin pinned him to the ground with his knee for over eight minutes while Floyd was in handcuffs. Chauvin was fired and has since been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
"I can't pretend for a second that I know what it feels like to walk in a black man's shoes," Toews wrote. "However, seeing the video of George Floyd's death and the violent reaction across the country moved me to tears.
"It has pushed me to think how much pain are black people and other minorities really feeling? What have Native American people dealt with in both Canada and the U.S.? What is it really like to grow up in their world? Where am I ignorant about the privileges that I may have that others don't?"
San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane, who is part of the small minority of black players in the NHL, challenged high-profile athletes to use their platforms to denounce injustice.
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Mathieu Joseph hopes the protests that have followed the death of George Floyd will lead to real positive changes in society.
"Watching the events unfold across America is extremely sad. I wish I could say what happened to George Floyd was an isolated event, but I know it's not," Joseph said Sunday on Twitter. "The problem is that everyone has known that for a long time, and yet very little was done about it. And now people have had enough.
"That said, once it all boils over, what concrete actions will be taken? It is not enough to be non-racist and events unfolding today have proven that. But violent protests are not the answers or a good way to be anti-racist ... we need to focus on the solution. On making a change in the way we educate children."
Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died Monday in Minneapolis after now-former police officer Derek Chauvin pinned him to the ground with his knee for over eight minutes while Floyd was handcuffed. Chauvin has since been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
"George Floyd's death was unacceptable, my heart bleeds for him and his family, and I assume he would want us to fight for a better world," Joseph wrote. "Let's lead with love and demand change all together as a human race. The only way out is through."
Several other teams and players around the league have shared similar thoughts to Joseph's regarding racism and injustice.
San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane, who, with Joseph, is among a small minority of black players in the NHL, called on high-profile athletes to speak up during this time. Sharks captain Logan Couture backed his teammate on Friday.
Minnesota native and Winnipeg Jets captain Blake Wheeler also released a message expressing his anger and frustration not only in his own city but across the country.
The Los Angeles Kings and team captain Anze Kopitar spoke out Sunday against racism and injustice amid protests throughout North America following the death of George Floyd.
"The L.A. Kings are united against racism and acts of hatred toward others," the team said in a statement. "Our voice is here to support the black community and condemn those injustices. Now is the time to raise the volume peacefully.
Kopitar shared a similar sentiment through his own personal Twitter account, denouncing racism and inequality while calling for action toward a better future.
Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died Monday in Minneapolis after now-former police officer Derek Chauvin pinned him to the ground with his knee for over eight minutes while Floyd was handcuffed.
Minnesota native and Winnipeg Jets captain Blake Wheeler took to social media on Saturday to share his feelings.
"America is not OK ... I'm heartbroken that we still treat people this way," he wrote. "We need to stand with the black community and fundamentally change how the leadership in this country has dealt with racism."
San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane, one of only a few black players in the NHL, also called for more globally recognized athletes to use their platform to speak out against racism. Sharks captain Logan Couture supported his teammate Friday, saying athletes can't continue to turn a blind eye to racism.
The NHL's 24-team playoff format has given new life to clubs that were outside the postseason picture when the season was suspended in March.
Due to the unique best-of-five setup, hockey fans will be treated to several thrilling and unpredictable matchups before the traditional Round of 16 gets underway.
Here are the three higher-seeded squads most in danger of being upset.
Pittsburgh Penguins (No. 5 seed in East)
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
Regular season vs. Canadiens: 2-1 Goal differential: 8-7 Penguins
Players reportedly fought against the play-in series being a best-of-three specifically because of superstar talents like Montreal Canadiens netminder Carey Price and their ability to single-handedly steal games. A best-of-five gives the Penguins a little more room for error, but not much.
However, Price hasn't played in the postseason since 2016-17, and although he's posted save percentages of .933, .920, and .919 over his three previous playoff runs, it's hard to say where his game will be after such a unique layoff. The puck-stopper owns a .929 save percentage across three starts against Pittsburgh this season, but the Penguins took the season series despite captain Sidney Crosby suiting up for just one of those contests.
The neutral-site factor also leads to an intriguing case for a Canadiens upset. The Penguins ranked second in home wins with 23 this season and were .500 on the road. Meanwhile, the Habs were far better away from the bright lights of the Bell Centre, and Price produced a save percentage of .917 on the road compared to .901 at home. Playing in an empty arena could benefit Montreal.
But most of the star power in this matchup belongs to the Penguins, and they should have a healthy lineup - with the exception of Nick Bjugstad - for what feels like the first time all season. The club will also be motivated after suffering an embarrassing first-round sweep at the hands of the New York Islanders last spring.
Edmonton Oilers (No. 5 seed in West)
Andy Devlin / National Hockey League / Getty
Regular season vs. Blackhawks: 1-2 Goal differential: 10-9 Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are far from the dynasty they were over the last decade, but the club still possesses a ton of winning pedigree and game-breaking talent. Though the Oilers finished 11 points ahead of Chicago, Edmonton isn't nearly as experienced in the postseason.
Along with Price, players reportedly cited Blackhawks star Patrick Kane as a reason they didn't want a shorter play-in series. Kane leads all players in the series in postseason goals (50) and points (123), and he's known for playing his best hockey when the stakes are the highest after winning three Stanley Cups and taking home the Conn Smythe Trophy.
All things being equal, the Oilers are certainly the better team. Two of the best players in the world are on their side in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and after Chicago dealt Robin Lehner to Vegas at the trade deadline, Edmonton owns an edge between the pipes too. The Blackhawks' core group is also much older, so although the layoff provided them with some much-needed rest, it could take Chicago a little bit longer to find its legs once the puck drops.
Regardless of the outcome, this matchup between two dynamic and exciting clubs should provide hockey-starved fans with everything they were missing.
Carolina Hurricanes (No. 6 seed in East)
Karl DeBlaker / National Hockey League / Getty
Regular season vs. Rangers: 0-4 Goal differential: 17-9 Rangers
Despite this being a showdown between the sixth and 11th seeds, these two teams were closer in quality this season than those rankings would suggest.
The Hurricanes finished with 81 points through 68 games, while the New York Rangers earned 79 points in 70 outings. Now, Carolina must earn its playoff spot against a top-heavy Rangers team that's dominated this matchup in recent years.
New York swept the season series this year, with superstars Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad combining for 16 points in those four contests. Since the 2017-18 campaign, the Hurricanes own a 2-10 record against the Rangers and have been outscored 49-29.
The Rangers' goaltending could pose a problem for their opponents. Though he's years removed his prime, Henrik Lundqvist posted a 3-0 record with a .949 save percentage against Carolina this season, and rookie Igor Shesterkin was quick to make a name for himself by picking up 10 wins through his first 12 career starts.
However, the return of blue-chip defenseman Dougie Hamilton will give the Hurricanes a major boost, and their fourth-ranked penalty kill could nullify the Rangers' potent power play. Carolina also deploys a more well-rounded offense, and that depth should play to its advantage over a five-game series.
"In a shortened series, I think the coach that knows his team best and knows how to get the quickest performance out of his team, you know, is going to have an advantage," Foligno said, according to Mark Masters of TSN. "The team that gets their minds to their identity is going to have an advantage."
Veteran head coach John Tortorella has served as the Blue Jackets' bench boss for five seasons. He's won 110 career playoff games, captured the Jack Adams Award as the NHL's coach of the year on two occasions, and guided the Tampa Bay Lightning to a Stanley Cup title in 2004.
He also coached Columbus to a historic sweep of his former club as the Blue Jackets ousted the 62-win Lightning in the opening round of the 2019 postseason.
Known for his passionate approach, Tortorella put his coaching bona fides on full display while delivering a memorable speech to his players ahead of that series.
"He trusts us, and that trust has been built now for a few years," Foligno said. "You can go back to the video before the series in Tampa and that speech he gave, and that's exactly how all of us were feeling.
"He was dead on, because nobody was expecting anything out of us and we all felt slighted, so he was right in there with us and saying, 'We don't take a backwards step to these guys, we go right at them,' and that's a big reason why we had the success in that series."
Foligno believes Tortorella was paramount in helping the Blue Jackets carry last season's success into 2019-20, coaching them to a 33-22-15 record despite the offseason departures of several high-caliber talents and injuries to key players throughout the campaign.
"We could have easily strayed with the injuries we faced and the question marks going into the season, but he did a great job and we followed suit," Foligno said. "Now that belief is in the locker room. When you have a coach like that who can coach off emotion but also practicality, that's a huge benefit for us."
The Maple Leafs, meanwhile, replaced Mike Babcock with rookie head coach Sheldon Keefe in November following a 9-10-4 start to Babcock's fifth season with the team. Though Toronto's play remained inconsistent, the team improved under Keef, posting a 27-15-5 record.
The NHL clarified its plan for processing conditional trades involving 2020 draft picks in a memo sent to teams this week, according to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.
With the NHL and NHLPA agreeing upon a unique 24-team playoff format, the league has ruled teams must advance to the round of 16 for trade stipulations contingent on playoff appearances to take effect. Teams' round-by-round progression in the postseason will be measured from the 16-team stage onward.
"More specifically, for trade condition purposes, a club will not be deemed to have qualified for the playoffs unless or until they have progressed into the round of 16, and 'playoff games/rounds' will only include the games/rounds played in the round of 16 or later," the league wrote, according to LeBrun. "We believe this interpretation will best reflect the intentions of the parties at the time of the trade."
Several deals around the league were left in question when the NHL suspended its season on March 12.
The Vancouver Canucks dealt a conditional 2020 first-round pick to the Tampa Bay Lightning last offseason; if Vancouver missed the 2020 postseason, the pick was to convert into a 2021 first-rounder. The Lightning sent that pick to the New Jersey Devils in February in a deal for Blake Coleman.
Under the league's ruling, the Devils will own the pick in 2020 if the Canucks beat the Minnesota Wild in the 24-team play-in round. If the Canucks lose, New Jersey will receive Vancouver's 2021 selection instead.
The Pittsburgh Penguins, meanwhile, sent a conditional first-round pick to the Wild in February in exchange for Jason Zucker. If Pittsburgh were to miss the playoffs this season, the club would have the option to keep the pick and instead send Minnesota a first-round selection in 2021. The Penguins will face that decision if the Montreal Canadiens upset them in the play-in.
Despite declaring the 2019-20 regular season officially concluded, the league has yet to rule on the conditions for several other trades, such as the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames' deal to swap forwards Milan Lucic and James Neal.
The Flames were to receive a 2020 third-round pick from the Oilers if Neal scored 21 goals and Lucic scored 10 or fewer goals than Neal this season. Neal had 19 goals when the league halted play, while Lucic had eight.
The seven clubs that aren't part of the 24-team expanded playoff format are now eligible to make trades with one another, according to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.
While the situation may feel unique under current circumstances, the 15 teams that don't qualify for the playoffs during a normal campaign are permitted to make trades with each other in April, when the postseason typically begins.
Bettman also announced a multifaceted plan for the June 26 draft lottery on Tuesday, with each of the seven eliminated teams receiving the traditional odds for landing the No. 1 pick.
Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid doesn't believe his club would gain a competitive advantage playing in its own building if the city is chosen as one of the NHL's hub locations.
"I would say probably not," McDavid said Thursday in an interview with Sportsnet. "It's going to feel weird in that building no matter where you play, no matter if you've played there 100 times, no matter if you've never played there.
"The building's gonna feel weird, just with no fans being in there and whatnot, so I would say probably not, but that's just my opinion."
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced the league's 24-team playoff format Tuesday. Teams will be split into two hub cities, with Edmonton being one of the 10 candidates under consideration.
Deputy commissioner Bill Daly said the league would prefer having a Canadian city serve as a host site, but added that the country's 14-day self-isolation order for all individuals entering the country could prevent that.
Alberta premier Jason Kenney asked Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday to remove coronavirus-related travel restrictions so that Edmonton can become a hub city when the NHL resumes play.
The Oilers owned a 17-11-6 record at Rogers Place this season. The club is slated to take on the Chicago Blackhawks in the best-of-five qualifying round.
