2016–17 NHL season

2016–17 NHL season
League National Hockey League
Sport Ice hockey
Duration October 12, 2016 – April 9, 2017
Number of games 82
Number of teams 30
Regular season
Playoffs
Stanley Cup

The 2016–17 NHL season is the 100th season of operation (99th season of play) of the National Hockey League. Thirty teams are competing in an 82-game regular season from October 12, 2016 to April 9, 2017. The 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs will then begin on April 12 and last until mid-June.

League business

Salary cap

In December 2015 commissioner Gary Bettman informed teams that he projected the salary cap to be at least $74.5 million for the 2016–17 season. It could increase as much as $3.1 million. It was eventually set at $73.1 million[1]

Expansion

On June 22, 2016, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman officially announced that the league had approved an expansion team in Las Vegas, Nevada, later christened the Vegas Golden Knights, which is set to begin play in the 2017–18 season.[2]

Media rights

Canadian rightsholder Rogers Media reinstated Ron MacLean as host of Hockey Night in Canada for the 2016–17 season to replace George Stroumboulopoulos, whose introduction in the 2014–15 season was met with mixed reception by viewers. MacLean will host the early game of the weekly doubleheader, with David Amber handling the late games. MacLean will continue to host the Sunday-night Hometown Hockey games on Sportsnet.[3][4][5]

On June 20, 2016, the Buffalo Sabres announced that it had agreed to a 10-year extension of its regional television rights deal with MSG Network, which saw the establishment of a new sub-feed of MSG Network known as MSG Western New York. MSG WNY is a joint venture between MSG Networks and Sabres owner Pegula Sports and Entertainment, and replaced MSG Network in the team's market region. It is the primary carrier of programming related to the Sabres and other Pegula-owned teams, such as the NFL's Buffalo Bills, and continues to carry selected programming from its parent network. There will be no on-air changes in staffing for Sabres telecasts.[6][7]

On June 27, 2016, Sports Business Daily reported that the NHL had reached a deal in principle with Fox Sports to allow in-market, authenticated online streaming for eligible pay TV subscribers, of regional telecasts for the 12 teams it holds rights to.[8]

Centennial celebration

On September 27, 2016, the NHL announced plans to celebrate its 100th year of operation with a series of initiatives that will begin on January 1, 2017. They include the NHL Centennial Classic outdoor game on January 1, 2017, documentaries and a daily "Time Capsule" feature across NHL media properties, a "Centennial Truck Tour" with a traveling museum and other activities that will visit each NHL market over the course of the year, a 2017 Winter Classic-themed float during the Tournament of Roses Parade, and unveilings of the top 100 players and top 100 moments of the league's history.[9]

Coaching changes

Coaching changes
Offseason
Team 2015–16 coach 2016–17 coach Story / Accomplishments
Anaheim Ducks Bruce Boudreau Randy Carlyle Boudreau was fired on April 29, 2016, after losing in the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs.[10] Boudreau accumulated a 208–104–40 regular season record and a 21–15 playoff record with the Ducks over five seasons. The Ducks won four consecutive Pacific Division titles from 2012–13 to 2015–16. On June 14, 2016, the Ducks announced that Carlyle, the Ducks' coach from 2005 to 2011, would return to the team to become their head coach for the second time; Carlyle had spent most of the interim coaching the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2012 to 2015.[11]
Calgary Flames Bob Hartley Glen Gulutzan Hartley was fired on May 3, 2016, after accumulating a record of 134–135–25 record over four seasons in Calgary.[12] He was fired just one season after winning the Jack Adams Award for Coach of the Year in the 2014–15 season. On June 17, 2016, Gulutzan was named head coach.[13] He was previously the head coach of the Dallas Stars and most recently an assistant coach for the Vancouver Canucks.
Colorado Avalanche Patrick Roy Jared Bednar On August 11, 2016, Roy abruptly resigned from his positions as head coach and vice president of hockey operations in a dispute over Roy's input in personnel decisions. Roy had a record of 130–92–24 over three seasons in Colorado and won a Jack Adams Award after leading the Avalanche to the playoffs in his first season as head coach.[14] Bednar was most recently the head coach of the Calder Cup-winning Lake Erie Monsters.
Minnesota Wild Mike Yeo
John Torchetti*		 Bruce Boudreau Yeo began the season as the head coach, but was fired on February 13, 2016, after posting a 23–22–10 record through 55 games. In 4½ seasons with the Wild, he compiled a record of 173–132–44. Yeo was named head coach in waiting for the St. Louis Blues and will serve one season as associate head coach before current head coach Ken Hitchcock retires. Torchetti finished the season with a record of 15–11–1, lost 4–2 to the Dallas Stars in the 2016 First Round, and was dismissed May 7, 2016; Torchetti eventually became an assistant with the Detroit Red Wings. On the same day, Boudreau and the Wild reached an agreement for him to become their next head coach.[15] In five seasons with the Ducks, Boudreau accumulated a regular season record of 208–104–40 and a playoff record of 21–15, while winning four consecutive Pacific Division titles from 2012–13 to 2015–16.
Ottawa Senators Dave Cameron Guy Boucher Cameron was fired on April 12, 2016, after accumulating a record of 70–50–17 after 1¾ seasons.[16] The team made the postseason once under his tenure losing to the Montreal Canadiens, 4–2 in the 2015 First Round. Boucher, who had previously coached the Tampa Bay Lightning from 2010–13, had spent parts of the last two seasons with SC Bern in Switzerland.
In-season
Team Outgoing coach Incoming coach Story / Accomplishments
Florida Panthers Gerard Gallant Tom Rowe* Gallant was fired on November 27, 2016, after posting an 11–10–1 record through 22 games this season.[17] He served as the head coach since the start of the 2014–15 season. He left with a record of 96–65–25 in 186 games. The team made the postseason once during his tenure, winning the Atlantic Division with a 47–26–9 record, but went 2–4 during the playoffs. Tom Rowe, who was and still is (as of November 29) serving as general manager and previously coached the Portland Pirates, the AHL affiliate of the Panthers, stepped in to fill the spot as interim head coach.[18]

(*) Indicates interim.

Arena changes

Regular season

The regular season began on October 12, 2016 and will end on April 9, 2017. The playoffs will begin on April 12, 2017. The schedule was released on June 21, 2016.[22] Each team will receive a five-day "bye week" and no practices can be held during the time period.[23]

Outdoor games

Four outdoor games will be played during the 2016–17 season.

The Winnipeg Jets hosted the 2016 Heritage Classic against the Edmonton Oilers at Investors Group Field on October 23, 2016.[24] The Oilers won the game, 3–0.[25]

The Toronto Maple Leafs will host the Centennial Classic at BMO Field on January 1, 2017, against the Detroit Red Wings. The game will commemorate the 100th season of the Maple Leafs and NHL as a whole.[26] The following Monday, January 2, 2017, the St. Louis Blues will host the Winter Classic at Busch Stadium against the Chicago Blackhawks.[27]

On February 25, 2017, the Pittsburgh Penguins will host the Philadelphia Flyers at Heinz Field for the Stadium Series game.[28]

All–Star Game

The 62nd National Hockey League All-Star Game will be held in Los Angeles at Staples Center, home of the Los Angeles Kings, on Sunday, January 29, 2017. The format will be identical to the 2016 All-Star Game.

Standings

Top 3 (Metropolitan Division)
Pos Team GP W L OTL ROW GF GA GD Pts
1 New York Rangers 25 16 8 1 16 91 63 +28 33
2 Pittsburgh Penguins 24 14 7 3 12 75 72 +3 31
3 Columbus Blue Jackets 22 13 5 4 13 70 50 +20 30
Source: National Hockey League
Top 3 (Atlantic Division)
Pos Team GP W L OTL ROW GF GA GD Pts
1 Montreal Canadiens 24 16 6 2 16 69 52 +17 34
2 Ottawa Senators 24 14 8 2 11 57 59 −2 30
3 Boston Bruins 24 13 10 1 11 57 54 +3 27
Source: National Hockey League
Eastern Conference Wild Card
Pos Div Team GP W L OTL ROW GF GA GD Pts
1 ME Washington Capitals 22 13 7 2 13 57 51 +6 28
2 AT Tampa Bay Lightning 25 13 11 1 12 75 70 +5 27
3 ME Philadelphia Flyers 25 12 10 3 9 80 82 −2 27
4 ME New Jersey Devils 23 10 7 6 8 58 62 −4 26
5 AT Florida Panthers 24 12 10 2 10 60 61 −1 26
6 AT Detroit Red Wings 24 11 10 3 8 58 61 −3 25
7 AT Toronto Maple Leafs 23 10 9 4 10 70 74 −4 24
8 ME Carolina Hurricanes 23 9 9 5 8 55 61 −6 23
9 AT Buffalo Sabres 23 9 9 5 8 48 60 −12 23
10 ME New York Islanders 23 9 10 4 8 59 67 −8 22
Updated to game(s) played on December 2, 2016. Source: National Hockey League
Top 3 (Central Division)
Pos Team GP W L OTL ROW GF GA GD Pts
1 Chicago Blackhawks 25 16 6 3 14 72 63 +9 35
2 St. Louis Blues 24 14 7 3 13 67 67 0 31
3 Minnesota Wild 23 11 8 4 11 64 50 +14 26
Source: National Hockey League
Top 3 (Pacific Division)
Pos Team GP W L OTL ROW GF GA GD Pts
1 San Jose Sharks 25 15 9 1 15 60 51 +9 31
2 Anaheim Ducks 24 12 8 4 12 62 56 +6 28
3 Edmonton Oilers 25 13 10 2 12 76 66 +10 28
Source: National Hockey League
Western Conference Wild Card
Pos Div Team GP W L OTL ROW GF GA GD Pts
1 PA Los Angeles Kings 24 13 10 1 12 62 61 +1 27
2 PA Calgary Flames 27 12 13 2 10 63 79 −16 26
3 CE Nashville Predators 22 11 8 3 11 65 57 +8 25
4 CE Dallas Stars 25 9 10 6 9 63 85 −22 24
5 CE Winnipeg Jets 26 11 13 2 10 69 78 −9 24
6 PA Vancouver Canucks 24 10 12 2 8 55 73 −18 22
7 CE Colorado Avalanche 22 9 12 1 9 49 66 −17 19
8 PA Arizona Coyotes 22 8 11 3 6 54 69 −15 19
Updated to game(s) played on December 2, 2016. Source: National Hockey League

Tie Breakers:
1. Fewer number of games played.
2. Greater Regulation + OT Wins (ROW)
3. Greatest number of points earned in head-to-head play (If teams played an unequal # of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded.)
4. Greater Goal differential

Statistics

Scoring leaders

The following players led the league in regular season points at the conclusion of games played on December 3, 2016.[29]

Player Team GP G A Pts +/– PIM
McDavid, ConnorConnor McDavid Edmonton Oilers 26 11 23 34 +8 10
Kucherov, NikitaNikita Kucherov Tampa Bay Lightning 25 13 16 29 +11 15
Tarasenko, VladimirVladimir Tarasenko St. Louis Blues 25 13 14 27 0 2
Seguin, TylerTyler Seguin Dallas Stars 26 9 18 27 –10 8
Crosby, SidneySidney Crosby Pittsburgh Penguins 19 16 10 26 +3 8
Scheifele, MarkMark Scheifele Winnipeg Jets 26 13 13 26 +5 22
Malkin, EvgeniEvgeni Malkin Pittsburgh Penguins 25 9 16 25 +2 36
Kane, PatrickPatrick Kane Chicago Blackhawks 26 8 17 25 +3 14
Kessel, PhilPhil Kessel Pittsburgh Penguins 25 8 16 24 –1 10
Laine, PatrikPatrik Laine Winnipeg Jets 27 16 7 23 0 8

Leading goaltenders

The following goaltenders led the league in regular season goals against average at the conclusion of games played on December 3, 2016, while playing at least 720 minutes.[30]

Player Team GP TOI W L OTL GA SO SV% GAA
Rask, TuukkaTuukka Rask Boston Bruins 18 !!!!!1084:42 1084:42 13 4 1 29 3 .941 1.60
Dubnyk, DevanDevan Dubnyk Minnesota Wild 18 !!!!!1080:02 1080:02 9 6 3 30 4 .945 1.67
Price, CareyCarey Price Montreal Canadiens 17 !!!!!1020:13 1020:13 13 3 1 29 2 .946 1.71
Jones, MartinMartin Jones San Jose Sharks 22 !!!!!1267:20 1267:20 13 8 1 42 2 .924 1.99
Luongo, RobertoRoberto Luongo Florida Panthers 17 !!!!!1029:51 1029:51 9 7 1 35 0 .929 2.04
Johnson, ChadChad Johnson Calgary Flames 14 !!!!!!850:01 850:01 9 4 1 29 3 .930 2.05
Bobrovsky, SergeiSergei Bobrovsky Columbus Blue Jackets 20 !!!!!1152:10 1152:10 13 5 2 40 3 .929 2.08
Budaj, PeterPeter Budaj Los Angeles Kings 22 !!!!!1197:51 1197:51 12 7 1 43 2 .912 2.15
Holtby, BradenBraden Holtby Washington Capitals 18 !!!!!1084:51 1084:51 10 6 2 39 1 .922 2.16
Rinne, PekkaPekka Rinne Nashville Predators 19 !!!!!1126:41 1126:41 10 5 4 41 1 .928 2.18

Milestones

First games

The following is a list of notable players who played their first NHL game during the 2016–17 season, listed with their first team.

Player Team Notability
Auston Matthews Toronto Maple Leafs First overall pick in the 2016 Draft

Last games

The following is a list of players of note who played their last NHL game in 2016–17, listed with their team:

Player Team Notability

Major milestones reached

Uniforms

See also

References

  1. ↑ Lewis, Scott (December 7, 2015). "NHL Salary cap could reach $74.5 Million for 2016–17". Sportsnet.ca. Pebble Beach, California: Rogers Media. Retrieved December 7, 2015.
  2. ↑ Allen, Kevin (June 22, 2016). "NHL approves expansion to Las Vegas". USA Today. Las Vegas: Gannett Company. Retrieved June 22, 2016.
  3. ↑ Shoalts, David (November 14, 2014). "Sorry Ron MacLean fans, George Stroumboulopoulos is here to stay". The Globe and Mail. Toronto: The Woodbridge Company. Retrieved June 22, 2016.
  4. ↑ Feschuk, Dave (June 19, 2016). "Ron MacLean to replace Strombo on Hockey Night in Canada: Feschuk". Toronto Star. Star Media Group. Retrieved June 20, 2016.
  5. ↑ "Ron MacLean to host Hockey Night in Canada, with David Amber". Sportsnet.ca. Rogers Media. Retrieved 27 June 2016.
  6. ↑ Fink, James (June 21, 2016). "Pegula Sports and Entertainment, MSG Networks seal new, long-term deal". Buffalo Business First. American City Business Journals. Retrieved June 22, 2016.
  7. ↑ Pergament, Alan (June 21, 2016). "Wide-ranging deal will keep Sabres – and other Pegula Sports & Entertainment content – on MSG". The Buffalo News. Berkshire Hathaway. Retrieved June 22, 2016.
  8. ↑ Ourand, John (June 27, 2016). "Fox, NHL agree on in-market streaming". Sports Business Journal. Advance Publications. p. 38. Retrieved June 27, 2016.
  9. ↑ Leahy, Ryan. "NHL announces its 2017 Centennial celebration schedule". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  10. ↑ Beacham, Greg (April 29, 2016). "Ducks fire coach Bruce Boudreau after early playoff exit". Associated Press. Anaheim, California: AP News. Associated Press. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  11. ↑ Beacham, Greg (June 14, 2016). "Anaheim Ducks re-hire Randy Carlyle as head coach". Associated Press. Anaheim, California: AP News. Associated Press. Retrieved June 14, 2016.
  12. ↑ "Calgary Flames fire head coach Bob Hartley". Calgary Sun. Postmedia Network. May 3, 2016. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  13. ↑ "Flames name Glen Gulutzan head coach" (Press release). Calgary: NHL Enterprises, L.P. June 17, 2016. Retrieved June 17, 2016.
  14. ↑ Frei, Terry (August 11, 2016). "Patrick Roy quits as Colorado Avalanche coach". The Denver Post. Digital First Media. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
  15. ↑ Campbell, Dave (May 7, 2016). "Bruce Boudreau agrees to terms to coach Minnesota Wild". Associated Press. St. Paul, Minnesota: AP News. Associated Press. Retrieved May 7, 2016.
  16. ↑ "News Release: Ottawa Senators announce changes to coaching staff" (Press release). Ottawa: NHL Enterprises, L.P. April 12, 2016. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
  17. ↑ "Panthers fire coach Gerard Gallant". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L.P. November 28, 2016. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
  18. ↑ Reynolds, Tim (November 28, 2016). "Panthers fire coach Gallant, cite philosophical differences". Associated Press. Sunrise, Florida: AP News. Associated Press. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
  19. ↑ "Penguins home renamed to PPG Paints Arena". NHL.com. October 4, 2016. Retrieved October 12, 2016.
  20. ↑ "Fans will get free Wi-Fi at the newly renamed KeyBank Center". The Buffalo News. Berkshire Hathaway. September 19, 2016. Retrieved October 12, 2016.
  21. ↑ Belcher, Mark (May 11, 2016). "First Niagara Center to be renamed following Key Bank merger". WIVB 4. Buffalo, New York: Media General. Retrieved October 12, 2016.
  22. ↑ "NHL's 2016–17 season begins Oct. 12". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L.P. June 21, 2016. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  23. ↑ LeBrun, Pierre (November 19, 2015). "Sources: NHL to implement bye weeks for teams during 2016–17 season". ESPN.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
  24. ↑ Wiebe, Ken (March 6, 2016). "Heritage Classic set for Oct. 23". Winnipeg Sun. Postmedia Network. Retrieved June 22, 2016.
  25. ↑ "Oilers top Jets in sun-delayed Heritage Classic". ESPN. October 23, 2016. Retrieved October 24, 2016.
  26. ↑ St. James, Helene (March 9, 2016). "Detroit Red Wings, Maple Leafs set to play outdoor Centennial Classic". Detroit Free Press. Gannett Company. Retrieved June 22, 2016.
  27. ↑ Pinkert, Chris (March 9, 2016). "Winter Classic Comes to St. Louis in 2017". Blues.NHL.com. St. Louis: NHL Enterprises, L.P. Retrieved June 22, 2016.
  28. ↑ "Full list of NHL outdoor games scheduled in 2016–17". Sportsnet.ca. Rogers Media. March 9, 2016. Retrieved June 22, 2016.
  29. ↑ "Player Stats: 2016–2017 Regular season: All Skaters – Total Points". National Hockey League.
  30. ↑ "Player Stats: 2016–2017 Regular season: Leading Goalies". National Hockey League.
  31. ↑ Tzemis, Steven (October 12, 2016). "Auston Matthews makes history with 4 goals in NHL debut". CBC Sports. Retrieved October 13, 2016.
  32. ↑ Feschuk, Dave (October 12, 2016). "Leafs' Matthews offers a tour de four in debut: Feschuk". Toronto Star. Ottawa: Star Media Group. Retrieved October 13, 2016.
  33. ↑ Cohen, Jay (October 19, 2016). "Hossa's 500th goal helps Blackhawks beat Flyers 7-4". Associated Press. Chicago: AP News. Associated Press. Retrieved October 19, 2016.
  34. ↑ "Jaromir Jagr scores 750th NHL goal". NHL.com. October 20, 2016. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  35. ↑ Russo, Michael (October 24, 2016). "Wild falls 6-3 to Islanders as Darcy Kuemper has rough night in goal". Star Tribune. New York City: Star Tribune Media Company LLC. Retrieved November 17, 2016.
  36. ↑ Rutherford, Jeremy (November 1, 2016). "Bouwmeester set to play in game No. 1,000". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. New York City: Lee Enterprises. Retrieved November 4, 2016.
  37. ↑ Cherwoo, Vin (November 8, 2016). "Burrows helps Canucks beat Rangers 5-3 to end 9-game skid". Associated Press. New York City: AP News. Associated Press. Retrieved November 9, 2016.
  38. ↑ Farrell, Sean (November 12, 2016). "Carey Price, Canadiens extend perfect starts". NHL.com. Montreal: NHL Enterprises, L.P. Retrieved November 13, 2016.
  39. ↑ "Flames to wear retro uniform as third jersey". NHL.com (Press release). NHL Enterprises, L.P. September 21, 2016. Retrieved September 21, 2016.
  40. ↑ "Florida Panthers Unveil New Logo and Uniforms" (Press release). NHL Enterprises, L.P. June 2, 2016. Retrieved June 2, 2016.
  41. ↑ Olive, Jameson (June 2, 2016). "New Panthers, New Look: Cats' Core Values Reflected in New Uniforms". Panthers.NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L.P. Retrieved June 3, 2016.
  42. ↑ "LA Kings 50th Anniversary Jersey Unveiled". NHL.com (Press release). NHL Enterprises, L.P. September 21, 2016. Retrieved September 21, 2016.
  43. ↑ Bratten, Brooks (September 15, 2016). "Preds Adopt Gold Helmets for Every Home Game". NHL.com. Retrieved November 14, 2016.
  44. ↑ Hughes, Travis (February 9, 2016). "Here's the Flyers 50th anniversary logo, and a tiny glimpse at their new third jersey". broadsheethockey.com. SB Nation. Retrieved February 9, 2016.
  45. ↑ "Penguins Make The Move to "Pittsburgh Gold"". Penguins.NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L.P. June 24, 2016. Retrieved June 24, 2016.
  46. ↑ "Toronto Maple Leafs unveil new logo". CBC Sports. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Associated Press. February 2, 2016. Retrieved February 16, 2016.
  47. ↑ "Toronto Maple Leafs unveil new uniforms at 2016 NHL Draft". MapleLeafs.NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L.P. June 24, 2016. Retrieved June 24, 2016.

External links

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