NHL

Now that it is December, where does the NHL stand in its potential return to play? Is Jan. 1 still a realistic target?

On this week’s YWT Podcast, the guys talk about the latest updates in the NHL’s return-to-play plans for a 2020-21 season and where things currently stand. The guys also take an extensive look at the Reverse Retro jerseys released a couple weeks ago and give their grades for every jersey in the bunch.

There was hope that there would be some concrete details about the upcoming NHL season, but negotiations on a return have hit a snag during the week. The players are reportedly “blindsided” by a request from the NHL owners to change the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

On Monday, the league unveiled 31 new jerseys as part of the Reverse Retro alternates program, including one that pays tribute to the Flyers uniforms of the 80s and 90s.

Where do things stand on the NHL’s return for the 2020-21 season? There are plenty of ideas on the table as the target start date of Jan. 1 rapidly approaches.

For those who appreciate the fact that a player’s quality can’t be defined solely by numbers, Ivan Provorov’s performance on the ice backs it up. He’s not the indisputable best defensemen in the NHL, but he certainly didn’t deserve to be omitted from the NHL’s list of the top 20 defensemen for the 2019-20 season. So why was he left out?

With the news of Mike “Doc” Emrick retiring, we take a look back at how the legendary broadcaster got his start.

The guys talk about the surprising news of Matt Niskanen’s retirement and the Flyers response by re-signing Justin Braun. They also discuss how it affects the Flyers offseason plans. Additionally, they look at some of the roster moves around the league and more.

Gary Bettman announced that the NHL and NHLPA have put the focus on a Jan. 1 start date for the 2020-21 season. Estimated timing for the start of training camp will be announced at a later date.