2017–18 NHL season

The 2017–18 NHL season was the 101st season of operation (100th season of play) of the National Hockey League. With the addition of a new expansion team, the Vegas Golden Knights, 31 teams competed in an 82-game regular season. The regular season began on October 4, 2017, and ended on April 8, 2018. The 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs began on April 11, 2018, and concluded on June 7, with the Washington Capitals winning their first Stanley Cup in the Finals over the Vegas Golden Knights in five games.[1]

2017–18 NHL season
LeagueNational Hockey League
SportIce hockey
DurationOctober 4, 2017 – June 7, 2018
Number of games82
Number of teams31
TV partner(s)CBC, Sportsnet, TVA Sports (Canada)
NBCSN, NBC, CNBC, USA (United States)
Draft
Top draft pickNico Hischier
Picked byNew Jersey Devils
Regular season
Presidents' TrophyNashville Predators
Season MVPTaylor Hall (Devils)
Top scorerConnor McDavid (Oilers)
Playoffs
Playoffs MVPAlexander Ovechkin (Capitals)
Stanley Cup
ChampionsWashington Capitals
  Runners-upVegas Golden Knights

League business

Expansion

On June 22, 2016, the NHL confirmed that it had granted an expansion franchise in the city of Las Vegas to an ownership group led by Bill Foley,[2] whose identity was revealed as the Vegas Golden Knights on November 22. The team plays in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference.[3][4] In June 2017, the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft was held to fill out the Golden Knights roster.

Olympics abstention and ban

On April 3, 2017, the NHL announced that, after five Olympic tournaments in which the NHL allowed its players to participate in the event, it would not do so for the men's hockey tournament at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Furthermore, the league did not include a break for the Olympics in its schedule, and scheduled its All-Star Game as usual for late-January shortly prior to the Olympics (historically, the All-Star Game was not played during Olympic years).[5][6] Each team's mandatory bye week, stipulated in the league's CBA, was also scattered throughout the month of January.[7]

The restriction will apply to any player under NHL contract, including those in its affiliated minor leagues, but not to players signed to one-way contracts directly with the teams in those minor leagues nor players signed to entry-level contracts who are playing junior ice hockey.[8][6] Several players had vowed to participate anyway, most notably Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin.[9] They did not wind up participating. The league had initially stated that minor league prospects would not be subject to the ban.[10] As the league had little legal room to enforce a ban itself without running afoul of the National Hockey League Players' Association,[11] the league instead colluded with the International Ice Hockey Federation, who agreed to establish a blacklist forbidding the national teams from offering invitations to players under NHL contracts.[12]

Players with Olympic aspirations who were free agents, especially those whose NHL prospects were marginal, were advised not to sign NHL contracts and, if they wished to play professionally, sign directly with minor league clubs to maintain Olympic eligibility.[8] Former Buffalo Sabres captain Brian Gionta and former Olympian Jarome Iginla were among those who opted not to sign NHL contracts for the season prior to the Olympics; Iginla, because of a lingering injury, would not go to the Olympics.[13][14]

Salary cap

On June 18, 2017, the National Hockey League Players' Association announced that the salary cap would be set at $75 million per team for the 2017–18 season.[15][16]

Rule changes

The NHL Board of Governors passed some new rules that take effect this season, including:[17]

  • coach's challenge of offside - the original rule was put in place after a series of highly blatant off-side calls had been missed. The rule soon became a huge time waster, often requested by coaches whose team had allowed a goal wanting a review of the exact millimeter that a skate and the puck pass the blue line. To reduce the number of coach's challenges, there is now a two-minute penalty for delay of game if the review does not result in an offside being overturned.
  • no timeouts after icing - as a team that causes an icing is not allowed to change the players on the ice, coaches took to calling their 30-second timeout to allow their players to rest, getting around the intent of the "no-changes" rule. This rule change eliminates that practice.
  • touching high-sticked puck by power play team - previously, if a team on the man advantage played a puck after it was high-sticked, no matter where on the ice this happened, the play was stopped and the faceoff come all the way back to their own zone. This has been adjusted slightly so that, if the infraction happens in the short handed team's zone, the faceoff would only be moved back to the neutral zone just outside the short handed team's zone.

The Board of Governors has also stated that existing rules be fully enforced in certain situations that had become "unofficially" ignored:[17]

  • enforcement of slashing rules - not a rule change as such, referees are now expected to enforce the existing two-minute penalty for slashing when players chop at the wrists and hands of a puck carrier. This follows a series of injuries - including a partially chopped-off finger - for this common practice that was rarely being penalized.
  • faceoff infractions - not a rule change as such, referees are now expected to enforce the existing two-minute penalty for improper stance by a player taking a faceoff. This follows an extensive period where players have not been standing with their feet properly placed within the limits of the markings by the dot, with their bodies square to the end boards.

Media rights

This was the seventh season under the NHL's ten-year U.S. rights deal with NBC Sports, and the fourth season of its twelve-year Canadian rights deals with Sportsnet and TVA Sports. On December 19, 2017, Rogers Media renewed its sub-licensing agreement with CBC Television for Hockey Night in Canada (which was to expire after this season) through the remainder of its tenure as national rightsholder.[18]

Since CBC and NBC also hold the rights to air the Olympics in their respective countries, Rogers did not schedule any HNIC games on CBC during those Saturdays nights, only airing games on City and Sportsnet. NBC originally decided not to air any NHL games at all during the Olympics, but later reversed course, and added three Sunday afternoon telecasts during the Olympics.[19]

AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (which, along with AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, the regional broadcaster of the Pittsburgh Penguins, re-branded from Root Sports over the off-season) was the inaugural regional television rightsholder for the Vegas Golden Knights.[20] TSN re-gained regional English-language rights to the Montreal Canadiens, and extended its radio contract for co-owned CKGM.[21][22] Rogers Media acquired the radio rights to the Vancouver Canucks for newly acquired 650 CISL.[23]

Centennial celebration

The NHL's centennial commemorations continued into the 2017–18 season, as its 100th season of play. On March 17, 2017, the NHL announced that it would hold an outdoor game at TD Place Stadium between the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens on December 16, 2017, to formally mark the 100th anniversary of their first NHL game.[24][25]

The Toronto Maple Leafs marked the centennial of the NHL's first game (which involved their predecessor, the Toronto Arenas) with a "Next Century Game" on December 19, 2017 against the Carolina Hurricanes; the team wore special Toronto Arenas jerseys, and season ticket holders were encouraged to donate their tickets to the MLSE Foundation to allow students to attend this matinee game.[26][27] Mayor of Toronto John Tory also declared December 19 "Toronto Maple Leafs Day".[28]

Preseason games in China

On March 30, 2017, it was announced that the Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks would play two preseason games in China; on September 21 at Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai and September 23 at the Beijing Wukesong Culture & Sports Center in Beijing.[29] These were the first NHL games played in China.[30]

Coaching changes
Coaching changes
Off-season
Team 2016–17 coach 2017–18 coach Story / accomplishments
Arizona Coyotes Dave Tippett Rick Tocchet On June 22, 2017, through mutual agreement, Tippett left the head coach position of the Coyotes. He led the team to a 30–42–10 record during the 2016–17 season, and a 282–257–83 overall record in eight seasons with the team. The team made the playoffs three times, reaching the Western Conference Final in 2012.[31][32] On July 11, 2017, Tocchet was named as the new head coach of the Coyotes.[33] He was the assistant coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the last three seasons.
Buffalo Sabres Dan Bylsma Phil Housley On April 20, 2017, the Sabres fired Bylsma after his team finished eighth in the Atlantic Division and failed to contend for the playoffs for the second consecutive season. He led the team to a 33–37–12 record during the 2016–17 season and a 68–73–23 overall record in two full seasons.[34] On June 15, Housley was named the Sabres' new head coach.[35] He had spent the previous four seasons as assistant coach for the Nashville Predators and previously played for the Sabres from 1982 to 1990.
Dallas Stars Lindy Ruff Ken Hitchcock On April 9, 2017, the Stars announced that Ruff's contract would not be renewed for the 2017–18 season. Ruff led the team to a 34–37–11 record during the 2016–17 season as the Stars missed the playoffs and a 165–122–41 record since taking over in 2013.[36] Ruff joined the New York Rangers as an assistant coach.[37] On April 13, Hitchcock, most recently with the St. Louis Blues, was named the new head coach. He previously coached the Stars from 1996 to 2002.[38]
Florida Panthers Gerard Gallant
Tom Rowe*		 Bob Boughner Gallant, who compiled a record of 11–10–1 for the first part of the season (and a 96–65–25 record over his full 2¼-season tenure with the team, the highest win percentage of any coach in Panthers history), was fired on November 10, 2016. Rowe, the team's general manager, stepped into the position and compiled a 24–26–10 record. Gallant joined the Vegas Golden Knights, while Rowe, despite losing both the head coach and general manager titles, remained with the Panthers as an advisor.[39] On June 12, Boughner was named the team's new head coach.[40] He was the assistant coach of the San Jose Sharks before being hired by the Panthers.
Los Angeles Kings Darryl Sutter John Stevens On April 10, 2017, the Kings fired Sutter after missing the playoffs for the second time in three years. He led the Kings to two Stanley Cup victories in 2012 and 2014. The Kings finished the season with a record of 39–35–8 and an overall record of 225–147–53 over six seasons with Sutter, which is the most wins for any coach in Kings' history.[41][42] On April 23, Stevens was named the new head coach. He had been the Kings' assistant coach since 2010 and was also an interim coach for four games during the 2011–12 season.[43]
Vancouver Canucks Willie Desjardins Travis Green On April 10, 2017, the Canucks fired Desjardins after his team failed to contend for the playoffs for the second consecutive year. He led the team to a 30–43–9 record during the 2016–17 season and a 109–110–27 overall record in three full seasons.[44] Desjardins will coach the Canadian Olympic team for this season.[45] On April 26, Green was named the new head coach. Prior to his hiring, Green was the head coach for the Canucks' AHL affiliate Utica Comets.[46]
Vegas Golden Knights Expansion team Gerard Gallant On April 13, 2017, the Golden Knights hired Gerard Gallant, previously head coach of the Florida Panthers, as the team's first head coach.[47]

This was the first NHL season since the 1966–67 season in which no coaching changes took place during the regular season.[48]

Arena changes

Regular season

The regular season began on October 4, 2017, and ended on April 8, 2018. Each team received a five-day "bye week", all of which took place in mid-January.[52]

International games
One of the games between the Ottawa Senators and the Colorado Avalanche at Ericsson Globe, Stockholm, Sweden

Two regular season games between the Colorado Avalanche and the Ottawa Senators were played at Ericsson Globe in Stockholm, Sweden on November 10 and 11, 2017, branded as the SAP NHL Global Series.[53]

Outdoor games

All–Star Game
Main article: 63rd National Hockey League All-Star Game

The 63rd National Hockey League All-Star Game was held in Tampa, Florida at Amalie Arena, home of the Tampa Bay Lightning, on January 28, 2018. The format did not change, and followed the format used in two previous All-Star games.[58]

Postponed game

The Florida Panthers – Boston Bruins game scheduled for January 4, 2018, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, was postponed due to the effects of the January 2018 nor'easter.[59] The game was rescheduled for April 8, the day after the regular season was originally scheduled to end.[60]

Standings
Top 3 (Metropolitan Division)
Pos Team GP W L OTL ROW GF GA GD Pts
1 y – Washington Capitals 82 49 26 7 46 259 239 +20 105
2 x – Pittsburgh Penguins 82 47 29 6 45 272 250 +22 100
3 x – Philadelphia Flyers 82 42 26 14 40 251 243 +8 98
Source: National Hockey League[61]
x – Clinched playoff spot; y – Clinched division
Top 3 (Atlantic Division)
Pos Team GP W L OTL ROW GF GA GD Pts
1 z – Tampa Bay Lightning 82 54 23 5 48 296 236 +60 113
2 x – Boston Bruins 82 50 20 12 47 270 214 +56 112
3 x – Toronto Maple Leafs 82 49 26 7 42 277 232 +45 105
Source: National Hockey League[62]
x – Clinched playoff spot; z – Clinched conference
Eastern Conference Wild Card
Pos Div Team GP W L OTL ROW GF GA GD Pts
1 ME x – Columbus Blue Jackets 82 45 30 7 39 242 230 +12 97
2 ME x – New Jersey Devils 82 44 29 9 39 248 244 +4 97
3 AT Florida Panthers 82 44 30 8 41 248 246 +2 96
4 ME Carolina Hurricanes 82 36 35 11 33 228 256 −28 83
5 ME New York Islanders 82 35 37 10 32 264 296 −32 80
6 ME New York Rangers 82 34 39 9 31 231 268 −37 77
7 AT Detroit Red Wings 82 30 39 13 25 217 255 −38 73
8 AT Montreal Canadiens 82 29 40 13 27 209 264 −55 71
9 AT Ottawa Senators 82 28 43 11 26 221 291 −70 67
10 AT Buffalo Sabres 82 25 45 12 24 199 280 −81 62
Source: National Hockey League[63]
x – Clinched playoff spot
Top 3 (Central Division)
Pos Team GP W L OTL ROW GF GA GD Pts
1 p – Nashville Predators 82 53 18 11 47 267 211 +56 117
2 x – Winnipeg Jets 82 52 20 10 48 277 218 +59 114
3 x – Minnesota Wild 82 45 26 11 42 253 232 +21 101
Source: National Hockey League[64]
p – Clinched Presidents' Trophy; x – Clinched playoff spot
Top 3 (Pacific Division)
Pos Team GP W L OTL ROW GF GA GD Pts
1 y – Vegas Golden Knights 82 51 24 7 47 272 228 +44 109
2 x – Anaheim Ducks 82 44 25 13 40 235 216 +19 101
3 x – San Jose Sharks 82 45 27 10 40 252 229 +23 100
Source: National Hockey League
x – Clinched playoff spot; y – Clinched division
Western Conference Wild Card
Pos Div Team GP W L OTL ROW GF GA GD Pts
1 PA x – Los Angeles Kings 82 45 29 8 43 239 203 +36 98
2 CE x – Colorado Avalanche 82 43 30 9 41 257 237 +20 95
3 CE St. Louis Blues 82 44 32 6 41 226 222 +4 94
4 CE Dallas Stars 82 42 32 8 38 235 225 +10 92
5 PA Calgary Flames 82 37 35 10 35 218 248 −30 84
6 PA Edmonton Oilers 82 36 40 6 31 234 263 −29 78
7 CE Chicago Blackhawks 82 33 39 10 32 229 256 −27 76
8 PA Vancouver Canucks 82 31 40 11 31 218 264 −46 73
9 PA Arizona Coyotes 82 29 41 12 27 208 256 −48 70
Source: National Hockey League[65]
x – Clinched playoff spot

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

Playoffs
Main article: 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs

Bracket

In each round, teams competed in a best-of-seven series following a 2–2–1–1–1 format (scores in the bracket indicate the number of games won in each best-of-seven series). The team with home ice advantage played at home for games one and two (and games five and seven, if necessary), and the other team was at home for games three and four (and game six, if necessary). The top three teams in each division made the playoffs, along with two wild cards in each conference, for a total of eight teams from each conference.

In the First Round, the lower seeded wild card in the conference played against the division winner with the best record while the other wild card played against the other division winner, and both wild cards were de facto #4 seeds. The other series matched the second and third place teams from the divisions. In the first two rounds, home ice advantage was awarded to the team with the better seed. Thereafter, it was awarded to the team that had the better regular season record.

First round Second round Conference finals Stanley Cup Finals
            
A1 Tampa Bay 4
WC New Jersey 1
A1 Tampa Bay 4
A2 Boston 1
A2 Boston 4
A3 Toronto 3
A1 Tampa Bay 3
Eastern Conference
M1 Washington 4
M1 Washington 4
WC Columbus 2
M1 Washington 4
M2 Pittsburgh 2
M2 Pittsburgh 4
M3 Philadelphia 2
M1 Washington 4
P1 Vegas 1
C1 Nashville 4
WC Colorado 2
C1 Nashville 3
C2 Winnipeg 4
C2 Winnipeg 4
C3 Minnesota 1
C2 Winnipeg 1
Western Conference
P1 Vegas 4
P1 Vegas 4
WC Los Angeles 0
P1 Vegas 4
P3 San Jose 2
P2 Anaheim 0
P3 San Jose 4
Legend
  • A1, A2, A3 – The first, second, and third place teams from the Atlantic Division, respectively
  • M1, M2, M3 – The first, second, and third place teams from the Metropolitan Division, respectively
  • C1, C2, C3 – The first, second, and third place teams from the Central Division, respectively
  • P1, P2, P3 – The first, second, and third place teams from the Pacific Division, respectively
  • WC – Wild Card teams

Statistics

Scoring leaders

The following players led the league in regular season points at the conclusion of games played on April 7, 2018.[66]

Player Team GP G A Pts +/– PIM
Connor McDavidEdmonton Oilers824167108+2026
Claude GirouxPhiladelphia Flyers823468102+2820
Nikita KucherovTampa Bay Lightning803961100+1542
Evgeni MalkinPittsburgh Penguins78425698+1687
Nathan MacKinnonColorado Avalanche74395897+1155
Taylor HallNew Jersey Devils76395493+1434
Anze KopitarLos Angeles Kings82355792+2120
Phil KesselPittsburgh Penguins82345892–436
Blake WheelerWinnipeg Jets81236891+1352
Sidney CrosbyPittsburgh Penguins82296089046

Leading goaltenders

The following goaltenders led the league in regular season goals against average at the conclusion of games played on April 8, 2018, while playing at least 1,800 minutes.[67]

Player Team GP TOI W L OTL GA SO SV% GAA
Antti RaantaArizona Coyotes472599:0721176973.9302.24
Marc-Andre FleuryVegas Golden Knights462673:24291341004.9272.24
Pekka RinneNashville Predators593475:27421341348.9272.31
Philipp GrubauerWashington Capitals351864:4815103733.9232.35
Connor HellebuyckWinnipeg Jets673965:54441191566.9242.36
Tuukka RaskBoston Bruins543173:05341451253.9172.36
Jonathan QuickLos Angeles Kings643677:05332831475.9212.40
Sergei BobrovskyColumbus Blue Jackets653911:34372261585.9212.42
John GibsonAnaheim Ducks603428:29311871394.9262.43
Roberto LuongoFlorida Panthers351965:5818112813.9292.47

NHL awards
See also: List of 2017–18 NHL Three Star Awards

The league's awards were presented at the NHL Awards ceremony, that was held following the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs on June 20 at the Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.[68] Finalists for voted awards were announced during the playoffs and winners were presented at the award ceremony. Voting concluded immediately after the end of the regular season. The Presidents' Trophy, the Prince of Wales Trophy and Clarence S. Campbell Bowl are not presented at the awards ceremony. The Lester Patrick Trophy is announced during the summer and presented in the fall. For the first time, the Professional Hockey Writers' Association voted to release each voters' ballot to the public after the awards ceremony.[69]

2017–18 NHL awards
AwardRecipient(s)Runner(s)-up/finalists
Stanley CupWashington CapitalsVegas Golden Knights
Presidents' Trophy
(Best regular season record)		Nashville PredatorsWinnipeg Jets
Prince of Wales Trophy
(Eastern Conference playoff champion)		Washington CapitalsTampa Bay Lightning
Clarence S. Campbell Bowl
(Western Conference playoff champion)		Vegas Golden KnightsWinnipeg Jets
Art Ross Trophy
(Player with most points)		Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers)Claude Giroux (Philadelphia Flyers)
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
(Perseverance, Sportsmanship, and Dedication)		Brian Boyle (New Jersey Devils)Roberto Luongo (Florida Panthers)
Jordan Staal (Carolina Hurricanes)[70]
Calder Memorial Trophy
(Best first-year player)		Mathew Barzal (New York Islanders)Brock Boeser (Vancouver Canucks)
Clayton Keller (Arizona Coyotes)[71]
Conn Smythe Trophy
(Most valuable player, playoffs)		Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals)Evgeny Kuznetsov (Washington Capitals)
Frank J. Selke Trophy
(Defensive forward)		Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles Kings)Patrice Bergeron (Boston Bruins)
Sean Couturier (Philadelphia Flyers)[72]
Hart Memorial Trophy
(Most valuable player, regular season)		Taylor Hall (New Jersey Devils)Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles Kings)
Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche)[73]
Jack Adams Award
(Best coach)		Gerard Gallant (Vegas Golden Knights)Jared Bednar (Colorado Avalanche)
Bruce Cassidy (Boston Bruins)[74]
James Norris Memorial Trophy
(Best defenceman)		Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning)Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings)
P. K. Subban (Nashville Predators)[75]
King Clancy Memorial Trophy
(Leadership and humanitarian contribution)		Daniel and Henrik Sedin (Vancouver Canucks)P. K. Subban (Nashville Predators)
Jason Zucker (Minnesota Wild)[76]
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy
(Sportsmanship and excellence)		William Karlsson (Vegas Golden Knights)Aleksander Barkov (Florida Panthers)
Ryan O'Reilly (Buffalo Sabres)[77]
Ted Lindsay Award
(Outstanding player)		Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers)Taylor Hall (New Jersey Devils)
Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche)[78]
Mark Messier Leadership Award
(Leadership and community activities)		Deryk Engelland (Vegas Golden Knights)Wayne Simmonds (Philadelphia Flyers)
Blake Wheeler (Winnipeg Jets)[79]
Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy
(Top goal-scorer)		Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals)Patrik Laine (Winnipeg Jets)
NHL General Manager of the Year Award
(Top general manager)		George McPhee (Vegas Golden Knights)
Kevin Cheveldayoff (Winnipeg Jets)
Steve Yzerman (Tampa Bay Lightning)[80]
Vezina Trophy
(Best goaltender)		Pekka Rinne (Nashville Predators)Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets)
Andrei Vasilevskiy (Tampa Bay Lightning)[81]
William M. Jennings Trophy
(Goaltender(s) of team with fewest goals against)		Jonathan Quick (Los Angeles Kings)Pekka Rinne and Juuse Saros (Nashville Predators)
Lester Patrick Trophy
(Service to ice hockey in U.S.)		Jim Johannson
(Former player, Hartford, IHL, 1988 and 1992 Olympic teams)[82]		N/A

All-Star teams
PositionFirst TeamSecond TeamPositionAll-Rookie
G Pekka Rinne, Nashville Predators Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets G Juuse Saros, Nashville Predators
D Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings Seth Jones, Columbus Blue Jackets D Will Butcher, New Jersey Devils
D Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning P. K. Subban, Nashville Predators D Charlie McAvoy, Boston Bruins
C Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche F Mathew Barzal, New York Islanders
RW Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning Blake Wheeler, Winnipeg Jets F Brock Boeser, Vancouver Canucks
LW Taylor Hall, New Jersey Devils Claude Giroux, Philadelphia Flyers F Clayton Keller, Arizona Coyotes

Milestones

First games

The following is a list of notable players who played their first NHL game during the 2017–18 season, listed with their first team.

PlayerTeamNotability
Scott Foster[83]Chicago BlackhawksRecreational goaltender who received playing time
Nico Hischier[84]New Jersey DevilsFirst overall pick in the 2017 Draft
Oskar LindblomPhiladelphia FlyersBill Masterton Memorial Trophy winner
Charlie McAvoyBoston BruinsOne-time NHL All-Star team
Nathan Walker[85]Washington CapitalsFirst Australian to play in the NHL

Last games

The following is a list of players of note who played their last NHL game in 2017–18, listed with their team:

PlayerTeamNotability
Mike Fisher[86]Nashville PredatorsOver 1,100 games played
Marian GaborikOttawa SenatorsThree-time NHL All-Star, one-time NHL All-Star team, over 1,000 games played
Brian Gionta[87]Boston BruinsOver 1,000 games played
Scott Hartnell[88]Nashville PredatorsOver 1,200 games played
Rick Nash[89]Boston BruinsMaurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner, NHL Foundation Player Award winner, over 1,000 games played, six-time NHL All-Star
Daniel Sedin[90]Vancouver CanucksArt Ross Trophy winner, Ted Lindsay Award winner, King Clancy Memorial Trophy winner, over 1,300 games played, two-time NHL All-Star team selection, three-time NHL All-Star
Henrik Sedin[90]Vancouver CanucksArt Ross Trophy winner, Hart Memorial Trophy winner, King Clancy Memorial Trophy winner, over 1,300 games played, two-time NHL All-Star team selection, three-time NHL All-Star
Patrick Sharp[91]Chicago BlackhawksOver 1,000 games played
Matt Stajan[92]Calgary FlamesOver 1,000 games played
Antoine Vermette[93]Anaheim DucksOver 1,000 games played
Radim Vrbata[94]Florida PanthersOver 1,000 games played
Henrik Zetterberg[95]Detroit Red WingsConn Smythe Trophy winner, King Clancy Memorial Trophy winner, NHL Foundation Player Award winner, NHL All-Star team selection, over 1,000 games played

Major milestones reached
  • On October 18, 2017, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Patrick Marleau played his 1,500th NHL game, becoming the 18th player to do so.[96]
  • On October 26, 2017, New York Rangers forward Rick Nash played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 314th player to reach the mark.[97]
  • On November 2, 2017, San Jose Sharks forward Joe Thornton scored his 1,400th career point, becoming the 20th player in league history to reach this milestone.[98]
  • On November 4, 2017, Anaheim Ducks forward Andrew Cogliano played his 800th consecutive game, becoming the 4th player in league history to reach this milestone.[99]
  • On November 15, 2017, Anaheim Ducks forward Antoine Vermette played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 315th player to reach the mark.[100]
  • On November 30, 2017, Vancouver Canucks forward Daniel Sedin became the 87th player in league history to score 1,000 points.[101]
  • On December 12, 2017, Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Cam Ward recorded his 300th win, becoming the 32nd goaltender to reach the mark.[102]
  • On December 13, 2017, Dallas Stars goaltender Kari Lehtonen recorded his 300th win, becoming the 33rd goaltender to reach the mark.[103]
  • On December 15, 2017, Los Angeles Kings forward Marian Gaborik played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 316th player to reach the mark.[104]
  • On December 18, 2017, Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Strome scored the 10,000th goal in Oilers history.[105]
  • On December 19, 2017, Toronto Maple Leafs forward James van Riemsdyk scored the 20,000th goal in Maple Leafs history.[106]
  • On December 21, 2017, Dallas Stars head coach Ken Hitchcock became the 3rd coach in league history to reach 800th wins.[107]
  • On December 21, 2017, Los Angeles Kings forward Dustin Brown played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 317th player to reach the mark and the 30th to play 1,000 games with one franchise.[108]
  • On December 30, 2017, Detroit Red Wings forward Frans Nielsen recorded his 47th shootout goal, making him the all-time leader in shootout goals.[109]
  • On January 16, 2018 New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist became the first goaltender to win 20 games in 13 consecutive NHL seasons.[110]
  • On January 17, 2018, Dallas Stars head coach Ken Hitchcock became the fourth coach in league history to coach 1,500 games.
  • On January 30, 2018, Dallas Stars defenceman Dan Hamhuis played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 318th player to reach the mark.
  • On February 2, 2018, Minnesota Wild defenceman Ryan Suter recorded his 400th assist.
  • On February 9, 2018, NHL Linesman Ryan Galloway officiated his 1,000th NHL game.[111]
  • On February 17, 2018, Washington Capitals head coach Barry Trotz became the fifth coach in league history to coach 1,500 games.
  • On February 22, 2018, Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne reached his 300th win, becoming the 34th goaltender to reach the mark.
  • On March 1, 2018, Nashville Predators general manager David Poile won his 1,320th game as a general manager, surpassing Glen Sather for most career wins as a general manager.[112]
  • On March 12, 2018, Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin scored his 600th goal, became the 20th player in league history to reach the mark.
  • On March 12, 2018, Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury recorded his 400th win, becoming the 13th goaltender to reach the mark.
  • On March 21, 2018, Calgary Flames forward Matt Stajan played in his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 319th player to reach the mark.[113]
  • On March 29, 2018, Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Brent Seabrook played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 320th player to reach the mark.
  • On April 1, 2018, Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin played in his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the 321st player to reach the mark.[114]
  • On April 5, 2018, Florida Panthers goaltender Roberto Luongo played his 1,000 NHL game, becoming the 322nd player and 3rd goaltender to reach the mark.
  • On April 18, 2018, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby recorded his 173rd career playoff point, passing Mario Lemieux as the Penguins' all-time leading playoff scorer.[115]

Uniforms
The logo for the NHL's centennial, which continued to be celebrated throughout the 2017 calendar year
  • Adidas became the official apparel provider of the NHL beginning with the 2017–18 season.[116][117] New or otherwise refreshed jerseys for all teams were unveiled on June 20, 2017.[118]
  • The Ottawa Senators wore helmet stickers honouring former general manager Bryan Murray, who died in August 2017.[119]
  • All jerseys continued to have patches of the NHL's centennial emblem, located above or below the numbers on their right sleeves, for at least up to mid-December and the playing of the NHL 100 Classic.[120]
  • The Toronto Maple Leafs wore Toronto Arenas throwback jerseys during their game on December 19, 2017.[121][122]
  • The Buffalo Sabres introduced a new third jersey at the 2018 NHL Winter Classic, wearing the uniform for three additional games later in the season.[123][124]

See also

References
  1. "Capitals capture 1st Stanley Cup with 4-3 win over Golden Knights". abc7.com. June 7, 2018. Retrieved June 8, 2018.
  2. Rosen, Dan (June 22, 2016). "Las Vegas awarded NHL franchise". National Hockey League. Retrieved June 22, 2016.
  3. Coppinger, Mike. "Las Vegas NHL expansion team will be named the 'Golden Knights'". USA Today. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
  4. Gretz, Adam (November 22, 2016). "Say hello to the Vegas Golden Knights". NBC Sports. Retrieved November 23, 2016. But the important thing here is the name, as well as the logo which works the letter "V" (for Vegas, obviously) into the knight's mask.
  5. "NHL will not participate in 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic Games". Sportsnet.ca. Rogers Media. Retrieved April 3, 2017.
  6. "Iced out: The lowdown on NHL's Olympic boycott". ESPN.com. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
  7. "NHL schedule: Bye weeks for 2018-19 season". NHL.com.
  8. Wyshynski, Greg. "Confused outrage over NHL Olympics boycott". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
  9. "Ovechkin on Olympics: 'I don't care, I just go'". ESPN.com. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
  10. "NHL to allow AHL players to compete at Olympic Games". CBC Sports. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
  11. Seravalli, Frank. "How the NHL can prevent players from going to Olympics". TSN.ca. Retrieved April 4, 2017.
  12. Whyno, Stephen (September 15, 2017). "Capitals' Ovechkin says Olympic decision out of his hands". Associated Press. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  13. Filipowski, Nick (October 9, 2017). "Gionta to skate with Amerks, prepare for international competition". WIVB-TV. Retrieved October 9, 2017.
  14. Friedman, Elliotte (October 18, 2017). "31 Thoughts: Tensions running high for slow starters". Sportsnet.ca. Retrieved October 18, 2017. Watch for Team Canada to extend an invitation for Jarome Iginla at the Karjala Cup. (...) It will give us a first look at potential Canadian Olympians.
  15. "NHL, NHLPA announce team payroll range for 2017–18". www.nhlpa.com. June 18, 2017. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
  16. Hine, Chris (June 18, 2017). "NHL salary cap to increase to $75 million". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
  17. Boylen, Rory (September 19, 2017). "NHL 2017-18 Season Primer: Rule changes, key dates and info to know". Sportsnet. Retrieved September 20, 2017.
  18. "Rogers and CBC sign new 7-year deal for Hockey Night in Canada". Sportsnet.ca. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
  19. Dougherty, Pete (January 1, 2018). "NBC adjusts Olympics schedule to add three NHL telecasts". Times Union (Albany). Retrieved January 29, 2018.
  20. "Golden Knights officially announce TV deal with ROOT SPORTS". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  21. "TSN becomes official English-language regional broadcaster for Habs". TSN.ca. Bell Media. Retrieved June 13, 2017.
  22. "Canadiens English language regional telecasts moving to TSN". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved May 31, 2017.
  23. "Sportsnet launching all-sports radio station in Vancouver". The Province. Postmedia. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
  24. "Senators to host Canadiens in outdoor NHL game Dec. 16 at TD Place". CBC News Ottawa. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  25. "Senators Dec. 16 outdoor game against Canadiens caps off big anniversary year". Ottawa Citizen. Postmedia Network. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  26. McGran, Kevin (September 12, 2017). "Maple Leafs to celebrate birthday with Tuesday matinee game Dec. 19". The Toronto Star. ISSN 0319-0781. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  27. "Leafs to open 2017-18 season in Winnipeg". Toronto Star. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
  28. "Tory proclaims Dec. 19 Toronto Maple Leafs Day". Toronto Sun. September 12, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  29. Dillman, Lisa (March 30, 2017). "Kings, Canucks will play preseason games in China". NHL.com. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  30. "Kings defeat Canucks in first NHL game played in China". latimes.com. Associated Press.
  31. "Coyotes, Tippett mutually part ways". TSN.ca. June 22, 2017. Retrieved June 23, 2017.
  32. "Coyotes and Tippett Part Ways". NHL.com. June 22, 2017. Retrieved June 23, 2017.
  33. Vest, Dave (July 11, 2017). "Tocchet Likes Fit with Coyotes". NHL.com. Retrieved July 13, 2017.
  34. "Tim Murray, Dan Bylsma fired by Sabres". NHL.com. NHL Enterprise, L.P. April 20, 2017. Retrieved April 20, 2017.
  35. "Phil Housley named head coach of Buffalo Sabres". NHL.com. June 15, 2017. Retrieved June 15, 2017.
  36. "Stars announce Lindy Ruff won't return as head coach". NHL.com. April 9, 2017. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
  37. "Rangers Name Lindy Ruff Assistant Coach". NHL.com. July 10, 2017. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
  38. "Dallas Stars name Ken Hitchcock as head coach". NHL.com. April 13, 2017. Retrieved April 13, 2017.
  39. "Dale Tallon Named Panthers General Manager". NHL.com. April 10, 2017. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
  40. "Florida Panthers Name Bob Boughner Head Coach". NHL.com. June 13, 2017. Retrieved June 13, 2017.
  41. "AEG Announces Front Office Changes for LA Kings". NHL.com. April 10, 2017. Retrieved April 11, 2017.
  42. "Kings fire Darryl Sutter". Sportsnet.ca. April 10, 2017. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
  43. "John Stevens is the New Head Coach of the LA Kings". NHL.com. NHL Enterprise, L.P. April 23, 2017. Retrieved April 23, 2017.
  44. "Canucks relieve Willie Desjardins of duties". NHL.com. April 10, 2017. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
  45. Harrison, Doug (July 25, 2017). "Willie Desjardins fronts Canadian Olympic hockey coaching staff". CBC Sports. Retrieved July 25, 2017.
  46. "Travis Green named Canucks head coach". NHL.com. April 26, 2017. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  47. "Golden Knights Name Gerard Gallant Head Coach". NHL.com. April 13, 2017. Retrieved April 13, 2017.
  48. Boylen, Rory (January 9, 2018). "Are any NHL coaches on hot seat? Looking at a half-season without a firing". Sportsnet. Retrieved April 21, 2018.
  49. "Red Wings' new home: Little Caesars Arena". NHL.com. April 28, 2016. Retrieved March 21, 2017.
  50. Steinberg, Dan (August 9, 2017). "Verizon Center to become Capital One Arena, starting now". Washington Post. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
  51. "MTS Centre, Iceplex renamed following Bell takeover of MTS". CBC News. The Canadian Press. May 30, 2017. Retrieved June 1, 2017.
  52. "Bye week schedule for all 31 NHL teams". ESPN. January 8, 2018.
  53. "Senators, Avalanche to play two games in Sweden" (Press release). NHL. March 24, 2017. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
  54. "NHL Winter Classic to feature Rangers, Sabres at Citi Field". NHL.com. May 9, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  55. Benjamin, Cody (May 12, 2017). "Sabres 'hosting' 2018 Winter Classic vs. Rangers reportedly saves MSG $40M". CBSSports.com. Retrieved May 15, 2017.
  56. Gulitti, Tom (May 29, 2017). "Maple Leafs, Capitals to play in Stadium Series at U.S. Naval Academy". NHL.com. Retrieved May 30, 2017.
  57. "Capitals expected to play in outdoor game at Naval Academy next season". Washington Post. Retrieved May 28, 2017.
  58. "2018 NHL All-Star Game to be played at Tampa Bay". NHL.com. May 30, 2017. Retrieved June 9, 2017.
  59. Cole, Mike (January 4, 2018). "Bruins-Panthers Game Postponed Due To Snow; Makeup Date To Be Announced". NESN.com. Retrieved January 5, 2018.
  60. "Panthers-Bruins game rescheduled to April 8 in Boston". NHL.com. January 11, 2018. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  61. "2017-2018 NHL Hockey Standings". NHL.com.
  62. "2017-2018 NHL Hockey Standings". NHL.com.
  63. "2017-2018 NHL Hockey Standings". NHL.com.
  64. "2017-2018 NHL Hockey Standings". NHL.com.
  65. "2017-2018 NHL Hockey Standings". NHL.com.
  66. "Player Stats: 2017–2018 Regular season: All Skaters– Total Points". National Hockey League.
  67. "Player Stats: 2017–2018 Regular season: Leading Goalies". National Hockey League.
  68. McLaren, Ian (April 17, 2018). "NHL Awards set for June 20; finalists named starting April 17". theScore Inc. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  69. Sportsnet Staff (March 16, 2018). "PHWA to release all voting ballots after NHL Awards ceremony". Sportsnet. Retrieved April 8, 2018.
  70. "Masterton Trophy finalists unveiled". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L.P. April 21, 2018. Retrieved April 21, 2018.
  71. "Calder Trophy finalists unveiled". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L.P. April 22, 2018. Retrieved April 23, 2018.
  72. "Selke Trophy finalists unveiled". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L.P. April 18, 2018. Retrieved April 18, 2018.
  73. "Hart Trophy finalists unveiled". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L.P. Retrieved April 27, 2017.
  74. "Jack Adams Award finalists unveiled". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L.P. April 25, 2018. Retrieved April 26, 2018.
  75. "Norris Trophy finalists unveiled". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L.P. April 19, 2018. Retrieved April 20, 2018.
  76. "King Clancy Trophy finalists unveiled". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L.P. May 2, 2018. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  77. "Lady Byng Trophy finalists unveiled". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L.P. April 20, 2018. Retrieved April 20, 2018.
  78. "Ted Lindsay finalists unveiled". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L.P. April 26, 2018. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  79. "WAYNE SIMMONDS NAMED FINALIST FOR MARK MESSIER NHL LEADERSHIP AWARD". ESPN.com. April 25, 2018. Retrieved April 25, 2018.
  80. "NHL General Manager of the Year finalists unveiled". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L.P. May 16, 2018. Retrieved May 17, 2018.
  81. "Vezina Trophy finalists unveiled". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L.P. April 17, 2018. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  82. "Jim Johannson to Receive 2018 Lester Patrick Trophy". USA Hockey. August 8, 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  83. "Blackhawks win with accountant-turned-goalie". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
  84. Morreale, Mike (October 7, 2017). "Devils rookies Butcher, Hischier, Bratt impress in NHL debut". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L.P. Retrieved October 17, 2017.
  85. Dulaney, Michael (October 8, 2017). "Nathan Walker becomes first Australian in NHL, scores debut goal for Washington Capitals". Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
  86. "Mike Fisher retires again: 'I've milked this cow as long as it'll go'". ESPN.com. May 12, 2018. Retrieved May 13, 2018.
  87. "Brian Gionta announces retirement after 16 NHL seasons". Sportsnet.ca. September 24, 2018. Retrieved September 25, 2018.
  88. Bratten, Brooks (October 1, 2018). "Former Preds Forward Hartnell Announces Retirement". NHL.com. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  89. "Nash announces retirement after 15 NHL seasons". TSN.ca. January 11, 2019. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  90. "Sedins to retire from NHL after 17 seasons with Canucks". NHL.com. NHL Enterprises, L.P. April 3, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2018.
  91. Campbell, Rich (April 8, 2019). "Blackhawks Q&A: Patrick Sharp looked back — and ahead — after the final game of his NHL career". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
  92. Austin, Daniel (December 3, 2019). "'A true leader on and off the ice': Former Flames forward Matt Stajan retires". Calgary Sun. Retrieved December 4, 2019.
  93. Whyno, Stephen (January 31, 2019). "Faceoff ace Vermette retires after 14 NHL seasons". Associated Press. Retrieved January 31, 2019.
  94. "For the Sabres: "That's all, folks!"". Associated Press. April 7, 2018. Retrieved April 7, 2018. NOTES: Retiring Panthers F Radim Vrbata played his last game. Vrbata played 1,057 career games, including 42 with the Panthers.
  95. "Henrik Zetterberg, at ease in retirement, reveals details of injury". Detroit News.
  96. Cicerella, Kyle (October 18, 2017). "Leafs forward Patrick Marleau plays in his 1,500th career NHL game". National Post. Retrieved October 19, 2017.
  97. "Rangers' Rick Nash: Gearing up for 1,000th game". cbssports.com. October 26, 2017. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
  98. "Joe Thornton Earns 1,400th NHL Point". NHL.com. November 2, 2017. Retrieved November 6, 2017.
  99. "Recap: Ducks Earn Point in 2-1 Shootout Loss on Milestone Evening". NHL.com. November 5, 2017. Retrieved November 5, 2017.
  100. "Anaheim Ducks game report" (PDF). Retrieved April 12, 2019.
  101. "Daniel Sedin of Canucks gets 1,000th NHL point". NHL.com. November 30, 2017. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  102. "Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward wins 300th game in Vegas shootout victory". newsobserver. Retrieved April 12, 2019.
  103. "Dallas Stars: Kari Lehtonen Becomes 33rd Goalie To Reach 300 Wins". Puck Prose. December 13, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2019.
  104. "Kings' Marian Gaborik plays in milestone 1,000th game". Daily News. December 15, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2019.
  105. "BLOG: Strome scores 10,000th goal in Oilers history". NHL.com. Retrieved April 12, 2019.
  106. "Maple Leafs score franchise's 20,000th goal". NHL.com. Retrieved April 12, 2019.
  107. Shapiro, Sean (December 21, 2017). "Stars give Hitchcock 800th win with shutout against Blackhawks". NHL.com. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
  108. "LA Kings Celebrate Dustin Brown Reaching 1,000 Game Milestone". NHL.com. Retrieved April 12, 2019.
  109. "Nielsen nets shootout winner as Wings top Rangers". espn.co.uk. December 30, 2017. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
  110. "Rangers rout Flyers behind Nash's 2 goals". ESPN.com. January 16, 2018. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
  111. "Islanders, Barzal stage historic rally". NHL.com. February 10, 2018. Retrieved February 13, 2018. NHL Linesman Ryan Galloway officiated his 1,000th NHL game at home in his native Winnipeg on Friday.
  112. "Poile Collects 1,320th Victory to Become Winningest GM in NHL History". NHL.com. Retrieved March 9, 2018.
  113. Johnson, George (March 21, 2018). "MOMENTOUS OCCASION". NHL.com. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
  114. "Ovechkin to Play in His 1,000th Career NHL Game Tonight at Pittsburgh". NHL.com. April 1, 2018. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  115. "Sidney Crosby passes Mario Lemieux as Penguins' all-time playoff points leader". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  116. Rosen, Dan (September 16, 2015). "Adidas to become official NHL outfitter in 2017-18". NHL.com. Retrieved May 9, 2017.
  117. Clinton, Jared (January 9, 2017). "News Report: No Alternative Jerseys next Season as Adidas takes over NHL Uniforms". TheHockeyNews.com. TVA Group. Retrieved June 14, 2017.
  118. Kennedy, Ryan (June 21, 2017). "The Good, the Bad and the Vegas: A look at the new NHL jerseys". The Hockey News. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
  119. Garrioch, Bruce (October 3, 2017). "Ottawa Senators unveil helmet sticker to honour Bryan Murray". Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
  120. Creamer, Chris (January 2, 2017). "Pics: Centennial Patches Added to All NHL Teams". SportsLogos.net. Retrieved June 14, 2017.
  121. "Maple Leafs commemorating NHL's 100-year history in Toronto". NHL.com. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  122. "Maple Leafs unveil 'Next Century Game' jerseys". Pension Plan Puppets (SB Nation). Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  123. "Sabres unveil 2018 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic uniform". NHL.com. Retrieved April 7, 2019.
  124. "Sabres Winter Classic jersey returns for 3 games". WKBW. January 10, 2018. Retrieved April 7, 2019.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.