The NHL season is off to an exciting start, with the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights leading the way as unbeaten teams. These two powerhouses have been lighting up the scoreboard, with the Avalanche and Golden Knights scoring a combined total of 28 goals. Their star players, including Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Mikko Rantanen, Jack Eichel, Shea Theodore, and Mark Stone, have been instrumental in their success. When your top talents are performing at their best, it’s no surprise that these teams are sitting at the top of their divisions.
Last season, the Avalanche had a bit of a Cup hangover, but they have bounced back strong this year. Even without their injured captain Gabriel Landeskog, they have proven to be one of the most dangerous teams in the league. The Golden Knights, on the other hand, are showing no signs of slowing down and continue to be a force to be reckoned with. Both teams are poised to make a deep playoff run and will be a tough matchup for any opponent.
Inclusivity in hockey has also been making headlines recently. Arizona defenseman Travis Dermott made a statement by using Pride tape on his stick, and the NHL has followed suit by allowing players to represent social causes with their stick tape throughout the season. This is a step in the right direction towards creating a more inclusive and accepting environment in the sport. At the grassroots level, individuals are also making a difference. An Edmonton-area official added the color pink to his uniform to support breast cancer awareness, and a player in the UK-based Elite Ice Hockey League has spoken out in support of progressive approaches to gatekeeping the sport.
While not everyone may embrace the idea of inclusivity, every time a prominent figure in the hockey world publicly supports these initiatives, it pushes the conversation forward and promotes a more progressive mindset. The culture of the sport is evolving, and opponents of inclusivity are being left behind.
Progress is inevitable, and it’s only a matter of time before hockey becomes the inclusive and welcoming game it should be. The efforts of individuals like Travis Dermott and others are paving the way for a brighter future.
Lastly, let’s talk about Jack Hughes, the star center for the New Jersey Devils. Hughes has been on fire this season, racking up an impressive 10 assists and 14 points in just five games. He is currently tied with Dylan Larkin for the lead in points. Despite playing in the shadow of bigger market teams, Hughes is proving that he belongs in the spotlight. At just 22 years old, he has a promising future ahead of him and is only going to get better.
Opponents should be terrified when Hughes steps onto the ice. The Devils have a legitimate scoring threat in him, and he has the potential to challenge Connor McDavid for the Art Ross Trophy as the league’s top point producer. What’s even more impressive is that Hughes is earning a modest salary of $8 million per year until 2030. He’s a steal for the Devils.
In conclusion, the Avalanche and Golden Knights are dominating the NHL, hockey is becoming more inclusive, and Jack Hughes is emerging as a superstar. It’s an exciting time to be a hockey fan, and we can’t wait to see what the rest of the season has in store.