Blake Wheeler
Winnipeg Jets' Patrik Laine (29) celebrates his overtime goal with Neal Pionk (4), as Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25) and Flames' Mark Giordano (5) react during an NHL hockey game Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. (John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP)
Blue Jackets deal unhappy Dubois to Jets for Laine, Roslovic

By Mitch Stacy Jan. 23, 2021 01:00 PM EST

The Chicago Blackhawks begin their 2021 training camp during an NHL hockey practice Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
NHL training camps open with sense of urgency

By Stephen Whyno Jan. 04, 2021 05:47 PM EST

In a photo provided by Bauer Hockey, a Bauer employee, right, and a friend of the employee pose for a photo wearing Bauer's full face shields June 6, 2016, in Exeter, N.H. Because NHL players are expected to be tested daily, there isn’t expected to be additional on-ice equipment required for practices and games. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly additionally said he didn't anticipate any mandatory equipment changes to ensure player safety. Still, hockey equipment manufacturer Bauer has spoken with the league and teams about off-ice visors that coaches, executives, team personnel and others could wear as a measure of protection against spreading or contracting COVID-19. (Bauer Hockey via AP)
No full shields for players; NHL talking off-ice protection

By Stephen Whyno Jun. 17, 2020 02:20 AM EDT

FILE - This Dec. 23, 2019 file photo shows Florida Panthers center Brian Boyle (9) during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Tampa, Fla. The predominantly white sport of hockey has a checkered history of racism and a culture of not standing out from the team or speaking out. The death of George Floyd in Minnesota has shattered that silence. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
'Long overdue': White NHL players find their voice on racism

By Stephen Whyno Jun. 14, 2020 11:58 AM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 11, 2020, file photo, Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez takes a photograph with a fan's cellphone prior to an All-Star exhibition softball game at Rod Carew stadium in Panama City, Panama. When the virus wanes enough to allow the games to begin again, the very essence of these events will likely be missing. “You know how much I love to talk to the fans, you know? To be in conversation, to throw the ball to kids,” Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez said. (AP Photo/Eric Batista, File)
'Create your own excitement': Players ponder empty buildings

By Dave Campbell Jun. 08, 2020 02:10 AM EDT

FILE - In this April 26, 2019, file photo, the Stanley Cup playoffs logo is seen on the ice during a light and sound check prior to Game 1 of an NHL hockey second-round playoff series between the New York Islanders and the Carolina Hurricanes, in New York. The NHL nailed down the final details of a playoff format if the season can resume on the same day word came out that another player has tested positive for the coronavirus.(AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
NHL: Players can start voluntary group workouts next week

By Stephen Whyno Jun. 04, 2020 03:22 PM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 22, 2020, file photo, Winnipeg Jets' Blake Wheeler plays against the Columbus Blue Jackets during an NHL hockey game in Columbus, Ohio. Wheeler and the Winnipeg Jets would have been on the road last week, trying to make a final push for the playoffs had the National Hockey League season not been called off because of the pandemic. Now the seven-time All-Star forward is home for dinner each night with his family. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)
On-the-go sports stars embrace family time during shutdown

By Dave Campbell Apr. 10, 2020 02:37 AM EDT