Coast To Coast is FloHockey’s monthly, cohesive news on North American hockey and livestreaming partnerships.

With August behind the hockey world, every league inches closer to its 2021-22 season, reminding fans of incoming talent, unsigned players, inclusivity and fantasy league prep.

Atlantic Hockey: Mercyhurst On The Rise

Atlantic Hockey is set to drop the puck on Oct. 2 for the 2021-22 season.

Despite American International claiming the past three conference titles, Mercyhurst’s three pending sophomores lead Atlantic Hockey’s players to watch this season.

Mercyhurst also brought in Matt Nicholson as an assistant coach. Nicholson brings an AHA background after bench bouts at both Niagara and Robert Morris in various coaching roles.

“He brings a tremendous amount of knowledge about our players along with a great understanding of the Atlantic Hockey Association,” coach Rick Gotkin told USCHO of Nicholson. “We are all very happy to welcome Matt to Erie and Mercyhurst University.”

CCHA: Mavericks Remain Frontrunner

Across the NCAA, the reformed CCHA is also nearing opening night as powerhouse Minnesota State looks to defend the McNaughton Cup after four-straight titles in the WCHA—which saw seven teams defect to re-establish the CCHA for 2021-22.

While each team faces roster turnover, the Mavericks remain the team to beat and still have encouraging talent ready to emerge as they lead the CCHA’s players to watch list. In the meantime, watch the exciting transition for the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in preparation for the new season.

Looking Good! pic.twitter.com/WzPItFqiVu

— Minnesota State Hockey (@MavHockey) August 12, 2021

But as the new year brings new expectations, it could be the new faces that help bend the needle this season for some teams.

Each team is seeking answers to its conference opponents: Northern Michigan hopes it has an answer in net; Ferris State is ready to show off another defensive gem; Bemidji State has dipped into European talent. But all have rookies ready to make an impact.

ECHL Acknowledges Inclusion

Last month, the ECHL held its summer meetings, where more than 130 individuals spanning from front offices, the NHL, AHL, SPHL, and more gathered to discuss the state of the league, the upcoming season, inclusion, and many other topics.

FloSports’ own Lacey London, Matt Bowslby, Matt Lujan, and L.J. Helbig participated in the meetings as FloHockey continues its livestreaming partnership with the ECHL and continues to bring every game right to its subscribers’ screens.

Among the many topics, the ECHL reminded the hockey world of the NHL’s vow that “hockey is for everyone.” A mainstay in North American hockey since 1988, the ECHL announced its Inclusive Spirit Award, founded to “recognize an ECHL Member Team that demonstrates outstanding initiative in making hockey more inclusive and diverse throughout their market and growing the game.”

ECHL commissioner Ryan Crelin stated that while organizations already do outstanding work in their communities, the award is meant to show commitment to the effort.

NHL News On Everything

The often-discussed, rarely signed offer sheet occurred last month as restricted free agent Jesperi Kotkaniemi signed a one-year, $6.1 million contract with the Carolina Hurricanes. The Montreal Canadiens, whom owned Kotkaniemi’s rights, now have until Sept. 4 to match the offer or be compensated Carolina’s 2022 first-round and third-round draft selections.

The last tendered offer sheet was signed by Carolina Hurricanes’ center Sebastian Aho, with the Montreal Canadiens; sparking tweets of pettiness and revenge. Kotkaniemi was the third-overall selection in 2018 and has had a rough transition into the NHL, which included two healthy scratches in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final.

The 21-year-old would likely be given more access to high-end skill and could even transition to the wing in Carolina’s top-six forward group.

Henrik “The King” Lundqvist officially announced retirement after a 15-year NHL career. Lundqvist backstopped the New York Rangers in 887 games, earning a Vezina Trophy—six other top-five finishes—and 459 career wins for sixth all-time.

Lundqvist is a staple in the regular “greatest to never win a Stanley Cup” debate. He finished his career with a 9.18 SV%, 2.43 GAA, and 64 shutouts.

This season... pic.twitter.com/tcVtTKZ1sJ

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) August 20, 2021

Boston-area legend Jimmy Hayes passed away suddenly at the age of 31 on Aug. 23. Hayes won an NCAA National Title with Boston College in 2010. Hayes played 339 games across seven NHL seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, New Jersey Devils, Florida Panthers and hometown Boston Bruins. Hayes’ younger brother Kevin plays for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Jack Eichel’s camp has stated he will not be healthy enough to begin the season. Eichel and the Buffalo Sabres have been in a stalemate over medical treatment of a back injury. Eichel, the second overall pick in 2015, has been dominant offensive player during his career but has reportedly grown tired of Buffalo’s losing ways.

A trade has been expected and anticipated within the hockey world during the offseason with no tangible occurrence. Eichel switched his agency representation over the weekend.

Have a question or a comment for Jacob Messing? You can find him on Twitter @Jacob_Messing.