The Hockey News Archives
The Hockey News has made its extensive archives available to subscribers, encompassing an impressive 76 years of hockey history, stories, and insights. Subscribers can access the complete THN Archives and the latest issue by following the provided links. For those interested in subscribing, more details can be found at thn.com/free.
Investment in Gratitude
In the May 27, 2019 edition, Hockey News writer Ken Campbell delves into an intriguing investment made by Pierre-Luc Dubois. The young player spent $3,000 on a prestigious bottle of Louis XIII cognac last summer, viewing it as a token of gratitude towards his teammate Seth Jones, who helped him during his rookie season. At the time, Dubois was only 20 and unable to purchase the luxurious drink himself; he had just wrapped up a rookie season where, with the support of linemate Artemi Panarin, he scored 20 goals – three of which came when Panarin joined his line.
Coming of Age
On June 24, Dubois will officially turn 21, allowing him to partake in celebratory drinks with his teammates. A week later, Panarin, who has been a pivotal figure in Dubois’ development and is also on the verge of becoming a free agent, will likely decide where his future lies. The two players sharing a drink will symbolize not just Dubois’ coming of age in the league but also mark the conclusion of one of the most unpredictable seasons for the Columbus Blue Jackets, a franchise known for its ups and downs.
Challenges and Triumphs
John Tortorella, the head coach of the Blue Jackets, described this season as uniquely challenging due to the complicated dynamics surrounding Panarin and the franchise’s goalie, Sergei Bobrovsky, both of whom are set to become unrestricted free agents on July 1. Bobrovsky, who has established himself as a premier goalie, was acquired in 2012 and has since become a franchise cornerstone alongside Panarin, who respectively considerably outperforms his teammates in scoring.
Interestingly, Dubois refers to Panarin and Bobrovsky as “Bread” and “Bob”, highlighting their unexpected rise to prominence in the league, with both players entering the NHL as unheralded prospects. As speculation swirls around their potential exodus to the Florida Panthers, the 2019 off-season is poised to be particularly noteworthy; it is the first time since John Tavares’ free agency that two franchise players might become available together.
Team Cohesion and Success
Amid all this uncertainty, the Columbus team transformed what could have been a disruptive environment into one of cohesion and success. For the first time, Blue Jackets fans experienced the thrill of a playoff victory, a long-awaited achievement after 19 seasons of trials since the team’s inception. Notably, GM Jarmo Kekalainen took significant risks by acquiring Matt Duchene and Ryan Dzingel at the trade deadline, reinforcing the roster despite knowing key players might soon depart.
The turning point for the team came after a players-only meeting and a shared dinner that addressed ongoing tensions surrounding Panarin and Bobrovsky’s contracts. Following a rough patch early in the season, the Blue Jackets rallied and demonstrated remarkable unity.
Playoff Highlights
Especially during their playoff run, moments like Panarin’s stunning goal against the Bruins showcased the remarkable talent he brings to the team. Despite his language barrier, Panarin’s presence is felt strongly in the locker room. As teammates note, his hardworking demeanor and talent have earned him admiration and a reputation as one of the hardest-working players on the ice.
Bobrovsky, known for his unique bonding ritual with captain Nick Foligno, had a rocky start to the season but eventually found his form, ensuring his team could rally despite personal challenges. The shared struggle, alongside the commitment of their players, showcased growth from past seasons marked by failure and dissatisfaction.
Looking Ahead
As July approaches and potential transitions loom for key players, Dubois faces the bittersweet reality of watching his mentor depart while others rally to keep the team competitive. The hope is amidst changes, the legacy left by Panarin and Bobrovsky will continue to drive the franchise forward. The accomplishment of winning a playoff series will forever resonate in the memories of Blue Jackets fans, transcending the game’s statistics to form an emotional legacy for all involved.
In summary, the era of ‘Bob and Bread’ could be drawing to a close, but their impact will linger in Columbus for years to come, shaping the direction of the franchise.
