from Adam Proteau of The Hockey News,
If Bettman awarding the Cup personally was the only option for the league, we’d be happy to let the process play out as it always does. But when there’s a legitimate option to choose instead, it’s worthwhile to discuss it and advocate for change.
As we’ve said numerous times over the years, imagine how much better the Cup ceremony would be if it was a former player with the winning organization handing over the trophy to the captain. It could be (and as a first option, it should be) someone who has won the Cup previously, but if there wasn’t that type of player available, you could turn to a Hockey Hall of Famer from the winning franchise or an icon from that team to do the honors.
Let’s look at the final teams remaining in this year’s playoffs and give you an example of who could be a better choice than the NHL commissioner. In Dallas, wouldn’t it be great if former star center Joe Nieuwendyk – who led the Stars to the first Cup win in franchise history – handed over the Cup to Jamie Benn? Of course it would. Nieuwendyk is the epitome of class, and Dallas fans would greet him with thunderous applause as he stepped onto the ice to present Benn with the trophy. Mike Modano would be another strong option as the face of the franchise for more than a decade and a Hall of Famer.
Id want to see MA Fluery or pacoretti for Vegas.
Nieuendyk handing the Cup to Benn would be a massive step down in class... But hopefully that won't be a concern much longer?
But I like the idea. Hasn't Daly handed out the last several Cups anyway?
It'd also be extra cool, when the Wings win, for, say, Stevie to hand the Cup to Larks.
Daly handed it over last year because Bettman had Covid.
It's a neat idea, but lil Gary would never allow it. He loves the hate and attention.
It's also a little bit problematic with organizations such as Vegas and Seattle - they don't have the history there yet. Plenty of other ways to make it work, maybe using someone in the community who is well liked, or something like that.
But again, Gary wouldn't let it happen.
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