Wake With Elias- Dec 30, 2020: Toews Out Indefinitely, Habs Sign Perry and more...

On the heels of the announcement that Washington Capitals G Henrik Lundqvist will undergo open heart surgery in the coming days, is a devastating bit of news for Chicago Blackhawks fans:

Things were going to be tough enough for the rebuilding Hawks in a very tough division, and they’re going to be even tougher without their leader.

As players begin their quarantines and prepare for training camp to open, teams are filling in spots with free agent signings, and the Montreal Canadiens made a big one yesterday, signing Corey Perry to a 1 year deal.

This is a pretty good move by the Habs. Experience, with grit and ability to play anywhere in the lineup on the league minimum? They can’t really lose on this one.

The Los Angeles Kings signed F Andreas Athanasiou to a one-year, $1.2 million deal yesterday. Athanasiou played with Detroit and Edmonton last season.

WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Another big offensive outburst from Team Canada last night in Edmonton as they laid a 10-0 shellacking on Team Switzerland. Kings prospect Quinton Byfield led the way with a 2 goal 4 assist night, and Devon Levi stopped all 15 Swiss shots he faced for the shutout. Canada is assured of a spot in the medal round, and look forward to their first big test, as they take on Finland tomorrow night for top spot in the division.

Meanwhile, Canucks prospect Vasily Podkolzin had 2 goals and an assist to lead the Russians to a 7-1 win over Austria. They’ll take on Sweden tonight and can clinch 1st place in Group B with a win and a loss by the Americans in their next game. The US also had the goal light getting a workout as they cruised to a 7-0 win over the Czech Republic. They’ll take on Sweden on New Years Eve after the Canada/Finland match.