The Daily: Oshie Mourns Loss of Former Red Wings Player; Konecny ‘Banged Up’

Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie is mourning the recent death of former Detroit Red Wings popular player Henry Boucha.

NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti wrote a story over the weekend explaining how Boucha played a role in helping Oshie reach the NHL. Boucha guided him spiritually and as a hockey player. Boucha is technically Oshie’s cousin, but he called him “Uncle Hank.”

“I lived with Hank for the first three, four months when I moved to Warroad, so he was very instrumental,” Oshie told Gulitti . “If I don’t move to Warroad, I don’t know if I play in the NHL, honestly. Hockey, it was very difficult where I lived in Washington to get to and from the rink and really get all my skills to the level they needed to be at to make the jump. Not only that, but just seeing someone from our family that had made that trek and made it to the NHL. (He) came from Warroad and played high school hockey. It kind of just showed me it could be done.”

Boucha was a member of the Ojibway tribe, and he made sure Oshie understood the importance of his native American heritage. Bob Duff wrote a Boucha obituary on Detroit Hockey Now.

Red Wings’ Next Game

After a final practice today in Traverse City, the Red Wings will come back to Little Caesars Arena to play the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday. Bally Sports will televise the game.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson says he didn’t compete hard enough to earn a roster spot last season. As a result, he plans to correct that this season. Coach Derek Lalonde says Edvinsson will play often in preseason
• Red Wings hoping to see defense contributing more to the offense in 2023-24.
• Bulked up Lucas Raymond hoping to become a more powerful force this season.

Hockey Now Network.

Boston: Steen and Lauko are bringing the physical play at the Boston Bruins training camp

Buffalo: Devon Levi’s play as Buffalo’s is critical to the team’s success. Buffalo Sabres.

Chicago:  Kyle Davidson’s vision about Chicago leadership is evident in his decision to bring in Taylor Hall to help Connor Bedard. Chicago Blackhawks.

Montreal: Tanner Pearson makes an impression on Montreal’s top line. Montreal Canadiens

Philadelphia: Travis Konecny gets “banged up” and misses a practice. Philadelphia Flyers. 

Pittsburgh: Sam Poulin was the Pittsburgh Penguins‘ best player in overtime loss.