The PWHL’s Walter Cup is back where it belongs after a brief scare in transit, and the league says the trophy is safe.
The missing piece was not the actual championship prize itself, but the replica cup that belongs to the Montreal Victoire. The real Walter Cup, the one presented to the league champions after the final victory, has stayed put in the Hockey Hall of Fame since the PWHL season ended. Each team gets its own replica for display, complete with staff and roster names, and that was the version that went missing while traveling to Montreal Victoire forward Dara Greig’s hometown in Alberta.
The timing made the whole situation look a lot more dramatic than it was, especially with namesake Mark Walter and his companies under federal investigation in recent weeks. But the league made clear the trophy was never truly at risk.
It issued a statement thanking everyone involved in making sure the cup was returned safely. Details on where it was found, or how, have not been released.
Elsewhere in Detroit, the Red Wings are still quietly grinding through their search for a new general manager inside Little Caesars Arena. There hasn’t been much public movement, but earlier this week Max Bultman confirmed a report from fellow Red Wings beat writer Ryan Hana that the team has interviewed some candidates.
Even so, the organization has not made an official announcement, and training camp is now just over a month away. For now, the question hanging over the search is simple: will the Red Wings have a new GM on opening night?
One young Red Wings name worth keeping an eye on is Trey Augustine. The top prospect goalie is spending time training at his old stomping grounds while he waits for the AHL season to begin, and it appears the former Spartan is getting settled in for what could be a bigger year ahead.
Augustine won the Mike Richter award as the top goalie in college hockey while at Michigan State. He is slated to play for the Grand Rapids Griffins this season behind incumbent starter Michal Postava. After wrapping up his college career in April, Augustine made his pro debut late in the season with Grand Rapids, and he now looks set for a lot more game action there this year.
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For Detroit, the intrigue is obvious because Larkin is far more than just another name on a list. He has long been the face of the franchise and the kind of player teams are reluctant to even consider moving, which is why any trade buzz around him lands with extra force in this market. For now, it remains speculative, but the fact that his situation is being mentioned at all is the sort of storyline Red Wings fans are going to keep an eye on. [Read more 🡒]
Red Wings Fans Can Relax About Simon Edvinsson After Latest Buzz
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Still, the chatter around Philadelphia potentially poking around Edvinsson via trade or an offer sheet looks more like outside noise than a real concern for Detroit. His camp has made it clear it intends to stay on a long-term track with the Red Wings, and there is no indication he is looking anywhere else, which should give fans a little breathing room as the organization sorts out its next steps. [Read more 🡒]