It’s my Parting Shot for my reactions to the headlines in today’s Star-Phoenix Sports Section…..

       First headline…O’Day must find a way to hang on to Hughes. My reaction…Rob Vanstone is bang on with saying that the aging, but still very effective, sack master of a rush end needs to remain with the Riders. For the Saskatchewan to re-sign 21 of 28 potential free agents thus far, with the deadline closing in this weekend before players and agents can start talking with other teams, the fact that Hughes isn’t one of the 21 signed is a major faux pas…in my humble opinion! Signing Charleston Hughes needs to be done A-S-A-P!!

       Next headline…Blades add veteran help to shore up young defence. Reaction…a stellar move by Saskatoon president and G-M Colin Priestner. With both imports now not coming for a potential shortened season, Priestner addressed both losses with one trade in acquiring overage defenceman Wyatt McLeod. Now the question becomes, how did yesterday’s extension of Public Health Orders in Saskatchewan affect the plans to still hold a truncated W-H-L season?! Hopefully, there is a positive answer…and soon!!

       Last headline…Leafs need to keep finding keepers. My reaction…in case you were flummoxed by the N-H-L allowing teams to carry three goaltenders and a taxi squad, which could include another netminder, for their shortened season that is now underway…Exhibit A as to why is Toronto. Aaron Dell was claimed on waivers and Jack Campbell got hurt against Matthew Tkachuk and Calgary. That left the Maple Leafs needing to move Michael Hutchinson from third-string puck-stopper to backing up Frederik Anderson and bringing Joseph Woll in from their A-H-L affiliate, who have yet to play, to be the third stringer. Luckily, there’s a lot of goaltenders in the world, meaning the axiom, “have pads will travel!”, is more appropriate than ever in 2021!

       That’s my Parting Shot, I’m Les Lazaruk…..