2015–16 NHL season

National Hockey League season August 2023 2015–16 NHL season National Hockey League Ice hockey October 7, 2015 – June 12, 2016 82 30 CBC, Sportsnet/SN1/SN360, Citytv, FX, TVA Sports (Canada)NBCSN, NBC, CNBC, USA (United States) Draft 2015 NHL Entry Draft List of first overall NHL draft picks Connor McDavid Edmonton Oilers Regular season Presidents' Trophy Washington Capitals Patrick Kane (Blackhawks) Hart Memorial Trophy Patrick Kane (Blackhawks) Art Ross Trophy Playoffs 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs Stanley Cup 2016 Stanley Cup Final Pittsburgh Penguins San Jose Sharks Sidney Crosby (Penguins) Conn Smythe Trophy 2016–17 2014–15 List of NHL seasons NHL The 2015–16 NHL season was the 99th season of operation (98th season of play) of the National Hockey League (NHL). Thirty teams competed in 82-game regular season schedules from October 7, 2015 to April 10, 2016. The 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs following the regular season began on April 13 and ended June 12, with the Pittsburgh Penguins defeating the San Jose Sharks in six games to win their fourth Stanley Cup. None of the seven Canadian-based teams qualified for the playoffs; this was the second season in league history that the playoff field consisted of only United States-based teams. The only other time in league history that no Canadian teams qualified for the postseason was in the 1969–70 season.Aleksandra Sagan Canadian NHL playoff drought could be 'massive hit' to Rogers https://www.thestar.com/business/2016/02/24/canadian-nhl-playoff-drought-could-be-massive-hit-to-rogers.html Canadian Press Toronto Star February 24, 2016 March 12, 2016 March 13, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160313023012/http://www.thestar.com/business/2016/02/24/canadian-nhl-playoff-drought-could-be-massive-hit-to-rogers.html liveDave Stubbs Woe Canada. No playoffs this year north of border https://www.nhl.com/news/no-canadian-nhl-teams-in-stanley-cup-playoffs-279984346 NHL March 31, 2016 June 5, 2016 April 11, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240411220844/https://www.nhl.com/news/no-canadian-nhl-teams-in-stanley-cup-playoffs-279984346 live League business Salary cap In December 2014, commissioner Gary Bettman told teams that he projected the salary cap to increase to at least US$73 million for the 2015–16 season, citing the fluctuating value of the Canadian dollar.Bettman: Salary-cap projection for '15–16 around $73M, but, it only went up to $71.2m http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=743047 https://web.archive.org/web/20141209170240/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=743047 dead December 9, 2014 NHL.com 8 June 2015 The cap was ultimately set at US$71.4 million.Toews, Blackhawks face tough reality of salary cap http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=771813 https://web.archive.org/web/20150624064125/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=771813 dead June 24, 2015 NHL.com 10 July 2015 Rule changes Rule changes approved by the NHL Board of Governors on June 24, 2015, include:NHL Board of Governors approves rules changes for 2015-16 season http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=771976 https://web.archive.org/web/20150626004113/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=771976 2015-06-26 2026-01-10 NHL.com 3-on-3 overtime: Overtime during the regular season will now have three skaters per side, instead of the 4-on-4 overtime system that had been used since 1999–2000.Cotsonika Nicholas NHL GMs approve 3-on-3 overtime, but what format? https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/nhl-gms-approve-3-on-3-overtime--but-what-format--183117113.html Yahoo! Sports June 24, 2015 Boca Raton, Florida March 17, 2015 June 26, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150626125218/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/nhl-gms-approve-3-on-3-overtime--but-what-format--183117113.html live However, if there are carry-over penalties from the third period to overtime, a side is still guaranteed to have at least three skaters and the man-advantage will be adjusted accordingly (e.g. a 5-on-4 power play at the end of regulation will be converted to a 4-on-3 one at the start of overtime). The Board of Governors implemented 3-on-3 overtime to help decrease shootouts. Jason Garrison of the Tampa Bay Lightning scored the first 3-on-3 overtime goal on October 9, 2015 for a 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Expanded video review with coach's challenge: Video review has been expanded to include a coach's challenge, similar to the system used by the NFL since 1999: Like the NFL, each challenge will require the use of a team's timeout. If the challenge is successful, the timeout is restored. Teams may only challenge the following situations: Whether a goal called on the ice should have been disallowed because the attacking team was offside or interfered with the goaltender; Whether a disallowed goal, called on grounds of goalkeeper interference, should instead be overturned because either: there was no actual contact between the attacking player and the goalie the attacking player was actually pushed or fouled by a defender into the goalie the attacking player's position in the crease did not actually impair or impact the goalie's play Inside the final minute of regulation, and during overtime, all reviews that would otherwise be subject to the coach's challenge will instead be initiated by the NHL's Situation Room in Toronto. All reviews that are subject to the coach's challenge will be conducted by the on-ice officials on an ice-level tablet monitor instead of the Situation Room. All reviews involving whether the puck entered the net will still be initiated by the Situation Room. New faceoff rule: During faceoffs not at center-ice, the player who is on the defensive side of the red line will now be required to put his stick down first. For faceoffs at the center-ice dot, the visiting player will still be the first one to place down his stick. This rule change, giving the attacking team a slight advantage during faceoffs (as opposed to giving this advantage to the home team all the time), is intended to help increase puck-possession time and potentially more goals.http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=758665 https://web.archive.org/web/20150320081208/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=758665 dead March 20, 2015 GMs propose new faceoff rule to increase offense NHL.com March 18, 2015 June 24, 2015 Entry draft The 2015 NHL entry draft was held on June 26–27, 2015, at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida.Florida Panthers to host 2015 NHL Draft June 26–27 http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=700562 https://web.archive.org/web/20140115132754/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=700562 dead January 15, 2014 National Hockey League January 14, 2014 Connor McDavid was selected first overall by the Edmonton Oilers. Expansion bids Potential National Hockey League expansion For the second time since 2000, the league ended a moratorium on potential expansion teams and began accepting bids for potential expansion teams that, if approved, would begin play in the 2017–18 season. During the 2015 offseason, two ownership groups offered bids: Quebecor, which planned on reviving the Quebec Nordiques at a new arena in Quebec City, Quebec, and Bill Foley's Black Knight Sports & Entertainment, which intended to place an expansion team at a new arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The league concluded the vetting process on September 4, 2015, with a final decision to follow in June 2016.Cooper Josh Las Vegas and Quebec City NHL expansion bids move to 'Phase III' https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/las-vegas-and-quebec-city-nhl-expansion-bids-move-to--phase-iii-220135099.html sports.yahoo.com Yahoo! Sports August 21, 2015 August 21, 2015 September 1, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150901004507/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/las-vegas-and-quebec-city-nhl-expansion-bids-move-to--phase-iii-220135099.html live Change in jersey supplier On September 15, 2015, the NHL announced that Adidas would replace Reebok as the supplier of all team jerseys beginning in the 2017–18 season.Adidas to become official NHL outfitter in 2017-18 https://www.nhl.com/news/adidas-to-become-official-nhl-outfitter-in-2017-18/c-779133 https://web.archive.org/web/20160827021800/https://www.nhl.com/news/adidas-to-become-official-nhl-outfitter-in-2017-18/c-779133 dead August 27, 2016 NHL.com 9 January 2017 Coaching changes + Coaching changesOffseason Team 2014–15 coach 2015–16 coach Story / accomplishments Buffalo Sabres Ted Nolan Dan Bylsma Nolan was fired on April 12, 2015. In his second stint with the club, he compiled a record of 40–87–17 over the course of 1¾ seasons, both of which ended with the team in last place in the league.http://sabres.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=762979 https://web.archive.org/web/20150416142229/http://sabres.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=762979 dead April 16, 2015 Nolan relieved of duties as Sabres' head coach April 12, 2015 April 17, 2015 On May 28, Bylsma succeeded after serving on the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2009 to 2014.https://www.nhl.com/news/sabres-bylsma-primed-to-win-jack-adams-award/c-780899 https://web.archive.org/web/20160512220212/https://www.nhl.com/news/sabres-bylsma-primed-to-win-jack-adams-award/c-780899 dead May 12, 2016 Sabres' Bylsma primed to win Jack Adams Award October 2, 2015 April 16, 2016 Detroit Red Wings Mike Babcock Jeff Blashill Babcock's contract with the Red Wings was to expire July 1, 2015; the Red Wings granted his request to pursue employment elsewhere on May 8, after failing to come to terms on a contract.http://redwings.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=766998 https://web.archive.org/web/20150511143357/http://redwings.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=766998 dead May 11, 2015 Babcock is free to explore opportunities Bill Roose Detroit Red Wings May 8, 2015 May 9, 2015 In ten seasons with the Red Wings, Babcock accumulated a record of 458–223–15, made the playoffs every year, and won the Stanley Cup in 2008. Babcock was highly sought after on the open market, and on May 20, 2015, after several teams courted him, Babcock signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs.http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/twitter-reaction-mike-babcock-detroit-red-wings-toronto-maple-leafs-buffalo-sabres-head-coach/ "Twitter reaction: Mike Babcock joins Maple Leafs", Sportnet.ca, (2015) May 20, 2015 May 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150522195228/http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/twitter-reaction-mike-babcock-detroit-red-wings-toronto-maple-leafs-buffalo-sabres-head-coach/ live The Red Wings promoted Jeff Blashill, who coached the Red Wings' minor league affiliate the Grand Rapids Griffins. Once the Griffins completed their playoff run, the Red Wings retained Blashill's rights and did not allow any NHL team to interview him for openings. Edmonton Oilers Dallas Eakins,Todd Nelson* Todd McLellanEakins, in 1½ seasons with the Oilers, compiled a record of 36–63–14 and was fired on December 15, 2014. Nelson completed the season with a record of 17–25–9, failing to reach the playoffs. On May 19, McLellan succeeded after serving seven seasons as a head coach with the San Jose Sharks.https://www.nhl.com/news/todd-mclellan-named-coach-of-edmonton-oilers/c-768182 https://web.archive.org/web/20160203225229/https://www.nhl.com/news/todd-mclellan-named-coach-of-edmonton-oilers/c-768182 dead February 3, 2016 Todd McLellan named coach of Edmonton Oilers NHL.com New Jersey Devils Peter DeBoer,Scott Stevens*,Adam Oates* John Hynes DeBoer, in 3½ seasons with the Devils, compiled a record of 114–93–41 before being fired on December 26, 2014. The Devils used interim head coaches Scott Stevens and Adam Oates for the remainder of the season. DeBoer joined the San Jose Sharks. On June 2, 2015, Hynes succeeds after serving on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League as a head coach from 2009 to 2010. With this hiring, he became the youngest coach in the NHL at the age of 40.https://www.nhl.com/devils/news/devils-name-john-hynes-as-head-coach/c-769654 https://web.archive.org/web/20170804132256/https://www.nhl.com/devils/news/devils-name-john-hynes-as-head-coach/c-769654 dead August 4, 2017 Devils name John Hynes as head coach NHL.com Philadelphia Flyers Craig Berube Dave Hakstol Berube was fired on April 17, 2015, after accumulating a record of 75–58–28 in two seasons.http://flyers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=763801 https://web.archive.org/web/20150418005129/http://flyers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=763801 dead April 18, 2015 Craig Berube relieved of duties as Flyers head coach April 17, 2015 April 17, 2015 In his first season, he took the Flyers to the playoffs, where they lost in the First Round. The team missed the playoffs in Berube's second season at the helm. Hakstol, whom the Flyers hired on May 18, 2015, had been head coach of the University of North Dakota men's ice hockey team for the previous eleven years.Peaslee Evan Flyers name Dave Hakstol new head coach http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/flyers-name-dave-hakstol-new-head-coach/ Sportsnet.ca Rogers Media 18 May 2015 May 19, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150519204010/http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/flyers-name-dave-hakstol-new-head-coach/ live San Jose Sharks Todd McLellan Peter DeBoer McLellan was San Jose's most successful coach to date and compiled a regular season record of 311–163–66 over seven seasons. However, the San Jose Sharks and Todd McLellan mutually agreed to part ways on April 20, 2015, after failing to make the playoffs for the first time in his tenure.http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=764211&navid=DL https://web.archive.org/web/20150427143046/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=764211&navid=DL dead April 27, 2015 Sharks and McLellan mutually agree to part ways NHL April 20, 2015 On May 28, 2015, the Sharks announced that they had hired Peter DeBoer.https://www.nhl.com/news/peter-deboer-hired-as-coach-of-san-jose-sharks/c-769154 https://web.archive.org/web/20160203225229/https://www.nhl.com/news/peter-deboer-hired-as-coach-of-san-jose-sharks/c-769154 dead February 3, 2016 Peter DeBoer hired as coach of San Jose Sharks NHL.com Toronto Maple Leafs Randy Carlyle,Peter Horachek* Mike Babcock Carlyle began the season as the head coach, but was fired on January 6, 2015, after posting a 21–16–3 record through 40 games. In 3½ seasons with the Leafs, he compiled a record of 91–78–19. Horachek finished the season with a record of 9–28–5 and was dismissed on April 12, 2015.http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/maple-leafs-fire-gm-nonis-interim-coach-horachek/ "Maple Leafs fire GM Nonis, interim coach Horachek", Sportsnet.ca, (2015) April 23, 2015 April 14, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150414234505/http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/maple-leafs-fire-gm-nonis-interim-coach-horachek/ live On May 20, 2015, the Maple Leafs signed Babcock to an eight-year, US$50,000,000 contract (the largest for a coach in NHL history).In-season Team Outgoing coach Incoming coach Story / accomplishments Columbus Blue Jackets Todd Richards John Tortorella Richards was fired on October 21, 2015, after posting a 0–7–0 record through 7 games this season.https://thehockeynews.com/news/news/blue-jackets-fire-todd-richards-john-tortorella-takes-over-in-columbus Blue Jackets fire Todd Richards, John Tortorella takes over in Columbus October 21, 2015 October 21, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151022142410/http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/blue-jackets-fire-todd-richards-john-tortorella-takes-over-in-columbus/ October 22, 2015 live mdy-all He had been named interim head coach on January 9, 2012, before being promoted to the franchise's sixth head coach on May 14, 2012. Richards posted a record of 127–112–21 in 260 games. The team made the postseason once under his tenure, going 2–4, including the team's first-ever postseason win on April 19, 2014. On October 21, 2015, the Blue Jackets signed Tortorella, previously head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, to become its next head coach.http://bluejackets.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=784133 https://web.archive.org/web/20151023155417/http://bluejackets.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=784133 dead October 23, 2015 John Tortorella replaces Todd Richards as Blue Jackets head coach October 21, 2015 October 21, 2015Pittsburgh PenguinsMike JohnstonMike Sullivan Johnston was fired on December 12, 2015, after posting a 15–10–3 record through 28 games this season.http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=792317 https://web.archive.org/web/20151215004716/http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=792317 dead December 15, 2015 Mike Sullivan Named Head Coach of Pittsburgh Penguins December 12, 2015 December 12, 2015 He had served as the head coach since the start of the 2014–15 season. He left with a record of 58–37–15 in 110 games. The team made the postseason once under his tenure despite going 1–4. On December 12, Sullivan who was coaching the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League at the time, received the call for the head coaching vacancy with the main club.https://theahl.com/news/sullivan-promoted-to-pittsburgh Sullivan promoted to Pittsburgh December 12, 2015 December 12, 2015 December 15, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151215092804/http://theahl.com/sullivan-promoted-to-pittsburgh-p200587 live Minnesota WildMike YeoJohn Torchetti* Yeo was fired on February 13, 2016, after posting a 23–22–10 record through 55 games this season.http://wild.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=868676 https://web.archive.org/web/20160214011813/http://wild.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=868676 dead February 14, 2016 Minnesota Wild Head Coach Mike Yeo Relieved Of Coaching Duties February 13, 2016 February 13, 2015 He had served as the head coach since the start of the 2011–12 season. He left with a record of 173–132–44 in 349 games and made the playoffs three times despite going 11–17. On February 13, Torchetti who was coaching the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League at the time, became the interim head coach for the main club.https://theahl.com/news/iowas-torchetti-promoted-to-minnesota iowa-s-torchetti-promoted-to-minnesota-p201327 February 13, 2016 February 13, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20160215095222/http://theahl.com/iowa-s-torchetti-promoted-to-minnesota-p201327 2016-02-15 live (*) Indicates interim. Arena changes The 2015–16 season marked the New York Islanders' move from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale to Barclays Center in Brooklyn.New York Islanders will move to Brooklyn in 2015 Adam Gretz http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/blog/eye-on-hockey/20667444/report-islanders-moving-to-brooklyn-in-2015 CBS Sports October 24, 2012 October 24, 2012 November 9, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121109100952/http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/blog/eye-on-hockey/20667444/report-islanders-moving-to-brooklyn-in-2015 live The Edmonton Oilers played their final season at Rexall Place. They moved to the newly constructed Rogers Place in the 2016–17 season.Tychkowski Robert Edmonton Oilers dominate Vancouver Canucks in final game at Rexall Place https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/edmonton-oilers/edmonton-oilers-dominate-vancouver-canucks-in-final-game-at-rexall-place Edmonton Journal April 7, 2016 April 6, 2016 November 14, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171114042029/http://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/edmonton-oilers/edmonton-oilers-dominate-vancouver-canucks-in-final-game-at-rexall-place live Regular season The regular season began on October 7, 2015, and ended on April 10, 2016. The playoffs began on Wednesday, April 13, 2016. Winter Classic 2016 NHL Winter Classic The 2016 NHL Winter Classic was held on January 1, 2016. The game, the eighth Winter Classic, saw the Montreal Canadiens defeat the Boston Bruins, 5–1, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, a significant event in one of the NHL's best-known rivalries. A Bruins and Canadiens alumni game was also played on December 31, 2015.Bruins, Canadiens alumni rosters revealed for 2016 NHL Winter Classic Alumni Game https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/11/24/bruins-canadiens-alumni-rosters-revealed-for-nhl-winter-classic-alumni-game/o3xxEh9OIK5kEakg1VClgM/story.html December 21, 2015 The Boston Globe November 24, 2015 December 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151222111329/https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/11/24/bruins-canadiens-alumni-rosters-revealed-for-nhl-winter-classic-alumni-game/o3xxEh9OIK5kEakg1VClgM/story.html live The Boston Pride women's professional hockey team played before the alumni game against Les Canadiennes of the Canadian Women's Hockey League to a 1–1 tie in the first ever Women's Winter Classic.http://www.nhl.com/ice/m_news.htm?id=794629 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122132707/http://www.nhl.com/ice/m_news.htm?id=794629 dead January 22, 2016 December 28, 2015 NHL to host first-ever Outdoor WomhnClassic presented by Scotiabank NHL December 28, 2015 Stadium Series 2016 NHL Stadium Series There were two Stadium Series games planned. The first one featured the Chicago Blackhawks and the Minnesota Wild at TCF Bank Stadium on Sunday, February 21, 2016, where the Wild defeated the Blackhawks 6–1. The other game was the Detroit Red Wings and the Colorado Avalanche at Coors Field on Saturday, February 27, 2016, where the Red Wings defeated the Avalanche 5–3. All–Star Game 61st National Hockey League All-Star Game The 61st National Hockey League All-Star Game was held in Nashville, Tennessee at Bridgestone Arena, home of the Nashville Predators, on January 31, 2016. The All-Star Game adopted a new, three-on-three tournament format; there were three 20-minute games, with four All-Star teams based on the league's four divisions. The Atlantic Division All-Stars faced the Metropolitan Division All-Stars, while the Central Division All-Stars played against the Pacific Division All-Stars. The winners of these two games then met in an All-Star Game Final. Had a tie remained after 20 minutes, then it would have immediately gone to a shootout to determine the winner; there would be no standard overtime.http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=788532 https://web.archive.org/web/20151119125516/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=788532 dead November 19, 2015 New format for Honda NHL All-Star Game announced NHL.com November 18, 2015 November 19, 2015 The Pacific Division All-Stars, led by fan-voted captain and MVP John Scott, won the tournament, beating the Atlantic All-Stars in the finals. Postponed games Three games were postponed due to the January 2016 United States blizzard: the Anaheim Ducks–Washington Capitals game originally scheduled for January 22, the Philadelphia Flyers–New York Islanders game originally scheduled for January 23, and the Pittsburgh Penguins–Washington Capitals game originally scheduled for January 24.Storm knocks out Sunday's Penguins-Capitals game https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2016/01/23/storm-knocks-out-sundays-penguins-capitals-game/79223222/ January 23, 2016 USA Today Associated Press Gannett Company January 23, 2016 New York City February 3, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160203225229/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2016/01/23/storm-knocks-out-sundays-penguins-capitals-game/79223222/ liveStorm knocks out Saturday's Flyers-Islanders game https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2016/01/23/storm-knocks-out-saturdays-flyers-islanders-game/79224548/ January 23, 2016 USA Today Associated Press Gannett Company January 23, 2016 New York City February 3, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160203225228/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2016/01/23/storm-knocks-out-saturdays-flyers-islanders-game/79224548/ live The Penguins–Capitals game was rescheduled for March 1, while the Ducks–Capitals and Flyers–Islanders games were rescheduled for April 10.NHL announces three rescheduled games https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-announces-three-rescheduled-games-278172224 nhl.com NHL Enterprises, L.P. February 2, 2016 New York City February 2, 2016 December 11, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241211220046/https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-announces-three-rescheduled-games-278172224 live Standings Eastern Conference Top 3 (Metropolitan Division) 3 Top 3 (Atlantic Division) 3 Western Conference Top 3 (Central Division) 3 Top 3 (Pacific Division) 3 Tie Breakers: 1. Fewer number of games played. 2. Greater Regulation + OT Wins (ROW) 3. Greatest number of points earned in head-to-head play (If teams played an unequal No. of head-to-head games, the result of the first game on the home ice of the team with the extra home game is discarded.) 4. Greater Goal differential Player statistics Scoring leaders The following players led the league in regular season points at the conclusion of games played on April 10, 2016.https://www.nhl.com/stats/player?reportType=season&report=skatersummary&season=20152016&gameType=2&sort=points,goals,gamesPlayed&aggregate=0&pos=S Player Stats: 2015–2016 Regular season: All Skaters – Total Points National Hockey League July 27, 2026 December 11, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241211233913/https://www.nhl.com/stats/player?reportType=season&report=skatersummary&season=20152016&gameType=2&sort=points,goals,gamesPlayed&aggregate=0&pos=S live Player Team GP Games played G Goals A Assists Pts Points +/– Plus/minus PIM Penalties in minutesPatrick Kane Chicago Blackhawks 82 46 60 106 +17 30Jamie Benn Dallas Stars 82 41 48 89 +7 64Sidney Crosby Pittsburgh Penguins 80 36 49 85 +19 42Joe Thornton San Jose Sharks 82 19 63 82 +25 54Erik Karlsson Ottawa Senators 82 16 66 82 –2 50Joe Pavelski San Jose Sharks 82 38 40 78 +25 30Johnny Gaudreau Calgary Flames 79 30 48 78 +4 20Blake Wheeler Winnipeg Jets 82 26 52 78 +8 49Artemi Panarin Chicago Blackhawks 80 30 47 77 +8 32Evgeny Kuznetsov Washington Capitals 82 20 57 77 +27 32 Leading goaltenders The following goaltenders led the league in regular season goals against average at the conclusion of games played on April 10, 2016, while playing at least 1800 minutes.https://www.nhl.com/stats/player?reportType=season&report=goaliesummary&season=20152016&gameType=2&sort=goalsAgainstAverage,wins,savePctg&aggregate=0&filter=gamesPlayed,gte,30&pos=G Player Stats: 2015–2016 Regular season: Leading Goalies National Hockey League July 27, 2026 December 12, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241212042744/https://www.nhl.com/stats/player?reportType=season&report=goaliesummary&season=20152016&gameType=2&sort=goalsAgainstAverage,wins,savePctg&aggregate=0&filter=gamesPlayed,gte,30&pos=G live Player Team GP Games played TOI Time on ice W Wins L Losses OTL Overtime/shootout losses GA Goals against SO Shutouts SV% Save percentage GAA Goals against averageBen Bishop Tampa Bay Lightning 61 3584:38 35 21 4 123 6 .926 2.06Brian Elliott St. Louis Blues 42 2263:00 23 8 6 78 4 .930 2.07John Gibson ice hockey, born 1993 Anaheim Ducks 40 2294:40 21 13 4 79 4 .920 2.07Cory Schneider New Jersey Devils 58 3412:26 27 25 6 122 4 .924 2.15Braden Holtby Washington Capitals 66 3841:11 48 9 7 141 3 .922 2.20Jonathan Quick Los Angeles Kings 68 4034:29 40 23 5 149 5 .918 2.22Michal Neuvirth Philadelphia Flyers 32 1825:29 18 8 4 69 3 .924 2.27Martin Jones ice hockey San Jose Sharks 65 3785:52 37 23 4 143 6 .918 2.27Marc-Andre Fleury Marc-André Fleury Pittsburgh Penguins 58 3462:33 35 17 6 132 5 .921 2.29Frederik Andersen Anaheim Ducks 43 2297:56 22 9 7 88 3 .919 2.30Jaroslav Halak Jaroslav Halák New York Islanders 36 2091:11 18 13 4 80 3 .919 2.30 Playoffs 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs Bracket In each round, teams competed in a best-of-seven series following a 2–2–1–1–1 format (scores in the bracket indicate the number of games won in each best-of-seven series). The team with home ice advantage played at home for games one and two (and games five and seven, if necessary), and the other team was at home for games three and four (and game six, if necessary). The top three teams in each division made the playoffs, along with two wild cards in each conference, for a total of eight teams from each conference. The Wild Card seeded in the Western Conference were previously Central 1 vs Wild Card 1 and Pacific 1 vs Wild Card 2 in the 2014 and 2015 playoffs. In the 2016 playoffs the Wild Card seeded in the Western Conference swapped places Central 1 vs Wild Card 2 and Pacific 1 vs Wild Card 1, while the Eastern Conference Wild Card seeded remain to the same Atlantic 1 vs Wild Card 1 and Metropolitan 1 vs Wild Card 2. In the first round, the lower seeded wild card in each conference was played against the division winner with the best record while the other wild card was played against the other division winner, and both wild cards were de facto #4 seeds. The other series matched the second and third-place teams from the divisions. In the first two rounds, home ice advantage was awarded to the team with the better seed. In the conference finals and Stanley Cup Final, home ice advantage was awarded to the team with the better regular season record. Bracket NHL awards List of 2015–16 NHL Three Star Awards Awards were presented at the NHL Awards ceremony, to be held following the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs. Finalists for voted awards are announced during the playoffs and winners are presented at the award ceremony. Voting will conclude immediately after the end of the regular season. The Presidents' Trophy, the Prince of Wales Trophy and Clarence S. Campbell Bowl are not presented at the awards ceremony. + 2015–16 NHL awards Award Recipient(s) Runner(s)-up/finalists Presidents' Trophy(Best regular season record) Washington Capitals Dallas Stars Prince of Wales Trophy(Eastern Conference playoff champion) Pittsburgh Penguins Tampa Bay Lightning Clarence S. Campbell Bowl(Western Conference playoff champion) San Jose Sharks St. Louis Blues Art Ross Trophy(Player with most points) Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks) Jamie Benn (Dallas Stars) Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy(Perseverance, Sportsmanship, and Dedication) Jaromir Jagr (Florida Panthers) Pascal Dupuis (Pittsburgh Penguins)Mats Zuccarello (New York Rangers) Calder Memorial Trophy(Best first-year player) Artemi Panarin (Chicago Blackhawks) Shayne Gostisbehere (Philadelphia Flyers)Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers) Conn Smythe Trophy(Most valuable player, playoffs) Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins) Phil Kessel (Pittsburgh Penguins) Frank J. Selke Trophy(Defensive forward) Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles Kings) Patrice Bergeron (Boston Bruins)Ryan Kesler (Anaheim Ducks) Hart Memorial Trophy(Most valuable player, regular season) Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks) Jamie Benn (Dallas Stars)Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins) Jack Adams Award(Best coach) Barry Trotz (Washington Capitals) Gerard Gallant (Florida Panthers)Lindy Ruff (Dallas Stars) James Norris Memorial Trophy(Best defenceman) Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings) Brent Burns (San Jose Sharks)Erik Karlsson (Ottawa Senators) King Clancy Memorial Trophy(Leadership and humanitarian contribution) Henrik Sedin (Vancouver Canucks) Patrice Bergeron (Boston Bruins)Mark Giordano (Calgary Flames) Lady Byng Memorial Trophy(Sportsmanship and excellence) Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles Kings) Aleksander Barkov (Florida Panthers)Loui Eriksson (Boston Bruins) Ted Lindsay Award(Outstanding player) Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks) Jamie Benn (Dallas Stars)Braden Holtby (Washington Capitals) Mark Messier Leadership Award(Leadership and community activities) Shea Weber (Nashville Predators) Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals)John Tavares (New York Islanders) Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy(Top goal-scorer) Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals) Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks) NHL Foundation Player Award(Award for community enrichment) Mark Giordano (Calgary Flames) Matt Martin (New York Islanders)P. K. Subban (Montreal Canadiens) NHL General Manager of the Year Award(Top general manager) Jim Rutherford (Pittsburgh Penguins) Brian MacLellan (Washington Capitals)Jim Nill (Dallas Stars) Vezina Trophy(Best goaltender) Braden Holtby (Washington Capitals) Ben Bishop (Tampa Bay Lightning)Jonathan Quick (Los Angeles Kings) William M. Jennings Trophy(Goaltender(s) of team with fewest goals against) Frederik Andersen and John Gibson(Anaheim Ducks) Braden Holtby (Washington Capitals) All-Star teams Position First Team Second Team Position All-Rookie G Braden Holtby, Washington Capitals Ben Bishop, Tampa Bay Lightning G John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks DErik Karlsson, Ottawa SenatorsKris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins DShayne Gostisbehere, Philadelphia Flyers DDrew Doughty, Los Angeles KingsBrent Burns, San Jose Sharks DColton Parayko, St. Louis Blues CSidney Crosby, Pittsburgh PenguinsJoe Thornton, San Jose Sharks FArtemi Panarin, Chicago Blackhawks RWPatrick Kane, Chicago BlackhawksVladimir Tarasenko, St. Louis Blues FConnor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers LWJamie Benn, Dallas StarsAlexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals FJack Eichel, Buffalo Sabres Milestones First games The following is a list of notable players who played their first NHL game during the 2015–16 season, listed with their first team. Player Team Notability Jack Eichel Buffalo Sabres Four-time NHL All-Star, NHL All-Rookie Team selection Connor Hellebuyck Winnipeg Jets Hart Memorial Trophy winner, three-time Vezina Trophy winner, two-time William M. Jennings Trophy winner, three-time NHL All-Star team selection, four-time NHL All-Star Dylan Larkin Detroit Red Wings Three-time NHL All-Star, record holder NHL All-Star Skills Competition fastest skater Connor McDavid Edmonton Oilers First overall pick in the 2015 Draft, three-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner, five-time Ted Lindsay Award winner, six-time Art Ross Trophy winner, Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner, Conn Smythe Trophy winner, eight-time NHL All-Star team selection, seven-time NHL All-Star, NHL All-Rookie Team selection Artemi Panarin Chicago Blackhawks Calder Memorial Trophy winner, four-time NHL All-Star team selection, two-time NHL All-Star, NHL All-Rookie Team selection Mikko Rantanen Colorado Avalanche One-time NHL All-Star team selection, two-time NHL All-Star Jaccob Slavin Carolina Hurricanes Two-time Lady Byng Memorial Trophy winner, one-time NHL All-Star Linus Ullmark Buffalo Sabres Vezina Trophy winner, William M. Jennings Trophy winner, one-time NHL All-Star team selection, one-time NHL All-Star Scott Wedgewood New Jersey Devils William M. Jennings Trophy winner Last games The following is a list of players of note who played their last NHL game in 2015–16, listed with their team: Player Team NotabilityNiklas Backstrom http://www.hifk.fi/uutiset/tiedote-niklas-baeckstroem-ja-juhamatti-aaltonen-ifkhon Niklas Backstrom, Juha Aaltonen sign with HIFK HIFK 2016-06-10 2016-06-10 fi https://web.archive.org/web/20160613023758/http://www.hifk.fi/uutiset/tiedote-niklas-baeckstroem-ja-juhamatti-aaltonen-ifkhon 2016-06-13 dead Calgary Flames Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award winner, William M. Jennings Trophy winnerDan Boylehttps://nhl.nbcsports.com/2016/10/03/dan-boyle-expected-to-announce-retirement/ Dan Boyle expected to announce retirement Mike Halford 3 October 2016 January 1, 2019 April 28, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190428194447/https://nhl.nbcsports.com/2016/10/03/dan-boyle-expected-to-announce-retirement/ live New York Rangers Over 1,000 games playedPavel DatsyukDatsyuk leaving Red Wings to play in Russia https://www.nhl.com/news/pavel-datsyuk-leaving-red-wings-to-play-in-russia-280994594 NHL June 18, 2016 June 19, 2016 December 7, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241207023113/https://www.nhl.com/news/pavel-datsyuk-leaving-red-wings-to-play-in-russia-280994594 live Detroit Red Wings 9-time NHL All Star, 4-time Lady Byng Memorial Trophy winner, 3-time Frank J. Selke Trophy winnerPatrik EliasCaldwell Dave Patrik Elias, Cornerstone of the Devils' Championship Era, Is Retiring https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/31/sports/hockey/patrik-elias-retires-new-jersey-devils.html The New York Times March 31, 2017 March 31, 2017 April 1, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170401224136/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/31/sports/hockey/patrik-elias-retires-new-jersey-devils.html live New Jersey Devils Over 1,200 games playedAndrew Ferencehttps://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/andrew-ference-announces-retirement-290386094 Andrew Ference announces retirement NHL.com July 27, 2026 July 28, 2026 https://web.archive.org/web/20260728165142/https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/andrew-ference-announces-retirement-290386094 live Edmonton Oilers King Clancy Memorial Trophy winnerScott GomezScott Gomez retires after 16 NHL seasons: report https://www.nhl.com/news/scott-gomez-retires-from-nhl-after-16-seasons-281493374 NHL.com September 1, 2016 September 1, 2016 December 24, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231224072113/https://www.nhl.com/news/scott-gomez-retires-from-nhl-after-16-seasons-281493374 live Ottawa Senators Calder Memorial Trophy winner, over 1,000 games playedShawn Horcoffhttps://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/edmonton-oilers/edmonton-oilers-shawn-horcoff-retires-detroit-red-wings Ex-Edmonton Oilers captain Shawn Horcoff retires, joins Detroit Red Wings as head of player development - Edmonton Journal Jim Matheson 17 September 2016 January 1, 2019 April 28, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190428194441/https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/edmonton-oilers/edmonton-oilers-shawn-horcoff-retires-detroit-red-wings live Anaheim Ducks Over 1,000 games playedBarret Jackmanhttps://www.stlouisgametime.com/2016/10/3/13148494/barret-jackman-to-announce-retirement-at-scottrade-tuesday Barret Jackman To Announce Retirement At Scottrade Tuesday hildymac 3 October 2016 St. Louis Game Time January 1, 2019 April 28, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190428194442/https://www.stlouisgametime.com/2016/10/3/13148494/barret-jackman-to-announce-retirement-at-scottrade-tuesday dead Nashville Predators Calder Memorial Trophy winnerVincent Lecavalierhttp://www.cbc.ca/m/sports/hockey/nhl/vincent-lecavalier-retires-1.3645600 Vincent Lecavalier retires after 17 NHL seasons June 22, 2016 October 11, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161011014733/http://www.cbc.ca/m/sports/hockey/nhl/vincent-lecavalier-retires-1.3645600 live Los Angeles Kings Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner, King Clancy Memorial Trophy winner, over 1,200 games playedDavid Legwandhttps://www.nhlpa.com/news/1-11950/david-legwand-retires-after-16-nhl-seasons David Legwand retires after 16 NHL seasons www.nhlpa.com January 1, 2019 December 11, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181211185927/https://www.nhlpa.com/news/1-11950/david-legwand-retires-after-16-nhl-seasons live Buffalo Sabres Over 1,100 games playedBrad Richardshttps://www.nhlpa.com/news/1-12076/brad-richards-retires-from-nhl-after-15-seasons BRAD RICHARDS RETIRES FROM NHL AFTER 15 SEASONS www.nhlpa.com January 1, 2019 December 11, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181211144145/https://www.nhlpa.com/news/1-12076/brad-richards-retires-from-nhl-after-15-seasons live Detroit Red Wings Lady Byng Memorial Trophy winner, Conn Smythe Trophy winner, over 1,100 games playedAlex Tanguayhttps://www.nhl.com/news/alex-tanguay-joins-nhl-network-as-studio-analyst-286816378 Alex Tanguay joins NHL Network as studio analyst NHL.com July 27, 2026 July 27, 2026 https://web.archive.org/web/20260727072411/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-tanguay-joins-nhl-network-as-studio-analyst-286816378 live Arizona Coyotes Over 1,000 games playedDainius ZubrusPaskelbtas ledo ritulio rinktinės kandidatų sąrašas: yra ir Dainius Zubrus http://sportas.lrytas.lt/startai/paskelbtas-ledo-ritulio-rinktines-kandidatu-sarasas-yra-ir-dainius-zubrus.htm lrytas.lt 12 April 2017 lt-LT 28 February 2017 13 April 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170413070600/http://sportas.lrytas.lt/startai/paskelbtas-ledo-ritulio-rinktines-kandidatu-sarasas-yra-ir-dainius-zubrus.htm dead San Jose Sharks Over 1,200 games played Major milestones reached On November 21, 2015, San Jose Sharks forward Patrick Marleau scored his 1,000th career point, becoming the 83rd player in league history to reach this milestone.Patrick Marleau gets 1,00th career point and Sharks beat Penguins 3-1 https://www.nhl.com/news/patrick-marleau-gets-1000th-career-point-and-sharks-beat-penguins-3-1/c-789009 https://web.archive.org/web/20160309041122/https://www.nhl.com/news/patrick-marleau-gets-1000th-career-point-and-sharks-beat-penguins-3-1/c-789009 dead March 9, 2016 NHL.com National Hockey League 8 March 2016 On November 27, 2015, Arizona Coyotes coach Dave Tippett won his 500th game, becoming the 22nd coach in league history to reach this milestone.Vest Dave 'Yotes Notes: Players Give Tippet MVP Belt After 500th Win http://coyotes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=789991 https://web.archive.org/web/20160309030544/http://coyotes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=789991 dead March 9, 2016 Coyotes.NHL.com Arizona Coyotes 8 March 2016 On December 19, 2015, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Phil Kessel played his 500th consecutive game, becoming the 23rd player in league history to reach this milestone. On January 4, 2016, Colorado Avalanche forward Jarome Iginla scored his 600th NHL goal, becoming the 19th player in league history to reach this milestone.Sadowski Rick Jarome Iginla scores 600th NHL goal, 19th to do so https://www.nhl.com/news/jarome-iginla-scores-600th-nhl-goal-19th-to-do-so/c-795968 https://web.archive.org/web/20180302132314/https://www.nhl.com/news/jarome-iginla-scores-600th-nhl-goal-19th-to-do-so/c-795968 dead March 2, 2018 NHL.com National Hockey League 8 March 2016 On January 10, 2016, Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin scored his 500th NHL goal, becoming the 43rd player in league history to reach this milestone.Capitals' Ovechkin scores 500th NHL goal https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-ovechkin-scores-500th-nhl-goal/c-797019 https://web.archive.org/web/20160311072007/https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-ovechkin-scores-500th-nhl-goal/c-797019 dead March 11, 2016 NHL.com National Hockey League 8 March 2016 On January 14, 2016, Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville won his 783rd game, surpassing Al Arbour to become the second coach with most wins in league history.Blackhawks' Quenneville passes Arbour on wins list https://www.nhl.com/news/blackhawks-quenneville-passes-arbour-on-wins-list/c-797784 https://web.archive.org/web/20160206082703/https://www.nhl.com/news/blackhawks-quenneville-passes-arbour-on-wins-list/c-797784 dead February 6, 2016 NHL.com National Hockey League 8 March 2016 On January 21, 2016, Vancouver Canucks forward Daniel Sedin scored his 347th NHL goal, surpassing Markus Naslund for most goals in franchise history.Daniel Sedin passes Markus Naslund for most goals in Canucks history http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/daniel-sedin-passes-markus-naslund-for-most-goals-in-canucks-history/ Sportsnet.ca Rogers Media 8 March 2016 March 15, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160315075412/http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/daniel-sedin-passes-markus-naslund-for-most-goals-in-canucks-history/ live On January 26, 2016, San Jose Sharks forward Joe Thornton scored his 1,300th career point, becoming the 33rd player in league history to reach this milestone.Sharks' Thornton gets 1,300th NHL point https://www.nhl.com/news/sharks-thornton-gets-1300th-nhl-point/c-799790 https://web.archive.org/web/20160212081233/https://www.nhl.com/news/sharks-thornton-gets-1300th-nhl-point/c-799790 dead February 12, 2016 NHL.com National Hockey League 8 March 2016 On February 4, 2016, Florida Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr scored his 1,100th career assist, becoming the sixth player in league history to reach this milestone.Jagr becomes sixth player to reach 1,100 assists https://www.nhl.com/news/jaromir-jagr-1100-assist-panthers-278330114?tid=277897704 NHL.com National Hockey League 8 March 2016 July 27, 2026 https://web.archive.org/web/20260727202523/https://www.nhl.com/news/jaromir-jagr-1100-assist-panthers-278330114%3Ftid%3D277897704 live On February 13, 2016, Boston Bruins coach Claude Julien won his 500th game, becoming the 23rd coach in league history to reach this milestone.Bruins coach Julien wins 500th NHL game https://www.nhl.com/news/claude-julien-wins-500th-nhl-game-278789576?tid=278482306 NHL.com National Hockey League 8 March 2016 July 27, 2026 https://web.archive.org/web/20260727131701/https://www.nhl.com/news/claude-julien-wins-500th-nhl-game-278789576%3Ftid%3D278482306 live On February 20, 2016, Florida Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr scored his 742nd career goal, surpassing Brett Hull to become third in career goals.Gretz Adam Jaromir Jagr passes Brett Hull for 3rd on NHL all-time goal list http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/25490222/watch-jaromir-jagr-ties-brett-hull-for-3rd-on-nhl-all-time-goal-list CBSSports.com CBS Interactive 8 March 2016 March 9, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160309140507/http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/25490222/watch-jaromir-jagr-ties-brett-hull-for-3rd-on-nhl-all-time-goal-list live On March 7, 2016, Florida Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr scored his 1,851st career point, surpassing Gordie Howe to become third in career points.Poupart Alain Jagr passes Howe on points list https://www.nhl.com/news/jaromir-jagr-gordie-howe-third-nhl-points-list-279439158?tid=279372386 NHL.com National Hockey League 8 March 2016 July 27, 2026 https://web.archive.org/web/20260727151748/https://www.nhl.com/news/jaromir-jagr-gordie-howe-third-nhl-points-list-279439158%3Ftid%3D279372386 live On March 14, 2016, Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick recorded his 41st career shutout, surpassing both Frank Brimsek and John Vanbiesbrouck to become the all-time shutout leader for U.S.-born goaltenders.Dillman Lisa Jonathan Quick makes history as Kings blank Blackhawks, 5-0 http://www.latimes.com/sports/kings/la-sp-kings-blackhawks-20160315-story.html Los Angeles Times 14 March 2016 20 June 2016 June 17, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160617073856/http://www.latimes.com/sports/kings/la-sp-kings-blackhawks-20160315-story.html live On April 2, 2016, Dallas Stars coach Lindy Ruff won his 700th game, becoming the fifth coach in league history to reach this milestone.Dallas Stars at Los Angeles Kings https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/dal-vs-lak/2016/04/02/2015021169#game=2015021169,game_state=final NHL.com National Hockey League 3 April 2016 April 18, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160418153342/https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/dal-vs-lak/2016/04/02/2015021169#game=2015021169,game_state=final live For the first time in the history of the NHL, Canadian-born players do not comprise a majority the league's players. Of the 680 players who appeared in games over the course of the first two weeks of the season, 49.7 percent were born in Canada, while 24.2 percent were American-born. A record 9.1 percent were from Sweden, and 4.5 percent from Russia.https://www.tsn.ca/canadians-do-not-make-up-the-majority-of-nhl-players-this-season-1.380861 Canadians do not make up the majority of NHL players this season Seravalli Frank TSN.ca Bell Media October 22, 2015 October 22, 2015 April 28, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220428225626/https://www.tsn.ca/canadians-do-not-make-up-the-majority-of-nhl-players-this-season-1.380861 live Uniforms The Anaheim Ducks made a minor change to their home jersey. They changed the collar laces from black to white.https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/13765035/2015-16-nhl-season-preview-uni-watch-uniform-changes-tweaks-alternates-throwbacks 2015-16 Uni Watch NHL preview October 2, 2015 October 2, 2015 August 20, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160820092948/http://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/13765035/2015-16-nhl-season-preview-uni-watch-uniform-changes-tweaks-alternates-throwbacks live The team also unveiled their new third jersey; the jersey shows a modern Ducks re-colouring of the old Mighty Ducks of Anaheim logo used from the 1993–94 season to the 2005–06 season. The jersey is primarily orange with black and bronze striping. On both shoulders it features the team's current primary logo and on one side of the collar it features the team's wordmark "ANAHEIM".http://news.sportslogos.net/2015/09/07/nhl-shop-leaks-ducks-avalanche-third-jerseys/ NHL Shop Leaks Ducks, Avalanche Third Jerseys September 7, 2015 October 17, 2015 September 26, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150926063533/http://news.sportslogos.net/2015/09/07/nhl-shop-leaks-ducks-avalanche-third-jerseys/ live The Arizona Coyotes began using new home and away jerseys. The primary logo stays the same. The jerseys have added a large black stripe on each arm running from just below the shoulder to the elbow. From there it is red-white-red before it runs white right to the cuff. There's a single hem stripe, black on homes and red on the whites. The home red features a new shoulder patch, a beige/sand coyote paw print with a black "A" on it. The road white features a modernized "AZ/map" patch, with the font updated to match the new team wordmark. The pants are black, socks are red, black and white similar to the striping on each arm. The new home and away jerseys replace the home and away jerseys that the Coyotes unveiled last year.http://coyotes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=772384 https://web.archive.org/web/20150628221425/http://coyotes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=772384 dead June 28, 2015 Coyotes Reveal New Uniforms at NHL Draft Party June 26, 2015 June 27, 2015 The Boston Bruins unveiled their new 2016 NHL Winter Classic uniform. The jersey is based on their jersey they wore during the 1924-25 season. The colors have been modernized as black is the primary color, gold and brown as the secondary colors. Two gold horizontal stripes are on each arm and one across the waist. The "Boston" wordmark arched over an illustrated bear and Bruins, the crest varies only slightly in the layout from the 1924-25 original. The crest colors celebrate both the beginning and modern day color palette of this historic franchise, and are executed in felt and chenille materials, similar to the original crest. The numbers are in your standard jersey semi-serif block lettering, names and numbers are in white or cream. The numbers on the sleeves are located between the two gold horizontal stripes. The 2016 Winter Classic logo appears on one shoulder as a patch.http://bruins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=784609 https://web.archive.org/web/20151026165850/http://bruins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=784609 dead October 26, 2015 Bruins Unveil 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic Uniform October 24, 2015 October 25, 2015 The Buffalo Sabres have scrapped their alternate jersey that was unveiled for the 2013-14 season.http://sabres.buffalonews.com/2015/03/12/sabres-shelving-reviled-alternate-jersey/ Sabres shelving reviled alternate jersey June 23, 2015 October 2, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151003174024/http://sabres.buffalonews.com/2015/03/12/sabres-shelving-reviled-alternate-jersey/ October 3, 2015 dead mdy-all In lieu of a third jersey, with special permission from the league, the team will wear their white away jerseys for six home games in this season.Vogl John Quick hits: Sabres 4, Capitals 1 http://sabres.buffalonews.com/2016/01/16/quick-hits-sabres-capitals/ January 16, 2016 The Buffalo News Berkshire Hathaway January 16, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160118195615/http://sabres.buffalonews.com/2016/01/16/quick-hits-sabres-capitals/ 2016-01-18 dead The Chicago Blackhawks unveiled a unique jersey for their 2016 NHL Stadium Series game. This jersey is primarily white with black/red/black stripes on the sleeves and socks. The current logo is on the chest. Framed between the two black stripes and over the red stripe on the sleeve is the familiar "C" with crossed tomahawks. The collar of the jersey features two different colors. The four, six-pointed red stars from the Flag of Chicago is featured on the white portion of the collar, while the other side of the collar is black. Sleeve numbers have been shifted to the shoulders and enlarged. With the shoulders being black, the numbering is white. But, the numbering and lettering on the back is also enlarged and black in color.http://news.sportslogos.net/2015/11/24/blackhawks-unveil-stadium-series-jersey/ Blackhawks, Wild Unveil Stadium Series Jerseys sportslogos 2015-11-28 November 27, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151127021057/http://news.sportslogos.net/2015/11/24/blackhawks-unveil-stadium-series-jersey/ live The Colorado Avalanche will replace their "Sasquatch" alternate logo by a re-coloured "CO" from the State of Colorado flag.http://news.sportslogos.net/2015/06/26/20648/ Avalanche Tweak Uniform June 26, 2015 August 4, 2015 September 6, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150906000157/http://news.sportslogos.net/2015/06/26/20648/ live A new third jersey features the logo of the long-departed Colorado Rockies, set in Avalanche colors and number font. In addition to that, they're marking their 20th anniversary with a patch on the front of their jerseys. The Avalanche will also wear a special jersey, which will be primarily white with black, red and blue also featured for the 2016 NHL Stadium Series. It incorporates the same Colorado 'C' design that was added to the Avalanche jersey designs earlier this year. It also features larger numbers on the back and on the shoulders. The collar features a "5280" call out, referencing the Avalanche's home in the Mile-High City.http://avalanche.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=779906 https://web.archive.org/web/20150923193800/http://avalanche.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=779906 dead September 23, 2015 Avs reveal Coors Light NHL Stadium Series sweater September 21, 2015 October 2, 2015 The Columbus Blue Jackets altered their home and road jerseys slightly. The blue Union Army cap shoulder patch worn from the 2003–04 season until the 2014–15 season was replaced with a new shoulder patch logo. The new shoulder patch logo features the 1857 Napoleon cannon. It is very similar to the club's current third jersey logo, with the only difference is that the logo features the club's primary colors – Navy Blue, Red, Silver and White.http://bluejackets.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=772327 https://web.archive.org/web/20150628190506/http://bluejackets.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=772327 dead June 28, 2015 Blue Jackets unveil new secondary mark to be worn as shoulder patch June 26, 2015 June 27, 2015 The Detroit Red Wings unveiled a unique jersey for their 2016 NHL Stadium Series game. This jersey is primarily red with a diagonal white stripe across the chest. Featured inside the diagonal white stripe is the large red redesigned "D" logo. The current Red Wings logo is featured on one shoulder and the 2016 Stadium Series logo is featured on the other shoulder. The word "EST 1926" is written on the inside rear collar and the word "RED WINGS" is written on one side of the front collar. The jersey also features large numbers on the back and on the shoulder as well as a nameplate featuring arched lettering which is all white in color.http://redwings.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=789249 https://web.archive.org/web/20151127020626/http://redwings.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=789249 dead November 27, 2015 Red Wings unveil Stadium Series jersey November 23, 2015 November 29, 2015 The Edmonton Oilers unveiled a new alternate jersey. This new throwback jersey is a remake of the jersey worn by the franchise during their inaugural season as the Alberta Oilers of the World Hockey Association. The jersey is orange with blue and white shoulders and blue/white/blue stripes on the sleeves. The numbers are in the same location as the original WHA jersey on which they are based.http://oilers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=772311 https://web.archive.org/web/20150629081933/http://oilers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=772311 dead June 29, 2015 Edmonton Oilers Unveil Orange Jersey June 26, 2015 June 28, 2015 The Minnesota Wild unveiled a unique jersey for their 2016 NHL Stadium Series game. This jersey is primarily green with red and beige stripes on the sleeves. Beige is also featured on the shoulders. The current logo is on the chest. On the left shoulder is their "State of Hockey" logo and on the right shoulder is the 2016 Stadium Series logo. The numbering and lettering which are beige in color are enlarged on the sleeve and on the back of the jersey.http://news.sportslogos.net/2015/11/24/blackhawks-unveil-stadium-series-jersey/ Blackhawks, Wild Unveil Stadium Series Jerseys November 24, 2015 December 28, 2015 December 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151208160922/http://news.sportslogos.net/2015/11/24/blackhawks-unveil-stadium-series-jersey/ live The Montreal Canadiens made some slight alterations to their home and away jerseys. Four brass hexagonal eyelets and white laces will be reintroduced around the collar, which will also revert to pure white in color. On the team's red home jersey, the French "LNH" logo will be stitched at the nape of the neck, and the lone exception to the English "NHL" on the away jersey. It is very similar to the club's home and away jerseys worn from the 1970–71 season to the 1974–75 season. The new home and away jerseys replace the home and away jerseys worn from the 2007–08 season until the 2014–15 season.http://canadiens.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=771966 https://web.archive.org/web/20150629165241/http://canadiens.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=771966 dead June 29, 2015 Montreal Canadiens unveil new 2015–16 jersey June 26, 2015 June 29, 2015 The Montreal Canadiens unveiled their 2016 NHL Winter Classic jerseys. The chest stripe is a shade of blue. The "C" is white and the "H" is red, as they were in 1923-24. An image of the globe is on the sleeves that closely resembles the 1925 version. The French "LNH" logo will be stitched near the collar. Other features included into the design are a red collar, red letters, red numbers and red stripes.http://canadiens.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=786640 https://web.archive.org/web/20151108212854/http://canadiens.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=786640 dead November 8, 2015 Montreal Canadiens unveil jersey for 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic November 6, 2015 November 24, 2015 The Nashville Predators added the 2016 NHL All-Star Game logo as their patch on the front of their jerseys. They hosted it on January 31, 2016.Lukas Paul 2015-16 Uni Watch NHL preview https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/13765035/2015-16-nhl-season-preview-uni-watch-uniform-changes-tweaks-alternates-throwbacks ESPN.com ESPN Internet Ventures October 2, 2015 October 2, 2015 August 20, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160820092948/http://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/13765035/2015-16-nhl-season-preview-uni-watch-uniform-changes-tweaks-alternates-throwbacks live The Nashville Predators normally wear blue helmets with their gold home jerseys, but this season they'll switch to gold helmets for Saturday home games.http://predators.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=776717 https://web.archive.org/web/20150813155452/http://predators.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=776717 dead August 13, 2015 Nashville Predators Launch "Golden Saturdays" During 2015-16 Season June 26, 2015 June 29, 2015 The New York Islanders unveiled a new alternate jersey. This New Jersey is in black with white trim, with blue and orange relegated to the back collar. The "NY" wordmark from the Stadium Series thirds was moved to the new alternates, sans the chrome accents. The new third jersey replaces the Stadium Series third jerseys the Islanders wore in the 2014–15 season.http://islanders.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=779255 https://web.archive.org/web/20150918064128/http://islanders.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=779255 dead September 18, 2015 Islanders Unveil New Third Jersey September 16, 2015 October 2, 2015 The New York Islanders added a patch on the right shoulder of the jerseys commemorating their first season in Brooklyn. In addition to that, they have also added a left shoulder "Al" patch in memory of former coach Al Arbour who died on August 28, 2015, at the age of 82. The San Jose Sharks added a 25th anniversary patch. The patch features a new, "swimming" Shark with an exposed tail hovering above a diamond-encrusted "25".Sharks unveil new logos, commemorative patches for 25th anniversary season http://blogs.mercurynews.com/sharks/2015/06/29/sharks-unveil-new-logos-commemorative-patches-for-25th-anniversary-season/?doing_wp_cron=1435599481.1435539722442626953125 June 29, 2015 San Jose Mercury News Digital First Media June 29, 2015 July 1, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150701135430/http://blogs.mercurynews.com/sharks/2015/06/29/sharks-unveil-new-logos-commemorative-patches-for-25th-anniversary-season/?doing_wp_cron=1435599481.1435539722442626953125 live The San Jose Sharks unveiled their "heritage jersey." This design is identical to the road jerseys worn from 1991-92 season through 1997-98 season, adapted to the Reebok Edge uniform system.http://sharks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=778847 https://web.archive.org/web/20150915050519/http://sharks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=778847 dead September 15, 2015 Sharks Unveil Heritage Jersey September 12, 2015 October 2, 2015 The Washington Capitals added a new alternate jersey to their lineup. The primary color for the uniform is red and closely resembles the team's jersey worn from 1974–75 season through 1994–95 season. The original Capitals wordmark is featured on the front of the jersey with six stars above it and five stars beneath the numbers on each sleeve. The Capitals will wear blue pants and red helmets with their third jerseys. The new third jersey replaces the white third jersey the Capitals wore from the 2011–12 season to the 2014–15 season.http://capitalstoday.monumentalnetwork.com/2015/06/23/capitals-unveil-new-third-jersey-for-2015-16 Capitals unveil new third jersey for 2015–16 June 23, 2015 June 24, 2015 June 24, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150624161406/http://capitalstoday.monumentalnetwork.com/2015/06/23/capitals-unveil-new-third-jersey-for-2015-16 live Broadcast rights This was the fifth season under the NHL's ten-year U.S. rights deal with NBC Sports, and the second season of its twelve-year Canadian rights deals with Rogers Media to show games on Sportsnet. This included Sportsnet's sub-licensing agreements to air Hockey Night in Canada games on CBC Television and French-language broadcasts on TVA Sports. In August 2015, the league announced a six-year deal with MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM) to take over the technical operations of the NHL's in-house digital properties. Under the agreement, MLBAM took over the operations of the NHL's websites, apps, streaming services, and other digital properties starting in January 2016. MLBAM also took over international distribution of the league's digital out-of-market streaming services outside of Canada and Scandinavia. The NHL also took an equity stake of up to 10 percent in BAM Tech, a spin-off of MLBAM's streaming media business.Ramachandran Shalini MLB's Tech Unit Wins NHL Streaming Business https://www.wsj.com/articles/mlbs-tech-unit-wins-nhl-streaming-business-1438715135 August 4, 2015 The Wall Street Journal News Corp August 4, 2015 August 7, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150807015254/http://www.wsj.com/articles/mlbs-tech-unit-wins-nhl-streaming-business-1438715135 livehttps://www.theverge.com/2015/8/4/9090897/mlb-bam-live-streaming-internet-tv-nhl-hbo-now-espn How baseball's tech team built the future of television Ben Popper Vox Media The Verge August 29, 2017 November 1, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171101020825/https://www.theverge.com/2015/8/4/9090897/mlb-bam-live-streaming-internet-tv-nhl-hbo-now-espn liveA closer look at NHL's partnership with MLBAM http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/a-closer-look-at-nhls-partnership-with-mlbam/ Sportsnet.ca Rogers Media August 4, 2015 August 5, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150805070129/http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/a-closer-look-at-nhls-partnership-with-mlbam/ live As an aspect of the deal, the U.S. version of NHL Network was also relocated to the facilities of MLB Network. The Canadian version of NHL Network was shut down August 31, 2015.http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2015/2015-430.htm Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2015-430 2015-09-17 2015-09-17 Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission March 4, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052846/http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2015/2015-430.htm live The re-launch of the league's digital properties under MLBAM occurred in February 2016, with the launch of the new NHL.com website and mobile app following the 2016 NHL All-Star Game.NHL, MLBAM unveil details for redesigned platforms http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=799598 https://web.archive.org/web/20160126015218/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=799598 dead January 26, 2016 NHL.com 26 January 2016 The re-launched NHL GameCenter Live service outside of Canada was re-branded as NHL.tv, while the Canadian service remains branded as Rogers NHL GameCentre Live. Both services were upgraded to utilize a new client on MLBAM architecture with support for 60 FPS streaming.Rogers NHL GameCentre LIVE Delivers New Ways to Watch the game http://www.sportsvideo.org/2016/02/02/rogers-nhl-gamecentre-live-delivers-new-ways-to-watch-the-game/ Sports Video Group 5 February 2016 February 6, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160206154719/http://www.sportsvideo.org/2016/02/02/rogers-nhl-gamecentre-live-delivers-new-ways-to-watch-the-game/ live The re-launch of the services, however, was marred by technical issues caused by a malfunctioning content delivery network.NHL.tv explains what happened in disastrous launch https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/nhl-tv-explains-what-happened-in-disastrous-launch-175300060.html Yahoo! Sports 5 February 2016 October 11, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161011005336/https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/nhl-tv-explains-what-happened-in-disastrous-launch-175300060.html live As the result of a lawsuit settlement, the NHL agreed to offer single-team packages for its out-of-market services in the United States.NHL TV package settlement might feel like win for fans, but it's not even close http://www.broadstreethockey.com/2015/6/15/8783249/nhl-tv-settlement-settlement-game-center-live Broad Street Hockey (SBNation) Vox Media 26 January 2016 January 20, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160120103908/http://www.broadstreethockey.com/2015/6/15/8783249/nhl-tv-settlement-settlement-game-center-live dead The updated NHL app also offers a downsized out-of-market subscription service known as NHL Premium, which streams the conclusion of each game (final five minutes, plus overtime/shootouts if needed). In Canada, the Sunday-night Hometown Hockey game of the week on City was moved to Sportsnet.Pucks and profit: CEO opens up about Rogers' rookie NHL season https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/rogers-hockey-guy-laurence/article24702297/ May 31, 2015 The Globe and Mail May 30, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150530231607/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/rogers-hockey-guy-laurence/article24702297/ liveRogers moving 'Hometown Hockey' from City to Sportsnet this fall http://www.torontosun.com/2015/06/02/rogers-moving-hometown-hockey-from-city-to-sportsnet-this-fall Toronto Sun June 3, 2015 June 12, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150612025249/http://www.torontosun.com/2015/06/02/rogers-moving-hometown-hockey-from-city-to-sportsnet-this-fall live Both Sportsnet and TSN announced plans to produce telecasts of selected national and regional games in 4K ultra high-definition television.Rogers leveraging sports ownership to push 4K TV https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/rogers-leveraging-sports-ownership-to-push-4k-tv/article26672645/ 6 October 2015 The Globe and Mail February 7, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170207230643/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/rogers-leveraging-sports-ownership-to-push-4k-tv/article26672645// liveTSN delivers live 4K broadcast of Raptors-Celtics https://www.tsn.ca/tsn-delivers-live-4k-broadcast-of-raptors-celtics-1.422478 TSN.ca Bell Media 15 January 2016 March 30, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180330143815/https://www.tsn.ca/tsn-delivers-live-4k-broadcast-of-raptors-celtics-1.422478 live On March 10, 2016, the NHL announced a deal with Yahoo! Sports, in which it will offer free online streaming in the U.S. of up to four out-of-market games per-week. The site will also feature additional NHL content, such as condensed games and highlight showcases. The deal expands upon an ongoing relationship with U.S. rightsholder NBC, as well as a relationship with Major League Baseball to host the MLB.tv Game of the Day stream.Yahoo, NHL Partner to Live-Stream Hockey Games for Free http://www.thewrap.com/yahoo-nhl-partner-to-livestream-hockey-games-for-free/ 10 March 2016 The Wrap March 14, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160314003628/http://www.thewrap.com/yahoo-nhl-partner-to-livestream-hockey-games-for-free/ liveYahoo Betting Big on Live Sports With Deal to Stream NHL Games http://www.adweek.com/news/television/yahoo-betting-big-live-sports-deal-stream-nhl-games-170091 10 March 2016 Adweek March 11, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160311063357/http://www.adweek.com/news/television/yahoo-betting-big-live-sports-deal-stream-nhl-games-170091 live On May 5, 2016, NBC Sports announced that it would provide national radio broadcasts of the 2016 Stanley Cup Final via NBC Sports Radio.NBC Sports Radio Named Terrestrial Partner For '16 Stanley Cup Final http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Morning-Buzz/2016/05/03/radio.aspx Sports Business Journal 5 May 2016 May 9, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160509194127/http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Morning-Buzz/2016/05/03/radio.aspx live NHL Radio broadcasts had not been heard continent-wide since 2008. See also 2015–16 NHL transactions 2015–16 NHL suspensions and fines 2015–16 NHL Three Star Awards 2016 NHL playoffs 2015 in sports 2016 in sports References 3 External links 2015–16 NHL season schedule 2015 1 1