Hockey speaking out for racial justice discussed on NHL @TheRink podcast

The NHL, its teams and players have been speaking out against racism, and for racial justice since George Floyd, a black man, died while in custody of the Minneapolis Police Department on May 25.

William Douglas, a staff writer for NHL.com who writes The Color of Hockey blog, said on this week's episode of the NHL @TheRink podcast that he believes the statements, specifically from several prominent white NHL players, have made for a significant moment and a real chance for change in the League and society.

"You're getting players of all levels," Douglas told co-hosts Dan Rosen and Shawn P. Roarke. "Your Blake Wheelers and Alex Ovechkins joining players who have spoken out before, like J.T. Brown. To have those star players contribute their voices amplifies the issue and that helps things move forward."

Douglas said players speaking out also helps facilitate a conversation about the culture of hockey and the need for change that the NHL discussed at the Board of Governors meeting in December, when Commissioner Gary Bettman unveiled a multi-point plan for conduct aimed at promoting and fostering inclusion and diversity.

"In reading the statements, in seeing some of these players speak, they're really struck by what is going on right now," Douglas said. "This is something that they've really thought about. It's funny because if you look at some of the statements, some start out with 'I don't mean to offend anybody.' Issues of race are uncomfortable topics a lot of times. It's uncomfortable because people don't talk about it. A lot of people don't know how to begin the conversation. Everyone is sort of walking on eggshells about, well, 'Can I say this? Can I say that? If I ask this question will I look foolish or do I look like I don't know what I'm talking about?' To break that barrier, to start that, is important. I think with these statements that has begun."

Douglas said he believes the conversation will continue when NHL teams get back together as part of the 24-team Return to Play Plan. The League has been paused since March 12 due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus. The League announced its Return to Play Plan on May 26, though no start date has been set. The League said last week training camps will not begin before July 10.

"I think they will start having conversations amongst themselves and I think that will lead to further conversations," Douglas said. "I don't think this is a one-off."

Rosen and Roarke spent the second half of the podcast handling some of the nuts and bolts in the game, including debating the decision for Jeff Blashill to return as coach of the Detroit Red Wings and the frustrations voiced by Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel.

They also looked ahead to some of the Qualifying Round matchups and storylines, including the goaltending decisions many teams will have to make and why they consider the Winnipeg Jets, Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators and Columbus Blue Jackets to be sleeper teams.

The podcast is free and listeners can subscribe on all podcast platforms. It is also available on NHL.com/multimedia/podcasts and the NHL app.

Listen:New episode of NHL @The Rink