The notion that teams can't use sleep tracking technology is nuts. Who benefits from this? It is even more nuts of players can't use it either. I mean, all you really need is an Apple Watch or its equivalent. Jake Oettinger wears what looks to me to be an Oura ring, and I'm sure the other players use similar technology. This is the year 2025 AD, in which athletes are are tracking resting heart rates, heart rate variability, and other such metrics as part of trying to maximize performance, training, and recovery.
My guess is that players don't want teams having access to sleep tracking information for the same reason you don't want your boss knowing how late you stayed up last night.
This is not a good reason, though. I mean, I get it, but these guys are professional athletes, for whom recovery (including adequate sleep) is part of performance. And they are being paid a king’s ransom to perform.
I believe it’s also about the monetization of data as well as (not just sleep tracking) teams being able to use any/all data AGAINST players in contract negotiations.
These dudes are humans,
Not robots and there is a line between optimizing their health/success and privacy.
Frankly it was a pleasant surprise to learn the new CBA prohibited this.
They all still have personal nutritionists and things- and lots of articles have been published about how “unfun” these new players are with their habits of drinking less and going out less.
I think we as fans can chill out over them
Not being okay with being monitored 24/7 like some kind of lab experiment
Maybe. I still don’t see the problem, though. And monitoring recovery of professional athletes seems to be pretty important here. I bet that every one of these players knows what their morning resting heart rate or their latest HRV scores. What’s the big secret that needs to be protected here? Unless it is what Robert mentioned. 😂
I see the point about Dadonov but I think that player IS on the team already: Sam Steel.
But because there is a gaping hole on the top line, Steel is being used there when he really needs to be on the 3rd line elevating the bottom half of the lineup instead of some kind of drowning stop-gap on the top end of things.
But to take that point and question further:
DO they need that player? Are the Stars pushing to win this year (in which case they need way more than a 3/4line guy when their top scoring lines are performing so poorly compared to the rest of the league) or are the Stars waiting for 27-28 and cap and roster flexibility and in which case why not call up some of the very small handful of AHL guys who might be some down the lineup impact guys and let them have a go? Either to drive up their value as assets or to see if they can be enough to ensure playoff revenue
They aren’t mutually exclusive, I think. They need at least one bigger piece, but I’d also look to make a trade for a complementary player who can supplement their lack of wing depth. Steel isn’t a 20-goal guy like Dadonov was, and as you say, slotting him lower would also help them. He may do just that tomorrow, in fact, if Hryckowian starts on the top line LW.
Sleepytime is also great (as are all of the ones with minimal dialogue). The way I’ve heard the show described is, a show for parents that kids also enjoy. And that’s really what it is.
Speaking of the CBA, was there a recent change that has made the “temporary leave for family reasons” seem more prevalent this season than previous ones? Absolutely no issue with players taking time as needed throughout the season, just curious because I don’t recall these leaves being as widely reported in the past.
I’ll preface this by saying yes I know our d group has been lacking, generally… but is that why we aren’t scoring? I don’t think so.
Radical thought… does Harley have a no move? Because last time I checked we already had a #1 Dman in Miro. And to get value you have to be prepared to give value… so, what would teams give up to get a #1 D for their team? Would San Jose give up 2 of their young forwards? They won’t be able to afford much after paying Celibrini.
Would our D be really that much worse? And maybe 2 speedy wingers are what we really need!
Harley’s NMC doesn’t kick in until 2029. If he doesn’t become what he’s been before, they will know before then. But right now, he’s too valuable to move.
There's a place in Boulder Creek, CA, on the little highway between Santa Cruz and Big Bear State Park, called Redwood Keg Liquor and Deli. It's such a little hole in the wall, and as the name implies, it sells liquor in the front and (not poker!) deli sandwiches in the rear. I had a local tell me to visit and get their tri-tip. It's not a BBQ sandwich per se, but it had a garlic sauce and was incredible. I've taken friends since and none were disappointed.
Robert, I wonder how that compares to what you've tried, and have you possibly had the Redwood Keg sandwich? I wish I had a recipe.
The notion that teams can't use sleep tracking technology is nuts. Who benefits from this? It is even more nuts of players can't use it either. I mean, all you really need is an Apple Watch or its equivalent. Jake Oettinger wears what looks to me to be an Oura ring, and I'm sure the other players use similar technology. This is the year 2025 AD, in which athletes are are tracking resting heart rates, heart rate variability, and other such metrics as part of trying to maximize performance, training, and recovery.
What is the reasoning? Do they feel like coaches will try to be the Bedtime Police and tell a player to go to bed earlier or get more sleep?
My guess is that players don't want teams having access to sleep tracking information for the same reason you don't want your boss knowing how late you stayed up last night.
This is not a good reason, though. I mean, I get it, but these guys are professional athletes, for whom recovery (including adequate sleep) is part of performance. And they are being paid a king’s ransom to perform.
I believe it’s also about the monetization of data as well as (not just sleep tracking) teams being able to use any/all data AGAINST players in contract negotiations.
These dudes are humans,
Not robots and there is a line between optimizing their health/success and privacy.
Frankly it was a pleasant surprise to learn the new CBA prohibited this.
They all still have personal nutritionists and things- and lots of articles have been published about how “unfun” these new players are with their habits of drinking less and going out less.
I think we as fans can chill out over them
Not being okay with being monitored 24/7 like some kind of lab experiment
I think it’s tied into broader health tracking technology and proprietary data limits and not about the sleep aspect at all.
Maybe. I still don’t see the problem, though. And monitoring recovery of professional athletes seems to be pretty important here. I bet that every one of these players knows what their morning resting heart rate or their latest HRV scores. What’s the big secret that needs to be protected here? Unless it is what Robert mentioned. 😂
I see the point about Dadonov but I think that player IS on the team already: Sam Steel.
But because there is a gaping hole on the top line, Steel is being used there when he really needs to be on the 3rd line elevating the bottom half of the lineup instead of some kind of drowning stop-gap on the top end of things.
But to take that point and question further:
DO they need that player? Are the Stars pushing to win this year (in which case they need way more than a 3/4line guy when their top scoring lines are performing so poorly compared to the rest of the league) or are the Stars waiting for 27-28 and cap and roster flexibility and in which case why not call up some of the very small handful of AHL guys who might be some down the lineup impact guys and let them have a go? Either to drive up their value as assets or to see if they can be enough to ensure playoff revenue
They aren’t mutually exclusive, I think. They need at least one bigger piece, but I’d also look to make a trade for a complementary player who can supplement their lack of wing depth. Steel isn’t a 20-goal guy like Dadonov was, and as you say, slotting him lower would also help them. He may do just that tomorrow, in fact, if Hryckowian starts on the top line LW.
can i inquire who made the shrek suggestion? great read as always!
The player was technically talking to Faksa and not to me, so I won’t reveal his identity. But it was someone who doesn’t have kids, for the record.
Robert, you are probably the first non-parent who I have seen recommend Bluey to anyone. You're not wrong, though!
My favourite episodes include Cricket (fantastic story of Rusty) and Café (how easy it's for kids to become friends as opposed to adults).
These cultural references are what makes a difference IMO, when reading about "just hockey".
Sleepytime is also great (as are all of the ones with minimal dialogue). The way I’ve heard the show described is, a show for parents that kids also enjoy. And that’s really what it is.
How could I forget about Sleepytime.
You're 100% right on low-key it being a show for parents.
Sleepytime makes me cry every single time. Bluey is lowkey the best show on television.
Speaking of the CBA, was there a recent change that has made the “temporary leave for family reasons” seem more prevalent this season than previous ones? Absolutely no issue with players taking time as needed throughout the season, just curious because I don’t recall these leaves being as widely reported in the past.
Not that I’m aware of, but perhaps the stigma has decreased a bit around taking said leave.
Robert, Firestone grill is a regular stop for us on our weekend getaways to Pismo Beach. I’ve never gotten the tri tip but next time!
Excellent! Yes, you must try it!
Ok, great update as usual, Thanks!
I’ll preface this by saying yes I know our d group has been lacking, generally… but is that why we aren’t scoring? I don’t think so.
Radical thought… does Harley have a no move? Because last time I checked we already had a #1 Dman in Miro. And to get value you have to be prepared to give value… so, what would teams give up to get a #1 D for their team? Would San Jose give up 2 of their young forwards? They won’t be able to afford much after paying Celibrini.
Would our D be really that much worse? And maybe 2 speedy wingers are what we really need!
Harley’s NMC doesn’t kick in until 2029. If he doesn’t become what he’s been before, they will know before then. But right now, he’s too valuable to move.
I get that! I love Harley too. But I love Robo more, and he’s really the only other trading chip that’d bring back top end offense… right???
Assuming this team has seen its ceiling, and Nill has rolled the dice before…
There's a place in Boulder Creek, CA, on the little highway between Santa Cruz and Big Bear State Park, called Redwood Keg Liquor and Deli. It's such a little hole in the wall, and as the name implies, it sells liquor in the front and (not poker!) deli sandwiches in the rear. I had a local tell me to visit and get their tri-tip. It's not a BBQ sandwich per se, but it had a garlic sauce and was incredible. I've taken friends since and none were disappointed.
Robert, I wonder how that compares to what you've tried, and have you possibly had the Redwood Keg sandwich? I wish I had a recipe.
I have not had that sandwich. But next time I’m out that way, I will try it!