Quick Hits: Coyotes, Winter Classic, Player Tracking, Coyne Schofield, Wild, Karlsson and Burns
The San Jose Sharks have a group of veterans on big contracts. They are just out of a playoff spot. Their offensive and defensive numbers in the bottom third.
Two Coyotes getting close to practicing

Matt Layman: Arizona Coyotes GM John Chayka said that Brad Richardson and Christian Dvorak are getting close to being able to practice with the team. They are hopeful for after the break, but they don’t have any expectations yet.

Stars have a Winter Classic opponent

Pierre LeBrun: The Dallas Stars will host the Nashville Predators at next year’s Winter Classic at the Cotton Bowl.

Player tracking

John Shannon: On player tracking that is coming next year: “the NHL will be able to utilize player and puck tracking data for some media, broadcast and promotional uses, as well as limited commercial purposes. They won’t be able to use it for salary arb, contract negotiations or other player decisions/transactions.”

Renaud Lavoie: The tracking puck will cost $80 each to have made. Fans will be allowed to keep them when they go over the glass.

Only a second back of Connor McDavid

Wild claim Bitetto off waivers

Elliotte Friedman: The Minnesota Wild have claimed defenseman Anthony Bitetto off waivers from the Nashville Predators.

Michael Russo: When the Wild activate Eric Fehr off of the IR they will have 23 roster players. They will carry 8 defensemen for now. Will need to create a roster spot to recall Joel Eriksson Ek or Luke Kunin.

Erik Karlsson and Brent Burns talk about being teammates