Old Prof

Jim Parsons, Sr. is an odd hockey writer. First, he's in his mid-70s. Most hockey writers are much younger. Second, he comes to writing about hockey from a long academic career where his research focused on leadership, effective teams, human relationships, and the structure of organizations. He’s worked globally – including in China, Scotland, Switzerland, New Zealand, and several others. He’s been a visiting professor at several universities, both throughout North America and the world. Currently, he’s retired with his family on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. According to his wife, he's completely failed at retirement. He currently teaches research design online at four different Canadian universities and, in that role, he helps graduate students complete their dissertations and theses. Jim hopes to offer a unique perspective that even a small sample of people might be interested in. Jim Parsons Sr.

Stories By Old Prof

Toronto Maple Leafs
/ 3 months ago

The Hardest Thing the Maple Leafs Lost Wasn’t a Goalie

Joseph Woll brought calm to Toronto's crease. The Leafs may replace the goalie, but replacing the person is much harder.

By Old Prof
Carolina Hurricanes
/ 3 months ago

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Oilers, Maple Leafs & Marner’s Rejection

Babcock sparks concern in Edmonton, Tortorella draws interest, and Marner faces a painful Cup-winning what-if.

By Old Prof
Edmonton Oilers
/ 3 months ago

What the Oilers Can Steal from the Hurricanes, and How to Do It

Carolina didn’t win the Stanley Cup with magic—just structure. The Oilers can copy it, but only if they fix their chaos...

By Old Prof
Carolina Hurricanes
/ 3 months ago

Hurricanes Win the Cup in Ways that Aren’t Obvious

From Staal’s Conn Smythe to full roster buy-in, Carolina’s run was proof that team-first hockey still wins at the highest level.

By Old Prof
Carolina Hurricanes
/ 3 months ago

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Canes, Oilers & a Cup Tilting Waiver Claim

Hurricanes win the Cup, a waiver pickup pays off, and Babcock’s possible NHL return stirs up talk around the Oilers.

By Old Prof
Carolina Hurricanes
/ 3 months ago

One Waiver Claim Is Starting to Pay Off for Hurricanes

Brandon Bussi arrived quietly in Carolina, but steady play and growing trust have made him a key piece of the Hurricanes'...

By Old Prof
Carolina Hurricanes
/ 3 months ago

The Golden Knights Are on Life Support in Game 6?

Vegas faces Game 6 pressure: protect Hart, stay out of the box, and replace Karlsson or risk letting Carolina close it...

By Old Prof
NHL Trade Talk Recap
/ 3 months ago

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Devils, Canadiens, Sharks & Maple Leafs

Across the NHL, trade talk is heating up on Markström, Montreal’s retool, and a potential Rielly-to-San Jose shift.

By Old Prof
Edmonton Oilers
/ 3 months ago

The Truth About Rielly and Nurse in Today’s NHL

There’s a knee-jerk reaction to big NHL contracts: who would take them? But Morgan Rielly and Darnell Nurse may not be...

By Old Prof
Montreal Canadiens
/ 3 months ago

Canadiens Off-Season Blueprint: Spend Smart, Don’t Move Core

The Canadiens’ offseason is about balance: add the right pieces now, but avoid short-term moves that could cost the future.

By Old Prof
Edmonton Oilers
/ 3 months ago

Darryl Sutter Is Perfect For the Oilers Coaching Death Trap

Doug MacLean backs Darryl Sutter for Edmonton: no-nonsense coaching, clear standards, and a steady hand for a pressure-cooker Oilers team.

By Old Prof
Toronto Maple Leafs
/ 3 months ago

Gavin McKenna: Is He the Right Player for Toronto’s Pressure?

Toronto pressure, Marner’s exit, Matthews’ focus, Nylander’s ease, and McKenna’s fit—all defining the Maple Leafs’ identity test.

By Old Prof
Edmonton Oilers
/ 3 months ago

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Canadiens, Canucks & Oilers Trade Issue?

The Canucks eye Gallagher, Habs circle McTavish, and Nurse trade talk heats up in a chaotic NHL offseason roundup.

By Old Prof
Carolina Hurricanes
/ 3 months ago

Golden Knights’ Huge Game 6: Do They Dare Switch Now?

The Golden Knights face a key Game 6 decision: stick with their starter or risk a goalie change after Carolina’s bold...

By Old Prof
Edmonton Oilers
/ 3 months ago

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Maple Leafs, Oilers, McDavid & Kucherov

Kucherov edges McDavid for Hart in tightest vote since 2002, while Oilers coaching search heats up and Pavelski Maple Leafs links...

By Old Prof
Ottawa Senators
/ 3 months ago

Jake DeBrusk to the Senators Seems Like a Perfect Move

Jake DeBrusk-to-Ottawa talk: why a playoff-ready Senators team could turn him into a perfect net-front scoring fix.

By Old Prof
Montreal Canadiens
/ 3 months ago

Captain to Great Coach: Could Pavelski Win With the Maple Leafs?

Joe Pavelski’s leadership and hockey IQ are undeniable, but would they translate into success behind an NHL bench?

By Old Prof
Edmonton Oilers
/ 3 months ago

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Maple Leafs, Canucks, Canadiens & Oilers

A Rielly-Pettersson trade, Demidov contract urgency, and growing Mike Babcock fallout highlight today’s NHL recap.

By Old Prof
Carolina Hurricanes
/ 3 months ago

Who’s Going to Win the Conn Smythe Trophy?

Conn Smythe race is taking shape: Marner leads if Vegas rallies, while Carolina's Staal is a workhorse who gains ground if...

By Old Prof
Toronto Maple Leafs
/ 3 months ago

What If the Maple Leafs and Canucks Dared to Think Really Big?

Could Morgan Rielly for Elias Pettersson actually work? A proposed Maple Leafs-Canucks trade shakes up both rosters in a big way.

By Old Prof