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

Edmonton Oilers
/ 1 month ago

NHL’s Top 10 Goal Scorers Over the Last 5 Seasons

Who leads the NHL in goals over the past five seasons? The answer may surprise you — and it says a...

By Old Prof
Edmonton Oilers
/ 1 month ago

“Don’t Make Him a Marner:” McDavid’s Weird Take on Toronto

McDavid understands exactly what makes Toronto difficult — and that insight may tell us something about what he values in an...

By Old Prof
Toronto Maple Leafs
/ 1 month ago

Is It Time for Matthews, Nylander & Whoever on the Right?

Could reuniting Auston Matthews and William Nylander full time be the Maple Leafs' simplest path back to dominance?

By Old Prof
Chicago Blackhawks
/ 1 month ago

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Blackhawks, Oilers & Babcock Hype

Kane wants Toews back, Babcock brings pressure-tested leadership, and McDavid embraces a new Oilers chapter.

By Old Prof
Edmonton Oilers
/ 1 month ago

Tortorella Showed Why Babcock Is the Oilers’ Magic Bullet

Why are Oilers stars so excited about Mike Babcock? Their comments reveal a team that believes its Stanley Cup window is...

By Old Prof
NHL Trade Talk Recap
/ 1 month ago

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Blue Jackets, Canadiens & Oilers Waiting

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Marchenko uncertainty, the truth about the Subban-Weber trade, and why Tarasenko could intrigue the Oilers.

By Old Prof
Toronto Maple Leafs
/ 1 month ago

Why the Maple Leafs Probably Won’t Want Reilly Smith

Reilly Smith can still score, but the Maple Leafs know the risk. At 35, is his age becoming a bigger factor...

By Old Prof
Edmonton Oilers
/ 1 month ago

The Oilers Traded for Zack Kassian: How It Happened

The Oilers traded for the Canadiens Zack Kassian hoping for a spark. Years later, the Ben Scrivens deal remains a fascinating...

By Old Prof
Toronto Maple Leafs
/ 1 month ago

Wendel Clark Reveals What the Maple Leafs Need to Contend

Wendel Clark's five pillars could be the Maple Leafs' playoff blueprint. Can Toronto build the habits needed for a deeper run?

By Old Prof
Montreal Canadiens
/ 1 month ago

The Canadiens Subban Trade? Years Later, the Truth Is Different

The P.K. Subban trade shocked hockey fans. Years later, did Shea Weber become exactly what the Canadiens needed?

By Old Prof
Pittsburgh Penguins
/ 1 month ago

Sidney Crosby, Ovechkin and the Truth About NHL Popularity

NHL jersey sales reveal a different kind of popularity. The biggest stars aren't always the players fans are buying most.

By Old Prof
Edmonton Oilers
/ 1 month ago

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Canadiens, Oilers & Maple Leafs’ Future in Net?

Lane Hutson silences critics, Oilers reveal intriguing summer names, and Leafs goalie Artur Akhtyamov faces his next challenge.

By Old Prof
Montreal Canadiens
/ 1 month ago

Everyone Saw Lane Hutson’s Skill: The Playoffs Showed More

Lane Hutson went from “water bug” criticism to playoff star. Did Montreal just lock up a future NHL cornerstone?

By Old Prof
San Jose Sharks
/ 1 month ago

Will Macklin Celebrini Soon Become the Face of the NHL?

Macklin Celebrini has the talent to become Canada’s next hockey superstar. Now it’s all about how high his career can climb.

By Old Prof
Toronto Maple Leafs
/ 1 month ago

Silly Trade Proposals Treat Morgan Rielly Like a Hockey Card

A trade involving Morgan Rielly isn’t just about hockey. A no-move clause means considering the person behind the contract.

By Old Prof
Toronto Maple Leafs
/ 1 month ago

The Villain of the Newest Ferris and Maple Leafs Dispute?

Was there a villain in the Mitch Marner drama? Maybe the truth is more complicated than blaming one person.

By Old Prof
Toronto Maple Leafs
/ 1 month ago

Mitch Marner Is Famous in Canada; But Is He Actually Popular?

Mitch Marner is one of Canada’s most famous hockey players. But does fame really mean he’s one of the country’s most...

By Old Prof
Winnipeg Jets
/ 1 month ago

Laine Still Has Some Skill: Should the Jets Take a Mulligan?

Could Patrik Laine find his game again in Winnipeg? A low-risk Jets reunion might be the reset both sides need.

By Old Prof
NHL News
/ 1 month ago

Maple Leafs Have Found Their Goalie of the Future: Now What?

Artur Akhtyamov’s Calder Cup breakout raises a big question: can the Maple Leafs develop their next goalie while chasing a Cup?

By Old Prof
Chicago Blackhawks
/ 1 month ago

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Canucks, Oilers, Blackhawks & Bedard’s Draw

Canucks fans are buzzing over Caleb Malhotra, the Oilers chase Stamkos, and Patrick Kane’s return to Chicago. What’s next?

By Old Prof