SJHN Daily: Flyers Let Justin Braun’s Dad Guest Coach Son’s Likely Last NHL Game

In what was likely his last NHL game, former San Jose Sharks defenseman Justin Braun had his father behind the bench.

Per ⁦@JimJPhilly⁩ on ⁦@NBCSPhilly⁩ broadcast, Justin Braun’s father Paul Braun is on the Flyers’ bench (to the right in black track jacket).

Cool moment for father and son. Justin Braun is playing his 842nd career game and potentially his last. pic.twitter.com/kvNtQYF0Fq

— Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) April 14, 2023

A classy move was made by the Philadelphia Flyers and John Tortorella last night to not only allow Paul Braun behind the bench but to give Justin some power play time in the hopes of getting him to 200 career NHL points. Unfortunately for Braun, there was only one power play, and he couldn’t register a point. He was on the ice for 46 seconds of the man advantage.

Justin Braun's dad, Paul, had this life advice for him: "Don't forget to smell the popcorn."

Paul Braun is a guest "assistant coach" behind the bench tonight with the Flyers for Justin's final NHL game. https://t.co/1pqclgLOdL

— Bill Meltzer (@billmeltzer) April 14, 2023

“Yeah, I think so,” Braun said when asked by NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Keith Jones if this was the final game of his career. “It’s good to have my parents here and my family. It’s been a great run, and I am glad my family is here to enjoy it with me.”

Braun even got a solo lap before warm-ups as the feeling of retirement had begun to set in.

Solo lap for 13-year NHL veteran Justin Braun here in Chicago as the Flyers take the ice for warmups. pic.twitter.com/g3cyMuqaCr

— Olivia Reiner (@ReinerOlivia) April 14, 2023

Braun skated in 607 games for Team Teal, and much of it paired with Marc-Edouard Vlasic. Braun finished his San Jose Sharks career with 154 points before the former 2007 seventh-round pick was dealt to the Flyers in June of 2019.

"It's been an absolute honor."

Hear from Justin Braun following the season finale in Chicago.#PHIvsCHI | #FueledByPhilly pic.twitter.com/iAlxzXWNuZ

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) April 14, 2023

AT SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW…

Kaapo Kahkonen was spectacular in game 81 but fell to the Calgary Flames 3-1, with goaltender Dustin Wolf making his NHL debut for Calgary.

With the regular season complete, Sheng Peng gives his five biggest questions of the San Jose Sharks’ offseason.

Surprise, surprise, the San Jose Sharks fall 5-2 to the Edmonton Oilers, ending the season with another loss.

What might the Sharks do in the late first round of the 2023 NHL Draft?

Ryan Merkley on What Went Wrong With Sharks, What’s Going Right in Colorado (+)

OTHER SHARKS NEWS…

One last 22-23 team photo to end the season with Vinny 🦈

Last night was Assistant Equipment Manager, Vinny Ferraiuolo’s last game with the #SJSharks after 13 seasons and over 2,000 pro games. Thank you for everything, Vinny! pic.twitter.com/7kWHTQfcKa

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) April 14, 2023

Ethan Cardwell signs a 3-year entry-level contract.

🖊️ SIGNED

The #SJSharks have inked Ethan Cardwell to a three-year, entry-level contract.

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) April 14, 2023

Erik Karlsson finished with 101 points with some NHL history on his side as well.

Erik Karlsson finished with points on 43.35% (101 of 233) of #SJSharks goals this season. This is now the highest by a defenseman in the NHL's modern era (since 1943-44), with Bobby Orr having recorded points on 43.32% (120 of 277) of Boston's goals in the 1969-70 NHL season. https://t.co/S4LByZl0Gt

— San Jose Sharks PR (@SanJoseSharksPR) April 14, 2023

Steven Lorentz celebrated his 27th birthday in a big way.

EVERYONE WISH STEVIE HAPPY B-DAY🥳

Also fun @SanJoseSharksPR facts:
-It's his 1st PP goal in his career
-It's the 20th goal of his career
-He's the 8th player to record a multi-point game on their birthday while with the #SJSharks pic.twitter.com/YlYy1uZxDU

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) April 14, 2023

With the season complete, what changes will the San Jose Sharks make?

AROUND THE NHL…

The Pittsburgh Penguins missed the playoffs for the first time since 2006 and now have made drastic front-office changes.

After breaking the NHL wins and points record, Boston Bruins second-line center David Krejci will be ready for the postseason.

With a hot finish to the season, the Florida Panthers get rewarded with playing the President’s Trophy winners.

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog won’t rejoin the lineup for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Even though the Detroit Red Wings showed flashes of development this season, they finished the season with another loss.

Austin Stanovich of LAHN gives his end-of-season Los Angeles Kings team awards.

Dallas Eakins is out as the head coach of the Anaheim Ducks.

Jonathan Toews bids farewell to the Chicago Blackhawks as they will not re-sign him this offseason.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are set to start on Monday.

Can Connor McDavid get even better than he is now?