Page 26 of The Sin Bin

The implications were clear. Teams would demand a premium knowing the Chill were desperate. Any significant addition would cost valuable assets—draft picks, prospects, maybe even a roster player.

"We can make this work," Kane insisted, looking around the room with the confidence that made him a natural captain. "Sven's solid between the pipes. We just need to buckle down defensively, block more shots, keep the high-danger chances to a minimum."

Dmitri nodded vigorously. "You stop pucks, I score goals. Problem solved."

The Russian's unwavering confidence drew a few much-needed chuckles from the team. Even Sven managed a nervous smile.

"We got your back, man," Ethan said, giving the Swedish goalie a fist bump. "All of us."

Jax watched the team rally around Sven, the instinctive way they closed ranks around the vulnerable member of their pack. In moments like these, the bond between them transcended mere professional obligations. They were brothers in everything but blood.

"Jax," Coach Vicky's voice cut through his thoughts. "A word in private?"

He followed her to the coaches' room, aware of the curious glances from his teammates.

"Close the door," Vicky instructed, settling into her chair with a weariness she rarely displayed. "How's Chenny doing?"

"Better," Jax replied. "I had a friend take him home."

Vicky's eyebrow rose slightly at "friend," but she didn't comment. "The beat guys are sniffing around. They noticed he was benched after warm-ups with no apparent injury."

"What did PR tell them?"

"Stomach bug," Vicky said with a dismissive wave. "Standard bullshit. But if this becomes a pattern..." She left the implication hanging.

Jax understood the unspoken concern. Professional sports remained an environment where mental health issues were often viewed as weaknesses rather than legitimate medical conditions.

"He's working through it," Jax said carefully. "The medication adjustment has been rough, but he's seeing someone."

Vicky nodded, then shifted gears. "That's not the only reason I wanted to talk. The suits upstairs had a meeting this afternoon with the league office about Montreal."

He had retaliated for a few slashes and slew footing with submarines and elbows. Sure there were penalties, but no blood. No broken bones. Jax's stomach tightened anyway. "And?"

"They think we crossed some lines in terms of optics. They've made it clear that any similar bullshit will result in a significant suspension."

"So I'm supposed to let them run our guys?" Jax couldn't keep the edge from his voice.

"You're supposed to protect your teammates while staying within the rules," Vicky corrected. "Like you did tonight. That was good work, Jax. Smart hockey."

The praise should have felt satisfying, but all Jax could think about was the final score. "We still shit the bed."

"One game," Vicky acknowledged. "But I need you focused on the bigger picture. With Liam on LTIR, we're going to need a D-system that gives Sven a fighting chance without sacrificing offense."

Something in her tone made Jax study her more carefully. "You sound like you have a specific role for me in mind."

A hint of a smile crossed Vicky's face. "Adeyemi's been analyzing your zone coverage numbers. Did you know you've been our most effective D'man at shot suppression this season?"

Jax blinked in surprise. "No."

"Because everyone—including you—is too focused on the enforcer role to notice you've become a damn good defensive defenseman," Vicky said. "I'm bumping your minutes, starting tomorrow. Less fourth line energy shifts, more PK time, more matchups against top lines."

The suggestion caught him off guard. For eight years, his identity had been tied to a singular role—the protector, the punishment, the deterrent. The idea of being valued for something else, something more, was both appealing and terrifying.

"You think I can handle those minutes?" he asked, hating the thread of uncertainty in his voice.

Vicky's gaze sharpened. "I wouldn't suggest it if I didn't. But I need to know if you're buying in. This is a shift in how we deploy you, how the boys see you. It won't be an easy transition."

Jax thought of Lauren in the stands, watching him choose restraint over retribution. Of her text after the game:You did everything right tonight.For the first time in his career, someone was seeing him as more than just his fists, valuing the choices that didn't lead to penalties and viral videos.

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