Dan’s Daily: Former Penguins D-Man Signs; Avs Trade; Pens Past vs. Present

The Buffalo Sabres followed through with Conor Timmins Sunday, delivering a nice little contract. The Penguins traded Timmins at the draft for a surprising haul that was Connor Clifton and the 39th overall pick, which became Peyton Kettles, and the deal explains why Buffalo has been in the NHL Draft Lottery for 14 years running. The Colorado Avalanche officially gave up on their 2021 first-round pick, shipping him off to the San Jose Sharks. The national folks are beginning to focus on the Penguins’ trade chips, our colleague let rip with three bold predictions for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Another weekend, another line of storms. I’m sure there is a natural explanation for this weather pattern, but can we pause the start of the NHL season until some of us get some summer?! Of course, the sun is shining, there is a double meteor shower tomorrow night, so if anyone wants to follow me to Potter County for a county fair, a visit to Cherry Springs State Park, I’ll be gassing up today and moving out.

You hear that, Kyle? I’ll be on the bike and out of touch for hours. But I’m not taking any days off. Sorry.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: We let a few shots fly. The Penguins’ effort to rebuild is colliding against itself and creating a logjam effect amongst the forwards. And I went further with the Tristan Jarry trade talk and why it will make sense, but not right now. And, I grazed the third rail of hockey media by discussing the futures of the five acquitted 2018 Team Canada players, but I’ll provide a spoiler alert: I offered no opinion on that matter, only the facts. Here are the Penguins’ one-timers.

The World Juniors Showcase is getting underway, and there are several Penguins among the invitees. We were waiting on the Team Canada roster, and two of the three Penguins first-round picks will be there, as well as one of their seventh-rounders. Shelly Anderson has who is in and who didn’t receive an invite among the Penguins’ prospects.

Go Mighty Mac.

Steelers Now: The camp is in full swing now, and the defense has a couple of players coming on strong. Alan Saunders has our daily Steelers training camp takeaways.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: Just wow. On the field, Paul Skenes tossed the Pirates’ 13th shutout of the season. Off the field, it was an emotional day in Cooperstown. Dave Parker was finally inducted, but it came a couple of months after his death. Watch as his son shared a poem written by the enshrined Dave Parker.

NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now

Times Herald: Conor Timmins has been shuffled around lately. Toronto. Pittsburgh. Buffalo. However, he got a nice contract from the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday, thus avoiding arbitration.

Colorado Hockey Now: Oskar Olausson was one of those regrettable selections late in the first round. The Colorado Avalanche picked him 28th overall in 2021, but he never got his footing in the pro game, and certainly not in the NHL. Worse, several notable players were drafted directly behind him. So, it was time for a swap with the San Jose Sharks. Here are the details and regrets leading to the Avalanche trade.

Daily Face-Off: I suppose it is nothing you and I haven’t discussed over the last couple of months, but the Penguins are the last team on the dance floor and are becoming the focal point of the NHL trade chatter. Here is what the folks over at DFO are seeing.

Detroit Hockey Now: How far does a prospect have to fall to sign in Poland? The Detroit Red Wings have essentially admitted they have no idea what they’re doing in evaluating goalie prospects. So, it should be no surprise that one of their hopefuls had a moment at the World Juniors in 2020 and has since washed out of major professional hockey. Here’s the story from Bob Duff on the Red Wings prospect.

Philly Hockey Now: I like Will James’s work. I hope Philly fans realize they have the next big thing on the way. Regarding the team, Will takes a late July stab at three bold predictions for the Philadelphia Flyers.