Dan’s Daily Links: NHL Trade Rumors Roundup, Kassian vs. Tkachuk

It could be the greatest entrance in the NHL. Release the Kracken! Rumors are swirling the Seattle franchise which will be led by GM Ron Francis has finally picked a name. Also, we can add a couple of more names in the increasingly crowded NHL trade rumors market, including Minnesota defenseman Matt Dumba, and the Battle of Alberta did not disappoint.

Who are the Penguins trade chips? We took a look, with a little insider info (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

If only American TV networks would cover hockey at least half as well as C-Span 3 covers Amy Klobuchar rallies, fans might get a real taste of the game. While American TV audiences were forced into yet another Wednesday night “rivalry” between the hapless LA Kings and powerhouse Tampa Bay Lightning, the Canadian fans and those who pay for NHL Live got The Battle of Alberta.

Matthew Tkachuk answered the bell in the first period. It wasn’t a great fight, but you can watch it here (Hockey Fights)

Coincidentally, Kassian also signed a new four-year contract on Wednesday (Edmonton Journal)

The surprise scrap was Ryan Nugent-Hopkins vs. Sean Monahan. Who saw that coming? It was a pretty good go. Lots of punches. (Hockey Fights)

Will the new Seattle NHL franchise be the Kracken? Please. That’s the hot rumor. (Sportsnet)

NHL Trade Rumors:

Pierre LeBrun says Ottawa will try to sign Jean-Gabriel Pageau, but if they can’t, they will ask for a first-round pick (The Athletic)

Buffalo has less of a chance to make the playoffs than they do having a warm February. But GM Jason Botterill is digging (NHL.com)

Things are not pretty in Buffalo. Don’t be surprised if there is one less former Penguins AGM who is an NHL GM in April.

The Bruins are shopping for a winger and a defenseman. It sounds like they have an eye on San Jose Shark rearguard Brenden Dillan (Boston Hockey Now)

Boston might also be zeroing in on Ondrej Kase from Anaheim (BHN)

Darren Dreger said Winnipeg is aggressively looking for a top-four defenseman (Insider Trading)

Elliotte Friedman says the Toronto Maple Leafs are calling about EVERY defenseman in the league (31 Thoughts)

I don’t know how I missed this–Trevor Daley has asked Detroit to trade him to a Cup contender (WDIV Detroit 4)