Dan’s Daily: NHL Outdoor Games, Chara Almost a Canadien?!

The NHL said there wouldn’t be a Stadium Series game this season. Instead, the league announced there would be a pair of outdoor games in a non-NHL city. In the links today, the Penguins have been searching for their identity since winning the Stanley Cup in 2017, just imagine Zdeno Chara leaving Boston and going to Montreal, and the Ottawa Senators may again stir the NHL trade market.

The Pittsburgh Penguins should have a few New Year’s resolutions, including finding their identity and swagger (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

Just imagine. After 14 seasons in Boston, including a long tenure as captain, Zdeno Chara was almost a Montreal Canadien. It would be like Evgeni Malkin signing with the Flyers. But, Montreal made a serious run at the big man, and it almost happened (Boston Hockey Now)

Patrick Marleau, we barely knew thee. Marleau looked back on his time in the bubble (with the Pittsburgh Penguins) and what San Jose Sharks camp will be like in their Arizona bubble (San Jose Hockey Now)

The NHL said they paused the Stadium Series…but they didn’t specifically say no outdoor games, I guess. They’re taking four teams to Lake Tahoe for a pair of outdoor games. Boston, Colorado, Philadelphia, and Vegas (Colorado Hockey Now)

Bill Guerin and the Minnesota Wild need to tap the NHL trade market. They need a No. 1 center, and Matt Dumba’s name is already in trade rumors (TwinCities.com)

Oh, did I mention the NHL trade market? Gee…the Ottawa Senators have a glut down the middle and on the blue line. Cue the suitors! (Ottawa Sun)

It is a shame to hear Erik Gudbranson on the trade block again. Our video analysis and review of his time in Pittsburgh was very positive, and…he is a first-rate human. He has the commanding presence of an enforcer and the salt of the earth personality. Reading tea leaves, and nothing more, I don’t think Penguins GM Jim Rutherford wanted to give him up. He would certainly be a good D-pair with Matheson. I’ll stop now before I openly advocate re-acquiring him. Although, having some toughness who liked the system would help against Boston and Washington, eh?