Penguins Notebook

Dan’s Daily Notebook: Penguins-Stars Scouting Each Other

Published

5 years ago

January 31, 2019

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 11: Dallas Stars Center Jason Spezza (90) shoots the puck while Pittsburgh Penguins Defenseman Jamie Oleksiak (6) defends during the first period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Dallas Stars on March 11, 2018, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire)

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Dallas Stars appear to be still engaged, presumably over Derick Brassard but that is unconfirmed. Dallas has been scouting the Penguins with regularity and were one of the 24 scouts in attendance for the Penguins-Tampa Bay tilt at PPG Paints Arena, Wednesday night. The Penguins had two scouts in attendance to watch the Stars shutout the Sabres, 1-0.

And we know the Penguins have talked to Dallas. They did just complete a deal for Jamie Oleksiak at what seemed like a bargain price. Plus our initial report which got the ball rolling on the Brassard trade front.

I did not report it–as it was a conversation for context–but in order to quell the rampant speculation, I believe my sources will permit me to confirm that Derick Brassard did miss last night with a minor injury. It wasn’t a “healthy scratch” or a trade precaution. Really.

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The treasure trove of rumor beginnings–31 Thoughts–this week includes a little note about Casey DeSmith, in addition to the Penguins and Ferland (Sportsnet)

Darren Dreger believes both Columbus Russian free agents-to-be, Panarin and Bobrovsky, could wind up in Florida. Seriously?! (Nichols on hockey)

The Ottawa Senators are in town to practice today and play the Penguins tomorrow. Mark Stone seems to be close on a contract. Matt Duchene? Well… (Ottawa Sun)

Duchene’s availability could certainly affect Derick Brassard’s price.

If you missed it during the game last night–it sounds like the Penguins asked the Winnipeg Jets for Adam Lowry (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

And get the full X’s and O’s analysis and Report Card from the Penguins win (PHN Extra)

The Toronto Maple Leafs are still shopping for an RHD, and it perhaps to get heavier (TSN)

I don’t know what to make of Pierre McGuire’s comments on the broadcast to Kendall Coyne-Schoefield. Was he ribbing her, trying to be funny or being a jerk? I don’t know but I’m not going to mock a guy who works as hard as Pierre unless I know. Though if I were the NBCsn bosses, I would have a chat with Pierre and advise him to look at the Twitter backlash, then say–yeah, don’t make those jokes which appear condescending, again. (The entire internet)

And if he was condescending, I may suspend him for a game. The players at the All-Star Game and last night really seemed to enjoy her presence. If she brings hockey fans, I’m all for it, provided she’s a good broadcaster. Was she good?