Dan’s Daily: Penguins Decisions Loom, Flyers Big Trade

Viva Las Vegas. The Golden Knights hit the road in the quest to bring the Stanley Cup to the entertainment capital of the world. The Philadelphia Flyers pulled off a big-time three-way trade that no one saw coming. The NHL trade rumors are picking up around Alex DeBrincat, and the first Pittsburgh Penguins’ roster decision could come soon.

The Pirates are winning, the Steelers are still adding players that excite fans, and the Penguins are riding the optimism of hiring Kyle Dubas. What a difference a few days makes, eh? The Steelers have had a tremendous off-season, perhaps the best this century. Everyone was ready to pack it in with the Pirates, and everyone was ready to pack up and go with the Penguins.

Maybe we’re not on the precipice of the darkest timeline.

It also feels like nothing can stop the Vegas Golden Knights now. The momentum is so great; the pain of losing in 2018 has created a juggernaut. It feels like one team needs the Cup while the other was happy to make it to the Cup Final.

Pittsburgh Penguins / Steelers, Pirates

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Never let it be said that I cannot change my mind. I was marginally against a Mikael Granlund buyout until the new NHL economic numbers were out. Then I realized NOW is the best time to do it — here’s why. Penguins roster decisions.

Steelers Now: Kenny Pickett’s (alleged) car thief jumped bail and didn’t attend the court date. It didn’t take police long to find him and re-arrest him. Steelers news.

Mike Tomlin was hounding his LBs. The sights and sounds of Steelers OTAs.

Our Steelers crew is KILLING IT! They’re covering OTAs like I’ve never seen before. If you’re a Steelers fan, go to SteelersNow.com.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: The race is on. Who is going to get here first — Endy Rodriguez or Henry Davis? The top Pirates prospects are close.

Yuck. The Oakland Soon-to-be Vegas A’s routed Mitch Keller and the Buccos. Pirates game recap.

NHL Trade, News & National Hockey Now:

Philly Hockey Now: The NHL trade rumors didn’t see this one coming. The Philly Flyers pulled off a three-team trade for Ivan Provorov. The full Flyers trade details.

LA Hockey Now: The Kings somehow unloaded Cal Peterson’s salary?! That’s impressive. He was part of the Provorov deal–Analysis from the LA Kings perspective.

Philly Hockey Now: Later in the day, Flyers GM Daniel Briere explained why the shocking trade was necessary for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Unbelievable. I thought the Peterson contract was the worst in the NHL. It cost the Kings a solid defenseman, 30% of Provorov’s salary, and a second-round pick. It seems like a win for all three teams. Consider the market set for shedding bad contracts.

Sportsnet: More NHL trade rumors. Elliotte Friedman reports Alex DeBrincat is on the trade block.

NYI Hockey Now: While the Philly hubbub was going down, Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello was also speaking. It seems Josh Bailey’s future is in doubt. And our Andrew Fantucchio examined the salary cap situation. One of the core players will likely be part of an Islanders trade.

Stanley Cup Final:

Florida Hockey Now: Blame Bobrovsky? Colby Guy writes the Florida Panthers vow to play better instead.

Things are getting tense in Florida. As George Richards writes, a Sunrise special isn’t enough. The Florida Panthers need more.

Vegas Hockey Now: They’re feeling it in Vegas. Jonathan Marchessault tossed a little bulletin board material when he said, “We know we have them.” The Vegas Golden Knights can taste the champagne.

The VGK are seizing their destiny by also trying to create doubt in the Panthers. The Vegas Golden Knights are flexing.