Dan’s Daily: Rangers-Ducks Trade Talks; Canucks After Rossi; Penguins Rebuild

It is Dan Muse day as the Pittsburgh Penguins will introduce their new head coach later this morning. We took a swing at a potential timing issue with the Penguins’ rebuild, as well as began Matt Meagher’s video series on NHL Draft prospects with Brady Martin. Elsewhere in the Daily, the New York Rangers and Anaheim Ducks are reportedly in deep trade talks, the Vancouver Canucks are eying up Marco Rossi, the Utah Mammoth are big game hunting on the NHL trade market, Lane Hutson is the rookie of the year, and the judge in the trial of five 2018 Team Canada members has decided when she will render her verdict.

I’m looking forward to Muse’s presser this morning. I’ve heard nothing but good things about the person, and quite frankly, I’m hoping to be able to talk some hockey after the morning skates when there are just a few of us on the road in January. I also think Penguins fans would benefit from someone willing to talk more about the game. Fans have come a long way from the tomato-throwing days of the blogosphere-dominated coverage and want much deeper insights (and I’m only too happy to oblige).

Did anyone try to stay up to see the Strawberry Moon? I made it to about 2 a.m. Frankly, it wasn’t that impressive. I couldn’t figure out the best iPhone setting to take a picture, and the moon was just a big orange circle. Oh well.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: I walked a tightrope in my column. What I once thought was wrong is now right. It’s nuanced, but it’s also important. General manager Kyle Dubas and the team might be stuck. There is a timing issue with the Penguins’ rebuild.

Matt Meagher is doing a nice job, and we’re happy to feature his prospect videos. Here’s the first highlight and scouting video on a potential Penguins draft pick. He’s a physical kid with a big personality, introducing Brady Martin.

When I watched Matt’s videos, I didn’t realize just how fast Martin was. He gets after it.

Steelers Now: Here’s the burning question, which was asked and answered fully. Why did Aaron Rodgers sign with the Steelers?

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: Mitch Keller is getting beat up on social media this season. The Buccos pitcher has been inconsistent, getting knocked around a few times, but also tossing a few gems. Danny Demilio takes up his keyboard to defend, or at least get to the truth on the Pirates’ pitcher.

NHL Trade Talk, News, & NHN

Daily Faceoff: Frank Seravalli busted the big scoop last night. The Rangers and Ducks are in “advanced” trade talks on winger Chris Kreider. It will be all over the internet today, but it looks like the Rangers are getting close to shedding some deadweight salary.

I have heard through back channels that Mike Sullivan and Kreider weren’t chummy when Sullivan was with the Rangers the first time. The Rangers have been trying to move Kreider, so perhaps they’ll do so at whatever the cost or return.

Sportsnet: OK, the trade rumor that is taking on a life of its own in Pittsburgh–Utah is looking for a splash on the trade market. Naturally, many Penguins fans heard, “We can get their fourth overall pick for Rickard Rakell!” But that’s not true. Sorry, Charlie. However, Utah is out there. Sportsnet has that and several trade rumors to wet your beak.

I have a few friends who are big hockey fans. One was six or seven texts deep, selling the idea of a Penguins-Utah trade. Sure, it would behoove the Penguins, but don’t forget, other teams get to bid, and there is a valuation to uphold. And for more salt on that patch of earth, there is a big difference this year between the top picks and the second tier.

Vegas Hockey Now: The chatter took on a life of its own. One reporter said it made sense, and two seconds later, a dozen trade rumors were born. However, Elliotte Friedman poured cold water on the William Karlsson trade rumors.

Hockey Wilderness: On a radio appearance, reporter Michael Russo said he has heard Vancouver is quite sweet on Marco Rossi, and they have the assets that would get a deal done. Sorry Penguins fans, but you know what happens when Jim Rutherford sets his sights on a player.

Would you give up the Rangers’ first-round pick and a prospect such as Tristan Broz or even Owen Pickering? That’s about the equivalent of what Russo mentioned as the trade cost for Vancouver.

Florida Hockey Now: Sam Bennett has been a monster in the Stanley Cup Final. You can hear the cash register ringing, but Florida has every intention of keeping him around. Coach Paul Maurice is even doing his best to shoo away suitors. It was all part of the Florida Panthers off day.

Montreal Hockey Now: Yes, I voted for Lane Hutson for the Calder Trophy and Dustin Wolf second. The Habs have hit on a couple of draft picks that are setting them up well. Hutson and Ivan Demidov are setting the new standard for the Montreal Canadiens.

TSN: We’ll have to wait until July 24 to find out the verdict in the sexual assault trial of five former members of the 2018 Team Canada team accused of assaulting a woman referred to in court reporting as E.M. Closing arguments are wrapping up this week.