Dan’s Daily: Top RFAs; EK65 Snubbed; Penguins Trade Cost

Despite the Stanley Cup making its way to Sunrise, Florida so that it will be in the building tomorrow when the Florida Panthers have a chance to wrap their arms around it for the second consecutive year, the rest of the NHL is retreating to their bunkers for what could be frenzied activity with a billion-dollar price tag. Restricted free agents could be a new menu item as rumblings grow louder that teams are no longer incumbered by fear or tradition to avoid offer sheets. We examined the actual Pittsburgh Penguins trade cost if they try to maneuver upward at the NHL Draft. Early Monday morning before most arose from their slumber, countries began announcing the top six of their Olympic hockey rosters, but Sweden dissed Erik Karlsson. And Brad Marchand’s Stanley Cup Final performance is placing him in elite company.

I suppose Marchand will win the Conn Smythe should Florida win the Cup, but I would heavily caution my colleagues never again to award it to a losing player, unless under extreme circumstances. I don’t know where the groundswell came from last year to give it to McDavid, but from one hour to the next, that became the majority opinion, and then an awkward moment for everyone.

So, the bots and corporate X accounts (many accounts controlled by one person) designed to create the appearance of a passionate and loyal fanbase for the artist who shows up at sporting events and gets far more camera time than one would expect, continued their assault on the former Bud Moonshine yesterday. Usually, when I’m getting dragged publicly, it’s not a good feeling. This weekend was an exception, as I’ve laughed through this entire thing. More than 100 nearly exact Tweets yesterday, almost all having the singer as their profile photo–sending me this graph to PROVE that Taylor Swift helped NHL ratings. Except, ummm, it actually shows absolutely no effect when she appeared, then a spike when the Panthers scored. If anything, there was a slight slowing of growth when she appeared. Here’s their tiresome tactic and the graph:

oh don’t make that face https://t.co/CzS7M4ffVL

— Andrew🤍 (@inyrbenz) June 16, 2025

Thank you, Andrew, if that is your real name or identity, or if you’re human. I have no ax to bear against Swift, but the attacking tweets on me are just more proof that this forced exaltation is corporate-manufactured hype. If you say something enough times, it becomes a perception.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Can the Penguins trade up in the draft? Maybe. But there will be a cost. We used professional analytics tools and a bit of logic to set the scene for the NHL Draft and the potential for a big Penguins trade.

The story is a choose-your-own-adventure type. I’m curious where many of you land when the actual cost is presented.

Matt Meagher’s videos have been a nice little treat. Sunday, defenseman Jackson Smith committed to Penn State, and there is a great chance that he’s still on the board when the Penguins pick at No. 11. There are things to love, and some things that need work. Here are the highlights and scouting on the potential Penguins draft pick.

NHL Rumors, News, & NHN

Daily Face-Off: There are several lists out there now. We’ll choose DFOs because I think Frank Seravalli has been blunt on several recent issues, which makes for more interesting conversation. None of the top RFAs have come off the board, which means it could be a bidding war in July. Here are the top RFAs who might get an offer sheet.

Sportsnet: Many hockey fans have gone from loathing Brad Marchand to riding shotgun on his wild journey to the cusp of another Stanley Cup. His personality has won over millions of fans who may go back to hating him next year. However, his performance in this Cup Final is historic.

Florida Hockey Now: Marchand’s goal Saturday night? Wow. It stunned everyone, including his Florida Panthers’ teammates.

Team Sweden: The Euro countries that qualified for the Olympic hockey tournament released their rosters early Monday morning. Despite being one of the initial members in the Four Nations tournament, Team Sweden left out Erik Karlsson from the core group.

📣 Här är det första OS-nominerade gänget 📷 @iihfhockey@nhl@nhlpa@olympics pic.twitter.com/TBIv18LEWf

— Tre Kronor (@Trekronorse) June 16, 2025

We assume Sidney Crosby will be part of the First Six for Team Canada. Thus far, the only Penguin or former Penguins player to receive a First Six honor is Teddy Blueger for Latvia.

Forever Blueshirts: We’ve spent all of our time on the first round of the NHL Draft, but there will be centers available in the second round, too. FB takes a look at the pivots available on Day 2 of the NHL Draft.

NYI Hockey Now: Our Russ Macias dipped his fingers into the mailbag for Qs and the potential trades, and next year’s roster. It’s a cloudy picture with a new boss, but there could be an upheaval for the New York Islanders.