Dan’s Daily: Why Robertson Trade Talk; Penguins Respond to Rumors; Rust Invited
The Pittsburgh Penguins responded to Pittsburgh Hockey Now over the latest round of sale rumors with an informal statement, then a more sanitized version, both attempting to convey the nothing-burger status. Tuesday also brought good news for Bryan Rust and his potential inclusion on Team USA. Elsewhere, the Jason Robertson trade talk seems to have stemmed from chasing one big fish on the free agent market, there might be some Bruins trade chatter, and the St. Louis Blues gave embattled Milan Lucic a PTO.
I didn’t have a lot of time yesterday, but I was able to gather up a little posse of other motorcyclists. We didn’t get far–only to Morraine State Park. But it is worth a few minutes every time.
I’m just about ready for hockey season, but I need to ask a question. I feel like we were robbed of May, June, and part of July, but the temper tantrum has passed. When I was in SoHo a couple of weeks ago, I felt like the only man walking around. It was gaggles of girls (under 30) everywhere I went, but in Pittsburgh, it’s only dudes. Old dudes in golf shirts, young dudes in Steelers jerseys, but only dudes everywhere I go. Did I miss the rapture, and all of the females are gone?
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Nothing to see here. Some quibbled with the words of the denial, and after a couple of statements issues to PHN, I took it as an eye-roll dismissal. The response, as well as the ins and outs of the potential Penguins sale.
Last week, I wrote a story, “Hey Billy G, Bryan Rust for Team USA.” Of course, my story had no impact, but I’m going to lie and say it did. In a reversal from the Four Nations tourney, Rust and three Pittsburgh-natives were invited to Team USA orientation camp.
Steelers Now: The big guy is sending a message? The Steelers’ secondary might be the best it’s been in 20 years, but coach Mike Tomlin WILL play them in the Steelers’ preseason finale.
Pittsburgh Baseball Now: Connor Griffin is the Buccos’ top prospect. He made his Double-A debut Tuesday. Danny Demilio has the quotes, the observations, and the scouting on the Pirates prospect.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
Edmonton Journal: I’m not sure how to handle this one. So, you can read David Staples’ notes on the Edmonton Oilers trade rumors involving the Boston Bruins’ Fabian Lysell, which came from a blogger on Discord, and decide if you go further.
Bruins GM Don Sweeney seems to be caught in between with Lysell, who has the tools to be quite good, but four years on, and he’s not. Sweeney seems quite hesitant to part with him, but really should. It’s the classic–“if I trade him and he becomes an All-Star, I look terrible” complication.
Boston Hockey Now: After clearing the NHL/NHLPA assistance program, Milan Lucic is being given a second chance. It’s been a rough couple of years for Lucic, whose career was halted in early 2023-24 after an arrest for domestic violence. The St. Louis Blues are giving Lucic a PTO.
NHLRumors.com: More info on a podcast instead of in writing. I can’t believe how many writers go on podcasts that are not their own to break news. Folks–you’re giving away your best stuff! Anyway, Sean Shapiro of DLLS Sports in Dallas went on the Eye Test podcast and revealed that the Jason Robertson trade rumors were largely the result of the Dallas Stars shopping him in order to get Mitch Marner.
Philly Hockey Now: Will James has questions, and he is bravely asking Philadelphia Flyers fans.
Montreal Hockey Now: While I’m quite happy for Rust getting a shot with Team USA, Montreal Canadiens fans are angry that reigning Calder Trophy winner and electric defenseman, Lane Hutson, was snubbed.
Chicago Hockey Now: Greg Boysen had some fun and borrowed our “underappreciated” bit. Check it out, from the Stanley Cup era, the top five underappreciated Chicago Blackhawks.
Categorized:Links NHL Trade Rumors Penguins Pittsburgh Penguins
Hutson at the very least should have been invited to the camp, but he wasn’t going to be on the roster unless there is an injury to Hughes, Sanderson, Slavin, or Hanafin.