Dan’s Daily: Perfect Fit–Kessel Signs with Vegas, Salary Cap GOING UP

If there was a perfect fit for Phil Kessel, he probably found it. The Vegas Golden Knights dropped a one-year bargain contract on the mercurial winger with a taste for poker. It’s big-time NHL news when deputy commissioner Bill Daly said he expects the salary cap to go up next summer–by a lot. The Fanatics leak may have revealed the new Pittsburgh Penguins retro jersey. What if Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry were healthy in May, and what if there aren’t any trades available before the start of the season?

We played the “What If” game with the Penguins to tinker with your perceptions and expectations. With 15 NHL forwards, including Drew O’Connor, and nine defensemen including Ty Smith, a few people will be disappointed.

Pittsburgh Penguins / Sports Now Group PGH

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Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Robo Penguins logo is back? It appears a Fanatics leak may have let the cat out of the bag. Pittsburgh Penguins retro jersey.

So, what if? Would you view the team much differently if Tristan Jarry were healthy in May and the Penguins beat the New York Rangers? What if…GM Ron Hextall is stuck with the current roster? Essential questions to set the table. Pittsburgh Penguins.

Steelers Now (+): “That feels like a trick question.” Mitch Trubisky was coy about his prospects as the Steelers starting QB. He does think he’ll get a bit more reps against the Lions but after that…? Pittsburgh Steelers starting QB

As always, there are more than a half dozen fresh stories from Steelers practice, including video of Brian Flores working Devin Bush in drills. Visit the home page every day for the latest Pittsburgh Steelers news.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: Oneal Cruz set an impressive record — the hardest hit ball EVER recorded by Statcast. He hit a rocket off the right field wall — 122.4mph?! Check it out: Oneal Cruz.

And the Pirates’ first-round pick made his debut in Single-A ball. The latest on the top Pittsburgh Pirates prospects.

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NHL News & National Hockey Now:

Vegas Hockey Now: Owen Krepps grew up a Phil Kessel fan. Now our Vegas writer from Robert Morris U. will get to cover him daily. Kessel signed a one-year bargain deal in Las Vegas. Yes, Phil Kessel. Las Vegas. Oh boy. Vegas Golden Knights.

Sportsnet: Is this good news for the Pittsburgh Penguins? In good NHL news, Bill Daly said he expects the NHL salary cap to go UP. Way UP next season.

Washington Hockey Now: You saw the Penguins’ possible retro. How about the arch-rival Washington Capitals retro jersey?

Nicklas Backstrom slammed the Russian invasion of Ukraine but said the Capitals avoid discussing the topic. Washington Capitals.

Boston Hockey Now: As part of a local radio/TV telethon, Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery did an interview and dropped some knowledge on what he expects to see as the Boston Bruins lines.

Montreal Hockey Now: NHL trade chatter has picked up considerably around Christian Dvorak. A source told MHN that if the Canadiens stay patient, the value will go up. Montreal Canadiens.

Detroit Hockey Now: Perhaps it is not surprising. Another former Red Wings star is coaching in the KHL. Detroit Red Wings.

San Jose Hockey Now: Not sure how many of you are into the nuggets of hockey history and some of the special teams that came and went. The California Golden Seals (with Charlie Simmer and the white skates) are one of those teams — It looks like the Sharks retro jersey will pay homage. Pretty cool. San Jose Sharks retro jersey.

Calgary Flames: Evander Kane and Matthew Tkachuk had a fierce rivalry as a subset of the Battle for Alberta. However, Nazem Kadri also has beef with Kane. That’s going to be a fun watch this season. Kadri vs. Kane. Calgary Flames.