Dan’s Daily: Penguins Flip Switch, Erik Karlsson to Edmonton?

Some revenge was served cold in Montreal by former presumptive first-overall pick Shane Wright, who the Canadiens snubbed at the 2022 NHL Draft. The Edmonton Oilers might rattle the NHL trade market by stepping into the pursuit of Erik Karlsson. The Pittsburgh Penguins overcame a few illnesses to trounce the Columbus Blue Jackets. Matt Murray was locked in, and there’s also a Jakob Chychryn trade update.

However, according to Dan’s Daily policy and good taste, until the Chychrun NHL trade “update” involves something specific or doesn’t include the phrase “sticking to their high price tag,” we’re not going to bother.

I do have a column on the way today about Ron Hextall. I’m curious how you will receive it. Dave is writing a piece about Bryan Rust for 10 a.m., so I’ll probably drop the opinion piece at lunch. Hextall has made a few choices …

Pittsburgh Penguins / Steelers, Pirates

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Sidney Crosby was sick, yet he cured what ailed the Penguins as they beat the Blue Jackets, 4-1. Here’s the Penguins recap.

After a terrible first period without energy or much “want-to,” the Penguins clicked. What changed? Go inside the Penguins’ locker room.

PHN+: The grades and chalkboard for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

And if you want the quick delivery — here’s the postgame video recap. The 5-minute Penguins postgame.

Steelers Now

• Mike Tomlin — “I laugh at (criticism).” He defended his furious WR George Pickens.
• Bad news on the injury front — Okunjobi and Watt are expected to be limited. Steelers injuries.
• The latest on Ravens QB Lamar Jackson’s injury. Not looking good for him to play vs. the Steelers.
• Here’s an honest, but scary, admission. James Harrison said, “I was trying to hurt people.”
• ***Oh boy! Charlie Batch said Kenny Pickett’s progress could mean OC Matt Canada returns. Steelers offense.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now:

• The Pirates! The Pirates! They “earned” the No. 1 overall pick in next year’s MLB player draft.
  • The fist-pumping celebration turned my stomach. Uh, you guys earned that by stinking. Try low-key?
• John Perrotto said the newest free-agent addition has top-of-the-rotation stuff, but hasn’t unlocked it. The Pirates signed Vince Velasquez.
• The Pirates are also using the Winter Meetings to look for more pitching. Pittsburgh Pirates shopping.
• PBN+: So, who is going to be the No. 1 pick? The early list of favorites for the Pittsburgh Pirates draft.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now:

For those who skip ahead to hockey …

TSN Insiders: Erik Karlsson. Edmonton Oilers. The NHL trade chatter is percolating in Edmonton. Can you imagine Karlsson zipping head-man passes to Connor McDavid? It might be the biggest union since Coffey to Lemieux. Here’s the latest.

Dallas Hockey Now: Matt Murray was brilliant. He stopped 44 shots, Toronto stopped Jason Robertson’s point streak, and Murray shut out the Dallas Stars.

Montreal Hockey Now: You probably want to see it. You remember the Shane Wright “stare down” when Seattle selected him fourth overall. He glared at the Canadiens for passing him over. Wright scored his first NHL goal on Tuesday, and it was against — yep — the Montreal Canadiens.

The Canadiens scored two goals in seven seconds and beat Seattle, 4-2.

More trade “chatter” — Edmonton is also linked to a Montreal defenseman on the NHL trade block.

Philly Hockey Now: The Flyers have already amassed 151 man-games-lost. Another forward is out for weeks, and the problems keep growing for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Washington Hockey Now: Criticism in the Capital. Uh, Anthony Mantha, anytime, now. The Washington Capitals want more.

NYI Hockey Now: The Islanders are in a playoff position — a far cry from last season’s flatline. One of the biggest changes has been solving the Mathew Barzal “problem.” Here’s how the New York Islanders are doing it.

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings are also in a playoff position. Yes, the Red Wings. This story involves a former Penguins d-man. Here’s why Filip Hronek has become a force again for the Detroit Red Wings.

Calgary Hockey Now: One of the primary teams mentioned as a fit for Brock Boeser is the Flames. Not only the NHL trade price, but the salary cap hit — How can the Calgary Flames afford it?