Dan’s Daily: Islanders Send Message, Defensemen Trade Scuttle

Published

3 years ago

June 14, 2021

Perhaps we should not be surprised anymore. Perhaps we should begin to recognize the New York Islanders have something. Like the New England Patriots, who seemingly kept winning without the best team, so too do the New York Islanders, who won Game 1 of their NHL Semifinal against the vaunted Tampa Bay Lightning. NHL trade chatter is beginning to include some big-name defensemen, and the consensus No. 1 pick in the NHL Draft may hang out in college for another year.

Owen Power is the consensus top pick, but his quotes this weekend may change that.

NHL.com: Top NHL Draft prospect Owen Power of Michigan says he is leaning towards staying at Michigan for another season.

I loved college more than anything I’ve ever done, but if the NHL comes calling and makes you the first-overall pick, you go–unless you don’t believe in yourself enough. First overall picks are expected to play right away.

The NHL trade chatter is currently swirling around big-name defensemen. Unfortunately, the Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t part of the chatter because Seth Jones is a bit out of their price range, and Dougie Hamilton isn’t what they need.

Colorado: Seth Jones is said to be very interested in Colorado. On the Saturday HNIC broadcast, Elliotte Friedman said that the Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman would love to be dealt to Colorado or Dallas. Adrian Dater writes, if Jones is willing to come, the Avs should do what it takes to get him.

News & Observer: Will Dougie Hamilton be back with the Carolina Hurricanes? He will cost them a shiny penny unless he takes a hometown storm surge discount. Will he?

Chicago Sun-Times: Hello, Seth Jones. The new belle of the NHL trade ball is reportedly drawing interest from several teams, including the Chicago Blackhawks. But Ben Pope argues maybe Hamilton is a better fit for Chicago than Jones?

Boston Hockey Now: Jake DeBrusk is again in the NHL trade chatter. The fuzzy hat-wearing, toothy grinned kid who became a star in the 2019 Bruins run to the Stanley Cup Final hit the skids this season. Boston doesn’t want to trade him, but they may surrender.

I know what you’re thinking, but DeBrusk would be an expensive gamble for the Penguins. The 24-year-old potential power forward has one year left at $3.65 million.

News & National Hockey Now:

PHN: From Stanley Cups to Gold Medals. Just in case anyone needs a little pick me up, here are Sidney Crosby’s top-five moments.

Vegas: The complete schedule for the “other” NHL Semifinal between the Montreal Canadiens and Vegas Golden Knights

Detroit: The Red Wings have five picks in the top 60. That’s plenty of time to get the goalie they need. Hopefully. Maybe.

Sportsnet: The Montreal Canadiens are one of the biggest underdogs in recent NHL betting memory. There was more money being wagered on Saturday Night Live ever being funny again than the Montreal Canadiens. However, Eric Francis writes Montreal isn’t the underdog you think they are.

Sportsnet WPG: The Winnipeg Jets managed to re-open their window, but now their offseason is full of potholes.

UPDATE: My hockey chat crew found this sad piece of news. Local product Stephen Johns, who had a promising career ahead of him with the Dallas Stars has retired due to concussion symptoms. God bless, kid. Find some happiness.