Dan’s Daily: Canucks Blockbuster Trade; Penguins Under Microscope

Perhaps no one should be surprised that Jim Rutherford and his protege Patrik Allvin pulled the first blockbuster NHL trade and did so in January. The Canucks snapped up Calgary Flames pivot Elias Lindholm, thus cornering the market on star players named Elias. A scoring winger who could help the power play would add a few wins for the Pittsburgh Penguins, and there are a few intriguing names on the block. The trade chatter is also bubbling in Philly, and who is next out of Calgary?

It’s already Thursday of the bye week, but I’m still nowhere close to being caught up on sleep. Instead, I’ve grabbed a blanket and been watching Dateline, X-Files, and the Unsolved Mysteries channel on the Fubo platform while I work. The Unsolved Mysteries channel is awesome–it’s 24/7 of the old shows hosted by Robert Stack, with no commercials and modern updates.

I suppose this is what Dan does without Penguins games. I’m an animal.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The hot stove is warming up. It’s five weeks until the NHL trade deadline, and some available scoring wingers could fit very well with the Penguins and be affordable. Take a look at the three I circled for the Penguins’ trade needs.

PHN+: It’s a little past halfway, but it’s always the figurative “second half” after the All-Star game. Some forwards have fizzled, and some have sizzled. Dave Molinari put the forwards under the microscope for deeper Penguins analysis.

NHL Trade, News & National Hockey Now

Calgary Hockey Now: It wasn’t long ago the Flames had a couple of 40-goal scorers on their top line. Now, they’re scattered to the wind. Rutherford, Allvin, and the Canucks pulled the blockbuster and acquired Elias Lindholm from the Calgary Flames.

BHN+: Boston boy. Top defenseman. Exactly what the Bruins are looking for — Is Hanafin still a Bruins trade target?

Philly Hockey Now: Flyers GM Daniel Briere has been working the phones. Now that Lindholm has a new address, Brandon Tanev is next up, and here’s how it affects the Metro Division and the Philadelphia Flyers.

NYI Hockey Now: They’re in the playoff race and have swapped coaches, but the New York Islanders aren’t yet firmed up for the future. Three moves to decide the future–the important Islanders trade chips.

Detroit Hockey Now: “This is going to be fun.” The winged wheels were impressive in January, and they are in command of their fate in the playoff race. Is it finally time for the Detroit Red Wings?

Nashville Hockey Now: I disagree this parallels the Penguins’ path, but many of you might agree. Clay Brewer writes, “(Coach Andrew) Brunette will not succeed, nor will his system, with the roster’s current makeup. He doesn’t have the horses for the race he’s trying to run.” Resisting change with the Nashville Predators.