Dan’s Daily: Canucks Trying to Trade J.T. Miller? Heinen Took Less for Penguins

Well, that was a surprise announcement. The Pittsburgh Penguins signed Danton Heinen to a one-year, $1 million contract on Wednesday afternoon. Heinen reportedly turned down better offers to stay with the Penguins, which must make additional moves to get below the salary cap. Vancouver Canucks prez Jim Rutherford said his team is far apart in contract talks with J.T. Miller and confirmed Miller is on the NHL trade block. Jake Virtanen was found not guilty of sexual assault, and why the Washington Capitals didn’t go for big-name NHL free agents.

Interesting day, I tell you.

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PIttsburgh Hockey Now: Danton Heinen, come on down! The Penguins now must expose a player to waivers or dump salary via the NHL trade market. Heinen turned down better offers from the Winnipeg Jets and others to play with the Pittsburgh Penguins, again.

PHN+: Now that the drama of the 2022 Penguins free agents are behind them, we can look at the Penguins free agent class of 2023. It won’t be as dramatic, but it could be important. Penguins free agents.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: John Perrotto looks at the MLB trade market. Teams are sniffing around Jose Quintana, but what can they get for Brian Reynolds? Pittsburgh Pirates trade talk.

Steelers Now (+): Oh it was a day in Latrobe. The WRs made all of the news. The Diontae Johnson “hold-in” and the George Pickens high pointing catches. Chris Carter has Day 1 impressions. Who looked REALLY good? Pittsburgh Steelers camp.

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NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now:

Vancouver Hockey Now: The Canucks would like to re-sign J.T. Miller, but president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford said the two sides are “a ways apart.” He also admitted Miller was available on the NHL trade block, but the Canucks were waiting for the right offer. Vancouver Canucks Drama!

Here’s an interesting litmus test for our society. Jake Virtanen was basically shunned from the hockey world after being charged with sexual assault. He claimed it was very consentual. She claimed it was very much not. The jury sided with him. Not guilty–Jake Virtanen.

Now (and just mull this over without creating a culture war in the comments section because I necessarily delete inflammatory comments about things outside hockey), would you support your team signing Virtanen?

Sportsnet: Despite the ongoing investigations and gathering dark clouds over Hockey Canada because of sexual assaults, the team will play in next month’s World Juniors in Edmonton.

Washington Hockey Now: No big splash for the Capitals. No big names. No Nazem Kadri or John Klingberg rumors. Sammi Silber writes that was by design and that is the right call for the Washington Capitals.

NYI Hockey Now: The Islanders are bringing back the Fisherman logo from the mid-1990s as their retro third sweater. And…the fans reacted. New York Islanders reaction.

Detroit Hockey Now: Bobby Ryan was arrested at the Nashville airport. He had a relapse, as some TMZ wannabe sites plastered his mugshot all over social media (we refused), Ryan admitted that he fell short, and thanked everyone for their support. Detroit Red Wings coverage.

Vegas Hockey Now: Max Pacioretty is gone to Carolina for future considerations. Vegas has done some hacking and whacking at their salary cap structure, and the league has benefitted from their giveaways. Now, as Owen Krepps writes, after all is given away, Vegas needs top-six wingers. Vegas Golden Knights analysis.

San Jose: Mike Greir introduced new head coach David Quinn. There were lots of questions about the Sharks direction, Greir’s direction, and what comes next. Sheng Peng had thoughts, too. San Jose Sharks analysis.