Dan’s Daily: Penguins Hurting, Leafs Going Big on Trade Market

For once, the rumors are not from the Toronto media and being countered by the team. In a script-flipping presser, Toronto GM Kyle Dubas teed up his top prospects and young players as prime NHL trade bait. The Pittsburgh Penguins limped through a loss to the New Jersey Devils, and things won’t get easier. And the New York Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello said the Islanders would be aggressive on the NHL trade market.

Dubas was surprising. Lamoriello was downright shocking.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: We’ll start with the Pittsburgh Penguins firing 42 shots but only scoring once. Here’s the Penguins postgame full story. 

For PHN+ members, here’s the Xs and Os breakdown and player grades. The Penguins have some work to do. 

And the latest update on Evgeni Malkin.

NHL Trade Chatter…

Sportsnet: So, Kyle Dubas didn’t mince words. Top prospects, young players are AVAILABLE. 

NYI Hockey Now: The New York Islanders lost captain and leading goal scorer Anders Lee for the season. Lamoriello is moving aggressively to fill that void.

Lamoriello is secretive, but this may get out of his control. The Islanders are Cup contenders, and he has a big need.

TSN: The Columbus Blue Jackets and Dallas Stars are hoping to avoid selling or swimming on the wrong end of the NHL trade pool. 

Philly Hockey Now:  Bob McKenzie laid out the Philadelphia Flyers plans at the NHL trade deadline. 

National Hockey Now:

Boston: The Bruins found their offensive touch, finally, but it was against Buffalo. 

Florida: The Panthers can’t win them all. Juuse Saros stoned them on Thursday night. 

Colorado: Are the Colorado Avalanche finally back? They’ve had a detour this season, are the Avs clicking again? 

San Jose: The San Jose Sharks lost control and blew a 3-1 lead to Vegas. Why did they lose it? The Sharks need to figure it out.