Dan’s Daily: Creative & Determined GMs, Kessel to Nashville?

I’m not quite sure what it means, and I don’t know if Sportsnet reporter extraordinaire Elliotte Friedman knows, either. An NHL exec told Friedman the Pittsburgh Penguins have a path to a deal with defenseman Kris Letang. Friedman produced a massive 32 Thoughts, including thoughts on Phil Kessel’s next home. An NHL exec called Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes “creative and determined” as the Canadiens shop several veterans on the NHL trade block but also look for more draft picks. And the Russians arrested a Flyers goalie prospect to keep him in the country.

I fear the world is going to regret not forcefully dealing with Putin. I sincerely hope future generations don’t look back and see Ukraine as our Lord Chamerblain moment.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Dave Molinari writes that public sentiment … doesn’t matter. Public sentiment for Letang and Malkin cannot matter now. Pittsburgh Penguins notes.

NHL Trade Chatter, News & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: The 32 Thoughts to end all Thoughts. An NHL exec shared a cryptic message with Friedman about Kris Letang negotiations. EF believes Phil Kessel goes to Nashville and more.

Philly Hockey Now: Hey, you can’t play hockey like everyone else. You have to serve your military commitment! So said Russia, as a Flyers’ goalie prospect attempted to leave the country and was arrested. What?? It’s not so peculiar how selectively that’s enforced. Philadelphia Flyers news.

Montreal Hockey Now: What our boys are doing in Montreal is fantastic. Sources talk up there. A rival executive praised Canadiens GM Kent Hughes, “Gotta give it to him. He’s creative and determined.” Montreal Canadiens trade talk.

More GMs need to break out of the old thinking box. I don’t think traditional ways of doing things were particularly effective for most GMs. Jim Rutherford is a classic example. When he hit on several big decisions in a row, the Pittsburgh Penguins lifted Stanley Cups. After that, chasing Jason Zucker and Kasperi Kapanen were emotional quests that set the franchise back.

Washington: NHL trade market? Free agency? I really like what Sammi Silber is doing in Washington this summer–her reporting and analysis have taken on a new dimension–she’s a reporter to watch. How to get a goalie–What should the Washington Capitals do?

Detroit: Several draft prospectus stories. Who will the Red Wings take at No. 8? It’s a precarious position. They could get an All-Star or … a dud. Detroit Red Wings draft.

Colorado: Did you see Nazem Kadri’s too many men shirt at the Stanley Cup parade? It was a pretty good dig. Here’s how to get the underground Colorado Avalanche tee.

San Jose: He was in, then quickly out. Scott Mellanby is out of the running for the Sharks GM gig. It’s down to Mike Grier and Ray Whitney. San Jose Sharks search.

Vancouver: NHL trade rumor darling J.T. Miller is … wait for it … wait for it … well, just wait. Canucks GM Patrik Allvin’s comments seemed to indicate that everyone would have to wait for their decision. Vancouver Canucks intrigue.