Dan’s Daily: Whirlwind of News, Rumors, Action before Expansion Draft

If you missed a few news items on Wednesday, you’re not alone. Keeping up with the pace of the action was like watching a steam locomotive become a bullet train. The Pittsburgh Penguins locked up Teddy Blueger, the Montreal Canadiens might lose Shea Weber permanently, teams are lining up for Ryan Suter, and everyone on the NHL trade market or in free agency wants to be a Maple Leaf, don’t ya know?

For some reason, my opening line has me singing the Simpson’s “Monorail” song. Nothing like a 25-year-old cartoon reference to draw the youngsters.

Also–the National Hockey Now network is hiring a beat writer for a western city. I know a few of you are professionals or bloggers with professional beat aspirations. The income to start is OK. The income potential within 12 months is ridiculous. Shoot us an email, jobs@nationalhockeynow.com

To the Penguins Hockey!

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Should the Pittsburgh Penguins protect Jeff Carter in the expansion draft? The PHN debate series begins — Me. vs. 93-7 the Fan’s Chris Mack. And take the reader poll, too. Protect Carter, yeah or nay?

The NHL and NHLPA will contribute to the Penguins diversity efforts. It’s about time we break the hockey barriers. 

And–the Penguins inked Teddy Blueger to a two-year, $4.4 million deal, but no mention of expansion protection. 

NHL Trade Rumors

Montreal Gazette: Renaud Lavoie of RSN (French sports TV network) broke the bombshell that rattled the Canadiens fanbase. Shea Weber will miss next season and more due to serious foot and ankle injuries. 

Weber will not be protected in the expansion draft. The Athletic also reported Jeff Skinner, who has six years remaining on his massive contract, waived his NMC so the Buffalo Sabres could protect an eighth forward (who doesn’t make $9 million on the fourth line).

Sportsnet podcast: Bill Guerin hopped on Fan590 in Toronto to chat. He didn’t exactly quell the NHL trade chatter.

TSN Insiders: Are Guerin and the Wild ready to pursue Eichel, or maybe Johansen, or other No. 1 centers on the NHL trade market? The Nashville Predators are active, but can they protect four, or even five, of their defensemen?

Not sure if you saw ace reporter Michael Russo’s tweet on Tuesday night–when Guerin called Suter to inform him of the buyout, Suter promptly hung up on him.

NHL Free Agency, Expansion Draft & National Hockey Now Network Scoops

Philly: Suter is in HIGH demand, it seems. Philadelphia Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher spent a few years as the Wild GM. The Flyers need defensemen. Is this a match?

On Tuesday, our Adrian Dater (Colorado Hockey Now) broke the story that the LA Kings and Washington Capitals were first on him.

Also–Sources told the National Hockey fam that goalie Brian Elliott is likely headed towards free agency. Creative Pittsburgh Penguins fans will get why I included that. Here’s the scoop. 

Detroit: Evgeny Svechnikov is the betting favorite to be the Detroit Red Wing selected by the Seattle Kraken. 

TSN: The Toronto Maple Leafs and Frederick Andersen are still talking. Surprisingly. But no offer has been made yet. 

Boston: Bruins defenseman Kevan Miller retired on Wednesday after an eight-year career. Then the Boston Bruins ended some speculation and signed defenseman Brandon Carlo to a six-year deal. 

Florida: This one genuinely surprised me. The Florida Panthers did NOT ask Keith Yandle to waive his NMC

Colorado: Another scoop for CHN. His agent confirmed–heavy fourth line center Pierre-Edouard Bellemare will hit free agency on July 28. 

NYI: Want to see the Islanders’ new arena? Our staff got the tour, and it’s surely NOT the Coliseum. 

Washington: For our prospect watchers and WBS Penguins fans, you’ve seen Washington Capitals prospect Beck Malenstyn. He’s back from an Achilles injury, but can he challenge for a roster spot?

San Jose Podcast: Trade, Marry, Expose?  Brent Burns, Evander Kane, and Kevin Labanc. If you’re a hockey podcast nut, this is fun.