Dan’s Daily: Jarry and Blueger Practice; Bennett Hits Trade Block

The Pittsburgh Penguins could have their starting goalie and third-line center back in the lineup on Saturday afternoon, though Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan was non-committal. The Calgary Flames are ready to become sellers, which means Sam Bennett is on the NHL trade block. The Vancouver Canucks COVID outbreak worsened, and the Penguins have only one of the top 75 prospects in the NHL.

PHN will publish our Penguins game preview at 9:30, and we’ll find out more about the statuses of Tristan Jarry and Teddy Blueger later this morning. On Friday, head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed Blueger participated as a full participant in practice, as did Jarry, though Sullivan said he would make lineup decisions today.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: If Blueger returns, will Frederick Gaudreau or Mark Jankowski remain in the lineup? The safe bet seems to be Gaudreau, who replied to PHN that his NHL second chance “sure is fun.”

Before we get into the NHL trade talk–our sports gambling partner, Fox Bet PA, is offering a gimme bet. If the Penguins score a goal today, you win 5x your $10 bet. If you’re so inclined…

We’re keeping the sports gambling content separate. Don’t worry–for those who aren’t interested, it’s not going to be in your face, but the revenues are allowing us to reinvest in more staff and expansion across the league!

Boston Hockey Now: The Penguins opponent on Saturday is the Boston Bruins. Their head coach isn’t angry…he’s “disappointed.”

NHL Trade Talk

Sportsnet: The Calgary Flames have lost six of seven games. They’re about to begin selling in advance of the April 12 NHL trade deadline. On Friday night against Connor McDavid, Sam Bennett was in the showcase.

STL Today: Mike Hoffman was a healthy scratch. It seems teams could start calling, and the NHL trade market could get another name?

Philly Hockey Now: So, who could the Flyers sell? 

For what it’s worth, my private hockey chat boys Tom and Rick are convinced Scott Laughton will be a Penguins center next year. Maybe someday I’ll give them their own column called, “What about…”

NYI Hockey Now: The Islanders are linked to Nick Foligno. How can they get it done? 

National Hockey Now & other stories:

TSN: Here are the top 75 NHL prospects, and the Penguins only have one on the Top 75 list (P.O Joseph).

Vancouver Province: Uh oh. The Vancouver Canucks COVID outbreak got worse–and it seems they have the Brazilian P1 variant. 

For what it’s worth, at least one major study claimed the P1 variant appears to be less resistant to the vaccines than other variants. And it’s time we prioritize the NHL players as public figures to vaccinate them. I’m sure North American governments can spare a thousand vaccines (especially when you hear how many have gone to waste).

Vegas: The three Questions the Vegas Golden Knights must answer.

Colorado: Takeaways from Colorado Avalanche win over the St. Louis Blues.

San Jose: The magnanimous local officials in San Jose won’t go against California’s relaxing COVID restrictions–that means fans in the stands!

Florida: The Florida Panthers snagged themselves the top college free agent defenseman, Matt Kiersted.