Dan’s Daily: U.S. Women Lose, Get Ready for UFA Signings, Tom Wilson Most Hated?

The United States Women’s Team didn’t lose a World Championships for nearly a decade but couldn’t hold a two-goal first-period lead, and Canada celebrated its first gold medal since 2012 after a dramatic OT win. TSN debated if Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson is the most hated player in the league. PHN evaluated the Pittsburgh Penguins potential Olympians, and our colleague Jimmy Murphy is hearing real NHL trade market and UFA rumblings.

Jimmy has done an outstanding job with our Off the Record column which will return. As the E-I-C of the Hockey Now network, I’m one of the editors to vet the information and help Muprh sort the good from the bad. He’s been ahead of many of the Jack Eichel stories, including one cryptic message we didn’t understand but later realized was a hint about his impending agent change. When Jimmy says to get ready for activity on the NHL trade front and UFAs…get ready.

I'd say that this Labor Day weekend, we are going to see an uptick in NHL trade, NHL free agent, and PTO chatter. Likely action to follow.@BOSHockeyNow

— MurphysLaw74 (@MurphysLaw74) September 1, 2021

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pittsburgh Penguins most likely have six Olympic representatives, including head coach Mike Sullivan, who will coach Team USA, and Sidney Crosby who may captain Canada. They also have two bubble players. Who makes it to Beijing, who doesn’t?

NHL News & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: It hasn’t been a banner summer for U.S. women’s teams. First, the soccer loss, and now hockey. The U.S. Women’s team staked themselves a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes but didn’t score again. Oh, Canada wins gold for the first time since 2012. 

TVA: Should Montreal match the Carolina Hurricanes offer sheet to Jesperi Kotkaniemi? No, says TVA, and here are three candidates to chase on the NHL trade market (including Jack Eichel). 

TSN: Is Tom Wilson the most hated player in the NHL? The TSN crew debates.

NYI: The New York Islanders have reportedly signed Casey Czikas to a six-year deal, but Czikas took a good hometown discount to stay. The Isles fourth line will be intact for another year. 

That’s one contract leaked. Now about those Taraenko NHL trade rumors?

Philly: Much was made of Matt Niskanen not signing retirement papers after he bolted the Philadelphia Flyers and NHL last season. However, sources confirm, Niskanen will NOT be returning to the NHL. 

Detroit: The cute headline of the day–There are “A” holes in the Detroit Red Wings lineup. 

Colorado: The bookies are vibing on the Colorado Avalanche to the top team in the league this season. 

NBC Chicago: The Blackhawks signed Connor Murphy to a four-year contract extension for less than $4 million per season. 

If only former Penguins GM Jim Rutherford had that much restraint, eh?

Vancouver: The negativity report in Vancouver is HIGH. One of the most negative markets in the league is chewing up its team…