Dan’s Daily: Vegas Goalie Trade, Ovechkin Wants Russia in World Cup

The Vegas Golden Knights have been busy bees over the past week. First, they signed Phil Kessel to a one-year deal, and on Monday night, they acquired another goalie via the NHL trade market. Alex Ovechkin wants a Russian team in the coming 2024 World Cup. Dave Molinari misses the barns with flaws, rats, and personality, like the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Civic Arena and the Boston Bruins’ Boston Garden. And our Rob Simpson evoked some strong responses to his take on the Russian hockey problem.

We’re limping to the Labor Day break. And I’m taking a moment to get our business house in order. Investors are knocking. Our new platform is becoming the Big Dig in Boston. Our tests revealed some shortcomings in the platform, and the developers are fixing them. We’re waiting anxiously for that massive come-together launch in which all our sites are under one subscription. Bear with us a bit longer.

Alan Saunders will make his Final Word debut this Sunday.

Pittsburgh Penguins / Sports Now Group PGH

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: These new arenas just don’t have any personality. Remember the great arenas? They had flaws. And character. The Penguins had the Civic Arena. Hockey also had the Boston Garden, the Montreal Forum… Dave misses those great places. Pittsburgh Penguins.

We compared the Penguins’ current retool with the traditional “tear it down, trade everyone, get high draft picks” rebuild process. An interesting context that might open a few eyes. Pittsburgh Penguins.

Steelers Now: Welp. Camp is over. The preseason is over. So, too will be a few careers. The projected final 53-man roster. Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Steelers’ o-line puts the offensive in offensive line. Could they trade for Bears OT Treven Jenkins? Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: The Buccos recalled Jack Suwinski.

Late Monday night, the Pirates got walked off by the Brewers, and their second-half swoon continued. Instead, PBN is focusing on the Pirates’ prospects. Endy Rodrigues is crushing the ball and becoming a very interesting Pirates prospect.

NHL Trade, News & National Hockey Now:

Vegas: Viva, viva, Las Vegas. Get the full report and analysis. Division rivals hooked up for a trade when the San Jose Sharks traded goalie Adin Hill to the Vegas Golden Knights.

Washington Hockey Now: I suppose he had every right to say it and didn’t say anything controversial. But the IIHF has banned Russia through 2023, and the longer this Ukraine invasion continues, the longer there will not be a Team Russia. But Ovechkin really wants the NHL to have a Team Russia in the 2024 World Cup.

Detroit Hockey Now: Former Red Wings great and Russian loyalist Slava Fetisov hints that Russia may sue the IIHF.

Vancouver Hockey Now: Credit Rob Simpson. He put some strong opinions about the Russian situation out there and took the heat from those who disagreed. I’m convinced there are a few trolls who own many accounts, but I digress. He evoked some strong opinions on the Russia subject from Vancouver Canucks fans.

Calgary Hockey Now: GM Brad Treliving leaned on his players before making big decisions this summer. The Flames had a great summer. A GREAT summer. Calgary Flames

Colorado Hockey Now: Adrian Dater is coming to grips with no vacation this August. The truncated NHL offseason has kept us busy. So what about the 2C without Nazem Kadri? Any UFA signings on the horizon? Colorado Avalanche.

Philly Hockey Now: These are the stories that I love. Formerly undrafted forward. Toiling in the ECHL. Starts to “get it.” Begins climbing the depth charts. Hayden Hodgson climbed from the ECHL to the NHL last season and got a new contract this week. Philadelphia Flyers.

Montreal Hockey Now: The Canadiens have not yet signed Cole Caufield. As our Marco D’Amico notes–they should get on that. A team might just slip him an offer sheet. Montreal Canadiens.

Detroit Hockey Now: Last but not least–the Red Wings in the playoffs?? Jakub Vrana says, yes, it’s time for them to break out. Actually, they’re not far off. Detroit Red Wings.