Dan’s Daily: More Trades, More Rumors, 1 More Day

The swapping, the begging, borrowing, and stealing accelerated on Thursday. The NHL trade rumors haven’t reached a fever pitch, but we’re getting close. Even the Pittsburgh Penguins are involved. There was one significant trade, and the Penguins could be involved in the next one before the roster freeze on Saturday at 5 p.m., when the protected lists are due.

I am shocked at the Penguins’ involvement in the Zach Hyman NHL trade sweepstakes. Not one bit. In fact, I heartily dismissed the possibility publicly until a source confirmed more serious interest.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Per a source with direct knowledge of the Penguins’ communication, the Pittsburgh Penguins are indeed serious players for Hyman. 

Stick tap to Kevin McGrann of the Toronto Star for first identifying the Penguins as one of the teams that called.

Detroit: Who are the favorites in the Hyman derby? Probably not the Detroit Red Wings. Venerable hockey scribe and colleague Kevin Allen handicaps the front runners. 

PHN+: Our weekly “Off the Record” was a doozy. Hockey folks expect Tampa Bay to pull a shocker, and even the GMs who spoke to us were in awe of how crazy the NHL trade market will be over the next two days. Check it out. 

If you’d like to join this band of scalawags, rebels, and insiders who are challenging the hockey media establishment–join PHN+ for an ad-free experience and access to exclusive PHN+ content. Here’s an unadvertised $19.99 sale. 

NHL Trade Rumors, News & National Hockey Now

Colorado: Knowing they would lose steady defenseman Ryan Graves, the Colorado Avalanche dealt him to New Jersey for Mikhail Maltsev and a second-round selection. The trade and what it means for the Avs going forward. 

Philly: I’m not sure where Vladimir Tarasenko ranks on the NHL trade board, but the Philadelphia Flyers are one of the teams “In” on Tarasenko. 

Florida: Surprise in Sunrise, but not a big one. The Florida Panthers added Keith Yandle to the NHL buyouts list. 

The Cats also splashed some real cash on Gus Forsling and Anthony Duclair. 

San Jose: The San Jose Sharks signed Dylan Gambrell, but they really overpaid. Really overpaid–Sheng Peng explains why. 

Sportsnet: The memorial service was held for Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks. We also learned the 24-year-old goalie died a hero as he saved fellow goalie Elvis Merzlikins, Merzlikins’ wife, and their unborn child.

Here is the written story.  Here is part of the moving tribute from Merzlikins. 

Honest to God, I don’t get homemade fireworks shows. The NHL and Columbus lost a future star and wonderful ambassador for the game.

Sportsnet: For you draftniks, someday, the Penguins will have first-round picks. I think. Here are the final Sportsnet prospect rankings for the 2021 NHL Draft. 

TSN: A little bit of a surprise, Dallas Stars goalie Ben Bishop became the first attractive candidate to waive his NTC to be exposed in the expansion draft. 

I think we can pencil in Bishop as the first Seattle Kraken starter, yeah? Given the excitement, enthusiasm, and joy that Vegas fans brought and the immediate success the Golden Knights had, I’m surprised more players haven’t volunteered.