Dan’s Daily: Blackhawks Trade Values, Penguins Questions

LAS VEGAS — What are the Chicago Blackhawks’ values on the NHL trade market? Our buddy Mark Lazerus, with Scott Powers, teed up Chicago’s roster. Bad teams could begin trading in January to tank for Conor Bedard. The Detroit Red Wings placed Jakub Vrana on waivers, the New Jersey Devils could target an elite young defenseman, and are the Pittsburgh Penguins on the same page?

The jumbo 767 from Philly to Vegas lost internet before takeoff, so I was out of commission for about six hours Tuesday while a bulbous-headed dude reclined his seat to its fullest capacity into my lap. I always find a little adventure in Las Vegas. I told my cab driver that I had family members who moved to Vegas in the 1950s and became successful at the Golden Nugget. She returned with, “My dad moved out here in 1952. He was in gaming in Chicago.”

I caught the implication immediately, which seemed to surprise her. There was no “legal” gaming in Chicago in 1952. Yes, his friends were who you think they were in the Sam Rothstein era. Las Vegas is full of characters, even as the monolithic glass structures ruin The Strip and old Las Vegas disappears under a hail of corporate whitewashing and temporary residents.

Pittsburgh Penguins / Steelers, Pirates

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: It appears Tristan Jarry is hurt. On Tuesday, the Penguins recalled Dustin Tokarski.

The Penguins have lost five straight, Mike Sullivan is benching players, Ron Hextall hasn’t made any changes, and one player subtly questioned his given role. Three thoughts during this trip — are the Pittsburgh Penguins on the same page?

PHN+: Off the Record returns! Speaking with team execs and league sources, Jimmy Murphy flushed out a few possible big-time moves. The Boston Bruins are “all in,” and the New Jersey Devils have eyes for a potentially elite young defenseman at the NHL trade deadline.

Sports betting became legal this week in Ohio. FanDuel is giving residents a $200 bonus at signup. FanDuel promo.

Steelers Now:

• The Steeles held free-agent workouts for two players, including the son of a football Hall of Famer. Steelers news.
• The updated Steelers playoff odds.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now (+)

• Why J.T. Brubaker could be a Pirates trade chip.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now:

It seems that all of the trade chatter began at once after the Winter Classic.

The Athletic ($): Mark Lazerus and Scott Powers examined the Chicago Blackhawks situation and the NHL trade market for several players.

Boston Hockey Now: The Bruins are big-game hunting (and have been). Injuries to Ryan O’Reilly, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Torey Krug in St. Louis could affect the Bruins’ trade plans.

TSN: Conor Bedard has shown himself to be the real deal at the World Juniors. Let those NHL trade rumors begin as bad teams tank.

Sportsnet Vancouver: As Canucks losses pile up, fans aren’t so mad anymore. Now they’re dreaming of Christmas in June and getting Bedard.

NYI Hockey Now: The Islanders tortured Vancouver 6-2 on Tuesday. Gotta see it — a handful of filthy goals by the New York Islanders.

Oh by the way, the Islanders’ win puts them ahead of the Penguins for the final Eastern Conference playoff position.

Philly Hockey Now: The Flyers actually have a surplus at one position and a battle in goal. Sam Carchidi has the Philadelphia Flyers coverage.

Detroit Hockey Now: GM Steve Yzerman is living dangerously. Needing roster space, he waived talented forward Jakub Vrana.