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Dan’s Daily Links: Kassian Suspended, Simmonds Drawing Interest

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NHL trade rumors, Zack Kassian Kicks Alex Killorn

The NHL trade rumors are typically quiet on Saturday as the hockey folks gear up for the national frenzy of Saturday night. However, there is just one more weekend before the NHL trade deadline, so hang on. The TSN Insider crew dropped a couple of scoops on Friday including a new contract for Jake Muzzin in Toronto, Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin axed Bruce Boudreau, Zach Kassian was suspended and a suitor for Wayne Simmonds emerged.

First, the Penguins trade for Jason Zucker is paying immediate dividends. Check out his first goal as a Penguin (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

The TSN Insiders, who often define the NHL trade rumors, put a price tag on LA Kings defenseman Alec Martinez and dished on a new contract for Muzzin (TSN)

Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin fired Bruce Boudreau despite their playoff push (ESPN)

If you liked Guerin here in Pittsburgh, I recommend this column in the Star Tribune. It’s an unflinching look at the Wild and Guerin’s job. It also has a little nugget about Jason Zucker and which aligns my critique the Penguins slightly overpaid  (Star Tribune)

The Penguins did overpay but if Zucker keeps finishing Sidney Crosby’s brilliant passes, not many will care. Also, We heard some time ago that Boudreau wasn’t Guerin’s favorite. Guerin threatened changes then Minnesota blew a two-goal third period lead to the New York Rangers…and Boudreau was toast.

St. Louis Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester had a device implanted to monitor his heart (StL Today)

Zack Kassian got a seven-game suspension for kicking Erik Cernak. I like the Hockey News Headline, “Kassian Gets Off Easy,” (The Hockey News)

Intentionally kicking an opponent with a skate blade sharp enough to severe tendons or arteries should be a BIG suspension. The NHL is behind on this one. And dog bites man. Taxes due. Trump tweet causes controversy.

Bad news in Vancouver could lead to a trade. It was reported the Vancouver Canucks were waiting for Michel Ferland’s return from a concussion. He left his rehab assignment in Utica on Friday night with concussion symptoms.

So, the NHL trade rumors will swirl. Vancouver could come calling for Wayne Simmonds in New Jersey (NJ.com)

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Oh, and one day late. Stick tap to our friend Lyle Richardson at Spector’s Hockey for catching it.