Dan’s Daily: Weekend Trade Talk, Penguins Losing Streak

The Pittsburgh Penguins are suddenly on a losing streak after being soundly beaten by the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thurday and spotted four goals to the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday. The NHL trade rumor mill is churning, and Ben Chiarot is likely to be the first moved. However, New York Islanders battering ram Cal Clutterbuck is garnering serious interest by serious teams. And, Philadelphia Flyers know they’re on the trade block.

We’ll begin with the Penguins. Glass half-full or half-empty?

Head coach Mike Sullivan said, “I loved our fight in the game today.” However, that’s two straight losses to good teams and too many games with ghastly turnovers and mistakes that led to goals.

PHN+: The complete analysis and insights from the 4-3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. I went all out on this one because it may have been the most important game thus far. The Carolina Hurricanes set the bar for first place, and if you really want to get a sense of the Penguins game–this is the column. The “self-inflicted” mistakes again cost the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Tell ya what–Get a full year of PHN+ on sale for just $19.99 (that’s $10 off!)

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: You can also listen to the extensive postgame chat with 93-7 the Fan host Paul Zeise. Paul asked if I thought the Penguins trade deadline needs were changing (yes), and I had to answer as GM Ron Hextall strolled past in an otherwise empty hallway. I wonder if he agreed with my response? Check out the Pittsburgh Penguins postgame chat.

NHL Trade Chatter, News and National Hockey Now

NYI: There are about to be a lot of NHL trade rumors in New York. Colorado Avalanche GM Joe Sakic attended the New York Islanders-Montreal Canadiens game at UBS Arena on Sunday. Sources tell Hockey Now that the player of interest is Islanders grinder Cal Clutterbuck.

Also–for everyone who remembers what it is like being a young professional in a new job, NYI Hockey Now beat writer Stefen Rosner recently had his first road trip to cover the team. My god, the calamity of errors to get from New York City to Buffalo for one hockey game became a Mr. Bean episode. Check out Stefen’s travel diary.

We don’t have a travel secretary for our writers, though I’m happy to report that most are traveling this season.

Vegas: Watch Jack Eichel’s first goal with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Philly: Justin Braun knows…the defenseman knows a trade is coming and his time with the Philadelphia Flyers is up.

Athletic: Our oldest friend in hockey, Mark Lazerus, reported teams are calling the Chicago Blackhawks about 23-year-old prospect Brandon Hagel. Sources told Laz it wouldn’t happen, but his name is out there.

Sportsnet: A few stories here. The Montreal Canadiens called Canadian gold medalist Marie-Philip Poulin about her post-Olympic plans. And interest is reaching a fevered pitch on the NHL trade front regarding Ben Chiarot.

Toronto Sun: Marc-Andre Fleury remains in the NHL trade rumors, too. Steve Simmons believes Fleury will be in black and gold soon. However, Simmons means the Boston Bruins.