Dan’s Daily: Latest Laine Trade Talk; Top ’25 UFAs; The Crosby Snub

ESPN should be ashamed of how they treat hockey and hockey players, but they probably aren’t. The big network ranked the top athletes of the century, and Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby was an afterthought to the point of disrespect. There remains a big name but low-return target on the NHL trade market, and we’re getting an idea of what it will cost a team to get Patrik Laine from Columbus. Sportsnet had some fun by looking at the top 25 2025 unrestricted free agents, and my sympathies to all of you who were or are flying this weekend.

It’s hard to believe we are already in the middle of July. I feel like I haven’t done anything with my offseason. I’ve only been north on the bike a couple of times and to Ohiopyle once. The older I get, the faster time goes by. If you’re on the fence about doing something, DO IT!

Of course, I also understand what it’s like to go to the grocery store and need a personal loan, which affects everything else.

We’ll also be announcing at least one new writer for National Hockey Now next week. I thought we’d have two, but one… vanished. We have several writers interested in new markets. We’ll see how it goes. Google changes are rocking the media landscape, and we’re happy to be holding steady. Thank you for that! So, we’re being extra stingy when launching new markets because we demand original and interesting content.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Olympic athletes, a bunch of NBA players, WNBA players, and tennis players. It was stunning. Here’s the list of the “best” athletes of the 21st century, including the gaggle of athletes that ESPN ranked ahead of Sidney Crosby.

Three. Three hockey players in the top 100?! I have two words that aren’t fit for a family-friendly website.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: I really think it’s playoffs or bust for this crew. The second half of the season has a lot riding on it–the playoff chase, weak bats, and a burgeoning superstar. John Perrotta lays out the keys to the rest of the Pittsburgh Pirates season.

Steelers Now: I’m not sure if you saw this, but the Steelers’ new radio play-by-play announcer is none other than Rob King. That’s a good get for Steelers radio.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now

Montreal 690: The station had the Athletic’s Columbus Blue Jackets beat writer Aaron Portzline do a guest spot. The primary info I know you want is his take on what it will take for the Laine trade. So, here it is.

Sportsnet: Excluding Crosby and Leon Draisaitl because no one wants to think of them as free agents, Sportsnet rolled through the top 25 UFAs of 2025, and the list ain’t so hot.

Philly Hockey Now: The excitement is growing across the state. I’m sorry. Matvei Michkov is on his way, and even the executives are geeked for what is to come for the Philadelphia Flyers.

New Jersey Hockey Now: It looks like New Jersey is going to make a run to attract an NBA team–stealing the 76ers from Philadelphia. There’s an offer on the table to move Philly across the border, and it involves the New Jersey Devils.

Boston Hockey Now: Jake DeBrusk put himself in the NHL trade rumors for a couple of years. That trade never happened, and now he’s signed long-term with the Vancouver Canucks. DeBrusk finally addressed the long-standing trade rumors that involved him and the Boston Bruins.

Montreal Hockey Now: Probably the steal of the 2024 NHL Draft. Montreal had the fifth pick and may have gotten the most talented or second-most-talented player, but when Mother Russia is involved, everything gets messy. Marc Dumont reports that the immediate future is unclear for Ivan Demidov.

Detroit Hockey Now: The state of the Detroit Red Wings feature continues. Boss Steve Yzerman isn’t entirely pleased with coach Derek Lalonde, and his seat is warm. There’s growing pressure on the coach in Detroit to turn around the Red Wings.

Colorado Hockey Now: Advice for Valeri Nichuskin and what the Colorado Avalanche got with the young Nabakov in the draft. A KHL champ was dishing advice and analysis for the Avalanche.