Dan’s Daily: Bruins, Islanders Trade Talk; Penguins Reunion Debate

It is not unprecedented. Vezina-winning goalies don’t often hit the NHL trade block, but Boston Bruins goalie Linus Ullmark is openly discussing his potential departure. We put forth a few former Pittsburgh Penguins who could be ripe for a reunion, and defenseman Erik Karlsson is certainly making his points. The Vancouver Canucks’ season is over as they couldn’t finish the Edmonton Oilers, who won Games 6 and 7, advancing to the Western Conference Final. And the Philadelphia Flyers ace prospect from Russia might sneak away a couple of years ahead of schedule.

Did anyone else have a crazy day on Monday? We’ll soon be announcing some structural changes on the websites and some personnel changes on the network, including some really exciting hires but a couple of sad goodbyes. Being a beat writer for years takes a grinding toll on writers and their families, so there are no hard feelings when someone says it’s time. To balance the spinning world, I hoped on two wheels for a long ride to a retro-diner for lunch, an overlook, and enough seat time to keep the puzzle of a pretty great company together.

The Arcade Diner in Titusville has such a fun little 50’s motif. Because it was close to closing time, they also gave me the rest of the chocolate cake. Take a look at the size of the slab they gave me. I felt like Brucey in Matilda. I also stopped at the Tidioute Overlook (and the Tidioute Hotel for some “refreshments”). And, I saw a bumper sticker that made me laugh out loud: Keep honking, I’m watching Weird Al’s 1989 comedy film sensation UHF.

I honked, but the driver didn’t react.

Today, we’re going to drink from the firehose…

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: You’re probably not paying too much attention to the World Championships. No one does in North America, but after what could be considered a subpar season, Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson is making his points.

I never thought I would write what I did on Monday. Those of you who follow me closely may be shocked, too. Three former Penguins forwards could be good choices to return via free agency, and I won’t give it away, but No. 2 surprised even me. Here’s the dive into the Penguins’ free agency.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now

We announced one hire today: Russel Macias will be a pillar of our new Islanders coverage. The recent Duquense grad interned with the Penguins and has been building his resume. His first article was a home run. We’re building a pretty strong stable of qualified young talent. Follow Russel on Twitter/X.

NYI Hockey Now: The New York Islanders need, and have needed, a top-six winger to add more scoring punching to their lineup. Sure, they finished in third place, but it was by default, and here’s the perfect candidate for an Islanders trade.

Boston Hockey Now: The Boston Bruins have two very good goalies. They’ve been blessed with a luxury, but it hasn’t translated into much playoff success. Since Jeremy Swayman took over the net in the playoffs, it looks like it’s time to say goodbye to Linus Ullmark, who openly discussed the possibility of a Bruins trade.

Philly Hockey Now: The rumors have been swirling for a couple of weeks. Perhaps the best prospect in the KHL, Matvei Michkov, is preparing, or at least trying, to bolt the Russian dictatorship for Broad Street. Yesterday, we got the first real confirmation of the activity, but a lot is going on behind the scenes. Here’s the latest on the Flyers top prospect.

Sportsnet: Rick Tocchet and the boys are done. It was a pretty good run and much better than last season, but injuries to key players and goalie Thatcher Demko spelled doom for the Canucks, who lost to Edmonton in Game 7. Here’s why the Canucks’ future is bright.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Maybe? Possibly? Finally? This week, we could see the white smoke from GM Tom Fitzgerald’s office and learn the identity of the new New Jersey Devils coach.

We’ll do the Penguins Live Chat tomorrow at noon. Follow our YouTube channel.