Dan’s Daily: Kessel Must Change Numbers, Silly NHL Trade Talk

Phil Kessel wears No. 81. Always has. Jonathan Marchessault wears No. 81 with Vegas. Hey, it’s late August, and it qualifies as news that Kessel must swap numbers. Our Vegas colleagues have the scoop. There is some silly NHL trade talk in Toronto, Elliotte Friedman said there was almost a sign-and-trade between Montreal and Edmonton, and Jason Zucker hoisted a beauty of a trophy.

John Tortorella also said the Philadelphia Flyers should be motivated because everyone thinks they’ll stink. Gotta love Torts. And Elliotte Friedman believes the Calgary Flames are sniffing around Evan Rodrigues.

Later this morning, PHN will release our top five Penguins prospects. Let the suspense for our new No. 1 begin.

Pittsburgh Penguins / Sports Now Group PGH

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Jason Zucker appears ready for the coming NHL season. He filled the net in the Da Beauty league. And Fenway Sports Group teams are struggling in the standings. Pittsburgh Penguins.

Steelers Now: The Steelers trade talk involving Mason Rudolph got a second life. After seeming to die, Detroit Lions HC Dan Campbell blurted out that the Lions need a backup QB. *Ahem, Pittsburgh Steelers?

The Steelers O-line’s performance in the last preseason game might make the dumpster behind the Whooley’s Fish Market smell like daisies. There’s at least one new (old) starter at guard. Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now (+): The Pirates’ second-half regression has been the opposite of what was expected and needed. John Perrotto takes the Pirates to task … which is always fun. Pittsburgh Pirates.

Subscribe to one. Get us all! Join PBN+, SN+, and PHN+ for one price.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now:

Vegas Hockey Now: No more No. 81 for Phil Kessel.

Calgary Hockey Now: Could Evan Rodrigues wind up with the Calgary Flames?

I cannot believe any team gave Phil Kessel a contract over Evan Rodrigues. Just cannot.

Toronto Star: I pay $9.99 (CDN) per month to read the Toronto Star Maple Leafs page. With a wink and some disdain, Damian Cox entered Patrick Kane to the Maple Leafs as the next great NHL trade rumor.

Montreal Hockey Now: Almost. Alllllmmooost. Fans always mention a sign-and-trade, but they don’t exist in the NHL. We ALMOST had one this summer between Montreal and the Edmonton Oilers. NHL trade chatter.

Sportsnet: Mike Babcock resigned from his college coaching job. Mmmhmm. That doesn’t seem curious.

Washington Hockey Now: The NHL has tiptoed around the problem, but if the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, they’ll face the political reality of denying a Russian team in the 2024 World Cup of Hockey.

Philly Hockey Now: The Flyers suck. At least that’s what head coach John Tortorella is telling his team that people think. Torts says they should be motivated. Philadelphia Flyers.