Dan’s Daily: Penguins Cap Space, Torts to Philly…Maybe

That was an incredible Game 1. Pull up a chair, grab the keto Doritos and block that annoying group text. The Colorado Avalanche showed no rust and beat the Tampa Bay Lightning in OT for the home-ice win. John Tortorella could be announced as the head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers today, or he could balk at the contract offer after meeting with them on Thursday morning. Sergei Bobrovsky is quietly on the NHL trade block, and could he be the perfect fit for the Washington Capitals? We also looked at one solution for the Pittsburgh Penguins to clear salary-cap space.

Torts to Philly? The hockey gods have been generous this year. McDavid on primetime every other night for four weeks. The drama of Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang’s decisions is fascinating. The best Final we’ve had in years. So, it’ seems greedy, but the fiery Tortorella again facing the Penguins a handful of times per season with an organization in turmoil. He could save the Flyers. He could run Chuck Fletcher out of a job. It will not be boring.

NHL News, Lead Stories

Philadelphia Hockey Now: Here we go. The story. There’s not a more interesting coach in the league. John Tortorella. Philadelphia Flyers news.

Also, there was Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Colorado Hockey Now: Quick thoughts after Game 1. From Andre Burakovsky to Darcy Kuemper. It’s a 1-0 series lead for the Colorado Avalanche.

Yes, I know my betting preview stated Colorado would be rusty. But you can still get the FREE $50 bet and go big on Colorado with the DraftKings promo.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Here’s Rick Tocchet’s breakdown of the Final. He firmly predicts the star players will not decide this Final, but the grinders will. Stanley Cup Final.

The organization made another bit of news before the Final. They officially promoted Kevin Acklin to President of Business Operations to succeed David Morehouse. Brian Burke remains the hockey ops president. Pittsburgh Penguins org news.

Salary cap space?

As I wrote this story, it kept unfolding in a more definitive direction than I intended. What started as a neutral examination became an increasingly affirmative review. There is one way the Penguins can clear more than $3.4 million. Can, should, could the Penguins buy out Jason Zucker?

NHL Trade Chatter, News & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: Gary Bettman delivered his annual state of the league address at the Stanley Cup Final. The World Cup of Hockey is “a work in progress,” but the NHL did experience record revenues.

Also, the Stanley Cup will NOT travel to Russia or Belarus this summer.

San Jose Hockey Now: Remember that Evander Kane grievance against the San Jose Sharks? Bettman said it would drag on into July, probably past the start of free agency (How can this be?!). Sheng Peng has been at the forefront of this story for months and was even ripped by Kane (unfairly) for following the Kane saga too closely. Here’s the latest, some inside info, and even more questions. Evander Kane grievance.

Edmonton Journal: The NHL trade buzz in Edmonton. If Kane doesn’t re-sign in Edmonton, there’s some scuttle that Montreal power forward Josh Anderson could be the Oilers’ trade target.

Montreal Hockey Now: Joe Sakic was persistent. He wanted Artturi Lehkonen. It took a while. But persistence paid off near the NHL trade deadline in a fruitful deal for both Colorado and the Montreal Canadiens.

Boston: FIVE candidates are interviewing for the head coach job. The list may grow. Boston Bruins news.

NYI: As Barry Trotz decides, two teams filled (or may fill) their coaching vacancies. Vegas hired Bruce Cassidy. Philly, Torts? Here’s the complete Barry Trotz timeline.

Oh, just take the free beer and go to Winnipeg!

Washington: Astute take here from Sammi Silber. The Florida Panthers are reportedly shopping Sergei Bobrovsky’s wares on the NHL trade block “hard.” The Capitals need a goalie. Is this the right fit? Washington Capitals trade talk.