Dan’s Daily Links: Canucks Upgrade, Best UFAs Left

We are getting close to lake house season when the hockey world takes four to six weeks to recharge and get away. The number of free agents is dwindling, the number of quality free agents are getting sparse, and Pittsburgh hockey fans are wondering if the Pirates can keep their attention. The ESPYS were held Wednesday night and there were few hockey players there (because, ESPN), Pittsburgh Penguins stalwart Matt Cullen said goodbye, and the Vancouver Canucks made a splash.

First, Matt Cullen. “Dad” meant a lot to the Penguins. He provided a steady and capable fourth line for the Penguins on the ice and guidance off the ice. He retired after 21 seasons (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

Josh Yohe wrote a great tribute piece (The Athletic)

The Top 10 UFA’s left on the market–scratch Michael Ferland but an OK list. The Hockey News broke it down by position (The Hockey News)

Sportsnet really likes the Vancouver Canucks signing Michael Ferland (Sportsnet)

Sometimes hype and perception can snowball. More at 9 a.m. on that cryptic thought.

Evander Kane was a good sport in a somewhat awkward interview at the ESPYS. They can’t all be winners but he played along. He also advocated for Cannabis oil (TSN)

A slightly political take–for everything we know and are learning about opioids, why aren’t we using more CBD?

The hot rumor last weekend was the New York Islanders were preparing to offer sheet Mitch Marner. Yes, offer sheet is now a verb in hockey vernacular. Where is it? Will anyone slip an offer to Marner, Patrick Laine or the remaining RFAs? (Sporting News)

The system is ridiculous. What team wouldn’t give a first, second and third round pick for Mitch Marner? And yet no one pounced while the Maple Leafs struggled to find cap space? No one has jumped on Gusev while Vegas is over the cap?

Anyhoo… Don’t stress too much about the similarity between Michael Ferland’s contract and Brandon Tanev. That’s the later morning column on PHN.