Dan’s Daily: Will Coaching Vacancies Affect Penguins? Oilers to Goalie Shop

Could the recent wave of coaching vacancies across the NHL affect the Pittsburgh Penguins coaching staff? Edmonton Oilers teammates made a strong case to keep Evander Kane, but the embattled winger was non-committal on his future with the team. Edmonton will be goalie shopping on the UFA market and the NHL trade block. And the Dallas Stars could come knocking for a Jeff Petry trade.

Competition for limited resources. In the NHL, that means scoring-line centers and right-handed defensemen.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: I thought Mike Vellucci would be a strong candidate for an NHL bench boss gig this summer, but the late-season Penguins PK stumbles, especially in the playoffs, probably dinged his stock just a bit. Dave Molinari looks–Could the spate of NHL coaching vacancies affect the Pittsburgh Penguins bench?

With respect, after his short tenure in Washington, I think Todd Reirden may be relegated to “super assistant” for a while longer…kind of like Mike Sullivan’s arc.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now:

Sportsnet: Reporters asked GM Ken Holland point-blank if he had a No. 1 goalie on his roster. He said, “No…”  So, the Edmonton Oilers will again be beating the bushes of the NHL trade market and free agency for a starter.

Holland rejected the trade prices during the season. Those costs probably aren’t going down…

For Evander Kane, things went a little better in Edmonton than in San Jose. Teammates made a strong case to keep him around, but Kane was non-committal on breakup day. (Dude, just sign. You don’t need more drama). Will Kane bolt the Oilers?

Montreal Hockey Now: I hear you knocking, but you can’t come in. At least not yet. Could the Dallas Stars come knocking for Jeff Petry, soon-to-be premier RHD on the NHL trade market? Montreal Canadiens chatter.

Boston: More denials in the David Pastrnak – Bruins spat. GM Don Sweeney said he plans to re-sign Pasta. Now Pastrnak’s agent also publicly denied a rift between player and GM. Still–it’s pretty interesting, high-stakes poker for the Boston Bruins.

Washington: Now, let’s circle back to the Edmonton Oilers, who appear to have some talented players other folks will want… Behind door number one, Jesse Puljujarvi. Capitals trade talk.

Detroit: Our Bob Duff said no, hell no, no chance to Sergei Fedorov becoming the next head coach of the Red Wings. Nyet! However, oddsmakers disagree. Fedorov, the KHL coach of the year, is the betting favorite to become the coach of the Detroit Red Wings.

The Sharks’ AHL coach was blunt. Below is one of those stories that more fans should read. It answers the terminally frustrating questions, “I don’t understand why…” or “Why don’t they give (player) a chance to see what he can do…”

San Jose: The prospect blitzed the AHL for 52 goals and led his team over the past three seasons but didn’t get a whiff of the NHL. Joachim Blichfeld signed in the Swedish Elite League. Here’s why the player didn’t get a “chance” with the San Jose Sharks.

And it’s not because Mike Sullivan won’t play younger players.

Vancouver: Roll call. The price season of a stalwart, Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

Vegas: The story of Nolan Patrick’s career continues…injuries. Can the former No. 2 overall pick finally live up to the billing? Vegas Golden Knights offseason coverage.