Dan’s Daily; Top 10 Players Still Available, Carl Hagelin Comeback

Within minutes of the Hockey News releasing their top 10 players still available list, Evan Rodrigues signed a new contract at a reasonable price. The versatile winger who went cold in the second half before rallying for a good finish and playoff series will get a Rocky Mountain high with the Colorado Avalanche. Dave Molinari reviewed 2019 Pittsburgh Penguins first-round pick Sam Poulin’s progress to the NHL, or IF there is progress to the show. The Montreal Canadiens will ride Suzuki this season, the Flyers captain was embarrassed by last season, will the New York Islanders make the playoffs, and Carl Hagelin’s comeback attempt looks better and better.

If you want, you can also watch me on WPXI’s The Final Word. Can’t say enough about the staff at WPXI. They’re good people and really good at what they do. I appreciate that they have provided the final step in the growth of PHN — mainstream acceptance. A few people decided a long time ago that we shouldn’t exist, and some even tried to help us not to exist. Here we are, bigger and stronger every day.

Pittsburgh Penguins / Sports Now Group PGH

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: “E-Rod” is officially a former Pittsburgh Penguins player. He got a couple million to head to the Colorado Avalanche. Good for Evan Rodrigues.

PHN+: 2019 first-rounder Sam Poulin hasn’t yet made it to the NHL. Three of the four players selected directly after him have played at least 69 games in the NHL. What’s with Poulin, and will he ever elevate to the Pittsburgh Penguins?

Steelers Now: Hallelujah. The Steelers defense won’t be crippled all season — T.J. Watt might have good news on his pec injury.

Look at this — Steelers Twitter went rogue and absolutely roasted the Cincinnati Bengals. Roasted them. The Steelers Twitter.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: Pitching prospect Luis Ortiz has rocketed through the system this season. The 23-year-old will make his MLB debut tonight. Hey, the Pittsburgh Pirates prospects are arriving.

The Pittsburgh Pirates three stars of the week.

NHL News & National Hockey Now

Believe it or not, not a single NHL trade rumor or hacked-up “could be” story worth reading. I tried to find one. Also, I was so bored because the continuing rain kept me home that I binged Weeds and powered through the last few episodes until the wee hours to get it done and over. Watch the first three, maybe five seasons. They were pretty good. Then bail. Awful character development and irrational character choices for the sake of drama. Reportedly the show is being rebooted and will be released soon. Hopefully, they map out a plot that makes sense.

Colorado Hockey Now: From the Colorado side with a good scouting report. Rodrigues signed, and what are the Colorado Avalanche getting?

Washington Hockey Now: Carl Hagelin is getting closer to officially making a comeback attempt. With damaged vision in one eye, he’s figuring it out. What does that mean for the Washington Capitals?

Hockey News: The Top 10, er, nine players still available on the UFA market.

Sportsnet: Let’s begin handicapping the 2023 Calder Trophy race, including the favorites. Will Shane Wright get the last laugh?

Philly Hockey Now: Sean Couturier will be ready for the 2022-23 season. He called last season embarrassing. He also promised the Philadelphia Flyers won’t get pushed around.

NYI Hockey Now: Stefen Rosner asked around. Hockey Now staff. Outside analysts. Will the New York Islanders make the playoffs?

Montreal Hockey Now: It’s a big deal. Wearing the C for the Canadiens is like walking with the gods. The lineage stretches back to the beginning of the league and some of the greatest players to play. Now, Nick Suzuki will become the youngest captain ever for the Montreal Canadiens.

Vancouver Hockey Now: What’s the deal, Bo? Horvat is mum on new contract talks with the Vancouver Canucks.