Dan’s Daily: Former Penguins Grinder Traded; Dubas Still Working on Roster

Today could be a normal, ho-hum day for the Pittsburgh Penguins. They could finalize their roster with a few hurt feelings and no external help. But one wonders if Penguins president of hockey operations/GM Kyle Dubas has another little trick up his sleeve. The Penguins waived five players on Sunday, including a couple of players who expected, or very much hoped, for an NHL run this season. Some notables were on the NHL waiver wire Sunday. A former Penguins winger was too expensive for the Maple Leafs and was traded to a former Penguins GM’s team, and the Edmonton Oilers are starting the season with a world of pressure to win the Stanley Cup.

Just because the Penguins waived Radim Zohorna doesn’t necessarily mean his NHL dream is over, or that he won’t start the season with the Penguins. I thought we might get clarity Sunday, but we only got a bit. Also, you and I will have to call a truce.

You and I will have to agree to put down the Jeff Carter issue. I get it. Most of you are very unhappy that he’s in the lineup. But I hope you realize I don’t make the lineup, don’t get a say, and, for the sanity of us both, do we have to rehash it every day? Every single day.

I had a chat with Noel Acciari Sunday. He explained a few things about playing center. I know some of you will immediately return to the Carter issue. See the above, but I needed to forewarn you.

Pittsburgh Penguins:

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: “Lots of things on the table.” The Penguins waived five, including Radim Zohorna and Mark Friedman. The latest Penguins news.

Some good news from Sunday. Jake Guentzel was upgraded and could play on Tuesday.

Dave Molinari goes player-by-player. The soft spots and strong suits of the Pittsburgh Penguins roster.

There were a few notable players on the waiver wire. Should the Penguins take a look at the NHL waivers?

Steelers Now:

There’s a ton of postgame content from all angles of the improbable win over the Ravens. Check out the home page and pick what you like: Steelers Now.

Kenny Pickett and George Pickens broke down the game-winning TD. It was a beaut and delivered a Steelers win.

What?! The Steelers lead the AFC North.

Yet, the Steelers’ offense looked like a corpse for most of the game. Fans were not happy and were chanting, “Fire Matt Canada.”

Pittsburgh Baseball Now:

Starting the offseason with the top 30 Pirates prospects.

Almost hit for the cycle — a good day in the AFL for one Pirates prospect.

NHL News & National Hockey Now:

Sportsnet: Sam Lafferty had a bit of a breakout season. However, the Maple Leafs had some kids who were ready, and Lafferty was a cap casualty. The Maple Leafs traded Lafferty to old friend Jim Rutherford and the Vancouver Canucks.

Washington Hockey Now: Anthony Mantha losing his lineup spot? Jared Serra projects the Washington Capitals’ opening lineup.

Philly Hockey Now: It’s not the biggest story today, but it’s classic Torts. Even the coaches need some time away from each other. Philadelphia Flyers news.

Montreal Hockey Now: The Canadiens made a surprising cut to clear their roster jam. Joel Armia was the Montreal Canadiens shocker.

NYI Hockey Now: From camp through the preseason, what we learned about the New York Islanders.

Sportsnet: It is not looking good for Josh Norris. The Ottawa Senators pivot who messed up his shoulder last season is still out of the lineup.

TSN: It’s all about the Stanley Cup in Edmonton. The team is starting the season with expectations and tons of pressure.

Vegas Hockey Now: You’ve watched the Penguins go through it. Balance the satisfaction of winning with the challenge of the coming season. That’s the challenge for the Vegas Golden Knights.