Dan’s Daily: What’s Facing Next Penguins GM, Vegas Whiffs on Sweep

When the Pittsburgh Penguins finally name their new GM, a sizable to-do list is waiting. Dave Molinari looked at everything facing Kyle Dubas or whoever takes the job. A different set of tasks await the next Toronto Maple Leafs GM. What will the Carolina Hurricanes do this summer with an aging team and a gaggle of important players who will be free agents? And the Vegas Golden Knights had a chance to sweep but played their worst game in weeks, so the Stanley Cup Final schedule is still only tentative.

It feels like today is the day the Pittsburgh Penguins name a GM. Otherwise, they’re doing it over a holiday weekend. I’d be surprised if it waits until next week. But if it does, I would presume it is because secondary decisions and conversations are occurring with a president of hockey ops candidate and GM potentials.

Perhaps I’ll further explore that in a story today.

Pittsburgh Penguins / Steelers, Pirates

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: It’s a bit more than a honey-do list. Here’s what is facing the next Penguins GM.

Another shutout and stellar performance for Casey DeSmith.

TSN: Agents have raised concern, and the NHLPA is investigating — Kyle Dubas’s agent works for a firm that also reps NHL players. An agent can’t rep players and management, but can the same firm?

(One agent called it an unwritten rule. If it is unwritten, that probably tells you where the investigation is headed).

Steelers Now:

The Steelers own the rights to the game, and they have aspirations to play in Ireland. Steelers news.

Allen Robinson was making an impact, and an undrafted sleeper emerges. The latest Steelers OTA takeaways.

And gee, what a shock–the New England Patriots were caught breaking NFL rules, and Bill Belichick was fined. NFL news.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now:

He’s taking one for the team — Andrew McCutchen.

High-A scored 15 runs in a game. There are some standout Pirates prospects.

NHL News, Stanley Cup Playoffs, & National Hockey Now:

Vegas Hockey Now: It was entertaining. The Dallas Stars staved off elimination with a 3-2 OT win over the Vegas Golden Knights.

If you’re into the series — here’s the Game 4 breakdown. Dallas made changes, and the Golden Knights whiffed.

But Adin Hill was great. I feel like I was beating the drum for him for a good bit of this season (though it was for the Penguins to acquire him). A classic late bloomer, like so many goalies.

Here’s the potential Stanley Cup Final Schedule.

Florida Hockey Now: Huge series for the new guy. Matthew Tkachuk willed the Florida Panthers to the Cup Final.

ESPN: A little NHL trade talk, but more importantly, what happens now to all of the free agents of the Carolina Hurricanes, who again came up just short?

Adams Division

Montreal Hockey Now: An offer sheet for Cole Caufield? Safeguards and work to do for the Montreal Canadiens.

Detroit Hockey Now: He’s got a big new contract, but what does the future hold for Dylan Larkin?

Buffalo Hockey Now: Kyle Okposo has unfinished business. He’s got a new deal and is coming back to the Buffalo Sabres.

Sportsnet: Opportunity and challenges facing the next Maple Leafs GM.