Dan’s Daily: The Finalists for Penguins GM, Things Get Dirty in Dallas

The Pittsburgh Penguins appear to be close to a new GM. Sources told Pittsburgh Hockey Now which candidates were close, and John Chayka has emerged as a strong candidate at the end of the process. Team USA continues to get contributions from Penguins players while things got dirty in Dallas. The Vegas Golden Knights are on the cusp of the Stanley Cup Final after rising above the cheap shots and beer dumps. Elsewhere in the Daily, the list of candidates for the Maple Leafs GM spot got interesting, as is the NHL trade chatter surrounding their core players.

We’re also witnessing a star turn in Vegas. After a spotty career and even a little bit of a spotty reputation, Jack Eichel is putting it all together on the biggest stage.

My ticket is already booked back to Sin City, although the biggest sins committed on the strip these days are the prices for drinks. I hope Carolina wins Game 4, so I get an extra day off out there. I didn’t have time to trek up the Extraterrestrial Highway or get a hot roast beef sandwich at the Little Ale’Inn. It is an amazing drive.

PHN + Steelers Now + Pittsburgh Baseball Now = About 1.6 million views and counting this month. Holy cow.

Pittsburgh Penguins / Steelers, Pirates:

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Sources opened up last night. John Chayka has emerged as a strong candidate, and things seem to hinge on Kyle Dubas. Here’s last night’s breaking news on the Penguins’ GM search.

Dan MacKinnon is out.

Brian Burke landed a gig on the NHL network.

And here is my prediction for the Penguins’ front office hires.

The piece I didn’t yet know was John Chayka. He was a wild card, and I’m still trying to piece together how he fits into the final three.

And Team USA, led by a trio of Penguins, held on to beat those dastardly Swedes, 4-3 in OT.

Steelers Now:

The big news — Thanks, Mr. Rooney. The Steelers were awarded rights and planning for the NFL return to Ireland.

On the verge of OTA’s, the Steelers cut three vets. Steelers roster moves.

Dan Moore took reps at right tackle.

Here are the takeaways from Steelers OTAs.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now:

News: Miguel Andujar clears waivers.

Bad baserunning Tuesday night cost the Buccos, and the Rangers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-1.

PBN+: Ji-Hwan Bae’s biggest asset has turned into an issue.

PBN+: John Perrotto writes the Pirates have specifically improved in one offensive category. Pittsburgh Pirates analysis.

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NHL Trade, News & National Hockey Now:

Vegas Hockey Now: The Golden Knights took the Dallas Stars and their hopes and tossed them in the trash. It was a thorough smothering, 4-0, and the Vegas Golden Knights lead the series 3-0.

Here’s Jamie Benn’s dirty hit on Mark Stone that sealed Dallas’s fate just two minutes into the game.

Fans in Dallas didn’t react well. Actually, they were embarrassing. Check out Adin Hill’s quote as fans littered the ice with beer cans and dumped food on the Vegas Golden Knights.

You are watching the star turn of Mr. Jack Eichel.

Florida Hockey Now: Sasha Barkov could play tonight in Game 4.

We’re on the cusp of the Stanley Cup Final already. These playoffs have been QUICK! It might be our earliest Stanley Cup in a LONG time. The last Stanley Cup awarded in May was the 1991 Pittsburgh Penguins.

Philly Hockey Now: Outdoor fun next season — The New Jersey Devils vs. Philadelphia Flyers at MetLife Stadium.

NYI Hockey Now: More outdoor fun — The Rangers vs. New York Islanders also at MetLife

NHL Trade Rumors:

Boston Hockey Now: The rumors are swirling around the Boston Bruins goaltenders.

DFO: Frank Seravalli reports the St. Louis Blues are dangling first-round picks to improve in the now.

Toronto Sun: Odd man out? The NHL trade rumors are also picking up around William Nylander.

32 Thoughts: What comes next for the Toronto Maple Leafs?