Dan’s Daily: Sources Say Penguins Interested in Colorado AGM

And let the games begin. The Pittsburgh Penguins GM search has found its first candidate that we can publicly identify. The Penguins are interested in one of the Colorado Avalanche assistant general managers. The TSN crew discussed the nearly two dozen interested candidates, and we break down the early front runners.

Our colleague Adrian Dater’s sources tell him the Penguins are interested in Chris MacFarland (Colorado Hockey Now)

We analyzed the early front runners for the job. Some outstanding hockey people are or could be available (PHN+)

If you’d like a yearly subscription to PHN+ — please accept this private link for a $19.99 yearly sub as my little gift (Subscribe PHN)

We still like Tom Fitzgerald for the job, but that is a more complicated situation since Fitzgerald is already a GM. However, Fitzgerald is ONLY a GM, not a GM and President.

The TSN Insiders discussed the Penguins situation and the massive interest the Penguins are receiving for the job (TSN)

I tweeted it, but I’ll write it here, too. Jim Rutherford did many good things for the Penguins, but his departure put the Penguins in a bad spot. He left behind significant roster issues and a shrunken, inexperienced staff to handle the job. If not for a pair of Stanley Cups and being well-liked, he would be receiving a great deal of criticism.

Back to hockey.

We diagrammed the Penguins’ turning point on Thursday night. It went against the Penguins, but it’s worth noting what Boston did to the Penguins top line (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

What are the odds–a solid third line made the difference for Boston. (Boston Hockey Now)

The Pittsburgh Penguins haven’t had a successful third line since 2017, have they?

Vince Dunn was a name that popped up on the NHL trade market and perked the ears of Penguins fans. PHN confirmed Rutherford did kick the tires on Dunn before the season. The trade speculation isn’t dying down. Here’s what it will take and why he’s on the market (StL Today)

National Hockey Now

San Jose Sharks bench boss Bob Boughner had pointed words for his best players, Evander Kane and Tomas Hertl, on Thursday (San Jose  Hockey Now)

The New York Islanders blew a three-goal lead to the Washington Capitals. Three?! (NYI Hockey Now)

It’s a couple of days removed, but Patric Hornqvist is paying dividends in Florida, especially in tough games against Columbus (Florida Hockey Now)

I didn’t go over the moon criticizing the Hornqvist for Matheson trade. Still, we laid our reasons it could be harmful, and the line “It could make the (trigger warning) Jack Johnson contract look like the gold standard of fiscal responsibility.”

What would the Penguins’ power play look like with someone in front of the net?