Dan’s Daily: Penguins’ Old Issue, Update on Ian Cole Investigation

The Pittsburgh Penguins set their 23-man roster with 22 players on Monday. You already knew who the final spots belonged to, as the team kept P.O Joseph and sent Ty Smith to the AHL on Sunday. Dave Molinari wrote one of the season’s best columns (and funniest) about the Penguins dealing with an “age” old issue. Also in the Daily, the Ian Cole investigation is moving forward, Matt Murray will get the Opening Night start for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vegas signed the Haguer bomb, and Wayne Simmonds roasted Toronto columnist Steve Simmons for his comments about the Hockey Diversity Alliance.

As a colleague said last night, “I miss writing about hockey.”

This last week has been incredibly full of news that has nothing to do with the on-ice product. I feel like we need a “news” writer for some of the stuff that is about to drop. But enjoy the last few gorgeous days of the year. Blow off work and enjoy the sunshine for a minute.

Pittsburgh Penguins / Steelers, Pirates

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Chad Ruhwedel may or may not be in the lineup on Opening Night. Monday, head coach Mike Sullivan had him rotating on the third pairing. Last season, Ruhwedel finally got his shot, and he’s pushing for another. Shelly Anderson chatted with the Pittsburgh Penguins d-man.

Dave Molinari’s must-read column — The Penguins need a fresh approach to an old issue. The Pittsburgh Penguins are so old…

ESPN: Emily Kaplan reports the NHL security team will interview Ian Cole on Wednesday.

Steelers Now:

• Mike Tomlin isn’t ruling out significant changes, but what can be done to stop the Steelers slide?
• One Steelers receiver wasn’t having any of the fan’s negativity, or the criticism from Ryan Clark. Diontae Johnson fired back.
• Arthur Maulet blasted his teammates for not taking things seriously enough, “You’ve got to love this sh*t.” The Steelers are in trouble.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: The projected 2023 arbitration salaries for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

NHL News & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: Matt Murray will be the Opening Night starter for the Maple Leafs. He’s been outstanding in the preseason.

I personally liked Murray. I especially enjoyed his approach to the media; he didn’t suffer lame questions or put on a pretense. Wishing him well.

Awful Announcing: Toronto columnist Steve Simmons essentially discounted the NHL Diversity Alliance because Akim Aliu wasn’t a good enough hockey player. Yeah, that’s a faux pas. Wayne Simmonds blasted Simmons quite reasonably though forthright.

I’m unsure what Aliu’s skill set has to do with the more important work he’s undertaking.

Boston: President Cam Neely defended Don Sweeney in a big way, “I’m tired of talking about 2015.” Boston Bruins coverage.

Philly Hockey Now: The cap-strapped Flyers made a few moves Monday, but more are coming. Sam Carchidi says the NHL has to approve the Flyers final roster. ?! Philadelphia Flyers news.

NYI: Get a look at the Opening Night New York Islanders.

Washington: The Capitals Opening Night roster — who made it, who didn’t, and who to watch for the Washington Capitals.

Florida: Eric Staal was in Florida on a PTO. However, the center didn’t get a contract because of a salary-cap crunch. The shorthanded Florida Panthers.

Vegas: Nicolas Hague finally got his contract. Three years, over $6 million. Not a huge payday, but the Vegas Golden Knights can go forward.

My favorite piece this week — Owen Krepps is a former RMU student from Oil City who emailed or DMed me every year since he was in high school. He knew he wanted to be a sports writer. He’s now our Vegas Golden Knights beat writer, living in Las Vegas.

The 10 things Owen Krepps is excited to cover for the 2022-23 NHL season, including John Wick mode and Phil Kessel.