Dan’s Daily: Islanders FINALLY Reveal Contracts, More Evander Kane Drama

Lou Lamoriello eventually had to put his cards on the table to play the game. Wednesday was the day all of the players magically leaked their contracts, and we get a look at what the New York Islanders have done this offseason. There’s more Evander Kane nonsense. And a couple of former Pittsburgh Penguins got small deals to join NHL training camps, including Jack Johnson.

Lastly, Analytics folks are being overloaded with new sources of information before the season. They have to sort the good from the bad.

It’s not all junk, Dan! As an early adopter of advanced stats, I became a hater. After insiders told me stories of players figuring out the stats game, including a mid-30s player in a walk year who shot every puck he could get near then jumped off the ice, so his stats looked golden, I generally view analytics in a much lesser light.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Riley Sheahan will join a crowded group of Kraken forwards in Seattle’s training camp. (Trigger warning) Jack Johnson signed a PTO and will get a chance to replace Patrik Nemeth in Colorado.

Great Debate: Me vs. Adam Crowley of ESPN Radio. Even if it means eating salary, should the Penguins trade Marcus Pettersson?

We are my Penn State folks? We Are — Get the best odds and promos for Week 1 vs. Wisconsin. 

I recently learned the diner closed and there are no more grilled stickies in State College?! The 1950s diner is apparently closing up, too. The last time I rolled through, all of my little spots, including the old-folks food spot by the mall where my toddler son loved the mashed potatoes, were gone.

Since Clerks III (and the likely conclusion the generation-defining characters) wrapped filming on Wednesday morning:

NHL News & National Hockey Now

NYI Hockey Now: The New York Islanders are finally more official. Ilya Sorokin, Anthony Beauvillier, Casey Czikas, Kyle Palmieri, AND…Zach Parise. The Pittsburgh Penguins conquerers who sent them home in two of the last three seasons finally let their contracts be known. 

Here are the Zach Parise deets, as that was “leaked” later. 

Two Islanders greats, including Bryan Trottier, are now NFTs. I don’t get these expensive collectibles at all, but there are booming. 

Sportsnet: Analytics folks are now overrun with the new data streams. Figuring out what is important and what is garbage is the next step. 

Florida: A much more tangible collectible. Those Funko Pops are better than bobbleheads, and now Jonathan Huberdeau has been immortalized as a Funko. 

Dr. Cox from Scrubs sits upon my mantle, for those who know me–it’s pretty obvious why.

Colorado: It’s Nathan MacKinnon’s birthday, and Bob Hartley is living his best life in Russia. 

Journal de Quebec: Marc-Edouard Vlasic says this year could break the San Jose Sharks if they miss the playoffs. Make sure to click English in your browser unless you read French. Vlasic paints an intense picture.

TMZ: I’m worn out on the Evander Kane stuff. He’s probably submarined the Hockey Diversity initiative with his personal nonsense. Now, he’s taken out a restraining order against his wife for beating him. 

Good grief.

Vancouver: Our man on the scene, Rob Simpson, conducted a little poll. Most Canucks fans will NEVER, EVER, NEVER NEVER cheer for a Team USA. 

My only response is…USA! USA! USA!

There is no word yet on the Pittsburgh Penguins training camp, but we probably have a few more days before those details are public. It sounds like media may get more access than anticipated this season, provided we follow NHL protocols (vaccinations and safety precautions). There is nothing official, and in a COVID world, nothing is final, either.