Dan’s Daily: Tkachuk Trade Rumors Swirl, Penguins Closing on Letang

MONTREAL — In a few words, Pittsburgh Penguins GM Ron Hextall confirmed the tide of good news leaking from negotiations. The Penguins are closing in on a new deal for Kris Letang. However, not so much on Evgeni Malkin. NHL trade rumors are swirling at the NHL draft, and I mean SWIRLING. Watch the Montreal Canadiens, but trade chatter is abounding about Calgary Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk, even as Calgary’s last offer to Johnny Gaudreau was about $9.5 million. Marc-Andre Fleury will consider the Toronto Maple Leafs, and there is high interest in J.T Miller at the draft.

And those are just the headlines.

We’ll start with the Penguins…

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Ron Hextall says he’d be surprised if they don’t re-sign Kris Letang. However, if he’s as optimistic with Evgeni Malkin, Hextall said, “I wouldn’t stay that,” and “we’ve got work to do.” Here’s the full scoop as Dave Molinari intercepted Ron Hextall leaving the GM meetings. Pittsburgh Penguins news.

The Penguins have the 21st pick in the 2022 NHL Draft tonight. For now. Could they trade it? Penguins trade scenarios.

One of the frustrating things about this gig is when internet “rumors” become widely believed. Recent NHL rumors on Letang fell under that category. They didn’t pass the smell test but went viral. And here’s the more likely Penguins trade scenario that Ron Hextall later confirmed to be more likely. Pittsburgh Penguins draft.

And fare thee well to long-time Penguins equipment manager, who was also forever the Johnstown Chiefs equipment guy. Dana Heinze retired.

Get the 2022-23 Pittsburgh Penguins schedule here.

NHL Trade Chatter, News & National Hockey Now:

Here’s the big one from Andy Strickland in St. Louis, who has been reliable and reasonable. He doesn’t do much reporting anymore, but when he does, believe it.

Matthew Tkachuk trade rumors swirling…some talk of last offer from #Flames to Johnny Gaudreau was in the $9.5 range.

— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) July 6, 2022

TSN Insiders: Marc-Andre Fleury will look at the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are also very interested. And the NHL trade market nearly burst last night with interest in J.T. Miller.

Montreal Hockey Now: It’s the last mock draft before the real thing — see who draftnik Marco D’Amico believes the Penguins will select. 2022 NHL Draft.

Believe me when I tell you, Marco LOVES to talk about the prospects. As we engaged in a friendly chat session with a few junior hockey coaches over a pint in a local Montreal watering hole, Marco could hang with the coaches, who were only too happy to share their projections of individual players’ ceilings and strengths.

Montreal: Josh Anderson is also a player who is commanding interest on the NHL trade market. According to a league source, the Ottawa Senators have come calling. Montreal Canadiens trade talk.

Sportsnet: Oilers GM Ken Holland said the Oilers and Evander Kane are not close on a new deal.

I know what you’re thinking. No.

Washington Hockey Now: Recall that Carl Hagelin suffered a gruesome eye injury in practice, which threatened his career. He and the Capitals will get clarity later this summer if Hagelin can return. Washington Capitals news.

The Capitals have the pick before the Penguins’ choice. What will they do? Keep or trade it? Sammi Silber looks at the Washington Capitals’ draft decisions.

Florida: Bryan Marchment, father of Mason Marchment and long-time NHL’er, passed away at 53. Florida Panthers news.

Editor’s note: We incorrectly named Brad Marchment in the original posting.

Vancouver: Patrik Allvin and Jim Rutherford are optimistic about the future of Bo Horvat with the team. Not so much on J.T. Miller, around who the NHL trade winds are blowing. Vancouver Canucks analysis.