Dan’s Daily Links: Labor Peace! Penguins First Game Analysis

There will not be a lockout. Whew! The NHL world decided no more unforced errors, at least for a couple of years. Another RFA signed his contract. Mitch Marner’s agent admitted there were two offer sheets on the table in June and the Pittsburgh Penguins played their first preseason game. It was a complete night.

First, the Penguins preseason game at the Pegula Ice Arena Center on the Penn State campus was a neutral site game against the Buffalo Sabres. Buffalo dressed a few of their best players including Jack Eichel but the Penguins iced a lineup in which Teddy Blueger was their top center. Things didn’t go well for two periods, but a furious comeback forced overtime. We have the analysis of the young players, and who showed well (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

We also had an insightful chat with Penguins defenseman Jack Johnson, who is much more at ease this year. It was quickly evident in our chat (PHN)

There will be labor peace! The NHLPA chose not to re-open the CBA, which means…no lockout next year. The two sides really aren’t far apart. The players aren’t happy with escrow and want to play in the Olympics. The owners want revenue balance and to not halt their season for two weeks. Those are not life-changing issues.

Here is more on the peace (Sportsnet)

Mitch Marner’s camp confirmed they received a couple of offer sheets. Now that would have been a huge story! (TSN)

RFA Brock Boeser finally signed with Vancouver (NHL.com)

That leaves Brayden Point and Mikko Rantanen as the big ones left. From Colorado Hockey Now–a free article–the latest on Rantanen. Things are getting worse, not better (Colorado Hockey Now)

Later this morning, Pittsburgh Hockey Now will publish our chat with Jared McCann. It was a fun talk about playing wing, team chemistry, and the Pittsburgh Penguins youth movement.