Dan’s Daily: Fleury Returns to Vegas, Bombshell in San Jose

The Pittsburgh Penguins 10-game win streak ended with a thud after the Dallas Stars scored two late goals. It was a special night in Vegas as Marc-Andre Fleury returned and beat the Golden Knights to cheers from the Vegas fans. We have more clarity on the NHL trade request by John Klingberg, the price on Jeff Chychrun, and another Evander Kane bombshell by the San Jose Sharks.

It’s go-time in San Jose. Our Sheng Peng was ahead of the story yesterday, and here’s the full report.

San Jose: The San Jose Sharks placed Evander Kane on waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract. That can’t be done without cause. Here’s the full story, as the battle is just beginning for the San Jose Sharks. 

Kane was playing with the AHL San Jose Barracuda. Sheng Peng got reaction and avoidance from the Barracuda players about Evander Kane. 

Sportsnet Video: Elliotte Friedman reports Kane and the NHLAP will file a grievance. Friedman also reports there are teams interested in Kane. Also, as part of Hockey Night in Canada’s 32 Thoughts, Jeff Marek clarified the John Klingberg situation that stirred the NHL trade rumors–Klingberg didn’t demand a trade as much as requested to be traded if they can’t work out a new contract. Marek also reported the price tag for Coyotes defenseman Jeff Chychrun.  

Calgary: Are they? Should they be interested in Kane? Could the Calgary Flames be one of those teams?

Marc-Andre Fleury:

Vegas: The belle of the NHL trade ball last summer was Marc-Andre Fleury, but that was a position he didn’t want. It wasn’t the tearful and emotional night like he had in Pittsburgh, but the fans roared for the goalie they still consider one of their own. Obviously, Fleury is missed, and the Vegas Golden Knights couldn’t hide it.

Watch: Here are the Vegas tribute and standing ovation for Marc-Andre Fleury.

Not to kickstart any NHL trade rumors, but how would Vegas fans react if Fleury returned again…in a Colorado Avalanche sweater? Maybe an Oilers jersey? Just like the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2017, Vegas made a mistake that altered the course of their team.

Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL, and National Hockey Now:

It’s not often we put the Penguins last, but I know you. And you know me. One thing I can tell you is we got to be free.

PHN+: The full report card for the Penguins 3-2 loss to the Dallas Stars and Mike Sullivan’s curious decision for the Penguins lines.

Use code HATTRICK and get 50% off your PHN+ subscription. 

The lineup had a few more surprises on Saturday. Bryan Rust and Brock McGinn were placed into COVID protocol.

That’s bad news–the boys traveled together from Pittsburgh to Dallas. It’s a legit worry that more cases will pop up before Anaheim on Tuesday. Expect a full taxi squad before then.

AND–it’s maybe our last Steelers Sunday this season. I have a funny feeling it is not, but Barstool and DraftKings are offering a few sweet promos for your Steelers betting pleasure.

Metro Division & Playoff Chase:

Washington: Carl Hagelin scored a 200-foot own goal. You read that right. You gotta see the video, and Minnesota Wild beat the Washington Capitals.

NYI: A four-game point streak is a cause for celebration on Long Island this year. What have the New York Islanders done differently?

Philly Hockey Now relaunched this week!

Boston: The Tampa Bay Lightning were no match on Saturday. Here come the Boston Bruins. 

Detroit: Ground control to Major Tom. The capsule is coming back to earth. The LA Kings embarrassed the Detroit Red Wings. 

Florida: Anthony Duclair joined the Hockey Diversity Alliance’s new commercial condemning racism in hockey.

Yes, there is a real problem of racism in hockey. It’s not out in the open. There are no Tikki torch rallies, but it’s there. It’s going to take more than a handful of players calling it out. I hope they affect enough change to beget more.