Dan’s Daily: Fleury, Goalies Potentially on Trade Block, Empty Net Penguins

I absolutely hate what comes next. The Chicago Blackhawks are in a death spiral, and they have a Vezina-winning goalie who will be a UFA. So, there is mounting speculation that Marc-Andre Fleury will be on the NHL trade block if he isn’t already. The Dallas Stars could dangle Braden Holtby, if not Anton Khudobin. And the Pittsburgh Penguins have allowed four goals in 10 games while the opponent’s net is empty. That’s bad.

How about the symmetry of the headline. Cmon, that was pretty good, eh?

Fleury just might be proving the axiom that nice guys finish last. However, the Penguins may be in a prime position when the goalie carousel starts spinning (but not for Marc-Andre Fleury, $7 million is a big pill to swallow, so let’s not start those rumors).

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins penalty kill has been great. Their power play and their defense against the extra attacker have been…what’s a nice word for awful? On Monday, the Penguins tried to practice both.

The Penguins defense has not been very good without Brian Dumoulin, Marcus Pettersson, and Chad Ruhewdel. There is a defenseman on the trade block who could help. 

NHL Trade Rumors, News, & National Hockey Now

Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars are about to have three healthy, NHL quality goalies, but they are not about to have enough salary-cap space. Ben Bishop has been practicing, and Braden Holtby has been lights out. So cue those NHL trade rumors…

The Athletic: Scott Powers firmly speculated that the disaster in Chicago most likely means Marc-Andre Fleury will also be available. 

No, the Penguins do not have the money. When PHN busted the Fleury trade rumors this summer, our source blurted the phrase, “With what (expletive deleted) money?” That holds true now, and Jarry’s performance means the Penguins would be unwise to waste big resources on a backup (but maybe some resources on a veteran if DeSmith doesn’t get on track).

Moving on from the NHL trade block to hockey…

Vegas: Our RMU man covering the Vegas Golden Knights, Owen Krepps, lays out the lines when Jack Eichel is healthy. With..and without trades. Vegas is gonna be GOOD.

San Jose: Should the San Jose Sharks have matched the offer for Jack Eichel? 

Boston: I think we all know that Tuukka Rask will eventually sign with the Boston Bruins if he feels healthy enough. Guess who was working out in Boston before the Bruins practice on Monday? Our boys in Boston have the story–Yep, Tuukka Rask.

Washinton: Alex Ovechkin is on a tear. He finally tied Bobby Brett Hull for fourth all-time and powered the Washington Capitals again. Ovechkin is on a mission from God…

At this rate, Ovechkin could get close to 800 by the end of this season.

Florida: The Florida Panthers have been THE best team in the NHL. However, their undefeated-in-regulation run came to an end…at the evil hands of the New York Rangers.

Detroit: Ken Holland discussed building the Detroit Red Wings–both the Hall of Fame Cup in 2002 and the rebuild Stanley Cup in 2008 (over the Pittsburgh Penguins). 

Colorado: The drumbeat in the fanbase is to sweep head coach Jared Bednar to the curb. As Terry Frei writes…aww, give it a rest!

Oh, Canada…

Calgary: Milan Lucic has not been very productive over the past five years, but he’s off to a hot start in Calgary, and the big man is enjoying every moment. 

Montreal: The Montreal Canadiens are off to their worst start since the 1940s. No joke. But at least for one day, the story wasn’t about the copious amounts of suckitude, but it is now about welcoming back Carey Price. 

Toronto: The Maple Leafs won five in a row–not always in pretty fashion–but Ws count no matter how. On Monday night, the LA Kings took the Leafs to the woodshed, 5-1, and worries started again.