Dan’s Daily: Fleury Staying, DeBrusk Going, CCM Won’t Market Malkin

There are probably a few disappointed general managers with goaltending starved teams as Marc-Andre Fleury may be off the market. Jake DeBrusk is filling the net for the Boston Bruins but still trying to put himself on the NHL trade block. The Pittsburgh Penguins locker room is having a good time with Brian Boyle, and Teddy Blueger is right on schedule to return to the Penguins lineup.

We’ve also got Jack Johnson news.

Evgeni Malkin hasn’t yet addressed the Russian invasion, and he probably has zero desire to do so. It’s a no-win situation. Say too little, the internet will gang up on you. Say too much and a ruthless dictator will harm you or your family. “They” tried to ruin Artemi Panarin for far less.

Malkin’s opinion is just that–an opinion and will not change the world.

He’s never been a big Russian cheerleader, but the sports world is banning and disassociating with everything Russian. On Tuesday, CCM announced it would no longer use Russian players in marketing. Alex Ovechkin was specifically mentioned, but Evgeni Malkin and Dmitry Orlov are other Russians under CCM contract.

To the pucks, we go…

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: My God, that’s Teddy Blueger’s music! Early in the Pittsburgh Penguins practice, Blueger dropped the non-contact sweater and put the full-go jersey on. Teddy Blueger update.

As we reported yesterday, the Canadian women and U.S. women will have a gold-medal rematch at PPG Paints Arena. Saturday, March 12. 4 p.m. And, the Penguins signed a pair of undrafted juniors. Penguins prospects.

PHN+: Brian Boyle is ready. When Blueger comes back, he’ll play winger, center, whatever they need. And–we’re not sure who started it or the shadowy group lurking in the Penguins locker room, but the boys are having some fun with Brian Boyle T-shirts.

NHL Trade Chatter, News & National Hockey Now:

Boston: The Boston Bruins are willing. Jake DeBrusk is lighting more lamps than kerosene, but he still wants out of Boston. Now he’s trying to negotiate a new deal, so teams know what they’re getting on the NHL trade market.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun, who also sprang the DeBrusk news, reports that Marc-Andre Fleury is leaning towards staying put in Chicago.

Chicago Sun-Times: It’s been a tumultuous year for the Chicago Blackhawks, marred by scandal and losing. Kyle Davidson has significant challenges ahead. He is now the permanent GM.

Florida: Here’s an interesting name that’s been floating out there–Frank Vatrano. He was out of the lineup, and a trade seemed imminent, but Vatrano is back in the Florida Panthers lineup…for now.

Colorado: Jack Johnson. You remember him, right? The stay-home defenseman who was once an offensive defenseman played his 1000th NHL game and was honored by the Colorado Avalanche.

I’ve never seen a player that the internet tastemakers decided that they hated, genuinely hated, before the player arrived and stuck to their guns so vociferously. It was a one-up contest to see who could be more vitriolic. I hope to never see it again.

San Jose: Take one off the trade market? Tomas Hertl says contract talks are going well with the San Jose Sharks.

Wait, you’re allowed to negotiate in-season with a core player who wants to stay?

Montreal: This is getting to be a fun watch. The out-of-the-box rebuild for the Montreal Canadiens is beginning.

Metro Division:

Detroit: Good news for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Carolina Hurricanes lost one of their games in hand. The Detroit Red Wings did the honor in OT.

NYI: The Devon Toews trade tree. The Islanders faced Toews (Colorado Avalanche) for the first time, Tuesday night. Lou Lamoriello traded the youngster to sign other players and get something in return. Stefen Rosner looked at the problematic and opportunistic New York Islanders move.

Washington: You know things are bad when players talk about “staying positive.” Yep, the Washington Capitals are there.

Philly: They had momentum, but it’s gone. Leon Draisaitl potted two, and the Edmonton Oilers got the best of the Philadelphia Flyers.