Dan’s Daily: Erik Karlsson Trade Chatter, Penguins Holding Pattern

The Vegas Golden Knights will close the Strip in both directions tonight as they celebrate their Stanley Cup championship. It should be quite the spectacle. The NHL trade chatter surrounding Erik Karlsson and the San Jose Sharks is increasing, but a resolution doesn’t seem close. The Calgary Flames are putting some interesting pieces on the block, and Timo Meier wants a long deal with the New Jersey Devils, but New Jersey has Yegor Sherangovich on the trade block. And the Pittsburgh Penguins stood pat Friday.

It’s my final day in Vegas. It’s quite an odd feeling. For my final free night, I went to the movie theater in the hotel to see Flash. Yeah, it was pretty cool to see Michael Keaton as Batman again. It may have been the best D.C Comics movie ever. I could live in Vegas easily, but now that I’m headed home, it feels awkward to be here. It’s like waiting at the door when you leave someone’s house, but then someone starts a new conversation.

On the plus side, it went down to the wire, but we finally hired a Golden Knights beat writer! Chris Gawlik had the job about two minutes into the first interview, but I put him through two interviews, including a two-hour chat at the casino coffee shop. I have no idea how to tell you the full story of hiring a VGK beat, but two people took the job and then backed out when they got a good look at how I like to attack coverage. I think we got it right this time. If not…

Pittsburgh Penguins / Steelers, Pirates:

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins have a looming decision. They stood pat on Day 1, but what will they do with Mikael Granlund, and could other buyout candidates, including a goalie, help the Penguins?

Steelers Now: 

The Bears have buyer’s remorse on Chase Claypool.

Top 5 winners from Steelers Minicamp.

Alan Saunders mailbag — Standout WRs and the weakest links? Steelers analysis.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now:

The latest Pirates prospects watch.

John Perrotto writes that the Pirates need to pull Roansy Conteras from the fire.

But, the bad news, Rich Hill was wild, and the Brewers beat the Pirates, 5-4. Get the Pirates postgame essentials.

NHL Trade, News & National Hockey Now:

Vegas Hockey Now: Ok, I can say this here — Bruce Cassidy was losing his battle with the party. It was pretty funny. Cassidy talked about the fear of losing vs. the joy of winning, Elvis wigs, and forgot what day it was. Vegas Golden Knights news.

Florida Hockey Now: A broken sternum?! Matthew Tkachuk gave the Florida Panthers his all.

Washington Hockey Now: The NHL trade rumor got far bigger than it should have  — Tom Wilson on the block? NO, says the Washington Capitals.

San Jose Hockey Now: The Erik Karlsson trade talk is getting warm. All of the Canadian outlets had something about it. Sheng Peng breaks it down — it will be a historic NHL trade.

New Jersey Hockey Now: I really like the player, and I’m curious what the price tag will be. Yegor Sherangovich is on the New Jersey Devils trade block.

Also, Timo Meier wants a long-term deal.

Sportsnet: The Vancouver Canucks pulled the trigger on the first buyout of the season. They bought out Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who had four years left on his big deal.

Philly Hockey Now: Former Flyers power forward (and former Penguin) John Leclair joined the Flyers’ front office.

Montreal Hockey Now: Proceed with caution. There are plenty of free agents but plenty of possible mistakes. The Habs won’t be playoff contenders yet, so — careful, Montreal Canadiens.

Calgary Hockey Now: Jarome Iginla is now an advisor to GM Craig Conroy with the Calgary Flames.

Sportsnet: Trade bait in Calgary.