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Dan’s Daily: Teams Eyeing RFAs (Kapanen?), Flyers’ Chances for Gaudreau

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Pittsburgh Penguins, Kasperi Kapanen goal, Jeff Carter

The little talked about problem with the Pittsburgh Penguins and others’ salary cap structure is RFAs with arbitration rights. The recent debate was if the Penguins should extend the low Qualifying Offer of less than $1 million, but the boomerang effect could be getting stuck with a terrible arbitration award. Teams are eying a handful of players in that position, including Kasperi Kapanen, on the NHL trade block. Colorado finally got some goaltending, and Edmonton didn’t have an answer. The Philadelphia Flyers’ chances for Johnny Gaudreau and we had a pretty good Pittsburgh Penguins live chat.

Shutting out the Edmonton Oilers? Where’s the fun in that?

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Some housekeeping. The Penguins could re-sign defenseman Nathan Beaulieu. Or not. He has plenty of NHL experience and is a thumper. Should they offer a contract? Pittsburgh Penguins offseason.

And if you missed it yesterday, make sure you follow our YouTube channel. That way, you get plenty of advance notice for the Live Chats. It was about 80 degrees in our office yesterday, which actually kept me on my toes. So did the questions from what I think about Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin to P.O Joseph’s future with the team. Pittsburgh Penguins live chat.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now:

Sportsnet: There were some misrepresentations of Elliotte Friedman’s 32 Thoughts floating around–some exaggerations–but the most significant little “bombshell” was the RFA twist. Teams cannot walk away from arbitration awards below $4.5 million. So, there are plenty of lurkers poking around on the NHL trade market, and Kasperi Kapanen made the list. 32 Thoughts.

NHL.com: More NHL rumors, though Adam Kimmelman had a bucket of cold water for the persistent rumors that Johnny Gaudreau will come to Philly.

Philly Hockey Now: Speaking of Philly, they still need a coach. Sam Carchidi thinks former Dallas Stars boss Jim Montgomery has a good shot, or at least should. Philadelphia Flyers coaching search.

To the playoff games!

Colorado: It was a symphony. Colorado clicked in all phases. They got some goaltending. And squashed the Edmonton Oilers in Game 2. Colorado Avalanche won Game 2.

Speaking of goaltending, ladies and gentlemen, meet the most popular man in Denver–new No. 1 goalie, Pavel Francouz. Frankie says relax. Get the report card, as Colorado is getting the fever. Colorado Avalanche grades.

Montreal: There was a lot of consternation that the Canadiens used a first-round pick to snag Logan Mailloux. The prospect was under heavy criticism and legally punished in Sweden for sharing pictures of an intimate encounter (things my generation never had to worry about…on several levels). Montreal selected him anyway, and the public backlash was swift. Here’s the update–Montreal extended an offer to retain his rights but not sign him. Get the full story–Montreal Canadiens news.

Washington: What are the next steps for Nick Backstrom and Carl Hagelin? Will we see either again? Sammi Silber has some answers as the Capitals are crumbling. Washington Capitals mailbag.