Dan’s Daily: Top RFAs Command Big $$, Rising Penguins Playoff Competition

The top 10 RFAs across the NHL will command serious bucks this summer, from Jason Robertson to Patrik Laine. Fellow RFA Matthew Tkachuk is officially on the NHL trade block and will be gone post haste. J.T. Miller’s agent said to hold up on the trade chatter because there is a realistic path for an extension with the Vancouver Canucks. Carey Price is expected to return. Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson is already getting hyped, and the Pittsburgh Penguins will have a few new teams to beat for their 17th straight playoff appearance.

And even after turning down the eight-year mega offer from the Calgary Flames, Johnny Gaudreau thought about going back … you know, before he devasted an entire city by signing with Columbus.

Pittsburgh Penguins:

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Dave Molinari circled four teams with good offseason starts and could be playoff contenders next season. Those teams will be additional challengers to the Penguins’ league-best playoff streak. Pittsburgh Penguins competition.

We compiled a list of the Penguins and former Penguins who are unsigned UFAs. It’s a neat list, though I omitted one big name intentionally. See if you spot who I didn’t list. Pittsburgh Penguins free agents.

There is some baseball to watch, but Super Bowl futures, Pittsburgh Steelers over/under wins to bet. Barstool is finishing July with some huge bonuses. Here you go–PHN readers get a $1000 risk-free bet with the Barstool Promo Code.

SteelersNow.com: SN debate — who is the most critical (non-QB) free agent signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers?

PittsburghBaseballNow.com: At 11 a.m. today, we announce our new primary beat writer. A HOME RUN HIRE!! Honest to goodness, I think our sports coverage will surpass any sports outlet in town. We’re going to have MORE coverage. MORE stories. MORE debate and fun.

The MLB draft concluded. Recap and analysis of the Pirates’ strategies in the pitching-heavy draft–Get the full scoop and who you should be watching soon. Pittsburgh Pirates draft.

NHL Trade Chatter, News & National Hockey Now

Calgary Hockey Now: Forced rebuild. The reality is hitting hard. Despite hopes of a 2022-23 Stanley Cup, the Flames are being gutted by departing players. Matthew Tkachuk is on the NHL trade block and will be traded immediately. What becomes of the decimated Calgary Flames?

Sportsnet: The top 10 RFAs in the NHL will command some serious bucks. More than a few toonies. Double that for loonies. From Pierre-Luc Dubois to Jason Robertson (and yes, Matthew Tkachuk), some boys gonna get paid.

NYI Hockey Now: The Islanders fans are getting excited about every big name because they’re hoping for a big score this summer. So, what about landing Tkachuk on the NHL trade market? As Stefen Rosner writes, hold your horses — that would be a Mat for Matt. New York Islanders trade talk.

Montreal Hockey Now: There is a growing belief in the Canadiens org that Carey Price will return and resume his NHL career. Probably. Montreal Canadiens news.

Also in Montreal–former Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Mike Matheson is already getting praise and some hype. Former juniors coach (and friend to PHN) Jon Goyens, who also trains several NHL defensemen each summer, including Kris Letang, tells Montreal Hockey Now that Matheson can lead by example in the bleu blanc et rouge. Montreal Canadiens news.

Philly: John Tortorella continues speaking with Philly Hockey Now. This time, the boys chat cheesesteaks!! Philadelphia Flyers grub.

Washington Hockey Now: So what of Alex Ovechkin and Dmitri Orlov getting out of Russia this summer? “No concern,” said the Washington Capitals.

The Penguins won’t have to deal with Tom Wilson at the start of the season, but they will have to deal with him (even though they play only three times?!). Here’s the Wilson update as he recovers from serious injury. Washington Capitals news.

Detroit: Olli Maatta did a lot of research. Talked to a lot of people. He wanted a city rating for Detroit. The former Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman, who really enjoyed the 2017 Stanley Cup parade, explained why he signed with the Detroit Red Wings.

TSN: Don’t trade J.T. Miller just yet. His agent said there is a “realistic” path for a new contract in Vancouver.

Just a hunch–watch the San Jose Sharks head coaching vacancy. It could affect the Penguins…