Dan’s Daily: Dubas/Leafs Divorce, Possible Penguins GM Profiles

Now things are really interesting regarding the Pittsburgh Penguins’ and Calgary Flames’ GM searches. What was thought to be all but settled in Toronto imploded when Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan had a change of heart and showed GM Kyle Dubas to the door. We profiled one of the favorites for the Pittsburgh Penguins GM position, including his Ph.D. in a subject far from hockey. The Vegas Golden Knights thumped the Dallas Stars but needed OT to finish the job. The NHL trade rumors might soon include Clayton Keller, whose reps met with the Arizona Coyotes about his future, and Pittsburgh native Logan Cooley will avoid Arizona for one more year by returning to college.

There’s also some NHL trade speculation around the Boston Bruins, the top Russian prospect who might be trapped in Russia discussed his draft status, and the Rangers and Blue Jackets are kicking tires on Peter Laviolette.

Oh, the Dubas-Shanahan battle is going to be interesting. I think I’m in the minority because I understand Shanahan’s position. I’ll explain below …

Pittsburgh Penguins / Steelers, Pirates:

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Here are a few previously unreported nuggets and the latest on the Penguins GM search.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: One of the leading contenders for the GM post is Eric Tulsky. He has a doctorate, patents, and something in common with Casey DeSmith. He’s got an impressive resume. The Eric Tulsky preview.

Steelers Now:

Mason Rudolph is back — he joined a local podcast to spill the beans on his rumored poor relationship with Ben Roethlisberger.

Here’s the Steelers’ salary cap situation after signing Mitch Trubisky to an extension.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now:

Finally. The Pirates thumped the Arizona Diamondbacks. Pittsburgh Pirates postgame.

PBN+: The Pirates’ nightmare is finally showing signs of relenting. Pittsburgh Pirates.

NHL Trade, News  & National Hockey Now:

Vegas Hockey Now: It was an entertaining game. Vegas wins, 4-3 in OT. Pete DeBoer conceded, and Wild Bill rides again. Even Teddy Blueger scored. Get the analysis and the little battles — the analysis after their Game 1 victory. The Vegas Golden Knights roll.

Here’s the Golden Knights recap.

Florida Hockey Now: Our boys in Florida had a long night in the Eastern Conference Final. They didn’t get the hero they wanted, but they got the hero they needed. The Florida Panthers won when Matthew Tkachuk scored in the fourth OT.

The other hero of Game 1 is clearly Sergei Bobrovsky. He saved the Panthers’ bacon.

Sportsnet: Dubas and Shanahan had a falling-out. Kyle Dubas is OUT. Here is the story from Toronto.

There’s a prevailing sentiment in the current time that “power” is automatically wrong and is a bad person. I see it every day. Shanahan soured on Dubas and had a decision to make. I’ll take 110% of good over 75% of very good any day.

Sportsnet: Clayton Keller isn’t happy about Arizona. His reps met with Arizona to sort things out. Is he bound for the NHL trade block?

Star Tribune: West Mifflin native Logan Cooley is returning to college for his sophomore season rather than joining the Coyotes.

Montreal Hockey Now: Some scouts see him as the second-most talented player in the NHL Draft, but he might be stuck in Russia. Matvei Michikov discussed his future.

Boston Hockey Now: They won the regular season, but there’s no Stanley Cup for that. The NHL speculation is growing around the Boston Bruins.

Metro Division:

Washington Hockey Now: Peter Laviolette may not go far. After he and Washington parted ways following the season, the Blue Jackets and Rangers are interested.

Philly Hockey Now: It’s never happened in my lifetime, but it was the anniversary of a Philadelphia Flyers’ Stanley Cup.

Western Conference:

Chicago Hockey Now: Two truths and a lie — dodging NHL Draft myths for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Nashville Hockey Now: Jon Hynes’ future will soon be decided with the Nashville Predators.

San Jose Hockey Now: Are big goalies the new hot thing? San Jose Sharks signings.

Calgary Hockey Now: Another day, another player shovels dirt on former coach Darryl Sutter. The Calgary Flames had a terrible situation.