Dan’s Daily: Russian Drama at Draft, Barbashev UFA, & Penguins Trade Talk

The NHL Draft is just over a week away. The NHL free-agent frenzy is 11 days away. The NHL trade chatter intensity regarding the NHL Draft is picking up, and the rumors are getting warm in Calgary and Montreal. The Pittsburgh Penguins have not made a move, but we sized up the NHL trade board and how the top players might fit here.

Dave Molinari also has a Hall of Fame story set for 10 a.m. He and I don’t usually inhabit the same wavelength, but we’re surfing the same vibes on this one. There also seems to be an underground chatter about Tom Barrasso finally getting in. The HHoF hates goalies, but maybe they’re softening. Story at 10.

Side note, the Hockey Hall’s voting process remains flawed. It’s too insider. To protect the game, the secretive committee conducts all business behind closed doors and sometimes judges players on personal relationships and things the public wouldn’t know. They don’t view the game from outside the locker room. What might seem obvious to many of us is not a consideration for them (see also: Theo Fleury, Keith Tkachuk), and winning often trumps individual performance. I would say writers should vote, like in baseball, but I know far too many hockey writers.

Pittsburgh Penguins / Steelers, Pirates:

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The NHL trade boards have some big names. How do the Penguins fit as trade partners, and how would those players fit with the Penguins? Penguins trade talk.

Steelers Now:

You could feel it on Draft day, and it was confirmed in minicamp. the Steelers got a steal with Darnell Washington.

PFF thinks the Steelers’ defense is top 5.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now:

Check it out — A double in his first at-bat for Henry Davis.

And that was the only highlight as the Cubs hammered the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-0.

And check out John Perrotto on Mark Madden’s show.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now:

Colorado Hockey Now: The NHL trade rumors tie defenseman Brett Pesce to the Colorado Avalanche.

Sportsnet: Expect the Calgary Flames to make a big ol’ splash at the NHL Draft.

**Washington Hockey Now: The story of the Draft will be the elusive Russian prospect who would be the top overall pick if not for Connor Bedard. If Matvei Michkov can scare off enough teams, the Washington Capitals are ready.

I starred the story because it is THE story to watch for the next week. The Russians are working to get Michkov to Washington. I have little doubt it’s a source of perverse pride for the little dictator with a big country to have Russians dominate in our nation’s capital.

Philly Hockey Now: Another team closely watching Michkov–has the pick right in front of the Capitals. Drama in the Metro Division, the Philadelphia Flyers could steal him.

NYI Hockey Now: Zach Parise was bought out and left by the side of the road (figuratively, of course). He has revitalized his career with the New York Islanders.

Vegas Hockey Now: Ivan Barbashev looks like he’ll be on the UFA market. Kids are pushing to take that spot for the Vegas Golden Knights.

Buffalo Hockey Now: And five defensemen on the NHL trade block who could/should be targets for the Buffalo Sabres.