Dan’s Daily: Dubas Allowed at Draft, Vegas Seizing Cup, NHL Trade Talk

A team source affirmed good news for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final merely moved the Vegas Golden Knights’ quest a step closer as the legend of Adin Hill grows. Alex DeBrincat might soon be the center of NHL trade rumors, Mikael Granlund made Frank Seravalli’s buyout list, Cole Caufield is getting paid, the Calgary Flames are getting a new arena, and Connor Bedard endeared himself to Chicago Blackhawks fans.

If you’re on time, you’re late. I learned such a lesson Monday at the NHL press conferences in Las Vegas. Bedard was to speak at “approximately” 1:40 p.m. While I wrapped some NHN business and interviews for our next Vegas beat writer, I arrived at…1:40 p.m.

Bedard had just finished. I was hoping to ask a couple of questions of the young man in line to be the next Sidney Crosby or Connor McDavid, but instead, I watched him exit the room.

If you’re on time, you’re late. But I interviewed a wonderful candidate for the VHN beat writer position.

Pittsburgh Penguins / Steelers, Pirates

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Here’s a question not enough people are asking: Are the Penguins still big enough draws to lure NHL free agents?

Dave Molinari spoke with a team source who confirmed what you assumed, but it was not a given. Save a seat at the Penguins draft table for Kyle Dubas.

Steelers Now:

George Pickens ranks second in the NFL in one key metric.

Kenny Pickett ranks as one of the best deep-ball throwers.

Three players with something to prove at Steelers OTAs.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now:

They’re back. Andrew McCutchen’s sac fly lifted the Pittsburgh Pirates to a sixth straight win.

“Trying to get nasty,” Pirates reliever Colin Holderman earned his first save.

That’s more like it. Three stars of the week include Ke’Bryan Hayes.

Stanley Cup Final

I’ve been telling people for weeks this was happening. I picked the Golden Knights in six, perhaps five if Bobrovsky cooled. I didn’t have the courage to say sweep. The Golden Knights have things other teams do not, and it was clear from Day 1 when I arrived that they had that magic. It helps that officials are doing a remarkable job keeping control of the games.

Vegas Hockey Now: It’s happening. You can feel the earth moving in that direction. The Vegas Golden Knights overwhelmed the Panthers in Game 2 for a 2-0 series lead.

Burn notice: The Golden Knights’ Twitter roasted the Panthers.

“The most fun I’ve ever had playing hockey.” — He made a few more dandy stops in Game 2, and the legend of Adin Hill grows.

Florida Hockey Now: It’s a Tkachuk trick? Two misconducts and a goal. Matthew Tkachuk is getting humbled.

The boys from Florida are trying to talk themselves into the series, “We just need one” is the Florida Panthers’ refrain.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now:

Chicago Hockey Now: Reports put Alex DeBrincat on the NHL trade block.

NYI Hockey Now: So…what’s the best way for the New York Islanders to make cap space this summer?

Colorado Hockey Now: A good hire. Really good. Colorado Avalanche AHL coach Greg Cronin is the new coach of the Anaheim Ducks.

Montreal Hockey Now: Pay the man. Cole Caufield gets a new eight-year deal.

Detroit Hockey Now: Former NHL player Mike Commodore is no fan of new Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Mike Babcock. No fan at all. He put Columbus on blast. Here’s what the player had to say about the former Detroit Red Wings coach.