Dan’s Daily: Burke Says Core ‘Under Contract Another Year’; Penguins Problems

The Pittsburgh Penguins had a thunderbolt day. With training camp just a couple of weeks away and rehab and non-invasive measures unsuccessful, Penguins captain Sidney Crosby underwent his second wrist surgery in two years. Crosby’s absence won’t be long enough to utilize LTIR so that GM Ron Hextall can hit the NHL trade market or free agency. Brian Burke was in Calgary to host his annual ‘Targets for Kids’ trap shooting event and delivered a fun and interesting Q&A.

The Crosby news certainly sparked conversations, fears, and a bit of finger-pointing. There’s a ton of news today, including more on the Evander Kane investigation, Mark Recchi is up for the Flyers Hall of Fame, and a big announcement coming for Vegas Hockey Now.

First–the news: Sidney Crosby had wrist surgery, and Hextall seemed to offer an indirect update on Evgeni Malkin, too. 

Then–the analysis. It all seems different this time. It keeps happening, and it exposes two big Penguins’ problems and ONE big question.

Oh–and our interview with former NHL enforcer Stu Grimson about toughness in hockey and the Pittsburgh Penguins-Tom Wilson problem–“No half measures.”

NHL News & National Hockey Now:

Sportsnet: Brian Burke delivered a Q&A in Calgary–Who he thinks would win a barn fight between Marc Bergevin and Tom Dundon, and one curious answer about the Penguins core that I’m not sure how to parse–“this group is under contract for another year.”

Boston: Uh oh–Patrice Bergeron said he won’t sign a contract until next summer. It seems crazy, but in successive offseasons, Boston Bruins stalwarts have hit free agency…and left. Could Bergeron go, too?

San Jose: The Evander Kane investigation has stalled as investigators can’t reach Anna Kane, who made allegations that Evander Kane gambled on his own hockey games. 

NYI: Zach Parise hit the ice for the first time in his New York Islanders gear. 

Philly: There are six finalists for the Philadelphia Flyers Hall of Fame, including Pittsburgh Penguins Ring of Honor member Mark Recchi. 

Washington: There was a lot of smoke and some fire after last season. National reporters in unison said the Capitals were done with Kuznetoz, but he’s still there. What should the Washington Capitals plans be for Evgeny Kuznetsov?

Detroit: Glass half full or half empty–There only are five teams with longer odds to make the playoffs than the Detroit Red Wings, but there are actually five teams with longer odds–here’s the oddsmaker’s breakdown. 

Colorado: The Colorado Avalanche announced their rookie camp details and signed Artem Anisimov to a PTO.

Vancouver: Young goaltender had highlights in his first real season as a starter. Where does he rank among the starting goalies in the Pacific Division?

Florida: The Florida Panthers continue signing college athletes to their NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) programs. Now, they’ve signed all female athletes at Florida Atlantic University.  

Vegas: BIG announcement coming today at 1 p.m. We finally got it right for Vegas Hockey Now. You’re going to love the Golden Knights coverage going forward.