Dan’s Daily: Penguins Prospect Vacancy, Female Fans Finding Hockey

The Stanely Cup will be in the locked trunk inside Amalie Arena on Sunday night. If the Colorado Avalanche win, it’s theirs to party with, toss around, and abuse in the greatest of sports traditions. If Tampa Bay wins, the case stays locked, the teams head back to Denver, all of the pressure in the world on the Avalanche. The Pittsburgh Penguins promoted Tom Kostopoulos to director of player development, and Dave Molinari looked at the stunning lack of prospect development in the Penguins org. NHL trade rumors on J.T. Miller now include Toronto?!

Alex Ovechkin scored a goal in his pro soccer debut. And young fans and female fans are finding hockey … and they’re loving it.

Well of course they are! Baseball is better as a video game. Football? Long ago became a tedious march of yellow flags with rules most don’t understand (illegal formation? The tight end was a half step ahead of the tackle. What!?) and has lost its soul without a good ground game.

But hockey… is finally coming into its own. Jacob Trouba’s imitation of Tito Santana’s flying elbows notwithstanding.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Where are the prospects? The Penguins have traded most of their first-round picks over the past decade, but precious few others have risen the ranks. Davey takes a look at the Pittsburgh Penguins‘ dearth.

If you want a little action on Game 6 tonight, Draft Kings is offering to boost your $5 bet to win $100. DraftKings promo.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now

Washinton Hockey Now: It was legit, unlike one of Vlad Putin’s hockey goals. He kicks and scores. In his Russian soccer debut, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored.

Now about that country invading a sovereign nation under flimsy pretenses and bombing civilian areas. Haven’t forgotten Ukraine…

Sportsnet: If a good player is available, he must be going to the Toronto Maple Leafs. At least this time, it cannot be said that Miller would be going home. J.T. Miller to Toronto?

Vancouver Hockey Now: Tyson Barrie trade chatter is heating up, and the Canucks need right-side defensemen. Badly. Vancouver Canucks chatter.

TSN: The NHL is experiencing growth with younger fans and female fans. Welcome to the party!

Montreal Hockey Now: Pierre McGuire derided this draft class as not very good. Then Craig Button offered a second opinion. 2022 NHL Draft analysis.

Boston: The Bruins will get Patrice Bergeron for at least one more season, and as Joe Haggerty writes, that saves Boston from the uncomfy decisions for one more year. Boston Bruins coverage.

Detroit: The fifth update on the Red Wings coaching search. It obviously won’t be Barry Trotz. So, who is in the queue for the Detroit Red Wings?

San Jose: Many of you have mentioned Brent Burns as a Kris Letang replacement. I’m not on board, but Sheng Peng writes that Burns, at 37, still is doing exceptional things. A San Jose Sharks strength.