Dan’s Daily: Penguins Scrutiny; Late Summer NHL Trade Rumors

The Pittsburgh Penguins prospects did not make the NHL Network’s top 50 list last week, despite several players who were drafted behind the Penguins’ recent No. 1 picks placing high on the list. It was yet another raised eyebrow toward the Penguins’ woeful draft record. The Vancouver Canucks have a glut of wingers, and the likelihood is that one or three will be on the NHL trade block early this coming season. The Calgary Flames have set a high price on Noah Hanafin, but he, too, is trade bait.

Sunday, I paid a small tribute to Mike Lange. In the days since hockey lost longtime Buffalo Sabres play-by-play Rick Jeanneret, it seemed appropriate to also praise Lange, himself a Hall of Fame broadcaster who was vitally important to the game and this city.

Dave Molinari had the same idea, and Dave had a front-row seat if not a little hand in at least one of Lange’s expressions. Later today, Dave will pay a far better tribute to Lange than I possibly could, and he’s got a pretty good idea, too.

I suspect our little travel blog has one more trip left before hockey starts. My ride up north produced a suggestion that I visit Elkins, WV. OK, so there’s a gorge nearby? No, there’s a Michelin-star trained chef with a small restaurant that I’m told is unbelievably good, with five reasonably priced guestrooms upstairs looking into the mountains.

Now that’s my kind of suggestion! The funny thing is that my biggest impediment to going there is riding outbound on the Parkway West and I-79 South. For a biker, that’s about as dangerous as it gets. For fellow travelers who love hidden gems, the place is called The Forks Inn.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins prospects didn’t make the top 50 list, but the players selected behind them did. What gives? And we paid tribute to Mike Lange in the latest Penguins blog.

If it’s Sunday, it’s time for Dave Molinari’s Penguins wrap.

Steelers Now:

Jaylen Warren’s TD Saturday was the masterpiece of the Steelers’ offense.

It looks like the competition to be the Steelers punter might be over.

Check it out — Nick Herbig was a beast Saturday.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now:

The Pirates are stretching out their fireballing top prospect Paul Skenes. He went two innings, and we’ve got a grand slam in the latest Pirates Prospects Watch.

John Perrotto isn’t one given to unearned praise, but he has big plans and big comparisons for Skenes, including bringing him up in September to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Here’s JP’s take on Paul Skenes.

Oh yeah, Dallas Kuechel mowed down the Buccos, and they lost 2-0. Get the quickie Pirates recap.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now:

Sportsnet: I’ve been saving the Calgary Flames tap dancing around the NHL trade market. They need changes, they have good players available, but nothing is happening. So, what’s going on?

Boston Hockey Now: Are the Bruins in on college UFA Jay O’Brien?

Montreal Hockey Now: Casey DeSmith is increasingly the odd man out in Montreal. The Canadiens have a few options on the NHL trade market.

Philly Hockey Now: You have to be kidding?! Russia is appealing the IIHF’s ruling on Ivan Fedotov.

I’m not opposed to the NHL playing hardball with the little tyrant in Russia. Take every player. Take them all.

Nashville Hockey Now: Cody Glass had to fight his way to the NHL. He was buried in Vegas and fading fast. Now he’s in Nashville with a new contract and pushing for more. Nashville Predators feature.

Chicago Hockey Now: The Blackhawks lost a possible prospect who was in their development camp, and Don Cherry talked Jonathan Toews. The latest Chicago Blackhawks notebook.

Vancouver Province: The Canucks have too many wingers and some other needs. GM Patrik Allvin can, or should, put some talent on the NHL trade block. Patrick Johnson makes a good case.