Dan’s Daily: Penguins Push Back on COVID, Robin Lehner Rocks NHL Boat

The Pittsburgh Penguins have a day off on Monday, which means we’ll have time to analyze and refocus our training camp coverage on the emerging roster battles. COVID sneaked into the Penguins locker room for a second time on Sunday, and the team is reverting to some of last year’s protocols to protect against more absences. The Athletic looked at 2022 UFAs who could hit the NHL trade market, including Phil Kessel. And Vegas Golden Knights goalie Robin Lehner fired a shot across the bow of NHL medical staffs on Saturday.

The NHL wants a word with Lehner to discuss his accusations. Serious the accusations are.

Vegas: Lehner was unchained last week. From his frank chat with Spittin’ Chiclets to accusing NHL medical staffs of handing out prescription drugs and sleeping pills like candy. Lehner is speaking up, and the NHL wants to ask him about what he’s seen. 

To the Pittsburgh Penguins…

Pittsburgh: Jake Guentzel tested positive on Sunday, and the Penguins are reverting to some of last year’s restrictive COVID protocols, “..to get on the other side of this thing…”

Sidney Crosby was already named to Team Canada for the 2022 Olympics. 

PHN+: The Penguins had a pretty spiffy preseason game against the Detroit Red Wings. The Penguins won 5-1 and looked pretty good–Who stood out and who made a case for a job on opening night.

NHL News, National Hockey Now

Vancouver: RFAs Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes FINALLY signed. Now, they have to make up for lost time because the Vancouver Canucks could be a good team. 

Colorado: I take a little bit of joy in this one. I’ve never seen a player so reviled in a fan base for simply being…the player the team expected him to be. I’ve seen criminals receive better treatment than Jack Johnson, so– Headline, Colorado: Jack Johnson Expected to Sign with Avs Soon.

NHL trade chatter: The Athletic’s Eric Duhatschek looked at the 2022 UFAs and who could hit the NHL trade market, including Phil Kessel. 

I don’t think Kessel fetches much. He’s been on the market three times in three years–Jim Rutherford did amazing work to get P.O. Joseph.

Detroit: You got the Penguins’ takeaways above. How about the takeaways from the Detroit Red Wings?

Sportsnet: Penguins fans, does this sound familiar? The Edmonton Oilers coach is upset over his team’s “rotten” approach and relying on talent. 

Boston: Backup goalie controversy in Boston. Out goes Jaro Halak. In comes Linus Ullmark, but Ullmark is in rough shape and not looking so good. 

Washington: The Pittsburgh Penguins don’t have much down the middle after their top four. The Washington Capitals are in a similar spot, but prospect Hendrix Lapierre (2020 first-round pick) is making some waves in camp and could force his way into the lineup. 

Florida: Look out for the Florida Panthers. They’re good, and their power play put on a show this weekend.  

Always last, but never least:

San Jose: For my prospect lovers, The San Jose Sharks are your team. They’ve got three kids pushing hard for roster spots…they’re still here.