Dan’s Daily: Unsigned RFAs, Crosby Dissed in ESPN Fantasy Hockey Rankings

We’ve made it. You’ve survived the horrible part of the year with sunshine, outdoor picnics, and beer on ice at friendly gatherings to fill the emptiness without hockey. I get it. Rookies and prospects hit the ice this week. Sportsnet looks at the latest news and NHL rumors of the unsigned RFAs. ESPN drops the final fantasy hockey rankings, including a surprisingly low ranking for Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. And did Jonathan Hubderdeau carry Sam Bennett in Florida?

I’ve hit a bit of a dry patch with Penguins analysis and discussion. With a little inspiration from a Steelers game straight from a Marvel movie’s triple swerve ending, and a few chats with colleagues, I’ve got a few topics in mind for this week before the kids hit the ice. PHN will also cover the Penguins’ prospects game in Buffalo later this week.

I’ll post the WPXI Final Word show later today, I hope. They usually send it Monday mornings. Hey, how often can you say “useless as a poopy-flavored lollipop” on TV whilst wearing an 80s wrestling t-shirt? I had some fun this time.

Pittsburgh Penguins / Sports Now Group PGH

From possible trades to rejected trades. Catch up on the week of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Steelers Now (+): The offense stunk, but at least it came up with just enough in the end. The Pittsburgh Steelers survived in a wild win over Cincinnati.

“I can do better.” I surely hope so, as Mitch Trubisky was honest about his play.

T.J. Watt left the game with a pec injury. We don’t yet know how badly he’s injured, but if it is torn, that doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the season. Our Steelers Now crew has the possible outcomes for T.J. Watt.

Hunter Homistek writes that was an escape for the same ole Pittsburgh Steelers.

To the NHL News & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: The latest news and rumors of unsigned RFAs, including Jason Robertson and Rasmus Sandin.

Philly Hockey Now: Sean Couturier had back surgery seven months ago. He was expected to be ready for training camp, but back surgery is a serious thing. Couturier will address the media later today, and we’ll learn much more about the Philadelphia Flyers season.

Washington Hockey Now;

Vegas Hockey Now: Speaking of unsigned RFAs, Vegas continues to have roster difficulties and cap constraints. Defenseman Nic Hague of the “Hager-bomb” shot from the point remains unsigned, and reportedly, there hasn’t been much effort by the Vegas Golden Knights.

ESPN: You’re kidding, right? The ESPN fantasy hockey rankings are out, and the number of centers above Sidney Crosby is many. He and Tristan Jarry are both well below where I would put them.

San Jose Hockey Now: Joe Thornton is back in San Jose. He’s unsigned, but he’s been skating and dealing with the young guys at the San Jose Sharks facility.

Florida Hockey Now: Sam Bennett had his resurgence after finally getting his trade request honored. But did playing beside Jonathan Hubderdeau inflate his numbers, and is he in for a steep drop for the Florida Panthers?

Montreal Hockey Now: The Canadiens shocked many (not me) when they selected Juraj Slafkovsky with the first overall pick. He has a golden opportunity this week as his Montreal Canadiens journey begins.