Dan’s Daily: Penguins Sources Speak; KHL Controversy; Top Laine Trade Spots

It’s time to play the music. It’s time to light the lights. Sources on multiple Pittsburgh Penguins issues spoke to Pittsburgh Hockey Now Thursday, and we’re getting a clearer picture of the situation and debunked one quickly spreading rumor about Evgeni Malkin. The Score tackled the NHL trade rumors surrounding Patrik Laine with their top five landing spots, and the Penguins were featured prominently. One of the 2018 Hockey Canada five who are to stand trial for sexual assault signed a contract to play this season in the KHL, and the Montreal Canadiens have a blue chip trade asset with the extra first-rounder next year that looks like a sure-fire top-10 pick.

We (Pittsburgh media) spoke with Anthony Beauvillier via Zoom yesterday. I think Penguins fans might like him–if he produces. He has a bit of personality. A lot of guys just stare blankly at the screen, but I thought he communicated well and smirked a bit when I referenced his well-traveled 2023-24 season. That was actually the reaction I was hoping for.

I was hoping to make it to St. Vincents this weekend, but it looks like the rain might wash that idea away. So, maybe next week, we’ll commune at a Latrobe watering hole.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The great Jagr strongly hinted, if not proclaimed, that this would be his last season. The tree-trunk-shaped Czech is waffling on that idea, and he’s going full bore into training months ahead of schedule. He might be going out with a bang–Jaromir Jagr.

I think his speed might play well with the Penguins’ philosophy, but it must be tough playing for three teams in one season. From up-and-coming Islanders star to hockey vagabond and now Penguins winger–Anthony Beauvillier.

And here’s the story I want you to read: Sources are loosening up, but we have to be careful to keep it context, though I’m not 100% sure what that context is right now. From the Sidney Crosby contract to the spreading of Evgeni Malkin rumors, the Q&A was full of Penguins news.

Actions speak louder, and I think our Marcus Pettersson scoop this week opened the door to a lot of questions. That’s all I have to say about that.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: The trade deadline has passed, and there are a few new pieces–here’s how everything fits together for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

First-rounder Konnor Griffin wants to get here sooner rather than later, and he wants to do more than just win with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Dude, we’d be happy with just winning. Also, another spelling of Conor that I have to be mindful of? Parents, stop it!

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now

The Score: I think I’ll take credit for bringing the Penguins into the NHL trade rumors for Laine (it doesn’t matter if that’s true because I’m still taking credit!). The Score laid out the top landing spots for Laine, and the Penguins were their No.1. Here are the other spots Laine could land.

New Jersey Hockey Now: I’m sure you may have all kinds of thoughts on this one. One of the Hockey Canada five, will play in the KHL this season. That’s significant and a mess of public relations and legal questions. Here’s the scoop on former Devils forward Michael McLeod.

That case is going to be ugly. U-G-L-Y.

Also in New Jersey, hello… Chuck Fletcher?! Several front office hirings made news for the New Jersey Devils.

TSN: Also headed to Russia, but it’s not much of a surprise, but it seemed to go sideways for a moment. Evgeny Kuznetsov signed in Russia.

I’m a little bit disappointed by that news. He’s so good when he’s healthy, mentally and physically. If he were a free agent much longer, I was tempted to write a “Penguins sign him!” piece.

Nashville Hockey Now: Let’s set some expectations for what’s to come in Music City. Yes, there will be uncountable scores of bachelorette parties with wooing, screaming, and sashes. Yes, suburbanite northerners who work an office job wearing cowboy boots and big belt buckles as they yell Toby Keith lyrics offkey, but what about the hockey team that was unbeatable down the stretch? What should we expect from the Nashville Predators?