Dan’s Daily: NHLPA Fights for Olympics, Penguins Trade Talk

Is it the San Jose Sharks, the Pittsburgh Penguins, or Carolina Hurricanes who are to blame for this offseason impasse? We looked at the Penguins’ trade block and who could be the odd man out of their overstuffed goal crease. Also in the Daily, the NHLPA is making the Olympics a cause to fight for, chaos is fun when it is the Philadelphia Flyers, the Washington Capitals need to hit the NHL trade market for a top-six help, and an early look at the heavyweight 2024 UFA class.

On the personal side, for all of the talk about finding the next small town to audition this weekend, I found my spot, but the wall of rain north of Pittsburgh kept me at home. And that’s just the way life works, I suppose.

When I’m all done with hockey, I’m starting a wristwatch, motorcycle trip, and greasy spoon blog.

Pittsburgh Penguins:

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The preliminary Metro Division power rankings, sizing up the Penguins’ playoff chances.

Speaking with multiple sources on Thursday and Friday, it turned out we’re not the only ones watching with curiosity as president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas stockpiles goalies. Here’s who league sources believe is the odd man out and on the Penguins trade block.

Steelers Now:

Madden 24 put the screws to Kenny Pickett.

Conversely, a top NFL analyst says Kenny Pickett is a more talented Jimmy Garappolo.

The Hall of Fame is set to honor the 30th anniversary of Chuck Noll’s enshrinement.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now:

The Pirates hit four home runs, including two by Henry Davis, off Shohei Otani, but still lost. Here’s the quickie Pirates recap.

The bats are heating up in Altoona. Get the latest Pirates prospects watch.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now:

ESPN: NHLPA head Marty Walsh said he’s focused on returning the NHL players to the Olympics for the 2026 games in Cortina, Italy.

Oh Marty, Marty, Marty. He is about to learn a lesson about negotiating with Gary Bettman. If you want something, anything, it will cost you double.

Sportsnet: An early look at the top-12 star-studded 2024 UFA class. Jake Guentzel didn’t make the list?!

Philly Hockey Now: Sam Carchidi tees it up in his weekly column. The Flyers might suck, but they’re going to be interesting. The Philadelphia Flyers’ chaos is fun.

Washington Hockey Now: Hit the NHL trade market or free agency? The top five targets to improve the Washington Capitals’ top six.

NYI Hockey Now: Bo Horvat says of New York, “I like the pressure.” Then he’ll have to score a bit more for the New York Islanders.

The Islanders are in a pickle. On paper, they’re really good. On the ice … not so much.

Pro Hockey Rumors: The Seattle Kraken paid up after a solid season. RFA defenseman Vince Dunn got almost $30 million on his new deal.

Buffalo Hockey Now: How Ralph Krueger almost ruined the Buffalo Sabres.

Vegas Hockey Now: A Stanley Cup profile — Phil Kessel.