Dan’s Daily Links: Marner Signs, Penguins Camp News

The cream of the RFA crop finally has a new contract. The Toronto Maple Leafs got the ink of the contract they’ve been pushing since June. There are just a few high-profile RFAs left on the market. The Pittsburgh Penguins opened training camp and immediately flashed the lines which might begin the season on Oct. 4. Evgeni Malkin also held court with his usual flare after the intrasquad scrimmage. And there are a few contentious RFA stalemates left in the NHL.

The Penguins rolled out their real lines on Day 1. Unlike last year, when they experimented with young players to give kids an extended look, but this year the Penguins led with their best foot forward. So, PHN spoke with Dominik Kahun who was on the top line with Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel. Mike Sullivan confirmed the intent (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

Evgeni Malkin proclaimed, “I’m not done.” He held court with good humor and laughed when our Shelly Anderson asked about that six-pack in his Instagram photos. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

The Boston Bruins and RFA defenseman Charlier McAvoy are getting into it. The young defenseman wants a contract similar to others given to young defenders in Philadelphia and Winnipeg. The Bruins say…No. Our boys at Boston Hockey Now have the inside scoop (Boston Hockey Now)

Another RFA battle is in Colorado. Mikko Rantanen is still in Finland. No deal is close. Our franchise in Colorado is all over it but the no gnews, is not good gnews, with or without Gary Gnews (You have to be over 40 to get the reference, sorry).

Matthew Tkachuk and the Calgary Flames are locked in a battle, too. (Sportsnet)

Mitch Marner finally signed in Toronto (TSN)

Oh by the way, Toronto now has over $40 million of the $81.5 million salary cap invested in just four players. Let’s see how that works out for them, Cotton.

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien asked for a leave of absence. Winnipeg says it will be well handled and fans shouldn’t worry, but that’s all they said (Yahoo Canada)

More Penguins training camp coverage today! Then I’ll be at Redbeard’s on Mt. Washington to watch Pitt-Penn State. Check out the awesome food and manageable beer list at Redbeard’s on 6th Ave. Downtown or on Shiloh St. on Mt. Washington. If you like, we’ll share a pitcher..unless you’re a die-hard Penn Stater. In that case, let’s wait until after the game…