Dan’s Daily: Recchi Fired; Draisaitl Contract Talks; Happy Sidney Crosby Day

Happy Sidney Crosby Day. On August 7, it will be 37 years since 8/7/87, Sidney Crosby’s birthday. In some semblance of chronological order, that includes a World Juniors Championship, a QMJHL championship, a Stanley Cup, two gold medals, Art Ross Trophies,  Hart Trophies, Conn Smythes, World Championships, and more Stanley Cups. On Tuesday, we stripped down the Crosby contract situation with the hope but also the “other side.” Elsewhere in the Daily, it wasn’t a good day for former Penguins assistant coach Mark Recchi, the Edmonton Oilers and Leon Draisaitl are beginning their contract talks, the Montreal Canadiens are going to shed some prospects, and Alex Nylander is going to Toronto to earn an NHL job.

Today is the day, right?

Which news are you watching more closely: the Brandon Aiyuk trade or Crosby’s contract? It would be an epic day in Pittsburgh sports if both happened, though I think one is much more likely. Before we get to the links, a little stick tap to our guys who are hard at work covering the Steelers and Pirates. Danny Demilio and John Perrotto lasted through that ridiculous game delay, while Alan Saunders cut through the nonsense and fake reports with a legit story on where the Steelers are in the trade talks.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: So, let’s really talk about it. I haven’t sugarcoated any of it for you, but now it’s time to discuss the realities, hopes, and future of Sidney Crosby.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: The Pirates took hours to ready the field after the heavy rain. The drains in the outfield were clogged and we waited … and waited. When play resumed, it wasn’t a good night for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Pirates just can’t get close enough and get over the hump in the playoff chase. John Perrotto points a heavy finger at one big problem–the Pirates keep wasting brilliant starts by Paul Skenes.

**Steelers Now: Alan Saunders spent the last two days digging into the biggest Steelers story. Will Brandon Aiyuk wear the black and gold? Saunders’ sources tell him who the current offer is and what it is in the Steelers trade talks.

NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now

X.com: Aaron Portzline broke the news. Former Penguins assistant coach and Ring of Honor player Mark Recchi was terminated and will not be a part of new coach Dean Evason’s staff.

Recchi, who joined the organization after the Mike Babcock debacle last summer, has had a wild ride. In the last few years, he’s been an assistant with three teams, including the Penguins.

NHL.com: Crosby isn’t the only big-deal player who is on an expiring contract. The Edmonton Oilers and Leon Draisaitl are ready to get down to the nitty-gritty on a new deal.

Toronto Sun: Alex Nylander accepted the minor league deal with Toronto to play with his brother. Alex does say the right things and he’s telling the Maple Leafs that he’s coming for a job.

Montreal Hockey Now: Imagine having so many young players that there isn’t room for everyone. A few kids will be on the move. As a plethora of Montreal Canadiens prospects are ready to fight for NHL jobs, there’s another layer of players filling those vacated spots, but also too many Canadiens prospects.

Washington Hockey Now: It’s a big year for the Washington Capitals. Pierre-Luc Dubois, Jakub Chychrun, Logan Thompson. It’s also a big sophomore season for a rising star in the coaching ranks, Spencer Carbery.

TSN: Could Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin return to the New York Islanders? It doesn’t seem likely, but now the door is slightly ajar for the thundering fourth-liners to return. Lou Lamoriello said, “The door never closes.“