The Pittsburgh Penguins had a light day Friday. With three games in four days, coach Dan Muse allowed some players to practice but otherwise kept most players off the ice. So, we took subscribers behind the curtain with our latest Penguins insider column, which included some nuggets on Stuart Skinner and a couple of anonymous players who helped us break down why they got a big boost of confidence beating the Carolina Hurricanes.

Elsewhere in the Daily, it has gone from bad to worse in Ottawa following general manager Steve Staios’s public statement slamming the personal rumors. The first test of the ice rink in Milan did not go well. And the NHL trade rumors now include a young center who has struggled in Carolina.

Afternoon game. Followed by an early flight to Boston tomorrow. Let’s do this, eh?

Pittsburgh Penguins

PHN+: Our weekly insider column from the Penguins locker room has more from Stuart Skinner, some stuff about the win over Carolina that will provide a lot of insight into the state of the team, and Ben Kindel’s very appropriate reaction to learning he’d play center with Evgeni Malkin on the wing. We take subscribers into the Penguins locker room.

Steelers Now: Aaron Rodgers earned a big bonus on his contract by winning last Sunday. He could earn an even bigger bonus if the Steelers win Monday.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: It was Ryan O’Hearn day as the Buccos unveiled their free agent addition, who can actually, you know, hit. O’Hearn did his research, and here’s why he chose the Pittsburgh Pirates.

NHL Trade Talk, News, & NHN

Sportsnet: Bad to much worse in Ottawa. Steve Staios’s statement slamming the rumors only made things worse–much worse. First, here’s the print report on the heat that became a fire.

Elliotte Friedman had some opinions on Ottawa in his latest 32 Thoughts podcast, but he also had a little update on the NHL trade market. The Carolina Hurricanes are shopping Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

Since I opined in November that Kotkaniemi would be a player the Penguins should consider, things have obviously changed, mostly because of getting the best from Tommy Novak. I’m not sure if I hold the same opinion right now.

TSN: A hole in the ice?! Yep, the first test game on the ice surface in Milan did not go well. They had to stop the game. Seriously, a hole in the ice and the NHL doesn’t have a backup plan? Oh boy. Chris Johnston has the latest update, as he was there for the situation.

USA Hockey is not pleased. Beezer was on the Cam & Strick podcast.

USA Hockey Exec John Vanbiesbrouck blasts the Olympic Ice arena conditions ⁦@CamandStrick⁩ pic.twitter.com/ihK6ASuVC9

— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) January 9, 2026

New Jersey Hockey Now: James Nichols has been all over the growing inferno that is the New Jersey Devils. The heat is on management and players, but Nichols opines on why the org cannot make a scapegoat of coach Sheldon Keefe.

Boston Hockey Now: Since the Penguins are in Boston tomorrow, you can get a look at what’s happening up there with Jack Studley’s breakdown of the latest Boston Bruins win.

Detroit Hockey Now: With more than 500 career goals, his impact on opposing goalies has been obvious. But Patrik Kane’s impact is felt beyond the tallies for the Detroit Red Wings.

Tags: jesperi kotkaniemi nhl trade olympic ice Penguins Locker Room Pittsburgh Penguins

Categorized: Links NHL Trade Rumors