The Metro Division took center stage in the hockey world Friday. The New York Rangers delivered a bombshell to fans that the team will enter a “retool,” not a “rebuild,” phase. Still, it sent ripples through the hockey world as general manager Chris Drury met with several veterans, informing at least one that they won’t be back and they are now on the NHL trade block. Also, Alexander Ovechkin is considering retirement, at least from the NHL. And we took readers inside the Pittsburgh Penguins’ room with more on Stuuuuuu Skinner, and an honest look at the state of the Penguins youth movement.

Elsewhere, now former Columbus Blue Jackets coach Dean Evason politely disagreed with his firing and said he felt blindsided. The Toronto Maple Leafs are staring at a catastrophic injury, Linus Ullmark resumed skating with the Ottawa Senators, and five potential landing spots for Jason Robertson if, indeed, the Dallas Stars balk at paying the high-flying winger.

Oh, I could have included a lot more, too.

Today is the day I pack up for Seattle, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver. I am looking forward to an Alberta steak in Calgary, donair pizza in Edmonton, a full day in Vancouver, although my absolute favorite spot on the road–Zefferlli’s, A Spaghetti Joint–closed in May.

I found Zefferelli’s a couple of years ago. You’d never know it was there on the main shopping thoroughfare, but there was a bronzed sign mounted on a brick wall that simply read “Spaghetti ⬆️” pointing to this dingy set of stairs with a solid steel door at the top. I mean, once I saw that, I was absolutely going in.

With some trepidation, I knocked on the door. I was welcomed into a perfect, dimly lit four-star Italian restaurant, with a wine rack that spanned the entire far wall, a show-kitchen, a wide second-floor view of Vancouver, amazing food that was only $25 CDN, oh-my-gawd desserts, and wine. As a single, they always gave me a little table at the window and took care of me. It was the place the locals kept to themselves. The entire place just felt good.

It will be hard to replace absolute perfection. The joys of traveling are finding those spots. But … I’ll try. If you’ve got a spot in Seattle or Vancouver, I’m listening.

Seattle and I just don’t get along. Not even a little bit. I’ve tried. I’ll probably eat at the airport Denny’s and be happy.

Pittsburgh Penguins

PHN+: As a matter of promotion, I will make the PHN+ article free this morning until the morning skate (10:30 a.m.). But I’ll also say I’d love your support to stay on the road, keep covering all 82, and keep a multi-person hockey staff. The new platform is finally in beta testing, and we’re to begin training next week, and you’re supposed to see it in a couple of weeks.

As for the PHN+ story, each week we do an Insider feature, taking you inside the room for the background conversations and expertise that shape our coverage. This week, more on Stuart Skinner and a look at the Penguins’ youth movement with one very important question from a trusted organizational source. Go inside the Penguins’ room.

Steelers Now: Just bookmark this page—The Big Board of the Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coaching Search.

Alan Saunders is all over this story, and the Big Board is all of the candidates and the interviews. Alan is making it easy to keep track.

The Steelers model is a young leader who surrounds himself with the best people. That latter was Mike Tomlin’s downfall from the moment he took over hiring assistants. He liked to have buddies around him, not excellence; he never had a Chan Gailey, Ken Whisenhunt, or Dick Lebeau.

NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now

Forever BlueTshirts: Cue the NHL trade rumors. The Rangers have surrendered. The New York Rangers waved the white flag Friday as Drury sent a letter to fans telling them to prepare for a “retool.” Drury also told Artemi Panarin (and others) to pack his bags, he won’t be back, and they’re looking to trade him. Our folks at FB have all of the Rangers news.

Bleacher Report: Lyle Richardson was on the Jason Robertson situation. It seems the Dallas Stars don’t want to pay up. The five landing spots for Robertson, and no, the Penguins are not among them.

Sportsnet: Uh, what about Alex Ovechkin’s future? It seems Ovi has not made a decision, and so the Capitals are waiting on a verdict for next year.

Mayor’s Manor: Evander Kane to the LA Kings? It seems the Kings are open to that trade if the price is right.

TSN Video: William Nylander came back, but is now out of the lineup again in Toronto. And there is an air of uncertainty. What happens if he’s out long term?

Does anyone else see the Eastern Conference falling apart this season? That hockey version of the Bimini Road is opening up for the Penguins.

TSN: The trade talk is heating up around Rasmus Andersson, so says Pierre LeBrun.

Philly Hockey Now: You saw why the Flyers should be in the market for a ‘tendy. Will James noted it’s even more serious than that and circled a handful of goalies as Flyers trade targets.

There was actual hockey last night, too. I got a good bit of the Nashville-Colorado game. I thought the NHL Network was playing the game on 1.5 speed. It was lightning fast, and Nashville won, 7-3. Oh, and Carolina destroyed Florida in the third period. making a 3-1 game a 9-1 final. St. Louis ended Tampa Bay’s winning streak, and Detroit is hanging around; they beat San Jose 4-2.

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