The Pittsburgh Penguins and general manager Kyle Dubas continued to nibble away at NHL free agency Wednesday and added probably his biggest signing in addition to a couple more players with talent who may or may not fill the NHL roster, including a former Washington Capitals first-round pick. The signings certainly pointed to a coming trade, but we also uncovered a new trend that only adds another challenge to the Penguins’ trade strategy. Elsewhere, the Buffalo Sabres are preparing for an attack in the form of a Bo Byram offer sheet, though the NHL trade chatter posits four teams are working hard on the trade angle. The Islanders added a Russian free agent that some Penguins fans coveted, and the Avalanche are giving Brent Burns one more run at the Stanley Cup.
First, I apologize for the sound quality of the Live Chat on Wednesday. It wasn’t the mic as I thought, but the Streamyard service. Since I have a new Mac and a gigabit of internet speed, it’s not on this end, but I’m working to figure it out. I might do some private tests if you want to talk some hockey.
Today is Day 1 of the Penguins Development Camp. I will definitely see you there. The fun begins this morning at 9:00 a.m. with goalie drills. Believe me, there is little to see today, but I also understand that some really like to see the drills. Monday is the scrimmage, but if you’re at the rink, say hello.
9:00 AM – Goalie On-Ice Session (Covestro Rink)
10:00 AM – Team Stevens Skating (FedEx Rink)
11:00 AM – Team Stevens Skills (Covestro Rink)
11:00 AM – Team Patrick Skating (FedEx Rink)
12:00 PM – Team Patrick Skills (Covestro Rink)
12:00 PM – Team Johnston Skating (FedEx Rink)
1:00 PM – Team Johnston Skills (Covestro Rink)
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: I really liked the Penguins’ minor signings on Wednesday. Rafael Harvey-Pinard is just a scrappy little engine that could. And Wheeling Nailers fans will be happy (and I’m surprised) that Taylor Gauthier put pen to paper for more Penguins transactions.
I don’t know why Gauthier re-signed. He is absolutely blocked in the Penguins org, but if he’s happy, so be it.
The big signing of the day, and a harbinger of things to come, occurred when Dubas delivered an incentive-heavy deal to Anthony Mantha.
Now, here’s the crux of the Penguins’ situation. The column was originally titled, All Signs Point to Penguins Trade, but as I was writing, I realized that Dubas had stiff, but unexpected competition for several of the Penguins’ potential targets. There’s been a change in thinking across the league, and it’s only making it more difficult for the Penguins’ trade strategy.
And another signing I pretty well like, former Capitals big defensemen who languished in the press box and under Todd Nelson in Hershey–Alexander Alexeyev.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & Hockey Now
TSN: Sabres GM Kevyn Adams says no dice when it comes to teams submitting an offer sheet for Bo Byram. The Sabres will match it because they don’t want your first and third-round picks. However, he’s taking calls from four teams on a trade.
NYI Hockey Now: Yes, no more questions about reports from Russia (at least for a moment)! The summer of the New York Islanders continues as they ink Maxim Shabanov.
Colorado Hockey Now (+): A late-night signing–Brent Burns signed a one-year deal with the Colorado Avalanche. At 40 years old, he has some gas in the tank, but where does he fit with the Avalanche defense?
Also, Morgan Frost signed a two-year, $8.75 million deal with the Calgary Flames. A good deal for both. Frost got a bad rap through his battles with Torts in Philly.
Canucks Army: Brock Boeser thought his time in Vancouver was done. Then a late-night phone call changed everything. Boeser detailed that call from GM Patrik Allvin got the ball rolling.
New Jersey Hockey Now: Cody Glass was suddenly the belle of the ball. He had options. However, he chose a new contract with a nice AAV to stay with the New Jersey Devils.
I still can’t fathom Glass living in New Jersey. He’s just so damned nice, but that kind of money does make it easier.