Good morning, folks. Fortunately for the game of hockey, the World Junior Summer Showcase is underway, providing a distraction during the dog days of summer. Unfortunately for the Vegas Golden Knights, top prospect Trevor Connelly needed help off the ice after an injury during Team USA’s game on Monday.

Elsewhere in the Daily Nuggets, Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman defended the contract he gave Trent Frederic. Connor McDavid hasn’t signed an extension yet– how high should the concern-o-meter be? Nick Bäckström returns to hockey in Sweden, and the New Jersey Devils could trade for Nazem Kadri.

Golden Knights News

At the World Junior Summer Showcase, Team USA and its split squads aren’t off to the best start. USA White won their first game against Sweden, but Team USA hasn’t won since. As for the Golden Knights, they’re off to an even worse start after top prospect Trevor Connelly appeared seriously injured. On Monday, USA Blue played their second game against Finland, and the talented winger had to be helped off the ice after taking a hit.

Connelly recorded an assist in USA Blue’s first game against Sweden and looked good while doing it. If his injury is indeed serious, that’s a huge blow for both Connelly and the Golden Knights. Connelly is set to start the 2025-26 season with the Henderson Silver Knights.

NHL News, Rumors, & National Hockey Now

The Athletic ($): Connor McDavid still hasn’t signed an extension to stay in Edmonton, and the Pittsburgh Penguins haven’t yet traded Erik Karlsson. The Kings’ blueline situation is a nightmare; the Maple Leafs have a Mitch Marner-sized hole in their lineup. Where is the concern-o-meter at?

Edmonton Journal: On John Shannon and Daren Millard’s podcast, 100% Hockey, Oilers general manager Stan Bowman defended his decision to give Trent Frederic an eight-year contract.

Sportsnet: In regards to goaltending, the Edmonton Oilers are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Could Tristan Jarry be their answer in net?

The Athletic ($): Last weekend, Happy Gilmore 2 hit Netflix to the delight of everyone who doesn’t work at a golf course. Now, it’s time to meet Kyle McDonough, the real hockey player who inspired the Adam Sandler movies.

Detroit Hockey Now: Kyle McDonough wasn’t the only hockey player to have a cameo appearance in Happy Gilmore 2. Former Red Wings Sean Avery and Chris Chelios added another credit to their IMDb pages with brief appearances in the hit film.

Washington Hockey Now: Nick Bäckström’s contract with the Capitals expired this summer. His NHL journey may be over, but the veteran is returning to hockey, signing a one-year contract with Brynäs IF, his old Swedish club. 

New Jersey Hockley Now: NHL insiders promised a summer of trades and excitement; unfortunately, it hasn’t lived up to expectations. However, that could change in an instant. Nazem Kadri’s name continues to make its way through the rumor mill, and the Devils were listed as a potential landing spot.