The Hockey Writers Daily - August 10, 2023
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Welcome to The Hockey Writers Daily
In today’s edition, we have the latest from New York City, a trade scenario for the Oilers, Sabres’ goaltender expectations, a leader emerging in Tampa Bay, and much more.
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Here’s the good stuff:.
Rangers News & Rumors: Lindgren, Lafrenière & PTO Targets
In this latest edition of New York Rangers News & Rumors, reports have surfaced that the Rangers are likely looking to sign defenseman Ryan Lindgren to a long-term contract extension.
In other news, things between the Rangers and Alexis Lafrenière are quiet, but there is no reason for concern, yet. Lastly, who could the Rangers consider signing to a professional tryout contract (PTO)? Let’s discuss all of this and more in today’s (Aug. 9) Rangers News & Rumors column.
Time for Maple Leafs to Change Nylander Power Dynamic
I might be one of a few people who aren’t worried about William Nylander signing an extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs before the start of the season. In fact, I’m at the other end of the scale. I think allowing Nylander to test free agency might be in the team’s best interest.
Oilers Trade Scenario: Acquiring Jeff Petry Before 2023-24
The Montreal Canadiens came out in a great position after the three-team Erik Karlsson trade. They not only get players they can flip before or during the season but also got assets along with it. However, the biggest return was Jeff Petry, but it doesn’t appear that he will stay long in Montreal.Most of the offseason’s top defencemen are off board with Karlsson traded and, the most recent signing, Matt Dumba, just joined the Arizona Coyotes, so any team that was looking for a solid top-four defenceman who is effective at both ends of the ice on the market for cheap, might now turn to the Canadiens, including the Edmonton Oilers.
The Canadiens took on Petry so that they could flip him for assets, according to Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports. The Pittsburgh Penguins retained 25 percent of his contract ($1.562 million AAV) for the final two seasons, so Montreal only has him on the books at $4.687 million AAV. If they retain 50 percent of his salary when they inevitably flip him this season, it will open up a ton of possibilities to move him to a cap-strapped team like the Oilers. His contract would drop to $2.34 million AAV and be very affordable.
Flames Set up to Trade Hanifin With Karlsson Off the Board
The Calgary Flames have gone silent as Craig Conroy and the rest of the group awaits Elias Lindholm’s decision on whether he wants to re-sign long-term or move on. This has held up the process with all of the other 2024 unrestricted free agents (UFA), including Noah Hanifin. With Erik Karlsson now on a new team and focus off of him, this opens up an opportunity for the Flames that might dissipate if they don’t act.
Sabres Expectations for Devon Levi as a First-Year Starter
In recent history, quality NHL goaltenders have found their footing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Ryan Miller, Jonathan Quick, and Connor Hellebuyck are among the most prolific NHLers to develop their game in the NCAA, and now Devon Levi is primed to make that very same jump.
Lightning’s Sergachev Becoming a Leader With Recent Comments
It’s not often that you find a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning making controversial public statements. As a rule, the Lightning have been guarded when it comes to doing things that draw unwanted attention. But recently, defenseman Mikhail Sergachev made comments about the Toronto Maple Leafs’ victory over the Lightning in last season’s playoffs. Sergachev later said his comments were misinterpreted due to poor translation from Russian to English.
The original report of his comments came from the Instagram account NHLBreakers, which claimed that in the interviews, Sergachev called out the Maple Leafs and their fans for celebrating their first playoff series win since 2004, stating that the team deserved no credit for their victory. Sergachev later said that his words were not correctly translated from the interview he had with the Russian website Sport24. “If you don’t speak Russian, don’t use Google Translate as your first option then spread misinformation.”
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Detroit Red Wings - Red Wings Have All the Tools to Make the 2023-24 Playoffs
Philadelphia Flyers - Philadelphia Flyers’ John Tortorella Could Be Here to Stay
NHL News & Rumors - Oilers, Wild, Rangers, Canucks, Maple Leafs
From TSN - Coyotes’ owner Meruelo eyes Mesa, Arizona as potential future home for franchise
From Sportsnet - Cal Foote joins brother Nolan, signs one-year, two-way deal with Devils
From the NHL - Wirtz honored as ‘cordial’ Blackhawks owner at memorial service
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