The Hockey Writers Daily - August 28, 2023
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In today’s edition, we have a few predictions for the 2023-24 Canadiens, the latest from Toronto, a lineup projection for the Flyers, a look back at the 2018 Entry Draft, and much more.
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Here’s the good stuff…
3 Montreal Canadiens Predictions for the 2023-24 Season
August 27, 2023 by Blain Potvin
The 2023-24 NHL season is fast approaching and after the Montreal Canadiens had a less eventful offseason than most in recent years, fans’ attention has begun to turn towards the upcoming training camp. They will ask themselves if general manager (GM) Kent Hughes has done enough to help the rebuild.
There will be speculation regarding standings, player performances, and much more. So in that spirit, here are three predictions of what could happen this season for Montreal.
Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Matthews, Marner, Knies & Nylander
August 27, 2023 by The Old Prof
In this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs News & Rumors, I’ll take a look at the potential impact of Auston Matthews’ contract extension. He’ll become the highest-earning player in the NHL when his new contract kicks in. So, how does that impact Mitch Marner’s next contract?
Second, the betting odds for the rookie who will likely win the Calder Trophy have come out, and Maple Leafs Matthew Knies is on the list. Where does the 20-year-old forward fall? What do the oddsmakers think his chances to win the Calder Memorial Trophy might be? Finally, I’ll share my growing belief that William Nylander’s maturing production, as shown during the 2022-23 season, will keep him in Toronto for this coming season. And, if he can be trusted – he seems like one of the least disingenuous people I have ever seen in sports – he’ll be a Maple Leafs player for a long time.
Philadelphia Flyers’ 2023-24 Lineup Projection
August 27, 2023 by Justin Giampietro
Last season, the Philadelphia Flyers used dozens of different combinations trying to find something that would stick. By season’s end, the team built up some chemistry that was not present a few months prior. With head coach John Tortorella taking over for his second season with the Orange and Black, we could see some familiar lines in 2023-24 with some new faces dispersed in the lineup.
Rangers’ Biggest Breakout Candidates for 2023-24
August 27, 2023 by Tom Castro
At first thought, the New York Rangers don’t seem like a group that would be teeming with players on the verge of traditional breakouts. Led by a core of highly-skilled, star-level players in their primes, the Blueshirts are no longer an up-and-coming outfit: They boast a veteran-heavy lineup that’s in the midst of what they hope is a window of Stanley Cup contention. Mass development of young players isn’t at the forefront of their 2023-24 priorities. Here are four players who could make major progress for the Blueshirts this season.
2018 NHL Entry Draft Top 10: Where Are They Now?
August 27, 2023 by Eugene Helfrick
It’s interesting how long five years can feel in sports. There are times that these Top 10 Draft Pick articles feel rather dull, as the players are just starting their careers with the team that drafted them, so there isn’t much to say other than things are looking good and the future is still bright. For better or for worse, the 2018 NHL Draft is not one of those classes. So much has happened during these players’ first five seasons post-draft that you could write a novel about each. So, let’s take a look at the top ten picks of the 2018 NHL Draft to see how they are developing so far.
3 Players the Penguins Can Use to Replace Jake Guentzel
August 26, 2023 by Sylvie McCarthy
For the most part, the Pittsburgh Penguins have had a pretty smooth offseason. However, in true Pittsburgh fashion, the injury train has already left the station. Forward Jake Guentzel had been dealing with an ankle injury that he sustained towards the end of the season. The Penguins were hopeful that he would be able to rehab his ankle without surgery, but once he returned to the ice it was clear surgery would be necessary.
On Aug. 2, Guentzel underwent right ankle surgery and is set to be re-evaluated in 12 weeks. This timeline has him out until at least mid-October. He is expected to miss the first six games and possibly more depending on his progress. If the Penguins chose to place him on long-term injured reserve it would provide them with some salary-cap relief, but it would also require Guentzel to miss the first 10 games.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Edmonton Oilers - 5 Oilers Who Must Improve Their Play This Season
Detroit Red Wings - Red Wings Probably Signing Different Deals for Seider & Raymond
NHL News & Rumors - Senators, Maple Leafs, Flyers, Sabres
From TSN - Report: NHL's executive committee approves Andlauer to buy Senators
From Sportsnet - Kraken forward Joonas Donskoi retires following issues with concussions
From the NHL - Color of Hockey: Kings help grow sport in Mexico through youth program
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