The Hockey Writers Daily - August 2, 2023
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Welcome to The Hockey Writers Daily
In today’s edition we have the latest from Beantown, five things Jets’ fans can be excited about, three lesser known Oilers’ prospects, Devils’ scoring predictions for the season, the Wild’s most-improved prospects, and much more.
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Here’s the good stuff:.
Bruins News & Rumors: Swayman, Frederic & Trade Targets
In this latest edition of Boston Bruins News & Rumors, the Bruins and Jeremy Swayman have completed their arbitration hearing, and a decision will be announced shortly. Meanwhile, Trent Frederic signed a new contract before his arbitration hearing. In other news, The Score’s Josh Wegman discussed five centers who the Bruins could consider targeting to replace Patrice Bergeron. Let’s discuss this and more in today’s (Aug. 1) Bruins News & Rumors column.
Maple Leafs’ 4 Most NHL-Ready Prospects
The Toronto Maple Leafs prospect system isn’t as strong compared to other teams given how competitive they have been in making the post season, but also giving up picks to attempt a deep run. Top prospect Matthew Knies has some NHL experience as he heads into his rookie season but has already shown what he can do after a standout postseason. He’s looking to make a name for himself as a top-six forward.
After him, there may be some questions surrounding who can be the next one to jump in and make a strong impact for the team. While there may not be any eye-popping names in the system, there are still players that have strong upside and could make the team sooner rather than later. There’s a reason why the Maple Leafs haven’t moved on from these names as they could be pushing for a spot.
Jets: 5 Things to Be Excited About In 2023-24
If you’re not sure how excited to get about the Winnipeg Jets’ upcoming season, you’re not alone.
The Jets made another early playoff exit last season after a promising first half and are now retooling to some degree. Pierre-Luc Dubois was traded and Blake Wheeler was bought out, but the changes haven’t been as drastic as expected: Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele — two players who will be unrestricted free agents next summer and seemed likely to be traded by now — remain with the team as of this writing and seem likely to start the season in Winnipeg (if not finish it.)
3 Lesser-Known Oilers Prospects on the Rise
The general consensus is that the Edmonton Oilers don’t have the strongest farm system, especially after three talented young players have graduated to the NHL in Stuart Skinner, Philip Broberg, and Dylan Holloway. Having said that, there are always some hidden gems drafted late who never got a good look before being drafted or have been developing out of prying eyes. This is who we are going to focus on here and give fans something to look forward to outside of the excitement surrounding the very skilled Oilers team in the NHL.
New Jersey Devils 2023-24 Predictions: Top 5 Scoring Wingers
As the offseason slowly drifts on, the NHL season is around a month and a half away. For the New Jersey Devils, their major moves for the offseason appear to be behind them. Barring any big trades for a goaltender, the roster will likely hold no surprises. The strongest attribute of New Jersey is their center depth. With a 1-2 punch of Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes, the Devils can expect their two top lines to be in great hands.
Furthermore, general manager Tom Fitzgerald has made sure that his elite centers will be paired with skilled and proven wingers. Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier are both locked into eight-year contracts and heading into prime years. The addition of proven winger in Tyler Toffoli, the developing versatility in Dawson Mercer, and the hopeful breakout of Alexander Holtz will provide an exciting and tight race for the highest-scoring wingers on the Devils. Where will each player land?
Wild’s 6 Most Improved Prospects
While most of the focus has been on the Minnesota Wild lately, it’s also important to talk about the Iowa Wild in the American Hockey League (AHL) and the budding prospects improving their talents. Last season a number of NHL hopefuls worked hard and pushed themselves to be better than in previous seasons. Names like Marco Rossi, Sammy Walker, and Adam Beckman have made appearances with the Minnesota Wild but spent most of their time in Iowa, and it turned out to be the best option for them at the time.
Those were just some of the more known players that have worked to improve their game, but players like Jesper Wallstedt, Steven Fogarty, and Damien Giroux are the other names that made the cut, and are moving closer to that prized spot on the NHL roster.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Calgary Flames - 4 Calgary Flames Prospects That Improved in 2022-23
Pittsburgh Penguins - Report: Crosby & Letang Greenlight Potential Karlsson Addition
NHL News & Rumors - Maple Leafs, Canadiens, Oilers
From TSN - Ranking Canadian teams' off-seasons so far
From Sportsnet - How the NHL’s top earners performed during the 2022-23 season
From the NHL - Inside look at Arizona Coyotes
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