The Hockey Writers Daily - August 8, 2023
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In today’s edition, we have more fallout from the Erik Karlsson trade, competition in the Atlantic Division, Red Wings’ bold predictions for the upcoming season, unexpected team MVP candidates in St. Louis, and much more.
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Karlsson Trade Has Huge Impact on Canadiens This Season
The San Jose Sharks were finally able to pull off a trade to send Erik Karlsson to the Pittsburgh Penguins, but it wouldn’t have gotten done if it weren’t for the Montreal Canadiens, who, by many accounts, were big winners by getting themselves involved.
This wasn’t expected to be a year where the Canadiens pushed for the playoffs just yet, but it was one to start to get the competitive juices flowing and see what they have in many of their young guys. While this trade helps them in the win department, it has the opposite effect on giving chances to some of the young players.
Atlantic Division Has Gotten More Competitive This Offseason
Last week, we looked at the Metropolitan Division and how the eight teams stack up against each other after completing most of their offseason work. This week, we’ll finish the other half of the Eastern Conference by reviewing the Atlantic Division. Atlantic teams were among the busiest in the NHL this summer, and it could lead to a very competitive battle for playoff spots in 2023-24.
Red Wings’ Bold Predictions for 2023-24
After an offseason full of moves, the Detroit Red Wings have positioned themselves to be quite the riser in the Eastern Conference for the 2023-24 season. With these additions and numerous moves come bold predictions for the team. Here are three predictions for the 2023 season, with a couple being somewhat unlikely. But after all, that’s why they are called “bold” predictions.
Maple Leafs Still Have Lots to Do Before the Season Starts
The Toronto Maple Leafs fans are counting down the days until the regular season starts. However, there’s still a lot to do to get this team ready for prime time. We are past the midpoint between the date the last hockey game of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs was played on June 13, 2023, and the day that NHL training camps open for the 2023-24 season on Sep. 23. Given the additions the Maple Leafs have made to the team, it’s going to be an interesting time for fans.
Flyers Could Reap Multiple Benefits From a Carter Hart Trade
Goaltender Carter Hart is set to endure the growing pains of the Philadelphia Flyers’ rebuild, but trading him to a contender could make sense for both the player and the team. The Flyers have not made it a secret that they are rebuilding.
Hart is just 24 years old and will be entering his prime in the time it takes for the Flyers to complete their rebuild. With one year left on his contract, he will likely be looking for a long-term extension on his next deal. If so, the Flyers may be using up the best years of their franchise goaltender’s career when they won’t be true Stanley Cup contenders for a decent chunk of time.
3 Unexpected Blues’ MVP Candidates for 2023-24
It’s hard to pin down the St. Louis Blues heading into the 2023-24 season. They are coming off a disappointing campaign, which saw them miss the postseason and draft Dalibor Dvorsky with the 10th overall pick. Now, with few changes to the roster, it’s unclear what the team will be this season. But the Blues’ Twitter account sparked some conversation this week when they asked this question: “Fill in the blank: ______________ will be the Blues’ MVP for the 2023-24 season.”
The Blues have some clear candidates for MVP: Robert Thomas, their top young player. Jordan Binnington, their goaltender, desperately needs a bounceback season to keep the Blues in the playoff race. But in this article, we’ll focus on three less obvious candidates for Blues’ MVP. And we’ll start with the only true new face in town.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Minnesota Wild - 10 Burning Questions for 2023-24
Carolina Hurricanes - 3 Hurricanes Hot Takes for 2023-24 Season
NHL News & Rumors - Sharks, Hurricanes, Oilers, Maple Leafs, Penguins
From TSN - Penguins’ Dubas says confidence in those around him led him to take on additional role as GM
From Sportsnet - How Canadiens GM Hughes can maximize Petry’s value after re-acquiring defenceman
From the NHL - Rangers ready to turn page with Laviolette after playoff disappointment
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Why no Predators coverage?
Thanks