The Hockey Writers Daily - July 10, 2023
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In today’s edition, we grade the Red Wings trade for DeBrincat, the latest NHL news & rumors, the Top 15 remaining free agents, the Penguins & Erik Karlsson, the Senators & Tarasenko, and much more.
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Grading Red Wings’ Blockbuster Trade for Alex DeBrincat
The trade market had come to a halt since free agency began a little over a week ago. But the Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings broke the ice late Sunday night (July 9), with the Senators sending Michigan native Alex DeBrincat to the Red Wings in exchange for Dominik Kubalik, prospect Donovan Sebrango, and two draft picks.
The Red Wings had seemed like the favorite to acquire DeBrincat for quite some time, but it finally came to fruition this evening. The Red Wings needed scoring help, specifically on the wing, while the Senators got some draft capital and an NHLer in Kubalik. Here are trade grades for each side.
NHL Rumors: Oilers, Bruins, Rangers, Sabres, Devils
In today’s NHL rumors rundown, there are a couple of updates regarding the Edmonton Oilers and what they may be looking to do over the offseason. Meanwhile, how much truth is there to the rumors Tyler Bertuzzi went back to the Boston Bruins and tried to sign a one-year deal? Who are the favorites to sign Patrick Kane and what will the New Jersey Devils do to fill out a hole on their roster?
Top 15 Remaining Free Agents for 2023
Most of the top free agents have signed with new teams for the 2023-24 season. Still, a few notable players are looking for new homes for the upcoming season. With teams still tight on money in a flat salary cap, it could take a little longer before some of the better remaining free agents agree to new contracts. Let’s look at the 15 best-remaining UFAs.
Penguins Really Don’t Need Erik Karlsson
For the past week or so, the rumour mill has run rampant with the idea of Erik Karlsson being traded from San Jose. One of the two teams featured in those rumours is the Pittsburgh Penguins.
On Thursday in The Athletic, Penguins beat writer Josh Yohe authored an article entitled “Eric Karlsson is precisely what the Penguins could use” (from ‘Eric Karlsson is precisely what the Penguins could use’, The Athletic, July 6, 2023).
Senators Could Benefit From Signing Vladimir Tarasenko
While the Ottawa Senators didn’t have the most eventful 2023 Draft, they’ve made many moves to fill some needs since the beginning of the free agency period. Not only did they re-sign Erik Brannstrom, Jacob Bernard-Docker, and Travis Hamonic, but they also signed Joonas Korpisalo to gain stability in net.
With Alex DeBrincat looking like he’ll be dealt, the Senators could be looking to find a replacement to fill his shoes. Once he is traded, the team should return to the free agency market to get a good top-six forward.
Since Vladimir Tarasenko’s name is still on the market, could this be a golden opportunity for general manager (GM) Pierre Dorion to alleviate the effects of losing DeBrincat only a year after acquiring him?
Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Liljegren, Hirvonen, Pekas & Knies
In this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs News & Rumors, we’ll take a look at a number of topics. These include the signing of John Klingberg and his potential impact on fellow Swede Timothy Liljegren‘s career. Second, we’ll look at the bad news that Roni Hirvonen, one of the team’s top prospects, suffered a concussion during a scrimmage at development camp.
Also from the development camp, we’ll share the news that two young Russian goalies – Artur Akhtyamov and Vyacheslav Peksa – had impressive camps and were able to showcase their skills. Fourth, we’ll share that Albin Sundin, an 18-year-old Swedish defenseman and camp invitee, made a strong impression.
Finally, we look at what the upcoming season might present in terms of opportunities for both Matthew Knies and Nick Robertson.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
New York Rangers - Rangers GM Chris Drury’s 5 Best & Worst Moves
Boston Bruins - Bruins News & Rumors: Swayman, Frederic, Grzelcyk & More
St. Louis Blues - Blues Not Currently Built to Compete for 2023-24
From TSN - Why haven't the Flames been able to move many players?
From Sportsnet - Jets prospect Rutger McGroarty out to convince fans he's worth the wait
From the NHL - Ducks add 2-time Cup winner Killorn, new coach Cronin to help rebuild
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