THW Daily - Rangers Core & Maple Leafs Standouts
Also, future Oilers moves, Senators mismanagement, Bruins roster decisions & more
Welcome to The Hockey Writers Daily
In today’s edition, we have why the Rangers’ core is strong enough to win a Stanley Cup, how the Oilers could make a massive in-season trade, five Maple Leafs preseason standouts, the Senators’ mismanagement of assets, and much more.
It would be great if you’d share the THW Daily with your friends and family so that they can subscribe and enjoy every day.
Also, don’t forget to check out all of our FREE team Substacks, and sign up for your favorite…or all of them if you want.
Here’s the good stuff…
Rangers’ Core Strong Enough To Win a Stanley Cup
October 3, 2023 by Lucas Standel
The New York Rangers are entering another season where the expectations are that they will make the playoffs and make a deep run to end their 29-year Stanley Cup drought. They came close two seasons ago when they made it to the Eastern Conference Final, but they were bounced in round one last season by the New Jersey Devils.
After some lackluster playoff performances by some of their core players in the past two playoffs, questions have arisen as to whether this team has the core pieces in place to win it all. We know what they can do during the regular season, but when the games are more important, do the Rangers have the pieces in place to win a Stanley Cup?
Oilers Well Set Up to Make Massive In-Season Trade
October 3, 2023 by Jim Parsons
A team that most people understand will likely “go for it” this season, one well-respected Edmonton-based NHL journalist seems to think that the Oilers might not just make a big move, but they are primed for one. Noting three major factors that hint at GM Ken Holland taking a huge swing this season, Allan Mitchell of The Athletic seems to think the Oilers are not far off from making a blockbuster deal.
5 Maple Leafs Preseason Standouts… So Far
October 3, 2023 by Peter Baracchini
With hockey finally back, the preseason is underway and the start of the regular season is inching closer. While it may not seem like much matters in these games, it does matter to the players looking to make an impression and earn a roster spot.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are no different from every other team as they have their own internal competition going on. From up front with the forwards, to the crease, players are making an impact and a name for themselves with each game. It’s been a very competitive and energetic camp as you notice that specific players are standing out among the rest. With the days to the start of the regular season winding down, there are plenty of players who have made their case not just for the roster this season, but also the future going forward. Here are five standouts for the Maple Leafs so far.
Bruins Facing Tough Roster Decisions With Their Bottom-Six
October 3, 2023 by Scott Roche
Entering the 2023-24 season, the Boston Bruins pretty much know what their top six is going to look like. There is going to be plenty of mixing and matching depending on the opponent, matchups, and injuries. There are still two preseason games remaining and there is a lot to sort out with their bottom six.
Figuring out the final roster for Opening Night on Oct. 11 against the Chicago Blackhawks is not going to be easy for coach Jim Montgomery, especially figuring out his bottom six. There are many different ways he could go and let’s take a look at the options he has and who will emerge as likely bottom six forwards after Alex Chaisson was released from his professional tryout contract (PTO) Sunday (Oct. 1).
St. Louis Blues’ 2023-24 Lineup Projection
October 3, 2023 by Ethan Carter
With the puck dropping on the 2023-24 NHL regular season this month, teams are starting to cut their rosters down in order to put their opening night lineups together. That’s no different for the St. Louis Blues, who made very few roster changes from last season and despite that, their lineup will still look different.
The Blues season begins on Oct. 12 against the Dallas Stars and here is the lineup that they could roll out.
Senators Continue to Mismanage Assets With Latest Waivers
October 3, 2023 by Jacob Billington
The Ottawa Senators announced their latest round of roster cuts after a 3-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday (Oct. 2). After losing their 2019 first-round pick Lassi Thomson on waivers, the club opted to have Egor Sokolov and Jacob Bernard-Docker join the list of questionable decisions.
Players being cut from the team and reporting straight to the Belleville Senators are Tyler Kleven, Nikolas Matinpalo, Zack Ostapchuk, Cole Reinhardt and Kevin Mandolese. The group of players hitting waivers is headlined by Sokolov and Bernard-Docker but also includes Matthew Highmore and Jacob Larsson.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Chicago Blackhawks - Blackhawks’ Surprise Standouts of 2023-24 Preseason
Winnipeg Jets - Predicting Every Winnipeg Jets Game of 2023-24
NHL News & Rumors - Ducks, Blackhawks, Oilers, Avalanche
From TSN - 'Refreshing’ Savard seizing role as Flames new ‘offensive coordinator’
From Sportsnet - As Maple Leafs lineup takes shape, who’s fighting for final roster spots?
From the NHL - Crosby gets ‘unique’ chance to play preseason game with Penguins in Nova Scotia
We hope you enjoyed today’s THW Daily, and we hope to expand our daily offerings as we develop and experiment with this new platform. Cheers!