The Hockey Writers Daily - September 23, 2023
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In today’s edition, we have more on the Steven Stamkos contract situation, which teams the Oilers should worry about, bold predictions for the Rangers in 2023-24, and much more.
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Here’s the good stuff…
Capitals Should Have Outbid Canucks Offer for Casey DeSmith
September 22, 2023 by Jesse Courville-Lynch
The Vancouver Canucks recently traded forward Tanner Pearson and a 2025 third-round draft pick to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for goaltender Casey DeSmith.
This trade allows the Canucks to be cap compliant entering the 2023-24 season, and now they have a stronger duo between the pipes for a new season. A combination of Thatcher Demko and DeSmith will allow the Canucks to improve on what was a weak 2022-23 season. To only give up Pearson and a third in exchange for an upgrade in goal is impressive, and the Washington Capitals should have been all over that in hopes of improving on Charlie Lindgren as a backup goaltender.
If Stamkos Is Left Hanging, Could the Maple Leafs Come Calling?
September 22, 2023 by Spencer Lazary
Could Steven Stamkos finally be heading home this offseason? To kick off the Tampa Bay Lightning’s training camp, their captain met the media with some fireworks. He was asked about his expiring contract and the uncertainty surrounding his future, to which he replied, “To be honest, I’ve been disappointed in the lack of talk in that regard. It was something that I expressed at the end of last year—that I wanted to get something done before training camp started. There haven’t been any conversations.”
So, we have to ask: if he were to hit the open market, could the Toronto Maple Leafs be a top destination? All fans know that he would like to spend the entirety of his NHL career with the Lightning, but the organization may have other plans.
Hellebuyck Confirms He’ll Eye Contender Like Oilers This Season
September 22, 2023 by Jim Parsons
While he didn’t mention the Edmonton Oilers by name, simply by using the process of elimination, the Edmonton Oilers now know that goaltender Connor Hellebuyck would be open to joining the team ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline if the Oilers are Stanley Cup contenders and the Winnipeg Jets are not. Frankly, even if there are questions left unanswered, he made considering only contenders abundantly clear.
During a conversation with the media on Thursday, Hellebuyck tried to put the continued rumors to rest about his future with the Jets. He didn’t say he was looking to leave, but if you’re a Jets fan, unfortunately, all he did was get people talking because he firmly stated that he’s “open-minded” when it comes to his future, whether that be with the Jets or another organization.
Oilers Only Have 2 Teams to Worry About in 2023-24
September 22, 2023 by Rob Couch
Many teams have a lot to worry about when it comes to opponents. This might include potential playoff matchups or even teams also fighting to get into the postseason altogether. There is always good competition around the league and nothing is for certain. In the Edmonton Oilers’ case, they only have two teams to worry about this season.
I don’t think it’s a question of whether the Oilers are going to make the playoffs anymore, but more about where they are going to find themselves in terms of the top three in the division and conference. The team is going to be very good this season. They are coming off a season where the team led the league in goals and power-play percentage and have some nice additions starting the season on the roster. Everything is looking up, so let’s take a better look at who the two teams are that the Oilers have to actually worry about this season.
Bold Rangers Predictions for the 2023-24 Season
September 22, 2023 by Brendan Azoff
The feeling after a Game 7 defeat was a stark contrast to the dominance displayed by the New York Rangers during the first two games of their series against the New Jersey Devils. A shutout loss in a decisive winner-take-all game against their rivals stung, and that sting has lasted an entire offseason.
Per Mollie Walker of the NY Post, Rangers veteran Chris Kreider had this to say in early August. “I think, like every guy on that team, I’ve got a pit in my stomach. I expect that to turn into a bit of a chip on everyone’s shoulder.” The Rangers hope that the chip on their shoulder remains and that new head coach Peter Laviolette and his staff can assemble a structure and plan that remedies their early exit last postseason.
Devils News & Rumors: Ruff, Luke Hughes & More
September 22, 2023 by Alex Chauvancy
The New Jersey Devils took the ice for the first time yesterday (Sept. 21) as training camp is underway. There wasn’t too much to take away from the on-ice sessions, but there was a bit of news to come from press conferences, specifically from general manager Tom Fitzgerald and head coach Lindy Ruff. Let’s catch up on the latest news to end the week.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Carolina Hurricanes - Hurricanes’ 2023-24 Roster Has Holes
Calgary Flames - Flames Have Plenty of Options in Net
NHL News & Rumors - Sabres, Ducks, Jets, Bruins, Wild, Maple Leafs
From TSN - Flames' Zadorov explains decision to speak out against invasion of Ukraine
From Sportsnet - Oilers need Broberg to start realizing his potential, or trade-bait fate awaits
From the NHL - Backstrom says missing playoffs 'not acceptable' for Ovechkin, Capitals
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