THW Daily - How Great 2023-24 Golden Knights Are & Keys to Devils Succeeding Without Top Two Centers
Also, which goalies the Oilers could trade for, Canucks' tests in November & more
Welcome to The Hockey Writers Daily
In today’s edition, we have thoughts on how good the 2023-24 Golden Knights are, keys for the Devils succeeding without their top two centers, which goalies the Oilers might trade for, and much more.
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Here’s the good stuff…
Yesterday’s NHL Scores…
Canadiens & Oilers Emerging as Potential Trade Partners
November 9, 2023 by Michael DeRosa
When it comes to the trade market, the Montreal Canadiens are one of the teams most watched right now. It is understandable, as they are currently sporting three goalies on their NHL roster – Jake Allen, Sam Montembeault, and Cayden Primeau. Until one of these three is moved, this will continue to be a topic of discussion amongst hockey fans. Although things have been fairly quiet up until this point, one Canadiens netminder is starting to generate interest.
In his latest 32 Thoughts column, Elliotte Friedman reported that the Edmonton Oilers have spoken to the Canadiens about “the possibility” of acquiring Allen. However, the prominent insider also noted that he does not believe anything is imminent between the two clubs at this juncture. Since Allen has been on the Oilers’ radar, let’s dive into why a potential move centering around the veteran netminder could make sense for both clubs if these talks become more serious during the season.
2022-23 Golden Knights May Not Be Franchise’s Best Team
November 9, 2023 by Ben Fisher
Which Vegas Golden Knights team is the best of all time? This should be an easy question to answer. Of the six seasons in the franchise’s young history, only the 2022-23 Golden Knights raised the Stanley Cup. That being said, the remarkable success of the club since its formation presents at least some degree of debate.
After all, not all seasons are created equal. No matter how many Cups Vegas wins in the coming years, their expansion season trip to the Final will remain uniquely special. Furthermore, the seasons in between their inaugural year and the Cup win have been plagued by the pandemic and have featured seasons of varying lengths. Could any other campaign match last year, even if they didn’t measure up to the franchise-record 111 points? Here’s a look at some of these questions as we look at the franchise – still in its relative infancy, mind you – to determine the most successful season to date.
Insider Won’t Rule Out Maple Leafs as Landing Spot for Kane
November 9, 2023 by Michael DeRosa
After receiving offseason hip surgery, star forward Patrick Kane is closer to returning and has begun talking to teams because of it. Naturally, the soon-to-be 35-year-old is creating a lot of buzz in the hockey world about where he might end up.
In a recent article for The Athletic, Chris Johnston listed the Toronto Maple Leafs as one of the potential landing spots for Kane (from Johnston: What I’m hearing about potential Patrick Kane landing spots, The Athletic, 11/8/2023). It is certainly intriguing to hear that the Maple Leafs are gaining some traction as a possible destination for Kane. As a result, let’s dive into this topic more.
Canucks’ 3 Biggest Tests Throughout November
November 9, 2023 by Sartaaj Bhullar
The Vancouver Canucks are off to an incredible start in the 2023-24 season. They have posted a 9-2-1 record and sit second in the Pacific Division and third in the NHL. Head coach Rick Tocchet‘s system and coaching have led to the team playing impressive hockey. The club’s top players have been top players, while the role players have done their part.
The win against the Stars was the biggest test of the Canucks season so far. They won 2-0, outshooting Dallas 28 to 27. However, they have a few more tests coming throughout the remainder of the month to see how good this team is. Here are three teams that’ll test the Canucks this month.
Four Keys to the Devils Succeeding Without Hischier & Hughes
November 9, 2023 by Josh Reinitz
What is the only thing worse than having your franchise center, former first-overall draft pick injured and out of the lineup indefinitely? Having both of your franchise centers, first-overall draft picks out indefinitely. This is where the New Jersey Devils currently reside, in limbo waiting for the return of their top two skaters.
Thus far, they have weathered the storm, returning with a 2-2 record from a four-game swing through the Midwest, but with important Metropolitan Division games looming in the next ten days, they need to play better or risk falling behind. Here are four areas that hold the key to not only surviving but thriving in the absence of Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes.
4 Names Already Linked to Oilers In Future Goalie Trade
November 9, 2023 by Jim Parsons
As news that Jack Campbell has cleared waivers and Calvin Pickard gets the call from the Bakersfield Condors becomes official for the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday, speculation and trade talk surrounds the team from almost every notable insider that is watching this goaltender situation closely. Names like Pierre LeBrun, Ryan Rishaug, David Pagnotta, Reid Wilkins, Mark Spector and others have all weighed in, noting they are hearing names as possible goaltending candidates.
While any trade will be difficult to make based on the salary cap situation in Edmonton (even with Campbell now down in the minors), there is the potential for something.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
St. Louis Blues - Blues’ Snuggerud Team-First Mentality is Leading Path to NHL
Colorado Avalanche - Avalanche Prospects Dominant to Start 2023-24
Hockey History - NHL’s Longest-Tenured Captains of All-Time
NHL News & Rumors - Oilers, Senators, Flames, Maple Leafs
From TSN - Kraken F Eberle day-to-day after cut on leg from skate blade
From Sportsnet - Three potential goalies for the leaking Oilers to target in trade
From ESPN - Maple Leafs aim to tighten defense ahead of back-to-back against Flames, Canucks
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!