THW Daily - Why Islanders Fired Lane Lambert & Trade Destinations for Blue Jackets' Merzlikins
Also, why the Maple Leafs should stand pat at the trade deadline, a possible reunion for Bertuzzi and the Red Wings & more
Welcome to The Hockey Writers Daily
In today’s edition, we have why the New York Islanders fired head coach Lane Lambert, a few trade destinations for Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, why the Maple Leafs should stand pat at the 2024 trade deadline, and much more.
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Prospects & Draft: Reacting to the NHL's Midterm Rankings by Dayton Reimer
Nashville Predators: Primetime Predators Ep. 1: New Year, New Predators by Alex Wauthy
Montreal Canadiens: Habs Prospect Report: Evaluating Roy's Call-Up & Mesar Injured by Michael DeRosa
Ottawa Senators: Prospect Round-Up: CHL's Senators Getting Moved Around by Jacob Billington
NHL News & Rumours: Everything We Know About Corey Perry's Signing With the Oilers by Jim Parsons
Carolina Hurricanes: Chaotic Canes Ep. 4: Honoring Mr. Game 7 by Zach Martin
New Jersey Devils: Devils Sunday Brunch - Goals are scarce by Josh Reinitz
Columbus Blue Jackets: 3 Candidates to Replace Elvis Merzlikins by William Espy
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Welcome to the THW Professional Women's Hockey League Substack
Schroeder & Downie-Landry Lead PWHL New York and Loren Grobel & Alina Müller Lift PWHL Boston
Yesterday’s Scores…
Red Wings Should Pursue Tyler Bertuzzi Reunion
January 21, 2024 by Evan Sabourin
Looking across the street from Ford Field to Little Caesars Arena, there is another team in town who could use that type of player right now. The Detroit Red Wings once had that rugged grinder in Tyler Bertuzzi and have been missing it ever since they traded him to the Boston Bruins back on March 2, 2023. At this point, it’s fair to say the pairing hasn’t exactly worked out as planned in “The Six.” Bertuzzi has struggled to maintain pace and is drawing the ire of the ever-faithful Leafs nation.
He’s posted just six goals in 43 games so far and is hearing it from the home crowd in what has been a frustrating season for the Sudbury, Ontario native. Many observers called him out in the media when he was caught laughing on the bench after teammate Timothy Liljegren was slew-footed by his other former teammate, Marchand, during a Nov 2nd. matchup in Boston. Where was the supposed agitator in that time of need? Being a scapegoat in the Toronto market is not something any player craves, and trade rumors are swirling as Bertuzzi will be an unrestricted free agent once again this offseason.
Islanders Fire Lambert Midseason: Why Lamoriello Pulled the Plug
January 21, 2024 by Mike Fink
A loss to one of the worst teams in the NHL to wrap up a 0-3-1 road trip was enough for the general manager (GM) Lou Lamoriello. The New York Islanders lost to the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3 in overtime on Jan. 19, and the slide in the standings forced Lamoriello to fire Lane Lambert and replace him with Patrick Roy.
The Islanders are just the next team in line to replace their head coach this season. The Columbus Blue Jackets did so before the season started, but the Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues, and Ottawa Senators have also fired their head coaches in the middle of the 2023-24 season. Lambert was the next great coach in line. He seemed poised to not only take over for Barry Trotz but take this team to the next level. Fast forward to a dry January, and he’s out of a job. The decision was surprising yet one that fans could see coming as the Islanders looked like a poorly coached team.
5 Blues Forwards Who Could Be Dealt by the Trade Deadline
January 21, 2024 by Anthony Testaguzza
With the NHL Trade Deadline less than two months away, the pressure is rising for the St. Louis Blues to make some moves before the deadline expires. Although there is still a lot of time left before Blues fans should worry about whether the Blues will make a move, it doesn’t mean they will not consider it. Right now, the Blues are in a position where they need to make moves, especially when their power play is still one of the worst in the league and will require some more offensive options.
Recently, Blues general manager Doug Armstrong announced that Blues 2022 first-rounder Jimmy Snuggerud would get a chance to play as soon as this season, and to do so would also require the Blues to make some room for him in the lineup.
Trade Deadline Could Be Painful for the Ottawa Senators
January 21, 2024 by Dayton Reimer
The Ottawa Senators have the typical look of a seller heading into the 2024 NHL Deadline. With just 30 points in 39 games, the team sits at the bottom of the Atlantic Division and third last in the league, and with just $12,000 in cap space, they are in no place to take in big contracts. Add in a rapidly-depleting farm system, and you have the modern recipe for a rebuild. Yet another rebuild is the last thing that the new Senators owners want to start. After seven years of missing the playoffs, this was supposed to be the season that would change, and with one of the youngest cores in the NHL, surrounding them with the right talent needs to be the top priority.
The team knows it too, with general manager Steve Staios promising he’ll be aggressive on the trade market to turn this team around. That’s created plenty of speculation around the team’s expiring contracts and underperforming stars. But, of course, a roster shakeup is never easy, and moving most of these players is going to hurt. But how much? Here are the top five players expected to be moved on deadline day and how painful it will be for Ottawa.
3 Potential Destinations for Blue Jackets’ Elvis Merzlikins
January 20, 2024 by William Espy
The Columbus Blue Jackets and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins are expected to part ways in the near future. Although there is mixed information out there at this point regarding a trade request from the player, it’s time for both sides to go in a different direction.
The Latvian goaltender has made it clear he feels he’s a starting goalie, and doesn’t want to be a backup which limits the destinations he can go. His contract restricts that list even further, as not many can fit him in under the salary cap. Let’s take a look at a few organizations that could make sense as potential destinations for him.
It’s Good News if the Maple Leafs Stand Firm at Trade Deadline
January 21, 2024 by The Old Prof
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Toronto Maple Leafs are considering the team’s current makeup. Despite being anticipated buyers leading up to the NHL Trade Deadline (as they always seem to be) and in the playoff conversation, Friedman believes that doubts have emerged about the team’s willingness to go all-in for a Stanley Cup run.
Friedman asserts that this might not be the season for the Maple Leafs to make significant moves. He suggests that the Maple Leafs are contemplating a more extensive, longer-term strategy rather than a shorter-term leap toward success. He doubts that the team will be going for the home run – the one player or players who can be a tipping point for the team at the trade deadline.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Colorado Avalanche - Avalanche Must Trade for Backup Goalie to Relieve Georgiev
Pittsburgh Penguins - Penguins’ Goaltending is X-Factor for Playoff Push
Arizona Coyotes - Comparing Logan Cooley’s Rookie Season to Coyotes’ Teammates
NHL News & Rumors - Canadiens, Canucks, Islanders, Oilers
From TSN - Oilers agree to deal with veteran forward Perry
From Sportsnet - ‘I definitely hate it’: Maple Leafs' Reaves discusses string of healthy scratches
From ESPN - Senators' Shane Pinto gets assist in return from 41-game suspension
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