THW Daily - Who Maple Leafs Could Trade at the Deadline & Lightning's Hedman Thriving in Leadership Role
Also, what the Flames can expect from Andrei Kuzmenko & more
Welcome to The Hockey Writers Daily
In today’s edition, we have who the Maple Leafs could trade at the deadline, how Lightning big man Victor Hedman is thriving in his leadership role, and much more.
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Arizona Coyotes: Kachina Corner Weekly Audio Report: A Rough Trip Down South by Chase Beardsley
Tampa Bay Lightning: Time to Bolt Audio Report: Kucherov First Pick in All-Star Game Draft by Harrison Smajovits
Florida Panthers: 10 Thoughts on the Panthers: All-Star Break Edition by Joey Ganzi
New Jersey Devils: Devils Sunday Brunch - 10 Thoughts on the Second Half by Josh Reinitz
St. Louis Blues: Blue Note Weekly Audio Report: Robert Thomas Has Big Week as All-Star in Toronto by Ethan Carter
Edmonton Oilers: Oilers Overtime: Winning or Buying... You Can't Have Both by Jim Parsons
Boston Bruins: 4 Keys to the Rest of the Bruins' Season by Scott Roche
Check Out THW’s Professional Women’s Hockey League Coverage
Yesterday’s Scores…
Brock Nelson Is the Islanders’ Best Trade Asset
February 6, 2024 by Anthony Russo
As the trade deadline approaches, the New York Islanders are in a tough position. Ideally, the front office would probably like to buy, but they aren’t in a playoff position currently. If the Islanders choose to sell, it could cash in some assets on center Brock Nelson.
The biggest issue with the Islanders is it has spent so many assets in trying to win Lord Stanley over the past few years. This includes trading top prospect Aatu Räty and sacrificing several first-round picks. Now, it has a rock-bottom prospect pool, and it desperately needs to be replenished. The best way to do that? Sell to a buyer at the deadline that’s willing to pay a premium for an asset.
3 Maple Leafs Most Likely to Be Traded Ahead of 2024 Deadline
February 6, 2024 by Jim Parsons
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager (GM) Brad Treliving is approaching his first NHL Trade Deadline with the team. Rumored to be one of the more active GMs when scouring the market, this could be a busy 2024 trade deadline as the organization approaches March 8. The team is near the NHL playoffs’ cut line, and some insiders wonder if this is the year to go all in. At the same time, not buying at all would be viewed as a failure by others. The question worth asking is where is the middle ground? What do the Leafs buy and what do they sell?
It could be a mix of both, but we’ll focus on who the team is most likely to move out in making any potential deals.
What the Calgary Flames Can Expect From Andrei Kuzmenko
February 6, 2024 by Gary Pearson
Andrei Kuzmenko will suit up for the first time as a member of the Calgary Flames on Tuesday in Boston, but what can head coach Ryan Huska and company expect from their new arrival? On Monday (Feb. 5), he practiced with Jonathan Huberdeau and Yegor Sharangovich, which should comprise the No. 1 unit against the Bruins.
While Kuzmenko barely speaks a lick of English, Huberdeau is excited about what he’s seen thus far from his new teammate. His lack of English won’t be an issue for Sharangovich, whose primary language is Belarusian. It’s way too early to know how the 28-year-old Russian will adapt to life in Calgary, but his track record in the NHL, despite a brief season-and-a-half sample size, is promising. Hopefully, he has the magic touch and can restore the confidence of Calgary’s most disappointing player.
Oilers Reportedly Have Had Talks With Ducks for Adam Henrique
February 6, 2024 by Sean Panganiban
Two top Western Conference teams improved their rosters over the last week, which could pose a potential challenge for the Edmonton Oilers. The Vancouver Canucks bolstered their forward depth with the acquisition of Elias Lindholm on Feb. 1, and the Winnipeg Jets, not to be outdone, improved down the middle a day later by trading for Sean Monahan from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a first-round draft pick and a conditional third-round pick.
Nevertheless, whenever there’s an opportunity for improvement, a team should seize it and recently, the NHL Network’s David Pagnotta confirmed on Edmonton Sports Talk’s “Hello Hockey” that the Oilers have enquired about Anaheim Ducks’ centerman, Adam Henrique, who could strengthen their center depth.
Hedman’s Veteran Leadership Improving Young Lightning Blue Line
February 6, 2024 by Jim Bay
Returning from the All-Star Break, the Tampa Bay Lightning are looking to continue their strong play, which has resulted in them winning eight of their last nine games. Not only are the Lightning benefitting from Nikita Kucherov’s stellar play, but they have also benefited from the re-emergence of Brayden Point. However, one of the most significant factors in their recent success has been the improvement of their blue line.
Early in the season, the Lightning defense struggled, especially when Andrei Vasilevskiy was sidelined after his back surgery. However, during the last 11 games, the defense has picked up its play, resulting in fewer high-danger chances for opponents and allowing the Lightning offense to hit their stride. A great deal of the credit for the improved play goes to the play and leadership of their veteran blueliner, Victor Hedman.
Red Wings: Do Poor Expected Goals Metrics Actually Matter?
February 6, 2024 by Tony Wolak
Much has been made of the Detroit Red Wings’ expected goals metrics lately. I suppose that is to be expected, though.
As a quick refresher, a team’s expected goals total is derived by weighting all unblocked shot attempts by their probability of being a goal. That probability is determined by shot speed, location, type, and other variables depending on who is calculating the metric (i.e. Natural Stat Trick, Money Puck, etc.). The values for each unblocked shot attempt are added up to produce the team’s expected goal total. Are Detroit’s expected goals metrics a problem, though? I don’t think so. Here’s why.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Montreal Canadiens - Canadiens Should Experiment with Newhook at Centre Again
Colorado Avalanche - Avalanche Recall Justus Annunen in Effort to Solve Goalie Issues
Toronto Maple Leafs - Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Samsonov, Tavares & Woll
NHL News & Rumors - Oilers, Golden Knights, Penguins, Canadiens
From TSN - Insider Trading: Flames' uncertain Hanifin situation coming to a head
From Sportsnet - Though not the ultimate goal, Oilers aware spot in record books is 'attainable'
From ESPN - Ex-Senators coach D.J. Smith joining Kings as an assistant
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