THW Daily - Biggest Western Conference Trade Rumors & Red Wings' Struggles in December
Also, why the goalie market could be hot ahead of trade deadline, Jets prospects to watch at 2024 WJC & more
Welcome to The Hockey Writers Daily
In today’s edition, we have the biggest Western Conference trade rumors, the Red Wings struggles in December, why the goalie market could be hot ahead of the trade deadline, and much more.
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Tampa Bay Lightning: Prospect Check-In: Duke Striving While Alnefelt Sees Dip in Game Time by Jordan Orth
Prospects & Draft: Canada/USA Team Previews & 2024 Draft Prospects to Watch at the World Juniors by Logan Horn
Chicago Blackhawks: 10 Thoughts About This Blackhawks Bunch by Brooke LoFurno
Yesterday’s NHL Scores…
Goalie Market Could Be Hot Ahead of 2024 NHL Trade Deadline
December 21, 2023 by Alex Chauvancy
Goaltending is the most important position in hockey, and there are always a few teams in need of help in net during any given season. But it appears there could be more of a need for goaltending in 2023-24 than in previous years ahead of the trade deadline, which is March 8, 2024.
The problem is there may not be much supply for teams to address their goaltending needs. That could result in a mini arms race between organizations that need to handle it. Let’s look at who could be available and which teams will be searching for a goalie in the weeks ahead.
Biggest NHL Trade Rumors 2023: Western Conference Teams
December 21, 2023 by Jim Parsons
This year, there have already been a number of big rumors circulating around the NHL’s Western Conference. With the holiday trade freeze providing a lull in the action, it feels like the right time to look back at some of the loudest trade talks that were, are, and will be out there.
This post will specifically focus on the Western Conference rumors.
Elvis Merzlikins Can Solve Oilers’ Goaltending Woes
December 21, 2023 by Sean Panganiban
If the Edmonton Oilers had a Christmas wish list, acquiring a new goaltender would be the top priority. Edmonton’s main guy between the pipes, Stuart Skinner, has done a decent job thus far in net, but he’s only in his second season, still learning the job and in need of assistance.
The Oilers’ woes in net are an ongoing struggle and despite the desire from some in Oil Country to find an upgrade over Skinner, goaltenders of higher quality are probably not attainable on the market. The most likely scenario moving forward is to find a 1A and 1B situation and Oilers’ analyst Jason Gregor proposed an interesting trade pitch for the Columbus Blue Jackets’ netminder, Elvis Merzlikins.
Flames Should Be Gauging Trade Interest for Markstrom
December 21, 2023 by Rupert McDonald
Calgary Flames management would never come out and say it, but they are well aware that this current roster is not good enough to compete for a Stanley Cup. Frankly, it isn’t even close. With underperforming players such as Jonathan Huberdeau, paired with a lack of true top-end talent, you get exactly what they have been for the past season and a half: a middling team that, at best, sneaks into the playoffs but likely falls just short.
Markstrom’s season totals of a 2.81 goals against average (GAA) and a .901 save percentage (SV%) don’t appear very impressive, but they don’t tell the full story. Those who have watched the Flames closely this season would tell you that he has done an excellent job of giving his team a chance to win in nearly all of his 17 appearances this season, but he has instead been let down by a lack of goal-scoring and defensive breakdowns.
Red Wings’ Struggles Continue in the Month of December
December 21, 2023 by Evan Sabourin
The temperature dropped to nearly 26 degrees Fahrenheit in Winnipeg on Wednesday night (Dec. 20) as the hometown Jets got set to host the Detroit Red Wings in a late December matchup at Canada Life Centre. But that still wasn’t as cold as the streak Detroit came in on.
The team, losers of seven of their last eight, came out flat once again as Winnipeg manhandled them up and down the ice in a 5-2 win. It has been a nightmare for this club from a defensive standpoint as we head into the new year and there doesn’t appear to be an end in sight. The organization refuses to make any adjustments on the blue line and it’s costing this team valuable points as Detroit looks to return to the postseason for the first time in eight years.
3 Jets Prospects to Watch at 2024 World Juniors
December 21, 2023 by Declan Schroeder
The 2024 World Junior Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden begin on Dec. 26. It’s a long-standing tradition for hockey fans from around the globe to tune into the post-Christmas tournament featuring the world’s most elite under-20 players, and Winnipeg Jets fans are no exception.
The Jets have three prospects participating in the World Juniors, two of whom are returnees to their country’s clubs and one who’s making his World Juniors debut. Here’s a brief look at each and what to expect from them.
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NHL News & Rumors - Oilers, Senators, Penguins, Nolan Patrick…
From TSN - NHL-leading Golden Knights G Hill, Thompson both out with injuries
From Sportsnet - NHL Power Rankings: Which teams have most to watch at world juniors?
From ESPN - Jaromir Jagr makes season debut for Kladno Knights at age 51
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