TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 18: Pittsburgh Penguins Center Sidney Crosby (87) controls the puck in front of Toronto Maple Leafs Right Wing Mitchell Marner (16) during the regular season NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Toronto Maple Leafs on October 18, 2018 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON. (Photo by Gerry Angus/Icon Sportswire)
The Team Canada and Team USA Olympic orientation camps are under way and the funniest bit of news was that Canada claims they will not set their roster to deal with the USA. Meanwhile, Team Canada’s executive director gave Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby the highest praise, and the newest NHL stars are fighting to make the team. Also in the Daily, the Rangers have a big decision with the Bread Man, and coach Mike Sullivan is already talking lines. Mitch Marner opened up on leaving Toronto, and what’s the deal with Connor McDavid?
Sure, Team Canada won’t respond to Team USA pummeling them in the Round Robin of the Four Nations. Sure! That’s why Brad Marchand, Tom Wilson, and some stronger players were invited.
If Canada wants to truly dominate the world again, it’d better start by growing goalies. If Binnington doesn’t again play out of his mask, Canada is going to be very unhappy…
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: It might have been a little awkward for Crosby. Sure, everyone likes praise, and to have teammates regale others with tales of your feats must be surreal, but what about when the head of your country’s team says YOU are the biggest advantage over the U.S.? Canada heaped praise upon one Mr. Sidney Crosby.
Steelers Now: The Steelers were crafty with sixth-round pick Will Howard. The Ohio State quarterback busted his pinky finger early in camp and hasn’t practiced since, but if the Steelers put him on IR BEFORE cut-down day, there were transactional consequences. Here’s the full story of the Steelers QB.
Pittsburgh Baseball Now: There’s a little smoke to an off-season trade between the Pirates and Orioles. John Perrotto digs in–here’s what the Pirates trade could look like.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
NHLTradeRumors.me: Pulling from multiple stories, including Frank Seravalli and Peter Bough of The Athletic, the New York Rangers have a big decision to give a new contract or not to 33-year-old Artemi Panarin. Will they dangle him on the trade block or re-sign him?
Sportsnet: Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard. Will they make Team Canada, or will they get bumped for experience?
Who would have thought that Celebrini would pass Bedard, but in my gut, that’s how that one goes down. Celebrini just looks like a player willing to do what is necessary to win, and he’s passing the more talented Bedard in status. Of course, Team Canada didn’t take Crosby in 2006, so neither might make it.
Also from the boys up north, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman took an open-eyed look at Connor McDavid’s contract situation, “Something is imperfect in his eyes.” Here’s Friedman’s report.
McDavid will stay in Edmonton, but how did they miss on John Gibson? I expect Michael DiPietro to be in Edmonton before long. They have to change something … anything.
TSN Video: Mitch Marner left Toronto. He packed up and left via free agency. There were death threats against him and his family. But he’s in Vegas now, and could he be even better for the VGK?
Forever Blueshirts: Jim Cerny took the Metro Division to the mat, delivering off-season grades for those climbing and those sinking. We know which path the Penguins are on, but what about the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers?
Philly Hockey Now: Will James’s notebook has some interesting items, including the EA Sports 2026 player rankings and the rookie showcase for the Philadelphia Flyers.
Detroit Hockey Now: A blast from the past is in the news now. The Red Wings’ former top prospect, who was selected in 2001 but is now a GM in the KHL, has been issued a four-year doping ban. The list of substances found in his test was simply incredible. Here’s your jaw-dropping story of the day–the former Red Wings prospect is done.
Tags: mitch marner nhl trade Pittsburgh Penguins Sidney Crosby
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