Trade Demands; Contract Squabbles; Penguins Outlook Changing

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ trade outlook could and should change as the wins mount. That was one of the primary questions in the latest Penguins Q&A, in which we tackled some of the bigger topics that were submitted after we recorded the latest No Pucks Given podcast. Practice was also another uptempo affair with shootout practice. We’ve got video of Sidney Crosby’s slick little move.

Elsewhere in the Daily, the NHL trade talk is getting warm up north as Montreal might be looking for a goalie, too. Edmonton might need a shakeup trade. And Winnipeg has a disgruntled prospect that wants out.

Thursday, we had our one-on-one with Penguins coach Dan Muse. I expected five minutes of his time, sort of a drive-by, “hey, thanks” sort of thing. But to the Penguins’ great credit, they sat us down in the offices and Muse and I talked for nearly 20 minutes. I know Dan had other meetings and things to do, but he didn’t hurry through anything and was as genuine as any coach I’ve ever spoken with.

It was a lot to digest. I didn’t get into systems or too many hockey specifics. Maybe next time. But he told me of his epiphany when he knew he wanted to coach, and it was just such a great story that I found myself intently listening to the story, forgetting about my job and how to write it (I’m usually filtering everything in terms of how to write the story).

I dug into a couple of topics, such as coaching a team that can be difficult, and a story I knew about him from an angle that it seems even he didn’t know. I will publish the audio as a special podcast today.

It’s hard not to like the guy.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: More questions on Harrison Brunicke’s immediate future, as well as how the playoff contention will change general manager Kyle Dubas’s strategy. We dove headfirst into the latest Penguins trade talk.

More shootout practice, and Crosby had a shifty little move instore for Arturs Silovs. And I spoke with Crosby about winning and plugging players into the lineup. I think you’ll like his answer, that each feeds the other. It’s part of the Penguins’ practice report.

Steelers Now: OK, it’s a dated reference, but whenever I hear or see the word “tryouts,” I think of Heath Ledger’s Joker, which remains the greatest piece of acting that I have ever seen. This week, the Steelers hosted three wide receivers on tryouts. Alan Saunders has the scoop on the Steelers news.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: Danny Demilio brings the big stick today. Every year, the Pirates say they tried. Sure, they made offers. Sure, they made calls. And sure, they failed. But they tried! Demilio writes, No. Not this time. Not this year. Tried isn’t good enough for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

One thing I’ve not seen anyone note, and though I’m not a baseball reporter, I know sports and free agency–The Pirates have the stink on them. The only solution is to overpay for several free agents and hope they work out.

Now, an important note: There are reports circulating that in Stockholm, Evgeni Malkin said he wanted to play another year or two. Remember, Pittsburgh Hockey Now was standing there in there in the scrum. We published the video. That is NOT what he said. NO. Here’s the story and here’s the video: HE SAID MAYBE, BUT HE WANTS TO BE HAPPY.

NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now

TSN Video: The Edmonton Oilers are in trouble. Big trouble. Craig Button confronts the question: Do the Oilers need to make a trade immediately?

Montreal Hockey Now: Goalies are an increasing problem for Les Habitants. Sam Montembeault is in the tank, and Jakub Dobes is over his head. Help is needed for the Montreal Canadiens.

*ahem. *cough cough.

Toronto Hockey Now: The news is not good for Toronto, either. The injury to Anthony Stolarz is worse than expected. Oh, and Adam Fantilli had a few points as Columbus beat Toronto last night, 3-2. Toronto has lost five of six. Big trouble in the little net for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

*Ahem. *cough cough cough.

Sportsnet: Trade demands in the Great White North. Former Winnipeg Jets first-rounder Brad Lambert is fast, skilled, but a perimeter player. He hasn’t stuck in the NHL since being a first-rounder in 2022, albeit 30th overall. Now, he wants out. Trade me right now, and hang up the phone.

I know what you’re thinking. No.

NHLTradeRumors.me: Our buddy Dave Littman, who knows how to find good stories and gives proper credit, quoted Pierre LeBrun that Alex Tuch and the Buffalo Sabres are miles apart in contract negotiations.

Florida Hockey Now: Uh oh, the sleeping giant is awakening. It was the Bob and Sam show as the Florida Panthers beat NJD.

And Jeff Petry played his 1000th game. Congrats, Jeff.

Tags: nhl trade Pittsburgh Penguins