The Pittsburgh Penguins moved to sure-up their goaltending situation, and they kept Alex Nedeljkovic from hitting free agency with a new two-year contract. We’ve got the full details and, more importantly, the full analysis. The Penguins made the shortlist of teams where Patrik Laine would fit, but Columbus Blue Jackets president of hockey operations/GM Don Wadell explained the process and the delay before a Laine trade can happen. Linus Ullmark is the last goalie left on the NHL trade market, and the war of words before Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final is about who is feeling the pressure.
Since it’s so hot and everyone is staying inside, here’s a little movie recommendation. In between stories and surprise Penguins news on Thursday, I squeezed in a movie on Netflix, “Unfrosted,” with Jerry Seinfeld, Melissa McCarthy, Jim Gaffigan, and a full ensemble cast. I fully expected something stupid to have on in the background, but it was a surprisingly simple comedy about the cereal wars of the early 1960s that just worked. It was vintage Seinfeld and cracked me up.
Now, if anyone has some small towns about a few hours south, I’d love to know because I need to start exploring that way. It can’t be too close. Up north, I think I’ve hit every small town from Meadville to Tioga on the Rt. 6 corridor. South, Harper’s Ferry is on the list (but no Ohio cities, please. Ohio is flat with straight roads. No fun!)
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: From draft and prospect expert Russ Cohen, we asked a simple question: Give us three targets for the Penguins with the 44th and 46th overall picks. Russ delivered three draft prospects, including one very large center who could be the prime Penguins draft target.
And then the news out of left field. No warning, no hints. Here are the full details and the analysis after the Penguins dished a two-year contract for Alex Nedeljkovic.
You can also watch the rapid-fire analysis of the full situation, including the Tristan Jarry trade talk and Joel Blomqvist, on our YouTube channel. It’s the full monty. Get the Penguins’ analysis from all angles.
Tonight is Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final. Our ace sports betting writer has the list of Connor McDavid prop bets and the juicy betting promos.
Pittsburgh Baseball Now (+): For our subscribers, Luis Robert Jr. The Pittsburgh Pirates could sure use him, but there are drawbacks, too. Here’s the full scope of the Pirates trade target.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
Boston Hockey Now: And here’s to you, Linus Ullmark. Goalie-poor teams turn their eyes to you. What’s that you say, Andrew Fantucchio? The NHL trade rumors hold a place for those who will overpay. There’s only one big-name goalie left, and who will snag him from the Boston Bruins?
My apologies to Paul Simon.
Ottawa Sun: The Senators are reportedly interested in Ullmark, and the price tag, according to Bruce Garrioch, is not cheap. It’s a hefty tag that could cost Jakob Chychrun … and more.
Sportsnet: A Patrik Laine trade will happen, but not right now. Wadell explained that he wants a “hockey trade,” but Laine hasn’t yet been cleared by the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, and teams want to speak with Laine once he is.
However, as that process begins, it seems more than just Pittsburgh Hockey Now believes Laine would be a fit with the Penguins. Sportsnet’s shortlist includes the Penguins and seven others.
Philly Hockey Now: GM Daniel Briere held court Thursday, and one of the prime takeaways was the NHL is involved but has not made decisions on how teams should deal with the five members of Team Canada who will face sexual assault charges in a Canadian court. The Philadelphia Flyers are waiting.
TSN: Anthony Mantha says the Vegas Golden Knights have told him that he won’t be back with the team next season, so he’ll become a free agent on July 1.
Mantha presents an interesting case. Did he finally figure it out, or was he playing out of his skates because his contract was up? I’d only sign him to a one-year deal, two years, if I got a big discount. A team might find a diamond in the UFA rough.
Florida Hockey Now: Enough is enough. Who is feeling the pressure? Both sides think the other should. However, coach Paul Maurice is making a few changes to his Florida Panthers lineup tonight.
