On the trade deadline date …
- Ansar Khan of MLive: (mailbag) It might be a good idea to move the trade deadline back a couple weeks. More teams would be out of the playoff race, so their would be more sellers. In the previous CBA the deadline was 26 days before the end of season, now it’s 40 days. The NHL and NHLPA could look to change this in the next CBA, or sooner if both sides agree to make the change.
On the Pittsburgh Penguins …
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Looking at the Penguins pending free agents and what might happen to them.
UFAsMatt Cullen – doesn’t know if he’ll retire at that end of the season. They could replace him with Oskar Sundqvist, but Cullen can still be effective in a supporting role.Ben Lovejoy – Organization is not deep on the blueline and could be brought back if the price is reasonable.
Steve Oleksy – would be a surprise if he doesn’t test the market.
Kevin Porter – unlikely to be back
Jeff Zatkoff – Matt Murray will be the backup next year, so Zatkoff will likely be looking for work elsewhere.
RFAs
Beau Bennett – has shown that he can play in their top-six, but his on the IR more than he’s on the iceTim Erixon – good depth for their blueline, but he may want to find a quicker route to the NHL if the Penguins won’t allow him.
Tom Kuhnhackl – could be a bottom-six forward and can kill penalties.
Bryan Rust – a capable third-liner.
Justin Schultz – current cap hit is $3.9 million, so he’ll need to play well to justify a qualifying offer. Could agree to a lower salary.
Scott Wilson – could eventually find himself in their top-six.
On Outdoor Game Next Season …
- Frank Seravalli of TSN: The Hertiage Classic will be played on October 23rd in Winnipeg. It will be the Jets against the Edmonton Oilers.
- It’s expected the Maple Leafs will face the Red Wings on January 1st at BMO Field.
- The Blues are expected to host the Blackhawks on January 2nd in the Winter Classic at Busch Stadium.
- The Penguins are expected to host the Flyers at Heinz Field on February 18th.
