Daily Links
Rosner Wrap: Paliafito Hire, DeBrusk Rewire, Sharks to Make History
I hope everyone has recovered from their July 4th weekend. While you were busy cooking on the grill, cracking open a beer, New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello was getting things done. The Philadelphia Flyers are dealing with a brutal situation involving their goaltending prospect and the Boston Bruins may have received their first piece of good news involving a player in quite a while.
Also, the 2022 NHL Draft kicks off in a few days. I leave for Montreal on Wednesday, hoping for smooth sailings unlike my first time traveling to Buffalo this past season.
Here are these stories and more in today’s daily links!
NYI Hockey Now: On Monday, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that Jim Paliafito has joined president and general manager Lou Lamoriello in the New York Islanders front office. Jim Paliafito had been the Director of Player Evaluation with the Toronto Maple Leafs since the 2015-16 season after a four-year tenure as general manager of the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit. His expertise lies in European free-agent markets. The New York Islanders prospect pool needs work.
Philly Hockey Now: Ivan Fedotov was expected to be a strong contender for the Philadelphia Flyers’ No. 2 goalie spot this season. Instead, the promising goaltender is apparently going to be serving for the Russian Navy. Russia’s state media reported Sunday that Fedotov was sent to serve in the Arctic.
Boston Hockey Now: The news that Boston Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk has rescinded his trade request after the coaching change with Bruce Cassidy certainly sheds some light on the situation, doesn’t it?
Montreal Hockey Now: If you’re a person who likes NHL betting, it would probably be a safe bet that the Montreal Canadiens will draft with the first overall pick at the 2022 NHL Draft this Thursday at the Bell Centre. That being said, Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes did leave the door open just the slightest bit that he could end up trading down before he steps onto the podium for his first-ever NHL Draft as GM of the Canadiens.
Washington Hockey Now: The 2022 NHL Draft kicks off on Thursday, and for now, the Washington Capitals hold the No. 20 pick. Of course, anything could happen for any team with regard to a trade or potentially moving up or down. One name that could fit Washington’s criteria: Rutger McGroarty.
Vegas Hockey Now: Hockey is a unique sport as the NHL is the only major professional sports league that has more than one team outside of the United States. Canada not only has seven teams but over half of the players in the league are from the Great White North. Owen feels bad not doing an equal post for every Canadian-born Vegas Golden Knights player on Canada Day. But this is an American-Born publication for a Las Vegas hockey team coming from an American-born person. So, yes, Owen showed some patriotism here. Happy fourth of July everyone.
San Jose Hockey Now: The San Jose Sharks have announced a press conference for Tuesday morning, where they will announce their new GM. This should be the culmination of a two-month GM search that appears to have landed on either Mike Grier or Ray Whitney. Per a source, Mike Grier is the favorite.
Vancouver Hockey Now: 92.5 to be exact. That was the over/under placed on Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser over the life of his new three-year deal by Jeff Paterson of the Rink Wide Podcast in a poll question Monday. A fun one, and a realistic number.