Islanders Daily: A Look Back at Räty’s Season, Brunette’s Interim Tag, & More

What is the realistic role for New York Islanders prospect Aatu Räty in 2022-23? Will Florida Panthers keep head coach Andrew Burnette? Will Kevin Weekes land the general manager job with the San Jose Sharks?

These stories and more in today’s daily links!

Potential steal of the 2021 NHL Draft, New York Islanders top prospect Aatu Räty had a wild 2021-22 season. From Karpat, to Jukurit, to Bridgeport, the 19-year-old gained valuable experience. Despite only playing eight games in North America with Bridgeport, Räty showed off his skill. His future is sure to be a bright one. (NYI Hockey Now) 

On May 17, Canadian-based blogger and podcast host Ian McLaren tweeted what he called a ‘Medium hot take’ that if Marchand’s longtime linemate and Boston Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron decides to retire this offseason then the Bruins should explore the NHL trade market for Marchand. Four days later, Marchand replied by calling it a ‘Tough take’. (Boston Hockey Now)

There was a little drama with the Pittsburgh Penguins last week. Multiple reports indicated the Fenway Sports Group was evaluating GM Ron Hextall and Penguins management to determine their suitability and critique their plans for the next step after the Penguins lost their fourth straight opening playoff series last Sunday in New York. They are on board, writes Dan Kingerski. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

The Florida Panthers had their best season in franchise history but it came to an unsavory end Monday night in a playoff sweep to the Lightning. There will be plenty of questions regarding how the Panthers will look next season and there will be plenty of time for those answers. The first order of business is if the interim tag will be dropped on head coach Andrew Burnette, writes George Richards. (Florida Hockey Now)

The Florida Panthers were swept by the Tampa Bay Lightning as their season came to an end on Monday night. Now the discussion turns to ex-Philadelphia Flyers captain Claude Giroux, who joined Florida at the deadline. So the question is, does he return to Philly, stay with Florida, or maybe head home to Ottawa? (Philly Hockey Now)

As the Colorado Avalanche took the ice for warmups ahead of Game 4 against the St. Louis Blues, there was a notable absence: top-6 forward and former Washington Capitals star Andre Burakovsky. Burakovsky will be a healthy scratch for the Avs, and it comes on a notable day for the 27-year-old. On this day four years ago — May 23, 2018 — Burakovsky etched his name in Capitals history by playing hero in Game 7, writes Sammi Silbler. (Washington Hockey Now)

It’s a quiet period of time for the Detroit Red Wings. General manager Steve Yzerman is moving the team forward as fans wait for a new coach to be named, and wait with anticipation for the draft and free agency. Here’s the latest edition of Red Wings 2 Truths and a Lie, focusing on what has been and what could be, writes Nate Brown. (Detroit Hockey Now)

Would Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson ever sign off on the NHL permanently returning to Quebec City? With NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly already confirming a March report that the NHL and Ottawa Senators were discussing the potential of the Senators playing up to five games at the Videotron Centre in Quebec City during the 2022-23 season, there was plenty of chatter amongst fans and media again about Quebec City finally being awarded an NHL team again, writes Jimmy Murphy. (Montreal Hockey Now)

To quote a late, great baseball announcer from this historic midwestern city: “I don’t believe what I just saw.” If Jack Buck ever called a hockey game, that’s what he might have said too. And Nazem Kadri, who had been dealing with death threats after a collision with Blues netminder Jordan Binnington (will miss rest of series) was the star of the game. (Colorado Hockey Now)

Is Kevin Weekes still in the picture for San Jose Sharks GM? A month ago, San Jose Hockey Now reported that Weekes was a “strong candidate at the moment” for the position. Keep in mind, this was before the beginning of the organization’s formal interview process, writes Sheng Peng. (San Jose Hockey Now)

Most of the talk through three games of playoff Battle of Alberta between the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers has been about the loaded top line of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evander Kane. Trailing 2-1 after their worst loss of these playoffs on Sunday, the Flames are trying to return their focus to what got them to the second round of the NHL playoffs in the first place, write Steve MacFarlane. (Calgary Hockey Now)