Rosner Wrap: Too Much For Tkachuk, Hello Tarasenko & More

Wow, it must truly be a miserable time to be a Calgary Flames fan right now, eh? Imagine losing two stars in the same month? The New York Islanders could go after Matthew Tkachuk, but the asking price would defeat the purpose of a trade. What about revisiting St. Louis Blues Vladimir Tarasenko, who could become a cap casualty?

More names are cleared from the Hockey Canada sexual assault case, but the situation is not getting any better as it is becoming a ‘she said, they said’ situation.

These stories and more in today’s Rosner Wrap:

NYI Hockey Now: The New York Islanders need offense, particularly a player to line up alongside 25-year-old Mathew Barzal. Over the last day or so, rumors have swirled around Calgary Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk, as his days as a member of the Calgary Flames seem numbered. But a trade for the goal scorer would mean the departure of a big piece, Mathew Barzal, which would defeat the purpose of the trade.

NYI Hockey Now: Trading is the name of the Lou Lamoriello game, and I want to revisit a storyline from the summer of 2021, in which the New York Islanders, the Seattle Kraken, and the rest of the NHL missed out on a glorious opportunity to acquire St. Louis Blues superstar forward Vladimir Tarasenko. He is still available and could be a cap casualty if Matthew Tkachuk wants to play for his hometown team. The Islanders were a team on his trade list a year ago. 

Pittsburgh Hockey Now:  Because of offseason moves so far, the Pittsburgh Penguins are a better team than they were a few weeks ago. But the Penguins are not the only team in the East to improve. In Dave Molinari’s latest column, there are a few teams that missed the playoffs in 2021-22 that could be back in the postseason in 2022-23 after the moves they have made this offseason. Those teams are the Detroit Red Wings, the Ottawa Senators, the New Jersey Devils, and the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Boston Hockey Now: Former Boston Bruins defenseman Jon Gruden has been named an assistant head coach on Jim Montgomery’s staff. Gruden served as the assistant coach for the New York Islanders and Barry Trotz since 2018, but was relieved of his duties shortly after Trotz was relieved of his. Gruden, a draftee of the Bruins, played three years for Boston from 1993-1996.

Washington Hockey Now:  With what has been going on in Russia, there is concern that some NHL players that went home may have trouble returning to North America. But Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin and defenseman Dmitry Orlov will not have any problems returning to Washington D.C. said general manager Brian MacLellan.

Montreal Hockey Now: Newly acquired Montreal Canadiens defenceman Mike Matheson could not only become a key player for the Canadiens but also a leader on and off the ice. “I feel really comfortable that Mike is the kind of person in our locker room, at this point in his career, that can assist our young players, be it the draft picks like Juraj Slafkovsky or our young defensemen that are trying to make their way as regular NHL players,” said Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes.

Detroit Hockey Now: As he was considering a contract offer from the Red Wings, defenseman Olli Maatta was wanting a second option. He thought opting to get a AA rating on the city of Detroit and the organization would be a wise investment strategy. He contacted forward Andreas Athanasiou to solicit his opinion on both Motown and Hockeytown. The two were teammates with the Los Angeles Kings.

Philly Hockey Now: Since being named the 23rd head coach in the Philadelphia Flyers’ history last month, John Tortorella has had meetings with several of his players, starting a bonding process. As it turns out, the hard-edged coach also has a soft side.

San Jose Hockey Now: The San Jose Sharks could be looking to bring the man behind the NHL’s best power play behind their bench. Multiple sources tell San Jose Hockey Now that the Sharks have interviewed Spencer Carbery to be San Jose’s new head coach.

Calgary Hockey Now: The exodus of star players from the Calgary Flames will put the franchise on a new trajectory. We’re looking at a forced rebuild, writes Steve MacFarlane. And it likely won’t be a scorched Earth approach. But it is going to be challenging for the Flames to make additions significant enough to make up for the loss of two of the eight players to earn 100 points in the NHL last season.

Vancouver Hockey Now: Colleague Rob Simpson continues his coverage of the Hockey Canada sexual assault scandal and calling them to the carpet. Sorry if you don’t like reading it or it makes you uncomfortable, but how do you think the victim feels as she is openly shamed by so many right now? More players claim to not be involved.