Daily Links
NYHN Daily: Cizikas Contract With Islanders May Be Done & More
While no official news has been announced, one inside believes that the Islanders and UFA Casey Cizikas have agreed to terms on a new contract. This story and more in today’s daily links!
Is a deal for Casey Cizikas already Done with the New York Islanders? Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman appeared to think it was on the latest edition of his 31 Thoughts podcast. (NYI Hockey Now)
While the sight of former first round pick Johnny Beecher in a maroon no-contact sweater made him stand out from everybody else at the first day of Boston Bruins development camp, the 6-foot-3, 209-pound center is coming along from shoulder surgery. (Boston Hockey Now)
The Pittsburgh Penguins lost Brandon Tanev, the man they called “Turbo” to the Seattle Kraken in last month’s expansion draft. The speed, tenacity, and energy that Tanev brought figured to leave a hole in the Penguins lineup, which is why GM Ron Hextall signed UFA winger Brock McGinn to a contract minutes after free agency began on July 28. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)
The Philadelphia Flyers have made several changes to their hockey operations staff, the team announced on Monday. General manager Chuck Fletcher hinted at these changes a few weeks ago, and now we finally know what they are. (Philly Hockey Now)
Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson has earned a reputation thanks to his physical style of play and tough guy mentality. However, signs point to No. 43 making a much different impact next season that could cast him in a new light. (Washington Hockey Now)
Detroit Red Wings prospect Sebastian Cossa isn’t exactly invoking the how to win friends gameplan at the Canadian world junior summer training camp in Calgary. Netminder Cossa, who was the first goaltender taken in the 2021 NHL entry draft when the Red Wings selected him 15th overall, was talking up a storm during Monday’s workout, even chirping his own teammate Dylan Guenther after the latter hit the crossbar during a post-practice shootout attempt. (Detroit Hockey Now)
What a year it was. With the universe gripped in pandemicity, and close human interaction kiboshed entirely, the world had to learn new forms of communication on the fly. As the world tried to keep their 6-feet apart, Zoom stocks skyrocketed, and two-dimensional faces became more of the norm. (Colorado Hockey Now)
Elliotte Friedman squashed one San Jose Sharks trade rumor and started another in today’s 31 Thoughts podcast. “I heard some rumblings about Timo Meier and New Jersey,” Friedman shared. “Those were flatly denied to me. Someone said you’re way off, don’t go down that road.” (San Jose Hockey Now)
Where do Bo Horvat and Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks rank on the list of Pacific Division top-two centre tandems? That’s the question for this British Columbia Day. (Vancouver Hockey Now)
Marc-Andre Fleury spent his first day with the Chicago Blackhawks touring their practice facility with general manager Stan Bowman and meeting a few of his new teammates. He’s excited for the years to come with Blackhawks. (NHL)
Jonathan Toews doesn’t yet have a timetable to return to the Chicago Blackhawks, but general manager Stan Bowman is optimistic the center will play at some point this season. (NHL)
Zach Werenski said he is ready to show what he can do as the top defenseman on the Columbus Blue Jackets after the departure of Seth Jones. Werenski and Jones played together on the Blue Jackets’ top defense pair for most of Werenski’s five NHL seasons, but that partnership came to an end when Jones was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks on July 23. (NHL)
The NHL free agent signing period began Wednesday. NHL.com takes a closer look at the top remaining unrestricted free agents (listed in alphabetical order). (NHL)
With the Seattle Kraken expansion draft and the opening of unrestricted free agency in the rear-view mirror, we begin a seven-part series exploring the most critical questions concerning the Canadian NHL clubs. We start with the Winnipeg Jets, who need to see more from Pierre-Luc Dubois in second season with club. (TSN)
The Colorado Avalanche have signed defenceman Ryan Murray to a one-year contract, the team announced on Monday. “Ryan is an effective two-way defenseman who can provide minutes and added puck movement to our back line,” said Avalanche Executive Vice President / General Manager Joe Sakic. “We like the experience he brings to our locker room, and we’re excited to see him fit in with our group.” (TSN)