Daily Links
NYHN Daily: Islanders Need More from Anthony Beauvillier & More
The New York Islanders are in need of more offensive production to get over the hump and win a Stanley Cup. Anthony Beauvillier, a streaky player, needs to give more of a consistent effort if the Islanders want to reach the top. This story and more in today’s daily links!
The talk around the New York Islanders this offseason is one we have all heard before. General manager Lou Lamoriello needs to bring in a pure goal scorer to bolster the offense. However, the current salary cap situation for the Islanders will not allow for that, as the offensive answers will need to come internally, which is where Anthony Beauvillier comes in. The 24-year old forward needs to be one of the solutions if the Islanders want to achieve the ultimate goal of hoisting a Stanley Cup soon. (NYI Hockey Now)
The Islanders’ season ended just over two weeks ago. But the busy season is already underway. Here’s what we’re hearing about the Isles — who, as we all know, prefer not to be seen or heard this time of year — as we edge closer to a big stretch for the organization. (The Athletic)
Lou Lamoriello is going to be busy over the coming weeks. Between the expansion draft, entry draft, trades and free agency, the Islanders general manager has plenty of work on his plate to try to build the Isles’ roster for 2021-22 and beyond. Yes, there’s plenty of intrigue, and you must have plenty of questions. Join Arthur Staple at noon Tuesday for a live Q&A, where he’ll answer your Islanders questions in real time. (The Athletic)
Are the Boston Bruins set to go after forward Barclay Goodrow again? They tried to get him at the 2020 Trade Deadline, but he made his way to Tampa and won a Stanley Cup. Time to try again. (Boston Hockey Now)
There are a few moves everyone is discussing. There are a few conversations on the NHL trade front that we’ve hinted. And there are most certainly a few moves that Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Ron Hextall has contemplated or is working that have escaped everyone’s radar. Who will Seattle select?Will the Penguins trade Jake Guentzel? Or Marcus Pettersson? (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)
The NHL Draft is fastly approaching. Here is the Detroit Hockey Now’s Mock Draft. (Detroit Hockey Now)
For the last 15 years, one of the NHL’s most famous “bromances” has changed the Washington Capitals for the better. Ever since Alex Ovechkin announced Nicklas Backstrom‘s name for the Washington Capitals at the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, the two have shared a strong dynamic both on and off the ice. Their bond has not only helped turn D.C. into a hockey town but has also fueled their successful careers. (Washington Hockey Now)
What was dead rose from the NHL trade graveyard. What we thought was off was back on as the Chicago Blackhawks finally dealt defenseman Duncan Keith the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for young defenseman Caleb Jones and a draft pick. That part won’t too much worry Vegas Golden Knights fans, but what followed might affect Marc-Andre Fleury and a Golden Knights trade. Scott Powers of The Athletic, as part of his trade follow-up and analysis, reported the Chicago Blackhawks are now in on everyone’s favorite smiling goalie, Fleury. (Vegas Hockey Now)
How close were the San Jose Sharks to drafting Scott Niedermayer over Pat Falloon? “It was split,” then-San Jose GM Jack Ferreira recalled to San Jose Hockey Now. “There was a good portion that wanted Pat and the other guys were interested in Scott.” Let’s go back 30 years. It was the 1991 NHL Draft, held in Buffalo’s Memorial Auditorium. Eric Lindros was the undisputed first-overall, a generational talent in the vein of Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid. But the expansion Sharks, slotted at No. 2, never had a chance at the “Big E.” (San Jose Hockey Now)
The NHL is hoping and planning for a 2021-22 season with a full 82-game schedule and fully vaccinated players returning to pre-COVID-19 conditions. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly on Monday briefed general managers on the guidelines for next season and a variety of other topics in a video conference called by senior executive vice president of hockey operations Colin Campbell. (NHL)
Duncan Keith was traded to the Edmonton Oilers by the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday for Caleb Jones and a conditional pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. Edmonton will also receive minor league forward Tim Soderlund. Keith, who turns 38 on Friday, has two seasons remaining on a 13-year, $72 million contract ($5.5 million average annual value) he signed Dec. 3, 2009. (NHL)
Pierre McGuire said he felt the time and the opportunity aligned perfectly for him to go back to working for an NHL team after more than two decades in broadcasting. McGuire was hired as senior vice president of player development for the Ottawa Senators on Monday. The 59-year-old will work with Senators general manager Pierre Dorion and owner Eugene Melnyk. He was an analyst for NBC Sports since 2006 and last worked in the NHL as an assistant coach for Ottawa in 1995-96. (NHL)