Daily Links
NYHN Daily: Islanders Plan Hasn’t Changed & More
As we approach free agency, the New York Islanders are still working to bring players back. It’s a work in progress says Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello. How did the draft go for the Islanders?
These stories and more in today’s daily links!
New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello was pretty clear in his objectives for the offseason first and foremost. We were pleased we were able to get a little relief,” Lamoriello said during a conference call with reporters. “But we certainly have a lot of work to do. We still have to get our players signed that we have not got signed. That’s a work in process.” (NYI Hockey Now)
It took some time, but the New York Islanders made six selections during the 2021 NHL Draft. In the end, the Islanders selected two forwards, two defensemen and two goaltenders. New YorkIslanders general manager Lou Lamoriello told reporters afterward that he was pleased with the diversity of positions they were able to draft on Saturday. (NYI Hockey Now)
A certain Boston Hockey Now puck scribe was quite critical of Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney this past Thursday after he acknowledged that he had yet to really explore the NHL trade market for the Top 4 left-shot defenseman the Bruins are targeting this offseason. (Boston Hockey Now)
The Draft weekend had some clear winners, including some in the Metro Division, while the Pittsburgh Penguins moved along on their own path with a few solid picks, a “show-me” deal, and sources tipped off PHN on what’s to come for the Penguins. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)
With the dust settled from NHL Draft weekend and a few days before free agency starts on Wednesday, I wanted to take a look back at each trade. What did the Flyers give up, what did they get, and, most importantly, how did the Flyers fare in the trade? (Philly Hockey Now)
Not long after completing the trade for Sam Reinhart, Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito was asked how wide Joel Quenneville’s smile was when he started tinkering with all the lineup combinations his team could ice this coming season. Zito, with a big smile on his own face, said his coach wasn’t the only one who is excited about the “what could be” when it comes to this group of Florida forwards. (Florida Hockey Now)
With the expansion and NHL drafts said and done and free agency approaching, the Washington Capitals are shifting their focus to the biggest item on their offseason to-do list: re-signing Alex Ovechkin. (Washington Hockey Now)
Red Savage is a skipper who dresses like Gilligan. The captain of the US under-18 team made some stylish wardrobe choices following his selection by the Detroit Red Wings with the 114th overall pick of the NHL entry draft. (Detroit Hockey Now)
After discussing the six-year, $54 million new contract to franchise defenseman Cale Makar, it wasn’t long before Colorado Avalanche GM Joe Sakic was asked about the situation with the captain, Landeskog, and No. 1 goalie, Grubauer. “We’re hopeful we can come to terms as well, have them sign with us as well. But I won’t comment on the negotiations. They’re still going on,” Sakic said. (Colorado Hockey Now)
The San Jose Sharks may have drafted a couple rabble-rousers in Max McCue and Liam Gilmartin. McCue cited snarly Matthew Tkachuk as his favorite player to watch. Gilmartin models his game after Public Enemy No. 1 Tom Wilson. (San Jose Hockey Now)
Several high-profile players changed teams, including defensemen Oliver Ekman-Larsson, traded to the Vancouver Canucks by the Arizona Coyotes, and Seth Jones, traded to the Chicago Blackhawks by the Columbus Blue Jackets. With so many transactions taking place recently, we asked six NHL.com staff writers and editors to choose what they think was the biggest move since the expansion draft Wednesday. (NHL)
Jake Virtanen will have the final season of his contract bought out by the Vancouver Canucks.The 24-year-old forward was placed on unconditional waivers Sunday for the purpose of a buyout, Canucks general manager Jim Benning confirmed. (NHL)