NYHN Daily: Trotz Talk on Lehner, Lee and Chara Make Preseason Debut & More

The New York Islanders defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-0 in their third preseason game. Anders Lee and Zdeno Chara made their preseason debuts. Head coach Barry Trotz speaks on former Islander Robin Lehner, who has been a headline for speaking out against the NHL and some franchises.

These stories and more in today’s daily links!

Robin Lehner has been a major storyline in the NHL for a few weeks, after making claims on the Spittin Chiclet’s podcast about certain franchises and what happens behind the scenes. His antics have received mixed signals on social media and Islanders head coach Barry Trotz was asked about it. (NYI Hockey Now)

The Islanders opening night roster seemed just about set, with a few final depth spots up for grabs. One surprise so far in camp has been the struggle of Oliver Wahlstrom. The other surprise has been Kieffer Bellows, who has stood out given his strong play. Bellows would have to go through waivers if sent down, that not being a need for Wahlstrom which could impact roster cut decisions. (NYI Hockey Now)

The New York Islanders defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-0 in their fourth preseason game. Schneider played the way he needed to, Lee looked strong in his return, and the power play had a great night. (NYI Hockey Now)

In Dan Rosen’s latest mailbag for NHL.com, he writes that the Islanders are destined for another playoff run this season. Given their depth, their recent success, and their strong defense, he has them making it to the Stanley Cup Finals this season. (NHL)

With David Krejci’s departure from the Boston Bruins, there was now a vacancy in the leadership department. Defenseman Charlie McAvoy donned an “A” in the Bruins preseason game on Saturday, he the fifth-year NHLer seems ready to lead. While the letter may not be permanent, he is thankful for the recognition and will help lead with or without the letter on his sweater. (Boston Hockey Now)

So far in preseason, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Kesperi Kapanen has taken the lineup by storm. Head coach Mike Sullivan has been rather hard on Kapanen since he was acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs. But Sullivan says its because Kapanen has the potential to be an elite player in this league. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

The Florida Panthers beat the Tampa Bay Lightning in their preseason bout on Tuesday by a score of 3-2. Unfortunately Panthers forward Noel Acciari was hurt in one of the crumbs following Sam Bennett’s run of Andrei Vasilevskiy. Acciari tried to pull a Lightning off one of his teammates and looked to pull a muscle n the process. (Florida Hockey Now)

The Washington Capitals have cut their roster down to 27 players. The team re-assigned defensemen Alex Alexeyev and Tobias Geisser, as well as forwards Brian Pinho, Aliaksei Protas, Mike Sgarbossa and Mike Vecchione, to the Hershey Bears. Pinho, Sgarbossa and Vecchione must clear waivers first. (Washington Hockey Now)

The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Colorado Avalanche 7-4. Forward Peyton Krebs is looking to make the team, as he continues to shine putting up one goal and three assists in the win. Nolan Patrick seems to be finding his game slowly but surely, which is a great sign. Veteran defensemen Alec Martinez and Alex Pietrangelo lead the way on defense. (Vegas Hockey Now)

The Colorado Avalanche not only lost 7-4 to the Vegas Golden Knights, but also lost their backup netminder in Pavel Francouz. He appeared to tweak his right knee or hip after getting his leg caught on the net mid-way through the game. Francouz missed all of last season due to a hip injury. (Colorado Hockey Now)

William Eklund has shined for the San Jose Sharks this preseason. The top prospect has shown his potential so far as he leads the team with five points and is tied for the NHL preseason lead with five assists. But we have to remember, this is just preseason as the NHL season is a whole new ballgame. (San Jose Hockey Now)

For a player with high hopes and great expectations, Tuesday night at the Rogers Arena was a huge one for Vancouver Canucks prospect and likely roster addition Vasily Podkolzin. The Canucks first-rounder, tenth overall, from 2019 arrived this summer from Russia after playing the last two-plus seasons with St. Petersburg in the KHL. and has been fantastic at camp. (Vancouver Hockey Now)

Robin Lehner had a phone call with the NHL on Tuesday, to discuss his latest callouts of teams, coaches, and the NHL. Lehner said he had a great conversation and is encouraged with the potential changes that could be coming to protect the younger generation. (NHL)

We all know Wayne Gretzkey as the greatest hockey player to ever live. He holds plenty of records, has raised the cups, and is a legend. With the Canadian Thanksgiving coming on Monday, the Maven, Stan Fischler, gave his Canadian-specific “hockey gifts” for which he is thankful. One of them was just how much of a gentelan the Great One was, on and off the ice. (NHL)

Back in August of 2020, Winnipeg Jets legend Dale Hawerchuk passed away after a battle with stomach cancer at the young age of 58. The Jets have renamed the street outside the Canadien Life Center “Honorary Dale Hawerchuk Way”. (NHL)

Could Jack Eichel be on the move soon. Darren Dreger of TSN says there is now more access to Eichel’s medical records which has allowed interested teams to see his situation more clearly. There is belief that a trade could come soon given this new information. (TSN)