Daily Links
Russell’s Roundup: Laine on the Block, Nurmi signs
Jesse Nurmi, the New York Islanders’ 2023 fourth-round pick, signed his entry-level deal on Tuesday. The news broke yesterday courtesy of Puckpedia. Nurmi’s team in Finland then tweeted this morning, saying Nurmi is headed to North America to play here, so it’s expected Nurmi will be in Bridgeport come the fall. Elsewhere, Patrik Laine has requested a trade, and there’s more gossip on Mitch Marner and Nikolaj Ehlers. Yesterday was the travel day from hell for the Florida Panthers.
Nurmi, 19, had been over a point a game in Finland’s U20 and U18 Liiga systems for KooKoo, but this year, he struggled to find footing before suffering an injury that kept him out of action for months. He only played 19 Liiga games for the senior team this past year. Corey Pronman’s breakdown ($ The Athletic) of Nurmi at the time of his drafting noted his speed. That speed is something the Islanders could desperately use in their system throughout.
New York Islanders:
Last time on NYI Hockey Now, we were in a goalscoring state of mind as we highlighted three fresh UFA options for the Islanders. Many names available for trade and signing could fit, but of the three yesterday, it seemed clear which two could help the most. Anthony Duclair and Vladimir Tarasenko were agreed upon as some solid and affordable players.Â
NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now
TSN: Jacob Markstrom is still unhappy with how public his trade rumors are. Patrik Laine wants a fresh start outside of Columbus, and the team is actively working with him on a trade. Elsewhere, they discussed Nikolaj Ehlers and Mitch Marner and the latest updates.
Florida Hockey Now: The collective disappointed breath we all heard yesterday afternoon came when the Florida Panthers had to cancel their media availability in Edmonton due to the massive flight delays wracking the state of Florida. The media desperately wanted another Paul Maurice soundbite. The team couldn’t leave until 4 in the afternoon on the East Coast and landed a little over six hours later.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Todd Reirdan was fired a month ago, and now his position has been filled. Ex-Sharks, Rangers head coach David Quinn has been tabbed as the team’s new associate coach. Quinn also coached Erik Karlsson when he won the Norris Trophy after the 2022-23 season and could help him again now.
Sportsnet: The Islanders have three top 70 draft picks this year—20, 54, and 61—at least for now. Here’s who could be waiting for them there.
New Jersey Hockey Now: The Devils are another team going shopping this offseason. They floundered this season due to goaltending, but don’t be fooled. That team needs more. James Nichols wrote out five potential targets for the Devils this offseason.
Sportsnet: The busiest team of the summer, the Carolina Hurricanes, is reportedly trying to extend Jaccob Slavin. Slavin becomes eligible for a long-term deal on July 1. Elliotte Friedman had the report.