Russell’s Roundup: Goodbye Salo; More Trade Rumors

Tomorrow begins the Stanley Cup Final, yet it almost feels like the entire hockey world is holding its collective breath for a move or two to set off the domino effect on the trade market. Robin Salo left the Islanders, the Ducks are trying to trade more good players, and The Athletic released their annual fan-voted broadcaster rankings.

This is always the two longest weeks for fans of teams not playing in the Final. Every reporter, local and national, alludes to plenty of things happening behind the scenes, and yet, typically, not much will happen before the Final ends. However, this year could be different, with the gap between the Final and the NHL Draft potentially being as short as four days.

New York Islanders 

NYI Hockey Now: The Salo era on Long Island has officially ended. According to Expressen, he signed a deal with the Malmö Redhawks in the SHL. His departure officially closed the book on a frustrating chapter for Salo and the Islanders, as his fall came just as quickly as his ascension in fans’ minds as a top prospect for the club. You can find our full story on his career with the Islanders here.

NHL Trade Talk, News, and National Hockey Now

TSN: Pat Verbeek and the Anaheim Ducks will reportedly listen to trade offers on Trevor Zegras and -stop me if you’ve heard this before- John Gibson. Death, taxes, and the Ducks listening to offers on Gibson. He would’ve been the top goalie available at multiple points and netted a significant return. However, he may not even be in the top 3 for available goaltenders this off-season. 

The Athletic ($): The annual broadcaster ranking dropped and voted on by the fans. I have always loved these rankings. As someone who watches a ton of hockey, I think many of the rankings make sense. What didn’t make sense to me is how Sam Rosen, on the Rangers call, found himself ahead of Brendan Burke. Butch Goring, as the color commentator, hurt the Islanders, but Rosen, despite being one of the absolute best of all time, doesn’t have his fastball anymore. Find the whole 1 through 32 here.

Forever Blueshirts: Matt Calamia writes that it’s time to give Igor Shesterkin a blank check. Shesterkin channeled his inner Henrik Lundqvist, carrying a clearly flawed Rangers squad all the way to the Stanley Cup Final. Islanders fans likely celebrate seeing how high that number can climb, knowing Sorokin is locked in at $8.5 a year for the next eight years. For now, Isles fans can sit back and let Rangers fans lose their collective minds over signing Igor.

SDPN (audio/video): The Chris Johnston show was released yesterday, and he touched on several topics. More interestingly, he indicated that a Mitch Marner trade might still happen, but it will take time to play out. In addition to that whole segment, Johnston discussed various other topics, including potential targets like Martin Necas.

New Jersey Hockey Now: The NJ Devils will trade for a goaltender. Will it be Jacob Markstrom or Linus Ullmark? Markstrom has already waived his NMC for the Devils, but Ullmark is the belle of the ball. However, the Devils face fierce competition from the Carolina Hurricanes for Ullmark. 

Florida Hockey Now: Let’s end on a silly note, shall we? The Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers attempt to finish their respective stories by crowning themselves Stanley Cup Champions. Hello, Cody Rhodes reference. The WWE and NHL have unveiled the WWE Championship belt that will be awarded to the Stanley Cup winner.