The Labor Day weekend officially put the wraps on a long summer without hockey. In just a couple of weeks, the Pittsburgh Penguins prospects will participate in the Buffalo rookie tournament, and soon after that, training camp begins. Today, the Daily is about the stories you’ve missed over the holiday weekend, from our Penguins lines layout and potential career highs to Lars Eller’s big accomplishment. Elsewhere, NHL trade talk as the Philadelphia Flyers could take a run at Nick Robertson, the Boston Bruins snagged a good free agent on a PTO, and the tributes have only grown for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
Hopefully, you enjoyed the weekend and danced around the raindrops. I’m pretty sure that at least half of Western Pennsylvania showed up at Ribfest on Monday. I picked the shortest line and still waited a solid 30 minutes. It was pretty intense, but I had a couple of pretty, pretty good pulled pork sandwiches.
I marvel every year that organizers think six tables for several thousand people trying to eat BBQ is a good idea. But it’s still a treat, especially as most of the BBQ joints up north closed up Sunday–it’s a great way to end the season … and begin Penguins season.
It’s been a business summer that I’ll be happy to conclude. PHN has been to Wilkes-Barre, Allentown, Saginaw, and New York just for hockey. Buffalo is next.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Let’s start with the cool little story. In something of an upset, Lars Eller captained Denmark to an Olympic berth. Here’s the full story–Eller will lead Denmark in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
After a few trades and signings this summer, the Penguins have taken on a few journeymen, from Kevin Hayes to Cody Glass. Following their new opportunities, which could be career-changing or just another quick stop, here’s how the Penguins journeymen responded.
This season could feature some Penguins cresting career bests because they’re in greater roles than coaches have previously installed them. Some of these could be fun to watch—potential Penguins career highs.
The situation is this: The Penguins have at least 19 forwards who could play in the NHL but only 13 or 14 spots. There are almost infinite line combinations, but we tried out six different scenarios, from the most likely to the teardown. Barring more trades, here are some of the possible Penguins line combinations.
NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now
Philly Hockey Now: We’ve written about the credible possibilities for the Penguins to acquire Toronto Maple Leafs’ restricted free agent Nick Robertson. Jon Bailey in Philly took a look, and a Flyers trade also fits.
Boston Hockey Now: Count us as a little bit surprised that Tyler Johnson settled for a PTO a few weeks before camp, but that’s what went down. Here’s the full story and analysis, as Johnson signed with the Boston Bruins.
New Jersey Hockey Now: The Carolina Hurricanes locked up Seth Jarvis for eight years, but they did so with a little CBA wrinkle. Carolina lowered the salary cap hit by about a half million dollars by deferring some compensation. A little confused? Here’s how Carolina did it, AND here’s how the New Jersey Devils can use the same trick to settle negotiations with Dawson Mercer.
TSN: It doesn’t yet seem real as the hockey world mourns Johnny Gaudreau. Makeshift memorials began at different rinks that have been part of Gaudreau’s journey. Gaudreau spent nine years with the Calgary Flames, and the memorial at the Saddledome is still growing.
Sportsnet: The tributes haven’t stopped. Everyone from Wayne Gretzky to Jeremy Roenick and Justin Trudeau has expressed their condolences and well wishes to Gaudreau’s family.
San Jose Hockey Now (+): Swagger. You’ve heard Penguins coach Mike Sullivan use the word “swagger.” Here’s why it’s important and why scouts are using that same word as they rave about newly acquired San Jose Sharks goalie Yaroslav Askarov.
Ottawa Hockey Now: What do you think–here’s the Hall of Fame case for Claude Giroux.
I think it’s tougher for some players to get into the Hall of Fame in recent years than it would have been 20 years ago. Now that we can watch any player on any night, they don’t seem as special. Back in the old days of weekly national broadcasts and highlights, very good players seemed a lot better because we only saw their best.
