The Toronto Maple Leafs took a big step and paid Auston Matthews. There are a myriad of unanswered questions in the Metro Division, including with the Pittsburgh Penguins. It will be interesting to see how Matthews’ salary affects the Penguins and Sidney Crosby. Also in the Daily, sources tell Hockey Now that the Boston Bruins will pursue Elias Lindholm again if the Calgary Flames put him on the NHL trade block next month. What can islanders expect from Bo Horvat? New Capitals coach says Evgeny Kuznetsov is still a vital player, and Vegas great ‘What if?’
After watching the Republican presidential debate, I have a lot of thoughts.
And none that I will share here.
You are welcome.
Okay, just one. They must raise the threshold for debate. Eight people is not a debate; It’s the Christmas episode of The Bear.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Lonely free agents and languishing top pick. That of Dave Molinari Penguin notebook.
The Maple Leafs have signed Auston Matthews to a huge deal. Next summer, Sidney Crosby could sign a new contract. Based on new market forces, what Sydney Crosby value?
Steelers now:
It’s a big night for the Steelers. There are six jobs to be filled in the Steelers preseason final.
Among the jobs up for grabs, there’s one problem: The Steelers’ backup center spot is a problem — one Roster of Steelers issue.
Pittsburgh Baseball Now:
Uh oh. Oneil Cruz’s rehabilitation is not going as well as hoped. Pittsburgh Pirates injury update.
More trouble on the mound and a 6-4 loss to StL. The quick hit Pirate Summary.
NHL Trade Discussions, News and National Hockey Now:
Boston Hockey Now: Follow NHL trade discussions. Sources tell Jimmy Murphy that the Boston Bruins have their eyes on Lindholm, but are playing the waiting game. Bruins trade chat.
Sportsnet: The biggest unanswered questions from the Penguins, Capitals and Metro Division.
ESPN: Here’s the news: Maple Leafs gave Auston Matthews more than $13 million by season.
Toronto experts are hailing it as a win-win solution. I’m afraid I don’t see it that way. Matthews got both the top price and a shorter deal to cash out again. This game is a loss for Toronto. Of course, keeping Matthews is a win, even if he surely didn’t give his hometown a discount.
NYI Hockey Now: The big trade on the island last season was acquiring Bo Horvat. In the short term, the results are mixed. Expectations and exaggerations. What can New York Islanders to wait for?
Washington Hockey Now: New coach Spencer Carbury isn’t pushing Kuznetsov out. In fact, it does the opposite. Evgeny Kuznetsov is still part of the Capitals core.
And …
Vegas Hockey Now: Would the Buffalo Sabers have made the playoffs if they had kept Jack Eichel? Would the Stanley Cup be in Vegas if the Golden Knights kept Alex Tuch? The big “What if” of Vegas Golden Knights.
