Happy Saturday, everyone!
As of writing this, Erik Karlsson is still on the roster of the Ottawa Senators, and a major reason why seems to be the Dallas Stars’ refusal to include Miro Heiskanen as part of a deal to lure him away.
In a span of roughly 72 hours, Heiskanen has gone from the Stars’ top prospect to the player that couldn’t be moved for the NHL’s best defenseman since Nicklas Lidström. Lidström, of course, is the man who made it impossible for Sergei Zubov to win Norris Trophies.
Sean Shapiro has more on the Stars’ confidence here.
Stars Stuff
The Dallas Morning News is getting a new Stars reporter:
In August, I will start with the Dallas Morning News, covering the Stars. I am supremely excited to get going there and it’s a fantastic opportunity professionally at one of the country’s best papers.
— Matthew DeFranks (@MDeFranks) July 6, 2018
The Blake Comeau signing in chart form. Makes you feel pretty good about it:
Blake Comeau signed with DAL for 3 yrs at $2.4 mil/yr
Don’t know how I missed this one on July 1st. What a neat and tidy signing for the Stars. I like it. pic.twitter.com/W8g0lhzANU
— Sean Tierney (@ChartingHockey) July 6, 2018
Around the League
Signings and such:
- Anthony Duclair signed a one-year deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets. [NHL]
- Ryan Strome inked a two-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers. [NHL]
- Matt Nieto is returning to the Colorado Avalanche for two years. [NHL]/
Here’s a brief Erik Karlsson roundup for you:
The dynamics around an Erik Karlsson trade continue to be tricky, especially with Bobby Ryan and his remaining $30M potentially part of it. Talks are ongoing, but no guarantee something gets done quickly.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 6, 2018
Don’t expect any #TBLightning deal for Erik Karlsson anytime soon, per source. Not saying it won’t happen eventually, but nothing imminent or close.
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithTB) July 6, 2018
In summation:
Ottawa has a 2 of clubs and a 5 of hearts and keeps raising.
— Bob Sturm (@SportsSturm) July 6, 2018
Alex Burrows is hanging up his skates:
After 13 NHL seasons, @aburr14‘s playing career has come to an end. Burrows says goodbye to the game here: https://t.co/pFMBB5BcGJ pic.twitter.com/lPolW1Ng7l
— NHLPA (@NHLPA) July 6, 2018
An update on the Humboldt Broncos tragedy:
UPDATED | Driver of semi in Humboldt Broncos bus crash faces 29 charges https://t.co/G81nfg0wCC pic.twitter.com/AvoWsNyW2Y
— Hockey Night in Canada (@hockeynight) July 6, 2018
Jack Eichel is changing his jersey number:
And the number change is here for Jack Eichel pic.twitter.com/frTnAZDiNd
— John Vogl (@BuffaloVogl) July 6, 2018
In case you need to waste some time and brush up on advanced stats:
#Sabres fans: Today I wrote a primer on advanced metrics so you’ll all be familiar with the tools I use to evaluate the team this season. Even brought on @NatStatTrick to answer some questions for you.
My latest for @TheAthleticBUF https://t.co/T6FpNpctgg— Ryan Stimson (@RK_Stimp) July 5, 2018
Down Goes Brown’s Friday Grab Bag is another classic:
Friday Grab Bag: It’s a special almost-all-Tavares edition, including Islander fan reactions and a look back at a teenage phenom. https://t.co/eOuJWg8183
— Down Goes Brown (@DownGoesBrown) July 6, 2018