Daily Nuggets: Smith Happiest With Golden Knights; Changes in Toronto
Good morning, folks. It’s been seven days since the Vegas Golden Knights last played hockey– seriously, has it only been a week?– and the offseason is in full swing. We’ve discussed which Free Agents the Golden Knights should keep; soon, we’ll pinpoint which ones they should sign on July 1st.
I think we’ll try our hand at another Mailbag soon. One of my favorite parts of this job is interacting with you all, and a Mailbag is one of the best ways to do so. We’re not in the dog days of the offseason yet, but keep an eye out for that.
Elsewhere in the Daily Nuggets, the Dallas Stars completed an exhilarating comeback to stun the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1. The New Jersey Devils could show interest in Pavel Dorofeyev, and Reilly Smith’s declaration of love for the Golden Knights ruffled some feathers around the league.
Golden Knights News
Reilly Smith, practically humming with joy at his year-end media availability last week, gushed about his return to Vegas. He understands that this is a business but repeatedly expressed his desire to sign a new contract. Smith hopes to work out a deal that benefits both sides; only time will tell if the Golden Knights feel the same way.
I don’t know if the Golden Knights will re-sign Smith, but I do think they should. The system fits him like a glove, and you can never question his work ethic. He puts his heart and soul into every shift. He loves the city, loves the community, and loves being a Golden Knight. It’s a perfect marriage, and Kelly McCrimmon would be wise to offer him a contract.
Time and time again, the Golden Knights have shown that they will do whatever it takes to win. They’ll trade away futures, trade players for peanuts to shed salary, and take big swings in Free Agency and the Trade Deadline. After losing in the second round to the Edmonton Oilers, changes are all but guaranteed. And only Jack Eichel should be considered ‘untouchable.’
Now, on a more serious note, the sexual assault trial involving five members of Canada’s 2018 World Juniors Team continues. On Tuesday, the Crown prosecution called Golden Knights forward Brett Howden as a witness.
On Wednesday, after hearing arguments from the prosecution and the defense regarding inconsistencies in his testimonies, Justice Maria Carroccia granted the prosecution permission to cross-examine Howden.
NHL News, Rumors, & National Hockey Now
Sportsnet: Heading into the third period, the Edmonton Oilers were firmly in the driver’s seat and held a 3-1 lead over a Dallas Stars team that appeared lifeless. And then? The Stars’ offense exploded for five unanswered goals to steal Game 1 from the immature and undisciplined Oilers.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Here’s your annual reminder that there are always two sides to every story. While Reilly Smith’s comments surely warmed the hearts of Golden Knights fans everywhere, he unconsciously scorned both the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins in the same breath.
New Jersey Hockey Now: The Devils, sans Jack Hughes, flamed out in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Carolina Hurricanes. They, like the Golden Knights, struggled to score and are now looking for answers. Could we see a trade between the Golden Knights and Devils?
New York Islanders Hockey Now: There it is. Just four days removed from a humiliating postseason elimination, the Toronto Maple Leafs begin their changes. On Wednesday, they granted the Islanders permission to speak with their president of hockey operations, Brendan Shanahan.
Philly Hockey Now: Trades, trades, trades! The Flyers are exiting a rebuild and are desperate to make the jump and contend for a playoff berth. So, who could be on the chopping block?
Boston Hockey Now: Woof, this is a real slap in the face to the fans. After a season where they finished dead last in the Eastern Conference, the Bruins extended general manager Don Sweeney.
NHL History: On May 22nd, 2009, Nicklas Lidström set a record by playing in his 228th consecutive Stanley Cup Playoff game.
