The Daily Scan: Markstrom NHL first star, what Vegas can afford for Eichel

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom was named the NHL’s first star on Monday after his second of back-to-back 4-0 shutouts over Pennsylvania based teams. Meanwhile, Jack Eichel is still a member of the Buffalo Sabres, but what can the odds-on favourite Vegas Golden Knights afford in a potential NHL trade? On the weekend, we explored the idea of whether the Calgary Flames should even be considering a deal if the cost includes a current core piece.

At this rate, the Olympics are already looking like a longshot for Eichel. Even with a six-week timeline to return to skating after his preferred surgery, Eichel will have to get back into game shape and cleared for contact. No idea what that timing might look like.

He might be this year’s Nikita Kucherov.

The Flames have to get to the playoffs, first, but having Markstrom in goal is an important piece of that puzzle – as former Flames goalie and goaltending coach Jamie McLennan foreshadowed early this season in an exclusive chat with CHN+. (Use code Flames to get a discounted annual subscription for less than $30)

Markstrom was solid again in the shutout over the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday even though he wasn’t as busy as the previous one versus the Pittsburgh Penguins. His weekly first-star eligible games only went as far back as those two shutouts and the 5-1 win over the New York Rangers. Markstrom had a .33 goals-against average and .986 save percentage in that span, and was a big reason the Flames penalty kill has been so good.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now

Vegas Hockey Now: So, what can the biggest competitors to the Calgary Flames in the Jack Eichel hunt give up? The NHL trade rumours are waiting anxiously. The Hockey Now fam has reported what Buffalo wants, now we fit the wants to the Vegas assets. Here’s what the Vegas Golden Knights can sacrifice to the NHL trade gods. 

Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators are shopping a couple of players but they’re desperate for depth at centre. 

Colorado: Erik Johnson missed last season due to injury. It’s been a long time since the formerly heralded defenseman lit the lamp (March 2020). When Johnson scored on Saturday, the fist pump was far more than one goal. And that was a mighty fist pump. 

Vancouver: There’s some handwringing around the Vancouver Canucks. The high-powered lineup is sputtering, but Rob Simpson writes– Frankie says, “Relax,” Don’t panic Canucks fans. 

Washington: The Washington Capitals will take Nic Dowd and Nick Backstrom with them on their road trip–that must mean the Capitals are close to healthy. 

And finally, backup Calgary Flames goaltender Dan (Darth) Vladar gave the people what they wanted on Halloween …

Hi from different galaxy #youguysaskedforDarth pic.twitter.com/AOsCo6gx0Y

— Dan Vladar (@danvladar) November 1, 2021