The Daily Scan: Flames move forward, Vegas takes on Eichel

The Calgary Flames can focus on hockey without having to hear any more on Jack Eichel now that he’s been traded to the Vegas Golden Knights. However, how would you like to face the division rival Knights next year with a presumably healthy Eichel? After they wave their magic wand to deal with the $10-million cap problem, of course. Meanwhile COVID is kicking the Pittsburgh Penguins while they’re down, taking out Sidney Crosby just as they’re looking at getting Kris Letang back.

A view from the other side

Vegas: WINNER! Jack Eichel has been the belle of the NHL trade ball for a while, but it was down to two teams. Here is VHN’s first take on the long-awaited Golden Knights trade. 

NHL News & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: It’s official. Thanks in part to Calgary Flames legend and the Hockey Hall of Fame chairman Lanny McDonald, Brad Aldrich’s name is no longer on the Chicago Blackhawks 2010 Stanley Cup. It’s now XX’s.

Pittsburgh: The worst was confirmed after Sidney Crosby, Marcus Pettersson, Brian Dumoulin, and Chad Ruhwedel missed practice. Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan says all, including Crosby, tested positive for COVID. Sullivan also updated PHN on their health.

Kris Letang returned to practice on Wednesday. He talked about his ordeal with COVID and being a little bit nervous when he had symptoms. 

Detroit: With some irony, as the Pittsburgh Penguins are suffering a small breakthrough outbreak. The NHL’s only unvaccinated player, Tyler Bertuzzi, is now up to speed. 

Montreal: The Montreal Canadiens are desperately trying to salvage their season. They demoted Cole Caufield and scratched Alexander Romanov. Mitch Gallo writes–the Canadiens are running out of bullets and blaming the wrong people. 

Toronto: It’s been a rough start of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The angst is high inside and outside the organization. Scott Cullen dishes grades for the Maple Leafs’ first 10 games. Some aren’t so kind.