NHL Daily: Matthew Tkachuk, Cory Conacher, Stanley Cup Contenders

NHL Daily: Flames Prospect Matthew Tkachuk Has a Long History of Being Around NHL Rinks, Cory Conacher is Putting up a Strong Bid With His Second Opportunity in Tampa Bay, Eight Stanley Cup Contenders, and More (Morning Coffee Headlines)

Grab your morning cup of coffee and join us here at Puck Prose for a compilation of NHL daily links that will help keep you updated with everything going on in the hockey world.

In today’s edition: Calgary Herald released a nice piece on Calgary Flames prospect Matthew Tkachuk discussing his childhood hanging around NHL rinks with Coyotes equipment manager Stan Wilson, Cory Conacher is putting up a strong bid to make his NHL return with the Tampa Bay Lightning in his second tenure, a breakdown of eight Stanley Cup contenders, and much more!

NHL Daily: Morning Coffee Headlines

Matthew Tkachuk-Stan Wilson Relationship

Sep 30, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) screens in front of Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko (35) during a preseason hockey game at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

Calgary Flames prospect Matthew Tkachuk spent a lot of time at the rink as a kid with his father, Keith Tkachuk. Much of that time was spent being watched over by Coyotes equipment manager Stan Wilson. Arizona was playing the Flames on Wednesday in somewhat of a reunion. This is a good read as Stan Wilson reflects on the past. [Calgary Herald]

Conacher Making Most of Second Opportunity

Lauren Burg over at Bolts by the Bay takes a look at Cory Conacher’s impressive preseason showing thus far. The Tampa Bay Lightning gave him a second chance after his career fell apart following the trade a few years back. [Bolts by the Bay]

Group Roundtable: Expansion Draft Protection List Decisions

Stanley Cup Contenders

Jun 12, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) and teammate Pascal Dupuis (9) with the Stanley Cup after defeating the San Jose Sharks in game six of the 2016 Stanley Cup Final at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Fox Sports released their list of who they believe to be the eight favorites as Stanley Cup Contenders. It’s a list of familiar names, with no real surprises. Then again, when’s the last time we had a major shocker? It would probably date back to the 8th place Los Angeles Kings, although some were projecting a deep run based on their late surge to get into the playoffs that year. [Fox Sports]

Avs Best Preseason Performers

We still don’t know exactly what to expect from the Colorado Avalanche once the regular season gets underway, but the preseason gives reasons for optimism. Nadia Archuleta over at Mile High Sticking takes a look at three players in particular that are exceeding expectations in training camp. [Mile High Sticking]

Season Preview: Fantasy Hockey Primer: Projections, 30-Team Analysis

Las Vegas Breaks Ground on Practice Facility

Jun 22, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Bill Foley walks the red carpet during the 2016 NHL Awards at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports /

The NHL’s 31st franchise broke ground on their new practice facility on Wednesday. They also announced that a team name and color scheme will be unveiled on November 19th at Toshiba Place on the Las Vegas Strip. [Las Vegas Sun]

The Forgotten Flyers Forward in Training Camp

Flyers fans can be forgiven for being preoccupied with the likes of Ivan Provorov and Travis Konecny in training camp. Meanwhile, KHL transfer Roman Lyubimov is quietly having a solid preseason as he fights for a spot in the bottom-six forward group. [Broad Street Buzz]

Central Division: Rookies to Watch in 2016-17

How NHL’s Youngest Captains Have Fared

Mar 18, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) takes a shot on Vancouver Canucks goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25) during the first period at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /

Adam Gretz over at Pro Hockey Talk explores the history of how the NHL’s youngest captains have fared. It’s an interesting list that includes plenty of Stanley Cup winners and guys that tend to challenge for annual NHL hardware. [NBC Sports]

Austin Czarnik Fighting for Roster Spot With Bruins

A bit undersized at 5’9 160lbs, the playmaking Austin Czarnik is coming off a monster AHL season with Providence in which he racked up 61 points in 68 games. Andrew Thompson discusses how the talented young prospect continues to fight for an opening night roster spot in Boston. [Causeway Crowd]

Next: Rookies to Watch in the Pacific Division

NHL Daily Morning Rant

Assuming there are no further changes, Las Vegas is set to announce their team name and color scheme on November 19th.

We know a few things: 1) they have three trademarked names; Desert Knights, Golden Knights, and Silver Knights. 2) due to Bill Foley’s business ties, speculation continues to suggest that black will be one of the primary colors 3) trademark issues have forced them to go in different directions on certain things

If it’s me choosing personally, I might go with Desert Knights. Silver Knights would likely yield too similar of a color scheme to the Los Angeles Kings, while the Golden Knights might not only be the pun of jokes, but also limits a team to a particular gold/or yellow scheme (enough of those already with Boston, Nashville, and Pittsburgh). Desert Knights virtually opens the door to any combination of colors one might want, and it also allows for more freedom in terms of a team logo.

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