NHL Daily: Nail Yakupov, Thomas Cabot, EA 17 Simulation
By Ryan Ritchie
NHL Daily: Reports Surfaced on Thursday that Edmonton and Chicago are Discussing a Potential Nail Yakupov Trade, Thomas Chabot Appears to be on Track to Lock Down a Roster Spot for Opening Night in Ottawa, Interesting Stanley Cup Final During the EA Sports NHL 17 Simulation, 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: Reports surfaced on Thursday that Nail Yakupov has been a topic of discussion in trade talks between the Edmonton Oilers and Chicago Blackhawks as the Russian winger continues to be pushed down the depth chart, Ottawa Senators top defensive prospect Thomas Chabot looks primed to secure a roster spot for opening night, an intriguing Stanley Cup Final occurred during EA Sports NHL 17 simulation, and much more!
NHL Daily: Morning Coffee Headlines
EA Sports NHL 17 Simulation
If the Toronto Maple Leafs snagging the second Wild-Card spot in the Eastern Conference wasn’t surprising enough. How about a Montreal Canadiens – Nashville Predators Stanley Cup Final following the blockbuster trade this summer? Check out EA Sports simulation with standings and award winners. [CBS Sports]
Blackhawks Interested in Yakupov
A Chicago blogger reported that sources suggest the Edmonton Oilers and Chicago Blackhawks have been in discussion regarding a trade for Nail Yakupov. It’s not difficult to imagine Chicago having interest in the Oilers winger; it is, however, difficult to imagine how they could make the money work. [Oil on Whyte]
Line Projections: Metropolitan Division Preview
Chabot Could be on Opening Night Roster
Ottawa Senators top defensive prospect Thomas Chabot is looking to crack the NHL roster for opening night. It could be nothing more than a short nine-game tryout, but he should be given an opportunity to stick around if he can impress. [Ottawa Sun]
Jarkrok on Las Vegas’ Radar?
Chance Humphrey over at Predlines released a prediction for the upcoming season. It seems to echo the exact same thought this writer proposed in our group roundtable last week; Preds forward Calle Jarnkrok seems primed for a breakout season, which could make him a target for the NHL’s 31st franchise. [Predlines]
Pacific Division: Rookies to Watch in 2016-17
Stoner Placed on Waivers
Numerous players have found themselves on waivers in recent days as teams get closer to a 23-man roster. In a surprise move on Thursday, Anaheim waived defenseman Clayton Stoner and his massive cap hit. Speculation suggests the Ducks continue to make room to re-sign RFAs Hampus Lindholm and Rickard Rakell. [USA Today]
3 Leafs That Should be Traded
Tim Chiasson over at Editor in Leaf discusses three Maple Leafs who should be traded at some point in 2016-17. The list includes a pair of longer tenured players, both forwards, along with one new addition. [Editor in Leaf]
Group Roundtable: Bill Masterton Trophy Winner Predictions
Obama Having Fun with Pens, Phil Kessel
The Pittsburgh Penguins were honored by President Barack Obama at the White House on Thursday. He had some fun with Phil the Thrill and was quoted saying, “We are here to celebrate an extraordinary achievement. Phil Kessel is a Stanley Cup champion.” [CBC]
What to Look Forward to in Calgary
Things in Calgary are interesting these days. Johnny Hockey is still working on a new deal with the Flames, while Matthew Tkachuk has impressed in training and should at least receive a nine-game tryout. Ramina Shlah at Flame for Thought discusses the many reasons for optimism in Calgary as a new season is slated to begin. [Flame for Thought]
NHL Daily Morning Rant
Edmonton Oilers forward Nail Yakupov is likely to be traded. Even if we disregard the reports that surfaced Thursday, it was a situation that was already heading in that direction. New additions such as Jesse Puljujarvi and Drake Caggiula could force the Russian winger into the press box to start the new season. So, unless GM Peter Chiarelli has plans of trading Ryan Nugent-Hopkins or Leon Draisaitl (which might be the best route), Nail Yakupov is the odd-man out.
Seeing that Chicago would likely struggle to make the money work, Edmonton may need to look elsewhere to find another right-handed defenseman. Yakupov won’t fetch a premier blueliner, but he might be able to snag a second pairing type that can log between 18-20 minutes/night.
Next: Regular Season Predictions - Pacific Division
Potential Targets for Yakupov:
Josh Manson, Anaheim Ducks (ANA would need to add pieces in this deal)
Brett Pesce, Carolina Hurricanes (CAR would need to add pieces in this deal)
Matt Dumba, Minnesota Wild
Ryan Pulock, New York Islanders (NYI would need to add a piece in this deal)
Kevin Shattenkirk, St. Louis Blues
Nate Schmidt, Washington Capitals
Jacob Trouba, Winnipeg Jets
Make sure to like us on facebook and follow us on twitter for more NHL daily updates!