Pacific Division: Contenders, Pretenders, Dark Horses
Who are the Pacific Division's Contenders, Pretenders and Dark Houses? We break the teams down by grouping. Have L.A. or Edmonton peaked? We rank the VGK prospects following the lead of an NHL.com article. And, why the lack of NHL trade activity since July 25? Cap concerns and VGK working on Jack Eichel's contract extension could be factors in Las Vegas.
2 Sep 27min
Marner Monday: Safety concerns might have driven Marner out of Toronto
Mitch Marner might have been driven out of Toronto due to security concerns, especially when the Maple Leafs were eliminated from the playoffs. Marner said he received threats and had to hire his own security people. "Great addition" said Jack Eichel on Marner's fit with VGK. And VGK that might surprise us this upcoming season.
1 Sep 28min
Three biggest threats to VGK this season
We list our three biggest threats to VGK this upcoming season. What will VGK be like post-Olympics with Bruce Cassidy and possibly eight players going to Milan? Will egos get in the way this season with two superstars on the ice? Is the Pacific Division stronger from top to bottom? We also discuss the reduction in term contract limits and it's WTF Day.
29 Aug 28min
VGK has 15 National TV appearances this season
VGK will be appearing on National TV 15 times this upcoming season. That's one more game than a season ago. The TV schedule was announced Wednesday and includes one appearance on ABC, four ESPN-televised appearances, four more on ESPN+, and six TNT appearances. The much-anticipated VGK game versus Toronto will be aired on ESPN Jan. 15. Jack Eichel says the expectation for Team USA is to win Olympic Gold in Milan. And, don't count VGK acquiring Rasmus Andersson. Flames Captain Michael Backlund says "it's obvious" Andersson will be traded, likely before the season begins.
28 Aug 28min
VGK trade destination for Malkin?
Jeremy Tingley, of NHL Rumors, has VGK listed along with the Rangers and Panthers as potential landing spots for future Hall of Famer Evgeny Malkin. This is expected to be his final season in Pittsburgh, and if the Penguins are out of the Cup race early, Malkin could be available by the trade deadline. He could be a late rental for the Cup chase. He currently makes $6m a year. We have VGK sightings on the ice at City National by Cris Gawlik. And, to no one's surprise, VGK is ranked near the bottom in Pipeline Rankings.
26 Aug 30min
Report: Eichel could command $15m AAV
Jack Eichel could command $15 million a year according to Frank Saravalli from Bleacher Report, as negotiations continue for a contract extension. Eichel's contract expires after this season. Initial reports said Eichel would want between $12.5 ad $13 million a year. But now that number escalated. Will Eichel test the free agency market? Should VGK fans be concerned? We wonder how VGK would handle the cap with two superstars on the team. William Nylander, Mitch Marner's former teammate, said this weekend that Marner was focused during the playoffs. Despite scoring 13 points in 13 games, fans and media in Toronto feel Eichel might have been checked out during the playoffs with the Maple Leafs. We also have Auston Matthews comments on #MarnerMonday. And, VGK reportedly took Alexander Holtz off its roster over the weekend. Holtz turned down an offer sheet for $874,000
25 Aug 30min
Eichel and Hanifin invited to U.S. Olympic Orientation Camp
Jack Eichel is probably a lock to make the U.S. Olympic team, Noah Hanifin will have a hill to climb to join the team in Italy this winter. Both have been invited to next week's team orientation. A total of 44 players have been invited and the team roster has to be pared down to 25 before the Games. We discuss VGK's current top-heavy lineup and what effect it might have on the team long-term. And it's WTF day with fan comments.
22 Aug 30min
Eichel is sixth ranked center according to NHL Network
NHL Network released its Top 20 Centers list Wednesday and Jack Eichel moved up a spot from a year ago and is now ranked sixth on the list. Connor McDavid is the top center according to the list. Eichel had his best season in the league with 94 points last season. He missed five games while flirting with the century mark. We talk about confidence for the VGK front office, based on a new Athletic survey. And former Golden Knights winger Victor Olofsson signs with Colorado.
21 Aug 30min
