Devils Daily: Blackwood Suitors, Dubas Hired in Pittsburgh

Newark, NJ – In today’s Devils Daily, the Metropolitan Division adds another big name, this time in the form of Kyle Dubas. The timing of the announcement was incredible. Just 30 minutes before Dubas’ former club was scheduled to hear from the new man in charge. Brad Treliving spoke for the first time as the Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager. The former Calgary GM was upfront with his priority list. Patrick Kane undergoes hip surgery, how much time will he miss? And plenty of paths for Mackenzie Blackwood moving forward.

New Jersey Devils

New Jersey Hockey Now: Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald expressed how pleased he was with the tandem of Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid in his end-of-year debrief. The sense is that he’ll either go into next season with them both or choose to upgrade from what he has already. Regardless, the odd man out appears to be Blackwood. Here are six possible landing destinations.

Stanley Cup Final

Vegas Hockey Now: Despite the Florida Panthers looking like a team of destiny, the Vegas Golden Knights actually have a number of advantages heading into the Stanley Cup Final. VHN breaks down three of those advantages, including how to neutralize the red-hot Matthew Tkachuk.

Florida Hockey Now: Panthers head coach Paul Maurice has been behind the bench for a long time. In Florida, however, it’s just his first season. Maurice reflects on his past and uses his wisdom for his present, admitting it’s okay for his team to see him having fun too. Due to the openness of Maurice, the Panthers are having fun playing for their new coach.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: There’s a new sheriff in town and his name is Kyle Dubas. The Pittsburgh Penguins hired Dubas on Thursday as their new President of Hockey Operations. At least for now, Dubas will assume another role, too, as the Penguins’ GM.

Calgary Flames

Calgary Hockey Now: Since thew departure of Mark Giordano, the Calgary Flames’ captaincy has been vacant. With new GM Chris Conroy in charge, the former Flames forward stated he’ll name a captain for the 2023-24 season. Who are the candidates?

Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago Hockey Now: He’s a former member of the Chicago Blackhawks now, but he’s still newsworthy in The Windy City. Patrick Kane underwent hip resurfacing surgery. His timeline for recovery is four-to-six months. According to Kane, he wants to continue playing “for a long time.” Kane’s doctors are certain that will happen.

Colorado Avalanche

Colorado Hockey Now: Body cam footage of the incident involving Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichuskin has been released. The Avalanche have yet to comment on the incident months later and reiterate they hope Nichuskin will continue to be an important part of their future.

San Jose Sharks

San Jose Hockey Now: The San Jose Sharks had until 2 PM PT on Thursday to ink unsigned draftees from the 2021 NHL Draft. The deadline has come and gone and GM Mike Grier opted not to pick up his pen. Now three former Sharks prospects are re-entering the NHL Draft.

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