VHN Daily: CBJ Assistant Quits Over Vax Requirement; Kraken Ink Donato

It’s a new week as we get closer to the start of NHL training camps opening. But the news keeps getting generated off the ice. The Columbus Blue Jackets lost an assistant coach because he didn’t want to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Hello Vegas Golden Knights, the Buffalo Sabres are re-engaging the NHL trade market to generate interest in center Jack Eichel and the New York Islanders’ home opener on Nov. 20 in their new UBS Arena sold out in a blink of an eye.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are bracing for life early this season without stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin and sometimes, it’s better to keep your mouth shut when your name is being circulated in pesky NHL trade rumors. That’s what Pierre-Luc Dubois did.

Vegas Hockey Now: The Jack Eichel sweepstakes are on the verge of reopening and even though it would take a lot of things to make it happen, don’t be shocked if the Vegas Golden Knights show up in the NHL trade chatter and take a run at the Buffalo Sabres’ star center.

NHL Trade Rumors, News & National Hockey Now

Columbus: sportsnet.ca and the Associated Press reported that Blue Jackets assistant coach Sylvain Lefebvre was replaced on Brad Larsen’s staff after Lefebvre refused to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Winnipeg: Pierre-Luc Dubois broke his silence, sort of, why he kept mum about requesting a trade from Columbus. He didn’t come completely clean with Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek on their 31 Thoughts podcast, but he did try to explain the stance he took.

Colorado: Vegas Golden Knights main rival, the Colorado Avalanche, have some good young talent. Alex Newhook is a name you’ll come to know. Is he ready to be a top-six forward?

NYIhockeynow: As expected, the Opening Night for the Islanders at their new home, UBS Arena, sold out what remaining tickets existed in a matter of minutes. The new arena at Belmont Park will seat just over 17,000 and promises to be loud.

TSN: An advocacy group is making waves. You probably know a lot about the investigation into the Chicago Blackhawks for their investigation, or lack thereof, into sexual assault allegations in 2010. The group wants Chicago Stan Bowman removed as Team USA GM for the coming 2022 Beijing Olympics. 

Seattle Times: The Seattle Kraken have taken one of the last remaining valuable free agents off the market. After creating chaos on the NHL trade market this summer, the Kraken have been quiet. On Monday, they signed UFA Ryan Donato. 

NHL.com: Ryan Kessler was one of the warriors who battled the Vegas Golden Knights in the beginning. He told NHL.com that he understands his hip will not allow him to ever play in the NHL again, even though he has one more year remaining on his contract. 

Pghhockeynow: Yes, the Penguins will start the season without their two big stars. But someone is going to get an opportunity to step in for Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin and make a contribution. At least that’s the hope of management.