Daily Nuggets: Knights Glaad; Canucks Pick Pettersson; Rangers Reunion

With all the action around the league, yesterday certainly didn’t feel like a Friday in January. There were trades, a signing, and enough significant news to make it feel like the start of a busy offseason. Yesterday began with a report about the salary cap, and the Vegas Golden Knights added to the news cycle by signing Brandon Saad. Elsewhere in the Daily Nuggets, the Rangers finally pulled the trigger on a trade that puts an end to my favorite trashy reality TV show, but also allows me to reference my favorite Bruce Springsteen song. “Trader Jim” Rutherford lived up to his name and pulled the trigger on another trade barely an hour after the Canucks finished playing.

Grab a drink and a snack because there’s a lot to get to.

Golden Knights News

Remember when Brandon Saad made headlines the other day by agreeing to terminate his contract with the St. Louis Blues? Well, it turns out that wasn’t such a bad decision, at least if you disregard the 5.4 million that he left behind in St. Louis. Elliotte Friedman reported that he’d been signed as soon as he cleared waivers. Meet your newest Golden Knight, the Saadfather.

Before the Brandon Saad news broke, some juicy information was released about the salary cap. The NHL / NHLPA came to an agreement, and now we know what the salary cap will be through 2028. That may lead to some questionable signings.

The Golden Knights will practice today at 1 p.m. EST– that’s 10 a.m. PST– at UBS Arena. And on Saturday, the Golden Knights will be the first team to face the new look– old look?– New York Rangers.

Golden Knights History: Seven years ago today, the Golden Knights made NHL history. They defeated the Winnipeg Jets in overtime and recorded their 34th win on the season– the most ever by a first-year team.

NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now

New Jersey Hockey Now: At long last, the JT Miller saga has run its course. For now, at least. Last night, the Vancouver Canucks sent Miller to the New York Rangers. “The Rangers had a homecoming in Harlem late last night…”

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Moving Miller wasn’t Vancouver’s only move yesterday. The Canucks kept center Elias Pettersson and also acquired defenseman Marcus Pettersson from the Pittsburgh Penguins. If you’re keeping track, the Canucks now roster three Petterssons.

Sportsnet: It’s official. Miro Heiskanen is out indefinitely with a lower-body injury and will miss the 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament.

NHL History: Today, in 1993, Gary Bettman officially took office as NHL Commissioner.