Daily Nuggets: Golden Knights Clash; Tuch, Kings Trade Rumors

The Vegas Golden Knights are back, kind of. Practices and other team activities resume today; however, Head Coach Bruce Cassidy is still in Boston for the 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament along with Mark Stone, Adin Hill, Jack Eichel, and Noah Hanifin. Still, this moves us one step closer to the resumption of the regular season. Elsewhere in the Daily Nuggets, Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy is the latest casualty of the 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament. A Pacific Division team is interested in a former Golden Knight.

The round-robin play of the 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament has ended, and the stage is set for an epic final throwdown. It’ll be a rematch between Canada and Team USA, and after what happened the first time the two teams met last Saturday night, all I can say is yes, please!

If you’re looking for tickets to the final, be prepared to balk at the prices. 

Golden Knights News

You asked, we answered! Vegas Hockey Now opened our comments for a mailbag and responded to readers’ questions about trading for a goaltender, injury updates, and potential playoff matchups.

Chop, chop, everyone! Fun’s over, and it’s time to get back to work. NHL teams are officially back starting today. Players and staff are back on the clock and will have to report back by 2 p.m. today for the resumption of practices and other team activities. For the Golden Knights, it looks to be a depleted practice as head coach Bruce Cassidy– along with Mark Stone, Adin Hill, Jack Eichel, and Noah Hanifin– is still in Boston for the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Team USA was riddled with injuries yesterday in their loss against Sweden. Matthew Tkachuk, Charlie McAvoy, and Auston Matthews were all ruled out before the game. During the game, they lost Brady Tkachuk and Vincent Trocheck for a short period of time. Luckily for Team USA, the game was meaningless to them as they had already clinched a spot in the finals. Team Canada, on the other hand, dominated Finland to punch their ticket for a rematch with Team USA. It’ll be Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin against Mark Stone on Thursday night.

Jack Eichel was again phenomenal yesterday in Team USA’s tilt against Sweden. He had an assist, but he shone brightest defensively. He blew up Leo Carlsson with this big hit and was a menace all night on the backcheck.

NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: It’ll be the USA vs Canada on Thursday night at The Garden. What more could a hockey fan ask for?! If your answer isn’t “nothing,” that’s just plain greedy.

Hockey Royalty: According to Russell Morgan, the Los Angeles Kings are one of the teams interested in acquiring former Golden Knight Alex Tuch.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Team USA suffered their first loss at the 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament last night. On the flip side, Jesper Bratt lifted Team Sweden to their first win of the tournament.

Boston Hockey Now: The 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament claimed another victim. Bruins star defenseman Charlie McAvoy was admitted to Mass General Hospital last night with an upper-body injury.

Colorado Hockey Now: Between a struggling Ross Colton, an unideal third defensive pairing, and a lack of center depth, the Avalanche have some problems they should address before the postseason.

New York Post ($): This one isn’t news, but since I had to see it, you do too. Larry Brooks believes the New York Rangers should trade Alexis Lafrenière to the Anaheim Ducks for Trevor Zegras.