Daily Nuggets: Golden Knights Return; Rantanen, Jones Trade Rumors

The Vegas Golden Knights are back in action tonight for the first time in eleven million years. Okay, fine, it’s been two weeks. But didn’t it feel like forever? During the 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament, Jack Eichel went toe-to-toe with Connor McDavid and didn’t give an inch. I’m sensing a pattern here…

Elsewhere in the Daily Nuggets, Elliotte Friedman wonders if the Carolina Hurricanes might flip Mikko Rantanen. If they retain their salary, Rantanen could be had for $2.3 million. He lists the Golden Knights, the Dallas Stars, the Winnipeg Jets, the Florida Panthers, the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Toronto Maple Leafs as possible interested teams. Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones wants a trade and to compete for a Stanley Cup.

Today is the 45th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice. After the Golden Knights game tonight, I’m going to rewatch ‘Miracle’ for the umpteenth time, and I will cry no less than twice.

Golden Knights News

Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers is the greatest player in the world. He’s unbelievably gifted, and his offensive talent speaks for itself. But he’s got a Jack Eichel problem.

Sportsnet: On yesterday’s episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman says Mikko Rantanen could be on the move again. The Carolina Hurricanes gave up a lot to get him, and if Rantanen doesn’t sign an extension, they could flip him before the deadline. If he’s available, Friedman thinks the Golden Knights, among other teams, could be interested.

The Athletic ($): Noah Hanifin had a rollercoaster of a 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament. The Athletic staff compiles a list of risers and fallers before the Winter Olympics next year.

NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: Kevin Lankinen signed a ‘show-me’ deal with the Vancouver Canucks in September. Yesterday, he signed a hefty five-year, $22.5 million extension.

Chicago Hockey Now: Seth Jones is 30 years old and still has gas in the tank. He wants to play meaningful games in May and June and compete for a Stanley Cup. He wants to be traded.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe shared some good news on Nico Hischier. Hischier last played on January 25th and is on track to return from injury today against the Dallas Stars.

New York Islanders Hockey Now: The trade deadline is just two weeks away. What are the Islanders going to do? Russ Macias lays out three options.

NHL History: On February 22nd, 1980, the world witnessed one of the greatest upsets in sports history in the Miracle on Ice. Herb Brooks coached a group of amateur players and college students to a 4-3 victory over the heavily favored Soviet Union team.

NHL History: It doesn’t hold the political significance of the Miracle on Ice, but it’s still got some cultural impact. Today, February 22nd, is the five-year anniversary of the Toronto Maple Leafs losing to a 42-year-old Zamboni driver who worked for them.