Daily Nuggets: Golden Knights Win Stone Trade, AGAIN; Controversial IOC Ruling

Good morning, folks. With how non-competitive both Conference Finals series are, it feels like the dog days of the offseason. And it’s only May 27th! Time moves slowly during the offseason. The Vegas Golden Knights were eliminated from the postseason two weeks ago, but it feels much longer than that.

Elsewhere in the Daily Nuggets, there are reports that a third player I grew up watching is getting his first NHL head coaching gig– boy, do I feel old! A controversial IOC ruling likely ends Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin’s international careers. Restricted Free Agents are the talk of the town, and the injury bug struck the Edmonton Oilers yet again.

On a more personal note, I’d like to once again apologize for the lack of Golden Knights content. I had a bad medical emergency last Thursday, and it’s taken me way longer than I expected to get back on my feet. There were a few days where I didn’t feel human. Thankfully, I think the worst of it is behind me.

Okay, that’s all from me. Let’s talk hockey!

Golden Knights News

Yes, I’m still banging the Mitch Marner drum. This situation is just so compelling– he’s a 102-point player who will become the belle at the ball on July 1st. And he’s such a polarizing player. So, let’s get into it; here’s why Marner would– and wouldn’t– work for the Golden Knights. 

On Monday, Erik Brännström signed a three-year contract with Switzerland’s Lausanne Hockey Club. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because the Golden Knights drafted Brännström 15th overall in 2017. 

Of course, he didn’t play an NHL game with the Golden Knights. Brännström was the centerpiece of the trade that brought Mark Stone to Vegas at the 2019 Trade Deadline. The Golden Knights’ pipeline might be depleted, but they have the Stanley Cup and the last laugh.

Golden Knights History: On May 28th, 2018, the Golden Knights won their first Stanley Cup Final game, defeating the Washington Capitals 6-4.

NHL News, Rumors, & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: The Edmonton Oilers hold a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Dallas Stars. However, the fourth win is the hardest, and the Oilers might be in for a challenge if Zach Hyman’s injury is serious. According to Elliotte Friedman on Wednesday’s episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, there are concerns.

The Athletic ($): Thanks to the chutzpah of St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong last summer, RFAs are the talk of the town. Instead of offer sheets, let’s talk trades. Here are five RFAs that could become trade targets this offseason.

Hockey Royalty: It’s not yet official, but according to Cam Robinson, Marco Sturm will be the next head coach of the Boston Bruins.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Farewell, Tuna; it seems that Tomáš Tatar’s NHL career has come to an end. The former Golden Knight signed a two-year contract with Switzerland’s EV Zug.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: On Tuesday, the International Olympic Committee declared a continued ban on Russian teams. This means that the likes of Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin won’t be permitted to compete in the 2026 Winter Games.

New York Islanders Hockey Now: The Islanders have a surplus of defensemen and will have to make some big decisions at the position. With the NHL Draft just one month away, the clock is ticking.

Florida Hockey Now: The Panthers will play Game 5 against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh tonight. Thankfully, Paul Maurice provided positive updates about the status of their injured players.

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