Daily Nuggets: Islanders Beat Golden Knights; Original Misfit Signs

Good morning, folks. On Tuesday, Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon spoke with the media. Among other things, he gushed about young defenseman Kaedan Korczak. On Wednesday, the Golden Knights doubled down, signing Korczak to a risky four-year contract. 

Elsewhere in the Daily Nuggets, two of the earliest Golden Knights signed shiny new multi-year contracts. The Florida Panthers are prepared to run it back and go for the three-peat. Brent Burns signed a deal with the Colorado Avalanche, and the New York Islanders swiped a highly coveted Free Agent away from the Golden Knights.

I sincerely apologize for putting this out so late. I completed my cross-country drive yesterday, and ever since, my brain has been mush. Driving through Colorado on I-70 was gorgeous, but not enough to justify driving 2,637 miles. Seriously, who let me think that was a good idea?!

I’ve since won the battle against my WiFi router and successfully bought a new mattress. The bed will arrive today, which means I slept on the floor last night. My back has felt better, but that may have been the best sleep of my life.

I’m beyond wiped and desperately need an off-day. I’m pretty sure writing that is the equivalent of saying ‘Macbeth’ in a theater, but oh, well. As long as I haven’t jinxed myself, I’m going to spend the day at the Pinball Hall of Fame, parked in front of the Dr. No machine.

Now, let’s talk hockey!

Golden Knights News

Mitch Marner, the newest star on the Vegas strip, met with the media on Tuesday. Listen, this guy wanted to be a Golden Knight. If you think you’re excited that he signed in Vegas, just take a look at what he had to say.

Despite what Toronto Maple Leafs fans are saying on the internet– I’ll admit that I’m a lurker– Marner is one of the best players in the league. If you thought the Golden Knights’ contention window was closing, Marner slammed it right back open. Kelly McCrimmon said just as much in his press conference on Tuesday.

Unfortunately, McCrimmon also confirmed that defenseman Alex Pietrangelo likely won’t return to hockey. He acknowledged Pietrangelo the player, but focused on praising his professionalism and strength of character. Pietrangelo will be sorely missed, both on the ice and in the locker room.

McCrimmon came right out and said which defensemen would have more responsibilities in Pietrangelo’s absence. On Wednesday, he made good on his word and rolled the dice, signing Kaedan Korczak to a four-year contract.

NHL News, Rumors, & National Hockey Now

The Athletic ($): Pundits doubted him, but Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito didn’t care. He signed all three of his big-name free agents in Aaron Ekblad, Sam Bennett, and Brad Marchand, just like he said he would. Now, the entire organization has its eyes on a three-peat.

Florida Hockey Now: What a year it’s been for Nate Schmidt. The Original Misfit went to Florida, won a Stanley Cup with the Panthers, and ran wild at the parade. Now, he’s found what could be his forever home. The defenseman got a nice pay raise, signing a three-year deal worth a total of $10.5 million with the Utah Mammoth.

New Jersey Hockey Now: First-ever Golden Knights draft pick Cody Glass hasn’t had an easy run of it. He’s struggled with injuries and bounced around from team to team. That all ended on Wednesday, when he signed a two-year contract to stay with the Devils.

New York Islanders Hockey Now: Well, it was probably a long shot anyway. After much deliberation, KHL superstar Maxim Shabanov signed with the New York Islanders. The Isles beat out two division rivals– the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers– as well as the Golden Knights.

Colorado Hockey Now: The only active player left from the non-salary cap era isn’t done yet. At 40 years old, Brent Burns signed a one-year deal with the Colorado Avalanche.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Of the 32 NHL teams, 31 are actively trying to improve their rosters. And then, there’s the Penguins. Kyle Dubas is closely monitoring the market, preparing to implement his trade strategy.

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