The Daily: Canucks, ‘Canes Talking Trade; NHL Rumors

Ben Kuzma of the Providence Journal wrote a piece explaining why the Vancouver Canucks pursuit of a trade for Carolina’s Martin Necas to play alongside Elias Pettersson.

“Necas, 25, is a talent-rich and disgruntled third-line restricted free agent with the Carolina Hurricanes,” Kuzma wrote. “Pettersson, 25, is coming off a roller-coaster season, a nagging and prolonged knee ailment and continued frustration to find chemistry with wingers incapable of functioning in top-six positions. Hence, the call from Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin for a top-six winger to fill that pressing need. ”

The irony of that potential move is they could have been traded for each other when the Canucks weren’t sure they could get Pettersson signed.

Kuzma said the Canucks could deal former Red Wings player Filip Hronek to the Hurricanes who could lose two veteran defenseman to free agency (Brett Pesce and Brady Skjei).

“Filling the defence void wouldn’t be easy,” Kuzma wrote. “But either is finding a top-six winger. ”

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Red Wings prospect Dmitri Buchelnikov (drafted 52nd in 2022) is on the move again to a new team in the KHL.

Former Detroit coach Jeff Blashill is still in the mix to become the San Jose Sharks coach. He was scheduled for a second interview.

Nicklas Lidstrom was disappointed in Sweden’s performance in the semifinals of the World Championships.

Red Wings Offseason

One problem the Red Wings must deal with in training camp is to figure out how to cut down opposition shots on goal. The Red Wings surrendered an average of 32.4 shots per game in 2023-24. That ranked 26th out of the 32 NHL teams. The only playoff team ranked below Detroit was the New York Islanders. They could get away with that because their goaltending posted a .911 save percentage last season. The Red Wings can’t get away with giving up that many. Their goaltending owned a .902 team save percentage.

Hockey Now Network

Colorado: Evan Rawal looks at whether the Avalanche should bring back pending UFAs Jack Johnson or Andrew Cogliano. Colorado Avalanche

Philadelphia:  In Sheldon Keefe’s introductory press conference, he talked about the impact now-Philadelphia coach John Tortorella has had on his coaching style. This should make the New Jersey-Philadelphia rivalry even more interesting. Philadelphia Flyers.

San Jose: Will Smith talks about why he was ready to leave Boston College now to join the San Jose Sharks.