The Daily: Ex-GM Regrets Letting Pavelski Leave SJ; Kiiskinen Rising

Former San Jose Sharks general manager Doug Wilson told San Jose Hockey Now’s Sheng Peng that he regrets allowing Joe Pavelski to leave that organization in the summer of 2019.

“We should have found a way to get it done,” Wilson told San Jose Hockey Now. “It was a mistake.”

Pavelski signed with Dallas Stars and averaged 24 goals over the past five seasons with that team. He has averaged 27.3 goals in the past three seasons. He announced his retirement this summer.

“From the beginning, the odds were stacked against Pavelski becoming a San Jose Sharks legend,” Peng wrote. “Two hundred and four prospects were selected ahead of him in the 2003 Draft. He was 5-foot-11 and not particularly fleet of foot.”

“If we’re so smart, why did we wait until the seventh round to draft him?” Wilson laughed.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Detroit prospect goalkeeper Trey Augustine can make USA Hockey history if the Americans can medal at the next World Junior Championship.

New Red Wings prospect Jesse Kiiskinen said it was a shock to his system to be traded. Afterall,  his professional career is just starting to develop. The 6-foot-2 forward plays a rugged game.

Dylan Larkin is among the top six Michigan-born players playing in the NHL.

Red Wings Offseason

The Red Wings didn’t love the idea of trading Andrew Gibson. But they needed another second-round pick to move Jake Walman to San Jose. But Kiiskinen’s acquisition made the Gibson deal more tolerable. He has been impressive at the Summer Showcase. He had the game-winning goal and an assist in a 5-3 win against Sweden Saturday. Kiiskinen doesn’t turn 19 until later this month.

Hockey Now Network

Colorado: Prospect Calum Ritchie is showing at the Summer Showcase at Plymouth’s USA Hockey is that his aim is to make the Avalanche roster this fall. Even if he does, the Avs will likely allow him to play in the World Junior Championships. Colorado Avalanche

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski offers the best-of-the-best list of native Pittsburgh area NHLers. Pittsburgh Penguins.