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It’s Friday, before a U.S. Monday holiday. By that time, the Stanley Cup final will finally be underway.
Islanders News
- Dan and Mike spoke with Arthur Staple about the pending free agents, and even RFAs, and how Brock Nelson was more a priority than you’d have expected a year ago... [Islanders Anxiety]
- ...which was great timing, because in the afternoon the Islanders announced Nelson re-signed for six years, $36 million. [LHH | Isles | Post]
- Nelson said Barry Trotz’s confidence, his own hopes of continuing to improve, and the direction of the team — and urgency to win now — helped him sign before hitting the market rather than “let it drag on.” Novel concept, that. [Isles | Newsday]
- Are the Islanders tightly connected and charitable with the local community? Yes. Here are some 2018-19 highlights. [Isles Video]
- Ex-Islander Jaroslav Halak’s presence — behind a competent defense — helped the Bruins manage Tuukka Rask’s workload and theoretically keep him fresh for the playoffs. [Athletic]
- These teams could “weaponize” their cap space. It includes the Islanders, though is kind of blind to the fact players like Nelson re-signing alter that picture. [Sportsnet]
Elsewhere
Jacques Martin will stay with the @penguins (one year left in his contract) after being interviewed for the head coach position with the @BuffaloSabres and the @Senators
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) May 24, 2019
- D.J. Smith won(?) the chance to be the next Senators coach. [Silver Seven]
- Some of the Bruins know Blues goalie Jordan Binnington from his time in Providence, though it’s unclear whether that will help “the book.” Meanwhile, tons of Blues know former captain and center-turned-old-winger David Backes. [STLtoday]
- The Penguins are apparently well into talks to trade Phil Kessel to the Wild, though it’s not certain that Kessel will waive his no-trade clause to do so. [PensBurgh]
- Kessel is atop TSN’s Top 15 Trade Bait list, which also includes Travis Hamonic. [TSN]
- The NHL decision to suspend Slava Voynov was upheld, but with “time served,” which was curious. [NHL statement]
- Erik Karlsson is unsure about his future with the Sharks. [NHL]
- At the Worlds, Canada will play the Czech Republic after getting past the Swiss in overtime, and Finland will play Russia (which beat the U.S.) after beating neighbor-arch-rival Sweden in OT. [NHL]
- Evgeny Kuznetsov said he helped the opposing Italian center learn how to have a chance at faceoffs. [RMNB]