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Morning Skate: The Jonathan Drouin saga is almost over in Tampa Bay
Steve Yzerman called his prospect’s bluff and lost.
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Lace ‘em up. Time for the Morning Skate.
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DROUIN TRADE INCOMING
A group of our SB Nation hockey bloggers were discussing Jonathan Drouin and the Tampa Bay Lightning yesterday. I told them I fully expected the Lightning and their best prospect to eventually settle their differences and move past the trade request that soured the relationship a few months ago.
I couldn’t have timed a bad opinion any better. Speaking to the Tampa Bay Times yesterday, Lightning GM Steve Yzerman said he’d “prefer to deal him sooner than later,” all but confirming the Bolts will move on from the 2013 fourth overall pick within days.
Throughout this whole saga, it felt like the player would be the one to blink first. That Yzerman is backing down speaks to how broken the relationship is. I wonder if this sets some sort of precedent for disgruntled young players? Time will tell.
WHAT HAPPENED LAST NIGHT:
- Alex Galchenyuk finally stepped up, and the Canadiiens followed close behind him in a big win over the Washington Capitals.
- The hapless Habs actually pulled off a rare feat this season: they chased Braden Holtby from the net.
- Tuukka Rask basically had his I Am Legend moment.
- A great way to beat the Penguins is to make Sidney Crosby seem virtually nonexistent. Who knew?
- The Avalanche goalie provided a good example of how a bend-but-don't-break performance in net can steal a game.
- Give the Sharks credit, though; forcing a shootout against Colorado last night was no easy task.
- Buffalo lost a goalie duel against Frederik Andersen and the Anaheim Ducks.
STANDINGS UPDATE
We’re in the thick of the playoff race now, so we’re going to start delivering standings to you every morning. You’re very welcome.
Eastern Conference
Western Conference
TRADE RUMORS
- Friendly reminder: You can keep track of every important rumor here.
- Chicago is looking for a first-line winger. Loui Eriksson might be the perfect fit.
- Who exactly is untouchable in Edmonton?
- Mikkel Boedker to Los Angeles might be a thing.
NEWS & NOTES
- How do the Oilers replace Ryan Nugent-Hopkins?
- The Canucks are open for business on several players.
- Patrick Wiercioch's days in Ottawa are numbered.
- The NHL is overhauling its website again! This time to GeoCities.
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