Oct 21, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) moves the puck against Pittsburgh Penguins center Blake Lizotte (46) during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images For just about everyone who is already a little irritated by the streaming juggling act, Amazon made a play for more hockey coverage in Canada, which will undoubtedly soon spread south along with knockoff clothes too good for Temu.
Elsewhere in the Daily, Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin traveled for a summit with Quinn Hughes as part of a full court press to lockdown the defenseman. Patrik Kane is already working on a huge Chicago Blackhawks reunion, and PHN looked at the gobsmacking tax issue for NHL players. We’re going to do a No Pucks Given/Penguins chat tomorrow at 12:05.
I know everything has slowed to a crawl, but we’ll go over the Penguins offseason grade and jog through the remaining free agents. The show was going to be today, but the Pirates game is at 12:35, and I have a sneaking suspicion I’m going to pop down for a beer or three and some baseball. Make sure to like the YouTube page.
Pittsburgh Penguins Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Pittsburgh no longer has the jock tax, but several cities found ways around the court ruling, or just haven’t lost yet. Vince Comunale really put some good work into this piece. You won’t believe how little of their salaries NHL players keep, and Vince used the prime example as Sidney Crosby.
Steelers Now: There is a LOT of coverage of the beginning of training camp. From coach Mike McCarthy banning tackling in camp to Joey Porter Jr.’s surprise injury, just start at SteelersNow.com. The one story I know everyone will start with–McCarthy laid out the Steelers QB depth chart.
And of course, check out the Pirates playoff chase with Danny Demilio’s work at PittsburghBaseballNow.com. NHL Rumors, News, & National Hockey Now TSN: Michael Russo and Joe Smith are on fire over the last couple of weeks. Russo is reporting that Guerin is making a trip to Michigan this week to meet with Quinn Hughes.
Teammates have been pushing him to stay, too. Here’s the scoop. Quinn, please stay.
DFO: The list of remaining free agents is dwindling, but there are a few players who have some talent still hoping for a contract rather than an invite. NHLtraderumors.me: Kane has been back in Chicago for only slightly longer than a few minutes, but on a podcast, he admitted he’s working on a headline-grabbing reunion in Chicago, and he’s getting traction. Will he be able to pull Jonathan Toews out of retirement?
Philly Hockey Now: There is some real talent on the list, including one player who gave the Penguins fits in the playoffs. Will James completed his top five Flyers prospects list. New Jersey Hockey Now: The New Jersey Devils have a few needs for the coming season.
Their GM believes the defense, including Luke Hughes, will be the big bounce-back for the Devils. San Jose Hockey Now: Bellying up to the bar in San Jose. The burgeoning Bay Area kids have quite the lineup.
Here’s what Sheng Peng and the scouts see as the opening night lineup for the San Jose Sharks.