Charles LeClaire-Imagn ImagesIMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect The Pittsburgh Penguins cratered on their four-game road trip, but the flight home was the worst part. Ben Kindel had what the team termed a medical episode, so the plane turned around, and Kindel was rushed to the hospital in Salt Lake City.

Also in the Daily, this writer threw some elbows in the Tuesday column. The Penguins’ problems aren’t fixable.

The offseason path was a dead end, but there is a better way forward, and that’s with the prospect class the organization has built. Elsewhere, the Philly Flyers are being linked to some blockbuster trade talks.

The Columbus Blue Jackets shredded a former teammate. And the Team USA trade rumors that never end could finally be coming to a close as the clock ticks down on Connor Hellebuyck’s extension and Dylan Larkin expanded his list to 10 teams.

It was a pleasant roadie. Chicago, fun.

Denver, I got some great eats courtesy of our mutual friend Mr. Gable Fisk and his wife. Las Vegas goes without saying.

So, it is often that I consider going back to cities during off weeks or the summer when I have time to really explore them, but I remain entirely undecided on Salt Lake City. It’s beautiful.

It’s spotless. It’s also sleepy, except for the sporting events, where it’s a thing to chug a beer when the camera pans to you, and everyone does it.

By the way, the big thing in SLC is a Dirty Soda. However, despite the name implication, there is no alcohol.

It’s just a mix of sodas, but they charge around $8 for a 32-ounce drink. I mean no offense, but what a rip!

You can have a dirty soda at pretty much every Wendy’s by mixing a few options on those touch-screen machines. Sorry to blow up their spot.

Otherwise, Salt Lake City is a beautiful place with really great people. I think my trepidation to vacation there stems from it being a place that you’d like to live in but not visit.

Pittsburgh Penguins Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The story on Ben Kindel. It’s scary.

He’s a good kid, and his enthusiasm for hockey made him a welcome addition by the veterans. OK, now to the team and the problems.

I considered waiting, but 10 games is an important mile marker in every season. And I just couldn’t escape the conclusion that the problems plaguing the team aren’t fixable, at least by the players or coaches.

So, it’s time. GM Kyle Dubas didn’t choose to rely on the prospects when he built the team, but he can turn to them now.

It’s time for the Penguins’ prospects. I wrote that column with the expectation of getting some blowback, but the comments section is wild.

I do beg you, avoid the conspiracy theory type stuff. No, Dubas didn’t secretly sign bad players to make the team lose, and the veterans want to leave.

Some of you watch too many Lifetime movies. Florida Hockey Now: The Penguins might see a first on Thursday.

Never before has a 6-foot-8 goalie played in the NHL, but Florida Panthers’ starting goalie Jacob Markstrom was injured in practice, and the next man up is a big man. Here’s the scoop on the Panthers’ goalie situation.

” The Columbus Blue Jackets faced former teammate Kirill Marchenko last night, and the boys didn’t sugarcoat that they didn’t appreciate his exit or his attitude towards leaving. Daily Faceoff: Philly Flyers.

Blockbuster trade rumors. Seattle Kraken.

The baseline details are that the Flyers have too many good wingers and are trying to find a center. So, enter Seattle.

New Jersey Hockey Now: The New Jersey Devils would like to trade defenseman Brenden Dillon and had done so last season, but the details are leaking: Dillon rejected the Devils’ trade. Detroit Hockey Now: Hey, it’s not just American fans who can get unruly.

Henrik Zetterberg’s Swedish team retired his number in an on-ice ceremony, but throughout the proceedings, the visiting fans kept interrupting with chants, singing, and other disruptions. TSN Insiders: Larkin.

Hellebuyck. And a face-to-face meeting between the agent, the acting GM, and Simon Edvinsson in Detroit.

Here are the updates to the long-running sagas. The NHL trade market is a mess.

It’s kind of like the used car market. Some vehicles are wildly overpriced for no reason, and others are underpriced, and you can’t figure out why.

Except in the NHL, the car can also refuse your offer.