Apr 25, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) and Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim (6) battle for the puck during the first period in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images It was not surprising that the emotions exist, but more than a little surprising that the Ottawa Senators head coach would publicly admit to being angry that Brady Tkachuk bolted for Florida.
His admission is below. Also in the Daily, we delivered the Q&A 2.0 with the Tommy Novak contract fallout, shifting the Pittsburgh Penguins trade expectations, and some expectations for the coming season.
As the rest of the hockey news trickles in, TSN radio’s Frankie Corrado rolled through the five things he wants to happen before the season, Sportsnet delivered offseason grades for the Eastern Conference divisions, and Will James tried to project the Philly Flyers potential young stars. And there’s a great story out of Russia regarding Egor Chinakhov and his youth and junior hockey rival, who was also his linemate, New Jersey’s Arseny Gritsyuk.
So, I got some angry messages yesterday, but I can’t apologize. My message to everyone is that we should be more tolerant of each other, and that I regret not being more respectful of others during the pandemic, especially in light of recent revelations.
If my olive branch made you mad, I hope a genuine sentiment isn’t such a trigger. I don’t think I made a political statement but a human one.
And forward we go. In fact, for a break I treated myself for lunch.
Some Nicky’s Thai and cranking up the spice always lands well. Pittsburgh Penguins Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The second round of questions this week hit the Tommy Novak extension and connected it to potential Penguins trades, or lack thereof.
We also got some good questions about the prospects. So, here’s the Penguins analysis.
Steelers Now: Oh boy. The Steelers locker room also had some opinions on what Aaron Rodgers said on Pat McAfee.
You might be surprised. Here you go–inside the Steelers locker room.
Pittsburgh Baseball Now: Here’s how the newlook Pirates bullpen shakes out. NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now Ottawa Citizen: Coach Trent Green didn’t call Brady Tkachuk a traitor, but he admitted when he learned the full situation, he wasn’t very happy.
Philly Hockey Now: Losing does have some perks, namely high draft picks. However, drafting well deeper into the draft is also paramount.
The Flyers have hit on some mid-round picks, Denver Barkey and Alex Bump. They are steals and THE Will James projects out the Flyers young stars.
). Here are the offseason grades for the Metro Division.
TSN Video: It will take a few minutes to watch but Frankie Corrado has a pretty good wishlist for trades and things he wants to see in the next few weeks before the NHL season. Colorado Hockey Now: Storyline to watch.
There are two defensemen-the two very best D-men in the leauge–who are careening toward free agency on July 1 next summer. Who will flinch first?
Will Cale Makar become the highest paid player in the NHL? New Jersey Hockey Now: They actually hated each other and each demanded to play apart, but their coach in the Russian ranks insisted they remain linemates.
They each wanted the puck and there was only one. Gritsyuk tells the story of dealing with Penguins winger Egor Chinakhov for years before frustration became chemistry with the Devils winger.