SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Pittsburgh Penguins made a few lineup tweaks Friday, the youngsters talked about learning from watching, and PHN spoke with Filip Hallander about what is different this season. Elsewhere in the Daily, Bill Guerin made demands of American players if they want to be on the Olympic or World Cup roster. The league’s most famous EBUG is preparing for more. Jaromir Jagr just can’t walk away, Cole Caufield is a house of fire, and the Rangers have added a young player to the NHL trade rumors.

We had some very good conversations at practice yesterday in LA, and there was a slice of heaven near the LA Kings practice rink–within a short walk–I finally had a really good meal this week.

It was quite a day.

I’m happy to be out of downtown LA. After spending a week downtown, I just don’t know what the city is doing. It has nothing to do with politics, though I know people want to insert that aspect. The homeless population is out of control. Parts of the city have been turned into tent cities, as a normal way of life.

One of my Uber drivers, an immigrant from a decade ago, unapologetically had some opinions that outsiders would misconstrue as politics, but you have to live it and experience it before you can soapbox against residents who are upset.

It’s jarring.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Coach Dan Muse tinkered with the lines a little more at practice Friday. Fans will approve. And we had a chat with Harrison Brunicke about what it meant to be scratched and what he learned by watching a game. Here’s more in the Penguins Notebook.

PHN+: An exclusive for our subscribers. I know Filip Hallander is starting to pick up a cult following. We also had a chat with the Swedish forward, who made his return to North America and is finally sticking in the big show. So, what is different this time? What has unlocked his game? Here’s the chat with Filip Hallander.

Dave Molinari Substack: How concerned should the Penguins be about Kris Letang?

Steelers Now: Here’s a humdinger of a column and analysis. Alan Saunders writes, here’s the real problem with the Steelers’ secondary, and it’s not what you think. It’s WORSE.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: Danny Demilio has begun his series featuring the Top 30 Pirates Prospects.

And as part of our partnership with Publisher Desk, I’m going to feature three articles from Sportsnaut.com:

NHL Rumors, News, & National Hockey Now

Cam & Strick Podcast: We’ll start with Team USA GM Bill Guerin laying down the law for American players. Billy G uses some NSFW language, but he makes a point. Here’s the full podcast, or just watch the clip below:

Sportsnet Calgary: Dusty Nickel! The league’s most famous EBUG (emergency backup goalie) essentially gets free season tickets, all the popcorn he can eat, but he also works hard and runs a goalie school. Life is going to change next season, and he’s excited about it.

The Athletic ($): Former first-round pick Brennan Othmann has not established himself with the New York Rangers, and multiple reports are emerging that the youngster and team have agreed to seek a trade.

Montreal Hockey Now: Goal Caufield, er, Cole Caufield is unstoppable this season, and he provided more late-game heroics for the Montreal Canadiens.

TSN: Another year, another delay to Jaromir Jagr’s Hall of Fame induction. Seriously, just put the guy in the Hall! Technically, they can’t because Jagr is STILL playing. He played his first game of the season, his 38th pro season.

Whenever I ponder if I should keep working the hours of a maniac, I sometimes think of Jagr.

New Jersey Hockey Now: A little NHL trade rumor pot stir? Why Tage Thompson should be a primary target for the New Jersey Devils.

Tags: Bill Guerin Jaromir Jagr nhl trade Pittsburgh Penguins Team USA

Categorized: Links NHL Trade Rumors