What’s going on around the NHL
It’s summer, it’s Saturday and here’s what is going on around the Penguins.
Nick Bonino is a former Penguin player, but he would probably be an assistant coach based on where Dan Muse went, not due to Bonino’s own playing connections. Muse and Bonino have formed a great connection already in Nashville and New York and now look to bring that to Pittsburgh. [X – Pens Inside Scoop]
There’s a little Kyle Dubas flavoring in the hires too. Richard Clune was with Toronto for the past seven years (and new Pens’ assistant video coach came from the Toronto organization as well). [X – Pens Inside Scoop]
Meanwhile, veteran coach Todd Nelson is back in the AHL as he jumps on with the Penguins. Recently top AHL coaches like Ryan Warsofsky and Spencer Carbery have made being an NHL assistant a stepping stone to a future NHL head coaching job and it looks like Nelson might be trying that path, even if for now the official focus in on the experience he is looking to add in helping the Pens for next season. [X – Pens Inside Scoop]
Count former Penguin Tyler Kennedy a little surprised by Bonino jumping from a player straight to being an NHL assistant coach so quickly (although before hearing the veteran Nelson would be around to help). [93.7 The Fan]
Jonathan Toews, 37, who has been out of hockey since 2023 has agreed to sign with the Winnipeg Jets on July 1st. It’s a bonus-laden contract that could easily be worth $5.25 million if Toews plays 60 games and the Jets make the playoffs, and potentially more depending on playoff result. [NHL.com]
Connor McDavid is in “no rush” to make a decision on re-singing with the Oilers. That’s a bigger deal if we get to October and he starts the last season of his current contract before inking an extension, with emotions raw from a Stanley Cup Final loss there isn’t much use in reading into the situation much more at this time. [NHL.com]
Three small players in the draft who could buck the odds, including hopefully-future-Penguin-draftee LJ Mooney. [Sportsnet]
James Hagens was once seen as the future No. 1 overall pick, but no longer. What happened? [Sportsnet]
Frankie Corrado takes a stab at projecting upcoming free agent salaries. [TSN]
A new mock draft where Brady Martin goes fifth. Wonderful! [The Athletic $]
Dallas is staying active, re-signing Mavrik Bourque for one year and just $950,000. The 23-year old is coming off an 11-goal, 25-point season and could be about to blossom next season. Coulda/woulda made a nice target to attempt to poach in restricted free agency for a minimal compensation, but alas. [Stars.com]