A collection of the latest news from around the world of hockey:
The rich get richer as the Blackhawks defy cap space logic and acquire Andrew Ladd. Back to back champions? [Today’s Slapshot], [Chicago Tribune]
Did the Jets get enough in return for their captain? [CBC]. Marko Dano hasn’t shown much at the NHL level and the first rounder will likely be a very late one. Plus Winnipeg is retaining some salary. Considering how valuable Ladd was said to be for the Jets, and how much trade talk was swirling around him, I thought they may have been able to get a little more in the deal. Clearly his value wasn’t as high as it was perceived to be. Then again, there’s a reason Dustin Byfuglien was the guy they chose to invest in. Ladd is a solid player, but Buff is special. (Note: The conditional pick becomes a third if the Hawks win the Cup, and let’s face it, they probably will).
Bryan Little won’t be back this season. [Yahoo]. If you need a reminder of how he got hurt: [YouTube]
The Penguins have signed defenceman Olli Maatta to a long-term contract. [Post Gazette], [Pens Initiative]
Wayne Gretzky feels that Connor McDavid should be the Oilers captain right away. [Toronto Sun]
Former Oilers defenceman Tom Poti feels Justin Schultz’s pain. [Edmonton Journal]
If Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is traded, who takes his spot? [Copper N Blue]
Teddy Purcell a healthy scratch … Next trade?
— Mark Easson (@myNHLTradeRumor) February 26, 2016
Back to the Kings, perhaps? [Beer League Heroes]
If the Hurricanes trade Eric Staal at the deadline, are they essentially giving up on the playoffs? [Globe and Mail]
Could Ilya Kovalchuk be on his way back to North America? [Sportsnet], [HockeyBuzz], [SI]
Projected first overall pick Auston Matthews is about to face his biggest challenge as a pro. [Future Considerations]
The Habs defence corp has taken another hit. [Montreal Gazette]. Nathan Beaulieu is hurt as well, he’ll be on the sidelines for at least 2-3 weeks.
James Van Riemsdyk is out for the remainder of the year, helping the Leafs tank job, totally not on purpose. [Pension Plan Puppets]
Henrik Lundqvist broke the franchise record for most career saves. [The Score]
Can the Senators repeat their late season magic for a second year in a row? [Today’s Slapshot]
A big night for Nick Foligno powers Columbus past the Devils. [Fox Sports]
And finally, the great story of Josh Jooris. [Calgary Sun]