A collection of the latest news from around the world of hockey:
Happy 44th birthday, Jaromir Jagr! [The Score]
Wayne Simmonds won the fight, according to a Flyers fan. [Sons of Penn]. (Side note: I hope that Shayne Gostisbehere gets serious Calder trophy consideration).
And now the Rangers side of the story: [New York Post], [SNY]
An ugly losing streak, and no savior in the form of Devan Dubnyk, ultimately sunk Mike Yeo. [Fox Sports]. Yeo probably would have been fired last season, not long after the infamous shouting incident at a Wild practice. However thanks to Dubnyk’s heroics, his job was saved. But the writing was on the wall in Minnesota from a long time ago. It was time for a change. [Hockey Wilderness]
The story of Brendan Leipsic, culminating with his first NHL goal. [Globe and Mail]
The trade deadline is approaching, and members of the Winnipeg Jets are trying to ignore it as best they can. (whether or not the uncertainty is affecting their play is another question). [Vancouver Sun]. But is captain Andrew Ladd on the trade block? [TSN]
In my opinion, Ladd is replaceable. Yes, he’s that heart and soul character guy that every team wants, but so was Dave Bolland, and we all know what happened with him. It would be nice if the Jets could keep Ladd, but I can guarantee he’s going to demand too much money for what he’s worth. They banked on the right player in signing Dustin Byfuglien. He isn’t as replaceable. He’s a physical force, he’s a great skater and puck mover, he controls the powerplay and he’s got a lot of offensive skill. Some team will inevitably overpay Andrew Ladd, and rue the day they did.
The Ducks may dangle goalie Frederik Anderson on the trade market. [OC Register]. But could an injury to John Gibson complicate that plan? [CBS Sports], [Rotoworld]
What are the chances that Steven Stamkos signs in Montreal this summer? [Rabid Habs]. Do the Rangers have a shot at landing him? [Today’s Slapshot]
Could any of these trades help the Oilers? [Beer League Heroes]
And finally, was Patrik Berglund’s goal a goal? [The Hockey News]