Kevin’s Morning Hash: Pacific Division Center Rankings and How Many Contracts are in Lou’s Drawer?

We tend to think of the Vancouver Canucks as a work in progress. But as writer Rob Simpson points out, there are only two teams in the Pacific Division with better centers than Vancouver’s combination of Bo Horvat and Elias Pettersson.

In Simpson’s story, he measures the Canucks’ duo against the top two on the other team and concludes only the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks are better down the middle.

Last season, Horvat posted 19 goals and 20 assists in 56 games, while Pettersson was equally impressive with 21 points in 26 games.

Rumor of the Day

How many contracts does Lou Lamoriello have in his drawer? NYI Hockey Now reports the Islanders probably have a deal done with Casey Cizikas  

Around the NHL

Detroit:  Red Wings goalie prospect Sebastian Cossa (2021, 15th overall) is an elite level trash talker. He’s already getting on Team Canada’s nerves for chirping in practice. 

San Jose: Sheng Peng’s sources say the Timo Meier trade talk has dried up because of his hefty contract.

Washington:  Sammi Silber writes: Tom Wilson could have a much different impact next season. 

Boston: The Boston Bruins are holding a development camp this week. They’re getting their prospects on the ice, together, to get a look. 2019 first-round pick John Beecher and recovery from shoulder surgery is the story. 

Colorado: Smooth, two-way defenseman Ryan Murray signed a bargain basement deal with the Avalanche. 

Vancouver: Rank Pacific Division centers and Vancouver stacks up well. 

Philadelphia After Pittsburgh GM Ron Hextall recruited some Philadelphia Flyers scouts and other employees, the Flyers have made major change to their staff.