The Daily: ‘Kucherov Rule’ Change; Red Wings Draft Position, Fasel Probe

The post-NHL trade deadline world can be a bit staid. No Red Wings rumors to keep us on our toes. Less analysis of where a team is at because it’s too late this season to do anything about it.

But this year there seems to be enough newsy items to keep us all engaged.

Sportsnet reports the IIHF has called for an ethics probe of Rene Fasel, the former IIHF president who joined the Russian hockey federation and supported the invasion of Ukraine.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports that a small group of GMs is lobbying to change the “Kucherov” rule at the GM meetings next week. You can certainly find support around the idea that the salary cap should apply to the postseason as well as the regular-season.

But is there enough support to make a change? Stay tuned. Remember that the NHL Players Association needs to have its say as well.

Meanwhile in Detroit, we turn our attention to the Red Wings’ draft position. After losing to the Islanders Thursday, the Red Wings sit ninth in the draft order before the lottery results are figured in. The Red Wings have taken a defenseman in the first round in two of the past three drafts under Steve Yzerman. Last year, they took goalie Sebastian Cossa with their second first rounder.

The Red Wings have a larger collection of prospect defensemen than forwards. Will they take a forward in the first round?

We will be breaking down the Red Wings options over the next couple of months. But if you want to get an overall look at possibilities, check out the NHL Mid-Term Central Scouting list. 

In Case You Missed It

Chase Pearson played his first NHL game last night and was +1

Yesterday marked the 86th anniversary of the “Mud” Bruneteau six overtime game.

Behind the paywall, the Red Wings are intrigued by Jake Walman

Hot Wings

Defensive-minded Dman Marc Staal has seven points in his past 16 games. Despite the Red Wings’ defensive struggles this season, he’s +9.

Cold Wings

Over his past five games, goalie Thomas Greiss has given up 16 goals on the 91 shots he has faced. That’s an .824 save percentage.

Around the NHL

New York: Forward Cal Clutterbuck is out for the season and Scott Mayfield is pretty close. New York Islanders news.

Philadelphia: The Flyers ended their 13-game road losing streak. Sam Carchidi has near giddy Philadelphia Flyers takeaways.

Pittsburgh:  Where does newcomer Rickard Rakell fit? Should head coach Mike Sullivan keep Bryan Rust with Evgeni Malkin? And goodbye to Zach Aston-Reese. Pittsburgh Penguins analysis.

Vegas: Evgenii Dadonov remained in Vegas because the NHL voided his trade. It wasn’t the Golden Knights fault. Meanwhile, Dadonov ripped through the Nashville Predators. Vegas Golden Knights update.

Montreal: Not all that long ago it was thought collegiate prospect Jordan Harris (Northeastern) would blow off Montreal and become a free agent. That was before Montreal cleaned house. Montreal Hockey Now is reporting Harris may sign after this weekend’s Frozen Four. Montreal Canadiens news.