The Daily: McGroarty, Askarov Drawing Heavy Interest; Talbot Plan

Winnipeg Jets draftee Rutger McGroarty and Nashville Predators’ prospect goalie Yaroslav Askarov could both have lengthy NHL careers.

But it isn’t likely to be with the team that drafted them.

The Jets and University of Michigan forward McGroarty are not on the same page for an unknown reason and Askarov has Juuse Saros blocking his path to playing regularly in the NHL. Both players have become trade targets for multiple teams.

There’s even been speculation that they could be traded for each other. Sportsnet’s Ryan Dixon recent story about the two listed the Montreal Canadiens, Minnesota Wild, Boston Bruins and Calgary Flames as interested in McGroarty. Dixon has the Columbus Blue Jackets and Carolina Hurricanes pushing for Askarov.

According to Dixon, the New Jersey Devils and San Jose Sharks interested in both players. Imagine the Sharks’ long-term potential if they land a young stud goalie to a prospect pool that includes Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith.

What do the scouts think of Rutger McGroarty and a potential #NJDevils trade?

More inside via NJHN+

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— James Nichols (@JamesNicholsNHL) July 17, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Goalie Cam Talbot looking forward to the time when he will be mentoring Sebastian Cossa. 

Alex Lyon, Ville Husso and Co. could be in a battle royale in training camp over who will be the Red Wings’ No. 1 goalie in the upcoming season.

GM Steve Yzerman, including head coach Derek Lalonde, to do more this season to improve the team’s defensive play. They probably need to reduce their goals against by 20 to 25 goals to push for a postseason spot.

Red Wings Offseason

The intangibles mattered when the Red Wings drafted Max Plante with the 47th pick in last month’s draft in Las Vegas. The skill package is there. Plante can make plays. But the Red Wings also like his determination and his coachability.  Coaches love this kid, as do his teammates.

Hockey Now Network

Chicago: CHN’s Nate Brown writes that the Blackhawks are in the “the looking glass portion of the rebuild.” Chicago Blackhawks.

Nashville: Scott Wedgewood is not going to take his Predators opportunity for granted. Nashville Predators. 

Philadelphia: Bailey writes an interesting story about where the Flyers would be at if they had not traded Cutter Gauthier. Philadelphia Flyers. 

Pittsburgh: Defenseman Matt Grzelcyk hoping to restore his lost confidence in his first season with the Pittsburgh Penguins.