The Daily: Columnist Says ESPN Disrespected NHL; Lalonde’s Mandate

Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now acknowledged that ESPN may have been overly ambitious in trying to identify the top 100 athletes in the 21st century.

But he still found it inexcusable that the “network found a way to slip beneath even the barest of expectations.”

Kingerski took issue with several of ESPN’s decisions, but was primarily disappointed by ESPN’s treatment of NHL players. Sidney Crosby was 22nd.

The disrespect is particularly disappointing for an entity that is one of the NHL’s broadcast partners.

Wrote Kingerski: “ESPN, in its true colors, absolutely disrespected hockey to the point of ignorance, essentially disregarding the sport and the best player of the century, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby.”

Alex Ovechkin, who is challenging Wayne Gretzky’s scoring record, is 54th and Connor McDavid is 98th.

Who are the 100 greatest athletes of the 21st century? 🤔

Presenting ESPN Top 100, a list of athletes across sports voted on by ESPN experts.

Check out athletes 100 through 76 here: https://t.co/akcJK5nu5J pic.twitter.com/yPuYe3Re6c

— ESPN (@espn) July 15, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

The Red Wings re-signed Joe Veleno to a two-year deal worth $2.275 million per season. That’s where comparables would have placed him had he gone to arbitration.

State of the Red Wings: Derek Lalonde‘s mandate is make sure his team has better defensive coverage in 2024-25.

Preseason will be important for Ville Husso, Cam Talbot and Alex Lyon as they battle to be Detroit’s No. 1 goalie.

Red Wings Offseason

After the Joe Veleno signing, the Red Wings are $17.7 million under the salary cap (Puckpedia). They will likely sign restricted free agent Jonatan Berggren for the minimum of $775,000 or close to it. That leaves just under $17 million to re-sign Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond. Those three players would complete a 23-person. If prospect Albert Johansson makes the team on defense and not William Lagesson, their salaries are exactly the same.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Jake DeBrusk said he asked the Bruins to trade him twice because he felt he needed a fresh start. He finally got through free agency. Boston Bruins.

Philadelphia: Matvei Michkov lets his travel plans (to Philadelphia) slip out. Philadelphia Flyers

San Jose: The Sharks need another top four defenseman. Sheng Peng explores who might be available around the NHL. San Jose Sharks.