The Daily: Did Holland Have Role in Oilers Fiasco?; Kozlov Mourns

Perhaps the final analysis will be that it was a perfect storm that led to the Edmonton Oilers losing Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway to the St. Louis Blues on offer sheets.

Several factors contributed to the final outcome.

Kurt Leavins offered a nine-point take on the ordeal, and one of his conclusions is that former Red Wings and Oilers general manager Ken Holland bears some responsibility. He was Edmonton’s GM when rumors were circling about the Blues and Oilers talking about a trade that would have included Broberg and St. Louis forward Pavel Buchnevich.

“Ken Holland also could have locked both players up on multiple year deals back in early January,” Leavins wrote. “I am made to understand that he had both the advice to do so at the time and the support of ownership. But Holland chose to ignore that, believing the danger of offer sheets was slight. As it turns out, he could not have been more wrong.”

By the way, Leavins believes Tyson Barrie could return to the Oilers on a “value contract.”

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Former Red Wings player Slava Kozlov has fond memories of the late Detroit masseur Sergei Mnatsakanov. Kozlov said Scotty Bowman had a strong respect for Mnatsakanov.

Yaroslav Askarov and Jake Walman trades may have had roots in their willingness to march to the beat of a different drummer. Both players had personalties that run counter to the sport’s culture.

Paywall story: Marco Kasper scored a pair of goals for Austria in a recent international “friendly.” He ended last season playing at a high level offensively. To subscribe, click here:

Red Wings offseason

For those who missed it, former Red Wings draft pick Keith Petruzzelli recently signed an AHL contract with the Philadelphia Flyers’ affililiate (Lehigh Valley Phantoms). The Red Wings chose not to sign Petruzzelli after drafting him in the third round in 2017. He has played 47 games over parts of three season with the Toronto Marlies. Last season, he posted a 3.55 GAA with an .867 save percentage.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Matthew Poitras fired up for Bruins’ training camp. He still has much to prove. Boston Bruins.

New Jersey: Gotta See It:  Devils prospect Anton Silayev scores a slick goal. New Jersey Devils. 

Philadelphia: Why did the Flyers add two more goalies? Jonathan Bailey writes that it may have something to do with the truth that the organization isn’t sure whether top goalie prospect Alexei Kolosov is returning to North America this season. Philadelphia Flyers. 

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski gives his take on why Rutger McGroarty significantly changes the look of the Pittsburgh offense this season. Pittsburgh Penguins. 

Washington: Nathan Moser offers a list of five Washington Capitals alum who went undrafted. Washington Capitals.