The Daily: More NHL Expansion Coming; Unsung Red Wing

There’s no official NHL commitment to more expansion, but league officials willingness to talk about it publicly gives rise to a belief that it could be closer than we think.

Hockey Insider Elliotte Friedman asked deputy commissioner Bill Daly about a new expansion schedule. What Daly offered was “At the appropriate time.”

Daly pointed out that even though the NHL has 32 teams, the league has fewer American-based franchises than other leagues. Plus, the Vegas Golden Knights and Seattle Kraken demonstrate what happens when you give expansion teams the personnel to be competitive right away.

“Doesn’t mean that it’s imminent, doesn’t mean that it’s going to happen in the next year or so,” Daly said.

Friedman included the Daly interview in his 32 Thoughts this week.

Will the NHL go to 34 teams? Or is 36 feasible? Is there a maximum number of teams that NHL won’t go beyond?

“Yes. Do I know what that number is? No,” Daly said. “I will also say it’s not just (commissioner Gary Bettman) or I making that decision, it’s also our ownership group that makes the decision.”

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Former NHL goalie Harry Lumley owns NHL records that will never be broken.

Bob Duff lists the Red Wings worst UFA contracts. You knew the Stephen Weiss deal had to be there.

Former Red Wings GM Ken Holland may bear some responsibility for the Edmonton Oilers losing two players to offer sheets.

Red Wings Offseason

Marty Adler, who served as host on Red Wings games when they were broadcast on PASS, is dead. Adler worked for PASS as an intermission host for Red Wings, Tigers and Pistons games. He was a popular CBC Windsor sportscaster and also called the races at Windsor Raceway.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Andrew Fantuccio writes that Charlie Coyle believes the Bruins still need to prove themselves. Boston Bruins.

Colorado: Report says the Avalanche did make a big to land Yaroslav Askarov. Colorado Avalanche.

Nashville: Russell Vannozzi looks at the value of what the Predators received for Askarov. Nashville Predators.