The Daily: Ex-Red Wing Back in Pro Hockey; USA Going For Gold

You have to appreciate the enthusiasm the French League’s Bordeaux Boxers showed in the signing of former Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jakub Kindl.

You are reading that right– the 38-year-old Kindl is going to play again. He hasn’t played full time since 2021-22 when played for Plzen in the Czech Extraliga. He did come back last season to play seven games in Finland.

The team’s press release trumpeted his signing by calling Kindl “a true hockey giant who will put his skates on the ice of Mériadeck.”

“The Czech comes to Bordeaux with ambitions,” the press release continues. “A strong defender (1.91m, 98 kgs), enduring, efficient in both directions of the ice, he remains passionate about his sport and should bring all his valuable experience to the team. ”

The Boxers seem genuinely excited to have Kindl who played 331 NHL games, most of which were logged with the Detroit Red Wings (2009-16).  He finished his career with the Florida Panthers.

USA Playing for Gold

USA beat Sweden 6-2 Saturday to give the Americans a chance to win the World Championship tournament for the first time in 92 years.

Shane Pinto registered a goal and two assists for USA.

The Americans will play either Switzerland or Denmark in the gold medal game. The Swiss handed USA its only loss in this tournament.

The Swedes, with Red Wings Lucas Raymond, Simon Edvinsson and Erik Gustafsson playing for them, will play the Switzerland-Denmark loser in the bronze medal game.

The Americans last won the tournament in 1933. They were awarded the world championship because they won the 1960 Olympics. No world tournament was played that year.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Derek Lalonde says the 2024 summer moves led to the loss of his job.

How would the Red Wings’ fortunes have changed if Jim Nill had been named general manager?

Paywall story:  DHN looks at Red Wings’ offseason trade options. The Red Wings could be interested in some high-profile players.  If you want to subscribe to DHN+ plus stories, click here:

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin and wife Kenzy are the parents of a new baby girl named Lennyn.

Red Wings Extra

Hockey Now Network

Colorado: Nathan MacKinnon has known more than his fair share of disappointment this spring. First, his Avalanche bow out too early and then Canada suffers a major upset at the World Championships. Colorado Avalanche. 

Florida: Bill Zito has been named a finalist for GM of the Year for the fourth time in five years. Is he the league’s best GM? Florida Panthers. 

NJ: Owen Tippett could be a good fit for the Devils if the Flyers and Devils are willing to trade with each other. New Jersey Devils. 

New York: The Islanders hire Tampa Bay assistant Mathieu Darche, not Brendan Shanahan, to be in charge of their team. He has full control.  New York Islanders. 

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski hands out a D+, B- and a D for his Pittsburgh goalie grades in 2024-25.  Pittsburgh Penguins.