Sheng’s Weekend: Labanc on Trade Block Again

How can the San Jose Sharks improve their 29th-ranked power play? How has the PP changed from DeBoer/Spott to Boughner/Thompson?

Exclusive stats from SPORTLOGiQ paint the picture:

From DeBoer to Boughner, How Has Sharks’ Power Play Changed? | SJHN+

How do you identify late-round gems in the Draft?

Erik Fowle says select prospects with late birthdays and a particular type of scouting profile — plus he shares his sleeper picks:

The Secret to Late-Round Draft Gems: The Right Birthday & Scouting Profile?

Should the San Jose Sharks offer sheet any free agents? We look at some realistic RFA targets:

Should Sharks Offer Sheet Any Free Agents?

In other San Jose Sharks news…

Kevin Kurz reports that Kevin Labanc, Dylan Gambrell, and Radim Simek are on the trade block. (The Athletic)

San Jose Hockey Now first reported that the San Jose Sharks were seeking a hockey trade for Labanc at the Trade Deadline:

Source: Labanc “Available for Right Price” | SJHN+

Apparently, that’s still the case.

As for Gambrell and Simek, it’s not surprising to see them involved in trade rumors insofar as they’re fairly fungible skaters. But San Jose will need enough eligible players for the expansion draft, so any Sharks trade involving either Gambrell or Simek might have to wait until after July 21st.

Around the NHL…

The Chicago Blackhawks sexual assault story takes another ugly turn:

A university in Ohio is for the first time publicly confirming there were two sexual assault claims involving former Chicago Blackhawks Coach Bradley Aldrich during his five-month stint there after leaving Illinoishttps://t.co/CMdeRlN6Fn

— Tony Arnold (@tonyjarnold) July 9, 2021

Matiss Kivlenieks’ mother remembers his smile and passion. (The Athletic)

Official Announcement: Nikita Kucherov signs with Bud Light! #WeAreGoldStar!@budlight pic.twitter.com/kzCZou2g4u

— Dan Milstein-Hockey (@HockeyAgent1) July 9, 2021

Top 10 questions for the NHL off-season. (NHL)

Barclay Goodrow remembers:

Sooo how bout now?? https://t.co/aFtda9qq7M

— Barclay Goodrow (@bgoodrow23) July 10, 2021

Jeff Petry reveals the origin of his bloodshot eyes. (TSN)

Joe Thornton and Auston Matthews are hanging out at UFC 264:

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A post shared by UFC Canada (@ufccanada)

Meanwhile, Joe Pavelski isn’t too far away in Lake Tahoe:

Every group needs a hype guy. I would like to take full credit for how well these two played today. T1 and T3. Your welcome boys. 🇺🇸 @jpav8 @9modano #ACCGolf pic.twitter.com/8IoDQtsw8z

— TJ Oshie (@TJOshie77) July 10, 2021

Is Christian Dvorak available via trade? (Sportsnet)

William Eklund clarifies earlier comments about wanting to remain in Sweden next season. Tells Henrik here that he'll go to North America if that's what the club that drafts him wants. My guess is most clubs would be fine with him getting another season of development at home. https://t.co/VigUkikizV

— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) July 10, 2021

It’s not surprising to see this San Jose Sharks goalie on Frank Seravalli’s top-10 buyout candidates list. (Daily Faceoff)

2021 NHL Draft superlatives: Chris Peters tells us who is the best skater, most skilled, best shooter, best defender? (Hockey Sense)

Detroit Hockey Now: In 31 Thoughts, Elliotte Friedman dropped a little bombshell that the Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in Tyler Bertuzzi. Our Kevin Allen did a little more digging–here’s the scenario under which Detroit will put Bertuzzi on the NHL trade market. 

Bob Duff paid tribute to the late Bryan Watson with a career retrospective on the former Penguin and Red Wing who earned the “super pest” moniker. 

NYI Hockey Now: Anthony Beauvillier tortured Sidney Crosby and the Penguins’ top line in the playoffs. Otherwise, he had an inconsistent year, but now he’s an RFA. So, what is he actually worth? 

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Buyouts! Which buyouts should or could GM Ron Hextall and the Pittsburgh Penguins be watching?

If you believe that Ron Hextall’s methodical approach could yield a Stanley Cup next season, the oddsmakers are certainly giving you a good bet. The Penguins have fallen to 25-1 on several boards. 

Philly Hockey Now: Here’s an update on the Philadelphia Flyers and the NHL trade market. Seth Jones. Jakub Voracek. Philadelphia is trying hard, loves the game, but no one loves the Flyers back. 

Seth Jones is still a Columbus Blue Jacket and still on the NHL trade block. Jones’s contract and unwillingness to sign a long-term deal in Philadelphia are 86’ing the Flyers trade. 

Boston Hockey Now: Wait, did he just do that? Jack Eichel was totally flirting with the Boston Bruins right in front of the Buffalo Sabres. 

San Jose Sharks draft pick Charlie Coyle had a bit of a down year. It looks like he had a problem with the wheels. Since the end of the season, he has undergone a pair of knee surgeries. 

Vegas Hockey Now: Tom Callahan breaks the news. He opines that the Vegas Golden Knights have big opportunities but must make a salary dump, too. So wave goodbye to a star player. 

Get this — the Vegas Golden Knights are exempt from the Seattle Kraken expansion draft. You probably knew that, but that exemption could also create a huge opportunity for Vegas trades, including for one unhappy star center.

Florida Hockey Now: Steve Goldstein is a hidden gem in Florida. The play-by-play is not only sticking around with the Panthers, but he’s adding some Dolphins duties, too. 

Washington Hockey Now: Former Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals (among others), and Detroit Red Wings player Bugsy Watson passed away at 78. He retired in 1979 as the all-time NHL leader in PIMs. His pizza place in Washington D.C. was fittingly called “The Penalty Box.” Later, his upstairs sports bar was just called “Bugsy’s.” He became part of the Capitals atmosphere, and they paid tribute. 

Colorado Hockey Now: The Seattle Kraken will snag a pretty good player from the Colorado Avalanche. Will it be defenseman Ryan Graves (who played pretty well against Vegas) or Tyson Jost?