Tuesday Morning Skate: The calm before the storm

Welcome to the Morning Skate, our roundup of links on Philly Hockey Now as well as other sites around the National Hockey Now network and hockey world!

Flyers News & Rumors

• Chuck Fletcher struck before the NHL roster freeze on Saturday. The Flyers acquired the top-pair defenseman they need in Ryan Ellis for Philippe Myers and Nolan Patrick. (Philly Hockey Now)

• Adding Ryan Ellis is just the beginning for the Flyers this offseason. Buckle up, Flyers fans. (Philly Hockey Now)

• The Flyers submitted their protection list for the Expansion Draft. (Philly Hockey Now)

• In a National Hockey Now exclusive, we give some details on the upcoming 2021-22 NHL schedule. (Philly Hockey Now)

• Vladimir Tarasenko has the Flyers on his trade list. Should Chuck Fletcher pull the trigger? (Philly Hockey Now)

• Chuck Fletcher spoke at length about the Expansion Draft, NHL Draft, free agency, and much more. We break it all down. (Philly Hockey Now)

• One of Fletcher’s big signings in Minnesota, Ryan Suter, was bought out on Tuesday. Could the two reunite in Philadelphia? The Flyers are suitors for Suter. (Philly Hockey Now)

• A source confirmed to Philly Hockey Now that Brian Elliott will likely test free agency. (Philly Hockey Now)

Flyers Expansion Draft

• Shayne Gostisbehere is an option for the Kraken if they want an offensive defenseman, but is it realistic? (Philly Hockey Now)
• Now, James van Riemsdyk seems like the safest bet to land in Seattle, but could the Kraken go elsewhere? (Philly Hockey Now)
• Jakub Voracek could be an option for the Kraken as well. He’ll be one of the best players available, but also have one of the largest contracts. (Philly Hockey Now)
• Dave Hakstol was hired as the first coach of the Seattle Kraken. Could he impact their selection from the Flyers in the expansion draft? (Philly Hockey Now)

Stay up to date on all the latest Flyers rumors and NHL trade talk by bookmarking our page.

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Around the NHL

OTR: NHL Trade Market Set To ‘Explode’; Seth Jones, Shea Weber | PHN+ –  (National Hockey Now)

The two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning were already expected to be major players on the NHL trade market as they try to become cap compliant again, but could they still acquire a high-end player?

The Montreal Canadiens aren’t the Tampa Bay Lightning, and that’s why the Shea Weber news is not a sign that they’re about to pull a 2021 Lightning coup with the NHL salary cap.

The NHL trade market is expected to ‘explode’ in 3-2-1…

Hill’s Cap Hit Will Probably Be Higher Than Expected (San Jose Hockey Now)

What will Adin Hill sign for? It might be more than you expect.

The San Jose Sharks acquired the 25-year-old RFA from the Arizona Coyotes on Saturday, sending prospect Josef Korenar and a 2022 second-round pick for Hill and a 2022 seventh-round pick.

Source: Kraken Eying Josh Bailey in NHL Expansion Draft as Islanders Work to Prevent It – (NYI Hockey Now)

New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello is vehemently working to keep Josh Bailey out of the clutches of the Seattle Kraken, a source has told NYI Hockey Now.

Ron Francis and Seattle have been eying Bailey for his leadership for the fledgling franchise, but Lamoriello and the Islanders have been trying to steer them towards taking Jordan Eberle, according to an NHL Source close to the conversations between the two teams. Seattle is so high on Bailey that if he was to be picked that giving him an “A” or even making him captain wouldn’t be out of the question.

Just for Fun: Who Would Golden Knights Protect in Expansion Draft? – (Vegas Hockey Now)

Sure, the Vegas Golden Knights are exempt from the coming expansion draft where the Seattle Kraken will pluck players from each team except the Golden Knights. Teams are scrambling on the NHL trade market to protect players, get assets for players who are likely to be lost, get under the salary cap or create more cap space.

Washington Capitals Made Right Call Protecting Van Riemsdyk, Exposing Schultz – (Washington Hockey Now)

For Brian MacLellan and the Washington Capitals, the most difficult decision for the Seattle Kraken’s expansion draft came at the blue line. Considering they could only protect three defensemen, the Capitals knew they risked losing a big name; it was just a matter of who. In the end, they didn’t want that to be Trevor van Riemsdyk.

Zucker, Tanev, ZAR or Petterson, Who Will Seattle Kraken Select & Why? – (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

No, there are no sources and no leaks. Not yet. The Seattle Kraken and GM Ron Francis are studying the unprotected lists and probably having a few rousing debates. Take Carey Price and his ailing hips and knees, or maybe take Ben Bishop, who missed all of last season but is now healthy? There are a handful of wow-factor choices, including from the Pittsburgh Penguins, which could reverberate with both franchises for some time.

Red Wings Likely to Lose Veteran Defenseman in Expansion Drafty – (Detroit Hockey Now)

Detroit Hockey Now polled a scout, two general managers,  two broadcasters, four journalists, an ex-NHL player and a former team executive and 54.5% of them think defenseman Troy Stecher will be the Seattle Kraken’s expansion draft pick from Detroit.

Bruins Kick Off 2021-22 Preseason Against Tom Wilson And Caps –  (Boston Hockey Now)

The Boston Bruins will kick off their 2021-22 preseason in the Nation’s capital on Sunday, September 26 in the first of two preseason games against public enemy No.1 Tom Wilson and the Washington Capitals.

Colorado Avalanche protected list released; What it means – (Colorado Hockey Now)

No, Gabe Landeskog will not be protected when the Seattle Kraken select their inaugural team on Wednesday. Neither will Joonas Donskoi or J.T. Compher. The Colorado Avalanche protected list was released on Sunday morning, and those were among the names not on the list of players exempt from being selected.

Could Florida Panthers lose Driedger and Vatrano to Seattle? – (Florida Hockey Now)

Three years after losing two players to the expansion Vegas Golden Knights, there is a report the Florida Panthers have a deal in place with the Seattle Kraken in which it would not only sign pending free agent goalie Chris Driedger, but get forward Frank Vatrano for doing so.

Photo: Heather Barry Images