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"At the end of the day he's just one of the guys," Chiasson said. "He just happened to be a lot better at hockey than the rest of us.. Uhh, ya think? But, seriously a very nice article here about the long-time hometown friends of Sidney Crosby. [Penguins.com]
Matt Murray is still young enough to play on the U-23 “Team North America” if it happened again this year (which, it’s not). [Pension Plan Puppets]
Kris Letang is a freakishly athletic human being, but he is no match to keep up in this drill with a 43-year old Terrell Owens who’s a doubly freakishly athletic human being. [Streamable]
TO did Letang some love after the workout:
Great work today with the @NHL Champ! I think I'm ready for hockey. #Not @Penguins #apcgym #Montreal https://t.co/Je58biLSzv
— Terrell Owens (@terrellowens) July 25, 2017
The Penguins aren’t the only team waiting on a veteran center’s decision, the Predators are in a holding pattern to see what Mike Fisher wants to do, and it sounds like they may get an answer one way or the other by next week. [NHL.com]
The Buffalo Sabres got their starting goalie for next year, Robin Lehner is back for 2017-18 with a one-year, $4.0 million contract. [TSN]
As an aside, (hey, it’s summer), one thing that impressed and struck me when Jason Botterill mentioned Lehner earlier in the summer during a presser, referencing how he had confidence in Lehner and knows he can perform because of the 2011 AHL playoffs. Granted, that’s his job when he prepares for the interview to know that sort of thing, but really crazy how a guy like that can store a lot of information like that to be able to have it. [And, indeed Lehner put up a Murray-esque .939 save% in 19 games with a 14-4 record in those 2011 AHL playoffs.]
Flyers fans are beginning to wonder outloud if Philly should trade Wayne Simmonds. Simmonds is soon to be 29 years old and 2 years out from free agency. Interesting debate since Philly is still building for a few years until more pieces get NHL ready, and Simmonds might not be a wise signing for them at a UFA rate. [Broad Street Hockey]
Mika Zibanejad re-signs for 5 years ($5.25 million AAV) [Blueshirt Banter]
Old friend Mark Streit is going back to Montreal, 1 year $700,000, and some Habs fans are cautiously excited for what he might be able to provide. Not sure I agree after what we saw this spring, but best wishes to him. [Eyes on the Prize]