Quick Hits: The Radulov Is Gonna Get Paid Edition

In Red Wings Land

Report: Coyotes to talk to Todd Nelson about coaching vacancy

Dave Tippett left Arizona earlier this week. One of the main names that has popped up has been Todd Nelson. You might recognize that name as that of the current coach of the Grand Rapid Griffins.

He’s done a great job with the Griffs, but it would be hard to be upset at him if he decided to go for an NHL job. If that’s what he chooses, best of luck to him, although I’d like to have him back next year.

The Arizona Coyotes had a somewhat unexpected shakeup this past week when the team and long-time head coach Dave Tippett mutually agreed to part ways after nine seasons together.

The search for a replacement began immediately and according to Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal the Coyotes will be speaking to former Oilers coach Todd Nelson about the vacancy.

Around the NHL

13 NHL Draft takeaways: Rumours, trades, signings, surprises - Sportsnet.ca

We’ve been focused on the expansion draft and the entry draft, and rightfully so, but free agency is upon us. Washington overpaid (in my opinion) for Oshie, and you can imagine that other free agents will get more than they are worth. I hope Ken Holland will stay away from the free agency market, but it’s still interesting to read about how that market is shaping up.

Radulov is the best UFA forward standing

As per hockey’s trend, three more coveted impending free agents were locked up this weekend in advance of July 1, weakening the UFA market for forwards especially.

Washington handed T.J. Oshie a juicy eight-year, $46-million extension on the heels of a career season, highlighted by an unsustainable shooting percentage.

Heckuva player, but as with most UFA deals, the Capitals may regret the steep cap hit in the second half of Oshie’s term.

Lots of other good things in this article.

Bonus Link

The 10 most awkward 2017 NHL Draft rookie photos

I don’t know about you, but I look forward to this article each year. For me, this year’s crop wasn’t as awkward as in the past, although there are a couple doozies.

CHICAGO – It’s once again time for that Puck Daddy tradition, “The 10 Most Awkward NHL Draft Rookie Photos,” and surprisingly many of them don’t involve a tiny ‘lil Gary Bettman at a big ‘ol podium.

The 2017 NHL Draft, sadly, has followed in the recent tradition of not posing these young men with their sticks raised or with some weird lighting or other photo booth accouterments. We covered this bizarre ritual in 2011 and 2012 and 2013 and 2014 and 2015 and 2016, and you can see this unfortunate progression over time.