Hot Links: Friday, July 24

Happy Friday morning, everyone!

In the latest Puck Pursuit podcast from The Score, they break down a variety of post-season topics: the bubble dress code, Edmonton being favorites against Chicago, and more.

James Neal started the 2019-20 season on fire before getting hurt and never really rediscovering his fall form. What can we expect from him in the post-season?

Now that the Seattle Kraken are officially a thing — how sweet is that logo though? — which Oiler is most likely to be taken in the expansion draft? Granted, it’s all speculation until we know for sure who the Oilers are protecting, but it’s always a fun exercise.

Updates from camp, including their late night simulation scrimmage, Connor McDavid’s injury scare — he’s fine, he practiced Thursday — Tippett on Seattle, Darnell Nurse’s injury scare on Thursday — he’s fine, he returned to practice — and more.

Speaking of David “S. Pumpkins” Tippett, before he was brought into the Edmonton setup, he was part of the Seattle operation, helping them get ready to join the NHL. As such, he’s more connected to the franchise than most, and is excited for the Seattle area team to join the league.

Ryan McLeod enjoyed a fairly productive first professional season, scoring 5-18-23 in 56 GP in the AHL. What can we expect from him this summer?

During his media availability this week, Oilers GM Ken Holland touched on the difficulties the flat salary cap will present. Ethan Bear remains unsigned long-term.

That’ll do it for us this week, but just a reminder that NHL teams are expected to travel from their home cities to their Hub Cities on Sunday, July 26. Hopefully there are no COVID-19 setbacks upon their arrival and we get to focus solely on the scheduled exhibition games and gearing up for August 1. Til next time.

From Us

Welcome, Seattle Kraken (Copper and Blue)

Hot Links: Thursday, July 23 (Copper and Blue)

From Elsewhere

NHL Podcast: Dress Code Scuttlebutt, Breaking Down West Matchups (Score)

What To Expect From James Neal This Summer (Oilersnation)

Which Edmonton Oilers’ Player Is Most Likely To “Get Kraken”? (Journal)

Edmonton Oilers Camp Report: Day 9 (Oilers Rig)

Edmonton Oilers Coach Enjoyed Helping Seattle Kraken Take Shape (Sun)

Numbers By The Nation: Mike Smith Or Mikko Koskinen (VIDEO) (Oilersnation)

Powering Up In Chicago (Super Fan)

What To Expect This Summer From Ryan McLeod (Oilersnation)

Oilers GM Ken Holland Acknowledges ‘Tight’ Cap Situation Ahead (Oilers Rig)

BLOG: Mounting excitement (Oilers)

For Money

Down Goes Brown: Ranking all 59 team names in NHL history, including the Kraken (Athletic)