Snapshots: Subban, Red Wings, Riley

Yesterday’s news that the Canadiens released analytics guru Matt Pfeffer received more clarification from the young analyst today. Before the trade was consummated, Pfeffer told Sportsnet’s Eric Engels that he never had a meeting with management regarding any movement of Subban. Instead, Pfeffer submitted a report comparing  Shea Weber and P.K. Subban that argued passionately for keeping Subban. The 21-year-old analyst added that management would always make their decisions on different types of information. Earlier reports indicated that Pfeffer made an “impassioned and elaborate presentation to management” for the retention of Subban. The trade was  questioned and lamented by many Montreal fans. General manager Marc Bergevin, on the other hand, still has 100% support of ownership.

• The four year, $7.2MM extension of forward Luke Glendening crosses off another player for next season’s free agency craze, but still has some wondering what the Detroit Red Wings will do with a glut of forwards. While rumors spin that the Wings would pull the trigger to bring in a defenseman, all is quiet on that front, and with the re-signing of Glendening, it only adds to the intrigue writes the Hockey News’ Jared Clinton. With money committed to so many forwards, Clinton wonders what happens to Anthony Mantha, who can pass through waivers without being claimed. But is it best for the team? Mantha is the Red Wings top prospect, drafted for scoring purposes but rarely given the ice time in the NHL to prove that. General manager Ken Holland’s recent statement that young players must earn their spot only confused after Holland looked ready to give younger players more responsibility. Additionally, it sounded like numerous trades would be made. With the signings of veterans, re-upping current players to long contracts, and no trades as of now, it appears that Holland may be changing his tune. Clinton writes that signing Danny DeKeyser and Petr Mrazek will put the Wings over the cap, and then, more difficult decisions will have to be made. With teams knowing the Red Wings are squeezed financially, it certainly adds a new wrinkle to the many decisions Holland still has to make.
• The Pittsburgh Penguins released a statement on the passing of the organization’s first general manager, Jack Riley. Riley was hired to build the Penguins, who were brought into the NHL as an expansion team for the 1967-68 season. Riley was 97.