DitD & Open Post - 4/22/26: Sunny is Here Edition

“Mehta’s hockey brain made him a candidate for multiple vacancies around the NHL. The 48-year-old could have probably gotten more money from the Toronto Maple Leafs, who were also looking for an analytical GM. He chose the Devils and, underneath a screen showing him hoisting the Cup, called it without exaggeration his dream job. He called being from New Jersey a part of his identity and, for good measure, even dropped a Taylor Ham reference to show which half of the state he came from. ‘This is where I’ve always wanted to be,’ Mehta said. ‘This is where I want to be.’” [Associated Press]

Could Jacob Markstrom be bought out this offseason? “Despite the deal kicking in when Markstrom is age 36, his extension only has signing bonuses in Year 1 and the total compensation does not vary year-to-year, meaning it is not considered a ‘35+’ deal. The complication is that Markstrom cannot be bought out during the first buy-out window because his extension has not started until July 1, meaning he can only be bought out in the second window.” [Puckpedia]

Hockey Links

“The NHL is officially moving past the billion-dollar mark as commissioner Gary Bettman signals a massive surge in franchise valuations and future expansion fees.” [The Hockey News]

On the effort to get NHL hockey established in Seattle as winning has been a struggle and the NBA comes to town: [The Athletic ($)]

Still no Victor Hedman for the Lightning:

Feel free to discuss these and any other hockey-related stories in the comments below.