This morning's skatearound was relatively news-free. We still have no confirmation on David Perron, but he was practicing in full once again, so it's presumed that he'll be back tonight against the Ducks. As expected, Malcolm Subban will start.
On Anaheim's side, John Gibson will answer the bell, but the big news is that sniper Rickard Rakell will return from a five-game absence. However, star defender Hampus Lindholm is out.
Follow Eric for all things which quack at night:
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Recently-extended Brayden McNabb told Knights radio play-by-play man Dan D'Uva that his first purchase after his four-year, $10 million dollar agreement was farmland. I caught up with McNabb and got down to the nitty-gritty:
HockeyBuzz: From what I understand, your first purchase after your extension was farmland. Can you tell me more about it?
Brayden McNabb: My parents are farmers back home. It was an opportunity to purchase some land with my Dad. It's a good investment. It keeps me to my roots. I always enjoy it.
HB: What does your family grow?
BM: It's a grain farm. Lentils, peas, wheat.
HB: Where will I find your family's produce? At the local farmer's market?
BM: All over the world. Well, maybe it's only in Canada. But anywhere with grain.
We sell to elevators. There's a bunch of different companies. My Dad harvests it and sells it to different companies.
HB: What about farming still appeals to you?
BM: It's what I grew up with. I probably don't go back to the farm as much as my parents would like. But it's who I am. I enjoy it out there. I don't know if it's going to be life after hockey. But it's something that'll always be with me.
HB: You were coached in LA by a famous farmer in Darryl Sutter. Did you guys ever talk farming?
BM: Oh yeah. Every now and then. He's got the cattle. And the grain. He's a true cowboy, for sure.
HB: Any other players and coaches that you know who are still very engaged with farming?
BM: Keith Aulie is a big farmer.
HB: Well, I've described you as having ox-like strength down low, so now I know where you got it. Congratulations again on the extension, Brayden!
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Marc-Andre Fleury continues to inch back; this is his third-straight day taking post-practice shots.
The big day is tomorrow:
George McPhee stated on Sunday that they hope to have Fleury out there for a full practice by this Wednesday.
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I did a couple radio hits with Las Vegas radio, where I talk about why McPhee should consider trading Jonathan Marchessault right now and which non-William Karlsson Golden Knights have surprised me most:
I'm on at the 12-minute mark here:
For the record, I love Marchessault's play this season and can argue that he's been the team's most valuable forward, at least offensively. Some of his key underlying stats are in Tarasenko/Matthews territory, and while those may not be sustainable, I think he might be a legitimate first-liner regardless.
But Marchessault is also 26 and an impending UFA, and if --
if -- McPhee's focus is on the future and not right now, I think you consider trading him if you can get a first-round pick. I wouldn't deal him for anything less.
In theory, by the time potential franchise players Cody Glass or Nick Suzuki hit their primes, Marchessault might be leaving his best days.
The decision on Marchessault -- sign him or trade him -- will say a lot about where the Knights are heading with their surprising, but free agent-filled roster.
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