Trade Market Cools; Makar Questions Linger; Penguins' Past Haunts

The NHL trade market has hit its predictable August lull, but questions surrounding Cale Makar's future and the Pittsburgh Penguins' organizational direction suggest there's still plenty of intrigue brewing beneath the surface. These are the kinds of stories that simmer quietly until September, when training camp and preseason games force teams to make real decisions about their rosters. The calm before the storm is often when the most important moves are being discussed behind closed doors.