NHL Rumors Update

NHL Rumors Update for 12/06/2019

December 06, 2019

The latest NHL rumors from The Hockey Writers.

 

12/06/2019 edition:

By Jim Parsons on Dec 05, 2019 11:55 am

In today’s NHL rumor rundown, Elliotte Friedman dropped a number of interesting rumors in his latest 31 Thoughts article, including news on the Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, the NHL Board of Governors’ meetings and more.

Code of Conduct Coming For Coaches

Friedman started by addressing the elephant in every NHL dressing room when he talked about how the NHL plans to handle all of the allegations surrounding coaches and GM’s in the the league. He said, “According to several sources, the NHL essentially rewrote its agenda for next week’s Board of Governors meeting in California.”

The NHL wants to implement swift protocols which will include a written “Code of Conduct”. To date, the league is satisfied with how GM’s have handled issues with coaches but the slow pace in which Bill Peters was fired means some people will be unhappy with what appears to be indecision.

Recent Reports Affecting Babcock Job Prospects

Friedman also noted that when Mike Babcock was first released by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Friedman noted that at least two teams reached out with interest in hiring him as a coach right away. That has all changed now with the recent flood of testimonies from former players.

At first, he wanted to take some time. Now, he might not have a choice. It is believed the offers from a KHL team, World Junior role (not as head coach, but in an advisory position) and/or the head job for the World Championships have all been pulled.

New Coach in New Jersey?

When asked if Alain Nasreddine would last the remainder of the season with the New Jersey Devils, GM Ray Shero said, “We’ll have a list that we’ll compile.” Nasreddine will get a look for the short term and he could make a case to be added to that list of potential future coaches. “The opportunity for (Nasreddine) is there in front of him.”

Friedman added that there’s no leading candidate for the job right now.

First Round Picks For Hall?

In other Devils’ news, reports are the organization wants first-rounders for Taylor Hall but might be willing to reconsider under the right circumstances. The Avalanche have already been reported as early favorites and Friedman notes they have plenty of defensive prospects and the mentality they can compete this season. Other teams that might make a pitch are the Arizona Coyotes, Dallas Stars and St. Louis Blues.

Friedman adds that he believes the Edmonton Oilers are interested but unwilling to pay the asking price. If they are to get involved in the talks, they’ll need to find something else the Devils might take instead of their first-rounder.

Also with the Oilers, the belief is that GM Ken Holland spoke with a number of teams about moving Jesse Puljujarvi before the Dec. 1 RFA signing deadline. Among the teams were the St. Louis Blues, Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers. Friedman believes Edmonton was closer on a deal for Lias Andersson than any other move but couldn’t get it done.

The Devils are also believed to have put Miles Wood on the trade block. With two more seasons at $2.75-million AAV, there is a belief someone might be interested if he can find a little more edge to his game. Wood, 24, is averaging less than a hit per game this season after tallying 97 hits in just 63 games last year.

Quick Canadiens Hits

The Montreal Canadiens have been in the news thanks to rumors of a coaching change. In terms of what GM Marc Bergevin might do with his roster, there are rumors he took a long look at Alec Martinez before he was injured. There were also rumors the Canadiens were interested in Shayne Gostisbehere, but those rumours were denied.

Clubs Trying to Snag Bennett From Flames

Finally, Friedman notes that a number of teams recently tried to snag Sam Bennett from the Calgary Flames while the team was on its losing skid. The Flames apparently laughed off lowball offers, but it goes to show there is some interest in Flames’ personel.

Among the teams rumors to have tried were the Anaheim Ducks, Montreal Canadiens and Nashville Predators.

By Jim Parsons on Dec 04, 2019 01:45 pm

In today’s NHL rumor rundown, we look at the likelihood Minnesota considers trading their captain, there is some good news out of the Nolan Patrick camp, and have the Montreal Canadiens spoke with Bob Hartley about coaching the team?

Mikko Koivu a Trade Possibility?

As the Minnesota Wild continue to dance in and out of the playoff picture, trade speculation will surround the team, especially considering new GM Bill Guerin has yet to make a major deal.

Wild insider Michael Russo was asked in his latest column for The Athletic, if pending free agent Mikko Koivu might be a trade option before the deadline? Russo responded:

I talked to more than a dozen people who know him well and pretty much every single person thinks Koivu won’t entertain playing elsewhere. If the Wild are still in the thick of a playoff race by the Feb. 24 trade deadline, I can’t see Guerin approaching Koivu about waiving. If the Wild are out of it, Guerin will have to decide whether he shops Koivu and then whether it’s worth broaching this subject with his captain.

source – ‘Ask Russo: Wild’s streak, Kaprizov, trade talk, Koivu, Winter Classic and more’ – Michael Russo – The Athletic – 12/2/2019

Russo is among the many who don’t believe Koivu would consider leaving his kids behind to chase a Stanley Cup but that could change if the Wild decide they aren’t going to re-up his contract next season. If that’s the case, there might be as good a chance he retires as he does try to find another city to play in.

His brother Saku said of his thought about Mikko moving on, “For me, it would be really weird to see him in any other jersey than the Wild.” Saku said it is important for Mikko to retire having played in only one jersey.

Nolan Patrick to Play This Season?

Philadelphia Flyers forward Nolan Patrick has been dealing with a migraine disorder, a disorder that has kept the 2nd overall pick from playing a game yet this season. He hasn’t even been skating until just recently. That said, there might finally be some good news.

Patrick recently said he hopes he’ll get back soon and that while there’s no timeline, he’s hoping to play this season for the Flyers. “I believe I’ll play this year. That’s something I’m trying to stick with,” he said.

If Patrick can manage his migraines with proper medication and the right lifestyle changes, he could become a regular again for the Flyers organization. But, you can tell the disorder is frustrating for Patrick because it’s so up and down all the time.

Canadiens Haven’t Spoken with Hartley

Igor Eronko has cleared up some micommunication when it comes to a report that Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin had spoken to former NHL coach, now Avangard’s (KHL) head coach Bob Hartley about working for the Canadiens again.

There are rumors that Claude Julien’s job is in jeopardy and one report suggested Bergevin had already spoken to Hartley about coming in to take over. Eronko said that the comments were misinterpreted and Hartley said, “I’m getting a million of phone calls from Montreal. It’s very sad because they have a coach. No one from the Montreal Canadiens have called me. And I’m happy with Avangard.”

It sounds like the two might have spoken on the phone but Hartley is under contract so he not coming to the Canadiens. Will Julien survive as coach? That’s another story.

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