NHL Rumors Update

NHL Rumors Update for 02/24/2020

February 24, 2020

The latest NHL rumors from The Hockey Writers.

 

02/24/2020 edition:

By Jim Parsons on Feb 24, 2020 09:50 am

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, it’s NHL Trade Deadline day! Today’s report will look a little different as we give a rundown on a number of teams that may be busy today and a general view of their plan with the latest reports.

Here are a few of the items we’ve heard as the trade speculation begins on Monday morning:

Latest on Red Wings

Darren Dreger is reporting Detroit is likely to move out a couple more pieces today. They moved Mike Green to the Edmonton Oilers late Sunday night. Monday could include the Red Wings moving Andreas Athanasiou and Dreger says he wouldn’t be surprised if someone steps up for Luke Glendening.

Latest on the Islanders

David Pagnotte reports, the New York Islanders have expressed interest in the likes of Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Kyle Palmieri leading up to Monday’s deadline. He’s just not sure if the organization is fully engaged in paying a premium for either player.

** Update: Pageau was moved to the Islanders for a conditional first in 2020, a second in 2020 and a third in 2022 (only included if the Islanders win the Stanley Cup this season).

Latest on Sharks

Pierre LeBrun is noting the San Jose Sharks taking calls on both Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau today. He says it will be up to both players and they’ll need to sign off on going to a contender for a chance to win a Stanely Cup.

Whether they stay or go, LeBrun notes that both players would be welcomed back to San Jose on July 1 if they wish. Pittsburgh has shown interest in Patrick Marleau.

Latest on Jets

Dustin Byfuglien might get traded but there are multiple sources reporting he will not play hockey this season whether he stays in Winnipeg or moves elsewhere.

Dreger notes, “My candidate for this is Dustin Byfuglien. Unlikely he gets traded, but there could be a team willing to be creative today.”

The Jets need a right-handed defenseman to help fill the hole that Byfuglien leaves behind. But, don’t expect GM Kevin Cheveldayoff spend a first-rounder like they’ve done in years past.

Latest on the New York Rangers

Larry Brooks of the New York Post reports it appears the New York Rangers will move Chris Kreider before today’s deadline as contract talks reached an impasse.

Speculation is the Rangers have offered a six-year extension worth just under $7 million annually, but the Kreider camp seeks a seven-year term. He will get it from someone over the summer.

The Colorado Avalanche, Boston Bruins, St. Louis Blues, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Vegas Golden Knights are rumored to have interest.

Latest on Maple Leafs

Bruce Boudreau and the other panelists on Sportsnet mentioned the candidates Toronto might be looking to improve their blue line. Jonas Brodin was Boudreau’s preference for Toronto. Other names mentioned were Matt Dumba and Jeff Petry but Brian Burke says Montreal would be crazy to move Petry.

Latest on New Jersey Devils

The Devils are a team with a few pieces who could be on the move today. Kyle Palmieri might not be moved today because the team could still fetch a big package next year as a rental if the Devils are in a similar position. But, there are plenty of team interested today. Wayne Simmonds and Sami Vatanen are also in the rumor mill.

Latest on Florida Panthers

It sounds like Vincent Trochek could be on the move. Elliotte Friedman noted on air that he hears Trochek could be moved and that the Carolina Hurricanes are a team that might be interested. ** Update: Trocheck was moved to Carolina a couple of hours into deadline day. 

Mike Hoffman is another player the Panthers might move on Monday. LeBrun also notes that the Panthers are trying to add a defenseman before the deadline ends today. Alex Thomas reports the Panthers are looking for a shutdown type player and wonders if there’s something between the Panthers and Oilers involving either Adam Larsson or Kris Russell.

Latest on the Oilers

After adding Mike Green, there could be more coming in Edmonton. Some are speculating they don’t have money to do much more than add a player like Tyler Ennis. Others are suggesting the Oilers might be considering moving Matt Benning or Kris Russell in an attempt to free up cap space.

A left-winger to play with Connor McDavid is the prime target and priority for Ken Holland on Monday.

Latest on Blackhawks

Belief is that Erik Gustafsson will almost certainly be traded today after the Chicago Blackhawks left the defenseman in Chicago and he didn’t join them on their current road trip. Other Blackhawks trade candidates could include goaltender Robin Lehner, Corey Crawford or winger Brandon Saad.

By Jim Parsons on Feb 23, 2020 01:26 pm

In today’s NHL rumor rundown, what will the Carolina Hurricanes do in goal after asking a zamboni driver to come on in relief? Are the Chicago Blackhawks set to become the NHL’s biggest sellers? What will happen with Zach Bogosian by Monday and what’s the latest on all of the trade names out of Montreal?

Hurricanes Need a Netminder, Plus…

For the Carolina Hurricanes, namely emergency goaltender David Ayres, Saturday’s game will be a once-in-a-lifetime event and memory. After both James Reimer and Petr Mrazek were forced leave the game due to injuries, Ayres came in an helped the Hurricanes to a 6-3 win.

Now reality sets in and there is no official word on Mrazek but Reimer appears to be out longer-term. If Mrazek is too, what will the Hurricanes do in net before the trade deadline? They are still in an Eastern Conference wild card race and can’t afford not to have a goalie that can help them down the stretch.

TSN’s Pierre LeBurn reports that the team plans to recall both Anton Forsberg and Alex Nedeljkovic from the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers today. That’s a start. Do the Hurricanes try to add one more goalie? LeBrun adds that a number of teams have already reached out to the Hurricanes and it seems likely a move is coming.

Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston reports that the teams main focus is on Chicago Blackhawks’ netminders Robin Lehner and Corey Crawford. If Chicago doesn’t want to send out either player, other rental options could include veterans Jimmy Howard, Craig Anderson, or Ryan Miller, Aaron Dell or Louis Domingue.

While the focus seems to be on the goaltenders, it’s easy to forget the team needs a replacement on the blue line given the injuries to Dougie Hamilton and Brett Pesce. The Hurricanes have also been rumored to be in on New York Rangers’ forward Chris Kreider.

Zach Bogosian Update

After clearing waivers, it seems inevitable the Buffalo Sabres and Zach Bogosian will part ways and according to a report on Sunday morning from TSN’s NHL insider Darren Dreger, the three teams that most interested are the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Carolina Hurricanes, and the Arizona Coyotes.

The Hurricanes need is obvious based on the above mentioned news surrounding the team. Dreger also mentioned the Boston Bruins, the Calgary Flames, and surprisingly the San Jose Sharks.

Latest on Montreal Canadiens Possible Trade Pieces

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports that Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jeff Petry has continued to garner attention from teams but he’s not sold the Montreal Canadiens will move him prior to the NHL Trade Deadline. He believes the asking price is so high from the Canadiens, teams will eventually move on to other options.

TVA Sports Louis Jean believes the Colorado Avalanche could have interest in forward Ilya Kovalchuk but Kovalchuk is now talking the Canadiens about an extension and he too could stick around. Speculation is the team and Kovalchuk are eyeing a one-year contract extension that could be put together rather quickly.

If there is one player that might be moved, it’s pending UFA Nate Thompson.

Blackhawks the NHL’s Biggest Sellers?

Chris Johnston said during Sportsnet’s broadcast, he believes the Chicago Blackhawks will be among the big sellers by Monday’s deadline. Named that could move included Robin Lehner and Corey Crawford in net. Insiders are waiting on defenseman Erik Gustafsson to be traded after he was left back in Chicago and didn’t joint the team on their road trip today. And, winger Brandon Saad could be had for the right price.

Gustafsson was connected in talks to the Vegas Golden Knights but Johnston believes the defenseman will wind up somewhere else.

By Jim Parsons on Feb 22, 2020 12:30 pm

In today’s NHL rumor rundown, there is news that the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks might be working on a deal, there is buzz about where defenseman Zach Bogosian could end up and are the Boston Bruins still working on deals after landing a top-six winger in a trade on Friday?

Canucks Trying to Land Tyson Barrie?

At this point, it’s only speculation and there could be a number of teams in the mix but the Vancouver Canucks might be putting together a package that would see them land defenseman Tyson Barrie from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Defenseman Troy Stecher could be among the pieces going back to Toronto. Rick Dhaliwal notes, “Talks are on-going between the #Canucks and Leafs for Barrie, let’s see where this ends up.”

This report comes after TSN’s Bob McKenzie reported that the Maple Leafs were getting calls on Barrie and were entertaining the idea of moving him in the right deal.

TSN’s Frank Seravalli confirmed McKenzie’s report on Friday saying that four teams were specifically in the Barrie sweepstakes: the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes.

Kristen Shilton of TSN notes that Barrie wants to stick with Leafs this season: “I love it here, I love the guys and we want to try to be a team that does something special this year and I’d obviously like to be around for that. But it’s out of my control.”

If the Maple Leafs do move Barrie, possible targets to replace him could be the Minnesota Wild’s Matt Dumba or Jonas Brodin, the New York Rangers’ Tony DeAngelo, the Montreal Canadiens’ Jeff Petry, the Buffalo Sabres’ Rasmus Ristolainen, and the Chicago Blackhawks’ Erik Gustafsson.

Teams Interested in Bogosian

According to a report from TSN insider Darren Dreger, there are currently at least four teams considered contenders for the services of Zach Bogosian, if and when he shakes loose from the Buffalo Sabres.

On Saturday morning Dreger tweeted the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins were all in the mix, which makes sense considering all those teams are considered clubs looking for shore up their blue line.

Blackhawks Pull Gustafsson from Lineup

Friday night, the Chicago Blackhawks pulled defenseman Erik Gustafsson from the lineup just prior to puck drop. The assumption was that he was being held out as a precautionary measure in the event of a pending trade.

Gustafsson is drawing interest as one of the top offensive threats from the blue line and with only a $1.2 million cap hit, he’s an affordable option for a number of teams. Leading the way is rumored to be the Vegas Golden Knights who also picked up Alec Martinez in a trade earlier this week.

A clear rental as a pending UFA, Gustafsson leads all Chicago blue liners in points though he only has 26 points in 58 games.

Vatanen Could Still be on the Move

Chris Ryan of NJ.com lists the Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, and Calgary Flames as the most logical trade destinations for Devils defenseman Sami Vatanen.

Ryan writes, “Even though Vatanen hasn’t played since Feb. 1 due to a leg bruise from blocking a shot, teams still have interest in the veteran.”

Bruins Done Making Deals?

Jimmy Murphy of Boston Hockey Now cites a well-connected source claiming the Boston Bruins might not be done making moves after adding Ondrej Kase from the Anaheim Ducks yesterday.

With some cap space freed up — cap space that will likely be used to re-sign Torey Krug next season — the Bruins could still use that money this season to land a rental. Murphy’s source suggests the Bruins could be considering San Jose Sharks center (and former Bruin) Joe Thornton. Assuming Thornton waives his no-move/no-trade clause to leave the team, others would be interested beyond the Bruins, The Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, and Pittsburgh Penguins are among them.

By Jim Parsons on Feb 21, 2020 01:03 pm

In today’s NHL rumor rundown, there are updates on what’s going on between the Buffalo Sabres and Zach Bogosian, could the Ottawa Senators keep Jean-Gabriel Pageau and move Vladimir Namestnikov? What about the Toronto Maple Leafs and whispers they might be willing to move Tyson Barrie? Finally, do the Boston Bruins have a backup plan in the event they can’t land Chris Kreider?

Sabres Intend to Terminate Bogosian’s Contract

After failing to report to the Rochester Americans earlier this month, Zach Bogosian was suspended without pay by the Buffalo Sabres. This removed him from the Sabres salary cap but the Bogosian was still part of the organization. The Sabres have confirmed Bogosian will now be placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of a contract termination.

This will save the Sabres money and turn Bogosian into an unrestricted free agent and able to sign with another team. Bogosian will give up $1.68 million, but he’d be free to sign with anyone for $700,000 (or more). As for the Sabres letting him sit out and then maybe report to Amerks if he wanted to get paid was not in the cards.

There is no real inside information as to whom Bogosian might sign with.

Bruins Eyeing Blackhawks’ Brandon Saad?

Joe Haggerty of NBC Sports Boston is reporting that while Chris Kreider is still very high on the list for the Boston Bruins, they may have a backup plan in place that would include Chicago Blackhawks winger Brandon Saad.

A number of hockey insiders have made the connection between the two sides but Bruins general manager Don Sweeney would have to get creative to make it work. The potential ask from Chicago would be a first-round pick plus. Key to remember here is that the ask between Kreider and a player like Saad or, even, Kyle Palmieri will be similar because Saad and Palmieri have term left on their respective deals.

** Update: The Boston Bruins acquired Ondrej Kase from the Anaheim Ducks. The Bruins have sent back David Backes, Axel Andersson and a 2020 first-round pick. And, the Bruins will retain 25% of Backes’ contract. This likely takes the Bruins out of the running for Saad.

A Namestnikov Deal Imminent

Darren Dreger reported on Thursday night that the Ottawa Senators are working some asset management and a trade is looming for forward Vladimir Namestnikov. Dreger says the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, Colorado Avalanche and Columbus Blue Jackets as the teams he’s heard are circling.

In other Senators news, Pierre LeBrun of TSN notes that finally there are talks to report on the Jean-Gabriel Pageau front and numbers going back and forth between the Senators and Pageau’s representatives. LeBrun said it’s not as if a deal or extension is imminent, but the Senators will keep working at it, while taking calls on the trade front should nothing come of the negotiations.

Maple Leafs Willing to Move Barrie?

During Thursday’s TSN report, it was noted that the Maple Leafs have been receiving calls for Tyson Barrie. And, Bob McKenzie said the Maple Leafs are actually willing to listen and move the right defenseman in the right situation.

Perhaps the situation is fluid and a big win changes things day-to-day but McKenzie said before Toronto’s big win over Pittsburgh, “When those teams called, the Leafs basically told them, ‘Ya, you know what? We would consider it under the right set of circumstances.'” He added that the Leafs are not interested in selling off Barrie for future considerations but would need to get a defenseman coming back that makes them better now so they’re chances of making the playoffs aren’t completely lost.

The alternative would be landing picks and prospects they can immediately flip for help at the right-shot d-man spot.

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