NHL Rumors Update

NHL Rumors Update for 02/23/2019

February 23, 2019

The latest NHL rumors from The Hockey Writers.

 

 02/23/2019 edition:

By R. Black on Feb 22, 2019 08:25 pm

Wayne Simmonds is one of the most-discussed players leading into the NHL’s Monday Trade Deadline. The lanky winger has been a Philadelphia Flyers stalwart for the last eight seasons, but his contract ends this summer. The Flyers’ once-flickering playoff hopes have dimmed after a pair of thumpings this week, quickly vaulting them closer to a sell-off scenario.

While goalscoring has been his forte in the orange and black, his pace has slowed noticeably this season, and his rumored suitors are wondering: “Does this guy still have it?” It’s a valid question. In his previous seven seasons with the Flyers, Simmonds has averaged 29 goals and just under 26 assists. This season, however, he has just 16 goals and 11 assists through 60 games, a 21-goal, 15-assist pace.

Possible Explanations for Simmonds’ Off-Year

Simmonds does play a rough game and though he’s only 30, it may be catching up with him. He’s now played nearly 11 full seasons in the NHL and missed only 24 games. That includes the seven he sat out last season when his eye-popping injury list included a pelvic tear, fractured ankle, pulled groin, torn thumb ligament, and a handful of lost teeth. While he says he “can’t not play,” even when in extreme pain, that mindset could be slowly degrading his game.

On the other hand, the Flyers as a team has been less-than-stellar this season. A bad start, a coaching change, and constantly-shifting lines have hurt Simmonds’ ability to find any regular scoring rhythm. For much of the early season, he found himself on a disjointed unit with James van Riemsdyk, another net-front presence, and Jordan Weal, a replacement-level center.

Wayne Simmonds has celebrated more than 200 goals as a Flyer, but his pace has slowed this season. (Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports)

And the team’s power play, where the big forward has been dynamite for years, has been downright bad. A recent hot streak masks how terrible it has been: before scoring 12 power-play goals in their previous 10 games, the Flyers’ man-advantage unit was converting at below 13 percent through its first 50 games.

It’s the first time in Simmonds’ career with the team that the power play has been below league average. His even strength goal-scoring pace is not far off from what he achieved in many of his 25+ goal seasons, but he’s scoring about half his usual rate on the power play. Of course, whether he’s a victim of a poor power play or the power play is a victim of a poor Simmonds is subject to debate. It’s likely a combination of the two, and neither consideration explains his meager assist production.

Simmonds’ Shortcomings

Even at his best, Simmonds has never been a completely rounded player. His defensive awareness leaves something to be desired, and it’s been seasons since he’s seen any legitimate minutes on the penalty kill – an important consideration for contenders looking to add him to their bottom-six.

His shot from further out from the net is neither bad nor particularly menacing. He’s been part of quite a few great passing plays in his career, but his decision-making with the puck on his stick isn’t quick enough to consider him a real playmaker. And unfortunately, that decision-making seems to be jamming up more often this season.

It hasn’t been the easiest season for Wayne Simmonds and the Flyers. (Image courtesy of bridgetds/Flickr)

NHL takeaway/giveaway stats are, unfortunately, too flawed to paint the full picture (he’s a minus-7) but more so than in past seasons, Simmonds has seemed to short out during offensive opportunities. He’s been criticized for waiting too long to make a pass or take a shot before running out of room and either turning the puck over or forcing a pass to a player with just as few options as he had left himself.

It’s difficult to pinpoint, however, if these flaws are getting deeper or if they’re just shining brighter because his scoring is down.

Simmonds at His Best

One rough season does not wipe out a fantastic body of work, nor does it negate Simmonds’ terrific character. He frustrates opponents in so many ways. Most of his goals have come from the very low slot, often on the power play, and he’s made his home as a net-front presence with the hands to pull off a deflection and the spine to take a few dozen crosschecks. He’s not big enough to be immovable, rather, he’s indomitable, he’ll keep coming back. You just can’t deter the guy.

He isn’t a swift player, in terms of edge work or agility, but his straightaway speed is still better than many would assume, given his role and reputation. He can create some separation up the wing or on a breakaway.

Simmonds in his usual net-front office. (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Combine that with his known grittiness makes for a player who can be pretty effective on the forecheck when he wants to be, though that’s dependent on the team’s system. When coached by Peter Laviolette, he was able to show a more diligent puck pursuit game than under the Flyers’ more passive recent coaches.

Simmonds, no matter how the rest of his game is going, will always be tough as nails and a superb teammate. Just this week, he took Detroit Red Wing Anthony Mantha to task for a hit Mantha had thrown on Flyers captain Claude Giroux the day before. He’s done that countless times as a Flyer and will continue to do so no matter where he goes.

His fighting isn’t always retaliatory, either: earlier this season, after his team allowed an early goal to their arch-rival Pittsburgh Penguins, Simmonds sensed the moment and dropped the gloves with the much larger Jamie Oleksiak. The bout changed the momentum in the game, which the Flyers went on to win.

Is Wayne Worth It?

With contenders like the Boston Bruins, Nashville Predators, Tampa Bay Lightning, and others supposedly expressing interest in Simmonds, there’s plenty of fans wondering if he’d fit into their team’s plans.

What he likely won’t do is kill penalties or participate in any shutdown scenarios, nor will he be the spark to turn a dud line into a scoring threat. There’s little doubt he has it in him to score goals still, but he will not generate them on his own. Teams interested should have room for him on their power play and have a center to pair him with who can distribute the puck and make space for themselves.

Wayne Simmonds has never shied away from the physical side of the game. (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

There’s no doubt, however, that Simmonds is an integral teammate and has been throughout his time in the orange and black; he leaves every ounce of his being on the ice. If he goes, he will be dearly missed in the locker room and in the Wells Fargo Center stands. Whether he’ll be similarly embraced by fans in a new home will depend on what he brings on the ice and at what cost.

By Jim Parsons on Feb 22, 2019 12:41 pm

The first big trade of the NHL trade deadline has finally happened. On Friday morning, Matt Duchene was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets. For Duchene, it will be a quick walk down the hall as the Senators are set to take on the Blue Jackets in game action on Friday night.

Darren Dreger was the first to report the trade and offered details to come. Aaron Portzline of The Athletic then confirmed the trade and some of the pieces going back when he said, “Prospects Abramov and Davidsson part of the deal, but more coming from #CBJ”. Pierre LeBrun finally gave all the pieces in a tweet that came a few minutes after the deal was announced. 

Confirming Matt Duchene has been traded to Columbus. Details to come.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 22, 2019

As interesting as this trade is, what might be more interesting is what it means for the rest of the NHL, specifically the Blue Jackets who potentially have their own internal house cleaning to do and debate runs rampant about their own star forward, Artemi Panarin.

Duchene Starts the Ball Rolling

This Duchene trade was a long time coming and the Blue Jackets were long rumored to be in the conversation. Looking for a player that could help in the event the team lost Panarin, Duchene will fill in nicely. Whether or not the Blue Jackets look to extend him on a contract is unknown at this point but Nick Kypreos tweeted there have been no talks on that front between the Blue Jackets organization and the former Senator.

Ottawa Senators center Matt Duchene is now in the Blue Jackets a top-six. (Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports)

With Duchene now in tow and playing in the lineup for the Blue Jackets tonight, the first matter of business might be first asking if Panarin wants to reconsider signing knowing Duchene is with the team. If not, Columbus now has the confidence to move Panarin before Monday’s trade deadline comes and goes. They might choose to keep him, but considering the potential first-rounders they gave up to grab Duchene, Panarin could easily be used to get one of those draft picks back.

As Portzline tweeted just minutes ago, “Interesting that #CBJ, by acquiring Duchene, have increased Panarin’s value on the market – elite player scarcity. No guarantees Blue Jackets trade him, of course, but they are in a better position to create demand among elite teams looking for punch.”

Certainly, GM Jarmo Kekäläinen just made the trade market that much more interesting and took a progressive approach to give himself some leverage to make a move.

Now What for Columbus?

While Pierre LeBrun tweeted that Columbus doesn’t feel pressure to move Panarin should a team not step up in the next few days, the expectation is that the Blue Jackets will likely feel comfortable flipping him to another organization now that they have a piece in Duchene to keep them competitive as the organization heads toward the postseason. Prior to this move, for Columbus, that had to have been a huge concern.

For months, the team was likely asking itself, ‘how do we remove our best offensive weapon but also justify not getting anything in return should he walk away in free agency?’ Duchene partially answers that question.

Sonny Milano could have a future golden opportunity depending on what happens to Artemi Panarin. (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

What will be interesting to see is how competitive the Blue Jackets actually think they can be and how much the team can come out ahead in any deal.

With Duchene now off the board and Panarin’s value already going up, Panarin already arguably held more value than Duchene in trade. This deal now sets the market and if Columbus moves Panarin but grabs a ton of excellent prospects and draft picks, fans in Columbus might not feel so bad about letting him leave in free agency with Duchen left to pick up the slack. And, should Duchene leave over the summer, at least the Blue Jackets will have something to show for it, can trade his rights at the draft and gave themselves a chance at the postseason.

The only issue for the Blue Jackets now is whether or not Duchene becomes a rental or if they can convince him not to test free agency. It appears the team will certainly try to see if he’d like to stick around and he’ll be a less expensive option than Panarin would have been had he chosen to stay with the Blue Jackets.

Needless to say, the action in Columbus certainly isn’t done. Could the team end up with both players? At this point, who knows?

By Jim Parsons on Feb 22, 2019 11:35 am

In today’s second installment of the rumor rundown, we take a look at the updates regarding Mark Stone and Ryan Dzingel out of Ottawa, if the Canadiens might have some interest in Matt Duchene, Ilya Kovalchuk’s status in LA and where exactly things stand with Wayne Simmonds in Philadelphia.

Stone and Dzingel Officially on the Market

As per Elliotte Friedman, Mark Stone and Ryan Dzingel are now officially on the trade market and available before the Feb. 25 trade deadline.

Not a big surprise considering what happened last night, but, word is OTT put Mark Stone on the market after the game in NJ. Ryan Dzingel also became available yesterday.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 22, 2019

With the ugly 4-0 loss to the New Jersey Devils on Thursday and with no Stone, Matt Duchene or Ryan Dzingel in the lineup for the Senators, Ottawa is seemingly moving in the direction that all three of their big forward stars will be moved by Monday and this should get the ball rolling as far as trades go at the deadline.

The rest of the NHL was seemingly waiting on what the Sens were going to do and now that these players are on their way out, it becomes about the best deal the Senators can make, not whether or not to delay the trade because they may want to re-sign either player.

Montreal in on Duchene?

Bob McKenzie was on Winnipeg’s TSN 1290 Friday morning and said he’s not sure whether or not the Montreal Canadiens are in on Matt Duchene or not. Based on some of the conversations he’s had, his sources are saying, ‘Absolutely, 100 percent, the Montreal Canadiens are in on Matt Duchene,’. But, when he talks to others, he’s getting the message, ‘No, don’t believe it. They’re not in.’.

Ottawa Senators center Matt Duchene could give the Blue Jackets a top-six boost. (Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports)

If there’s any chance Montreal is sniffing around Duchene and making a move for him at the trade deadline, it has to be with the expectation that they can get him signed to an extension. It was widely reported that Canadiens’ GM Marc Bergevin was not going to attack the rental market this season. Duchene is a very expensive rental if Montreal doesn’t extend him.

McKenzie says it has been a long time since he’s gotten such mixed reports from people he trusts who might have some inside knowledge on what’s going on here.

Montreal may not get the chance as the word is there might be something brewing between Columbus and Ottawa this morning. The teams play each other tonight so it would be a quick swap over if something happened today. Blue Jackets’ prospect Vitaly Abramov was pulled off the ice during practice this morning and could be headed to Ottawa.

Columbus has been on Duchene from the get go. Let’s see if they can pull it together https://t.co/bSgWxtWeo6

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 22, 2019

Kovalchuk Waiting for Right Opportunity to Waive No-Trade Clause

Dennis Bernstein of the Fourth Period and NHL Network tweeted that sources close to Ilya Kovalchuk say he is still willing to waive his no-movement clause for the right team. Clearly, he’s unhappy in LA and willing to move despite the fact he had a no-move clause added to his deal when he signed with the team over the summer.

Interestingly, the Los Angeles Kings have yet to approach him to waive it, which likely means no one has offered anything of value, perhaps nothing at all. There were rumors the Islanders might have had some interest.

Simmonds Interest Still Intense, Flyers Unsure

The trade talk for Wayne Simmonds has died down some but there’s still plenty of interest according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun. LeBrun also thinks the situation has been muddied somewhat because of the Flyers’ recent streak of success.

Paul Stastny and Wayne Simmonds (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

If in the next few games, the Flyers don’t win, he’ll be moved. If the Flyers stay hot, they could decide to keep him. That’s an amazing change of direction considering how talked about Simmonds was as a sure-fire trade piece heading into this year’s deadline and how much it was possible a team might overpay to get him.

Listen to the Latest Episode of the Hockey Writers Podcast

By Jim Parsons on Feb 22, 2019 09:35 am

In today’s rumor rundown there is news on the Pittsburgh Penguins outlook heading towards the final days of the trade deadline, the Islanders potentially moving Josh Ho-Sang, a potential hurdle in negotiations between the Boston Bruins and Charlie McAvoy, and the New Jersey Devils considering an offer sheet to keep one of their stars happy.

Penguins Still Looking for Right Deal on Defense

Jonathan Bombulie of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review is reporting Pittsburgh Penguins GM Jim Rutherford still might be looking for a rental defenseman. The deal has to be right and if it isn’t Rutherford is ok with standing pat. “If a name comes along that makes sense to us, then I’ll take a look at it. If this is what we’re going with down the stretch on our defense, I’m OK with it.”

PITTSBURGH, PA – FEBRUARY 13: Pittsburgh Penguins Defenseman Kris Letang (58) . (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Rutherford is dead set against moving his first-round pick if he doesn’t have to and the Penguins don’t have much salary cap space. Those two things somewhat handcuff Rutherford even if he wanted to make a deal. That said, he’s not putting the phone down because he knows in the final hour of a buyers market, good deals could pop up. He also hasn’t ruled out the possibility of trading his first-rounder for a non-rental.

Rutherford explained, “Now, if it’s for another good young player, like guys we’ve acquired, then I guess that’s a different story. But my preference is to keep that pick.”

Something Going on With Charlie McAvoy?

Matt Dahloff of the 98.5TheSportsHub.com reported that last season, Charlie McAvoy turned down a contract extension offer from the Boston Bruins. Speculation is, he balked because the offer wasn’t in the ballpark of what Aaron Ekblad received from the Panthers (eight years, $60 million). This could pose a problem moving forward for the Bruins.

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 21: Charlie McAvoy #73 of the Boston Bruins (Photo by Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)

Not only is it problematic McAvoy wants big money but this season, new factors have been introduced when talking about a McAvoy extension. When you consider what Auston Matthews got (five years), could McAvoy be looking at something shorter with a smaller annual salary but the option to capitalize big time down the road? Pierre LeBrun suggests a three or four-year deal might work to capitalize more on the third contract which would allow for more UFA dollars.

The good news here is, despite this story popping up just days before the deadline, it doesn’t seem likely the Bruins would even consider moving McAvoy before the Feb. 25 date unless someone came forward with a “knock your socks off” kind of deal.

The Outlook for Taylor Hall and the Devils

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman wonders if the team to watch in terms of a potential offer sheet is the New Jersey Devils. Part of the reason he thinks so is that the organization may need to find a reason to convince Taylor Hall to extend his contract.

Taylor Hall #9, New Jersey Devils, October 20, 2018 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Friedman said the team might approach Hall and say, ” ‘Look Taylor, this is what we’re going to do…. If New Jersey sells off a bunch of assets, they want Hall to know it’s because they intend to go after a big fish. There are plenty of RFAs available that could entice Hall to stay.

Otherwise, Friedman doesn’t think Hall will stick around if he feels like he’s on his own in New Jersey. He’s got one more year at $6 million to play out and the team has one more year to keep him interested.

Josh Ho-Sang Ready to Hit the Road

New York Islanders prospect Josh Ho-Sang knows very well that he’s a likely trade piece out of New York and when he spoke with The Athletic’s Arthur Staple, he seemed very much ok with that. Ho-Sang said:

I don’t know what’s going to happen, I don’t know what they want to do with me. I’m not opposed to (being traded) if it helps the Islanders get better. For me, obviously I want to play in the NHL, that’s my main focus. For them, if they need to trade me for pieces to go further in the playoffs, improve the great team they have, then I’m all for it.

source – ‘Josh Ho-Sang ‘all for it’ if Islanders want to deal him before the trade deadline’ – The Athletic – Arthur Staple – 02/21/2019

Ho-Sang may not be a big name at this year’s deadline, but some team might decide to pick him up as a part of the Islanders moves to improve their roster in the next few days. The Islanders will certainly dangle him as a return piece.

Listen to the Latest Episode of the Hockey Writers Podcast

By Jim Parsons on Feb 21, 2019 02:45 pm

In today’s rumor rundown, we look at how busy the New York Islanders might be, what’s going on with Matt Duchene, if the Oilers will move a player like Alex Chiasson and what Chicago might do if they aren’t in the market for rentals.

Islanders Could be the Team to Watch

With only four days to the NHL Trade Deadline and few big deals done, speculation is that the New York Islanders might be the team to watch. As Elliotte Friedman said on his 31 Thoughts podcast, when GM Lou Lamoriello thinks his team is good enough, he goes for it.

Matt Duchene #95, Ottawa Senators – February 3, 2018 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Friedman said, “… I really think that they will go for it with someone. I think they’re in on Duchene. I think they’re definitely in on Panarin. Someone said to me his Plan C might be Kovalchuk, although Kovalchuk has control. Friedman ultimately said, he would be surprised if the Islanders didn’t do something big.

On that note, Brian Lawton also tweeted, “Keep an eye on @NYIslanders impending UFA’s Anders Lee & Brock Nelson. Both players remain unsigned & are having excellent years! Numerous clubs calling with interest on both!”

Needless to say, at this point, many eyes are on the Islanders who look to be trying to make a run after the strong season they’ve had.

Blackhawks Not Going For Quick Fixes

Bob McKenzie said on NBCSN that the Chicago Blackhawks won’t be looking for a quick fix this season by giving up futures for rentals. McKenzie said, “So it’s hockey deals or bust right now for the Chicago Blackhawks.”

Chicago Blackhawks celebrate (AP Photo/LM Otero)

With how well Dylan Strome has played since coming over from Arizona, the Blackhawks might look at moving center Artem Anisimov, but that’s a big if considering he has two seasons remaining at $4.5 million per season and this is a buyers trade market.

As it stands now, the Blackhawks are tied in points for the Wild Card spot in the West, but just outside the playoff brackets.

Duchene Acting Like He’s Not Being Pulled

Despite reports coming out of Ottawa that pending trade piece Matt Duchene would not play on Thursday night, Duchene himself said he was not informed of that decision and is moving forward as if he’ll be in the lineup.

Matt Duchene says he has NOT been told he is not playing tomorow. He wants to play.

— TSN 1200 (@TSN1200) February 20, 2019

This speaks to the lack of communication between the Senators and Duchene’s camp and it’s no wonder a deal couldn’t be reached prior to the trade deadline. The expectation now is that a trade is simply a matter of time. It could perhaps even take place prior to the game tonight.

Does Colin Miller as a Healthy Scratch Mean Something?

David Schoen tweeted that the Vegas Golden Knights made defenseman Colin Miller a healthy scratch last night against the Boston Bruins and wonders if that means something heading into the trade deadline? Schoen says it’s not clear if management is holding him out for a pending trade because he’s “never been a healthy scratch with the Knights.”

Teams Interested in Alex Chiasson out of Edmonton

Darren Dreger was on Edmonton’s TSN 1260 Thursday morning and said, in respect to Alex Chiasson, “I believe that the ask is pretty high. I think it’s a second-round draft pick or a pretty decent prospect or, if you want to be creative, I suppose you could find a way to maybe add both in that package.”

Oilers forward Alex Chiasson (Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports)

Dreger did say that there is talk in Edmonton about extending Chiasson and that no one should expect the Oilers to consider moving players like Oscar Klefbom, Darnell Nurse or any of their big three scorers.

Dreger also said there is a small market for guys like Zack Kassian and that teams like his speed and grit for the playoffs.

Bruins Done After Adding Coyle?

Marisa Ingemi took to Twitter to quote Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney: “I don’t know if we’re necessarily going to do anything else. We’ll continue to make calls.”

Listen to The Latest Edition of the Hockey Writers Podcast

With only four days left, we cover the big stories in the trade deadline this week.

By Jim Parsons on Feb 21, 2019 01:59 pm

On the 12th episode of The Hockey Writers Podcast, we give a final update on the NHL Trade Deadline as we visit with Josh Bell who covers the Ottawa Senators for the Hockey Writers, with Tony Wolak who covers the Detroit Red Wings and with Eugene Helfrick who covers the Tampa Bay Lightning.

We also have a special guest on who is a close friend and fellow hockey dad in Minor Hockey, Robert McEachern who will join us to chat about the art of making professional goalie masks.

What to Expect on the Podcast This Week…

I touch on a quick update on the NHL trade deadline that is only four days away and while a player like Charline Coyle was moved yesterday to the Bruins and Hagelin to the Washington Capitals today, we’re still waiting for the big names to go. Most of the delay seems to be teams waiting to see what the Ottawa Senators will do.

Segment #1: Airbrushing Goalie Masks with Robert McEachern

Before we get into the trade deadline talk, I had a special guest on this week, his name is Robert McEachern. A hockey dad, Rob’s son Griffin wound up playing goaltender for the first time in his young hockey career and to do something really cool, decided to paint his son’s helmet.

Rob did a little research online, figured out what he needed and the result was amazing!

photo via Robert McEachern

Since this first mask, Rob has had parents come to him and ask for their child’s mask to be done, Strathcona Minor Hockey has picked up on the story and there’s potential for Rob to even branch out into airbrushing motorcycle helmets, vehicles and almost anything else!

If you want to reach out to Rob and get your child’s helmet done, you can contact him on Facebook.

Segment #2: Josh Bell on the Ottawa Senators

THW contributor Josh Bell stops in to chat about what’s going on in Ottawa with the likes of Matt Duchene, Mark Stone, Ryan Dzingel and Codi Ceci. What’s taking so long for the Senators to make their moves?

Also, it is true that Duchene was pulled from the lineup on Thursday but not told about it?

Segment #3: Tony Wolak on the Detroit Red Wings

Tony Wolak from The Hockey Writers joins us to talk about the Red Wings who are not going to be buyers at this year’s deadline but might not be huge sellers either.

Despite having pieces other teams might want, they may choose to hang onto players like Gustav Nyquist and Jimmy Howard.

Segment #4: Eugene Helfrick on the Tampa Bay Lightning

Finally, THW’s Eugene Helfrick joins us to chat about the Lightning and what they might do in the final days leading up to Feb. 25. Not necessarily needing to add pieces, will they respond as clubs like the Bruins and Capitals add depth?

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Or, you can listen to any of our podcasts by visiting our Podcast Page. Or, visit The Hockey Writers Rumors Page for all the latest scuttlebutt.

By Jim Parsons on Feb 20, 2019 02:28 pm

It’s been some time since writing an NHL Rumor Shootdown article but Wednesday’s whispers regarding Taylor Hall to the Edmonton Oilers gave plenty of reason to ensure not glossing over an opportunity to cover this rumor in more detail.

Elliotte Friedman was a guest on the 2 Mutts podcast and after being asked what three things he would do if he was the general manager of the Edmonton Oilers, around the 47-minute mark of the show, he said,

“You know what the third thing I would do is?, and you guys will laugh at this one. I am finding out what Taylor Hall’s future is… If I get the sense that he is going to free agency, I am telling the organization that my plan is to bring Taylor Hall back.”

Of course, even though this was just Friedman’s opinion, those who listened to the podcast started to ask if this was really possible? After all, Hall didn’t exactly leave Edmonton on the best of terms, had some not-so-nice things to say about his exit and how he chose not to listen to the coaches. He also went on to become an MVP player in New Jersey after leaving the team.

Here are the reasons, if you’re an Oilers fan, not to get overly excited about the possibility Hall to the Oilers happening.

Hall Likes It in New Jersey

There are only two reasons the Devils trade Hall. First, they either know he is planning on hitting free agency and they’d rather not lose him for nothing. Second, he’s told the Devils he no longer wants to play there.

While the first is a real possibility, the second doesn’t seem all that likely considering Hall’s agent came out recently and said his client very much likes being a Devils player and is open to extending his contract.

Taylor Hall says he’s happy in New Jersey. (Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports)

In a recent NHL.com article, Mike Morreale cited comments from Hall’s agent Darren Ferris:

I recently met [Hall] in Montreal and we had a great chat and he loves the New Jersey Devils, he loves the fan base there. I think this type of discussion, at the end of the year, is something where he’s going to sit down with his family and with [general manager Ray Shero] and strategize to say, ‘OK, how is this going to look going forward’ and then probably make a decision there.

This certainly doesn’t mean Hall is a lock to extend as players and teams sit down all the time to talk and end up going their separate ways, but this already puts this rumor as less-than-expected when you consider that Hall isn’t looking to leave New Jersey.

The Devils probably aren’t looking to move Hall either. They’ve not had a good season and part of that has to do with the fact he’s missed much of this season with an injury. He had 37 points in 33 games and is heavily missed when not in the lineup.

Hall’s History with the Oilers Can’t Be Ignored

If Hall were to head to free agency, one has to wonder why in the hell he would want to come back to Edmonton? When he left the team, he was upset because he felt the organization was giving up on him just as they were starting to improve. In his eyes, he’d been a soldier through the tough times and when the getting was finally good, they moved him.

Taylor Hall might not be opposed to the Oilers, but it can’t be on the top of his list. (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)

Perhaps comments he made after he was gone were made in frustration, but he said things like, “Just in Edmonton, I really didn’t want to talk to coaches. I didn’t really want to have a dialogue with coaches. I just wanted to play. And a lot of guys are like that.” He also added, “I’ve played on some bad hockey teams, if you want me to put it bluntly.”

While both comments were probably true, it says a lot about how he might still feel about the Oilers. If you’re a free agent and you have a choice on where you want to go when the world is your oyster, why would you choose a team who has seemingly just proved, again, that even with the best player in the world, they can’t make the playoffs?

There are about 20 more NHL teams that have as likely a shot to land Hall as the Oilers ever would. A trade is the most likely scenario that would bring him back, but what would the Oilers move? Better question, what would the Devils want? Adam Larsson for Hall isn’t happening twice in a lifetime.

Oh… And What About the Cap Space Thing in Edmonton?

By the way, the Oilers aren’t exactly swimming in salary cap space. At least not enough to add what is sure to be $8- $9 million per season in salary for Hall as a free agent. For people who think he’ll be asking less than that as a recent MVP award-winner, he won’t be.

The Oilers wouldn’t have the cap space to add Taylor Hall. (Dustin Bradford/Icon SMI)

The second the Hall whispers started, some people got carried away and suggested maybe Jordan Eberle could be right around the corner. While a lovely thought in theory, those people are ignoring the fact the Oilers have Milan Lucic, Andrej Sekera, Brandon Manning, Kris Russell, Mikko Koskinen, and others on the books that make fitting Hall in almost impossible.

At the end of the day, Hall is no Sam Gagner coming back to Edmonton — a player who could pay off but was dumped by his previous team. It’s not likely many fans will be ok with removing a player like Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins or, heaven forbid, Connor McDavid out to bring Hall in.

By Jim Parsons on Feb 20, 2019 01:34 pm

In today’s rumor rundown there is news on the Washington Capitals who are making surprising waiver wire plays, some whispers about a potential Taylor Hall reunion with the Edmonton Oilers and Marcus Johansson being available out of New Jersey.

Lots Going on In Washington

It was first reported in the morning the Washington Capitals were placing Dmitrij Jaskin on waivers. Not long after, a big shift changed and Jaskin wasn’t put on waivers but Devante Smith-Pelly was. The move was quick and a bit surprising.

Capitals right wing Devante Smith-Pelly (Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports)

Elliotte Friedman later tweeted, “Todd Reirden said it was ‘an organizational decision’ to make the waiver switch. Indicated there are things going on behind the scenes. ‘There is lots going on right now.”

Does that mean the organization is unhappy with Smith-Pelly? One has to think he’ll get claimed off of waivers considering his playoff performance last year for the Capitals and his relatively low cap hit. Does it mean the team has a trade in the works for Jaskin which meant he didn’t need to go on waivers?

Taylor Hall to Edmonton Buzz

Friedman also stated that the Edmonton Oilers should take a second to see if Taylor Hall is potentially available out of New Jersey and if he is, inquire as to what it would take to bring him back. As expected, those comments created all sorts of buzz on social media in Edmonton.

Taylor Hall #9, New Jersey Devils, October 20, 2018 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

This sort of move is less-than-likely. Between Hall being a free agent the year after next, his history and dissatisfaction with being traded by the Oilers before they went on their playoff run in 2016, there is a lot working against a deal like this happening.

The Media Weighs in on Matt Duchene Update

It was reported on Tuesday evening that the Ottawa Senators were pulling Matt Duchene from the lineup to protect him from injury until either a trade or extension was announced by the team. On Wednesday, the media started to heavily weigh in with speculation as to what this move meant for the Senators and Duchene’s future.

Matt Duchene #95, Ottawa Senators – February 3, 2018 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Shawn Simpson of TSN 1200 tweeted, that a sign and trade including Matt Duchene would be ideal for the Senators as it would increase his trade value and bring in teams that might not be in on him as a rental.

Elliotte Friedman said on Calgary’s Sportsnet 960, he believes Nashville and Columbus are the two biggest players to acquire Duchene saying he puts the odds on the Predators.

Marcus Johansson Available out of New Jersey

Both Pierre LeBrun and Friedman have reported that Marcus Johansson is potentially available out of New Jersey and that a number of teams might be interested. Friedman names the Columbus Blue Jackets, Edmonton Oilers, San Jose Sharks, and Vancouver Canucks as teams that have already checked in, but more will present themselves as he could be one of the steals of trade deadline day.

Marcus Johansson, New Jersey Devils #90, October 20, 2018 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

LeBrun wrote of the potential Johansson is traded:

I really believe pending UFA forward Marcus Johansson will be one of those sneaky trade deadline pickups. Because of injuries over the past few years in New Jersey, his stock has slipped. But he’s healthy now and producing of late. He looks more the part of the consistent 20-goal scorer he was in Washington.

source – ‘LeBrun Notebook: Detailing Matt Duchene’s options and the latest on Marcus Johansson and Micheal Ferland’ – The Athletic – Pierre LeBrun – 02/19/2019

What’s Up With Adam McQuaid?

While making an appearance on TSN 1050 yesterday, Bob McKenzie stated that defenseman Adam McQuaid is very likely to be moved by the New York Rangers before the deadline. McKenzie believes the Rangers are trying to recoup the assets they gave up to get him from the Boston Bruins (a fourth-round and seventh-round pick) and see if they can’t come out ahead by the time all is said and done.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked to McQuaid in trade talks lately.

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