NHL Rumors Update

NHL Rumors Update for 04/15/2020

April 15, 2020

The latest NHL rumors from The Hockey Writers.

 

 04/15/2020 edition:

By Jim Parsons on Apr 14, 2020 01:47 pm

In today’s NHL rumor rundown, there is talk the Montreal Canadiens might seize an opportunity this offseason to use their cap space while other teams struggle to fit in players,. Meanwhile, the Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs have lost out on a Russian player to the KHL and Drew Doughty comments on the odds NHL action resumes. Finally, a veteran forward announces his retirement.

Montreal Sees an Opportunity Few Other Teams May Have

Arpon Basu and Marc Antoine Godin of The Athletic took a close look at the situation in Montreal and as the Canadiens plan for the offseason. In the past, the organization has resisted spending, but this season, with the salary cap potentially flatlining and with other teams struggling financially, it may benefit them to use this small window to pounce on trades and free agency.

The team has flexibility this offseason and next and head coach Claude Julien dropped a hint as to what the Canadiens might be thinking. He explained:

“This is a question Marc (Bergevin) would probably be more comfortable answering than me, but I would say with the cap situation we have right now, we have cap space on our side. And I know if we were to ever run into a problem, there are many teams around the league who will have far more serious problems than we will. I’m thinking of teams who are at the cap right now and have much more difficult situations to manage. So, I think in our situation, where Marc has left the team with space under the salary cap, we’re in a good position.”

source – ‘ Why the Canadiens are positioned to take full advantage of a flat NHL salary cap’ – Arpon Basu and Marc Antoine Godin – The Athletic – 04/07/2020

At the same time, Sportsnet’s Ryan Dixon wonders if the Canadiens might swap a forward, such as pending RFA Max Domi, for a defenseman if there’s a match out there this offseason. The salary cap situation for other teams means Bergevin may not need to move someone like Domi to make a trade like that happen.

Konstantin Okulov to Sign in KHL

As per a report by Igor Eronko, Konstantin Okulov has turned down contract offers from the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens in favour of re-signing a one year deal with CSKA Moscow of the KHL.

Chris Johnston of Sportsnet notes that next season, Okulov could re-examine that decision. Johnston states in a Twitter post:

Uncertainty around COVID-19 has given pause to some European free agents that intended to sign with NHL teams this off-season. They’re facing a long layoff if next season doesn’t start until November — which is why some, like Okulov, might choose to hold off until next year.

Doughty Doesn’t Expect NHL to Resume Play

As per a report on TSN Monday, often outspoken and 2016 Norris Trophy winner Drew Doughty doesn’t like the chances of the NHL resuming play this season. The defenseman for the Los Angeles Kings said he’s doubtful this season will resume and doesn’t believe the NHL will even have a partial playoffs to hand out the Stanley Cup.

“Honestly, I don’t see how the season is going to return,” Doughty said during an interview. “I really don’t. We have no idea when this virus is going to be over.” Saying he doesn’t like the idea of awarding the games biggest prize without finishing the regular season, “I just don’t want things to go into next season and affecting those (games).”

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman continues not to rule out a resumption of play, saying, “We’re exploring all options, but when we’ll have an opportunity to return depends on things that we have absolutely no control over because it all starts with everybody’s health and well-being,”

Kris Vertseeg Officially Retires

Kris Versteeg has decided to hang up his skates after choosing to part ways with the Rockford IceHogs earlier this season. On Tuesday, the veteran forward officially announced his retirement.

Over the course of his NHL career, Versteed played in 643 regular season games. He recorded 358 points plus 48 more in 93 playoff appearances. He’ll be remembered as a key part of two Stanley Cup victories with the Chicago Blackhawks.

By Jim Parsons on Apr 13, 2020 02:20 pm

In today’s NHL rumor rundown, a hockey scribe looks at five possible destinations for Torey Krug, the New York Islanders may be adding a goaltender from the KHL, and there are updates on talks between the Isles and Mathew Barzal. Finally, is it feasible that a longer NHL pause could force some NHL organizations to go bankrupt and not survive? One NHL insider seems to think so.

Where Will Krug Wind Up?

Matt Larkin of The Hockey News recently looked at the hot topic of Torey Krug potentially leaving the Boston Bruins. Bruins GM Don Sweeney has said he’d like to keep Krug but Krug is hinting that he’s not sure where he stands with the organization or whether or not they can afford to keep him.

Larkin lists five potential destinations for the 29-year-old defenseman, who will become an unrestricted free agent in the off-season. Assuming a deal can’t be worked out with the Bruins (who is in Larkin’s top five), he also mentions the Detroit Red Wings, who have lots of cap space to add him. His other three clubs are the Vegas Golden Knights (have a need on the blueline), the Montreal Canadiens (who want to make a splash) and the Florida Panthers.

Of the options available, the Red Wings have the most money to spend but the Bruins still seem like the most likely option.

Ilya Sorokin Coming Back to NHL?

Sport-Express’ Igor Eronko reports (Twitter link) that Ilya Sorokin has turned down an extension offer from CSKA Moscow of the KHL, potentially setting up his signing with New York Islanders. He can’t sign until his current deal expires at the end of the month but the expectation is he’ll do so.

Sorokin was a third-round pick (78th overall) back in 2014 but has caught the eye of a number of the Islanders’ scouts with his play and statistics and they are eager to have him come over. He will likely slot in alongside Semyon Varlamov as New York’s tandem for next season, which means Thomas Greiss will not be extended as a pending unrestricted free agent, and will be available on the open market.

A deal between the Islanders and Sorokin may not be announced for some time, as much of what happens will depend on the NHL’s plans for the rest of this season and next.

Barzal Not Talking Extension

Still with the Islanders, Mathew Barzal recently told reporters, including NHL.com’s Brian Compton, that there are not updates as far as a contract extension goes with the Islanders organization.

He explains:

To be honest with you guys, I don’t think there’s been too much communication, and not because there’s anything negative or anything, it’s just Lou’s getting ready for a playoff run right now, and I’m still worried about this season as well.  I’m not too too worried about it, just because I don’t think the season is over yet. I think we’re still going to be playing.

There’s bigger things we’ve got to worry about right now in terms of heading to the playoffs this year. But at the same time, whenever we’re ready to sit down and get it done, I’d love for that to happen. At the same time, I’m not a person that’s just going to rush this thing or get nervous about it or whatever. I’m just going about my day, and it’ll happen when it happens.

Could NHL Teams Actually Go Out of Business During COVID-19 Crisis?

Damien Cox of the Toronto Star recently suggested the NHL could see a positive economic impact after the COVID-19 crisis settles itself down, but under the assumption a couple of teams go out of business first.

More expected delays that put this season and next in jeopardy might actually force some NHL organizations to go out of business says Cox. He asks if all 31 teams could survive a shutdown and answered he didn’t think so. Noting the NHL is a gate driven league and can’t rely on their TV deal as much as some other leagues can, he writes:

The majority of NHL teams these days are owned by extremely rich individuals or large corporations. Financial pressures from other businesses may nonetheless put more focus on their NHL holdings if there is no hockey revenue.

source -‘The NHL might come back stronger if the pandemic puts a few teams out of business’ – The Toronto Star – Damien Cox – 04/05/2020

Cox notes that the Ottawa Senators, Arizona Coyotes, and Florida Panthers could be trouble and that teams like the New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres, and the Nashville Predators could have issues. He adds,

Ideally, a best-case scenario emerges in which the league gets to finish the 2019-20 season and begins next year only slightly behind schedule, and all the teams survive.

But this is hardly an ideal situation. For some NHL teams, it could become a question of staying alive.

Recent Articles:

Latest News