NHL Rumors Update

NHL Rumors Update for 02/15/2019

The latest NHL rumors from The Hockey Writers.

 

02/15/2019 edition:

By Jim Parsons on Feb 15, 2019 04:01 pm

On the 11th episode of The Hockey Writers Podcast, we asked Brandon Share-Cohen (THW news reporter) and Kyle Gipe (THW Nashville Predators analyst) to join us to cover predictions for the NHL Trade Deadline. Who are the most likely of players to be moved?

Kyle, Brandon and myself (Jim Parsons) made up our lists in completely different ways, with no rules and it was interesting to see how they were similar in some ways and very different in others.

What to Expect on the Podcast This Week…

Before getting into the list, we took a look at TSN’s Top 10. From there, we walked through our Top 10. Unfortunately, we lost Kyle halfway into the segment so all three lists have been posted below.

Jim’s Top-Ten List

  1. Cam Talbot – could be traded to the Flyers at any moment

  2. Matt Duchene – don’t believe he stays in Ottawa with the lure of free agency so heavy

  3. Artemi Panarin – he’s not returning to Columbus. The team has to move him for something

  4. Wayne Simmonds – popular power forward that teams may covet

  5. Ilya Kovalchuk – it’s not working out in LA and if a team is willing to take on his contract, could be moved

  6. Mike Hoffman – Florida is trying to clear cap space. Makes sense Hoffman would be the guy to go

  7. Kevin Hayes – Rangers have a number of players being targeted, Hayes may be among the most popular

  8. Derick Brassard – don’t see him staying in Florida. Should be flipped quickly

  9. Jakob Silfverberg – trying to re-sign in Anaheim but the term might be a sticking point. Could be moved.

  10. Jet’s First-Round Pick – Jets don’t want to give up their first-rounder two years in a row but might for the right player in return.

Brandon’s Top-10 List

  1. Artemi Panarin – 22 goals, 64 points, 54 games, 21:27 ATOI

  2. Mark Stone – 26 goals, 57 points, 57 games, 20:30 ATOI

  3. Matt Duchene – 26 goals, 54 points, 45 games, 19:17 ATOI

  4. Dougie Hamilton – 10 goals, 23 points, 57 games, 19:36 ATOI

  5. Jonathan Huberdeau – 13 goals, 52 points, 56 games, 18:51 ATOI

  6. Kevin Hayes – 13 goals, 38 points, 47 games, 19:35 ATOI

  7. Chri Kreider – 24 goals, 43 points, 56 games, 17:25 ATOI

  8. Mats Zuccarello – nine goals, 34 points, 42 games, 19:51 ATOI

  9. Sergei Bobrovsky – 23-17-1, 2.90 goals-against average, .903 save percentage, -6.60 GSAA

  10. Wayne Simmonds – 16 goals, 25 points, 57 games, 16:32 ATOI

Kyle’s Top-10 List

  1. Artemi Panarin – Bruins, Islanders, and Panthers are top-three with Stars, Golden Knights and Predators as the second tier

  2. Mike Hoffman – Predators, Blue Jackets and Islanders as top-three, including a deal between Panthers and Blue Jackets involving him and Panarin. Golden Knights, Bruins and Avalanche as others

  3. Ilya Kovalchuk – Bruins

  4. Andre Burakovsky – Avalanche, but don’t really have a clear idea for him

  5. Matt Duchene – Predators, Blue Jackets, Penguins, Jets

  6. Brandon Manning – Lightning, Penguins, Islanders

  7. Wayne Simmonds – Predators, Penguins, Maple Leafs

  8. Mark Stone – Golden Knights, Islanders, Blue Jackets, Bruins (Rental)

  9. Kevin Hayes – Jets, Penguins

  10. Cam Talbot – Flyers, Coyotes, Golden Knights

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By Jim Parsons on Feb 15, 2019 01:03 pm

In today’s NHL rumors, there are updates on the trade that might send Cam Talbot out of Edmonton and what the Calgary Flames might be looking for on the trade market. What is going on with Jakob Silfverberg and the Anaheim Ducks? Finally, what do the Oilers have in Jesse Puljujarvi? Is he a bottom-six or top-six forward? Depending on what the coaching staff determines, it might be time to move him says one NHL insider.

Update on Cam Talbot Trade

The word surrounding the potential Cam Talbot to Philadelphia trade is that the Oilers and Flyers are continuing to talk but that the trade is in a “holding pattern.” Darren Dreger tweeted that the two sides are trying to work out some kinks to the trade.

Cam Talbot, Edmonton Oilers, Oct. 21, 2017 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

The biggest update is that Anthony Stolarz is the name being tossed around as coming back to the Oilers. This would give Edmonton the backup they are looking for behind Mikko Koskinen and relieve some of the cap issues for the Oilers to bring back Andrej Sekera off IR.

Flames Looking for Goaltending

Speaking of goaltenders, it appears the Calgary Flames might be in the market for one. Frank Seravalli of TSN passed on a report that Darren Dreger mentioned the Calgary Flames have looked at the goaltending market and have kicked tires on Detroit Red Wings Jimmy Howard.

Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings, December 20, 2017 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Reports out of Calgary are mixed as to whether or not the team needs goaltending or help in other areas more and whether or not they go after a rental in net or something that could provide a longer-term solution. TSN hockey analyst Bob McKenzie said that there have been some questions regarding the Flames goaltending situation and whether they need to add a goaltender or not.

Speculation is that the Flames have tossed around the idea of going after a guy like Jonathan Quick out of Los Angeles.

Jakob Silfverberg Extension Numbers

Jonathan Davis posted a series of tweets talking about the situation in Anaheim with Jakob Silfverberg. Davis mentioned the sense he got from talking to sources at the Ducks-Canucks game is that the Ducks may not want to go more than four years for on a Silfverberg extension while Silfverberg is looking for at least a five-year deal.

Ducks right wing Jakob Silfverberg (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

Davis then went on to mention that a five-year deal would take Silfverberg to the age of 34 and be in the $6 million per year range. Should Silfverberg be adamant about making more, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Ducks traded him at the deadline.

Oilers Asking a Lot for Puljujarvi

Darren Dreger was on Edmonton’s TSN 1260 and talked about the Oilers and Jesse Puljujarvi’s limited role with the team. He said that management is hoping the coaches can figure out what kind of player he is and how useful he can be. If they determine he’s not a top-six forward, they may choose to move him.

Jesse Puljujarvi (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Dreger explains:

“There is a trade market for Jesse Puljujarvi, but my understanding is that the Oilers just want too much – the ask on him is way too high. … But I don’t get the sense that Puljujarvi has much, if any, interest in going to Bakersfield and playing in the American Hockey League. Doesn’t have a choice organizationally, so if the Oilers want to take a tough stand on him then so be it.”

Dreger believes it’s time the Oilers decide what their plan is with this player and if they aren’t going to give him every opportunity to succeed, to really consider moving him at the trade deadline.

By Jim Parsons on Feb 14, 2019 02:37 pm

In today’s rumor rundown there is news on a possible trade coming out of Edmonton involving Cam Talbot while there are also whispers surrounding head coach Ken Hitchcock. In New York, with the Islanders, there are talks about who might be on the move and who the Islanders might target. Finally, TSN’s Bob McKenzie comments on the trade rumors out of Florida surrounding Jonathan Huberdeau.

Talbot on the Move Out of Edmonton

It’s been rumored since Mikko Koskinen signed his three-year extension with the Edmonton Oilers that goaltender Cam Talbot might be on the move out of Edmonton but the chatter has gotten much louder after another Oilers loss on Wednesday. As is being reported by TSN, there’s a chance Oilers goaltender “Cam Talbot could be heading East ahead of February 25’s trade deadline.”

TSN Insider Darren Dreger reported the Oilers are in “trade discussions” with the Philadelphia Flyers who are currently playing young Carter Hart. Hart worked with Talbot during the summer and is a big fan, viewing the Oilers veteran netminder as a real mentor to his game and NHL career. Dreger noted talks are preliminary but there is certainly something to them.

There are other notable bits surrounding the Oilers including Ken Hitchcock not coaching the team at today’s practice and letting assistant coach Glen Gulutzan take over and that led to speculation he’s offered to step down. Andy Strickland tweeted, “The rumor of Ken Hitchcock is considering or had considered stepping down is completely false. He’s often taken in practices from the stands in the past. Watched practice up high after running a long meeting. #Oilers”

Brock Nelson Not Interested in Leaving Islanders

Andrew Gross of Newsday is reporting that New York Islanders pending first-line center Brock Nelson isn’t worried about the trade deadline and doesn’t figure he’ll be traded by the New York Islanders. “Everybody is happy with being here and winning games and we’d like that to continue,” said Nelson.

Brock Nelson, New York Islanders, September 17, 2018 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

The Islanders are speculated to be among the busier teams in the NHL with players like pending UFAs Anders Lee, Jordan Eberle and Robin Lehner potentially on the trade block. There is also news the Islanders might be interested in grabbing Ilya Kovalchuk from the LA Kings.

With how well the Islanders have been playing, they have an interesting situation on their hands. They might have been sellers considering how many free agents they have but they are playing well and selling just prior to the postseason doesn’t make a lot of sense.

Bob McKenzie Comments on Huberdeau Rumors

There were rumors in Florida that Jonathan Huberdeau might be a trade candidate out of Florida in an effort to make room to acquire Artemin Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky. Bob McKenzie had a Wednesday evening TV hit on NBCSN and commented on the Huberdeau speculation.

Jonathan Huberdeau, Florida Panthers Oct. 17, 2017 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

McKenzie said:

“I believe that Huberdeau has been told by the Panthers, ‘We’re not trying to trade you. We’re not shopping you.’ You never get the full thing where a team says, ‘Under no circumstances will we ever trade you,’ because you know sometimes it just needs to happen. But I think he’s been assured in the short term anyway.”

McKenzie doesn’t believe the Panthers want to give up Huberdeau for a couple of rentals so a trade that would include Huberdeau going to Columbus for either or both of those players doesn’t make much sense.

Elliotte Friedman’s Teams to Watch

Elliotte Friedman said on his latest edition of 31 Thoughts, teams that could be looking at big named rentals include the Calgary Flames, New York Islanders, Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets, Boston Boston, Columbus Blue Jackets, Pittsburgh Penguins and the San Jose Sharks.

By Jim Parsons on Feb 13, 2019 01:57 pm

Only 12 days remain until the Feb. 25 NHL Trade Deadline. We say it each and every week that it feels like things are really getting closer but this is crunch time for NHL general managers. They’ll need to know if their teams are out of the playoffs, in the playoffs, who is going to re-up their contract and who isn’t.

Trades take time to make and pull off successfully and 12 days is not a lot of time to make a move that could drastically change the outlook of the postseason for some teams.

1. Artemi Panarin, Columbus Blue Jackets:

The most recent news regarding Artemi Panarin is that the Columbus Blue Jackets are fielding offers and the plan is to see if they can get a better return for Panarin than what they’ll need to ship out to immediately replace Panarin.

Where will Artemi Panarin end up?. (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Speculation is that the Blue Jackets have their eyes on Matt Duchene and if they can wind up with extra assets by the time the moves are done, it will leave them feeling a little less devasted by the loss of their dynamic forward. There are still rumors the Florida Panthers are trying to gear up to make a move.

2. Mike Hoffman, Florida Panthers:

In addition to Derick Brassard and other names being moved out of Florida, one player to watch might be Mike Hoffman. Elliotte Friedman was on Vancouver’s Sportsnet 650 recently and said, “He’s a really talented guy. He’s got one more year at I think $5.5 million. I wouldn’t be surprised if somebody trades for him because you’re always looking for scoring.”

Could Florida Panthers left wing Mike Hoffman be on the move? (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Moving Hoffman is obviously connected to the idea that the Panthers are trying to clear space for a much bigger move. Hoffman has two years remaining on a $5.187 per year contract.

3. Ilya Kovalchuk, LA Kings:

Ilya Kovalchuk could be on the move out of Los Angeles. While he has a no-trade clause in his contract, there is speculation he would be willing to waive it and make a move out of LA where he’s not fit in well with new coach Willie Desjardins.

Los Angeles Kings Ilya Kovalchuk might waive his no-trade clause. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Jimmy Murphy reported on Twitter that he heard on Tuesday, Kovalchuk could be willing to waive his no-movement clause for the New York Islanders and the Boston Bruins.

4. Andre Buravoksky, Washington Capitals:

There have been rumors Burakovsky is on the move out of Washington for some time, but a new team has stepped up as the potential favorite to land him.

Washington Capitals forward Andre Burakovsky (James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports)

During his spot on TSN 1050 in Toronto yesterday, Pierre LeBrun cited the Avalanche as in on Burakovsky stating that Colorado has both the cap space and room to accommodate a contract extension. Avs GM Joe Sakic is looking for buy-low, high upside forwards and Burakovsky certainly fits that description.

5. Matt Duchene, Ottawa Senators:

Matt Duchene moves down our list a little bit but he’s still very much in play with only a dozen days to the deadline. The Senators are rumored to have offered an eight-year, $64 million deal but no more having placed an internal cap on that offer.

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

There is talk he likes Ottawa and wouldn’t mind staying but the lure of free agency and the chance to play on a competitive team could be hard to overlook.

Best of the Rest

6. Brandon Manning, Edmonton Oilers:

The Oilers are about to get defenseman Andrej Sekera back and in doing so, need to clear cap space. The best option is to move Manning’s two-year contract off the books. That won’t be easy as he’s not worth anything and taking on his salary is not something most GM’s will want to do.

7. Wayne Simmonds, Philadelphia Flyers:

There’s not been a lot of talk surrounding Wayne Simmonds the past few days but it is still very much expected he’ll be moved by the Flyers. There are a number of teams that would be interested and that’s what could be taking some time.

8. Mark Stone, Ottawa Senators:

Does Mark Stone want to stay in Ottawa? Probably. Will the Senators pay him what he’s worth? Maybe not. Will the lure of free agency be hard to ignore? Certainly.

9. Kevin Hayes, New York Rangers:

The Rangers have a ton of great pieces they could potentially move at the deadline. Among them is Kevin Hayes who makes for an ideal rental.

10. Cam Talbot, Edmonton Oilers:

If the Oilers lose two of their next three games, expect them to start offloading contracts. At the top of that list will be Cam Talbot who likely isn’t going to return to the Oilers next season.

By Jim Parsons on Feb 13, 2019 01:03 pm

In today’s rumor rundown there is news out of Edmonton that defenseman Andrej Sekera is nearing a return and that means the Oilers need to clear some space for him. Our of Florida, there are rumors the team might be looking to trade a couple key forwards to make room for a couple big-name free agents and in Winnipeg, the Jets might be going after a surprising type of player. Finally, could a roundabout deal happen where Matt Duchene becomes a Blue Jackets forward and Panarin leaves Columbus?

The Oilers Need to Dump Salary

TSN’s Bob McKenzie reported that Andrej Sekera is nearing a return for the Edmonton Oilers and as he comes off of LTIR, the Oilers will need to move out some salary. In an effort to do so, they’ve been trying to trade defensemen Alex Petrovic and Brandon Manning, two players who they acquired earlier this season.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Andrej Sekera is almost ready to make his return to the IO.

McKenzie explains, “They need to move those guys out, or put them on waivers, if they are going to create the cap space for Sekera coming up next week.” Manning is the real trouble contract as he carries a $2.25 million contract for the rest of this season and next.

Assuming the Oilers win at least two of the next three games on the road, their salary dumps will only be related to Sekera. If they don’t, they’ll be likely too far from the playoff picture to do anything useful and the team will be dumping far more in terms of salary than just Manning or Petrovic.

Mike Hoffman Available Out of Florida

Elliotte Friedman was on Vancouver’s Sportsnet 650 recently and during a discussion about the Florida Panthers suggested that forward Mike Hoffman might be available as the Panthers try to dump more salary to make room for a run at Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky.

Former Senator Mike Hoffman could be on the move again. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

“I definitely think Hoffman is available,” indicated Friedman. “He’s a really talented guy. He’s got one more year at I think $5.5 million. I wouldn’t be surprised if somebody trades for him because you’re always looking for scoring. While Friedman couldn’t confirm, there are also whispers the Panthers might be entertaining the idea of moving Jonathan Huberdeau.

Hoffman was picked up by the Panthers in a trade with the Senators before the season started and has 25 goals and 45 points in 55 games this season. He’s got one more season at a $5.187 million cap hit after this one. He also has a modified no-trade clause that allows him to pick 10 teams he can put on his no-go list.

Could Blue Jackets Swap Duchene for Panarin?

While it wouldn’t be the Columbus Blue Jackets and Ottawa Senators dealing directly with each other, there is some belief that the Blue Jackets are mulling over offers to move Artemi Panarin and with the return they get in a trade, flipping pieces over to Ottawa to acquire Matt Duchene.

Matt Duchene could wind up in Columbus – February 3, 2018 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Key for the Blue Jackets in this deal is the belief is that it would take less to acquire Duchene than Panarin, thus the Blue Jackets would come out with additional assets. If not, Columbus would just hold onto Panarin, treating him as their own rental and trying to trade his rights at the NHL Draft.

Jets Want a Winger

Most are expecting the Winnipeg Jets to go after a top-six center heading into the trade deadline, but TSN’s Darren Dreger reported in the latest Insider Trading (video link) that their top priority is actually acquiring an impact winger.

Nikolaj Ehlers remains on the injured reserve list, Patrik Laine has struggled and Jack Roslovic is currently playing right wing but is a natural center. The trick for the Jets is that they need to take on an expiring contract thanks to the extensions they’ll have coming due for their own players.

No Rentals For Vegas

Vegas Golden Knights general manager George McPhee told David Schoen of the Las Vegas Review-Journal that his inclination is to not pursue rental players between now and the trade deadline. Instead, the feeling is the organization will look for depth upgrades versus trying to add another expensive player.

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