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NHL Rumors Update
NHL Rumors Update for 03/20/2021
The latest NHL rumors from The Hockey Writers.
03/20/2021 edition:
By Jim Parsons on Mar 20, 2021 01:56 pm
In today’s NHL rumors rundown, there is more speculation on where defenseman Mattias Ekholm may wind up, with the Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers listed as potential favorites. There’s a list of the most likely potential trade targets for the Toronto Maple Leafs and there are comments from the Carolina Hurricanes on any potential interest in Eric Staal. Finally, are executives around the NHL expecting fewer trades at the deadline? If so, many less?
Potential Landing Spots for Ekholm
The rumored asking price of a first-round pick and two quality prospects isn’t scaring teams away from looking into 30-year-old defenseman Mattias Ekholm. Sportsnet’s Emily Sander recently listed the Winnipeg Jets, Boston Bruins, Canadiens, Maple Leafs and Flyers as five potential trade destinations.
Adam Vingan of The Athletic believes there’s potential for an interesting trade out of Boston when he writes:
Forward Jake DeBrusk, 24, scored 27 goals two seasons ago, but he could need a change of scenery. DeBrusk, who scored his first NHL goal against the Predators, has a $3.675 million cap hit through 2022, when he will be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.
“Ekholm for DeBrusk would be a great deal for the Bruins,” a league executive told The Athletic’s Craig Custance. “And I’d rather have DeBrusk than a late first-round pick.”
He also notes that the Canadiens and Flyers have deep organizational depth and might be the most likely trade partners for the Nashville Predators. “Montreal’s Lehkonen is young enough to factor into the Predators’ long-term plans and help them now,” Vingan writes. He adds, “Throw in either Harris or Struble and Tuch with that first-round pick, and you have yourself a deal.”
Top Five Trade Candiates for Maple Leafs
James Mirtle and Jonas Siegel of The Athletic write that Dubas’ comments about looking for forward help is enough for them to suggest that the five top trade candidates of the team are all forwards.
Siegel picked Iafallo as his top target because the 27-year-old is a pending UFA with a mild $2.42 million cap hit. The scribe notes that he’s competitive and plays with tenacity and enthusiasm, while being productive (six goals and 17 points so far this season). Mirtle suggests Granlund is his No. 1 target and writes:
I’m bringing Granlund back up again here because I think he remains the most probably acquisition for Toronto. The Leafs front office has liked him as a player for a long time and looked at signing him in the offseason. He fits what they need. He fits their cap situation. He won’t cost a bundle in assets.
Are the Hurricanes Interested in Eric Staal?
The News & Observer’s Chip Alexander reports that Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour told media when asked about the possibility of the team being interested in Staal:
“That’s a question that’s probably for further up the chain than me, but I think we know he’s an awesome person…. I like our team right now. I don’t know why we would be looking at too much.”
GM Don Waddell did say the team has a little bit of salary-cap space heading toward the trade deadline and Alexander notes Waddell is actively looking for ways to improve the team but that salary-cap considerations must be considered.
The Hurricanes are listed among the potential landing spots for Staal, especially in light of news that perhaps a trade to Canada is not as likely based on his age.
Fewer Trades at the Deadline?
Darren Dreger was on TSN 590 this week and noted that he’s had agents tell him that they expect the trade deadline to be quiet. He said, “I’ve had other general managers tell me that April 12th, what’s the under on the number of trade? 10? 10 and under on the number of trades?”
This could explain why there is a lot of chatter weeks out from the actual date of the deadline and why GMs like Dubas have been so open about his willingness to trade a top prospect. Could he be trying to open up more discussions than are actually out there?
We know money is tight for a lot of teams and the border is creating an issue, but we also have heard a ton of names out there as far as potential trades go.
By Jim Parsons on Mar 19, 2021 01:45 pm
In today’s NHL rumors rundown, there’s an update on what Taylor Hall is thinking about doing when it comes to his no-move clause and waiving it for the Buffalo Sabres. Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars aren’t ready to be sellers yet, and the Columbus Blue Jackets have some decisions to make when it comes to Nick Foligno and Seth Jones. Finally, the Edmonton Oilers are set to start talking contract with a couple of pending free agent defensemen and how busy will things be for the Ottawa Senators?
Oilers to Talk Contract with Larsson, Barrie
TSN’s Darren Dreger reports that Oilers GM Ken Holland plans to have preliminary contract talks with Adam Larsson and Tyson Barrie‘s camps about potential contract extensions. This is in addition to talks between the Oilers and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins that are ongoing.
Dreger called these early talks that, if they bleed into the offseason, is completely acceptable to the Oilers. He notes “the priority is on the playoffs for the Oilers.”
Hall Considering Options
Dreger also reports Taylor Hall is currently considering all his options, which include signing a new contract with the Sabres or allowing them to trade him. The 29-year-old left-winger is seeking stability somewhere but the Sabres reportedly are concerned about a long-term deal considering the uncertain direction their franchise is going.
If made available, Hall will generate interest among playoff contenders. Sportsnet’s Mike Johnston believes the Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, New York Islanders, Florida Panthers and Boston Bruins could be potential destinations. Realistically, some of these teams are not really options for salary cap reasons.
Stars Trying to Make Playoffs
Frank Seravalli reports the Stars are not officially sellers and that general manager Jim Nill remains focused on his club reaching the playoffs. Because the team has a number of games in hand and the returns of center Tyler Seguin and goalie Ben Bishop could give the club a boost, it’s too early to determine what the team will be (buyers or sellers) prior to April 12th.
The club could become buyers but if they drop out of the playoff race expect there to be talk about the availability of pending UFAs like Jamie Oleksiak and Andrew Cogliano.
Senators Could Have Quiet Trade Deadline
According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, Pierre Dorion of the Senators expects to be patient but work the phones up to the deadline. Even though the team has nine prospective unrestrictive free agents, things may be relatively quiet for the Senators. Ottawa has a few more forwards but there are multiple moving parts and many teams they could deal with are salary in for salary out.
Garrioch writes:
While the Senators have some unrestricted free agents that may interest playoff contenders, the sense around the league is there may not be many deals at this trade deadline because teams are being very careful about spending during the shortened 56-game regular season.
Mike Reilly may be the most expendable and attractive option while Christian Wolanin could be another target because if he does not play enough games, he transitions to an unrestricted free agent.
Blue Jackets Could Move Foligno, Seth Jones Talk
Pierre LeBrun reports the Blue Jackets are fighting for a playoff spot and chasing the Blackhawks in the Central. While they aren’t prepared to sell yet, teams are calling about captain Nick Foligno. The forward has a 10-team no-trade list but the Jackets hope to keep him on board for a playoff run. If they decide to move him, LeBrun said the New York Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs are the teams to watch.
Aaron Portzline of The Athletic notes that As of July 1, the Blue Jackets can sign defenseman Seth Jones to a long-term contract extension. Jones has said he is open to a new deal and it is believed Jarmo Kekalainen will have to throw the checkbook at him and that still may not be enough.
Portzline writes:
Considering how much leverage the 26-year-old Jones has, they’ll likely need to blow him away on July 1 with an offer that makes him among the highest-paid defensemen in the league. The emphasis should be on flattery, not just fairness… Eight years, $80 million? $88 million? With an offer in that neighborhood, the Blue Jackets will know right away how serious Jones is about staying in Columbus.
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