NHL Rumors Update

NHL Rumors Update for 06/26/2020

June 26, 2020

The latest NHL rumors from The Hockey Writers.

 

06/26/2020 edition:

By Jim Parsons on Jun 25, 2020 01:40 pm

In today’s NHL rumor rundown, there is an update from the St. Louis Blues Dispatch about the odds Alex Pietrangelo might stay in St. Louis. The Calgary Flames have hired a design team and more information is coming forward with respect to a new arena. The Buffalo Sabres may look to make changes that fit Ralph Krueger’s system, and did Vancouver’s odds of being a hub city just drop dramatically?

Blues 50-50 to Retain Pietrangelo

Tom Timmermann of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes that he still thinks the Blues retaining defenseman Alex Pietrangelo is a 50-50 bet at best. It’s all about salary questions next season and how many teams can afford Pietrangelo’s likely ask.

Timmermann says:

“I’ve said all along it’s 50-50 because I have no idea what will happen, so I won’t be surprised either way. I think his odds of staying with the Blues have gone up slightly because with the cap staying flat, there probably isn’t a huge, big money, long term contract waiting for him. So if he signs a shorter deal, the Blues have a better shot at keeping him. But it only takes one team with a lot of space that really wants him to end that. It will be harder for the Blues to match that. And with everything going on, that may slightly enhancePietrangelo’s desire to stay put. But who knows?”

source – ‘Tom Timmermann: Read his complete Q-&-A from this week’s Blues chat’ – Tom Timmermann – St. Louis Blues Dispatch – 06/25/2020

The one thing the Blues will have to think about if they re-sign Pietrangelo is what happens to Justin Faulk. He could become an expansion draft candidate and there may not be enough room for both players. And, if the Blues plan to find a way to keep both players, they’ll be forced to clear up salary by trading two players that are well paid.

Vancouver Out as Hub City Candidate?

According to Pierre LeBrun of TSN, “The NHL has shifted its focus to more detailed conversations with the bids of Edmonton and Toronto after hitting a setback with Vancouver as a hub city.”

The bid with Vancouver hit a health snag and provisional health authorities expressed concerns over an outbreak. Sources have confirmed that the NHL has moved on to more detailed conversations with the Edmonton and Toronto. Vancouver isn’t totally out. Lebrun adds, “LA and Chicago remain on standby if it turns out the NHL can’t put a Hub city in Canada to go along with Vegas.”

Flames New Arena in the Works

The Calgary Flames announced more details about the construction of a new facility. Still more than a year away from construction getting underway, a proposed completion date has been set for May 2024. HOK Network, a global design firm, has been hired to lead the project. They were the same group hired to help with the new arenas for Detroit and Edmonton.

Great news that the Flames have hired a design team that was involved in building Little Caesar’s Arena in Detroit, where they put a premium on stacking seats at a high pitch, keeping fans close to the action.

Fans were quick to brag about how nice it is to watch a game in Detroit now so it appears Calgary is getting some props for going this direction.

Sabres to Shop Montour, Miller, and/or Skinner?

Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News writes that he wouldn’t be shocked to see the Buffalo Sabres and new GM Kevyn Adam move — or at least try to shop — defensemen Brandon Montour and Colin Miller. Neither seemed to fit into coach Ralph Krueger’s system and Krueger and Adams are close, the Pegula’s bragging about how they are on the same page about almost everything.

Harrington also noted Krueger really likes Rasmus Ristolainen, suggesting the trade rumors that continue to surround the d-man could quiet down.

And, what about Jeff Skinner? Harrington writes:

In addition, Krueger simply wouldn’t play Jeff Skinner with Jack Eichel, and there’s no way Botterill could have been fine with that, especially as Skinner’s eight-year, $72 million contract with a full no-trade clause looked worse and worse by the day.

source – ‘Sabres’ shakeup means Ralph Krueger is moving up in power structure’ – Mike Harrington – Buffalo News – 06/20/2020

It’s hard to know what that means for Skinner who has a full no-move clause and a $9 million per season contract that runs until the end of the 2026-27 season. Will they find a new role for him? Try to get him to waive his NMC? That’s a lot of money not to get the most out of what he can offer.

Lightning Reopen Facilities

The Tampa Bay Lightning have reopened their practice facilities, according to team reporter Bryan Burns. They had closed everything down on Friday following three players and two staff members testing positive for COVID-19.

As per the new rules of the NHL’s return-to-play protocol, players can now skate in groups of 12. The next step will be training camps opening on July 10th.

By Jim Parsons on Jun 24, 2020 12:45 pm

In today’s NHL rumors, the New York Rangers have a prospect making his way back to the team in an effort to be ready for the restart of the season. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks have settled on their recall list for the playoffs. Are the Montreal Canadiens considering a move for Blue Jackets forward Josh Anderson? Finally, who else is being considered for the head coaching job in New Jersey?

Rangers Prepping Kravtsov to Play

As European players make their way back to meet the NHL’s mandated two-week quarantine period before Phase 3 training camps open on July 10, one player out of the Rangers organization — Vitali Kravtsov — is hoping his trip back is more fruitful than the first one.

Rangers team President John Davidson said, “I think with Kravtsov, he’s going to come to our camp and we’ll see how it goes. We’re going to need some depth and skill as we march along here.” Kravtsov, 20, was a first-round pick in 2018 and previously made the jump to North America. He was limited to AHL duty and eventually returned to the KHL mid-season. Davidson knows Kravtsov’s struggled early, but also raves about his ability.

Canucks Finalize Their Recall List

With teams allowed to call up extra players and bring in additional skaters to cover in the event or injury, or heaven forbid, more positive cases of COVID-19, the rosters for many NHL clubs will be settled over the next few days. Postmedia’s Ben Kuzma reports that the Vancouver Canucks have figured out their recall list which is as follows.

He writes:

For post-season play, the number shrinks to 28 skaters plus unlimited goalies, but those on injury reserve do not count toward the totals. The Canucks are adding forwards Sven Baertschi, Tyler Graovac and Justin Bailey, defencemen Brogan Rafferty, Ashton Sautner, Guillaume Brisebois, Olli Juolevi and Jalen Chatfield plus goaltender Mike DiPietro.

source -‘Ben Kuzma: NHL COVID-19 cases test Vancouver’s ‘fervour’ as possible post-season hub’ Ben Kuzma – The PRovince – 06/22/2020

Baertschi and Juolevi are the most notable names in the group but for different reasons. Baertschi has tons of NHL experience but Juolevi is a highly-touted defenseman who has yet to play a game in the NHL.

Vancouver is also expecting Micheal Ferland to compete for a spot on the roster. He’s battled concussion issues but has resumed skating.

Ruff Under Consideration for Devils Coaching Job

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman noted via Twitter that the New Jersey Devils have added another coach to the list as the next potential bench boss for the team. Friedman is reporting that Rangers assistant coach Lindy Ruff is also under consideration for the job. With tons of experience between the Sabres and Stars, it makes sense that Ruff’s name is out there.

That now makes five potential candidates. Other coaches still in consideration for the position are Gerard Gallant, John Stevens, and current interim head coach Alain Nasreddine.

Canadiens Considering Josh Anderson?

According to Eric Engels of Sportsnet, don’t expect the Montreal Canadiens to actively go after Columbus Blue Jackets forward Josh Anderson. Despite talk that Anderson might be on the move, in Engels latest mailbag segment, he says the Canadiens would be compelled by a deal if it were made available to them, but there’s a reason Anderson only had one goal last season. His injury situation is a big red flag.

Engels admires Anderson’s size and speed and says:

I can’t speculate on what it will cost to acquire Anderson. I think it’s only logical some would suggest trading Max Domi for him straight up makes sense, but that’s a considerable gamble on Montreal’s behalf. And here’s what makes it an even bigger one, outside of just the health issue: if you make a move like that, you’re telling Anderson he’s your guy, and that essentially locks you into signing him to a long-term deal immediately.

Engels says that even if the Canadiens are satisfied that Anderson’s injuries are not a huge issue, this would still be a big move if it were an option, especially when Domi, Tomas Tatar, Brendan Gallagher, Phillip Danault, and Jeff Petry all need new deals at the end of next season.

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