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NHL Rumors Update
NHL Rumors Update for 08/26/2020
The latest NHL rumors from The Hockey Writers.
08/26/2020 edition:
By Jim Parsons on Aug 25, 2020 01:35 pm
In today’s NHL rumor rundown, how well did the Toronto Maple Leafs make out in the trade that sent Kasperi Kapanen on Tuesday to the Pittsburgh Penguins? And, will Toronto keep the assets they acquired or flip them in other deals? In Calgary, Johnny Gaudreau spoke to reporters about the trade rumors that might mean he’ll play elsewhere next season. The Penguins landed a good player but are they done making trades? Finally, the Red Wings took care of some contract business.
Kapanen Goes to Penguins, What’s Now For Maple Leafs?
As per multiple reports on Tuesday, Kasperi Kapanen was moved to the Pittsburgh Penguins (the team that drafted him in 2014) for multiple pieces, including a first-round pick. Many are calling the deal and win for Toronto.
The full details of the trade were listed by Rob Rossi and are as follows:
Details for Penguins:
RW Kasperi Kapanen
D Jesper Lindgren
LW Pontus Aberg
The Maples Leafs getting:
2020 Rd 1 pick (15 overall)
LW Evan Rodrigues
C Filip Hallander
D David Warsofsky
The deal gives Toronto a first round pick (the Patrick Marleau deal with Carolina sent theirs away) and team now has ~$7.791 million in salary cap space with to sign RFA’s Ilya Mikheyev, Travis Dermott, and Frederik Gauthier. Speculation is that Evan Rodrigues will not be qualified, making him a UFA.
There are some questions about whether or not the Leafs hold onto the first-round pick or use it to grab a top-two defenseman.
More Is Coming for Penguins
As for the Penguins, they pick up a good player in the trade, but GM Jim Rutherford hints that the team is not done making moves.
Rutherford told The Athletic that one of their goaltenders will likely be traded in the coming weeks. Both Matt Murray and Tristan Jarry have garnered trade interest from teams and Rutherford says, “We know that there’s a very, very good chance that we’re going to have to move one of them.”
Rutherford also explained that a trade might not be imminent, but said:
“But, I will say, I’m getting close to that point, to understanding just what people are willing to give. So, we’ll see. I don’t know exactly how it’s going to go, but I can already see that there is going to be a lot of interest.”
As it stands, most believe that Murray’s potentially higher salary demands could make the more likely trade candidate.
Gaudreau Says He Doesn’t Want to be Traded
Johnny Gaudreau told reporters on Tuesday including Wes Gilbertson of Postmedia that despite the rumors of him possibly being moved from the Calgary Flames in a trade, he’d prefer to stay.
Gaudreau says he loves playing in Calgary and wants to spend the rest of his career with the Flames. He even discusses the speculation that he’d like to return to the east coast, saying he is “really comfortable” in Calgary. He called it a place that is “special” to him and his family.
Red Wings Extend Robby Fabbri
The Detroit Red Wings have signed Robby Fabbri to a two-year contract extension on Monday. With the new contract, Fabbri will avoid restricted free agency and make $2.95 million per season over the next two seasons.
Fabbri was part of a Zoom call after the deal was announced and said he was happy to get an extra year on his contract with gives him a bit of cushion but also motivates him to grow and get better. For the Red Wings, the deal comes with some control as Fabbri will still be a restricted free agent at the conclusion of this new 2 year extension.
He noted that his preference would be to play center but that’s he’s used to playing the wing.
The post NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs, Flames, Penguins, Red Wings, More appeared first on The Hockey Writers.
By Jim Parsons on Aug 24, 2020 01:10 pm
In today’s NHL rumor rundown, there is news that the Arizona Coyotes might shop Oliver Ekman-Larsson and his hefty contract. Meanwhile, the other goaltender in Vegas who might be affected by the Marc-Andre Fleury drama has spoken and has something to say about the agent who stirred the pot. Finally, there is an update on what might happen with the Chicago Blackhawks and goaltender Corey Crawford.
Ekman-Larsson’s Future in Arizona Uncertain?
Elliotte Friedman noted on the Saturday Headlines report that he’s heard Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s situation in Arizona might be worth watching. He noted he didn’t have 100% certainty a trade is on the horizon, but there are question marks surrounding the defenseman.
Friedman said:
One of the story lines that’s going to be interesting to watch there with the Coyotes and the offseason is the future of Oliver Ekman-Larsson. He’s their captain, he’s signed to a long term deal, he’s got seven years left (on his deal), he’s got a no-move clause. It could come down to what ownership wants to do too, what the new GM thinks too. I’ve just been told it’s a story to keep an eye on…
Ekman-Larsson carries a hefty contract ($8.25 million over the next seven seasons) so he may not be the easiest player to move, even if there is obvious demand for a blueliner of his talents. And, if he doesn’t want to leave Arizona, the Coyotes are essentially stuck should they be looking to move him.
Robin Lehner Calls Out Fleury’s Agent
Showing there’s no hard feelings between the goaltenders in Vegas, Robin Lehner noted that he holds no ill will towards Marc-Andre Fleury for a post that was published by his agent over the weekend. After Allan Walsh posted a graphic suggesting Fleury felt like he was being stabbed in the back by the coach and might be frustrated watching Lehner get all the big starts in net, Lehner didn’t blame Fleury at all.
“(Fleury) didn’t do anything,” said Lehner as per Golden Knights insider Jesse Granger. It was his agent. If he wants to look unprofessional, go ahead. He looks terrible.” He added:
“Me and Marc were just laughing. It’s always the media and everyone else that makes a big deal out of this. I think me and Marc we get along great; he’s a really good guy.”
The belief is still that long-term this doesn’t likely end with Fleury in Vegas but it’s good to know the media circus surrounding the graphic photo isn’t affecting the netminder’s relationship.
Blackhawks Plans for Corey Crawford
When Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman addressed the media Friday, he noted he had no intentions to comment on the team’s plans regarding their goaltending situation, specifically on goaltender Corey Crawford. Still, there are questions in respect to Crawford’s future.
Crawford, a pending unrestricted free agent will have to decide if he stays in Chicago or leaves and where’s he’s most likely to get anything close to his $6 million salary. It doesn’t sound like that will happen with the Blackhawks.
Bowman discussed some players willingness to take home-town discounts, potentially sending a hint to Crawford that this might be an expectation if he’s looking to stay.
John Dietz of the Daily Herald writes:
For Crawford to return, he will likely have to sign for less than the $6 million a year he made on his last contract. Some are speculating the number could be as low as $3 million, but a more realistic number is in the $4.5 million to $5 million range.
The post NHL Rumors: Blackhawks, Golden Knights, Ekman-Larsson, More appeared first on The Hockey Writers.
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