NHL Rumors Update

NHL Rumors Update for 06/12/2020

June 12, 2020

The latest NHL rumors from The Hockey Writers.

 

06/12/2020 edition:

By Jim Parsons on Jun 11, 2020 12:50 pm

In today’s NHL rumors, what does management think about Jack Eichel’s recent comments? Do they understand his frustration? Or, are they upset he spoke so candidly? In Vancouver, there is an update on contract talks between the Canucks and Jacob Markstrom, plus talk of the team trying to reacquire their second-round pick. Is there hope in Washington for Braden Holtby? What does Montreal’s Karl Alzner feel about his chances of getting back to the NHL? Finally, the NHL has officially set the date for the opening of team training camps.

Eichel and Sabres on Same Page

In a couple of recent reports, Jack Eichel being frustrated with the Buffalo Sabres lack of success has led to trade speculation — speculation that is apparently unwarranted.

According to Matt Teague of The Score Jack Eichel’s recent interview with TSN’s Darren Dreger affirms Buffalo Sabres management and Eichel have talked and they share the same frustration about the club’s lack of progress. General manager Jason Botterill and head coach Ralph Krueger both spoke with Eichel and admitted while the team captain was a bit blunt in the way he phrased his displeasure, they all agree that something needs to be done.

As was mentioned in previous reports, while Eichel trade talk was out there, the Sabres likely have no intention of trading their franchise center and unless he asks to be moved, likely will shut down offers fairly quickly.

Any Hope for Holtby in Washington?

J.J. Regan of NBC Sports Washington recently took a look at the future of Braden Holtby in Washington where talk is the goaltender may move on and test the free agent market. Regan wondered if the two sides could still work out a deal, to which Holtby said, “To be honest I have no clue.”

Regan noted it is not expected Holtby will sign a one-year deal to maximize any potential dollars after the salary cap rebounds. And, with Ilya Samsonov as the Caps pegged starter, it’s hard to see where Holtby fits, unless he’s willing to settle in as a back-up for a couple of seasons a much lower rate.

Update on Canucks and Markstrom

When asked about the contract status for goaltender Jacob Markstrom, Canucks general manager Jim Benning said Markstrom is a priority. Along with Tyler Toffoli and Chris Tanev, the Canucks have 10 expiring contracts on their current roster, which doesn’t make a Markstrom deal the easiest contract to negotiate.

Benning said:

“I’ve said all along that he’s an important guy for us. My intent is to figure out something that works for him and us. I’m hoping to get him signed, but that’s part of the business — we’ll have to wait and see.”

source -‘Ben Kuzma: Markstrom makes Canucks extension case, Baertschi banter, lauding Larionov’ – Ben Kuzma – The Province – 06/09/2020

Considering that next year the Canucks have to spend big money on both Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes, Vancouver doesn’t want to overspend.

Benning also noted that the team is going to try and reacquire the second-round draft pick they gave up for Toffolli. He notes:

“We’re going to have to phone around and see what that entails and go from there. It’s going to depend on how players perform when they get back. Maybe we’re in a position to move a player out because we’ve got some depth to re-acquire that second-round pick.

“And if we don’t, we could still end up with a pretty good player in the third round.”

Karl Alzner Wants Another Shot At NHL

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Karl Alzner finished second in voting as the Canadiens rep for the Bill Masterton Trophy. That’s because he’s been a soldier, playing out his hefty contract in the AHL and not complaining despite the fact many players would be livid not getting a shot.

Alzner doesn’t think he deserves the credit, but he would like another chance at the NHL. He said:

“This year was fairly difficult I’d say, just because I came in with different expectations. I had put in a really hard summer, so it was definitely disappointing just the way it even got going. But, I don’t know, we’ll see what happens. I have high hopes for this summer; I guess however this is going to play out, whether it’s summer or fall. I have high hopes for the offseason and what could happen for me. Hopefully getting an opportunity, whether it’s in Montreal or somewhere else. But if that doesn’t happen, then yeah, the tank will be running pretty low. So I’m hoping it doesn’t get to that.”

source- ‘How much perseverance does Karl Alzner have left? We will soon find out.’ Arpon Basu – The Athletic – 06/10/2020

Whether or not that happens is unclear, especially as teams battle with a flat salary cap coming out of a pandemic.

NHL Sets Date for Opening of Training Camp

The NHL and NHLPA have agreed to open training camps on July 10th. According to a social media post on Thursday, Sportsnet NHL insider Chris Johnston notes this also means that play likely won’t resume until early August.

By Jim Parsons on Jun 10, 2020 02:00 pm

In today’s NHL rumor rundown, there is news on Jeff Carter out of the Los Angeles Kings organization, plus news the Ottawa Senators may be a cap floor team again next season. Meanwhile, as most insiders believe Jack Eichel isn’t leaving Buffalo, some are asking what would it cost for a team to acquire him? And, are the other six non-playoff teams kicking tires?

Carter’s Future in Los Angeles

Forwarwd Jeff Carter underwent surgery on June 4 to repair a core muscle injury. Since the Los Angeles Kings are not part of the play-in rounds or playoffs this season, this was the best time to get that surgery done and Carter should be fully recovered by next season. But, whether or not he plays in LA is still a question.

Almost 36, Carter has a front-loaded contract which means he’s not owed very much on the tail end of his current deal. This could be attractive for teams trying to hit the cap floor but not spend much money. The Los Angeles Kings may try to move him in order to free up playing time for younger players and with no trade protection, all Carter has for leverage is to simply retire.

Senators To Keep Spending as Little as Possible

The Hockey News’ Matt Larkin is reporting that the Ottawa Senators are likely to be a salary-floor cap team next season. He believes they’ll pursue some free agents and perhaps packages one or two of their 13 draft picks this offseason to acquire a player of substance but this next season will not be the year they spend a lot in pursuit of more wins.

Nevertheless, he anticipates they’ll likely pursue a couple of UFA veterans on one-year contracts with an eye on flipping them at next season’s trade deadline for draft picks.

Ilya Sorokin Changes Reps

Darren Dreger of TSN reports that Ilya Sorokin has changed his North American representation, hiring Dan Milstein of Gold Star Hockey as his new agent. Some are wondering if this could change the likelihood of Sorokin signing in the KHL this coming season.

Trade Value of Jack Eichel?

Jack Eichel made the rumors report a few days ago as the discussion about the Buffalo Sabres was front-and-center in the trade market. Eichel noted he was getting frustrated with losing but the belief is that the Sabres would be crazy to move him.

As Eichel’s voice his frustrations, insiders started looking at what it might cost to acquire him. Dan Rosen’s latest column for NHL.com suggests the assets would be costly for any team kicking tires.

Rosen writes about Eichel’s value:

It’s hard to quantify Eichel’s worth when I don’t feel he’s on the trading block. It would take a lot to get the 23-year-old center, as in high draft picks, top prospects and at least one key NHL player.

Asking why the Sabres would even contemplate moving Eichel was the question Rosen was more interesting in answering, especially now when there are only six other teams the Sabres can actively trade with.

Rosen adds:

If they even want to think about moving Eichel, who was the No. 2 pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, behind Connor McDavid to the Edmonton Oilers, they need to open the bidding to all 30 teams that could inquire.

Still, Rosen said it was smart of those six non-playoff teams to at least reach out to the Sabres and for the Sabres to welcome offers. He explains:

It also makes zero sense for the Sabres to tell teams, “Forget about it.” I know they feel Eichel is a huge part of the solution, but it doesn’t cost anything to hear what other teams feel he’s worth to them. In the end, I fully expect Eichel to be back with the Sabres. He’s frustrated and voiced that last week, but the Sabres have to work with him and build around him.

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