Monthly Archives: February 2016
In an NHL market flooded with forwards, it’s tough to tell who will move before deadline
The Canucks will get calls on defenceman Dan Hamhuis now that he’s back from his facial injury. He’d be a nice fit for a team looking to get somebody solid to help them go deep into the playoffs. He’s suggested he wants to stay with the Canucks but is going to have to take a pay cut if that’s going to happen. GM Jim Benning has indicated his roster is about to get younger.
Why Brooklyn-frustrated John Tavares could bolt to Leafs in ’18
And who might become available as a 27-year-old free agent on July 1, 2018?
Why, none other than John Tavares.
McKenzie: Canadiens “Were In Hard On Jonathan Drouin”
“They were in hard on Jonathan Drouin… There hasn’t been a lot of results on that front, but I don’t think it’s been a lack of (activity).
Would free agent Kyle Okposo leave Islanders for Minnesota homecoming?
As one of the top NHL players set for free agency this summer, would Okposo, the St. Paul native and former Gopher, consider returning home to play for the Wild?
“That’s something so many people ask me about,” Okposo said.
Leafs to make a huge push for Stamkos
Blundell, citing the same anonymous source who informed him that Mike Babcock would sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs if certain conditions were met, said the Leafs may be prepared to make a play for Stamkos’s negotiating rights this summer with the intention to pay $11-$12 million per year over an eight-year term.
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/lightning-faced-with-numerous-stamkos-trade-possibilities/
Hamonic-for-Trouba swap not likely
Despite all the chatter, my understanding is #Isles have zero interest in a Hamonic-for-Trouba swap — now or in the summer.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) February 12, 2016
Cheveldayoff says it’s either a contract extension or trade before deadline for Ladd
Although he was non-committal on the subject on Monday when he spoke with local reporters in St. Louis, Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff went a step further when he was a guest on Hockey Central at Noon.
Dan Hamhuis, Russell and Edmonton’s Justin Schultz are top d available
The focus has been on Travis Hamonic of the New York Islanders since his summer trade request became public in November, but GM Garth Snow does not seem to be in any hurry to fulfill Hamonic’s desire to land with a Western Canadian team. A deal for Hamonic may have to wait until the summer with the Islanders gearing up for a playoff run.
That leaves Vancouver’s Dan Hamhuis, Calgary’s Kris Russell and Edmonton’s Justin Schultz as the next echelon of available defencemen on the market.
Both Staal and Ward do not want to leave Carolina
Safe to assume neither Eric Staal or Cam Ward, at this time, are interested in leaving Carolina #nhlcanes #NHL
— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) February 11, 2016
Will Carey Price be out of the World Cup of Hockey
There are already Montreal media members that have written off Carey Price for the World Cup of Hockey, the theory being that he should just focus on his health for the Montreal Canadiens ahead of next season, but Team Canada general manager Doug Armstrong still plans to name the injured goaltender as part of the first 16 players announced on March 2. Now, no question Armstrong will confer with Habs GM Marc Bergevin, who happens to be part of the Team Canada management staff, as well as Price himself, before naming him.
http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/14747400/prices-rental-players-trade-deadline
With playoffs out of reach, veterans like Hartnell likely in play
Although the Blue Jackets aren’t putting Johnson, 29, on the block, they’ll listen to any offers that could potentially help them in the future. He and Tyutin each will make more than $4 million next season. Campbell, 32, can be had for a lot less and is serviceable on faceoffs and the penalty kill. The remaining forwards are probably safe for now, including Rychel, who in his second season has been the center of speculation about his desire to leave. However, he’s earned a regular spot and has impressed Tortorella with his play, not an easy feat. In a perfect world, the Blue Jackets would somehow find a suitor to take the hefty contract ($5.25 million per season through 2019-2020) of oft-injured forward David Clarkson, but that’s unlikely to happen.
https://www.nhl.com/news/columbus-blue-jackets-trade-deadline-outlook/c-278604230?tid=277763990
Ottawa Senators have talked with Lightning about Drouin, but price too high for now
The Senators are interested in Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jonathan Drouin, but only if the price is right.
Bruins looking to trade big names
The Bruins should do everything to keep building for the future while still attempting to remain competitive for a playoff spot. If Loui Eriksson isn’t going to sign a team-friendly extension, then move him for whatever the highest bidder wants to spend for him at the Feb. 29 trade deadline.