Quick rumor hits from around the NHL
NHL Rumour Report: Frank Seravalli on Frankly Hockey on the Toronto Maple Leafs offering Matthew Knies to the San Jose Sharks: “Sources indicated that the Leafs had offered Matthew Knies to the Sharks…for their 1st round picks, including #2 overall.”
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Will the waiver claim of Clay Stevenson mean the Winnipeg Jets won’t ask for a goalie in the return for Connor Hellebuyck? Buffalo Sabres Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen can block a trade to Winnipeg, and it’s believed there is another goalie that can block Winnipeg.
The Edmonton Oilers considered Stevenson before they made the trade for Devin Levi.
The Jets weren’t interested in the Florida Panthers trade offer for Hellebuyck that included Evan Rodrigues, another roster player, which may have been Eetu Luostarinen, and the draft pick package that was sent to the Senators for Brady Tkachuk. The Anaheim Ducks and Utah Mammoth may have checked in.
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- Scott Billeck: “Between this and the admission that they’re going to have to likely take a deal for Hellebuyck that includes futures, it would seem they’re accepting the reality that at least some sort of rebuild is going to be needed with this aging core.”
If Alexander Nikishin would sign a contract with the Winnipeg Jets, a Hellebuyck trade to Carolina would have been done by now. Believe that Nikishin is looking for $9 million on a five-year deal, with some sources saying may be a little less for the right situation.
The St. Louis Blues have been after Nikishin. The Nashville Predators have tried but haven’t come close to the Hurricanes’ ask. The Hurricanes were disappointed a deal with the Rangers couldn’t get finalized.
The Detroit Red Wings had been firm on doing a bridge deal with Simon Edvinsson. They should be looking to sign him long-term if they believe he could be a cornerstone. The Red Wings need to deal with Edvinsson, Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat sooner rather than later.
The Boston Bruins are looking to move defenseman Henri Jokiharju and teams are wondering about Matthew Poitras.
The Edmonton Oilers don’t have a right-handed center. They’ve had interest in Kirby Dach, and couldn’t find a deal for Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright.
Have heard rumors about the Los Angeles Kings and Patrik Laine, but they get denied every time.
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Seattle Kraken defenseman Vince Dunn is a pending UFA, and there have been some talks between the two sides.
Nashville Predators forward Ryan O’Reilly is entering the final year of his deal. He doesn’t have protection, but there is a verbal promise. Teams remain interested.
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