Latest on Bryan Bickell, Anze Kopitar, Stephen Weiss, Dominic Moore and more in your NHL rumor mill.
Highlights from Pierre LeBrun’s latest “Rumblings.”
Could placing Bryan Bickell on waivers help the Blackhawks find a trade partner for him?
ESPN.COM: Pierre LeBrun examined why the Chicago Blackhawks placed left wing Bryan Bickell on waivers yesterday, saying he wouldn’t be surprised if Bickell remains on the roster after clearing waivers today. LeBrun notes the Blackhawks spoke with several teams regarding Bickell during the summer, and this move could send a signal to clubs they haven’t spoken with regarding the winger’s availability. It’s also possible being placed on waivers could be a wake-up call for Bickell, who’s struggled over the last couple of seasons.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Bickell is demoted, the Blackhawks will only receive $950K in cap relief. His $4 million cap hit is the obvious sticking point, as there aren’t many teams willing to take a chance on the winger at that price. The ‘Hawks might have to either pick up part of Bickell’s cap hit or take back a salaried player to make a deal work. The Chicago Tribune’s Chris Kuc reports the Blackhawks could also place Bickell on LTIR to start the season because of his ongoing vertigo issues.
Contract talks continue between Anze Kopitar and the Los Angeles Kings. They don’t appear close to a deal but the dialogue remains healthy and positive.
Updates from the latest “Dreger Report.”
TSN: Darren Dreger also touched on Kopitar’s contract status, as well as Tampa Bay’s Steven Stamkos and Carolina’s Eric Staal. He notes the longer Stamkos remains unsigned, the more the Lightning captain will have to speak about this in media scrums, while Staal and the Hurricanes have yet to exchange salary numbers.
Wonder whatever happened to Stephen Weiss? After being bought out by the Detroit Red Wings, Weiss has reportedly declined a number of professional tryout offers and remains an unrestricted free agent.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Weiss hasn’t been the same player since undergoing wrist surgery in 2013. It’s possible a club desperate for depth at center might take a chance on him at some point this season, but he won’t get more than an inexpensive one-year offer.
Latest on the Flyers and Rangers.
CSNPHILLY.COM: Tim Panaccio reports Philadelphia Flyers GM Ron Hextall would rather make a trade than risk losing a player to waiver. The most likely trade candidate remains defenseman Luke Schenn, while blueliner Brandon Manning is the likely waiver candidate.
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS: Pat Leonard speculates the Rangers might find a trading partner for center Dominic Moore rather than demote Emerson Etem or Tanner Glass, though he considers that a “hard to believe but conceivable” option.
Bicknell was never more than a 3rd liner. Chicago over paid for him in Free Agency based on a strong playoff stretch of about 15 games. There really shouldn’t be any surprise here that he isn’t living up to his contract.
Agreed, but the Leafs should seriously take a look at him if they can work a deal with the Hawks that see’s Bozak going the other way and Bickell and a cap dump coming back to the Leafs. At least Bickell has a culture behind him that isn’t a losing one.
Just out of curiosity – is there ANYONE in the NHL that the Leafs should NOT take a look at in your opinion? It just seems that every time a name pops up in the forum somehow the following discussions bring up the Leafs. I mean, come ON – there is a limit to who and how many they bring in for a “look.” Why on earth would they want a player who has not only underachieved and is generally seen as over-paid, but who has medical issues with regard to balance. They are rebuilding and adding a Bickell will do nothing to speed up that process. Hell, if that’s the route you think they should take why not give Weiss a “look” and bring back Booth?
I’m with George on this 1. Toronto already has 15 forwards on 1 way contracts, granted Horton will be put on LTIR shortly but as it is Toronto is going to have to waive someone. They currently have 1.272 million in cap space & this isn’t a team over flowing with options at C.
Given a choice of Bozak or Bickell I take Bozak never mind eating another contract for Chicago. Bozak is a soft #2 or decent #3 C.
how about the leafs trade Reimer ,Frattin and BJ Brennan for Bickell , Darling and McNeill.
This gives Chicago over 2mill in cap this year and the full 4 mill the year after that .
leafs take on bickell for the 2 yrs but pick up a prospect in McNeill and Darling at .6 mill for two
Guys, there are other teams in the NHL besides the Leafs. The day that someone posts a comment and it doesn’t turn into a conversation about the Leafs then, to quote Jimmy Conway, “drinks are on . . . THE HO– USE.” LOL!
As much as i respect Leaf fans i gotta agree they overrun this site outta control. Relax n exercise patience if u want to find success long overdue.
Leafs have barely started to fill the cupboard with prospects as it is. Long long ways to go yet n will not see much fruit for 3-4 yrs at least.
Here’s the thing with media
The attitude is the longer a player goes without a contract then
“the more the Lightning captain will have to speak about this in media scrums”
How about instead, ask once, twice, maybe three times and be banned.
Now I am not hijacking thread with leaf talk, but this is why I appreciate Lou Lamarello: even with censored leaf broadcasters, he still rather not have them travel with the team, just in case they do start asking stupid, repeating questions like contract talks…
Lyle, when I say media…I do not include you as you seem rationale, neutral and quote resource and then state opinions.
I do my best…;)
good job
off topic.
After watching detroit leaf games , the following dawned on me about detroit this year:
– Added brad richards and mike green.
– Larkin #71
– No systematic changes due to coaching changes
– have added / filled all positions missing as well as adding to their depth and playoff experience.
I’d predict Detroit will kick ass this year and go far in playoffs
I think you’re right, as long as the Wings stay healthy. Their core is getting older, but if some of their up and comers can take some of the heat they should be able to make it work.
the wings will be battling for a playoff spot that d and goaltending is questionable at best and who knows what will happen without babcock there anymore
i would have agreed prior to watching them so far. That was my point , theyre better then last year…
Franson is coming back
Green fills D void (although not the greatest he can eat minutes and score)
Richards adds faceoffs, offense and experience
Now after tonights game add #72 the greek kid
BTW I see a huge difference in toronto’s system already. Especially in areas of short plays, positioning, backchecking and tonights tip, dump and chase.
And OMG Jake Gardiner is hitting and looks pretty good, Kadri is playing good..
They lack finish, checking, 60 minutes play, but Im happy if they lose 1 goal games and draft high.
That is good news.
I agree with most of what you said except gardiner he looks lost out there most nights if you can get a decent return you move him for sure
ya i agree, and I am the first to offer my disdain for offensive defensemen and smallish / weak players like gardiner especially for high draft picks (unless they are exceptional) but credit where do…although he and the usual suspects still have mental gaffs, Gardiner has looked more aggressive and involved both offensively and defensively. Perhaps what the say about his possession, speed and offensive awareness will equate to a solid dman won day. But I would trade him as suggested for a def dman if one were availabl,
I think the leafs should give Luke a 2nd chance, bring him back home, make a waiver claim. Don’t you agree??
yep
Jaysus. Looks like my question above has been answered.
lol some of us do actually try and stay away from hijackings.