Latest on Jonathan Drouin, Kevin Shattenkirk, Steven Stamkos, Keith Yandle and more in your Sunday NHL rumor roundup.
Highlights from Hockey Night in Canada’s “Headlines.”
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Tampa Bay Lightning seek a player similar to Jonathan Drouin as a return for the 2013 first rounder. It’s rumored the St. Louis Blues are interested in Drouin, and Friedman speculates the Bolts want someone like Blues rookie forward Robby Fabbri. Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk was rumored to be in play, but his $4.25 million cap hit could be a problem for the Lightning.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Color me unsurprised, especially regarding Shattenkirk’s cap hit and the Lightning’s cap space. It certainly sounds like Drouin could be dealt. Lightning GM Steve Yzerman said he’s prepared to trade the unhappy young winger, but only for a return that makes sense for his club. “So it’s important for our organization that if we make a trade we get equal value, and you can measure that in a lot different ways, but Jonathan has been told that he won’t be traded to make him happy but because it’s a good trade for the Tampa Bay Lightning,’’ said Yzerman. So, are the Blues willing to part with Fabbri, who has the makings of a future star? Time will tell.
Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk surfaces again in the trade rumor mill.
Speaking of Shattenkirk, Friedman believes the Blues will be getting calls about the 26-year-old defenseman, who is a year away from unrestricted free agency. It’s believes the Blues had offered up Shattenkirk to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Ryan Johansen prior to the Jackets shipping the center to the Nashville Predators for young rearguard Seth Jones.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: With Jay Bouwmeester recently sidelined, the Blues might not be keen to move Shattenkirk until they know for sure how long “JayBo” will be out. The Blues could use another swift-skating offensive forward, and Shattenkirk should fetch that return. However, he’s also their best puck-moving defenseman. The Blues must be careful here. They could wait and see how the rest of this season pans out and then shop him in the offseason if they come up short in the playoffs again.
Damien Cox reports New York Rangers defenseman Keith Yandle is unlikely to sign a contract extension before the Feb. 29 trade deadline. He’s eligible for UFA status in July.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yandle is being mentioned more frequently in recent days as a possible trade candidate, especially with the Rangers struggling since early-December. They could use an offensive boost at right wing.
Latest from Garrioch’s “Insider Trading.”
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murray is seeking a forward and have defensemen to offer up . Several teams are keeping an eye on the Ducks.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garrioch doesn’t indicate which clubs are watching the Ducks. Blueliner Sami Vatanen has recently surfaced in the rumor mill as possible trade bait.
A couple of teams have shown interest in Ottawa Senators defenseman Jared Cowen.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Despite Cowen’s $3.1 million cap hit through 2016-17, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s traded by the Feb. 29 deadline.
There’s a belief if Steven Stamkos hasn’t re-signed yet with the Tampa Bay Lightning that he’s not going to, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be traded, as the Lightning need him in order to reach the playoffs. A lot could also depend upon what happens with Jonathan Drouin.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s over six months until Stamkos becomes eligible for UFA status. Lots of time yet for both sides to hammer out a deal. Just because they’re not discussing negotiations publicly doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t happening.
“Several Eastern Conference teams — including Montreal, Ottawa, Buffalo, New Jersey and Boston — have made calls to Yzerman to see what the asking price is for Drouin.” However, Yzerman would prefer shipping Drouin to a Western Conference club. Garrioch notes the Anaheim Ducks, St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks all seek help up front. Garrioch also notes the rumored asking price from the Blues is promising rookie forward Robby Fabbri.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Yzerman gets a better offer from an Eastern club than a Western one, he could jump on it. Still, if he’s going to move Drouin, I think his preference is to a Western club.
Don’t expect San Jose Sharks forward Patrick Marleau to be going anywhere.
Latest on the Leafs.
TORONTO SUN: Steve Simmons reports at least two teams called the Maple Leafs inquiring about defenseman Roman Polak’s trade status but found the asking price too high. With less than two month before the Feb. 29 trade deadline, it’s believed Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello has priced his players very high right now. However, those prices are expected to drop as the trade deadlines approaches.
I don’t buy the argument that if Stamkos is not signed by the trade deadline that they will keep him as they need him to make the playoffs, as:
A- I expect a good roster will be part of the return and will help them make the playoffs
B- You can’t let an asset like Stamkos walk for free
C- I don’t believe the Bolts are a cup contender anyhow
Fabbri for Drouin is interesting and if St.Louis is offering Fabbri, I would seriously consider that deal. That isnthe sort of player Yzerman would be looking for from any team in a trade….high ceiling type players.
“Asking price for Polak is high”- I think the Leafs brass is high….that will change quickly!
Still can’t believe the Leafs did not go ahead with the Phaneuf for Smith, Pulkinnen deal last year….Burns went around him like he was a pylon!
I don’t think the blues trade fabbri for drouin. fabbri has looked good this yr and I don’t see how drouin would be an upgrade unless the blues see a lot more upside in drouin. as for phaneuf you see his defensive woes all the time makes too much money for what his all around game brings! and for polok who knows what high is a 2nd rounder? lol
I agree… I like Fabbri a lot….lateral move for St.Louis in terms of talent but a good move for TB, as Drouin wants out. It also depends on what Stl is looking for…..Drouin is probably more of a set up man than Fabbri is, so if the goal is to have a playmaker for Tarasenko, than Drouin is a better fit for Blues. It all depends on what need you are trying to fill. Looking for a set up man or a goal scorer?
yep I agree what they are looking for is what it comes down too
It wasn’t pullkinen the wings offered…..it was anthony Mantha.
Mantha was never in that conversation.
I still believe Stamkos will resign in Tampa. Yzerman isn’t that dumb to get boxed into a corner and risk getting nothing for Stammer. I think both sides know what the other wants and they are reasonably close to a deal. The Drouin situation is number one on Stevie’s plate right now. Here’s the other factor – my gut sez Stamkos would be more included to go to the Rangers as a Ufa is the Rags can make room for him in their salary structure. And that is a big if.
Yeah Stamkos should go to the Rangers. That way he can assure himself that he will never win a Cup. I truly don’t know why everyone has been so fixated on Stamkos all year. Common sense dictates that he will not get signed until they know where the cap will be next year. After that is resolved I think a deal will get done.
Why do you attack the Rangers even when it’s irrelevant to the conversation? Seriously, lay off the hater-ade!!!! One of the better teams in the cap era, and you talk about them like they’re the Cleveland Browns? Lol
Please see the comment above mine for relevancy.
I think Yzerman is already boxed in , Stamkos can say no-trade clause and UFA and voila big solid box of nothing for the Bolts. Not a thing for Yzerman to do but play nice with Stamkos and hope they can agree to sign or part ways to both benefit. If wanted to be a jerk ( which I doubt very much ) he could say and do nothing and the team gets exactly that….nothing.
Have to think Tampa would be interested in Shattenkirk. But Drouin for him straight up won’t be enough.
I agree drouin wouldn’t be enough for shats but as lyle pointed out tb cap space is limited so the trade would have to bigger to make even money
Yzerman is in a real pickle.. His team is falling apart at the seams and everyone is watching him. I think no matter what happens he is going to receive heat. Keep him past the deadline or trade him people are gonna chirp.
As for Drouin, from what we hear Montreal is taking a real stab at him. Wouldnt be surprised to see Bergevin offer up Sherbak and Tinordi. I know neither match up pound for pound. But your filling Yzermans need on D and on wing. I wont even pretend that will get a deal done. But its pretty good building blocks.
Before I go ill make a prediction. I dont think Stammer will get traded. He will go into July 1 without a deal. But being the guy he is, he will give Yzerman ample time to get a real offer together. Not until Yzerman says hes out 100% will Stammer make a move to his new team.
As much as Leaf fans think its them I cant see that happening. That will be going backwards. He wants a cup and will not get it there. So even if he has to take a bit of a discount hes going to them team that is a contender.
i agree random.. I think bergevin is starting to be under as much pressure as yzerman! the habs have some prospects to get a deal done.as far as stammer goes as a leaf fan I think your right about them going backwards why would a rebuilding team sign a 10million guy when they will have to sign marner,reilly and nylander in the coming yrs?
As skilled as Drouin is, I hope the bruins don’t go after him. Not saying he wouldn’t be an upgrade of skill and speed. With Marchand, Ferraro, Spooner and Pastrnak all with good speed, the bruins seem to be trendy smaller. Unless your trading one of the aforementioned, excluding Marchand (no way I trade Marchand straight up) Ferraro and Spooner probably wouldn’t get it done. That leaves you with Pastrnak and I’m not sure why Boston makes that trade unless they see the upside on Drouin being that much better.
I’d do Marchand for Drouin plus Koekkoek. The main problem with it is Tampa’s CAP room.
All due respect to Pastrnak but Drouin is an upgrade and projects to have a much higher ceiling.
BossHog, I don’t disagree with that assestment; however I would say that no one had Pastrnak making the NHL as an 18yr drafted late in the first round. In this case it makes Pastnak above his curve and potential unknown. Maybe as a bruin fan i’m over valuing him, but he’s in the NHL playing a regular shift, while Drouin is not.
Ehh not so sure I agree with that. looking at the depth of wingers between 2 teams I have no dog in this fight but could be Pastrnak is playing more a regular shift more due to the depth at the position than it has to do with ceilings or anything else. Dont get me wrong Drouin is or so far hasnt lived up to his billing and yes Pastrnak has really impressed but I dont think his ceiling is that of Drouin. On the opposite side of the coin whos had higher expectations?
I do hope the Bruins go after him. Only problem I don’t want to give up Pasternak,Marchand,Colin Miller or San Jose’s first rounder. I think a deal could be worked out with all the Bruins prospects and picks. Subban,Koko,our first, the three first from last season Carlo or Zboril are very good defensive prospects.
Why does Tampa want Subban? They have their future and present net minder already.
As for Boston wouldn’t it be in their best interest to aim for someone like shattenkirk instead of all the Druin talk? Bostons first and a top prospect for shats. Two prospects at most and this solidifies bostons defense a few more years.
I am from Halifax and have season tickets to the mooseheads. I’ve seen Drouin play lots. Trust me,as long as Julien is the coach, he would not fit into Boston’s style of play. Drouin is a selfish player (complete puckhog his final year in jr) and believe me when I tell you that Mackinnon had a ton to do with Drouin’s performance during his draft year. I strongly believe Pastranak will be a better player. And if you want to talk about a ceiling for potential, see Brett connolly. He hasn’t lived up to his hype. Carlo and Zboril aren’t going anywhere unless it’s a deal for a proven defenseman.
How about Jared McCann and Branden Gaunce and a third for Drouin? Both first rounders but neither McCann or Gaunce have Drouin’s upside but McCann is already in the NHL playing a role with the Canucks and Gaunce could be NHL ready next year or the one after. It helps Vancouver’s rebuild, gives a couple prospects to TB with some upside.
First off my apologies to Lyle and regular readers for my part in the childish antics that went on recently.
Now thoughts on Fabbri, lots of upside, looks great, etc. who does that remind me of ? Yep Drouin.
Yzerman has said he nneds a RH d man. Someone suggested Vatenen. Parameters work for both teams. If Yzerman is looking at D Dumba also fits.
For forwards I honestly dont know who fits the bill. I would not give up proven for potential so who knows.
It will be interesting to see how this turns out.
i’d dont follow either player but is there a possible deal around drouin for rychiel
Columbus would have to give Tampa Rychel and Gabriel Carlsson and maybe a pick to make that deal happen. I’d say Werenski, but Columbus is sky high on him and think he can play for them perhaps even this season.
If Werenski develops like he should he’ll be a beast. Looked good in the WJC.
Ducks will offer vatanen or theodore for drouin and it may happen.