Latest on Eric Staal, Jonathan Drouin, Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Ladd, Kyle Okposo, Keith Yandle and more in your Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.
Highlights from Sportsnet’s Hockey Headlines.
Hurricanes captain Eric Staal’s future still in limbo.
SPORTSNET: Damien Cox reports some observers wonder if the Anaheim Ducks recent trade of Carl Hagelin to Pittsburgh for David Perron and Adam Clendening is setting them up to get left wing Jonathan Drouin from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Elliotte Friedman adds the eventual return of injured blueliners Simon Despres and Cam Fowler could lead to them getting calls from rival clubs.
Friedman also reports Calgary Flames defenseman and pending UFA Kris Russell is garnering interest, but the Flames still hope to re-sign him.
Cox said agent Rick Curran, who represents Carolina Hurricanes captain Eric Staal, claims his client’s status still remains in limbo. Curran will meet with Hurricanes management some time this week. Staal is eligible for UFA status in July.
Highlights from Garrioch’s “Insider Trading.”
OTTAWA SUN (via TORONTO SUN) : Bruce Garrioch reports all eyes are on the Winnipeg Jets and what they’ll do with pending UFAs Dustin Byfuglien and Andrew Ladd. One league executive doubts they’ll still be with the Jets past the Feb. 29 trade deadline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Jets are out of playoff contention in a month’s time, one or both could be shopped.
Teams could call about St. Louis Blues captain and pending UFA David Backes but the Blues could look to add, not subtract.
New York Islanders GM Garth Snow won’t move defenseman Travis Hamonic unless he gets good value in return. Teams are calling about winger and pending UFA Kyle Okposo, but with the Isles in the playoff race, they could hang onto him for the rest of this season.
If the Vancouver Canucks hope to trade recently demoted winger Chris Higgins, they’ll have to pick up part of his $2.5 million salary. He’s signed through 2016-17. It also remains to be seen what they’ll do with pending UFAs Radim Vrbata, Dan Hamhuis and Yannick Weber.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Canucks remain in playoff contention they’ll retain Vrbata, Hamhuis and Weber. If they’re out of contention, they’ll shop them.
A lot of high-end pending UFAs want a deal comparable to that of the six-year, $41.25 million contract Ryan Kesler signed last year with the Anaheim Ducks. Anze Kopitar’s 10-year, $80-million contract won’t make signing Steven Stamkos any easier.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the salary cap remains flat or only marginally increases for 2016-17, a lot of those high-end pending UFAs could end up disappointed.
As many as 15 teams are believed to have contacted the Tampa Bay Lightning about left wing Jonathan Drouin. The Blues are thought to be front-runners as they’re “dangling” Kevin Shattenkirk and have other pieces the Bolts need. Other clubs include the Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators. Garrioch believes the Anaheim Ducks were in until they swapped Carl Hagelin to Pittsburgh for David Perron and Adam Clendening.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: As we’ve seen, some observers still believe the Ducks are pursuing Drouin. The “Shattenkirk-for-Drouin” speculation died off after it was revealed GM Steve Yzerman isn’t interested in adding to his current contract concerns. Again, unless the Bolts shed salary, they cannot afford to add Shattenkirk.
Garrioch wonders if Columbus Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen might be interested in Montreal Canadiens forward Lars Eller to fill the gap at center after trading away Ryan Johansen, noting Kekalainen drafted Eller when he was in the St. Louis Blues front office.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Can’t see how that move makes sense for the Jackets. Eller’s a checking-line forward who won’t replace Johansen’s offense.
Highlights from Matheson’s “Hockey World.”
EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson notes the interest in Tampa Bay Lightning winger Jonathan Drouin raises two questions. First, why isn’t Drouin playing in Tampa Bay and why would GM Steve Yzerman trade him if so many teams are interested?
Teams are leery of signing Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien to a deal longer than five years in length. It’s believed he’ll seek seven years.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anything over five years is far too long for a defenseman who’ll turn 31 in March.
Matheson wonders if the Colorado Avalanche are interested in New York Rangers defenseman Keith Yandle, who will “almost certainly” be traded before the deadline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Only if the Avs can be certain of re-signing Yandle before he becomes a UFA. Otherwise, it’s a waste of assets for them at this stage to pursue him via trade.
He also wonders (again) if the Anaheim Ducks might pursue Carolina Hurricanes left wing Eric Staal by the trade deadline to skate on their top line with Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matheson made this speculation prior to the Ducks acquiring David Perron, so I doubt they’ll have interest in Staal. They’re also thought to be interested in Drouin.
Highlights from Shinzawa’s Sunday Hockey Notes.
THE BOSTON GLOBE: Fluto Shinzawa wonders if the Columbus Blue Jackets might have interest in Vancouver Canucks demoted winger Chris Higgins. He played for Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella with the Rangers and the Jackets need depth at forward. The Canucks will have to pick up part of Higgins’ salary to move him.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Adding Higgins would only be worthwhile if the Jackets were pushing for a playoff berth and wanted some veteran depth.
The Toronto Maple Leafs could get future assets by shopping pending UFAs Michael Grabner, Brad Boyes and Roman Polak. They’d like to move Joffrey Lupul, but he’s carrying a $5.25 million annual cap hit through 2018.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Leafs will have an easier time moving Grabner, Boyes and Polak than Lupul.
A third line checking forward is available? Columbus must be interested.
Is Travis Hamonic still as specific with his trade demands?
Yes.
The Lightning are not compelled to trade Drouin. If half the league is really interested someone will overpay…..on the other hand, I have been “interested” in fancy sports cars all my life, but actually writing a big enough check ain’t gonna happen. Trade deadline deals often make a team better NOW, and he probably doesn’t. And appeasing a loudmouth agent may be construed by many as bad business, and not just in the Lightning camp. In a paradox, if he plays less than great in the AHL, it might make a trade less likely, at least until the draft. And of course,he’s one injury away from being called up and force fed by the Bolts.
Good points. I think the return on Drouin will be underwhelming because he has been underwhelming in 89 games. Ship on potential is leaving the dock.
Drouin started the year with 6 points in 5 games, in the 6th game his ice time was cut by 6 minutes. The he went 0 for 9 games. I’m convinced there was a dust up between him and Cooper. Drouin will immediately make a team better offensively. He will be a star. He has too much pride and talent not to be.
Drouin had 32 points in 70 games as rookie getting barely 3rd line icetime at 13:14 TOI/GP ranking him 9th for forwards just :15 more per game than Boyle. He was 11th for PP TOI/GP. That’s pretty impressive.
A good comparison is Cody Hodgson. In 2012-2014 he averaged 19 minutes of ice time and scored 15 goals in 48 games and 20 goals in 72 games I believe.The following 2 seasons he averaged between 10 and 12 minutes per game. Huge drop off. Teams need to use their skill where that skill has the best chance to succeed.Not on a 3rd or 4th checking line. Would you put a fourth line guy up on the top line expecting him to break the scoring record? This is obviously a personnel issue. Young players can be goofs but eventually they will (or can) grow up. Stubborn,know it all coaches rarely change their stripes, especially if they have the GM’s endorsement.
The Leafs could also move Parenteau who is on pace for 20 goals and 45 points. I also wouldn’t rule out moving one of the goalies if either strings together some good play and an offer comes along.
I wouldn’t mind shopping one of the scoring forward prospects for a D prospect or young player. Maybe a semi-bust like Pouliot could come available.
Toronto will be shopping all next seasons UFA’s. Grabner, Matthias, Spaling; if healthy by the deadline, Parenteau, Boyes, Polak & Reimer; although I’m sure they would resign him to buy time to find a better option if he would accept reasonable money on a short term deal, say 3 million per for 2 years.
Winnik, Hunwick & Bernier could also be shopped as they are UFA’s following the 2016-17 season although Hunwick is a Babcock darling so very unlikely.
Others could be moved as well if the trades make sense. Lupul is hard to move with 2 more years with a cap hit of 5.25. Bozak is Toronto’s best C currently making reasonable money at 4.25 for 2 more & Komorov is great value at 2.95 for 2 more seasons as well. Someone has to lead & help develop the young players coming. Funny how Bozak & JVR aren’t the defensive liabilities they were when playing with Kessel! I don’t hear you Toronto fans lamb basting Bozak like you loved to do. Be happy what you have. You have a solid top flight #2 C being forced to play as a #1 for decent money.
A lots of the moves are being predicted to only happen if the team is out of the playoff picture by Feb 29th. Your looking at Wpg, Van, NYI, NYR, Bos, other that have ufa’s are in good positions. Not many teams on the outside looking in, I don’t see much changing by Feb 29th. Nobody is out of it in the Western conference. Unless some teams realize their chance of winning isn’t that realistic and make the tough decision, could be a slow trade day come Feb 29th.
U forget Caper that a lot of those teams sitting on the fence need the playoff revenue. That will keep some teams as buyers not sellers.
Jets will… Sign Byf 5 yrs 37.5m, trade Hutch to oilers for a 3rd Rd pick, trade Petan, Postma and 2nd Rd pick to TB for Drouin, then move Chiarot, Morrisey and oilers 3rd for Hamonic. Let Ladd play out year. Offer 6yrs 30 mill or let him walk.
Heh. That crystal ball seems a bit fogged there Wizard.
Put down that shot glass son you’ve had enough to drink for today. Ha-ha!
Does Buf want to resign in Winnipeg ?
I doubt it.
I wonder if there is another contract out there thats worth over 5 mill but 2 years or less, the only way I can see getting rid of Lupul short of buying him out is to trade him for a another bad contract….not only dollars make him hard to move he has to be the biggest disappointment on the team this year.
He’s their Lecavalier – so keep your hopes up!
Vinny is better least he knows to retire.
Interesting to see Vinny dominating in the face off circle & making a reasonable contribution in LA.
Vinny has 1 ppg & 1 assist for 2 points in 4 games. He has taken 52 face offs in those 4 games, an average of 13 per game winning 65.4%. Pretty impressive. Vinny may get to retire winning another cup in LA. What a great way for a very classy player to potentially retire.
LA won’t be winning the Cup again. They’re the new Boston Bruins. Had a great line-up to win the Cup, then they’ll fall apart, but still be somewhat competitive enough to make everyone think they’re still good.
In fairness to Lupul. He’s barely playing. His icetime & linemates are brutal. Why he isn’t getting a chance with Kadri or Bozak & watching Matthias & Grabner play ahead of him makes no sense to me. Talk about depreciating an asset.
Depends on how you look at it. Even if Lupul had a little more ice time and a little better numbers his contract overall would be enough to dampen his value significantly, in Grabner and Mathias case being ufa at the end of the year gives thhem a leg up so if they produce a bit say around the same level Lupul should be expected I would say you are increasing or stretching the value of 2 assets who were likely to being in a similar valie to Lupul in the first place just based on being rentals vs 2 more years of a ridiculous 5.5 mill for Lupul.
One aspect of the Drouin/Stamkos issue that there is no way of knowing but could be a possibility is what if Stamkos let slip to Drouin that he isn’t signing in Tampa? Could that be a potential reason Drouin would want to jump ship?
If that were the case more on the team would know about it … and we’d be hearing rumblings from some who at least ARE at the big league level.
I have no doubt that Stamkos will sign in TB. Why would you want to leave TB? A great young team that can challenge for the cup for years. You live in 1 of the lowest tax brackets in North America & in a great city.
I know Shticky likes to throw out the endorsement opportunities in Toronto but I travel extensively, primarily Calgary, Edmonton,Vancouver, Houston & Dallas but that often routes me to weird places due to flight issues or by choice to add a little R&R to the trip, Vegas, LA, Denver, Chicago, etc & Stamkos is splattered all over North America, bus stops, taxi’s, billboards & I constantly see him on TV advertising something now.
With Kopitar signed this should speed up Stamkos’s signing. Yzerman is going to simply have to bite the bullet & pay him 10 mil per for 8 years. I don’t like it but it is what it is & Yzerman will have to deal with the fall out to his cap moving forward. Better yet I would love to see Stamkos take a home town discount & sign for money similar to what Crosby; 8.7, makes. In or around 9 but I just don’t see that happening, even a mil discount helps TB significantly. This summer isn’t the serious cap issue for TB but following next season. Something has to give.
If Jim Benning can’t get Vrbata or Hamhuis resigned before the trade deadline regardless of if they are in the playoff race or not they need to be moved for the best return available. Vancouver isn’t going any where in the playoffs with this roster. This is a rebuild so rebuild it properly.
Now if Benning could get Willie to pull his head out of his a__ & start playing Vrbata with the Sedin’s full time like most of last season Vancouver would be better served.
As for Weber he’s a 1 dimensional borderline NHL Dman. He could have been had by any team in the league for free in the off season. He’s not garnering anything of value in trade ever.
Completely agree with your assessment. If Benning doesn’t move Vrbata and Hamhuis by the trade deadline it will be epic mistake. Also at this point we are in a competitive position in the playoff race with the current team which has been without Hamhuis and Vrbata has been basically invisible out there (5 of his 11 goals have come in 2 games). We are starting to see some chemistry with the young guys so we should just let that develop over the remainder of the season. Also I think Vrbata is expendable with Hansen and Sutter coming back from injury and Vey playing up to this potential with former medicine hat tiger teammate Emerson. Injuries are always a concern but we have some young guys in Utica that could be called up (Gaunce, Shinkiruk). I think we could roll with the following lineup and be competitive enough to make the playoffs while getting the prospects and picks for the future.
Sedin-Sedin-Hansen
Sutter-Horvat-Baertschi
Burrows-Vey-Emerson
Dorsett-McCann-Prust
Totally forgot about Virtanen who needs to fit into the lineup somewhere unless we send him down to juniors which doesn’t seem likely with the approach management is taking.
I agree fully although I see the line up slightly different & ideally would like to see Vrbata & Hamhuis resigned if the money makes sense. It allows for better development time for younger players. I’m a firm believer in players being seasoned in the minors for a bare minimum 2/3rds of the season, ideally a year plus after theri jr eligibility expires. I love the Detroit model of player development.
You don’t have Virtanen in your mix & I don’t want Hansen in the top 6, I also want Burrows shipped out as well but with a 4.5 million cap hit for 1 more season no easy feat. In fairness he was under paid for years so it helps balance that out. How many checkers does 1 team need. Removing Higgins eliminated 1. Burrows scoring days are over.
For me Sutter is a C. Big body that’s needed in the West at C but has looked great playing with the Sedin’s when healthy & doing so.
Sedin, Sedin, Virtanen.
Baertschi, Horvat, Burrows.
Etem, Sutter, Hansen.
Dorsett, McCann, Prust.
Spare Vey. Although Etem, Virtanen, & McCann can be rotated in & out to allow equal opportunities for all 4 to play. Injuries happen so opportunities will exist for all. Vey can play C or RW, Etem can play either side as can Burrows. I’m not sure that Dorsett & Prust both need to play everyday either so lots of icetime to go round for this group of young players & checkers.
Moving Burrows eliminates the log jamb. This group will have some growing pains but better to be bad & secure some solid picks to aid the rebuild & continue stocking the pipeline.
Columbus doesn’t need to trade for a C. They have Dubinsky, Wennberg, Karlsson & Campbell. Foligno & Jenner can both play C as well wehn needed. Wenneberg is & was even when Johnasen was with CLB the most gifted offensive C they had. His offensive skills are world class & with each passing game he will keep getting better. A future #1 C in the making. Just 2 or 3 years from being that player, in the meantime that roll will fall to Dubinsky.
Columbus could use some prospect depth at C, as after those mentioned not much coming. Tynan, Quenville & Stenlund, so moving Rychel for a comparable C prospect makes a ton of sense.
Even with the acquisition of Jones CLB could use another Dman & when Werenski joins the group next season that problems solved.
Striker, just because you say it, doesn’t make it true. Since you love your numbers so much. Do some research before you spout off.
lastly on Drouin. Anaheim makes sense to me & I believe trading for Perron & getting Clendening sets Anaheim up to potentially look at Drouin or another player. With Despre; what a huge loss, 39 games & counting, & Fowler both fairly close to returning, Theodore who has looked great in the NHL will be forced back to the AHL. As Theodore looks ready to be a full time NHL player Clendening will fill his role in the minors & someone will be moved off the big league roster to make room for him if he’s not the player moved. Theodore, Vatnanen or Fowler. I don’t see Murray moving Lindholm. He does everything & has future #1 potential & that’s no slight either Fowler or Vatanen.
The issue there is the only right handed shot; if that’s really a significant trade issue for a Damn with Yzerman, is that Vatanen is an RFA looking at a substantial raise so Murray may simply move a D else where to get more scoring.
1 thing I know for certain is that Murray doesn’t stand pat. He probably moves more assets regularly than any other GM in the NHL, certainly for a team that appeared to be a cup contender & still maybe. Their only 3 points out of a playoff spot having played 43 games & 1/2 the season to go. Maybe the next LA. They just slide in & go the distance.
I can’t explain why they have been so bad but I had Anaheim to win the cup this season & though I have my doubts currently based on how they have played there is 1/2 a season to right the ship & I know Murray won’t stand pat. Perron is the 1st step, more are coming. Perrons’s quantity & quality of icetime is going to increase in Anaheim. My advise would be to trade for him but it might be to late & he has yet to play a game in Anaheim. I had him included as a toss in in 2 of my pools, the 1st 2 weeks ago the 2nd 9 days ago. I din’t see him being moved I just assumed his shooting % had to balance out over the 2nd 1/2 of the season.
Jets outta keep their captain. Ladd’s been doing fine in that role and he can still some.
Even though Ladd took out Roloson and cost my Oil the cup :v
I agree. I auction Buffy off to the highest bidder & resign Ladd if at all possible as long as the deal is acceptable. The issue is that with a maximum seating capacity of 15,295, limited corporate sponsorship available, salaries paid in US dollars, Winnipeg has cash flow issues even with their revenue sharing & a full house every night. They simply can’t afford to spend anywhere near the cap. If Ladd won’t take a deal at around 5 to 6 mil for 5 years Winnipeg can’t afford the contract. It’s unfortunate but no team plays in a worse NHL market demographically or is starting in worse position financially.
Yes their are numerous other teams in the NHL in far worse situations financially currently but their problems are thru their own creation, Carolina; 18,680,, NJ; 17,625, Florida; 19,250, & Arizona; 17,125, but their issues aren’t building, corporate sponsorship or Canadian dollar issues. They at least have the opportunity to create such as their buildings are bigger, the corporate market exists if they could capture it, they collect revenue in US dollars & the corporate sponsors would step up if they could solve their on ice problems. Winnipeg has it’s hands tied right out of the gate.
Had the NHL had any other option at the time the Thrashers were relocated over night they would have taken it. They were bankrupt & the NHL couldn’t get the board of governors to step up & bail out another franchise like they did with Arizona. The NHL did what it had to do. Winnipeg had to guarantee 5 years of full ticket sales as it was. Point of interest this is the completion of that 5 year agreement.
The one thing people must remember about all these big name free agents is they can go wherever they want. Buff and Ladd may want out of Winnipeg. Same for Stamos. It’s not all about money for some guys.
I’ve said it many times here before. The teams in the west are gonna be buyers. I have seen LA and Aniheim adding players, I can see the Desert Dogs and Calgary also searching. The latter in need of another goalie.
I can also buy into the rumors that LA is looking into Yandle. It makes sense if they want to stay ahead.
The oilier will be sellers but not to teams in the division, unless the deal is lopsided.
As for the Sharks, I would love to see them add Jeff Skinner. I think his style and potential could be a really good fit, and if they are serious about the playoffs they cant rely on Raffi Torres to stay healthy. They need a goal scorer and unless Tampa will settle for Mirco Mueller they don’t have the assets to acquire Drouin.
Vancouver is in a tough spot but if they add the right piece they could be right back in the mix. It would be tough for them to add the right elements without giving up too much. They are on the fence. The pacific division could easily become an arms race and I like it.
as a side note. J scott should play. I would watch the game if he did. I wont otherwise.
I think Vancouver should be in on Byfuglien if he hits the trade market. They have a need for a big defence man that can clear the front of the net, and Buffy has a great shot for the point on the power play. Move Hamhuis and Vrbata, and we’d have money to resign him too. Thoughts?
I would agree, tho I dont know if they have the cap space. I would wonder what they would have to give up? Baertschi maybe, or Jannick Hansen and some picks? I dont know their prospects, off the top of my head.
The issue becomes caps space. I just dont think there is room for the big man. I do agree it would improve the team.
Do you know that “if” is the middle word in life?
I think the Oilers will be looking at selling off guys like Nuge, Ebs, Schultz and Purcell at the deadline. Hamonic is almost a lock to be coming out west and Eberle could be the deal there. Purcell and Schultz will be straight up playoff rentals and nothing more. Nuge might be the most tricky to get done, the Oilers will command the most for him and most likely will not get done until the draft. The Oilers have a ton of money coming off the books this summer and with their two top centers in McDavid and Draisaitl needing deals in the next two years they will be most likely looking for veteran help. I hope they sign Backes in the offseason to help bring along the two.