Latest on Eric Staal, Jonathan Drouin, Chris Kunitz, Mikkel Boedker, Kris Russell and many more in part one of your Sunday NHL rumor roundup.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM GARRIOCH’S LATEST “INSIDER TRADING.”
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Carolina Hurricanes will soon learn if captain Eric Staal is willing to waive his no-trade clause before tomorrow’s 3 PM ET trade deadline. There’s talk the New York Rangers would be a perfect fit because he’ll have the chance to play with his brother Marc.
Can the Lightning move Jonathan Drouin before the trade deadline?
The Rangers, Ottawa Senators, St. Louis Blues, San Jose Sharks and Winnipeg Jets are among the clubs with interest in suspended Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Jonathan Drouin. Lightning GM Steve Yzerman wants a return that can help his club immediately, plus a prospect or two.
The Boston Bruins must decide if they can either re-sign pending UFA winger Loui Eriksson, retain him for the rest of this season and risk losing him to free agency in July, or trade him before tomorrow’s deadline. If they trade him, there’s no guarantee they’ll get back a suitable replacement, plus it could hurt their playoff hopes. At this point, Garrioch believes it’s unlikely they’ll move him.
The Pittsburgh Penguins will try to move winger Chris Kunitz, but he has another year at $3.85 million left on his contract and that won’t be easy to move.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kunitz also has a modified no-trade clause, listing 22 teams he will accept being traded to. Despite that broad list, I don’t seem much of a market for a fading 36-year-old winger.
It’s believed winger Mikkel Boedker turned down a five-year deal worth $5.5 million annually from the Arizona Coyotes. Boedker, a pending UFA, could be traded before the deadline.
The Buffalo Sabres could shop pending UFA winger Jamie McGinn for a second-round draft pick.
It’s believed the St. Louis Blues contacted the Bruins and Coyotes about their available forwards but so far the asking prices are high. The Nashville Predators could also shop for a forward.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blues GM Doug Armstrong recently claimed his limited cap space could prevent him from making a significant deal. Unless it’s dollar-for-dollar or a rival club takes on more salary in a deal, Armstrong might not be able to add a forward.
The New York Islanders have shown “more than a passing interest” in former Islander and current Toronto Maple Leafs winger P.A. Parenteau.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Parenteau left last night’s game against Montreal due to muscle cramps. It’ll be interesting to see if that affects his trade value at all.
“Boston, Florida, Tampa, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Washington, Dallas., Colorado and the Islanders” are believed to have contacted the Calgary Flames regarding blueliner Kris Russell. Other defense options include New Jersey’s David Schlemko, Ottawa’s Patrick Wiercioch and Carolina’s Ron Hainsey. Vancouver’s Dan Hamhuis is also an option but he must first waive his no-movement clause. He’s reportedly interested in the Dallas Stars.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are believed willing to part with left wing Scott Hartnell and defenseman Fedor Tyutin.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: There was some Twitter buzz yesterday claiming the Blue Jackets and Nashville Predators were working on a deal involving Hartnell, but several reporters subsequently said there was nothing to it. Time will tell if this rumor had any legs.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SPORTSNET’S SATURDAY HEADLINES.
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports there’s no progress thus far in the Boston Bruins’ contract talks with Loui Eriksson. He claims the “Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues, Dallas Stars and potentially the Tampa Bay Lightning” could be among the clubs with interest in Eriksson. Those clubs are also pursuing Arizona’s Mikkel Boedker, who the Bruins could chase if they trade Eriksson.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: If the Bruins trade Eriksson they must get back a top-six winger to offset the loss of his offense. Either that, or a good young top-four defenseman plus a top prospect. Anything less could jeopardize their playoff hopes.
Friedman also claims the New York Rangers could be a trade destination for Carolina’s Eric Staal. Speaking of the Rangers, they’ve apparently told defenseman Keith Yandle he won’t be traded.
Damien Cox reports New Jersey Devils winger Lee Stempniak could be dealt before tomorrow’s deadline. He also claims the Toronto Maple Leafs are trying to trade unhappy defenseman Jared Cowen, who cleared waivers and was loaned to their AHL farm team but apparently isn’t going there. Cox suggests “maybe Chicago” as a destination for Cowen, perhaps in a salary swap for winger Bryan Bickell.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman said he was “probably done” dealing, but of course we can never full rule anything out. Still, I’m not sure Cowen’s a fit for the ‘Hawks. The only upset I can see is Cowen’s cap hit for next season is lower than Bickell’s, giving the ‘Hawks a bit more wiggle room under next year’s cap. That’s assuming Bickell will accept a trade to the Maple Leafs.
Friedman notes the Washington Capitals place defenseman John Carlson on LTIR, freeing up salary-cap space to enter the trade market.
SPECTOR’S NOTE : Until Carlson’s injury, I didn’t think they’d be very active after acquiring Mike Weber from Buffalo. That has likely changed, especially with Carlson going on LTIR. However, the Caps will still have to ensure they free up sufficient cap space when Carlson returns near the end of March.
John-Michael Liles, Dan Hamhuis and Kris Russell are believed in play in the trade market. Friedman said Hamhuis was linked to Boston and Dallas, while Cox suggested Russell could interest the Penguins.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Following the Penguins’ addition of Justin Schultz yesterday, they might not be in the market for another defenseman.
I think a Hamhuis trade will go down to the wire
So Boedker is gonna get a better deal on the open market than what was offered? Too bad for the Yotes he’s a good young player. Also wondering why the Flames aren’t pushing harder to keep Russell.
I think boedker just wants out of Arizona. the flames cant afford to keep Russell and having gio,Hamilton and Brodie he is expendable and should get a good return given the weaker dmen available at this deadline
He will be a hot commodity July 1
Don’t Look now but Boedker leads the LEAGE for regular F with a -28! No one else on the Coyotes at F comes even close. Not ONE. Maybe – just maybe – their staff see him as a one-way wonder who pays NO attention to back-checking. Just sayin’.
Eriksson and the B’s are far apart on a new contract in both years and money, will be a interesting day in Bruin land & I’m thinking there are other deals in the works for them
Loui Eriksson – It was reported late last night that both sides remain quite far apart in both term and annual $. I don’t think a deal gets down before Monday 3pm… His agent and even Eriksson both know what his value is set at on the open market. This is quite possibly his last good contract of his career, even if it means going to a team that’s not considered a perennial playoff contender to take the bigger contract 5-6 years at $6m + per, which a lot of people feel is where his value stands… I think he walks and does that.
Also, someone yesterday was saying that the Jiri Hudler trade for only a 2nd and 3rd round pick would hurt Eriksson’s value in the trade market. I tend to disagree with this, as I feel it helps Boston’s situation because it removes another player off the market and makes it difficult for teams looking to get that impact player for the playoffs or cup run. Any thoughts?
Agree that Eriksson won’t get signed. There is too much uncertainty over next years cap to give big $ and long term for a 30 yr old winger even though he is a good player. Anywhere between a small increase to an actual decrease in the cap means another year of restraint in the UFA market. Eriksson may not get what he wants, but I would do the same and test the market. Perhaps he is back in Boston closer to Sweeney’s term?
Plus Boston has real holes on the blue line that need to be addressed and will carry a significant cap hit. Marchand is due a significant raise after next season and I can’t see Boston letting him walk.
Also as per Lyle above they would want a good young top 4 D man in return plus a prospect. While I hope that happens I can’t see ANA or MIN doing that heading into post season. Who else has that to trade?
Replacing him with another top 6 winger is what he would want to do because he has to stay competitive for the playoffs, but why just switch him out?
My bet is he stays and they try to land Hamhuis. If that can’t happen they go with what they have and let the youngsters get some experience. They have plenty of “depth” D Men no point giving up something for that.
But then again, who the hell knows.
Hamhuis to me at this point in his career is a 2nd pairing defenseman. As much as I think that would help, he’s also the #1 defenseman on the market in terms of being traded or available. I think the Canucks know what they have in terms of valuable asset and will likely want a strong return. Not entirely sure Boston should do that type of a move. The Bruins could target an RFA winger or higher end winger prospect and no draft pick for Eriksson. It would be just switching him out as of right now but I think the point would be how it would affect them in terms of future. Allowing them the space to help fix the blue line (via trade, signing, ect.), signing Marchand, Spooner, Krug, and Pastrnak. Having a younger winger who they can sign for less money, not the same production or 2-way but lets see what the Bruins do.
No update on Hartnell? There was all kind of reports he had been moved to Nashville for picks and Kevin Fiala. Then poof… nothing. Anyone hear anything?
There were also reports late yesterday that Hamhuis to Dallas was happening and then something hung up… then nothing about it besides a Hamhuis to BOS now could happen. Hmmm.
As I noted above, Columbus Dispatch reporter Aaron Portzline claimed there was nothing to the “Hartnell to Nashville” rumors…at least not yet.
According to one report out of Nashville, absolutely nothing to the trade. Never talked, if you care to believe that, considering Hartnell was asked how he felt about going back to Nashville
Tough to put any stock in the things reported leading up the deadline… even yesterday it was reported by Travis Yost of TSN.ca that it’s extremely unlikely Eriksson moves and he will remain in Boston. Not sure I put a lot of stock in that because things quickly change. Not sure whether that was before or after the negotiations stalled… remains to be seen.
I think they should have traded him as soon as the ladd trade happened when the other contenders were like uh oh the hawks just got even better! lol I think loui will be moved out west just for less than ladd got
I think #21 will be moved out West as well, I do however disagree that the return will be less because Ladd alone did not get a 1st, Dano, and a conditional future pick… the Jets retained 36% in that deal, and packaged 2 other assets in Matt Fraser and Jay Harrison. So I think it’s really depending on what Boston decides to do. Eriksson alone gets you less than the Ladd deal but if they were to get creative… I think you’ll see similar value.
the salary retention this point in the year has very minimal effect on the trade they are ufas
The two “assets” were included in the deal to simply make the 36% retained Ladd salary a wash.
Comment”Elliotte Friedman reports there’s no progress thus far in the Boston Bruins’ contract talks with Loui Eriksson. He claims the “Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues, Dallas Stars and potentially the Tampa Bay Lightning” could be among the clubs with interest in Eriksson. Those clubs are also pursuing Arizona’s Mikkel Boedker, who the Bruins could chase if they trade Eriksson”
– While I do agree with Spector that BOS has to aim at getting a top 6 winger back to offset or a good top 4 D, I certainly don’t think it’s the only scenarios or the end of the world if they don’t. It really depends how they structure the trade, and Sweeney and Neely could get very creative here. I read something interesting yesterday regarding different scenarios and a lot of people haven’t really mentioned regarding Eriksson specifically because many were referencing the Blackhawks doing this in their recent spur of trades but retaining salary. Eriksson alone should net you a 1st round pick and higher end forward prospect but I think if the Bruins wanted to they could retain salary in a trade in order to boost Eriksson’s value. Also, they could certainly package some assets together with Eriksson to boost his value. I really feel strongly that there is at least 1 or 2 legitimate offers on the table that Sweeney and Neely can pull the trigger on if negotiations continue to falter.
Some people have also said that the Bruins can opt to just keep Eriksson in order to make a run into the playoffs (unsigned and not traded). I think this would be a huge mistake by management. Although I tend to agree that the East is very wide open with the exception of Washington… this team is not a cup contender and to lose Eriksson for nothing come the off season would affect the rebuild of this team. It would also (besides Morrow), put an end to the Seguin trade in which the Bruins have nothing to show for it. No conference finals, Stanley cup appearances, no pieces to build around or futures… it should be an opportunity for Neely to acquire another future asset for this team that the Bruins can sell to their fanbase and try and pick up the pieces of that horrible move.
to me it seems the Bruins have enough offense and also have Frank Vatrano in the minors who is playing well and scoring goals…..
They also have Seth Griffith down in AHL and he’s put together a good season. 58 pts in 45 games and a +8. They certainly have wingers in the pipeline as well. Wingers are the most expendable asset IMO, wingers rely on centers, defenseman are always more valuable, and goalies you build your team around.
D’s win championships is all so true
Well, My wish list of Weise is gone. I’m wondering what now for NY? I’m guessing Staal is their primary target at this point. Unless they pull off a trade nobody seen coming. As long as they don’t sacrifice anything stupid, I won’t mind Staal so much. I’m guessing the return should be somewhat similar to what Calgary got for Hudler?
What is the Rangers cap situation because Staal carries a huge cap hit. Also, the Hudler trade had $0 retained salary in the move for a 2nd and 4th… if Carolina has to retain salary to make the trade work for the Rangers then I think it’ll take more than a 2nd and 4th to make it work.
the salary retention isn’t a big stumbling block this late in the year with upcoming ufas the actual money is minimal I don’t think it hurts or helps the value of the trade at this point
NY has around 4.8 at the deadline, which is enough to cover Staal at the deadline. I’m not sure what they have if NY decides to ltir Nash retroactive to his injury date.
Staal’s cap hit though is around $8.45m am I mistaken? Doesn’t the NHL team taking on the player have to be able to work in the cap hit not just the salary owed to the player? Also, I disagree I think salary retention at the deadline definitely plays a big role not only in return but destination. It opens up different opportunities for the team by retaining salary if the receiving team needs it and can give the other team the chance to go after another player. As many has just seen the Blackhawks do, with very limited cap space and were able to work in multiple deals that people couldn’t figure out how and a lot of that was because of retained salary.
You don’t take the full cap hit for the entire year, you take the remainder of it…. Hudler has a 4.0 cap hit, but Florida is only on the hook for 925k. Last year Arizona retained 1/2 the hit on Yandle, But NY was only charged about 600k of that 2.625 hit.
No you dont take on the full AAV only whats remainimg but a teams available capspace at the deadline and end of the year are also projections and not necessarily a true picture of whats left, salary retention is a pretty big thing to ,make most of these trades work.
for the team trading the ufa retaining salary isn’t gonna affect the trade pay him what he is owed the rest of the season and lose him for nothing or hold a bit of salary get picks or prospect instead of nothing! pretty simple
Omg does it ever ends with this Eric staal nightmare coming to the Rangers?! Please we don’t want him. I don’t care if it “would be nice for him to play hockey w his brother”. Let’s not give up any of our young talent or what’s left of our draft picks for this stiff. Honestly.. One staal w a ntc is enough.
You can rest easy, the Eric Staal “nightmare” is finally over…;)
Nyr4life… How can you be ok with giving up picks, young players.. Based on history of prior debacles made by Rangers for aging guys that don’t win us the cup.
I didn’t say players, I said similar to Hudler…. A 4th and a 2nd. Matt, you keep talking about NY trading for “aging players”….are we talking Neil Smith 1990’s or the one aging player (St.Louis) in recent years? Because Yandle, Moore, Nash, Klein are examples of roster players NY traded for…..and not one of them was over 27 at the time of the deals……?
“As long as they don’t sacrifice anything stupid, I won’t mind Staal so much. I’m guessing the return should be somewhat similar to what Calgary got for Hudler?”
Omg does it ever ends with this Eric staal nightmare coming to the Rangers?! Please we don’t want him. I don’t care if it “would be nice for him to play hockey w his brother”. Let’s not give up any of our young talent or what’s left of our draft picks for this stiff. Honestly.. One staal w a ntc is enough.
Why would Eric Staals NTC matter? Are they going to trade for him today to try and trade him away tomorrow? LOL. …He’s an ufa at the end of the year….His NTC wouldn’t really mean anything.
You know, you can correct someone else’s percepotion without the mocking and ubiquitous “lol”
Get off your pedestal george!!!!
You are one of the most condescending people on this page, yet u have a problem with lol ?……. Lol!!!
I was talking about marks ntc.. And exactly.. Give up young talent and picks for a playoff push? Pretty sure we’ve done that the last two seasons… Msl… Yandle…
You think Duclair and that 1st rounder pushed NY over the top this year? ….Who are these “aging players”….St. Louis was an aging player….not players….. I’m used to the Redden, Drury, Gomez, Lindros, Fleury, Holik comments from non Ranger fans……But that was then this is now. Callahan had to go, St.Louis helped push them to the cup finals the 1st year…..Not an ideal trade, but either way Callahan was either gone or getting grossly overpaid from NY.
I dont think that pushed them over the top last year and neither did Yandle (we will see about this year but I wouldnt hold my breath) down the road I think Duclaire and a first makes the Rangers a better team than a guy who will likely not play for the team…lol
Well consider Duclair wasn’t even NHL eligible at the time of the deadline, I’d say Yandle brought them a little closer than Duclair would have……
I’m sure Seguin would make Toronto better than Kessel would today……. Shticky, Let’s both hold our breath for our teams and see who turns blue 1st….lol I keed, I keed!!!
Its happening….lmao
All indications point toward Eric Staal going to the New York Rangers. Approvals required, but seems likely.
Tweeted Dreger
gotta get my depends cause I think I may need em after this one….
2 2nds and a b prospect by the sounds of it
No roster players and 2-2nds still isn’t as bad as the Kessel deal…. Did I forget to mention Carolina hold 50%?
So in a 5 year span the Rangers have a total of 1 first round pick dealt away 2 prospects they took with 2 3rd round picks and now no seconds for 2 more years and a total of 11 picks that all accept 1 comes in the third round or later…..better hope this Staal thing pans out cause there are some mighty lean years ahead.
Whats even better is the 3 guys they dealt away that majority of that for wont be there next year. Sure Kessel cost 2 first but least he stuck around for awhile and brought back a first plus when he was dealt.. 2 1st 2 nds 3 rds for giys who got no return and played for th team for less than 3 years. Best of luck.
Shticky, If you weren’t a Leaf fan, I’d take this a little more serious….What does Toronto have to show for the last decade + of their horrible moves? ZERO….. 1 playoff year? And still making the same kind of moves as a contender? LMMFAO!!!! Please!!!!
You can spin the Kessel fiasco any way you choose…. Would you rather those picks or Seguin? ????? Nothing but hot garbage in Toronto…… For what ….a decade? And how much longer another 4-5-6 years? Your playoffs are unloading the garbage contracts Toronto has been involved with for YEARS….. Thats what gets you all you can even get excited about in the near future. You make Edmonton fans have hope!
When I’m here cheering NY’s 7 year rebuild plan….someone please just shoot me!!!!!!
Like a lot of fans, You keep waiting for NY’s “window to close”….because of Lundqvist. Failing to acknowledge he is EVERY bit of an elite guy as your homeboys Brodeur or Roy……His numbers are pretty much identical to his career this year….but…..wait till that shoe falls off…..Call me when Toronto doesn’t tank out….. Not like they had to make all these trades to make that happen…. They were well on their way with Kessel, Reimer, Phaneuf …etc….Just less salaries, same result!
1 cup since 1941 and that was over 20 years ago man…and you talk like they are some kinda dynasty? Not everyone is jealous of the Rangers and the Rangers have had some mighty lean years aswell soo…lol congrats on making the playoffs. Tho great accomplishment. Lol yep Im a Leaf fan one that can admit that management makes mistakes and kinda laugh about it.
I find Boston to be in a unique situation, unlike teams outside the playoffs, they want to deal their ufa’s to get something, the best deal possible. The Bruins are in a playoff position and can just keep Ericksson as their own rental; therefore, teams wanting Ericksson know Boston would like to deal him but there isn’t going to be a 3pm discount, oh this is the best deal out there better take it attitude. The best two proven players are Boedker and Ericksson, if Boedker falls first, then that leaves Loui, I know people have said Ladd has set the market but if your a cup contending team and Ericksson is the best available option, what will you be willing to give at 2:45pm on Feb 29th to get that asset. For Boston the worst thing is you gamble and get nothing, but you still have the asset on a playoff team, your own rental.
caper I just look at when vanek was traded to the habs right at the deadline it a 2nd and a c prospect it can hurt leaving it till the end
My hopes are that the Bruins either sign Eriksson for a reasonable term and $, not market value obviously because I think down the road after next season it hurts the team and limits them once again. If he’s not signed then what SHOULD be done is to move the player regardless of being in a playoff spot or not. He’s a valuable asset. I also agree with bigbear in that it can also hurt a team by waiting until the end of the deadline. If the Bruins have an offer today and its fair, I’m all for moving him today and not waiting until Boedker gets moved. Boedker moving would likely take another team off the list of suitors and I don’t want that. I want as many options as the Bruins can have in terms of offers and destinations.
I don’t disagree with you guys, except Boston doesn’t have to except a forced deal. Worst case we keep Ericksson and see what Sweeney adds. I would prefer the trade because Loui isn’t in the long term plans, but they won’t settle for a Vanek Like deal and the other teams know that. My gut feeling he’s traded and it will be for a better deal then the Jets got for Ladd, my thinking behind that is some one will over pay to keep up with Chicago and it may be a matter of playing the game of Chicken or who blinks first. We’ll all know soon enough.
It seems hard to believe that Sidney would let Kunitz be traded.
I agree liz