Updates on Steven Stamkos, Rick Nash, Mike Hoffman, Alex Radulov, Cam Ward and more in today’s NHL rumor mill.
Latest on Stamkos, Nash, Radulov & the Stars.
Could the Rangers shop Rick Nash this summer?
WGR 550 (via TODAY’S SLAPSHOT): Citing the disappointing finish to the New York Rangers season, Friedman believes there’s a possibility they could try and move left wing Rick Nash this summer. He does note Nash’s no-trade clause allows him to control his fate.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: By moving Nash, the Rangers can free up much-needed room to re-sign their key free agents and perhaps add a top-four puckmoving defenseman who can skate on the right side. Despite the decline in Nash’s numbers this season, he’s still a big-name player who’ll attract interest in the trade market, provided he’s willing to waive his no-trade clause. One New York pundit (Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News) recently suggested shipping Nash to the St. Louis Blues for defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. Don’t be surprised if Nash’s name starts popping up more frequently in the rumor mill in the coming weeks.
SPORTSNET 960 (via TODAY’S SLAPSHOT): Elliotte Friedman wonders if the New York Islanders might take a run at Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos via free agency in July. He suggests the possibility of using Stamkos as a winger on center John Tavares’ line.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Isles have the cap space to pursue Stamkos, who grew up playing with Tavares. Such a move, however, could cost them over $10 million annually, eating up over half of their available cap dollars. It could also hamper efforts to re-sign Tavares before his UFA eligibility in two years time. Stamkos would have to skate at left wing, which he doesn’t seem to enjoy doing with the Lightning. The Isles need to find a suitable winger for Tavares, but I just don’t see Stamkos being the right fit.
Friedman also claims the Florida Panthers and Detroit Red Wings have interest in winger Alexander Radulov, who’s indicated his intent to return to the NHL after spending four seasons in the KHL. He also claims the Washington Capitals have denied interest in Radulov. Despite a persistent rumor linking the winger to the Colorado Avalanche, but a source said they’re not pursuing him.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Capitals link to Radulov was probably based on being a good fit with countrymen Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov. That’s the same as suggesting a Canadian player would be a good fit on a team with other Canadians on the roster. Nationality doesn’t mean players are going to work well together. Besides, the Caps have limited cap space and other issues to address.
As for the Avs, this speculation is tied to the fact he played for Avs coach Patrick Roy in the QMJHL over a decade ago. It doesn’t have anything to do with their real roster issues. They have to re-sign center Nathan MacKinnon and either re-sign or replace defenseman Tyson Barrie. I don’t see how adding Radulov helps them.
He also believes the Dallas Stars’ salary-cap space could leave them well-positioned to do some creative things to improve their roster. He also believes they’ll make a big push at re-signing captain Jamie Benn this summer to avoid questions about his future dogging the club next season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: They’ll need to get creative to address their goaltending, as they currently have over $10 million annually tied up in Kari Lehtonen and Antti Niemi for two more seasons. As for Benn, I won’t be shocked if he’s re-signed in July to an eight-year deal worth $10 million annually.
Updates on the Senators.
OTTAWA SUN: Ken Warren lists Jiri Hudler or Teddy Purcell of the Florida Panthers, Mikkel Boedker of the Colorado Avalanche, Matt Martin of the New York Islanders, David Perron or Jamie McGinn of the Anaheim Ducks, Darren Helm of the Detroit Red Wings and Patrick Eaves of the Dallas Stars as possible options for the Senators to bolster their depth at forward. He also suggests Dallas’ Jordie Benn or Andre Benoit of the St. Louis Blues as possible targets for their blueline.
Don Brennan recently reported Senators winger Mike Hoffman is pleased with the club’s hiring of Guy Boucher as head coach, citing how Boucher improved his play during their days in Junior hockey. Brennan also reports Hoffman and Senators management hope to get a “satisfactory, long-term deal” in place this summer. Hoffman is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boedker could be a good fit with the Senators, but he could cost $5.5 million annually on a long-term deal. Perron and McGinn would be more affordable options on shorter terms. As for Hoffman, it seems like his status with the club is changing. Nearly two months ago he seemed like a goner. Since Pierre Dorion took over as GM, however, there’s speculation the winger could get a new deal.
Ward faces uncertain future.
SPORTSNET: Luke Fox recently reported Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward could face an uncertain future. He’s an unrestricted free agent this summer. While Ward made it clear to Hurricanes management he’d love to stay “but the feeling has got to be mutual.” Hurricanes GM Ron Francis hasn’t ruled out re-signing Ward, but he also said the club could go in a different direction in goal.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I believe Francis wants to head in a different direction. Wouldn’t surprise me if he pursues James Reimer via free agency or Anaheim Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen via trade this summer. Ward should land with another NHL club this summer, but he’ll take to take a big pay cut from the $6.3 million annual cap hit of his current deal. He could find it difficult to get a deal longer than two years.
Players I would not touch with the proverbial 10-foot pole – in reference to Warren’s list: Perron – they have enough problems with a repeatedly-concussed player (MacArthur) without adding one who now also has shoulders woes; Benoit – they have enough “7th D” type on hand without adding one who is getting long in the tooth;Purcell – Boucher has to get Hoffman to pay more attention to his defensive responsibilities – why add another who fits the adage “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?” – Eaves – no thanks – if they didn’t already have an IR list they’d have to invent one for this guy.
I am with you on Benoit – he’s a pylon
Eugene “Willing to pay whatever it takes unless it is a year or two more on a coaches contract or term/$$$ on a UFA deal” Melnyk already feeding the media LOW expectations for UFA signings.
Baloney
Baloney? That’s Eugene’s favourite!
He also test drove a BMW but much prefers his Honda Civic!
Yuk Yuk.
Add Radulov to the no thanks for an nhl team after his last visit and team related suspension…Are the GMs with large wallets of Cap space THAT desperate?
I wouldn’t be surprised if all the Radulov hype has been manufactured by his own camp in an attempt to trick a GM into a desperation signing.
Or to negotiate a bigger deal in the KHL.
I’m beginning to think Stamkos isn’t getting over $9M from anyone. Not only due to the blood clot concerns, but last year GMs showed they had a lot more fiscal restraint than in the past, due to the cap.
I think the same will happen again; they’ll line up for Stamkos, but not at a price over $9M, as it’ll ruin all their current cap plans.
I seriously doubt that Stamkos will agree to be Tavares winger it’s already pretty much come out of Tampa that Stamkos wants to be the #1 Center somewhere. Can’t see Stamkos signing for $11 million in Brooklyn to be Tavares winger. And i can’t see Stamkos wanting to play 2nd fiddle to Tavares either. Stamkos wants to play close to home near Toronto i just can’t see him going to Brooklyn. But we shall see there will be tons of teams looking to acquire Stamkos this summer.
Where did you ever see a flat-out statement that Stamkos “wants to play close to home near Toronto?” Point to one reference where he ever even hinted at that!
Because Stamkos has stated numerous times that his dream is to play for his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs and i live outside of Tampa and it has come out. That if he doesn’t resign with Tampa then he wants to play close to home. It’s one numerous other sites that Stamkos wants to play close to home. He’s pretty much indicated that. But i still think he goes to the highest bidder and if that’s a west coast team then so be it. But i follow Stamkos quite a bit being a Tampa Bay Lightning season ticket holdwr and hear tons of things he’s out of Tampa and most likely heading home.
That business about “dreaming to play for his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs” is a classic example of something taken entirely out of context by media types – especially those based in Toronto – who thrive on wishful-thinking. Just about EVERY major NHLer who grew up in or around TO and is playing elsewhere is eventually asked “who was your favorite team growing up” and when they reply – as most do (they were impressionable kids after all) – “the Leafs” and may even add “when we were kids we all dreamed of putting on the blue and white” or words to that effect. What do you expect them to say – “anywhere but Toronto??” It’s a staple, safe answer to a staple question. But of course the media types then plaster it all over a column – or on air – that “so and so has his heart in Toronto and wants to come play here.” Ask yourself this, how many MAJOR UFAs have chosen Toronto since the concept came into effect? Short answer – damned few and those that did were years ago (Joseph? Belfour?) Stamkos also tweeted on the day that Boucher was named head coach in Ottawa that the Sens had gotten themselves a great teacher. Does that mean he wants to be offered a contract by the Sens? I don’t think so.
Brian Lawton, GM who drafted Stamkos, when asked if he thought SS would choose the Leafs: “I do. I really do. I think Steven is really close with this family. He loves Toronto. He loves Tampa, don’t get me wrong; he’s enjoyed it down there, he’s had wonderful experiences down there. But, in my opinion, I could see him wanting to play very badly in Toronto. I say that because I think Steven is a guy that wants big moments for himself to be involved in. He’s not a selfish guy; he’s very humble, but I still think that he sees himself on the biggest stage in the National Hockey League. And that would be Toronto. I don’t think it’s discomforting for him. Further to that, I think his family is there. The people he trains with are there. I think his agents are there. I think there is a lot of outside influence around him, that in their own view would like to see Steven in Toronto, too.”
Lol since when has Toronto been the ” biggest stage” in the nhl? 1967? Lol
Visions of grandeur never dies in Hogtown.
Stamkos won’t sign with a rebuilding team! He wants to be part of SC run now.
He doesn’t want to be on a team that’s a couple years away from playoffs let alone winning a round or two. Being close to home might be nice, but no way in hell is he signing in Toronto.
I’ll bet he stays in Fla.
Sign another David Clarkson type deal. He wanted to go home too! How’d that work out?
George of
Your hate for the leafs and there fans is comical.
Any chance you get to chime in on the leaf discussions or reply to fans replies are all met with negativity. Give it up, just because the Sens are irrelevant in most hockey senses and a budget team. Don’t take it out on people who are just excited about a city hopefully turning there hockey team around. I am a Hawks fan and have lived in Chicago for 25 years (originally St.Louis) and must say I’ve thought of Toronto as the hockey capital of the world ever since I can remember. This early 2000’s are still bothering you quite a bit?
I believe the Wings are going to go hard at Stamkos. Folks believe it will be Tronna, but I think Detroit is a better landing place for Stammer than the Leafs.
Stamkos is a hockey player and the Wings are a better hockey option right now than the Leafs. He’d be pretty close to home too.
“when we were kids we all dreamed of putting on the blue and white” or words to that effect. What do you expect them to say
If I was a reporter I would REALLY STIR the ‘pot’ by asking: ‘Do you mean the Nordiques, Mr. Stamkos?’
Lol an outrageous amount of money for a coach didn’t hurt either lol
The same thing was said about Babcock joining the leafs…remember it will never happen, he does not want to go to a rebuilding club and look where he ended up!
Shanahan said they will look at all avenues to improve club…stamoks is one of those.
Babcocks contract entered the stratosphere when compared to other contracts. Is Toronto prepared to offer Stamkos 13-16 million per year to entice him to come like they did when the bribed Babcock.
I was glad to hear Babcock’s comments in his recent interview about going after notable free agents. He said something to the effect “when we are ready (competitive) it makes sense, but not when we are still rebuilding.”
Which gives me a lot of hope that they will not be pursuing Stamkos.
They will have Matthews, Nylander & Kadri as their top 3 centres. They are better off focusing on their main area of needs; looking for a number one D man & young starting goalie.
I heard that also. And I agree with your statement that they should look for dmen & goalies. Although if stamkos returns and leads to a cup, that will all change fast. Not sure of his health though
He has never “led” TB to a cup in 8 years and has had far better players around him there for the past 3 or 4 than he’ll see in TO in the foreseeable future.
Nash 4 Marleau. Jk.
I love Helm’s game and would love him more in the Sens top 9. He’s very fast, defensively sound and can sneak in some PK time plus a great faceoff guy. A Pageau/Helm combo would be so deadly on the PK. The lines could look like:
Hoffman/Turris/Stone
Macarthur/Zibby/Ryan
Smith/Pageau/Helm
Puempel/Lazar/Neil
Chiasson gone in trade for 4th rounder, maybe, hofefully lol. Smith and Puempel can interchange. Helm adds a another veteran presence and I feel like he would be the kind of player that Boucher would like.
I take a look at Boedker too, but he’d be a lot more expensive than Helm, so I’d give the edge to him. Thoughts?
MacArthur on the 2nd line looks good on paper – but it seems this guy – unfortunately – is one solid hit away from long-term IR. It’s sad, but he wouldn’t be the first who never could get his career back on track due to head injuries. In his absence I think Smith has shown enough of a 2-way game to be a safe bet at 2nd line LW. As for Puempel, I think he’s been passed in the pecking order by both Dzingel and Paul. But I do hope they can somehow add a veteran LW either through trade or off the UFA heap who can play 3rd or 2nd line while those two continue to develop.
I’m fairly certain the time Stamkos spent as a winger in TB was as a RW!
& I could also be wrong but RW is a serious area of need for NYI but with Neilsen facing UFA status a 1, 2 punch of Tavares & Stamkos would be formidable.
All that said I don’t see Stamkos there, NYI that is. Not sure where he’s going but if Detroit can unload Datsyuk’s cap hit that looks to be a very good fit.
all depends on what’s more important to Stamkos – getting the $$$ or insisting on playing center. I really think he wants to play center and any team that pays him top bucks will want to make the decision on what he plays.
The best fit for Stamkos is a team already in the mix like NYI, Detroit, even Montreal, etc. That does not mean he doesn’t sign with the Leafs just that the best situation is elsewhere.
I am a Leafs fan so if he goes there the center position is set for quite a while and Bozak can still be turned into some asset. TO needs to get their goalie of the future and keep developing their prospects. Looks like there are enough forwards and possibly defense good prospects but now about goaltending.
TO might make the playoffs this year two years from now will provide the best indication of what the team will be?
toronto will sign Stamkos, the Leafs fans will demand it. 7 years 70M the leafs have the money and greater Toronto will erupt if its not used.
Hall will be traded for a legit defender for edmonton. simply because outside of Mcdavid the oilers have nothing else of real value that can get a top Pair defender with term
One thing I do know is that Toronto is not going to be influenced by the fans or pundits in any way.
Not with Lou Lamoriello calling the shots, that’s for sure.
Hall will not be traded and they have lots of other assets if needed in moves.
IDK what is going to happen to Stamkos. His health will be an issue. He will be a risky gamble.
If I were Dallas management wondering what to do with their goalie issue, I would phone the Leafs and see if they had interest in the following. Take Lehtonen (limited NTC)or Niemi (nothing) @ 50% salary plus middle pick and a semi-decent prospect for Laich or Michalek. Laich or Michalek would then be bought out by Dallas over two years rather than four for either of the goales. Toronto would put the whichever goalie down with Marlies with a cap hit of 1.5 to 2 million depending. Would make a decent injury callup for the Leafs or if necessary bought out after a year. Not doable if the Leafs win the Stamkos sweepstakes, but would otherwise fit in their 4/5 year rebuild arc. Gives Dallas some cap flexibility that they really need, and does not hurt the Leafs, while giving them some more assets to play with.
Stamkos signing with TO or Montreal … Habs have the space plus will trade Eller and Desharnais will be a UFA after next season so they will be alright
Though I believe Stamkos, will sign with TO. you can not leave out Buffalo which is also Close to his home. buffalo was all but 8 wins away from making the Playoffs and they have a young and talented core of players .. the addition of Stamkos would almost guarantee them a playoff Spot next year. Do the win the Cup.. Not next year.. but very soon. So dont underestimate the resolve .. of Buffalo GM to get Stamkos .. He did Get O’Reilly which no one include myself … though was possible. .. but again.. I still say it TO get him.. but Buffalo have a very good shot .. on landing him.