NHL Rumor Mill – January 29, 2020
Should the Canadiens ship Max Domi to Toronto for Kasperi Kapanen? Are the Bruins eyeing a Ducks winger? Is interest growing in Brenden Dillon? Check out the latest in today’s NHL rumor mill.
DOMI FOR KAPANEN?
TVA SPORTS: Jean-Charles Lajoie believes the decline in Max Domi’s production in his contract year should concern Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin. Taking note of the 24-year-old winger’s streaky scoring, he thinks they can’t build a champion team with Domi.
Nevertheless, Lajoie believes Domi is among several Canadiens who would be attractive to other clubs before the Feb. 24 trade deadline. He suggests shipping Domi to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Kaspari Kapanen, who could have great chemistry with fellow Finns Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Joel Armia, while Domi would return to the city where his father was a star.
Should the Montreal Canadiens offer Max Domi to Toronto for Kasperi Kapanen (Photo via NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Could Bergevin listen to trade offers for Domi? I wouldn’t rule it out. Will he get one that entices him to trade Domi before the deadline? Probably not. Will the Leafs swap Kapanen for Domi? No. They need to bolster their blueline depth. Trading Kapanen for Domi won’t address that issue.
BRUINS PURSUING KASE?
BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy cites an NHL source suggesting the Bruins could be looking at Anaheim Ducks winger Ondrej Kase. The Ducks are open for business and let it be known the 24-year-old Kase could be available for the right price.
Sweeney’s source claims Bruins general manager Don Sweeney and Ducks GM Bob Murray have discussed what that price could be. No word on what Murray could seek, but with his club set to rebuild, the asking price could be draft picks and/or prospects.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t think it’s a certainty the Ducks move Kase, but I don’t rule it out. Several pundits reported Murray wasn’t going to engage in a total roster teardown, but he’s willing to listen on certain players. Kase could be among them. Given his injury history, however, I don’t think he’s the winger to bolster the Bruins’ second-line scoring punch.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM TSN’S LATEST “INSIDER TRADING” SEGMENT
TSN: Darren Dreger reports the Winnipeg Jets are in the market for a specific top-four defenseman. It could be a rental player or one with term on his contract. Complicating things is Dustin Byfuglien’s situation hasn’t been resolved plus injuries to Adam Lowry and Bryan Little. If the latter comes back into the mix, Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff might have to move a current roster player to add that top-four blueliner.
Pierre LeBrun believes San Jose Sharks rearguard Brenden Dillon could be among the Jets’ trade targets. He said half-a-dozen teams have expressed interest in Dillon, including the Bruins and the Carolina Hurricanes. He suspects the asking price will be a second-round pick and perhaps a prospect.
LeBrun also reported there haven’t been any contract discussions between the Ottawa Senators and pending UFA Jean-Gabriel Pageau. He doubts the Senators can get a first-round pick for Pageau if he’s put on the trade block, but suggested perhaps a conditional second-rounder that becomes a first if Pageau re-signs with the acquiring club.
The Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers and maybe the Calgary Flames could pursue Pageau. None of those clubs are guaranteed to make the playoffs, so they’ll be leery about overpaying for a rental player.
LATEST ON THE DEVILS
THE ATHLETIC: Corey Masisak reports Travis Zajac and Andy Greene recently met with New Jersey Devils interim GM Tom Fitzgerald to discuss their respective futures. Zajac has a year remaining on his contract while Green is an unrestricted free agent. Both have no-trade clauses. Zajac confirmed he rejected a recent trade opportunity, adding he wants to remain with the Devils.
Masisak also explored the trade market for pending UFA defenseman Sami Vatanen. The Devils could get a second-round pick and perhaps another asset in return. He speculates the Vegas Golden Knights and Nashville Predators could be suitors.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Vatanen lacks no-trade protection and will be the easiest of the three to move if he’s not re-signed before the trade deadline. If Zajac and Greene don’t want to leave, there’s nothing Fitzgerald can do unless he tells them they won’t be re-signed. Even that might not sway them.
SABRES STILL SHOPPING
THE BUFFALO NEWS: Lance Lysowski reports Buffalo Sabres GM Jason Botterill will push to add to his roster ahead of the trade deadline if his club gains ground in the standings over the next three weeks. He said he’s still trying to add to his roster, hoping to add a forward with speed.
Doing so won’t be easy, as the Sabres have limited salary-cap space. They also haven’t found any takers for defenseman Zach Bogosian and forward Evan Rodrigues, who’ve both requested a trade.
Good morning
LEAFS
No thank you to Max Domi for Kappy ….
I know Kappy is not lighting up the NHL right now …but he has amazing talent a very accurate shot and makes plays …and has some of the best wheels in the NHL …..while his consistency is an issue… he is underrated !
I would do Kappy for Josh Anderson..however…
I think that would be a tough pill to swallow as Iam a Kappy fan …but the need for a heavier team going into the playoff drive is a must for the Leafs ..now and long term….BUT…. if I can make any deal and use Andreas Johnson & Kerfoot in a deal to upgrade I would go that direction first and try and save Kappy !
Trevor Moore and the amazing emergence of Engvall has given them some options …
My proposed deal would be :
Johnson and Ceci for Anderson and Ryan Murray …
If I am trading Kappy it has to be for Dumba, Manson Ristolainen or Brayden McNabb …for me anyways..IMO
DEVILS
I have tried to watch as many Devils games as I can on the NHL network as I know they will be sellers…. so Iam trying to watch closer to see of any potential deals for teams….
I have to say one player that I would LOVE to make a deal for is Nikita Gusev……this kid is an …..” ELITE ” passer has very slick hands and thinks the game really well at speed ..that combined in a top 6 roll with players of better skill to compliment his style of game where you have finishers ..he could be lethal …he would be on my wish list for a team that needs a SERIOUS play maker
…HELLO…. OILERS …this kid flipped or double shifted on the top 2 lines with Mc D and Draisaitil would be an amazing acquisition …IMO …
Id over pay just a little bit for that experiment.
Cheers
No to Domi. I don’t want to look at and hear from Tie every Leafs broadcast.
The leafs would have to add a fair bit more than kap for domi
I was thinking the Habs would have to add a little for Kap.
max for kappy no way.kappy is young,hits the net with almost every shot,faster then heck and just getting better.max brings -well my dad punched people for you.max brings stupid penalty mins torontos defence cant fend off.so had nope
Hi Kal El
Yes I’d love JA on Leafs
Kappy for JA is reasonable IMO
Don’t see a Domi/Kappy flip in the cards
Leafs Cup
window starts next year so all moves need to be geared to that window
I’m on board for any leaf trade that
1) brings back a young player with term (or has retained rights); and/or
2) does not include a UFA; and/or
3) is geared towards (a) better team Cap balance (not 1/2 spent on 4 forwards; and/or (B) improves D long term ; and/or (c) improves back up
Best moves fir Leafs are this summer
Panic moves done now either to ensure making playoffs and/or in the hopes of winning round one
; should not be explored IMHO
Cheers
Kapi for Domi … I am afraid I would have to pass. Domi has nearly double the games Kapanen has played and shown greater consistency over them in spite of the fact that inconsistency is something both players are charged with. Domi runs around 0.68 points per game versus Kapenen’s 0.45. Not a massive difference but I’ll take Domi’s intangibles for the Habs over Kapanen’s speed.
I have been a Kapanen fan since the start — though the Leafs aren’t “my” team — but I’m starting to wonder if he is going to realize his potential.
On the other hand, I fully acknowledge the possibility that Kapanen as a shooter might be exactly what either Suzuki or Kotkianemi might need on their wing.
I also acknowledge I see no skill need for Domi on the Leafs though I think he could play with them. But he would certainly up the passion and compete level.
Dumbas made a mistake trading Kadri because with passion. Yes Kadri did dumb things, but I’ll take a hard pass on Domi he’s worse than Kadri and far less talented
@Bob
I understand how you feel about the Kadri subtraction but he really did not help himself in To.. But I also think he was scapegoated.
Kadri doesn’t quite have twice Domi’s games played and is at 0.64 ppg. He is weighted to goals over assists by far. Domi is a more creative player in my eyes but that’s just personal preference.
Hoping the Leafs can work it all out. The fine hockey loving fans of Toronto deserve it … but go Habs go!
Shaun you’re looking at it just for stats which is fine but Kadri was also a great shut down guy. McDavid finally scored a goal in Toronto it’s also the first game he didn’t have to face Kadri. Kadri brings more to the game than Domi ever will. Kappy kills penalties and has the added dimension of great speed. I’ll keep Kappy
Not for mcnabb but yes for the other 3. Leafs have to add to get dumba
@ Wendel17higgins
I understand where your at ..with McNabb..I love this guy …and I also like the history with him and Muzzin in the same organisation and team in LA
…If iam signing Muzzin..Id like to compliment him with McNabb if available …is my thought process on that …he is a big guy great cap hit and a steady eddy …would be the perfect pick up for Leafs IMO …and saves them money elsewhere …but fills the void and need long term …the other 3 are heavier term and AAV and no history ..with a present player.
Meh ….
Cheers
If Pageau is made available at the trade deadline it will be because he and his agent firmly believe that, when the UFA bidding starts later this spring, he will get something north of 4 years term and $4.5 mil per. So, for anyone taking him on, it will be as a pure rental.
With that in mind, I’d say these are the teams most likely to go down that road since they’ll have more than enough to accommodate what’s left at that point of his current $3.1 mil cap hit (projected cap space shown in brackets):
Teams that SHOULD make the playoffs
Colorado ($6,788,801)
Islanders ($5,898,538)
Tampa Bay ($2,863,111)
Pittsburgh ($1,904.011)
Teams in a dogfight to make the playoffs
Columbus ($6,789,762)
Winnipeg ($5,213,261)
Calgary ($1,958,584)
Edmonton ($1,258,269)
Carolina ($1,195,837)
@ GEORGE ..O
One great upside for Pageau and the SENS…this year …is that the availability for a center man …both VIA trade and or UFA is dry …
This gives more options for a better return RIGHT NOW ….Sens have to take the best deal before deadline …and then try and resign after the year is over… IMO …you will most likely have a bidding war him …over the next month …the Stars have aligned for the Sens this year for sure …to better this all ready very high quality rebuild !
Love the direction they are going and the players they have in the system ..and the future Captain in Tkachuck ..and to think Bergevin passed on him …LMAO !
Kal El, he could be one of those UFA rarities who are traded somewhere … and then return in the off-season to their original team. But only if he and his agent are realistic. Yeah, he’s having a good season, but that comes from playing top 1 or 2 minutes and lots of pp time. Things he wouldn’t necessarily get if signing with a team a lot deeper in talent than is Ottawa at the moment. With the likes of Logan Brown, Batherson, Chlapik etc getting ready to take the next step, I simply would not give Pageau anything over 4 years and in excess of $4.2 mil.
Hi George
I agree with your analysis on JGP and potential trade list
I don’t necessarily see Pens on Pageau unless they are flipping Bjug back in the trade
BTW … Pens have considerably more space than that due to Guentzel
… he won’t be back by YE; so Pens; through LTIR ; can spend his amount
A dump of G-Chuck ; even at 50% retained; frees up even more
My best guess right now for JGP on morning after TDL
Sens … 50%
Isles … 25%
One of Jets/Flames/Oil 20%
Other -5%
Hey Pengy, you seem to be the most knowledgeable with the Pens, so what would you think about them sending Galchenyuk to Buffalo for Sheary? Pitts would either have to retain some salary or Buff could add Rodriguez to even it out at the Pens could add a late pick 5th or 6th.
Sheary’s not a lot more than Gally, but returning to the team he won two Cups with, and having familiarity with most the roster could get him back to where he was before going to the Sabres.
Buffalo gets a chance to tryout Gally before he hits free agency and would put him back at his natural position at center.
Both UFAs (Rodriguez an RFA) and all unlikely to be resigned by there current teams.
Any thoughts?
Hi AdamBuffalo
Twer it moi…. done and done
However in reality; I don’t see Botteril moving on G-Chuck
Both on pace for about 28/29 points; Sheary pacing for maybe 3 more goals than G-Chuck
As you said; Both UFAs; Buff tighter to Cap; Sheary $3.0M; G-Chuck $4.9 M
Chi Chi’s little brother Evan; is $2.0 M and as you said; RFA
If it’s ER and CS for G-Chuck (with no retention); to be honest; I’d think Pens need to add a 3rd or prospect (because ER is RFA)
Pens (due to Guentzel being on LTIR) have way moreCap flex than Buff and Botteril
Fairer trade (though I don’t see it happening) IMHO:
Same players flipped; Pens retain 20%….. Buff/Botteril gain $1.08 M (annual rate) in Cap room ; no added pick (from Pens) moved
Pens gain depth forward RFA at expense of losing some Cap space
Buff gains same said Cap space at expense of relinquishing a depth RFA Fwd
Regardless ; Pens would still need to pick up a top 6 winger to replace (some of) Guentzel production; and I still think they should get a depth/3LD
BTW …. I’m still reeling from the Botteril steal of Montour for a 1st and Guhle ☹️
By the way ….
Dubas and the leafs need to eat their lunch …and make Tyson Barrie available at the deadline ….they SHOULD NOT resign this guy for anything …and need to flip this asset 1000% on or before Feb 24th…Experiment is OVER!
But who would want him ? He has some offensive talent, but it a huge liability in his own zone – that’s why the Av’s were so motivated to get rid of him, and found a patsy in Dubas.
@ IAGO
That is the issue for sure ….but Iam sure a deal can be worked out somewhere …its not like he is Dion Phaneuf ..LOL
Kal El, with Barrie being a UFA at season’s end, there won’t be a lot left on the Leaf’s portion of his cap hit, which was only $2,750,000 to begin with seeing as how Colorado holds the other half of his $5.5 mil.
There may well be a team well-stocked on defense-first type blueliners who see a need for an offensive-type who think they can provide the necessary on-ice “protection” – but sifting through the potential buyers of rentals who aren’t encumbered by their own cap problems, I’m damned if I can pick one out. Maybe someone else can see such a dance partner.
I think the Leafs have him until the end. He’ll be next summer’s Gardiner.
I am not sure if the Bruins will go after a Dman, but with Miller supposedly coming back, it is surprising to me they are mentioned in the Dillion Rumors. That being said he is some added toughness they could use back there.
And I do not think Kase is a scoring winger they need.
Greatgonzo, i don’t think they know if Miller is coming back and Dillion will provide some much needed toughness on the back end. Also agree not sold on Kase, i don’t believe he’s an upgrade over Bjork.
I 100% agree that he adds that toughness. I like the idea, they are doing to have to look at moving out one of their smaller D or a guy Kampfer to save on the cap.
I just wish that they would go after that scoring forward now and not wait more weeks. Playing together will only get better.
If they don’t get Palmeri, I hope they get Toffoli.
with Vegas seeking a Dman would Tuch in VGS be affordable for BOS??
Vegas is so top 9 contract heavy at the moment.
That would give Boston a few years of a player at reasonable term
Moore & Heinen??
I like Moore, more (no pun intended) then some of the other dman, but at the end of the day he is likely the guy that has to go just based on actual money per year and contract length, to pick up someone like Tuch.
I am not sure he is the guy I would go for, but you never know what happens.
The leafs should be considering Byfuglien or T.J Brodie, we don’t need offense.
Anybody else excited to Watch the Calgary – Edmonton game tonight? Or we it be much to do about nothing?
Should be a beauty, Caper.
The game is to important for both teams in the standings, plus Daly and Parros are attending the game. I don’t expect anything to happen. Kassian should just put this on the back burner and then get the little puke at a later date. 😉
Wonder who is going to fleece Kyle Dubas at the deadline….
You mean at any time don’t you. Dumbas likes to beat the rush
What would it take to get Rakell out of Anaheim? He is the guy I would target if possible
A lot. Anaheim is rebuilding. The guy has speed, size and two 30+ goal seasons under his belt – is still just 26 y/o and is on a cap-friendly $3,789,444 which doesn’t run out until the end of 2021-22. He’s the type you build around – not give up for prospects/picks. Unless the offer is overwhelming.
I doubt Rakell is going anywhere
Hi Kent
Re what it would take to acquire Rakell…. here’s my hope
GMJR has compromising photos of Murray; gets him hammered ….. JJ (50 % retained) + G-Chuck + 1st …. for Rakell
Odds of happening ……
.00000000000000000001 %
Joking aside
RR: 26, fast, on pace for 21-29-50; twice has scored 30 + goals ; two more years at $3.8 M…..
From Pens it will take
Bjug
1st
Laffy or Simon
Higher odds (than my above ludicrous trade) of happening; but still not happening
The Barrie trade got me thinking, and that’s not a bad idea. Leafs defence is what it is, so it’s not really better or worse with him. Reilly, Muzzin, Dermot and Holl are as good(bad) a top 4 Leafs have had in a lot of years. If they can get a 1st and a prospect, why not. Flip that in June for a defenceman.
Barrie and what to ANA for Manson? Manson slots next to Reilly. Manson signed for a few more years.
Muzzin & Holl next to eachother
Why would Anaheim do that? Barrie is a UFA at the end of the year and can be had later in the spring for nothing more than cash – IF they even want him.
Meanwhile, they sure don’t need him now since they aren’t going anywhere near the playoffs.
As for getting a 1st for Barrie as suggested by YesGuy – that is over-reaching by a country mile! Again, not only will NO team relinquish that for a guy they can get for just money later in the spring, IF they want a defensive liability on the blueline, I seriously doubt anyone can pin-point one team that will even give up a prospect to get him at this stage.
Come on guys. Let’s be realistic here.
@George
I was not suggesting a Barrie for Manson straight swap. So VERY realistic.
I was asking what in addition. Other pieces that may interest ANA in their rebuild. Younger D? Younger forwards? Better draft picks? etc. More cost effective options.
Barrie also can be flipped as you alluded to for additional things to help rebuild.
Just suggesting a retool on the fly and seeing what else TML may give up that ANA may want.
Barrie (low cap hit if traded and may rediscover his confidence out west) to edm for pulijarvi or whatever his name is. Gives edm pp boost to and in playoffs and leafs recovery an asset with some potential next year for a guy that didnt fit.. Sandin stats up.
Bruins trade rumors the last month or two seem to be focused on a scoring winger a tough bottom 6 forward & last week a Dman with size to handle opposing forwards in the playoffs,Don’t think they will bring in all three needs but I would except two …..
Boroweiscski and Pageau to the Bruins for conditional 2nd round and a B level prospect.
Solves their center issue – their winger issue – secondary scoring issue – and adds some team toughness because Chara can’t be doing that anymore.
Done deal! Send em over.
The Bruins wish!
Dark G
I guarantee that if you can arrange that deal; both BBB AND ShoreOrrPark will be buying you rounds
….. and as a Leafs and Pens fan …. from me ….. “No soup for you”!!
The only “rounds” BBB will be part of is spring golf.
A second for Kovalchuk? 🤭
Snicker
It’s something only a murse would laugh at! ……..snicker. I guess you know more than bob Mackenzie eh shore? You sure think you do lol
I was actually laughing with you bbb. You suckered another into thinking your a bruins fan. You act like an abused dog sometimes. Chill.
Not even Dorion would stoop that low.. say what you will about the structure of Ottawa’s management system, but only Chiarelli would trade a 25 goal scorer and a shot blocking machine for a 2nd round pick and a prospect not likely to do anything.
well, maybe Mike Milbury as well … but not only that, but a 1st round pick that figures to be near the bottom of the 1st round? Along with a player (B prospect) who likely wouldn’t even rank in the Top 25 of Ottawa’s current pool of prospects?
Not a chance in Hades.
Sons of Dis! George, I forgot all about Milbury haha. Spent too many days watching the look of pure hatred on Nick Kypreos’ face every time George Strombolopolous opened his VJ mouth on Hockey Night.
How about this since the Sabers are looking for a speedy F: AA and a 3rd to Buffalo for Bogo and their 1st.
Wings get a 2nd 1st rd pick and a dman, sabers get their speedy forward, 2.14m cap space and trade a player asking for it.
That is a risky move if you’re the Sabres! That 1st round pick could end up being near, or in, the top 10 of the draft, in a very deep draft… I doubt the Sabres give up their first rounder this year at all, let alone for a project.
Yup. Only works if lotto protected in some way.
Some here question if Kreider is worth a 1st to a playoff team…..but Athanasiou will get a 1st plus a d-man from a non playoff team? 5g 14a -35?????
Yikers!
Just one question on what planet was Tie Domi a star oh yah the one with the leafs figures
Depends on what they think he starred in… hockey? No. Burgaling turds? Mega star.
Yeah, but remember the “night” they gave him” To the melodious strains of Frank Sinatra he did it “hiiiiisssssss waaaaay” – has to rank right up with there with the all-time embarrassing moments for a franchise.
The Leafs have quite a few “moments” to choose from.
Do you know what the leafs need? They need some more soft, brittle, floaters who fish for pucks along the boards, and compete with passion every 3-5 games.
Other suggestions: since they essentially traded kessel and paid a chunk of his salary for years after that for Kapanen it would make sense to trade Kapanen for a nice slow stay at home defender that will single handedly bring the Stanley cup to Toronto.
Needs: one solid checking line who can hit, an experienced physical blueliner, a backup who can stop a beach all, and no more Taylor swift songs in between periods for the millennials.
By the way paragraphs 1 and 2 were tongue in cheek. Last paragraph is serious.
But then what do I know…I don’t listen to Taylor Swift for inspiration. And neither does my Aunt Sally who throws more body checks in road hockey than most on this team except for Muzzin and Hyman.
Taylor Swift?? No clue – of course, I’m so damned old I felt “left behind” when they started playing Queen’s We Will Rock You and Steam’s Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye.