NHL Rumor Mill – May 23, 2020
Could the Sharks trade Tomas Hertl or Kevin Labanc? Should they make a pitch for Rangers goalie Alexandar Georgiev? Check out the latest Sharks speculation in today’s NHL rumor mill.
THE ATHLETIC: In a recent mailbag segment, Kevin Kurz was asked about the possibility of the San Jose Sharks trading Tomas Hertl. The 26-year-old forward carries a $5.625-million annual average value through 2021-22 and his modified no-trade clause (three-team trade list) doesn’t kick in until next season. While one can never say never, Kurz doesn’t see the Sharks moving Hertl.
San Jose Sharks winger Kevin Lebanc (Photo via NHL Images).
Kurz was also asked about how much Kevin Labanc could receive on his next contract. The 26-year-old winger is a restricted free agent completing a one-year, $1-million contract and has arbitration rights, but the decline in his production this season could hurt his efforts to land a lucrative new deal. Kurz wouldn’t offer more than $3 million to $4 million annually, but he wonders if the Labanc camp would accept it. He considers the winger a prime trade candidate.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sharks general manager Doug Wilson could surprise us by moving Hertl before his modified no-trade goes into effect, but I doubt he’ll go that route. Even if he were so inclined, Hertl’s history of knee injuries could make him a difficult sell. Labanc bet on himself last summer and lost. With the Sharks carrying over $66 million invested in 13 players for next season, Wilson could peddle the winger if his contract talks become contentious.
NBC SPORTS BAY AREA: Marcus White suggests the Sharks address their need for a reliable backup for starting goalie Martin Jones by pursuing a trade for Alexandar Georgiev. The 24-year-old New York Rangers goaltender is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights following this season.
Long-time Rangers starter Henrik Lundqvist has another year left on his contract while promising Igor Shesterkin is also signed for next season. White suggests offering up a second-round pick in the 2020 draft to the Rangers for Georgiev.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Assuming Lundqvist doesn’t retire, accepts a trade, or has his contract bought out, the Rangers cannot go into next season carrying three goalies. They won’t move Shesterkin, leaving Georgiev the most likely candidate. He could be a good fit with the Sharks, but the Blueshirts could squeeze them for more than a second-rounder.
With the possibility of the Rangers losing Georgiev in the Seattle expansion draft for nothing in return, I’m not sure show long they can be demanding in their return for him. The other GM’s might just wait until the trade deadline to see if the price might come down.
I ago,
The Rangers do not at all have to lose Georgiev in the Expansion Draft.
Shesterkin is not eligible for the Draft.
Each team is allowed to protect one Goalie, and it certainly will NOT be Lundqvist for the Rangers.
Their real problem, actually,
Is to find a goalie that they can expose at the Draft, and how to maneuver that, as is required in the Rules.
imo, they will get more than a 2nd if they do trade the guy.
I wouldn’t.
Isn’t the expansion draft pre fa? I think Lundqvist can be the exposed goalie.
Rangers traded for JF Berube at deadline. At time of trade the feeling was they’d re-sign him to have for expansion draft. I honestly don’t see Lundqvist back next year, especially if cap space is an issue. Without knowing when next season will start, it’ll be interesting to figure out how the expansion draft will go. Assuming following off season will also be a mess.
The Rangers will not lose Georgiev to the expansion draft. Lundqvist will not need to be protected because his contract will be up and Shesterkin will be exempt.
You have to expose a goalie. As I said, that’s why they added Berube. Although I don’t think they’ve actually put out guidelines yet, most are basing on Vegas draft. I’m sure Rangers could still listen to offers on Gorgiev, as it seems pretty clear Shesty will be #1 moving forward. Leblanc for Gorgiev and a mid level prospect?