Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – December 13, 2020
Check out the latest on the Hurricanes, Predators, and Blues in the Sunday NHL rumor roundup.
NBC SPORTS: James O’Brien recently observed the Carolina Hurricanes opted to stand pat with goaltenders Petr Mrazek and James Reimer rather than pursue an upgrade between the pipes. Nevertheless, he wondered if they could pursue an experienced starter at this season’s trade deadline. O’Brien proposed perhaps moving one of them in exchange for a goalie with an expiring contract like Arizona’s Antti Raanta, Boston’s Tuukka Rask, or Vega’s Marc-Andre Fleury.
Could the Carolina Hurricanes attempt to replace a goalie like James Reimer during the coming season? (NHL Images)
THE ATHLETIC: In a recent mailbag segment, Sara Civian was also asked about the possibility of the Hurricanes swinging an in-season trade to improve their goaltending. She wondered if Fleury could become available if it’s determined Robin Lehner is completely healthy. Civian also advocated pursuing Arizona Coyotes netminder Darcy Kuemper.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most observers (including myself) believe the Hurricanes need to upgrade their goaltending to become Stanley Cup contenders. Mrazek and Reimer are unrestricted free agents at the end of this season. One or both could hit next summer’s open market.
Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell decided to stick with the Mrazek-Reimer tandem. Perhaps there simply wasn’t anything to his liking in the offseason trade and free-agent markets to address that need at a reasonable price. Waddell could keep his options open if his club needs help between the pipes before the trade deadline.
THE ATHLETIC: Adam Vingan suggests the Nashville Predators should target Anthony Cirelli with an offer sheet. The 23-year-old Tampa Bay Lightning center is a restricted free agent and his club has to clear salary-cap space to sign him to a new contract. Cirelli has the making of a future Selke Trophy candidate with his two-way skills.
Vingan believes the Predators have the necessary ammunition to make a serious offer for Cirelli. They have nearly $13 million in salary-cap space and sufficient draft picks required as compensation for a successful signing.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Just because the Predators have that cap space doesn’t mean they intend to use up a hefty portion with an offer sheet. GM David Poile could also be reluctant to part with his draft picks.
Don’t forget that it takes two to tango. Cirelli likely prefers staying in Tampa Bay with a Stanley Cup champion and could be unwilling to entertain an offer sheet.
STLTODAY.COM: In a recent mailbag segment, Jim Thomas was asked if there was any chance of the Blues trading Vince Dunn. While admitting one should never say never, Thomas doubts the 24-year-old defenseman will be moved, pointing out the club already lost blueliner Alex Pietrangelo plus he’s young and affordable.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dunn’s not going anywhere. The Blues will get the restricted free agent signed to an affordable short-term deal before training camp opens next month.
Well for all the heated up action that was supposed to happen once a season was decided on sure has hit a dud. I assume Hoffman’s eight teams that are pursuing him still are but at about $4+M range; Sami V does not want a $2M contract and the rest are in the same boat. Who will crack first…..
Reimer is the only current NHL roster goalie who I would trust less than Andersen in a critical playoff game.
Andersen probably doesn’t trust you either Wendel
I doubt that Cirelli’s agent hasn’t had talks with other teams. That’s his job. If I’m Cirelli, sure I like Tampa. What’s his future though? Is he happy taking less money to help them out. Is he happy knowing he’s stuck at 3c for foreseeable future? How much does Tampa want to invest in a 3c. Stamkos has 4 years left on his deal and Point will be looking at a huge raise after 2 more seasons. Nashville pretty set at center also with Johansen and Duchene. I think with team lfinancial issues nobody wants to be “stealing” players with offer sheets. IMO, Tampa put themselves in a hard spot by giving out ntc’s in exchange for getting lower cap hits thanks to no state tax. I would have no problem going after their rfa’s.
I would agree and Yzerman is responsible for all of it. BriseBois has to clean up his mess.
Yeah. It must have been a real bummer to polish the inside of lord Stanley’s cup after chugging down the champagne.
Canes couldn’t swing a deal for Fleury ?
I like the make up of their team. A SC winner in net (and behind the bench) on a team that is knocking on the door would go a long way. He is only short term anyway at 36 and two years left,..
Dump Reimer,
Boston Haggs has stated that the Bruins are more likely to trade for a top 4 Dman than sign one (FA)…. this guy is never right
APB out for Sweeney/Neely
Wow NYR, mediocre? I’d put him ahead of many centers in the league especially considering his age.
He’s very good now & would be a #2 on 75% of NHL.
Poile will not offer sheet anyone because of his experience with Shea Weber (Philadelphia) It forced his hand.
I agree – #2 C on most teams – including the Rangers, wo really do need another center.
Yea but Strome didn’t finish 4th in Selke voting while putting up those numbers. Big difference being able to score while having an exceptional 200 ft game.
I’d take Cirelli over Strome every day of the week and twice on gameday.
Carolina still needs to sign a #1 goalie for the future. Neither of their two goaltenders will be signed to long term contracts. That being said they can go deep into the playoffs with the tandem they have.
Brind’Amour would be the ideal coach for any goalie. His commitment to team defense, straight forward communication and the way he manages his goalies has worked very well. He seems to bring out the best in his goalies and he never throws them under the bus.
Also, I’m not concerned about Reimer in the playoffs.
BAHAHAHAHA!!! Reimer has collapsed for 2 different teams in the playoffs. His coach in TO thinks his best game was “just OK”
Recess time again in Loopyville.