NHL Rumor Mill – April 7, 2021

by | Apr 7, 2021 | Rumors | 66 comments

The latest on Taylor Hall, Kyle Palmieri, Mike Hoffman and Josh Manson plus updates on the Leafs, Bruins, Flames, Oilers and more in today’s NHL rumor mill.

SABRES SCRATCH HALL AS TRADE TALKS INTENSIFY

TSN: Darren Dreger believes the Buffalo Sabres deciding to hold Taylor Hall out of last night’s game against the New Jersey Devils indicates trade talks regarding the 29-year-old left winger are picking up. “Thing have intensified with a couple of teams,” said Dreger, adding it’s unlikely Hall will still be a Sabre by Monday’s trade deadline.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said sitting out Hall (and the New Jersey Devils doing the same with Kyle Palmieri) doesn’t mean anything’s imminent but more precautionary to avoid injury leading up to deadline day. He believes Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams is considering a number of scenarios big and small before the deadline, including perhaps listening to pitches for Jack Eichel.

Buffalo Sabres sit Taylor Hall ahead of the April 12 trade deadline (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hall will be on the move by deadline day, it’s just a question of where and how much the Sabres can get for him. I doubt they’ll get a first-round pick. As for Eichel, that sort of trade happens in the offseason. Friedman feels Adams may be getting the lay of the land regarding what his captain’s trade value will be.

UPDATES ON THE LEAFS, BRUINS, FLAMES AND OILERS

TORONTO STAR: Mark Zwolinski said recent reports have the Maple Leafs linked to Devils winger Kyle Palmieri, Calgary Flames forward Sam Bennett and Nashville Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm. An industry source told Zwolinski the Leafs have been heavily scouting Los Angeles Kings right-winger Adrian Kempe. They’re also believed eyeing Predators forward Mikael Granlund. Salary cap space is a major consideration as the Leafs are among nine teams with less than $1 million in cap room.

THE ATHLETIC (stick tap to THE SCORE): Leafs GM Kyle Dubas told Pierre LeBrun the play of forward Alex Galchenyuk has somewhat lessened his club’s urgency to add a forward. He cited how well Galchenyuk has fit in on a line with John Tavares and William Nylander. Nevertheless, the Leafs GM is keeping his options open as the deadline approaches.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes Dallas Stars defenseman Jamie Oleksiak would be a consideration for the Leafs if they pursue a depth blueliner.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kempe, 23, carries a $2 million cap hit and is a year away from becoming a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. He’s second among Kings scorers this season with 12 goals. Dubas has a trade history with the Kings but GM Rob Blake is under no pressure to move Kempe.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Joe Haggerty reports rumors are swirling linking the Bruins to Devils winger Kyle Palmieri and defenseman Dmitry Kulikov to address their needs for a scoring winger and left-side blueline depth. The cost for Palmieri would likely be a first-round pick and a forward prospect.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman also hears the Bruins linked to Palmieri and Hall but also heard they don’t think adding a rental player is a good idea for the cost.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Giving up a first-rounder as part of the return for Palmieri makes sense only if the Bruins can re-sign him. Otherwise, they’re better off trying to find a winger with term remaining on his contract.

TSN: Frank Seravalli believes Calgary Flames GM Brad Treliving could be open to doing just about anything as his club slips further out of playoff contention. A couple of teams could be interested in Treliving’s plans for Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan but deals like that typically happen in the offseason. Backup goaltender (and pending UFA) David Rittich is drawing some interest but things are quieter on lower-priced UFAs like Derek Ryan.

CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson doesn’t expect any blockbuster moves by the Flames at the trade deadline. He can see Rittich, Ryan and Sam Bennett getting peddled as potential rentals in exchange for mid-round draft picks. He anticipates a more significant shakeup in the summer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Big changes are likely coming for the Flames but we’ll have to wait until the offseason for those. Bennett, Rittich and Ryan are the most likely to be moved at the deadline.

SPORTSNET: Mark Spector doesn’t expect any movement by the Edmonton Oilers before the trade deadline. The Oilers are capped out and deep into their long-term injury reserve. GM Ken Holland made most of his significant moves during the offseason.

Elliotte Friedman isn’t convinced about the Oilers being among the suitors for Detroit Red Wings center Luke Glendening.

LATEST ON THE BLUES, DUCKS AND KINGS

TSN: Pierre LeBrun believes St. Louis Blues forwards Mike Hoffman and Tyler Bozak could be on the move before the deadline. GM Doug Armstong isn’t shy about trading underachieving UFAs when his club is in playoff contention.

STLTODAY.COM: Jeff Gordon believes Armstrong could become a seller if the Blues don’t reverse their fortunes soon. Hoffman could draw interest from teams seeking scoring depth such as the Boston Bruins, New York Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs. Defenseman Vince Dunn could become a trade chip to restock their depth chart.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hoffman turned into a big disappointment this season for the Blues. They might get a second-round pick for him at the trade deadline but his inconsistent play could make him a tough sell. Dunn would draw more interest but I don’t see him fetching a first-round pick. Maybe a prospect and/or a promising NHL-ready player.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Anaheim Ducks have had a few calls on Josh Manson. They still like the 28-year-old defenseman but given where they are in the standings and youth movement they have to listen. The Carolina Hurricanes and Winnipeg Jets are among the clubs with interest in Manson but the Ducks’ asking price is a first-round pick and a top prospect.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the Ducks are seeking players between ages 19 and 23 who are ready to play but they’re really hard to find. He wondered if the Vegas Golden Knights might kick tires on Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Manson won’t be moving at the deadline if the Ducks maintain that asking price. GM Bob Murray said he won’t move Getzlaf unless the Ducks captain asks to be traded. So far, there’s no indication that’s happening.

If Getzlaf waives his no-movement clause the Golden Knights are unlikely to land him. The Las Vegas Sun’s Justin Emerson reports the flattened cap and a number of long-term contracts handed out in recent years limits what they could do at this year’s deadline.

Friedman also reported what the Los Angeles Kings do at the deadline could come down to whether they re-sign pending UFA forward Alex Iafallo. “They’ve been grinding away at it”, he said.

NOTABLE RUMORS FROM FRIEDMAN’S LATEST “31 THOUGHTS”.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman believes the Philadelphia Flyers are listening to offers for Scott Laughton. There hasn’t been much contract extension talk regarding the UFA center. He can see the Pittsburgh Penguins with interest in the Flyers forward.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Anything’s possible but I think Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher could look at moving Laughton to anyone except the Penguins.

The Colorado Avalanche have looked into adding a forward with an edge, a defenseman to replace what they lost in Ian Cole and sidelined Erik Johnson and a goaltender. They could be lurking on Kyle Palmieri.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Goaltending depth is their priority. They’d also like to add some muscle to their blueline. They’re already loaded with offensive depth up front.

Goaltenders to watch include San Jose’s Devan Dubnyk, Arizona’s Antti Raanta, Ottawa’s Anton Forsberg and perhaps some of the Carolina Hurricanes’ depth now that Petr Mrazek has returned from a fractured them. A wild rumor about the Hurricanes having an interest in Anaheim’s John Gibson was shot down by multiple sources.

The Florida Panthers have some decisions to make before the deadline. Do they carry goalies Chris Driedger and Spencer Knight? Add a scorer like Hall or Palmieri or add a defenseman. Sources say they want this season’s performance to be a multiple-year thing so they’re not going to rush into anything.

Tampa Bay Lightning could be a stealth team on Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman David Savard.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll have to be dollar-in, dollar-out. The Lightning are capped out this season.

Nashville Predators called the Winnipeg Jets about defense prospect Ville Heinola but the Jets don’t want to move him.







66 Comments

  1. With the Canucks possibly done for the season, it will be interesting to see if any of their players who are out of protocol are moved.

    • I think the whole trade deadline will be fascinating, for all teams. One more major team outbreak anywhere and the season is on the brink, IMO.

      So do you trade an asset for a UFA with a 5-10% possibility that there won’t even be a playoffs and that UFA won’t benefit you?

      Will be really interesting to see what teams do this year.

  2. Sweeney has a chance here to cash in. Depends on Rask injury.

    Over the pass couple of weeks there is enough short comings on the Bruins team to give pause that team has any legit chance of going far in the playoffs.

    Sweeney should call the Islanders to offer up Krejci and see what the offer is.

    Sweeney should advise teams Rask is available, maybe get a bidding war from Toronto, Edmonton and Colorado. Take the best offer.

    Should be able to get a 3rd round pick or if lucky a 2nd round pick for Kuraly.

    Sweeney if being real to himself maybe has a chance here like no other to restock the cupboards with some draft picks and quality prospects.

    What he should not do, is give up his 1st round pick for a rental.

    • Krejci isn’t worth anything … Rask doesn’t want to go anywhere, he’ll retire … 2nd rounder for Kuraly??? bwa ha ha ha ha ha … maybe a 4th if lucky … should put DeBrusk out of his misery and give him a fresh start … other than Bergeron, Marchand, Pasternak & Frederick, no other Bruins forwards are worth anything, get real … and the blueline is worse … a new GM is really what you need …

      • Sometimes I think you live on a different planet than I do Ed.
        Krecji is a proven 2nd line C and playoff performer. Is still producing this year. Great on the PP. Responsible player defensively.
        Why don’t you think that has value?

        I will wager that Sweeney adds at the TDL. Not saying I agree, just predicting he will.

        I actually feel better about the B’s lately, nice to see them winning a few with a depleted lineup.

        Not that are a real contender, but still root for them.

    • Ed when you make comments like that, show you don’t know what you’re talking about. Troll on

      Krejci would fetch more of a return then Palmieri

      Kuraly would get a third

      Rask – could retire at the end of the season that’s up to him. Or he’ll simply resign back in Boston.

      • Whoa. Even if half of of his salary is retained he will not get a better return than palmieri. Ed’s a negative Nancy but you seesawed that way back the other way.

      • You are correct on Krejci, playoff stud every year and that is why he brings value. However if they are saying that it will cost a first to get Palmari, DK is not pulling a 1st back.

        Now onto the 1st for Palmari, they are on crack if they give up another first for a player with no term, unless they sign him to a reasonable short term extension.

        Depending on the seriousness of Rask’s injury and he desire to play, I can see him signing for 1 or 2 more years with Vladar as the backup.

        I also think that Kuraly would fetch a 3rd and am torn if I would trade him. He is also good in the playoffs, however they could slide Fredrick into the 4th line center.

      • Gotta say I am surprised that people think Palmieri would get a better return than Krecji.
        It makes zero logical sense IMO.

        So if someone could explain how the guy with fewer regular season points (this year and every other year), plays a less important position, has had less success and produces less in the playoffs than the other guy, is worth more.
        Did I mention he led his team in scoring when the won the cup? How about led them in scoring again when they got to the finals? If you prefer more recent he had 16 pts in 22 games in 2019 when they got to the finals. Did I mention that is more than Palmieri has had in his career and 35 games?
        We will never know as BOS isn’t trading him unless their entire first line gets hurt in a week, but I need help understanding that logic.

      • Krech is waaaaaay more valuable than Palmari. It isn’t even close.

      • I’d love to hear from non bruins fans. I truly think palms style would get more.

      • I’m more with Ed on this one.

        Beauty in the eye I guess. As a leafs fan I would have 0 interest in krecji and moderate plus interest in Palmieri even if they had same cap hit.

        I think Bs fans have a crush from days (ong) gone by.

      • Well I am not a Bruins fan, but an Isles STH.

        And if the Bruins want to give me Krejci, I’ll be doing backflips.
        Palmieri is another good fit, but Krejci is a game changer.

        Sorry Chrisms, but you asked.

      • I appreciate the input. I disagree but it’s nice to hear from you.

      • Chrisms,

        Palmieri all the way. He seems to always play well against Carolina. He was much more of a concern than Hall. Goes all the way back to his AHL games.

    • Add Halak see what he can bring back too

    • I’m sorry but DK isn’t going anywhere for one.Secondly by no means is Palmarie close to the player that DK was or is today. Remember in a market setting with the highest bidder prices will always be inflated especially when there’s not many players available you want someone bad enough you will overpay.Palmarie numbers are pretty bad considering he’s a 20 goal guy. In a season where Hall and Palmarie are the top two guys especially looking at their stats it’s pretty bad year lol DK is proven playoff guy even last yr. he’s not going anywhere and will resign at least another yr maybe 2 after the expansion draft. I highly doubt Rask is going anywhere either especially since like was already said he doesn’t want to play for another team. If anyone goes anywhere it’s DeBrusk or Coyle. Both are still young and affordable cap hits. Picks and prospects and bottom 6 guys. A lot depends on the injuries Rask Carlo Mac as well. Billy Jaffe said today the Bruins are searching for a package deal with players who have term left on contracts. Seeing how Sweeny has tried to operate the last few yrs he’s not interested in wasting high picks on rentals. Which would be Hall and Palmarie thankfully lol

  3. Looking for a forward with term? Please call Ron Hextall … he has a guy named Jason Zucker who can be had … all reasonable offers considered ..

    • Zucker, Petterson & Marino to Buffalo for Okposo & Risto?

      • Hi IHC

        Sorry, under no circumstances should Hextall even listen to that deal

        Zucker, even with his rough year , is far better than Okposo

        Marino , even though having a rough year… has a brighter future than the amount left on Risto’s contract. Risto has size, but big negative in the plus/minus

        Then adding Pettersson on top?

        And, didn’t get the 3C Pens need

        Best for Pens…

        Zucker, Laffy, Ruhweedel for Henrique/DesLauriers

      • I like the reaction.. lol i offered in jest lol

        McCann not too bad last night.

  4. Hoffman would be a good addition to Leafs top 6 but no assets should be expended until they are first used to acquire another goalie. Campbell has never been through a workload like he will be faced with this playoff so needs a partner not named Fred.

    • Are you still swinging for a goalie? Nothing wrong with Freddie, he will get the job done.

    • Dubas is sitting in the weeds with Freddy. Maybe is he has to use the cap space he will put Freddy on LTIR until playoffs start and use his 5 million on some other player??? He is keeping this quiet so other GMs don’t try and hose him. Pretend you are poor, make some trades and be over the cap and simply through freddy on the LTIR.
      If he doesnt make the trde he wants simply bring freddy back to the team after deadline day.
      brilliant Dubas.

      • @Kevin Lomas, I agree Dubas is holding Freddie to put him on LTIR for balance of season so that on Trade deadline he has dollars to work with. Palmieri is gone but my first pick would be Foligno anyway, he is built for playoff hockey and fit anywhere in the lineup. No thanks for Hoffman, Leafs need grit and skill. I would use extra accumulated cap space at deadline to trade for Oleksiak at the last minute. In playoffs, Dermott should never be more than the 7th Defenseman. Right side top 3 D is fine.

    • Wendel you are correct, sir! Hoffman would be a perfect fit for the Leafs. He’s a one dimensional, selfish player, that’s never been seen on his side of the defensive blue line.

      In other words, a perfect fit.

    • Sparky.. I agree with you dont like Monahan or think he is a good fit with the penguins.

      Maybe you confused me with someone…I think sam Bennett would work though..

  5. Re Friedman :

    ….and Laughton on Pens (3C)…. great idea…. but a Flyers Pens deal just seems too far fetched…. me thinks no

    …. and Getzlaf on Knights…. I posted this many times before…. he would be a great add… would be their 3C. Only happens if Getzlaf actually asks (of Murray) to be moved to a contender…. and Knights fit all his check marks for rationale on any ask for a move… contender, and close to home (fam)…. 4 hour drive for his fam (wife and kids born/raised in OC). Bonus for Getzlaf… increase in take-home pay (Nevada … no State tax)

    Only happens with a to-through… Ducks retain 50% , and middle team retains 50% of that…. leaving required cap space at TDL for balance of year…. 29 days left… 25% , 8.25 M annually…. of $525 K…. Lehner, McN LTIR savings alone cover more than that. In addition … Petro was off for 12 games and 24 days…. that LTIR savings alone is $1.75 M

    Knights have their own first and 2nd AND NJ’s 2nd, plus quite a few prospects…. so if Getzlaf asks it is doable for sure

    Re Leafs… and all the players they “could” or “may” go after and right at ceiling…. the reality is a tweak or two and should NOT be “all in”. They; at best (and that is many many things falling into place) get to SCF and lose this year. They have to get by at least one, if not two, of Knights, Bolts, Avs. Those teams right now , even with a big move by Leafs, beat Leafs in a series. And Bolts will be adding Kuch for the playoffs; count on Avs adding; and I believe also Knights

    Leafs need to have all moves in consideration of their true window … ‘22 – ‘24 (Mathews last day as a Leaf is max 30/6/24…. no cup in ‘23… should consider moving him for a bucket in ‘23 off-season)

    Pens …. I still say biggest need is 3C. Burke has confirmed. Burke is also pushing Hextall for “long pants”….

    Zucker, Laffy, Ruhweedel ; for

    Henrique and DesLauriers

    Ducks (cash constrained) save over $6 M in committed cash. Change of scenery for Henrique (Ducks earlier couldn’t find takers) and Zucker (just not producing for Pens)

    Ducks get speedy depth winger with rights for “long pants”

    • @Pengy…Scott Laughton is a nice dream there would have to be a third team involved dealing with the Flyers..

      It looks like Burke really is pushing for Sam Bennett from Calgary….nice player.

      I would do maybe jusso rikola and a third or 4th round pick in 2022..

      I saw nikita zadorovs of the Blackhawks name on the rumor chart..found that surprising..he is a beast, 25, can pass and defend. he is a brian burke player if there ever was one.

      I would give them pettersson a 2022 third round pick and defensive prospect Joshua maniscalco

      Thoughts?
      If we could get Bennett and Zadorov game on brother

      • Hi BnG

        Zadarov certainly a big lad but Pens already have a surplus of LHD… one in one out doesn’t move the needle really

        Yes re Bennet as possible acquisition… at the right price

        At first I was not pro on acquiring him as the ask was too high

        Can he make a difference at 3C … yes it is possible

        Still a risk to it so the payment (in trade) must be commiserate with that risk (he could maintain at his lower production this year)

        I fear there may be a slight bidding war… and Pens cannot be trying to outbid other teams by giving up futures… the window is closing quickly

        Riikola and a 4th in ‘22 … yep that would be fine from Pens perspective… but I just can’t see Cgy do it

        Now there was some net skittle but re Monahan possibly being traded

        That would move the needle…. but cost would be high… and I’m sure Pens would have to take Lucic (and he has full NMC until this summer)

        Monahan and Lucic…. $11.6 M

        Zucker of course would be a must going the other way… still leaving $6.1 M to cover… all above in annual figures

        They won’t take Pettersson as he would be 3rd LHD and they won’t take his Cap at that

        Cgy would need a centre coming back… so that is Blueger…. and he can’t play 1C on Flames

        … and they would need more in the trade…. and it can’t be P-O J or Poulin or Lafferty

        Setting aside that Flames would be losing a 1C (so mmmmm… pretty well not happening)…. the trade would need to be multi-player (again reducing odds of it happening) and with retention by Pens……. so setting all that aside… my (very wild ) Stab

        Zucker (20% retained) , Pettersson (25% retained) , Blueger, Lafferty , Ruhweedel off NHL roster …. $9.5 M plus prospects : O’Connor, Maniscalco

        For Monahan , Lucic, Leivo (50% retained) and Ritchie (50% retained) …. $12.4 M

        Diff is $2.9 M annually … so for this year at TDL…. 30 days left … $740 K in space (well less than Gino’s LTIR … already tomorrow at 24 days of over $1.9 M

        You can see how complicated and impossible that deal is but for ships n giggles here is what it would mean once team is healthy:

        Sid Guentz Rusty

        Gino Kappy Rodrigues

        Monahan McC Turbo

        Gaudreau Lucic and one of Ritchie, Zohorna, Janko, Leivo

        3 Scoring lines and one checking / brute line

        Again long shot by far

        However … the Ducks deal…. waaaay easier and gets

        Sid Guentz Rusty

        Gino Kappy Rodrigues

        Henrique McC Turbo

        Gaudreau ZAR DeLauriers OR Zohorna, OR Janko, OR AA

        3 scoring lines plus a line of checkers that includes a “long pants”

        Would Flames take Zucker, Blueger , Laffy and O’Connor for

        Bennett , Ritchie, Lucic:

        Sid Guentz Rusty

        Gino Kappy Rodrigues

        Bennett McC Turbo

        Gaudreau ZAR, Lucic OR Ritchie OR Zohorna, OR Janko, OR AA

        3 scoring lines plus a line of checkers that includes a “long pants”

      • Pengy, I know you are worried about Bennett’s stats. As the saying goes, some players get you to the playoffs and others help you win in the playoffs. I am confident Sam is the latter. He said today he is really happy playing for Sutter. Sutter is starting to put him in all kinds of situations and is well suited for the heavy game Sutter likes. IMO Monahan is not a good fit for the Pens as he is primarily a sniper from the slot and the Pens already have Sid and Malkin which are superior to Sean. Treliving has been trying to get Zucker for a few years. Maybee Bennett + to make the cap work could work. I bet Zucker put the Flames on his no trade list lol

  6. Ed just posts to get your reaction I also believe Boston will add I personally would not and I wouldn’t be a seller either unless some team blew my socks off for one of Rask or Halak. Boston has as good of chance as any team to win this year with what they have just get healthy.

    • Hi Obe

      Bruins of last couple of games; and with Rask back, healthy team; no changes… yep can certainly come out of East… then has 1/3rd chance of East v North match-up…. which I believe as at now ; East winner can beat North winner

      That said; as I have posted rePenguins and Leafs re Cup chances…. can’t see it

      To me … cup is likely going to one of in no particular order: (1) Bolts (see how they have done so far this year… AND will have Kuch back for playoffs); (2) Avs …. already great and they will add; and (3) Knights…. to me a 3C away from the SCF….

      the tragedy as a whole for SCF; IMHO is if NHL goes West v Central in semis…. guaranteeing at best only one of Bolts; Avs; Knights in SCF

      To me … most entertaining SCF would be either Knights v Bolts or Avs v Bolts

      Of course my preference would be (for the only time this could ever happen)…. Pens v Leafs (7 games, all OT) in SCF ….where I would have full entertainment and excitement and seriously not care whether it was Sid or JT who hoists the cup….. but…

      That just isn’t happening

      • Pengy.
        BNG Here Monahan is uselessand lucic is old and slow…

        I’m not giving up zucker for either or both those slugs.

        Zadorov is way better than pettersson offensively defensively and he hits /crushes something pettersson doesnt do enough of…he becomes our number two d.
        Then move pierre oliver Joseph to third.
        Matheson will kill us in the playoffs
        .trust me.

        Put him in the press box and leave him exposed to Seattle..

      • BnG, I don’t think Monahan would be a good fit as a 3rd line centre. His shooting % is way down so it is likely this will be the 1st yr he fails to score 20+. His career low to date is 22 goals, he has scored 27 twice, and over 30 twice. I do think he needs a change of scenery. We wiĺl see what happens in the off-season.

  7. Henrique could be a valuable add if money is held. Over paid for his services. Hold 30-40% and there should be lots of interest around the league.

    Still maintain that Glendening should be number a #1 target just based on his face-off win percentage and a role he would play in the post season . Bennett should be top 10 as well. Purely based on his truculent nature. I think Rittich could work in Toronto but some form of salary has to come back

    Hoffman gifted scorer but something is wrong there. Will be good as rental and scoring depth for someone other than the Blues

    • Hi Silver Seven

      No retention on Henrique necessary if the main components of the trade are Zucker and Henrique

      Ducks have own internal budget so they won’t be interested at all re retention and under no circumstances at 40%

      For other playoff teams… yes they would look at Henrique at 40% retained; but it is not happening

      • Zucker at this point is having to give a second just to free up cap space . Way off on this one Peggy

      • Hi Swanny

        Fully agree on that for any of the other 29 teams

        The basic Henrique for Zucker flip is a change of scenery thing for both…. Murray tried in vain to move Henrique earlier in year and then waived him for a couple of games

        Laffy & Ruhweedelfor DeLauriers is a saw off

        Ducks (a tight cash budget team) rid over $6M in cash commitments

        The C future for Ducks is Steel, Comtois and Lundstrom…. making 31 year old Henrique disposable

        Pens flip a low performing winger for a low performing 2C (to become their 3C) and get a longpants 30 year old for a speedy 26 year old and an RHD not needed

  8. Pengy my point is Ive seen holes in every team do I believe some teams are better over all than Boston absolutely. I also believe if Bruins are healthy and get solid goaltending which they should they could run the table nobody picked them in 2011 and they won a few game 7,s had some puck luck and won. No guarantees in sports crazy things happen but unless improving your team for future why give up assets for a rental like Kyle makes no sense to me. Now if your trading for a game changer than fine.

    • Agree Obe re KP (unless very cheap which I doubt) and adding a game-changer

      Yes anything can happen in playoffs…. just IMHO …. if one of Bolts or Avs or Knights don’t win the cup this year…. then IMVHO … many things went wrong for those 3 teams

      Again all speculation…. just me being extremely extremely surprised if at least one of those 3 are in the SCFs…. and as at now (barring those exceptional anything can happen scenarios) I can’t see a high likelihood of any of the other 28 clubs winning in the SCFs against one of those 3

      • Islanders got Palmeri and Zajac both at 50% retained for a conditional 1st co fictional 4th and two nobody prospects.. wow

  9. There was some interesting comments on ESPN Radio Dallas, about the expansion draft, COVID, Playoff Bubble etc.
    Several vets have stated that after the last year with COVID, etc. that they would consider retirement if they are selected. The thought of moving their families to play for an expansion team after the last year is not something they would consider.
    That would really be something.

    • Wow..I hope no playoff bubble teams are just getting some fans back in the arenas..
      Bubble sucks and why in gods name are t these guys vacinated??
      Makes sense..

  10. Sweeney just say no to those two 30 year old NJ players … you’re not going to sign either at season end ……. B’s need to build for the future ….thanks

  11. Sadly, the perfect top 6 forward for Dubas to add: playmaker, scorer, 2 LW or 3 center, edge, can play against anyone, loves Leafs =
    KADRI.

    Wish I had a Tardis to shove Dubas into to take that one back….fuzz…

    • I am not a prolific trade proposed like Pengy but here I go:

      Andersen and Kerfoot back to Avs for Kadri. Avs have the space, leafs maybe need to retain 1M. Add a pick if needed.

      1st and either Hutchison if CBL wants a back up to finish season or return the young Finn G they acquired for Lehtonen for Merzlikins. Leafs cleared enough space with Andersen deal above.

      Merzlikins is exempt from expansion draft, they protect Campbell and expose which ever throw in goali above they still have after CLB trade.

      • I like the Merzlikens talk Wendel. But every time Kadri is in the playoffs for an Eastern Conference Team he gets suspended. Aside from that, Colorado is not going to trade him.

  12. There isn’t a team competing for the cup that wouldn’t want a crack at Rask unless he’s done for the season. Easily worth a first rounder I can’t stand the guy but, he’s one of the top three or four goalies in the league! Two tickets to see the bruins play? probably over 300. Bruins other paraphernalia around 70 bucks, Swayman’s performance last night PRICELESS!

    • Errr Rick, I don’t think Rask is an upgrade over the Isles duo. Do you?

      Seriously?

  13. all the Bruin fans here seem ready for a rebuild/retool…. after this season yes but you have to be all in one more time here
    Bruins can still beat Caps and Pens..maybe Isles.
    You may not have the Berg+krejci center punch for 2 generations. enjoy it

    • I’m not ready for that Bergy DK still have plenty of gas. 2 yrs the rebuilding starts

    • No way this Bruin fan is ready for rebuild yet just don’t want to add a marginal player for a first it’s silly. Bruins have a ton of young guns let them during year try to earn a spot and don’t put them on 4th line playing 7 minutes. Boston drafted them give hem a shot and stop trading them for plugs.

  14. Blues Fire Sale:

    Dunn and Sanford to Boston for DeBrusk and a 4th

    Bozak to my buddy Pengy/Pitts (Blues retain half of salary) for a 5th

    Hoffman to my buddy Wendell17/Tor for a 3rd

    • How about the B’s take Hoffman for a 3rd vs the other offer?

      • Bark

        I can meet in the middle:

        Dunn and Hoffman for DeBrusk and 3rd

    • Oh man I’d take that all day

  15. Gallagher is out for the regular season and is on LTIR.

    Bergevin is always looking and has some money to work with, oh to be a fly on the wall.

    I wouldn’t bother with offence as the gpg by committee has them in the upper echelons of 5 on 5 goals.

    A “top line” can be shut down, a “superstar” can be shut down.

    Then again he has pretty consistently surprised me so I really wonder what he’s going to do.

    Mantha? Zucker? Zadorov? Glendening? Kulikov?

    • Back for playoffs habfan30?
      If not, ouch.

    • Ray Bark,

      Gallagher is listed as 5-6 weeks, mens he should be back around the beginning of playoffs, but who knows eh.

      Bergevin’s next move might make it a smaller ouch.

      • If Gallagher is back for the playoffs and healthy, it is an opportunity to add. Might turn out to be a good thing.
        Habs are getting in, no need to worry about that.

  16. NYI just nabbed Palmarie

    • Dodged a bullet there. I’d like Kempe or to a lesser extent, Hall. Better yet Stud, Vaak and 3, 1st round picks for Eichel.

  17. Thank God Palmieri went to Islanders in know way or dream did I want him in Boston now Bruins bring in Manson.

    • Obe no doubt. Way too expensive for 17 points

  18. Uncle Lou is going for it. If the Bruins face the Islanders in the playoffs they need to put at least three behind that stellar goaltending tandem, cause Palmari and Pageau are almost guaranteed to score every game. They always have. Probably always will. Good move by Fitzgerald and Lou. Everyone wins this trade.