NHL Rumor Mill – April 8, 2021

by | Apr 8, 2021 | Rumors | 60 comments

Last night’s Kyle Palmieri trade shakes up TSN’s trade bait list. Check out the latest on Mike Hoffman, Taylor Hall, Nick Foligno and more in today’s NHL rumor mill.

TSN: St. Louis Blues winger Mike Hoffman moves into third on the NHL trade-bait list after the New Jersey Devils traded Kyle Palmieri last night to the New York Islanders.

St. Louis Blues winger Mike Hoffman (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hoffman was a healthy scratch from last night’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights. Blues coach Craig Berube said that move was made to insert Sammy Blais into the lineup. Trade speculation about the winger will ramp up if he’s scratched from the Blues’ next two games before Monday’s trade deadline.

Buffalo Sabres left wing Taylor Hall remains the top forward on the trade-bait list.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: David Staples cites NHL insider Doug MacLean telling CHED radio host Reid Wilkins he’s heard the Oilers are interested in Hall, who spent his first six NHL seasons in Edmonton until traded to the Devils in 2016.

MacLean said his “reasonable source” indicated the Oilers were looking at a deal that has Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins under contract for next season for a combined $12 million.

Staples believes the Oilers would have to trade a forward such as Zack Kassian or James Neal to free up the salary-cap dollars necessary to acquire Hall or move out a goalie like Mikko Koskinen. The Oilers’ first-round pick would also have to be included in the deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: What MacLean’s source seems to be suggesting is the Oilers are looking at getting ahead of the free-agent market by acquiring and signing Hall, who (like Nugent-Hopkins) is due to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

I don’t see how the Oilers can afford to acquire Hall at the trade deadline. They’re maxed out at the cap and have $2.3 million in long-term injury reserve money remaining. They also don’t have any picks in the second, third- and fifth rounds of this year’s draft so I don’t believe general manager Ken Holland will part with this year’s first, or next year’s for that matter. I also don’t see a trade market for Kassian or Neal.

Anything’s possible, of course, and if Holland could pull this off without giving up a first-round pick it’ll be an impressive feat. I just don’t believe we’ll see Hall coming to Edmonton at the trade deadline.

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Nick Foligno sits at No. 4 on the list.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen won’t trade Foligno without the captain’s approval. The 32-year-old forward has a 10-team no-trade list and it sounds like he’d be open to a move but only for the right situation. The Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs and Minnesota Wild could be among his suitors.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I had my doubts that Foligno would be traded but this report changed my mind. He could be moved by the deadline if Kekalainen first receives a suitable offer and Foligno is willing to accept it, especially if it comes from one of the teams on his no-trade list.

Philadelphia Flyers center Scott Laughton remains at No. 9.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: Jordan Hall isn’t putting much stock into Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman saying he can see the Pittsburgh Penguins having an interest in Laughton. While Penguins general manager (and former Flyers GM) Ron Hextall knows Laughton’s value and could be interested, Hall believes the Flyers’ asking price could be quite high.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Mike DeFabo reports Hextall is in the market for a big, physical forward, preferably an experienced center. Laughton could fit the bill but, as Hall pointed out, the Flyers will set an expensive price for him.

DeFabo notes the Penguins have few tradeable assets plus there’s also the salary crunch to contend with. He anticipates Hextall could instead acquire a bottom-six forward if he makes a move at all.

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Josh Manson moves up into tenth on the list.

BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy wonders if the Bruins and Anaheim Ducks are talking trade again. The two clubs have a recent history of deals before the trade deadline.

Boston assistant GM John Ferguson Jr has been scouting the California-based teams. Murphy isn’t sure the Bruins are looking at Manson but they have had inquired about the blueliner in the past. The Ducks’ asking price, however, could be high.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murphy also reported the Bruins were among the clubs interested in Kyle Palmieri before he was shipped last night to the New York Islanders, with one of the trade scenarios involving Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk. The source couldn’t confirm if the Bruins said no to that.

The Bruins do need blueline help. If a suitable deal for a scoring winger isn’t available perhaps GM Don Sweeney shifts his focus to a defenseman like Manson. The asking price, however, is reportedly a first-round pick and a top prospect.

Blues defenseman Vince Dunn and center Tyler Bozak sit 13th and 18th respectively on the list.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie wonders if the Montreal Canadiens could pursue Dunn or Bozak. With Brendan Gallagher going on LTIR, they have sufficient salary-cap wiggle room to make another addition before the trade deadline. Adding a top-four defenseman is a bigger need for the Habs than a bottom-six center.

Others who’ve moved up or debuted on the list include Calgary Flames goaltender David Rittich (15), Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Nikita Zadorov (17), Dallas Stars blueliner Jamie Oleksiak, Blue Jackets rearguard Michael Del Zotto (30) and Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (38).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I don’t think the Blackhawks will trade Zadorov while they’re still jockeying for a playoff spot in the Discover Central Division. The Jackets aren’t facing pressure to trade Merzlikins. He has another season left on his contract and is exempt from this summer’s expansion draft.

Dropping on the list is Florida Panthers goaltender Chris Driedger (22) and Flames center Derek Ryan (33).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Driedger’s played very well backing up erratic Panthers starter Sergei Bobrovsky. Trading him while they battling the Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes for first place in the Central wouldn’t be a wise decision.







60 Comments

  1. Posted on Morning Coffee re Isles/Devils trade but more appropriately should have been here so cut/paste here to rumours section:

    I have always strived to be transparent and fair and at the same time non stereotypical ….. but…. did GMLL standing beside two very large men in suits say to Fitz…. “I’m going to make you an offer you can’t refuse”

    WTF… Steal steal steal

    4th is conditional; 2 AHL journeymen …. basic throwaways to Isles…..

    So in reality it is a 1st for BOTH TZ and KP…… AND at 50% retained
WTF??

    A veteran centre and veteran winger ….. collectively needle movers…. at 50% retained…. for a 1st…. wow

    All the talk was about so many teams going after KP…. so per pundits he was the draw in the trade; but he was having a down year.

    TZ was playing much better than last year…. and he is a Centre

    If this whole deal per media was revolving around KP…. then most of the value in return was for him and not TZ…. meaning Hextall should have been easily able to outbid the perceived value for TZ’s services and he could have been Pens 3C solution
With that in mind…. wouldn’t Fitz have accepted say Lafferty and O’Connor for TZ @ 50%??

    As at now…. that move (and with their tandem on fire) has likely made NYI’s the fav to come out of the East

    ….. calling Ronny Hextal…… calling Ronny Hextall…. wherefore art though?

    The only way Hextall can s I’ve out of this is if he actually made a pitch to Fitz and Fitz talked to TZ (who has a full NTC) and Zajac nixed the deal…. but you’d think we would have heard about it

    Oh and just to add…

    If TJ and KP (again let’s not lose sight that it is at 50% retained) go basically for a 1st…

    Kevyn Adams , who ABSOLUTELY MUST retain 50% …. must now be expecting max of a 2nd for Hall


    • Ya NJ got fleeced. Should has asked for simply Bellows & 2 2nds.

      1st rd pick will be like a 2nd anyway

      especially since they had to retain salary.

      weird move by NJ to only get back what they did.

      • I strongly disagree … a first rounder for a player who is having a terrible season in his walk year and who can leave at the end is a good deal … Zajac is a throw in as well, 4th liner, not a needle mover … Fitzgerald made the best deal he could in this trying time where GM’s are afraid to make moves …

      • Agree IHC

        The big thing for me is that Isles got Zajac…. this year was an upswing year for him and KP was on a downswing year; also TZ is a C (and a Rightie) and although is 5 years older; is bigger than KP

        I can’t believe Chevy (note TZ is from the Peg) didn’t try to get him

        and sad 😭😭😭… Hextall didn’t either

      • @ ED

        i would rather bellows and a 2nd than a 1st and an AHL player who will not be resigned.

        Think that is the point i was getting at.

        to get take a 4th and have to eat cap is a trade loss not a win.

        Agree that you think ti is the best he could have done but I disagree. I know he could have done better. The challenge is TJ can veto anything and probably wanted to sip Long Island Ice Teas with Pamls & Greene and be close to home and his family.

      • @ Pengy

        Zajac controlled where he went. I have no doubt that a few teams inquired, however, he also nixed a deadline deal last time. I am sure at this stage he wants two things. To be a a legitimate contender and not just a playoff bound team. Secondly, to stay in close proximity to his family in NJ.

        WPG can call but Zajac prob said too far.

        Sometimes family (and should) come first.

    • What don’t you understand about the Pens NOT trading away another first rounder???? Hextall & Burke are joined at the hip regarding draft picks … and imo Palmieri is not a needle mover, he is having a lousy season in his walk year … Zajac is a 4th liner, we have plenty of those …

      • I will respond this one time to you Ed ….in your tone

        “ What don’t YOU understand ”…. I never mentioned or inferred Pens giving up a 1st for TZ; or in fact giving up any upcoming picks

        I have never inferred any interest by Pens in KP

        Isle’s first basically got 2 vets at 50% …. per many in media … there were several bidders on KP and basically almost zilch talk re TZ on the trade market…. so the main piece in the deal per media is KP

        Meaning TZ value much much less than the 1st

        I posted re Lafferty and O’Connor…. a 4th in ‘14 and an un-drafted player

        Where we agree is “ Palmieri is not a needle mover, he is having a lousy season in his walk year”

        KP alone in no way is a needle mover

        However, the addition of 2 vets, including a C , without giving up any roster players, certainly IS moving the needle considering Isles are out their Captain

        Hope your day goes better

    • NHL Channel covered this last night. Both players had No Trade Protection, and both agreed to the deal based on the fact they could wouldn’t have to move, and the relationship both players have with Lou.

      • Hi Brian

        I knew re the trade protection but when they stated it on TV last night re not having to move and relationship to LL… it was mentioned speculatively instead of factually (meaning not actually hearing that from TZ and KP)

        That speculation certainly makes sense but I took the talk as them purely guessing as to the motives

        TZ had full NTC; but KP could have been traded to any of 22 teams… speculating here but I doubt he had Isles as one of his 8 blocked teams (meaning he’d have to waive his rights if he had “blocked Isles).

        The speculation from several media regarding KP and Leafs was that it was difficult at best because they believed 7 of his 8 blocks were used for the Canadian franchises.

        With that in mind; I’d highly doubt that his final block was used against a team that would keep his home residence static

        All speculation…. but certainly a fair guess re TZ waiving his NTC

        I would not have been surprised if he had waived to go to his hometown either, if Chevy had made an acceptable offer

      • As a fellow pens fan… what have either of those gentlemen done to make you think either has any trade value whatsoever?

      • Hi Chrisms

        On their own you have a point

        But with Isles down their Captain and being able to add 2 vets (that between them are producing at a higher rate than the injured Captain ) ; at just 50% AND still have Cap room for another move…. that’s where the value comes in

        As a Pens fan of course I hoping and praying for a 3rd C

        Zajac for a non NHLroster Pen NOT named P-OJ or Poulin or Legare…. would have been fair

        I think Fitz jumped too early on this… there were (per many in the media) several teams going to be bidding on Palmeiri …. obviously hoping for a previous iteration of KP not the 2021 KP … that would have driven up the price

    • Hi Pengy, wasn’t the condition that the 4th upgrades to a 3rd if the Islanders reach the final?

      • Hi Sparky

        Yes a conditional pick

        I heard 3 things from 3 sources:

        4th to 3rd if they win East (get to semis);

        4th to third if they get to finals

        4th to third if they win the cup

        So not sure which it is

        If it’s if they win cup…. it’ll stay a 4th

        If it’s if they get to the finals…. I still think it will stay a 4th

        Winning the East is a toss up. IMHO

        so more than likely a pick in the 110th – 115th spot with a chance that it gets in the mid-high 80’s

        Still long odds at an NHL player… and even if so..
        4 years from now

        GMLL won this deal

    • At least it turns out that the conditions on the 4th is that it would turn into a 3rd if the Islanders make the final. Still 100% agree that this is a huge win for NYI. Palmieri is admittedly having a down year, but was still one of the top names available.

      Not a good time to be selling.

    • @Pengy…I agree islanders lamarello stole pal.eri zajac which really helps their team.

      These deals can be done so to all those who say penguins cant.make a deal..thaTs bs..

      Pengy..I think sam Bennett Calgary luke glendening would both be good fits for the penguins..Bennett only 24 glendening is a grinder flexible we ad. Toughness and defensive responsibilities are terrific

      Imagine a third line when Malkin returns of Bennett reivigorTed with Turbo and McCann

      4th line blueger Aston reese glendening..nice

      I’m hearing islanders also interested in foligno yikes
      Boston will add philly too

      • Hi BnG

        I’m growing on the Bennett idea… if reasonable… but as at now it sounds like their asking “steep”

        Re Glendenning ….. Pens already have an excellent defensive Centre in Blueger

        The only thing that Glendenning brings over Blueger is his dot performance

        Seeing as the checking lines don’t take tons of face-offs…. the acquisition of Glendenning might mean 1 (maybe 2) extra face offs win (over Blueger) per game

        Pens need to produce on third line so the acquisition of another checking centre is not worth it

        Staal would have absolutely been ideal

        Great vet; SC Pedigree; can deliver; great hands; great reach; would fit great as 3C; AND …. not a small man at all (pleasing Burke)

        Pens missed out on Staal

        As of tomorrow… Malkin has officially clocked 24 days on LTIR…. so all that space (and counting) can be used

        So space can’t be used as an excuse by either Hextall or Burke

        Not sure the actual ask for Bennett

        Burkie is still whispering sweet nothings into Hextall’s ears about long pants

        That’s why I keep coming back to a swap with Ducks of two players who badly need a change of scenery ; along with a 2 for to get a longpants…

        Zucker, Laffy, Ruhweedel for

        Henrique and DesLauriers

        Ducks extra incentive is that their owners are always using an internal budget… this deal saves them over $6M in committed Sals; and they got slightly younger; and got faster

        Pens get their 3 C and appease Burkie’s long pants insistence

        Pens need a bounce back from their tenders tonight

        Hoping Marino’s rutt was just a couple of games. Started year brutal then a couple f weeks ago got his mojo back

        2nd game to Bruins and last game against Rangers… he was off again

        I have confidence he’ll bounce back

        Pens have but 1 DMan that has been there all season and has be extremely consistent /even keeled for the last 25 games… Ceci

        In those 25 games…. not one game was a negative in the plus/minus

  2. I guess I understand why others might think Holland wouldn’t send his #1 packing, and completely miss the early first three rounds of the draft, but somehow the reacquisition of Hall, for this year’s one, and secondary Oil prospects and even an additional pick or two next year to get Buffalo to take back enough journeyman contract from the Oilers looks like a very popular move, albeit a risky one. The idea in my mind is to get as many additional shooters, adding to the chances their big two providing more good looks. Where you have stars upfront, I think you have to make sure the team gets as many shots at the Silver Cup as possible, and not waiting for the draft to upgrade your chancers down the road…

    • IF Holland can get Hall resigned for a team manageable deal to leave room for RNH then offer the 1st with Neal & Chaisson ( to clear cap)

      if not ya a 1st for Hall I would pass too.

    • I’m sure the decision makers in Edmonton feel like they need to at least do something to help their team succeed in the playoffs. They’ve been rather mediocre for years despite having 2 superstars in their prime. I don’t think adding Hall is the best move for them though.
      IF they are going to move that 1st rounder a legit #1 goalie needs to be coming back. If I were them, I’d also try to have a 2nd or 3rd round pick coming back in the deal so that they have at least one pick in the top three rounds.

      • Well, RNH and Hall played well together when they were youngin’s.
        That would be a big deal.
        For me it depends on the term for Hall and which contract is going back.
        If Neal or Kassian is going the other way, OK.
        And WTF is up with his play in BUF? That is concerning to say the least.

        I haven’t heard much about this draft class, but the early talk was meh.

      • I’m not saying that Hall wouldn’t play well for the Oilers. What I’m saying is that a #1 goalie is a more immediate need if they desire to have a long playoff run.

      • DM – agree the Oil will need a tender eventually, but I have given up trying to predict which goalie will be better.
        Last off season Holland chased Markstrom hard. Got roasted when he brought Smith back.
        Smith has been better than Markstrom, a lot better. Even Koskinen has been excellent the last 7 or so games since Smith got healthy and back to playing.

        I think it was Striker who used to always say, don’t spend a bunch of $$ on a tender and it is dependent on the team in front of them. Starting to think he was right.

        Having said that, if you don’t have one, you have no chance. It’s voodoo. I guess you have 2 and play who is hot.

  3. As I had shared recently, the Foligno decision was going to be tough to read but CBJ clarified it last night. they are going sell and accumulate assets for a re-tool. CBJ will likely try to re-sign Foligno in the off-season. I still maintain there will be mutual interest on a short term deal. I anticipate he will retire as a CBJ (and eventually join the club front office and possibly get his # hanging in the rafters of Nationwide). Ok my friends, where are Savard and Foligno going to land? Wearing my armchair GM hat I think Savard to TB, WPG, FLA, MON (CAR as a stealth contender but I wonder about that); Foligno to TOR, COL, FLA, or MIN.

    • I think Savard ends up in Florida but hope he ends up in Carolina. Hated to see Columbus lose Jenner, one of my favorite players.

  4. Bruins are done! tonight it’ll be like leading the lambs to the slaughter even team full of regulars don’t beat Washington a team full of Ahlers?! Stick a fork in em they’re done

    • Are you sure Rick lol Rick don’t know hockey lol

  5. The Habs don’t need Bozak now that they’ve traded for Staal. And that’s even assuming he’s worth picking up, which he isn’t anymore. I’d love to see Bergevin go after Dunn, though.

  6. With yesterday’s deal…. 2 vets… C and W at 50% retained… for basically only a 1st…. all other trade options values should be much lower….with that in mind… Oil could get Hall

    Would need to be to/through trade with middle team taking on 50% of the remaining 50% (Sabres already holding 50%)

    So Hall… Cap at 25% at TDL…. basically 30 days (of ~ 118 day sched) left in season …. Cap hit needed in space… ~ $519 K…Oil has that space

    To Oil… Hall (@25 % )

    To Stevie Y for retaining 25% ($445 K cash)…. Cooper Marody….C on ELC, grew up 45 mins from Detroit, was a Wolverine

    To Sabres…. 2nd in ‘22, and B prospect

    Re DeFabo “ Hextall is in the market for a big, physical forward, preferably an experienced center. ”…

    instead of a comma between “forward” / “preferably” put the word “AND”…

    Zucker, Lafferty , Ruhweedel for

    DeLauriers (big, physical forward) AND Henrique (an experienced centre)

    Hello Hextall… you need a 3C… you have already missed out on Staal and Zajac…. the list is shrinking fast and furiously

    • Pengy

      Seeing what Lou paid for Palmieiri and Zajak…I’m wondering what the price would be for Foligno and Savard?

      In another post I suggested a 1st and Kerfoot for Foligno and Savard with enough salary retained to make the dollars work…wondering if I may not have been far off?

      • The CLB target should be Merzlikins and only Merzlikins. The dont need anything else.

  7. As a Isle fan since day 1 thrilled by this deal. Lou gave up to much last year for Greene a 2nd way to much but this evens it out. Now Lou has 3 million plus left to spend on the books can still make another move. Wonder what he has up his sleeve?

    • Probably a set of shears for his new acquisition

    • Hi Pete

      You should be thrilled

      Steal of a deal

      As a Pens fan… please text GMLL and ask him NOT to spend any more Cap on improvements

      To level the playing field, perhaps in your texts to Lou … please can you ask him to politely rest Varly and Sorotkin until the fall …. 🙏🤞👍

      • Super deal for Isles. I wonder how many phone calls were made between Greene and KP and TZ convincing them to come to the Island.

        The big factor for me is that both players don’t have to move. Their kids stay in that same schools and the wives are happy.
        It a short hop from NJ over the GW Bridge to Long Island.
        Huge advantage for LL to have.

  8. Never bet against Boston Marchand can control the game himself and I did a cartwheel after hearing Palmieri went to the Island. Agree with Ed Palmieri no needle mover.

    • Obe, truer words never spoken. Do not bet against Boston. I keep thinking about what St. Louis did a couple of years ago. Hot goaltending and anything’s possible.

  9. Lots of Bruins fan were calling our Sweeney for not being able to land Hoffman or Hall in the off season.

    Here we are Closing in on trade deadline day and both are available again.

    Should Sweeney go after one, both or none?

    • Hi Caper

      With GMLL getting two players at 50% retained for basically a 1st…. trade value expected by Adams and Army for Hall and Hoffman has just plummeted IMHO

      Hall… must be a top-through trade with Sabres eating 50% and the middle team eating 50% of that…. so Hall’s Cap hit to Bruins (if they so desire) would be ~ $520 K for balance of year (@ TDL)

      Bruins give 2nd to Sabres and a prospect (see my proposal re Oil and Hall with Oil giving Wings Marody) to the middle trade team

      Similarly …. Hoffman @ 50% @ TDL…. about $520 K in space…. a 3rd ? 2nd at most

    • Pengy logically it makes sense, then i wonder when players are picked off and the pickings are slim, does a GM then over pay, because he is bidding with others.

      If strictly looking for goal scoring then the edge goes to Hoffman who has 6 consecutive 20 plus goal seasons. His cost would also be less then Hall, just because of the perceived name.

      Personally i don’t mind if Boston dumps but i know Sweeney will add for another run. Needs to be worthwhile addition.

    • I like the idea of one stop shop

      Hoffman & Dunn to the B’s

      rattus rattus

  10. Wonder If Yzerman can fleece the Habs out of a couple of Firsts for Mantha and players/picks added to make the cap work.

    • How about Byron and a third. Maybe throw in a low level prospect.
      Actually I wouldn’t mind Mantha on the Habs but not at the price of 2 firsts.

      • Stop it.

        Byron has went unclaimed for free 60 times this year. He has negative trade value. You have to pay to dump him, likely a 2nd.

      • hfip.

        Considering what Uncle Lou gave for two players that pretty much double Mantha’s production, it should be an AHL lifer and a 2nd rounder with 50% retained.

        At this point Byron has a big role to play till the end of the year

  11. Many teams seeking defensive depth, I wonder if Ottawa is getting any calls about Mike Reilly. Guy is having a beast of a year, isn’t playing bad defensively, and is moving the puck well.

    Many reports of teams looking for depth players with term, I wonder if Tierney can be moved for assets at the deadline? I know Ottawa doesn’t have much that can be moved, but I’m really hoping that Reilly, Tierney, Anismiov, and Dzingel can bring in a few assets, even smaller ones. For Anisimov, I’d even be willing to look at guys who move the needle for the B-Sens a bit haha

  12. Let’s not forget there IS a timeline. Lou makes the offer to Fitz, but says I( need to know by such & such timeframe. I’m not going to let you sit around & wait for better offer. Take it or leave it.
    Suppose Fitz said i’m going to wait this out to get more over the weekend? Lou would’ve moved on to someone else. Nah………… i’m a Devils fan & OK with this. I wish he had gotten 1 decent prospect than the 2 he did get.

  13. Bergevin might give a call to his buddy Kevyn Adams and give him a 2nd rounder if he retains 50%.

    He might call his buddy Stan Bowman and offer a draft pick for Zadorov.

    Uncle Lou just lowered everybody’s ask.

  14. Florida is up to no good. Clearing cap space today. Hall or a defenseman?

    • With Ekblad LTIR I would think they are looking for help on D.

      I suspect David Savard or Josh Manson will be Florida-bound by Monday.

  15. LeBrun is reporting that Toronto and the Blues are in talks centers on Hoffman and possibly Bozak.
    Bozak and Hoffman to Toronto 50% retained
    Kerfoot, Engvall, and a mid prospect and pick. Blues are rumored to be asking for Miettinen as the prospect.

    • how about Kerfoot, Engvall, Dermott and 2021 first rnd pick for Schwartz ( 1.5 retained ) and Dunn ?

      • For a pending UFA with 2 goals and a 3rd pairing dman. Yikes better see Lou on that one

      • 26 goals in 84 playoff games for Schwartz and 2 rings between them. Dunn has more potential than Dermott.

  16. PK Subban, anyone?

    • PK Subban & Blackwood for Price?
      you did say ANYONE lol

  17. Im surprised Shattenkirk is not in the rumors. He played well for Tampa last year and the Ducks need to rebuild.

    • Yeah he played well last year then cashed in with a 3 year $11.7M deal with Anaheim, including a limited trade clause.

      That’s an expensive contract to absorb, especially at the deadline plus there’s the expansion draft looming.

      If he were UFA after this season I think he’d be on the move for sure.

  18. Prior to the trade I wanted the Isles to go big. I felt Palmieri would have been a good get with Lee in the lineup for a 3rd line winger spot but without Lee the Isles needed more. Getting Zajak I think will help as one can assume Komarov and Johnston’s days with the team are numbered now.

    My question is are the Isles done? Their current D lineup is pretty good but after losing Devon Toews and Johnny Boychuk their depth is lacking. If their #7 is Thomas Hickey or Sebastian Aho and someone gets hurt it will be a hard time competing. I wonder if the Isles are looking at a solid 6/7 dman that can easily slot in and be a defensive stopper.

  19. Bennett would be a very good bottom six .
    Still young , can skate and battles.

    Derek Ryan and Edmonton”s extra third for a second this year ?
    Flames can now hope to move up a couple of spots in the lottery and retool through the draft and free agency .