Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – April 4, 2021

by | Apr 4, 2021 | Rumors | 39 comments

Check out the latest on the Bruins, Jets, Capitals, Sharks and more in the Sunday NHL rumor roundup.

SUGGESTED BRUINS TRADE TARGETS

THE ATHLETIC: Fluto Shinzawa recently examined how the Boston Bruins could address their need for a left-side defenseman and a scoring right wing.

Vancouver’s Alex Edler, Nashville’s Mattias Ekholm, Arizona’s Alex Goligoski, Detroit’s Jon Merrill and Ottawa’s Mike Reilly were among his recent suggestions for blue-line targets.

Columbus’ Riley Nash, New Jersey’s Kyle Palmieri and Miles Wood, Anaheim’s Rickard Rakell, and Detroit’s Bobby Ryan were his proposed forward trade options.

Could the Boston Bruins target Anaheim Ducks winger Rikard Rakell before the trade deadline? (NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Shinzawa rated each option, including the potential cost of acquisition. His list was published on Friday before news emerged of the COVID-19 variant sidelining a number of Canucks, including Edler. Regardless, Edler enjoys living and playing in Vancouver and has shown no willingness to waive his no-movement clause in the past.

Ekholm’s probably no longer available due to the Predators’ surge into playoff contention in the Discover Central Division. The same goes for Goligoski as the Coyotes jockey with the Blues and Sharks for the final playoff spot in the Honda West.

Palmieri or Rakell could provide a boost to the Bruins’ offense but the asking price for either guy could get expensive, especially for Rakell with a year remaining on his contract. I don’t see the Devils parting with Wood. The 25-year-old has a year remaining on his contract and probably still fits into the Devils’ plans going forward, whereas Palmieri is slated to become a UFA this summer and could price himself out of New Jersey.

The Bruins options could be going the bargain rental route with Nash, Ryan, Reilly, or Merrill. Neither of those guys, however, will significantly improve Boston’s roster.

RECENT JETS, CAPITALS AND SHARKS SPECULATION

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun recently speculated the Winnipeg Jets are worth watching at the upcoming NHL trade deadline. He felt they could make a move to bolster their defense. However, general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff cautions finite resources such as cap space and currency to make trades could make it difficult to find the right fit.

LeBrun believed Mattias Ekholm would be a perfect fit on the Jets blueline. However, a Predators source told him last week the club doesn’t face the same urgency to sell as it did several weeks ago. LeBrun suggested Columbus’ David Savard or Anaheim’s Josh Manson as other options worth considering.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cheveldayoff already made one significant trade this season, shipping Patrik Laine and Jack Roslovic to the Blue Jackets for Pierre-Luc Dubois and a draft pick. LeBrun feels he could strike again.

Savard could be the best choice. Cheveldayoff has a recent trade history with Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen and the asking price won’t be anything close to the reported three assets (including a first-round pick and top prospect) the Predators want for Ekholm. Manson’s been hampered by injuries this season, carries a 12-team no-trade list and could be reluctant to waive it.

Tarik El-Bashir recently examined some potential low-cost rentals for the Washington Capitals to add depth at center. He suggested Detroit’s Luke Glendening, Nashville’s Mikael Granlund and Erik Haula and Columbus’ Riley Nash. El-Bashir also didn’t rule out Calgary’s Sam Bennett.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Granlund and Haula could be unavailable given the Predators’ aforementioned surge in the standings. Bennett seems a more likely trade chip with each passing day but could too expensive for the Capitals. Glendening seems the most affordable option but other cap-strapped contenders seeking depth at center (hello there, Edmonton Oilers) could come calling.

LeBrun also reported the San Jose Sharks have told teams it has cap space to rent for an asset or two. They have around $6 million available and LeBrun suggested they could become the third team in a complicated cap deal to facilitate a trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks are also rising in the West Division and fighting for a playoff spot. That could affect GM Doug Wilson’s willingness to rent out some of his cap space.

WHITHER DEANGELO?

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks asks, “You’re telling me that Tony DeAngelo wouldn’t be a fit or worthwhile risk for Florida?”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brooks is referring to the Panthers’ search for blueline help after Aaron Ekblad was sidelined by a fractured leg for the remainder of the season.

Despite his defensive flaws, DeAngelo’s offensive abilities and puck-moving skills would draw attention from clubs seeking blueline depth. However, the young rearguard’s personal baggage, including his clash with a teammate in January that ended his tenure with the Rangers, has also dampened his trade value.







39 Comments

  1. Sadly, I think the Blues are trending more and more as SELLERS. I would think that Mike Hoffman, Vince Dunn, and hometowner Zack Sanford would address some of Boston’s wish list.

    • Iowa IMO, Dunn is playing his best hockey of his career, IMO the Blues are going to protect him and try to move on from either Krug or Faulk.
      Sanford, Hoffman, Schwartz, Scandy, Bozak, are all going to be avalible.
      Iam not sold on Kyrou either as he has fallen off quite a bit.

      • Brian

        STL just signed Krug. He’s got 6 years at $6.5M left on his deal with a NTC every year except the last two where he has a NTC/NMC. He’s not going anywhere.

        Not sure why Dunn has fallen out of favour there either?

        STL would have been far better off signing Pietrangelo than Faulk or Krug.

        If they’re in sell mode I’m sure Hoffman, Sanford, and Schwartz would garner interest. I’d love for the Leafs to grab Perron.

      • Daryl, iam not saying they are going to trade Krug or Faulk however I dont see them exposing Dunn over Krug for the expansion draft.
        I understand moving away from Petro, 8.8 million with a NMC until he is 37/38 years old is a death sentence. Vegas has been excellent without Petro. They needed a Top 6 center not an 8.8 million dollar defensemen, who played his best hockey of his career during his contract year, then mailed it in during the playoffs last season.

      • Brian..
        I know the said Faulk was having a good bounce back year..is Krug not playing well?

        I like Dunn Rutherford before he left was close to acquiring him..don’t happen..
        You would keep Dunn over Krug or Faulk??

        They really.muss cton parrynko..

      • Dunn is a minus 7 and a real liability on defense. No way the Blues protect him over Krug or Faulk. Dunn will be traded.

  2. Arizona is still gonna sell Goliblockski and anyone else they can for picks since GMBA needs picks to retool. Even if they make the playoffs it’s 1 round and done in this division for them.

  3. I think Vince Dunn would be a great addition . At This point I would have to say even Vince Dunn or somebody like Rackell might not be enough. Halak last night didn’t look good, Vladar, with the exception of the game against Pittsburgh has looked alright. But if they don’t get back Rask stick a fork in em. I would like to see Swayman given a chance I think this is the guy who will be the bruins starter when Rask packs it in

  4. Coach Q will not play Tony D.
    Like I said the other day…. Yandle +Tony D pairing would be wild

    • Speaking of the other day, it’s sort of weird that we were just talking about the value of Alex Wennberg, and then he gets a hat trick. Guess his value just went up.

  5. The Bruins have 3 games against Philly this week.

    This should be a good indication of where they are in the playoff race.

    I believe Sweeney will add but what I don’t know.

    When you look at what is available it isn’t much, may need to make a hockey trade to make a difference.

  6. Bruins just need to get healthy and play 60 minutes at times yesterday they looked like the best team in hockey. Marchand is a beast and Pasta with Krech wasn’t bad either. One shift at a time hitters hit checkers check and scorers score.

    • Yeah because all of the best teams in hockey give up 5 goals …

      • All the best teams find away to win always have always will.

  7. Good Morning Beantown!

    Bruins have 3 or 4 games in hand on everyone else , plus major injuries on the mend !!
    Marchand is back , U see what he is capable of …
    Why , the Leafs would trade Nylander straight up for him !!
    A win , win … For Both Teams

    • They need a lot more than that Ken to get Brad

      • Rick
        I know that…I am not a Nylander fan
        It’s a jab
        Shoreorrpark likes dishing it out on here,,,
        I gave him a taste of his own medicine !
        U have been belittled by him, as well

      • Good one, Ken. Got me good.

    • Ken I love the Bruins are renting the empty space between your ears. It’s fabulous they stick around rent free ha ha ha

  8. Shoreorrpark would LOVE my trade proposal !!
    U got your scoter , U were dreaming about !

    • I would love if you took your weak azz game back over to the Buzz and left us knowledgeable and sensible hockey fans to our own devices. Your shtick has worn thin, young fella.

      • 2422,

        Right on

  9. Carlo (& Rask) loss and is going to hurt. Second concussion ? I missed the play on his return from missing 10 with a concussion. They had better shut him down. Focus on landing Savard or Manson and never mind the front end.
    There will not be a lot a lot of sellers next Monday. Maybe 6-7 teams ?
    Flyers Flames CLB ANA DET Devils

  10. Shoreorrpark/. Aka

    PelykMcKennyMarancian

  11. Why would Florida trade for locker room cancer DeAngelo? Or anybody else for that matter.

    Brooks is an idiot.

    • Why wouldn’t Florida give DeAngelo a shot? Maybe Quenneville can work with him. Ask won’t be much and if it doesn’t work out they buy him out at end of season. If it works out, bring him back and buyout the soon to be 35 year old Stralman. Can also expose them in expansion draft. Panthers lost their top D man and have that cap space to add another player. Brooks may be an idiot, but it’s a stretch to think DeAngelo never plays again somewhere.

  12. Good luck with the blues moving Faulk or Krug both make over 6 and have 6 yrs remaining. They put themselves in a hole by signing Krug. They also have important guys like Schwartz and Dunn up at seasons end and both will be looking for raises no doubt. Cap hell is eminent. Unless they get creative at the deadline or draft 8 roster players are up at seasons end. They bet no tears from me lol

  13. For those of you here who celebrate in the same faith as I… Happy Easter

    • Back at you Pengy…BNG

      Super excited for the trade deadline to see what teams do..what our Penguins do!!

      I think the defense is sid now with Dumoulin back.

      Forward/Center…is what we need..I’m assuming Malkin is coming back..so McCann xan solud to third center..with zucker..

      Rickard rakell Bobby Ryan good candidates…

      Rumors galore Philadelphia wants to make a statement trade looking hard at Johnny gautreau with Calgary falling out of the race..

      Bennett for the Penguins??

  14. Palmari being held out today. Precautionary reasons. Looks like he might be on the move a little earlier than expected. I’ll guess the Islanders or Habs.

    • Dark horse teams for me are the Blues and Flyers.

  15. Palmieri held out of Devils game in anticipation of trade

  16. All is Good Shoreorrpark

    • Yes, Ken. All is grand. Happy Easter to you and yours.

      • SOP, I still laugh at the story about Eddie Shore when he owned the Springfield franchise in the AHL. According to legend, he would use a rope to tie the goalie to the cross-bar so he couldn’t flop to the ice. Stand-up goalies were the only goalies he would allow.
        Wonder what he’d say about goaltending in today’s NHL. He might comment on equipment, methinks.

      • BCLF, I’ve got quite a few almost unbelievable stories about the late, great Edmonton Express. He was so cheap, he’d do all his own maintenance in Springfield. He was full of spite and vengeance, and would punish players if they got on his wrong side. At the age of 60+ he could race all of the Indians around the rink………..backwards!
        Mean as cats piss by all accounts, but one of the best to ever lace em up!
        Saskatchewan sure has pushed some incredible talent out of it’s doors.

      • Point of interest re Eddie Shore.

        When he was growing up goalies weren’t allowed to go to the ice, the position was played standing.

        Probably bugged him his whole career.

  17. Rick Bowness Dallas coach test positive but has all trial vaccines and wears a mask back to the drawing board I guess.

  18. Carlo injury is below the neck Cassidy said no concussion just the news.