Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – August 8, 2021
Could the Boston Bruins go shopping for a center? Which defenseman could the Islanders pursue in a trade? Check out the latest in the Sunday NHL rumor roundup.
BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Jimmy Murphy recently reported NHL sources confirmed Bruins general manager Don Sweeney remains open to acquiring a center but the trade market has gone stale in recent days. For now, the club intends to use Charlie Coyle as their second-line center after David Krejci announced he’s returning to the Czech Republic to finish his playing career.
Are the Boston Bruins targeting Arizona Coyotes center Christian Dvorak in the trade market? (NHL Images)
Recent speculation suggests Sweeney could use winger Jake DeBrusk and defenseman Jakub Zboril as trade bait to land a center. The Bruins had serious trade discussions with the Arizona Coyotes regarding Christian Dvorak over two weeks ago but those talks hit a stalemate. There’s no indication if DeBrusk and/or Zboril were mentioned in those talks.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Murphy also noted Sweeney hinted David Krejci could return to the Bruins later this season. However, he’d have to sign before Dec. 15 to avoid passing through waivers. After that, he’d had to sign before the trade deadline but there’s no guarantee he won’t get snapped up by a rival club on the waive wire.
The Bruins are among several clubs linked to Dvorak but Coyotes GM Bill Armstrong could be reluctant to part with the 25-year-old two-way center. He might accept DeBrusk or Zboril but could want a first-round pick as part of the return. Other clubs could also out-bid the Bruins.
THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple recently speculated the New York Islanders could turn to the trade market to fill the gap on the left side of their defense corps after trading Nick Leddy to Detroit.
He listed Seattle’s Vince Dunn, Anaheim’s Hampus Lindholm, Chicago’s Calvin de Haan, Columbus’ Vladislav Gavrikov, Carolina’s Jake Gardiner, Nashville’s Mattias Ekholm, Anaheim’s Cam Fowler, Winnipeg’s Nathan Beaulieu and New Jersey’s Damon Severson as possible trade targets.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dunn avoided salary arbitration with the Kraken by signing a two-year, $8 million contract soon after Staple’s piece was published. It doesn’t appear they intend to part with him. Lindholm could be available but the rebuilding Ducks could seek a couple of quality futures in return.
I don’t see the Blue Jackets parting with Gavrikov as he’s expected to fill the left-side position on their second pairing. Staple indicated Gardiner’s awaiting surgery that could sideline him for several weeks past the start of this season.
Predators GM David Poile is said to be intent on re-signing Ekholm so he’s probably not available. As Staple observed, Fowler would be expensive in both contract and assets. He also has a four-team trade list and the Islanders might not be on it. Staple also acknowledged Severson’s a right-side defenseman, which doesn’t really make him a viable solution.
Beaulieu and de Haan could be available. However, I don’t think either guy can suitably fill that second-pairing role. The Isles might have to be patient and see what develops in the trade market over the course of the season.
What the bruins have now is simply not enough, with someone like Eichel yeeeeeeee muma!! Dvorak would be alright reach for the stars Eichel.
Arizona needs to hang onto Dvorak he is the prefect no2 center when Mathews arrives in 2 years.
Yikes bad spelling and its 3 years not 2, too early
Hi MP
Not challenging a reasonable likelihood of AM in the desert…. But it should be 1/7/24 for his soonest arrival. Before that Arz would be giving up buckets O’ assets that they need to build around him
AM is available asset free on 1/7/24 when he becomes a UFA
However…. I can see Knights putting in a very large offer for him… and they also have the huge tax advantage
The Islanders at this point should not force a trade for a left handed defenseman. I would look for Lou to wait until after training camps have end to see who may be available. To over pay now with a limited selection does not make a ton of sense. Nor does it seem like a the Lou way.
Dvorak will be a bruin
“Dvorak will be a Bruin” “Eichel will be a Bruin” “OEL will be a Bruin”. Keep trying. Even a broken clock is right twice a day. Your percentage is much lower than that.
Will depend on if Matthews wants to win or just cares about pay check. Arizona definitely starting over and will have some good young talent by than. Many teams will have room to sign him he has to decide which team fits best. Steve will have Detroit set up nicely by than.
Isles still need to sign a few guys, so I don’t see them bringing back deHaan. Chicago already over cap, so retention probably not happening. Seattle overloaded at LD. If they’re keeping Dunn, then maybe Soucy to Isles?
That would be nice! Isles could use some more size on the back end. Not sure how much of a puck mover he is, but a little grit never hurts!
If there is any doubt, the Leafs should err on the side of early and getting more assets than later getting less or none. This guy is not going to win in TO ( IMO). So stop, the self delusion and start planning how to get assets for him. He is the best asset TO has but the contract is too short so it does not matter.
Of all Dubas’s errors, this is the one is the fireable offense.
Houston Coyotes may land Matthews in 2024
NYI want a LD…..Bruins trade Grzelcyk for Mayfield …..Bruins get size and a SAH Dman
these rumors floating around Bruins & Dvorak who they going to give up for him or Bruins and R Johansen which might be a earier get but where are they going to get the 8 million per to pay him……Geez Louise
they dont have the cap $ to bring Krejci back if he wanted to come back right now without moving players & taking nothing back …
Has Eichel been moved to the Rags yet? I heard somewhere that it would happen by the end of Friday, or by the end of the weekend at the latest.
Where is Drury’s head?
Joeman, Why on earth would the Isles protect Mayfield only to trade him for another D-Man. That still leaves them one D-Man short.
Nonsense.
LD..RD thats all it is …take it easy