Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 30, 2022

by | Jan 30, 2022 | Rumors | 38 comments

Are the Canucks shopping Conor Garland? Are the Leafs trying to move Petr Mrazek? What’s the latest on Josh Manson and Owen Tippett? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

CANUCKS FORWARDS ARE DRAWING INTEREST

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Vancouver Canucks president Jim Rutherford is getting down to business talking about potential trades with the rest of the league after getting his management team in place last week. While there’s been a lot of rumors about J.T. Miller, Friedman believes they have a number of forwards (excluding Elias Pettersson and Bo Horvat) that they’re willing to discuss with other teams. Winger Conor Garland could be among them.

Vancouver Canucks winger Conor Garland (NHL Images).

Teams linked to the Canucks in the rumor mill include the New York Rangers, Boston Bruins and Calgary Flames. Friedman believes the New Jersey Devils could be in there as well with an interest in players with term remaining on their contracts.

THE PROVINCE: Patrick Johnston weighed in on Friedman’s report, suggesting the Devils have a pair of defensemen in Ty Smith and Damon Severson who might interest the Canucks. He noted Rutherford has made it clear he’s going to be making changes, and earlier this month said he was looking for younger players and draft picks. The Canucks president is also looking for more salary-cap flexibility.

THE ATHLETIC: Harman Dayal observed it’s not unusual for trade talk to pick up when a new regime takes over a club that is eager to make changes. He believes it makes sense for the Canucks to shop some of their wingers but he’s not sure Garland would be on his list as he’s still fairly young and on a good contract. However, he wondered if Rutherford would rate the 25-year-old winger as highly as the previous management.

Dayal believes trading Garland would also cast the club’s offseason blockbuster move with Arizona in a harsh light. Garland won’t fetch the top-10 pick the Canucks gave up in that deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be worthwhile to keep an eye on the Canucks leading up to the March 21 trade deadline. Rutherford and his staff are going to listen to offers but that doesn’t mean they’re going to make a series of trades before deadline day. They could move Garland, Miller or other wingers if they get solid offers but they could also hang onto them and perhaps see what the offseason market looks like.

LATEST ON MRAZEK, MANSON AND TIPPETT

SPORTSNET: Jeff Marek said there’s been speculation around the league over the future of Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Petr Mrazek given the Vezina-type season being enjoyed by starter Jack Campbell. The Leafs haven’t initiated any discussion about Mrazek but there have been teams interested in him. Any decisions about their goaltenders will be summer decisions.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, Leafs management is waiting to see how contract negotiations go with Campbell, who’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer and is due for a significant pay raise. Mrazek, meanwhile, is signed through 2023-24 with an affordable $3.8 million cap hit and a 10-team no-trade list.

Elliotte Friedman said it’ll be interesting to see how long Anaheim Ducks defenseman Josh Manson will be sidelined. He’s a UFA this summer and the Leafs are believed among the clubs with an interest in the 28-year-old Ducks blueliner.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Manson’s fate also depends on where the Ducks are in the standings as the March 21 trade deadline approaches. They’re currently second in the Pacific Division and I don’t see them becoming sellers if they’re still in that position on deadline day.

Marek also reports there are a lot of trade rumors surrounding Florida Panthers forward Owen Tippett. With the Panthers in go-for-it mode this season, the 22-year-old winger is reportedly available.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Panthers are believed in the market for a top-four defenseman. They’ve been linked to the Arizona Coyotes’ Jakob Chychrun and the Dallas Stars’ John Klingberg. A promising young player like Tippett would have to be part of the package to land either guy.







38 Comments

  1. Rutherford has a mess to clean up, sort of like the one he left in Pittsburgh …

    • The Canucks hired a GM and an assistant GM. Why would Rutherford be involved in making trades? Seems like they handed out titles to people but no authority to do anything without Jimmys approval.

      The joke continues in Nuckville.

    • Only enough of a mess that they won their division last year and were in the top spot yesterday. Maybe, if he’d stayed longer, he’d have messed up that team so badly that they’d have won a Cup.

      Canucks fans must be chomping at the bit to see him make a mess of their team.

      • Exactly Francis, seems kind of self evident doesn’t it?

        He’s in the HOF with all them other dunces I suppose.

  2. JT to Boston for Steen, Lazar and 2 2nds

    • @JohnnyZ

      VAN doesn’t even answer the phone.

      Lazar has very little trade value…6th round pick maybe?
      Steen has played 19 games in the NHL over the last two seasons. Maybe he has potential but he was a 6th round pick…

      Two second round picks are lottery tickets…especially if Boston has a good playoff run.

      It starts with a 1st round pick, young NHL player, and a top prospect.

    • Not Steen. We’re already shy on RW’s.
      He might turn out to be a good player.
      He should slot in as RW1 with Bergy and Marchand today. Great time for an audition.

    • The cash doesn’t work . Bergy is up at seasons end. They need to move cash. DeBrusk and Moore so change it to a first add them to Steen and maybe lol

    • How bout Poolman, Dickenson for Debrusk?

  3. The Leafs should try to move Mrazek whenever they get a suitable offer. Moving his $3.8M cap hit will be necessary to add players at the TDL and also free up dollars to re-sign Campbell.

    VAN has a very capable back up in Halak and other pieces that would interest the Leafs like Miller and Schenn. Do they have the assets to get it done…that’s a stretch.

    I think the Leafs could move out $9.8M in salary with Mrazek, Holl, Dermott, and Ritchie. They could just ask for picks or prospects back instead of NHL players.

    Again, I’m not sure TOR has what VAN is looking for but it can’t hurt to call. VAN needs to restock their prospect pool and gain cap flexibility.

    • Mrazek they could probably find a market for, but Ritchie isn’t going to excite anyone.

      But just out of curiosity, who do you see slotting in to take the place of each of Holl (avg ice time 20:37) and Dermott (avg ice time 14:30)? You’re not going to get better D back in a deal, so who do you see moving in on a regular basis from their system?

      • @GeorgeO

        There are definitely players within the Leafs system that could take over for Dermott. Sandin is already outplaying him. I don’t think there is much of a drop off from Dermott to Biega or Dahlstrom?

        There are a few RD that may be available in trade as an upgrade over Holl. Severson from NJ would be a nice upgrade. Manson from ANA would be too. Possibly even Mayfield from NYI or Braun from PHI.

        There has been speculation that the Leafs have had calls on Mrazek. If they can move him I think Halak would be a suitable back up to Campbell.

        You’re right, nobody is getting excited over Ritchie. Somebody may take a gamble on him though…you know how GMs look at big former 1st round picks…
        If nobody trades for Ritchie they’ll keep him in the minors and save $12M against the cap…better than nothing.

    • Mrazek, Holl and Ritchie? Trading them for anything of value would require one of Pengys trash for gems transactions.

      Boy Blunder Dubas signed them, and is likely stuck with them.

      • Mrazek is definitely a tradeable asset.

        Holl is 2RD on a top 10 team signed for another season at $2M…if he’s available somebody will trade for him. I’m not suggesting a 1st rounder or top prospect but I’d be willing to bet he’s more valuable in trade than DeBust…

        Ritchie was definitely a mistake. No disagreement there.

      • A 1b at best goalie signed for multiple years at a rather high price? A bottom pair d man at 2 mil? Not untradable. How much money held by leafs or what’s the sweetener?

    • Just to speculate even more on the Leafs:
      Would Dallas be a player with Klingberg and Holtby going to the Leafs?
      Klingberg ($2M retained) + Holtby ($1M retained) for Mrazek ($1.8M retained) + Engvall + Holl + 2023 2nd + 2024 2nd

      • Hi Johnny

        Klingberg is not the type of Dman the Leafs need. They need somebody that is very good defensively. Klingberg is another Tyson Barrie type player. Severson from NJ would be a much better idea.

        I don’t mind the Holtby idea…but I’d prefer Pavelski and Holtby…

      • @Chrisms

        Holl plays 2nd pair RD on a top 10 team. He plays 20 minutes a night. Definitely not a bottom pair D.

        A 1b goalie as you mentioned that signed for 2 more years at $3.8M
        There are 32 starting goalie spots in the NHL… Mrazek could be the starter on a few teams. He’s had some injuries the past few years but is still a pretty good goalie.

        Rumours are teams are calling the Leafs asking if he’s available…

      • Why move holl then Daryl? If the top ten leafs have a middle pair d man at 2 mil it sounds great for them?

        Who is pm a starter for?

    • Hi Daryl….Mrazek out for space does have advantages but a reasonable back-up must come back.

      If Campbell goes down for any extended stretch, I can’t see Leafs being successful with Hutch, or Will, or Kalgren or Scott

      Re moving out Mrazek, Holl, Dermott, and Ritchie for almost $10 M in space for just picks…. They’d need to fill a D and back up for sure before any other add

      Some of those moves certainly can be done off-season

      IMHO Leafs should not give up much at all re futures (unless the player(s) coming back has/have term) as the cup this summer is a longshot…. would likely have to take series against BOTH FLA teams; then Canes or Rangers or Pens; then Knights or Avs …. very tough

      IF they get players with term … their investment (picks and prospects) buys into their cup window… June ‘23 and ‘24

      • @Pengy..wow 17 of 19 and now two OT losses points yes and a regulation loss 4- 3 today vs Kings.

        Rudwhedel is so bad

        Jarry looked average. We got Washington coming to town Tuesday

        3rd pair d needed

        Back up goalie Dominique DeSmith or maybe fillip lindberg

        Didnt see kapanen at all i think he was benched or scratched…time to move him

        Sully doesnt like him too inconsistent..

      • Leafs should try and trade Mikheyev ufa, Dermott and Mrazek for a tough rh Defenceman and cheaper back up goalie.

      • If by a “tough rh defenceman” you mean someone who is that plus capable of playing top minutes and with term, along with a top drawer back-up goalie (why would you want any other kind?) – it’s going to take a LOT more than that trio. Mrazek is already a back-up. Why would anyone give you one who is capable and cheaper? Mikheyev, if anyone wants him, can be had for simply $ in the off-season. He sure isn’t going to make any significant difference to anyone down the stretch. If he was capable of that, why would Toronto deal him? And Dermott – like it or not – is a 5/6 at best.

      • Hi Pengy

        I agree. The Leafs should tread carefully in regards to trading futures.

        My targets to replace Mrazek $3.8M and Holl $2M would be Halak $1.5M and Severson $4.17M. I think Dermott could be replaced by somebody from the Marlies (Biega, Dahlstrom, Rubins) without much of a drop off in performance.

        Sandin and Liljegren have looked fine as the Leafs 3rd pairing.

  4. Chychrun to Florida makes sense. The more I see Zach Jones in NY, the less likelihood they trade for Chychrun. I’m liking him more than K’Andre Miller and if I’m Gallant, I put him with Trouba and drop Miller to 3rd pair with Schneider. Garland makes no sense to Rangers. I see them possibly adding rental RW (Kessel/Smith) at deadline. NY needs a 2C next year. If it’s Strome, then there’s no $ to pay Garland. 3 RW currently not in lineup but could still be in roster next year (Kakko, Blais, Kravtsov) question. If JT is so valuable, why wouldn’t Vancouver keep him? Pettersson would clear cap space and bring back the better package. Lafreniere, Chytil, Nemeth for Pettersson

  5. Chychrun to Florida makes sense. The more I see Zach Jones in NY, the less likelihood they trade for Chychrun. I’m liking him more than K’Andre Miller and if I’m Gallant, I put him with Trouba and drop Miller to 3rd pair with Schneider. Garland makes no sense to Rangers. I see them possibly adding rental RW (Kessel/Smith) at deadline. NY needs a 2C next year. If it’s Strome, then there’s no $ to pay Garland. 3 RW currently not in lineup but could still be in roster next year (Kakko, Blais, Kravtsov) question. If JT is so valuable, why wouldn’t Vancouver keep him? Pettersson would clear cap space and bring back the better package. Lafreniere, Chytil, Nemeth for Pettersson

  6. ONe of the reasons I have been writing less here is that I end up repeating previous writings. To respond to Daryl I think that Dermott and Ritchie should go……maybe the other two but here is the problem that remains.

    The roster structure is bad. The Core Four at $40 million is ridiculous when one ofd pe them is not a first rate D man. The Matthew is 2 years light on term and Marnwr is light on body mass.

    What does the recent run of losing and gaining 3 – 1 leads and 5 goals in the 3 rd period indicateÉ To me it is the team is not built right, is not mature enough, that the dressing room may be too independent of coaches. There is something rotten in Denmark.

    • @Old Blue Dog

      The core 4 will have a high priced Dman next year…Rielly.

      Tavares is the player and salary that has thrown a wrench into the machine. He was an unnecessary signing.

      Most young teams need to learn to win. Aside from the Penguins and Hawks many teams like the Caps and Bokts had to learn how to win…Ovechkin and Stamkos were 10 year vets before they saw success. Even as far back as the Oilers dynasty years…that team was young and had to beat the veteran Islanders.

      Imagine how Detroit’s future would have looked had they given up on Yzerman…

      • Good points.

    • Obd. Just seeing this. Was unaware I posted twice.

      • Leafs really can’t trade Mrazek without adding a veteran backup or a lights-out hotshot youngster. Campbell’s injury history is too significant to risk going with Woll, Hutchinson or Kallegren.
        They have a deep forward pool, so adding a forward makes sense only if it clears cap space or provides a specialist . What the DO need is an upgrade on their top 4 dmen and somebody to replace what they lost when Bogosian left.

  7. Only enough of a mess that they won their division last year and were in the top spot yesterday. Maybe, if he’d stayed longer, he’d have messed up that team so badly that they’d have won a Cup.

    Canucks fans must be chomping at the bit to see him make a mess of their team.

  8. Hoping allowing in the New England and Maritimes areas are OK , and that snow was reasonable in your area

    • P.E.I. is getting nailed which likely accounts for the long delay in posts getting on line since this morning. Looks like Ontario is in for another round of crap by mid-week.

      • George, actually, it’s because we were doing maintenance to the site earlier today.

      • Ahh … well, better I guess 🙂

  9. Don’t think leafs trade Mrazek now given how Jack played the last ten. The piece the Leafs need will be hard to get-a big, defensive d-man (Maybe Manson but not sure on him). They don’t need a Klingberg type, but they have to factor in that Muzzin might not be available or even good enough for playoffs. Leafs GM and President are in a bind of their own making. They know that failure in the playoffs this year, which means anything less than conference final, and they are fired. They also must know that the current team does not look like it can beat Florida, Canes or TB.
    In fact, Florida is the team the Leafs thought they had once upon a time when they were delusional.