NHL Rumor Mill – March 15, 2022

by | Mar 15, 2022 | Rumors | 75 comments

What next for the Ducks and Avalanche following the Josh Manson trade? Could the Islanders shop Semyon Varlamov? What’s the latest on the Golden Knights and Oilers? Find out in today’s NHL rumor mill.

ARE MORE TRADES COMING FOR THE DUCKS AND AVALANCHE?

THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: Elliott Teaford suggests the Anaheim Ducks might not be done dealing after shipping Josh Manson to the Colorado Avalanche yesterday. He reminds us that Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek recently indicated he would trade pending unrestricted free agents like Manson if he couldn’t get them re-signed before the March 21 trade deadline.

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Hampus Lindholm (NHL Images).

Ducks defenseman (and pending UFA) Hampus Lindholm has been the subject of trade speculation for weeks. He reportedly seeks a longer-term deal than the five-year contract he’s been offered. He could fetch a good return for the Ducks if he’s moved before the deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most of the focus will be on Lindholm but he’s not the only UFA the Ducks could peddle by the deadline. Winger Rickard Rakell could also draw interest from clubs seeking a scoring right wing. He’s been linked to the Boston Bruins, New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins in recent trade rumors.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun believes the Avalanche isn’t finished in the trade market. He thinks they’re still interested in Philadelphia Flyers captain Claude Giroux among other forwards.

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh observes salary-cap space is tight for the Avalanche. However, they could garner some flexibility by placing captain Gabriel Landeskog and his $7 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve following his knee surgery yesterday.

COLORADO HOCKEY NOW: Adrian Dater rules out the possibility of the Avalanche acquiring goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury from the Chicago Blackhawks. He’s been told there’s not much interest on the Avs part in a big offer for Fleury. He also believes they’ll pursue a forward leading up to the deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avs have been linked to Giroux for weeks but there have been recent rumblings they could be looking at more affordable options such as the Winnipeg Jets’ Andrew Copp. If the focus is to boost their bottom-six, Copp would make the most sense.

WILL THE ISLANDERS SHOP VARLAMOV?

THE ATHLETIC: Kevin Kurz recently reported it’s believed New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov won’t waive his no-trade clause to go to the Edmonton Oilers. He also wondered if the Washington Capitals (one of Varlamov’s former clubs) might turn to the Isles netminder if they’re unable to acquire Marc-Andre Fleury from the Blackhawks.

A pair of sources told Kurz the Toronto Maple Leafs could be a fit, but any deal involving the cap-strapped Maple Leafs might involve taking on Petr Mrazek and his $3.8 million cap hit through 2023-24. The Vegas Golden Knights could be another option given starter Robin Lehner’s battle with injuries this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Varlamov carries a $5 million annual average value through 2022-23 with a 16-team no-trade clause. Those factors will make him difficult to move if the Islanders wish to shop him as a cost-cutting move. It might have to involve a “hockey trade” with the Isles taking back a player in return.

LATEST ON CRAIG ANDERSON, MARTIN JONES, PAVEL ZACHA & TYLER MOTTE

TSN: Pierre LeBrun speculates there could be some “tire-kicking” on Buffalo Sabres goaltender Craig Anderson. The team has huge respect for Anderson and LeBrun doesn’t think they’ll move him unless he’s comfortable with it.

NBC SPORTS PHILADELPHIA: Jordan Hall believes Flyers backup Martin Jones has solid rental potential for any team with instability between the pipes. He’s a pending UFA on a one-year, $2 million contract. Hall noted a report in late January indicating the Edmonton Oilers were willing to give up a late-round draft pick for Jones but the Flyers likely wanted to let the market play out for leverage purposes.

SPORTSNET’S Elliotte Friedman (stick tap to NHL Watcher) said the Montreal Canadiens are one of the teams with an interest in New Jersey Devils forward Pavel Zacha.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zacha, 24, is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights completing a three-year deal with a $2.5 million annual cap hit and $3 million this season in actual salary. The Vancouver Canucks were also reportedly interested in him.

THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith suggested Vancouver Canucks bottom-six forward Tyler Motte could be an intriguing trade option for the Tampa Bay Lightning. He’s a UFA this summer with a $1.25 million salary-cap hit this season. A second-round pick or an equivalent prospect could be the asking price but it remains to be seen if the Canucks will trade him while they’re jockeying for a wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

UPDATES ON THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS AND OILERS

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: David Schoen believes the slumping Golden Knights needs to bolster their goaltending with starter Robin Lehner still battling injuries. Possible trade options could include the New York Rangers’ Alexandar Georgiev, New York Islanders’ Semyon Varlamov, the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Joonas Korpisalo and the Dallas Stars’ Braden Holtby.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With just over $1.2 million in projected deadline cap space, the Golden Knights don’t have much wiggle room here to add a goalie. Varlamov’s $5 million cap hit through next season is too expensive and the Stars aren’t moving Holtby with Anton Khudobin undergoing hip surgery. That leaves Georgiev and Korpisalo and there’s no certainty either guy will give Vegas the boost they need between the pipes.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jim Matheson believes Oilers GM Ken Holland has to be in “add mode” as the trade deadline approaches with his club scrambling to nail down a playoff berth. He believes Holland should add an older, bigger defenseman such as the Philadelphia Flyers’ Justin Braun, the Detroit Red Wings’ Marc Staal or the Seattle Kraken’s Carson Soucy. Braun and Staal are pending UFAs while Soucy has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $2.75 million.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The cap-strapped Oilers will need some help acquiring one of those defensemen. Matheson speculates Holland could be prepared to offer up checking-line forward Josh Archibald (and pending UFA) as a trade chip. However, he might have to include a pick or prospect in the deal.







75 Comments

  1. Pens would love to add Rakell …. But Burkie keeps saying no futures (picks/prospects) unless player comes with term…Rakell is UFA

    If Pens are giving up assets… perhaps look at Hagel or Crouse

    Seeing more posts and media re Jimbo looking at getting Marino…Pens can’t give up Marino without either directly (or side deal in place) to get a 2RD… Friedman could spot sporadically in at 2RD… but I don’t think that he’s quite ready.

    And….IF that did happen (Marino out; Friedman replacing) that guarantees CR definitely in at 3RD for playoffs… not good

    • @Pengy

      With the Pens aging stars like Crosby, Malkin, and Letang and PIT farm system ranked at or near the bottom of the league I can see why Hextall and Burke don’t want to trade futures for UFA.

      Is trading a guy like Marino a good idea if it only results in a mild increase in performance in his spot but a massive downgrade in another spot (Ruhwedel) ?

      If they’re going to trade futures it has to be for youngish players or players with some term left or at least team control (RFA)

      It seems like Trader Jim has left the Pens cupboard rather bare…

      • Marino and Kapanen for JT Miller??? Not sure of the cap situation.
        Use the 1st rd pick and prospect for a RD

      • Only in pengy mind is chad a major downgrade. He’s been just fine as a third pair d man.

      • Agree Daryl

        Cupboard bare

        Marino should not be moved unless there is a deal (another team involved?) that gets them a player (or players with term and a 2RD

        This is how complicated it might have to be to do a deal in which Marino goes to ‘Nucks…

        Something like

        Marino and ZAR for

        Schenn, Chaisson , 1st ‘22 (top 10 protected…if in top 10… 1st in ‘23)

        Then lower (worse) first (Pens or above from ‘Nucks) plus O’Connor …. For Chairot

        Then the better of the two above firsts, Kappy, JZ
        For Crouse

        Sid Guentz Rusty
        Gino ***Carter *Crouse
        ERod Heinen Zoho
        Teddy B , McG ****Chaisson
        Boyle Simon

        Tanger Dumo
        Chairot Matheson
        **Schenn Pettersson
        Freidman P-O J

        Jarry
        DeSmith

        *Crouse RFA…. Rusty won’t be affordable… Crouse in cheaper (than Rusty will cost)
        **1 more year at only $850 K
        ***Carter on wing makes that a “big boy” line
        ****Chaison more productive and certainly better than ZAR

        The above team is much much stronger offensively and much better defensively this year and has Cap advantages next year…. At the expense of a 1st, expendables; and 1 year of Chairot (UFA) over Marino (needs replacement off-season)

        But….. that’s a ton o’ moves to get there

        Dealing straight with Jimbo…. Can’t see him doing it (but he seems to covet Marino)….

        Marino, Kappy, ZAR, 1st for

        JTM, Chaisson, Schenn

        Then O’Connor and 5th for Miller (Sabres)

        Sid Guentz Rusty
        Gino JTM Carter
        ERod Heinen Zoho
        Teddy B , McG Chaisson
        Boyle Simon

        Tanger Dumo
        Miller Matheson
        Schenn Pettersson
        Freidman P-O J

        Jarry
        DeSmith

        That roster (v one above) better offensively ; weaker on D; older; costlier next year

      • Hi dcm8299

        See my response above

        Kappy/Marino for JTM….. I can’t see it happening …. Jimbo is Jimbo but that would be too much to hope for

        I’d really like to see Schenn come over in the deal…. Only $100 K more; 3” taller; 30+ lbs heavier; waaaaay better …. Than CR …. And Schenn has 1 more year after this….. if anybody challenges re age…. He’s only 6 months older than CR

      • Hi Chrisms

        I know you are only saying that to rile me up…. Good one…. Success

        CR is not JJ…. but he is no way good for Pens

        Canes are 6 points ahead instead of 3…. that’s on CR…. and even after that game where Pens lost to Canes in OT (we’re it not for CR… Pens win in reg)…. Even after that; and speaking to the media about the advantages of press box to learn; AND in previous Canes game Pettersson was a + 1 AND had an assist in that game… AND this was a crucial 4 point game…. Sully sent Pettersson to press box and not CR

        Sully has a man crush on CR (that is twice [thrice] as big as my combined man-crush’s on BOTH Parayko and Soucy) … and it is blinding him on roster choices

        Look how long he took to get Freidman in there…. And that was only due to injury

        He better sit CR tonight

      • Is chad a top notch third pair guy? No. They could upgrade there and I wouldn’t mind. Hee actually really good at being a 7th d who doesn’t play every game but comes in and doesn’t show rust. But he does an acceptable job. There are more pressing needs like middle six wing depth. Chad isn’t winning or losing you a series.

      • “ Marino, Kappy, ZAR, 1st for
        JTM, Chaisson, Schenn”

        If you’re gonna dream , dream big!

        This has NHL 22 written all over it.

        Zach Aston-Reese A 27th year old 4th liner. And pending ufa.

        A defensemen they don’t need.

        And a 3rd line winger that’s 25 and pending RFA?

        Cmon man.

        That heap isn’t getting you Miler!

        Player we don’t want, player we don’t want, and d-men who’s been up and down + a 1st? That’s getting beat by 12 other teams!

        POJ, Poulin, and a 1st? Probably sounds a lot better.

    • Friedman said today Hextall has backed off moving Marino or Petersson.

      Would love to move Petersson for anything to anybody….Matheson can stay with Letang and Dumo is now with Marino.

      Trade for 26 year old physical LHD Robert Hagg (Buffalo) to play with Mark Friedman….

      Matheson can at least skate his way out of trouble Petersson so soft and slow…

      • Hi BNG

        Certainly can’t compare the speed of Matheson and Pettersson…. Matheson has jet engines

        I’m assuming it is Elliot and not Mark (Freidman) who said that…. Good to hear either way

        Low cost (to acquire) tremendous improvements over CR….

        Schenn (‘Nucks)…. My first choice … has one more year

        Miller (Sabres) … UFA… Sabres would need to retain…. Note he’s on IR right now

        Psyk (Sabres) who would be an excellent depth add in that he can (and does ) play equally well on RD and RW… that’s a tremendous flex add…. Play him on 4th line… D goes down…. Easier to go with 7 wingers than 5 D (especially in playoffs) …. Just barely over league min… could be had for a 6th or 7th

        Hagg is not as good as Miller; on par with Psyk…. But Psyk performing slightly better this year; cheaper; and plays RD AND RW

        All 3 from Sabres are UFA ; Schenn 1 more year at 850K

        JZ , CR, and O’Connor for all 3 …. LOL

      • Then he comes back down to reality!

  2. Listening to some talking heads on NHL.com yesterday a suggestion was made that Jack Campbell does not have a rib cage injury; that he is off two weeks for a mental break.

    If that thought had merit, wouldn’t that be more concerning then a rib injury.

    Boston doesn’t need Rickard Rakell, they need a C and if it’s going to be a true rental, it shouldn’t be Andrew Copp.

    If Sweeney is targeting Winnipeg it should be Paul Stastny.

    With Vegas collapse and the Jets 4 points out of the final spot, they may not be sellers.

    My trade proposal for Stastny would be Eric Haula , this allows the jets to still have an NHL player with term still on his contract and a player they know well from his days in Minny and Vegas.

    The one thing Sweeney has shown is don’t look for the obvious and generally wants a player with term.

    We know what the needs are if they don’t get done it won’t be for lacking of trying; it will be because he doesn’t like the asking price.

    • one thing for certain Sweeney’s will generally f it up whatever it is

    • One priority for Bruins is a real winger to play with Bergeron/Marchand, and DeBrusk is not the answer, hoping he’s gone by Monday’s deadline

      • Bruins needs … LD,C & winger ( these would have to be players that give them added toughness for the playoffs ) ….. don’t believe they have the assets to get all 3 done

    • If the Bruins bring Paul Stastny in I hope B Dillon (LD,size,toughness & D first player ) comes with him …. Don’t know how often Sweeney trades for UFA’s but I don’t think it’s what he likes to do

      • Joe. I also read that bruins may just keep Debrusk as their own rental if nothing pans out in the trade. Market

    • Haula’s been good since he got on a line with Hall and Pasta. 3 of the top 4 scorers on BOS at 5 on 5, are that line.
      Since Jan 1 he has outscored Bergeron at 5 on 5 by 6 pts in 1 extra game.
      Has doubled up Stastny in pts over that stretch.

      Now I agree that Stastny would produce more than he is today with the 2 wingers Haula has, but by how much? Would the line be better?

      I think we need a higher end 2C to compete with the FLA teams and CAR in east, just not convinced Stastny is the guy that is an upgrade, may even be a downgrade.

      Go big with the2C, and if it isn’t there (likely isn’t), go to the D. We have depth up the middle, don’t have the high end offence. IMO

    • Caper, I kinda believe Campbell is being held out for mental health issues. The reason I say this is the few times I watched him being interviewed on TV it looked like he was going to cry. Seemed like he was so stressed it almost paralyzed him.
      Definitely did not look like a confidant NHL goalie, more like a burnt out no confidant ECHL goalie.

      Good thing the Leafs did not invest a lot of money in him because I just can’t see him becoming a #1 in the NHL. It’s to bad because he has the physical tools to be good but lacks the mental toughness

      • If that is indeed the case, Flamefan, does it add to the ongoing conjecture that playing in the fishbowl that is Toronto with its constant media focus on the Leafs is contributing to his state of mind? He wouldn’t be the first to wilt there nor will he be the last.

        It takes a certain kind of mental approach to play there, and some have openly rejected the smothering media coverage – Stamkos being one example. That wasn’t all about just taxes.

        Getzlaf is another – when he came up for UFA status a number of years back there was, of course, plenty of chatter about how he would be ideal for the Leafs. No kidding. But after re-signing with Anaheim he made no bones about relishing the anonymity – the ability to go to the beach with his family, stretch out and enjoy a good book without anyone recognizing – and converging on him

      • George,
        It probably adds to Campbells stress, but I think in Campbells case it wouldn’t matter where he plays he would just put so much pressure on himself to be good that he would just burn out like he is now.

        He was a first round pick so scouts saw the talent but even when he moved from Jr to the pros he ended up in the ECHL most likely because of his lack of mental toughness.

        Again If this is the case I feel for the guy because he has the talent to be a good NHL goalie

      • Hey Flamefan, Sorta like Markstrom last year (2.68 GA and .904)?

      • Wawman93
        Not really getting your point
        Unless I am not getting your sarcasm your post doesnt make sense

      • Maybe Trono should bail on Campbell and trade him for Anderson or Forsberg or Griess or Jones. Could do a 1for 1 and get either of them for 1/2 salary and/or a minor pick attached.

      • johnnyz, I seriously doubt Dorion – or any other GM – is interested in trading assets for Campbell at this stage – especially if he’s having mental issues – simply because he’s a UFA at season’s end – and where Ottawa is concerned anyway, adding Campbell now isn’t going to make much difference to their final standing. They’re out for sure – may as well not make any great effort to nudge up a spot or two and effectively take them out of range for the # 1 pick.

    • @ dcm829

      Zero chance VAN takes that package for Miller.

      Kapanen is so inconsistent I doubt he has much trade value. He has the tools to be an effective player but seems to either lack the drive or hockey IQ to put it all together.

      With Miller playing so well and VAN clinging to playoff hope I think Miller stays out unless they get an offer they can’t refuse.

    • SDPN podcast suggested that Campbell’s mental break is possibly tied to the fact that the Leafs offered him a contract which his agent advised he decline while he was hot. Now that they hit a huge skid that offer is gone.

      Speculation being the offer was 5m -ish and now at best 3.8m Mrazek type offer and probably predicated on moving Mrazek…which they should do regardless. Any change would be positive right now.

      • Or possibly Campbell has a rib injury.

      • Nice BCLeaf Fan.
        I appreciate you.

  3. Sweeney always the jilted bridesmaid.

    • I was just thinking where Colorado was in the standings in 2016 ? and prior
      Example of leadership, structure , skill level , passion with Joe Sakic
      This is an area of concern with Leaf management over the years …
      Sakic is over due , but has been a contending team for awhile !
      He is going to be active by the trade deadline

    • Stastny makes a lot of sense and will not break the bank but not sure if Sweeney would trade. Haula for him or peg would take Haula

      • Stastny is a sideways move, I don’t see a centre improvement out there, I think they’ll grab a winger to replace DeBrusk, and a middle d-man without giving up the farm

  4. Soucy would be a great addition for the Oilers. He grew up and played his minor hockey about 15 minutes from my hometown, and he’s also friends with my nephew (who isn’t an Oilers fan, so that will be fun LOL).
    I’m glad that Varlamov won’t waive his NTC to go to the Oilers. His cap hit is too much and he also has a year left on his contract. I have been saying since January that if the Oilers acquire a goalie it should be Gries. He’s cheaper and is a UFA at the end of this season. The two goalies 5on5 numbers are close, and Gries has played more on a weaker team.
    From what I have heard, under Woodcroft Koskinen is under less pressure, and that is part of the reason for his improved play. I’m cautiously optimistic with Koskinen. We have all seen this before from him.

    • Both of Detroit’s goalies have been bad since the All-Star break. I doubt Griess is sought before most other tenders, and if he is, it is for 3rd string insurance purposes.

      • Besides looking at his stats I haven’t watched that many of Greiss’s games. I did catch his last game against the Flames. Greiss is the reason why the Red Wings weren’t down 8-0 after the first period. He looked really strong in that 3-1 Red Wings loss.

      • It’s tough to evaluate the Wing’s goalies over the past few weeks. Many of the games in that time span look like the opponents have been on a 60 minute power play.

    • Ya, Soucy would be a good add KevJam.
      Is he even available though?
      Maybe.
      I don’t think there is a tender deal out there that helps the Oil.
      The options mentioned above, Georgiev and Korpisalo are not an improvement.

      • I’m not sure about that anymore. Georgiev, Kopisalo, and Greiss I think would be an improvement over Smith. He has missed too many games due to injuries and still is in preseason shape.
        I’m on the side of sending Smith to the Condors and keeping Skinner up to backup Koskinen.

      • @ Ray Bark

        At this point in EDM season they must not leave any stone unturned in regards to upgrading their D.

        If Soucy is available offer up a 1st pick. A 1st pick won’t help EDM for several years…by which time McDavid and Draisaitl will be pushing 30. Maybe offer up Barrie and a 2nd round pick for Soucy? If SEA trades Giordano having a RHD coming back might not too bad an idea?

        SEA has a bit of a logjam at D right now so they can likely afford to lose Soucy and Giordano.

        Soucy is also on a decent contract for next season which they’re going to need when Nurse’s $9.5M salary kicks in

      • With ya on Smith KevJam, I think he is still hurt as rumor is a high ankle sprain. Woodley was on 1260 and said that injury usually takes an off season to heal for a tender.
        But to your point Skinner is as least as good as the 2 options that may actually be available.

        My best guess is Smith gets a couple games over the next week or so, if he struggles they have no choice but to bring up Skinner as the backup.

        I know we have been through Koskinen’s hot streaks before, but I have a good feeling about him this time. Seems to have a quiet confidence about him now. Loved his presser the other day, pushed back on the notion about him getting tired if he plays too much.

        Oilers feel like they might be getting ready for another run…….

        West is wide open after CGY and COL, and CGY can be beat IMO. They are due for a dip. Been unusually healthy so far.

      • RD or LD would help EDM. The Oil have more depth on LD and top 2 are fine with Nurse and Keith, who contrary to some has actually played really well IMO. After that Broberg, Russell, Lagesson and Niemelainen if they want to put a banger in the lineup. So depth on that side.

        On the right side we really only have Ceci as a D first type guy. With Barrie and Bouchard, both of whom add offence from the back. Bouchard has actually been better than Barrie running the PP. After that cupboard is really bare, like nobody. So ya, use Barrie for a D-first RD type guy in return, or use prospects/picks and move Barrie in off season for D help.

        Really miss Larsson, but good luck finding that this time of year.

    • KevJam

      Can you get me Soucy’s autograph….LOL

      I’m very big on Soucy… and have been touting him for a couple of years

      He’d be a great add to any team…. My preference of course would be him on Leafs or Pens

      • @Pengy

        If Soucy were available what do you think it would require in terms of assets to acquire him?

        Since he still has a year on his deal it should raise the price.

        Knowing that you’re a Pens/Leafs fan how much would you give up to get him?

        SEA has a bit of a logjam at D but with Giordano available and Soucy out they would be a little thinner on D. On the left side they’d still have Oleksiak, Dunn, Fleury, and Lauzon.

        Would a proposal like this catch Francis’ eye?

        TOR 2022 1st, Justin Holl, Mikhaïl Abramov

        SEA Soucy, Jarnkrok ($1M retained) 3rd 2022

      • Hi Ray, another Flames prediction? I recall you saying the Oil would battle it out with Vegas for 1st in the Pacific and Calgary would not make the playoffs and finish 5th. Still time I suppose. I do love Oilers fans eternal optimism!

      • Hi Daryl

        Take away Seattle sending the 3rd and it would work

        Re Pens… loaded at LD (Soucy can play RD but better at and plays more at LD) ….Would need to send an LD back

        It would have to be Pettersson

        Sully blew it by mistakenly (grossly mistaken on this) having Pettersson as a healthy scratch for two games when it should have been Ruhweedel. He had to sit someone as Freidman was playing so well …. But rather than sitting his 8th (tops) best D-man that has been error-prone and costly of late… he sits Pettersson for no reason (other than having a man-crush on Ruhweedel)

        This lowered Pettersson stock approaching deadline

        Had he not sat Pettersson….. the deal similar to Leafs might have worked…

        1 st Pettersson. O’Connor

        Pettersson similar in value to Holl; with longer term; but at twice the cap hit

        O’Connor > Abramov

        Close

        Now with Sully’s move…. No chance

        Oil might be able to do

        1st and Yammo for

        Soucy + Jarncrock(50%)

  5. I was just thinking where Colorado was in the standings in 2016 ? and prior
    Example of leadership, structure , skill level , passion with Joe Sakic
    This is an area of concern with Leaf management over the years …
    Sakic is over due , but has been a contending team for awhile !
    He is going to be active by the trade deadline

  6. Maybe tomorrow we’ll read rumors of the Leafs and Avs engaging in talks. But until then, it does fit Dubas’ MO to revisit teams you had deals in the past. Could kerf be going back to the avs for???
    As pengy has said over and over again, this isn’t the year for the Leafs but I agree but for different reasons which I touched on before regarding the shortcomings on this team. Stuff that if they can correct, add and remove some assets at the deadline, then do it long term; if not they’ll need to address these issues come the off season when all 32 teams will be looking to do the same.

  7. Ducks play Rangers tonight. They’ve been in town a few days after playing both Isles and Devils. Drury has had a good chance at watching him.

  8. Marino & Kappy for Jt Miller? Where do I sign?

  9. Ben Chiarot out of the lineup tonight. Getting closer !

  10. if season ended today Avs play Vegas and without a healthy Lehner that is a short series.
    Flames would get the Preds… Saros could make that a tough out

    I dont see the top EC division winners losing any first round possible matchups unless the Rangers slip and Igor is huge

    • Actually, if season ended today, Vegas out and Dallas in.

      • winning % over points yeah?

      • ds. Yes. Dallas only 1 point behind with 3 games in hand

    • Hi ds

      The way Knights have been dragging lately AND Lehner out…. Short series is right…. Knights just may quit after being down 3-0 and the golf course rep calling every 5 mins re their Tee off times

      Joking aside… if Knights can whether the storm so to speak , get in, when healthy they are much better

      Stone out; Eichel still getting his legs back and learning the knew system and acclimatizing to new team-mates

      • If they drop out of the playoffs, will Eichel start feeling like the new Matt Duchene? In other words, wherever he goes the bottom seems to drop out of his new team.

  11. How badly do the TML need a solid D man and how badly do they need cap relief?

    Chiarot to TML for Nylander (cap dump) plus a prospect or draft pick.

    • @Habfan30

      If the Leafs were going to trade Nylander they could do a hell of a lot better than UFA Chiarot. Aside from being a physical defenceman he’s not really an upgrade on any players currently on the Leafs.

      If a superior defenseman, Manson with 50% retained, could only garner a 2nd pick and an unsigned former 2nd round pick do you really think the inferior Chiarot would get a 2 time 30G scoring RW AND another asset? Nylander could play 1st line RW on a lot of teams.

      What’s on your poutine garçon?

      • Lol

      • Ken, you means besides high cholesterol?

    • Chariot and the habs 1st or guhle for nylander isn’t a bad offer. Wow. Usually you’re a bit on the impractical side when it comes to the Canadians but quite a fair proposal!

    • Hi HF30

      I’m guessing you meant the prospect or pick was coming from Habs not Leafs( it reads the other way)

      I’m confident that Dubas would not go for (and shouldn’t)

      Nylander for

      Chairot , Flames 1st, Habs prospect

      Chairot a good add… but UFA, and no space to resign, and as I keep saying…. This year for Leafs and SC is an Uber longshot

      Moving WW off season and upgrading D and at less Cap hit, in one deal…. That is the move IMHO

    • Pengy,

      “Chairot a good add… but UFA, and no space to resign”
      There’s $4 million room to re-sign.
      It gives TML the room to re-jig the lineup, filling a black hole while “losing” an element of a big strength.

      a) I would assume a handshake deal to ensure Chiarot signing with TML.

      b) Yes I would want a pick or prospect from TML because it’s their needs that are being filled

      Cap space, concentration on core 4, weak D, poor goaltending.

      This trade makes TML a contender today.

      • HF30, your kind of ignoring the fact that there are other teams that will offer the Leafs way more than that for Nylander, and no it doesn’t make them a contender.
        IMO it makes them worse. Makes them better on blue line, sure, but subtracts a 30 goal scorer. No way in hell does Chariot make up for those goals lost.

      • @habfan30

        How does acquiring Chiarot make Toronto a contender?

        As I’ve mentioned before if you look up Chiarot and Holl you’ll see that Holl’s +/- and advanced stats are better than Chiarot.

        When the Leafs and Habs played in the playoffs last year the Leafs outshot MTL by a fair margin when Chiarot was on the ice. He’s not a very good puck mover so he spends more time than necessary in the defensive zone.

        Nylander is capable of being a 1st line winger on most teams in the NHL. He can also play C if needed. He’s on pace to have his second 30G season. IF the Leafs were to trade him he could fetch Toronto a much better player than Chiarot.

  12. Rakell has had strong playoffs in the past and is what I would call a finisher . Still on the front nine and would look real good in Boston or New York .

    Stay away from Korpisalo . Could not stop a beachball. He could help with an East Coast team …maybe
    OILers need a permanent solution in net and have to wait until that becomes apparent

    • SilverSeven. I honestly can see Rangers getting Rakell if he’s available. Depending on the ask, I’d think NY could give up conditional picks based on if he signs extension and how far they go in playoffs. He’s same age as Zibanejad and I’m guessing they’ve played together for Sweden. Adding a right shot winger with a decent goal scoring resume would be nice. Wonder what kind of extension he’s looking for.

  13. Flamefan on March 15, 2022 at 1:23 pm
    Caper, I kinda believe Campbell is being held out for mental health issues. The reason I say this is the few times I watched him being interviewed on TV it looked like he was going to cry. Seemed like he was so stressed it almost paralyzed him.
    Definitely did not look like a confidant NHL goalie, more like a burnt out no confidant ECHL goalie.
    Good thing the Leafs did not invest a lot of money in him because I just can’t see him becoming a #1 in the NHL. It’s to bad because he has the physical tools to be good but lacks the mental toughness

  14. @Flamesfan
    I am in total agreement with your above posting , as per Campbell
    I felt exactly the same , watching him being interviewed
    Why Leafs would allow him to be interviewed in that state of mind is beyond me !

    Great trade for Tuffoli by the way

    • Maybe Trono should bail on Campbell and trade him for Anderson or Forsberg or Griess or Jones. Could do a 1for 1 and get either of them for 1/2 salary and/or a minor pick attached.
      I don’t know why this posted way up the line the 1t time?????

  15. Tyson Jost traded to Minnesota for Nico Sturm

    • Avs loading up on size in the bottom Six with Sturm……
      who the Avs going to add next?

  16. Thinks the Avs will go Hard after after Claude Giroux next…❓and possibly get d/man like a Justin Braun Or
    A Forward like a Dereick Brassard depending on what they think they need as far as help

    For this to happen it may cost the Bowen Bryan to do it…. but this may be there year in the West………⁉️