Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – March 20, 2022
Check out the latest on Patrick Kane, Marc-Andre Fleury, Mark Giordano, Filip Forsberg and Max Domi plus the latest on the Flyers, Jets, Oilers, Canucks and Senators in Part One of the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.
THE LATEST ON KANE, FLEURY, GIORDANO, FORSBERG AND DOMI.
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports Patrick Kane’s agent, Pat Brisson, said the long-time Chicago Blackhawks winger will not be dealt at Monday’s trade deadline. They’re also not moving Jonathan Toews or Seth Jones.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kane and Toews each carry $10.5 million annual salary-cap hit through 2022-23 with full no-movement clauses. Good luck moving either guy at the trade deadline. Those sort of moves, if they happen at all, will take place in the offseason when teams have more cap space, provided either guy is willing to waive their movement clauses. Jones starts his new eight-year contract next season so he’s staying put as well.
Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (NHL Images)
The Minnesota Wild are believed to have an interest in Blackhawks goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. Wild general manager Bill Guerin was Fleury’s teammate with the 2009 Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Athletic’s Michael Russo reports Fleury is willing to waive his no-trade clause to go to Minnesota. The Blackhawks reportedly want a first-round pick for Fleury but Guerin is adamant he’s not moving his first-rounder. Russo believes he could part with his second-round pick. Whether that’s something the Blackhawks will accept is another matter. Russo also suggests Cam Talbot’s recent improvement could convince Guerin to stick with his current tandem.
Seattle Kraken defenseman Mark Giordano could be a trade target of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The New York Rangers could also be in the bidding for the 38-year-old blueliner. Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas has let it be known he’s not trading his first-round pick or his top prospects for a rental player. Friedman also believes Leafs rearguard Travis Dermott will be moved no matter what happens. If they fail to land Giordano, Jeff Marek believes they’ll pursue the Philadelphia Flyers’ Justin Braun.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kraken could retain half of Giordano’s $6.75 million if the Leafs want him but Seattle GM Ron Francis apparently seeks at least a first-rounder as part of the return. Unless he drops his asking price or Dubas changes his mind, the Leafs will have to look elsewhere for a defenseman.
Contract extension talks between the Nashville Predators and winger Filip Forsberg reportedly haven’t gone well. It’s believed Predators GM David Poile has tested the trade market on Forsberg but doesn’t think he’ll get traded though that could change with one phone call.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Poile could surprise us by shipping out Forsberg but doing so could hurt their chances of nailing down a playoff spot. Some folks will say, “So what? They’re not going deep in the playoffs anyway so move Forsberg rather than risk losing him for nothing this summer”. We’ll find out soon enough if the Predators GM feels the same way.
Jeff Marek reports Columbus Blue Jackets forward Max Domi is someone worth watching in the trade market. He’s on an expiring contract and the Washington Capitals are said to be interested in him, perhaps the Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche. His $5.2 million cap hit could be an issue requiring a third-party deal or the Jackets retaining salary.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jackets could be willing to retain some of Domi’s cap hit for the right offer. It’ll be interesting to see where the well-traveled forward ends up.
FLYERS PROVOROV, SANHEIM, KONECNY DRAWING ATTENTION
SPORTSNET: Jeff Marek reports there has been interest in other Flyers in the trade market such as defensemen Travis Sanheim and Ivan Provorov and forward Travis Konecny. There’s no belief the Flyers are in a hurry to move those players though it’s always possible someone could make a big pitch for them before Monday’s trade deadline. Marek believes decisions on those players could be summer decisions.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Based on the reaction of Flyers fans on social media following the Giroux trade and the recent re-signing of Rasmus Ristolainen, they’re not happy with general manager Chuck Fletcher. Moving Sanheim, Provorov or Konecny this summer won’t sit well with them unless they’re getting solid returns.
UPDATES ON THE JETS, OILERS, CANUCKS, SENATORS
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports trade conversations are “intensifying” regarding Winnipeg Jets forward Andrew Copp. The Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche and New York Rangers have been linked to the 27-year-old pending free agent.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speculation is growing in Winnipeg over what moves Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has in mind for his club on deadline day. The Winnipeg Sun’s Scott Billeck reports Copp and Paul Stastny are the two noteworthy trade assets. The Winnipeg Free Press’ Mike McIntyre wondered if Cheveldayoff might acquire a middle-six forward such as the Bruins’ Jake DeBrusk, the Blackhawks’ Dominik Kubalik or the Montreal Canadiens’ Artturi Lehkonen.
Jeff Marek doesn’t expect the Edmonton Oilers to make a big splash at the trade deadline. They’ve explored the goalie market but that hasn’t borne fruit. They’re happy with their forwards but could seek a left-shot defenseman.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Edmonton Journal’s Jim Matheson shares Marek’s opinion. He mentions they’ve been linked to Ottawa Senators forward Nick Paul, Flyers defenseman Justin Braun, Detroit Red Wings blueliner Marc Staal and Kraken rearguard Carson Soucy.
Marek also believes the Canucks could be sellers if they don’t gain ground in the playoff race this weekend. Forwards Brock Boeser and Conor Garland have come up in trade rumors. He doesn’t expect they’ll move center J.T. Miller.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks could peddle Boeser and/or Garland at the trade deadline but they can also wait for the offseason if there are no current offers to their liking. Boeser is a restricted free agent this summer while Garland is signed through 2025-26. The Province’s Patrick Johnston reports the Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils, Maple Leafs and Bruins have been linked to Garland.
Friedman believes the Ottawa Senators and pending UFA forward Nick Paul aren’t far apart in contract talks but both sides appear dug in. Both sides want to get a deal done but don’t yet have an agreement on the money.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Senators held Paul out of last night’s game against the Montreal Canadiens. The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch reports the New York Rangers are pushing hard to acquire Paul, while the Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers and Minnesota Wild are also believed among the suitors.
Don’t think the Bruins have the assets to get two more trades done without giving up either
Fabian Lysell or Mason Lohrei… maybe #74 can bring back a vet scoring winger
A bit surprised to hear that the NYR are “pushing hard” to get Nick Paul – where and how would he fit in there? Anyway, as I’ve said repeatedly, if there’s any significant competition for him it will be as a rental and most of it will come the west so hearing that Colorado, Edmonton and Minnesota are inquiring underscores that. If he moves it will be west.
All this fuss over a 4th liner???
Now if Sweeney could sneak in there and grab Giordano, that would be nice.
Some folks said the same thing about Barclay Goodrow two years ago. We all saw how that turned out for the Lightning.
Ahh Lyle, he just has a gigantic bug up his sorry butt whenever I post about anything … he’s the epitome of the troll syndrome.
George, unrelated to this string …
I am not posting to gloat about the Habs win over the Sens last night. On the contrary, it is a cautionary note for those Habs fans who seem to be overly optimistic about what the first overall pick would do.
The Sens have, as you know, a handful of high draft picks who have become good players over the last several years. While the Sens have had a lot of injuries as well this year, what last night showed is how far a team has to travel to be competitive. I guess we could look at the Oil too, who are still a middling team after, what, 4 overall first picks? \
Miles to go, Habs fans …
Lyle – and that is why I feel the Habs could end up trading more than what we think and going the route of accumulating draft picks, especially when they are hosting it. I think they could be in spring fever mode.
LJ, the Habs have responded very well to St. Louis’ style and the result last night came as no surprise to me after I heard that Gustavsson was going to start in goal. In both the AHL and NHL this year he couldn’t stop a beach ball when need most, whereas Allen played very well in stopping 28 – some of them good scoring chances. There was a reason he was one of the 3 stars.
Unfortunately, Forsberg had played the night before in the win over the Flyers and if there’s one thing you can’t do with him is play him back-to-back – or for more than 2 or 3 starts in a row. He is the epitome of the good solid back-up.
The problem is, there’s no one in Ottawa to back up! Matt Murray is always one second away from another trip to the IR – and always for a different reason, it seems.
Dorion likely won’t get another goalie at the deadline … but that has to be a target in the off-season … while buying out Murray.
Hi George and good morning …
Iam a bit surprised with your take on Nick Paul …you always have a lot to say here about various topics ..but one thing that goes unseen here or is discussed with malice is the importance of depth players ….its very easy to discuss a STAR player and hoo he sucks at the end of his career …or how a player isnt worth this or worth that …and its easy topics of discussion..but one discussion that is mishandled here among posters is the talk about depth players and role players ..LMAO …each team has 2 players that are full fledge stars ..and make crazy money and get all the attention …
BUT….. in a cap strapped world thes guys are worth there weight in gold down the line up …
Look at Bunting this year on teh top line …look at Hyman cash in with Edmonton and so n and so on …these players are VERY integral to a team after the top 6 ….these guys are work horses and are highly highly needed in a deep playoff push …
I mean look at Tampa and the 4 lines deep they had …there top guys got paid all the dough and got all the accolades …but it was there bottom 6 that worked hard and kept teams off the board …and wore down teams and gave them a SOLID SOLID 4 lines deep with no holes in the line up ..Nick Paul is that depth guy who fills in a hole on a team that needs to simply solidify a well rounded team and make sure they have covered all there bases …its team that search out these players and take them serious more so than other teams that go deeper …unsung heroes ..
guys who can play on all 4 lines and in every position and you can call his name off the bench with confidence and know he can get the job done , sometimes i think these guys are more important than some of the stars that get suffocated from a checking line or just go dry …its the Nick Pauls of the world that get things done when the big boys go missing …IMHO
I don’t disagree at all with your take on the value to a team of the Nick Paul-style players Kal El. I fully recognize his value to the Senators.
I just don’t think you can start paying those kinds of players in the range of legitimate goal scorers/points producers and give them long terms without hamstringing yourself down the line as and when you have to deal with your top RFAs and/or quality UFAs you wish to retain.
There is a limit – Dorion has offered that limit – we’ll soon see if he can get better $ and term somewhere else.
George a bit of a surprise to me as well, until you look at NYs bottom 6. Every one of them has less than double digit goals.(outside of Goodrow who has played all over that lineup).
Paul looks like Austin Mathews next to Chytil, Reaves, Hunt etc.
Ny shouldn’t make that move, but I’m starting to think they won’t be “all in” at the deadline. Zero chance they re-sign Paul either way. So it doesn’t make a lot of sense to waste assets.
And good for them. Unless they can pry away Miller, Larkin, Scheifele type of player with term, no need to sell the farm at this point.
I will be 100% happy if they stand pat.
Exactly what crossed my mind after reading that, CaptainObvious – and then checking the NYR roster, which is why I wondered “where and how he’d fit in there.”
And really, I just don’t see ANY top competitor who happens to get him in a trade looking at him as anything more than a depth addition for the final push and re-signing him IF his demands continue to be in excess of 4 years and more than $2.5 mil per.
Maybe, if someone like Arizona or Seattle see a benefit in him in how they approach building a competitor, he could get a 5-year $2.8 mil per deal … but I wouldn’t bet the farm on that.
That deal Dorion put forth was a damned good one and he should have grabbed it.
@ Captain Obvious ….
What percentage of any team has bottom 6 players that has double digits in goals …thats a poor stat to discourage a reason to acquire guys like this …he is on the Senators right now …LOL..maybe on the 2nd & 3rd line on the Rangers with a GOODROW and company he puts up quality numbers !
I humbly disagree on your take ..I think a Guy like Drury a past player of that style sees the potential better than the average joe!
Kal el,
To answer your question, “more teams than the rangers”
Florida, Tampa, Pittsburgh , Toronto etc have -8-9-11 forwards with double digit goals. And also have players that will surpass that mark by seasons end.
I looked no further. But I’d guess that list goes on.
Ny? Chytil has 6, Hunt 4 (he’s currently playing top 6), Kakko 5 (projected top 6 when he returns) Reaves 2, Rooney 6, Gautier 3, McKegg 2, Brodzinsky 1.
That’s 8 players with 29 goals. 121 total goals between Kreider, Panarin, Zibanejad, Laffrienere, Strome and Goodrow.
65 of which have come off Kreiders and Zibanejad sticks. More than 50% and I’d dare say without looking 40% of that 50% come on the pp.
Concerning!
This is grossly concerning. When Fox, Kreider, Zibanejad and Panarin aren’t contributing (heavily in games) NY is not scoring.
Those players combined with Sheterkin are the only way NY is winning games. Can they win a series like that? I suppose, can that win multiple series like that? I wouldn’t bet on that.
Do me a favor, look up their past schedule and show me where it’s not the case.
When and if Sheterkin has a bad game, and 2-3 of their top players aren’t putting up multiple points, they lose.
The path to beat NY is, stay out of the box! They’ve proven this night after night.
Adding Nick Paul (who they cannot re-sign ) is basically a little better than “more of the same”.
He’s not going to carry this bottom 6.
@ CAPTAIN OBVIOUS…
I may have mis understood you …but you say that the teams you mentioned have bottom 6 players with double digit goals ..???
Are you sure that this is what you meant ??
And to take things a little further, NY ranks 18th in goals for overall, and 3rd in goals against. I’m pretty sure this paints the picture of how NY wins games no?
Didn’t we just see this same movie for a decade plus with Lundqvist?
Concerning if anyone think NY has a legitimate chance of going anywhere this year.
I for one, do not. Again, I don’t think adding Paul solves their immediate needs. So why would they bother? Especially knowing they can’t use him beyond this year.
The Pens seem to be looking for a bigger d-man. I wonder if Hextall would take a chance on Myers if he is still there?
If youre referring to Tyler Myers the Pens should take a hard pass on that.
Slow, overpaid, a complete turnstyle that doesnt use his 6’7″ frame to play physical.
Myers has no chance of playing the high tempo game that Tampa, Florida and the Canes play.
Hi Sjpp
As long as it a bigger (and better) D-man WITH term….my choice…..no surprise… Soucy
Ron Jull
Was referring to Phillipe Meyers who is on waivers. Hextall first brought him in on a tryout in Philly. Sounds like he has all the tools but his hockey sense is suspect and he is prone to mistakes from a strong forecheck. Maybe not worth the risk afterall.
I believe Prov will have a better year next year paired with a healthy Ellis. Sanheim isn’t going anywhere, hopefully a new coach…(Tocchet)…will bring out the fiesty scoring touch in Konecny.
Frenchy, having seen a LOT of Konecny while he was with the Ottawa 67s of the OHL, I’m not surprised that his production has been steadily decreasing. He always did play “feisty” and with a bit of a chip on his shoulder – but his small stature and style of play has to eventually give way to the constant pounding.
He does have “magic hands” but the opposition now knows that the “book” on him to reduce his effectiveness is to lay on the body whenever possible. It does take its toll.
At the 2015 draft Ottawa had two Round 1 picks and after they got Chabot at # 18 and were picking again at # 21, part of me was hoping they’d take Konecny … but instead they went for Colin White (Philadelphia also had two Round 1 picks that year and had taken Provorov 7th before drafting Konecny 24th)
Still thinking the Rangers add another top 9 forward and a defensive LHD. Unless its for a legit 2C who will be a longterm fixture over Strome I do not see Drury making a big move
One more time this seemed like a no brainer …. How do the Bruins not come away with Nicolas Deslauriers too in their trade with the Ducks ?
Leafs played a playoff style game last night vs the Preds and wilted as per usual like the wall flowers they are.
How can a team with the Richard, Hart and Selke Trophy winner, the Calder Trophy favorite, the 2nd coming of Bobby Orr and an All Star Vezina candidate look so bad?
Tampa – improved
Florida- improved
Boston – improved
Leafs- standing pat
I wonder if MLSE told Shanascam and Dubious they are not allowed to trade the Leafs first round pick?
I do hope Kase is ok, concussions are serious business. My boy missed almost a year of school due to a severe concussion so I legit hope Kase recover fully and quickly.
Really hoping the 🍁Edmonton Oilers go after local boy
RD man Carson Soucy from Seattle
Oilers need Big and Tough d/man on the Right Side as we have Barrie & young Bouchard on the
Right. They both play Softer style and lots of traffic seeme’s to head down there side….! Especally Tyson Barrie side maybe is a bigger trade⁉️
Maybe its 2nd or 3rd pick and a salary going back the other way to and seattle need some more prospects too, like a young prospect like a Tyler Benson or a young d/man and the James Neal Salary
Think the Oilers wait for UFA period to arive before they get a Goaltender as nothing really out there from them at pressent…..
Hopefully Mike Smith Retires at 40 as he is PAST
his Experation Date…⁉️
Hi Williew
I really hope Oil don’t get Soucy…. To me he’d look much better in Blue ‘n White; or Black/White/Gold (and NO… not the one in Mass.)…. LOL
Joking aside… Soucy on Oil would be is very good add
The Oil are interesting IMO. I watch most of their games and when they play the way Woodcroft is drilling into them, they can beat anybody. When they get disciplined they are dominant.
Oh yeah, and goaltending.
I wouldn’t want to play them early in playoffs. Flames are good, but best watch out for the team up the highway if they end up playing them.
Ron..Ya the Leafs lost (how many posts did they ring) I know…horseshoes and all but it was a little closer than what the scoreboard revealed but,….at the same time…you forgot to add the NYR improved because they just beat Tampa 😉
Eventually before this tradeline ends..the Leafs will improve. I just hope somehow it is in a few areas,…that is a must.
And yup seems like Gms are throwing out draft picks to land their targets. I just don’t get how Philly blundered on the Girioux tradeoff as it seems Florida got the best of that one.
I’d hate to do a deal with Philly now as they may try to recapture more for what they might be peddling now.
And Ron, I feel for your son with the concussions,..as it seems they never really go away or are ready to pop back into place once the head gets hit again. Hope he gets past all that as you seemed very sincere about Kase. And this leads me to Copp…
He has had a few,..and went down the other night but still remains very high on the wanted list, whereas I would be very weary of attaining him justfor that reason alone.
Anyways,keep your hands on the stick, and your heads up for the spirit of hockey and this years trade deadline. It’s looking like doosy so far.
DJ,
Appreciate your sentiments regarding my son. Playing his last tournament this weekend before his minor hockey juorney ends.
2 assists, 2 pim and player of the game in his first game, team got washed in their second game, scored in yesterdays matchup and one more this afternoon. Then its finish up highschool, work all summer before heading off to the University of Victoria in September (early admission).
Ron,..seems like the kid has his eyes on goals (and heading to university is another goal) Man they grow up fast right. LOL I have so much respect for hockey players sometimes I feel they are older than me,…but they aren’t! haha
Anyways-Cheers to you and everyone who wants their team to accomplish whatever deals in this years deadline to go deep. The Arms race this year seems pretty wicked and it isn’t even over yet!
Yes,
Lightning have 8 forwards with more than 10. 1 player with 9, 1 with 8, 1 with 7.
The penguins have 9 forwards with double digit goals. 1 with 8, 1 with 7.
The panthers have 8 forwards with double digits and 2-players sitting at 9 goals.
Toronto has 10 forwards with double digit goals and 1 with 8.
The rangers have 6 players in double digit goals. The next ones even close is Chytil and Rooney (ltir) with 6 goals.
This team severely lacks secondary scoring.
And again, roughly 33% of all goals scored have come off Kreider and Zibanejads sticks.
How hard will it be for Tampa, Florida etc. to shut down 2 players? My guess is not very.
This was meant to reply to Kal el above.
Hate to say it but this year’s Final will once again be an all American 🇺🇸 affair. East… flip a coin! West… Colorado. Would love to see a Tim Hortons final between MacKinnon and Crosby! Toy Zamboni sales will go through the roof!