NHL Rumor Mill – October 29, 2022
It’s Saturday and you know what that means: more speculation about Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Jakob Chychrun. Check it out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
WHAT WILL THE BLACKHAWKS DO WITH KANE AND TOEWS?
SPORTSNET: Mark Spector doesn’t see the Chicago Blackhawks’ surprisingly good start to this season will deviate management from its rebuilding plans. That includes what to do with longtime franchise superstars Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, who are both slated to become unrestricted free agents next July.
Chicago Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane (NHL Images).
Some observers feel Kane will decide to sign a cheaper contract extension with the Blackhawks to help shepherd the rebuild and perhaps attempt to become the franchise’s all-time leader in goals, assists, points and games played. Others, however, see him finishing this season with the New York Rangers or Colorado Avalanche, with Kaapo Kakko or Samuel Girard heading to Chicago as part of the return.
As for Toews, Spector believes teams will line up for his services at the trade deadline. He suggested the Edmonton Oilers as a suitor as Toews would provide depth at center among their middle-six plus former teammate Duncan Keith works in their front office.
Spector also sees the Blackhawks peddling other UFAs such as Max Domi and Andreas Athanasiou at the trade deadline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see if Cousin Mark’s suggested destinations for Kane and Toews pan out by the trade deadline. The Blackhawks won’t just give those two away but it could prove difficult to get a king’s ransom for either guy.
The Rangers, Avalanche and Oilers would have to accrue sufficient cap space to take on what remains of their respective $10.5 million salary-cap hits. That’s assuming they’re willing to waive their no-movement clauses.
We already know Kane and his agent Pat Brisson intend to meet with Blackhawks management in December or January to discuss the situation. As Brisson also represents Toews, I daresay he’ll be in there as well. Until then, it’s all a guessing game as to whether they’ll stay or go.
COULD THE BLUE JACKETS HAVE INTEREST IN CHYCHRUN?
THE JEFF MAREK SHOW: The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline recently joined Jeff Marek to discuss the Columbus Blue Jackets’ rough start to this season. During the conversation, Marek mentioned the trade rumors linking the Jackets to Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun.
Portzline noted the rumors this summer claiming the Jackets attempted to acquire Chychrun during the first round of this year’s draft in Montreal. The Jackets denied it but some in the defenseman’s camp said it was true.
There were also differing reports claiming Chychrun didn’t want to come to Columbus. He lacks no-trade protection but teams take into consideration whether a player wants to join them or not.
Portzline noted the Jackets have the assets to acquire Chychrun but believes they soured on him. He’s also more of a left-side defenseman whereas the Jackets require right-side depth. Nevertheless, he wouldn’t be surprised if they tried again. The Coyotes might want one of the Jackets’ young defensemen as part of the return. He doesn’t see the Jackets parting with David Jiricek or Denton Mateychuk.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This interview took place before the report later in the week claiming Chychrun suffered a setback in his recovery from offseason wrist surgery and could be sidelined longer than expected.
It’s believed interested clubs will want to see how well the talented but oft-injured Chychrun performs when he finally returns to action. Perhaps the Jackets will be among the suitors if the blueliner has had a change of heart about coming to Columbus. Stay tuned…
Kane will go to a contender. Win the cup. Then resign with the Blackhawks. Plus he’ll have helped the rebuild by bringing in a couple of young players. If he can return and also have a player like Kappo on his team. He’s a Blackhawk for life
I agree with you, to a point….
I think he’ll retire a Blackhawk.
But….Will he accept a trade to a contender for a CHANCE at another ring and tarnish his legacy as a “Life Long Hawk”?
Buffalo has 24 million next summer before resigning Cozens…
I think they have to be in play for Kane when he becomes a UFA
ds, they’ll certainly have the space to do it. In fact, according to CapFriendly right now, and with the cap going to $83.5 mil. they have a projected $32,672,263 with 13 signed.
Their 4 RFAs – Zozens, Asplund, Fitzgerald, Clague – currently account for a total of $3,219,167 from their combined ELCs. If and when all are re-upped that’ll likely cost them from $10 to $12 mil combined.
That’s still leaves them with a good chunk – but they also have 6 UFAs to either re-sign or replace – Okposo – $6 mil, Girgensons – $2.2 mil – Hinostroza $1.7 mil – Sheahan – $950,000, Pilut – $750,000 and the ageless Anderson – $1.5 mil.
Do you see any of those UFAs being retained? Anderson will likely retire after this season which means they need a suitable replacement there for sure.
Whatever the case, they could certainly go after Kane if he becomes a ufa.
@george
Not sure more than 2 of their RFA are resigned
Okposo has to take a major discount
could be great time for Sabre fans soon
ds, if he went to Buffalo he’d just have to steer clear of a certain bar 🙂
The Oilers always seem to be “interested” in any player not an Oiler.
I wouldn’t the bruins taking a crack at Chychrun.
That would be a cup contending move. Look I know Pasta needs a $12 mill a year contract He needs the money, he’s got a staff of 50 ..and four houses never mind the government.
Pasta grew up kinda poor. Relied on a single mom after his dad died.
Give him whatever both parties agree on. He’s worth it……even as a winger.
I honestly don’t care what anyone makes, because it has absolutely no bearing on my life, as it isn’t any of my business, nor can I control what NHL players and GM’s agree on as a fair salary.
I don’t own a nickel in the Bruins organization. Not one nut or bolt in TD Garden. Do you, Rick?
Time to bring in the heavy weights to sit in on this….. Harry , we turn Our Lonley eyes to you.
*slow clap* couldn’t of been said any better. Pasta is one of the best wingers in the league and it’s not even close. He’s not only gonna get paid, he absolutely deserves it.
Trade pasta get him out of here Greedy sob
Lol. Silly arse.
Pasta will get Bread-man money and he’s earned it. Could’ve took more on his last contract.
There’s no way Rangers trade Kakko for a rental. He’s looked really good on top line playing with Zib and Kreider. Kane would slot in on 2nd line with his old line mate Panarin and Trochek. Laf back to LW on 3rd line. Rangers have 2 1sts this year and a slew of prospects. I’ve said before Chytil would be a player that they may not want to give a raise he deserves next year. Other likely candidates include Kravtsov,Othmann, Cuylie, Trivigno, Gautier, and Hajek. I see Arizon taking on some cap space from Kane deal as his actual money left to pay out is not that much. Chicago will retain half just to accommodate trade.