Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – January 15, 2023
The latest Canucks speculation plus updates on Matt Dumba, Anthony Mantha, Joel Edmundson and Gustav Nyquist in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.
LATEST ON THE CANUCKS
SPORTSNET: Jeff Marek reports the Vancouver Canucks have spoken with several teams regarding their captain Bo Horvat. Marek claims that “at least one of those conversations revolved around three players, including the team’s No. 1 prospect.” He cautioned that none of those conversations can be described as serious, adding the Canucks are currently just trying to read the marketplace.
Vancouver Canucks captain Bo Horvat (NHL Images).
Horvat, 27, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July. He’s currently enjoying a career-best performance, sitting fifth among NHL scorers with 30 goals.
Marek envisions two trade scenarios for Horvat. One would see him moved as a rental player. The other would allow the acquiring team the opportunity to discuss a contract extension with Horvat and his agent, something the Canucks at this point have not allowed teams to do.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marek believes the Canucks could circle back to the Horvat camp to see if a contract extension can be done. If not, I believe we can expect the trade rumors linking Horvat to specific teams will start to increase once the calendar flips to February.
Elliotte Friedman reports Canucks defenseman Luke Schenn could be reunited with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He signed a two-year contract with the Canucks in 2021 after helping the Lightning win back-to-back Stanley Cups. Friedman believes the Bolts are a legitimate contender for Schenn’s services and he wouldn’t be surprised if they made a pitch to acquire him.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schenn, 33, carries a very affordable $850K cap hit for this season and is slated to become a UFA in July. He could be shopped before the March 3 trade deadline if the Canucks are out of playoff contention by then.
The Lightning could squeeze the remainder of his cap hit within their limited salary-cap payroll. They could also ask the Canucks to retain part of his salary for the right return.
THE ATHLETIC: Harman Dayal recently included Canucks winger Conor Garland and defenseman Tyler Myers among his list of under-the-radar trade candidates. He also mentioned J.T. Miller but admitted it could be a long shot that management trades him or that another club picks up his seven-year, $56 million contract that kicks in next season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garland has frequently surfaced in the rumor mill. The 26-year-old winger has three years left on his contract with an average annual value of $4.95 million. He could become a cost-cutting casualty if management decides to shed his salary at the trade deadline or in the offseason.
Myers, 32, has one year left on his deal worth $6 million along with a 10-team no-trade clause. The decline in his performance could force the Canucks to retain part of his cap hit if they hope to move him.
UPDATES ON DUMBA, MANTHA, EDMUNDSON AND NYQUIST
THE ATHLETIC: Joe Smith reports the Minnesota Wild have received calls about Matt Dumba. The 28-year-old defenseman is slated to become a UFA in July and currently carries a $6 million AAV.
“We’re not actively shopping him,” said Wild general manager Bill Guerin. “It would have to be something that works extremely well for us.” Guerin would want another defenseman in return that can help them in the playoffs.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, a hockey trade or nothing at all. Then again, the Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch recently wondered if Guerin would trade Dumba for a return that he could then flip to the Arizona Coyotes as part of a return for Jakob Chychrun.
Unless Guerin gets an irresistible offer for Dumba, I think he’ll retain him as an “own rental” for the remainder of the season.
THE ATHLETIC: Harman Dayal noted the Washington Capitals scratched winger Anthony Mantha from two straight games last week. He’s scored 23 points in 44 games this season but has been inconsistent.
The 28-year-old Mantha is also among the Capitals’ highest-paid players with an AAV of $5.7 million. Dayal wondered if they’ll stick with him or consider a change of scenery trade.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Washington Hockey Now’s Sammi Silber writes that Mantha held himself accountable following his two-game benching, calling it a “wake-up call.” She feels the Capitals aren’t ready to hit the panic button just yet. That could change, however, if his performance doesn’t improve.
MONTREAL HOCKEY NOW: Speaking of the Capitals, The Athletic’s Marc-Antoine Godin recently suggested in a recent episode of Le Support Athletique that they might be a good fit for Joel Edmundson. The Montreal Canadiens defenseman has a year remaining on his contract with an annual cap hit of $3.5 million and a 10-team no-trade clause.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Every Capitals defenseman except for John Carlson is on an expiring contract this season. Edmundson could bring them depth for this season and a cost-certain asset for 2023-24.
SPORTSNET: Jeff Marek reports the Columbus Blue Jackets have started talking to teams about Gustav Nyquist. The 33-year-old winger is a UFA in July and carries a $5.5 million cap hit for this season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Nyquist’s experience and versatility could make him enticing for playoff contenders seeking depth on the wing. The Jackets might have to wait until closer to the March 3 trade deadline to move him as that’s when interested clubs could be better placed to acquire the remainder of his cap hit. Perhaps they could hasten things by retaining part of his prorated salary for a decent return.
Although the departure was not especially cordial (negotiation issues as I recall), I have wondered about Armstrong attempting to get Edmundson back to the Blues—maybe a good old hockey trade for Barbashev.
IP
While the Jackets have begun listening to offers on Nyquist, keep in mind that he’s said that he likes living and playing in Columbus. There has also been talk that he’s willing to sign a cheaper contract to stay in Columbus.
@Paul Bowles
He said the exact same thing with Detroit.
What do you expect a player to say. No i hate the team and the town. All players say things like this regardless if they mean it or not.
Bruins inking Zacha for 4 years in the prime of his hockey career is a job well done. Six or eight year contracts are given out way to often would have preferred it to be around 4 but he definitely would have received more as an UFA. Boston controlled game last night but Leafs hung around.
Did you watch the Game? I’m sorry the play was even and a hard fought contest for both .
I hope they meet in the playoff as its entertaining hockey.
Reffing was again inconsistent.
But that was for both sides as there were multiple missed calls for both teams.
I watch every Bruin game and Boston out played them wasn’t horribly but definitely had control. Leafs don’t need many chances to score very talented team Boston just play the right way. Think Bruin almost outshot them 2-1 definitely had control. Go Bruins Go
Yep. That’s a good move by Sweeney and Zacha. I like it a lot.
Murray played decent , Bruins outshot then by good margin. Reilly looked off . Definitely not where he was prior to injury .
In order To have this match up in the playoffs someone goes through Tampa first. No easy task.
Hi SS
I can’t see it as “someone goes through Tampa first”…. Not someone IMHO….Leafs
It has to be in the high 90’s % probability that first round has Bolts v Leafs
Hard to see either Bolts or Leafs catch Bruins; must be max 5% chance yhat Wings or Cats bump Leafs or Bolts for 3rd
By Someone you mean Leafs. No one catching bruins unless the team plane crashes on way to road trip
Does Bunting get a call from the league about that kick? You can’t just kick a guy during play.
He should but probably won’t
The intent was there even if the injury wasn’t
Habs mostly have good young left defensemen (Ghuele, Harris, Xhekaj) and prospects (Hutson, Struble).
Apart from David Savard ans Kovacevic, there isn’t much at RD (Justin Barron ?? double question mark…)
Matt Dumba definitely would help.
Edmunson, plus a 2nd, for Dumba ?? (given that Wild lets Habs and Dumba negociate an extension ?)
Or….wait, and go for him, as a UFA ?
Myers has actually been decent the last couple of games, maybe the benching of OEL was a wake up call to him? He isnt moving until his bonus is paid off unless they retain 50% of the cap hit, which would actually make him movable this TD.
If they dont let Horvat talk to a new club they are stupid…… so who knows. He would look good in Columbus, though they are not playoff bound, but would he sign there?
Schenn back to Bolts…… this Pens/Keafs fan says 🤬😡💩
Re Schenn snd
“The Lightning could squeeze the remainder of his cap hit within their limited salary-cap payroll. They could also ask the Canucks to retain part of his salary for the right return.”
they really don’t need ‘Nucks to retain…. He’d replace s player on the 23 man…. League min id $750 K…. So max annualized increase id $100 K; @ TDL …, proportionate…. ~ $25 K
Dang those Bolts
I think Bo Horvat will get Traded, to Boston or Seattle…. ❓ Close to the trade deadline…
Then he will test the market July 1st to see where they want to go, both the above teams need a top Centre
with Boston re-signing 25 yr old Pavel Zacha they potential have there 2nd line centre next year and have $21.8 M to spend..
if the trade Mike Reilly a ld man and 2nd pick they will have $3.M more $24.8❗️
Maybe 7 X $8.M for Bo Horvat they still have $16.8 M in cap space to sign pasta for $10.M and $6.8 M for others and young forward prospects 🤔
Bo already rejected 7 x $8M, that is Miller pay, Bo wants more!
Willie
I doubt bruins pay Horvat trade cost without idea he would sign extension
I think Certain Teams will trade for him for the playoff push,❓
Boston will want him long term as there
#1 Centre…they could wait till July 1st…
i think he just want Out of Vancouver he has seen all the turmoil for the past 9 years and now know’s its about to Blow Up for a re build
RIP Gino Odjick.
The “Manawaki Mauler” was a true gentle giant.
Even the local flat feet loved the guy.
🙁
Yeah, if a team decided it needed an enforcer Gino was exactly the type you’d want. Never a dirty player like so many … but don’t take liberties with his teammates.