NHL Rumor Mill – June 5, 2024
The Devils could shop their first-rounder and remain in the market for a goaltender, the latest Martin Necas speculation, plus updates on the Rangers and Ducks in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
DEVILS WILLING TO PART WITH FIRST-ROUND PICK, STILL SEEK A GOALIE
NHL.COM: Mike G. Morreale reports New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald is willing to part with his first-round pick (10th overall) in this year’s draft for the right price. He said he would listen if the offer helped the Devils now and in the foreseeable future.
Fitzgerald also indicated he’s still in the market for a goaltender. However, he also wants to build up his forward lines and defense corps.
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports adding a No. 1 goalie tops Fitzgerald’s offseason wish list. The Devils GM admitted there were “a few guys that I’m in on”, but declined to say who they were.
League sources indicate Fitzgerald remains interested in Jacob Markstrom of the Calgary Flames, whom he tried to acquire before the March 8 trade deadline. He’s also looking at Linus Ullmark of the Boston Bruins.
LeBrun believes Markstrom would waive his no-movement clause for New Jersey but several other teams are also interested in the Flames netminder.
BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Andrew Fantucchio believes the pieces are in place for a deal between the Bruins and Devils that would send Ullmark to New Jersey. He believes such a trade would make sense for both clubs. The Bruins have no picks in the first three rounds of this year’s draft. That could use that 10th overall selection to restock their shallow prospect pool.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Fitzgerald would have an easier time landing an experienced starter like Markstrom or Ullmark if he included his first-rounder in his offer. However, he seems to be hoping to use it as a trade chip to address other roster needs.
The Score’s Josh Gold-Smith pointed out Fitzgerald was reportedly interested in Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros. However, LeBrun reported Predators GM Barry Trotz plans to meet with Saros’ agent this week to lay the groundwork for a contract extension.
THE LATEST ON MARTIN NECAS
DAILY FACEOFF: Frank Seravalli said he wouldn’t be surprised if the Carolina Hurricanes traded Martin Necas by Saturday. He anticipated a flurry of activity this week leading up to the Stanley Cup Final as teams are keen to get their hands on the 25-year-old forward.
Seravalli believes the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, and Columbus Blue Jackets are at least three of the club interested in Necas.
CHEK TV’s DONNIE & DHALI: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman was asked about Necas. He doesn’t believe the preferred choice for the winger and the Hurricanes is to trade him.
Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas (NHL Images).
Friedman noted the discussions between the Hurricanes and Canucks in January regarding a deal that would’ve sent Elias Pettersson to Carolina with Necas as part of the return going to Vancouver. With Pettersson out of the deal after signing an extension, it would be harder for the Canucks to acquire Necas.
According to Friedman, the Hurricanes’ asking price is big, and would involve the Canucks parting with some of their top prospects. He doesn’t believe offering up restricted free-agent defenseman Filip Hronek would get it done.
CALGARY SUN: Wes Gilbertson believes the Flames would be interested in Necas. However, there would be concerns about the Hurricanes’ asking price and the cost of re-signing the restricted free agent to a new contract.
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers are among half of the teams in the league believed to have contacted the Hurricanes about Necas.
LeBrun isn’t sure Necas is a fit with the Flyers considering the type of “apple-for-apple type trade” the Hurricanes would want.
Earlier this week, LeBrun’s colleague Kevin Kurz examined whether there was a trade fit between the two teams involving Necas. He believes the cost could be too expensive for the Flyers. Kurz thinks a one-for-one swap involving Flyers winger Travis Konecny would fit within the Hurricanes long-term salary cap structure when they’re trying to re-sign Jake Guentzel. He also pointed out the Hurricanes’ biggest need is a proven No. 1 goalie, which the Flyers also need.
TVA SPORTS: Jean-Charles Lajoie noted the recent conjecture linking the Canadiens to Necas. He believes the Habs would have to offer up defenseman Arber Xhekaj plus either the 26th overall pick received from Winnipeg or their own second-round pick.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Hurricanes have a prized trade asset in Necas that many teams are interested in. The question is, which one is willing to overpay to get him? They’ll be paying for potential, banking on Necas blossoming into a reliable scorer when given a full-time top-six role.
Potential trade partners will want assurances that Necas will sign a contract extension to avoid the arbitration process.
The pundits can’t agree on the Hurricanes’ asking price. Friedman said they’ll want at least one top prospect as part of a big return. LeBrun suggests they could prefer a one-for-one swap. Others believe at least a first or a high second-round pick will have to be packaged with a promising young player.
It’s unlikely the Flyers will part with Konecny. Philly Hockey Now’s Jonathan Bailey cited a source claiming the 27-year-old winger will sign a contract extension this summer.
UPDATE ON THE RANGERS
NEW YORK POST: Earlier this week, Larry Brooks suggested the Rangers have gone as far as they can with their current core, calling for tough decisions regarding Jacob Trouba, Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad.
Brooks lauded Trouba’s physicality but noted his lack of discipline in this postseason was striking. He pointed out that the Rangers captain’s no-movement clause reverts to a 15-team no-trade list on July 1. The 30-year-old defenseman could become their third-pairing right-side defenseman behind Adam Fox and Braden Schneider.
Kreider’s NMC also reverts to a 15-team NTC on July 1. He has three years left on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million. If the Rangers believe they need a dramatic makeover, Kreider will fetch the biggest return.
Zibanejad’s NMC remains in full effect on a contract with six years remaining at $8.5 million annually. Brooks admits approaching him about a trade wouldn’t be a pleasant conversation and doesn’t know how it would affect the team’s dynamics if Zibanejad rejected a trade.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Brooks is merely making suggestions. This doesn’t appear based on anything that he’s heard.
Trouba has a history of undisciplined play but he brings the most physicality to a team that was lacking in that category. His struggles during this postseason were due mostly to a broken ankle. He’s not going anywhere. Neither are Kreider or Zibanejad.
Brooks believes Rangers winger Kaapo Kakko could use a fresh start with another club after struggling through a disappointing performance this season. However, he doesn’t think they’ll part with him for a second or third-round pick. Kakko could be part of a larger deal if one manifests.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: A Kakko trade seems more likely to happen than any deal involving Trouba, Kreider or Zibanejad. Including the 23-year-old winger in a trade package seems the best route if the Rangers look to upgrade. On his own, Kakko won’t fetch much of a return at this stage of his career.
THE LATEST DUCKS RUMORS
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Anaheim Ducks are listening to offers for forward Trevor Zegras and goaltender John Gibson.
LeBrun indicated that Ducks GM Pat Verbeek would comment on the trade chatter about Zegras. However, other sources believe Verbeek could move him for the right deal. LeBrun believes the Canadiens have revisited their interest in the 22-year-old forward but he isn’t convinced this is a path the Habs will aggressively pursue.
As for Gibson, Verbeek acknowledged a market for goalies this summer. LeBrun believes the Ducks GM will continue to monitor calls for the 31-year-old netminder but would be fine keeping him.
(1) Ducks won’t be able to trade Gibson without paying most of his salary, even this season he was hurt. I see Zegras getting traded, kid seems to need a wake up call. Can see Montreal stepping up to acquire him, with all their picks and prospects being available
(2) Rangers won’t trade Trouba, he is exactly what they needed before acquiring him. Kakko will most definitely be traded. Don’t see Kreider being traded, he is one of the few power forwards they have. But you have to wonder why the team hasn’t been able to find a RW to play with him & Zibenejad, is it a stubborness by the two players to include the RW? Vatrano seems to be on only RW that worked with them, and the Ducks want a boatload for him
(3) CGY seems almost definite to move Markstrom, which would free up space for a guy like Necas, who is a natural center that they need. Maybe a 3 way trade with additional assets from CGY to get it done?
(4) still think Markstrom will finally get moved to NJ by the draft
Gibson or Markstrom to Ottawa
And what do they do with Korpisalo’s contract?
I don’t think my Sens would mind that. I think both Ana and Cal would balk at having to take back Korpo’s salary. Sens only have room salary wise to have one goalie making 4 million plus, not two.
Exactly. If Staios can make a move at the draft – say the 7th pick and Korpisalo for a need or needs at another position, then by all means bring in Gibson or Markstrom.
Bt the kicker there is, they’d have to be damned sure there was a pending deal in place for either before peddling Korpisalo, or they wind up in a desperate search for a starting goalie. Again.
No no and no Ottawa is fine with the goaltending they have just concentrate on defence please
LOL. I agree Don O Ray. Just playing Devil’s Advocate. I’ve been consistent these past few months that the “problem” in Ottawa’s goaltending lies more with the defensive structure or “system” in front of them.
But I do think Staios needs to look at acquiring a proven good veteran back-up type to replace Forsberg, whose game has fallen off at the same rate as his frequency of injury.
The 7th overall pick for a long past their prime goaltender like 34 year old Markstrom or John Gibson (2023 – 24, GAA – 3.54, SV% .888) would be a massive overpayment reminiscent of the Dorion led Senators.
Will a Ullmark..Freddy get the Bruins Necas
nope, sounds like the Canes are asking for the moon for Necas, who hasn’t broken out yet. Maybe he’ll be offersheeted this summer
I agree, Trouba , Kreider and Zibanejad aren’t going anywhere.
Brooks’s sensationalism is just trying to feed the ever impatient / angry mob that wants to place blame on a handful of players.
Reality is, there’s lots of blame to go around. Blowing up the roster isn’t getting them over the top. They’re close and definitely need some changes, but they’re not blowing up this roster.
A year ago, most Ranger fans were ready to run Laffrienere out of town for a 4th round pick and a career AHL player for the sake of “change is better”.
What most of the Ranger fan base is forgetting is this team went into a full rebuild 6 years ago. They made some mistakes along the way (thanks Jeff Gorton) but have overall been ahead of most teams that tear it down. And in that same time frame have gone through 3 different head coaches!!!
Still believe NY needs to give Kakko a legitimate chance / opportunity to succeed. They have not really done right by this kid.
I think we can say that Gorton did a fairly good job with the Rangers. The only reason he was let go is because of Dolan’s temper tantrum. Some high picks didn’t work out but it happens to every team. Going after a big ticket item like Panarin too early in the rebuild might not have been the best idea but it hasn’t hurt the Rangers as much as Tavares with the Leafs
Shatenkirk signing then buyout.
Eric Staal trade.
Ryan McDonagh and JT Miller Trade? Nothing to show for it? I haven’t heard much about Miller? How’s he doing? lol
Trading away Ryan Graves for basically nothing.
Brady Skjei trade.
Stepan Raanta for Deangelo and a 1st ( Lias Andessson) bust.
Kravstov, Bust.
Nils Ludqvist, traded but hasn’t looked like anything special. So double fail here.
David Quinn hiring.
The Miller / Mcdonagh trade alone was a fireable offense.
Panarin wanted NY and only NY. I’m not giving him credit. Panarin turned down a better deal for NY.
Fox on paper? 2-2nds was a steal. But Fox had already spurned two teams to find his way to NY, and again only NY.
They say one “oh 💩 takes away a 1000 Atta boys “
Gorton had a lot of “oh 💩’s” as the rangers GM.
Rick Nash trade which turned into Lindgren, Miller , And the Brassard for Zibanejad trade were the only real bright spots of his tenure with NY.
You had to remind me of the Zibanejad for Brassard deal, eh? 🙂
At the time of that trade, a lot of people were very split on who won.
He did well in Boston as their asst. GM when he signed Chara and Marc Savard the same summer!He also helped fleece Tula Rask from Toronto!
Fitz got himself into this quandary. Time to get himself out of i prudential, his job depends on it. The 10OA should not be in the conversation with Markstrom. It could be in the conversation foe Sara’s or Ullmark, but I see that being a bigger deal for either. Get it done Fitz, and don’t blow it.
Ullmark and Saros are both a year away from free agency, so unless the agree to a long term deal as part of a deal, the 10th overall pick won’t be on the table. Hope Fitz doesn’t panic and trade Mercer, but could see Bahl and Schmid getting dealt. (story is Schmid had a bad year because he was upset he didn’t get a new deal after the 22-23 season)
I don’t believe the current Markstrom+forward to NJ for the 10th overall pick rumors.
Dont think Flames would be a player in the Necas sweeps, would love to have him but Flames cant & shouldnt meet the asking price. If I were Conroy, I would offer Fitz his choice, Markstrom & 50% retention for that #10 or Markstrom & the Vanc 1st for the #10. Prefer to keep the Vanc 1st & do the retention, Flames need to do this retool properly.
If Fitzgerald is prepared to give up the 10th pick overall in a deal that would improve his club immediately, let’s hope Staios is ready to do the same with the 7th pick overall, because what the Senators do NOT need at this juncture is another 2-3 year project D, or a C or F at least 2 years away.
NO player at # 7 or # 10 is deemed to be “NHL ready.”
George that #7 is exactly what Flames need to kick off their new building in 2027. I really like Vladar but he just had hip surgery, which for a goalie has me concerned if he’ll be ready next fall to be a 1A with Wolf as 1B. So to me Korpi & that #7 for Markstrom wouldnt be that bad. & if Vladar is ok, Flames can easily carry 3 goalies until they find a trade partner for either Vladar or Korpi during the season.
Noticed Sen fans are a little concerned about Norris & his ability to stay healthy & the contract he has could really dog them if it goes the wrong way. Flames could possibly probably roll the dice on him & structure a deal around Markstrom & Mangipiani retaining 50% of him for Norris & that #7. Or is that too far out to lunch. Just spitballing.
Potlicker, that’s the type of thinking that has to be part of Staios’ approach to next season.
Now, having said that, do he and his assistants think Markstrom would be a sufficiently significant improvement over Korpisalo to make that sort of deal?
Who knows – but here are their comparative stats
Korpisalo – 6′ 3″ 190 lbs – turns 31 next April and costs $4 mil off the cap to 2027-28
55gp 3.27gaa 0.890 save %
276 career games – 3.06 gaa 0.901 save %
Markstrom – 6′ 6″ 207 lbs – turns 35 next January and costs $6 mil off the cap to 2025-26
48gp 2.78gaa 0.909 save %
483 career games – 2.73gaa – 0.909 save %
A cynic would look at those stats and say yes, Markstrom shows better … but he’s also had the advantage of playing for better teams over his career, with better defensive structures in front of him, than has Korpisalo … and the stats differences are not that far apart considering.
I would assume that that sort of analysis and comparison enters into all potential trades.
I think people are forgetting Markstrom has a full no movement clause and if he is asked to waive that, it would have to be to a contender. No offence to the Sens, but I don’t think they’re at that stage yet, so I doubt Markstrom would agree
And you’re probably bang on there, Rob.
What if that 10th overall pick New Jersey had was in play for Demko?
That would work if Van is intent on signing Hronek, Lindholm and Zadorov
I could see that, I would think the Canuck’s would when then trade that pick for a top 6 winger
Bobby
Very intresting….Demko to NJ…⁉️
NJ 10th and a good prospect like A RW
Chase Stillman
Or
A LW Josh Filmon or a young d/man
Frees up Cash for the Canucks and they could
Re-sign Casey DeSmith to play with young Silovs
Rangers were a few goals away from finals. 2 conference finals in 3 years. You don’t dismantle core. Kakko started season on top line and admitted himself he’s had opportunities and hasn’t produced. Kakko and a pick/prospect to Carolina for Necas makes sense. Necas would get chance on Zib line and at worst would be an upgrade as a scorer on 3rd line. Kakko would get fresh start out of bubble in NY and will have fellow Finns on team.
That only works if Carolina sees any possibility of Kakko “turning it around.” If he doesn’t, they’ve given up Necas for “a pick and a prospect.”
What pick and what prospect?
Carolina can get a whole lot better return than that for Necas.
Kakko had exactly 120:58 minutes on the top line with Zibanejad and Kreider. Oddly, they were a better defensive trio than anyone else they’ve tried on that line.
That’s an opportunity?
Laffrienere started the season on the 2nd line, and Laviolette stuck with him even when he struggled. I believe around December/ January he went 12-14 games with like 0 goals and an assist or two. But he remained on that line regardless.
Playing a handful of meaningful minutes, followed by being tossed around the lineup isn’t ideal for ANY young prospect.
He’s a season removed from a 40 point campaign. He’s not getting you Neca’s (not even sure how NY fits him under the cap) and he’s not worth trading for a 4th round pick. They’re better off just giving him a 1 year show me deal.
They can always trade him for a 💩 after another shot.
Realistically, NY will be looking at a similar player that’s either struggled or can’t find their way into the NHL.
Turcotte from LA would be a more realistic target than Necas.
Agree Captain Obvious.
All the negativity posted re Necas, a 6′ 2″ 190 lb C, doesn’t seem to take in account the fact he has played 362 games with 97g 146a 243 pts for 82-game averages of 22g 33a 55 pts, and this past season had 22g 33a 55 pts in 77 gp.
Some may argue that this isn’t satisfactory for a 12th pick overall (in 2017) – but I can list a whole slew of 12th picks over the years that haven’t done half as much.
If Staios could work out a deal to bring him to Ottawa that would be great … but coming off an expiring contract of $3 mil per he’s going to seek something in the range of $4.5-$5 mil per, so some sort of comparable cap hit would need to go the other way. Chychrun?
The Senators could then have a 1st line of Tkachuk – Norris – Batherson – a 2nd line of Stutzle (back at LW where he flourished early in his career – Pinto – Giroux, a 3rd line of Greig – Necas – Joseph, and a 4th line of Kelly – Kastelic – ? (new blood here as well through another deal).
The thinking here is, with the uncertainty surrounding the shoulder woes of Norris, should he go down again (fingers crossed he won’t), Pinto would move up to line 1, Necas to line 2, with Greig moving into the 3rd line C position and either one of their better LW prospects moving up, or another deal to bring in a 3rd line LW.
So very much here depends on the health of Josh Norris, unfortunately.
@ George O, I don’t see Necas going anywhere where he’ll be outside the top 6. If Ottawa wouldn’t play him on the top 2 lines, he wouldn’t sign to stay there. Playing top-6 is one of the reasons he’s asked out of Carolina.
Sure, Carolina can trade him anywhere, but the best return Car will get is trading him to a place where he’ll sign a long term extension.
I see your point foleyd7 … except I have this uneasy feeling (and I’m sure Staios does as well) that young Norris is one of those good but snake-bit players doomed to suffering from some sort of repetitive chronic injury, and if Necas did come to Ottawa he’d almost assuredly become a 2nd line F in short order.
I frankly don’t see a goalie fetching the 10th overall pick.
As for the Habs and Necas, Xhekaj and the #26 pick is a price I’d gladly pay. Would even throw in a forward prospect if necessary.
Howard,
Personally, I would never trade Xhekaj as a package for Necas.
Xhekaj , is that type of player that is invaluable in the playoffs. 6’4, 240 lbs, great skating D-men, who plays a physical brand of hockey with a very heavy shot & are what every team is looking for. Why should the Habs give up on that piece of the puzzle so easily???
He brings that physical element that a Trouba, Gudas, Ekholm, Zadarov brings. There is a reason every GM in the league inquires about him.
Bonus, he is only 23 yrs old & is still five to six years away from his prime. Stay the course with Xhekaj in my opinion.
Not sure if Nashville is still high on Reinbacher?? If so I would be more interested in acquiring Zac L’Heuruex as part of a package for Reinbacher.
In a couple of years time when the expectations of making the playoffs will be expected of the Habs a young third line featuring the likes of Owen Beck ( a nuisance), L’Heuruex (a genuine nasty MoFu) & Roy ( a cerebral player) all who can skate well, have middle six talent & drive the opponents crazy would be relatively cheap for cost & perfect for a young team pushing for the playoffs.
BTW, if Hutson is indeed expected to make the Habs this season, my preference would be to move Matheson in a deal. A veteran D-man, who scored over 60 pts & chewed up over 25 minutes a game last season with a cap hit of less than $5 mill per season for the next two, could be very intriguing for a team like Carolina looking to go deep into the playoffs. Not to mention, they are going to need to make some additions to their D-core next season.
The Habs D-core with both Reinbacher & Matheson gone would still be relatively young, but with no realistic expectations to make the playoffs in the 24/25 season.
Guhle-Mailoux
Xhekaj-Sturble
Hutson- Savard
(Harris, Barron, Kovacevic)
Let them compete for & grow into their roles with this team.
Konnecny, Risto (1.5M retained) for Necas and Coughlan. Flyers may have to give a 3rd a well
When it comes to Necas I’m getting a Joel Armia feeling, good fundamentals, good playoff guy, skates well, hard on the puck, great shot, looks great when he’s on.
He makes us crazy because frequently he just isn’t on, and lacks consistency.
Necas seems to be too good to bounced up and dqwn the lineup, seems like they keep trying to jump start him…..lack of consistency.
Cane fans can confirm or deny.
Habsfan30, I would agree with most of what you said. I would not say Necas is hard on the puck. Necas is frustrating because we can all see his ceiling as much higher.
Necas led Carolina’s forwards in even strength ice time.
Total forward ice time per game in order was, Aho (19:38), Jarvis (18:45), Guentzel (17:30), Necas (17:21), & Svechnikov (16:59)
Carolina should not trade Necas unless they sign Guentzel.
I don’t know why people keep referring to Necas as a natural center. If he was he would be playing second line center, a position of need in Carolina.
Brind’Amour and Waddell (before he resigned) stated they are trying to improve the goalie position and they are looking for a right handed center. If Necas is traded I would expect the return to satisfy at least one of those needs.
Necas….I find myself thinking back to similar talents who became “overnight successes” after years of hard work, the right linemates, and a little time to settle in with them…or a coach who pushed the right buttons. Talent is hard to find; if the problem isn’t the attitude or a player’s personal problems, it s worth it to work on the peripheral things. J.T. Miller has always been a good player with a good attitude, but several teams passed him on until he hit the right combination with Van and Toch — Trochek has always been useful but never quite got to use all his talents the way he has with the rangers….Calgary had some talent they couldn’t maximize that is playing for the cup.
The Carolina system requires a particular set of virtues, there are others that work and suit some players better. Its a dilemma if they trade Necas to a team with a great playmaker and a PP need and he scores 50, which might well be the ceiling for a shooter of his quality.
I disagree on both Miller and Trocheck.
Miller was progressing nicely in NY his first 4 years or so. Putting up 40-50s points playing on the 3rd line with Hayes and Grabner
Not too shabby for a 3rd liner.
Trocheck also was progressing nicely for Florida including a 75 point season. Then he broke his leg in one of the more gruesome injuries in recent history (that I can remember) and he lost a step for a year or two.
I don’t think either were the “change of scenery “ type guys that developed elsewhere. NY gave up on Miller way too early and Florida never let Trocheck recover fully.
Both were just fine.
This is why I’m always talking about being patient with young players.
Lyle, correct me if i’m wrong, but doesn’t Montreal not own their own 2nd this coming draft? It went to Arizona in the Dvorak trade and is currently owned by Colorado.
Of all the media sources, you’d think TVA would know this!
Yep, they do have a 2nd round pick – obtained from Colorado in the Lekhonen deal – but it isn’t their own. That’s gone.
Howard,
Personally, I would never trade Xhekaj as a package for Necas.
Xhekaj , is that type of player that is invaluable in the playoffs. 6’4, 240 lbs, great skating D-men, who plays a physical brand of hockey with a very heavy shot & are what every team is looking for. Why should the Habs give up on that piece of the puzzle so easily???
He brings that physical element that a Trouba, Gudas, Ekholm, Zadarov brings. There is a reason every GM in the league inquires about him.
Bonus, he is only 23 yrs old & is still five to six years away from his prime. Stay the course with Xhekaj in my opinion.
Not sure if Nashville is still high on Reinbacher?? If so I would be more interested in acquiring Zac L’Heuruex as part of a package for Reinbacher.
In a couple of years time when the expectations of making the playoffs will be expected of the Habs a young third line featuring the likes of Owen Beck ( a nuisance), L’Heuruex (a genuine nasty MoFu) & Roy ( a cerebral player) all who can skate well, have middle six talent & drive the opponents crazy would be relatively cheap for cost & perfect for a young team pushing for the playoffs.
BTW, if Hutson is indeed expected to make the Habs this season, my preference would be to move Matheson in a deal. A veteran D-man, who scored over 60 pts & chewed up over 25 minutes a game last season with a cap hit of less than $5 mill per season for the next two, could be very intriguing for a team like Carolina looking to go deep into the playoffs. Not to mention, they are going to need to make some additions to their D-core next season.
The Habs D-core with both Reinbacher & Matheson gone would still be relatively young, but with no realistic expectations to make the playoffs in the 24/25 season.
Guhle-Mailoux
Xhekaj-Sturble
Hutson- Savard
(Harris, Barron, Kovacevic)
Let them compete for & grow into their roles with this team.
Re-Habs
The Habs will keep d/man Michael Matheson around he is only 30 and a leader Habs have to many kids coming up on d……
The Jets need a Tanner Jeanot / Trent Frederic type player (kind of like a PLD but with a heart) and they need to bring in youth to create a third line kid line. Use Lowry’s line as a shutdown line or the fourth line. Who is out there and available.
Tanner Jeanot is almost certainly available, probably for a package of draft pics & AHL players.
Tampa gave away a ton for 27 yr old
Tanner Jeanot….‼️
5 draft picks and Cal Foote, one of the picks was a first….
Now its Not worked out @ $2.655.M and 14 points this season and 3 in the playoffs
He is a RFA looking for a sizeable pay raise
Tampa would be lucky to get a 2nd pick 🤔
busy day and 48 comments i missed til now?
nice work all
Devils #10 for Ullmark and that pick for Kreider. frees Rangers cap space. LAf gets Kreider’s Powerplay time and the Rangers put Othmann on the 3rd line.
Now Zibanejad has no LW or RW?
That should do wonders for Zibanejad! Lol.
NY is well beyond worried about a top 10 pick that won’t even make the NHL next year. This is a giant step backwards.
I’m all for Laffrienere getting on that first PP unit. He had 56 points with only 8pp points this year. But I think they need 2 left handed shots on the 1st unit. Running 4 righties leaves a lot of missed chances.
As pointed out by Lyle, I don’t think Kreider , Trouba or Zibanejad are going anywhere.
I dont think any of those 3 get moved but Kreider is the easiest of course… his output with his salary is ok
for me its moving on from the Zib-Kreider connection. Kreider goes mia and then scores 3 in a period. But last spring game 7 vs the Devils he was literally feet away from 2-3 of the goals the Devils scored and was lazy on the backcheck…. i know he scored almost every goal in that series but he ended it with being on the ice for every goal against in game 7.
So how do they make any changes next season beyond Othmann maybe being a legit option and Perrault joining a the TDL? Limited $ to fill out the roster. Maybe Kakko copies Laf progress?