NHL Rumor Mill – November 7, 2019
NHL Rumor Mill – November 7, 2019
The latest Maple Leafs speculation plus an update on Josh Ho-Sang in today’s NHL rumor mill.
LATEST ON THE LEAFS
TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran wonders what’s next on the trade front for the Maple Leafs. If they need to get something, and McGran feels a backup goaltender is a priority, they’ll have to move someone off their roster or from their AHL affiliate. General manager Kyle Dubas could be reluctant to trade any more draft picks after giving up his 2020 first-rounder to Carolina in June’s Patrick Marleau deal.
McGran also points out Dubas will have to move a player or two or three to free up salary-cap space for Zach Hyman’s imminent return. Nic Petan was recalled into the lineup against the Los Angeles Kings. McGran suggests perhaps he was being showcased for a trade. He also wonders if Dubas “can package two or three of his spare parts and get something more meaningful than cap space back.”
Sounds like Spezza will be waived when Hyman returns.
He’s not a great fit as a 4th line center. But gotta say if I’m looking for a mentor for L. Brown, White, or Norris. I’m bringing him back to Ottawa a 700k and playing him ahead of Anisimov, Ryan, Boedker, or Beaudin.
— Shawn Simpson (@TSNSimmer) November 7, 2019
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dubas could put one or two players (like Jason Spezza) on waivers but one of them could be plucked away for nothing by another club. He could try to peddle Petan for a backup goalie but there might not be many decent options available right now. He could end up waiting until the New Year before the market improves.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman yesterday reported teams contacted the Leafs to see if they were willing to move a big contract. However, they want to evaluate their roster when it’s fully healthy before making any decisions on a larger move. I don’t see him moving one of his expensive players. A forward like Alexander Kerfoot, Kaspari Kapanen, and Andreas Johnsson will draw more interest and fetch a better return. They’re all signed beyond this season with reasonable annual average salaries.
Spezza’s been a good solider thus far but he’s been a frequent healthy scratch with the Leafs. The Senators are reportedly seeking another experienced forward. Maybe they’ll consider a reunion with Spezza. His contract (one-year, $700k) is affordable for the budget-conscious Sens.
LATEST ON HO-SANG
Asked Lou if Josh Ho-Sang would play in Bridgeport if a trade partner can’t be found. “We’ll just have to wait and see.” #Isles — Brian Compton (@BComptonNHL) November 5, 2019
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This has been your weekly Ho-Sang update. Tune in again next week for probably more of the same.