There’s a lot going on in the NHL rumor mill this week, with contenders looking for upgrades, struggling teams starting to sell out and several stars unexpectedly finding their names in the mix.
From the Vancouver Canucks and Nashville Predators emerging as active sellers to the Edmonton Oilers embroiled in goaltending drama, front offices across the league are laying the groundwork for what could be a chaotic stretch leading up to the holidays.
Canucks among active sellers
The Vancouver Canucks were perhaps the most talked about team of the past week. Trade talk is everywhere, with several insiders identifying them as one of the more active “seller’s market” teams. They have made veterans and UFAs available, but are not making any hasty deals, according to a report from Elliotte Friedman on Saturday evening.
The big name on the board is Kiefer Sherwood, and previous speculation that a trade could be close has proven inaccurate. He will likely be moved, but the Canucks are in no rush to make a deal. The Boston Bruins have reportedly cut ties with Sherwood and Conor Garland. While Garland continues to be linked in rumors, his name hasn’t really gained traction, and his recent absence from the lineup has been injury-related.
Several teams are also selling
David Pagnotta names Vancouver, St. Louis, Nashville and possibly Calgary among the clubs gauging the value of their players and starting to sell some pieces.
Elliotte Friedman notes that the Canucks prefer young NHL players over picks, but they’ll listen to everything. Darren Dreger adds that Vancouver is still looking for a centerman, and several players could be in the mix, including Evander Kane, Teddy Blueger and possibly Tyler Myers.
Meanwhile, Calgary Flames signed GM Craig Conroy to an extension, and he quickly settled the drama surrounding the organization after Don Maloney said the team wasn’t moving pieces in a fire sale. Conroy understands the market and said they would look at all options to improve the team in the long term.
The unrest among predators leads to rumors about stars, veterans and coaching
The Nashville Predators are perhaps the most fascinating team to watch. According to Frank Seravalli, the environment surrounding the organization is “the most toxic in the NHL,” with frustration running rampant from top to bottom. That friction has led to speculation about major moves.
Pagnotta reports that teams have started asking questions about Roman Josi and Filip Forsberg – although such blockbuster talks would be summer affairs at the earliest. Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, both enjoying Nashville but reportedly willing to join contenders, have also attracted interest.
Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on head coach Andrew Brunette, with Seravalli noting that Barry Trotz’s public support may falter as the losses pile up.
Jeff Marek writes: “One issue to keep in mind in any transaction of any high-end Predators player – Tennessee is a tax-exempt state and when you ask a player to waive a no-trade clause to go to a taxed state, you are asking that player to take a pay cut, and perhaps a substantial one.”
The Oilers goalie trade has been suppressed…for now
No team is tied to more goaltending rumors than the Edmonton Oilers, and while the noise died down somewhat after a Stuart Skinner shutout, the list of names linked to the Oilers continues to grow.
Friedman reiterated that Stuart Skinner has not requested a trade, but that the Oilers are organizationally evaluating whether it is time for a change in the fold. It needs to be an upgrade, not a lateral move, but Chris Johnston believes Edmonton is “considering everything.”
Names like Tristan Jarry, Jordan Binnington, Laurent Brossoit and even Buffalo’s goaltending surplus are on their radar. Friedman suggests Brossoit is a name to watch, noting that Chicago could be asked to maintain salary as talks progress. With the pressure mounting and the team looking for stability, the Edmonton goalie story isn’t going away anytime soon.
Blues is open to the move of high-profile names
St. Louis is becoming one of the most intriguing sellers. Johnston reports that the Blues could undertake a ‘hard reset’ in the coming months, with several players emerging as trade candidates.
As previously mentioned, Jordan Binnington’s future is under evaluation. There’s also talk of Justin Faulk’s move, and St. Louis is open to discussions that were once considered off-limits.
Next: Waiver claim pays off as former oilman stars for Maple Leafs
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