Friedman’s 30 Thoughts Rumor Roundup …
- Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: The Kings are looking at adding a defensman, and possibly a forward with Marian Gaborik’s injury. The Kings, and Rangers with Rick Nash, could look at LTIRing them for the additional cap space and bring them back for the start of the playoffs. The Blues won’t be taking advantage of that option.
“Are you asking me if I’m going to circumvent the salary cap?” the Blues GM said with a laugh when we spoke Monday. Uh, probably. “We’ve been in (Long-Term Injury) all year. We’re not in the position to add salary (unless money goes out). We don’t have the cap space. Alex Steen and Steve Ott are coming back before the playoffs and we’re a better team when they play. We’re not holding them out. Steen is a great player. If he wants to play and he’s ready to play, he will.”
On Reddit comments about Nazem Kadri to the Blues. Don’t jump to conclusions. There was the sense last year that there might be some interest, but it didn’t go far. The Leafs can wait with Kadri and they don’t have to move him if they don’t like the return.
A Scott Hartnell for Colin Wilson trade makes so much sense.
Ducks GM Bob Murray may not want to mess with things. Some say Andrew Ladd would be a good fit, others disagree.
Looking for forwards – Chicago, Florida, Los Angeles and the Islanders.
Looking for defensemen – Los Angeles, Montreal, Pittsburgh, San Jose and Tampa Bay.
The Flames and Sharks are looking for goalie. Can possibly add the Coyotes to that list, with James Reimer as a potential fit.
Could see Radim Vrbata back with the Coyotes if Mikkel Boedker is moved.
Don’t think the Flames are the only team to ask the Penguins about goalie Matt Murray.
The Oilers are trying to trade Lauri Korpikoski, Teddy Purcell and Justin Schultz. Someone might be interested in Matt Hendricks.
The Penguins, Lightning and Kings are among the teams interested in Kris Russell.
Friedman wonders if a Jonathan Drouin for Ivan Barbashev (STL) type of deal would work.
Loui Eriksson for Chris Kreider rumors were shot down. Doesn’t make sense for the Rangers to trade him for a rental.
There is the possibility that the Bruins hold onto Eriksson.
Was talk that the Blackhawks could be interested in Lars Eller, though not sure how that would work with their cap situation.
Alex Galchenyuk would only be moved if they got a similar player in return.
Sounding like contract talks between the Leafs and Morgan Rielly have started.