On the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs …
Dan Rosen of NHL.com: (mailbag) The Chicago Blackhawks will have to wait until the season starts to put Marian Hossa on the LTIR before they can add to their roster. Depending on how they are playing, the Blackhawks could be patient and wait closer to the trade deadline to take advantage of the extra savings. They may need some help on the blue line. If Hossa’s injury is career threatening, the Blackhawks may look beyond the rental market.
thinks that John Tavares will re-sign with the New York Islanders. Answering question – if Tavares is going to leave the Islanders, and if the Detroit Red Wings are rebuilding, he’ll want to go to a more immediate contender. The Red Wings will have over $12 million coming off the books – Mike Green, Petr Mrazek and Riley Sheahan. They would be a candidate, but he’ll likely re-sign.
thinks the New York Rangers could end up trading for a center instead of going with Cristoval Nieves or Lias Andersson, though it is early. They could let camp determine if either is ready before making a move. Nick Holden could be used a trade chip. Toronto Maple Leafs Tyler Bozak would be a perfect No. 3 in New York, but would the Leafs want Holden as part of a package?
On the Vegas Golden Knights …
Jared Clinton of The Hockey News: After salary arbitration with Nate Schmidt, the Vegas Golden Knights now have 11 defensemen under contract for next season.
There obviously isn’t enough room for them all and they’ll need to trade some if they don’t potentially want to lose them for nothing on waivers. Shea Theodore is the only defenseman that is waiver exempt.
Defensemen most likely to remain with the team are Schmidt, Theodore, Engelland, Jason Garrison, Luca Sbisa, Clayton Stoner, Brayden McNabb and Colin Miller.
That could mean Jon Merrill, Griffin Reinhart and Brad Hunt are put on waivers if don’t trade anyone.