Updates on Blue Jackets, Maple Leafs, Hurricanes and Canadiens
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Columbus Blue Jackets are worried about the futures of pending UFAs Sergei Bobrovsky and Artemi Panarin as it’s not looking like they are interested in signing a contract extension before the trade deadline. The Blue Jackets also don’t want to lose them for nothing. The Blue Jackets will also likely be in a playoff position at the deadline and it won’t be easy for them to make a trade. One NHL executive:
“I can tell you trying to get players for them at the deadline will be very hard because the teams trading for rentals are not the teams giving up players off their roster.”
The executive added that if they are wanting to get players back, they should be looking to make a trade soon than later.
It’s doubtful that William Nylander will get an offer sheet and it’s doesn’t look like the Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in trading him. If in a month they are still not close to a deal, the Leafs could use Nylander as a trade chip for a defenseman.
Head coaches Todd McLellan (Edmonton) and Mike Yeo (St. Louis) could be on the hot seat.
A couple league executive have told that the Carolina Hurricanes are open for business. There is talk they may have called the Leafs about Nylander.
The Montreal Canadiens could be looking for forward help.
Some coaches could already be on the hot seat
Emily Sadler of Sportsnet: Nick Kypreos on ‘Headlines’ notes that ownership groups are watching their teams closely and there could be some coaches on the hot seat. Kypreos notes LA Kings, St. Louis Blues, Philadelphia Flyers and Edmonton Oilers are being watched.
“They want results, now,” Kypreos said. “The barometer in the past has always been American Thanksgiving for teams to make drastic changes. The sense is now… it’s a lot earlier.”