Boston Bruins in a lucky position
Conor Ryan: Boston Bruins coach Jim Montgomery on how the Bruins will be approaching the trade deadline: “I think we’re in a lucky position. I believe we can do really well with the lineup we have as is. So I think that puts us in a good negotiating position.”
Two New Jersey Devils top prospects are not available
James Nichols: Have been told that New Devils prospects Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec are absolutely not involved in any trade talks and are a non-starter.
NHL Rumors: The Arizona Coyotes, Los Angeles Kings, Jakob Chychrun and Brandt Clarke
Potential trade targets for the Colorado Avalanche
Evan Rawal of Colorado Hockey Now: The Colorado Avalanche don’t have a lot of salary cap space to work and will need to get creative.
A look at some players they’ve been linked to or ones that could be a good fit.
Sean Monahan – Canadiens – Center – Pending UFA with a $6.375 million cap hit. His health and skate are the biggest concerns.
Jonathan Toews – Blackhawks – Center – Pending UFA with $10.5 million cap hit. Would need to find a third team to retain salary. Like, Monahan, likely wouldn’t cost a first-round pick but does he want to be traded?
Ryan O’Reilly – Blues – Center – Pending UFA with a $7.5 million cap hit. How much does he have left? Will likely be asking for a first.
Jack Johnson – Blackhawks – Defenseman – Pending UFA with a $950,000 cap hit. Familiar with him and wouldn’t cost much.
Adam Henrique – Ducks – Center – A year left at $5.825 million. Ducks would have to retain salary which may mean they want a first.
Dmitry Kulikov – Ducks – Defense – Pending UFA at a $2.25 million cap hit. Would be an upgrade compared to Jack Johnson.
Max Domi – Blackhawks – Center/Wing – Pending UFA at $3 million. He’s having a decent season on a bad team. Defensive issues but has the offense.
Nick Bjugstad – Coyotes – Center – Pending UFA at $900,000. More bottom-six than a second-line center.
NHL Rumors: Is Vladislav Gavrikov the perfect fit for the Toronto Maple Leafs
Luke Schenn – Canucks – Defense – Pending UFA at $850,000. The cost to acquire will likely be too high for the Avs.
Other options could include Jack Roslovic, Boone Jenner, Jesse Puljujarvi and Nick Bonino.