Friedman’s 31-thoughts rumor roundup …
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: The Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, and Vancouver Canucks were among the teams that have been scouting in Sweden the past couple weeks. Some potential free agents include defensemen Lawrence Pilut and Joel Persson and forwards Michael Lindqvist and Par Lindholm.
was told to “stop wondering” if the New York Islanders would be interested in Buffalo Sabres goaltender Robin Lehner.
Defensemen already on the trade market include Jack Johnson, Paul Martin, and Dion Phaneuf. Phaneuf has 12-team trade list. Mike Green could join the list soon.
Despite being a point out of the playoffs entering last night, growing sense is they could make changes with an eye to the future. Will they look to move defenseman Ryan McDonagh and Mats Zuccarello? They have pending UFAs in David Desharnais, Michael Grabner, Nick Holden, and Rick Nash.
Talk of the Washington Capitals shopping Andre Burakovsky for a defenseman has been shot down.
Nick Kypreos reported the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins were interested in Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Slater Koekkoek. The Lightning are believed to looking for a defenseman.
The New Jersey Devils may be looking at New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson.
The Columbus Blue Jackets had been hoping to have Jack Johnson and David Savard as a solid second pairing but they have struggled and Johnson’s ice time has been cut. Despite the trade request, the Blue Jackets could wait and see if he can turn things around.
The Blue Jackets are looking for scoring and have looked at Montreal Canadiens Alex Galchenyuk in the past, though not sure if they are still interested.
Rumors involving Ken Holland and the Vancouver Canucks have surfaced.
doesn’t think that the Canucks will trade defenseman Chris Tanev.
There are some teams that believe the Canucks will keep pending UFA Thomas Vanek and attempt to re-sign him.
There has been talk that the Boston Bruins are telling teams they won’t be trading their top young players and prospects.
“It is true that we aren’t interested in moving young players who are impacting our lineup. We know what other teams want, and it’s a painful list to part with.”