31 Thoughts Rumor Roundup
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: The Toronto Maple Leafs may take a run at Mitch Marner to try to end the “contract circus” even though Marner’s camp has said no negotiations.
The conversation between the Chicago Blackhawks and Brent Seabrook may have been around six weeks ago when they were really struggling. The Blackhawks have tested the Seabrook market but don’t have permission to trade him.
Artemi Panarin is maximizing his leverage by not talking extension during the season.
If the Florida Panthers are looking to clear more salary cap space, they could look at moving winger Mike Hoffman.
Columbus Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen can’t trade Panarin or Sergei Bobrovsky for futures at the deadline. The only way they do that is to then flip those future assets for immediate help and believes Kekalainen could consider that.
If the Blue Jackets trade Bobrovsky, they could take a run at Jonathan Quick.
The Senators are trying to avoid big signing bonuses with any Matt Duchene and Mark Stone contracts.
Believe Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin is looking for forward depth and has scouted the Anaheim Ducks twice this week. He won’t give up futures. The Canadiens looked at Dallas Stars Brett Ritchie.
The Buffalo Sabres won’t trade their better assets for rental players. They could look at someone like Carl Hagelin.
The Calgary Flames have looked at New York Rangers Mats Zuccarello. Chris Kreider would cost a lot.
The Nashville Predators could be looking for two forwards. Teams are asking about Eeli Tolvanen.
The Anaheim Ducks may have to wait to re-sign Jakob Silfverberg because of a “tagging” issue – can’t have next year’s cap numbers to go over this year’s cap of $79.5 million.
The Detroit Red Wings are trying to re-sign defenseman Nick Jensen. A Jimmy Howard trade and re-sign could work. Coach Jeff Blashill may earn himself an extension.
Teams may have interest in New Jersey Devils Brian Boyle, Marcus Johansson, and Ben Lovejoy. The Devils need to decide on goaltender Keith Kinkaid.