NHL Rumors: Left-handed candidates for the Canadians … A Datsyukian Return?
Could Pavel Datsyuk be thinking on an NHL return?
Left-handed candidates for the Canadians

Andrew Berkshire of Sportsnet: The Montreal Canadiens have been trying to improve their left side on the blue line for the past couple of years. They have the salary cap space to add and some prospects that they may consider moving.

Some left-handed trade options could include:

Cam Fowler – Anaheim Ducks – Has dealt with some injuries and is under contract until 2025-26.

Hampus Lindholm – Anaheim Ducks – The Ducks may want to keep him, but if they are going for a full revamp, they could consider moving him.

Oscar Klefbom – Edmonton Oilers – A long-shot but the Oilers may consider all options. Has been in the rumor mill before and is on a good deal at $4.167 million per. Could be costly to acquire.

Jake Muzzin – Los Angeles Kings – Currently in the rumor mill and the Kings are looking for a good haul to move him.

A Datsyukian return?

Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Pavel Datsyuk‘s agent Dan Milstein said yesterday that Datsyuk might consider returning to the NHL. If Datsyuk were to come back, Milstein believes the Detroit Red Wings would be the only team he’d play for.

“It has been blown out of proportion,” Milstein said, regarding Google translations of what he told Russia’s Match TV. “Pavel is not ready to retire. I talk to him six, seven times a week. I have talked to him about a possible return to NHL, but that is all.

Milstein said that he hasn’t spoken with any NHL executives about Datsyuk and wouldn’t until Datsyuk tells him he’s considering the idea.

“He spent entire career in Detroit. If he wants to come back, I believe he would only consider the Red Wings.”

Red Wings GM Ken Holland wasn’t available to comment. Since his rights don’t belong to the Red Wings, it’s unlikely that he would have commented