Teams trying to trade for Hayes … Shattenkirk won’t be easy to move
Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Elliotte Friedman on his 31 Thoughts podcast said that there are teams that are trying to trade for New York Rangers center Kevin Hayes. It’s up to Rangers GM Jeff Gorton on when he wants to move him.
Gorton could likely move Mats Zuccarello at any time as well.
“Shattenkirk will be harder because he’s got term,” considered Friedman. “But it’s not ridiculous term. He only signed for what, four years? So there’s only three years left. But I think that’s going to be harder.”
Friedman adds that it appears they’ve made up their mind that they aren’t going to be re-signing Hayes.
Players in the rumor mill and if they should be traded now or not
Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Looking at some players who have had their names in the rumor mill and if their teams should trade them now.
William Nylander – Toronto Maple Leafs – Deal – If they are able to get him signed to a bridge deal, they’ll still have cap issues and the next round of contract negotiations won’t be any easier. The Carolina Hurricanes could be a good fit.
Wayne Simmonds – Philadelphia Flyers – No deal – Doesn’t make sense for the Flyers to move the pending UFA now. Wait till February to see where they are at.
Sergei Bobrovsky – Columbus Blue Jackets – Deal – They should trade him now if they believe in Joonas Korpisalo and if they can get something to help them now. It seems obvious that he’s not interested in re-signing with them so they might as well move him.
Artemi Panarin – Columbus Blue Jackets – No deal – He is their offense and they need to ride him as long as possible. There would still be a strong return at the trade deadline.
Kevin Hayes – New York Rangers – Deal – It doesn’t appear that they are going to re-sign him so might as well add a prospect now and open up a little more roster space for their younger players.
Tyler Myers – Winnipeg Jets – No Deal – The Jets are a contender and they need him as he plays over 18 minutes a night.
Mats Zuccarello – New York Rangers – Deal – He’s popular in New York but he has trade value and someone may overpay.
Matt Duchene – Ottawa Senators – No Deal – The Senators should be trying to re-sign him and the team is playing better than expected.