On the Ottawa Senators, Edmonton Oilers, and Winnipeg Jets …
Mike Johnston of Sportsnet: Saturday ‘Headlines.’
Nick Kypreos said that if the Ottawa Senators are looking to move salary, forward Mike Hoffman could be their easiest way. They may not have to trade back salary in a Hoffman deal, unlike if they try to move Dion Phaneuf or Bobby Ryan. Hoffman carries a $5.1875 million cap hit for the next three years.
Kypreos says it’s been suggested to him that the Senators and Oilers have spoken about Hoffman. The Oilers could offer a package of draft picks and prospects.
“My understanding from the management side of things is that they’ve looked at some deals,” Johnston said. “Right now, short term, they haven’t been able to find anything but if they are certainly out of the race by the deadline they’ll be sellers and if they don’t make the playoffs they’re going to consider something very drastic around here. A real big shakeup if doesn’t come to fruition.”
Elliotte Friedman adds that the Senators may not be interested in moving Mark Stone, but Jean-Gabriel Pageau could be moved to a team looking for some depth at center.
Kypreos said he’s been told that there are no contract talks between the Senators and Stone, and there may not be until after the season. He could be looking up to $7 million on a new contract.
Friedman says that Winnipeg Jets forward Shawn Matthias is available for trade.
On the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators …
Sportsnet: The NHL roster freeze is from December 19th to 27th. The Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, and Vancouver Canucks aren’t likely to make a trade until closer to the trade deadline. The Vegas Golden Knights may also wait until closer to the deadline to determine if they are buyers or sellers.
Teams that could look to make a move before the holiday roster freeze include the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators.
The Penguins could be looking for a more offensive third-line center. The Pens could make defenseman Ian Cole available.
The Senators have asked all their players with no-trade clauses for their lists. Derick Brassard and Mike Hoffman have been in the rumor mill. Fredrik Claesson has been a healthy scratch. Would backup goaltender Mike Condon interest someone?
“I think Dorion’s got a lot going on behind the scenes,” Elliotte Friedman said on Sportsnet 590 The FAN’s Starting Lineup Friday morning. “I think he’s taking an awful lot of calls. I think there’s quite a bit of interest in Hoffman.”