The Philadelphia Flyers are looking for some help up front
Sportsnet: Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts: The Podcast – The Struggling Edmonton Oilers episode on the Philadelphia Flyers are looking for a center.
** NHLRumors.com transcription
Friedman: “You know what, Kyle? I listed teams that were looking at things. It’s not the biggest thing, but I did hear from a couple places, Philly’s looking for another center. Maybe more of a depth guy, as much as anything else, but definitely another center.”
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Kyle Bukauskas: “So they’re trying to stay in the hunt here?
Friedman: “Yeah, I think so. I’m formulating some thoughts on that. Might take another pod or two, but I’m formulating some thoughts on them.”
Is Artemi Panarin thinking about heading back to Russia?
Sergey Demidov of RG Media: Alexei Kovalev said that Artemi Panarin leaving the NHL may be closer than some think. Elliotte Friedman reported that Panarin’s camp rejected an Anze Kopitar-type deal, short-term and a lower AAV.
David Pagnotta noted that if the New York Rangers fall out of the playoff race, they could look to move Panarin.
Kovalev on Panarin:
“There are even talks that he wants to leave the NHL altogether and go back to Russia,” he said.
“I don’t know if it’s true, but that’s what people here are saying.”
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The New Jersey Devils are looking for help down the middle
Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff: New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald has been looking for a third-line center dating back to last season, when they were looking at then Philadelphia Flyers Scott Laughton and St. Louis Blues Brayden Schenn. The Devils settled on a cheaper Cody Glass.
A source said Jack Hughes‘ latest injury showcases the need for another center, but they won’t find a replacement on the trade market. They’ll look for a depth center and not a bigger name. Two league sources said they aren’t alone in wanting a center. “Half the league” would like to add another center.
Dawson Mercer has moved to the middle, and Cody Glass is about to return from injury. The two could platoon for now.
Nazem Kadri and Schenn would obviously be two of the bigger trade options, if they’re even available. The Devils could use more size and grit.
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