Hayes doesn’t think the Rangers will trade him
John Giannone: New York Rangers forward Kevin Hayes: “I had a great conversation with Dru (Chris Drury) and Gorts (GM Jeff Gorton) as soon as I signed my contract. I believe there’s no inclination of me being trade bait or me thinking that I’m going to be out of here. I did not sign a one-year deal to go to free agency.”
John Giannone: Hayes continues: “I love this organization, I love the city, what the city demands, the determination and hard work. This is where I want to be for my whole entire career. Obviously a long-term deal didn’t get done but I’m hopeful that come the right time, I think it’ll get done.”
The Senators may have been in a better position if they moved Karlsson at the deadline
Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Elliotte Friedman was on Sportsnet 590 and said that he doesn’t believe the Tampa Bay Lightning were close to trading for Erik Karlsson. had been told by several people that the closest the Senators had gotten to trading Karlson – before the move to San Jose – was with the Vegas Golden Knights at the trade deadline.
“And the problem with that deal, I was told, is that it was a good business deal for the Senators, but it was not a good hockey deal. Which means that Bobby Ryan was included and the return wasn’t good, but they would have gotten rid of Ryan’s contract.
“If eight months ago the owner had decided it wasn’t important to include Bobby Ryan, but he just kind of made the deal they did yesterday – just Karlsson, with Vegas – I bet you that the return would have been better and they would have been in a much better situation.”
Friedman continues on Karlsson and brings up the Toronto Maple Leafs. Friedman wonders if the Leafs were interested as they could fit in someone like Karlsson or Artemi Panarin. They have cap space this season and the assets to make that type of move. Can see the Senators saying they are not trading Karlsson to an Eastern Conference team.