On the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, and Nashville Predators …
TSN Insider Trading: Bob McKenzie on Larry Brooks’ wondering if the Rangers could be able to get William Nylander from the Maple Leafs in a deal that involved defenseman Ryan McDonagh. The Rangers will listen on McDonagh, but it’s unlikely the Leafs offer up any core players for a veteran defenseman.
“No. No chance. I don’t think the Leafs will give up Nylander for a veteran defenceman like that,” McKenzie told TSN Radio 1050 Toronto. “I’d be really, really surprised to be honest, that’s just my opinion, not based on any inside information. I don’t see that at all.
“I also do see where the Rangers are going to entertain offers on Ryan McDonagh, he’s got a year left on his contract, he’ll be 29 to start next season… but I don’t see the Leafs giving up one of their young pillars up front – and I do see Matthews, Marner and Nylander as the three pillars up front – not for that type of defenceman.”
Darren Dreger: on the Boston Bruins and the trade front.
“I checked around Boston yesterday and they don’t have a strong appetite for the big deal. And every general manager will say, ‘But I’m interested. I’m willing to listen. If somebody wants to offer me yet another Top 4, Top 5 D of course I’m going to listen. If there’s a big power forward, a piece out there that makes sense for us where we can move a couple of young assets and a draft pick, yeah we might be willing to do that.’
“But I don’t get the sense that they’re kicking in doors looking for areas to improve in.”
Bob McKenzie: The Red Wings have let teams know that defenseman Xavier Ouellet is available for trade.
Pierre LeBrun: The Predators are expected to look at a top-six forward before the trade deadline.
“Nashville’s never scared and we know that about David Poile and I think they’re going to try and add a top-six winger at the trade deadline,” LeBrun said on Insider Trading. For now, they just want to get to the All-Star break and take a deep breath – half their forwards have been injured between the start of the season and now – but certainly they want to add a top-six winger; that’s the priority.
“Now, whether or not they get in on Max Paciorietty or Mike Hoffman or Evander Kane, they haven’t made that decision yet. They want to get to the other side of the All-Star break.”
