Center options for the Winnipeg Jets
Rory Boylen of Sportsnet: Looking at the top four centers that the Winnipeg Jets could look at trading for ahead of the deadline.
1. Derick Brassard – The Golden Knights are already retaining $2 million of Brassard’s cap hit which is an added benefit. He could slide into the second-line slot, dropping Bryan Little to the third-line.
2. Brayden Schenn – The Blues are back in the race and may not be sellers. Schenn can play in the middle and on the wing. Under contract for another year at $5.125 million. The cost to acquire may be a little higher.
3. Matt Duchene – The Jets may have competition with the Predators if Duchene is made available. Would be a rental option.
4. Kevin Hayes – Would cost less to acquire than Schenn or Duchene. The Jets have been linked to him already. He’s used on the penalty kill which is a bonus.
Mike Johnston of Sportsnet: Nick Kypreos said that the Jets are interested in center Kevin Hayes, as well as the Predators.
Rutherford hoping he doesn’t have to add anything more
Mike Zeisberger of NHL.com: The Pittsburgh Penguins are dealing with some injuries at the moment, and GM Jim Rutherford is hoping he doesn’t have to make any more moves.
“As long as our team is playing the right way and at a high level, I don’t feel pressure to do anything on trade deadline day.
“I’m not saying I won’t do anything. But I feel the team we have, as long as it’s healthy and playing the way we’re capable of, can contend for the Stanley Cup.”
Rutherford added Nick Bjugstad and Jared McCann already. He sees adding players early as an advantage as it allows you to see how the team adapts and if you need to make another move before the deadline.