On the Winnipeg Jets …
Jim Toth: Sources are saying that pending RFA defenseman Jacob Trouba has told his agent that he wants to remain in Winnipeg and wants to sign a long-term deal. Trouba’s agent Kurt Overhardt wouldn’t comment. It doesn’t mean a deal will get done, but there is a desire for Trouba to stay in Winnipeg long-term.
On the New York Rangers …
Shayna Goldman of The Athletic: For the second straight offseason, the NY Rangers need to improve their blue line. They moved Ryan McDonagh and Nick Holden out at the trade deadline.
They added prospects Ryan Lindgren, Libor Hajek, and Yegor Rykov at the deadline.
The free agent market for defensemen isn’t great.
John Carlson (28) will be looking for a big contract and doesn’t really fit in with the Rangers rebuilding.
Depth options could be Calvin de Haan and Ian Cole, or if wanting to go cheaper, Cody Franson.
The trade route is another option, but never easy to do and you may be giving up assets for an older defenseman.
Selecting a defenseman at No. 9 in the draft may provide the best value, but the player selected likely aren’t ready.
On the New York Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs …
Chris Nichols of FRS Hockey: Elliotte Friedman was on the NHL Network on Monday and was asked about all the Lamoriello and Islanders speculation.
“I believe there are discussions going on and I do believe it’s a very, very serious possibility that Lou Lamoriello is going to end up with the New York Islanders,” said Friedman. “What we don’t know at this time is how it’s all going to work.”
Current GM Garth Snow and coach Doug Weight are heading to the World Championships, and Friedman isn’t sure how everything will work out.
Another question that brings up is if Mark Hunter would go with Lamoriello to New York. says that it’s just speculation as many are thinking Hunter will want to move on after Kyle Dubas was hired as the Maple Leafs GM.