Friedman 30 Thought rumor roundup …
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Wonder if the Lightning will try to “toll” Jonathan Drouin’s contract -extending his contract for another season as he left the team). Drouin was on their NHL roster for 38 games and another seven in the AHL.
Yzerman clarified yesterday that if Drouin wanted to come back, it would be with Syracuse and not with the Lightning.
Senators GM Bryan Murray said he tried to trade for Drouin. Friedman isn’t sure of what the Lightning asked for, but they did scout the Senators 2015 1st round draft pick Colin White a lot. A few sources said not to discount the Flyers.
Dan Hamhuis agreed to go to the Stars and Blackhawks. If the Canucks could have worked out a deal with the Kings, he likely would have went there as well. The Ducks might have been a possibility, but they don’t need a defenseman. If he’d go to the Eastern Conference – Capitals, Rangers and possibly the Panthers and Lightning. The Capitals and Rangers were not a factor. The Bruins talks were not that serious. The Penguins were serious, but are not a serious Cup contender.
The Blackhawks and Canucks deal for Hamhuis fell apart last week. Was basically down to just the Stars on deadline day. The Stars preferred Kris Russell to Hamhuis. The Flames were ready to make a trade with the Stars, the Canucks weren’t.
Nill and Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman went back to the Canucks after Russell was traded. Guessing the Stars offered the Canucks a third round pick. The Blackhawks offer included the salary of Bryan Bickell and Chris Higgins.
The Blues, and maybe the Kings and Capitals were among the teams that looked Martin Hanzal. Hanzal has one year left on his deal with a friendly $3.1 million cap hit, $3.5 million salary.
The Coyotes can turn Connor Bleackley – acquired in the Mikkel Boedker trade – into a 2nd round pick, 53rd overall, by not signing him to an entry level deal.
There were rumors last week that Nail Yakupov asked for trade. Not sure if that’s the case. There doesn’t seem to be issues when he’s playing with an offensive center, but he had been moved down and is not suited for that. They may look to trade him anyways.
Where talks that the Ducks were considering trading one of their core defensemen for offensive help, but they didn’t get close.
Wouldn’t be surprise if the Jets asked the Blackhawks for Teuvo Teravainen during the Andrew Ladd talks.
The Penguins were interested in Ladd as well, but didn’t have what the Blackhawks offered.
The Bruins were asking for a first round pick and a strong player/prospect for Loui Eriksson. Eriksson won’t re-sign with the Bruins unless they come up in salary for him taking a lower term. The Bruins are believed to be offering in the low $5 million range.
Not sure the Islanders were close on a P.A. Parenteau trade.
The Predators may have needed to move out Colin Wilson’s contract if they were to make a move. The Preds didn’t do anything.
If Ilya Kovalchuk looks for reinstatement, it may have to be negotiated between the NHL and NHLPA. The Devils have the first right to refuse his reinstatement
