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Rumors III: Kings, Leafs, Canucks, Lightning, Isles, Blues and More
Mark Easson
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Kings source is saying there are no plans to buyout Mike Richards. A buyout would cost the Kings $1.467 million over 10 years. If Richards retires before his contract expires, the Kings will be on the hook for the cap recapture penalties.
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Cody Franson’s agent will be in Toronto this week for a few days. It’s possible that the Leafs will have an offer for Franson, but it’s likely to be less than what his open market value is.
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Canucks were open to the idea of trading Jacob Markstrom earlier this season, but talk is now that they are going to keep him. Some people within the organization believe he could be a late bloomer like Ben Bishop.
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Lightning are without defenseman Radko Gubas and Matt Carle for a bit. GM Steve Yzerman is wanting to see how is young defenseman respond before looking for depth on the trade market.
David Pagnotta: There is lots of talk coming out of Toronto the past few days. The Leafs are making and getting calls. The Leafs talked to the Kings about Dion Phaneuf, and contrary to some reports, the Leafs are not interested in Mike Richards according to multiple sources. The Leafs in both selling and buying mode. They are fine with selling pieces, but don’t want a rebuild. Have been told that the goal is to move out some pieces and to “clean up room.” Sounding like multiple trades are coming down the pike for the Leafs.
David Pagnotta: The Hurricanes, Senators and Coyotes are all fairly active on the trade front.
David Pagnotta: If the Senators trade Chris Phillips, there will be more pressure to re-sign Marc Methot.
Matt Larkin: Larkin wonders if the Islanders should look at Chris Stewart as a low-cost Kyle Okposo replacement.
Nichols on Hockey: Darren Dreger on NHL Network. The Blues may be looking to add a depth forward. Could it be Antoine Vermette or Joffrey Lupul? They have some injury concerns with Lupul. The Kings will likely be quiet at the deadline. If they had the cap room, they might be interested in a top-four defenseman. The Ducks will get Eric Brewer back soon, and he could be what GM Bob Murray is looking for. Murray may consider an upgrade to his bottom-six. The Predators are happy where they sit right, excluding Pekka Rinne being out with an injury. The Blackhawks don’t have a lot of cap flexibility to do much.
