Rumors: Predators, Blue Jackets, Wild, Coyotes, Kings

Mark Easson

8 years ago

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Predators GM David Poile would like to add another offensive piece. It would more of a story if he wasn’t asking about players like Matt Duchene, Ryan Johansen, or Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Teams are asking Poile for Seth Jones, Roman Josi and Shea Weber, but he doesn’t want to do that.
A couple executives said they wouldn’t trade any of Matt Duchene, Ryan Johansen or Ryan Nugent-Hopkins for Shea Weber, with age being the major issue.
There was talk that the Blue Jackets were going to trade Ryan Johansen before the holiday roster freeze, but that died down. There were reports that Johansen ignored John Tortorella during a timeout and that he didn’t celebrate a goal with teammates against the Flyers.
Wild GM Chuck Fletcher said that after extending Jared Spurgeon, they would use his defensemen as trade bait to improve their lineup. Michael Russo reported that Fletcher has brought up their lack of depth down the middle. Would not be a shock if the Wild went after Ryan Johansen.
Wild GM Fletcher is talking with pending restricted free agents Mathew Dumba and Jason Zucker. Zucker has arbitration rights.
Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin said he watched the Flyers for Team Canada and not because of speculation that he likes Wayne Simmonds.
Coyotes GM Don Maloney will go with Louis Domingue and Anders Lindback for the time being while Mike Smith is out, but he’s created an exit strategy if need be.

“There’s a lot of time left in the season, so (you) have to be ready to go for it. There’s a list of teams, about 10 different possibilities. If we need to do something, adding a goalie with term would be preferable.” How much flexibility do you have? “We have a little bit of a budget room. But, again, we’d like to let it play out a little bit.”
Coyotes GM Maloney has touched base with pending UFA Shane Doan.

“We had a conversation with his agent a few weeks ago. We both decided to evaluate at the end of year, see where his mindset is at. Shane Doan will stay with us as long as he wants to stay with us.”
AHL players who are getting close to be becoming waiver eligible and could be moved are Nicklas Jensen (VAN) and Ty Rattie (STL).
The Kings and Anze Kopitar are getting close to a deal, with the money being in the $9.75-10 million per season range for eight-years. The trade protection has been settled.