NHL Expansion Draft: Nashville Predators Primer
After a rousing and surprising postseason run Nashville’s expansion strategy is clear – protect that blue line. The Predators’ top-four defensive core may be the best in the game, and they’ll need to adopt the eight skaters/one goalie protection plan…
NHL Rumors: Bruins, Flames, Canucks and College Free Agents
On the Boston Bruins ... DJ Bean of CSNNE: Both the Bruins and David Pastrnak's camp are interested in doing a long-term contract. Good news for the Bruins is that Pastrnak won't be asking for a Vladimir Tarasenko comparable -…
NHL Rumors: Oilers, Predators, Penguins, Lightning, Hurricanes, Blackhawks and Panthers
On the Edmonton Oilers ... Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli is looking to add before the trade deadline on Wednesday. The Oilers could use an experience back up goalie to give Cam Talbot a break.…
NHL Rumors: Nashville Predators – Poile, Wingers, And More
Poile expects more tranquil deadline than usual... Adam Vingan of The Tennessean: The same thing is echoed by general managers in a position to buy. They are not going to pay for the moon for a top-six player. David Poile…
NHL Rumors: The Tampa Bay Lightning and Nikita Kucherov
On Nikita Kucherov and the Tampa Bay Lightning ... Bob McKenzie: The Lightning and RFA Nikita Kucherov's situation is complex because of their salary cap situation. Bob McKenzie: Most high-end offensive forwards that are looking at their second contracts get close to…
NHL Rumors: Washington Capitals and Tampa Bay Lightning
On the Washington Capitals and Dmitry Orlov ... Tarik El-Bashir of CSN Mid Atlantic: Dmitry Orlov and the Washington Capitals still haven't come to terms on a contract for this season. The RFA defenseman seems unsure of where he stands with…
NHL Rumors: Flames, Russell, Versteeg, Lightning and Stars
On the Calgary Flames ... Michael Traikos: Flames RFA Johnny Gaudreau on his contract status: "I don’t think I’m speaking to my agent for the next 15 to 20 days…end of tournament see where it goes" Rob Vollman of ESPN: When looking…
NHL Rumors: Kucherov, Russell, Mueller, Jets and Red Wings
On Nikita Kucherov ... Igor Eronko: Tampa Bay Lightning's RFA Nikita Kucherov's agent: 'Certainly Tarasenko would be a comparable out of whole bunch of contracts out there.' Kucherov's agent also mentions Predators Filip Forsberg. On Kris Russell ... Ryan Kennedy: Have…
NHL Rumors: Las Vegas, Blackhawks, and Lightning
On Las Vegas ... Guy Flaming: Source saying that Kelly McCrimmon (WHLs Brandon Wheat Kings owner/GM) will likely be named Las Vegas' assistant GM. The Sin Bin: Las Vegas owner Bill Foley on the McCrimmon rumor: "Can't confirm at this…
NHL Rumors: Hurricanes, Blues, Carlyle, Ladd, Isles, Rangers and More
On the Carolina Hurricanes ... Bob McKenzie: The Hurricanes are close to re-signing Cam Ward to a two-year contract extension. On the St. Louis Blues ... Andy Strickland: Wouldn't be a surprise if the Blues re-signed Kyle Brodziak. On Randy…
NHL Rumors: Panthers, Red Wings, Islanders and Predators
On the Florida Panthers ... Harvey Fialkov: The Panthers have saved $7.6 million in cap space (after the Marc Savard and Erik Gudbranson trades) and are expecting to sign Vincent Trocheck to a long-term deal and probably Brian Campbell. On…
NHL Rumors: Blues, Hawks, Stars, Ladd, Coyotes and More
Friedman's 30 Thoughts ... Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Quickly touches on a the idea if the Maple Leafs would consider uniting Christian Dvorak, Mitch Marner and Matthew Tkachuk in the NHL. They would need to trade for Christian Dvorak, then move…