BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Patrik Laine (CBJ), Alex Iafallo (LA), Erik Gustafsson (PHI), and many more!
*It’s deadline day, so there’s a good chance that by the time you read this post, most or some of it will be obsolete and outdated.*
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NHL Rumors and Speculation
Chris Johnston (Sportsnet): When asked if the San Jose Sharks are done.
- “Absolutely not. It’s kind of interesting for Doug Wilson and the Sharks because they’ve crept back in the playoff race there, but they still have a couple pending unrestricted free agents that I think they will ship out before Monday afternoon.”
Elliotte Friedman (Sportsnet): St. Louis Blues forward Mike Hoffman returned to the lineup after being a health scratch. Friedman has this to say with regards to what he thinks might be up with Hoffman’s future,
- “One of the teams I do wonder about with Hoffman if St. Louis continues to do this, Montreal did have some interest in Hoffman before he signed in St. Louis. I just wonder if there is any way, they’re looking for scoring and might consider it.”
Elliotte Friedman (Sportsnet): The Sportsnet insider also had comments on the Los Angeles Kings and Philadelphia Flyers.
- “Well we mentioned Iafallo, that they are working, grinding away to see if they can get an extension done.Talks have also begun with another player who does not have term for next year, and that is Andreas Athanasiou. The Kings are looking to see if there is a fit, they can keep him beyond this year as well.”
- “One of the defensemen I did want to mention, Erik Gustafsson of the Flyers. Hasn’t worked out well for him this year but think the Flyers are looking to see if they can get him a new home to pump up his value after the deadline.”
Charlie O’Connor (The Athletic) via Twitter: “Seems to me that the bulk of the “the Flyers NEED to trade Laughton” people are driven by 2 ambitious assumptions:
1) He’ll bring back a 1st (possible, but I’m skeptical of this)
2) If he loves Philly so much, he’ll sign back as UFA (this doesn’t happen as often as you’d think)”
Tom Callahan (Vegas Hockey Now): There are some players the Vegas Golden Knights should not acquire come Monday.
- Phil Kessel: Kessel may not be available anyway but his inability to mesh well with talent at times should be noted. He may be better off where he is in Arizona.
- Patrik Laine: Laine is a shell of his former self at this juncture. His tenure in Columbus just makes him someone not to target even if it is not all his fault.
- Anthony DeAngelo: Simply, just say no here. Next.
- Mattias Ekholm: As tempting as this is, Vegas has a solid group defensively. Plus, the cost to acquire Ekholm would have been too much anyway. Add in that Nashville is not selling and it’s just as well.
- Mike Hoffman: Even Florida moved on quickly from Hoffman and he did have to wait to sign with St. Louis. The fact that he has been so up and down this year is another sign to look elsewhere.
- Niklas Hjalmarsson: Vegas already has an Alec Martinez. An older version is not worth any price.
- Ryan Dzingel: He brings little edge to his game and plays a bit too much on the perimeter. Simply, he is another player to avoid.
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