NHL Rumors: Eliminated teams can make trades, trouble in Toronto, Joe Thornton a Leaf, and more
Anthony Scultore
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Just like they did with the seven teams that did not make the 24 team Return to Play scenario, the NHL is now allowing trades for the eight teams eliminated in the qualifiers.
NHL rumors abound as eliminated teams can start trading
That means the Maple Leafs, Predators, Wild, Rangers, Penguins, Oilers, Jets, and Panthers can all start dealing. Of course, it is highly unlikely those teams would try to negotiate a trade without the ability to speak to 16 other GM’s still in the playoffs. So we can tone down our excitement.
Maple Leafs rumors continue
Former GM, Brian Burke had a lot to say about the situation in Toronto. His assessment boiled down to the fact the Leafs will have to trade William Nylander for a defenseman.
Burke believes that the Leafs are built for regular season success and not the playoffs. He focuses on their defense calling it small and passive for the most part. “They’ve got to get bigger and little rougher,” Burke explained.
He also noted that they have limited cap space to get it done and therefore suggested moving William Nylander and his cap hit of $6.9 million. The big question is what will Kyle Dubas do as the GM? He has been very reluctant to give up his toys in order to improve. If he doesn’t, he could be out of work next summer.
Joe Thornton in Toronto?
In his latest 31 Thoughts blog, hockey insider, Elliotte Friedman speculates on Joe Thornton’s future. Depending on what Jason Spezza does, UFA, Joe Thornton may be in the Leafs plans this summer.
Florida Panthers GM hunt
Friedman also speculates that the Panthers could be honing in on Rangers assistant GM, Chris Drury. It also wouldn’t be the first time teams came knocking for Drury, but the question is will the Rangers let him go?
New York is building an incredible prospect pool and Drury has a lot responsibility in developing that pipeline. If the Panthers can’t land Drury, Friedman also mentions Scott Mellanby, Laurence Gilman, and Michael Futa as candidates.
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