NHL Rumors: Blackhawks in on Fleury; Predators to leave stars unprotected; Avs and Landeskog far apart
Anthony Scultore
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The Chicago Blackhawks are in the process of reshaping their roster this summer. Duncan Keith is no longer a member of the blue-line and young Caleb Jones is. By acquiring the younger brother of Seth Jones, it does put them in a good position to trade and sign the Blue Jackets defender.
NHL Rumors: Blackhawks interested in Marc-Andre Fleury
In the wake of the Keith trade, Scott Powers of The Athletic noted that a source informed him the Blackhawks are interested in Marc-Andre Fleury. This was backed by another report from Elliotte Friedman that verified the interest.
The Hawks have the cap space to take the full brunt of his contract. However, with the Golden Knights desperate for cap space of their own, Chicago will likely ask for a serious sweetener to take the entire $7 million he’s owed.
Fleury is 36 years-old, and just won the Vezina Trophy. He has a modified no-trade clause of 10 teams.
Nashville Predators will leave Duchene and Johansson exposed
This should come as no surprise. The Nashville Predators will expose the big contracts of both Matt Duchene and Ryan Johansson. Neither have a NMC which would force Nashville’s hand.
Duchene is 30 years old and makes $8 million against the cap for the next 5 seasons. Johansson is 28 and has four more years at the same cap hit. It is unlikely that Seattle would take either of those players.
Remember, GM David Poile tried to work a trade with Seattle to keep Arvidsson and likely take one either Duchene or Johansson. The rumored cost of doing those type of deals with Francis is a first round pick that the Preds obviously would not relinquish.
Arvidsson was subsequently traded to the Kings.
Landeskog and Avs far apart
News out of Colorado is a little stunning. According to the latest info on TSN’s Insider Trading, the Avs captain is far apart on a deal. What was unthinkable just a few weeks ago is now becoming a serious probability.
“I’m told that the two sides are not even close in their negotiations,” Darren Dreger said. “The position of the Colorado Avalanche is going to have to change significantly or Gabe Landeskog will go to market. It’s early in the process but the position from both sides doesn’t look very strong right now.”
Ultimately, I believe Joe Sakic gets it done, but it could come down to the wire.
“I can’t help but be honest with you that I’m a little bit disappointed that it’s gotten this far and it’s had to come to this point,” Landeskog says.
The Athletic
