NHL Rumors: Braden Holtby first Kraken goalie taken, Evander Kane may not play this season, and more
Anthony Scultore
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The Seattle Expansion draft is scheduled for July. In it they will select one player from each team. One of the biggest questions will be which goalies are left unprotected for Ron Francis to take.
NHL Rumors: Braden Holtby potential Kraken goalie
When you look at some of the moves and signings made this offseason, most teams did so with the expansion in mind. As part of the rules, every team as to expose at least one goalie, based on eligibility.
For example, the Rangers do not have to expose rookie Igor Shesterkin, but would have been forced to expose Alexandar Georgiev. That’s why they signed Keith Kinkaid to a two-year deal.
In Vancouver, the future is most likely Thatcher Demko. However, they wisely signed Braden Holtby for a number of reasons, one of which could be expansion.
As for Holtby, the Canucks signed him to a two-year deal with a $4.3 million AAV to replace Jacob Markstrom. Pairing Holtby with Thatcher Demko still gives the Canucks a more proven option as they seek to learn more about Demko’s potential to be a No. 1 goaltender. But the fact he only has 37 career NHL games reinforces why the Canucks were prudent in getting someone like Holtby. But, similar to Allen, a good year in Vancouver could see Holtby take a trip down Interstate 5.
The Athletic
Evander Kane Bankrupt
San Jose Sharks forward, Evander Kane could be forced to sit out the season as reports have surfaced he is in debt for over $26 million. According to the bankruptcy filing:
“Debtor may terminate his contract and he may opt out of the season, as allowed under current rules, because of health concerns given the recent birth of his first child. Should he terminate his contract or opt out at a point in the season, Debtor will not receive his salary.”
The filing is dated 1/9/21 and the deadline to opt out was in December. This of course is an extraneous circumstance and remains to be seen what will happen.
Kane is not the only NHL player to ever file for bankruptcy. According to a report in The Athletic, Jack Johnson, Darren McCarty and Bryan Trottier have also filed.
NHL Rumors: Tyler Johnson trade inevitable
Some big names hit the waiver wire but were not claimed. For the second time, Tyler Johnson was on the list but went through. Is a trade imminent for Johnson? It appears loud and clear that Tampa is looking to move him.