NHL Rumors: Brock Boeser trade talk, Gerard Gallant, and Wild looking for a forward
Anthony Scultore
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Today’s NHL Rumors starts off in Vancouver where some big news was made over the weekend.
Brock Boeser could be on the move according to the latest trade buzz. Also, things are heating up in New York for Rangers coach Gerard Gallant as the losses mount. Plus the Minnesota Wild are in the market for a forward.
NHL Rumors: Brock Boeser
On HNIC’s 32 Thoughts segment, Elliotte Friedman said that Brock Boeser and his agent have been granted permission to speak with other teams. It was also noted that neither side confirmed this Information.
Boeser, 25, has four goals and 15 points in 19 games this season for the Canucks. The big winger still has two more seasons at $6.65 million remaining on his contract.
This could very well be a preemptive move for Vancouver to move out salary in order to re-sign captain Bo Horvat.
NHL Rumors Gerard Gallant under pressure
New York Rangers head coach Gerard Gallant is likely feeling the pressure as his team continues to lose games they should win.
The latest defeat came at the hands of the lowly Blackhawks at home this past Saturday. Prior to that game, Emily Kaplan of ESPN reported that team owner James Dolan is closely monitoring the situation and in particular the head coach.
Gallant, 59, has a coaching record of 333-250-4-62 for his career. He led the Blueshirts to a second place finish and the Eastern Conference Final in his first season on Broadway.
The 2022 finalist for the Jack Adams Award is a game above .500 (11-10-5) heading into tonight’s contest against the struggling Blues. If he doesn’t turn things around soon, Barry Trotz could be getting a phone call.
Trotz is patiently waiting for the right opportunity to return to the NHL this season. He told Nick Alberga of the Nation Network that he’d like to return by January.
Minnesota Wild looking for a forward
General manager Bill Guerin has Stanley Cup hopes for his Minnesota Wild. According to Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic, the team needs another top six forward.
As for options for Guerin, there are several interesting names likely to be available by the trade deadline. A hometown kid in Brock Boeser could be out there, though I don’t see the Wild picking up two more seasons of his $6 million-plus deal. Max Domi could be had. Andreas Athanasiou is an intriguing option, a pending UFA. So is Anthony Duclair, who may have to get moved by the Panthers to become cap compliant. But he has another year left on his contract at $3 million.
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Of the names mentioned by Smith, Max Domi and Anthony Duclair are the most intriguing. Both players have excellent offensive upside and would fit into the way the Wild play.
