NHL Rumors: Brock Boeser on the block again, Canadiens open for business, and more
Anthony Scultore
|
The Vancouver Canucks and the Montreal Canadiens are in different areas of the standings but in a similar spot regarding the future.
Vancouver is battling for the last wild card spot, while Montreal fight to have the most ping pong balls for the Draft Lottery. Canucks president Jim Rutherford and Canadiens EVP Jeff Gorton are both assessing their teams with an eye on a path forward.
Brock Boeser on the block?
There has been a lot of talk around the Canucks and just what they are looking to do. Big names like J.T. Miller have dominated the trade rumor mill in Vancouver with Conor Garland now generating equal buzz.
A couple of names that are not available as you’d expect are Elias Petterssen, Quinn Hughes, Bo Horvat, and Thatcher Demko.
One name that may be in play is Brock Boeser, even though he didn’t think so back in November.
“I personally don’t think I’m going to get traded,” Boeser said via the Athletic. “I feel like I’m part of the core here and a big piece. That’s just how I feel.”
The 24 year-old is an RFA with arbitration rights and currently makes $5.875 against the cap. This season, he has 23 points in 39 games. If the Canucks and Boeser don’t see a future with each other a trade here makes sense.
Boeser is a solid right wing that has 110 goals and 233 points in his 292 NHL career.
Canadiens open for business
The Montreal Canadiens are an absolute mess. Things are tough both mentally and physically for many of their players. And why wouldn’t they be? This team just played in the Stanley Cup Final last season and have become a bottom-feeder in just one a few short months.
Kent Hughes has been fielding tons of questions from the media since he was announced as the new GM. Yesterday, he spoke with Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic to discuss where he’s at with the Habs.
“I would say we’re viewing it as we’re open to everything,’’ Hughes said. “We don’t feel this immediate need to get everything done at the trade deadline.”
Hughes was also forthcoming that the team has spoken to every single player that has come up in trade rumors. This was done to also get their thoughts on the current situation and to see what they wanted for their futures.
Names in play in Montreal are as follows:
- Ben Chiarot (D – UFA)
- Jeff Petry (D)
- Tyler Toffoli (F)
- Brendan Gallagher (F)
- Jonathan Drouin (F)
- Mike Hoffman (F)
- Artturi Lehkonen (F – RFA)
Interest in Senators Nick Paul
Another pending UFA that is drawing interest is Senators forward Nick Paul.
“I think there’s been considerable interest in Nick Paul, as well, up front. Teams love his work ethic and what he brings to the ice,” Frank Seravalli said.
Paul, 26, is making $1.35M on an expiring deal, He’s registered 11 points in 38 games.
