NHL Rumors: Bruins eyeing Dvorak; leave door open to Krejci; Panthers likely to extend Barkov and Reinhart soon
Anthony Scultore
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The Boston Bruins recently lost David Krejci to “retirement” as he will head home to play hockey in the Czech Republic. Last week, GM Don Sweeney told the media that Krejci can comeback any time he likes, calling it an “open-ended” situation.
“Ultimately, with David making his decision, we’re wondering whether or not he may return at some point in time,” he said. For now, he expects Charlie Coyle to fill the role of second line center but is eyeing opportunity to improve.
NHL Rumors: Bruins eyeing Dvorak
Over the weekend the rumor mill continued to buzz about Coyotes center Christian Dvorak landing with the Bruins. Sweeney also raised eyebrows with remarks that there’s some previous trade discussions still being considered.
“You know the trade situations sort of die down a little bit after free agency and everyone sort of reevaluates where they’re at,” he explained. “There has been some ongoing (talks) prior to that that we’ll continue to explore.”
Dvorak is a 25 year-old center and has a current cap hit of $4.45 million for the next 4 seasons. He scored 31 points in 56 games for the Yotes during the 2020-21 campaign.
As of right now, plenty of teams are starting to gravitate to the 6-2 and 195 lb pivot. In his five year NHL career he’s recorded 146 points in 302 contests with a face-off winning percentage of 51.5. Many teams believe he has a lot more upside offensively that has yet to come out playing in the desert.
There are a number of teams interested in trying to acquire Dvorak. The Bruins have been rumored for awhile You can also add the San Jose Sharks and the New York Rangers. Boston is still believed to be willing to part with Jake DeBrusk in the right deal.
Panthers likely to extend both Barkov and Reinhart
Longtime Florida Panthers beat writer, George Richards believes that both Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart will be extended this summer.
Barkov, 25, became the fifth player in league annals to win both the Selke and Lady Byng awards in his career. The eight-year veteran posted a team-high 26 goals along with 32 assists for 58 points, second on the Panthers, in 50 games this season. This marked his sixth straight season scoring 20 or more goals. He led the Panthers in scoring in 2018-19, his best season, with 96 points (35 goals, 61 assists).
Meanwhile, the Panthers made a splash by acquiring Reinhart from the Sabres this summer.
A restricted free agent, Reinhart is coming off a season in which he led the Sabres in goals (25) and points (40). The 25-year-old’s goal total matched a career high, initially set during the 2017-18 season.
“Sam has established himself as one of the best playmaking scorers in the league, and we are thrilled to be able to add him to our Panthers lineup,” Panthers general manager Bill Zito said. “His competitiveness and hunger to succeed will fit seamlessly with the culture we are building here in South Florida.”
It makes sense for the Panthers to lock up these two young stars to long-term deals.