NHL Rumors: Canadiens, Ducks, Rangers, and Islanders
Anthony Scultore
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The Montreal Canadiens have already said they are open to anything when it comes to trades, with defenseman Jeff Petry garnering the most attention.
“I would say we’re viewing it as we’re open to everything,’’ GM Kent Hughes said. “We don’t feel this immediate need to get everything done at the trade deadline.”
NHL Rumors: Montreal Canadiens
Montreal’s new GM said he spoke to every single player that has come up in trade rumors recently. He did so to also gauge where they stand with his plans for shaping the team and if they would like to move on.
Several key players that have term that fit this bill are Brendan Gallagher, Jeff Petry, and Tyler Toffoli.
Another interesting player that is gaining traction in trade talks is pending RFA, Artturi Lehkonen.
The 26 year-old forward has 19 points in 41 games this season and 139 in 379 for his career all with Montreal. The former second round pick (55th overall) makes $2.3M on his current deal.
“A lot of teams view him as this year’s version of Blake Coleman or Barclay Goodrow,” Frank Seravalli said. “A guy that could fetch a first-round pick, that does just about everything right for your team.”
Ducks set to name Pat Verbeek new GM
The Anaheim Ducks are expected to name Pat Verbeek as their new GM.
What will be interesting to hear is how he view the Ducks immediate future and approach to the NHL Trade Deadline.
Anaheim has sever key pending UFA’s on their roster but are also competing for a playoff spot.
Josh Manson on defense is still most likely to be traded. Rickard Rakell is another interesting candidate as well as Hampus Lindholm.
Rangers looking for two to three pieces at Deadline
The Rangers are contenders, even if they have detractors that say their record is solely due to Igor Shesterkin’s goaltending. GM Chris Drury is believed to be looking at adding more than just a rental forward, but possibly two-three pieces for a playoff run.
Everything from a top six forward, to a left handed defenseman, and even another backup goalie are on the wish-list.
There are three pieces in play at the NHL trade deadline for Drury:
- Their first round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft
- Vitali Kravtsov
- Nils Lundkvist
Lundkvist, 21, was a first round selection from the 2018 draft (28th overall) and up for grabs in the right deal. He had four points in 25 games this season before being sent down to the Hartford Wolf Pack.
Drury is not shopping Lundkvist and not looking to add him in a deal involving a rental. If there is a good player with a good contract available, the talented young defenseman could be had.
Islanders and the trade deadline
The New York Islanders are reeling.
After another and loss at home, this time to the expansion Seattle Kraken, one has to wonder how Lou Lamoriello will approach the deadline?
At this point, it would be hard to see the Islanders as buyers. Could Lamoriello take this as an opportunity to move some pieces for lower cost younger players?
There’s been some chatter that goalie 33 year-old goalie Semyon Varlamov is in play. He has one year remaining at $5 million on the books and is expendable thanks to Ilya Sorokin.
Cal Clutterbuck, 34, is a pending UFA and could be moved as a rental to a contender.
