NHL Rumors: Canucks in trouble, Sam Bennett for Alex Kerfoot trade, Senators have Derek Stepan being shopped, and more
Anthony Scultore
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There’s nothing quite losing to stir up trade talk around the NHL Rumors Mill. The Vancouver Canucks after a nice season last year are certainly struggling with a 6-9 record and four straight losses.
“We’ve got to get on the same page,” Braden Holtby said after their latest loss. “We’re a disconnected group right now and it’s showing. It’s frustrating.”
NHL Rumors: Changes in Vancouver coming?
The Canucks don’t seem ready to break this team up but have floated two names on the market. Jake Virtanen and Adam Gaudette but according to The Province there’s no takers for either.
Virtanen is an interesting name, but the 24 year-old has just one goal on only 17 shots in 11 games this season. Any team looking for potential would find him intriguing. However his value is so low that it would behoove the Canucks to keep him.
There’s always a market for former 1st round picks (6th overall). Yet no one is going to give up a real asset for someone who has yet to live up to the selection.
NHL Rumors: Could a Sam Bennett for Alex Kerfoot happen?
Sam Bennett is number 3 on our Trade Bait Board and the Maple Leafs have expressed interest in adding him for awhile. Originally the rumored piece back was defenseman Travis Dermott. He is currently injured.
Now Steve Simmons is mulling a swap with Alex Kerfoot involved. Nothing should ever be ruled out, but a piece like Bennett should be used to fill a Calgary need and that’s a defenseman. I just don’t see this one happening.
Leafs could use a player like the available Sam Bennett. They need some edge on their third line. They wouldn’t be able to get Bennett 1-for-1 for Alex Kerfoot, but if they could sweeten the pot just a little, they might be able to find a deal here
Toronto Sun
Derek Stepan officially on the block
On Sportnet’s Saturday Headlines, Elliotte Friedman confirmed that Derek Stepan is being shopped. He clarified this isn’t due to performance but has to with family issues as was previously reported.
Friedman also hinted that the Senators may be looking to unload a defenseman.
NHL Rumors: Penguins GM List to be narrowed
The Penguins have formally interviewed eight candidates and will narrow the list for a second round. They are reportedly looking to complete the process this week.
- Patrik Allvin (current interim GM)
- John Ferguson Jr.
- Michael Futa
- Kevin Weekes
- Mark Hunter
- Jason Karmonos
- Ron Hextall
- Chris MacFarland