NHL Rumors: David Krejci not joining Bruins; Tuukka Rask wants to return; and Kraken in on Evgeny Kuznetsov?
Anthony Scultore
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The Boston Bruins have left the door open to both David Krejci and Tuukka Rask to return. At this time, it does not appear the wily veteran center has any plans to do so, but their old goalie does.
Here’s the latest out of Boston.
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NHL Rumors: Krejci staying overseas
David Krejci went into “retirement” by heading home to play hockey in the Czech Republic. Bruins 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.
At Krejci’s intro presser for his new team he said, “I will be staying with Olomuoc all season.” The 35 year-old pivot noted he will honor his one year deal and that “returning to Boston in the spring is definitely not in my plans.”
Of course, that does leave the door open to return to Boston very late in the season. The Czech Extraliga regular season ends in early March.
Tuukka Rask reiterates he wants to return to Boston
Rask is currently doing well as he recovers from hip surgery. He is expected to be out for the next five to six months as he rehabs in preparation to return. The UFA has only one place he wants to be.
“I’ve been so lucky to be part of only one team in the NHL, and for me it’s about that,” Rask told Greg Hill. “I have no reason to chase the money anymore. I feel the Bruins is my home and Boston is my home, and I want to stay here.”
As far as salary goes, Rask was fairly clear about it. “The money won’t be an issue,” he explained. “We had conversations with (GM) Sweeney, I’ll be a cheap goalie for them.”
Seattle Kraken need a number one center, maybe Evgeny Kuznetsov?
The Seattle Kraken currently have Alex Wennberg as their number one center, and need to upgrade at the position. It been rumored that GM Ron Francis has been talking with teams about trying to acquire more centers. At one point there was talks of them trying to trade for Ryan Strome, however there also rumblings regarding Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov.
Back in May, it appeared that Kuznetsov was working his way out of town. According to Insider Pierre LeBrun the Capitals were tired of dealing with Kuznetsov’s issues and may look to trade him this offseason.
The 29 year-old pivot has three years remaining at $7.8 million AAV with a 15 team no move clause. He scored 29 points in 41 games this past season, but now Caps GM Brian MacLellan is singing a different tune.
“He’s a good player, we like the player and I don’t know, we’ve never said we’re trading Kuznetsov. I said we’re open to discussions with most of our players for the trade market,” he said. “It’s never been, we are moving Kuznetsov.”
Still, if the Caps struggle out of the gate they may be more inclined to make a deal involving their second line center. Washington would love to gain some younger assets and cap space in a deal, and Seattle fits the bill. The only other question would be Evgeny being willing to go there.
