NHL Rumors: Henrik Lundqvist back this season, Maple Leafs in on Rickard Rakell, and Max Domi available again?
Anthony Scultore
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Henrik Lundqvist has been one of the more inspiring stories in sports this season. The future Hall of Fame goalies was set to compete for a Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals when he had to end his season.
A literally heartbroken Lundqvist had to leave his dream behind to have open-heart surgery. Since that announcement he not only had a successful procedure but is now back on the ice and working out.
NHL Rumors: Caps won’t rule out Lundqvist comeback this season
“Probably unlikely, but I wouldn’t rule it out,” was how Capitals GM Brian MacLellan put it. He called what Henrik is doing on ice after surgery “impressive”.
“I see the videos like you guys see the video. I don’t know how likely or unlikely it is. I mean, he had valve replacement surgery. It would be pretty incredible if he was able to come back. I guess we’ll see where he is at the end here.”
NHL.com
Back in late February, the 39 year-old goalie had this to say after his workouts. “Going to the rink this week has been very rewarding,” he tweeted. “My health is obviously my No.1 priority. It will be months before I can make any decisions regarding my future after more tests/convos with Doctors. The one thing I do know with 100% certainty is that I still love the game.”
That love could possibly see him chasing Stanley Cup dreams this summer.
NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs thinking big with Duck’s Rickard Rakell
At this point Leafs fans are probably tired of hearing all these rumors for a forward. They must be looking at Kyle Dubas and saying, “do something already!”
According to Pierre LeBrun the Leafs may be eyeing a big catch in Rickard Rakell. As one of hockey’s top insider’s he sees the Leafs as all in this season and views Rakell as a fit.
They would be getting at least two possible playoff runs out of Rakell and in the event they can’t get Zach Hyman re-signed, they would have already found his replacement. For me, that starts with the Leafs offering 2020 first-round pick Rodion Amirov and still, that probably wouldn’t be enough. Toronto would need another asset in the package. The Leafs are all-in. GM Kyle Dubas owes it to the cause to investigate the Rakell situation.
Pierre LeBrun
NHL Rumors: Max Domi on the move again?
Is it possible that Max Domi has worn out another welcome in less than a season? Maybe not, but according to Aaron Portzline he views Domi as a player that the Blue Jackets will at least listen to offers for.
Can’t believe it’s come to this already, but Domi has made very little positive impact this season. The Blue Jackets are privately hoping that Domi is taking a while to adjust to a new franchise, but his career-high 72 points (in 2018-19) came during his first season in Montreal. Word to the wise, though: trade Domi now and you’re definitely selling low and cementing the Josh Anderson trade as one of the worst in franchise history.
Aaron Portzline
My gut is telling me for the simple fact that he was traded for Josh Anderson they won’t jettison him in a shortened season. They need to hold onto Domi and give him at least until next season to step up.