NHL Rumors: John Tortorella’s future, Kings and Flames in pursuit of Dubois, and Keith Yandle being pushed out
Anthony Scultore
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It’s never boring in Columbus.
The Blue Jackets may be considered a small market team, but John Tortorella is as big a name as they come in the NHL coaching ranks. But does he have a future in Columbus past this season?
NHL Rumors: Could Dubois situation push Tortorella out?
John Tortorella does not have a contract for next season. There is some wonder around the hockey world if Jarmo Kekalainen will extend him. His job got much harder after Torts went on local radio and revealed that Pierre-Luc Dubois wants out.
Up until now that was speculation until Torts confirmed it. According to Pierre LeBrun on TSN’s Insider Trading, Dubois’ agent Pat Brisson called the GM about those comments and wasn’t pleased.
The general belief is that the two sides mutually want to get a new contract in place for Torts to stick around, but this is the NHL and things change quickly.
READ: TORTS CALLS OUT DUBOIS FOR TRADE DEMAND
NHL Rumors: Kings in hot pursuit of Pierre-Luc Dubois
The list of suitors will grow, but two teams right now are being discussed as going after Pierre-Luc Dubois hard.
Multiple sources confirmed both the Calgary Flames and Los Angeles Kings are also seriously interested in Dubois, though the timing of a potential trade is up in the air. It is unclear what the asking price is for Dubois, but the right package would certainly entice Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen into pulling the trigger on a trade this season.
TFP
It’s already been discussed that Jarmo wants to take his time with any trade, but after Torts’ comments who knows if it speeds it up.
NHL Rumors: Keith Yandle being pushed out
Keith Yandle is likely not going to play on opening night for the Florida Panthers and thus his iron streak coming to an end at 866 games. A little bomb was dropped on Insider Trading last night, that Yandle’s agent doesn’t believe this is about performance but forcing him to waive his no-move clause.
Florida made it clear to LeBrun they have not asked Keith to waive his clause. That may be the case, but you don’t necessarily have to “ask” in order for someone to get the message.