NHL Rumors: Johnny Gaudreau, J.T. Miller, and Flyers next coach
Anthony Scultore
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Today NHL Rumors takes a look at pending UFA Johnny Gaudreau of the Calgary Flames. Then we travel to Vancouver with the latest on J.T. Miller and head to Philadelphia discussing the latest with their coach search.
When it comes to highly sought free agents this summer, Johnny Gaudreau is going to top that list. Especially after a career high season of 115 points (40 G – 75A) in 82 games.
The Flames have gone on record that they want to keep the 28 year-old winger but that isn’t stopping speculation.
NHL Rumors: Johnny Gaudreau in New Jersey?
There’s always been a lot of talk that Gaudreau would like to player closer to home. The Salem, New Jersey native has been linked to the Philadelphia Flyers for a long time. However, there is a lot of buzz that the New Jersey Devils, with an abundance in cap space may make the move.
“New Jersey has been mentioned a lot,” TSN’s Pierre LeBrun said. “They’ve got cap room, P.K. Subban’s coming off the books at $9 million, but keep in mind, Jack Hughes’ new deal at $8 million goes on the books, and they have to sign Jesper Bratt who had a huge year.”
Hailey Salvian of The Athletic also sees the Devils as a possibility if Gaudreau hits the open market on July 13. The Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Islanders, and Nashville Predators were also potential destinations.
LeBrun threw in the Seattle Kraken as a wild card.
Ultimately, I really believe GM Brad Treliving is willing to “move heaven and earth” comment to keep Gaudreau in Calgary. The Flames ability to go 8 years on a deal could be what tips the scales to keep Johnny in red.
NHL Rumors: J.T. Miller
Miller, 29, was the Canucks leading scorer with 99 points in 80 games this past season. Prior to the NHL Trade Deadline, there were a lot of rumors about him being moved.
“They’re all rumors to begin with,” Miller said. “I don’t think I’m getting traded. I never thought I was getting traded. Everybody is speculating, so I never even looked into that (Vancouver) were trying to trade me to begin with.”
A trade is still up for debate as he has one more year on a deal that comes with a bargain AAV of $5.25M. There’s serious speculation that his next deal will be a huge raise to $8.5 Million per Elliotte Friedman.
“I believe J.T. wants to stay in Vancouver and I know the Canucks want to re-sign him but it has to be at the right term,” President Jim Rutherford said. “Both sides at some point in the next month or two will have a better idea on where we sit.”
So will the Canucks go that $8.5M number being discussed by insiders? If they do it may come at the cost of trading Bo Horvat or Brock Boeser. Regardless, the bigger question is if Vancouver will also be willing to go the max 7 or 8 years on a player that will turn 30 next March.
Flyers coaching search
The Philadelphia Flyers are interviewing numerous candidates for a new coach after relieving Mike Yeo. They’ve met with Barry Trotz and John Tortorella per multiple reports.
Torts is believed to be a frontrunner to land the job.
According to Frank Seravalli, former Rangers coach David Quinn is getting a long look by the Flyers. Other candidates include fired Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill and recently let go Bruins bench boss Bruce Cassidy.
Regarding Cassidy, he spoke with the media on Thursday and said he’s already spoke with several teams about a coaching job.