NHL Rumors: Korpisalo to Toronto, trading Fleury, Lundqvist landing spots, and more
Anthony Scultore
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There’s no shock with the amount of goaltenders available that they dominate the NHL rumors mill. Let’s check in on the latest with some big name net-minders and more.
NHL Rumors – Blue Jackets and Leafs talking Korpisalo
According The Fourth Period, the Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets have had some trade discussions. There is admitted uncertainty as to how far talks went or if they are still ongoing, but Toronto is interested in goalie Joonas Korpisalo and forward, Brandon Dubinsky.
The Jackets were rumored to be listening on both their goalies so this isn’t shocking. Toronto may be looking at Freddy Andersen’s replacement and 26 year-old Korpisalo would make sense. Columbus could have interest in Alex Kerfoot or Andreas Johnsson.
As far as Dubinsky, it is rumored his career could be over. If that’s the case I’m not sure why they want him. LTIR?
NHL Rumors – Vegas looking to move Marc-Andre Fleury
Yesterday, the Vegas Golden Knights announced the signing of Robin Lehner and that speeds the clock on a Fleury trade. While the Knights could keep both of them, it is unlikely. The problem for GM, Kelly McCrimmon is MAF has a big contract, a no-move clause, and they don’t want to eat salary.
The Avalanche are believed interested, only if Vegas retains 50% of his deal. Otherwise, it will be really hard to move him. Do not rule out a potential reunion with the Penguins.
Per Marco Rossi, “Marc-Andre Fleury had not completely ruled out a return to Penguins as of late Saturday. Would require some creativity, willingness by VKG to eat some cap hit … but it’s not been ruled out by either MAF or PIT.”
NHL Rumors – Lundqvist and Caps have mutual interest
The Washington Capitals are in full blown win-now mode. Their future in goal is a kid named Ilya Samsonov. He’s a 23 year old rookie with just 22 NHL games to his name. With Braden Holtby leaving for free agency this summer due to cap constraints, Washington is in the market for a goalie to work with Samsonov.
Enter recently bought out Henrik Lundqvist, a goalie Alex Ovechkin and the Caps know extremely well. A future Hall-of-Famer who could be had on a one or two year deal for a million in base salary, loaded with incentives.
Hank’s agent has been doing interviews this week and been very clear that his client is going to take his time making a decision. “I think one of the team’s that is considering it and is interested is Washington,” Elliotte Friedman said last night on Sportsnet.
The chatter around the hockey world is that the feeling is mutual and Henrik Lundqvist may sign there soon. So Henrik Lundqvist goes from the Garden’s bright lights to a new show Off-Broadway, “The King and Ovi”.