NHL Rumors: Kraken; others in on Dougie Hamilton, and is Mark Scheifele on the trade block?
Anthony Scultore
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It was a busy day around the NHL yesterday. From a multitude of RFA signings to the New York Rangers hiring Gerard Gallant, news came in fast. One very big story in the thick of all the day’s happenings was the Hurricanes granting permission to Dougie Hamilton to speak with other teams.
According to both Elliotte Friedman and Darren Dreger this opens up the possibility for a sign and trade. The acquiring team would have the ability to offer an 8th year. It’s also been noted that there is no rush by either side at this point.
Seattle Kraken; others called Dougie Hamilton
When the news hit the wire, Hamilton’s phone started ringing. Two teams have been reported to have called the 27 year-old defender. Both the Seattle Kraken and Philadelphia Flyers reached out to start conversations with him.
Other teams likely to have called or will soon do so are the Columbus Blue Jackets, Chicago Blackhawks, and Winnipeg Jets. Columbus is about to trade Seth Jones this summer and are looking for a replacement. The Blackhawks need to start reshaping their blue-line with Brent Seabrook now retired, and the Jets have been in search of a number one defense for two seasons.
Hamilton is seeking an $8 million deal and finished the season with 42 points in 55 games. The right handed shot will be sought after, but with the flat-cap still in place, he may not have many teams willing to give him the contract he’s looking for.
Is Mark Scheifele on the trade block
Mark Scheifele is the Winnipeg Jets leading scorer this past season with 63 points in 56 games. The 28 year-old pivot plays a big and tough game. Unfortunately for him and the Jets, too big and too tough. In Game 1 of their second round series with the Canadiens, Scheifele made a critical mistake by blasting Jake Evans to prevent an empty net goal. He failed at that, and was then suspended for 4 games. The Jets were swept and he never played another playoff game this postseason.
Up until his suspension, Scheifele had five points in five playoff games. He has 3 years left on a deal that pays $6.125 million per season. So why am I bringing up Scheifele? Well that’s because Larry Brooks randomly inserted his name into the rumor mill with his latest Slap Shots column.
Though it goes without saying, it will be said anyway: If Mark Scheifele somehow becomes available out of Winnipeg, he is the player for whom the Rangers empty the cupboard, and the guy in Buffalo becomes Jack Who?
NY Post
While Brooks could be speculating, it’s also very possible that Scheifele’s name was whispered into his ear. Of course, the Rangers wouldn’t be the only team interested in landing Scheifele. You could easily add the Columbus Blue Jackets into the mix, who could send Seth Jones the other way if he were to agree to an extension beforehand. There’s also the Buffalo Sabres who could trade Jack Eichel for a potential new captain in Scheifele.