NHL Rumors: Kraken to sign Chris Driedger; what Sabres want for Jack Eichel; and Bruins interested in Ryan Suter
Anthony Scultore
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It feels like the calm before the storm as they say. Tomorrow the Seattle Kraken will select their roster from the expansion draft. Then the dam should break wide open on Thursday when the roster freeze is lifted.
NHL Rumors: Kraken expected to sign Chris Driedger
Ron Francis targeted the Panthers Chris Driedger as an early target back in May. Florida knew this and attempted to trade him but were unsuccessful.
Elliotte Friedman is reporting that Seattle is closing in on signing Driedger. If they choose to sign him prior to the expansion draft, he will count as the selection from the Panthers. They could wait until the opening bell of Free Agency on July 28th in order to also take another player.
The 27 year-old was impressive this past season with a 14-6-3 record to go with a 2.07 GAA and SV% of 927.
Bruins interested in Ryan Suter
Several teams looking for a leader and mentor on their blue-line were mentioned as soon as Suter was bought out. The Avalanche, Islanders, Blackhawks, Penguins, and Lightning were linked to the 36 year-old rearguard.
Elliotte Friedman is now saying the Boston Bruins will make a serious push to acquire him.
Lots of expectation Boston going hard for Ryan Suter. One source called him “the Corey Perry of 2021-22.”
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Suter posted 19 points (three goals, 16 assists) in 56 games in 2021-22. He has 607 points (93 goals, 514 assists) in 1,198 games with the Nashville Predators (2005-12) and Wild.
More clarity on what Sabres want for Jack Eichel
The see-saw reporting continues on the Jack Eichel trade saga. Just a week ago, Friedman said he heard the price had dropped a bit. It was still high but not what was initially reported.
Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports was the first to break the ask prior to the NHL Trade Deadline and news of Eichel’s neck injury. “If they trade him they want four pieces that are first round picks,” he said. “Or players that are playing if not in the NHL or elsewhere like the NCAA – that were first round picks and are having success and not struggling.”
Yesterday, David Pagnotta provided another update indicating the what the Sabres are looking for. “Told the price hasn’t changed,” he tweeted. “2 NHL players, 2 top prospects and/or a 1st round pick(s) – minimum 4 assets.”
When you read what Lavoie said versus Pagnotta’s tweet it does indicate a lessening of the initial ask. What may not have changed was the number of pieces, but the demand for all of them being “first rounders” has.