NHL Rumors: Lots of teams interested in Zach Hyman; Darcy Kuemper hot commodity; and PK Subban exposed?
Anthony Scultore
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The Toronto Maple Leafs granted UFA Zach Hyman permission to speak with other teams. This is a clear indication that Hyman will not be returning to Toronto next season. Since that news broke, interest around the league has been ample.
NHL Rumors: Many teams calling Zach Hyman
According to the Toronto Star several teams have already reached out to Hyman’s camp. The Oilers, Flames, Bruins, Penguins, Canucks, Red Wings, and Panthers are all supposedly interested.
The 28 year-old Hyman is a UFA and will make substantially more than the $2.25 million AAV he earns now. Estimates have him looking at 7 years with an AAV around $5.5 million range. There is now talk that he could hit $6 million with this much interest in his services.
Edmonton was the first team reportedly interested in trying to make a trade for his rights in order to negotiate prior to him hitting the open market. GM Kyle Dubas obviously understands the high-level of interest which could facilitate a trade and sign so that Toronto can acquire a draft pick or prospect.
Darcy Kuemper drawing serious interest
Frank Seravalli recently reported that the 31 year-old net minder with one year left on his deal at $4.5 million is a hot commodity. He notes the Maple Leafs and Avalanche are looking to acquire Kuemper. The Seattle Kraken are another team that is also interested.
Will PK Subban be exposed to the Seattle Kraken
The Devils acquired Ryan Graves last night from the Avalanche. This trade puts PK Subban clearly on the unprotected list. Along with Graves, NJ is expected to protect defensemen Damon Severson and Jonas Siegenthaler.
There was already a lot of talk early this past season that the Devils may expose PK Subban to the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft. Now there’s some thought that the dynamic defender, who doesn’t have a no-trade clause could get moved before then.
“We’re not done. I want to improve this team,” he said. “My ownership has given us the green light to do what we need to do, without sacrificing our future. But we want to start playing meaningful games. That’s the next phase of development for Jack (Hughes) and Nico (Hischier), they have to get to that level. We have to be able to support them with players like Ryan Graves, who has experience in those areas.’’
The Athletic