NHL Rumors: No big changes for Canucks, Evgeni Malkin to finish career with Penguins, and Red Wings curious about Tony DeAngelo
Anthony Scultore
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The owner of the Vancouver Canucks took to social media to dispel rumors about his team. “Our fans are passionate and knowledgeable. They have every right to express themselves,” Francesco Aquilini began. “But when the media starts pouring gas on the fire, dealing in rumours and misinformation as if it’s fact, it’s time for me to speak up.”
NHL Rumors: No big changes coming for the Canucks
“Contrary to what you may have read or heard, we’re sticking to the path we’re on: building on our core of young talent,” Aquilini continued. “Progression is not always a straight line. There is no easy fix, only patience, commitment, and hard work.”
Over the last few weeks the Canucks have struggled. Pundits everywhere were stating that changes were coming including a possible GM or coaching change.
“I have full confidence in Jim [Benning, GM], Travis [Green, HC], and this group. I have no plans to make changes,” he concluded. Of course, that doesn’t mean they will sit idle and not make trades to improve. However, the thought of any firings should be put to rest this season.
NHL Rumors: Burke and Hextall to keep Malkin in Pittsburgh
The Penguins have dominated the NHL Rumors Mill for weeks now. In the wake of Brian Burke (President) and Ron Hextall (GM) there’s been much talk on the futures of Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, and Evgeni Malkin.
When it comes to Malkin, here’s what Rob Rossi is noting in The Athletic:
Neither Lemieux nor majority ownership partner Ron Burkle involve themselves in the day-to-day business or hockey decisions for the Penguins. However, there’s an exception for decisions involving the Penguins’ biggest stars, a source said. If Malkin wants to stay, the Penguins will keep him. Burke and Hextall were said to understand this dynamic when signing on for their jobs.
What does Malkin want?
“To be a Penguin,” a source said. “And to win again in Pittsburgh.”
RELATED: Sidney Crosby’s future with Penguins
NHL Rumors: Are the Red Wings still interested in Tony DeAngelo?
Almost two weeks ago, Bob McKenzie noted that the Detroit Red Wings were on of four teams interested in New York Rangers waived defenseman, Tony DeAngelo.
In today’s NY Post, Larry Brooks spoke with DeAngelo’s former defense partner Marc Staal. The article focused more about all the fallout surrounding DeAngelo but Staal did say this:
“The guys here in Detroit, they’re all super-curious about him...He’s a lightning rod, and yeah, he yells at coaches and referees and he has these moments where he goes overboard, but he’s a good teammate.”
Marc Staal via NYPOST
Steve Yzerman originally drafted DeAngelo with the Tampa Bay Lightning. It’s unsure if he’s willing to bring him in as a reclamation project for the rebuilding Wings.