NHL Rumors: Panthers make cap clearing trade; teams interested in Rangers Alexandar Georgiev; and ball in Nick Foligno’s court
Anthony Scultore
|
The Florida Panthers just made another trade with the Chicago Blackhawks. This time they send Brett Connolly, Riley Stillman, Henrik Borgstrom and a 7th round pick to the Hawks for Lucas Carlsson and Lucas Wallmark.
Panthers clear cap space in latest trade
The move now frees up $4.1 million in cap space at the trade deadline which per Cap Friendly is equivalent to going after players totaling $18 million in salary. This could be the precursor for acquiring a player like Taylor Hall and quite possibly David Savard. Both of which are 1 and 2 on TSN’s Trade Bait Board.
Teams interested in NYR Alexandar Georgiev
The Rangers 25 year-old net minder is having his struggles this season but that isn’t stopping some teams from checking in on his availability.
As some teams explore the goaltender market ahead of Monday’s 3pm ET trade deadline, some clubs are believed to have inquired about New York Rangers netminder Alexandar Georgiev. While a trade is not considered imminent at this stage, multiple sources have told TFP some teams have discussed Georgiev, at least internally, and others have poked around on his availability, something that occurred last off-season.
The Fourth Period
This is an interesting development as it was believed he would’ve been traded at the last deadline as a pending RFA. Instead the Blueshirts opted to buyout Henrik Lundqvist instead. NY has gotten good backup goaltending out of Keith Kinkaid this season when Igor Shesterkin went down with injury. He was the intended goalie to be exposed to Seattle at the expansion draft as Shesterkin is exempt.
An interesting new name to add to our trade bait tracker.
Blue Jackets’ Nick Foligno open to a trade
Columbus’ captain Nick Foligno is in control of his destination. In his most recent comments it sounds like he’s open to a deal. “We’ll have a conversation if something does come up,” Foligno said per The Athletic.
“If there’s something that needs to be presented, we’ll talk. Otherwise, I’m just going to go about my business the way I always have,” he explained. “It’s definitely unique hearing your name out there. Until I’m told otherwise, I’ll continue to come here and do what I do and continue to be the person I’ve always been.”
There’s no doubt teams are asking if he’s available. Foligno holds a 10 team no trade list but Aaron Portzline believes GM Jarmo Kekkalainen won’t deal him without consulting first.