NHL rumors – Matt Murray, Henrik Lundqvist and more moves from Toronto
Anthony Scultore
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The offseason and NHL trade rumor mill got a shot in the arm yesterday when the Leafs traded Kasperi Kapanen to the Penguins. There’s plenty more where that came from and I’m ready to deliver.
NHL rumors Matt Murray
When the news broke that Kapanen had been traded to Pittsburgh two names raced to the forefront. Goalie, Matt Murray and defenseman, Kris Letang. That turned out not to be the case, but recently GM, Jim Rutherford told the press there’s a good chance that he will move one of his two RFA goalies and that there’s been discussion already.
In a recent article on Sportsnet, they noted Minnesota, Edmonton, Calgary, San Jose, Carolina, Buffalo and Detroit as teams likely in on the goalie market this summer. It is good to note, they’ve all been eliminated and can make deals with the Penguins now.
As for Letang, I am hearing a strong rumor that the Montreal Canadiens could have interest and Max Domi would be go the other way.
NHL rumors Henrik Lundqvist
Henrik Lundqvist is another goaltender that will be on the market at some point. Most likely that will come in the form of a trade or buyout. However, one possible option is Lundqvist retiring to join Frolunda since the SHL season is about to begin.
Today there is some speculation out of Sweden that Lundqvist could be using Frolunda’s training facility. The Indians are one of only two teams holding closed door sessions leading to the rumors that Hank could be inside.
I reached out to Frolunda to ask about the closed door sessions, to which they explained they are just following the original coronavirus policies. As for Henrik, I was told, “I have no information on Henrik Lundqvist more than he is not on our roster and not part of our team.”
More changes coming in Toronto
Kyle Dubas is going to make a lot of changes outside of his big four it seems. Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Mitch Marner, and Morgan Rielly are all safe. That does bring up questions surrounding William Nylander and Fred Andersen.
The trading of Kapanen freed up some cap space, and there’s rumors now they want to target Alex Pietrangelo. The only way that happens is if they move Nylander.
Regardless, there’s more moves coming. Leafs GM said as much to the media yesterday after the trade. “There’s a lot who’ve been very good NHLers a long time,” Dubas said about Free Agency. “But knowing what the market may bear out for them in opportunity and contracts is very difficult. We’ll see if there’s a fit in that regard or via trade.”