NHL Rumors: Penguins trade frenzy, Rangers offseason options, Predators targets, and more
Anthony Scultore
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The NHL landscape this offseason could be one of the craziest we’ve ever seen. It also sounds like the Pittsburgh Penguins are ready to churn these already uncertain waters as well.
NHL Rumors – Penguins trade frenzy
In a recent article in the Athletic, Josh Yohe relayed that the Penguins will make moves but are not doing so from a place of embarrassment after losing to Montreal.
Two names that many expect to be moved are Matt Murray and Kris Letang. One thing of interest is that is sounds like the Penguins demands for Murray have dropped, which makes sense in this flooded goalie market.
The Penguins will be looking for is a right-handed defenseman. Alex Pietrangelo will be hitting the market, but will be too rich for their blood. Is there a potential deal with the Rangers for Tony DeAngelo? That seems unlikely in the division but it sounds like Chris Tanev in Vancouver and UFA, Kevin Shattenkirk are on their radar.
NHL Rumors – Rangers offseason plans
The Rangers offseason plans are hard to figure out at the moment. That’s because of the current situation with Henrik Lundqvist and his $8.5 million cap hit. Almost every publication has him being bought out. However, that only nets the Rangers $3 million more in cap space.
They also have four big RFA’s to try and retain and can’t do it with the current $14 million they have. Adding $3M more also doesn’t give enough cushion for all the potential performance bonus money they will need to reserve for Kakko, Shesterkin, Fox and soon to be Lafreniere and Miller. ELC’s look good but come with those hidden costs.
So the Rangers may need to get creative and ask Henrik to waive his no trade and be bought out elsewhere. That’s exactly what the Leafs did with Marleau last summer. Then they can use that buyout on Brendan Smith. Should the Rangers pull that off, they will gain an extra $10 million in space. The only problem, the Rangers will have to give up the 22nd overall pick in the draft to get a team to take on Hank for a buyout.
NHL Rumors – Nashville Predators low cost targets
The Predators are looking at some low end targets on the FA market this October. According to Adam Vingan, he lists Dylan DeMelo (D), Jesper Fast (RW), Pat Maroon (LW), Kevin Shattenkirk (D), and their own Craig Smith (RW).
I cover the Rangers extensively at Forever Blueshirts, and have spoken to sources close to Jesper Fast. The Predators were interested in him at the last deadline and will try and land him on October 9th.
NHL Rumors news and notes
It sounds like Thomas Greiss of the NY Islanders will definitely test free agency. Did I mention this is a crowded goalie market already? And the Flames may be interested in Darcy Kuemper along with Hurricanes.
Crowded goalie market…I said that one right?