NHL Rumors: Pierre-Luc Dubois staying for now, Penguins after Jack Roslovic, and is Evgeny Kuznetsov available
Anthony Scultore
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There’s no hotter name in the NHL Rumors mill than Pierre-Luc Dubois, but it sure sounds like the buzz is going to die down. Almost similar as it’s been with Patrik Laine.
Of course, you never know when a trade may strike.
NHL Rumors: Pierre-Luc Dubois staying put for now
Recently, Nick Kypreos reported that Pierre-Luc Dubois wants to play for the Montreal Canadiens. He also noted that any deal for him must include either Nick Suzuki or Jesperi Kotkaniemi or GM Jarmo Kekalainen won’t budge.
Last night on Hockey Central, the takeaway out of Columbus was that both Dubois and the Jackets are set to play out the season together. Friedman did note that the Canadiens and many other teams made serious offers before the season started, but now that it’s begun they will wait.
NHL Rumors: Penguins looking to acquire Jack Roslovic
The 23 year-old RFA wasn’t happy with the way the Winnipeg Jets were utilizing him before asking to be traded. He was a first round pick back in 2015 and saw career highs with 12 goals and 29 points playing primarily as a third liner. He is looking for a more prominent role with his next club.
When I spoke with Claude Lemieux weeks ago, he seemed pretty confident that Roslovic would be traded but to where remained to be seen. Lemieux then informed me that at least half a dozen teams have expressed interest in him.
Now we are learning just who one of those teams are and it’s the Penguins.
“Jack Roslovic is unsigned, he’s asked for a trade, he’s not with the Jets,” Friedman said. “The Pittsburgh Penguins have started the season 0-2 and we know [GM] Jim Rutherford is not afraid. I also believe they’re one of the teams who’s very interested. We’ll see if there’s a match.”
Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet
NHL Rumors: Evgeny Kuznetsov available?
Tarik El-Bashir of The Athletic recently pondered the notion of the Capitals trading Evgeny Kuznetsov. “If the Caps were to ever entertain shipping him out, they’d have to be getting a top-six center in return. Or they’d have to be darn sure a prospect like McMichael is ready to step in immediately and produce 20 goals and 50 assists,” he wrote.
The 28 year-old center has come out of the gate slow, but is immensely talented. At times, his skill set is so high that there’s frustration he doesn’t score more. He’s also gotten into hot water in recent years, and was suspended by the IIHF for a positive cocaine test.
Kuznetsov haș 4 years remaining on a deal with a cap hit of $7.8 million. It also comes with a modified no-trade clause, but Tarik made it clear that he doesn’t see the Caps moving him anytime soon.