NHL Rumors: Rangers hidden cap problem, Pietrangelo speaks out, and Canadiens hunt for offense
Anthony Scultore
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Today’s NHL Rumors take us from the Big Apple to the place where hockey is religion, Montreal. Let’s first start with the situation in St. Louis where no one thought Alex Pietrangelo would get to.
NHL Rumors – Alex Pietrangelo speaks out
The St. Blues and their captain have broken off talks with the team telling him to check out the market. At this time, the Blues have not cleared nearly enough cap space to get things done, but there are issues with even the structure of the deal. Apparently, he’s willing to take a little less if he can get the years and no move clause.
In a recent interview with The Athletic, Pietrangelo broke his silence and explained the situation.
“We’re a little disappointed that we’re in this situation. We weren’t able to hammer out the details what we wanted in a deal. There was some work that we tried to get done that we couldn’t get done, so both sides agreed that maybe it’s in the best interest. We’re two weeks away. Not saying anything can’t change, but as of right now, that’s kind of our plan, and we’ll see where things go.”
Alex Pietrangelo on going to free agency
Two teams that may make a big play for Pietrangelo if he hits the market are the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins.
NHL Rumors – New York Rangers issue with Performance Bonuses
When most people look at the Rangers salary cap all they see if $14 million is projected space. Unfortunately, most people never dive deeper and realize the Blueshirts have a big problem.
You see, there’s a group of players to which the Rangers have an abundance of that are eligible for performance bonuses. That’s those great young players on entry level contracts. To which the Rangers may have to pay out over $7 million to next season. That’s why after speaking to a team source, it will be almost impossible for them to retain all four of their top RFAs.
So who gets traded? Is it Ryan Strome or Tony DeAngelo? Do they let Brendan Lemieux walk? Or move Alexandar Georgiev? It’s a lot to digest and is an article onto itself. You can read it in full at Forever Blueshirts.
NHL Rumors – Montreal Canadiens could be after Brandon Saad
We noted that the Canadiens are in the market for a big forward. Names like Taylor Hall are at the top of the list in free agency, or even Patrik Laine in a trade. Over a TVA Sports, they add names like Brandon Saad and Josh Anderson to the mix.
Our friends over at Spector’s Hockey breaks it down a little further:
The Blackhawks must shed salary to re-sign RFAs Dominik Kubalik and Dylan Strome as well as re-sign or replace UFA goalie Corey Crawford. They could move Saad and his $6 million cap hit for next season but could be reluctant to go that route unless they get a more affordable replacement. Some Habs fans might suggest Max Domi, but the Blackhawks are set at center with Jonathan Toews, Kirby Dach and Dylan Strome, and might not see Domi as an effective substitution for Saad.
Keep your eyes on Montreal this offseason. It should be interesting.
Jimmy Howard hitting the market
Not really big or shocking news here, but it appears Jimmy Howard will be another goalie on this overly flooded goalie market. Per, Elliotte Friedman the 36 year-old backstop will not be retiring and wants to play next season.
Today’s NHL Headlines
Don’t forget to read all today’s NHL Headlines from this morning.