NHL Rumors Roundup: DeBrusk’s value, Stars offer up Khudobin, Kane trade destinations, and more
Anthony Scultore
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The Boston Bruins have been getting a lot of interest in winger Jake DeBrusk now that his trade request has gone public.
At least a dozen teams have already been in contact with the B’s but as you can imagine, no offer has moved the needle to date.
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NHL Rumors: Bruins want “equal value” for Jake DeBrusk
“The Boston Bruins are legitimately trying to (trade him),” Elliotte Friedman said. “They’ve searched the market hard to see what’s out there and will do it on their timeline. They will look for a forward or defenseman they consider of equal value.”
DeBrusk, 25, is a former first round pick in the 2015 Draft, but has struggled since last season where he picked up only 14 points in 41 games for the Bruins. This season, he has 7 points in 20 games and makes $3.675M heading to RFA status this summer.
Darren Dreger recently noted possible suitors. “I would say the New York Rangers are among the teams that have expressed some interest,” he said. “You’ve got the Vancouver Canucks, maybe Montreal, maybe Calgary. Certainly Arizona.”
Dallas Stars looking to move a goalie
With Ben Bishop close to returning from injury, the Dallas Stars will have three goalies and Braden Holtby’s contract is the most attractive one to move. However, the 32 year-old netminder has been great this season with a 4-4-1 record, .927 SV%, and a 2.30 GAA.
Apparently, the Stars are looking to move 2020 playoff hero Anton Khudobin instead.
“They have started to test the market and see what they can get for Anton Khudobin,” Jeff Marek reported on Sportsnet. “They spoke to one team last week and that was the Buffalo Sabres.”
Khudobin, 35, is 3-3-1 this year with a 3.73 GAA and a paltry .873 SV%. He has one year remaining at $3.33M.
Evander Kane with the Canes?
Kane, 30, is in the fourth year of a seven-year, $49 million contract he signed with the Sharks in May 2018. Last season, he led the Sharks in goals (22) and assists (27) while appearing in all 56 games. He is currently in the AHL awaiting a trade.
Multiple reports surfaced yesterday that San Jose would be willing to retain half of Kane’s salary. That means the acquiring team’s cap hit would be just $3.5 million. Per Rick Dhaliwal, Kane’s agent has also been reaching out to teams to help facilitate a trade.
Furthermore, talk is growing that interested teams are also engaging with a third party to lower the cap hit even more.
Larry Brooks of the NY Post also noted in a recent Slap Shot column that an “Eastern Conference team has shown considerable interest in dealing for Evander Kane.”
Speculation grows around that team being the Carolina Hurricanes who believe they can win a Stanley Cup this season.
One note, with the way the Islanders have struggled offensively this season they are likely also involved.
Marc-Andre Fleury eventual trade bait?
Blackhawks’ Marc-Andre Fleury is 37 years-old and had a rough start to the season. However, the reigning Vezina winner’s numbers are respectable all things considered with a .913 SV% and a 2.90 GAA.
“Chicago has not made up their minds yet,” ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported. “If a trade proposal does come for Marc-Andre Fleury they are definitely open to listening to it..”
MAF is in the final year of a contract that pays $7M and has modified no-trade protection. He had to be convinced not to retire and report to Chicago, so this would be a complex deal with Fleury in complete control.
Erik Duhatschek recently speculated that the Avalanche goaltending situation points to at least considering MAF in a trade.
