NHL Rumors Roundup: Shutdown being discussed, Pavelski’s future, Coyotes, Hurricanes, and Oilers
Anthony Scultore
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NHL Rumors heat up as five teams in the NHL are shutdown with the possibility of more on the horizon. The Calgary Flames, Boston Bruins, Nashville Predators, Colorado Avalanche, and Florida Panthers are all postponed until after the Christmas Break.
Over 150 NHL players have been on the protocol list so far this season, and the list has been growing rapidly in recent days. In just the last 72 hours, over 60 players plus coaches have been added to protocol.
Is a shutdown coming?
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NHL Rumors: A shutdown is being discussed
Last night on Hockey Night in Canada, Elliotte Friedman provided the following report:
“[A shutdown] has been discussed but it’s not guaranteed,” Friedman said. “I have heard talk about the potential for shutting it down until January 1st and resuming with the Winter Classic. There have been players behind that idea and they do have support, but there’s been a lot of players and teams who say they don’t support that.”
Of course, consultation with health officials continue and doctors can’t guarantee that a shutdown until January 1 would put the league in a better place regarding COVID.
“They want to see where the protocols and testing go before they commit to anything like that (shutdown),” Friedman concluded.
As we’ve said here many times, any disruption to the season likely means an end to Olympic participation.
Joe Pavelski wants to stay in Dallas
The Dallas Stars are playing well and veteran forward Joe Pavelski is a big reason for it. Not for just what he brings on the ice, but what he means to the locker room.
Pavelski, 37, has 26 points in 28 games this season but will be a UFA in July. When the trade deadline rolls around, many teams will come a knocking for the versatile pivot. Although he seems to have already made up his mind where he’d rather be.
“We love it there,” Pavelski said of his wife, Sarah, and their son, Nate. “Things couldn’t be any better for us right now. The family’s doing great. It’s a great city. Really enjoy the guys in the locker room and the team. For us right now, that’s probably the No. 1 option.”
The Mercury News
Arizona Coyotes Rumors
Chychrun, 23, has just 7 points in 26 games for Arizona. Although you’d be had pressed to hold those numbers against him this season. In 2020-21, he had a breakout performance with 41 points in 56 games.
“Arizona GM Bill Armstrong refused to comment when asked, but it now sounds like the Coyotes are gauging the market on Jakob Chychrun,” Elliotte Friedman recently reported. I’ve heard the ask is massive, but that doesn’t mean opponents are running away. He’s signed for three more years at a very reasonable $4.6 million AAV and is a terrific player. This is one to watch.”
Friedman’s colleague on Sportsnet, Nick Kypreos believes that ask is around four pieces. Similar to what the Buffalo Sabres were looking for on Jack Eichel.
When it comes to rumors, the one piece we all know that’s moving is Phil Kessel.
Kessel, 34, has 17 points in 29 games for the lowly Coyotes. He’s been trying to escape the desert since the summer but so far there’s been no takers. He will be a UFA at season’s end and has a cap hit of $6.8M. The veteran is widely considered a top rental.
Carolina Hurricanes rumors
The Carolina Hurricanes believe this is their year to win the Stanley Cup. In the offseason, they were bold by successfully signing Canadiens RFA, Jesperi Kotkaniemi to an offer-sheet.
It also came to be known that GM Don Waddell was in talks with the Buffalo Sabres to try and acquire Jack Eichel before he landed with the Vegas Golden Knights.
Per multiple reports, the Hurricanes will be one of the more aggressive teams leading up to the NHL Trade Deadline on March 21, 2022.
“A few teams have expressed interest (in Jonathan Klingberg) and contacted the Dallas Stars,” Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek said in late November. “The one team we know that has called are the Carolina Hurricanes… a team that’s always looking for a quality hockey player.”
Klingberg, 29, has 9 points in 20 games this year, and is headed towards UFA status in the summer. According to reports, the two sides have been talking but so far they appear to be far apart on terms.
Edmonton Oilers rumors
Edmonton’s GM Ken Holland has been very cautious on the trade front. Many believed he would make a big move at last year’s deadline but opted not to not make a rash deal. This summer he’s been more aggressive signing Zach Hyman and acquiring/signing Duncan Keith.
According to Elliotte Friedman, Holland is going to go for it this season and will definitely use his first round pick in order to get a deal done.
“Edmonton is considering three areas,” Friedman said on his latest podcast. “Goalie, and Mike Smith’s health could determine that. Left defense, and third line center are what he’s looking at.”
Friedman acknowledged he wasn’t sure of timeline but that’s what Edmonton is trying to address. It’s time to show McDavid and Driasiatl they organization is ready to pull out all the stops to win.
