NHL Rumors: Taylor Hall has trade and sign options available; Seattle Kraken involved in trade talks; and Predators changing their stance at the deadline
Anthony Scultore
|
Taylor Hall remains the top trade target as the April 12 NHL Trade Deadline approaches. On the latest TSN Insider Trading, Darren Dreger revealed that Hall’s agent and Kevyn Adams spoke on Monday. As you can imagine, the Sabres GM is getting a lot of inquiries.
NHL Rumors: Taylor Hall has trade and sign options on the table
Per Hall’s agent Darren Ferris via Dreger there are several teams that have interest in a trade and sign. The biggest issue for the Sabres is what the return will look like. There’s been a lot of pushback on Buffalo’s demands of getting back a first round pick and a top prospect. However, the close the deal is made to the deadline the lesser the cap hit and Dreger believes that could help in getting what Adams in looking for.
For more on Taylor Hall and potential destinations check out our Trade Bait Tracker.
NHL Rumors: Seattle Kraken already fielding calls?
It’s really not all that surprising considering similar calls will made to the Vegas Golden Knights, but Seattle is fielding plenty of them. Pierre LeBrun is noting that GM Ron Francis has been very busy with fellow general managers trying to gauge what it would take to keep Seattle away from some exposed players.
“Teams are trying to feel [Francis] out,” LeBrun explained about the context of those calls. “What I’m told is the price is pretty high,” he continued with a chuckle. “In some cases it’s a first and a prospect which is scaring off teams from making some trades.”
LeBrun also cited that a prime example was the understanding between Vegas and Pittsburgh that they would select Marc-Andre Fleury in expansion. That cost Pittsburgh an additional second round pick to ensure the selection to protect other exposed players.
NHL Rumors: Did Nashville become buyers?
A month ago the Predators were going to be sellers without question. Flash forward to today and after 6 straight wins with both the Blackhawks and Jackets struggling the Preds are a playoff team. The question is what will David Poile do at the deadline?
I myself believe he will move some pending UFA’s regardless. The Predators if they were to get in would have to face either the Lightning, Panthers, or Hurricanes. A first round that will be a daunting challenge if they make it. Still, we have almost two weeks left of games and it would not surprise if they also added a piece at forward to make a little run.
One thing people need to keep in mind, making the playoffs means more money in the owner’s pockets. Don’t underestimate that importance.