NHL Rumors: Trade destinations for Pierre-Luc Dubois, Leafs not talking contract with Andersen, Islanders and Penguins looking to deal

Anthony Scultore |

Jan 8, 2021

If it isn’t Patrik Laine dominating the NHL Rumor mill, it’s Pierre-Luc Dubois these days. This morning we get some insider news on seven possible trade destinations from Pierre LeBrun.

NHL Rumors: Pierre-Luc Dubois landing spots

Last night on TSN’s Insider Trading, Pierre LeBrun named 7 teams that would be in on Dubois. They were the Ducks, Flames, Kings, Jets, Canadiens, Blackhawks, and Rangers.

Per TSN, #NYR keeping tabs on Pierre-Luc Dubois. Source I spoke with doesn’t believe #CBJ would trade him in the division. pic.twitter.com/rzDkFRMmPS
— Forever Blueshirts (@4EverBlueshirts) January 8, 2021

The situation in Columbus between the Blue Jackets and Pierre-Luc Dubois is going to be something to keep an eye on. It isn’t expected that GM Jarmo Kekalainen will make a rash or hasty move, but he will have a number of suitors. Just don’t expect a deal anytime soon.

NHL Rumors: No contract talks between Frederik Andersen and the Toronto Maple Leafs

Also revealed in last night’s TSN’s Insider Trading was that the Toronto Maple Leafs and goalie Fred Andersen are unlikely to negotiate during the season.

The last time the two sides talked was last July per LeBrun. If the Leafs and Andersen don’t come to the table by the deadline a trade remains very likely.

Islanders and Penguins looking to make moves

The Islanders have Mathew Barzal in town and want to get him into camp. That means clearing cap space and the only way to do that now would be trades.

As the NYI/Barzal negotiations continue, multiple sources tell me the Isles are engaged in trade talks to stay cap compliant. One source said the NYI are "shopping multiple players" — aside from Hickey, I'm told Komarov is one of them (again). Don't think a deal is close, yet.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) January 6, 2021

Another team with eyes on the future and keeping Sidney Crosby happy and competing for a Cup are the Penguins. GM Jim Rutherford had this to say recently about the team’s window.

“The key to this as we go forward a couple of years down the road will be plugging in an impact player into the lineup. Maybe a couple of impact players. Not just a good player, but an impact guy. It’s hard to get the truly impactful guys, players like Crosby, Malkin and Letang. But the time will come when we’ll have to add one of those types of players…It’s something we’ll probably have to do through free agency.”
The Athletic