NHL Rumors Buzz: Wild for Marc-Andre Fleury, Rangers squash Lafrenière speculation, Giordano, and Copp
Anthony Scultore
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Today’s NHL Rumors Buzz focuses on one of the top players said to be available at the deadline, Marc Andre-Fleury.
While the reigning Vezina winner hasn’t decided yet if he wants to be traded, there is a new team reportedly interested in acquiring his services for the playoffs– the Minnesota Wild.
NHL Rumors Buzz: Marc-Andre Fleury
Fleury, 37, will be a UFA this summer, and a valuable trade chip for Chicago to bring in younger assets for the future. This season he is 19-20-5 with a .909 SV% and a GAA of 2.90. Contenders are certainly monitoring his situation closely, but there’s some indication he may want to finish the year in Chicago.
“At this point in time, Fleury is leaning towards finishing out the season in Chicago,” Chris Johnston reported on TSN.
Ultimately, I believe Fleury is going too ok a trade and make a Cup run with a contender.
“I would love a chance to win,” Fleury said in February. “That’s what I play for and that’s what I love. But like I said, it’s still a big if at this point.”
As to where he could land, the Washington Capitals are believed to be interested. Some have speculated a reunion with the Golden Knights, but it appears the Wild would like to trade for him.
According to multiple sources, general manager Bill Guerin has once again investigated the prices of goaltenders around the NHL and has zeroed in on potentially acquiring the Blackhawks future Hall of Fame goaltender in advance of Monday’s 2 p.m. trade deadline. Remember, prior to signing Cam Talbot to a three-year contract in 2020, the Wild attempted to acquire Fleury from the Golden Knights.
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New York Rangers squash Alexis Lafreniere speculation
On Saturday, David Pagnotta said that the Rangers would be willing to move Alexis Lafrenière in a big deal for a player with term.
“One player that they are dangling, and I’m going to preface this by saying it’s going to take a significant deal for this to happen, is Alexis Lafrenière,” Pagnotta said. “My understanding is they’ve made him available if they bring in a top flight talent that has term on his contract.”
The New York Rangers decided that this rumor was something they wanted to get out in front of immediately. NY Post’s Larry Brooks quickly relayed a message from Rangers management.
“If this even needs to be said, report that Rangers are shopping or looking to deal Lafreniere is utter fiction, per trustworthy club source.”
Mark Giordano and the Maple Leafs
The next big rental defenseman on the market is Seattle Kraken captain, Mark Giordano. He was held out of the Kraken’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, but was honored in an emotional pre-game ceremony for playing his 1000th game.
Giordano, 38, is a Toronto native and will be a pending UFA this summer. He’s registered 23 points in 55 games this season. The word out there is that he would like to play for his hometown team.
“I think the Maple Leafs have some competition (for Giordano) with the Rangers,” Elliotte Friedman said on HNIC. “One of things that Kyle Dubas has made very clear that he doesn’t want to trade his 1st-rd pick or prospects for rentals.”
If the Leafs do not land Giordano, Jeff Marek said Toronto would shift his focus to Justin Braun of the Flyers.
Andrew Copp trade gaining traction
Andrew Copp is a name to start keeping an eye on over the next 24 hours. The 27 year-old is due to become a UFA, and would certainly fetch the Jets some nice pieces going forward.
This season, Copp has 13 goals and 32 points in 55 games. The Michigan born forward can play a little center but has been used primarily at LW. His current cap hit is $3.64M and he will be looking for an increase next season.
“Hearing that conversation around Andrew Copp are intensifying,” Friedman noted. “Versatile forward would be very valuable. Boston, Rangers, and Colorado especially are teams interested in him.”
