Trade Rumors explode on eve of NHL Draft: Miller, Malkin, Giroux, and more
Anthony Scultore
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The NHL Draft is now less than 24 hours away and the trade rumors are buzzing around the league. As general managers meet with the media in preparation for Thursday’s first round selections, there’s plenty of speculation buzzing.
Here’s the latest noteworthy news and notes on some of the biggest names out there.
NHL Rumors: J.T. Miller
The name everyone is talking about today is Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller. According to reports, his agent and the Canucks were not optimistic that they would be coming to terms on a new deal. This has the rumor mill churning as to what the future holds regarding the 29 year-old center, who racked up 99 points in 80 games last season.
Two teams recently connected to Miller are the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals.
The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta is reporting late that Vancouver has a six-year offer on the table. As far as other news surrounding Miller, there’s no hard deadline for him to accept but many assume he could be traded at the draft.
There’s also been noise regarding the Rangers being the team closest to acquire him if that’s the case. The package is unclear, but at the trade deadline it was reported to be at least three pieces.
NHL Rumors: Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang
Ron Hextall addressed the media on Wednesday and made it seem that a deal with defenseman Kris Letang was very close.
As for Evgeni Malkin, there’s still some doubt that it will get done. It’s been reported a two-year offer at $6M AAV is on the table, but he’d be willing to accept that money if the term was for 4 years.
Malkin, 35, finished the year with 42 points in 41 games. He wrapped up a deal worth $9.5M AAV against the cap.
This one could come down to the wire.
John Klingberg will hit the market
Dallas Stars defenseman is going to become a UFA on July 13 as there’s been no progress made on a new deal to stay in Texas.
Klingberg, 29, had 47 points in 74 games this past season and is looking for a new deal in the neighborhood of 8 years and $8M per season. The gap between the two teams is wide and it was surprising that he wasn’t traded at the deadline.
NHL Rumors: Claude Giroux
Claude Giroux posted 65 points in 75 games between the Philadelphia Flyers and Florida Panthers. However, he found renewed life with the Cats picking up 23 points in 18 games after the trade and then added 8 more points in 10 playoff contests.
He just completed an 8-year deal he signed with the Flyers in 2014-15 for $8.275M AAV and could be looking for a new home as the cap strapped Panthers may not be able to fit him in.
The latest rumors from Pierre LeBrun have the Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes in on him. It’s also possible that the Ottawa Senators give him the biggest contract to sign with them.
