NHL Rumor Mill (Part Two) – February 22, 2016
by Lyle Richardson | Feb 22, 2016 | 53 comments
Latest on the Bruins, Rangers, Ducks, Sharks, Devils and Flyers in Part Two of today's NHL rumor mill.
Updates on the Bruins, Rangers and Ducks.
Right wing Loui Eriksson faces an uncertain future in Boston.
THE BOSTON GLOBE: Fluto Shinzawa reports the Boston Bruins are negotiating through an "in-between period" heading toward the Feb. 29 trade deadline. While they need long-term help at defense and right wing, they still have sufficient depth in talent to carry them to a playoff berth. Shinzawa argues against acquiring short-term help by giving up picks and prospects. If they're to trade pending UFA winger Loui Eriksson, he believes it should be for a return that helps them now and in the future.
SPECTOR'S NOTE: On the one hand, it appears the Bruins aren't comfortable with re-signing Eriksson to a long-term deal and could listen to offers for him. On the other hand, trading Eriksson simply to avoid losing him for nothing could hurt their playoff hopes this season. Finding a return that helps now and beyond this season at this time of year isn't easy.
NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes it's time for Rangers management to determine if winger Chris Kreider is either a future star or a trade chip leading up to next week's deadline. He notes Kreider's name has surfaced in the rumor mill, though that's likely because of inquiries from rival clubs and not because the Rangers are shopping him. If Kreider is to be moved, Brooks is against the idea of using him for a short-term pickup like Carolina's Eric Staal.
SPECTOR'S NOTE: I doubt Kreider gets dealt at the trade deadline. However, if he doesn't step it up down the stretch and into the playoffs, I wouldn't be surprised to hear his name come up in trade chatter by the NHL Draft in June.
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: Eric Stephens wonders if the rapidly improving Anaheim Ducks will make any moves by next week's trade deadline. While the recent additions of David Perron and Ryan Garbutt have helped, Stephens speculates the Ducks could still use help on the wings, especially with winger Chris Stewart sidelined with a broken jaw. While Winnipeg's Andrew Ladd, Boston's Loui Eriksson and Arizona's Mikkel Boedker could be available, Stephens notes more affordable options could include Montreal's Dale Weise and Buffalo's Jamie McGinn. He also notes Tampa Bay's Alex Killorn is a restricted free agent and the Bolts must re-sign Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov. GM Bob Murray can't take on a player with too much salary unless he moves a salaried player out.
SPECTOR'S NOTE: Given the Ducks improvement since Christmas, there's less pressure on Murray to be a buyer before the deadline. Besides, he's already been active in this year's trade market. He could opt to stand pat by the deadline, but I wouldn't be surprised if he's still looking for an affordable winger.
Latest on the Sharks, Devils and Flyers.
CSN BAY AREA: provides a list of possible trade targets for the San Jose Sharks if GM Doug Wilson decides to go shopping at the trade deadline. Among those listed are Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Roman Polak, NY Rangers blueliner Keith Yandle, Vancouver Canucks rearguard Dan Hamhuis, Buffalo Sabres d-man Mike Weber and Montreal Canadiens blueliner Tom Gilbert. Forward options include Arizona's Mikkel Boedker, Columbus' Scott Hartnell and goaltenders James Reimer of the Leafs and Ben Scrivens of the Canadiens.
**UPDATE**: TSN.CA: This morning, the Leafs shipped defenceman Roman Polak and forward Nick Spaling to the San Jose Sharks for two second-round draft picks and forward Raffi Torres.
SPECTOR'S NOTE: In the past, Wilson has shown a willingness to swing deadline deals to help his club. I think their priority is a backup goalie, followed by a defenseman. And once again, Wilson shows his willingness to make moves near the deadline to bolster his roster. In one trade, he addresses two of his needs without giving up anything off his current roster. I don't think he's done dealing, as they need a backup goalie.
NORTHJERSEY.COM: Tom Gulitti reports New Jersey Devils GM Ray Shero isn't shopping pending UFAs Lee Stempniak and David Schlemko, but didn't rule out listening to offers. Stempniak acknowledged how he and his teammates perform will determine if he and Schlemko remain with the Devils after the trade deadline.
SPECTOR'S NOTE: If the Devils play well this week, Shero might seek an affordable scorer to boost their weak offense. If not, he could be a seller.
CSNPHILLY.COM; Tim Panaccio reports Philadelphia Flyers GM Ron Hextall said he's not looking to add players at the trade deadline. In other words, he's not seeking any playoff rental players.
SPECTOR'S NOTE: Hextall's sticking to the long-term rebuilding plan and isn't seeking a short-term fix. Unless he's getting a player that helps his club beyond this season, the Flyers will have to reach this year's playoffs with their current lineup.
Durtmchurtt	on February 22, 2016 at 11:27 am
I guess it never hurts to ask Doug Wilson if he could spare a couple of seconds…
Paddy	on February 22, 2016 at 2:43 pm
Haha nice!!
George	on February 22, 2016 at 11:43 am
Why the heck would the Leafs take on that nutbar Torres???
Mark	on February 22, 2016 at 11:50 am
It was the only way to get the draft picks; Sharks had no cap room.
Shticky	on February 22, 2016 at 11:59 am
He remains buried in SanDiego not with the Marlies…lol Lou-op hole
Innovator	on February 22, 2016 at 12:33 pm
He will be buried in the minors, probably not even with the Marlies. I could see him loaned to another team and Toronto just has to eat the salary for rest of year.
Spencer	on February 22, 2016 at 12:39 pm
"Torres, meanwhile, will remain with San Jose's AHL affiliate and was only included in the deal to move salary."
That quote is from the Globe and Mail. He was just a cap-related throw in.
NYR4LIFE	on February 22, 2016 at 1:02 pm
How in the name of Chris Pronger, Nathan Horton, Marc Savard is that even possible????? There is DEFINITELY work to be done on the next cba!!!
Striker	on February 22, 2016 at 1:42 pm
Only lawyers can think this stuff up. Had salary's just had to be incurred against the cap in real dollars paid each season none of this crap would be happening & teams wouldn't be circumnavigating the cap by front loading contracts or dumping nominal salary's with big cap hits to the less financially viable teams.
swiss2793	on February 22, 2016 at 3:43 pm
Why? How is that any different then paying Robidas to coach his son's hockey team in Quebec this year – The Leafs are still paying him – he just isn't playing for them or the Marlies…
Let me clarify – Torres salary still is on the Leaf's cap for the rest of this year – then he's a UFA… great deal – excellent asset management…
The only thing their taking on is the remainder of his contract. He's not even leaving SJ's AHL farm team. It's just a contract & cash issue.
Irritatedbeaver	on February 22, 2016 at 6:27 pm
Contract dump, he won't play for the Leafs or marlies, he'll instead stay on with the Sharks affiliate. They did the same thing with Frattin. It's likely why they got two 2nds instead of a 2nd and a 3rd.
JefC	on February 22, 2016 at 12:30 pm
If this was a couple of years ago, we would be hearing the "Let's bring Subban to Philly" rumors with Ghost, Konecny, Provorov and 2 #1 picks going the other way. Thankfully, Snider is letting Hextall run the club the way it should. Please note: In no way am I saying that Subban is or is not worth all that. It's just an example of the thinking of the previous regime.
Scott T	on February 22, 2016 at 3:50 pm
It's true. Prospects and picks is the Hextall way. More of the same as we approach the deadline. Sell players and hope like heck the Flyers can sneak into a wild card spot.
Caper	on February 22, 2016 at 12:40 pm
Down to the last week. If Boston doesn't resign Ericksson and if they can get a 1st and pick/prospect I think they should make that deal; however if only a second rnd pick is on the table, keep him for the playoffs. my biggest hope is they could package him and get a top dman. Also would like to see Boston float Gustafsson (spelling , the Monster) name out there, with the season winding down and if the playoff are in the picture Rask is getting all the games. Bring up Smith to play 5 or 6 games down the stretch.
Trev	on February 22, 2016 at 12:50 pm
They should have given smith the job to begin with…..
I was in Dallas over the weekend for work & caught the Bruins game live. As I was driving around listening to some local sports shows in the days leading up to the game there was mention that Boston may retain Eriksson now as their own playoff rental, that the returns being offered don't justify the loss.
Just scuttlebutt being proposed by people no more knowledgeable or aware of what's going on than us & I hope there not true just throwing it out there.
I would like to see Eriksson return for 5 years at 5.5 if not move him for the best offer available or so I though previously. However if those offers just don't justify letting him go as were not getting back a 1st or a decent prospect that will at least play as a 3rd liner in the NHL than ride him out. Getting a 3rd liner who can play now only blocks Vatrano, Griffith & others from coming up so what's the point. Let's keep him for the playoff's & hope Boston can advance a round or 2 or maybe even shock us.
Chad	on February 22, 2016 at 3:27 pm
If Polak just brought back two 2nd round picks (although they're in future drafts), I don't think there should be any worry that Eriksson's return wouldn't at the least contain a 1st round pick.
At this point also, we're down to a week left before the deadline and the Eriksson contract talks have been very quiet in the reporting world. I really don't think the Bruins are prepared to give the player the term he's looking for or would likely get on the open market… I doubt it's a $$$ thing per year and more length of contract. If they don't ink a deal then they absolutely should move the player.
I disagree with the people who feel that Eriksson should be retained for the playoffs even if a contract is not in place. Anyone who considers themselves an avid hockey fan and follows the team night in and night out can see that this team is nothing but a 1st round and out. If they made it to the 2nd round it would be quite ugly for the team. They lack the talent on the blueline, and the depth on the defensive side of the puck to win out a 7 game series.
…. continue the movement with rebuilding the team, restructuring, or whatever everyone wants to call it at this point. Continue to get the younger players experience, experiment with the lines, get some more picks, make a move at the deadline, move at the draft, sign another free agent this year. Build for a future that'll see the team as a true cup contender for more than a single season.
Ray Bark	on February 22, 2016 at 5:35 pm
Ya, this is a really tough call for Sweeney. I don't think there would be an "honest with themselves" Bruins fan out there that believes they have any real chance of going deep in the playoffs. Unless Rask turns in a performance of a lifetime, winning a round would be max.
I do know however that the players want to have a shot, they always do.
After a full year of pushing the importance of dedication, commitment to team and winning, how can management can throw in the towel when they are currently in a playoff spot. I know there is still a chance without Eriksson, but the odds go down and everyone knows it.
To make the decision even tougher, their schedule in Feb has been softer than it will be in March, when you will get a better read on what you actually have with the young guys.
If you remove emotion from this, trading Eriksson makes perfect sense. Problem is the players are people and play an emotional game. THEY WILL HATE IT. Put yourself in that position and you are a veteran. It would have a negative impact on there culture and the one they are trying to maintain, which is winning.
Getting a player to help them this year and the future? They need a D Man, badly. What contending team that needs Eriksson gives that up at this time of year? None.
I am now convinced (unless they lose every game this week) that Eriksson will stay past the deadline and they go with what they have. Let the young guys fight for a spot down the stretch and hopefully make it.
With a possible flat/shrinking/small increase cap next year, Eriksson might be more affordable than we think in the off season.
joe	on February 22, 2016 at 7:29 pm
I can't see the Bruins signing Eriksson to a new 4-5 year contract at his age unless they plan on trading another forward or center….the need is there for two top 4 DMen ..they also have a lot of RFA decisions to make at years end on the O & D
Polak & Spaling got 2 2nds. 1 in 2017 & 1 in 2018. Those picks will be in the bottom 1/2 of those drafts. The chances that a player drafted that late even makes it to the NHL are slim to non existent. What if Eriksson can't garner a 1st but a 2nd & a suspect prospect? Do you take that & move on?
Again the majority of prospects moved at deadline time with picks are usually B or C grade prospects & the chances they ever play in the NHL are slim to non existent.
I don't share your thoughts on Boston's ability to have success in the playoffs especially in the East where the only power house appears to be Washington. Every other team essentially has roster concerns as well. Either existing injuries or inconsistencies in their play.
If the playoffs were to start today Boston would play TB in round 1 TB having home ice advantage.
Get to the playoffs, anything can happen & often does. Rask could play lights out & steal a cup. The team may be better structured for playoff hockey than regular season hockey.
They have the 5th best goal differential in the East & 8th overall. They have the NHL's 2nd best power play & the kids are getting better & better & more consistent with each passing game.
Every home date is worth almost 3 million in pure profit for the Bruins. That's a serous motivator.
don't think whether they have or don't have Eriksson would matter if they did or didn't make the playoffs…they need D help
Agree with you Striker that anything can happen in the playoffs. The reason why I think the odds are slim this year for the B's is how they play. The teams that outscore opponents during the year generally lose in the playoffs to the teams that keep the puck out of their own net first.
Getting McQuaid back helps, but it will be a learning year for the B's. Also agree we need 2 top 4 D. Tough to find in a trade, have to draft them as a rule
NYR4LIFE	on February 22, 2016 at 12:55 pm
NY would be crazy to give up on Kreider. Although I'd like to see him step up, he's WAY too young and has too much potential to throw away on a rental. Brooks talks out of both sides…..!!!! I'll just keep it PG.
Kreider has 225 games of NHL experience. He is 175 games from reaching his breakout point for forwards 6'3″ & taller. You need not fear NYR giving up on Kredier for at least a few more years. His stagnation is positive from a cap perspective but unfortunately not in helping the team advance. He should only be seeing a nominal raise on another 2 year term leaving him as an RFA upon expiry.
ds	on February 22, 2016 at 6:41 pm
Kreider's hockey IQ is not great. but we all know you cant teach speed or size.
Agreed. His ability to process data appears to be a cause for concern. Just can't seem to think the game fast enough. Still not giving up on that package until he's approaching 500 games of NHL experience.
Ducksfan93	on February 22, 2016 at 1:26 pm
I really dont see the Ducks making a move at the deadline. They have made minor tweaks to the team that has made them a force again. However, I would love to still get Ladd in a deal somehow. I wouldnt want to lose any of our Core Dmen. I dont want to mess with chemistry right now. But Ladd would sure look good on a line with Getzlaf and Perron.
I have said it before, but Stoner would have to be in a deal of any sort.That would free up space for next year to sign those RFA's. Even if the ducks had to trade Stoner in a separate deal for a low pick at the draft. The Ducks are in a good position to make teams like the Kings make a move to stay ahead of the Ducks. But I would love to keep Ladd away from the Kings and the Blackhawks.
now if Hall is available, (which I know he isnt at all) I wouldnt have an issue with the ducks giving them one of our Dmen + to make that happen. But, lets face it, he isnt and shouldnt be available.
I see Anaheim adding 1 more forward. A LW to play as either the #2/3 guy but I don't see them moving any of the solid assets now from the existing D or Theodore. Nor do I necessarily think it will be Ladd or Eriksson just not Murray's style but not impossible if it's a sign & trade or trade & sign.
Theodore showed when Fowler was out that he's NHL ready but again that's just not Murray's style. Anaheim was & is again a serous cup contender & won't sacrifice any significant assets today other than B grade prospects & picks to buy some insurance.
In the off season Andersson & Vatnanen are essentially goners. Fowler will be retained, Lindholm signed & Theodore brought up to replace the departure of Vatanen.
I wouldnt be surprised to see Fowler being the one being traded at the draft. Theodore essentially is a Fowler mold with a better shot. And he gets that shot through on the PP which is valuable. I think they want to keep Vats and the obvious, Lindholm.
I think Murray likes the cost certainty of Fowler's contract at 4 mil for 2 more years & Vatanen will cost more than that to sign now as an RFA.
It will be interesting to watch how Murray deals with his plethora of quality Dman moving forward.
Yankee Fan	on February 22, 2016 at 1:32 pm
I said Polak would fetch a 2nd. To get two 2nds by adding Spalling, well Lou is earning his money !
Dan39	on February 22, 2016 at 2:19 pm
Sure is. Spaling was almost worthless if you traded him alone so I think it's more like Polak for two 2nds in later years and a contract dump. It's a great deal for the Leafs who don't mind taking the picks in +1 and +2 year and the contract dump is no issue.
Taz	on February 22, 2016 at 2:46 pm
I like the 2nds in '17 and '18 even better. Ensures more picks for the future and in case the Leafs improve at an accelerated rate then those picks become trade assets too. Really great deal for the Leafs and the Sharks get a solid serviceable blue liner
mattstake	on February 22, 2016 at 3:26 pm
Polak would have looked good in Ranger blue.. love the guys grit… him and mcilrath would have changed the complexion of the lack of toughness on the team.
What 2 right handers are they trading or scratching in that scenario? Klein, Boyle, Girardi? If they could have dumped Boyle in the process, I see your thought process. But no WAY Av was scratching 2 of the 3 in order to make room for toughness.
What about Hunwick going to the Rangers in a deal?
Shticky	on February 22, 2016 at 7:55 pm
YIKES! Canucks trade Shinkruk for Granlund? Let the bad trades begin!
Another example of brutal asset management by Benning. Shikaruk 1st; 24th, round pick in 2013 blossoming slowly in the AHL, currently top 10 in goals top 20 in points for Granlund 2nd; 45th, round pick in 2011, coming out of his ELC & requiring wavers next season! Sedin, Horvat, Sutter, McCann & Vey are all ideally C's.
For a team 2nd to only the Leafs in goal scoring ability trading your best goal scoring prospect is odd.
Gordie	on February 22, 2016 at 10:20 pm
An AHLer is an AHLer n he wasn't making it as a top 6 winger. Wingers r a dime a dozen n centres can play wing anyday. Really only a minor trade n not worth much to worry about. 24th overall is only nunber.
Shticky	on February 22, 2016 at 10:50 pm
For guys who were 20 or under at the begining of the season Shinkaruk is in the top 5 for AHL scoring…thats a pretty good prospect to be giving up for a 2nd or 3rd liner. This trade stinks Gordie.
Idk about that. Shink simply was 't in the cuture plans as i see it.
PlyersPan	on February 22, 2016 at 10:39 pm
I am unimpressed that several people believe that the Flyers should sell when, if you look at their record, they are really not that far outside of the playoffs. Streit, Umberger and Shultz perhaps for salary dump purposes however, Read is picking up, Schenn is showing what they were hoping for (with perhaps a tad more to go) and they haven't brought up Morin or Alt as of yet to see just what they can do. That all said, though I don't think in any way they are a contender for the cup, I do feel strongly they are a playoff team whose fragile ego and consistency in play needs a little more time
Scott T	on February 23, 2016 at 9:34 am
I'd be fine with Streit moving for the right return. Manning or Alt could take his minutes. Morin is not NHL ready and I want Schenn resigned. His play has improved this year. What I want are assets AND a playoff birth. Not asking for much.
Shink though young is still only a prospect n many stay only just that. Soft n not a 2-way game made him expendable. At best he was 3/4th liner on the Canucks depth chart. He was offered up in. Any failed trades n that says much. Best he move on but IMO in Calgary he will not make the team either.
I really like this for the Flames add him to Gaudreau Monahan Bennett Brodie Hamilton pretty nice core to add to going down the road.
SilverSeven	on February 22, 2016 at 11:03 pm
Hunter has Calgary ties, I thought his dad was the team dentist or something to that effect. Probably a return favour for the Baertschi give away for a second last year. Same scenario different names and numbers. No one is a top 6 but Shinkurak has some upside potential. Calgary wins unless Granlund shares the Sedin brain.
Potential is abundant everywhere.
Reality is he is 1 dimensional as many wingers r.
His game is a top 6 sniper or a bust.
This is a minor trade for both players to get a new chance at most.
K	on February 22, 2016 at 11:12 pm
Why is 400 games the breakout threshold??
You have evidence to support your theory?
Polak = 2nd rounder
Taking torres = 2nd rounder
Good Move but its more like San Jose was in a tough spot.. Than TO making brilliant moves
For once Im kinda with ya K this magical 400 number that seem to apply to everyone including Komarov who is 29 years old and playing professional hockey for over a decade. And the leagiues avg player is 27 years old….whole lotta players dont see 400 games (5 years in the NHL) before putting up fantastic numbers and when you account for a year or 2 year in the AHL thats putting a player at 27…Id say there are alot of good players who are younger than 27 or 28 years old which 8s actually when players in general start to decline.