Check out the latest in JT MillerAnd John GibsonAnd Thatcher Demco And Ross Coltonas well as an update on the Flames at the NHL Rumor Mill today.
Rumors of Friedman’s latest “32 Ideas”
sportscent: In his latest column, “32 Ideas,” Elliott Friedman focused on the rumors that led up to the trade deadline that was Pittsburgh Penguins And Vancouver Canucks Canucks trading center discussion JT Miller. He believes the Canucks sought two first-round picks and a good prospect but the Penguins didn’t want to go there.
Hockey News: Nick Horot wrote that there are reports that Jason Zucker And a pair of first-round picks would have headed to Vancouver in that proposed deal. He believes management changes made by the Penguins last week mean they likely won’t go after Miller this summer.
the athlete: Thomas Drance recently pondered whether the Canucks’ need for flexibility in salary setting could lead them to sell Miller again as reported by the March 3 trade deadline. He feels it’s a now-or-never proposition given his new contract (with a full immobility clause) starts on July 1.
Drance also suggested Connor Garland He could be a cost-cutting candidate for the Canucks.
Bystander note: We can’t rule out a Miller deal before July 1st but it will be much more difficult to pull out after that. The Canucks wouldn’t just give him up. If a suitable return cannot be found for Miller, they will look at moving someone like Garland, who has a more affordable contract.
Speaking of Zucker, Friedman believes the Penguins want to re-sign him but he doesn’t see how that’s possible. They have plenty of room to do so but the new management may prefer to add younger, more affordable talent.
Ottawa Senators General Manager Pierre Dorion talked about trading for the goaltender. Friedman thinks John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks would be a good fit. He wants to play for a winner and the Ducks are willing to accommodate him.
Gibson has four years and $25.6 million left on his contract. Friedman acknowledged that issues such as Gibson’s health, his willingness to go to Ottawa, and the type of deal are among the considerations.
Speaking of the Senators, they’ll be interested in bringing back UFAs suspensions Austin Watson and Travis Hamonic on one-year contracts.
Bystander note: It’s supposed to be Gibson Not wanting to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs It also fueled speculation that he would not be interested in playing for any Canadian team. Maybe we’ll find out this summer if that’s the case. He could become a target for the Penguins as they are not expected to bring back UFA suspended Tristan Garry.
When talking about the Canucks and their goaltenders, Friedman believes there was a time when they were considering trading Thatcher Demco this summer. However, we’re past it looking at how well he’s doing since coming back from injury.
Tampa Bay Lightning straight ahead Ross Colton He is a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights and is also one year away from UFA eligibility. Friedman suggested he could become a trade candidate given the Lightning’s tight salary situation for the upcoming season.
SPECTATOR NOTE: Colton, 26, is a versatile depth and two-way forward for Tampa Bay who is completing a two-year deal worth $1.125 million per year. Cap Friendly The Lightning have just $2.4 million in projected cap space for 2023-24 with 15 players on the roster under contract.
The screws would free up another $6.875 million by setting them aside permanently Brent Seabrook On long-term injury reserve. They must also re-sign their RFA suite Tanner Ginot and re-sign or replace UFAs Alex Killorn, Corey Perry And Brian Elliott. That could make Colton a tempting business choice or a tempting target for the pitch.
There is no truth to this rumor Washington Capitals Coach Peter Laviolette will retire rather than coach again.
Friedman expects that Buffalo Saber Captain Kyle Okposo He wants to play in 2023-24 rather than retire.
Bystander note: As I reported yesterday, the Sabers have plenty of room to bring him back for another season on an affordable 35-plus short-term contract.
Update on flame
SPORTSNET: Eric Francis believes the list of potential replacements for departing Flames GM Brad Treliving will be long, and will include Assistant General Manager Craig Conroy and Brad Pascal. He felt the club’s culture needed to be reformed, making this hiring one of the most important in franchise history.
Francis indicated that the bulk of seven starting linebackers could leave the Flames next summer via free agency. How many of them will need to be in circulation this summer will be among the priorities facing the new GM.
Spectator note: Includes suspended UFA units Elias LindholmAnd Michael BacklundAnd Tyler TufoliAnd Noah HanifenChris Taniff W Nikita Zadorov. Lindholm and Backlund were not committed about the futures contracts while Toffoli and Zadorov expressed interest in extending the contract.