What does this season have in store for some of the Aviators veterans? Could the Canadiens target free agents Alex Killorn or Damon Severson this summer? Does Kevin Labanque have a future in San Jose? Find out in the NHL Rumor Mill today.
WHAT’S IN STOCK THIS SUMMER FOR HAYES, DEANGELO AND KONECNY?
Philadelphia investigatorBy: Olivia Reiner Reporting to Pilots General Manager Daniel Breyer Believes Kevin Hayes It still has a lot of value as a 6-foot-5 producing center. While he believes a lot of teams will be interested in the 31-year-old Hayes soon, Briere indicated that it’s too early to jump to conclusions about his future.
The GM pilots recognized the defending man Tony D’Angelo It was an up and down year that ended up being a healthy scratch at the end of the season. He declined to go into the reasons behind DeAngelo’s benching but added that this season will be a big one for the blueliner as he works his way back into the good graces of head coach John Tortorella.
Briar felt the wing Travis Konicney It will be an important part of the menu from now on. The 26-year-old winger has two years left on his contract. Brier was impressed with the way he took on the position of captaining a team of veterans such as Claude Giraud And Jacob Voracik.
Bystander note: It seems like Briere was kind of lowering expectations a bit with his comments about moving Hayes. I think he’ll try to move Hayes this summer if he can get an acceptable offer, preferably one where he doesn’t have to keep any part of his average annual value of $7.14 million. However, finding such an offer won’t be easy, especially if the salary cap is only going up by $1 million for the next season.
DeAngelo only has a year left on his contract. An improved performance next season could boost the Flyers but also boost its value in the commercial market for next season as a space lease.
Konecny has appeared occasionally in the rumor mill this season. He has thrived under Tortorella this season so I doubt we will see him on the move this summer.
Can the Canadians be killed or will they perish?
Teva Sports: Tony Marinaro and Jean-Charles Lajoie discussed the possibility Montreal Canadiens stalking Alex Killorn across the free agent market this summer. 33 years old Tampa Bay Lightning Wenger finalizes a seven-year contract worth $31.5 million ($4.45 million average annual value).
Lajoie believes Killorn (a native of Quebec) will be the kind of physical winger who will appeal to Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes and head coach Martin St. Louis. As the Lightning winger is coming off the best season of his career, Marinaro warned that he’s on the downside of his career.
Montreal hockey now: In a recent mailbag segment, Marc Dumont was asked which UFAs he sees Canadians aiming for. He believes they may sign a skilful defender who could be a mainstay in the best side-by-side pairing Mike Mathison While their young users are developing. Dumont suggested New Jersey Devils behind me Damon Seversonalthough it has been heard that he would prefer to avoid playing in a market like Montreal.
Spectator note: Killorn would be ideal if he was five years younger as he could fit nicely into the Canadians’ long-term plans. However, he turns 34 in September and would probably rather skate with a play-off competitor than a rebuilding club. I daresay Severson would feel the same way.
An uncertain Lebanese future in San Jose
Mercury News Cortes Pashelka tweeted on Monday That suite sharks Kevin LaBanque He faces an uncertain future in San Jose. General manager Mike Greer said he “can’t say if he’s going to be here,” adding that he’ll see what happens and what happens.
A note from onlookers: LaBanque, 27, has a year remaining on his $4.725 million contract with AAV. It also lacks no-trade protection. He’s struggled since tallying a career-best 56 points in 2018-19. With the Sharks rebuilding, it looks like Greer might be hanging LaBanque as a trading chip this summer.