Did the Senators trade Alex DeBrinkat for a division rival? Does it really make sense for the red wings?
Ansar Khan from MLive: (mailbag) The Ottawa Senators can look forward to moving Alex DeBrincat through the draft as he could be warming upon signing a long-term extension with the team. He is RFA with a qualifying bid of $9 million and will be UFA after next season.
Would the Senators consider trading DeBrincat to another team in the division? I think they’ll move him to the Western Conference or the Metro Division and not a divisional team like the Detroit Red Wings. Teams likely to be associated with DeBrincat include the Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, and Pittsburgh Penguins. The Red Wings have an extra first (the Islanders’ choice) and three second.
NHL rumours: Pittsburgh Penguins vs Colorado Avalanche
For the Red Wings, is the 5-7 forward worth $9 million a season on a long-term deal for a team that could use more volume?
Being able to trade for Kyle Conner seems like a long shot and player the Winnipeg Jets would want to keep.
The Rangers have addressed one question after they sacked Gerald Gallant, but there are other areas that need addressing.
Vincent Z. Mercogliano from LohudSome areas for the Rangers to face this off-season. Gerard Galland was relieved of his coaching duties (he was fired after writing the article).
The New Jersey Devils series showed that the Rangers didn’t have the speed and the mills to play Gallant’s aggressive check-check style. The Rangers relied a lot on their goalkeeping and special teams. The Rangers went ‘star watching’ when they traded Patrick Kane rather than add an innings.
They have just under $12.5 million in projected salary cap space with eight or nine positions to fill. It will be difficult to bring Kane or Vladimir Tarasenko back without taking an opponent. Re-signing priorities will go to RFAs K’Andre Miller and Alexis Lafreniere.
Artemi Panarin had success in the regular season but underperformed in the playoffs. Panarin has full motion. They will need to continue to find a way to build around it.
It will be difficult to make big changes and five of their most expensive players have immobilization vertebrae – Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Jacob Trueba, Chris Kreider and Vincent Troschek.
NHL rumours: New York Rangers – Artemi Panarin, Barclay Goodrow, Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko
Can Barclay Goudreau ($3.642 million) be available? Would GM Chris Drury consider transferring one of Lafreniere or Kaapo Kakko?