The rumor mill is one of the most controversial areas for a hockey fan. Different names on different days make for the most interesting conversations around the water cooler.
The daily rumor roundup takes a look at some of the latest rumors making waves, and shares them all in one place so you don’t have to search around. Let’s take a look.
[quote_box_left author=””]Reminder: Rumors are just that — rumors. It’s information that is circulating around the hockey world. Remember, take it all with a grain of salt.[/quote_box_left]
Latest Rumors:
- The Winnipeg Jets and captain Andrew Ladd have reportedly broken off contract talks.
Multiple reports have claimed Ladd is looking for a six-year contract worth more than $6 million per season. According to Lawless, he won’t get that type of deal in Winnipeg.
- With Ladd negotiations falling off, the team is expected to make a serious attempt to extend Dustin Byfuglien.
Lawless reports contract talks between the two sides have “broken off” and the Jets are now focused on re-signing defenseman Dustin Byfuglien.
- Not only are the Minnesota Wild interested in Jonathan Drouin, but they are also interested in acquiring Boston’s Loui Eriksson as a rental piece.
The Globe cited an unnamed General Manager of another team, and indicated that Minnesota views him strictly as a rental acquisition.
- Islanders forward Kyle Okposo appears to be heading to free agency this summer.
“I don’t think he’s going to sign there,” said an NHL source. “I don’t know if [Islanders GM] Garth [Snow] is going to move him before the trade deadline.”
- The reported $8 million offer to Steven Stamkos is being viewed as a starting point in negotiations.
If you’re starting at $8.5M, you’re saying — to me — you are willing to go into the 9s, maybe 9.5, but want to avoid the 10s.
Los Angeles wanted to avoid the 10s with Anze Kopitar and ended up there. Let’s see where it goes.
- The Rangers could start a bidding war for defenseman Keith Yandle come the deadline.
It would seem as if Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton could spark a bidding war for Yandle among Western powers Chicago and Los Angeles, if not Dallas, San Jose and Minnesota, as well. Keep in mind neither the Kings nor the Sharks have a 2016 first-rounder available.
If you’ve heard of any substantial rumors, let us know in the comment section below. Also feel free to discuss the above rumors with fellow fans. And don’t forget have fun with it!
Don’t forget to stay up-to-date on everything regarding the 2016 NHL Trade Deadline with the official trade deadline hub of The Hockey Writers. You’ll find a list of every deal, all players with No-Trade or No-Movement Clauses as well as a list of the best available players. Find everything you need right HERE.
