in today’s NHL rumors rundown, Rasmus Ristolainen is a player who might generate some interest over the next few days. He showed well at the Olympics, and at least two teams are believed to be kicking tires on the cost to trade for him. Meanwhile, one analyst keeps hammering home the idea that Sergei Bobrovsky could be traded. Finally, Vincent Trocheck’s name is popping up in several places.
Will any of these players be moved now that the Olympic roster freeze has been lifted? Speculation is that trade talks will ramp up, with some early deals announced in the next 12-24 hours.
Oilers and Bruins Among Teams Interested in Ristolainen
With the trade deadline fast approaching, interest in Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen is heating up. Multiple teams have checked in over the past two weeks, with his strong Olympic showing for Finland boosting his stock.
Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff writes that the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers have both expressed interest, though neither appears to be a frontrunner. Boston is doing its due diligence on right-shot defensemen and has been linked to multiple names. Meanwhile, Edmonton continues its search for a top-four partner for Darnell Nurse — ready to pull the trigger on something if the right deal presents itself.
The Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, and Tampa Bay Lightning are also viewed as potential fits. Dallas is again hunting for blue-line help but faces cap and asset challenges. Detroit may be the most flexible suitor, armed with cap space and pieces they can trade. Tampa Bay has prior interest, but limited assets.
More Sergei Bobrovsky Rumors
Jeff Marek keeps doubling down on talk that Sergei Bobrovsky is a player that could be moved ahead of the March 6 deadline. He recently said he could see a handful of teams interested, but focused in on the San Jose Sharks.
Related: 3 Canadiens Prospects Who Could Be Trade Chips at the Trade Deadline
“The other thing that I do wonder about here is, I really wonder about the goaltending situation. I really do wonder if he’s not coming back, and I have not heard anything about a contract extension with Sergei Bobrovsky. I would not be surprised if the Florida Panthers moved Sergei Bobrovsky. And if they do that, I would wonder about a team like the San Jose Sharks… That is a move that would make sense to me for both teams if Florida is not going to bring back Bobrovsky. If we’re going to play goalie on the move, San Jose would make sense to me for Bobrovsky,”
Vincent Trocheck Interest at an All-Time High
“He is a name everywhere right now,” one NHL source told RG.org regarding Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers. There’s a sense that both sides are open to exploring trade options, and the Minnesota Wild and Detroit Red Wings could be the two frontrunners.
James Murphy goes so far as to suggest there is a potential offer from the Wild built around prospect Charlie Stramel and a future draft pick. He was then told that the Red Wings “make a ton of sense.”
Teams looking for penalty killing help may be extra motivated to talk about Trocheck. He was excellent in that regard for Team USA. Dan Rosen of NHL.com wrote, “Debate it all you want, but that 5-on-3 kill in the gold medal game proved the U.S. correct for having Vincent Trocheck and J.T. Miller on this team. The U.S. is 17-for-17 on the PK in the tournament and those two are a huge part of it.”
