In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murray comments on rumors that Ryan Getzlaf may be on the move. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres have learned Jack Eichel is injured, but how long will he be out of action? The Boston Bruins are sitting Jake DeBrusk and the Columbus Blue Jackets have acknowledged they are looking to add a top-line center. Finally, how much is Auston Matthews’ wrist injury still bothering him?
Murray Comments on Getzlaf Rumors
As per a story on NHL.com, Murray is getting annoyed with all the “fake news” that’s out there when it comes to Getzlaf and a possible trade candidate. The GM reiterated that he has not asked his captain to consider waiving his no-movement clause and he will not do so.
Getzlaf, 35, has been in the rumor mill of late as the Ducks likely become sellers at this year’s trade deadline and the player is in his final season of an eight-year deal. Regardless, Murray is frustrated with the rumors and said, “I’m tired of hearing this from Toronto anymore, how his name is out there (in media rumors).” He added, “The only way Ryan Getzlaf would go anywhere is if he came to me and said, ‘Bob, can you try and trade me to a contender?’ He added, “he’s not going anywhere.”
Eichel Injured, But For How Long?
According the Buffalo Sabres, Jack Eichel will miss Tuesday’s game with an injury. They’re calling it an upper-body injury and it appears he hurt his neck during a minor brush up against the boards. Unfortunately, speculation is that his injury might be more serious than one game.
Elliotte Friedman reports that he’s keeping an eye on the situation and writes, “We will see where this goes, as there are rumblings Eichel could be out longer term. No clarification at this time.”
Any serious injury would obviously change the situation when it comes to potential chatter of a trade this season. Reports were that Eichel had not requested a trade but there were some insiders still watching that situation closely. If Eichel is out for any lengthy period of time, a deal will certainly have to wait until the offseason, at the earliest.
Related: NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs, Canucks, Blackhawks, Penguins, More
Blue Jackets Seeking First-Line Center
While the Blue Jackets honored Pierre-Luc Dubois’ trade request and landed a pretty good winger in return, general manager Jarmo Kekalainen confirmed to The Athletic that he is once again in the market for a top-line center.
“It’s a challenge because they’re just not available. You usually have to draft and develop one. We did that well with one player (Dubois), and now he’s not here.”
source’ – ‘Blue Jackets Sunday Gathering: Seeking a center, adding power to Patrik Laine’s game’ – Aaron Portzline – The Athletic – 03/07/2021
The GM noted that he’ll either need to draft and develop another center or he can try to grab one via trade or free agency. Kekalainen admitted that the team made a lot of moves this past offseason in an attempt to keep Dubois and now that things haven’t worked out as planned, “We’ll keep searching and doing our job and building a team,” he said. He added that the organization has some potential down the middle and growing into the role, “But we’re also going to look for ways to strengthen that position from the outside.”
Jake DeBrusk a Healthy Scratch For Bruins
The Boston Bruins will make DeBrusk a healthy scratch against the New York Islanders. A player who has certainly struggled this season, at just 24 years old, his being benched for a game will certainly get trade talk going.
What’s interesting here is that the coach isn’t necessarily taking him out of the lineup because he’s not producing, but because he’s not putting in a full effort. Cassidy told Amalie Benjamin of NHL.com, “We’re not getting the effort we require… We want to make him a better player in the long run. This is the avenue we’re going to take.”
Matthews’ Injury Still Bothering Him
Matthews is still being hampered by a wrist injury and Chris Johnston of Sportsnet notes, “Sheldon Keefe mentioned that they’ve had to move him around on the power play, you’ve seen him more drifting towards the bumper spot because shooting for Auston just isn’t as comfortable as it would be normally.”
Johnston also suggests that Matthews’ lack of scoring lately has been hampered by the injury. When asked how he was feeling, Matthews said, “I’m still trying to find my rhythm”. He added, “Physically my legs, lungs and everything feels fine, it’s just about getting my timing back.”