In today’s NHL rumor rundown, there is news that the Calgary Flames might be a “wild card” team to watch this offseason. And, in saying so, what does that mean for goaltender Cam Talbot? The Florida Panthers may be changing the look of their blue line and after making a trade Friday, could have their eyes on a pending UFA defenseman. What are the Montreal Canadiens thinking about doing at the draft and who has Oliver Ekman-Larsson added to his approved trade list?
Flames Looking to Improve Blue Line and in Goal
TSN’s Pierre LeBrun noted in a recent video, “I’ve talked to other teams today that said Brad Treliving is everywhere, talking to everyone.” Those comments came as LeBrun was talking about what the Flames wanted to do to improve their goaltending situation. He noted reports that the Flames had called the Arizona Coyotes about Darcy Kuemper, and potentially other teams about their available netminders.
LeBrun said Treliving is paying close attention to the UFA market but also noted the book is not completely closed on Cam Talbot. The Flames have kept in touch with Talbot’s camp about a potential extension.
Treliving spoke to the media personally and noted that defense and goaltending were his top priorities but that he wasn’t all about “blowing up” the team. Treliving said:
“I think we’ve got a good team but we’re like a lot of teams that gotta get better. There’s only one team that’s happy right now… We’ve got good players and here and we’ve got to add to that.”
Related: Flames’ Playoff Performance Bodes Well for the Future
Panthers In on Borowiecki?
After trading Josh Brown to the Ottawa Senators on Friday, there is buzz that the Florida Panthers are looking to make other changes, specifically replacing Brown with pending free agent Ottawa defenseman Mark Borowiecki.
Postmedia’s Bruce Garrioch writes:
There is talk the Florida Panthers are going to make a pitch for former Ottawa blueliner Mark Borowiecki when he becomes a UFA next Friday at noon.
source – ‘INSIDER TRADING: There will be no shortage of suitors for Winnipeg scorer Patrik Laine’ – Bruce Garrioch – Ottawa Sun – 10/02/2020
Borowiecki wouldn’t necessarily be a top four d-man in Florida but for just over the $1.2 million he made in each of the last two seasons, he could provide some cost-effective stability.
Dubnyk to San Jose?
Another report from Friedman notes that there’s been an ongoing rumour that the San Jose Sharks have their eyes on goaltender Devan Dubnyk. If so, it could be because he’s owed so little compared to his actual cap hit.
Dubnyk will be paid $2.5 million in actual salary in 2020-21, but has a cap hit of $4.33 million.
Canucks and Bruins On Ekman-Larsson’s List?
As per Elliotte Friedman, “Ekman-Larsson’s list (for now) is believed to include BOS & VAN. Things can always change.”
It was reported earlier this week that the Edmonton Oilers were heavily pursuing the defenseman but they weren’t on his list of approved teams. The Canucks are said to be and they are interested. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period:
“Hearing contract talks between the Canucks and Tyler Toffoli are currently in a holding pattern. Channels between VAN and Toffoli’s reps are still open. But in addition to their pursuit of OEL, among others, told VAN is also “trying to move money.”
VAN has made it known Sutter & Eriksson are available; Eriksson’s agent JP Barry is assisting in trying to find his client a new home. Both players have 15-team no-trade lists. Eriksson’s $6M cap hit is the obvious issue, even though his actual salary is much less.
Canadiens Won’t Trade Up During Draft
According to Marc Antoine Godin of The Athletic Montreal, the Montreal Canadiens have no desire to trade up in this year’s draft to pick higher in the first round. Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin explained:
“I don’t like to trade up. With what’s in the draft right now and all the players that are available, I’ve talked to Trevor (Timmins) and we see a good player at 16 if we don’t move.”
The Canadiens have 11 picks in the draft, with five being in the first three rounds. So too, there is talk that a couple of players off their current roster might be in play which lends to the idea that a bigger trade is possible coming out of Montreal.
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