In today’s NHL rumors rundown, it’s trade deadline day and there is no shortage of news and speculation to discuss. Late Thursday news, it sounded like the Dallas Stars made a push for Mikko Rantanen. Is that deal happening or falling apart? Meanwhile, the New York Islanders traded Brock Nelson. What’s happening with some of their other pending UFAs? Are the Chicago Blackhawks trading or keeping Ryan Donato? What’s happening with the Philadelphia Flyers? Finally, will the Boston Bruins move Brad Marchand?
Stars and Rantanen Specifics
The Carolina Hurricanes and Dallas Stars have agreed to a trade in principle that will send superstar forward Mikko Rantanen to the Stars. However, the final condition of that deal is that Rantanen signs a contract extension in Dallas. If one is not reached prior to Friday’s trade deadline, the deal is off, reports Daily Faceoff.
Darren Dreger notes, “There is no deal between Dallas and Carolina for Mikko Rantanen. It appears Carolina may have to go back to the drawing board. Doesn’t mean a deal/extension with Dallas can’t materialize, but it’s not there as of now.” Pierre LeBrun adds, “No extension yet in place between Rantanen and the Stars, sources also say. More talks expected today.” He noted that the Carolina Hurricanes gave permission for Dallas and Rantanen’s camp to speak about an extension on Thursday and that a trade was contingent upon Rantanen signing. “But still no extension at this point.”
If the deal doesn’t get done, expect the Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, and other teams to quickly make offers to see if they can pluck Rantanen out of Carolina. Jimmy Murphy added that there were conversations between the Devils and the Hurricanes. “Obviously, things changed when #TexasHockey appeared to have a deal in place to extend Rantanen, but I’m not sure if the Devils are circling back yet or will.”
Islanders Trade Nelson, Trying to Re-Sign Palmieri
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period writes, “As I reported Thurs, the Isles have offered a 2-year extension to keep Kyle Palmieri. The two sides are speaking later this morning, upon which a decision will be made (sign him or move him). There’s been trade interest in Palmieri, as well as J-G Pageau & even Anders Lee.”
The Islanders made a huge deal late Thursday when they traded Brock Nelson to the Colorado Avalanche. Lou Lamoriello reportedly made a final pitch on a contract extension during the day but Nelson declined, and he was eventually traded.
Blackhawks Trying to Re-Sign Donato
Pierre LeBrun reports, “There’s extension talks going on between the Blackhawks and pending UFA Ryan Donato, let’s see if Chicago can extend him today. If not, the Hawks have been telling teams all week they need to be blown away to move him.” Donato is a popular player at this season’s deadline based on his low salary and high level of production.
Lots Going on with the Flyers
Also per LeBrun, “Flyers being patient when it comes to Scott Laughton. Trade market thin at C, they will be a popular call today. Don’t have to move him. Toronto and Winnipeg among the teams in the mix.” Darren Dreger notes, “Flyers update. Big ask on [Rasmus] Ristolainen. 1st, prospect and player. Decent chance he stays in Philly. Hard to replace.” He adds, “Teams that missed on Nelson are circling on Laughton and the price is a haul.”
Is Anything Happening with Marchand and the Bruins?
The Bruins have been busy moving pieces around, but the big name everyone wants to know about is Brad Marchand. As per Chris Johnston of TSN and The Athletic, “While the Bruins continue to go back and forth with Brad Marchand on a possible contract extension, word is they’re still open to potentially trading their captain: Teams calling with interest aren’t being told “no” right now.
LeBrun writes, “We”ll see where it goes on Brad Marchand, I think it can still go either way (signed or traded), but I don’t think Colorado is a likely landing spot now mostly based on the assets spent last last night for Brock Nelson.”