Rumor Roundup (Jan. 19): Drouin Watch, Islanders, Blue Jackets and More!

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:

Drouin Watch:

  • The Montreal Canadiens are making a heavier push to acquire the forward.

Rest of the League:

What would it take to add Eric Staal to Tavares’ left side? What would it take for the Islanders to pry Dustin Byfuglien or Andrew Ladd out of Winnipeg, if not both? And is it not worth investigating whether Steven Stamkos would be available to play right wing for a few months with Tavares?

“You can’t overreact and force trades,” Fletcher said by phone as he drove to Des Moines to watch the Iowa Wild. “You do that, and that’s when you can turn a small slump into a bigger problem. If something’s there that makes you better, it doesn’t matter if you’re playing well or struggling, you’re going to make a move. When you start to force trades, that’s dangerous and when you make poor decisions.

“Time will tell. We’re not going to make a trade for the sake of making a trade. But if we can make a trade that helps our team, we’ll trade anybody, whether they’re young or old.”

  • The Columbus Blue Jackets could look to dump even more veteran contracts by the February 29 trade deadline.

Ryan Johansen is gone, having been traded by the Blue Jackets to Nashville a week ago. Veterans Fedor Tyutin, Scott Hartnell, Gregory Campbell and others could be on the way out, too, between now and the NHL’s Feb. 29 trade deadline.

“If we are watching things with our eyes open, it’s pretty clear that I would say his future is likely not with the Blackhawks,” said Todd Diamond, Bickell’s agent. “Hopefully, we can work out a trade. Stan [Bowman] is open to that. But making trading these days in the NHL can be a time-consuming process where in the past you could just move bodies around much easier.

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.