It’s time for another edition of NHL off-season rumours. Today we look at some big money forwards, such as John Tavares, Ilya Kovalchuk, Paul Stastny, and Milan Lucic.
These rumours are taken from the original source and are subject to change.
John Tavares
Rumour: Darren Dreger of TSN reported that John Tavares has focused his talks with the New York Islanders. Tavares is a UFA this summer and has spent his entire career with the Islanders. According to Dreger, Tavares and the Isles have been in frequent talks for two weeks now.
More on Insider Trading. Tavares is now focusing on negotiations with the Islanders on an extension. Daily discussions last two weeks…
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 14, 2018
Analysis: This has been somewhat expected. Tavares has not shown a strong desire to leave Long Island. He may still go all the way until July 1st to see what the market is like, but it is clear new general manager Lou Lamoriello has made this his top priority.
Stay tuned for more details on John Tavares as the days go on.
Ilya Kovalchuk
Rumour: According to Joe McDonald of the Atheltic, the Boston Bruins and Kovalchuk are in talks. Kovalchuk has made it known that he would like to return to the NHL. A big part of the talks is about where Kovalchuk will play. The right-wing, or left-wing. Kovalchuk is naturally a left-winger, however, the Bruins may want him to switch sides.
Part of the discussions involving the Bruins and Ilya Kovalchuk is whether he would be open to playing the right side.
— Joe McDonald (@JoeyMacHockey) June 14, 2018
Analysis: The Bruins would be a good fit for Kovalchuk if he wishes to win a Stanley Cup. A team that could use a scorer like him, as long as the cap works, this could work. There still may be other teams in talks for Kovalchuk and nothing is close to complete yet.
Kovalchuk would solidify the Bruins top six as one of the tops in the league, adding legit scoring depth they need. If Kovalchuk would be open to playing the right side, contract length and cost would be the next step.
Paul Stastny
Rumour: Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff told NHL.com’s Mike Ziesberger that they hope to re-sign Paul Stastny this summer. It is said that they are waiting to see how much the Salary Cap goes up by before making a decision.
Analysis: This is not much of a surprise, Paul Stastny was huge for the Jets since acquiring him at the deadline. He had 15 points in 17 NHL Playoff Games, a big reason the Jets made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals.
The Jets will be looking to improve on this year’s results and Stastny gives them great center depth to do that.
Milan Lucic
Rumour: According to Pierre Lebrun (as reported by Chris Nichols), the Montreal Canadiens are not interested in Milan Lucic. It was reported earlier this week that the Oilers were actively shopping Lucic. Montreal was one of the speculated teams of interest. However, Nichols has said Montreal has told him they have no interest in him at this time.
“I’m told no way, the Montreal Canadiens not interested at this point in Milan Lucic.” #Habs
But “there are absolutely trade conversations” between #Oilers, other clubs. https://t.co/wslDprEs1x
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 14, 2018
Analysis: It has also been rumoured earlier that Montreal is in on Jack Johnson, the defenseman. The Habs believe they need to bolster their blueline so adding a big contract like Lucic would not make sense. The Habs already have lots of money tied up in Carey Price and Shea Weber for the foreseeable future, they need to be careful adding another big contract.
Look for the Edmonton Oilers to look elsewhere for a home for Milan Lucic. This may be something that takes the better part of the summer if it gets done at all. There is a chance Milan Lucic starts next year in an Oilers jersey.
