The NHL is in its busiest part of the off-season. After another busy draft complete and the free agent frenzy around the corner, the rumours mill is churning. The following are some of the rumours circulating throughout the league, including Evander Kane, Marc Methot, Travis Hamonic and more.
NHL Rumours: Evander Kane, Marc Methot, Travis Hamonic and more
Evander Kane
The Buffalo Sabres seem to be fielding offers for forward Evander Kane. Elliotte Friedman reported that the Los Angelis Kings were interested in Kane, but only for a ‘one year thing’.
Friedman: I know the #LAKings were in on E. Kane. But they preferred a one-year thing, so I don’t think that’s anywhere right now. #Sabres
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 23, 2017
Darren Dreger also suggest Evander Kane could be on the move but is not sure of which teams are interested. Dreger thinks that a team that is in ‘win-now’ mode would be likely suiters. He thinks that the New York Rangers, San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks all fit that bill.
Dreger: I don’t know if it’s #SJSharks, but they’re in that mode. Likewise for #NHLDucks. Likewise for #NYR. Go down the list…
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 23, 2017
Marc Methot
The Vegas Golden Knights Marc Methot is extremely sought after. Unfortunately for Canadian teams, Methot’s no-trade list includes all Canadian teams, except for Ottawa. Recently, the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs and Calgary Flames had been connected to the blue liner.
All Canadian teams with exception of Ottawa are on Methot’s no trade list and Ottawa can’t get him back until after Jan 1…if interested. https://t.co/xGpUYQUdMe
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 23, 2017
Travis Hamonic
New York Islanders have traded defenceman Travis Hamonic to the Calgary Flames.
We have acquired Travis Hamonic & a 4th rd pick in ’19 or ’20 from NYI for a ’18 1st rd pick, ’18 2nd rd pick & 2nd rd pick in ’19 or ’20! pic.twitter.com/3RNHsHQXLS
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) June 24, 2017
Hamonic was in high demand with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings and Tampa Bay Lightning all interested in Hamonic.
Matt Duchene
Colorado Avalanche have received an offer for forward Matt Duchene. Arthur Staple is reporting that the New York Islanders offered Travis Hamonic, their 2018 first round pick and a prospect for Duchene. Avalanche GM Joe Sakic is said to want forward Mathew Barzal as part of the deal.
The Nashville Predators have also expressed interest in Duchene. Darren Dreger is reporting that Predators GM David Poile is looking for a replacement for James Neal. The Avalanche are interested in one of Nashville’s top four defensemen, which Poile is reluctant to do.
No doubt the Preds have interest in Duchene, but don’t want to give up a Dman. Work to be done. Saturday should be interesting.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 24, 2017
Sakic is not lowing his price on Duchene, and stated he is willing to hang on to the forward unless he gets a deal to his liking.
Buffalo Sabres
Elliotte Friedman is reporting that, along with the Evander Kane rumours, the Sabres might be receiving calls about forward Sam Reinhart. He also believes the the Sabres will be making a push for defenceman Kevin Shattenkirk in free agency. Shattenkirk has stated his desire to play in or around New York City.
Friedman: “I wouldn’t be surprised if people have also asked Buffalo about Sam Reinhart.” #Sabres
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 23, 2017
Friedman: “It wouldn’t surprise me also if Buffalo was potentially a Kevin Shattenkirk team.” #Sabres
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 23, 2017
Montreal Canadiens
Eric Engals reports that the Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin was unsuccessful in convincing Marc Methot to waive his no trade clause.
Bergevin continues to be in the market for a top tier defenceman. There also continues to be links to Marco Scandella of the Wild.
Ottawa Senators
Bob McKenzie is reporting the Ottawa Senators want to move the contract of Dion Phaneuf this off season.
Whether anything happens at the draft regarding Phaneuf remains to be seen but it’s clear if OTT can move him and his contract, they will.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 24, 2017
Darren Dreger is reporting that there is interest in Phaneuf, but some of the teams not on Phaneuf’s trade list.
There is trade interest in Phaneuf from outside his list, so Sens are in discussion with Newport to see if Dion is willing to be flexible.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 24, 2017
