The NHL is entering its busiest part of the off-season. The NHL Draft is here and the free agent frenzy is right around the corner and it keeps the rumour mill churning. The expansion draft has added a new layer to the normal NHL off-season craziness, with the Vegas Golden Knights wheeling and dealing. Heading into the NHL draft tonight there is a lot of buzz about trades. The following are some of the rumours and transactions circulating throughout the league, including Travis Hamonic, Matt Duchene, Alexander Radulov and more.
NHL Rumours: Travis Hamonic, Matt Duchene, Alexander Radulov, and More
Blackhawks Looking at a Draft Day Splash.
With the draft in Chicago, many believe the Blackhawks will make a big move in front of the home crowd. Elliotte Friedman believes that the Blackhawks could go as high as 7th overall in a move with Arizona. It will get expensive.
https://twitter.com/friedgehnic/status/878277135437135873
Travis Hamonic
There is a lot of buzz about Travis Hamonic right now. The New York Islanders are looking to move Hamonic for a young forward and picks. There are also reports that the Islanders GM Garth Snow is seeking two first round picks for Hamonic.
McKenzie: “There’s word on the street that maybe the #Isles are asking for as much as two first-round picks” for Hamonic.
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 22, 2017
Alexander Radulov
Pierre LeBrun is reporting via twitter that Alexander Radulov is seeking a six year contract worth $7,000,000 per season. LeBrun feels the Habs are not interested in signing Radulov for that kind of term or money.
Hearing that Radulov’s latest contract ask was six years at $7 M per season. No way Habs do that…
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 22, 2017
Kris Russell
Reports out of Edmonton is that the Oilers and UDA defenceman Kris Russell are closing in on a contract extension. The deal is reportedly a four year contract worth $4,000,000 per season.
Being finalized as we speak… https://t.co/gr42QiwmRq
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 23, 2017
Minnesota Wild
Bob McKenzie reported on TSN 1260 that the Minnesota Wild will probably be moving one of their defensemen, probably today.
McKenzie: “Minnesota is going to move a defenseman, I believe, at some point here today.” #mnwild 1260
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 23, 2017
There is significant interest in Jonas Brodin, Marco Scandella and Mathew Dumba. There is no word on which is more likely to be moved. Michael Russo is reporting that the Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres and Tampa Bay Lightning are all potential trade partners.
Jason Pominville
In the same article, Russo says that Wild GM Chuck Fletcher is interested in moving forward Jason Pominville. Pominville has a 10 team no trade list, which rises to 20 come July 1st. The Boston Bruins have had contact with Fletcher about Pominville.
Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres are very interested in acquiring defence. They have contacted the Minnesota Wild about the availability of Marco Scandella and Jonas Brodin. The Sabres would be willing to move Evander Kane, suggests the Buffalo News Mike Harrington.
Elliotte Freidman reported on TSN 690 that the Sabres might also be players for Kevin Shattenkirk in free agency.
Friedman: “It wouldn’t surprise me also if Buffalo was potentially a Kevin Shattenkirk team.” #Sabres
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 23, 2017
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames are interested in acquiring help on defence. Elliotte Freidman reported on TSN 690 that the Flames are interested in the New York Islanders Travis Hamonic.
Friedman on rumor about #Flames‘ serious interest in Hamonic: “I think there is every reason to believe that’s 100 percent accurate.” 960
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 23, 2017
Friedman also suggested that the Flames might be interested in acquiring Jason Demers from the Florida Panthers.
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche may be considering a complete re-build. With Matt Duchene and Gabriel Landeskog being dangled as trade bait, Elliotte Freidman wonders if Tyson Barrie might also be available.
Main Photo via Getty Images
