The NHL is entering its busiest part of the off-season. The NHL Draft has come and gone and the free agent frenzy is right around the corner. 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. The league is now in its ‘legal tampering phase’, where teams can begin meeting and negotiating with potential free agents, so there is a lot of buzz. The following are some of the rumours and transactions circulating throughout the league, including Joe Thornton, Karl Alzner, Ilya Kovalchuk and more.
NHL Rumours: Joe Thornton, Karl Alzner, Ilya Kovalchuk and more
Joe Thornton
Pierre LeBrun reports that Joe Thornton is receiving a lot of interest. LeBrun says most teams are interested, including the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Would be easier to name the teams that haven’t called, then those who did, but no question the Leafs among those who reached out to Thornton
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 29, 2017
Still, LeBrun believes the San Jose Sharks are still the favourites to sign Thornton. LeBrun also thinks that Patrick Marleau‘s decision will also play apart in Thonrton’s decision.
And again, the decision of Marleau will affect what Thornton does. I think if Marleau re-signs in SJ, so does Thornton….
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 29, 2017
More on Thornton
Paul Gackle of the Mercury News reports the Los Angeles Kings have interest in signing Joe Thornton. Gackle thinks that the Kings are a long shot because Thornton wants to join a contending team.
Karl Alzner
Darren Dreger reports that the Montreal Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets have interest in Karl Alzner.
Winnipeg and Montreal with strong interest in Karl Alzner. Indications are the Jets and Canadiens have had discussions with Alzner.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 28, 2017
Darren Dreger also reported on TSN 1260 that Alzner is looking for a six year contract.
Ilya Kovalchuk
Pierre LeBrun reported via twitter that Ilya Kovalchuk is leaving all of his options open, including returning to the KHL. Kovalchuk has spent the last four seasons with St. Petersburg SKA in the KHL.
Teams interested in Kovalchuk need to work out a trade with the New Jersey Devils, who own Kovalchuk’s NHL rights. A trade can only take place as of July 1st.
Had to wait until Saturday to be able to actually do a sign-and-trade through New Jersey… Hasn’t closed any doors yet in either league
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 29, 2017
Stephane Da Costa
Darren Dreger is reporting that free agent Stephane Da Costa has been contacted by NHL teams about a return. Da Costa has spent the last three years in the KHL. Da Costa is 100% interested in returning to the NHL.
Multiple teams have called on Stephane Da Costa. He 100% intends on playing in the NHL next season. Was in KHL last 3 years.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 29, 2017
New Jersey Devils
Andrew Gross of northjersey.com reports the Devils are targeting Kevin Shattenkirk, Cody Franson and Thomas Vanek in free agency.
New York Rangers
New York Post reporter Brett Cyrgalis speculates that the Rangers are no longer interested in signing defenceman Kevin Shattenkirk. Cyrgails points to the Rangers re-signing Brendan Smith as the reason the Rangers will pass on Shattenkirk.
More Rangers
Darren Dreger reported on TSN 1290 that the Rangers are interested in free agents Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. Dreger thinks the Rangers are not interested in signing the pair to three year contracts, however.
In the same interview, Dreger also says the Rangers are interested in Nick Bonino.
Dreger: “They’re not giving Marleau or Joe Thornton a three-year term.” #NYR
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 28, 2017
Nashville Predators
Pierre LeBrun reports that the Nashville Predators have expressed interest in signing Joe Thornton. The Predators lost James Neal in the expansion draft and are looking to replace his production. LeBrun also reports the Predators have inquired about Colorado’s Matt Duchene.
with James Neal gone there’s a hole up front, that’s why they’ve tried on Duchene, called Thornton camp… Preds want to stay in win mode
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 29, 2017
Calgary Flames
Darren Dreger is reporting the Calgary Flames and Kris Versteeg are finalizing a one year contract extension.
Kris Versteeg and the Calgary Flames are putting the finishing touches on a 1 year contract to keep Versteeg with the Flames. $1.75 mil.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 29, 2017
