It’s time for another fresh batch of NHL off-season rumours. We’re less than a week away from the July 1 signing day and teams are making their pitches to players. Today we speculate on the futures of Rick Nash, Erik Karlsson, Devante Smith-Pelly and Slava Voynov.
These rumours come from the originating source and are subject to change.
Rick Nash
Rumour: TSN’s Darren Dreger reports that teams are interested in the unrestricted free agent forward. Dreger said at least five teams are interested in the former All-Star.
Significant interest in veteran forward Rick Nash. At least 5 teams are pursuing the star winger.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 26, 2018
The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline added the Columbus Blue Jackets might look to bring Nash back home. He played for the club for nine seasons. The Boston Bruins are also in the mix to re-sign him. This is the first time Nash has been a free agent in his career.
Analysis: Nash has been known to struggle in the playoffs but is a solid regular-season scorer. The Brampton, Ontario native registered 21 goals and 13 assists in 71 games this season with the New York Rangers and the B’s.
Erik Karlsson
Rumour: Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek speculated on the 31 Thoughts podcast that the Dallas Stars could be a sleeper in getting the Norris Trophy winner. Credit also goes to Chris Nichols of FRSHockey.com.
Analysis: The Ottawa Senators defenceman would be a big coup for Stars general manager Jim Nill. One of Dallas’ main problems was defence and Karlsson would be a big-time fix. The Stars are also in the mix for John Tavares and would love to find a way to get them both.
Getting one or both would add to Nill’s reputation of making splashy off-season moves.
Devante Smith-Pelly
Rumour: Associated Press hockey writer Stephen Whyno said the Washington Capitals are still trying to negotiate with Smith-Pelly despite not extending him a qualifying offer. No other reports on other teams that might be interested, but its’ still early.
#Caps say they are still negotiating with Devante Smith-Pelly despite not tendering him his $715,000 qualifying offer as an RFA. He will be a UFA July 1.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) June 25, 2018
Analysis: Smith-Pelly hitting the open market would be a huge surprise. The Scarborough, Ontario native was a valuable cog in the Caps Stanley Cup run.
He made key plays on both ends of the ice and will be a welcome addition to any club that signs him. Washington may still get him back, but he’ll likely get interest.
Slava Voynov
Rumour: TVA’s L.A. Lariviere confirmed that the Montreal Canadiens and the KHL defenceman have a mutual interest in each other. Voynov’s return to the NHL hinges on a July 2 court date in California and the league would then take steps on reinstating him.
Confirming MTL has expressed interest for D Slava Voynov. Delicate situation. Has a court date July 2 in California for a pardon. NHL will then take the steps to decide on reinstating him. Or not. #Habs #LAKings #KHL
— L.A. Lariviere (@L_A_theRiver) June 25, 2018
Analysis: This situation is a delicate one based on the domestic abuse conviction on thr former Los Angles Kings‘ defender’s record. Habs general manager Marc Bergevin and the rest of the club are likely to face a huge backlash if they do bring the Russian blueliner back to North America.
The columns telling Voynov to stay in Russia will only pile up the more the speculation grows. Montreal is going to have to weigh this transaction carefully. The club has brought in former KHL players like Alexander Radulov, but his situation is a lot more tenuous.
Main Photo: PITTSBURGH, PA – MAY 25: Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators controls the puck in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena on May 25, 2017, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
