We’re in the middle of summer, but we still have plenty of NHL rumours to check out. Teams are trying to figure out their salary cap situations and see what they can get at a discount. Today we examine rumours surrounding the Winnipeg Jets, Montreal Canadiens, the 2020 free agency class and women’s hockey.
All NHL rumours are taken from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Winnipeg Jets
Rumour: Scott Billieck of the Winnipeg Sun speculates that the Jets should make a play for Julius Honka of the Dallas Stars. Honka is a restricted free agent but would come cheap. Billeck raved about the young defenceman’s ability to create offence.
Jets could find great value in acquiring Stars' Honka https://t.co/ymeK9rGH31 pic.twitter.com/fmBWgUjNBY
— Winnipeg Sun (@winnipegsun) July 21, 2019
Analysis: The 23-year-old seems to be the odd man out in Dallas with their emerging defensive group. He was a healthy scratch in 35 games last season as both Esa Lindell and Miro Heiskanen emerged last year.
There are few obstacles preventing a deal as Stars’ general manager Jim Nill likely doens’t want to help a team in his own division. Honka has also not found a spot under three different coaches despite being drafted 14th overall in 2014.
Winnipeg still needs to fill the holes after the losses of Tyler Myers and Ben Chiarot in free agency. Honka could be an NHL-ready solution for the Jets.
Montreal Canadiens
Rumour: Sean Gordon of The Athletic (subscription required) reports that the Charles Hudon signing may not be the last move general manager Marc Bergevin makes this off-season. The Canadiens have 23 players on one-way deals and may have to do some roster juggling.
Analysis: Montreal still has $4 million in space let and will save some money if they send Karl Alzner, Matthew Peca and Dale Weise go through waivers unclaimed. That would save the Habs $1.075 million each time that happens.
Jake Gardiner is still out there and would be a solid option for Montreal if signed. Bergevin would probably have to deal someone like Hudon or others to make room. However, there are still options and Montreal may not be done.
2020 Free Agent Class
Rumour: NBC Sports came out with their free agent class for the 2020 off-season. Nicklas Backstrom of the Washington Capitals tops the list while former Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall of the New Jersey Devils is second.
Jared Spurgeon is surprisingly third on the list while Alex Pietrangelo and Roman Josi round out the top five.
Analysis: Backstrom has been a key part of the Capitals success and is the franchise leader in assists. Hall has already been the subject of plenty of rumours and there’s talk his salary could top $11 million per season.
Spurgeon is high on the list but does a lot for the Minnesota Wild on both ends of the ice. General manager Paul Fenton would love to lock him down long-term. Pieterangelo and Josi are key parts of their teams and both will likely get another big payday. Josi has been a steal at $4 million for the last few seasons. Nashville Predators general manager David Poile will likley give Josi a heck of a raise for his great play for the team.
Women’s Hockey
Rumour: Kristina Rutherford of Sportsnet said that professional women’s hockey players are “staying optimistic” despite the collapse of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League and most of the notable players vowing to sit out next season.
Laura Stacey is still training hard (alongside Mitch Marner) and getting ready for next season even though she doesn't have a team to play on. @KrRutherford on an uncertain off-season for many women's hockey stars.https://t.co/uoitENqEY6
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 22, 2019
There’s talk of showcase weekends of tournament-style games that will take place. The NHL said that it wants to give more help the the NWHL, but the players are hoping for more.
Analysis: Let’s hope women’s hockey can get a sustainable league that gets support from the NHL. There are plenty of talented women’s players and the United States has embraced women’s hockey on occasion.
The NHL did kick in a bit of support, but it was paltry compared to what the NBA gives the WNBA. Women’s hockey in North America is looking for support and a big commitment from the NHL would go a long way in helping.
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 24: Julius Honka #6 of the Dallas Stars plays the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on November 24, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
