Welcome back to another Thursday’s worth of NHL Rumours. Last Word on Hockey is here every day to give you the latest rumblings from around the league. There’s never complete radio silence as the season progresses, as veterans without contracts are still trying to find a home and teams already look forward to next season. Today, we look at the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators, in addition to the latest on seasoned centre Brian Boyle.
All NHL Rumours are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Montreal Canadiens
Rumour: Canadiens General Manager Marc Bergevin is planning to meet with defence prospect Alexander Romanov in Russia in December, via TSN’s Bob McKenzie on Insider Trading. The plan is to convince him to sign with the team next season after his contract in the KHL expires.
ICYMI, INSIDER TRADING: #TSNHockey Insiders discuss…
? Timing on Marleau’s #SJSharks return
? Brian Boyle and other unsigned UFAs
? #StLBlues team-building philosophy
? Pens’ search for help at forward
? Habs’ plan for Alexander RomanovWATCH ?: https://t.co/ak3zrwQcZH pic.twitter.com/bFmvDqasEu
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) October 9, 2019
Analysis: Romanov is going to be a very large part of the Canadiens’ future, no doubt about it. At age 19, he’s already a Gagarin Cup champion (last year with CSKA Moscow). He was also named Best Defenceman at the 2019 U20 World Junior Championships. Playing against men in Russia this year, he has three assists in 15 games so far. He was drafted 38th overall in 2018.
Montreal has a left side currently that lacks star power, headed by names like Victor Mete and Ben Chiarot. The injection of Romanov into an already blossoming defence corps would provide Montreal with some more youth and speed on the left side. As McKenzie states, the plan is for Romanov to play in the top four, presumably pairing with either Shea Weber or Jeff Petry, both very talented defencemen offensively. If Bergevin can convince him to make the transition to North American ice, Romanov will fit in well with a blossoming young group in Montreal.
Ottawa Senators
Rumour: It appears as though Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk has started making calls about selling the team, per Chris Johnston on Sportsnet’s FAN960.
Chris Johnston on FAN590 said that it’s believed Melnyk has tried to find people to help look for a potential buyer of the team. Says that the team is for sale but “there isn’t a for sale sign right out front”. It may take a while for Melnyk to find the right deal.
— SensDivision (0-2-0) (@SensDivision) October 9, 2019
Analysis: To say that Melnyk’s tenure as owner of the Senators has been turbulent would be a ghastly understatement. From recent news such as being sued by Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun Casino for over $1 million to older allegations such as a writer being hacked after attempting to report on the team’s financial situation, Melnyk has been steeped in controversy for the majority of the past decade. As he’s watched the Senators free fall to last in the league after reaching Game Seven of the 2017 Eastern Conference Finals, the team’s fanbase has lost patience.
A sale of the Senators has a chance to finally provide the team with enough financial stability to turn focus towards creating a true Stanley Cup contender. Better ownership leads to attracting better talent, talent attracts more fans, and more fans bring more revenue. It’s a flawless plan. Ottawa has a lifeline here with this news. If Melnyk finds the right deal for his team, it’s plausible that the Senators may find a new life shortly. It has been made clear, however, that it needs to be the absolute right deal for Melnyk. So, there would no doubt be lots of negotiation if a suiter is found.
Brian Boyle
Rumour: Veteran centre Brian Boyle expects to find a home “sooner rather than later,” according to Bob McKenzie in the Insider Trading clip mentioned earlier.
Analysis: Boyle is an interesting prospect for many teams. He certainly still has skill left in the tank, after tallying 18 goals and 24 points last season in 73 games. He’s creeping up on 35 years old, though, and his best days are behind him. He has good faceoff stats at a 51.5% win rate. Boyle still has some to offer on a power play as well. He will likely have to settle for a league minimum contract at this point, similar to Patrick Marleau‘s recent signing with the San Jose Sharks.
He’ll bring size to a team lacking it at a whopping 6′ 6″ and 245 pounds. Additionally, he’s got 12 years of NHL experience. Look for a Cup-contending team with some issues out of the gate to attempt to sign him. He can be huge down the stretch for teams and can bring it in the playoffs. An ideal fourth-liner for any team, Boyle knows how to go hard into the corners and has that gritty aspect so many teams are looking for.
That’s all for NHL Rumours! Check in again every day for more.
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