Welcome to another day of NHL Rumours. LastWordOnHockey brings you the latest from around the league. From signings to trades, and everything in between, find the latest rumours here. Today’s NHL Rumours looks at the Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, and Los Angeles Kings.
NHL Rumours
Montreal Canadiens
Rumour: Arpun Basu of The Athletic was talking about a new deal for Max Domi. He noted that Domi very well may want to look for a three-year bridge deal to take him to Unrestricted Free Agency.
Analysis: Basu also mentions that an AAV for Domi on a three-year deal might be around 6.5 million dollars. He mentions that if the Habs want to go to five years it may become 7.5 or even 8 million dollars. Domi is a huge part of the Habs offence. Last season, he put up 72 points in 82 games and was a massive reason why the Habs made a late playoff push. Although they just barely missed, they have their sights set on this season.
Domi has 12 points in 17 games this season which puts him on roughly a 57 point pace. Not as high as last season but still impressive. 6.5 million for a player who provides you with 50+ points and is also a solid possession driver seems like a smart deal for the Habs. It also may be in Montreal’s best interest to keep the deal to three years. Domi isn’t old by any means, but if he is scoring 50 points now the Habs should want to avoid locking themselves in very long-term. Five years could work out, but anything over that is asking for risk.
Domi is great at getting under the opponent’s skin so that is an added bonus. Montreal fans absolutely love him and it seems like there is no way he isn’t brought back. The price and years will be all these two need to agree on, not whether he does or doesn’t want to return.
Philadelphia Flyers
Rumour: Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston reported on Saturday Night Headlines that the Philadelphia Flyers are concerned over Nolan Patrick and his health. He has skated but has not taken any contact.
Chris Johnston added Nolan Patrick is in a holding pattern due to his migraine disorder. He has been skating with the team on and off, but has not taken any contact. Team is waiting to see if his condition improves, but there is concern over his health. #Flyers
— Spinorama ? Hockey (@spinohockey) November 10, 2019
Analysis: Nolan Patrick was the second overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. He was diagnosed with a migraine disorder before this season started. It’s all very scary stuff for Patrick as he works to get back from it. For the Flyers, they may be thinking about now and the future. Patrick’s long-term health is what is most important here. They will not rush him back if they don’t feel he is ready.
The 21-year-old struggled in his first two seasons in the NHL. He put up just 30 and 31 points and didn’t control play very well either. Flyers fans are hoping that can change but he will need to get healthy first. For this season, the Flyers may have to start thinking about their position. If there are legit concerns about Patrick’s health they have some questions to ask. Will the Flyers look to add forward depth? They currently sit fourth in the metro and are in the first wildcard spot.
However, the East is very tight this season. It looks like there are about 11 teams fighting for the eight spots in the conference. If the Flyers wish to go on a run they may need to add. Depending on how Patrick is feeling, the addition may be internal. However, if the Flyers see Patrick out long-term, they may look to the trade market for some help. Nothing is clear yet, but keep an eye on the Flyers in NHL Trade Rumours.
Los Angeles Kings
Rumour: Dennis Bernstein of TheFourthPeriod reports that trade talks are picking up in Los Angeles. Tyler Toffoli, Trevor Lewis, and Alec Martinez are all names he mentioned.
Analysis: Toffoli and Lewis aren’t new to NHL Rumours, however, Martinez is a new name. Martinez was a massive part of the King’s two cup wins a few years back. However, the 32-year-old may now be on his way out. The team is trying to get younger and is starting to rebuild. Trading off older assets is exactly how you do that.
Martinez has struggled in his own end for the past few seasons. However, so far this season he has a shot share of over 50% and his xGF% is 54%. Given the quality of the LA team he is on, those are both impressive. Some team very well may look at him as a two-year rental type player. If he can provide in a lesser role that would be huge. He also has lots of experience in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Teams often value that and the Kings may be able to get a return for him.
They did a similar thing last season when they traded Jake Muzzin to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Muzzin had two-years left on his deal so he is still playing for the Leafs and is a massive part of a worrisome defence core in Toronto. The same idea may be applied to Martinez.
That’s all for NHL Rumours! Tune in tomorrow for more.
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