Welcome back to the well-oiled machine that is the NHL Rumours series here at Last Word on Hockey. Even after the 2020 NHL Trade Deadline has come and gone, there are still rumblings that surface surrounding teams’ plans for the future. Our articles will still come to you daily breaking down these rumours. Today, it’s NHL Rumours from the Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, and Columbus Blue Jackets.
NHL Rumours
Boston Bruins
Rumour: We start with The Atheltic’s Pierre LeBrun where he talks about a Torey Krug extension and how it is very unlikely it gets done before playoffs start, which means it will wait until the offseason.
Analysis: This isn’t completely unexpected if we’re being honest. Boston will have a tough enough time fitting Krug under the cap as it is. However, if they wish to try in the summer they will be able to trade some players away. Krug is a huge part of the Boston team. However, he is being an unrestricted free agent and will cost a good chunk of change. One thing LeBrun did mention was that if he does return to Boston, it will almost certainly be for less than market value.
Good Value
This makes sense and is a theme in Boston. David Pastrnak, Brad Marchand, and Patrice Bergeron are all criminally underpaid. The team is willing to take less and because of that, they can afford to load up. Last year it was names like Marcus Johansson and Charlie Coyle. This year it was someone like Ondrej Kase and Nick Ritchie. Last year, the adds gave them the depth to go all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals. They hope it is the same this season.
For Krug, it must be tempting to stay in Boston, even if you have to take a little less. This team is so good year-round. They have been one of the better teams for a decade now, with very few down years. The organization is one that lends itself to wanting to stay. However, no one would blame him if he wanted to go get his money. One thing is for sure, both sides are likely more than comfortable focusing on what they hope to be a long playoff run before any talks start.
New York Rangers
Rumour: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman mentioned in his latest 31 Thoughts that the cap space the New York Rangers got from trading away Brady Skjei, will likely go to re-signing guys like Anthony DeAngelo and Ryan Strome.
Analysis: The Rangers made out pretty well in the Skjei trade, but the cap space may be the most valuable part. DeAngelo has really had a breakout year this year and will be costing more than the Rangers had likely assumed he would have to start the year. DeAngelo has 47 points in 61 games played this year. He has been one of the bright spots that have seemingly convinced Rangers brass that they are further ahead in the rebuild than originally planned.
Strome is a guy who is also having a pretty solid year. Originally considered a trade chip, he has worked himself into being what looks like a mainstay on this forward core. The Rangers still have a bunch of interesting forward prospects, but for the time being, they are a bit short in terms of NHL centre depth. That is likely why they feel someone like Strome will be important to keep around at least for a little longer.
Getting legit assets in return for Skjei on top of being able to sign some big pieces for your team would be a huge win for New York. Chris Kreider just signed a new deal and it is not a massive amount, but it is still salary they weren’t sure they would have on the books next year. It will be interesting to see how New York handles these two players.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Rumour: For our final NHL Rumour, we go back to Pierre LeBrun where he also talks about Josh Anderson and the Columbus Blue Jackets. Mentioning that they may go their separate ways this summer.
Analysis: This also isn’t too shocking as this whole season has been absolutely wild when it comes to Josh Anderson. He originally was only supposed to be out a couple of weeks but that has now turned into possibly the whole season. He has one goal in 26 games and the fit just hasn’t been there. Columbus does own his rights, so if they do trade him, they can get some kind of asset back. A team may want to pick up Anderson and give him a shot, especially if he is cheap enough.
Anderson is one year away from being an Unrestricted Free Agent. If a team gives up assets for him they may want to sign him to a small multi-year deal to ensure value. However, given that he is not a lock, that has its risks too. One thing is for sure, it is starting to look more and more like the bridge in Columbus is starting to burn. Maybe a fresh start is exactly what both of these teams need.
Given the lack of playing time and production and the fact that he doesn’t have a contract, Columbus fans should keep their hopes low for a return. A mid to late-round pick is likely what Columbus could ask for. Or a player in a similar situation. One thing is for sure, if the price is right, there will be suitors.
That’s all for NHL Rumours! Come back again tomorrow for more!
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