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 Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks and Arizona Coyotes.
NHL Rumours
Toronto Maple Leafs
Rumour: We start NHL Rumours with Elliotte Friedman and 31 Thoughts where he reports that Jason Spezza plans on playing again next season. Although no contract talks have started just yet.
Analysis: This should be a good thing for Leaf fans. Spezza has been a very useful veteran player this year. By all accounts, he has been a calming presence in the room for a young Toronto team that gets flustered at time. He can provide experience as he has had a couple of big playoff runs and has seen just about everything.
On the ice, Spezza is still a useful bottom-six player who can slide around the lineup. Playing a little bit of special teams he can chip in whenever needed. As long as the contract is cheap, like this season, there is no reason not to re-sign him. It has also been rumoured previously that Spezza would only want to play for Toronto. As well, money isn’t an issue for him which likely means he will take less like this year to stay with Toronto.
All in all, this seems like a great fit both ways. It is likely contract talks haven’t started yet because there won’t be much to discuss. As long as the Leafs feel Spezza can play on their team, which given this season nothing suggests he can’t, a contract should be pretty straight-forward and something Toronto can focus on after the season. Look for Spezza’s name to resurface on NHL Rumours later.
Vancouver Canucks
Rumour: We stick with 31 Thoughts were Elliotte Friedman also goes on to mention that very little details about Jacob Markstrom and his injury or contract extension.
Analysis: The Vancouver Canucks are keeping things tight with Markstrom. This is very fair as they have a lot riding on this season and him being out is killing them. With how obvious it has become of just how important he is to them, his asking price on a new deal is likely rising too. For now, the Canucks will just be focused on making it to the playoffs in such a tight Pacific division. Thatcher Demko hasn’t stepped up and taken a starter’s role quite as the Canucks would have hoped for.
Demko is still young so long-term there may not be much to worry about, however, for a team who wants to make playoffs right now they could really use their starter back. They also have a very hard decision to make this summer. They need Markstrom but have to be careful not to lock him in too long. Goalies are unpredictable and long or expensive contracts can turn poor quickly. Balancing the correct term and money to fit for both sides will be key.
One thing is for sure, the Canucks will just want him back right now. Markstrom’s price going up would just mean he’s performing well again once back from injury and that’s all Vancouver can ask for. They are in a fight for their playoff lives and have put a ton on this season to make playoffs. They don’t want to see that go to waste.
Arizona Coyotes
Rumour: Finally, we end with the Arizona Coyotes as TSN’s Frank Seravalli reports that the NHL is making a decision on the Coyotes punishment. Arizona was caught privately fitness testing draft-eligible prospects. The penalties could be harsh, “That includes a significant fine, the forfeiture of draft picks, the termination or suspension of employee(s)” according to Seravalli.
Analysis: At the end of the day, Gary Bettman has the final decision on any punishment made. If there is a punishment and it is that crucial that could be a huge blow. While the Coyotes are not in the financial trouble they have been in the past, $250,000 per player is a steep price for any team. Mix this with things like a draft pick loss and Arizona could be in for a tough ride if the NHL comes down hard on them.
The situation is still ongoing, so it is impossible to say what will happen here. If the league does feel Arizona should be punished, it will be interesting to see what precedent they set for a punishment. It will also be interesting to see if Arizona can try and argue a decision if they believe it is unfair. Overall, this is something to keep an eye on going forward as it could have huge impacts on the franchise.
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