The start of the new NHL season is getting closer and closer and NHL rumours are swirling. Many big-name free agents still remain available and franchises are still working to put together a roster that can contend for a title. The Arizona Coyotes are one such team as they could be looking to move a veteran forward. More information could be available about Washington Capitals goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. Finally, what can the Tampa Bay Lightning accomplish with Nikita Kucherov being placed on long term injured reserve? These will all be explored in this edition of NHL rumours.
NHL Rumours
Arizona Coyotes
Rumour: According to TSN’s Shawn Simpson, the Arizona Coyotes are in talks with the Ottawa Senators to move veteran centre, Derek Stepan.
Hearing Yotes and Sens are talking. #Stepan Has one year left of a cap hit at 6.5, but actual salary of 5. @TSN1200
— Shawn Simpson (@TSNSimmer) December 23, 2020
Analysis: The Coyotes are in a bit of a bind. They are a team that barely qualified for postseason play last year in an expanded format. They also happen to be a team that spent to the cap. Those kinds of results are frequently frowned upon by ownership. So out with the old and in with the new, welcome to Arizona, Bill Armstrong. He has put the team into rebuild mode. This means shedding salary. Derek Stepan has been the subject of trade talks with the Ottawa Senators. This is a deal that could be mutually beneficial.
The Coyotes will want to get rid of Stepan’s $6.5 million salary cap. This puts them in a position where they are spending money more realistically to their performance. The Senators could benefit from bringing Stepan on board. He is a veteran who has been successful in the NHL and could mentor some of their young stars. The fact that he is only slated to make $5 million this season is critical to the Senators. In an already pressing time economically, Ottawa is one of the teams in need of cash the most. With Stepan making $1.5 million less than his cap hit, it is a move that makes sense for both sides.
Washington Capitals
Rumour: Capitals insider Stephen Whyno is reporting that Henrik Lundqvist‘s heart issue was known prior to signing with the Capitals.
Capitals GM Brian MacLellan says Henrik Lundqvist had a heart issue most of his career and a routine physical showed it was worth getting more tests on. Showed he couldn’t play anymore.
Capitals GM Brian MacLellan says Henrik Lundqvist had a heart issue most of his career and a routine physical showed it was worth getting more tests on. Showed he couldn’t play anymore.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) December 23, 2020
The thought that Henrik Lundqvist has done everything he has in his career with a heart condition is astonishing. Clearly, it has not been as big of an issue in the past. Apparently, this condition has been there for a long time. It has been insignificant thus far, in that he has been able to play. This is the first time that we know of where it has been taken seriously enough that further tests are required. No matter how this plays out, he will go down as one of the best netminders the world has ever seen.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Rumour: Lightning insider Bryan Burns is reporting that Tampa Bay is on the cusp of re-signing restricted free agent Anthony Cirelli.
BriseBois said they have a general framework for a contract agreement with Anthony Cirelli, who is the last RFA #Bolts have remaining to sign.
— Bryan Burns (@BBurnsNHL) December 23, 2020
The Tampa Bay Lightning announced today that Nikita Kucherov will not play this season as he is having hip surgery. This will free up $9.5 million in salary-cap space. This leaves the door open for other signings by the defending Stanley Cup champions. While that hole will be difficult to fill, there are options available. Mike Hoffman remains a free agent, after being let go by the Florida Panthers. There are some moves that still need to be addressed within the organization as well.
Anthony Cirelli remains unsigned by the Lightning. He had an incredible season with 44 points in 68 games played. He could command a significant investment as an unrestricted free agent. Thankfully for the Lightning, he is restricted, so the team has all of the leverage. While they will hope to re-sign him at a discounted rate, this would likely be a bridge deal. But no matter how long he signs for, they will be happy they can insert him into the lineup.
That does it for this edition of NHL rumours. Check back tomorrow for more!
Main Photo:
