The NHL season has begun, and there are lots of moves being made still while each team figures out what is working and what isn’t for their roster. With lots of moving parts in the background, there are lots of NHL rumours as a result. Today we will be looking at rumours surrounding the Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets and Nashville Predators.
NHL Rumours
Chicago Blackhawks
Rumour: According to Mark Lazerus of The Athletic, the Blackhawks could look to move lots of players for picks and prospects if the season isn’t playing out how they like.
Analysis: This is to be expected. If a team is doing poorly, then expect them to sell off players for futures around the deadline. The Blackhawks are in terrible shape at the moment, and it would certainly seem like this will be the way things go for them as the season progresses. Lazerus suggests Mattias Janmark, Carl Soderberg, Connor Murphy, and Calvin de Haan as possible names.
These pieces he suggests all will be playing higher in the Blackhawks lineup than most other teams. This can give them excellent opportunities to produce above their normal rates. In turn, this could increase their trade stock. The Blackhawks are still rebuilding, plus injuries have not been kind to them. These things indicate another season near the bottom. If the Blackhawks are able to get lots of good pieces for their roster players, they will be in a good spot.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Rumour: According to Nick Kypreos, the Montreal Canadiens is Pierre-Luc Dubois‘ preferred destination. The Blue Jackets have asked for Nick Suzuki plus.
Pierre-Luc Dubois first destination choice is @CanadiensMTL The @BlueJacketsNHL ask is now focused around Nick Suzuki / plus. Romanov has been deemed untouchable. Would you do it if your Marc Bergevin? @Line_Movement
— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) January 14, 2021
Analysis: Things seem to be beyond repair for the Blue Jackets and Dubois’ relationship. The trade request persists despite having a contract signed. The preferred destination of the Canadiens makes sense for Dubois, as he is a native of Quebec. While he has no say in where he ends up, indicating a desire to be in Montreal could incentivize Marc Bergevin to make a deal happen.
With Romanov off the table, it seems Suzuki plus is the ask. While this may seem like a lot to Habs fans, it would eliminate any risk with their centres of the future. With Dubois already well established, it could eliminate the risk of Suzuki not hitting his ceiling in Montreal. It will just depend on what the “plus” is in the ask.
If the Canadiens are able to land Dubois, it will certainly help their cause and make a push for the top of the North Division. It will also help shore up a position that has been a problem area for years.
Nashville Predators
Rumour: According to Adam Vingan of The Athletic, Pekka Rinne said he could be considering retirement after this season in an interview.
Analysis: Rinne has been the starter for Predators for a long time now. At 38 years old, and being on an expiring contract, it makes sense that he’s considering retirement. He has seemingly lost the starting job to young goalie Juuse Saros. The younger Finn appears to be the goalie of the future for the Predators, so it makes sense that the Predators want to have him starting more. According to Rinne, he has made his peace with this.
Besides age and contract status, another factor for Rinne considering retirement is the fact he just became a father. Rinne has had a long and successful career as an NHL goalie, with a Vezina under his belt and a Stanley Cup Finals appearance, he has certainly had a full career. Considering retirement to be with his newborn is definitely a compelling reason.
Nashville should be fine if Rinne decides to call it a career after this season. With Saros already taking over and Yaroslav Askarov in the pipeline, they have options in the future.
This concludes today’s NHL rumours!
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