Deadline day is finally here, but the NHL rumours won’t stop. Teams have already gotten a headstart on making moves, but have until 3 p.m. Eastern Time to make their moves. Some have already made their big move while others going to see what they can do. Today’s NHL rumours focus on the Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers.
All NHL Rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Montreal Canadiens
Rumour: Saturday’s Hockey Night in Canada Headlines segment talked about the Habs were interested in Ryan Getzlaf.
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1381058848342020097
Analysis: Getzlaf’s name has only recently popped up in rumours in the last day or two. The Anaheim Ducks lifer does have a full no-movement clause and would have to sign off on any trade. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman did say a move isn’t likely.
The Regina, Saskatchewan native is also an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Anaheim general manager Bob Murray may be tempted to get something for the veteran forward at the deadline. Getzlaf does make $8.25 million and would likely need the Ducks to retain some salary.
The move would have Getzlaf reunite with his old Anaheim running buddy Corey Perry, who has been a good value this season. However, Perry needs some help if the Habs are going to hang onto a playoff place.
Montreal general manager Marc Bergevin has been busy, as he got defenceman Jon Merrill from the Detroit Red Wings. However, getting some forward grit is a staple move of the Canadiens GM.
Edmonton Oilers
Rumour: Chris Johnston of Sportsnet revealed during the intermission of the Calgary Flames and Oilers game that Edmonton is looking for defence.
Chris Johnston at the intermission says Oilers are looking for D, they were in on Patrick Nemeth before he got dealt to Colorado for a second stint, Johnston says Del Zotto could make sense for Edmonton.
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) April 11, 2021
Analysis: Edmonton was interested in former Detroit blueliner Patrik Nemeth. However, the Colorado Avalanche ended up getting Nemeth back for a second tour of duty.
One name that Johnston mentions is Columbus Blue Jackets defender Michael Del Zotto. Columbus is in full fire sale mode after the Nick Foligno trade especially. Del Zotto can be a low-cost option for a defence that needs some extra bodies in their playoff push.
General manager Ken Holland adding on defence may be a consolation prize if the team misses out on Taylor Hall. The Oilers main needs are adding forwards to compliment Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl and defensive depth.
New York Rangers
Rumour: The Athletic’s Shayna Goldman took a look at what the Blueshirts should do with Ryan Strome.
Ryan Strome's standout play this season, deadline status, and the questions still ahead for the #NYR https://t.co/3VpQAHqPJp
Fantasy trends & hidden gems season finale: https://t.co/5iSPI1hq3X
— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) April 11, 2021
Analysis: Strome has been part of the Rangers staying in the mix for the last playoff spot in the East Division. He did sign a two-year bridge contract worth a hit of $4.5 million per season. The Mississauga, Ontario native has 12 goals and 25 assists in 40 games this season with the Rangers.
Some questioned that Strome’s numbers were inflated last season because of playing with Artemi Panarin. However, Strome has put up points even though his Russian teammate took a leave of absence earlier in the season. He answered concerns about if his game would regress, but general manager Jeff Gorton re-signed him to that bridge deal.
There were a few that thought the Blueshirts missed a chance to sell high, but the 27-year-old has kept on producing. The Rangers will have to be almost perfect to catch the fourth spot, so this may be another opportunity to get something for him. He’ll likely get a raise from his good value deal of $4.5 million.
The Rangers do have another season to figure out what they will do with Strome. New York could be back in contention next season and he’ll hopefully play a hand in that. A season similar to this season could see the Rangers make a deal to move the centre.
