We’re in the dog days or summer, but there are still plenty of NHL rumours to go around. There are still a few free agents out on the open market. General managers are still dealing with the flat cap and trying to fit players under that. Today’s NHL rumours focus on the New York Islanders, Anaheim Ducks and Ottawa Senators.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change. There’s always this fear with Senators’ fans that they can’t hold onto their star players. However, it may be less of a worry with Tkachuk because of his experiences with the organization so far. A deal will get done and he’ll likely be the focal point of an up-and-coming squad.
NHL Rumours
Ottawa Senators
Rumour: The Athletic’s Ian Mendes offered his thoughts on Brady Tkachuk‘s next contract.
Analysis: Senators’ fans are worried that the American forward will want to force his way out of town. However, Tkachuk loves a lot of things about the organization. He loves the city, his teammates and playing for D.J. Smith according to Mendes. Smith’s contract extension gives Tkachuk’s team more security and he likely re-signs with the Senators.
The main question is what kind of contract the soon-to-be 22 year old will sign with the team. Tkachuk may choose to sign a three or four-year bridge deal that will let him test the market when the salary cap goes up. The former fourth overall pick in 2018 may leave after that deal, but at least Ottawa gets three years with him.
However, he may also decided to sign a longer contract and decide he wants to spend a good chunk of his career with the Senators.
New York Islanders
Rumour: Arthur Staple of The Athletic gave an update on Travis Zajac‘s status with the Islanders.
Wanna know what the heck the #Isles are up to?
So does everyone else.
We've got a few tidbits at least to digest until they make something official.https://t.co/gEdIVmyt7l
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) July 30, 2021
Analysis: Staple confirmed that Zajac will likely be back with the team. Zajac and Kyle Palmieri both remained unsigned by the club. The duo were integral parts of the Islanders run to the last four after coming over from the New Jersey Devils.
Staple speculated that it’s going to be a one-year deal with incentives. The main thought is that Zajac would likely be a depth forward that will suit up for about 40 games per season.
It’s also likely that Michael dal Colle and Anatoli Golyshev will also be brought back. The pair were free agents after not signing their qualifying offers. General manager Lou Lamoriello is trying shore up the solid depth that makes the Isles a threat to win the East.
Anaheim Ducks
Rumour: Eric Stephens of The Athletic said the Ducks are looking into bringing Alex Galchenyuk.
The shelves are emptying but there are still potential bargains in free agency for the taking. If they want, it's a place the #NHLDucks have shopped from before.https://t.co/OTu2UhzY1u
— Eric Stephens (@icemancometh) August 4, 2021
Analysis: Stephens weighed the pros and cons of signing the former Toronto Maple Leafs forward. He’s coming off showing glimpses of a bounce-back season with Toronto after scoring five goals in 34 games. Galchenyuk does have a great shot and may come cheap at just over $1 million.
There’s been some worries about his defensive game and he didn’t get trusted with crunch time minutes with the Leafs. He’s bounced around plenty after a 30-goal campaign with the Montreal Canadiens in 2015-16.
However, he could be a low-risk signing that will get some goals on a Ducks’ team looking for offence. The club is still in the middle of a painful rebuild, but there are some talented youngsters like Trevor Zegras and others that will get more ice time in the coming season. Galchenyuk could be a veteran that will help these younger players out and get more than third-line minutes at times.
