It’s the middle of the week and that means more NHL rumours. A trio of legendary teams are in turmoil and may be making some changes. These teams are on the search for a coach, general manager or both. Today’s NHL rumours look at the Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers and Chicago Blackhawks.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Montreal Canadiens
Rumour: Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette speculates on the future of Jeff Petry with the club.
My story on Jeff Petry's future with #Habs becoming uncertain after the firing of GM Marc Bergevin and with a possible rebuild on the horizon #HabsIO: https://t.co/5WLVtOGaCU
— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) December 2, 2021
Analysis: Petry just inked a big extension of four years and $25 million in 2020. However, general manager Marc Bergevin was the man who signed the American to the deal and he’s no longer there. Jeff Gorton and his new general manager are going to think long and hard about if they want to tear the whole thing down.
Petry does have a modified no-trade list that would have him submit 15-team no-trade list. There’s also the matter that the 33-year-old is struggling this season. Petry only has two assists in 25 games this season after a solid Stanley Cup Playoff run.
Bergevin and Petry were very close and the former GM made the defender a big part of the team’s plans. However, Gorton might want to use that cap space to fill in some gaps in the Canadiens’ lineup. It’s going to be a hard rebuild for the Habs and Petry may not be a part of it.
Philadelphia Flyers
Rumour: Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman examined the possible head coaching candidates for the Flyers.
The @JeffMarek Show ft. @FriedgeHNIC:
• Do the #Canucks have a preferred GM candidate?
• What's next for the #Flyers?
• Tuukka Rask practicing with the #NHLBruins today
• Could we see teams carrying three goalies?🟢 https://t.co/l2EA6Dv3ZQ
🍎 ⤵️ https://t.co/odptVWYHON— Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) December 6, 2021
Analysis: General manager Chuck Fletcher likely had an eye on Bruce Boudreau before the Canucks snapped him up. This leaves the search wide open, but Marek and Friedman did toss out a few names.
One of the names is former Flyers player Rick Tocchet, who was coach for the Arizona Coyotes. He has a history with the team and it would be a homecoming. Other names that are in the mix include John Tortorella, Jim Montgomery, David Quinn and possibly Travis Green. Fletcher will take his time making a choice as Mike Yeo will be behind the bench for now.
There’s going to be lots of changes like what may happen in Montreal. It feels like no one may be safe from being dealt to start the whole thing over. Fletcher and the rest of the management group are going to have to make some tough choices.
Chicago Blackhawks
Rumour: We take another look at Frank Seravalli’s 15 names that could be moved with Dylan Strome and Henrik Borgstrom are on the list.
TRADE TARGETS 🎯 It's December. Multiple trade requests are pending. The #NHL trade market is heating up.
Here are 15 names in play:https://t.co/S98PlMGq01
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) December 2, 2021
Analysis: The Blackhawks are also a team that will likely be a seller at the trade deadline. Strome and Borgstrom each are at the end of their contracts. However, Strome is a restricted free agent that will get a minimum $3.6 million qualifying offer. It’s been a tough go for Strome and former general manager Stan Bowman was trying to make a deal. Interim general manager Kyle Davidson is also working on finding a new home for Strome, who has four points in 15 games.
Borgstrom is also struggling with finding game time like Strome. The Swede only has one goal and one assist in 15 games after struggling with COVID and non-COVID related illnesses. The 24-year-old also has a moveable contract with $1 million deal that finishes at the end of the season. He’s seen time of the third line and even some looks on the power play.
These are two moves the Hawks could make that would give them some salary cap space. Like Montreal and Philadelphia, Chicago is going to have to figure some things out going forward.
