It’s time to start the work week with another edition of NHL rumours. We’ve still got time until the late March trade deadline, but things are starting to take shape. Some contenders are going to load up for a deep Stanley Cup Playoff run. However, others are still trying to figure out their front office situation. Today’s NHL rumours focus on the Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins and Anaheim Ducks.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Toronto Maple Leafs
Rumour: Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek addressed the future of Petr Mrazek with the club.
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1487614296515354625?s=20&t=fvNoypypb3XEwq_XpJL2bg
Analysis: Marek added that the Leafs haven’t initiated any discussions in dealing with the backup netminder. They say Mrazek as part of the tandem with Jack Campbell at least for this season. However, Campbell has put up some outstanding numbers this season that has him in the conversation for the Vezina Trophy. Mrazek was brought in as an insurance policy in case the 2020-21 season by Campbell was a one-time thing.
Campbell has proven himself so far and will be in line for big-time raise in the off-season. Mrazek has also been injury-prone at times and missed chunks of the season. However, teams have called general manager Kyle Dubas and said they’d be interested if they do trade the Czech goalie.
The 29-year-old still has two more years and $3.8 million per season on his deal. Mrazek also has a modified 10-team no-trade clause. Dubas will likely wait until the summer to make any goaltending moves, but he could save some money that can be used towards Campbell.
Boston Bruins
Rumour: Nick Goss of NBC Sports Boston said the Bruins should try to make a move for Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller.
If veteran center J.T. Miller is available before the NHL trade deadline, should the Bruins make a push to acquire him? https://t.co/fIyg6Xd6ng
— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) January 25, 2022
Analysis: There are a few teams interested in Miller, who is on pace for a 70-plus point season. The DailyFaceoff’s Frank Seravalli said that the Bruins, Minnesota Wild and Calgary Flames are in the hunt for the centre. Seravalli noted that it would take a little more than a first-round pick and highly-touted prospect for Miller.
Boston has struggled with centre depth this season and Miller would be a big boost. Erik Haula has played well in the role, but it’s hard to see him as a long-term solution. Haula has played well with Taylor Hall and David Pastrnak, but Miller would be an upgrade. Picking up Miller would allow Charlie Coyle to slide to the No. 3 spot and Haula to go back to a bottom-six wing spot.
Goss said that it would be tough to part with a first-round pick because the Bruins need to shore up their prospect pool. Fabian Lysell should also be off-limits to a deal due to him being a top prospect. If Boston wants one more run at a championship, they may have to pony up to get the 28-year-old.
Anaheim Ducks
Rumour: The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun talked about some of the names in the Ducks’ general manager search.
Jim Rutherford on how the GM process played out, on the Canucks' trade deadline approach and more; plus a Ducks GM search update and a few other notes in my weekend Rumblings notebook:https://t.co/TfI73b18yM
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) January 28, 2022
Analysis: Anaheim has wrapped up the first round of their GM search and has talked to 10 people according to LeBrun. There were some internal interviews with candidates like Jeff Solomon, Martin Madden and Dave Nonis.
LeBrun added there were at least two interviews that came from outside of the organization that had ties to the Detroit Red Wings. Former NHL All-Star Pat Verbeek was interviewed and the current assistant general manager for Steve Yzerman in Detroit. “The Little Ball of Hate” has gotten interviews in the past and was in the mix in Edmonton before Ken Holland won out.
New York Rangers assistant GM Ryan Martin had a good interview according to sources. Martin served in the Wings’ front office and has plenty of years of service. Many feel he’s ready for a general manager job and likely will be part of the second interviews that will take place soon.
