NHL rumours are back after a bit of a spring vacation. There’s still plenty going on in the league despite the passing of the trade deadline. We’ve still got enough NHL rumours going around as things shift to the off-season. Some clubs are already thinking about the future and setting up for next season. Today’s NHL rumours focus on the Ottawa Seantors, Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Ottawa Senators
Rumour: Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun and the Sens Panel discussed the possibility of Claude Giroux coming home.
SNAPSHOTS: Travis Hamonic makes a strong first impression with Senators https://t.co/78rRk0hHv2 pic.twitter.com/2lCfgfCdDV
— Ottawa Sun (@ottawasuncom) March 26, 2022
Analysis: Giroux is from nearby Hearst, Ontario and the temptation to come home would be high. Ottawa would likely have the salary cap space if the wanted to pursue the former Philadelphia Flyers captain. Giroux could be a good influence in a room full of younger players.
Garrioch and company added that the Montreal Canadiens would likely go after Giroux. Montreal will probably have salary cap space to spare and could add someone like the most recent All-Star Game MVP. He’d be a big boost in a lineup that also have youthful players like Cole Caufield.
One wonders if the recent passing of Ottawa owner Eugene Melnyk may put things into uncertainty. However, Giroux coming home would be big news and a shift in the rebuild philosophy.
Chicago Blackhawks
Rumour: Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times speculates on the future of Dylan Strome with the club.
The last time Dylan Strome was an RFA, it took all offseason to get a new contract signed.
As an RFA with arbitration this time around, he'll have more leverage and control of his future.
Story: https://t.co/0SxNZSTm1B
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) March 26, 2022
Analysis: Strome had been in plenty of rumours at the trade deadline. However, General Manager Kyle Davidson decided to keep him at least until the end of the season. Strome now can play out the season and see what his next move will be.
He’s a restricted free agent is owed a $3.9 million qualifying offer by July 9. The 25-year-old would be come an unrestricted free agent if he doesn’t get a qualifying offer. Strome does have arbitration rights as well.
A deal last time around took the whole off-season and there’s a wonder if the Blackhawks want to go through that again. There’s also the concern about trimming salary cap space and having flexibility. Kirby Dach and Dominik Kubalik will also become RFAs in the off-season.
Chicago is also probably back in the goalie market after dealing Marc-Andre Fleury. The Hawks currently have Collin Delia and Kevin Lankinen in net. Fluery’s retained salary will come off the books and give them team $3 million to help that cause. However, there’s still a mystery on what Strome’s fate will be.
Anaheim Ducks
Rumour: The Athletic’s Eric Stephens talked to Ryan Getzlaf and the future came up as part of the article.
Poised to get back in action for the first time in three weeks, Ryan Getzlaf sees a very different #NHLDucks team to lead as he assesses the end of this season and his future.https://t.co/KpcPGOL6j5
— Eric Stephens (@icemancometh) March 26, 2022
Analysis: Getzlaf returned to action after three weeks due to an injury. He’s missed games due to a stay in COVID protocol and the aforementioned injury. The Regina, Saskatchewan native hasn’t provided much offence, but he’s been a solid leader on this team.
However, his role may be reduced thanks to the young guns in the lineup. Trevor Zegras moved up to the No. 1 centre spot while Isac Lundestrom has come along well. Mason McTavish may also figure into the lineup down the middle for Anaheim.
New General Manager Pat Verbeek has assured Getzlaf that will remain on the Ducks as he long as he wants to play. He signed a $3 million deal in the last off-season where there was uncertainty about his future. Getzlaf did say he’d let management know as soon as he decides about returning for another season.
There’s been a lot of change and the youthful rebuild is on. However, a veteran like Getzlaf would be welcome as long as he can chip in.
