It’s Monday and we’ve got another edition of NHL rumours to start the work week. College free agents and drafted players are making decisions about their future. Teams are also trying to figure out what to do with some of their big players and other items. The San Jose Sharks are in the midst of their first general manager search in years.
We have NHL rumours on the Calgary Flames, San Jose Sharks and Boston Bruins. All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Calgary Flames
Rumour: The DailyFaceoff’s Frank Seravalli joined Calgary’s Sportsnet 960 to give an update on Johnny Gaudreau‘s contract.
On a power hour one of #Flames Talk with @Fan960Steinberg and @sprusina:
🏒 @frank_seravalli on Donald Fehr's NHLPA future and Johnny Gaudreau's next contract.
🇨🇦 @HockeyCanada gold medal architect Gina Kingsbury.
🟢 https://t.co/bRzwv0xxxC
🍎⤵️ https://t.co/TFbBFR43on— Sportsnet 960 (@Sportsnet960) April 7, 2022
Analysis: Gaudreau becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season is due a big payday. His impending deal has been hanging over the Flames because his contract will be among one of many that come up. The former Boston College standout makes $6.75 million person, but that is the final year of his contract.
Gaudreau has been on a tear this season and is just a point shy of his first 100-point season. (He did get 99 in 2018-19 in 82 games.) Re-signing him should be a no-brainer, but there are some other issues like restricted free agent contracts for Andrew Mangiapane, Oliver Kylington and Matthew Tkachuk.
It’s no secret the Flames went all-in to get a deep post-season run, but general manager Brad Treliving will have to deal with the fallout. Seravalli said that he’s not convinced the Flames are willing to pony up all the money needed to keep Gaudreau. He went on to say Gaudreau would get lots of interest from other teams. Sacrifices will be made, but will the Flames like Gaudreau go?
San Jose Sharks
Rumour: Both Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek of Sportsnet discussed the Sharks general manager search during Saturday’s 32 Thoughts segment on Hockey Night in Canada.
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1512966643252617221
Analysis: One name that jumped off the page was John Ferguson Jr. with the Arizona Coyotes according to Marek. Some will remember his shaky tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but many around the league feel he’s ready for another opportunity. He did interview for the post, but was beat out by Doug Wilson.
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San Jose’s ownership said it’s willing to take its time and be thorough in the search for Wilson’s replacement. The search may also include some names that are outside of the box and not known to fans. One thing owner Hasso Plattner wants is a GM that is willing to talk to the media and be visible. The Sharks want to increase their footprint in the Bay Area and getting out in front of the public will be key to that.
Friedman added that the team is comfortable waiting for candidates from from Stanley Cup playoff contenders. The search may drag out, but the Sharks are going to play to kickstart rebuild that stagnated in recent seasons.
Boston Bruins
Rumour: The Athletic’s Fluto Shinzawa said that Jake DeBrusk is likely off the trade market.
So about Jake DeBrusk's trade request… Yeah, that's not a player worth moving. https://t.co/IXN30opH8g
— Fluto Shinzawa (@FlutoShinzawa) April 5, 2022
Analysis: DeBrusk had submitted his trade request and was likely on the move at the deadline. However, the 25-year-old has been a key part of the Bruins’ run this season.
The Edmonton native is on pace the score 25 goals this season after a few lean offensive years. He’s third on the team in goals behind David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand. DeBrusk has found a place with Patrice Bergeron and Marchand on the top line.
He did sign a two-year contract at $4 million per season, so it’s likely he’s staying in Boston. Many thought it was a foregone conclusion that he’d be traded, but he’s fought his way into a bigger role on the club. DeBrusk will likely get a chance at a bigger contract when his next deal wraps up 2023-24.
