It’s Saturday, and it’s time to start off the weekend with some NHL Rumours. To kick off your weekend, we have some NHL rumours from the Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders as they look to make some shakeups after a disappointing season. Finally, from Claude Giroux and what his next move is after the Florida Panthers had their President’s Trophy-winning season cut short.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Montreal Canadiens
Rumour: Kevin Paul Dupont speculated that the Chicago Blackhawks could trade Kirby Dach and that the Canadiens could be a potential suitor for the centre in an article for Montreal Hockey Now.
Analysis: Although Dupont talks about the Bruins, Dach going to Montreal makes a lot of sense as well. Dach is a restricted free agent this summer, and the Blackhawks have made no move as of late to re-sign the forward. Chicago is looking at shaking up the lineup, maybe Dach is a part of those moves.
This season was a disaster for Chicago, and it looks like they’re moving towards yet another re-tool. The Canadiens are making moves this offseason to rebuild the centre group, and Dach could be a worthwhile addition.
Dach, 21, has struggled with injuries these past two years after being injured in the World Juniors against Russia and suffering a shoulder sprain this season. His scoring ability has taken a toll as a result of all of this, with 10 points in 18 games last year. Additionally, only 26 points in 70 games this year. With this start, it would make sense if the Blackhawks were to move on from him.
New York Islanders
Rumour: Kevin Kurz writes in The Athletic’s segment known as Mailbag that Lamoriello has put himself in the hot seat with the firing of Trotz.
Analysis: Considering that the Islanders were supposed to be contenders his year, it makes total sense that people within the organization want changes after a miserable season. Lou Lamoriello also turns 80 in October, which may play a role in the direction that the team takes for the future. If they do rebuild, Lou may not be the guy you want overseeing that rebuild. In all fairness, this just could be some grumblings after an injury-riddled disaster of a season, and the Islanders could completely return to form again and nothing will ever come of it.
It would make sense, however, to part ways with Lou, as mentioned earlier the guy is 80 years old. He may not be willing to sit through a 3-5 year rebuild if the team had one bad season while under contention. Especially with the calibre of talent that this Islanders team has.
Florida Panthers
Rumour: Sam Carchidi writes in Philadelphia Hockey Now that Claude Giroux could look to play for another organization, or re-sign in Florida when free agency rolls around.
Analysis: Considering that Giroux doesn’t have a Stanley Cup yet, he may want to pursue a contract with another contender. The other option would be to finish out his playing career in a market he wants to play in. With the Panthers, Giroux had an impressive 23 points in 18 games, which is an impressive amount. He was on a better pace than what he scored with the Flyers this season, with 42 points in 57 games.
He could stay in Florida for a few more years, Florida has a strong core and is looking to add on to the progress they made this year. All things considered, he may end up staying with the Panthers, although there is a good chance he takes his talents elsewhere.
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