One team has already clinched the Stanley Cup Final. As they wait for their opponent the offseason continues for the remainder of the teams. The teams eliminated or failed to make the big dance are searching for answers on where to go next. Some teams have star players that could stay or go. Today’s NHL Rumours involve the Boston Bruins, Winnipeg Jets, and free agent goalies.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Boston Bruins
Rumour: Fluto Shinzawa from The Athletic discusses the possibility of David Pastrnak being traded
.@FlutoShinzawa reporting that Boston will explore trading David Pastrnak this summer. #NHL #NHLBruins
— NHL Trade Alert (@NHLTradeAlert) June 7, 2022
Analysis: It has been quite the offseason for the Boston Bruins. After suffering a first-round exit, the Bruins are dealing with one blow after another and the dominoes just keep falling. Brad Marchand, Charlie McAvoy, and Matt Grzelcyk will all miss the start of the season. Patrice Bergeron is pondering his future. A new coach will be behind the Boston bench. Prior to Bruce Cassidy’s dismissal and NHL executive said, “They’re going to fall off a cliff soon.” It could start with star forward David Pastrnak. A new era of Boston Bruins hockey is underway and a championship is unlikely at this given time.
Pastrnak was drafted 25th overall in the 2014 NHL Draft and has spent his entire career with Boston. In 510 games, he has tallied 240 goals, 264 assists and 504 points. He has one year remaining on his contract and is an unrestricted free agent after next season. The Czech forward could choose to not want to stick around which could point directly towards a rebuild.
With the coach being fired, and everything else surrounding the team, if Don Sweeney cannot sign him to a contract extension he becomes the most significant trade chip at his disposal. Is Pastrnak going to get moved? It will be something to watch, and all eyes are on Sweeney and Cam Neely now.
Winnipeg Jets
Rumour: Cheveldayoff is optimistic Mark Scheifele will return to the team next season.
Analysis: The biggest rumour surrounds the Winnipeg Jets forward. After weighing his future options, Scheifele is expected to be back with the team. The star center has two years remaining on his contract.
Upon exit interviews with Scheifele, Winnipeg Jets manager remains optimistic about his return. At 2022 NHL Combine, Cheveldayoff responded with a quote describing the interviews and his optimism. He said, “Yeah, I do. My exit interview with Mark went well. Again, it was an emotional time for everybody. We asked [our players] to wear their emotions in the exits, and I think they were very productive”.
Scheifele might still be mum on the situation, and the man will weigh his options throughout the offseason. Despite missing the final nine games, he had a productive season. He finished the season with 29 goals, and 41 assists for 70 points. He has a total of 577 points in 642 games all with the Jets.
Scheifele has gone on record discussing his future stating, “I have to think about my career and what’s going to be best for me. I have to talk to my agents and everyone in my family and stuff like that and figure out what I really want.”
Free Agency Goalies
Rumour: Andy Strickland discusses the free-agent goalies and who will be the hottest name
Analysis: The rumours concern the goalies heading into free agency. Going into the offseason, there are some suitable names on the open market. The biggest ones are Darcy Kuemper, Jack Campbell, and Ville Husso. There are plenty of teams that need goaltending and these three will most likely go first.
Not sure if Darcy Kuemper has helped or hurt his stock this post season, potential injury doesn’t help. When looking at the top potential UFA goalies (Kuemper, Jack Campbell, Ville Husso) Husso could very well be the most sought after goaltender avail in the open market.
— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) June 1, 2022
Kuemper had a strong regular season posting a 2.54 goals-against average and .921 save percentage. His postseason play did not help.his case as he hits the open market. Despite injuries, Kuemper posted a .897 save percentage and 2.67 goals-against average which is not bad, but not great either.
Villa Husso who Andy Strickland thinks could be the most sought-after goaltender, had a good season. Husso had a brutal postseason which saw Jordan Binnington replace him. The 27-year-old should be entering his prime years and is the youngest of the three.
