The offseason is in full swing. There have been moves made in plenty and the fun is only getting started. The awards ceremony and the NHL Draft begin this week. In addition, the free agency frenzy is right around the corner. Today’s NHL rumours surround two Canadian organizations in the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators.
NHL Rumours
Toronto Maple Leafs
Rumour: Toronto Maple Leafs interested in Noah Hanifin
As we wait to see how/if this Flyers/Blues deal pans out, a few teams spoke with Philly about Sanheim, including the Toronto Maple Leafs. If Sanheim doesn't go to STL, I suspect those talks will pick back up (if they haven't already). Leafs also have poked on Hanifin in Calgary.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 25, 2023
After a trade involving the St Louis Blues and Philadelphia Flyers fell through, the buzz surrounding the blueline has been in plenty. It is no secret that the Toronto Maple Leafs want to upgrade in that area of the ice. The core group in place of Morgan Rielly, Mark Giordano, and TJ Brodie is solid. However, reinforcements are needed.
Noah Hanifin is an intriguing piece. He has informed Craig Conroy that he does not have intentions of signing with the Calgary Flames. A trade is likely. Hanifin has one year left on his current deal with a cap hit of $4.95 million. Toronto can easily fit him under the cap. Furthermore, new manager Brad Trevliving is familiar with the player. Hanifin is coming off a year where he scored seven goals, 31 assists, and 38 points. He had a career year the season prior. Given the offensive threat he is, he would fit in nicely with the Toronto firepower. Not to mention he is good in his own end which is exactly what Toronto needs. He would come as a rental unless an extension is in place.
Ottawa Senators
Rumour: Defensemen Travis Hamonic has not received a contract offer yet
Travis Hamonic’s agent Kevin Epp tells me there hasn’t been a firm contract offer for his client from Ottawa yet.
He stresses Hamonic loves it here and would like to come back.
They understand DeBrincat situation could be holding things up.
But we’re closing in on July 1…
— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) June 20, 2023
Travis Hamonic loves being in Ottawa and that is not a secret. Being close to his family was always a priority. However, his future remains to be seen. Ottawa has a dilemma on their hands. The club is trying to trade winger Alex DeBrincat and gain valuable assets for him. It appears that is the priority for the club. However, the time is ticking on a new contract for Hamonic.
While the expressed desire is there, the clock is ticking. July 1 is right around the corner and that gives Hamonic the freedom to speak to whomever he likes. Hamonic more than likely would not cost a lot, but will he be patient enough to wait things out?
Main Photo by: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
