It’s time for another round of NHL rumours to start your week. We’re nearing the middle part of July, but there are some NHL rumours left. There are still a number of free agents out there. However, there are a number of trades that can made. Some teams are still trying to clear salary cap space for a variety of reasons. Clubs may be making move to allow their young players more time. However, others are trying to improve in win-now mode. Today’s NHL rumours deals with the Montreal Canadiens and Vancouver Canucks.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Montreal Canadiens
Rumour: Pat Hickey of The Montreal Gazette said the Canadiens may try to offload Christian Dvorak before the start of the season.
Pat Hickey: Canadiens could contend for a playoff spot next season https://t.co/brfwQnwuLV#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/bf2zV1Zju5
— Montreal Gazette (@mtlgazette) July 7, 2023
Analysis: Dvorak has a $4.45 million cap hit and the Habs have a ton of young players that need ice time. Montreal acquired Alex Newhook from the Colorado Avalanche before the start of free agency. The Newfoundland native is a restricted free agent and needs a new deal. Newhook is likely excited to work with Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis next season. Dvorak is a veteran player that could fetch a decent return if Montreal general manager Kent Hughes can find a trade partner.
Hickey added the Canadiens have tried to move Mike Hoffman and his $4.5 million cap hit. However, any deal involving the veteran forward hasn’t happened. Hoffman is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. This could make him a rental player when the March 1 deadline happens in 2024.
Dvorak seems to hold the most value of him, Hoffman and Joel Armia. The latter has a $3.4 million cap hit that the Habs would love to take off their books. Getting rid of all or any of the three would speed up the team’s youth movement and allow more young players into the lineup. The Canadiens have drafted well the last few seasons, but need to see what they have regarding future talent.
Vancouver Canucks
Rumours: The agent of Tyler Myers, J.P. Barry, appeared on the Donnie and Dhali Show to talk about a proposed Myers for Kevin Labanc deal.
"I can't react every time because I think that's the 13th team in 2 years that' been connected to him.."
J.P. Barry (@pucklawyer) on rumours connecting Tyler Myers and the San Jose Sharks.
Full interview..https://t.co/qsxmjmL1y3 pic.twitter.com/i5ND2Vc2D3
— Donnie & Dhali (@DonnieandDhali) July 5, 2023
Analysis: Barry said that Myers loves playing in Vancouver, but understands the situation. Myers can be a trade asset if the Labanc swap doesn’t happen with the San Jose Sharks. The proposed deal would be a straight one-for-one swap. That NHL rumour comes from the Daily Faceff’s Frank Seravalli after his appearance on Canucks Central on Sporsnet 650.
Sharks general manager Mike Grier has been trying to find a place to offload Labanc and the Canucks could be a willing partner. Both Myers and Labanc have a year left on their respective contracts. Myers makes $6 million while Labanc is at $4.725 million.
Barry said that Myers knows it’s a vital year for him this season. A strong season for Myers could lead to another good contract for the next season. It can also lead to Myers possibly heading to a Stanley Cup contender this season. The March 1 trade deadline could see the veteran Canucks defenceman on the move.
Main photo by: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
