It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re in the middle of the August heat, but we’ve got plenty of NHL rumours to discuss. Things did quiet down in July after free agency, but the start of training camp means steam may be picking up. There are still a few free agents out there and some trades could be made. A big blockbuster deal could be in the offing as well. Today’s NHL rumours deals with the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Vancouver Canucks.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Pittsburgh Penguins
Rumour: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said that the Penguins could be closing in on a deal for San Jose Sharks defenceman Erik Karlsson.
Kyle Dubas has completed his general manager search and has named himself general manager.
Does the Pittsburgh Penguins' attention now shift to a potential Erik Karlsson trade? @JamisonCoyle | @FriedgeHNIC | #LetsGoPens | #NHLTonight pic.twitter.com/f0cGJQBwyn
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) August 4, 2023
Analysis: Friedman said that a deal could happen by the end of the weekend. There are a lot of moving parts for the new general manager Kyle Dubas of the Penguins. Karlsson makes $11.5 million and Penguins would have to do some serious cap gymnastics to make a move happen. Pittsburgh will likely have to move some players out in advance of a deal.
There’s also talk of a third team getting involved per Friedman. San Jose can take up to 50 percent of Karlsson’s salary, but the Norris Trophy winner is signed through the 2026-27 season. Sharks general manager Mike Grier could have a team take some of the cap hit like what happened with the Ryan O’Reilly deal. Dubas has experience in these broker deals happening.
One thing that does help is Jake Guentzel going onto long-term injured reserve. That will clear $6 million off the books and give Dubas some more room to work with. However, Guentzel should return some time during the season. This would complicate things for Pittsburgh, but Dubas seems willing to gamble.
Vancouver Canucks
Rumour: Canucks reporter Patrick Johnston appeared on the Sekeres and Price show to talk about Ethan Bear returning to the club.
Sign Ethan Bear for cheap when healthy?@risingaction & @justBlakePrice: "Last I checked, there wasn't much going on…if you can get him at a really good price, why not?…teams have called…I think the Canucks would like to have him back."@BodogCA | https://t.co/S0hpXpGH3M
— Sekeres and Price (@sekeresandprice) August 2, 2023
Analysis: Bear is out until December due to injury, so there will be time for him to decide. The young blueliner said that he would love to come back and a low-cost deal makes sense. Recovering from shoulder surgery seems to be the first priority. However, he will be looking for a new deal hopefully soon.
Vancouver did trade for Bear and it did like the young defender. However, the injury at the IIHF World Championships may have scared the Canucks off. Losing time in a contract year puts Bear at a disadvantage contract wise. However, the Canucks could see it as a win in getting a lower asking price.
Main photo by: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
