It’s the middle of summer, but we still have plenty of NHL rumours to talk about. The dog days of August usually mean slow business for most teams. However, the NHL rumours are still floating around. There are plenty of teams that may start ramping up trade talks in order to get cap compliant or get something for a player that may depart. Today’s NHL rumours focus on the Winnipeg Jets and the New York Islanders.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Winnipeg Jets
Rumour: The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta talked about the future of Connor Hellebuyck with the start of training camp looming.
More trades could be coming out of Winnipeg 👀@TheFourthPeriod discusses potential moves for the Jets as training camp gets closer.@JamieHersch | #GoJetsGo | #NHLTonight pic.twitter.com/dRHdtTeo2X
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) August 17, 2023
Analysis: Pagnotta said that Hellebuyck wants a contract that will be $9 million or more. The Jets goalie is open to a shorter-term deal, but could also get a long-term contract. Money and getting to a contender seem to be the main focus for the former UMass-Lowell product.
The $9 million asking price may have scared off some teams that may have poked around near the draft. However, Commerce, Mich. native may be on the move as we get closer to the start of training camp. Winnipeg’s camp starts in September and talks may gain some momentum as some clubs take stock of their goaltending situation.
Hellebuyck makes $6 million in the final season of his contract. The American goalie is one of the best netminders in the league and should get a nice pay raise. However, it may be hard given some teams salary cap situation. The Jets could possibly retain some salary, so they can focus on the future. Hellebuyck is a sought-after commodity and Winnipeg could cash in on that.
New York Islanders
Rumour: Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News looked into ways the Islanders have to get salary-cap compliant. Currently, the Islanders are $500,000 over the cap.
Analysis: There are three candidates that Rosner have focused in on during his article. One of the names is Karlson Kuhlman, who makes $775,000 per season. However, he would have to clear waivers before having his salary hidden in AHL Bridgeport. Waiving Kuhlman would allow the 31 other teams to claim him off waivers. The Islanders would get rid of his salary, but lose the player.
Another candidate would be Julien Gauthier at $787,500 salary. He would also have to be a player that would need to clear waivers before his contract would also get buried. Gauthier seems like a player that would also get claimed if he were waived.
The most likely candidate according to Rosner is Ross Johnston, who makes $1.1 million per season. He would also have to clear waivers before getting to Bridgeport. The Islanders would have to waive any of the three in order to get complaint unless there’s a long-term injured reserve candidate. This could force Simon Holmstrom to start the 2023-24 campaign in the AHL.
Main photo by: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
