Welcome back to another edition of NHL Rumours. There is so much to be excited about and enjoy regarding the 2023-24 NHL season. The youth movement in the league is strong and numerous teams are off to roaring starts. Although, there is buzz generating around the league and the mill is churning. Today’s rumours focus on the Calgary Flames and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Calgary Flames
Rumour: Elliote Friedman from 32 Thoughts discusses moving on from good players in Calgary
Craig Conroy has made things clear that he will keep players who want to be here. The talent on the roster is clearly there with impactful forwards and defencemen. A few players are looking to have bounce-back seasons, as 2022-23 did not go according to plan. However, things are off to a rocky start in Calgary and changes could be coming sooner rather than later. Calgary currently has a record of 2-6-1 and sits last in the Pacific Division. To make matters worse, Nikita Zadorov has called the team out for their level of play.
He went on to say, “We’re trying to figure out our identity. … The main thing for us, we’re just not working as a unit yet,” the defenceman told reporters Tuesday, per TSN. “We have too many individuals playing by themselves. We’ve gotta figure out if we want to play as a team or if we want to play as our own guy.”
The fans are already booing the team and tough decisions lie ahead for Conroy. Furthermore, whatever they are cooking in Calgary is not working and the decision may be easier than some may think. The Flames have a plethora of expiring contracts, which could accelerate the rebuilding process.
Key names such as Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, and Zadorov are free agents after this season. There are other big names on the roster that can fetch feasible returns. All eyes will be on the Flames and what the plan is.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Rumour: Darren Dreger discusses the situation surrounding the Maple Leafs Defence
The next of our NHL Rumours focuses on another Canadian team. When you look at the core of the Maple Leafs, it begins with the forward group. It is a talented group that is great with the puck on their sticks and scores at a high rate. There is no shortage of firepower and skill in that lineup. In addition, the team is getting exceptional goaltending from Joseph Woll, who leads the league in goals saved above expected (8.6). However, the main issue which was glaring even to begin the season is the blue line.
During the off-season, Brad Treliving reinforced the group with John Klingberg. The biggest issue is that the team has been plagued by the injury bug and it leaves the team searching for an answer. The panic button has not been pressed yet but Treliving could look to make a move eventually.
Toronto lost defenceman Jake McCabe during the game against the Dallas Stars. It hurts to lose him from a depth standpoint and Conor Timmins also remains on injured reserve. To make matters more difficult, given the tight salary cap calling players up from their AHL affiliate Toronto Marlies will be a challenge.
There is no need to panic yet surrounding the defence but it will be something to monitor as we advance.
Main Photo: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
