Welcome to another edition of NHL Rumours! The Toronto Maple Leafs signed the richest extension ever in franchise history. Also, the NHL All-Star game is right around the corner and exciting times lie ahead. The trade deadline is a late Christmas present to some teams, which means the buzz is swirling more than usual. Today we focus on the Calgary Flames and Anaheim Ducks.
NHL Rumours
Calgary Flames
Rumour: Elliote Friedman discusses trade targets and where the Flames centre can land
Now that the William Nylander contract is over and done with, the attention will now shift to the other team located in Canada. The Calgary Flames are going to be busy and trade talks will be heating up. They have heavily coveted talents in Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, and Elias Lindholm. Friedman is led to believe he will be dealt and has two names in mind.
The two teams linked are the Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche. Boston has been linked to a centre since the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. However, they do not have a first or second round pick in this years draft. Obtaining an asset such as Lindholm will be hard to come by. They still remain one of the top teams in the league and have quality depth at the position. Colorado though is an intriguing fit.
The offence is carried heavily by Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen. Acquiring Ryan Johansen has not paid dividends like they intended and having Lindholm would be a shoe in fit. Lindholm is solid up front but is responsible defensively. This would beef up the second place team in the Central Division.
According to Friedman, Lindholm’s contract asks are high and he will likely be dealt. The fits for these two teams are here but it remains to be seen if it can happen.
Anaheim Ducks
Rumour: Frank Seravelli from Daily Faceoff discusses Trevor Zegras on the trade block
Our next set of NHL Rumours keeps us in the Pacific Division. It is exciting time to be a Ducks fan, or maybe not. A big splash trade was made when the Anaheim Ducks sent Jamie Drysdale and a second round pick to the Philadelphia Flyers for Cutter Gauthier. A great move, as it helps solidify the centre position for the foreseeable future. However, another player is on the trading block.
That player is Trevor Zegras. Zegras has been wildly known for scoring his highlight reel goals and recently signed a bridge deal with the Ducks this summer. However, Seravelli believes his name is out there and for good reason.
One point he makes is that Zegras does not mesh with the playing style of the Ducks. Pat Verbeek could want to bring in someone who does fit their playing style or obtain assets for the young player. As Seravelli said, this could be Anaheim’s loss and someone else’s gain.
Zegras is coming off back to back 60+ point seasons, so the production has been there. He is a versatile player and can play both centre and wing. Although, he has been injured this season and has seven points in 19 games.
He comes with term on his contract, so whomever does trade for him will be getting a player beyond this season.
Main Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
