Welcome to another edition of NHL Rumours! The buzz is beginning to swirl faster and faster. It is a month away from the trade deadline and teams know the position they are in as we advance. So far the big moves have been centres but defenceman are going to be a hot commodity. Today’s rumours circle around the Ottawa Senators and the Buffalo Sabres.
NHL Rumours
Ottawa Senators
Rumour: Pierre Lebrun discusses the future for Vladimir Tarasenko
If there is one team that is likely to be sellers, it is the Ottawa Senators. This team and the core group was supposed to take the next steps forward. However, that has not been the case. Things have taken a downward spiral and now the team is looking to sell off players for hefty returns. One of those players is Vladimir Tarasenko.
After switching agents in the offseason, Tarasenko went from being a Carolina Hurricane to signing a one year deal with the Senators. Given it was a one year deal, you could have speculated that he was going to be on the move. Lebrun states that Tarasenko has switched agents and will be represented by Craig Oster of Newport Sports. All signs point to the future and a scenario where he is likely going to be dealt.
There is a lot of work to be done. The front office will need to gauge the market and also what Tarasenko wants. Tarasenko has a full NTC, so getting him to waive is the next step. He will be a huge boost to a team’s depth scoring, as he has 13 goals and 33 points this season for the Senators.
Buffalo Sabres
Rumour: Pierre Lebrun discusses the future regarding defenceman Erik Johnson
The next set of NHL Rumours keeps us in the Atlantic Division. Much like the Senators, the Buffalo Sabres were a team pegged to be on the rise. After missing the playoffs by one point last season, the Sabres showed they were ready. However, that has not been the case this season but the future is bright. Also, like the Senators they will likely part ways with players to gain some assets with the playoffs out of reach. One player that Lebrun brings up is defenceman Erik Johnson.
The longtime Colorado Avalanche signed a contract with the Sabres and makes $3.25 million this season. He is a free agent at the end of the year. The veteran defenceman would be a fantastic addition to any team’s blueline. He is a physical defenceman and can hell chip in offensively. Although, Lebrun does say that the team has not committed to that.
Lebrun states that the team will discuss with his agents a plan of action. Based on that conversation they will take things from there and will also discuss with Johnson and how he feels as well. Defenceman will be a hot commodity this deadline and another player could be on the block.
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