Welcome to the newest edition of NHL Rumours! The Stadium Series was a success, as both games were major hits for the weekend. With the trade deadline right around the corner, the buzz is growing faster and faster. Teams know further where they stand and what the plan of action is to be. Today’s Rumours swirl around the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers for the same player, as well as the Philadelphia Flyers.
NHL Rumours
Florida Panthers/Boston Bruins
Rumour: Elliote Friedman sheds light on the Noah Hanifin sweepstakes
Noah Hanifin is one of the hottest commodity’s on the open market. He is a top four defenceman who excels at both ends of the ice. Hanifin is on an expiring deal and is due a raise on his next contract. There will be no shortage of suitors, as teams will look for extra depth for a playoff run. Elliote Friedman discusses the top two teams that are fits for him in the Atlantic Division.
Let’s start with the Bruins. Don Sweeney has always been in on Hanifin dating back to his draft year. Hanifin would love to play at home for the Bruins but a road block has hit with a potential trade. The Bruins do not own a draft pick until the fourth round in the upcoming draft. Although, they do have players they can part with. On the active roster there are guys such as Jake DeBrusk and Matt Grzelcyk. If the goal is to complete a “hockey trade” that could be an option. Friedman said it best, they don’t have picks but they have players. Hanifin would strengthen the back end and join the likes of Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo, and Hampus Lindholm to form a stout top four.
The Reigning East Champs
Florida is an intriguing option. They are one of the best teams in the league and shown that last season was no fluke. They sit at the top of the division and have the depth to make a deep run. It is so deep that Bill Zito could have the all in approach this deadline.
Hanifin would also make the Panthers deep on the back end, as he would join Aaron Ekblad and Brandon Montour. If an extension was ever to come by, the no state tax gives them the competitive advantage. The Hanifin sweepstakes will be in full swing and it will be interesting to see where he lands.
Philadelphia Flyers
Rumour: Elliote Friedman touches on what an extension for Sean Walker looks like
The next set of NHL Rumours keeps us in the eastern conference. This team is the biggest surprise of the season and sits in playoff position. That team is the Philadelphia Flyers and they have some talent that could be on the move.
Daniel Briere has done a great job of locking up players for the future, as he has locked up Owen Tippett to a new extension. One player that could be added to that list is defenceman Sean Walker.
Walker is another target at the deadline for teams looking for depth. Walker is not a huge producer but he makes up for it as a steady defender. He is a physical defenceman, is willing to block shots, and has been a great addition to the Flyers. If he is not moved, an extension could happen and Friedman has a number.
He believes that the number could be in the 4 million range. Walker has established himself as a core presence to build around for the next wave of Flyers hockey. Keeping him as well as having newcomer Jamie Drysdale is a great place to start defensively. Also, Travis Sanheim is also an anchor on the back end. Briere is cooking and what he is cooking smells good in Philadelphia.
Main Photo: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
