The NHL is entering its busiest part of the off-season. The NHL Draft has come and gone and it is the eve of the free agent frenzy. It keeps the rumour mill churning. The expansion draft has added a new layer to the normal NHL off-season craziness, with the Vegas Golden Knights wheeling and dealing. The league is now in its ‘legal tampering phase’, where teams can begin meeting and negotiating with potential free agents, so there is a lot of buzz. The following are some of the rumours and transactions circulating throughout the league, including Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Justin Williams and more.
NHL Rumours: Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Justin Williams and more
Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau
Kevin Kruz of CSN Bay Area reports that Thornton and Marleau are still open to re-signing with the San Jose Sharks. Right now, the Sharks are focused on extending Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Martin Jones. Unfortunately, there is no indication that either player is close to re-signing.
More on Thornton
Kruz also reports that the Los Angeles Kings are interested in Thornton. Kruz also believes that Thornton could draw interest from several other teams. He lists the Rangers, Blues, Penguins, Predators and Maple Leafs as teams that could target Thornton.
More on Marleau
Kruz reports that Marleau has been linked to Ducks, Maple Leafs, Predators and Flames.
Justin Williams
TSN’s Darren Dreger is reporting that Williams is getting lot of attention heading into free agency. Up to 10 teams contacted Williams according to Dreger.
10 is the number of the day. Justin Williams is also a hot commodity. No fewer than 10 teams…and a few top level clubs are interested.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 29, 2017
Although Dreger also reports that Williams has narrowed his list down to three or four teams.
Justin Williams has trimmed his list down to 3-4 teams and Washington doesn’t appear to be option any longer.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 29, 2017
More on Williams
Arthur Staple of Newsday reports the New York Islanders have interest in signing Williams.
Chuck Gormley of NHL.com thinks that Toronto would be a good fit.
I could see Willy landing in Toronto. Might be the perfect last stop. https://t.co/nRIcXkUEi6
— Chuck Gormley (@ChuckGormleyNHL) June 29, 2017
David Isaac reports the Philadelphia Flyers have reached out to Williams.
Add the #Flyers to the list of teams courting Justin Williams. Probably should have signed him two years ago when Caps did.
— Dave Isaac (@davegisaac) June 29, 2017
Joe Smith reports that the Tampa Bay Lightning are courting Williams.
#tblightning among the teams courting veteran wing Justin Williams. Would fit a need on wing. But he’s got lot of options it looks like
— Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) June 29, 2017
Nick Bonino
Darren Dreger of TSN reports that as many at ten teams have reached out to Nick Bonino. Aaron Portzline confirms that the Columbus Blue Jackets are one of the teams interested.
Told #CBJ are among the teams interested. https://t.co/Fxetcshs17
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) June 29, 2017
Kevin Shattenkirk
TSN’s Bob McKenzie reported on TSN 690 that The New York Rangers are unlikely to sign Kevin Shattenkirk. McKenzie says the Rangers are not interested in singing anyone to a big money long term contract. Unless Shattenkirk is willing to give the Rangers a home town discount, the Rangers are out.
McKenzie thinks the New Jersey Devils are a candidate to land Shattenkirk. The Devils have the most cap space and can offer Shattenkirk term and money.
Pierre LeBrun reported on TSN 1040 that along with the Devils, the Buffalo Sabres are another team that is in the running for Shatenkirk.
LeBrun also said the Tampa Bay Lightning are interested, but he does not think they will want to ‘open up the vault’ to sign Shattenkirk.
Minnesota Wild
Michael Russo tweeted that he thinks the Minnesota Wild will be trading soon. Russo thinks something is brewing between the Wild and either the Boston Bruins or Buffalo Sabres, among others.
Getting sense there’s still lots of trade talk between #mnwild & the #sabres and #bruins.
No doubt others, but definitely those two
— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) June 29, 2017
UPDATE:
That just came to fruition moments ago regarding defenseman Marco Scandella.
#mnwild has traded Marco Scandella and Jason Pominville to #sabres for Tyler Ennis, Marcus Foligno and a draft pick
— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) June 30, 2017
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