Welcome back to another edition of NHL Rumours. As we enter the break for All-Star Weekend, now is a good time for players to get healthy. It’s also a good time for general managers to assess their rosters and prepare for the trade deadline. The Boston Bruins are one team that could be looking to add a piece by then. The Ottawa Senators are also expected to make some significant moves. The St. Louis Blues were expected to move Vladimir Tarasenko due to his trade request, but is that still on the table? Find out in this edition of NHL Rumours.
NHL Rumours
Boston Bruins
Rumour: The Athletic’s Fluto Shinzawa speculates that both Jack Studnicka and Urho Vaakanainen are candidates to be moved at the trade deadline.
Analysis: The Bruins prospect pool is practically empty. Aside from Fabian Lysell, this team has very few of value. Now it appears that two of their better ones could be traded at the deadline this season. With a second-line centre a big need for this team, they could be part of that package as Boston prepares for another run at the Stanley Cup. Both players were drafted by the organisation in 2017.
Studnicka and Vaakanainen are both still young enough that there is time to develop into solid NHL players. But the Bruins’ front office is starting to doubt what they have. Studnicka was given an opportunity in training camp and failed to capitalize. Vaakanainen has had injuries derail prior chances, but has played well in the last few games. Other front offices see the potential these two still have and could be looking to snag one in a trade.
Ottawa Senators
Rumour: On TSN 1200 in Ottawa, Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said that he would like to have nearly all of next year’s team by the trade deadline.
Analysis: The big issue, according to Dorion, is continuity. The team has had a few slow starts to the season. He believes that if the team has more time playing together, they may get off to better starts. With that said, expect this team to be busy at the trade deadline. If he wants to have most of next year’s squad together by mid-March, he will have to make significant moves over the next month.
Chris Tierney and Zach Sanford are both candidates to be moved. Although much improved from a few years ago, this team is still rebuilding. Tierney and Sanford are both on expiring contracts and could garner attention. But look for players to be coming back rather than picks. Ottawa will be aggressive this year at the trade deadline.
St. Louis Blues
Rumour: According to Jeremy Rutherford of the Athletic, Vladimir Tarasenko could wind up staying in St. Louis.
Analysis: It’s well known amongst the Blues faithful that Tarasenko requested a trade earlier this year. Now, that trade may be on hold. At least temporarily. The Blues have been playing well of late and Tarasenko carries a $7.5 million cap hit. That kind of money is difficult to move mid-season. Teams who would be looking to acquire his services are likely already near the cap ceiling. And Tarasenko may want to stay if he wants to win a title.
While a trade is not totally out of the question, it also isn’t guaranteed he will stay. If the right team offers the right price, he could still be on the move. Currently sitting in a wild card spot with 57 points, the Blues may be in a better position than you may think to make a run. After all, this team was all but out of it the last time they won it all.
That does it for this edition of NHL Rumours. Be sure to check back tomorrow for more!
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