We’re three weeks until the trade deadline and the NHL rumours are heating up. Teams are trying to make their best plays to become a contender. However, some are going to start from scratch. Some players are increasing their trade value with some big-time performances that can help a contender. Today’s NHL rumour focus on the Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators and Carolina Hurricanes.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Boston Bruins
Rumour: TSN’s Pierre LeBrun stated that Jake DeBrusk is still seeking a trade from the Bruins despite his hat trick on Monday night.
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Analysis: LeBrun did say that DeBrusk’s agent is willing to talk extension to facilitate a trade. The Edmonton native has 14 goals after a hat trick against the Los Angeles Kings on Monday night. He’s in the last year of his deal that makes $3.675 million a season and is a restricted free agent after this campaign.
He’s played well since being put on the top line with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand. The 25-year-old has six goals being placed with the two longtime NHL All-Stars. Someone would do well to go after him because he’s proven that he can be a goal-scorer. DeBrusk netted 27 goals in the 2018-19 season and the Bruins know he can help another club out. However, the main issue is getting the right package for him.
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Boston dealing the young forward will buy themselves some salary cap space that they may need to bring back Bergeron next season. The Charlie McAvoy extension will also kick in and see him get $9.5 million per season. Dealing DeBrusk is key to balancing Boston’s salary cap for next season.
Ottawa Senators
Rumour: TSN’s Darren Dreger appeared on TSN 1200 in Ottawa to address what the Senators may do with their unrestricted free agents at the deadline.
Analysis: Dreger said there isn’t anything that comes to mind about who could be traded, but that General Manager Pierre Dorion is taking calls at least. Ottawa does have some flexibility as its younger players are starting to develop more. Dorion said he hopes this year is the last season that the Senators have to be sellers.
There are a few UFAs like Nick Paul, Chris Tierney, Tyler Ennis, Zach Sanford and others that could be had if there’s the right offer. However, Dreger alluded that Ottawa will likely do most of it’s work in the off-season.
One thing to note is that Dorion also likes to keep his cards close to the vest. The Senators GM doesn’t like to telegraph his plans, so don’t be surprised if something unexpected does happen.
Carolina Hurricanes
Rumour: Luke DeCock of the Raleigh News & Observer are looking into defensive reinforcements. However, their salary cap situation may prevent that from happening.
Could the Hurricanes use a little help at the trade deadline? Probably.
Can they make the money work under the salary cap? Maybe.
Will they make a move? Probably not.https://t.co/u8DGopzHbn
— Luke DeCock (@LukeDeCock) February 26, 2022
Analysis: The injury to Tony DeAngelo puts a damper on the Hurricanes charge at the Metropolitan Division title. Carolina would love to get someone that can play with Jacob Slavin and eat up top-four minutes on defense. However, the Canes are using up plenty of long-term injured reserve space and are hamstrung by other facts.
Carolina doesn’t have a first-round or third-round pick as a result of the successful Jesperi Kotkaniemi offer sheet. General manager Don Waddell also said that he doesn’t want to trade any further first-round choices to make a run at the Stanley Cup.
There may be some options like trading 2019 first-round choice Ryan Suzuki. It’s possible the Montreal Canadiens could look into reuniting him with his brother, Nick Suzuki. Carolina may have to get a third team involved with a deal or see if a team can retain some salary. The Hurricanes really don’t want to give up a roster player, but their options will be limited.
