It’s time for another batch of NHL rumours as we role towards the draft on June 28-29. Teams are trying to figure out their future plans while some players know they’ll be gone to another team. The goalie market is going to be a hot one, but the New York Islanders hope to keep their insurance policy. One Washington Capitals player is already looking for a return from injury. However, it may be with a new club.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
New York Islanders
Rumour: The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun looked at the crowded goalie market in his latest piece. We focus in on Islanders backup Semyon Varlamov and a possible new contract.
Who will stay and who will move in the NHL’s UFA goalie carousel? My latest ⤵️
via @TheAthletic https://t.co/EkJYYWIGeB
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 19, 2023
Analysis: LeBrun stated that the Islanders would love to bring back the 35-year-old netminder. Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello told the local media in New York that he wants to bring back Varlamov. The Islanders already have their long-term future secure with Ilya Sorokin. However, Varlamov has been a solid backup.
LeBrun said that the Islanders and the veteran Russian will likely reach a two-year deal to stay on Long Island. Varlamov went 11-9-2 with a 2.70 goals-against-average and .913 save percentage. The 15-year goalie also recorded a pair of shutouts in his fourth season with the Islanders. He won’t eat up a ton of starts, but he’s a good backup plan. Varlamov can fill in with a start if needed or fill in for an injured Sorokin if that happens.
Washington Capitals
Rumour: Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek looked into the future of injured forward Connor Brown. This occurred on the 32 Thoughts podcast.
Monday 32 Thoughts news pod. Links to your preferred platform here: https://t.co/qmTDPMIls8 Enjoy!
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 19, 2023
Analysis: Brown missed out on a good chunk of the season due to an ACL tear in October. The two-time 20-goal scorer came over from the Ottawa Senators as part of a trade, but only played four games. Friedman said that teams may not be allowed to talk to Brown, but there is interest in the Toronto native.
One team that may look at the 29-year-old is the Edmonton Oilers. Brown is a former teammate of superstar Connor McDavid during their time in the OHL with the Erie Otters. They played together around a decade ago and are represented by the same agency. McDavid would love to bring in someone that he’s got chemistry with.
However, one issue is the Oilers tight salary cap situation. The club has to find ways to shed some salary in order to get a deal done for Evan Bouchard. Edmonton’s cap situation could limit the money that general manager Ken Holland can offer the former sixth-round selection. However, the lure to play with his old teammate and one a dynamic team could be tempting.
Main photo by: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
