Welcome to another edition of NHL Rumours! There have been fireworks set off around the league, especially in the Pacific Division. The San Jose Sharks are winning games, Nikita Zadorov has requested a trade, and there is a coaching change. That division cannot hog all the attention. Today we focus on the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers for rumours.
NHL Rumours
Boston Bruins
Rumour: Elliote Friedman on 32 Thoughts podcast talks Jeremy Swayman extension
Remember when the sky was falling because the Bruins lost Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci? That did not last long, as the Bruins are currently the best team in the Eastern Conference. They’ve managed to pick up where they left off last regular season and off to their winning ways. A large part of it is because of their smothering defence and elite goaltending.
Boston has the best tandem in the league and it is not even close. Linus Ullmark has been stellar but his partner Jeremy Swayman has been elite. Swayman signed one year bridge deal this summer, but Friedman would not be shocked if they extend him as soon as possible. Don Sweeney can extend him as early as January 1st, and should be reluctant to get that done.
Swayman deserves every penny on his next deal. He is playing like a Vezina Trophy candidate and has strong numbers to start the year. In addition, he has yet to lose a regular season game. Swayman has a 1.69 goals against average, .944 save percentage, and a 9.1 goals saved above expected (3rd among goalies).
The Boston Bruins are projected to have a large sum of money next summer. Locking up their prized young goalie should be first on the list.
Florida Panthers
Rumour: Elliote Friedman discusses the Panthers being heavily in on Patrick Kane
Decision time for Patrick Kane is growing closer by the day. He is finally returning to full health after having hip surgery this offseason. This could be a good thing and he often looked slow and you could tell he was laboring on the ice. But a healthy Kane would be a big boost looking for production offensively.
The biggest team that has emerged as the most active in the Kane sweepstakes is Florida. It will be a challenge for the Panthers who have little money to work with and are right up against the salary cap. However, they could still offer him a one year deal and he would help this team push for the playoffs.
Bill Zito is familiar with Kane dating back to their days with Chicago. Friedman reports that he’s been the most active general manager after his services. With crunch time approaching, he will be one of the top bidders.
Just image Matthew Tkachuk and Patrick Kane playing together. Some of the best American born players on a line would be a tough pill to swallow for the rest of the division.
Main Photo: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
