The qualifying round is now over and the first round of the playoffs is well underway. We also finally have the answer to the full lottery draft order. As the postseason continues to push on, rumours continue to swirl around teams that are no longer playing. Today’s edition of NHL rumours looks at the Los Angeles Kings, Buffalo Sabres, and Nashville Predators.
NHL Rumours:
Los Angeles Kings
Rumour: Bob McKenzie said on OverDrive of TSN1050 that be thinks the Los Angeles Kings would prefer Tim Stutzle over Quinton Byfield in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft.
McKenzie on OverDrive on TSN1050 says he believes the Kings may have more interest in a player like Tim Stützle than Quinton Byfield.
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) August 12, 2020
Analysis: There has been a lot of debate over who the Los Angeles Kings should select with the second overall pick. The consensus has generally been around Quinton Byfield and Tim Stutzle. Byfield is a true power forward with the size and strength to bully players near the net. While he does not have the same frame as Byfield, Stutzle is an adept playmaker. With seven goals and 27 assists in the DEL this season, he should be nearly NHL ready.
One advantage for Stutzle over Byfield is Stutzle is a more dynamic player. Byfield is a true centre. While he has a higher upside than Stutzle, he is a centre first and foremost. Stutzle has played the left-wing. That is a dynamic that Byfield does not have. Considering that the last three first-round draft choices by the Kings have been centres, they may opt to go with a guy that can also play on the wing.
Buffalo Sabres
Rumour: Elliotte Friedman said on the 31 Thoughts podcast that the Buffalo Sabres may not tender a qualifying offer to defenceman Brandon Montour.
Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek mentioned on the 31 Thoughts podcast that the Sabres may not make a QO to Brandon Montour.
If that's the case, Adams needs to work out a trade, even if it doesn't come close to what Buffalo gave up to get Montour.
— Lance Lysowski (@LLysowski) August 13, 2020
Analysis: At the 2019 NHL trade deadline, the Anaheim Ducks sent defenceman Brandon Montour to the Buffalo Sabres. In exchange, the Sabres gave up a first-round draft choice and defenceman Brendan Guhle. On a roster that is weak at defence, Montour shored up the second pairing. A solid young addition, Montour appeared to be a big part of Buffalo’s plans moving forward.
The idea of letting Montour walk away for nothing makes nearly no sense. While he hasn’t been the best in Buffalo, he is still an important part of their weak defensive core. If they do not tender him a qualifying offer, he will be an unrestricted free agent. By at least qualifying him, they can ensure he does not leave without Buffalo getting something in return. With the trade deadline well behind them and Montour due for a new contract, it seems unlikely any team would give up anything substantial to acquire him.
Nashville Predators
Rumour: Mike G. Morreale is reporting that Nashville Predators general manager David Poile has said “some players are not going to be brought back”.
#Preds GM David Poile says 'some players are not going to be brought back' — https://t.co/JDuBFzBjNy via @NHLdotcom
— Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) August 13, 2020
Analysis: The Nashville Predators are coming off of a highly disappointing season. It appears that their Stanley Cup championship window has closed. Since losing the Stanley Cup Final to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2017, the team has slowly regressed. With an average age of roughly 30-years-old, this is a roster in need of some youth.
Some candidates for free agency include Mikael Granlund and Craig Smith. Both have expiring contracts and could find themselves on the open market. Making $10 million combined, it seems unlikely they both return. As they appear headed into a rebuilding phase, older players with one year left on their contract could be traded for picks or prospects. Nick Bonino is one such player. Dan Hamhuis also will not be returning as he announced his retirement from the NHL.
That does it for today’s NHL rumours. Be sure to check back for more in the next few days.
Main Photo:
