{"id":125241,"date":"2022-02-09T08:30:54","date_gmt":"2022-02-09T13:30:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=125241"},"modified":"2022-02-09T08:02:50","modified_gmt":"2022-02-09T13:02:50","slug":"nhl-rumours-canadiens-golden-knights-predators","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2022\/02\/09\/nhl-rumours-canadiens-golden-knights-predators\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Rumours: Montreal Canadiens, Vegas Golden Knights, Nashville Predators"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>It&#8217;s the middle of the work week, but we got plenty of NHL rumours. We&#8217;re still over a month from the NHL trade deadline, but there&#8217;s still plenty of chatter going on. Teams are going to be active to start rebuilds or nail down key pieces. Today&#8217;s NHL rumours focus on the Montreal Canadiens, Vegas Golden Knights and Nashville Predators.<\/p>\n<p>All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.<\/p>\n<h2>NHL Rumours<\/h2>\n<h3>Montreal Canadiens<\/h3>\n<p><em>Rumour: Frank Seravalli of The Daily Faceoff went through his Atlantic Division war room breakdowns. He said the Canadiens will likely be in full-send mode at the March 21 deadline.<\/em><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Trade Deadline War Room: Assessing the top objectives for each of the eight <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/NHL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#NHL<\/a> Atlantic Division teams, including pieces potentially on the move ahead of March 21.<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/NHLBruins?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#NHLBruins<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/LetsGoBuffalo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#LetsGoBuffalo<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/LGRW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#LGRW<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/TimeToHunt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#TimeToHunt<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/GoHabsGo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#GoHabsGo<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/GoSensGo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#GoSensGo<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/GoBolts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#GoBolts<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/LeafsForever?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#LeafsForever<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/ARIJae9btC\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/ARIJae9btC<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/frank_seravalli\/status\/1491084242490896384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">February 8, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><em>Analysis:<\/em> Montreal knows it has some assets it can move to other teams to picks, players and prospects back. The Habs also have good young players like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/caufico01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cole Caufield<\/a> that will likely be the team&#8217;s focus. Montreal may also be in the Wright position to land the first overall pick at the upcoming NHL Draft.<\/p>\n<p>Seravalli mentioned that players like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/chiarbe01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ben Chiarot<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/lehkoar01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Artturi Lehkonen<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/petryje01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jeff Petry<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/toffoty01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyler Toffoli<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kulakbr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brett Kulak<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2022\/01\/24\/the-lwoh-show-montreal-canadiens-rangers-maple-leafs\/\" target=\"_self\">could be on the move<\/a>. Chiarot, Kulak and Petry could be useful to teams looking to bolster their respective bluelines. Lehkonen and Toffoli would be quality additions to any forward group.<\/p>\n<p>Any Canadiens fans worried about an extended rebuild only need to look at Jeff Gorton&#8217;s former employer for encouraging signs. Jeff Gorton made the decision in 2018 to tear down the New York Rangers after being a post-season fixture. Pending unrestricted free agents that season like \u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nashri01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rick Nash<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/grabnmi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Michael Grabner<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/holdeni01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nick Holden<\/a> were traded away. Those eventually turned into players like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/stromry01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ryan Strome<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/milleka01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">K&#8217;Andre Miller<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>There may be a couple of seasons of pain, but Montreal fans may not have to endure a Buffalo Sabres like rebuild to have a winner again. However, new General Manager Kent Hughes and company will have to make the right moves.<\/p>\n<h3>Vegas Golden Knights<\/h3>\n<p><em>Rumour: TSN&#8217;s latest Insider Trading talked about how the Golden Knights will have to clear space for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/e\/eicheja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jack Eichel<\/a>&#8216;s return.<\/em><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">INSIDER TRADING: <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/TSNHockey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#TSNHockey<\/a> Insiders discuss\u2026<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Flames seek secondary scoring<br \/>&#8211; Guzda signing in FLA fuels trade speculation<br \/>&#8211; All eyes on Eichel\u2019s return<br \/>&#8211; NHL interest in Princeton\u2019s Corey Andonovski<br \/>&#8211; Niedermayer joins Ducks\u2019 front office<\/p>\n<p>WATCH \ud83c\udf0e: <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/lvfghOcRLW\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/lvfghOcRLW<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/Fs8s0NgFP2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/Fs8s0NgFP2<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/TSNHockey\/status\/1491189890851405824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">February 8, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><em>Analysis:<\/em> Eichel has been on long term injured reserve while recovering from neck surgery. Eichel was finally cleared for contact at practice, but the club wants to see how he&#8217;ll react to any physical play. Insider Pierre LeBrun said Eichel&#8217;s return could be coming in the next couple of weeks if all goes to plan.<\/p>\n<p>The main issue is Vegas would have to clear out cap space to accommodate his $10 million salary. General Manager Kelly McCrimmon would have to make a couple of deals so the former Sabres&#8217; captain can take the ice. There have been rumours that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/smithre01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Reilly Smith<\/a> and others could be on the move.<\/p>\n<p>Smith currently makes $5 million and is a UFA at the end of the season, so he&#8217;d be a logical choice. However, teams might be able to squeeze the Knights for picks and other pieces due to Vegas&#8217; position.<\/p>\n<h3>Nashville Predators<\/h3>\n<p><em>Rumour: David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period was on NHL Network and talked about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/f\/forsbfi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Filip Forsberg<\/a> contract situation.<\/em><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">As I mentioned earlier on <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NHLNetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@NHLNetwork<\/a>, there haven\u2019t been any extension talks between the <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Preds?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#Preds<\/a> &amp; Filip Forsberg since the fall. Currently, no talks planned, but the two sides are expected to connect before the trade deadline. If nothing happens, talks likely push to summer.<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/TheFourthPeriod\/status\/1491197789786996736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">February 8, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><em>Analysis:<\/em> Pagnotta said there haven&#8217;t been any talks since the fall, but they&#8217;ll likely talk before the deadline. Forsberg is in the final year of his deal that has him making $6 million. He&#8217;ll likely want a raise since he&#8217;s been part of the Predators&#8217; somewhat surprising surge.<\/p>\n<p>Nashville General Manager David Poile did say on 102.5 The Game that him and Forsberg&#8217;s group will talk. Poile added that it would be nice to Forsberg in the Music City for a long time.<\/p>\n<p>The Predators do have $10 million in cap space and have managed their affairs quite well. Nashville was a team that tried shedding salary by exposing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/duchema01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Matt Duchene<\/a> in the expansion draft, but both he and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/j\/johanry01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ryan Johansen<\/a> have had bounce-back seasons. Locking down Forsberg would mean the Predators have secured three important scorers for a while.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"q1eCiCAyReRzG2DfkoCprg\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/1238307943\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'q1eCiCAyReRzG2DfkoCprg',sig:'o1FHIavZX7RvUDl2ny0_lL-26xI-k_7r3hWYA1ICqhY=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1238307943',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It&#8217;s the middle of the work week, but we got plenty of NHL rumours. We&#8217;re still over a month from the NHL trade deadline, but there&#8217;s still plenty of chatter going on. Teams are going to be active to start rebuilds or nail down key pieces. Today&#8217;s NHL rumours focus on the Montreal Canadiens, Vegas [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":125242,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4321,4547,7,31,4548,807],"tags":[2706,6552,245,460,6566,213,404,3898,6687,391],"class_list":["post-125241","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rumours","category-hockey","category-canadiens","category-predators","category-nhl","category-vegas-golden-knights","tag-ben-chiarot","tag-canadiens-featured","tag-david-poile","tag-filip-forsberg","tag-goldenknights-featured","tag-jack-eichel","tag-jeff-gorton","tag-kelly-mccrimmon","tag-predators-featured","tag-tyler-toffoli"],"modified_by":"Dan Mount, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/125241","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2352"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=125241"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/125241\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/125242"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=125241"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=125241"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=125241"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}